All work and no play {all play and no work}

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

Comments

[Anastasia]

Wow wow wow...such beauty!!! you're surrounded by gorgeous-ness...what fun to play and create with all that!!!
i love turquoise too and coloured stones are beautiful too!! especially in Summer - love the blues shades and teamed with silver - gorgeous!!!...but now that the season is changing Im more into jet blacks and deep burgundy's....and royal shades!!

[Amanda]

What a lovely trip inside your studio! And oh yes, I adore jewelry so much! All kinds and styles, but charms and certain stones just make my heart sing!!! Such gorgeous jewels you make!

[Sonya]

Pretty baubles, pretty, shiny. I can't solder to save my life. It is hard and I greatly admire the skill. Wire work - the same. I love looking at beads though and buying them, so I have to stay out of bead stores, because I won't make anything out of them. Lovely stuff Vanessa.

[Pam Aries]

you never cease to amaze and WOW me! How DO you have time to do all this wonderfullness! THe jewelry is awesome! You are a jewel! A crown jewel!

[Imelda / GreenishLady]

I don't make jewellery, but I love amethyst, rose quartz and hematite. I really enjoyed seeing all your riches. Wow! It's like Aladdin's cave in there!

[Lady Lavona]

Oh I make jewelry too! But you have sooo many more beads! I love carnelian, garnet, onyx, lapis, turquoise... I like bone and shell too. My style is very chunky... I'm influenced by Africa, India, Morrocco...Gypsies and Frida Kahlo! I use alot of silver but lately I love brass!

Your organized bead closet puts me to shame! Now I'm inspired to clean out my supplies! I think I need to invest in those nifty bead containers you have.

[Penny-Elizabeth]

I literally swore out loud (is that SOL?) when I saw your organised cupboard! Not just for the tidiness (a constant envy, I can't keep in line for more than 5 minutes) but for the sheer amount of jewels! It's like a candy shop!

I love jewellery (of course) and I've always wanted to learn how to solder. My favourite stones are Tigers Eye (my mouth actually watered when I saw those chunks you have there), smoky and rose quartz, fluorite, moonstone and amythest.

And I love the title of this post, I never can tell when I'm working and when I'm playing. :)

[Angela Westermann]

What a complete fun closet can i come play?
I am in LOVE with turquoise it seems so grounded. i am in love with a turquoise ring i have and how i feel when i wear it. My latest current fav is stained glass, i was just taught how to flux and solder and in complete awe of the colours of the glass.
Ang

[Shawn]

I could move right in. Looks like a little piece of heaven. How fun! :)

[Karla]

Hi Vanessa,
I make jewelry too so I completely understand! I'm super impressed with all of your trays - I only hav 4! I myself prefer to use Swarovski and vintage findings though I have been venturing into Czech glass.
Hugs,
Karla

[sadira]

Oh V...it's like giant and wonderful trays of the most fabulous candy. And, better yet, you get to wear it! I have to confess though, that I am not as much a jewelry wearer as I am a jewelry hang around various parts of the house...

[lisa]

oh vanessa! what bliss...thank you for showing how to share properly ;)
do you ever go to quartzite? i've always wanted to stop but the desolation and heat always scares me away :(

cheers doll!

[Black-Eyed Suzie]

Well you have just confirmed for me that you are a magical fairy princess just as I've always suspected....all those gorgeous baubles and beads and sparkly magical things!! And I'm so in love with your Ye Olde Chest of Adorable Drawers! I brought a soldering iron back from auntie's house...don't know what I'll do with it yet, but it should be something fun! Can't wait to see your creations!!

[Gillian]

...do I love blues? You ask! Why, yessy yes yes!!! Indeedy doodley!!!
ANd yellows are the close second. I was in Tuscon recently and they had the BIG gem convention! No hotel rooms available!!! Yikies!
I will want to dance, eat cake and tea and party anyway! Every time I visit! Olivia and her Nan made seashell jewelry the other day! They love beads and glass! So do I!!!
When I was in Tombstone I bought a gorgeous turquoise and opal coyote in silver and on a luscious silver chain. I wear it everyday! I think it came imbued with the spirits of deceased and handsome cowboys! (wink)
xoxo
Love ya Eunice! Your sister is a doll!!!

[Gillian]

OOops! I think Kristen is Eunice? who are you again? LOL

[karen]

What so impressed me with this post is the way you told the story and your images were divine. Great photos! I started to learn how to string and knot pearl necklaces when I lived in Hong Kong. You would have loved the marketplace there, you could buy extraordinary beads, pearls, and gems for a fraction of what it costs here. Jewelry making is another lovely way for you to express you amazing talent. As always your post was a fun adventure. Karen

[Sissy]

I have been an "at home amature jeweler" for years and recently found out that my great-great grandfather was too. I inherited some beautiful pieces of jewelry he made and some of his stones and tools. I have become interested in heart shaped charms and want to start making my own. I like the silver charms in several of your pictures. All your gems are just lovely & I'm anxious to see how you put them together.

