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)!

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.

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)

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Technical glitch

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

All fixed now :-)

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!