JMC Designs

2009-05-10T01:05:00.004-04:00

My experiments continue ...

I made a few pieces that I needed to photograph and I found a delightfully willing model in my friend at brunch! The cafe where we met had a nice lounge-y vibe with nice music playing in the background. Brunch must be my favorite meal, as I always look forward to it! Anyway, here are the results (descriptions to follow)!

2008-05-28T20:15:00.006-04:00

May Flower

Pashmi and I are trying to get back into our creative groove. It has been a looooooonnng winter in terms of productivity. Last weekend was Memorial Day weekend and the extra day off certainly facilitated a re-awakening!

My latest - Wildflower - Necklace made with my favorite beads, pietersite, and gorgeously crimson ceramic round beads wrapped in tarnish-resistant copper. The focal is a handmade ceramic piece, framed (in back) and wrapped in copper. Approx. 16"L, $65.

2008-03-21T17:47:00.005-04:00

Wow, is it Spring, already?

I must come out of my hibernated state. Slowly now, stretch, touch the toes, do the horse stance and most importantly ... Breathe!

This past Winter has been eventful. Let's see: Getting laid off (ugh), Getting hired at the end of the same week (yay!), holiday jewelry sales, re-learning the Broadsword form for the Lunar New Year demo, going to China for 2 weeks (wow), learning the 2-person stick form, planning the usual Lunar New Year dinners, giving the Broadsword demo and finally hitting the ground running at my new job, suffering through a sinus infection! Jet lag? What jet lag? Whew!

Something to jump start my jewelry season: Spring in Amethyst (commissioned by Sifu)

2007-12-15T22:51:00.001-05:00

We've finished our Holiday Sales, but you can still contact us to see what items we still have on hand for those last-minute gifts! There's still time!

2007-12-04T23:57:00.000-05:00

Autumn Harvest

This necklace was harvested just in time! Beautiful, bountiful semi-precious gemstones (carnelian, pietersite, riverstone, tibetan red agate) framed by a handmade copper frame and strung on a copper chain of picture jasper beads! Please do refer to the Links section for gemstone lore! Handmade copper clasp, approx. 21"L perfect for wearing over a turtleneck sweater. $60.

2007-11-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

Mas de Verdes

I've been on a green kick lately - this seems to be a new attraction for me! Two new sets with gorgeous chrysoprase (click here to link to mineral database, scroll down alphabetical listing), one in silver and one in copper:

Bohemian Queen (copper) - Bracelet, approx. 7.25"L, $30 and Earrings, approx. 1.25"L, $18

Green with Envy (sterling silver) - Bracelet, 7"L, $35 and Earrings, approx. 1.25"L, $20

2007-11-23T00:09:00.001-05:00

Dates: TWO Saturdays, December 8 & 15, 2007
Time: 11:00A - 2:30P
Place: Chu Tai Chi studio, 156 West 44th Street (between 6th Ave & Broadway)
Ring Buzzer "Tai Chi"

Sorry - No credit cards

Tell Your Friends!

2007-11-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

Gallery of Sample Selection of Handmade Jewelry Available at Holiday Jewelry Sale!

2007-11-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

Verdes

I've ventured back into rings and I like them much more this time around! These are all, oddly enough, in the green family.

Beautiful lampwork beads and sterling silver, approx. size 6 - $25 each.

2007-11-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

Even if other parts of my life aren't playing out the way I'd like, this new piece puts a smile on my face. Therefore, I've named her Happiness!

Red jasper round beads and sterling silver loops create the necklace which hold up a gorgeous silver hand-wrapped faceted green garnet stone! Approximately 16.5"L, $65.

2007-11-10T22:40:00.000-05:00

SAVE THE DATES!
2007 Holiday Sales
December 8, 2007 & December 15, 2007

Presenting new, one-of-a-kind jewelry handmade by Julie and Akiko!

Stay tuned for details!

2007-10-14T18:10:00.000-04:00

October 2007

I've been away but I think I'm coming back! Here's my Fall piece to start things off. I call it October. It's an asymmetrical necklace with a handmade copper pendant and clasp. All stones in autumn tones! Pietersite and Russian jade for the necklace. For the pendant, these stones blend harmoniously: apatite, aquamarine, red jasper, and more pietersite and russian jade. Approx. 16-16.5"L, $55.

