Week Three

Hello World :-)

Sometimes I feel like saying "is there anybody out there?"

And I wonder, should I keep blogging? Do people really wanna read about little ole me?

You see, todays post is about Week Three at the gym. And I kind of feel like whether or not anyone is out there reading this, and whether or not people comment on my blog posts much anymore, by posting I am holding myself accountable.

I told myself when I started this journey that I would blog weekly about it, and that would be motivation. 

You see, if I don't go to the gym, then I can't blog. If I don't blog about it, then I haven't completely my weekly goal. And maybe, just maybe someone out there will say - " she must have given up"

And I can tell you, this is a journey I will not be giving up.

So I am gonna keep on blogging, 

and if anyone is out there reading, whether you realize it or not,

it is YOU who are holding me to my promise.

Helping me stay on track. 

I know YOU are out there, and I thank you.

For reading, for encouraging me, and just for being you.

Thank you!

Week Three is going well. I have religiously been going to the gym monday wednesday friday, and I have come to a point where I really enjoy it. I have not yet noticed a difference in my body, which of course, is the whole reason I am doing this. But I am not deterred by this. I know it will come in good time. 

My goal was to try and lose my first 10 pounds by my birthday, June 10th. 

But really, my goal is that on the inside I get a bit of a makeover as well. 

Because feeling more at home in my own skin is something that I have always struggled with.

I am on my way folks....

A long road, but I am in for the long haul! 

Taking Flight & Swinging Easy

Take Flight Earrings

Sterling Silver and Abalone

Every once in a while I will come across a feather.
Stripped off its owner,
I wonder about the path it has taken.
Soaring through the air,
touching the ground only to be swept up again.
How far has it travelled?
Where did its journey begin?
Where will it end?

Take Flight Earrings tell a story all their own, a story to be create by their new owners. Handmade sterling silver feathers from my own drawing, and hand textured and sawn, meet bezel set faceted abalones. I have oxidized them and given them a satin brushing for depth.

Hanging 2 3/4 inches long ( approx 70mm) these are not for the weak or heart, but for the strong of soul.

Fly away. High Away.

Swing Easy Earrings

Sterling Silver and Turquoise

On the days when I used to feel unattached,
or a little down,
or maybe a little unsure of who I am,
I would go back to the swings.

The swings at my childhood school,
the school my mother had once gone to,
the swings she had once swung on.

I would sit there, as the sun came down,
in the most familial place,
and swing away my thoughts and worries... 

And somehow, when I hopped off that swing,
my apprehensions, and lost sense of self,
stayed on the swing,
and I felt free of it all.....

Swing Easy earrings are created around gorgeous Turquoise stones, that I have set in a fine silver bezel with a slight edging. They float freely beneath your lobes with tassels of sterling silver chain. 
Measuring 2.5 inches from top to bottom ( approx 63mm)
and 1/2 inch wide ( 13mm) at the widest part of the stone.

Swing free and often. Wear these earrings and let the movement of them rid you of worries.
Bring back the childhood carefreeness.

Both in the shop now!

Shop Update Preview!

Just a sampling of what will be listed tomorrow...

Semolina Field Ring

Swing Easy Earrings

Take Flight Earrings

Dogwood Bloom Ring

All to be listed Weds april 28th!

Sand, Spirit, and Rising Tides

In case you haven't noticed,

I have been a bit of a mad woman with the silver and stone lately!

Seems like I can't stop the flow of ideas,

So I am riding the wave.

Sometimes I stare at my drawings and they stare back at me

and nothing meshes. 

And other times I can't get the pencil in my hand soon enough - 

its like an idea sparkler - crackling and popping and it seems to burn

forever and forever.

Some offerings that are already in the shop, but truly deserved some time here :

HIGH TIDE Necklace

Sterling Silver and Chrysoprase

I shift my weight to the balls of my feet and slightly lean over the edge,
a quick look,
straight down.
I thought I would be scared,
lost for air to breathe in a panic.
But the ebb and flow... 
It was mesmerizing.
The crashing seafoam green against the sheen of wet rock and earth.
The smell of the ocean, 
slightly damp as I breathe it in,
and feel alive....
Weightless as if the breeze could sweep my up in a gust and float me down to the shores below....

