Friday, December 9, 2011

What a Difference a Year Makes

...or was it two years?

Renovations....many of you know about those. This has been a lot of work, and there is still much to do. For now I am in my new studio in Northern Ontario; warm and happily making new jewels.
This renovation has been a wonderful collaboration with a talented carpenter. Many trips to the Habitat for Humanity Restore, lots of funny sketches and distracted looks that are likely to receive the comment...."she's thinking again".

A visit from a far away friend reinforced my love of the old concrete floor which almost got a solid coat of paint!
The building was long ago a print shop and has paint and ink pigment ground into the studio floor. It now has a clear coat of sealer on it.
"People in New York pay thousands for a floor that looks like it has history ,this one already does." Thanks Maury.

Still much to do.

I will keep you posted...now back to the jeweller's bench.

Enjoy the Season,

Marianne

be mindful in all that you undertake



Thursday, December 8, 2011

Men Buying Jewellery

Bracelet - sterling silver, tension clasp

Recently I was asked ; Who buys jewellery? This question was put to me by a man, one who I felt would buy jewellery for the special person in his life. Without hesitation my answer was women - for themselves. Then I added that men were often sent to buy pieces that their wives or sweethearts had seen and liked.
He expressed concern that buying this way would result in the gift not being a surprise. My response was that receiving jewellery that you love is more important than the gift being a surprise, knowing from experience that most jewellery languishes in a box and is never worn. The surprise could be the timing of the gift or the manner of presentation.

Earrings in a Christmas stocking along with an assortment of favourite candies.

A strand of pearls wrapped carefully in a box with a beautiful silk scarf. The colour of their eyes or the colour that they wears often...or you can ask what their favourite colour is.

Rings and bracelets - more difficult to give as they must fit....too small is never a good fit. A trip to your favourite jewellery shop is the best way to get this one right. Dinner after would be fun too.

Asking your sweetheart to point out a few pieces of jewellery will lead to anticipation on their part, and will keep an element of surprise to your gift giving.

To those out there buying handmade jewellery, thank you.

Happy Holidays

Marianne


Meadow Rue Pendant - silver, on hand wound adjustable length silk cord

Silk - single strand freshwater pearls on hand wound silk -adjustable length

Jasmine earrings -silver, aquamarine - locking hook