2007-07-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

Summer Inspiration

I was inspired by the Summer issue of the Step by Step Wire magazine! I saw this link and I knew I had to try it!

I call this necklace Siena. All handmade tarnish-resistant copper links and handmade clasp, faceted carnelian rounds and a burnt jade drop. Approx. 16", $45.

2007-06-19T20:30:00.000-04:00

Summer

My Next Appearance at a Market will be Sunday, June 24th, at Hell's Kitchen! This is located on 39th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues. Not only is this market new for me being, this venue is also outdoors, so I'll have to deal with the elements! Fun! Hope to see you there!

citysearch
http://www.vidocity.com/player.asp?ID=102
the neighborhood

2007-06-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

OT: More Tai Chi!

This coming Thursday, June 7th, I'll be joining the tai chi demonstrations at Columbus Park in Chinatown at 7P! Lots of activities, a performance of Cantonese opera and a movie at night fall. Come and join the fun!

Follow the link:
http://www.explorechinatown.com/Gui/Content.aspx?Page=LS200706

2007-05-22T22:37:00.001-04:00

Technical glitch

For some reason, my blog defaulted to No Archives so only my current posting appeared :/

All fixed now :-)

2007-05-16T23:28:00.000-04:00

Organic

A wonderful outdoor sitting area in the middle of midtown and the lilting heady fragrance of gardenias! The Lever House on Park Avenue built in 1950-52 remains an architectural icon.

I was inspired to name this one Gardenia. Citrine, laboradite disc held together by a bali silver headpin and hanging gracefully on a sterling silver cable chain. 16"L, $35.

Orient Express Y Necklace Faceted carnelian rounds, wonderfully versatile czech glass beads in laguna sea opal, bali silver bead, sterling silver chain. 16"L, $35.

Costa del Sol Necklace Lovely citrine nuggets and an adorable round bali silver bead, sterling silver chain and sterling silver toggle clasp. 16"L, $40.

Costa del Sol Earrings The perfect accompaniment to the necklace or wear them on their own - can't miss! 1"L, $30.

Catherine ... or just Cat Laboradite discs (with blue flash!) adorned with bali silver beads. Simple yet powerful. 1"L, $25.

Orange Sorbet Lovely earrings with the juicy orange color or carnelian to wear about town. Sterling silver. 1.25"L, $25.

Organic Earrings that dare to be different! Russian jade set in sterling silver handcrafted earring frame. 1"L, $25.

2007-05-09T23:26:00.000-04:00

Deja Vu!

Yes, I'll be at the Young Designers' Market again this Saturday, May 12th, the day before Mother's Day! Stop by anytime between 11:00A and 6:00P (officially closes at 7:00P).
I'll have some new pieces for sale!

Here are the coordinates:
268 Mulberry Street between Prince & East Houston Streets

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful summer-like weather!

2007-05-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

Spring Fling - Long Version

I finally got photos of this latest one, two views. Versatile 30" (approx. 75cm) of sterling silver links with semi-precious and czech glass stones. Apatite, moonstone, smoky quartz and citrine - sigh - make a wonderful color combo to give punch to virtually every outfit! Can be worn as a long single strand, a medium-length double strand or wrapped around your wrist for a chunky yet light bracelet. The sterling silver toggle makes it easy to wear! $65.00.

2007-04-30T22:48:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's already the end of April?

First things first:
I'll be back in Nolita at the Young Designer's Market this Saturday, May 5, from 11A to 6P! Stop by and see what you can pick up for Mom for Mother's Day - Sunday, May 13 (as if I had to remind you)!

Last Saturday, April 28, was World Tai Chi Day. My school set up in Bryant Park in the middle of Manhattan for our annual promotional event. It was a great day weatherwise - much better than was forecasted! We had a nice turnout: Lots of people signed up to try our free classes and watched our demonstrations. Not only did I participate in the Continuous Short Tai Chi Form, I also demo'd the Broadsword Form! Yes, it was nice having an audience, too!
Here's a video from last year's event on YouTube. If there is anything posted for this year's event, I'll update this post.