HIGH TIDE Ring is created with one of my favorite thinking spots in mind. The bright and slightly translucent green part of the Australian Chrysoprase shares its space with the earthy brown shading. At first site I looked at it and it reminded me of a cliff that overlooked the ocean at my parents summer cabin. 
I have simply set this gorgeous stone in a sterling silver beaded rim bezel with a slight edge. A stone such as this really needs no fanfare! Hanging on 17 inches of oxidized sterling silver chain, this pendant measures approx 1 1/4 inch ( 30mm) in length.

Breathe deep when wearing this necklace, and listen for the sound of the waves crashing...

SPIRIT OF THE WIND Necklace

Sterling Silver and Abalone

The Haida Natives of the Pacific Northwest believed the Raven to be the creator of their world.
In their folklore he came from a land of spirits. Though often considered a trickster, the Raven is given the utmost respect. 
It was the Raven who got bored of the land of the spirits one day, and soared through the air with the wind ruffling his feathers, looking for something to eat. He stumbled upon a giant clam, with unknown creatures inside. 
He released what became the first men of the world. Scared and timid, he coaxed them out of their shell and searched for their female counter parts - thus their creation became . 

WIND SPIRIT is a hand cut and textured lone sterling silver feather. Like that of one ruffled feather from the Great Raven himself. Cut from my own drawing, and then textured and oxidized for depth, this plume is complete with an all seeing eye of faceted Abalone that I have set in fine and sterling silver.
Measuring 2 1/4 inches ( 57mm) from top to bottom, this feathery spirit floats around your neck at 18 inches long. 

Where this and feel the wind in your hair, on your face. The spirit and story it tells in its fine lines and patterns...

DESERT SUN Ring

Sterling Silver and Mookaite

The Desert is a wild and mysterious place...
Scorching day time sun,
freezing nighttime cold.

Hills and plains of sand and the soul of things that once were,
stretch on for as far as the eye can see.

The sun comes down on the hot ground and it changes,
Beige, to amber, to terracotta, and finally almost plum - as the sun no longer illuminates it.

DESERT SUN Ring is fabricated around a gorgeous Mookaite in shades of yellow and soft mauve. I have set it in sterling silver, with three large silver pebbles that I melted. Above the silver stones I have patterned the base with the rays of the sun.
Measuring 1 inch tall by wide ( 25mm)
Size 8 beaded sterling band. 

Wear and think about all the secrets hidden in the depths of the desert sands...

To Be a Rock, and Not a Roll

A ROCK AND NOT A ROLL Locket Necklace

Sterling Silver, Turquoise and White Topaz

And as we wind on down the road 
Our shadows taller than our soul 
There walks a lady we all know 
Who shines white light and wants to show 
How everything still turns to gold 
And if you listen very hard 
The truth will come to you at last 
When all are one and one is all 
To be a rock and not to roll 
-Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin

Sometimes we come to a fork in the road, and we must either choose to follow the path that many others have come to take, or to create our own destiny. 
A little scary - choosing the unknown. 
Sticking to your guns and beliefs when it could be just easy to follow the pack.

Our shadows taller than our souls - the past is not something to run from, but rather something to empower you

Everything still turns to gold - when you let it

If you listen very hard - to your inner most thoughts and feelings, the answer is clear. 

TO BE A ROCK AND NOT A ROLL - to stay true to ones self, and keep those dreams and hopes and aspirations close to your heart. I have fabricated this locket from sterling silver. On the top, it is adorned with a Pilot Mountain Turquoise, and a faceted 5mm White Topaz, both which are bezel set in fine silver. Tiny leaves grow from the Topaz, to signify the strength it takes to grow in tough times. 
Created in a soft rounded square shape, this locket is complete with a hand created hinge and locking mechanism. 

The inside - it empty - ready to be filled with your soul, spirit and more.

Hanging on 17 inches of oxidized sterling chain, this pendand measures 1 inch tall ( 25mm) and just shy of 1/2 inch (12mm) thick when closed.

Narcissus : A tale of a handsome devil

The Tale of Narcissus is amusing indeed.

The handsome young Greek man caught the eyes of many a woman. 

They fell in love at first site with the strapping good looks of Narcissus, yet he rejected them all. 

Punished by the Gods because of his cruelty,

Narcissus became obsessed with his own beauty.

