Put a little magic in your life

rings on her fingers and bells on her toes...

2012-01-28T14:35:00.000+01:00

Well, not on the toes, really. But I put some very vintage brass bells on a pair of earrings - because I am fond of the tinkle...

First piece of the year...

2012-01-10T16:36:00.000+01:00

Just finished the first new piece in this year - still playing with the faux shibuichi and the bells... although this is a smaller version of the bell.

The bell is copper - then the faux shibuichi technique is applied - which was pretty difficult to do on this 3D form. A matte onyx carved flower functions as the clapper of the bell - so this necklace makes a tinkling noise when it is worn.

offerings for the muse

2012-01-08T18:27:00.000+01:00

I spent two hours at the trade show on Friday, getting some stuff to offer my muse...

Peridot and cream colored (the color of old lace) mother of pearl beads...

tiny natural rock crystals...

citrine rondelles, white labradorite and peridot briolettes...

carved jade and mother of pearl - dragons and other mythical beast... we will be in the Year of the Dragon this year...

large carved Buddha heads - I'm not sure what these are...

very small carved Buddha heads in bamboo coral (dyed and natural)...

large metal beads from Africa... long bamboo coral spears (dyed)...

handmade recycled glass beads from Ghana... loving those green shades...

handmade sandcast bronze beads from Ghana and handmade Tuareg silver plated copper beads...

Now my muse wants me to get into the studio. No wonder.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

wishing you

2012-01-01T15:27:00.000+01:00

a most wonderful New Year! May it bring health, happiness, love and inspiration to all of you.

Like many of you, I am not sad to see 2011 depart. I look forward to seeing what the new year will bring. I wish to continue to follow where my passion leads me; to learn and develop my skills and my spirit.

From me and three sleepy kittens

a heartfelt Thank You to all of you for your comments, support and encouragement. I look forward to continue sharing our journey with you.

Ornament swap

2011-12-31T16:37:00.002+01:00

This year my friends Steffi and Janna joined me again for a Christmas ornament swap - it was a last minute affair, but I am so glad we did it.

Steffi sent me this adorable little snowman - he makes me smile whenever I see him. But how did she know that I have a hat like this one?

Isn't he cute?

Janna sent me a beautiful ornament - a tart tin with an image encased in resin - I think there are mica flakes in there also - surrounded by a ring wrapped in sari silk. Like a wreath surrounding the image.

I love the tattered and torn look - just perfect!

I made the bells below - each was embellished in a way I thought each recipient would enjoy.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe New Year's Eve!

last flea market of the year...

2011-12-18T13:38:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I was at a flea market. This morning I decided I had to make time to go to the last big flea market of the year, because there isn't much going on with the flea markets from January to March. Due to the stormy weather that we have had this weekend, I already knew the turnout of sellers would be low. It was. The lot was more than half empty. But that didn't stop me from finding some fun stuff.

More protective pocket watch cases...

An ethnic style necklace - to be repurposed...

Vintage glass cabouchons and flowers...

The find of the day - vintage sterling silver salt shakers... these are made of unbelievably thin silver, so they are very lightweight, but also delicate.

I even got some (real) mistletoe at the flea market - but forgot to take a picture...

Kitten update - the little cuties are crazy rambunctious. The eye problems continue to come and go, but otherwise they are stable healthwise. But, because they have been inside since October, they are not dealing well with the cold temperatures outside. I try to get them outside regularly, to get them accustomed and to give them the opportunity to really run and play, but it looks like they won't be moving out anytime soon.

They are about 16 weeks old now. While they have grown quite a bit, it seems they will remain small cats - particularly Lilith. In the above photo, you can see that her head is much smaller than that of her brothers. The little rascals...

Wishing everyone a peaceful Sunday!

more amulets and talismans...

2011-12-17T16:46:00.000+01:00

I am continuing work with the faux shibuichi - it is so very fascinating - and have a finished necklace and more work in progress... seems the ideas are coming faster than I can finish pieces.

Prayerscroll talisman

Shield Amulet

more work in progress

2011-12-03T16:19:00.000+01:00

I have been further experimenting with the faux shibuichi technique, which I want to use on my 'prayer scrolls'. Every new experiment and every step gives me another inspiration how to use this. This is where I am so far:

I love the achievable texture, although the material has its own challenges - it is much harder to work than copper or silver. The results are very rewarding. Hoping to have these pieces finished soon.

more earrings

2011-11-29T15:40:00.000+01:00

More cone earrings using the faux shibuichi technique.

The colour and the texture of the metal are fascinating - I have some more pieces of this in the making for prayer scrolls.

some earrings

2011-11-26T14:34:00.000+01:00

These were made for a commission.

I like the way the copper cones turned out and want to experiment some more with this technique.

finished necklace

2011-11-22T12:19:00.000+01:00

As I mentioned the last time I posted, I was working on a new 'prayer' piece. Finally finished. This one is something more of a prayer flag. I wanted to create something archaic and rustic, yet delicate ans somewhat precious. The focal is counterbalanced by the delicate wire wrapped beads and pearls that form the chain and dangles.

Runes from the top:
ehwaz - journey, progress, change
laguz - vitality, the ocean, water, artist
wunjo - harmony, joy, happy conclusion
inguz - spiritual path, inner fire, solidifies the reached goal

work in progress and update on the kittens...

2011-11-13T08:25:00.003+01:00

The 'prayer bead' idea has been tumbling around in my head, over and over. The piece I made was not technically a bead, not a box... maybe something more of a scroll? I may find a fitting term someday. Meanwhile, I am working on another piece, so I have a work in progress to show.

A forged piece of copper, some silk rod and a resined piece of paper with the runes that continue to call me. The resined paper has been distressed - making it look like a piece of old parchment.

The kittens have made good progress getting back to health. Although I am finding it hard to believe, they are now about 3 months old. They have grown considerably, although I still think they are very small for their age - but then, their mama is a tiny cat... These pics were taken last weekend.

Frettchen (= Ferret)

Pan

Lilith

Difficult to take pictures of them - they are always moving in high speed; so most of the pics I take show a blur or a tail or don't even have a cat in them...

Last night the temps dipped down below freezing - this morning, everthing is covered in frost and we will finally see the sun again. The last few days have been heavily shrouded in fog.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday.

Finished pieces

2011-11-06T09:32:00.000+01:00

I finished the prayer bead piece this week - an archaic kind of necklace. It is big, full of emotion and thoughts.

And the woodland necklace was completed - the focal has moss preserved beneath resin and drops of labradorite. The necklace itself is a medley of labradorite, prehnite, jade and forged leaves, one of which is part of the clasp.

I haven't any new kitten photos to share - there was too much going on this week and I didn't want another pic of sleeping kittens. But they are doing much better - we have finally found an antibiotic that can combat the bacteria we are dealing with; their eyes are no longer infected and they are soooo energetic... Their skinny mama has also put on weight, since the kittens are on solid food and is generally also in much better condition. I am still fighting the cat flu in two of the older kittens, but the antibiotica is also helping there, so I'm hoping we will be through this situation soon.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday.

sad Sunday

2011-10-30T12:07:00.000+01:00

Yesterday - yesterday... my heart aches, I am devastated. Yesterday I witnessed one of the cats being hit by a car. The person didn't slow down, didn't stop, just kept going. No - I won't tell you any details - bad enough that I will never be able to forget what I saw. And no, it wasn't one of the kittens. It was Mr. Babysitter.

Well, while trying to keep my mind off what I saw, as I lay in bed last night - I realized I needed to express my sorrow in a constructive way. I decided to make something like a prayer bead. Don't know if that is the best term for it. I can think about that later. So, this morning, after feeding the cats/kittens; starting the fire to heat the house; I started work on this:

A piece of etched copper sheet, hammered into almost tube form, containing a piece of handmade paper (with some words that have meaning for me on the paper) - sorry, I don't know who made it, it was a gift my husband brought home from a business trip to Australia - and a piece of dyed silk rod. Beneath are an Ethiopian prayer bead and one of the jasper beads I brought home on Friday. It is still a work in progress...

Wishing everyone a happier Sunday.

Wild-life and a gem and mineral exhibition

2011-10-29T13:44:00.000+02:00

It has been a crazy week. Life has been a bit wild and there has been plenty of wildlife. One of my cats made me a present of a (dead) juvenile rat; there was a young weasel being chased by a gang of cats last night and I still haven't solved the riddle of who put the live vole in the beverage cooler of the fridge... guess somebody wanted his fresh vole chilled. And then there was this guy - hawk or a falcon - that flew smack into the neighbor's window and fell to the ground, stunned.

He was a bit 'fuzzy' in the head for quite a bit. I carried him around in my hands to keep him warm and away from the cats and was finally able to set him in a tree. But not before he showed me just how powerful his talons are - ouch! Glad I'm not a mouse or a sparrow. Anyway, he apparently did not receive any drastic injury, because he did fly up higher into a tree on another lot before it got dark.

Yesterday was the annual mineral und gem exhibition in Munich. I didn't have too much time to spend there, since I had to get the kittens to the vet's in the afternoon, but I used my time well - at least, I think so.

