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. 

Published in the Spring!

I'm SO excited...the Spring issue of Jewelry Affaire is now available and I'm even more excited because two of my necklaces are featured!  I'm actually published and what better time to have this occur than in Spring.  I took a leap of faith and submitted my jewelry early last year.  I was hopeful to make the Winter edition, but on the same day I received an email that my jewelry had been accepted for publication, but that it would be Spring instead of Winter, my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital.  She would pass 3 days later.  This very sad and emotional event required my complete attention.  I could not and did not think about jewelry or much else during this time.  Being there for my husband and family was my complete focus.  I actually almost forgot about my submission...until I received the confirmation and proof of my article that would land in the April 1st issue!  Springtime - a time for awakening, renewal and restoration.  A time for celebrating life and remembering those who gave so much of it.  I believe everything happens for a reason; had I been published in the Winter, I would not have embraced the incredible accomplishment of such a wonderful honor.  But the Universe knew the perfect time to present this gift.  I dedicate this post to my dear mother-in-law, Agnes Correia.  Thank you, Agnes, for always embracing life, fully and completely!  

Happy Spring!

Custom Gift Boxes for Custom Projects

Custom projects are always fun and truly require focus, consistency and attention to detail.  When I create custom work, I really want the recipients of these gifts to feel special and unique.  One way I enhance my one-of-a-kind pieces is to create pretty and one-of-a-kind custom gift boxes!  This extra little step isn't necessary; however, it adds that little "something" that makes receiving the gift a little more exciting.  The box can also serve as a keepsake for years to come.  For bridesmaid gifts, I coordinate the box designs to that of the wedding colors.  So much fun and allows the creativity to flow on a project from start to finish. 

Bridesmaid Custom Gift Box

Colors are customized to wedding colors!

In case you need a smile!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!  Happy St. Patty's Day!

Some New Things for Spring!

I'm feeling a little like Spring these days 

(or at least trying to despite the last lingering days of old man Winter).  

beads, Beads, BEADS...

I love BEADS.   

BEADS make me happy!

Beads of all shapes, sizes, and colors.  

I love new BEADS, 

but my favorite BEADS are colorful, old vintage BEADS.

You can create so many beautiful and interesting things with them.  

Imagine the possibilities...so much fun!

Some pearl beads from my last antique shopping adventure!

Look at the intricate flower beads!  I also like the odd shaped sizes

Such pretty iridescent colors

Spring colors!

Enjoy the small things that make you happy!

Unusual Finds in Usual Places

Those of you who know me, understand and accept that I'm somewhat addicted to shopping, especially antique shopping.  I have my usual favorite places, and I become absolutely giddy when I find unusual and unique treasures during my excursions.  I'm SO excited to show you one of the most beautiful items I've ever had the pleasure of discovering.  I collect rosaries; I adore them.  I love the symbolism, the beauty and sentiment associated with them.  So you can imagine my complete amazement when I found this...

The Rosary beads are detailed flower buds...delicate and sweet.

Look at the unbelievable detail!

So sweet!

The mirror to the right is 4 feet tall!

It's an enormous rosary...for scale, I photographed it by my 4 foot mirror (on the right) so you can judge size.  Isn't this just an amazing, incredible and timeless?  I knew you would agree :-)  Stay tuned for more fabulous finds. 

Custom Projects

Custom projects are always fun.  Yes, they can be challenging, but always rewarding.  I love taking ideas and bringing them into fruition.  I've just completed a couple of unique, one-of-a-kind orders and I had such a great time creating them.  I'm also honored to currently be working on a bridal party.  The pieces for that special project are turning out to be a new concept for me all together!  I LOVE when that happens!

The Beautiful Abby, my girlfriend's sweet daughter!

Every Abby needs a bear with a pink nose!

Custom earrings for a stained glass pendant I recently created