The big event tonight? The U.S. Premiere of Spiderman 3 in my neighborhood in Queens, of course! Closed to the public. I hope I can find pics soon. As of 11:13P e.s.t., I can't find any; however, it's on the news. Here's what's going on during Spiderman week in NYC!

2007-04-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

Current turmoil at the workplace is taking priority over everything at the moment. I had to get these pieces posted so I can turn my attention elsewhere (briefly)!

Marrakech Necklace (SOLD, but variations are possible. If interested, please inquire!) My favorite color blue and these are a gorgeous shade! Apatite stones create the necklace and sterling silver bali beads, tibetan agate rondelles and a beautiful ceramic focal finish the elegant look! Sterling silver. 16.5"L, $75.

Blue Ice Necklace (SOLD, but variations are possible. If interested, please inquire!) A favorite at a recent market, this simple sterling silver chain link necklace is suitable for spring and summer time looks. Pendant is made with aquamarine and moonstone stones. 16"L, $40.

Orange Breeze Earrings (SOLD, special order available) Another version of the Jaded Beauty earrings, I replaced the jade with faceted carnelian round beads and the copper with silver. A bright new look for the season! Sterling silver. 2"L, $30.

2007-03-27T22:20:00.000-04:00

My first appearance at a market this year will be at the Young Designers' Market in Nolita this Saturday, March 31, from 11A to 6P! I'm psyched!

I will not actually have my own table, but am sharing a space on Michele's table (beautiful fine jewelry) because she is a generous, giving person!

I'll have a selection of new spring pieces as well as favorites. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by! It's supposed to be a nice day Saturday, too!

2007-03-13T22:04:00.000-04:00

*** Spring Additions ***

The Bold & The Beautiful Jade Necklace Indigo blue freshwater pearls with large jade focal in an all silver necklace - Quite the bold statement! Approx. 16.5"L, $50.

Simple Topaz Chic Necklace Tiny topaz discs, oval kyanite accents with citrine & moonstone drop - tres chic & very light for spring & summer! Approx. 16"L with 1.25" drop, $65.
Matching earrings - 1"L, $25.

Fancy Citrines Bracelet (SOLD) Citrine nuggets, laboradite discs (flash-y), silver saucer accents and silver toggle. The "ghostly" reflection you may see in the laboradite is Moi taking the photo! Approx. 7.25"L, $32.

2007-03-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

*** Spring 2007 Collection ***

It was a bright but blistery day today but I just had to get these photos taken! The weather though will turn Spring-like over the weekend - remember to "Spring Ahead"! Please check back for more designs arriving over the next few weeks.

Peonies in Bloom Bracelet - Carnelian nuggets, aquamarine rondelles and laguna sea opal czech glass rondelles create a gorgeous palette! Accented with sterling silver bali beads and clasp. Approx. 7"L, $40. Matching Earrings - Approx. 1.5"L, $15.

Aqua Mystique Bracelet - Wonderfully flash-y laboradite discs plus aquamarine diamond-shapes are a powerful combination - stunning & eye-catching! Sterling silver accent beads and clasp. Approx. 7.25"L, $40. Matching Earrings - Approx. 2"L, $15.

Mandarin Orange Bracelet - Drool-worthy combination of carnelian nuggets and laboradite disc serving as the focal! Throw in silver bali beads and you're served! Approx. 7.25"L, $45. Matching Earrings - Approx. 1.5"L, $20.

mODERNO necklace - Simple, modern design with laboradite disc as focal, flanked by wonderfully dependent amazonite nuggets, on sterling silver chain. Approx. 17"L, $35. Matching Earrings - Approx. 7/8"L, $15.

Jade of the Jungle Necklace - Oh, Behave! Focal is New Jade in a modern design. Necklace and clasp are handcrafted with anti-tarnish copper wire and ocean jasper drum-shaped beads. Pretty wild, yet surprisingly tame! Approx. 17"L, $55.