Ivory coloured bamboo coral sticks - they remind me of bones. So cool.

Matte jasper beads, that look like they are part of a prehistoric cave painting. Gotta love something like that.

Etched and faceted agate beads - I would have loved these in matte. But even so, they are quite something.

Tiny faceted briolette beads, probably jade - although they were labeled prehnite.

So in love with these amber pieces. Nice matte finish.

Some treasures from Africa - a couple of new sand cast focal pendants, a lot of old coins, some very old agate beads and two very old worn ring focals.

Gorgeous matte (notice a trend here?) labradorite nuggets and matte (!) hematite beads. Love how the matte finish on the hematite makes them look so much more interesting.

Big raw tourmaline crystals that have been drilled.

Black tourmaline (shorl) that have been cut and polished into a crystal shape and drilled.

Some more lovely jasper pieces.

Some prehnite cabouchons. For some reason, my camera refuses to depict the gorgeous glowing green of these. You will have to take my word for it.

Sunday flea market

2011-10-23T14:28:00.000+02:00

It was cold this morning - really cold. Minus 4°C cold. So, we waited a bit before starting out to the flea market. To no avail - there was thick fog and it stayed cold until the sun finally found its way through just before noon, to make +5°C seem wonderfully mild. Did I just say mild 5°? See what going out in the cold can do to you?

I did make some interesting finds today...

Slightly rusted silver plated bracelet, possibly 1930's.

A small collection of large turned bone rings, although a couple of them look more like antler.

Various sizes of vintage pressed glass flower shapes and beads from a chandelier.

These are a rare find - glass eye cabouchons, some partially painted.

I want to thank everyone that commented (and with such kind words!) on my challenge piece - thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think. Your feedback is so appreciated.

I will leave you with a bit of cute - a photo of two of the sick kittens, which have now taken over my livingroom. Apparently it is a great playground and so many comfy places for a nap... and I can't leave sick kittens out in the cold, can I? These little ones are now approx. 8 weeks old. The eyes are looking just a bit better, but they are still sniffling and sneezing...

Hope you all have a wonderful sunny Sunday, where ever you are!

Deryn's challenge

2011-10-21T16:08:00.002+02:00

Last week Deryn of Something Sublime posted a challenge on her blog - you can read it about it here. It was sparked by an inspiration room on Interior Alchemy. Head on over to Deryn's blog to see all the eye candy this inspired.

Well, I was inspired and wanted to play along, but I haven't finished my piece yet. Not quite... the necklace is still missing the closure. But I want to share my take on the inspirational challenge with you inspite of that.

Obviously, it was the mirror that sparked my take on this. I placed a distressed vintage piece of mirror behind a vintage belt buckle, layered a woman's image over it and finished it off with sari silk, lace, antique rosary beads, garnets and vintage glass nail head beads.

Thank you, Deryn, for the creative challenge - this was fun!

another pair of earrings...

2011-10-16T17:57:00.000+02:00

I did manage to get in a little time in the studio this weekend, while most of my time was spent doing something cat-related. The temps have been dropping to around freezing at night, so it was time to do some insulating of the cat house (other people have dog houses - I have a cat house...) and organize some other warmer sleeping possibilities for the other kitties. And today, my adorable husband built a door for the cat house, to keep out the wind. Pics will follow... The kittens aren't doing as well as I would like - they have cat flu, which is why the eyes are so infected and they have runny noses. Cat flu is a rather serious sickness and can be fatal. So we have been getting antibiotic shots and a new ointment for the eyes, which seems to be more effective. Two of the kittens are still full of energy and all are still eating, but one little guy is spending most of his time sleeping - so this is a turn for the worse. But I am hoping we can get him through this.

But it is definitely autumn, which must be the reason I keep working on fold formed leaves in copper. These are combined with labradorite. A necklace is also in the works...

I hope to be able to show the necklace sometime this week.

new earrings...

2011-10-09T15:16:00.000+02:00

I finally have been able to put in a couple of hours in my studio to make jewelry - being a part(most of the)time kitten mama has really taken its toll on the other areas of my life. I actually finished a pair of earrings - yay!

Fold formed copper leaves with bone beads, red aventurine, garnet and chalcedony - really long earrings in autumn colours.

The weather has turned - we are having a high of 8°C today, to say nothing of the rain and hail showers... the kittens and their mama have moved into the cat house, next to the front door. And because the nights are getting pretty chilly, they have been joined here by Mr. Babysitter (I think he is a sibling of mama cat) and one of the earlier kittens. Everybody is snuggled up to keep warm.

Aaaawwwww - look at that face! Unfortunately, the kittens are having problems with the eye infection again, meaning antibiotic ointment in the eyes several times a day. They are about 6 weeks old now and full of spunk and curiosity. But I will be glad when they are finally weaned and all eating cat food...

Sunday kittens and yes, of course, flea market

2011-09-25T14:09:00.000+02:00

Skinny mama and the kittens are doing quite well today. What I didn't mention the other day - the kittens have been with their mama all along and she has been feeding them - but apparently she hasn't been producing enough milk to still their hunger and that is where I come into the picture - additional meals. For her and for them.

Here they are taking some sun (and a bit of lunch) today. Skinny mama lying in the shade - the big tabby behind her is 'Mr. Babysitter' - he seems to have quite a thing for kittens. He was constantly watching over the first litter and is now taking a big interest in these three, when they come out of the nest.

I did go to the flea market, inbetween kitty breakfast and kitty lunch.And I even found some goodies...

This could be a mountain goat horn tip. Was probably part of a Bavarian charivari - an assortment of Bavarian charms a man would wear with his lederhosen.

Some gorgeous green opalite Czech glass beads.

A tiny vintage buckle and an assortment of antique buttons in glass and brass.

A strand of etched agate beads - love the color and the matte surface.

And then I found these three vintage display boxes - a rare find. Usually the sellers at the flea market keep these for themselves. They are perfect for storing and displaying finished jewelry.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday and thank you for visiting!

I'm still here...

2011-09-23T17:09:00.000+02:00

I know - you probably think I have fallen off the face of the planet. Sorry for the prolonged absence. I am sure you all remember me telling you about the cats that have taken over my front door. Well, things got a little more 'exciting'. You remember the kittens, of course. But another one of the cats had kittens while we were away. Nobody had any idea that she was going to have kittens. She wasn't heavy around the middle. In fact, she is such a skinny cat that I just thought she was beginning to finally put a little meat on her bones. Boy, was I mistaken! I still can't get over the fact that I was not able to detect her pregnancy, because she was so skinny.

Anyway, after we came home, she brought them over here. Three of them. I wasn't exactly overjoyed - the cat head count is pretty high already. And then - she stopped eating. Not entirely. But a tablespoon of food two or three times a day does not count as a meal in my book. Especially not for a nursing cat. So I have been feeding them with a syringe.

This is what they looked like last weekend. So very wobbly on their little legs. They are coming along fine - even though we have had our ups and downs. But they are taking up pretty much all of my free time. But they are beginning to take an interest in cat food and today even had some of their milk from a bowl, instead of the syringe. So things will be getting easier.

Taken today - they had their first real outing this afternoon. Up to now, they have spent most of their time in their 'nest'. Today they had a bit of adventure in the sun.

Did I ever say I was a sucker for kittens?

some vacation impressions...

2011-09-11T14:39:00.001+02:00

I got back from our vacation just over a week ago - and it did turn out to be sort of a nomadic vacation after all. We had planned to go to Croatia - which we did - but we only stayed there for about 4 days and then traveled on to Italy; where we spent one night at one campsite and a week at the next - and then traveled further south to visit friends. It was a wonderful vacation - in every possible way. Here are a few impressions...

Croatia - Adriatic Sea - the islands of Cres (from where the picture was taken) and Krk

Croatia - Cres

Croatia - the island Krk - Njivice

Italy - beach in Tuscany

Italy - Tuscany

Italy - Tuscany - view from a hilltop village, looking out on to the Mediterranean sea

Italy - Tuscany - the village of Bolgheri

Italy - Tuscany - the church in Bolgheri

Italy - Lazio - the town of Tarquinia on the hilltop

Italy - Lazio - Tarquinia

Tarquinia - a gallery showing the work of Marco Ferri - absolutely poetic!

sometimes I dream of a nomadic life...

2011-08-05T16:12:00.000+02:00

My husband put the little green cabinet with the fridge in our VW van today - that means we will be going on vacation soon! Driving south to the Mediterranean Sea, living in our little van, feeling a bit like a nomads...

Nomad earrings.

The faux coral turned out to be real coral after all. Combined with dangles from Egyptian jewelry...

where we interrupt our regular program for kitty antics

2011-07-31T16:25:00.000+02:00

Awwww.....

All kids like toys - even kitty kids. I gave them some toy mice - boy, did I make their day!

The big ones are washing up, getting ready for dinner...

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday, wherever you are in the world!

...looking out my back door

2011-07-29T11:42:00.000+02:00

Well, actually, it is the front door. But this what I was enjoying this morning...

