What's New at Rickie Voges Designs

Not more Knots!!!

2011-06-04T18:49:00.001-07:00

Something different--a knotted necklace that is close to choker length with a pendant centerpiece. I've used a beautiful agate slab with green copper colored druzy edging combined with peacock pearls--it's a yummy combination and looks great on. All knotted on #8 weight silk cord.

Yes, I'm afraid so--seems I'm knot crazy (not crazy?!?) these days. Since we're still wandering around in limbo, knotting supplies take up a minimum of space. I find knotting therapeutic--giving me an outlet for my creativity.
This is my first try at earrings knotted on silk cord. These wonderful mother of pearl nuggets seemed to lend themselves perfectly to the dangle-y style.
Ohhh...a triple length (51") coin pearl necklace that can be worn long, doubled or even tripled for three great looks. The color didn't come thru so well in this picture, but they are a soft minty green with an irridescent/opalescent quality that catches the light beautifully.
Next I tried a triple strand necklace with the lovely natural mother of pearl nuggets that glow and shimmer with the swarovski crystals that cushion each stone. Shortest strand is 16", the longest is 20". I love this look.
Black Onyx ovals cushioned with black diamond swarovski bicones can be worn as a single long 36" strand or doubled for a dramatic statement .
I should have brightened this photo a little more--this little double strand bracelet is such wonderful colors--lime, navy, bronze and peacock opalescent coin and mid-sized fresh water pearls are knotted for a light and breezy bracelet you will barely know is there.

Lots of variety and experimentation keep me a happy gal.

What's the World Coming Too???

2011-05-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, did you fall off your chair--two posts in one week! I was so inspired working with Judy's beads that I've decided to put three new listings in my estsy store. Two of my gemstone necklaces strung on silk cord and knotted that are long enough to double as a two strand or wear opera length at 36". This first piece is delightfully whimsical with multi-shaped gemstones of all variety---peridot, aquamarine, garnet,carnelian, rose quartz, smokey quartz,turquoise and freshwater pearls to name a few.
Then there is this one, with turquoise briolettes. These necklaces are wonderful to layer together as well. The turquoise necklace has a sterling toggle clasp, and the multi-gemstone has a vermeil toggle.
Love this 39" lariat made with faceted labradorite rondells that have been wirewrapped with sterling silver into a gemstone chain and finished off with two beautiful champaign colored freshwater pearls. Quite the statement on.

Working hard....or hardly working.....

2011-05-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

In spite of the fact that I continue to be a mostly 'absentee landlord' of this blog space...and contrary to the popular opinion that I have fallen off the face of the earth...I'm back for another hit and miss update. After 7 weeks tending to my mother as she recovered from her pelvic fractures, I continued my 'time out' while I joined my husband in the Palm Springs area where he has been working on a project for the past several weeks.
I brought along a smattering of my jewelry supplies, in case the mood struck me, but without a good camera and some motivation they stayed packed away in their suitcase--until I heard from Judy Carlson of Jujee beads with an invitation to participate again this spring in her Scuba Show at Long Beach. Intrigued, I agreed to try my hand after an all too long layoff...wondering if I still remembered what to do and how to do it.
Thanks to a pandora's box full of inspiring lampwork, I've been crazily creating for the last 10 days or so and having so much fun, I'm really sorry to be finished and ready to ship the finished designs back to her.
I'd almost forgotten how much I love playing with my little treasures. As you can see, I still don't have my best camera or editing program to show off my little designs to their best advantage...
but I still wanted to share with you a sample of my handiwork and say, I'm not finished forever. Although at the price of sterling silver these days, I'm mighty glad to have a sizable stash to draw from...and wondering how to ever restock when I run out! Everything here is off in the mail tomorrow.
and that's a good thing. We are leaving the desert the end of the week, so it's time to clean up, pack up and leave for the next adventure.
Here's hoping it doesn't take me so long to dig out my suitcase full of goodies again...but no promises, just taking it one day at a time.....

Lost in Life

2011-03-03T09:00:00.001-08:00

Over two months and not a peep!!! It wasn't intended, but life really got in the way this winter. First the holidays and lots of family time, then business travel and for the past little while I'm tending my mother who fractured her pelvis in three places and is just beginning to slowly recover after three weeks in the hospital. I was blessed to be in a position to come and help tend to her needs and will probably be here another couple of weeks trying my best to be a good nurse, pt, ot and companion...so it will be awhile before there is blog time again. An extra moment made me think that I've been so neglectful of the blog and many other things..but this is the 'spare time' of my life and my priorities take me elsewhere for awhile. Hugs to those of you who have been wondering where I am...happy, healthy and serving where I'm needed right now. I'll be back for chats one of these days soon.

A Perfect Way to Start December

2010-12-01T21:31:00.001-08:00

Remembering the REASON FOR THE SEASON...

Over the River and Thru the Woods...

2010-11-27T09:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, we're off on another adventure to see family and friends. Tomorrow morning we leave the comfort of our little beach house and start across the country to C.O.L.D. I've dug out my cashmere sweaters and felted jackets, (where are those darn fur lined leather gloves) and we're off to winter for the next few weeks to see some of the people we love the most and enjoy the holidays in a whole new way! This is usually my crazy time of year with parties to plan, decorations to fret over and baking galore, but we're trying something new this most unusual year and I'll let you know how I like it...or not! hugs, hugs, happy holidays and lots of love and joy to you and yours!!!

Black Friday

2010-11-26T13:46:00.001-08:00

Are you out and about chasing the sales or home recovering from all the fun and family yesterday? Here's a little something I just added to my etsy store...a pendant from Manuela Wutschke with a beautiful Peruvian Opal nugget as the finishing touch. Today is the final day of my websale in my etsy store if you're looking to snag a bargain! http://www.rickitic.etsy.com/

I'm definitely NOT out chasing the sales...this is not my favorite shopping day...I like to search out my bargains throughout the year and I'm not good at getting up a o'dark thirty for a chance at a deal. Hat's off to those dedicated souls out there who do, I'm just not motivated enough!!!

I love this pendant and the gold rolo chain it is hung from...I might have to keep it if someone doesn't snag it soon!

Oh, for you bargain hunters out there, check out the destash lampwork beads in my vintage/ destash store--- http://www.allweneedislove.etsy.com/ I'm downsizing a few of my treasures--someone else needs to enjoy them and make them sing!

Happy Black Friday, have a wonderful weekend, will you have any cash left for Cyber Monday? Now, go have some leftovers while they're still tasty and fresh! Everyone to the kitchen for a slice of pumpkin pie, smothered in whipped cream of course!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:26:00.001-08:00

To set aside a national day of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Almighty---that was in the proclamation by Abraham Lincoln sent forth to set aside the fourth Thursday of November as what we now call Thanksgiving. Most of us spend the day with family and friends at a wonderful feast of food and love and friendship...lots of us spend the day cheering on our favorite football team...but how many of us reflect on this wonderful land of liberty bought for us at such a dear price by our forefathers. Would we be willing to make the same sacrifices for our children and grandchildren. I hope so, I pray so. Can I take a moment today to give thanks, to count my blessings--I'm sure to be surprised at how many I have when starting to reflect on them. I'm taking a moment to praise the Almighty, give service, and tell those near and dear that I love them--look at my cup as half full, rather than half empty and fill it up to the brim with gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends and thank you for enriching my life!

NEPTUNE'S RETREAT

2010-11-24T12:38:00.000-08:00

These fabulous lampwork beads by Manuela Wutschke have been staring at me for a very long time. I'd take them out and play with them...rearrange them, think about them, admire them..then put them away. Nothing that I did with them every pleased me...nothing seemed to be right....

They are wonderful hand formed shapes and loaded with incredible detail--all of Manuela's bead are and if you've followed me very long you know she is at the top of my list of favorite lampwork artists.

As you see, I have finally finished them and I am so delighted with the way they came together yesterday when I once again started pulling and putting back, replacing and adjusting beads that might bring these stunning beauties together into a necklace that would make me happy. So I present to you my final, finished, fabulous necklace--Neptune's Retreat, in honor of the inspiration here at my little beach house by the sea.

Without Further Ado:

2010-11-23T12:00:00.001-08:00

And this bodacious stash of artisan lampwork goes to...

BECKY F!!! Congratulations Becky, please send me an email with your shipping address. Since I have no way of getting in touch with you (no links to an email or website for you) please let me know before Friday. Enjoy all the pretty beads---make them sing and send pictures of something you make, too!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas....

2010-11-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

...around here anyway! Yes, I dug into my stash of Christmas lampwork today and started playing with some of my forgotten treasures.Here's a fun little charm bracelet--Hawaiian Holiday with a vacationing polar bear in hula attire--primary lampwork by Jena Fulcher, on a sterling silver chain.

My 'Santa's Little Helper' necklace features an adorable lampwork cat in Santa hat by Amy Caswell with additional artisan lampwork on a sterling silver chain.

Last but not least a simple necklace 'Jolly Holly Christmas' featuring a lampwork pendant by Jena Fulcher embellished with rhodolite garnets on an oxidized sterling silver chain.

It's time to get in the spirit of the holidays---ready or not here it comes!!!!

One More Day....

2010-11-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Going.....going...... Tomorrow's the drawing of this lush bag of lampwork stash...leave a comment to enter for this half pound of fun!

How to Use Your Beads...

2010-11-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a few questions lately about tutorials for jewelry construction, so since I'll be sending one of you a hefty stash bag of lampwork later this week, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite tutorials with the basics of stringing jewelry. It's one I found when I first started working with lampwork and it's still one of the easiest to follow. Maybe you're just starting or want to start designing your own jewelry--Julie's tutorial is a good starting point--it's where I started and you can see how I used her technic in the bracelet above.

Without further explanation, the tutorial is by Julie Ferguson of Fergie Beads. Here's the link to her website and the tut-- http://www.fergiebeads.com/ when you get there click on the tips and tutorial icon and click on the bracelet and bead dangle icon to go forthwith to the tutorial and everything you need to know about stringing a bracelet, or neclace for that matter---the technic is the same. Now, I don't know Julie, and nothing has been updated on the site for several years, but I do appreciate the great tutorial, with pictures and detailed explanation that most anyone can follow with beautiful results. A couple of caveats--she uses beadalon and I prefer soft touch by soft flex, in a medium to heavy weight for lampwork; fine or extra fine for gemstones. I think it drapes nicer and lays more softly on the wrist, but that is MY preference.

There are lots of great free tutorials out there---check utube, or just google what you are looking for and you'll be surprised at the plentitude of wonderful free information you can find.

************

Now leave a comment to get into the drawing for that bodacious bag of artisan lampwork I'm giving away--if you're a veteran or a newbie there's sure to be something in there that you're destined to love!

HOLIDAY SALE

2010-11-19T17:21:00.001-08:00

Stop by my etsy store this week for a very special sale that is going on--- www.rickitic.etsy.com
There's knotted necklaces on sale....

and knotted bracelets on sale....

lampwork and gemstones and silver and gold...

silk ribbons and pendants, but nothing that's old....

slabs of fine agate and so many pleasures...gifts that are sure to become precious treasures.

Enter code-- givethanks --in my etsy store at checkout for a 15% discount on everything November 19th thru 26th!

p.s. just a couple of more days to enter my drawing for a half pound of artisan lampwork beadies --just leave a comment to be entered to win!

Something Blue Thursday....

