Fair A-Flair at Plaza Palomino November 5th-7th 2010

Green Enamel House Earrings

I received a request from a customer that happens to be a real estate person in Lincoln, Nebraska for more house earrings in color. These are the result of that request and I plan to make more as time allows for blue and red houses. If you'd like to see more images of this pair you can go to: http://www.restringit.etsy.com

Mixed Metals House Earrings

Even though it was hot in my garage, I spent the better part of the day working on jewelry and barrettes. I’m making little house earrings out of copper and sterling silver. I have one completed and will probably finish the other one tonight. I made them post earrings but could just as easily (easier in fact) have made them dangles. I kind of like them. They are different and the possibilities are endless for adorning the homes. You could even make them seasonal and have enameled Christmas lights around one. I love working in my studio, just wish I had some natural light (a nice big window facing north, when I win the lottery) would be perfect!

Mosaic Barrettes

I bought some barrette blanks at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show last February and have been planning how to use them ever since. The other day I tried using some beads to make a mosaic and I really like it. My first one sold and the customer seems to be very pleased. So with the remaining 15 or so left, I have continued with the mosaic idea and am very pleased with the results. I look forward to taking them to the fall craft shows. I’m hoping they’ll be popular.
For more images go to: http://www.restringit.etsy.com

Early Morning Desert Experience

It’s officially hot in Tucson. The temperature was 100 degrees yesterday but we are supposed to have cooler weather now for a week or so and by cooler I mean in the mid to lower 90s.

My daughters and I have been exercising at the local high school. We see a Cooper’s Hawk there everyday and everyday I say I’m going to bring my camera the next day… Today there were two and we found their nest. I am going to take my camera tomorrow. They are so close and rather tame acting. We walk or run (not me) around the track and they just sit in the bleachers about 20 feet away. It is really cool and I know I could get some interesting shots of them. A golf course is behind them and they always appear to be watching the golfers at the driving range.
As we were heading home we saw hummingbirds in the mesquite tree, rabbits scampering about the desert vegetation, ground squirrels standing erect and then diving into holes, and of course lizards of all sizes and colors running across the path. Once we saw a poky gila monster loping along and what a huge and majestic lizard they are.

I love the desert and the peacefulness of it in the early morning is quite tranquil.

I've added a picture of the nest up in the lights and a bad one of the Cooper's Hawk on the telephone pole. Can imagine it gets very hot when they are on, since it's already 90 degrees at night without the lights.

Hammered Copper Chain

I've made a 20 inch copper chain that I love! It is simple and yet as my 16 year old daughter says,"It stands on it's own." I tried adding an etched piece and a few beads but it just wasn't happening, so I now let it stand alone and it works beautifully. Using 14 gauge copper wire I created good size jump rings, next they were soldered, shaped into ovals, flattened, hammered on both sides and attached to hard round jump rings. The ovals measure approximately 3/4" by 3/8". I love the shine and sparkle created from the hammering and the boldness, yet super lightweightness of this piece.

www.restringit.etsy.com

Baby Blue Flower Enamel and Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Yesterday I completed a matching necklace that matches the blue enamel earrings and I love it! I love baby blue and white and the colors in this necklace are perfect for a spring necklace. Scoop neck tee, especially brown, and you'll have a beautiful color combo. This is my all-time favorite necklace. Vintage inspired, each copper flower has been hand sawn from a sheet of copper, shaped into a 3 dimensional flower, enameled with the softest baby blue enamel and wire wrapped with plump white freshwater pearls complete with solid copper chain and secure catch creating the sweetest 17 1/2" necklace. For more images go to: www.restringit.etsy.com