pronged; something new

Easiest marketing I've experienced is wearing my own things to places where money is exchanged for a good, thus the inevitable pause in conversation leading often, at least around these parts, to some kind of conversation, complement or statement pulled from visual cues. Since the exchange is hand-focused, I'm lucky enough to get to talk about the jewels on my hands a lot. And confess my favorite truth: I made this bitch.

Last week I got to work early and decided to splurge on a tasty americano from a place I had never been before on 9th & Alder. The girl behind the cash register was a cutie and liked the druzy quartz ring that lives on my left middle finger.

Right away she informed me that she's getting married and needs her something new! The next day I went back and picked up a piece of sea glass that she picked up near her Long Island home as a kid and I made it into a pendant that she plans to wear at her wedding later this month.

And, turns out, we have mutual friends. Portland, like any small city or town, continues to open up and shrink simultaneously..

It was a damn tasty americano. Happy Saturday!

gratitude

I've always been a gift giver. Before I understood money or had any of my own, I (surreptitiously), would take single socks and fill them with pennies from my parents' coin jar. Once they were complete with a red bow around the top, I would stack them under the tree and wait eagerly for Christmas. (Things I've learned since then: my notion that money can be gifted was spot on and how to better conceal a gift).

This year was a throwback to the year of sock change: I was entirely more excited to gift then to get. And that, my friends, is more than maturity (only took me until a quarter of a century to get back here): it's gratitude. Most of my sales the past few months were through custom orders and house parties, and I am so thankful for all the business. Moreover, I am grateful for the fact that most pieces were gifted within one degree of separation because it meant that I was able to hear the stories and see people wearing their new bling over the holidays!

I wanted to share a few of the pieces that had particularly heart-warming stories involved.

First boy ring designed for Paul North, a man fitting of both name and accessory. This baby made it to Texas on Christmas Eve upon Paul and Lynn's epic road trip arrival from Oregon.

A pelican pendant designed for Sandy Suarez, upon the request of Derek. Pelicans are a long time love of hers, as she would remark to Derek as a little boy: "they can fit more in their beaks than in their stomachs!" Derek was a grinning fool for days after this. He knew we nailed it. I attached it to a lovely brass chain, and saw her wearing it one evening in Atlanta.

mother and daughter

My roommate, Trevor, hosted his family at the house in August. His family lives on the campus of Millbrook School in upstate NY and are always a delight to share a meal with. His dad pulled me aside and ordered two custom bracelets for his wife, Cindy, and daughter Carly. He gave me artistic license, thus it took me awhile to get started. After all, fancy ladies need fancy bracelets. However, I was able to spend a lot of time with them while in town and gleaned their sense of style. I hope they like them, xoxox.

mother / daughter

bling wishlist

The easiest way to get someone's attention is to call their name, and Heist Jewelers is proof.

Heist Jewelers, Boston/Miami

blue agate beauty

Finished a ring for the lovely Sadie Rose this weekend. Took a few liberties and challenges within the venture including the three prong hammered band. Learned even more about the heat properties of solder, and how to finish an asymmetrical square stone. Because trading is infinitely more fun than dealing with dollars, in turn, she's sending me a box of goodies from her treasure trove of vintage, seen here in her recently transformed etsy shop: SADIE DELUXE.

beginnings.

I hope it fits!! xoxoxoxox.

tigers eye cuff. FOR SALE!

This is a serious chunk of sterling silver. 1.5 oz to be exact. It feels solid as a rock yet smooth on the skin. I've always been a fan of bold cuffs, but this could easily be made from thinner wire for a more dainty feel.

10 gauge half round wire attached to bezel holding a tiger's eye cabechon.

Amazing, no?

$75

more of the ring

One ring to rule them all, yes?

tasi designs

I got a new part-time job! As an apprentice. With two sisters, Silvijia and Taya. Tasi Designs. Their line is locally made here in Portland and to be quite honest, I've been stalking them at craft fairs for a few years now. Really beautiful pieces. Quite honestly I almost died when a friend of a friend mentioned that they were hiring... and then, it happened! It's happening!

Lots of deep, rich, oxidized and patina silver

I love their strong use of long chain. Sometimes the metal speaks for itself.


I do lots and lots of hammering

Check out the necklace featured in Twilight!

hot off the press

First successful attempt at creating a bezel! Jasper Agate wrapped in sterling silver wire and a handmade and individually hammered ring. Better pictures to come. And, almost fell off my bike on the way home from work 'cause I couldn't stop staring.

Sterling Silver Beauty

It's light yet full, deliciously slinkly and compact, and shine shine shiny.