2010-11-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's another sneak peek from the stash bag drawing coming up on Tuesday.....there's lots more beads, but this will be your last tantalizing sneak peek--the rest is just going to be a surprise. S0me fabulous focals here!!! Leave a comment on this blog for an entry in the drawing for a half pound stash of artisan lampwork by several wonderful artists. This is a destash from my collection to you--they just need a little love to sing and I have hoarded them long enough--now it's your turn to do something wonderful with them! DRAWING TUESDAY November 23--comments welcomed!

Is it Wednesday Already...sneak peek and more...

2010-11-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Today's sneak peek features some very girly lampwork in black and pink from the stash bag drawing. Beautiful encased floral lentils and rounds with a couple of applied matching tiny beauties. These were all left from a couple of other projects---beautiful beads each, saved and treasured, now they just need the love to see the light of day. Here's a custom necklace that I just finished..seed beads, no less and a gorgeous jungle full of flowers where a beautiful red parrot can sing his heart out! It's the bright plumage that gives the gender away, lol. It was a fun departure from my typical work and I now have renewed respect for artisans that work with seed beads all the time---they are tiny and like to fly all over the place and all too often have a mind of their own, lol.

Happy Wednesday---leave a comment and enter the drawing for a half pound stash bag full of artisan lampwork of every size and color!

+++SNEAK PEEK TUESDAY+++

2010-11-16T10:57:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's 'Sneak Peek Tuesday" for the first look-see at what's in the drawing stash bag....it's a half pound of artisan lampwork that I'll be revealing a little more of each day...so post a comment to win this bodacious batch of artist goodies from my personal stash...drawing will be next Tuesday--November 23!!!!

p.s. new reveal/sneak peek tomorrow...in case you're curious....

ALL WE NEED IS LOVE DRAWING Nov. 15 thru Nov 22

2010-11-15T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the promised drawing in honor of Thanksgiving. It's something a little different---a little bag full of ARTISAN lampwork from my stash. Lots of fun odds and ends from sets plus several focals I've hoarded for much too long. Do you design with lampwork and want something new to try? Have you never made jewelry, but wanted to try your hand at something...here's your opportunity to play my way, risk free!

Once again all you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog between today and next Monday, November 22 and I'll be drawing a name to send these to on Tuesday November 23. Really, all these beauties need is just a little love to make them sing, and I'm ashamed to have hoarded them for so long--so we can both give thanks--I'm thankful to send them to a loving home and you can be thankful to receive them.

I'll do a reveal each day of some of the beads included in this drawing, so stop by to see what you can win!!!

Sunshine and lollipops...

2010-11-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

Or perhaps I should say orange drops. These luscious carnelian drops look good enough to eat. These cheerful little beads reflect my mood today and the weather outside. It's been a sunny and warm Sunday--with a clear blue sky, gentle waves lapping the sand, and a practically perfect summer-like day.

Yesterday was busy, today is a lazy day. After having my spirit fed as I attended church earlier, the rest of the day has been quietly spent enjoying the beauties of nature and reflecting on the wonderful blessings in my life. Today my little world is worry free...like Scarlett O'Hara...I'll think about what comes next...tomorrow.

Oh yes, this necklace is knotted on a silk cord, with tiny swarovski crystals cushioning each drop and finished off with a sterling clasp. At a generous 40" length, it can be a single strand or double strand necklace....or wrap it around your wrist for a 5 strand bracelet that is simply delicious!

Be sure to stop by all these wonderful blogs tomorrow---it's a group I belong to that did a Jewelry Swap and remake. I didn't get to participate this time, but I'm sure you're going to see some great ideas and beautiful jewelry here when they have the big reveal tomorrow!!!!

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/

Jen Velasquez http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/

Johanna Rhodes http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.com/

Laurel Steven http://laurelsteven.blogspot.com/

Loretta Carstensen http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/

Lori Anderson http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/

Marianna Boylan http://www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com/

Norma Turvey http://www.moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com/

Sharon Misuraco http://goinoffthebeadinpath.blogspot.com/

Stacey Curry http://starhitchedwagon.blogspot.com/

Tyne Bodenburg http://www.tynebodennecklaces.blogspot.com/

And the Winner is......

2010-11-13T11:09:00.001-08:00

Thanks to so many lovely comments I had quite a bowlful (couldn't find a hat this morning, except my husband's USC cap) to pull the winner from. So a big sincere thanks to each of you who stopped by my blog to offer your thoughts and comments--I'll be starting a new Thanksgiving drawing on Monday, so please try again if you missed out on this one!!!

I had a very reliable unbiased hand pull the winner out of the bowl.....and without further ado, you will see that the winner of the silk knotted bracelet is.....

SHARON of Off the Beadin' Path. Sharon, please send me an email at rspv@aol.com with your shipping address, so I can get this right off to you!

Thanks again to each of you for participating. Do check back on Monday for a new Thanksgiving drawing--this will be for next week only!

LAST CHANCE

2010-11-12T11:28:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is the drawing for this delightful amazonite bracelet--knotted on silk cord with swarovski crystals and a sterling toggle clasp. Just leave a comment and you're entered!

Check back tomorrow afternoon for the reveal! >^..^<

Yummy Coin Pearls

2010-11-10T13:17:00.001-08:00

REMEMBER FRIDAY IS THE DEADLINE TO ENTER MY DRAWING FOR AN AMAZONITE BRACELET!!! All you need to do is post a comment on the blog to be entered! I love the color of these coin pearls--opalescent olives and rusty browns shimmer and shine on this knotted silk cord. Tiny round ab crystals cradle each coin pearl with 4mm round pearls sprinkled among the coins. An elegant sterling toggle clasp completes the design.

After a bit of experimenting I decided on two glorious strands, each similar, with just a little difference. The shorter strand is 16" and the longer one is just under 18".

This rich warm color, may make this design my favorite yet...I guess I say that everytime I make something new lately...but there are so many choices that I am like a kid in a candy store and enjoying every moment. Back to work...back to play...

p.s. this layers perfectly with the grossular green garnet and pearl necklace in my etsy store.

Let me know what you're doing today--something that puts on smile on your face!

How to Begin an almost Perfect Day...

2010-11-09T10:04:00.001-08:00

I started my morning with this picture in my email of my precious grandson, with a greeting for "Grandma Hickie". The only thing that would have been better was to have him crawl up on my lap and give me a big fat baby kiss in person...but alas, from half way across the U.S. it's the best avaliable substitute today. Thank you children, for starting my day off with a smile on my lips and a song in my heart! And thank you, Heavenly Father for letting me live in this day of technology where I can receive such wonderful gifts from my most treasured loves!

How are you counting your blessings today?

Snow Angels and other winter dreams...

2010-11-08T17:07:00.001-08:00

It's only a tiny bit early to be thinking of snow angels. I clicked into my ebay account today and to the top it said 47 days to Christmas--tell me it ain't so!!!

Time to dig into my winter wardrobe, time to think about gifts and decorating and baking and all the fun things that kick start the winter holidays...and I'm caught totally off balance this year. Ah well, I went into my stash box and found some holiday beads just begging to be played with. This is the first--my little Snow Angel with some precious artisan lampwork beads by the fabulous ( and m.i.a. for sometime now) Barbara Gorko. She does the most whimsical, sweeeeet figural beads and flowers around. These have been sitting in my stash for awhile--the pink rosebuds one place and the precious snow angel another. They finally found one another and all it took was a chain and some icy moonstone marquise gemstones for a little winter whimsey to set me on the path.

I love the garland of roses around her head and feet, the pale pink buttons and her transparent blue wings...my little snow angel is definitely a girly girl--no doubt about it!

***don't forget to enter the drawing for an amazonite bracelet--every comment counts***

It's a Classic

2010-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

All comments will be included in my drawing on November 13 for a knotted amazonite bracelet. What is more classic than a knotted strand of pearls? I've made a few pearl necklaces in my time, but never before knotted a whooooole strand. It was past due and so these beautiful 8mm champagn pearls got 'the treatment'.

I wanted something long so I could wear them a couple of different ways---35" is the perfect length for a double strand and still short enough to wear as a single strand when I want it to look less classic. I think I'm going to try layering it with some of my silver pieces...or maybe gemstones.

It isn't perfect, I noticed when I'd finished that a couple of the knots weren't as tight as I'd hoped they would be, but by the end I was going to town, getting more consistent with my knots and gaining speed as well. All in all a great project and best of all now I have a classic to add to my jewelry box!

And the Answer is.....

2010-11-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comments. I loved hearing how you approach design and what choices you would make, and I really appreciate your taking the time to think about my question and give me your input. So, here's where my ideas took me--- After much consideration, it came down to the wonderful sterling forged connectors with a sprinkling of the yummy coral discs. It gives a lightness and space between each stunning bead so they are appreciated on their own merits, while still tying them together as a whole statement.

My pictures really don't do these lovely beads justice, each being a work of art, connected by color and form. Why did we (Eileen and I) decide on the coral? First off, these irregularly shaped coral discs captured the 'feel' of these unique lampwork focals. Second, red is one of the colors that speaks to the lovely lady I was designing this neck piece for. Third, they didn't overbear the beads with detail of their own, but where they were placed they added a pop to frame the finished design.

So now you have the end of my story...there wasn't a 'right' or 'wrong' choice, just the choice I made this time. I LOVE having choices, don't you???

What Would You Do?

2010-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'd like to pose a rhetorical question this morning about design decisions. Thank you to my wonderful customer Eileen for suggesting this posting. How do you design? I know some people sketch their ideas out and go from there...others pull materials and start working. I'm more of the messy type--I typically go thru my stash and look at every possiblilty then start playing, adjusting, etc...making a total mess as I go--especially if my first inclination doesn't please, I just keep bringing more and more materials into my workspace until....

I arrive at a place that pleases me. Usually when I am doing a custom order and have several ideas, I like to include my customer in the decision, to make sure I am meeting their vision as well. So when I received this stunning set of lampwork beads by Manuela Wutschke to design into a necklace for my special customer, that is exactly what I did. I pulled what I thought would work well and set about (with her input) to 'create' a finished look that would please us both.

These are some rough pictures of variations that we toyed with along the path to completion--coral discs, forged sterling 'ribbon candies", Bali sterling tubes, and Afghnistan silver and lapis beads.

Granted these are not the best photos--had I been intending to post about it, I probably would have 'styled' my photo's better, but you should get the idea.

Soooo...my question to you is---which materials would you have chosen to finish off these absolutely fabulous beads into a necklace of your dreams? I'm sure you might have alternate creative ideas of your own, but which of the choices here would have made the cut for you?

Tomorrow I'll show you my finished design, in the meantime tell me--what would you do?

REMEMBER EVERY COMMENT POSTED ON MY BLOG NOW THRU NOVEMBER 12 ENTERS YOU IN A DRAWING FOR YOUR OWN SILK KNOTTED AMZONITE BRACELET

I'm having a DRAWING..come throw your name in the hat

2010-10-30T19:04:00.001-07:00

I'm having so much fun playing with silk cord that it's time to share...

Yes, It's been a looong time since I've given something away--a drawing is long overdue. Since I've been having so much fun with my knotting, I thought I should give away one of my single strand bracelets. This one is constructed a little differently than the ones I have for sale. This was one of my 'experiments', so the clasp is attached a little differently and the silk cord is a little finer than most. I still think it is sturdy and wearable and I do love the drape and lightness of these little treasures, so I hope you'll want join in the fun.

I've used some amazonite ovals from my stash and cushioned them with tiny crystal bicone swarovski's. Knotted on fine silk thread and finished off with a sterling silver clasp, it's about 7 3/4" length for a nice draping fit on your wrist.

