Colors of Autumn

Rich, deep and warm are the colors of Autumn, my favorite time of the year. Fall ushers in a kaleidoscope of magnificent hues. And not to mention the fun rituals that surround this time of the year. 

**Bonfires, and pumpkins and hayrides, oh my**

I really think my love of this season stems from my October birthday. Even though we are losing light each day, there's something magical and ceremonial about this time of the year. Harvest is ending and it is time for reflection and giving thanks. And it's also a time to focus on balance. Symbolic of this is the delicate dance between light and dark now; for we know Winter is fast approaching. So simply enjoy this beautiful time of the year. Embrace the change and have fun decorating with all the colorful bounty Autumn brings. And remember...to always give thanks!

;-)

"Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain".  

~Author Unknown~

Greetings, friends!  I hope you are all happy, well and enjoying these beautiful early Autumn days.  Yes, it's been a while and I love this quote because it is so true!  It would seem that I have been stumbling over some small pebbles the last couple of months, and although I have been distracted from my true passions (you all know what those are), I have been busy here and there, creating a little, researching a little, and yes....I even have a new blog design which I'm so excited to share with you!  I still need to organize my sidebar, but I'm so pleased with the new layout and artwork.  Karen from Valentine Design built me a beautiful and unique design - she was able to take my very elaborate explanation and bring it into fruition.  I would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking custom blog design.

Oh, yes, Gallery in the Garden was a magical and wonderful event I'm hopeful to be a part of for years to come.  Not only was I able to contribute to an incredible cause, I made some equally magical friends.  May I just say, I've admired Leanne Emory's work for several years (Triskele Moon Studios).  Her designs are so unique;  delicately and precisely detailed.  I had the opportunity to meet Leanne and Kelly at Gallery in the Garden, and I feel blessed and honoured to now call them friends.  So many positive things about participating in this event; I'll definitely be back in 2012.

Now, for a few things I've been "slowly" working to complete.  I've also been working on some custom projects, all of which should be completed soon (fingers crossed).  Thank you for visiting my special little place of whimsy.  My goal (I always have a few) is to ignore those small, annoying pebbles and GET SOME THINGS ACCOMPLISHED!!! Oh, I miss it so when I'm away...

THE BEST CREATION EVER, BUT I CANNOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THIS ONE!

Coming Up Soon - Gallery in the Garden!

A new adventure; a new endeavor.  I have been accepted to participate this year in a wonderful art event, "Gallery in the Garden", located at 600 Lawndale Avenue, Woodstock, Illinois.  Now in its sixth year, all artists who participate in this event donate a portion of all their proceeds to "CASA" (Court Appointed Special Advocates of McHenry Country).  CASA, founded in 2005, provides trained volunteers to advocate for child victims of abuse and neglect in Juvenile Court and in the foster care system.  I am so excited to be part of this very special event.  I've been working diligently on some new items, specifically for the Gallery festivities (July 30th and 31st).  I'd especially like to thank Patricia Lynn Eagle, an incredible jewelry artisan and instructor at The Constant Muse Art Studio in Crystal Lake, IL.  She recommended my pursuit of this particular show, and I truly appreciate her encouragement.  

My first decoupage dress form!  I really wanted one for display.  She took a long time to make!

Stained Glass Pendant - I really love this color!

Etched Metal, Riveted Cherub, Soldered Stained Glass

Another Etched Metal Pendant - My Favorite, I Think!

 

Hope to see you there!

Bridal Party jewelry - Part II

Wow, and double wow!  I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post!  So busy with what seems like everything except my creative outlets.  I also miss visits to AND visits from my regular blog subscribers.  Sometimes, being away from your play time makes you realize just how important it is to set aside time for creative and fun endeavors.  

So, Bridal Party Jewelry - Part II (bet you forgot about Part I :-)

I firmly believe the final packaging for such special gifts is just as important as the gift itself.  How exciting is it to receive a special, unique beautifully wrapped present!  I love the unveiling process - the anticipation of what is inside, the aesthetic of a lovely box, carefully wrapped and adorned with such love.  That's why when I'm commissioned for custom jewelry pieces, whether it is for a wedding or special keepsake, I completely get involved in creating the packaging just as much I do making the jewelry.  For brides, I custom match to the colors of the wedding party, provided that is acceptable to the special lady.  My most recent commission opportunity allowed me to play with pink and silver.

So, how shall I transport these little pretties?  Stay tuned for Part III!  Miss you all!

Bridal Party Jewelry - Part I

I am so appreciative when I am commissioned for custom jewelry projects, especially when they are associated with happy and memorable events.  Aside from keepsake jewelry, which is very popular for newborns or even pets, I create specialty wedding jewelry for brides and bridesmaids.  This is "Part I" of a journey; for it's not just about the jewelry.  It's about making the bride feel proud to present her special gifts to her special girls; it's about details, large and small.  I take into consideration each bridesmaid's personality and overall style to create for her a unique, one-of-a-kind statement piece she can wear again and again.  Similar, yet different, each piece captures the essence of the special day.  

Part I...The Creations

Necklace and Earrings

Maid of Honor Piece

Simple, Sweet Earrings

My Favorite!  Vintage Incorporated

Precious

Stay tuned for Part II...to be continued...

Mr. Buttons!

P.S. This is a pic of my Mom's dog, Mr. Buttons!  I had a wonderful time visiting warm Georgia for Mother's Day and a family reunion.  More to come once I get all my pics downloaded.  

I miss you terribly Mom and love you so very much!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER FROM GUINNESS!

Wishing you all a beautiful celebration of life today and always.  Spring (although very slow to arrive here in the Midwest) is making its entrance.  The earth is waking up from her long winter's nap and color, YES, color is finally peeking through the remaining grayness of winter.  Welcome, small buds, daffodils and the sweet melody of early morning birds singing.  I love you all.  

I've been so busy, with not much time to work on my "passion" as much as I would like, however, I've slowly been creating some new pieces as time permits.  Here's a sneak peak at some of my favorite new pieces, still works in progress.  I'm also including a pic of my very first METAL CLAY piece!  I had the pleasure of taking some classes at a new jewelry art studio located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, The Constant Muse.  I'll post separately about this incredible experience, but I at least wanted to share the piece I'm affectionately calling "Clio", mythical name of the muse of poetry and history.  

"CLIO"

 

 

I learned how to rivet!  My first assemblage cuff made with a vintage shoe clip!

I LOVE her...

STAINED GLASS PIECES

ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES!

TILE...YES...TILE FROM HOME DEPOT.  AN EXPERIMENT!

SOLDERED CRYSTAL

Stay tuned for completed pieces...it might be Christmas, but they will ultimately be finished :-)  Have a positive, happy and magic-filled week.