2007-02-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

Spring hasn't arrived yet but ... this bracelet and earring set in turquoise, amazonite, pietersite and swarovski crystals can help warm things up! Bracelet, approx. 7"L, $35; earrings 1-1/2"L, $15 - or $45 for the set.

2007-02-17T22:56:00.000-05:00

Signs of Spring

Jaded Beauty earrings - Are these laying in the sand with the ocean's white foam sweeping onto shore? (Or, are they in an urban setting the day after snow has frozen over? ;0) Copper wrap earrings with russian jade rounds and burnt jade dangles - Elegant! Approx. 2-1/4"L, $25.

Tiger Lily necklace - Spring on ice! Necklace of copper links, fossil coral and brass (yes, brass!) rounds - a beautiful combination. The focal is an elegant ceramic piece, wrapped in copper. Handmade copper clasp. Approx. 17"L, $50.

2007-02-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

Well, the Lunar New Year celebration has begun! It's the Year of the Pig and we're glad - it'll be a good year!

From www.dragon-gate.com:
"THE YEAR OF THE PIG 2007 Eat, drink, and be merry. Then do it again. The year of the Pig begins on the new moon of February 17th, 2007. (This exact new Moon occurs at 8:38 PM Pacific Time.) Pig year is a time of fun and self indulgence. Ease and enjoyment of life are valued more than power and status. We can be kinder to each other in our everyday interactions and feel little need for competition. Harmony, peace, understanding, and good fellowship are valued. Money is spent on luxuries such as extravagant vacations, sumptuous meals, and fine clothing. It is easy to become content and satisfied, ignoring the bills that accumulate during Pig year. The following Rat year 2008 will be time to face reality after Pig year indulgences, so enjoy now while the enjoying is good."

2007-01-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

My First Brooch and ... it's a hit (SOLD)! Someone saw my pendant "Of Two Hearts" and requested one in a brooch. Here is the result and I'm very proud! Copper heart-shaped frame, with czech crystals, red sponge coral and garnet clusters. (Custom orders welcome.)

2007-01-05T19:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tree @ Rockefeller Center in January (Yes, that's THE tree in the background)

Morning rush hour and rain is in the forecast. I took photos before it came down! Wild weather pattern we're experiencing - it will be near 60F today and almost 70F tomorrow. :/ Another request for cuffs, so I made these :

Apple Orchard (SOLD, but requests taken) - A luscious combination of green garnets, poppy jasper, crazy lace agates and czech crystals! (7"L, $30)

Whimsical - Citrine nuggets and sodalite, with crazy lace agate and czech crystals thrown in! (7"L, $25)

2006-12-30T19:29:00.000-05:00

Last Post of 2006 (... probably)!

Tourists abound for the New Year's Eve celebration! I really wanted to stay away from Midtown but I just had to hit the bead stores and get shots of my latest pieces. It was an overcast day New Year's Eve eve but the light was good enough at the New York Public Library!

Grapevine cuff bracelet - Pretty garnet clusters are the focus, surrounded by smoky topaz coins, czech glass in smoky topaz and fossil coral coins on the ends (on the small side, fits up to 7", $30)

Meditation necklace - Asian-inspired handmade pendant in copper with czech glass beads and pretty brown jasper beads. The necklace is made up of the same jasper beads alternating with smoky topaz coins. Handmade copper clasp. (17"L with a 2" drop, $50)

Green Tea earrings - Japanese Miyuki beads in matte metallic green - quite stunning! - with Swarovski copper crystals. (Approx. 2-1/2"L, $15)

It's been great fun this year with my new venture in jewelry making! I hope to see everyone again next year! In the meantime, I wish everyone A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2006-12-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Holiday Sale Results

We all agreed it wasn't such a bad turnout. We also agreed we needed more marketing :0. It was certainly fun! Genet sews and she brought along some lovely knitted items and handbags. I fell in love with this bag but I held back (Yummy)!

As usual, my jewelry display just doesn't pop in pictures! You had to have been there. The lace cranberry fabric was a lovely backdrop to my jewelry. I think the lighting helped, too. At the end of the day, we all made sales! :p

2006-12-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last minute post before the Sale today!