The kittens seem to be enjoying themselves hugely, after a large breakfast. I find their games surprisingly gentle - I remember my cats being much more rough when they were this size - and all the more surprising, given their fierceness during meals - growling, hissing, claws out, jumping in the bowl to defend it from the siblings... already they are much more steady on their short little legs.

Sunday flea market and feeling a bit under siege

2011-07-24T13:29:00.001+02:00

A dreary, rainy, cold morning - 13°C (= 55°F) - I am not at all sure it is July. In fact, it can't be. Whatever happened to summer????
Well, I went to the flea market anyway - in my winter jacket. It was dreary there too. Rain came down in a steady drizzle. I almost had my eyes poked out by umbrellas and I saw lots of plastic foil covered over tables. Wow. Exciting! not.
But those of you that have visited here often know that I will not be deterred from finding goodies at the flea market. And I wasn't.

Bone beads and faux coral. The lady I bought them from says they are coral - but I am pretty sure that they aren't - too shiny and too cold to the touch. They don't feel at all organic; more like glas.

More doll parts unearthed in Thuringia - some arms and legs.

The seller said these are from Tibet. Maybe. Although I would have thought Afghanistan.

These are wild boar tusks. So cool! And so big!!

I have been feeling as if I am under siege lately. This is what it looks like:

None of these are my cats. And then there are these:

There are actually 4 of them. But impossible to get all of them in one photo. I 'hate' that I am a sucker for kitten cuteness. But then, even my husband is a sucker for kitten cuteness.

None of these cats is a pet - they don't want to be petted, just fed. And they are extremely hungry.

It all started with one young cat - not one of those kittens, most of them are probably not yet one year old - giving me that I-am-starving-look. I have a character flaw - I can't resist a hungry cat. So I gave the cat some food. You know - one more cat isn't going to be a problem... Next thing I knew, there were five cats. Then seven. Sometimes even 10. Plus the kittens. And this is not counting my own 5 cats.

Now what do I do?

new earrings

2011-07-16T08:17:00.001+02:00

Finished these late last evening. Photo was taken in the early morning light. Spiral shell beads from my acquisitions of last weekend, foldformed copper leaves and smooth moonstone briolettes, like dewdrops.

Gem show

2011-07-10T18:29:00.000+02:00

Instead of a flea market day, it was a gem show day. I didn't really need a lot of stuff - and there are beads I would like to get, but the sellers don't offer here - but I was in a sort of ethnic mood, I guess. This is my booty:

Onyx flowers and mother of pearl leaves.

Tiny cream coloured freshwater pearls.

An ethnic assortment - new beads in the traditional Tibetian style.

These are buttons - huge buttons. About 2" x 1.5". Material: horn. I am totally in love with these.

More ethnics - bronze beads from Africa. And those lighter ones - are an alloy of silver and copper - with a lot of copper. Very rustic - very cool.

Some drilled focal beads, mainly jasper and quartz crystals.

Some very long quartz crystals.

I haven't been posting much lately, sorry about that - a heavy work load at the day job, plus some health issues, have slowed me down a bit - and there just hasn't been anything interesting to show you. But I do thank each and every one of you that stops by. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, where ever you are.

Sunday flea market

2011-06-26T12:19:00.000+02:00

Today was one of those days at the flea market, when the finds are too highly priced and the sellers are in a bad mood... not all of them, of course. It was meager pickings. Very meager. On the other hand, today I made the most unusual find ever.

A nice little vintage charm bracelet.

A vintage rosary crucifix that opens up in the back - I have never seen one of these before.

And this - this is soooo unusual. It is supposed to be the tip of an armadillo tail. I wouldn't know - there aren't any armadillos in my neighborhood. But it is definitely a very cool find!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday - however you choose to spend it - enjoy it!

new earrings

2011-06-19T13:06:00.000+02:00

Finished a pair of earrings...

Cascading copper cups with green agate (green onyx) and faceted hemimorphite beads.

a faery place

2011-06-15T14:21:00.000+02:00

...my garden is a faery-like place - as much so, as a garden created by human hands can be - and with Mother Nature's help, of course...

...not that it was intentionally created to be a faery space. Nevertheless, it is full of wonders, magic and pixie dust...

... angel's wing...

...heavily cascading boughs of roses...

...bumblebees wearing pollen pants in just the colour of the apricot roses...

...bird's nests...

...myriads of tiny wild strawberries...

...and tangy red currants, glowing like rubies in an ocean of emerald...

...magical mirrored spheres...

...this is just a glimpse - maybe more next time...

altered bits mixed media art zine

2011-06-12T16:40:00.001+02:00

It is finally available - Alicia Caudle's Altered Bits Mixed Media Art Zine! I am so very excited and honored to have been included in this zine, which is available in print for the first time. 20 fabulous mixed media artists (and myself) have contributed to this issue and I can't wait to get my hot little hands on a copy.

Doesn't it make you wish you could look inside?

My contribution was a necklace for the theme notorious. I chose the magpie as my subject - notorious for its thieving of bits and pieces of shining stuff. I used one of those protective pocket watch cases I have been finding at the flea market and created a little assemblage inside of it - an image of a magpie, a wire nest, bits of bling... you get the idea.

I created the necklace with a ribbon of shimmering sari silk in green/black - which reminds me of a magpie's feathers - and an old watch chain. Then I created the magpie's stash - this was like going to the flea market - a pewter button, beads, a coin, a recycled rhinestone brooch, a small antique key, various recycled jewelry dangles and some more sari silk. All the sort of things I imagined a magpie would get excited about. I mean, even I get excited about them!

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this incredible zine, Alicia!!!

Sunday flea market

2011-06-05T11:26:00.000+02:00

Today is going to be hot and muggy, so we headed for the flea market early. We haven't been to this particular flea market for a while and at first I thought, this is going to be one of those empty-handed days. Which goes to show - you never know what you will find at the flea market, until you have covered the whole flea market...
Actually, I was looking for some larger rusty metal pieces to use in something I am planning for the garden. Of course, I never find anything I am particularly looking for. Must be a 'natural law' of flea marketing. But I did find some great goodies for my jewelry making stash...

Pocket watch backing and a number tag - 13 is my favorite number...

Chandelier crystals - how could I resist?

Some wonderfully unusual little light bulbs.

Naturally shed antlers... so cool!

Some really soft leather scraps.

Wishing you all a wonderful early summer Sunday and thank you for visiting!

new earrings

2011-06-03T17:29:00.000+02:00

Ever since I finished that last necklace, I have been thinking the design would really lend itself to earrings. Today I had some time to get into my workspace and this is the result:

Sisterhood - Earrings

Forged copper, brass, vintage chain

These are fairly long and have lots of movement.

I hope everyone has a lovely Friday - weekend coming up!

New piece

2011-05-28T13:58:00.000+02:00

Sisterhood

Forged copper, French coin, vintage bead and 3 rows of vintage chain, vintage paste clasp.

Sunday flea market

2011-05-22T12:51:00.001+02:00

It is a warm sunny day - perfect for the flea market. And what a colourful flea market it was!

Max always enjoys a table full of hardware.

Carved ivory tusks - imagine how huge the elephant must have been...

One seller had only doll's houses and doll's furniture. This apothecary was just too gorgeous.

Sometimes we see really unusual stuff - like this baby carriage, probably from the late 50's or early 60's.

The absolute attraction of the flea market this Sunday were these two visitors - with their huge dog and the parrot perched on her hand. I would have loved a couple of those gorgeous blue feathers...

Oh yes, I did bring home a bit of stuff...

A vintage necklace sample card - which I will dismantle - I wanted those unusual faceted cat's eye beads...

Some vintage religious medals - these will need some work...

A handful of beads - bone, horn, wood, shell...

These are my favorite finds of the day - from an old doll factory in Thuringia - with a patina you just can't imitate. They look like ancient relics, something you would see in a museum... absolutely fabulous!

Max brought home some new herbs the other evening - I am off to plant them in pots for the herb garden ...
wishing you a wonderful Sunday!!

new earrings and work in progress

2011-05-20T19:23:00.000+02:00

Stuff I have been working on:

Vintage coins, vintage beads and pyrite briolettes...

Buttons made of antler and rough carnelian beads...

Copper 'vessel' - for lack of a better word...

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme...

2011-05-15T19:13:00.000+02:00

This past week my garden was an intoxicating place, filled with the perfume of lilac and wisteria in bloom. I think that was made me decide to revamp part of our driveway/court yard. I rearranged and put stuff away, brought out other stuff, potted and potted and rearranged... and now I have a little herb and aroma garden. It isn't finished yet - still needs some work and some faery dust - but I love the idea so far.

Lots of sage, rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, catnip, cat balm, strawberries, hyssop, rainbow chard, lady's mantle...

This morning, while I was musing which herbs I still need for this garden by the 'tower clock', the words thyme's garden suddenly came to mind...

and sent me off to my work bench to make these earrings. Thyme's Garden...

I hope you are enjoying spring's perfume, however you are spending your Sunday.

new earrings

2011-05-07T08:30:00.001+02:00

The former works in progress - are now finished...

