A Bridal Collection

What a lovely opportunity I had recently to create some custom pieces for an equally lovely bride-to-be.

She came to visit me in my studio, we chatted and looked at my current work. She quickly decided what she wanted.



These pieces are for her wedding party to wear on her wedding day, but they are also her gift to them.

Her wedding party is quite large: eight bridesmaids,









one junior bridesmaid,


and two flower girls.


Once we ironed out those details, we moved on to her gift to her mother. We talked a bit and then I sketched out a design that she loved.


The bride gave me a lot of artistic license, so I had some creative freedom, as well as her direction.

I wrapped up the collection in these pretty little bags I found at the Christmas Tree Shops.


I was able to provide the bride with a preview of her collection via a Facebook photo album. (One does not need an account to have full viewing capabilities.)

My bride was very excited to be able to give one-of-a-kind gifts to her special ladies and I had a lot of fun creating them for her!

Parting is such (bitter)sweet sorrow

I would rate yesterday's show as a success. Based on the economy, that is. Normally, I'd have thought the day was a little less than stellar.

Offering the $5 off was definitely a smart move. I never did anything like that before. And I don't do sales. I make a conscious effort to create beautiful jewelry at a cost people can afford. I often get comments on my prices - and how fair they are. That's why I don't usually offer any "deals."

But I witnessed many people thinking very hard about whether to buy or not, and also when they knew they would buy, what they would buy was also a careful decision. Being able to offer a discount really helped them. I was glad for them and for me!

One customer really sticks out in my mind. She was so kind and appreciated my work so much. She bought the most special piece in my collection. It was one that I poured my heart and soul into - one that I created with my favorite subject matter in mind.

The piece is called Ebb and Flow - a necklace with a handmade pendant which, to me, exemplifies the ocean waves and the bubbly water that hits the beach. I set a round paua shell into it as well. The necklace features sea glass from Hawaii and some neat rings that remind me of barnacles. The whole thing is asymmetrical with a handmade wavy toggle clasp.

I love the piece and I'm so happy it now lives with a woman who truly understands and appreciates the art that it is. She even bought a mini version of it for a gift.

Five Bucks Off(er)

Fancy Free Me will be showing tomorrow in Amherst, Mass. The show is an annual arts and crafts fair on the town common.

The participants' entry fee benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.

This is the largest (FREE) summertime show in the area. They have a ton of great artists in many genres. And local food and live music and the biggest used book sale I've ever seen.


Come take advantage of my $5 off(er). Or just stop by to say "Hi!"