So, how do you enter---just comment in my blog sometime in the next two weeks. I'll draw a winner from the comment section November 13. Please do check back and if you're the lucky winner, email me your NAME and MAILING ADDRESS to rspv@aol.com --if I don't have that, I can't send you your bracelet! I'm planning on posting often the next two weeks...now I need to get busy and figure out something interesting to talk about!!! Send your friends over too...the more the merrier!

...and Back Again....

2010-10-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Back to silk cord that is....I'm still having fun knotting and this is my newest attempt--a looooong necklace---36" long to wear as is or doubled.

Yummy fancy cut nuggets of grossular green garnets cushioned between tiny swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls in dark luminescent olive green...knotted on silk cord.

This is just as beautiful with blue jeans as it is out dancing the night away. I do love the way these silk cord pieces drape and lay on the skin--totally effortlessly! New in my esty store today--- www.rickitic.etsy.com

from Silk Cord to Silk Ribbons....

2010-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with my silk cord that there was nothing to do but try my hand at a couple of designs with silk ribbons and strings...so after digging thru my stash I tried my hand with this elegant 22k gold over copper pendant with ocher and amber jade...I added a lovely smoky quartz marquise charm and attached it to the perfectly yummy silk string and ribbon I had knotted for a little interest. The colors compliment one another just as I'd hoped and it suited my fancy.
Close up of the pendant--yummy 22k matte gold plating makes an elegant statement and I love the colors of the jade stones with the verigated ribbon.

You might recognize this beautiful agate stone as a left-over from the rich brown agate slab necklace I made last week. Yes, I saved out this beautiful translucent slab for just this purpose. Combined with a stunning lampwork shell by Tiffany McCoy and oxidized sterling silver it is rich and warm.

I found just the silk ribbon I was looking for to finish this piece without detracting from the agate slab or artisan lampwork.

Just having a little fun with silk these days...this one's got a little sterling silver slider bead so you can adjust the length as you like.

One Knot, Two Knots, Three Knots, Four......

2010-10-16T14:59:00.001-07:00

A funny thing happened last night while watching tv with my hubby--my fingers got itchy. It had to be something simple, because otherwise I would be so distracted I wouldn't be good company. So, I started knotting, and couldn't stop. There is something very soothing about doing a little knotting now and then. I'm sure I wouldn't think that if I had to do it all the time, but sometimes it's just the relaxing thing that fills the bill. I scrambled for some odds and ends I had around the house and once I started I couldn't stop. These ended up to be the most comfortable, and delightful bracelets. I'm happy to say they made my itchy fingers sing!

This one is my favorite, although the pictures don't show it off as well as I like. If you've been around very long, you know matchy-matchy isn't my favorite, so I loved the color combo--yummy olive greens and dark aqua/peacock blues and the occasional round pearl among the coins. I also love the sterling and brass clasp from Pegasus--there's something very bohemian

..and very me about this one.

Well, I really liked this one too...I made this with leftovers of one of my favorite strands of carved mossy pink amethyst ovals. They were hand cut, which makes them just enough different from one another to please me. Combined with this delicious Saki Silver gold vermeil flower toggle, it puts a smile on my face.

Whoa, these lush rich wine colored mother of pearl ovals aren't too shabby either....and I love this exotic matte gold vermeil clasp to add a little warmth.

This bracelet with some fancy smancy larimar ovals was where I started, these have some yummy color variations and I used a very cool gold filled clasp that slips together for a lovely finish. These beads came in an exchange/bead swap with Lori Anderson---so thanks Lori, here's how I used your lovelies.

Knotting is easy, knotting is fun....once you start you'll never be done!

Slabs are Fab....

2010-10-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Have you seen any slabs that you you think are fab??? Here's what I did with mine!

I seem to have developed a love affair with slabs...not sure what sent me off in this direction, but I'm guessing it was a shopping trip where I casually looked at the jewelry cases. Several designers are using agate slabs this fall and so I had to try my hand at a couple of designs of my own. Love the size, love the shapes and love the variety--of color, veining and the edges of some of the stones....so at the Intergem show I had to try some....on etsy I had to buy some more. I'm not really into the dyed pieces I've seen in fuschia's and purples and turquoise, but I do love the natural colors and this set was just irresistable. Deep brown translucent slabs that look like really rich brown smokey quartz with gorgeous veining and even more wonderful edges---copper colored green crystals, iron combined with other minerals--diopside crystals that make these simply gorgeous.

Here's the stone I chose for the centerpiece of my necklace, wirewrapped together with nicely sized 12mm 18k electroplated gold on copper chain for an elegant compliment.

Since I wanted the length to be a bit adjustable and wanted to preserve the symmetry of the design, I used goldfilled lobster claw clasps on two sides of the last slab, so that depending on how you connect them the necklace goes from 21" to 23" for your perfect length.

All that glitters...

2010-10-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was at an Intergem show and I always love to stop by the India vendors booths to admire their beautiful and intricate gold jewelry and findings. I absolutely fell in love with a necklace I saw with turquoise and angel skin coral set in gorgeous 18k gold. Alas, it was beyond my budget. There was nothing to do but make my own little treasure with that fabulous color combination. So here's my simple interpretation in a charm bracelet with the coral and turquoise on a nice sized gold chain with 12mm links. I wish I was a good hand model and you'd see how very delightful this little treasure is on the wrist--light and ary, elegant but casual. It pleases me...

GOLDEN SUNSET

2010-10-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last night we had another glorious sunset. The clouds were building up for a rainstorm, but it cleared up just enough to give us a spectacular showstopping sunset over the pacific ocean. As the evening progressed we snuggled in front of our cozy fireplace to watch and listen as the rain came down in buckets. There's a chill in the air this morning, but a song in my heart.

This lovely agate and quartz slab necklace is my homage to the glorious golden sunsets that have been setting my heart a flutter recently. Held together with goldfilled wirewrapped gold plated chain and a simple vermeil clasp, it makes quite a statement . I love the golden edges on the stones--just like the sunsets drench the clouds in golden lining.

Here's the flip side of my lovely agate slabs with even more of the golden 'lining' showing thru--wear it either way--it's a beauty however you look at it!

Endless Summer

2010-10-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, with warm sunshiny days and beautiful sunsets like this, it did seem like summer was endless last week at our cozy little beach cottage! We woke up to a drizzly rain and foamy surf this morning, so maybe we will have a little autumn after all.

Inspired by my 'window to the sea' I just had to put together a little homage to the beach with one of my delightful lampwork beads by Vickie Miller, some turquoise stones and a little bit of silver. More coming sooon...my workbench is calling.....

Trying to keep my promises...

2010-09-23T20:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I did say I'd post some jewelry today and yes, I have gotten rather busy..first off a simple pair of earrings in sterling silver and onyx for pierced ears. I've had these beautiful woven sterling earwires for quite some time and could never decide how to use them...I think I was trying to make them too busy. They just needed a simple gemstone drop..that's what I decided anyway.

This bracelet is a remake of one I made several years ago with some of Jena Fulcher's lovely beads. It had broken some time ago during a show and I put it away where it lay forgotten and forlorn. So back together again with only a few small adjustments and I'm happy to put it back in my inventory. If no one wants it, I'll have it to wear myself, since I love this color combination....

Here's another old favorite that I redesigned with a set of some of my favorites from Gayle Hood of Graciebeads. I adore these beads and when they didn't sell awhile back I put them away to redo and just finally got around to it. I love the sterling and brass beads I used with these interesting original beads and I might just keep these for myself too...do you get the idea I love bright colors...you got it!

Once upon a time I got a lovely large set of beads from Melanie Moertel that I've rationed out a few at a time. I think I made two other bracelets from this set and this is the third and final edition. They seem perfect for this fall's fashions--so much brown and opulent detail on detail...pattern on pattern fashion, like a Turkish spice market. I've combined them with oxidized sterling silver and a stunning custom clasp from Donna Millard, I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

The pink coral bracelet below is my 'version' of a gemstone charm bracelet. I've used pale sponge coral beads combined with a sterling silver and angelskin coral charm and sterling toggle clasp.

It felt really nice this week to reacquaint myself with my gemstones, and lampwork and silver, oh my! Pandora's box...I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!

Room with a View

2010-09-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Did I mention it was a crazy summer??? I won't bore you with the details, but besides our daughter's wedding in Brazil, we sold our house and were planning to relocate to another state, but along the way there were a few glitches--ever fluid business plans, a flood, and just a little illness thrown in for good measure...so after a summer that would make the antics of the three stooges look tame, we've settled down...for awhile....while we "review the situation". And I have to admit, our temporary home is a lovely place to take a breather. We are at the beach, with this inspiring view out the picture window of my great room. I've taken the room hostage with my jewelry supplies, and finally, finally after a 6+ month hiatus started to play with my little treasures once again.

We're the second house from the beach, with an unobstructed view, so I get my dose of inspiration, and lots of sand to sweep up every day as well. We're enjoying long strolls in the sand and beautiful sunsets, sunshine and fog, the peaceful sound of waves to lull us to sleep, and the fresh salt air to wake us up...but most of all , we're enjoing taking a break from the craziness and deciding on our next move---and who can complain with such a lovely space to figure out what's next?

p.s. I should even have some jewelry to show tomorrow---two new bracelets. I won't say I'm back in the saddle, but at least I have made a start! Oh, happy day!!!!

Emily and Diego

2010-09-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture below for a slideshow:

(CLICK THE PICTURE TO SEE THE PICASA ALBUM OF THE WEDDING)
Yes, I know, the wedding was two months ago....and I'm just finally posting a few pictures from the wonderful event. More about my summer later on, let's just say, it's been interesting and rootless. So take a look at the highlight of the summer--Emily and Diego's wedding in Brazil. There were two 'weddings' and a reception. As many of you know, marriage in the temple is typically the only ceremony for an LDS couple, but Brazilian law requires a government representative be at all weddings to be legally valid. So on Friday morning we had a very small family 'legal' marriage (to satisfy the government of Brazil) at the Vila Sao Francisco where we stayed in Sao Paulo. Immediately after we departed for the 'real wedding', Emily and Diego's wedding/sealing in the Sao Paulo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was a small intimate family wedding as well, which is in keeping with our LDS tradition. (Our weddings are more the making of sacred covenants than a big party.) The day was flying by and after a few pictures on the temple grounds, it was time to return to the Vila Sao Francisco for the wedding reception. Thankfully winters in Sao Paulo are mild, although often rainy...but the rain held off, the guests came and we celebrated their nuptials with a wonderful evening of family and friends on the glass covered patios of our lovely Sao Paulo vila. The bride and groom were glowing and it was a beautiful day, filled with love, and the hopes, dreams, and prayers for a life filled with love and happiness for the beautiful Emily and Diego.

Friends and Family

2010-05-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe we're just 6 weeks away from Emily's wedding to Diego in Sao Paulo! Last night our friends gave Emily the most beautiful, wonderful shower a girl could ask for....

It was a garden party for our favorite landscape designer...in friend, Barbara's back yard with everything garden themed--delicious food (salads, and homemade breads, even carrot cake to carry thru the theme!) , precious friends, lot of chatting and laughter and lots and lots of love!

Everyone was all smiles--as you can see! Such a delight to get together and visit with one another to celebrate this special occasion.

After a light supper we all gathered around the computer, and thru the wonders of modern technology, everyone got to meet and visit with the charming Diego--what a good sport he was to let us ask 20 questions and tell us about how he fell in love with our beautiful Emily!

Then it was back to the patio for unwrapping the gifts and more visiting together.

So many beautiful gifts, but I think one of Emily's favorite's was a photo album put together by her friend Tiffany loaded with pictures of Emily and Diego and so artfully designed that it will be a treasure forever!

