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

Mysteria Gallery in Regina Saskachewan

I am happy to let my customers know that Mysteria Gallery in Regina is now carrying my work. Take a look at : mysteria.ca
A fresh presentation of fine art, fine jewellery, and fine craft in a restored heritage building on 13th Avenue.
Thank you to the owners of Mysteria ; Marlo Gebhardt and Chad Jacklin.

Marianne