Another copper cuff - this one I call Tranquility (SOLD). Approx. 7-1/2", $35.

2006-12-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

Copper Cuff Bracelets

I was inspired by another designer whose work I admire. I love making this bracelet! It's 14 gauge copper wire with 24 gauge wire wrap. Here are 3 variations: Sunset, Rio and Tango.

Sunset (SOLD) - Made with rich red agates, tibetan painted agates with a few crazy lace agate and freshwater pearls thrown into the mix! 6-1/2", $35.

Rio - As usual, I had to have something in blue! Here is a blend of blues (smooth and faceted sodalite, glass faceted round beads), a bit of red (agates) and cream (fossil coral and freshwater pearls)! Approx. 7", $45.

Tango (SOLD) - A salad of red jasper, leopardskin jasper, smoky quartz and fossil corals - delicious! Approx. 7", $30.

2006-12-02T19:13:00.000-05:00

Another set in Copper

Earthly Elegance
This necklace and bracelet set is constructed of handcrafted copper swirls with midnight blue freshwater glass pearls and accented with blueberry quartz briolette dangles. Lovely!

Necklace is approx. 16-1/2" with a dangle of approx. 2", $28.
Bracelet is approx. 6-1/2" with a dangle of approx. 1", $20. Set $45.

2006-11-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

Special Holiday Sale!

Find unique jewelry gifts for those difficult-to-shop-for people on your holiday list or find something for yourself!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2006

Time: 2:00P

Where: Chu Tai Chi School

Address: 156 West 44th Street (betw. 6th Avenue & Broadway), 2nd Floor - Ring Buzzer!

Stop In and Say Hello!
15% off on selected items - Bring a friend, get additional off!
** Now accepting credit cards **

If you'd like to let us know you will join us, please contact us @
Julie: juliechu23@yahoo.com
Akiko: annalechat@gmail.com
Please also use this contact information to arrange another date if you can't make it!

2006-11-26T13:53:00.000-05:00

New Pieces in Copper

I enjoyed making these 3 pieces: Zen (as seen in Preview); Asian Dream; and Tropical Evening!

Zen (sold) - A beautiful ceramic focal bead suspended by a handcrafted copper chain and accented with aqua ceramic beads and sienna agate beads. Approximately 19.5"L (48 cm) with a drop of 2.5", $60.

Asian Dream - Beautiful peruvian blue opals frame the richness of the dark brown carved bone pendant. The pendant itself is suspended on a copper bale, accented with green metallic miyuki beads and canyon copper Swarovski crystals! Approximately 17.5"L (43 cm) with a drop of 2", $60.

Tropical Evening - Rich kyanite beads linked together with copper provide the frame for the dark brown carved pendant this time. Approximately 19"L (48 cm) with a 2" drop, $45.

2006-11-13T21:13:00.000-05:00

LAUNCH-NYC
Artists & Designers Market

A launching pad for new designers to introduce their handcrafted products to the market!

That's where I'll be!
Look for my table (Blue Velvet Jewelry (formerly Funky & Chic Jewelry), sharing with Say It with Flowers and I Miss the 70's!)
Where: Church of St. Paul the Apostle
Address: Columbus Avenue and 60th Street (south of Lincoln Center)
Date: Saturday, November 18, 2006
Time: 11:00A to 7:00P

See you there!

2006-11-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Preview
As yet unfinished but I couldn't resist taking a photo - it's sunny today! This one is Zen with copper link chain. When finished will be approximately 19-21"L (47.5-52.5 cm). (A new photo will be posted when finished!)

2006-10-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

Knotting exercises ... Another technique in making necklaces that I've introduced into my creative arena. I like the results! Two necklaces I've completed so far are Autumn Chime (SOLD) and Midnight Bloom (SOLD). Both approximately 16"L.

2006-10-29T13:58:00.000-05:00

More copper pendants - I just like creating the heart shape, I admit it! Here are First Love and Of Two Hearts (each $20):

2006-10-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

A request for pink earrings spurred other earrings that I would not have otherwise produced (probably). In any case, I'm pleased with the way these came out!