Here are the wonderful ladies who hosted Em's shower and worked soooo hard to make it a special evening that she and I will treasure forever--thank you precious friends!!!!

MOVING SALE IN MY ETSY STORES

2010-04-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

Going, going, gone. We've sold our house! After a crazy past few months of getting things ready around the house to put it up for sale, we sold in a week, with a flurry of activity, and in 45 days we're out of here!!! Life has been crazy busy and right now I'm on overload.

I'll surely miss my beautiful back yard, but Em's will just have to design me another where ever we land...when she comes home from Brazil, that is. Besides moving in the next 30 or so days, we have a wedding in Brazil in early July...so don't expect to hear from me much...and hopefully that explains why you haven't heard from me much lately.

I do have a few items in my etsy store and I'm having a moving sale now thru May 14th-- 30% off of everything, before I pack it away. http://www.rickitic.etsy.com/

And I'll be trying to clean out my vintage etsy store as well-- http://www.allweneedislove.etsy.com/ buy one, get the second of equal or lesser value at 50% off. Stop by if you're in the market for some real bargains.

More about the move when I find another nugget of time. Now it's off to fill those custom orders and start packing...no rest for the wicked, as they say!

And another......

2010-03-09T22:52:00.001-08:00

I seem to have an excess of riches these days. I did not one, but two destash trades and today my second package arrived, chock full of more delightful treasures. This box was loaded with lampwork and some real drool-ables for sure. Another charmingly decorated box,this one from Nicole Valentine of NValentine Studio-- www.nvalentine.blogspot.com
So many treasures here--love the lampwork flowers and look at the bodacious focal disc with silverglass , some coin pearls, a beautiful chalcedony teardrop briolette, crystals, silver and lampwork to keep me busy for several projects. Thank you Nicole--they are all loverly!

Gifts are always fun---to give and to receive!

2010-03-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

Lori, of Lori Anderson Designs http://www.lorianderson.blogspot.com , arranged for another fun activity this month. A bead exchange from our stash for those who wanted to participate. Since I have alot of stash, it was right up my alley. We were to exchange a matchbox full of goodies. She and I ended up partners and here is the beautiful box I got in the mail from her. She went all out with her beautifully decoupaged box that was full to the brim with goodies to get my creative juices flowing---

pearls, swarovskies, gemstones, brass,...

lucite flowers, artisan boro beads, polymer roses, sterling clasp and more...

I sent a box her way yesterday, that I hope she will find as delightful as I found mine. Alas, I forgot to photograph the box or the contents...but I think there were some fun things included. I also did a side exchange with Nicole Valentine of NValentine Designs that I hope she will enjoy. It was fun sifting thru my stash looking for things I thought each artist might enjoy using for her designs.

I can tell Lori put alot of thought into the lovelies she sent me--they were just the little kind of treasures that delight...now to find a minute to play with them!!!!

A MishMash of Stash

2010-03-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Sooo....maybe you're wondering where I disappeared to this past couple of weeks. Not all that interesting, but I've been crazy busy going thru every drawer, closet, nook and cranny around here cleaning up, clearing out and getting rid of all kinds of things. Craft projects gone astray, decor items that no longer fit my style, books I'll never read again, clothes that will never fit again. It seems like I am endlessly 're-evaluating' my needs and wants against one another and trying to detatch myself from the sentimentality of my possessions.

I seem to declutter in stages, only being able to give up so much at a time, then after a bit of a rest, I realize there was more that could/should go and it's back to the destash game for me. It's sometimes amazing the things I find that I didn't remember I had...like the lovely carved goose egg collection I bought several years ago, thinking I would make some fabulous panorama eggs to gift and decorate at Easter with...but they were stashed in a corner and long forgotten, now they are in my etsy store-- http://www.allweneedislove.etsy.com/ hoping they are just what someone is looking for...if not, off to goodwill they will go very soon...

And what about this exquisite handpainted plate from the late 1800's by Carl Thieme...it hasn't seen the light of day for a few years. I just don't use as many beautiful chotzkies around the house for decorating now, but haven't been able to bear to part with it, until this installment of decluttering...so now it's off to ebay to see if someone else can't live without it and give me more cupboard space to fill, lol.

And what could this be??? It takes up lots of room and hasn't been used for at least 10 years or so--a lovely stainless samovar from Russia that I brought back from my travels to Moscow and St Petersburg circa Peristroika. I have two---and I have finally decided that is one too many, so it's soon on it's way out the door--anyone here looking for a lovely Russian samovar (it's electric--with Russisan plugs though). I'm not shipping it back to Russia, but surely it will find a good home,...or not. (what is the market in Southern California for Russian Samovars, by the way?)

And my silk ribbon flowers...brooches, shoe clips and more used to be my passion. I made them like a crazy woman and gifted all my friends, had one in every color to match my wardrobe, etc...but alas they all must go. Gathering dust in box, unloved and untouched for much too long I am finally able to say adieu and off to etsy these go as well.

Now you know---the answer to what I've been doing all these many days---sifting thru memories and letting them go--hundreds of them, all off to ebay, etsy, secondhand stores and far, far away. Moving forward and decluttering my life, yet again...cleaning just a few more cobwebs out of my life and trashing the stash! See you as soon as I can get out from under this avalanche of abundance.

Wasn't it Lovely!

2010-02-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Here's to you LORI!!!!

A big thanks to Lori Anderson for organizing the Bead Soup exchange and party that culminated yesterday in all our 'big reveals'. It was great fun to see all the wonderful designs and be part of the creativity generated by the exchanges we all took part in. There were some truly droolworthy beauties and it was a pleasure to be one of a very friendly and talented group of designers and artists....now if you haven't checked out the other participants yet, do have a look around--it's a major feast for the eyes! All the links are in my post below so drool away!

Let's Party

2010-02-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

TahDahhhh! I made a bracelet with my focal bead(s)--a generous trio, and floral clasp from Jeanette in the Bead Soup Party exchange. I love the colors in the beautiful lentils by artist Dawn White and the substantial floral sterling clasp I received. Blues and greens with a dash of black, flowers and leaves and what you get is a simple, sweet bauble to grace the wrist.

With some unexpected family responsibilities this past month, I haven't had much time to 'play' with my stash of jewelry components, so this virtual party gave me a wonderful excuse to take a few minutes for myself and remember why I love playing with beads so much.

Join me today in checking out all the wonderful bead soup designs by the bodacious list of participants below--I know I'm going to love seeing all the great eye candy and I hope you do too! My first stop will be to see what my exchange partner Jeanette, at Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry did with the bead soup I sent her!

http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2009/12/bead-soup-party-and-bead-swap.html

Party Participants

1. Lori, Pretty Things Blog

2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads

3. Terri, Blooming Ideas

4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio

5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio

6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts

7. Erin, Treasures Found

8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry

9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs

10. Nan, Spirit Rattles

11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique

12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings

14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle

15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks

16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

17. Lisa, Lo and Behold

18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas

19. Judith, Judith B.

20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium

21. Maria, Garden Path Beads

22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design

23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life

24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa

26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea

27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design

28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals

29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction

30. Leslie, Bei Mondi

31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta

32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry

33. Kathie, The Bead Cult

34. Patty, Plays With Fire

35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef

36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire

37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry

38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle

39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio

40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

41. Marcie, La Bella Joya

42. Suzann, Beadphoria

43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass

45. Janiece, J Birds Garden

46. Kate, Organic Odysseys

47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale

48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure

49. Sue, Sue Beads

51. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

52. Kristie, Artisan Clay

53. Regina, Regina's Writings

54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

55. Lyn, Lyn Foley

56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz

57. Cathryn, Chile Cats

58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook

59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter

60. Juli, Jul's Beads

61. Julie, RockerJewlz

62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too

63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

64. Katie, My Life and My Beads

65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay

66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth

67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design

68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery

70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs

71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights

73. Chas, One Woman's Haven

74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry

75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky

76. Maire, Maire Dodd

77. Janet, Singing Woods

78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads

79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels

80. Joann, Jo's Jewels

81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs

82. Mel, Kookie Designs

83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts

84. Dale, Flights of Fancy

85. Dee, Runako Designs

Ready for Tomorrow?

2010-02-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2009/12/bead-soup-party-and-bead-swap.html

Tomorrow is the big reveal day for all the participants in Lori's Bead Soup Party...be sure to check all the links for a dazzling array of eye candy to enjoy!!!!

A little something....

2010-01-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

I did finish one bracelet last week--a custom order for an amber and aquamarine charm bracelet themed towards the sea. Lots of sterling silver with agate, amber, round and coin pearls and artisan lampwork. It was a fun, quick and simple project that gave me a brief diversion from my daily trek to the 'flavor of the day' bridal salon! I like to tease about it, but what could be more fun than watching your daughter try on gorgeous gowns that make her look like a princess every day. Nothing else to report from here, just a quick hello..now back to the salt mines, lol.

When she was good, she was very, very good and when she was bad she was AWFUL.....

2010-01-24T21:48:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been awful and, that's the truth!!!! Once again life has gotten away from me and my blog has been sorely neglected for some time now. First off, I need to tell you about a delightful exchange I joined--Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party! http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2009/12/bead-soup-party-and-bead-swap.html

So many wonderful designers of jewelry and components are participating and I got a fabulous partner--Jeanette Blix. http://www.fundametals.net/ http://www.jeanetteblix.com/ I sent her some things to play with up top is a picture of the beauties I got from her. We're all going to be making the "GRAND REVEAL" on February 10th!!!! So stop by to see what I did with my bead soup...and check out all the other participants as well---here's a link to all 85 of us---wow! that is alot of eye candy to look forward to.

Party Participants1. Lori, Pretty Things Blog2. Mallory, For the Love of Beads3. Terri, Blooming Ideas4. Cindy, Sweet Bead Studio5. Lorelei, Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio6. Kerry, Kab's Creative Concepts7. Erin, Treasures Found8. Jeannette, Jeannette Blix Wire and Metal Jewelry9. Adrienne, Adrienne Designs10. Nan, Spirit Rattles11. Laurel, Rue's Daftique12. Nancy, Beading From the Heart13. Mary, MK's Creative Musings14. Cassie, The Glass Beadle15. Dot, Winchell Clayworks16. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden17. Lisa, Lo and Behold18. Norma, Bead Dreams and Moonlit Fantaseas19. Judith, Judith B.20. Debbie, Prairie Emporium21. Maria, Garden Path Beads22. Susan, Kaplan Creations Jewelry and Glass Design23. Melissa, Melissa Meman: Art, Love, Life24. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things25. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa26. Cristi, 2 If By Sea27. Sandra, Marbella Jewelry Design28. Maria, Greene Earth Originals29. Barbara, Jewelry of Distinction30. Leslie, Bei Mondi31. Loretta, Designs by Loretta32. Linda, Bella Bead Jewelry33. Kathie, The Bead Cult34. Patty, Plays With Fire35. Nicki, Nicki's Reef36. Anne Marie, Heart's Desire37. Mary, Mary Harding Jewelry38. Jayne, Mama's Got to Doodle39. Emanda, Artemesia's Studio40. Whitney, Whitney Lassini41. Marcie, La Bella Joya42. Suzann, Beadphoria43. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks44. Julie, Credit River Art Glass45. Janiece, J Birds Garden46. Kate, Organic Odysseys47. Laurie, The Mermaid Tale48. Michelle, My Crazy Crafty Adventure49. Sue, Sue Beads50. Janeen, Janeen 36551. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse52. Kristie, Artisan Clay53. Regina, Regina's Writings54. Tari, Pearl and Pebble55. Lyn, Lyn Foley56. Beth, Sunshine Daydreamz57. Cathryn, Chile Cats58. Emma, Fred Bean's Nook59. Connie, Cetta Cheese Chatter60. Juli, Jul's Beads61. Julie, RockerJewlz62. Libby, LibbyLeu and Glass Too63. Melanie, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles64. Katie, My Life and My Beads65. Zuleykha, Zuleykha's Polymer Clay66. Rekella, Me But a Little More in Depth67. Ricki, What's New at Ricki Voges Design68. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio69. Jo, Daisychain Jewellery70. Lynette, Rock Hill Designs71. Lynne, Island Girl's Insights73. Chas, One Woman's Haven74. Ruthie, Rose Works Jewelry75. Elizabeth, Turquoise Sky76. Maire, Maire Dodd77. Janet, Singing Woods78. Eileen, Dorset Hill Beads79. Julie, Miss Kitten's Jewels80. Joann, Jo's Jewels81. Patti, PJ Clark Designs82. Mel, Kookie Designs83. Erin, Every Heart Crafts84. Dale, Flights of Fancy85. Dee, Runako Designs

