Finishing up the Project Runway Challenge

For the past few years, I've tossed around an idea to incorporate a little vase into a necklace or brooch that would enable the wearer to carry fresh flowers or a little plant with them as they went through their day. I've never really been able to figure out a way to do this that I was happy with, though, so, at first, I thought this challenge would be the perfect opportunity to explore that idea further.

But then I saw Kait's beautiful piece. And I decided to go off in a different direction and work with dried flowers and plants instead, so as to create something with a look and feel separate from her own work. (The dried flower approach probably makes more sense with the branch neckpiece anyway.)

In planning out what to incorporate into the necklace and how I wanted the finished piece to look, I decided to keep it simple and work with dried purple statice and lemon thyme. They bring in some great spring colors without overpowering the eucalyptus. And here's how it turned out...



I like the way the very fragile dried flowers and herbs look against the sturdy branches (even though it looks a bit like something a Greek goddess might wear on her head).

Don't forget to check out the other variations on this theme by Kait, Alisa (I love those earrings!) and Annie.

Project Runway Challenge

I've been watching the one-a-week challenges inspired by Project Runway that Annie began over at the Imogene blog, and it's been really fun to see what folks have come up with. I've never really been one to jump on the bandwagon for challenges and projects like this, but I'm really delighted by the idea that Alisa came up with for this week.

"the challenge is to make something out of real plants"

It's right up my alley, yet gives me some space to play and let me goof around with some more conceptual art jewelry than I do on a day-to-day basis.

So, this is what I've got so far...


Eucalyptus branches wrapped into a sort of wreath shape with a sterling silver neckwire hidden underneath for shape and a way to clasp it at the back. It's not done, and I really want to incorporate flowers or something else. But, since I was up late last night working on it, I thought I'd post photos of its current state.

Anybody know what language this is?

I was looking at the raw logs for my website this morning (something I get a really geeky kick out of doing) and found out that someone linked to my website gallery in a blog post in a language I can't read, let alone even recognize to be able to figure out what google translator to use. But I think that's a smiley face at the end of the title, so I'm assuming it's a good and flattering post.


Kinda fun to get recognition from halfway around the world. Now if only I could figure out how to ask them how they found me...

Shop Update

I had a mini photo shoot the other night and put up some new pieces on my website and in my etsy shop.

Indie Collective Shopping Guide

The Indie Collective Spring & Summer 2008 Shopping Guide is live - and I'm included. Check it out here.

Look at those colors

Today, I decided to take a bit of a break and not do any work. So I went for a long walk around my neighborhood, down streets that I don't usually take, with my iPod and my camera, in an effort to try to relax a bit and re-inspire myself. And it's amazing how much you can beauty you can find in your own backyard when you slow down and look.

How the bicycle fits in

A small confession... I ride my bike everywhere, and I almost never drive. In fact, I'm not really sure why I even still own a car. Last night, I hauled some materials home from my day job for an event this weekend - and I lumped them all onto a cargo trailer that hooks to the bike. Really, it's such a lovely way to get around - fresh air, exercise, so much less stress.

My boyfriend markets himself as the eco-friendly bicycling photographer. Which has led to all sorts of questions about whether I'm going to start billing myself as the eco-friendly bicycling jeweler. Well, sort of...

One of these days, I foresee myself hitting the road with a portable studio on my bike and making jewelry along the way. In the meantime, here's a little bit about how my trusty bicycle fits into my jewelry world...

This was me arriving at a show last fall...


And this was my project for last night...


It's a head badge for a friend's bike. I discovered that making head badges is really fun... they're so simple compared to the pendants I've been working on recently, and they're such a different style and form. I may not become the eco-friendly bicycling jeweler, but I wouldn't mind getting into making some "bike jewelry" along with my other jewelry. :)