New Jewelry

Well, I've done it. I finally completed a few projects worthy of the title of metalsmithing. It's been a tough learning process. Here is a sapphire and sterling silver ring for your viewing pleasure:

I also made a feather ring and one pretty petite band with patina:

Until next time...

Working on New Designs

Busy in the studio today creating, creating, creating! Finally, back to work...

Getting perfect natural light is proving the biggest challenge. We have only a few windows in this dark little cabin. The fresh snow helps reflect some light into the house. I can't wait for spring sunshine, though.

Well, here's a look at a few items soon to be in the shop:

I just wanted to quickly share the way this packaging turned out for my latest order. I layered some paper flower cutouts, glued on a rhinestone center and made a ribbon stem. Simple little embellishments to spice up an otherwise ordinary gold cardboard jewelry box. Topped off the package with a pretty delicate ribbon bow. Each package comes complete with a handmade thank you card with a personal message inside (as well as cutouts for my business card!). I like the results but I am still on the hunt for the most beautiful packaging. Flickr has some inspirations. I might play around with some other ideas. I have an ungodly assortment of old buttons and raffia which I really should put to use.

Well, have a wonderful Labor Day weekend everyone! Be safe. We are staying indoors as Tahoe traffic on a holiday weekend is suicide. We went hog-wild and rented a movie. So, we are all set.

Domestic Violence

A friend wrote me today to tell me she is leaving her husband due to some domestic violence issues. She wants to protect her children so she is moving away from him as soon as she can. I feel powerless to help her other than sending my her my love and offering emotional support during this difficult transition.

This news of domestic violence hits quite a nerve for me. I really want to finish a degree in Women's Studies as this type of violence disproportionately effects women worldwide. My family and I have faced this very same issue in our lives. I even lost a babysitter when I was a little girl when Darcy's ex killed her and stuffed her in the trunk of a car abandoned in an empty field. The murder left her young son orphaned. That may be a dramatic example, but a necessary visual which, I think, serves the point that violence directed toward women is serious. As serious as death. I am scared for my friend.

So, I brainstormed a way I could help my friend and ultimately help others facing leaving domestic violence situations. For now, I am making silk flower accessories to sell in my Etsy shop as a first step. One-hundred percent of the sales of these flowers will go directly to my friend and hopefully, upon further research, to a reputable agency helping women in need. This issue is near and dear to my heart. I hope that my contribution will be of some help. If anyone out in the web world has ideas for me, please let me know. At this point I only have my creativity and a stash of random craft supplies at my disposal.

Here is an example of what I think I will make. This particular flower is actually for sale at Olibella and not part of the charity. Others like the one pictured below will be in my shop shortly. Thanks for reading, I hope this issue hits home for you as well. Blessings!

Silk Flower Hair Clip

Zombie Mama

I am not really getting much done these days. I can't pinpoint a specific reason except that I am just tired. Isabella has been waking up about four times a night for comfort I guess. Then around 4:30 a.m. she is up and ready to go. We keep talking about getting her on some sort of schedule. That will be the day.

I did manage to make a few pairs of earrings for my Etsy shop.

Cloud Watching - Freshwater Pearl and Kyanite Gemstone Earrings

Petals - Pink Lilac Chalcedony Earrings

Fuchsia Blooms - Purple Chalcedony and Hot Pink Wire Earrings

I started filling up my sketch book with more designs too. I have my best ideas in the bathtub. 'Course the hot steam sometimes blurs the ink. I hope to make my sketches into tangible pieces soon. Hopefully, I can get some adequate rest. Or, I might just turn into an actual zombie. That could get interesting.

Here's wishing you some quiet time. Peace. <3

Olibella

Time now to promote my newest creative endeavour: Olibella.etsy.com

Olibella is a handmade hair clip and accessory boutique for girls of all ages. The shop is run by my friend, Agnieszka, and me. Though my role is more of a moral supportive one, I have been working steadfast on some new items in order to reap the rewards, I mean, pull my weight. Julylamoon will stay my main focus as jewelry is my passion, however. I just thought it would be fun to expand into the world of hair flair.

Right now we are in the beginning stages of setting up shop and listing items. Agnieszka spent the last two months busily making items for Olibella during a recent visit with her family in Poland. While she worked away, I busily sat in front of a pile of ribbons and rhinestones just daydreaming. Someday my daydreams will pay off big time. Just you wait. It is gonna be good.

Until then, please feel free to stop by and have a look at our, ahem, mostly her, okay all her creations. Many of the handmade felt embellishments are one of a kind and exclusive to Olibella. We would love to have you stop by even if just for a look.

p.s. To all my loyal followers, all two of you, get pumped for an upcoming blog giveaway! I had intended to have a giveaway sooner than now but, that would have required I blog more often than on a whim.