Now for my excuses...Em's, as you might have heard earlier, got engaged over the holidays and is planning a July wedding...most likely in Brazil....sooooo, trying to get organized is slightly overwhelming. This week we spent every day trying on wedding gowns of every style and shape, fabric and emblishment and I'm happy to say a selection has been made (ivory silk with a touch of reimbroidered alencon lace, designed in Spain)....that's one thing down and only about a million more to go...who knew weddings were so complex...and with so many choices. I'll try to get organized and find a little time to play with jewelry...but for now I'm giving myself a pass while I put some precious mother-daughter time at the very top of my list. I'll keep you posted with little tidbits and sneak peaks of our progress, with hopefully a jewelry design or two wedged in now and then. Thanks for understanding and HUGS to you all!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-12-31T23:31:00.001-08:00

Some of my years highlights include...daughter Em's engagement...

First look at our new grandson....

Son Christian's family on baby's blessing day....

My sweetheart on our 40th Anniversary trip to glorious Montana....

Savoring 40 wonderful years (it's a nice start) at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Blessings to you and yours and a wonderful 2010!!!

MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

2009-12-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas filled with love and hope.

Joy to the World! I like to take a moment from our festivities to reflect on the reason Heaven and Earth rejoiced at the Savior, Jesus Christ's birth. Christmas eve we spend the evening celebrating that blessed event in a more spiritual, contemplative format, because come Christmas morning the gifts, the laughter and the games begin! Have a wonderful Christmas day!

Congratulations to the Drawing Winner....

2009-12-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Apologies for being so late today with the drawing, but we have a winner now and it's.......MONICA!!! Thanks for stopping by with all your wonderful comments. I love holidays and I think Christmas won hands down in the posts for the drawing---there are so many traditions and activities and wonderful family memories tied up in Christmas as well as it being such an important celebration for those of us who are Christians--celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, that it's definitely a very special time of year with many levels of celebration from spiritual, family, friend and traditions. Congrats, Monica, send me an email at rspv@aol.com with your address and I'll get your earrings off to you asap! HUGZ!!!

WINTER SALE and FREE DRAWING

2009-11-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm having a Winter Sale in my etsy store--- http://www.rickitic.etsy.com/ -- It's buy one item at regular price, get the second item of equal or lesser value for half price. Check out my inventory in my Picasa album or etsy store. Include winter sale in the comments at checkout and I"ll send you a revised invoice or if you've already paid via paypal, I'll send you a refund for the difference. I also have a clearance sale at my vintage shop--- http://www.allweneedislove/ check it out for destash and vintage laces and ribbons!

Don't forget the drawing for the pink amethyst earrings....leave your comments (remember you're going to share your favorite holiday and why--see post just below!)

Here's my newest trinket with some lovely lampwork by Jena Fulcher---WinterWonderland Mauna Kea Style (did you know you can ski on the big island of Hawaii??? Ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon....how much fun is that!

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU--ENTER HERE

2009-11-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well the last drawing turned out really well and I appreciated all the grateful hearts that responded by sharing a few of the blessings in their lives...so here is another drawing with an opportunity to win these gorgeous carved pink amethyst and gold filled earrings. They are simple, but elegant and I hope you'll like them well enough to play along again. These lovely carved and faceted stones over 10mm and about 10 carats total weight.

Here's the deal--All you have to do to enter is comment on my blog with your favorite holiday and why you like it best. I'll be doing the drawing on December 1st to don't dwadle--get your comments in there!

P.S. I started a sale yesterday in both of my esty stores--- http://www.rickitic.etsy.com/ (jewelry---buy one, get one half price) and http://www.allweneedislove.etsy.com/ (vintage laces, ribbons and destash) so stop by for some great Christmas gifts and discounted prices!!!!

Oh here's a p.p.s. for you--I was invited a couple of months ago to participate in a promotional program for artbeads.com. Since I've used them for years, it was an easy fit and I was happy to be included. Thru December I have a 10% off coupon good on any purchase large or small, that they invited me to share with my blog readers--- just use this code: SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424 with any purchases you make thru December 31 and you get an extra 10% off, plus their great free U.S. shipping on any order as well (and only $1 to Canada). I get my favorite sterling crimps, softtouch stringing wire and swarkies there...but they have so much more. It's so much easier than driving to downtown Los Angeles and picking up those small last minute purchases!

GRATITUDE

2009-11-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

We Have a Winner.....

2009-11-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

We have a drawing winner---but first a few words from our sponser...that's me! I'm so happy to have heard from so many of your with your gratitude list and it's only fair that I list three of my own--

I'm grateful for my faith, that helps me make sense and find purpose in this sometimes crazy world we live in!

I'm grateful for an awesome family--husband, children, grandchild (loving, longing sigh), parents sisters, in-laws and more...who make my life rich with love.

I'm grateful for wonderful friends who warm and lift me.

There's so much more, but that's a good start!!!! I can't forget to say how blessed I am to have each one of you in my life and say thanks again for your uplifting comments and sharing your blessings with us all! Now on to the real reason you stopped by today---who won the drawing?!?

And the winner is---- TRENDA (Claire Gideon) soooo Trenda, give me a shout with your shipping address to my email at rspv@aol.com and I'll get that little treasure right off in the mail to you with a hug and a big thank you!

I really enjoyed this ... soooo..I have another drawing up my sleeve that I'll be introducing this week...so check back for a second chance offer you can't refuse! 'kay???

FINALLY!!!! It's a 'Happy Thanksgiving' Drawing

2009-11-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Finally! After a long absence, it's time for another drawing and give-away here on my blog. I'll be drawing the winner on November 16, so you have several days to enter to win this charming pendant on a silk ribbon. The lampwork bead is a beauty by Melanie Moertel hung from a hand dyed silk ribbon and string in the most scrumptious colors! The sterling slider ensures you can wear this at your favorite length and I think you'll like it...soooooo.....

here are the rules: November being the month of thanks, can I just say thanks ffor stopping by now and then! You'll have to add your own expressions of gratitude to be entered into the drawing. Just post a comment with three things you are thankful for, and I'll put your name in the drawing---that's all! My listis soooo long, I'm sure three isn't too many to ask you to share, right? Post early, post often...count your blessings and think happy thoughts, for a place in the drawing on Monday, November 16!!!

Now, make like a pilgrim and give thanks!

I'm Late, I'm Late, for a Very Important Date....

2009-10-31T23:09:00.000-07:00

Who am I??? Just a little amusing anecdote...my blue eyed, blonde daughter went to her Halloween party tonight in this costume...and several of her younger friends were like..."who are you supposed to be?!?" It made her feel very old, because this was a character she was quite found of when she was a young girl....do you know who she was supposed to be, or are you too young too?!?!?!

Now, on to the apology: I know, I know... I was supposed to have some eye candy to give away before the end of the week, but I've gotten the flu and have not felt so creative the past few days....hang in there...I'm trying to have something ready for you by Tuesday...so the goal is move forward,(she said hopefully)!!!

Almost there...

2009-10-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

Sneak preview (the blue painters tape is still on the ceiling, and every thing isn't put away...but here's an idea of what has been happening in my kitchen...used a black stain(stained instead of painted so the grain would show thru, not seeing it in this picture too well though..) on my old oak cabinets and put on some weathered chrome hardware, took down the old fashioned wallpaper...will take a better picture when it's all put together...but this is the work in progress....It's going to be such an improvement over the old kitchen...next step is change the ceiling lights in the ceiling and lighting under the cabinets, but that may take awhile to get finished...I'd forgotten how much fun and work it is, to take on a project like this...why don't I do it more often these days...and why I don't do it more often these days...lol!!!

Here's a smokey quartz necklace I made for my sister on a silk cord...she'd seen something like it, described the style and asked if I could do it for her--not too impressive in the picture, but it does look nice on...now that I've figured out knotting...I'll have to do some more things with knots...thank goodness for online tutorials, lol!!!

A Little Travel and More....

2009-10-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've been absent again...just took a week off to go visit my parents and sisters, since I was missing them! I also got to play with my adorable niece and nephew. The little guy was born just 2 weeks before my grandson, so that was an extra special treat to be introduced to him. He's just as sweet and good natured as can be and was the next best thing to seeing my own little treasured grandson! Plus the little princess (is it Ariel or Aurora today?) is always my favorite playmate when I'm lucky enough to be in her company!

Not really any new jewelry to show you, but I did just get a couple of books that I was fortunate enough to be published in. I'd put it off for awhile--I think I was afraid that I would be disappointed in my pieces or that they might not really have ended up making the grade, even though I had been invited to submit some designs. Quite awhile ago Karen Leonardo contacted me about doing two 'beginner designs' and tutorials with two sets of lampwork beads for a book she was getting ready to publish on Art Bead Jewelry. Since this was my first try at a tutorial, I felt a bit intimidated, but now that I have the book, I'm pleasantly surprised with the tutorial pictures and work, plus there are some other gorgeous designs with tutorials that gave me some good ideas that I'd like to try out. So, I'm glad I finally got a copy. It's really fun to be published in a book with so many other fine designers and lampwork artists. I was also pleasantly surprised to find 8 of my lampwork designs in the 1000 Jewelry Inspirations book by Sandra Salomony. I had submitted some pieces a year or two agon now, but wasn't sure whether they had used many, or any of my pieces, so I felt honored to be included. There's lots of eye candy in this one, and I'm surely going to use some of the delightful ideas to inspire me in other directions.

Check back in the next few days, as I'm planning to have an Autumn giveaway-- I hope it will be something you'd like. Details before the end of the week...and pictures of my kitchen...it's almost done!!!!

Who says I can't multi-task!!!

2009-10-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Remember the beads I was waiting on to use my new Swarkies from artbeads.com with? They arrived and this is how the design turned out. It's almost an embarassment of riches, getting to work with Manuela Wutschke's exquisite beads one week and Jena Fulcher's the next!

This was a custom order for a chacha charm necklace loaded up with dazzling lampwork and other pretty things! Jena's Oceania beads are in yummy colors, so it was easy on the eyes to play with these lovelies!

A few earring sample ideas for my customer to choose from and it's almost ready to ship!

