The truth is, I do get to do really wonderfully fun things with my days. Although, I do venture into my old work sometimes, just to keep me in the real world a bit. However, getting to be covered in paint and glue, in clay and surrounded by pretty jewels is just bliss. If you like that sort of thing :)
I am a very busy girl, with all the projects I am working on right now. And, there are days like today, when I realize that I have not shared many aspects of what I do, with you. I have eluded to the fact that I make jewelry. But, I have not shared much jewelry online just yet. My jewelry story is long, but I'll just sum it up real quick.
The reason I have not shared jewel love, is that I carry my jewelry in a local boutique salon, and I also have to have it handy for the regular phone calls I get from local customers. I have been making jewelry since I was 16 years old ( I have done more exhausting trunk shows than I can count...). I have taught myself everything I know about jewelry making, stones & soldering. I have never taken a class. Sometimes, I can't believe all the information I have to store in my wee brain. No wonder, I forget things so easily. My brain is on overload :)
The truth is, stones, jewels, metals, they are pure magic. I search the ends of the earth for some of the stones and pieces I work with. I have become knowledgable in the last 14 years, about stones and values. About where to get them, their history, where they come from, about what to look for at gem shows. What vendors I trust. I started off at 18 years old, a tiny bit of money in my pocket and a couple strands of stones here and there and a few pieces of sterling.
That has grown into me negotiating pounds of silver, carrying a wheely case, and never forgetting my own gram scale when on buying trips...
I can't even explain to you what it is all like, but I am sure if you attend gem shows and go on buying trips, you know what insane havoc it is like... It is a whooooole other world.
Needless to say, I am working on some new pieces, and am right around the corner from sharing some delicious treats with you. In the mean time, I thought I might share some jewel things that make me happy. Do jewels make you happy?
I loooove charms. It is so hard to part with them. Most of the time I hang several on bracelets. Many, if not all of the ones I use, come from Mexico and Peru. Most are vintage...
I adooore cool (tone) stones, they feel so good to wear. Such as Chalcedony & blue topaz...
All the blues are just lovely. Do you enjoy the blues?
And, when Spring and Summer visit, there is nothing quite like bold and bright hot pink...
I carry a lot of semi-precious stones, but I also adore German vintage glass, Czech glass, Vintage and new Swarovski crystals, and more. I am drawn to good quality stones and such, they make all the difference, they truly do.
Oh, and can you like me, always be bribed with the yellow stones? They are so versatile to wear, and to couple with other stones... From lemonade tones to darker golden tones, I really enjoy them.
Oh, but the browns are sooo goood too!! I love smokey quartz!!
I think I just love jewelry too much. And, I love all different styles. I am not bound to one style. I think I am like that in all of my art. I like so much of everything, that I can't be bound to just one style. I really don't think any of us should feel like we have to find our style and stick to it. I think we should dabble in anything that makes us happy and intrigues us...
I always enjoy Turquoise. I just love the veins of darkness that run through Turquoise. It is pure wonderfulness. Don't you think? I also adoooooore vintage Squash blossoms (Mr. Lovee gave me an amazing one several years ago). And, I am mad for vintage Navajo jewelry art pieces.
Sometimes I sneak into this little building (Mr. Lovee's workshop)...
And I do fun things, making sure I wear shoes, so these splatters that land on the floor, won't burn my toes off...
Then I close up, so there isn't a real huge sign that I was in there :)
All in the name of soldering. Oh yes, soldering is such goodness. Not easy, but soooooo much fun!
Now, if only I could organize my four trays of pure goodness that are out of control (here's a peek)... Must do that next...
So that they can go live in the happy place...
In my nicely organized closet. I just loooove the organization in there. One of the few places :) Before I add those treasures to the cases, I must go play with the stones that have bewitched me...
You see, sometimes, if you are not "strong" you can be mesmerized into handing over months worth of clams, simply to possess the most exquisite onyx and...
The most perfect Crystal Quartz... oops!
So, what do you think about jewels?? Do you like them? Do you love stones and metals, and vintage dangles??? Tell me, tell me!!
PS: I am sorry I am a little scarce in visits lately. But I am working on some projects that are going to make you want to dance, and have a cake and tea party. I promise!!!! xxo, V