While walking by a pond one day he fell victim to the very reflection of his good looks.

As he gazed upon the handsome face staring back at him he reached out to caress it's youthful cheek, and slipped through the glass like surface and drown.

And in the very spot that Narcissus sat and gazed, flowers grew.

Tall and Yellow and Poised.

named by the Gods as Narcissuses to ever remind you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and modestly is greatly underrated...

TALE OF NARCISSUS Necklace is a show stopper indeed! Fabricated around a stunning and sunny Yellow Opal, that just brings a smile to your face. I have set this bright and perky stone with a fine silver bezel, and sterling silver beaded rim. On the top sterling silver flowers bloom.

Setting off the buttery yellow, I have hand created a wire wrapped Grey Agate and Sterling Silver chain to pair with this pendant. 

Measuring 18 inches in length and adjustable up to 20 inches.

Pendant size approx 1.5 inches wide ( 38mm) and 1.25 inches tall( 30mm) 

Brushed to a satin finish - so its admirers do not get lost in the reflection of a mirror finish!

Soul of a Woman

"Been dazed and confused for so long it's not true, 

Wanted a woman, never bargained for you. 

Lots of people talk and few of them know, 

Soul of a woman was created below."

-Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin

SOUL OF A WOMAN Bracelet is everything and anything wrapped up in a sweet little package. A little ruffly, and little ruff. Smooth and soft, tactile and textured. Feminine and masculine and mysterious - the very soul of each and every one of us.

Fabricated around a stunning green Australian Chrysoprase, that I simply set in sterling silver and gave a worn and ruffled edge to. On either side are patched of sterling silver, layer upon layer, each one textured and brushed to satiny finishes. Small plumes of sterling leaves adorn bezel set white freshwater pearls in 8mm and 12mm respectively. 

Connected with rounds of hand textured and hand created sterling silver chain, this bracelet measures 8 inches long and is complete with a sterling silver hook clasp. 

Chrysoprase set piece measures 1 3/4 inch wide ( 45mm) and 1 inch tall ( 25mm)

Sterling Silver patch pieces measure approx 1 inch (25mm) tall and 3/4 inch(20mm) respectively.

Not for the weak of heart - rather the lady with a strong soul.

Mining For Gold and Lightning

GOLD MINE Ring Size 8

Sterling Silver and Rutilated Quartz

When I was young we went on a field trip with school to an historic mine here in BC. It had been closed to production for years, and was rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of miners past.

We toured and took a train into the mine and saw fools gold sparkling in the walls - it was damp and cold and gave me the shivers!
But then, when we emerged, the sun came out, it was warm on our faces.
We panned for gold,
hands wet in the water searching for the tiniest flecks of glittering sun.
Flowers has sprouted around the edges of the old abandoned mine,
and it no longer looked scary, but rather very beautiful.

GOLD MINE Ring was fabricated around a gorgeous gold streaked quartz. It reminded me of the tiny flecks I still have stored in a film canister somewhere.
I edged this gorgeous stone with handmade flowering filigree made from sterling silver. 
It has been given a brushed satin finish, and is perched on a beaded sterling silver ring shank in SIZE 8.
Measures approx 3/4 inch wide ( 20mm) 

Sparkling flecks of one of natures precious creations, warm like the sun....

LIGHTNING CRASHES Ring Size 7.25

Sterling Silver and Labradorite

This past summer I bore witness to the most incredible thunder and lightning storm in all my years. People stopped on the street and stared into the great big sky and watched incredible forks of lightening horizontally shoot through the sky, minute after minute. The sky was a rich, deep blue, and the thunder rumbled below our feet. 

LIGHTNING CRASHES was fabricated around one of the most gorgeous flashing Labradorites I've had in my possession, it reminded my so much of the summer storm months ago. Flashing shades of blue and yellow sparkle. A stone like this really needed no fan fare, so I simply bezel set it in a bead rimmed fine silver with a split half round sterling band. Size 7.25 
Approx 1 inch tall ( 25mm)

You may not remember all the beautiful sunny days - but a terrific storm will always stay in your mind!

More coming tomorrow - some pieces I am absolutely giddy to show you!

toodles

Week Two

Hello pretty people!

Yesterday officially started off my second week hitting the gym.