Now it's back to the kitchen cabinets--they're stained, sanded and ready for their clear coat if the weather cooperates--rain in the forecast...but my kitchen needs to be put back in order! The new faucet is in, the walls are painted...now all I need are some doors on my cupboards and it's almost done. Maybe then I can make something new for my etsy store..or maybe just find another project to tackle!

p.s. remember I love www.artbeads.com free shipping? Well, now purchases over $75 go out free priority mail with a 24 hour turnaround...just what I need when I find myself short of a few elements for my design work and don't want to drive into downtown LA and the traffic zoo!

Taking Flight

2009-10-07T14:09:00.001-07:00

Between redoing my kitchen, I've had the opportunity to work on a custom necklace using some of Manuela Wutschke's exquisite lampwork beads. It's really brightened my day to have these to look forward to after hours and hours of sanding and painting...so thanks E!

These freeformed beads were such a delight---something new to discover every time I pick them up and the colors are to die for. The coloring subtleties on the little birds look like they were done with oil paints and no detail is too small. Then there is the amazing stringer detail..can you tell, I'm a fan? IMO no one does it better and it always puts a smile on my face to have some of her lampwork in my hot little hands!

Manuela's lampwork needed space to be savoured with something bold and modern, as well--so lots of silver-- over 75 grams of silver in fact with just a touch of aquamarine here and there, a dash of amber, and a pair of Turkish sterling silver leaves--so the little birds don't get homesick for a bough to rest on.

Time to fly away home, little birds! As they come to rest around your neck may they bring a smile to your lips and a song to your heart!

2009-09-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just a little something new from me in aquamarine and pink, loaded with granulated Bali sterling embellishments. Wear it on a chain or a silk ribbon when you're feeling like a little girly embellishment around your neck.

I was still playing with my Swarovski crystals from Artbeads when I picked up this sweet lampwork bead. I purchase a small set from a artisan on etsy named Diane (no last name) a couple of months ago. She had used a tutorial she purchase from Linda Muell to make the beads and I liked the colors very much. They had been sitting off to the side and as I was playing with my pretty aquarmarine briolettes my fiddling brought me to this pendant.
I loaded three different, diminishing sizes of bead caps together for a very frufru ornate bead cap and tied it altogether with an aquamarine Swarovski on either end. The bead is very 'watercolor'-y in styled and the colors are quite vivid, in spite of the fact that it is etched, which typically mutes color quite a bit. Here's an idea of how to wear it on a silk ribbon, but a pretty sterling silver chain would work just as well.

Oh Artful Day...I Got to Play

2009-09-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

I did something this week that I rarely give myself permission to do---started a project with no particular goal in mind. I hadn't worked with Swarovski crystal beads
for awhile, except as spacers. When I received an offer to try some samples from http://www.artbeads.com/ imagine my surprise to find these beautiful briolettes. (guess I haven't looked at crystals for awhile!) I couldn't resist getting a closer look and this is what happens when I free play with pretty crystals.

I love the chandelier and teardrop cut briolettes that I found in the swarki pendant section at artbeads--Swarovski pendants . Although I love working with gemstones, there were some unexpected pluses to the Swarovski's--great price points, larger beading holes and perfect consistancy of size, clarity and sparkle (and I didn't break any beads while trying my heavy handed wirewrapping, hooray!). They won't replace my gems, but you'll be seeing more of these great shapes in my future designs. My only complaint is the limited size and color selection--some of my favorites were missing.

Hands down my favorite is what I call a chandelier cut--the Swarovski Teardrop (6000) shape. I used a pair of the 13mm size, combined with a 17mm teardrop 6010 Swarovski Briolette for the necklace. I love the combination of tanzanite, aquamarine and amethyst crystals--they are such great gemmy colors. The gold vermeil and goldfilled findings give them warmth and a nice pop.

Shhhh! I did have to sneak, in a pair of my amethyst gemstones from my stash, to go with these aquamarine Swarovski's--because I decided they needed a little company. No comments needed on my wirewraps. As long as I was trying out something new, I decided to work on my 'messy' wraps...and I succeeded beyond my wildest dreams..just not the way I'd intended. They are messy, but not quite the 'artful messy look' I was going for. Definitely need a little work in that area. (time to go get some copper wire and practice, practice, practice...and then work from now on with dead soft, not half hard wire!)

We're havin' a Heat Wave.....

2009-09-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

We're definitely having a heat wave today! 100 degrees and counting. Ahh, there's nothing like Autumn in the high desert--Santa Ana winds ripping thru the canyons, parching the hills and byways, and of course there is always the obligatory fire with the fragrance of smoke wafting thru the valley. And so it begins..
Yes, this is the bracelet I mentioned yesterday and below is my knarly hand--veins, freckles and all! I love these beads, even though getting a good picture is practically impossible! The lampwork focals are by Julie Wong, one of my favorites, who alas doesn't torch very often anymore. These little treasures remind me of pressed flowers--each one different and special in it's own way. The colors include every shade of purple from palest lilac and lavendar, to rich wine and amethyst. Tied together with black Swarovski crystals and tiny vermeil beads, it's finished with briolette charms of carved pink amethyst and rutilated quartz. A hand model I do not make, but I love the contrast of asymetrical quirkiness and elegance in this finished design.

I've Got a Bat in My Belfry

2009-09-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, life gets a little complicated sometimes and it seems like I've been runing a race with time since getting back from a month worth of fun. I guess you have to pay the piper for playing hookey that long. I did manage to find time to play a little on Friday and Saturday, and these Halloween-ie beads were begging to be used.

I don't do all that many whimsical fun pieces anymore, but these adorable beads from Lori Peterson were just too charming to pass by. I attached the charms to a hammered sterling ring with little round clasp findings...so you can rearrange them, or even take one or more off, if you like to simplify with a single charm or two. The silk ribbon is adjustable in length with a sterling slider, so it's short or long---you make the choice. You've got a bat, three pumpkins, even a couple of little vessonite gemstones for a touch of bling.

It was nice to just play with these beadies and after that I made a bracelet...but I'll share that tomorrow or the next day....one of the 'nice' things about having a 20-something artsy daughter, is that she points out how old fashioned and outdated my homedecor has become. Fortunately for me she is always willing to come 'help' me make it better...soooo we've taken on the project of first) removing the wall paper from the kitchen and dining area which was today's project (note to self: NEVER wallpaper a room again, removing it is a p.i.t.a.!) and after we're thru with that, we're going to redo the kitchen cabinets, so I won't have to hang my head in shame when visitors come, lol. I updated the appliances a couple of years ago, but it seems the rest of my world is stuck time and needs a little facelift! So do I, but it's not happenin' !

Home Again...Home Again...JiggedyJig...

2009-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Five weeks is a long time to be gone fishing, and it's nice to be back with a basketful of precious memories and spiderwebs taking over my front porch (that part's not so nice, lol). While we were gone we missed the heatwave and smoke from the fires, so it was a good time to be gone on our big adventure. First there were two weeks in Montana and environs--mostly in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks--where we were once again overwhelmed by the beautiful mountains and streams, wildflowers, geysers, and glaciers all around us and delighted with every encounter with the flora, fauna and nature surrounding us. This first picture is my beloved Many Glacier Lodge in the northeastern corner of Glacier National Park--I've been alot of places in the world and this still might be my very favorite of all. If you love nature, western Montana will do wonders for your soul and spirit. We saw nesting eagles, bison, bears, birds of all kinds, wolves and marmots, fat little chipmonks and mountain goats, sheep and trout of every hue and size. We fished, relaxed, searched for bears, and relaxed, fished some more, relaxed, explored, relaxed, saw mountains and streams, valleys and rivers, relaxed some more, and...well, you get the picture!

Did I mention the bears? One evening we saw 6 different bears foraging for huckleberries and licking up ants under rocks (the area around Many Glacier is full of bears, bighorn sheep and mountain goats). Driving up the Gallatin from Yellowstone towards Bozeman there was a young black bear that had just downed a pronghorn and was feasting on dinner--what a sight to behold. Mitch fished for trout on the Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers all in one day (three days in Livingston was a little bit of heaven all by itself in our own private cabin right on the Yellowstone River)--Montana is an excess of riches and delights that almost sends the senses into overload. I'm a mountain gal, and my heart was overflowing with the bounteous beauty of the earth every day. Summer in Montana is for me a glimpse of heaven. (And would you believe--no internet, no news, no worries and I totally and completely did not care!) Sooo, just when we thought it could not get better.....IT DID!!!! Talk about the icing on the cake.....

Just as we were returning home, the call came that a precious baby boy decided to come to earth a few days early and was waiting to meet his Grandma and Grandpa, so off I dashed across the continent (out of the woods and into the city, groan) for a first hand look at our beautifully handsome, sweet tempered and precious new grandson. , OH MY!!! It was love at first sight---he knows just how to melt his Grandma's (and Grandpa's) heart. I could go on and on, but I will just say that we adore him and felt so priviledged to be invited to share in the arrival of the sweetest little bundle of joy. I'm already missing him--two weeks, well two seconds really, was all it took to become attached to the dear little snuggly charmer--and it was so much fun to watch his Mom and Dad as they tenderly tended to his every need, with patience and love, despite their sleep deprivation, lol.

Yes, it's been a wonderful adventure, now it's time to get back into step. The first things that need attention are the spiderwebs on the porch and lots and lots of laundry. It was all worth it--what sweet memories I've treasured up for my musings while I work thru the everyday. I'm going to savour those couple of weeks with my forever sweetheart, just the two of us, drinking in one of the most beautiful places on earth, back to back with the joy of a new member of the family--a grandson to capture our hearts. Is it any wonder I feel my cup runneth over!!!

Of life's little pleasures, being grandma comes very close to the top of the list!

Gone Fishin'

2009-07-28T10:35:00.001-07:00

Literally and figuratively, the next month is mine to just mellow out with family and friends. Put my etsy stores on vacation and I'm going to enjoy the summertime. I have a grandson on the way, a new nephew born yesterday, some special time planned with my forever sweetheart and livin' is good!

I hope the rest of your summer is fill with laughter, friendship, sunshine and lots and lots of love. I'll see you in September, but maybe not before! HUGZ!!!

It's a beautiful day!

2009-07-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well, my little 'sneak it in' customer appreciation went off without a hitch. I repriced three items in my etsy stores at 20 cents plust shipping (a bracelet, earrings and some vintage laces from the other store) to the first who found them. It took a bit longer than I expected for them to be purchased, but they were found (must be Saturday in the dog days of summer that kept them in the store several hours longer than expected!) I'll be shipping the lovelies out on Monday, so enjoy your goodies and pay it forward, 'kay?

Where did the time go?

2009-07-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Was it really almost 40 years ago I married my sweetheart? How did our children grow up so fast--my oldest will be 31 the end of August and my baby is turning 27 two days before we celebrate our anniversary. My goodness, how time flies! There have been lots of highs, a few lows (funny how the lows have faded away and the highs are precious memories forever!) I attribute 40 happy years to committment, covenants and lots and lots of love, consideration and common goals. Yes, I feel like a very lucky lady--or better stated-- blessed with a husband who always puts his family first, and who good naturedly put up with a quirky, crazy me when lesser men would have given up long ago, lol.

It's a wonderful start...a wonderful life.

A Lovely Surprise...

2009-07-10T15:28:00.001-07:00

My bracelet--Sailing to Mykonos is featured in an etsy treasury running over this weekend---what a lovely surprise! There are some really lovely things in this treasury--drop by for a look-see if you get the chance!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=69968

Oh Drat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-07T13:37:00.001-07:00

I'm soooo sad...my good camera has the dreaded E18 error....which means the lens isn't retracting or focusing correctly. I guess it is a VERY common problem with Canon cameras--a defect if you will that their cameras often have. Since the camera is out of warrenty and it's $250 to have them 'fix' it...you're better off getting a new camera! So my husband has been trying all the 'hint's' online to try and fix it himself...so far without success. Drat! Drat! Drat! Not really wanting to spend money on a new camera right now, but the other camera's we have aren't as nice for the super macro pic's I like for my jewelry...so I'll just have to make do for awhile.

