My Pendant Has Arrived!!!!!!!

I've been patiently waiting for this interestingly, unique pendant to arrive since the end of June...it was well worth the wait... isn't it stunning!


The online bead store Artbeads.com, where this pendant came from, has many of what they are calling "Canvas On Wood Pendants".

These wonderful pendants are actually small prints of artists paintings, they are printed on canvas, using pigment paints then covered with two coats of water resistant-varnish. Each pendant is an amazing work of art, don't you think!

The name of my pendant is "Turquoise Song" by Charlie Clingman ...I chose this particular pendant, as most of you will know because of the color combination...I do love turquoise anything! The second reason is because it is a wonderful work of abstract art, which I find I'm very attracted to. The third reason is because I think it will be great challenge to me to come up with an extraordinary way to use this pendant in a piece of jewelry, while at the same time, not taking anything away from the beauty of it...the pendant must be the focal of what ever I decide to do with it! The way the two bails were used will present a challenge in itself.


I'm going to take sometime to let the pendant sit on my desk so I can look at it...I don't want to rush into anything... something will come to mind! It is a given I will be using a sterling silver toggle maybe a Bali toggle, or wouldn't a sterling silver toggle with emeralds embedded in it stunning?


I'm not sure at this point what else I'll be using...probably sterling silver beads, maybe semi-precious stones similiar in color to the ones I've added in the photo, how about leather and silk, or what about hand forged fused fine silver links? Or a combo of all/some of the above...regardless of what I use it will be fun.
Don't you just love a personal challenge...I do!
Cheers

Threes' a charm!

This is the third sunny Saturday in a row for the Market...there was one draw back though, in the form of a very strong north wind. It blew things around, knocked over displays... I don't know if that's what kept the Market goers home but something did...I'm assuming it was the wind because all the brave soles who did venture out could talk about was how cold it was! I'm not complaining it could have been raining as well!!!!! Can't win them all!

Above is a couple of fellows jamming away...they didn't have much of an audience this week but these two enjoyed it just the same! Musicians playing for the enjoyment of playing...I do enjoy those hand drums...

Below is a chunky chalk turquoise necklace just longer than choker length made with turquoise, glass, polymer clay, wood, sterling silver and ceramic beads...love turquoise!


Another chunky necklace...gotta love this one, natural yellow turquoise, smokey quartz, yellow jade, hand blown glass and sterling silver beads!

I'm preparing for a ten day show beginning June 26th so I've not had a great deal of time for much else besides making pieces in the last three weeks...I have to take everything to Toronto on June 22nd so I'll have more time after that...who am I kidding!!!!!
Cheers

Spring is around the corner!

Spring is trying very hard to emerge...it is slow this year but I see signs it won't be long...time is flying by though. There never seems to be enough time to do everything that needs/I want to do!

Here are a few new pieces...
A choker style necklace made from bone rondelles, and agate barrel beads, finished with sterling silver findings...a pair of earrings hanging from hand made sterling ear wires completes the set...perfect summer colors!

Turquoise is a favorite of mine but then I'm sure everyone is aware of that...five gorgeous chunky nuggets, the center acutally looks like a heart of sorts (chalk turquoise which has been stabilized and dyed)spaced with fire engine red glass rondelles and Bali beads, the smaller turquoise nuggets are Blue Spider Web nuggets and are natural)...finished with a striking sterling silver toggle clasp...of course earrings to go along with the necklace

This is a fun piece...wood beads spaced between plump glass beads...copper and brown again a favorite combo of mine...

Last for today...my first attempt at fusing...a fine silver link chain bracelet, each link and the clasp are hand cut, fused, hammered for strength and tumbled to a sparkling shine...I know my photography skills leave much to be desired but it does sparkle...
Enjoy...
Cheers

Behind!!!!!!

Hello everyone...I seem to find myself way behind in my blogging! Since I returned from Florida I've been concentrating on preparing for my show this weekend. It seems everything else has taken a back seat...and I do mean everything else.

Below is a crocheted freshwater and sterling silver bracelet...my first attempt! I rather enjoyed it as I used to crochet and knit ... my goodness is has to be 20 years ago...wow sounds like a long time ago. I loved knitting the "Fair Isle" patterned sweaters for my daughter and myself. So this was fun to do...a mix of colors so it can be worn with just about anything.

This ring is made from chalk turquoise, (dyed & stabilized) and argentium silver. Perfect summer addition...

This piece I'm sure the jewelry artists will recognize...the herringbone weave, the stone is carnelian, this is my second attempt, it takes considerable practice! At least is does for me.
Last is a simple circle ring in gold filled wire...made by me but the design was from a tutorial by Delia Stone, at the Tutorial Shop.etsy.com
That's it for now...I expect to get back to visiting the first of next week!
Cheers