And you know what? I love it!

For the first time in my life I look forward to going.

I enjoyed working up a sweat.

I feel like I am actually doing a body good! 

If my arms could speak they would say "owe!" 

(yesterday involved a lot of arm abuse)

I wanted to hug and thank you all for posting comments on my Going For It blog post, it really brought a smile to my face and helped me more than you all know.

2010 has not been an easy year for me, but I have come to the point where I just need to do something for me. I need to put myself back in a place where I love who I am again.

After all, sometimes we come to a fork in the road, 

and we don't know whether to go left, or right. 

So we stay,

linger around for a while.

Maybe someone else will make the decision for us?

I waited at that fork in the road much to long. 

And now I am gonna make up for lost time. 

I am choosing my path, and following it.

♥

Smells Like a Sale!

The air is sweet cause its finally spring time, 

and the sun is shining through my windows,

and my tiny little potted herb garden sprouted its first cilantro sprout.

Life feels a little bit better today than it has on Mondays past and for that I am grateful. 

So, why not pay it forward? 

I am having a Pre Mother's Day Sale!

The perfect time to pick up something for that special lady in your life,

whether it be your mom, your aunt, sister, friend, wife.

Hell - treat yourself, you deserve it!

Monday April 19th 2010 ( hey, thats today!) through Friday April 23rd 2010 

You will get 15% refunded back to you on all orders of $50 or more.

Sounds like a deal!

Those who read my blog will know that I only have sales a few times a year - so pick up your favorites while they are still making cosy in my shop :-)

*sale excludes custom orders, already discounted items and the cost of shipping.

Custom Love

Have I ever mentioned how much I love custom orders?

Creating something one of a kind for someone is a special job.

A piece that speaks to me, and them, and only us.

Its a challenge and an honour to have a client put their faith in my abilities as an artist.

I am always grateful for the opportunity to do so!

A special bloom for a special lady

Toodles!

Pixie dust and Treasures Unknown

GARDEN TREASURES Ring Size 8.25

Ocean Jasper, Peridot and Sterling Silver

Sometimes, I attempt to do things I have never succeeded at before.
The list is long, I promise you.
But I have always loved a challenge.
Gardening is one of those things.
I do not have a yard, nor a sunny windowsill in which plants can soak up the light.
But yet, I still try and nurture the growth of plant life in my home.
And occasionally, just ever so often,
A little sprout! A bud! A bloom!

There is, peeking up at me,
working hard at staying alive and well.
A Garden Treasure, no doubt.

Garden Treasures Ring is made around a soft and spring like Ocean jasper of pink and green shading. I have surrounded it with leaf and vine like embellishments, completely out of sterling silver our course! 
On the side are two 3mm faceted green peridots that I have flush set. The entire piece oxidized and then polished to bring out the detailing. 
Size 8.25 floral ring shank.
1 inch tall ( 25mm) by 3/4 inch wide (20mm)

Ready to be loved and nurtured...

CORAL REEF Ring Size 6.75

Sterling Silver and Turquoise

The Coral Reef is a structural masterpiece. 
An underwater Castle.
Rare and tropical
Mesmerizing. 

The patterns in this turquoise reminded me of these sea treasures. I have simply set it in sterling silver to show off its patterns and matrix. With a slight edging, and a double sterling silver ring shank, this is the perfect everyday ring.
Size 6.75. 1/2 inch tall ( 13mm)

Ready to catch the attention of others...

PIXIE Ring Size 

Sterling Silver, Turquoise and Pink Tourmaline

Tiny Pixies - with their fluttering wings and sparkling eyes.
Some say folklore
some say they are the protectors of children.
Some say they will play tricks on you, and not to trust,
others believe in the pixies you trust, and good deeds come your way.

I believe they are beautiful, no matter your interpretations.

PIXIE ring is fabricated around a lovely and rich deep blue Turquoise. Tiny wings of sterling silver adorn the sides and a 3mm faceted pink tourmaline has been flush set on the side. 
This pixie is perched on a size 7 beaded sterling ring shank.
Measuring 3/4 inch diameter (20mm)

A pixie to pose on your hand, and bring you all the goodness you desire.

All of these new delights are in the shop ready to find their new homes!

Till next time

toodles!