Here are pink copper links, pink silver links (SOLD), pink crystal, sparking wine (sold) and purple moon (there are some movie titles that I like!), each $18 :

2006-10-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

First Home Jewelry Event was a success! Lakshmi and I are learning lots and preparing for our next event! We'll make an announcement soon - there really isn't a lot of time left before the holidays are here!

In the meantime, my next event will be the Artists & Designers Market at St. Paul's Church in the Lincoln Center area on Saturday, November 18! Time just flies - it's already the end of October and I'm feeling a bit of the crunch. At this market, I'll be sharing a table with 2 other designer pals - one in glasswork and the other making her favorite dresses! It's a great relief to be sharing the (IMO) high fee - thanks, ladies!

I've been wanting to post for a while now but it's just getting really busy. New pics to come. Stay tuned!

2006-10-09T09:06:00.000-04:00

Flurry of activity! It has been a busy few weeks, work-, family- and other-related, not necessarily craft-related. Well, there will be those times when we have to put aside creativity! I've decided to embark on my journey of wire work. My copper wire order arrived and this Columbus Day weekend is devoted to practice, practice, practice!

Here is the first piece I'm pleased to present: Grape Symphony Pendant. (Approx. 2"L, amethyst, czech glass, glass pearls, $20.)

2006-09-28T22:06:00.000-04:00

Cabs - No, not the NYC kind, cabochons! I've been practicing on and off with craftwire and although the results are good, it just isn't as satisfying as using real silver. Well, this past summer, I purchased some beautiful cabs and I thought it was time to take them out of their packages! Here are two that I've wrapped this evening.

"Exotic Beauty" Tahoma Jasper Cab (F, B - 2"L, 1/2"W at its widest point)
"Interesting" Polka Dot Agate (F, B - Approx. 2"L, 1"W at its widest point)

2006-09-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

First Home Jewelry Show - A collaboration between moi and Lakshmi is scheduled for Saturday, October 14. The invitation has gone out and there's no turning back! Deadlines are good for spurring on creativity. Time to re-direct my focus from photography and admin matters to making jewelry again!

Left: Dance Barefoot #1 (Lakshmi) (SOLD)

2006-09-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

Will I ever get this photography thing down? Aargh! After quite a few tries, I've managed to take photos of my latest pieces. My most recent photos were done in a light cube with the jewelry "posing" with props. They are the best so far. It's past midnight. I can sleep well tonight.

Grapevine Necklace: Grape seed beads with flower jasper teardrops. Light and breezy in a choker style, so approximately 16"L.

SOLD - Cleo(patra) Necklace (below): The focal bead is a kenyan bead, ceramic and handcrafted in Kenya. This bead is surrounded by sodalite beads in a rich royal blue, accented with emerald czech glass beads and completed with navy blue seed beads. 17"L.

SOLD - Midnight Gleam Necklace: I recently received my order of these gorgeous luna sea opal czech beads! Perfect for moonlight walks! 16"L.

SOLD - Wine and Roses Necklace: At the center is a poppy jasper "trillion" or triangle-shaped donut - pretty! The deep red against the rich brown beads (I believe they are chrysanthemum beads) give this piece a rich autumn feel. 16"L.

2006-09-19T18:51:00.000-04:00

La busqueda sigue - Since the crafts show, I haven't been able to get my mind off of finding another venue to sell my jewelry.

In the last weeks, I've been on the internet checking sites and pounding the pavement. There's so much information out there, but yet there isn't! I suppose there are only so many venues in the NY metropolitan area. Strike: Street festivals (no tent nor table & chairs nor vendor's license, oh and the season's pretty much over); and high visibility arts & crafts shows (same as above AND application period closed at the beginning of the year AND the fee is daunting - yikes).

The greenflea market at 76th Street was promising (low fee, availability, high traffic) but they are simply saturated with jewelry. I was delighted, however, to meet Juli of Julira Designs! She makes crochet silver jewelry which is beautiful. I also met the designer (did not get her name unfortunately) from anothai. Also beautiful jewelry and accessories. Both ladies are an inspiration!

