Frida vs Frida

Chibi Frida vs Realistic Frida

I've been working on a vector illustration of Frida Kahlo and I'm not sure which direction I want to take. The more realistic version has its appeal, but the big-eyed, more caricatured version is a bit more what I was going for - taking the visuals that signify "Frida" and exaggerating them to make the finished product more my own.

Which version do you like better?

Red and Rose Romance Bracelet

Red and Rose Romance Bracelet

This bracelet is one of the prettiest things I have every made. For once, I really let myself go in terms of over-the-top girly charm. When I bought the various elements for it, I looked for the most feminine, sparkly, romantic beads and bits and bobs that I could find.

For this, I wanted to experiment with making my own chain, so I used sterling silver jump rings and decorative silver links. I used silver head pins and ring pins to wirewrap the charms, which include just this huge range of elements: garnets set in silver, Swarovski crystals, pewter lotus and heart charms, faceted rose quartz beads, lampwork glass, freshwater pearls, vintage red glass beads, and a big pink jade flower to be the focal point.

It is definitely one of the most complex pieces of jewelry that I have ever composed, and I am so proud of the way it came out!

Happy 2013!

My Art Jewelry

Moss & Sunglight Bracelet

I've always loved making things. As long as I can remember, if I go too long without getting my hands into some creative work, I start to get kind of cranky about it. And there are so many art forms that make me happy. One of my favorites is art to wear, especially mixed-media jewelry.

I made the bracelet pictured above to remind me of an early morning walk through a Northwest forest. The green aventurine represents the pale green moss hanging from the pines, the citrine drops are the pale sunlight of sunrise creeping through the trees, and the silver is the glint of light on drops of dew.

After a long time of pondering and dithering, I finally decided to start selling my jewelry in my Etsy store. Look for more in the days to come.

Home From The Holidays

The View From Jerome

Over three thousand miles, through valleys and mountains and deserts, from clogs to sandals to fleece boots and back, through rain, warm sunshine and snow, we came, we saw, we enjoyed!

My better half and I went on an epic road trip to visit his family over the Thanksgiving holiday, in Phoenix and Salt Lake City. It completely felt like cheating to get a break from Oregon's torrential November rain, but I loved every moment of warm sunshine and sandal-wearing. The temperature in Phoenix in November is an awful lot like Oregon's in June or July.

One of the best little side-trips we made was to Jerome, Arizona. It's this tiny little mountainside town, a couple of hours north of Phoenix, with a rich western history.

A View OF Jerome

The views and history and mountain air were so incredible (not to mention the art galleries!), I pretty much forgot to pull out my camera, so all photographs are by our friend, the talented Kevin DeLuca.

Of Course, The Old Cathouse

No trip to Jerome would be complete without a visit to the House of Joy, a notorious house of ill fame. How much do I love that euphemism?!? The answer is, a lot. Also, I want a pair of stockings like the one on the sign.