The Earth has weight

The symbol carved in bone here is an Adinkra symbol of West Africa - asase ye duru - meaning the Earth has weight. This is speaking to me strongly at the moment. Combined simply with jasper in an earthy green, to remind us to stay connected with the earth, our Mother.

Earth Mother

Another pair of earrings with this symbol - formed in copper this time and paired with chalcedony and peridot.

The Spiral Dance

An ancient symbol that has been used by many cultures, always in a positive way. Our galaxy is a spiral - perhaps that is the reason this symbol speaks to many of us. Copper, vintage silver plated chain, silk cord, carnelian, peach moonstone.

Work in progress

2011-05-05T16:59:00.000+02:00

Some earrings and a pendant still in the works...

Continuing my obsession with symbols and bone...

Sunday flea market

2011-05-01T16:18:00.000+02:00

Another Sunday - and another flea market...
Some peeks at some of the vendor's booths -

These wood printing blocks were huge - some of them were about 15"! So gorgeous.

Today is the first of May - and in the villages of Bavaria, it is traditional to erect the May pole today.
This one was at the flea market and it was huge!

The following two pics are of the May pole being erecting in the village closest to where I live. While it was not as tall as the one in the first pic, you can see that it still has considerable height. I couldn't get the whole pole on the photo, even from where I took the pic.

I did bring back some loot from the flea market...

Copper washers! Many copper washers!!!

Art Deco rhinestone dress clips.

A couple of antique brooches.

Some vintage/antique goggles - I see something steampunk in my future...

Some lovely bone donuts and a carved bone owl bead.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday and a lovely first of May!

new earrings

2011-04-30T07:48:00.000+02:00

Finished some new earrings.

Forged copper rings, sari silk, freshwater pearls and garnets...

- Gypsy -

Vintage bone game pieces - hand carved with runes and a mysterious glyph on the reverse. Adorned with garnets, feathers and silk fiber.

- Journey -

spring rain

2011-04-28T19:14:00.000+02:00

We finally received some rain - it has been quite a while since it really rained here and everything was way too dry. The early crops were already beginning to fail - seems there is a problem every year in spring now. Either too cold, hailstorms, too dry... it is always something.
But now we did get some rain - not enough - but we can still hope for more. Everything in my garden got washed and now it seems so incredibly green. And the spring flowers...

Alpine clematis

Columbine

Ferns look so fascinating when they unfurl

Seems like Murr finds them fascinating too. This is the little guy that has 'occupated' our house since early February. Apparently, he thinks this is his home. I haven't been able to trace any owners, so I guess now it is.

Sunday flea market - again!

2011-04-17T16:00:00.001+02:00

Another glorious Sunday and flea markets - yes, that is a plural - we did a flea market double feature today! What more could a flea market addict like myself ask for?

Easter is coming up - look at all the Easter bunnies...

Lots of chandeliers.

Then we drove to Regensburg, a very old city situated on the banks of the Danube. Which is where the flea market was too.

See?

And now for the treasures - of course, not every flea market day can be as great as last Sunday. But I managed to bring home some booty.

Apparently, it was a box kind of day.

This box was full of vintage lace.

Another box had an assortment of these vintage pocket watch protective cases.

I couldn't resist the cute brass thimble with the lily of the valley stamping.

And the third box was full of these game pieces. They look as if they are made of dyed bone. But I have no idea what card game they are used for, so they will probably end up in my jewelry...

A few other finds - some bangles of unknown material; a little cherry locket; a mother of pearl piece, once probably a spoon handle, that someone turned into a pendant.

Beads! Of carved bone, antler and sea urchin spines.

And I found these two amazing brass tins - actually containing the silver solder! I have never seen solder like this before, it is much thinner than sheet silver solder, like a foil - so I am wondering if it is suitable for use with sterling silver, or does it just refer to the colour? Has anyone ever seen something like this before?

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!

new pieces

2011-04-16T12:47:00.006+02:00

Some new earrings...

Spirit

Spring Buds

The Inevitability of Spring
The green mother of pearl beads are courtesy of my dear friend, Sharon.

The Ghosts of our Ancestors

Sunday flea market

2011-04-10T13:17:00.000+02:00

The sun is shining, Max has the whole day off and it is Sunday - if that doesn't spell bliss, then I don't know what. Off we went to the flea market. It was a glorious day for treasure hunting.
Come take a look...

Some vintage velvet ribbon - this is actually a pretty celadon green - I don't know why the camera insists that it is teal...

A vintage film camera case - there was a film camera (super 8, I think) in it, although not the camera that belonged to the case. I am 'donating' the film camera to Max's camera collection. The case is going to be my purse...

A 'book' about the painting of the Renaissance era.

A bunch of small keys, dating old, vintage and antique.

And then I really lucked out - look at this exquisite mother of pearl brooch!

There were two of them!!! This one is even more intricately made - all sawed by hand!

And a printer's drawer! This is more narrow than the usual ones - but it is originally so. Not a regular sized drawer that was cut apart. Sigh!!!

Today was truly a day of treasures! It isn't always that way.
Wishing all of you a Sunday that is every bit as wonderful as mine has been so far!

In the studio...

2011-04-05T15:41:00.000+02:00

working with these...

What will this turn into?

out in the garden

2011-04-03T13:03:00.000+02:00

We are having amazing weather and instead of rummaging through boxes at the flea market, I am rummaging through the plant debris in my garden - sort of spring cleaning, I guess.
The weather is very warm for April. Not likely to stay that way, but warmth and sunshine are very welcome after the long winter. The kitties are loving it. The birds are loving it. I am loving it. Even the plants are loving it. Take a look....

Clematis shoots.

Bleeding heart shoots, surrounded by columbines.

Primroses.

Hellebores. I love hellebores...

Wild violets. These pop up in the garden wherever they want. They're wild things, don't you know.

Wishing you a wonderful spring Sunday, wherever in the world you are!

Sunday flea market

2011-03-27T13:22:00.002+02:00

I know there are some of you out there that have been asking yourselves when was I finally going to hit the flea market again. Well, you are in luck today - because the big flea market 'came to town'. Although the weather was overcast, it didn't rain while we were there. It wasn't as nice and warm as the last few days - but we are still talking temps above freezing, so that is okay with me. I was glad to get back into the warmth by the time we were done, though.

I did see something rather unusual - but I didn't bring it home...

I think this is a water buffalo skull - the carving is amazing.

These are the treasures I found and brought home...

Apparently it was the day of thimbles - I was seeing them everywhere. A cute little padlock without a key. And a piece of Baltic amber.

Some very long crystal chandelier prisms.

Protective cases for pocket watches in varying sizes and conditions - I pounced on these!

Cuff link findings in a rose gold finish - I have never seen them being sold as findings, so I couldn't resist these.

Can we pass by this kind of bling?? These were samples from a manufacturer of costume jewelry, as can be seen by the tags. Most likely from the 50s...

A rare find - an antique mourning brooch of French jet - which is black glass. It had to come along. This will have to be turned into something special...

No - I didn't find this at the flea market. I dressed up my doorstep in spring yesterday. Filled the basket with posies and moss and there is a hyacinth in there somewhere that is not quite ready to bloom - but will as soon as the sun comes out again.

I wish you all a wonderful spring Sunday with lots of sun, where ever you are!

inviting spring and work in progress

2011-03-22T18:48:00.000+01:00

Hoping this arrangement by my front door will coax spring out into the open. It has been a glorious sunny day...

while I was working on these. Silk rods and copper.

something new

2011-03-18T09:35:00.000+01:00

I am totally fascinated with the beauty of this dry poppy pod. I keep looking at it and turning it around...
Well, it won't be long now - then I will be fascinated by all the green and fresh blooms in the garden. We are being soaked by a gentle drizzle - give us a couple of days of sunshine and mild temps and then it will visibly be spring.

I made a ring for the Ring A Week Challenge - although I am obviously not making a ring every week. But you are allowed to play along, even if you just make an occasional ring.

something finished and something in the works...

2011-03-13T12:49:00.001+01:00

I'm not flea marketing today - I am in the studio - but I promised I would come out more often, so here I am.
Just wanted to show you a finished piece.

A freeform focal featuring a prong set pebble (might be serpentine, but I am not sure) from the beach in Tuscany; combined with large new jade beads and hand made chain links.

This is what I am working on now. Dapped copper with handmade bezel and soldered brass. I still have a long way to go on this piece, but it is already telling me a story... sorry, have to get back to the studio.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

various pieces in progress

2011-03-11T14:48:00.000+01:00

I have been missing in action lately - well, not really missing - I have been in my studio working on projects.
I wanted to share some pieces in progress, just so you don't think I have given up making jewelry...

These are not necessarily related projects - just pieces I am working on...

The other day I caught this gorgeous sun coming up behind the woods - some of the migratory birds have arrived, the black birds are singing their spring songs at daybreak and the snowdrops are up. Spring can't be far off and I am sooooo glad.

Fascinated by the beauty of this dried bloom - I think it is every bit as beautiful as a fresh flower. The texture of those petals is incredible.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. I promise to come out of the studio more often now.