Encontrada un otro lugar. Actually, I've been sitting on the fence about LAUNCH-NYC because of the fee - $100. I mentioned this to mij goed vriend, G, and being the artist herself, decided to join me and share the table! Fantastische! The date I've applied for is November 18, which will give her enough time to return to glass work (beads).

I'm happy now that I have an event each month for the next two months! I'll have to decide if I want to do a second show in Astoria, which would be December 2nd. Hmm ...

2006-09-05T20:39:00.000-04:00

My First Crafts Show Labor Day was a beautiful here in NY and everyone was about - just not about where the crafts show was sadly :( Sales were slow all around. A few people had more than 2 sales so they made their booth fee. And luckily it was a low fee or many of us would have been pretty mad! My first experience was a relaxed one, meeting nice, friendly and supportive vendors. IMO, my one sale for the day was ok with me. (Thanks, K!)
Here's a pic of my display:I can hear it now: Tsk, tsk, tsk. 1. Can you tell I didn't give much thought to my display? No, I didn't - no, not true - what I wanted to do would have cost me more money and I couldn't find street trash items to make do! Well, I'll keep looking so I can be prepared for the next opportunity.
2. I didn't have enough in inventory. There are definitely too many empty spaces here. 3. The black board on its own didn't have enough punch. Visitors couldn't see it from across the room where they entered. Customers were definitely intrigued as I displayed each item on my hand; my pieces couldn't shine !
Anyhoo, onto the next venture: A Home Sale in October with Lakshmi - stay tuned!

2006-09-01T20:10:00.000-04:00

The Last Empress (SOLD)
I had such a time capturing this set in its true light and this is the best of all my attempts. The peruvian blue opals together with the scarlet red beads convey a sense of nostalgia, casting you back to a previous era. The fancy box clasp completes the look. Bracelet is 7-1/4" (approx. 18cm). Matching earrings 2"L (5cm).

2006-08-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

Rain in the forecast these days and cool temps - the heat wave broke but I'm not ready yet for the fall! I'm contemplating pieces to make for the arts & crafts show as I'm optimistic that there will be so much business, I won't have enough to go around! Of course, it could go the other way ... okay, no more of that!

Back to Necklaces:

Emma (l.)- I tried this on and immediately I thought of Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie Emma. Floor length puffy dresses not required; this can easily be worn under a suit in the boardroom! Amethyst colored beads with an amethyst nugget, 17"L (approx 42cm).
Jackie (r.) - Adding amethyst czech glass bicone beads to the center and separating the double strands for a layered look, distinguishes the look from Emma but keeps the British theme (anyone know Jackie Collins?) 16.5"L (41 cm).

SOLD - Earth Goddess: The Purple Kiwi Jasper is fantastic! I need to get more of these. The necklace is made up of ocean jasper beads which, in black and white tones, complement the strong teal/purple tones (is that possible?) of the Purple Kiwi Jasper pendant. This is a longer 19"L (47.5cm).

2006-08-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

Earrings have been missing from my posts - I just really like making necklaces! Anyway, we can't do without earrings, can we? From top to bottom: Scarlet red oval beads with coral fossils; sky blue czech glass beads; amethyst coins (These no longer available, see recent posting); and sapphire color stone rondelles (this one SOLD).

2006-08-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

SOLD - The Blue Dahlia - Love the blue stone flower! My round blue stones have been quite useful. Okay, so my favorite color is blue.

2006-08-13T23:00:00.000-04:00

My first wire ring! It wasn't my intention; I was looking for a tutorial to wrap one of my new yellow jade nuggets but happened upon a tutorial for a wire wrap ring instead. If my stone couldn't be beaded onto the required 18-gauge wire, I would have passed on this project! I learned to do something new and that's always good. Here it is - same ring, different backgrounds.

2006-08-11T21:13:00.000-04:00

Counting down the days to the arts & crafts show on Labor Day! I'm looking forward to making big sales (:)) or otherwise gain experience in working a crafts show - either way I get something out of it! In the meantime, I continue to make new pieces that I hope will please.
(Note to Lakshmi: Can you guess the background?)

New Tastes:

Pomegranate choker - Very simple, yet gives you a full day's punch! Made with an extender chain for a better fit.

