Featured Artist - Eclectic by Taylor Twig

This week's featured artist couldn't be more adorable! Taylor Twigg makes very delicate and colourful jewelry from sterling silver and paper!

My favourite are these forget-me-not earrings; it's such a beautiful shade of blue that goes so perfectly with the silver. There are also rings in the same style!

Forget-me-not Earrings

This necklace captures the movement of a tree blowing in the wind so clearly and has such fresh charm.

Lemon Grove Tree Necklace

And there are earrings in the same style!

Lime Grove Tree Earrings

They aren't all flowers and leaves, there are more abstract pieces like this adorable bubbles necklace.

Bubbles Necklace

I want to leave you with the slightly bolder style of these earrings. The larger sections give a less delicate, but no less beautiful, feel.

Poppy Earrings

Do you know of a unique and beautiful jewelry artist that I should know about? Leave a link in the comments if you do.

Inspiration - Spooky

Ok, last week I tried to look at a less obvious side of autumn but today's inspiration post is shamelessly Halloween related.

We'll start with a suitably spooky (yet also beautiful) design seed and a surprisingly varied, muted colour palette.

spooky tones from Design Seeds

To make up for such an obvious topic I've used a slightly less traditional colour scheme for the treasury - I picked out the black, red and teal from the design seed.  I'm quite pleased with the result, I hope it inspires you somehow :)

Spooky Treasury on Etsy

As always, please share in the comments anything you make or find, inspired by this post.

Featured Artist - Barron Design Studio

I realise it's been a while since I wrote a 'Featured Artist' post but I haven't forgotten about them! In fact I'm going to try and start posting one every week (dependent on if I can find a unique enough artist).

Anyway, this week its Barron Design Studio

I was instantly struck when I saw this piece and it's what drew me into the store in the first place. You know how much I love copper and if you've read a few of my 'Inspiration' posts you've probably gathered that I love the outdoors too!

Hammered Copper Oak Leaf Necklace

I love this adorable ring. The mixed metals work really well to highlight and bring warmth to the rose bud. I also love the unique way its been made adjustable. I try to avoid buying jewelry because I hardly ever get the chance to wear something not made by me but I might have to make an exception for this!

Adjustable Handcut Rose Ring

I can't resist flowers as cute and delicate as these. I love the way the post isn't a standard, short post with a butterfly, instead its a long stem so it looks like you actually picked a flower and poked it through your ear.

Sterling Silver Hammered Flower Earrings

If you're looking for something a little more unique, here is a design I haven't seen anywhere else. It's still flower inspired and just as delicate but not quite as cutesy. I really like the shape those 3 petals make.

Ma Petite Fleur Amethyst Earrings

If you know of any unique jewelry artists that I should feature, please let me know in the comments or on twitter (@embergrass), I'd love to hear from you :)

Inspiration - Sunshine

We are experiencing a few rare, hot days here in San Francisco and my thoughts have turned, almost exclusively, to working out how I can maximise my time outdoors! I wanted to, briefly, bring some of that gorgeous sunshine inside and to everyone else as well so I have made another treasury - Sunshine.

Sit back and feel the sunshine warming you from head to toe and soak in that vitamin D, enjoy :)

Asymmetric Necklaces

Has anyone else noticed that lately the trend in necklaces is increasingly towards asymmetric designs?

Asymmetry has been seen for a while in items like torcs and chokers, which sit high on the neck and are usually rigid. This elven-style bridal torc is a stunning example.

Bridal Torc by ElnaraNiall

More recently slightly longer and more flexible designs have started to feature asymmetry. The major design trend seems to be to place the focal point of the necklace to one side and then have the chain continue down and around. Often the lowest part of the necklace will be beaded as well.
Here are 3 very different examples of this style of design:

Denise Jewelry Designs

Knobbly

Spiderella Studio

Another asymmetric trend is to have one length of chain or design continue down after the 2 have met in the middle. Often a dangle of some kind is placed on the end.

Here are a few beautiful examples:

Forevermore Creations

Also from Forevermore Creations

Le Collezione

An experiment in soldering a flower resulted in a focal piece I decided would lend itself perfectly to the 2nd style of necklace. A few golden Citrine beads later and I produced this summery piece:

The flower is made from six individual copper petals soldered together. I added some gold tone wire wrap around the centre to represent pollen and to add some contrast. However, since I made it I have decided that the flower is too large for the necklace and that I can do a better job on the soldering since I've had some more practise. So I'm going to remake the flower and then I will be listing this on Etsy, look out for it :)

Inspiration - Peru

Well I'm back! The secret destination turned out to be Peru and my husband had lined up an amazing series of activities and tours in an already-stunning country. My favourite parts were Cusco and the Urubamba Valley and, of course, Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas

The Quechua culture is still very strong in the Andean Mountains and there was a wealth of handcrafted products in the local styles. The rainbow was very important to the Incas and it is still represented on the Quechua flag and in the brightly-coloured textiles of the traditional clothing.