Sunday flea market - at last

2011-02-27T13:21:00.000+01:00

I was beginning to feel withdrawal symptoms. I haven't been to a flea market in 5 weeks! Can you imagine my anticipation this morning?
We did get the forecasted snow and rain during the night - which deterred many of the usual sellers, I guess. The huge lot seemed half empty. But there were lots of huge puddles and my boots started to soak through by the time we were done.
I think I did pretty well scoring treasures, inspite of it all.

A little wooden box full of lace snippets. I haven't even looked at all the pieces yet - but I am looking forward to it!

I was delighted to find someone selling old raw stampings and castings - filigrees, settings, a bible locket and look at that hand pendant!

Some bits and pieces - a broken locket, a piece of chain and some buttons inlaid with mother of pearl.

This is what the other side of the broken locket looks like. A typical Biedermeier piece.

Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

And now for something different...

2011-02-19T15:53:00.001+01:00

I finally have something I can show you. I have been working on things, but nothing I was able to show you yet. Yesterday, I finished these earrings - copper, brass heishis, bone and antler tips. They are fairly long and have a lot of movement.

As in - the bottom part will turn round and round.
Trying some new things - working with different materials - trying to get a different look.

We will see how this progresses.

Sunday flea market - well, almost...

2011-02-13T17:15:00.001+01:00

No, I didn't have a flea market to go to today. I've been going through 'stuff', sorting what to keep, what to get rid of. But I know some of you are wishing it was a flea market Sunday, just as I am - so I thought I would show you some wonderful things I found at the flea market a few years ago. After all, I have been going to flea markets for most of my adult life...

I found these gorgeous old suitcases on different occasions. I have a couple of large overseas trunks similar to the bottom suitcase. They are made of very thin wood, which is reinforced by wooden bands on the outside, so they are sturdy, but not too heavy. Too bad there wasn't a matching key.

The upper suitcase is leather and one of the locks has been ripped out, which is a shame. But the wonderfully smooth leather has a beautiful patina and the whole suitcase was calling my name.

See that? It had my initials on the lid. I mean, honestly - how could I have passed up a suitcase that was meant for me?

Both suitcases are lined inside with the typically striped paper, which has yellowed with age and looks wonderful. I keep some of my antique linens - mostly dish towels and napkins - I love antique linen napkins!, doilys and such in these.Of course, most of these are also from the flea market.

See - almost like a flea market Sunday.
Have a wonderful day, where ever you are!

antique + tool + Max = perfect Valentine

2011-02-10T11:59:00.000+01:00

My most wonderful husband, Max, just got home from a working trip to Vienna. He had told me on the phone that he had found a wonderful shop and was bringing something home for me.

Well, this morning he handed me a fairly heavy box and said this was my early Valentine's gift (and we don't even do Valentines...). You cannot imagine my delight (well, maybe you can) when I saw what was in the box.
It is antique. It is a tool. It is gorgeous. Swoon. It is an old small rolling mill for wire. For square wire. I am smitten.

I do truly think I have the most fantastic husband in the whole wide world. Thank you, Max!!!!

Aaawww - look at that face!

2011-02-06T15:54:00.000+01:00

Sorry - no trip to the flea market today! I went to the airport to pick up Max. And now, he is on his way to Vienna. A busy time of year for him.

As for me - well I have been ~~invaded~~ adopted. Last weekend's weather did not only bring very low temps, but also a young cat, that apparently shares my views about cold winter weather. He has decided to live in my studio. My kitties are really not too thrilled about him. So, I tried to discourage him - honest. But will you look at that face?

My kitties are taking it better than I expected. But I am starting to wonder. See this 'nest' I have by the front door?

Well, today I caught Socks in there. I wonder if the stress of another cat in the house has been too much for her?

Well, I think she is just goofing around and enjoying the mild weather and sunshine. But I will keep an eye open to see if she's getting into the birdseed...

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Some WIP and sharing some love

2011-02-03T14:20:00.000+01:00

I have not been posting very much lately - I haven't really had anything to tell you. Lots of introspection and reading going on here lately. Below is a sneak peek of some work in progress. I hope I will get my mojo working again soon and have new things to show. These winter months are not my friends.

I did want to share a new blog with you - it looks like it will become a place of inspiration - the beginnings are full of promise: OopsArt Designs.
Click here to see the post featuring a very talented woman and good friend - most of you already know her, I am sure: Maire Dodd.

I would like to say that my heart goes out to all of you enduring severe weather conditions around the world - you are in my thoughts and in my heart - I am hoping you are all safe and well.

Sunday flea market

2011-01-23T16:12:00.000+01:00

It has gotten cold again - but this time, without the snow. As a result - the flea market was, again, underpopulated, both by sellers and visitors. I almost came home empty handed today - which does happen sometimes. Although I did see something I have been coveting - an antique domino set, the game pieces made of ebony and bone. But way out of my price range. Actually, I am not even coveting a whole set - I would just like to find a couple of orphan pieces made of bone. A set would just defeat the purpose - I would never dare take a piece to make jewelry out of it, from a complete set.

I didn't find much today - just a bit of lace and a rhinestone brooch.

I think this lace collar was still in the original box - which reads:

Bergdorf Goodman, On the Plaza, 5th Avenue, New York.

Love the pale green and pale blue rhinestones in this brooch.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!

New tool and rethinking

2011-01-21T12:48:00.001+01:00

I know - you thought I had fallen off the planet. It has been awhile since I posted. Sorry about that! I have been trying to figure out where I am headed - re-evaluating what I have been doing and where I want to go with my jewelry. Will have to wait and see if all this thinking has gotten me anywhere.

Then, the other evening, my rotary tool died - and left me sitting in my studio in the dark. With a cat underfoot. Not a good combination. Anyway - I went out and got a new rotary tool.

My new hanging motor with a flexible shaft! I hope this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

I have also been thinking about my jewelry photos - I want them to be better, more evocative...

Trying something new - different perspectives, different backgrounds.

A pair of earrings in the works: silver, copper and peridot.

Trade show treasures

2011-01-08T13:39:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, I went to a trade show in Munich - where my bead wholesalers show their seductive wares.
Yes, I was seduced - easily. Although, in general I found the assortment to be less varied than in past years. But, of course I still found things I apparently cannot live without.

I bought some strands of beads that are quite different from what I would normally choose. Don't know exactly why - must be something my muse wants and she's not saying why. So I will have to wait until she is ready to push me to work. Until then, I get to play with my beads! LOL

Wishing you a wonderful New Year

2011-01-01T16:04:00.000+01:00

Funny how New Years Day always seems to be shrouded in clouds and mist. Today is no exception. Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a wonderful New Year - may it be filled with happiness, good health and creative inspiration. And thank you once more for your friendship, your support and your inspiration.

I wish you a Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T15:29:00.000+01:00

Seems we are having a white Christmas after all - it has been furiously snowing for about three hours and everything is smothered in snow.

I would like to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas. May your homes and your hearts be filled with peace, happiness and the blessings of the season.

Xmas vignette

2010-12-23T19:39:00.000+01:00

This is what I have been doing. Baking cookies.

Well, some of what I have been doing. We put our tree up today. No pictures yet. I have been playing with buttons. Tomorrow we will do last minute grocery shopping - and then - Christmas.

Beginnings of an ornament exchange

2010-12-22T11:09:00.000+01:00

I think I have mentioned before that the reason I started blogging almost 2 years ago, was because I wanted to connect with people that shared my interests in art and jewelry; 'life, the universe and everything'.

That has happened in ways I couldn't have dreamed of - and I am very thankful. Thankful for the connections, for the encouragement and support, for the love and the friendship.
Thank you - all of you!

I have been dreaming of finding a group of people here in Germany to connect with. For a number of reasons - maybe the most important is, to support each other in mixed media art and mixed media jewelry, which does not have such a widespread community here - yet.

The end of November I approached three ladies within Germany and asked it they would be interested in an ornament swap for Christmas. Unfortunately, Gaby of Colorful Adventures was not able to commit to an additional project at this time - but I hope she will join us in the future, as the two other talented ladies - Stefanie of Stefanies Sammelsurium and Janna of Schnitzkästchen (aka Palimpa Lim) - graciously accepted my 'invitation'. I deliberately only asked a couple of people, as it was already far into the season and I was sure it would be difficult to find time to make a large amount of ornaments (but I will definitely be expanding the group for next year - because it was so much fun! These girls are incredible!).

Okay, enough of the talking already, before I bore everyone to death. On with the pictures!

This week, we received all our respective ornaments - last night we unpacked! Was it ever exciting!

This cute little box is from Stefanie.

This was the wrapping for Janna's ornament.

Talk about suspense!

These are the ornaments I received. Aren't they gorgeous?

This is Stefanie's ornament - anyone who follows her blog will recognize her use of vibrant colours. Love the way she combines them and she always has some sari silk in her creations. Love the little cherub - a resin paper/wire creation. A gorgeous ornament! I can't wait to put the tree up tomorrow.

