The Dragonfly and the Lily Pad Silver Ring

Have you heard about the "one ring a day" challenge? Artists are challenged to create one unique ring every day. Can you imagine the pressure on the 100th day? Some of the creations are simple like a rubber band, twist tie from a loaf of bread, pop top, etc. Some of the creations are just pure genius.

One of my favorite examples is Dan Bentley, who is making his fiance a new engagement ring every day - how romantic is that???  I love this guy!



I really don't do alot of rings, so just creating one ring would be an achievement.  So, here goes...

This ring is huge, measuring four inches in diameter with a large brass dragon fly soldered onto the top.  If you haven't guessed the lily pad was made from a vintage silver tomato server.



A repurposed vintage tomato server is now a fabulously huge ring.  I am not up to the challenge of the one ring a day, but I think this one suits me perfectly.  What do you think?

We received 6 inches of snow yesterday that is quickly melting in the bright sunshine today.  The birds are at the feeder enjoying an easy meal.  Considering how difficult the life of a bird is with predators and pesticides, feeding them seems like the best thing to do in the cold days of Winter.

I have been busy at the bench getting ready for an upcoming show the first weekend in February called Cupid's Gems.  This will be my fourth year participating in this show, another reminder of how quickly time passes.

Hope all is well with you.

Blessings - Julie

Hope Looks Forward Silver Bracelet

A recent request for a silver spoon bracelet for a petite wrist with a lengthy expression prompted me to rethink the design to accomodate a smaller wrist size.

I detached the spoon bowl from the handle, modified the size making it smaller, stamped the bowl and then shaped it to fit comfortably on the top of the wrist.  I then trimmed the spoon handle making it shorter as well and shaped it to fit the side of the wrist.

A silver chain and lobster clasp were added making the bracelet ready for my petite friend who requested this bracelet to be made for them.  I love it so much, I am sure there will be more to follow.

I love this illustration with the sheep in the background and the young lass looking up to the heavens.  Since it is knitting season and I have been wool obsessed I thought I would share it with you.

Latest etsy addition...

Let Your Heart Take Flight Leather Bracelet - Purchase Here

I love the simplicity and cowgirl sensibilities of this bracelet featuring ancient Roman glass donut, silver donut, rhinestone rondelle, faceted brilliant blue gemstone bead and sterling winged heart charm.

Blessings - Julie

Mari Muinonen, Made By Myself Knitting Project - Krookus Cardigan

It's a quiet morning at my house with Angus on my left and Molly on my right snuggled in under a soft fleece throw - it's our favorite place to be on cold mornings.  So warm and cozy, it sets a nice tone for the busy day ahead.

Today I have several pieces of jewelry to finish on my bench that need to be shipped out this afternoon, it's also set up day at the Liberty Belle, and I still have to finish pricing and packaging new jewelry pieces for the show.  The day before a show is always a busy one and part of the process that we artists undergo to continue funding our passions, it's an ongoing cycle.  Design, Create, Promote and hope for sales.

As the temperatures begin to drop, I begin to yearn for fiber - there's something so soothing about the soft yarn passing through my fingers and the sound of clicking bamboo knitting needles.  It's how I wind down at the end of the day.  After reviewing literally hundreds of knitting patterns, this is the one I chose to knit. It's a sweater from the book Brave New Knits by Julie Turjoman.  The sweater I chose to knit is a design by Mari Muinonen, a school teacher in Finland that also designs knitting projects.  She has a wonderful blog - Made By Myself filled with original knitting designs for sweaters, socks, hats, scarves...her designs are simple and architectural - she has a free pattern section that is a must see.

The cardigan I am knitting is called the Krookus Cardigan - Krookus, which is the Finnish name for the flower Crocus chysanthus.  Being an avid gardener, the name sealed the deal for me.  I love the design, and the color is a vibrant fuschia.  I selected a soft wool fiber that is resulting in a very soft knit that will be so comfy to wear with the added warmth of wool.   The shorter sleeves and full flowing fit will make this sweater my new favorite cabled sweater as I can wear it inside without getting to warm.  A problem with pullover cabled sweaters that tend to be bulky and too warm for inside wear.  They feel great outside, but once you leave your car and enter a shop, you instantly get too warm.  Why do they keep shops so warm in the Winter, anyway?  Carrying around a coat or sweater is not a good shopping experience for me as I have to touch everything before I buy it...am I the only one?

On my list of things to knit this Winter also designed my Mari -

This reminds me to share my White Elephant gift for the upcoming exchange at the next Fiber Guild meeting.

Love the soft buttery leather in a creamy shade of white with a sterling silver stamped plate stitched in place with brown thread and gun metal snaps.  Perfect for the fiber enthusiast - can't wait to see who will wear it at the end of the exchange.

Off to start my busy day....

Blessings - Julie