Hand Woven Bracelets and Writing

 So I begin again. Writing that is. Easily left for another day, years go by quickly it seems.
The weaving continues, and sewing with the finest of needles the silk cuff begins and ends. A hand fabricated sterling silver 'safety pin' clasp completes the circle. The finishing time equal to the weaving and the metal work combined. The silk threads the same value as the silver. Balance.

Weaving Away

  Years ago I tried to incorporate weaving into my jewellery. I shared the shop in Cowichan Bay with friend and fabulous weaver Jane Stafford who set me up with an inkle loom and taught me how to use it. I enjoyed the weaving but found it too fine and too intense after a full day of jewellery making and shop keeping. Last winter it was brutally cold here in Thunder Bay and I was looking for something to do inside so decided to try inkle weaving again. Many ribbons later here is what I am doing.

Arbutus and dark teal handwoven silk ribbon with sterling silver adjustable clasp - hessonite garnet and freshwater pearls ends.

 Magenta, black and navy handwoven silk ribbon with sterling silver adjustable clasp and ends.

 

 Handwoven silk ribbon and pearl necklace - hand knotted freshwater pearls and lemon quartz.

 Handwoven silk ribbon with freshwater pearls and tourmalated quartz beads - hand knotted.

Happy New Year - Is it really 2014?

I like to write, but with jewellery I mostly just make it then see what happens. If I am happy with what I have made, then I send it out and see how it is received by customers - old and new - then I decide what to do next. The next is usually refining and defining a new line that will reflect past work yet excite me and others enough to keep me at it. Otherwise the choice is to go get another job; which I have done in the past and have enjoyed because there is a world out there after all, and it is filled with brilliant creative people and I want to know them and to see what they are doing and making.

So. This year I will write and share with you; stories that I have written or things that I have seen that inspire me. Things outside of my jewellery world that I want you to know about like my friend Eleanor Albanese's short film that I worked on and which has been a wonderful experience here in Northern Ontario. Oh and there will likely be jewellery to go along with this film titled - "Under The Pearl Moon" - how could I not ask Eleanor to let me return to my past where I worked as a set dresser in Vancouver - for that title. 

 What I saw through the lens of cinematographer Dave Clement, through the words and vision of Eleanor, through the performances of the actors, and through the dedication of the many who worked on and who believe in this film...well it will be a beautiful film. Since the filming we have lost one of the main actors and Eleanor's dear friend Jennifer Garrett. I knew her briefly and she was an artistic force that at first overwhelmed me then invited me into a brief but lovely friendship. She will be missed by many.

My next post will include images from the filming and from the sound track recording with original music composed by Lise Vaugeois and performed by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Lucky me was there taking photos.

Jewellery...right. I have some new stuff and I am happy. I have not stopped squishing plants but am also  making 3D flowers. Textured with silk taffeta and hand formed into flowers and leaves. I am having fun and it may show.

Full Bloom - Ribbon Rose Pendant - sterling silver, pearl, lemon quartz  (4inches long)

 Full Bloom Earrings - sterling silver, sapphire, pearl

  Fleur de Lys Earrings - pure and sterling silver, peridot, pearl

 

Ribbon Rose Earrings - sterling silver, tourmaline slices

  

Wild Flower Earrings - pure and sterling silver, green tourmaline, iolite, seed pearls, amethyst

 

My best to all. You inspire me.

Marianne

Begin Again!

                              

Well it has been a year since my last post....how did that happen! In the new building and still renovating the living space and studio. Reminded of the wonderful photo shoot for the web site - cannot wait to do that again. It was spring then and now a hint of spring here with dreams of the lake opening up and the trees budding.

A new camera and new computer and two new galleries....news soon!

Look for flowers - check out Pinterest!

Marianne       

 Bamboo - faceted citrine - silk

    Emily - farm photo shoot - Nik West Photography

   

                                                                Lake Superior

Contrast

Just spent a week walking around Toronto. So much to see and do. Culture, fashion, architecture. Getting back to my jeweller's bench with images and ideas to translate into gold and silver.
Back on the shore of Lake Superior a rock that I had to see again, and luckily found before the snow covered it once more. A perfect heart of black stone set in granite.


Facade on Yonge Street - reflection of a tree in bud

Heart rock on Lake Superior

Enjoy spring!

Marianne

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

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

Mixed Up Pearls

perfectly bridal - sterling silver swan clasp ( periwinkle silk )

Does a strand of pearls all have to be the same?

For some time I have thought not, but didn't know quite how to approach the idea. This past week I pulled out all the pearl strands and all the colours of knotting silk and went for it.
Composing, editing, making clasps, knotting. Random is not so easy for me.

A classic strand of pearls is a beautiful thing, this is something different.

Freshwater pearls have changed how we think of pearls. Their cost not as great as Japanese Akoya or South Sea. So why not mix it up a bit and have some fun.

all mixed up 18 " - sterling silver swan clasp ( rust silk )



all mixed up II 16" - sterling silver swan clasp ( silver silk )


These are only the beginning. I think that it is finally spring.