This is Janna's creation. Talk about mixed media! She used brass, copper, vintage lace and sari silk and I think the heart is resin paper... fantastic. Love it! And that little face! There is even a little sleigh bell dangling from the silk - sigh!

Thank you both, Stefanie and Janna, for taking the chance and playing along with me for this swap. I promise, it will not be the last.

Please visit Janna's and Stefanie's blogs later today, as they will also be sharing their ornaments with us.

Once again, thank you to everyone - for enriching my life and expanding my horizons in so many ways!

Sunday flea market - last time this year

2010-12-19T15:15:00.000+01:00

This morning, after getting the fire going and putting out the daily two pounds of assorted bird seed, raisons and peanuts in the shell for my feathered friends, I scraped the frost off of my car windows and drove to the flea market on roads that went from snow covered to almost clear. This is most likely the last flea market I will see for a while - definitely the last in this year. By the time I got there, quite a bit of snow was coming down. The turn out was somewhat disappointing and who knows what treasures I missed, either because the tables were covered with plastic tarp to keep everything dry or everything was already covered by a layer of snow.

I did manage to find a few goodies, though.

Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday - slow down and enjoy the season. Oh and - could somebody have a cup of eggnog for me?

...the weather outside is frightful...

2010-12-17T13:43:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, Diane of Rosa & Josie's kindly sent me some beautiful brass filigrees to play with, along with a copy of Artful Blogging that she was in, because she knew I didn't have access to the magazine here - thank you again, Diane - you sweet and thoughtful woman! I am sure most of you know Diane and her beautiful jewelry (if not, hop right over to her blog - she is also a very talented photographer).
Inspired by Diane's style - I decided to create a piece with one of the brass filigrees as a tribute to her. This is what I came up with.

The focal is layered with the brass filigree, silk rod, vintage lace, a vintage image and mica.

The necklace was created using brass chain, Czech glass, rhinestone rondelles, vintage chandelier crystals, more vintage lace and textile forget-me-nots. I created the clasp using a vintage glass cabochon and brass filigree.

I know I haven't been posting very regulary lately.I seem to be caught in an endless loop of waking up to find more fresh snow - which needs to be shoveled away. So that I can get my car onto the slippery road. Driving anywhere requires more time than usual. This is what my world looks like right about now. I will have to go out and shovel some more snow - second time today.

The birds are hungry, because the deep snow has buried everything edible. I even have to clear a space beneath the pear tree in the yard, so that the bird seed I put out does not just disappear.

Even a few thrushes (I think these - the grey ones with the lighter coloured belly - front, center and far right - are juniper thrushes) have joined the multitude that feed in my yard.

more angel earrings

2010-12-11T17:22:00.000+01:00

Here are the other angel earrings I finished yesterday.

A shot of the angel variations all together.Not much light for photography today either. Sorry about the slightly fuzzy pics. I will have to redo these when we get some light.
The earrings are listed in my shops.

We had several more inches of snow overnight and this morning we had sleet and rain. By Monday, the temps will drop beneath freezing for a longer period of time, they say.

A winters day - in a deep and dark December

2010-12-10T17:46:00.000+01:00

I am starting to think this is going to be a winter that will be remembered. Not fondly, no. But it will carve itself into memory. After we had all that snow, the temps went up and it rained. Which caused flooding - because the ground was still frozen and the snow was melting and all that water just didn't have anywhere to go. We aren't affected, as we live on somewhat higher ground, thank goodness.
Last night, the snow set in again. We had about 15 cm by late morning today. It will snow heavily again tonight. And on the weekend, it might rain. And it is only December. We usually have a light snowfall in November, which disappears long before Christmas. The real stuff usually comes in January and February. This year is definitely different. This is what I was looking at this morning.

Sorry about the quality of the photo - it wasn't really light when I took this. Later on, after shovelling snow for over an hour, I didn't really want to take pictures.

Do you realize that Christmas is a mere 2 weeks away? I have been making some angel earrings, but as it has been getting dark rather early, I was only able to take pictures of these two pairs before daylight disappeared (and I don't take pictures of jewelry with the flash):

I want to take a moment to thank you for stopping by and leaving comments on these last posts - you all mean so much to me. Thank you for your continuing support.

I am off to the studio again. There are several ideas in my head that are demanding to be let out.

Sunday flea market not available due to...

2010-12-05T11:02:00.000+01:00

this! Just wanted to show you what it looks like here. Hey, I heard that! I heard you say it was beautiful.

Well, I will get it all loaded on to a few trucks and have it sent over to you. No, no need to thank me. My pleasure...

If only I could get rid of it that easy. It was minus 10°C this morning. And since there was no really interesting flea market scheduled today, I decided to keep my toes warm and stay in the house. I mean, even one of my cats came in from outside this morning and almost wiped out going around the corner, in his hurry to get to the litter box. So it apparently too cold to take care of business outside. Hmmm. It must be colder than I thought.

I am feeding the birds, as I do every winter. This little guy is a robin. Very different from the American robin. This is sort of the original thing. Tiny little bird. But so cute.

It is hard to get a decent picture through the kitchen window. And for some strange reason, they refuse to all come round and peck at the seeds when I am standing outside. I wonder why? I have a multitude of sparrows, chickadees, titmice (is that the plural of titmouse? I wonder), finches, blackbirds, thrushes and other birds that I don't know the English names of .

Today, I borrowed my husband's camera to try to get some decent pictures of some of the birds. My camera just can't do it. This is a woodpecker in the pear tree. He likes peanuts.
I am still waiting for the partridge to turn up. We had a pheasant two years ago. Does that count?

Several of these large jay-like birds come to the feeders - they are also fond of the peanuts. They are called Eichelhäher - which could be (kinda-sorta) translated to acorn jay. A very shy bird, slightly smaller than a crow, and this is the first photo I have been able to shoot that wasn't just a blur.

They are predicting more s-word this afternoon and tomorrow. Maybe I should hibernate?

Hope you are all having a lovely Sunday, with or without the s word.

The Challenge of Color - reveal and blog hop

2010-12-03T17:18:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago, Erin of Treasures Found - TesoriTrovati, issued a challenge by color. She had issued challenges in the past - and really interesting challenges - which I had not been able to respond to. This time, I wanted to be a part of the challenge. We were to email her and select a colour preference - she would then send or email us a paint chip colour palette, and we were to create a piece of jewelry based on the colour palette she sent.

So far, so good. I chose purple. A colour not totally out of my comfort zone, but one that I don't use too often (anyone that has been stopping by regularly knows that green is my favorite colour to use...), so I thought this would inspire me. This is the colour palette I received from Erin:

That red did rock the boat a bit! Red has always been a bit of a problem for me. I do use it in jewelry occaisonally, but I will not wear it myself. Unless it is more of a rust colour. Or maybe a dark burgundy, verging on purple. But no real reds. Well, you get the idea - it is not my colour. So this was a challenge outside of my comfort zone - which I welcomed. That was the whole idea, really, wasn't it?

Erin also suggested that we use the names on the paint chip palette to name our piece. The name of that pale lavender spoke to me - loudly and clearly. Sanctuary. What a wonderful word. The implications. The associations. Sanctuary.

So, this is my piece. It is called Sanctuary.

I had this vision of a protected place - where delicate things were protected from harm and could thrive according to their nature. So a fence or gate came to mind - which I proceeded to build from heavy gauge copper wire, which was wire wrapped and soldered. Then I added flowers in glass and lucite, to represent the delicate things which need protection to flourish - in purple, lavender and red. I admit, I added some green (just couldn't help myself...). A couple of birds - more delicate things.

So - there were many participants for this fantastic challenge - Thank You again, Erin! - so please hop on over to see the magic created!

The participants:

Round Robin Giveaway Winner!

2010-12-03T06:50:00.000+01:00

And we have a winner. I used the Random Org Generator and this is what it came up with:

No. 20 was Cat Kerr of In the Light of the Moon. Congratulations, Cat! Please send me an email with your address. Thank you to everyone that commented on our Round Robin adventure. I was so touched and inspired. It is this unbelievably supportive blogging community that made the Round Robin adventure possible. I thank you all for being there and being a part of this community. It is all about the connections.

Stop by later today - I will be joining Erin of TesoriTrovati for the Challenge of Color blog hop. I am sure there will be lots of eye candy and inspiration.

Around the World: a Necklace Round Robin - the Flight continues

2010-11-30T17:47:00.003+01:00

I am sure most of you have already read the beginning of the story of our necklace Round Robin. If not, please visit Cindy at Sweetbeadstudio for the first post and Sharon at Livewire Jewelry for the second post about this project that spanned two continents and an ocean, resulting in 5 necklaces, 5 journals and 5 hearts connected in the most incredible way.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Round Robin sisters - Cindy, Sharon, Esther and Véronique - for giving me the gift of their friendship, their talent and their time. You girls just rock!

It is not so easy to follow Cindy and Sharon - both had such wonderful words to describe this adventure. And believe me, it was an adventure. Being able to hold something one or more of these talented ladies had made was humbling. It was challenging. It was exhilarating (it was also addictive, but don't tell anyone I told you...). It pushed me out of my comfort zone every time. So - it was an adventure in the very best way.