Oh well it could be worse...like something I really need...my dishwasher, frig, car...just a small blip on the radar...a little bummer. Going off to count my blessings! >^..^<

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Good Fun!

2009-07-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

Well, it's fun to be featured in one of the Treasury West treasuries, even if it's my vintage hankys, rather than my jewelry!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=59608

Who Knew?!?

2009-06-28T20:55:00.001-07:00

Certainly not me! My goodness, I had no idea there was such a market on etsy for vintage ribbons and laces! I've had 12 sales since opening last Wednesday! It's almost enough to make me go into the business of trolling antique and estate sales....notice I said ALMOST. Listing all these little items for sale is a real time eater. , Wash, iron, stage for photographing and then trying to jog my memory or look up the names, history and materials in all these things takes lots of time and they are small ticket items for the most part. Soooo...I think I will just be happy the things already in my stash are now going to a good home and not tempt fate by adding to the craziness trying to become a dealer in antique laces and ribbons, lol!

So, how did I come by all these little treasures, you ask? A looooong time ago I made little leather shoes and clothing for antique porcelain and reproduction dolls. Not only was I always looking for beautiful vintage clothing and laces and fabrics and beautiful kid leathers...but then my mother helped a friend liquidate a bridal salon and she bestowed me with even more laces and ribbons and fabrics, oh my! When I got busy with a young family, into the boxes and closets they went to be held in waiting for time to go back....but I never did and finally decided I never will. That's my story and I'm sticking to it and it's surprisingly good fun to send them off to a good home! Have you seen what people are doing with this stuff these days on etsy?!? Some remarkable creative minds out there!

All We Need Is Love...

2009-06-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing like alot of us creative types, that I'm not the only one out there with loads of leftovers from projects--odds and ends saved thinking I just can't throw away that piece of lace or ribbon, this bead or bauble, because I know I'll find a use for it one of these days....

Alas, all the cupboards are full to overflowing with little treasures I've tucked away over the years, and I finally came to the realization that I'm not going back to some of those places again--there's no time and I've found something else I love to do more. So this week is the beginning of a big destashing and cleansing--to free me from those 'somedays' that weigh heavy on my mind.

I've decided not to hoard my treasures any longer, it's time they got the love and attention they deserve by going on to another home where they can become something beautiful and treasured. All they need is a little love--and being hid away in a drawer to be admired once in a blue moon isn't cutting it.

I opened a new etsy storefront this evening---All We Need Is Love--for my vintage and destash. Starting tomorrow I'll be putting lots and lots of little treasures there for someone to hopefully fall in love with, and take home. www.allweneedislove.etsy.com

Swim Little Fishy...

2009-06-17T11:12:00.001-07:00

Swim if you can! I just finished a custom order for one of Judy's adorable clownfish. These are the cutest little fish that bring to mind Nemo..or coral reefs for those of you more grown-up than I am, lol! His little delicate fins and tail didn't make him so suitable for a bracelet, which is the first way I tried to use this bead. When Judy saw what I'd done, she recommended I change it to a necklace, which she sold at the scuba show and this is a second version on an oxidized chain with spinel beads strung along the chain for a delicate and delightful little charmer. (okay the tail looks clipped, but that's my photography--it's hiding a bit in the 'coral'--he really has a perfect little tailfin, lol!)

How Does Your Garden Grow..

2009-06-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

We spent the day working in our backyard at my house today...and I'm flat out tired. To begin with many of the plants and trees needed a little trimming and shaping...

The grapes look like they are doing just fine on their own. We have one Thompson seedless vine and one concord grape vine. Last summer we had lots of concord grapes, but something happened to the Thompsons before they matured, so with so many on the vines this year we are holding out hopes for a bumper crop.

As you can see, our cat is curiously sitting on the fence overlooking this next little project. I've really never had a vegetable garden---didn't really want to 'mess up' the landscaping. This year I read about "square foot gardening' and decided we just had to give it a try. http://www.squarefootgardening.com/index.php/The-Project/how-to-square-foot-garden.html

I found a little corner of the back yard behind the lambs ear and society garlic where I could hide my little experiment. This is a very clever style of veggie garden that only uses a 4X4 foot space. They claim it uses less space, less water, less plants--20% of the space and 5 times the yield of a standard vegetable garden, so I couldn't resist trying it out. I especially like the no weeding part and small space it uses. Besides, in California, where we are rationing water, it's water efficiency was also a big plus...so I'll let you know how my garden grows with updates this summer!

Oh well, here are 5 tomato plants hiding behind the grape arbor, not part of my square foot garden. We have 6 plants here with 3 varieties---I'm soooo hoping I have oodles of tomatoes later this summer---nothing is more delicious than a tomato fresh off the vine with a little salt and eaten like an apple.

Yep, I'm going for my own little garden of Eden this summer...I'll let you know how it goes!

Hot Tip....or not....

2009-06-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you drop by often you may have noticed that I'm partial to ocean themes and seashells. I obviously love the lampwork seashells I have in my treasure trove, but have you noticed I use alot of very pretty sealife castings as well?

If you've noticed my handcast leadfree pewter pieces and admired them--here's the hot tip--the artist is Jeff Mitchell, and his company is Drummercove. For the longest time I've been calling him Jeff Drummer...duh...but really the last name is Mitchell. His studio is in Wellfleet, on Cape Cod, and he obviously has access to some wonderful sealife specimens. (did you notice the little seahorse in my Moonlight Bay post--his too!)

Typically I prefer sterling silver and other precious metals, but these are such lovely quality, with a wonderful variety of sizes that they are well worth making an exception for. Here's just a small sample of what he has available. Check out his website for a wonderful variety---www.drummercove.com -- Jeff hand casts all his pieces using the exact shape of shells and sea life in his collection with wonderful detail. He also sells finished earrings, as well as components.

Here's a back view of the pieces to show you just how authentic and nicely finished the back sides of his pieces are, as well as the fronts. I especially love his sand dollars--the backs are too beautiful to never see! So the next time you're looking for something special that speaks to the sea, check him out. Oh, and another nice finishing touch is that he signs his pieces on the back with his initials--makes a nice statement about his committment to detail and hand casting.

I'm not affiliated with him in any way---just a very happy customer who thought I'd share with my friends!

Moonlight Bay

2009-06-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know about where you live, but around here when the moon rises some evenings it is so bright and beautiful that it looks like you could reach right out and touch it. Nothing is nicer than to grab a blanket, run down to the beach, watch the sunset and then sit and visit all snuggled up until the moon rises high in the sky and reflects on the waves as they wash into shore--the sounds, the smell and the beautiful glow of the moon make a lovely romantic evening. I've tried to capture that feeling in this pendant necklace on a lovely hand-dyed silk ribbon.

A large golden yellow mother of pearl disc combines with a beautiful lampwork shell by Judy Carlson, an ametrine nugget and hand-cast leadfree pewter seahorse by Jeff Drummer. Hung on a ring and strung on a lovely hand dyed silk ribbon with adjustable slide. $62.00

Turtles and Tidepools

2009-06-04T14:27:00.001-07:00

Well, I just don't seem to be ready to give up on the ocean themed designs quite yet. There is a little twist to this one though--rather than featuring the lampwork seashells, I've used the wonderful hand-cast and signed, leadfree pewter shells of Jeff Drummer for the focal point of this bracelet. There are still some wonderful artisan lampwork ss lentils by Tiffany McCoy (that remind me of sea turtles--hence the name of this bracelet)

Complimenting charms of turquoise discs, freshwater coin pearls, resin and czech beads are attached to the sterling links for a delightfully wearable bracelet.

Turtles and Tidepools--some of my favorite things--$110.00

If April Showers bring May flowers...what does June bring???

2009-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the iris are definitely all spent now, as well as the daffodils, calla lilies, and camellias, so early May's flowers are followed by...

...June swoon. The marine layer leaves us with cool overcast mornings and hot sunny afternoons. All my beautiful spring flowers have been spent and wilted in the hot sun already, and taken me down the path of summertime in the high dessert.

I love my pretty spring flowers with their riot of color, but I'm equally happy with the color I get as summer follows. My personal landscaper (daughter- Emily)helped me find lots of drought resistant and eco friendly plantings that give me color all summer---lavendar, statis, a few society garlic and phormium,.

Low water, low maintance and they make me feel like I have my own little park in the back yard--earthy and comfortable--like summer itself!

***************************

P.S. Laurie Smith is have a little jewelry competition over on her site--vote for your favorite lampwork bracelet design--go take a peek and vote! Better yet, starting Friday she will be taking entries for her lampwork necklace competition--enter something you love that you have made and join the fun!!

Here's the link- http://www.lauriebyrnesmith.com/page15.html

I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles***

2009-05-31T14:47:00.001-07:00

I think of all the necklaces I made with Judy's fish that this is my favorite. This little guy just puts a smile on my face and it was so much fun putting him together. Yellow is one of my favorite colors, but I rarely find things in lampwork using yellow or that I think to use yellow with, so maybe that is why I enjoyed this piece so much. This cutie is sold, but I would make another similar piece as a custom order....if you twist my arm, lol! $120.00

Today's the Day...AND THE WINNER IS:

2009-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the drawning is......

DEBBIE!!!!! Congratulations, Debbie. Send me an email at rspv@aol.com with your address and I'll get this in the mail to you asap! Thanks to everyone for participating in the drawing and for your votes on the Scuba Show Designs! I think Paradise Cove got the most votes!

Here's what Debbie won---hope you enjoy wearing it!

Thanks for all your comments and participation!

2009-05-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I helped daughter, Emily, open her own etsy store. She's sold her etchings, prints and intaglios at local art shows and decided it would be fun to put a few up for sale online. I'd been encouraging her to try etsy out for awhile--just for fun, so we took the plunge yesterday. By vocation she is a landscape designer with a degree in horticulture and minor in art (and finishing up an advanced landscape architecture degree at UCLA currently!) She's very gifted and loved learning how to do prints and etchings. She also makes beautifully bound books, does oils and watercolors. She's usually my best eye to look at things I'm working on and give me advice on color and scale when I'm not quite sure what I want to do.

Here's one of her etchings that I especially love. I would--notice the beachy theme here with the woody and surfboards. Check out her etsy store---she'll be adding additional work all week.

http://www.emietches.etsy.com/

Take a Moment

2009-05-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow while you are enjoying family and friends and good eats, take just a moment to remember those who made it possible. Those who loved country and liberty more than life itself and who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy the blessings of liberty in this, America, the beautiful.

I didn't expect to feel the reverence and awe that I did when I visited Arlington Cemetary and saw the sea of citizen soldiers who had served our country with honor and sacrificed so much for the liberties I take for granted every day. Thank you to all those who have served and who do still serve.

Remember the hummingbirds?

2009-05-23T11:26:00.001-07:00

Remember my little hummingbird momma nesting in my back yard? Well, looking thru my stash I found this adorable hummingbird bead I purchased a looong time ago and never used. Thought this is the perfect time to use her. Very simply displayed on a hand dyed silk ribbon with a boro slider. Isn't she sweet?

Honeysickle Heaven artisan lampwork (I don't remember the artist, I have to try and look it up!) silk ribbon with sterling ring, and boro slide $65.00

P.S. Don't forget the bracelet drawing all this week--just check out my jewelry artists gallery--- http://www.jewelryartists.org/Gal3323_Scuba_Dooby_Doo_09.asp and post your favorite here to be included in the drawing on Thursday...