Have fun planting flowers.

Marianne

The Shape of Spring

The double love Hydrangea pendant found itself sitting in the wooden dapping block made for me by Robert. A soft piece of kid leather from an old button glove laid over and under to protect the delicate imprints from the hammer. A few gentle blows and it was done.
Should the Clover take on a new shape too?

Waiting for small leaves and spring.

Warm greetings to all.

Marianne

Double Love

I did get a few hearts made in time for Valentine's Day, but more importantly I have been reminded what a lovely and flattering shape this is to wear.

The new Flora "Double Love" pendants - inspired by Chinese coins and the Chinese New Year - are leaf printed on both sides, making them reversible.
A small square window allows the handmade silk cord to pass through easily, and to be changed. I am loving using the brighter colours of silk for these. Pearls, no pearls, then back to my classic steel ( which seems to be my favourite colour still ).

Some have images that relate to each other like "Forest" ( not shown ) - two plants from a beautiful hike near Courtenay BC.

Showing the reverse side of the pieces above.

Wild Rose - new and mature leaves - sold
Meadow Rue - small and large leaves
Hydrangea - two blossoms from a common stem - sold



More to come, as well as new shapes. I am still working on those.....
I will keep you posted!

Marianne

Pearls With a Twist

For the past few weeks I have been hand knotting pearls on coloured silk. Some years ago I was taught proper knotting techniques by Myra Waller who owned Waller Antiques in Victoria. I had something in mind but couldn't quite visualize what I wanted to do. I have always loved a traditional strand of pearls and thought ....why not knot the pearls using a contrasting colour of silk?
So I have begun. Using a slightly heavier weight of silk, a subtle hint of colour shows between the pearls. White pearls on black, blue on green....only the beginning. Hand made clasp - a simple ribbon textured hook. One strand hooked into the next for a longer or double strand. The new year will see time to design new clasps and a front closing pendant clasp.
I still love winding the Silk necklaces. Both pearls and silk feel so nice on the neck; especially in the winter. Warm.

grey pearls on grass green silk


natural multi-coloured pearls on steel silk with oxidized silver clasp


opera length Silk (shown doubled ) on dark silver silk


Off to the studio. More snow coming.

Enjoy your holidays.

Marianne

The Season

It seemed time to change the image at the top of my blog once again. Though I am here in Northern Ontario I still feel attached to the home that I left on Vancouver Island, and this is where most of my photos have been taken. Though I have returned to the town where I was born, I still feel rooted to my island home. Perhaps my camera can help me visualize my attachment to the place, as it has shown me my attachment to the people here.


amazing November sky


My new studio is coming along and I am very excited about moving in. A funny old building that used to be a print shop, which is fitting considering my love of paper and the printing process. It is not pretty yet...but it will be.

A few new designs have sprung from my hands this season. Here they are. The ribbon spheres are looking for a holiday party....The sideways earrings a modern twist on classic shapes which swing into view with movement. The bracelets - both oval and round in curvy shapes with a bit of "stretch" in the overlap.


ribbon spheres with iolite


sideways - iolite and amethyst


sideways - textured overlap bangle


Off to the studio....brrrrr.

Wishing you all a warm holiday season.

Marianne

Taiji Brand Group

Taiji Brand Group has a new web site and has graciously featured my site under "Work". Thank you, and congratulations on a beautiful site.
Having the support of Caroll Taiji and the Taiji Brand Group has helped me immensely. The model photo shoot still a clear and fabulous memory. Working alone in the studio most days leaves me craving creative interaction, and I certainly had a full day of it with Caroll and Nik West the photographer.
I hope that the spring will see me working with them again to update the images on the site.

Please take a look at their web site at taiji.ca

Along with the web site Caroll designed my product cards and my new business cards. I love fine paper and what a treat it was working with Gord Wright at Hemlock Printing.

Hiring professionals whose work you admire is always worth it.

my new business cards


jewellery hang tags

Thank you!

Marianne

Music, The Road, Rings

Larry Coryell

south of Little Bighorn Montana


Having just returned from a road trip filled with music and road food I am happily back in my studio and rings seem to be on my mind.
The drive north from Telluride Colorado was spectacular and had me musing on the need for our brains to take in new vistas and to hear new things. I have a few new heroes musically - hearing Hiromi playing with the Stanley Clarke Band, and seeing Larry Coryell were both highlights for me.
So many miles and so much to take in. I am once again charged with peoples creativity and nature's magnificence.
I wonder where this will take me?

Marianne

ribbon rings...by the inch

jasmine ring - for sale at Mysteria Gallery,Regina Saskatchewan


licorice fern ring with 24k -for sale at Mysteria Gallery, Regina Saskatchewan

Spring

Spring has arrived. The gardens are beautiful.
Small leaves, jewels of garnet, iolite , peridot, amethyst and of course ...pearls. New earrings.
Pendants of outline Hydrangea or an abstract image of leaves.

Next.....bracelets. Arms warmed by thoughts of summer.







These pieces are available at Northern Lights Gallery in Thunder Bay.

A warm spring to all.

Marianne