Quechua people selling traditional wares

Many precious metals and gemstones are also found in Peru so its hardly surprising that jewelry is readily available as well.

Handmade Peruvian Earrings from Piruugax

This style is typical - intricate designs with many wirework parts, a gemstone focal centre and lots of hammered dangles.

Handmade Peruvian Earrings from Piruugax

The curved section seen below the purple stone is also a common feature of Peruvian jewelry - several pieces of flat or twisted wire or sometimes chain, clamped side by side with flat metal strips.

As always for an inspiration topic, I made an Etsy treasury. Many of these items are from Peru, the others are in the same style or just fit the theme. I tried to find brightly coloured items but even so, this treasury doesn't quite represent the vibrance of true Peruvian crafts.

Birthstones

Gemstone picture from yourbellalife.com

Birthstone jewelry is always a popular gift, especially for people who happen to like their birthstone gem. For people with the unenviable responsibility of finding a gift for someone they don't really know, birthstone jewelry is a fairly safe option but one that does indicate at least some level of thought has gone into choosing (unless it is a birthday present!)

I imagine most women could tell you their birthstone if you asked, they could probably also tell you the stone for some of their friends and relatives birth months. If they have an expensive birthstone (looking at you, April!) they would probably also be able to list an accepted alternative as well.
What I expect most women don't know is that there are actually several accepted birthstone lists from different cultures and times in history. There are also stones assigned to different signs of the zodiac and different days of the week, great news if you aren't too keen on the stone for your month.

Bloodstone beads from Ozmay Designs

Ancient Tibetan culture has provided us with one list of stones, usually known as the Mystical set. Little more is known about them.

Ancient Indian medicine also lists a series of birthstones - the Ayurvedic list - in which each stone was believed to promote certain types of healing

There are also Biblical references to birthstones - a complete list of stones in Roman calendar order is listed in Revelations.

Apparently the tradition of wearing birthstones originated in Poland, where it was believed each stone's power was heightened during its month and therefore you were supposed to own all twelve and wear each during the correct month.

Garnet beads from SevenColorBeads

January


Garnet is almost universally listed as the stone for January and also for Aquarius, the exception being the Mystical list which lists Emerald instead. Rose Quartz can also be used.
Garnet is said to promote strength, perseverance, prosperity and health, whereas Rose Quartz is for love and forgiveness

Garnet is also the stone for Tuesday.

Amethyst beads from BackGard

February

Again, there is a strong consensus for Amethyst being the stone for Feburary and also for Pisces. The Mystical system lists Bloodstone instead but Onyx, Hyacinth, Pearl and Moonstone are acceptable alternatives from some sources.

Amethyst is said to promote wisdom, spirituality and security and Onyx, relaxation and comfort.

Aquamarine beads from Piratcha

March

Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March but Ayurvedic medicine lists Bloodstone, the Mystical system lists Jade and the Bible lists Jasper. Bloodstone is also the stone for Aries.

Aquamarine is for beauty, honesty, loyalty and happiness, Bloodstone for endurance.

Quartz crystal from BitsofBrilliance

April

Diamond is the modern stone for April, with natural Quartz as a cheaper alternative, but Sapphire is considered equally under the Ayurvedic system and is the stone listed in Revelations as well. The Mystical list (different, as always) gives Opal as the appropriate stone.

Sapphire is also the stone for Taurus.

Diamond and Quartz have similar powers - Diamond for invincibility, clarity, purity and eternal love, Quartz for balance, clarity and energy.

Diamond is also the stone for Friday and Sapphire 

the stone for Saturday.

Emerald beads by phelsuma

May

Emerald is the modern stone for May, other traditions list Agate, Sapphire, Chrysoprase and Beryl.

Emerald is said to promote patience, understanding and foresight, Chrysoprase promotes fertility and secrecy

Emerald is also the stone for Wednesday and for star-sign Cancer

Moonstone beads by Love of Jewelry

June

Even the modern list can't decide on a single stone for June, listing both Moonstone and Pearl, both of which are equally represented in traditional lists as well. Alexandrite, Opal and Agate are also accepted in some traditions.

Alexandrite and Moonstone are both to promote balance, Alexandrite is also for confidence and joy, whereas Moonstone is also for luck. Pearl is said to be for modesty, purity, beauty and happiness.

Agate is also the stone for Gemini and Pearl is the stone for Monday.

Ruby beads from Sapphire Garden Beads

July

Ruby is almost universally accepted as the birthstone for July, with Carnelian being listed as a cheaper alternative. Turquoise and Onyx are also mentioned.

Ruby is said to encourage love, success and integrity, Carnelian is for luck and safety.

Ruby is also the stone for Sunday and Capricorn. Onyx is the stone for Leo.

