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