[Emma]

As always, I love getting a peek into your wonderful studio. And those trays of lovely beads--swoonworthy!

[Christine]

I use to collect beads, then gave them away..then started collecting them again.I try to avoid bead stores all together, or else my closet would look like yours and the only thing uncluttered or empty would be my wallet! But I have no problem looking at yours and appreciating the colors and materials of beads. Beautiful:)

[Paul]

Well I do like jewellery, in fact I think I write about it sometimes.
What a lovely blog you have though! Your storytelling skills are wonderful. Greetings from Ireland.

[Kandes Lee]

I love jewels ... ever since I was a kid and watched that show "Family Affair." The beginning credits have a dazzling background. Oh, and "Land of the Lost." They were always messing around with those huge crystals.

So what is up with that organized closet, Vanessa? I need a nanny to do that for me. I have shoe boxes everywhere with all kinds of things in them. No rhyme or reason. It is not pretty. I think I need to beautify my workspace.

I love what you said about not sticking to a style. I have been struggling with being so eclectic in recent weeks. My moods and tastes change so rapidly. I can't stick to anything.

The picture of your blues is luscious. Sometimes, I think I overuse blue because it is my favorite color. Oh well ... my jewelry is an expression of me. Right?

[noodle and lou studio]

Yummy, Yummy post Miss V!!!! So much lovely eye candy I'm swooooooning away!!
Vintage charms and lockets are my favorites...and I do adore silver:) Thank you for always treating us to the biggest delights:):):) xoxoxo...jenn

[Debbie Egizio]

What other little tricks do you have up your sleeve and by the way, just how many artistic languages do you speak anyway? You never cease to amaze and bedazzle us do you. Well my creative little friend, I'm completely in awe of all of your artistic talents. Can't wait to see what creations you have spun from this lovely collection of jewels and gems.

[Britt-Arnhild in Norway]

Dearest Vanessa.

Another lovely post from you. I had no idea you made jewelry, but ------of course you do, with your artsy fingers-------.

And you really make beautiful stuff. I wish we lived closer, and not oceans, deserts and snowy mountains apart.....

[Cookie]

Oh My! What an amazingly wonderful post! Your photos and descriptions were so enjoyable. I'm very happy to have stopped by.

OWOH was such fun this year. I wanted to stop by and thank you again for entering my drawing. I hope this finds you well, and warm.

Hugs,
Cookie

[Sandra]

Ah, you are a woman of many talents, can't wait to see your jewelry!
Sandra Evertson

[Bronwyn]

Jewellery too? What a talented, busy woman you are!
By the way, you've been tagged. :-)

[Tina]

Yummy! I'm partial to the onyx. and quartz um, and chalcedony. Oh, it's all so lovely. But the onyx is the best.

[ben]

Your Shed (Well mr. Lovees, But Share and Share Alike)is Lovely looks like a True Treasure Trove!

[cruststation]

Fantastic, I've always wondered about the jewellery side of your business. Love this post, magpie's heaven!

[lyna wan]

Your collections are really fascinating. I adore those beads and stones!

[bimbimbie]

It's been a few moons since I last looked in on you but what a delightful lot of things to see. I've worked my way backwards - sorry to read of the recent computer horrors ... keep smiling and creating. Smiles *!*

[Lori]

Yes, I am a jewel addict. I love handmade jewelry. Etsy is a bad place...bad, bad. I am a bad girl when I visit there. Need I say more?
ok, I'll say more. I started out buying lovely semi-precious gemstone jewelry for Christmas presents. They are still in my jewel box...ha!

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Miss Vanessa is the best!
I love her jewels and paintings too.
Whatever am I gonna do?
Her posts inspire me to want to live
in her world and also to give
inspiration back to all I meet
Her writing-just like her-a treat!
Miss Vanessa you are a queen
of the crafty goodness scene!
Thanks for sharing with this girl
all the creativity in your world!

I love your jewels and would love to see more of your jewelry! I can tell that we have the same philosophy of design. And someday I hope to be as prolific - and organized - as you!
Erin
Tesori Trovati Jewelry
http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

[Deborah]

I thought that I had read through all of you back posts, but evidently NOT! What a clever little wee one you are. I am planning a trip to Tucson once it cools off (wishful thinking) and would LOVE to know what shop you have your jewelry in...how fun to stop in and see your work. These pictures are so yummy they made me hungry.
**blows kisses** Deborah

[Chris]

I love so much of all of those colors and I love combining them, sometimes I just have all my beads out and move them around and then separate the patterns into little plastic sauce cups and put them away so I remember. I haven't beaded in a long time. I soldered once, but I need to solder again. v. nice!