On a Mokume Gane Binge

Not sure if "binge" is the correct word - but it feels like it! I don't know about others' creativity bursts, but sometimes I get caught up in a particular color or idea or technique, and right now, it's mokume gane that's capturing my time. I wanted some sparkle and pretty colors as the holidays approach, so made some stacks with composite gold leaf amongst some of my favorite colors. Here are some pieces in teal, white, and gold.

Then, I had to get my purple "fix" in, too! The stone in the necklace is a piece of turquoise that seemed to be looking for a home. I've kept the pieces simple in form to let the beauty of the patterns shine through.

Faux Animal Fun

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been asked to make a few pieces with animal print motifs. I want to share 2 new sets with you. The zebra set has beading around the bracelet for decoration and to hide any join that would occur if I need to re-size the piece for someone. Aren't the earrings fun?!


Then I started making bracelets with the new wide brass cuff channels I picked up recently, and used my giraffe cane. The earrings just sort of "happened" - and I really like 'em.








While I'm at the computer, I'll toss in a photo of some of the wider brass cuff bracelets. You'll notice a couple of animal prints sneaking in....

By the way, some of my work is now being shown at the Sun-Up Gallery of Fine Crafts on Watch Hill Road, Route 1A, between Westerly and Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Stop by if you're in the area!

Lions & Tigers & Bears - Oh, My!

Actually, the title should probably read, "zebras & tigers & leopards" - oh my! I've finally tried my hand a making some animal fur-look canes. The reason for making these came from a totally unexpected phone call.
A couple of weeks ago, a woman called to say she had purchased one of my bangle bracelets at the Westerly Cooperative Gallery, and was enjoying it very much. She then went on to say she owned a gallery and would I be interested in putting some of my pieces in her gallery? Yes! So, we made an appointment to meet. She has a really wonderful shop with some amazing pieces. We discussed what types of pieces she'd like to have from me. One of her requests was for bracelets in animal prints, as well as some using the seed-beaded join covers which I often put on my all-polymer bangle bracelets. I have some samples of the beading on my blog posting of November 26, 2010 if you're curious. I set to work experimenting with animal prints. I've had fun, learned, and made a few bracelets that I'm sharing here. Now, to get going on the beading.....

Turning Over a New Fall Leaf

Yes, it's Fall in New England - an exceptionally pretty time of year here. Our colors are somewhat subdued this year due in part to hurricane Irene. However, polymer doesn't know that, and I've been creating some great colors for fall earrings. I stepped outside my usual comfort level with some of these shades and combinations, so I'll be interested to see what others think.


This first photo shows a new trumpet flower design I'm trying - and really like.








The shot on the right is of some earrings in what I think of as a traditional calla lily shape. There's nothing particularly traditional, however, about the colors!


The last photo shows a few pairs of what I call "leaf clusters." These are fun to make, and often get a second look when I wear them.

Pretty Mokume Gane

I was asked to do something with earrings and bangles that would be festive for the holiday season. I love the combination of white, gold, and black, so I got out some polymer and some composite gold leaf, and made a nice mokume gane stack. Part of the request was to make some earrings that were larger than I usually make. The first shot is of 2 bangles and a smaller pair of earrings. The photo below is of the larger earrings. I love the way the gold sparkles against the contrast of white and black. Anyone for a party?