a day with out Jack

All day without mon petit pois (my little pea). Since Nana is in town, I no longer exist in my sons eyes. So, I have decided to take advantage of the help and buckle down.

I cant even begin to describe how much I got done! Those of you who know what its like to stay at home with a little one, 18 months to be exact, know that there isn't a lot of productivity taking place during the day. Well, today was filled with what felt like luxuries-- Making jewelry, taking pictures of new pieces, blogging, applying to craft shows, and more craft shows, reading all the great info on Etsy...it was fabulous.

This is one of many necklaces I was able to make. Its part of my collection where I incorperate upcycled items. The yellow brass rope chain is from a necklace that I cut apart and the beads are antique Japanese glass.

I will call it...mon petit pois.

a little upcycled update

Here's one of the pieces I made with the upcycled chain I got from last weekend. When I started out to make this necklace it wasnt my intention to make a piece of such contrast. But, somehow it evolved into that and it works. The chain is an upcycled heavy brass cable chain which compliments the thin, delicate oxidized brass chain. The smooth high polished round white quartz and metal grey beads set off the faceted smokey grey glass and milky white quartz. I think Ill try this style with some other types of chain and beads. Its a great length and goes with just about anything.

new treasures

I set out this past weekend to find old costume jewelry and brass chain to use in my new 'up-cycled' designs. I hit up the local Raleigh flea market, garage sales and The Salvation Army. Hopefully its enough to keep me busy for a while.

a little PSL and a new line

Today it happened. Internally it just felt right. So, I got it.

Im of course talking about my first Pumpkin Spice Latte and the feeling of Fall aproaching. Living in the South its very hard to judge because there are no signs, no cool crisp Autumn breeze. In fact I think it was in the upper 80's today. But, up North its happening and I know it-I can feel it! Years of growing up with Fall starting in September and Winter starting as early as October. I remember as a kid having to wear my winter coat and long johns under my costume because it was snowing for Halloween, it has conditioned me. My northern upbringing has tought me well to love the cold weather. I am a fanatic when it comes to this season. I pretty much wait all year for it and then get even more excited when it starts to snow--but, that is an entirely seperate post for another time.

In the spirit of Fall, I have created a fall line of jewelry. The look is big and bold with a lot of long layered chains this season. The colors are earth tones and bright oranges and yellows. Just in time for fall foliage! Im still into the yellow brass look so, there is alot of that too along with some oxidized copper and brass. Looking forward to the change in season and the change in wardrobe. I cant wait to pair it with a chunky sweater and boots. Did I mention I love Fall?

Metalliferous motivation

Nothing is more motivating and inspiring than shopping for supplies! Also, nothing is as therapeutic as buying something--its a cure all. I just placed an order with Metalliferous and I cant wait for the goodies to come so I can start designing and making jewelry!


Hands down the most amazing place for jewelry supplies. Metalliferous used to be a favorite hang out of mine when I was working in NYC. Actually, it was quite dangerous financially . It wasn't unusual for me to walk just right around the corner from my office (thats how close it was) and spend an entire lunch hour looking at beads, fun findings or whatever crazy new tool they had. I of course couldn't leave empty handed. Not as satisfying to buy from them on line, but still just as fun when you get the new product. The store is a help yourself kind of place so, the whole excitement of going to the shop is to search, scrounge and get covered in metal dirt (definitely not the cleanest place in the world) looking for just the right item.

Cant wait for a NYC trip so I can go visit my favorite store and spend several hours searching for my next inspiration!

on display...

Finally went to check out the IndieNC window today. There are a few of my necklaces displayed there and the whole display looks fantastic! I'm really excited that I could be a part of it. What a great idea using an empty store front to showcase local artists.

Michelle Smith is the driving force behind IndieNC. I first met Michelle when I participated in the shopping event she produces called The Rock and Shop market.

For those of you living in Raleigh the window is located at 230 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh (between the Mahler Gallery and Port City Java). Check it out--and keep a look out for more displays from other local NC artists!