I had decided early on that I wanted to make a journal to accompany my necklace. Not that I had ever done anything like that before. I almost didn't get finished on time. I didn't have a theme for my necklace - I put together a few things that I liked - a resin connector, an etched copper piece and linked them with copper and pearls and beads in green. I have a serious attraction to green. Just sayin'. I made a pouch to hold my necklace and sent it off to Esther, who was to work her magic on it.

As you can see - aside from the incredible beauty my sisters created for this necklace - they also fed my addiction. So much luscious green! The single components of this necklace still blow me away!

Pages in my journal - created by Esther

created by Cindy

created by Sharon

created by Véronique

Since Véronique is, unfortunately, unable to join us in blogging about this project at present - I thought I would share a bit of this second part of the adventure on her behalf, as I was the first to add to her necklace.

Her necklace piece blew me away - and challenged me greatly. She has a completely different style. I decided to focus on the colour and take it from there. Since Véro didn't make a journal to travel with her necklace - she created something like a cabinet card with the information on the back - I decided to start one for her and incorporated her card into it.

My addition to Véronique's necklace

Esther will be showing more of Véronique's necklace tomorrow - so stay tuned!

Sharon's necklace was next. Totally different again. Blown away again. Her theme was Earth and Sky.

Which brought a favorite quote from Khalil Gibran to mind.

A piece of raw Baltic amber, made into a dangle.

My addition to Sharon's necklace.

Her journal and the pouch I sewed for her necklace.

Then, Cindy's necklace arrived. And - yes, you guessed it - I was, again, blown away. Of course, you all know I am a flea market junkie, so this piece really resonated with me. I immediately knew I would create a resin connector from a vintage rhinestone buckle I found at the flea market. It was just perfect, because I knew Cindy loved rhinestones.

My addition.

An additional page I created in her journal, to connect to her Sentimental Journey theme.

Next up was Esther's necklace. A masterpiece. But you are going to have to wait until tomorrow to see it - when she will be posting on her blog Mes illusions baroques. Don't miss it.

As Cindy has already mentioned, we are all incredibly honoured to be in the Belle Armoire Jewelry issue this winter. I haven't seen the article yet. But I am truly honoured to be published in this magazine. And Cindy, thank you for all the work and effort you put into getting us there. You know we love you!

In order to celebrate, I will also be having a little giveaway. A couple of my resin pieces, some silver plated vintage beads and dangles and a vintage rhinestone buckle, as seen in the above photo. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. A winner will be announced on Thursday.

Thank you all for sticking with me through this long post and for your interest in a project that was truly out of this world.

Monday S word blues and more Round Robin news

2010-11-29T18:37:00.001+01:00

This morning I had to deal with this. It is that s word again.

And anyone that wants to tell me how lovely it is - please leave your address, so I can have it forwarded to you.

It continued to snow all day. We have had between 5-6 inches and the temps will dip down to about -8°C during the night, so there will be an ice crust underneath tomorrow. As you can imagine, driving was such a great experience today.

But - I have other news. Much more lovely than snow. Please hop over to my friend Sharon's blog to read more about the Around the World Necklace Round Robin! You can also click on the links on the right column.

Sunday flea market

2010-11-28T12:46:00.001+01:00

It is so cold, I bet even the fleas are freezing. But although the temps will not rise above freezing today, the streets are clear and dry, so off to the flea market we went. Apparently, many of the sellers must have followed the birds south, because there wasn't a big turn out. But it was very enjoyable - with lots of interesting things to see - and some pretty neat things to bring home.

First, I found a couple more of these little amber pieces. And a tiny carved bone rose.

Then I found this leaf shaped brooch with this gorgeous patina.

More rhinestone buckles.

Some huge crystal chandelier prisms - these are about 4 inches long!

Some bundles of fine silver coloured chain, which was probably intended for sale by meter; and some strings of beads. I thought they were mother of pearl, the seller said they were glass. I am not quite sure, will have to give them a good looking over.

This neat little machine is a rivet/eyelet press from the workshop of a shoemaker. Still in working condition, just needs some clean up. Tools are amongst my favorite finds at the flea market.

After two hours, I was frozen through and ready to head for home. I hope everyone is having a cozy Sunday.
Oh and if you have time, please head over to Cindy's blog today - for some news about our Around the World Necklace Round Robin.

The dreaded S-word

2010-11-26T18:04:00.000+01:00

This is what greeted me when darkness lifted this morning. Winter is here, seriously.

It kept snowing all morning. It won't last, but they are predicting a drop in the temperature. Meaning we will be looking at a high of 1-2° C (thats 33° for you Fahrenheit people). I won't even tell you what they are predicting as a low temperature.

I sewed this heart pouch to use as a "gift wrap" for a necklace. It was fun to do some sewing for a change of pace. Now I have to get back to the jewelry - I have to finish some commission work.

Hope you are all enjoying your long weekend.

November Challenge Art Bead Scene

2010-11-16T19:11:00.000+01:00

I have wanted to get involved in more of the challenges that are being issued in the blog world. When I saw the inspiration for the November Art Bead Scene challenge, I knew I had to get to work.

Tree of Life, Stoclet Frieze, 1909

Gustav Klimt 1862-1918

I apologize for the poor quality of these photos, but it is cold and rainy,

there just wasn't any light today. Seems we spent the whole day in twilight.

Sunday flea market and other things

2010-11-14T13:33:00.000+01:00

This weekend the weather is just glorious. The sun is shining and it is very mild for this time of year (I seem to recall there were days this summer, that were colder...). They are predicting a real drop in the temperature this coming week, so it was doubly enjoyable to wander over a couple of flea markets today.

This little photocopied catalogue is full of interesting drawings.

Some inexpensive tools to use for texturing my metal.

A vintage carved horn rose.

Some more colourful thread for my stash.

Beautiful antique buttons of metal and glass. A really good find!

Max gave me this wonderful patchwork embroidered jacket yesterday.

A sneak peak of something I am working on at the moment.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

This time I did it myself

2010-11-12T13:17:00.002+01:00

Okay, I just put together my first treasury on Etsy. The last time I tried, back when I was new to Etsy, treasuries were limited and you had to try and jump in when one expired. Which was usually exactly when you had no time or no business being on the computer. Now, the treasuries are no longer limited and everybody can make one. So - I thought I would give it a try. This is it.

For a closer view, just click on it.

Front Page!

2010-11-09T19:06:00.000+01:00

This treasury made the front page of Etsy yesterday!!!!
Congratulations, Julie! I am so thrilled!!!

Sunday - without a flea market, but in a treasury

2010-11-07T14:35:00.001+01:00

It is raining and there is not an interesting flea market scheduled for today. Besides that, two of my cats are ill and I have been seeing the vet quite often...

I have been so lucky as to have been included in a couple of new treasuries.
A pair of my earrings were included by Julie of Mermaiden Creations in the Otherworld. Thanks so much, Julie!
One of my dragonfly wings necklaces was included by Idounik. Thanks so much!
And thanks to Keirsten of the Cerebral Dilettante, I can even show you. Thanks for the how to, Keirsten!

And here are the treasuries:

Hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday.

Autumn

2010-11-06T11:05:00.001+01:00

It is a grey blustery autumn day. The wind seems determined to tear the last of the leaves from the trees. I thought I would share a couple of photos I took in the garden and just down the road.

Can you see how the wind is blowing through the hasel?

Tried to get a good photo of these rose hips, but the wind just kept moving them around.

Just autumn goodness.

The pear tree is already bare, save for a few stray hasel leaves, caught in the branches.

No words needed.

The birch is still clinging to the last leaves.

The woods look dark and somber, the hops gardens are empty.

This really looks like November, doesn't it?

Kiki joined me down at the field.

The last rose.

Sharing the love

2010-11-04T16:04:00.000+01:00

In my last post, I showed you the love my Hermanita, Pattie, sent me.
Today is Pattie's birthday - can I ask you to hop by her blog and give her some hugs? Please?
Just as a way of showing her how much I appreciate her friendship.
Thanks!

A whole lotta love from my Hermanita

2010-11-02T18:26:00.000+01:00

I just received a parcel of love through the mail. My friend Pattie (The Joy of Nesting) sent me some treasures from her paradise.

Some lovely lace pieces - so gorgeous.

Beautiful milagros and a watch casing! Can't wait to do something with these.

Pattie shared some of her precious Mexican amber with me - I am so thrilled and honoured!

Amber is a beautiful material.

And she gifted me with this fantastic necklace she made, using turquoise and coral with brass chain.

Thank you so very much, Pattie!

I can't wait to see what you have created for your Art Walk that takes place this Friday.

Why don't you hop over to Pattie's blog? You will love her fabric art too!

New bracelet and some resin work in progress

2010-10-29T17:44:00.001+02:00

Just finished a bracelet. Focal is patinated etched copper, with a soldered bezel - filled with resin - and a vintage red brass flower component soldered on.

I have a couple of resin pieces in the works. This is an etched copper focal with soldered bezel, filled with lichen and resin and treated with patina.