Peridot beads from Acorn Alley

August

Peridot is the modern birthstone for August  but it seems each culture has a different stone for this month - Sardonyx, Carnelian, Moonstone, Topaz, Diamond, Sapphire and Jade are all listed.

Peridot is said to be for fame, dignity, protection and success.

Peridot is also the stone for Libra, with Carnelian the stone for Virgo.

Sapphire beads from DesignsByDevlin

September

Another contentious month - Sapphire is the modern stone and Lapis the cheaper alternative for it but Chrysolite, Agate and Moonstone are listed by traditional sources.

Sapphire is for truth, sincerity, commitment and loyalty. Lapis is for understanding and protection.

Sapphire is also the stone for Saturday.

Tourmaline beads from Love of Jewelry

October

Most sources list Opal as the stone for October, though the modern list gives equal precedence to Tourmaline. Jasper and Aquamarine are also listed in some sources.

Opal is said to promote hope, faith and confidence, Tourmaline is for balance, endurance and safety.

Beryl is the stone for Scorpio.

Citrine beads from sandykidd

November

Topaz is the most widely accepted stone for November and also for Sagittarius, though the modern list includes Citrine and some traditional lists say Pearl.

Topaz is for strength, wisdom and courage. Citrine is for hope, cheerfulness, youth and fidelity.

Topaz is also the stone for Thursday.

Turquoise beads by BackGard

December

Turquoise and blue Topaz are the modern stones for this month but traditional lists say Ruby, Onyx, Bloodstone and Tanzanite.

Turquoise is said to encourage new possibilities and happiness.

Ruby is the stone for Capricorn

My birthstone is Emerald and green has never been my favourite colour. Blue, on the other hand, has always been high on my choice of colours so I was happy to find out that Sapphire is not only an alternative but also the stone for my star-sign and birthday! What do you think about birthstones? Are you happy with yours? Have you found an alternative you like in this post? Or do you just not bother about your stone, instead sticking with the stones you like best?

Designs - Fresh Cut Grass

I posted an inspiration page on Fresh Cut Grass a while back and today I wanted to share my results of that post. Despite getting so many green beads through, my inspiration was limited, I guess it was all being channeled into circles!

I started with a simple change to an existing piece. I recreated my Honey Drop Earrings but instead of using Honey Jade for the beads, I used some of my newly-arrived Peridot Nuggets.

The Emerald Chips I ordered did inspire me to create something new, again a very simple style. I loved the look of them stacked on top of each other and, yes, I did bring in a circle!

I designed this to be a long necklace because that's the style I prefer, a style that is very popular at the moment and because it suits the style of the necklace itself better. I also made a pair of matching earrings - a simple stack of Emerald Chips on a long section of copper chain. I will be listing all three of these items in my Etsy shop soon.

Circles

My most recent circle project
in progress

Since I got my blowtorch and started soldering I have become a little obsessed with circles.

There is just something so attractive about rustic hammered circles. Different sizes, the same size, large, small, dangling or in links.

Bubble Bracelet

It started with the bubble set which uses a combination of small circles and tiny jump rings, not to mention the spherical beads.

Circles Necklace

I couldn't leave it there, I had to create this necklace with even more different sizes of circle.







I'm always trying to create unique designs for bangles as so many follow the same 3 or 4 styles. Enter the circles... again.

Circles Bangle

This bangle is designed to match the circles necklace above, though I left out the chain. I love the way it turned out but unfortunately, even though the wire was hammered before and after soldering, it's too flexible to be durable enough to wear often. I'm hoping to get a rotary tumbler soon so I can harden pieces like this but until I do you will have to wait to buy this dramatic bangle :)

I thought that was quite enough circles and I resolved to move onto something else but I just couldn't stay away. I did stick to something a lot simpler though. I want to make more wire-only pieces which use coloured wire to add vibrance and these cute earrings are the first in an attempt to branch that way and will be on Etsy soon. Look out for more brightly coloured jewelry coming soon, possibly even some without any circles in!

Inspiration - Snow Melt

I hope you enjoyed my last inspiration post on Valentines day. I'm still working on a few more items relating to it but I decided to post up a new theme anyway.


Living in San Francisco I tend to forget that, for most places across the northern hemisphere, spring is still not yet here. My latest inspiration post is about appreciating the beauty of winter whilst looking forward to spring. That in between stage when the snow starts to melt and the weather warms up a little but it still looks and feels decidedly wintery.

Spirit Helpers

I have made an Etsy treasury with pieces inspired by snow and ice, focusing on deep blue and bright turquoise and beautiful crystals.

Filigree Photos

Frozen water can take on so many forms and colours, the inspiration is endless. Soft, powdery white snow becomes amazing intricate crystals under a microscope.

Eva Ricci

Frozen pools can be the deepest darkest shades of blue or the brightest white and everything in between. Dramatic, sharp lines and bold colours are just as easily replaced with soft, subtle shades and blurred edges.



You can take this in whatever direction you choose, the challenge lies only in deciding!