First of Two

A gal who used to teach at the boys' school and I keep in touch via facebook, but I was still surprised when she asked me to create some bracelets for two of her best friends. She had seen another bracelet I made for a former teacher when she had her baby last Spring. So here's the chain of events to this commission: I mailed a bracelet to Oregon, posted a photo of it on facebook, and, then, a friend in Egypt ordered two and has me sending them out from California. Gotta love the internet.

We chatted, online, about colors. And here's the first one...I've blocked out the name because it's a surprise!

She asked for gold colors and an opulent feel. I went for earthy gemstones with facets. Lots of facets. Facets add that glizty, glam feel. I created this custom piece with faceted golden citrine ovals, faceted lemon quartz nuggets, faceted smoky quartz triangle briolettes, and - of course - a single saffron-hued recycled glass bead. It closes with an oxidized sterling S clasp. Hope she likes it!

Inspired by Tracy Arm Fjord

Of all the things we saw and did on our cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage this month - to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversay - I think cruising up the Tracy Arm Fjord topped my list. Yes, I did yank the boys out of bed at 5:30am; yes, we were the only people on deck for several hours while it was drizzling; and yes, it was a loop that we could have seen everything on the way back down. But, you know me...I'm all about the adventure - and being an early bird!

From the vibrant Caribbean blue of the bergy bits to the steely blue-grey waters and the glassy emerald hues around Sawyer Island, the colors along Tracy Arm Fjord were truly amazing and inspiring. And, as usual, that translates to jewelry for me. I created this 'Tracy Arm Fjord' set for myself. I don't buy trinkets on trips, but I do make pieces that I wear to remember great vacations.

This piece is handwired with faceted London blue topaz rondelles, rough neon blue apatite nuggets, a smooth aqua chalcedony nugget, and some rescued sterling silver chain and clasp.

I do have more beads like this, so if you're interested in something similar, let me know. constantmotioncamilla [at] gmail [dot] com.

July Earrings-of-the-Month: All That Sparkles

For this month's club selections, I wanted to create piece that, like fireworks, sparkle and make people go "oooooooo" and "ahhhhhhh." So, the word for the month is "faceted."

I created one-of-a-kind pieces with lots of facets and many colors - faceted red Swarovski crystals in a loop; faceted pale green praesolite briolettes, dangling in a cluster; a trio of faceted honey quartz onion briolettes; also faceted amethyst, hammered neon blue apatite, and more! Ladies, prepare your lobes for some new bling. These are in the mail today.

And if anyone is interested in finding out more about my earrings-of-the-month club, email me at constantmotioncamilla [at] gmail [dot] com. Thanks!