An object I found at the flea market a couple of weeks ago - a little tin praliné form; inside inked paper, a real leaf and text, filled with resin.

Found object earrings

2010-10-26T14:05:00.000+02:00

After posting my Sunday flea market finds, I went off into my studio. I wanted to work with a couple of the objects I brought home. You might remember the two beadlike thingies?

They reminded me totally of pomegranates and so I turned them into fruitlike earrings.

Then there were those hollow silver beads, formerly part of a piece of jewelry from an exotic place.

I knew the moment I saw them on the vendor's table, that I wanted to make earrings with them. They are battered and worn, with dents in the beads. These conjure up visions of a nomadic enchantress in my head. (I know! Just where do these ideas come from?)

So, the beads have been repurposed - reborn, so to speak. I replaced the wire going through one of the beads, as it was an unsightly repair (thin wire), added chrysocolla beads and handmade earwires.

Sunday flea market

2010-10-24T12:28:00.000+02:00

It is raining. It has been raining since sometime in the night. Bad news for the flea market. But we decided to go anyway. As was to be expected, the flea market was half empty - meaning there weren't many sellers there. Some that did come, didn't even unpack their cars. Others had opaque plastic covered over their tables, so there was nothing to see. Still others had antiques out in the rain - such as old dolls and lovely old laquered tables. Such a pity! Sometimes, I just don't understand people.
Nevertheless, I was able to find a couple of things to bring home. Bet you're surprised.

Two chains, one silver, the other bone or perhaps horn - I'm not sure - and tiny garnet beads.

A bunch of silver plated base metal dangles, some of them with rhinestones and/or faux pearls.

Some gorgeous grey mother of pearl buttons and two little metal beadlike thingies, that might have been intended as studs.

A sky full of facetted glass stars in various colours.

Two hollow silver beads with bits of chain, possibly from a jewelry piece from an Arabian country or Afghanistan.

I am glad to be back home, after wading through deep puddles and trying to dodge people's umbrellas. It is warm, the kitties are all cozy in their respective sleeping places and I am going to try to be creative in my studio. Hope you all have a great Sunday!

First frost

2010-10-22T21:36:00.001+02:00

This morning, everything was coated with crystals. We had our first frost last night.

The leaves are all falling off the trees at once.

My husband has been cutting down trees in the forest, for our wood supply in one or two years. It will take that long for the wood to be sufficiently dry to burn. These logs still need to be cut into stove sized pieces.

Just look at these gorgeous lichens, growing on one of the branches. Guess we have clean air in our rural area. Lichen is generally a sign of unpolluted air.

Sunday - but not a flea market post

2010-10-17T17:39:00.001+02:00

"All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey..."

Well, the leaves are not all brown, not really. But the weather has turned, it has been drizzling for 2 days and the temperatures dropped to around 8°C (around 46°F). Drab cold weather. I am glad we have the wood all stacked in the shed. The cats have all decided to turn into house cats again. There is something so cozy about seeing a cat curled up, happily asleep.

While it is Sunday, there were no really interesting flea markets taking place today, so I decided to stay home. Sorry - no flea market treasures today!

But I can share a couple of new pieces with you.
A necklace featuring one of Nan's (Spirit Rattles) beautiful ceramic hands. I combined it with bone, new jade, picasso jasper and a resin rose bead, all in muted shades of aged ivory to match the glaze of the hand. And, of course, a vintage mother of pearl button.

You might remember I brought home some moss samples a couple of weeks ago. Well, I was playing with resin and a couple of moss fronds found their way into some copper cups. Somehow, these make me think of mairedodd's inner sanctum.

Like a puddle of clear rain water in the woods, with submerged moss.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

What I did this weekend

2010-10-10T17:52:00.000+02:00

We had wood delivered this weekend. 25 cubic meters. Those piles up there are only 16 cubic meters. The other 9 were already stacked in the shed, when I took these pictures. The last photo is our woodshed all filled up - there are about 33 cubic meters total of wood stacked in there. The cold weather can come; we are ready.

But, oh man, do I ache all over now.

Goodbye to Ghost - but I am sure I will see her again

2010-10-05T19:43:00.000+02:00

I found out where Ghost belongs and she went home today.

Yesterday, the weather was too wonderful and I was being inspired by some fall colour combinations. Now I am trying to think of a way to use these colours in my jewelry...

Sunday finds plus an update on Ghost

2010-10-03T14:44:00.000+02:00

Another Sunday and another trip to a flea market. This time I 'only' found lace doilies and table cloths. This particular piece in the photo above - was given to me for free!! The lady said it has a couple of stains, but if I liked it, I could just take it. How could I resist? Otherwise, it is in perfect condition.

These doilies are much smaller and were all paid for. But gorgeous. All of them.

See?

After the flea market, Max wanted to take a walk down to the woods. I was, as always, fascinated by the different kinds of moss growing underneath the trees.

I pinched a fingerful of some of the different kinds.

This one looks like tiny little faery ferns.

Even tinier moss!

Moss covering a twig.

Yet another kind.

Also found some lichen.

And some acorns.

Elderberries, not quite totally ripe.

Found object - a tattered piece of copper I found half buried in the wood road.

A short update on Ghost. Photo taken today. She is starting to look like a cat again. Her fur is coming back in nicely. But everything is still touch and go. The unusual growth in her mouth was getting bigger again. The vet says if we can't reverse this process, we will be not be successful in saving her, because eventually, she will no longer be able to swallow anything. She is not eating too well and has been refusing cat food. Currently, we are giving her cortison. And hoping for the best.

First fall inspiration

2010-09-29T17:13:00.000+02:00

I just wanted to thank all of you for your sweet and inspiring comments on my wing necklaces. I am humbled by your generous praise. Thank you so very much!!

Those bright red rose hips out in the garden has gotten me inspired. Not that I have totally let go of those last summer days (in fact, I have something in the works right now), but the rose hips called out to me.
And this bracelet just happened.

Sponge coral, picasso jasper, serpentine, citrine, calcite, glass and copper. With a length of extra chain, this would also look good as a necklace.

Got to get back to some wings...

Do you want to see? The Last Days of Summer

2010-09-27T17:47:00.002+02:00

I have been posting teasers of work in progress. I have a couple of things kinda-sorta finished. Although I am not sure that I might still have to tweak them a bit. But since alot of you have been so kind as to say you want to see the pieces - well - here is the reveal. I started these before Fall officially arrived and I was thinking about those last precious days of summer - and dragonflies - and this is what my crazy hands came up with:

Translucent resin/tissue paper wings and labradorite beads and fresh water pearls form a lariat style necklace. These wings are extremely light weight and delicate. Almost like the real thing...

These are more transparent, as there is vintage lace enclosed in resin in these wings. Sari silk ribbon, vintage lace and vintage buttons (dyed some of them myself) combined with fresh water pearls, carved MOP rose bead and some ethereal light blue beads that I received from Sharon! (Thank you again, Sharon. Do you by any chance remember which stone this is? Maybe amazonite?) This is a longer necklace.

Another view.

This last one is more colourful - like a summer's day at the beach. And yes, I have seen dragonflies at the beach! These are opaque with my typical ink and stamping on both sides, sealed with resin. Combined with a delicious mix of glass beads in corresponding colours. This one is shorter.

Not sure they are completely finished. Maybe just a little something here or there, for some added interest.
Hope they were worth waiting for.

Sunday flea market

2010-09-26T22:34:00.000+02:00

I'm a bit late with this post - my internet connection slowed down to a speed that makes a snail seem like a supersonic jet.
Don't have too many pictures to show - I forgot my camera. Oops.
Well, anyway, here are my finds for this week.

Some bone and horn beads.

A couple of very small iron forms - perhaps for pralinés? And a (slighty confused) compass.

A couple of rhinestone brooches - minus alot of rhinestones.

Some real filigree and a demolished locket.
Interesting things to inspire me.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and thank you for stopping by!

more sneaky peak teasers

2010-09-24T14:06:00.000+02:00

Working on several pieces at once. A couple more teasers...

Ghost update

2010-09-23T15:20:00.000+02:00

Lab tests - all good news.
End of last week the vet discovered a large and unusual growth in Ghost's mouth and throat. His first guess was a malignant tumor, so he removed some of it and sent the material in for tests, including blood test.
While the testing does not tell us exactly what the growth is - calling it a chronic inflammatory process (what the heck is that supposed to mean?) - it is not malignant. Also, the blood tests for various, very nasty viral infections are also negative. The vet believes we will be able to make the growth regress - I sure hope so.

Ghost is doing better at eating - she is not gagging any more, but can swallow small pieces. She is also much steadier on her feet and getting very schmoozy. She is obviously feeling much better - as you can see:

The fur on her throat is starting to grow back in. So, today I am hopeful.

Work in progress teaser

2010-09-21T13:02:00.001+02:00

Fall equinox. So fall is officially here. I am still thinking about the last days of summer and they are turning into a piece of jewelry. Here are a couple of teasers of the work in progress.

Hopefully, I will have a finished piece to show soon.