P.P.S. Etsy store sale continues thru Monday evening-- 20% off of everything

Just a little summertime fun...

2009-05-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Soooo...it's way overdue, but how about a little giveaway this week to get ready for summer. I made a darling bracelet with some artisan hammered copper rings and clasp I got from Holly at Blind Cave Fish awhile ago, and put them together with some reactive glass beads from Tiffany McCoy--a seashell, of course and a heart, hence the name Sweetheart Bay (there's also a beautiful vintage swarovski long teardrop charm as well).

Okay, here's the deal, to be entered into the drawing for the bracelet, all you have to do is go look thru my jewelryartists Scuba Show gallery (that shouldn't be too painful!) and come back here, post a comment and tell me which design you like the best. http://www.jewelryartists.org/Gal3323_Scuba_Dooby_Doo_09.asp

I'll do the drawing next Thursday, since I may be leaving town on Friday and want to make sure I take care of it before I leave. Have fun and I hope you win!

p.s. I'm having a Memorial Day Weekend Sale in my esty store thru Monday with 20% off of everything--check it out! http://www.rickitic.etsy.com/

Sailing to Mykonos

2009-05-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Perfect Aegean Sea colors, like the beautiful islands that are sprinkled on the azure sea, this bracelet is loaded with precious treasures--artisan lampwork by Tiffany McCoy, Hilltribe silver seashell charms, gemstones, assorted freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals, cubic zirconia and all dangling from a fine sterling chain with sterling clasp by Pegasus.

Have you noticed I seem to be thinking about the Mediterranean alot lately? I don't really like cruises--I'm more of a person who likes her feet on terra firma, but I did spend some time in Greece a few years ago, took a short cruise while I was there and if, I say, IF I was feeling like spending some time on the water, those islands would definitely be at the top of my list. The colors are so inviting and the people have a charm all their own. I love the history in Athens, but hated the smog...but the islands, well, they are lovely. I guess I've been thinking about beautiful places alot--I do that when I play with my little treasures---try to remember places and colors and feelings when I'm working on my designs and this week it's been the Greek Isles. Hope you don't mind!

Sailing to Mykonos...only in my dreams. $145.00

Stop and Smell the Roses

2009-05-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

I apologize that the clarity in these pictures isn't fantastic, but I just had to share my little treasure with you. Overhanging our swimming pool is a tree that probably needs a little pruning right now, but it won't be getting any attention from us until this little mother is thru using it. Monday afternoon as my husband was drifting on his big air cushion in the pool, a hummingbird buzzed by--as he followed her flight, low and behold, she landed in this nest swaying gently in the breeze. Of course when he got me to come take a look, I brought the camera and with the zoom was able to capture her sitting on her nest while the tree took care of the rock-a-bye part of the equation. Now we run out every day to check her progress in the nest and consider it one of life's little treasures to be savoured and enjoyed. The nest probably isn't 2" deep and though sitting in plain site once you 'see' it, it blends in with the tree well enough to never notice it.

Now the gardener and my daughter, the landscaper, have strict orders to stay away from that tree, and area until the eggs are hatched and the babies fly away. I, on the other hand, will be out there daily sitting just far enough away to see the progress in the nest without frightening the little mother away from her brood. Fortunately, I think the nest is too far out on a limb, and too high in the tree, to be threatened by the family hunter, the dread cat--Legolas.

Thunder Bay

2009-05-19T11:23:00.001-07:00

Don't you love the wonderful colors in these lampwork beads by Dawn Scannell? These are just gorgeous with the color being truer in this top picture...for some reason on the white background they washed out a little, but there are a myriad of nuances in these stunning beads. I've pared them with hand hammered and forged links and rings and an adjustable clasp. The charms are bronze coin pearls, apatite, amethyst and fire cz briolettes to pop some of the colors from the beads. THUNDER BAY $110.00

The colors look a little more muted in this picture, but you can really see the details on the beads--a conch shell, a starfish and a very whimsical sand dollar.

Paradise Cove

2009-05-17T18:27:00.001-07:00

A favorite spot for dinner and a stroll on the beach, only a few minutes drive down a winding canyon road from my little valley takes you to the charming Malibu beach and Paradise Cove. My husband likes to spirit me away there occasionally for a rustically romantic evening. That's where this bracelet and necklace remind me of--it's all romance and very sweet, like his thoughtful little gestures of love, that are pure and simple. Paradise Cove---just a little bit of heaven.

I almost never do matching sets and this didn't really start out that way, but when I finished the bracelet I liked it so well, I decided that the humongous sand dollar I had from Judy needed to be embellished with the same pearl combination. They look nice together or apart...they just happen to have complimenting compenents.

Finding Nemo....

2009-05-16T21:52:00.001-07:00

This cute little guy is just swimming around looking for friends. The anemone fish is by Judy Carlson and combined with faceted black spinel beads, sterling silver and goldfilled findings and cz briolettes. Necklace is 18" plus the pendant that is just over 2" long.

Dreaming of Santorini

2009-05-15T08:43:00.001-07:00

In contrast to the bright hot sun of the Mediterranean are the cool, crisp colors of the breathtaking island of Santorini with it's stark white and pastel buildings that seem to beckon us from afar. Judy Carlson's bright white extra large artisan lampwork sand dollar combined with my moonstone and apatite gemstones and a splash of goldfilled and vermeil findings is a reminder of the beautiful colors and contrast that make Santorini the place of honeymoons, and dreams. You'll be cool and crisp under the summer sun in the exquisite statement piece. Pendant has a total length of almost 3 and 1/2 inches on an 18 inch goldfilled chain.

Key West

2009-05-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm taking my ocean theme south--way south to Key West. This beautiful coral starfish was torched by Al Nurge and I've combined it with one of Jeff Drummer's spectacular 2 inch plus sand dollar that he casts from an actual specimen in lead free pewter. Little accents of swarovski crystals plus a vessonite briolette complete the pendant. Hung from another lovely silk ribbon that has a complimenting boro slider to adjust the length, this is perfect for summertime or anytime. $67.00

I'm having so much fun with these wonderful new silk ribbons I recently ordered---some of my favorite colors and just perfect with those components I've had in my stash, waiting for inspiration!

Ariel's Song

2009-05-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

When I was off visiting my parents and sisters a couple of weeks ago, my 4 year old niece and I just had to watch The Little Mermaid together. It's one of her favorites and she's always wanting me to sing her the songs...which I don't know very well, because it's not a movie I've watched for awhile. But when I was working on this necklace I decided that Ariel or one of her sisters would very much enjoy wearing this little bit of vibrant pastels paying homage to the sea.

The focal lampwork seashell is quite large--about 1 3/4 inch long and really a gorgeous bead torched by artist Tiffany McCoy. The lead free pewter shell was hand cast by artisan Jeff Drummer from an actual seashell and there are several strands of gold filled chain dripping with gemstones--an 8mm swiss blue topaz briolette, several pink amethyst heart briolettes and a sprinkling of pink rubelite garnets hung from a hammered sterling ring that is wrapped in goldfilled wire and more rubelite garnets. Hung on a pastel verigated silk ribbon--it's lovely, but if you'd like to dress it up all you need to do is change out the ribbon (it's easy-peasy) and hang this lovely on a delicate sterling or gold chain. Versatile and lovely--you'll feel like Poisedon's daughter wearing this beauty. Total length of the pendant is 3" and it has an adjustable slide so the length will adjust from 15" to 36". Ariel's Song $132.00 (the gemstones make it a little pricey--but worth it!)

Ah, I couldn't resist playing with the color a bit for an artsy look...actually the pewter shell shows off a lot better in this picture than the others, but everything else is muted and toned down until it's unrecognizable colorwise...but sometimes a girl has to play with her grayscale, ya know!

Surfin' Safari

2009-05-11T14:34:00.001-07:00

I loved the earthy colors I got to use for this bracelet---Judy's beautiful etched transparent seashells are the most wonderful color of olive green and when I dug thru my stash I had some stone beads I purchased awhile back from a vendor selling mostly Afghan Lapis. I can't remember if he said these are jasper or jade but they are from Afghan and I love the color variations and cut of these natural stones... and the way the complimented the lampwork.

The bracelet is wirewrapped with 18 gauge sterling silver, artisan hammered sterling oval links and I've added a palm tree sterling charm, along with a couple of hilltribe silver clam shells to complete the design. I think this is my favorite so far--Surfin' Safari $96.00.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T00:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to my own sweet mother (standing next to my father), flanked by my precious daughter on one side and my son and daughter-in-law on the other. Counting my blessings for all of you...as well as my dear husband who supports me in every way.

I hope your day will be filled with happiness and love. I count my blessings today as I thank my Heavenly Father for my dear mother and for the privilege of being the mother of two amazingly wonderful children, add now a precious daughter-by-marriage and pleasure of adding the title of grandmother very soon. My cup runneth over.

I hope you find yours full to the brim whatever season of your life this is.

First Comes Love....Then Comes Marriage...

2009-05-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, that's the order of things when I was a girl...and one I am still a firm believer in. A little of my romantic side in this Hawaiian Honeymoon bracelet. I knew the minute I saw these seashells by Judy Carlson that I wanted pearls and sweetness. They just reminded me of something for a beach wedding. There is a lady back east who makes sugar seashells for wedding cakes that I just drool over--and these delicate shells look like they've been sugared on top and are good enough to eat! I love the color and the way they are etched and 'sugared' on top--just totally feminine and perfect for the softer side of 'beachy' goodness.

If you're thinking June Wedding at the beach, wouldn't these be just perfect for your bridesmaids to wear? Or any other time or place for that matter!

Channeling the Beach Boys..or something like that!

2009-05-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for sooo long...I was out of town for awhile and just not inspired for awhile...but this week I've hit the ground running with a batch of seashells from lampwork artist,Judy Carlson--I'm not a total slacker...at least not this week, so far.... Here's one...might as well string them out so I have something to post while I'm working on other things....Love the blush on this coral-tangeriney glass that she used to make the shells...combined it with some turquoise and coral lentils from my stash, swarovskis and little Thai silver shells for a fun piece....

So why 'Girl from Ipanema'...guess I have Brazil on the brain. My daughter just returned from three weeks in Brazil and so I decided to use a Rio beach in celebration of her return home safe and sound. She wasn't quite ready to come home..but, isn't that a good trip, when you leave still wishing for just a little more time to enjoy your visit? She stayed with friends in Sao Paulo, Rio and Fortaleza and their generous hospitality made the time pass much too quickly. So, my salute to Brazil--Girl from Ipanema.

La Mer

2009-04-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

I can't seem to stop playing with my reactive glass seashells and beads, so I had to do one more design while I had them out. These have to be some of my favorite colors of glass--the double helix blues and greens just enchant me every time--especially the way Tiffany McCoy can make them sing. I've used an eclectic assortment of complimenting, but not matching beads, which to my mind always adds to the interest. La Mer has a seashell, a heart ( I love the sea), a pair of lentils and a hand shaped squeezed bead with dark blue goldstone, swarovskis and sterling beads and clasp. $92.00

While it's difficult to capture all the detail and color depth in these beads there really is alot of variety and interest with pattern, color and shape..so the little silver clam shells remain the constant to pull it all together with a touch of consistancy.

I love the way the beautiful vintage swarovski elongated teardrop charm helps the other colors to pop, and brightens the whole design--while reminding you of the azure blue in the sea and the sky--more turbulent than calm, is my little romance of the sea--La Mer.