Not Available - Ginger - Pendant is picture jasper stone carved into a twist! I decided to make this one a front close and the bail is a handmade "monkey's fist."

Jeannie's Bottle - I'm complicated! The bronze mother of pearls add a dramatic effect to an already full-bodied piece. Who's master now?

2006-08-11T00:48:00.000-04:00

Home page went missing for two days - what a disaster! How I missed my blog! More importantly, how will everyone know what new pieces have emerged? Thank goodness it's back and I can spend time on it again. New necklaces photographed with my digital camera and touched up with Photoshop. I'm still trying to find my way around!

Greek Olive Necklace - I saw these yellow jade stones and I knew I had to create something with them. Here, it's Zorba in a greek dance!

Red Harmony Bracelet - Red jasper nuggets and fossil coral rounds, accented with diamond shaped brown translucent glass beads - lovely harmony!

More to follow ...

2006-08-07T07:51:00.000-04:00

New bracelets: Summer Palace and Blueberry Sorbet

2006-08-07T07:42:00.000-04:00

Started tooling around with photography. Quality is still not where it should be for display but I'm happy with some of the results! Some pieces that have come to life: 1. arabian nights necklace; 2. scarlet pimpernel.

2006-08-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

Heat wave in New York - it hit 100 degrees today and more of the same for tomorrow! I can't help but wish for cooler climes.

I've named this necklace "blueberry sorbet." I've never heard of blueberry sorbet, but it sounds refreshing, doesn't it?

These earrings I've named "indian summer" even though we're a long way off. Again, it's just wishful thinking ... SOLD

2006-07-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

My Portfolio as of July 23, 2006 (not including the ones previously posted). The Latest and Greatest will be added to blog entries going forward.

my portfolio

2006-07-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

New, Improved Platform to Showcase My Jewelry! (Sighs of relief everywhere)

I've moved all my info from that other blog to this one. I hope everyone likes it! I know I do since it doesn't require yet another login and password.

I've signed on for My Very 1st Arts & Crafts Show! Woohoo! I'm very excited about it!

Here's the info
Date: Labor Day Monday, September 4, 2006
Time: 11:00A to 6:00P
Event: Magic of Astoria
Venue: United Methodist Church
Address: 30-44 30th Road (situated between 31st Ave & Broadway)
Additional info: (718) 721-4037

2006-07-31T20:26:00.000-04:00

Red is Back!

My latest set - I call it the "asian persuasion" necklace and earrings set. I imagined a brilliant combination with the crimson red glass seed beads and the sky blue peruvian opals. Add to that a heart-shaped carved wood focal pendant! Beautiful!

The necklace on the right is called "scarlet pimpernel" which has the same heart-shaped carved wood focal pendant but has a completely different air about it, a certain "je ne sais quoi, n'est-ce pas?" (Thursday, July 27, 2006)

2006-07-31T16:59:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, I made 3 beaded necklaces with the same theme but different focal pieces. Because there were 3, I named them after my goed vriendtjes in amsterdam - aiko, hiromi en yoshiko!

Update: I sold "hiromi" but managed to load the photos for "yoshiko" and "aiko" above! Further Update: These no longer available!

I made this necklace to showcase the 3 "caged beads" I just learned how to do. The beads are a pretty iridescent blue and the turquoise blue beads in the necklace play off them quite beautifully.

I was thrilled when I opened my jewelry roll in a restaurant to show Mark and Hiromi my jewlz and the waitress exclaimed that my jewelry is beautiful! No sale, though - she was on duty. Oh well. It did make my Sunday afternoon!

(Monday, July 24, 2006)

2006-07-31T16:57:00.000-04:00

I just started making/designing jewelry a few months ago and I'm hooked! How did it all start?

The last few months have passed as if in a whirlwind. The short story: My disappointment in the jewelry selection in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, led me to seek out jewelry makers in New York upon my return. After attending a jewelry-making discussion and listening to the jewelry designers trials and tribulations, I was spurred on to creating my own jewelry! I took a class and another jewelry designer was born! (Sunday, July 23, 2006)