Spring Necklace

I made this necklace a few weeks ago after realizing everything in my shop is darker colors. You can tell when I go through color phases! Even though this has green (which I love!) it's a brighter emerald green using Malachite stone. I love the look of Malachite; it looks like marble. This necklace also uses yellow and purple Swarovski crystal. Purple and yellow make a yummy combination, especially for spring.



See how pretty those stones are? I also really like that they are not cut into a perfect shape, rather they look more like tumbled rocks.

As always, if you would like to see more of my work, please click over to my Etsy shop.

Vacation

Whew. Sorry for the lack of posting. I have been on a fantastic family vacation and still getting back into the swing of things. I'm hoping to be back up and posting soon. I will for sure have a new shop owner for Featured Friday, so stay tuned!

New(ish) Project

I made this pendent a few weeks ago. It has been sitting on my work table every since starring up at me. It's been begging me to be turned into a necklace. But I'm just not sure I can do it. I'm not totally convinced I love it yet and I refuse to list something in my shop unless I love it. So tell me, is it worthy of my shop? Should I put it on a simple chain and call it good? Should I list it as a pendent, or not at all? These decisions are so hard!

Yes, I did just put it on an unfinished chain for that last pic. I wanted to see how it would look.

I made this off an artistic prompt about dreaming. I was trying to create something that looked like the night sky when it contains every shade of night. That time of night after the sun has gone down and the top of the sky is black, but as you look toward the horizon it's still a light blue from the day. This is what I came up with and I like the colors, how it fades from blue to purple to black. But I'm just not sure it I'm in love. Are you?

Feature Friday: Emily Gray Jewels

Etsy is a fantastic place. There are so many incredible artists in all mediums. Because I am a jewelry artist, I am obviously drawn to looking at jewelry. I am blown away by the talent of some of these artists. Today's feature is one of those incredible designers: Emily Gray Jewels.

Emily's designs are breathtaking, beautiful, and in high demand! Emily calls herself an incurable romantic and the femininity of her pieces shine through. Her wire wrapping skills are to be envied especially being self-taught. She uses beautiful gemstones and fine metals to create her works of art. This is one of my favorites.

I love the simple color palate mixed with an intricate design makes for such a cohesive piece.
These earrings take my breath away. The luscious berry colors clustered together like grapes waiting to be plucked on a warm summer day. Heaven!

This necklace is just fantastic. The skill and time she must put into her work is astounding.
This bracelet is so springy. The warm yellow paired with the shades of purple is beautiful.

Emily has many other fantastic designs in her Etsy shop and I highly recommend you stop by. If not to buy, then to put a smile on your face and admire a true artist.

Bridal Chandelier

My brother is getting married in less than two weeks. As a wedding gift to his soon-to-be bride, I offered to make her wedding jewelry. We got together to discuss what style she likes, colors, stones, etc. She choose a simple floating necklace with small chandelier earrings in clear Swarovski crystal with stardust beads and sterling silver. I love stardust beads because they sparkle magnificently and look like they've been dipped in diamonds.

I was so excited after I finished the necklace that I didn't think to take pictures before I gave it to the bride. I did remember to take a few shots of the earrings that I wanted to share. At some point, I'll get some shots of the necklace and post that too.

It's so exciting and flattering to make wedding jewelry. I love being part of a brides' special day in a way that makes her feel like a princess. I love doing custom work and it was so fun to do this for my new sister in law.

Booth Setup

Last weekend I had a boutique show. I finally took some pictures of my setup and wanted to share it along with some tips.

This show provided tables and I had two narrow tables pushed together to make my table. I used bed risers to hoist up the back table to create the different heights. (I still use bed risers when I just have one table.) I try to create different heights using my display stands as well. I use two tablecloths, one that reaches the floor and hides my storage underneath, and the second that adds more depth and provides a backdrop to make my pieces pop. I also brought a lamp to add extra light to show off the sparkle of the crystal. I hung my banner off the front of my table, but I'm working on finding a better way to display it. Always bring a mirror!

During this show I was also paying attention to what pieces people looked at. Just based off this show, the pieces that were laying flat and upfront got the most attention. Even with different heights, the pieces hanging on the bar in the back got no attention. Because of this, I like to mix up where I place pieces for shows and sometimes even during the day at the same show. It's all about rotating the pieces so each one gets the attention it deserves.

Feature Friday: Paper Cakes by Rachel

I love paper. I'm a scrapbooker and I love going to the craft store and look at the aisles of printed paper. I love the patterns, colors, and textures. People can make the most amazing things with paper. Everything from cards, to flowers, to cakes. Today's Friday Feature is Paper Cakes. Never heard of a paper cake? Neither had I until I met Rachel on Etsy.

Rachel makes these incredible party favors out of paper that look like cake. If you saw this cake, you would never guess that it isn't made form eggs, flour, and frosting. I'm not sure it I should be disappointed or impressed! I'm going for the later.

Each piece is an individual party favor that can be filled with candy, toys, or any other small trinket. These cakes make a beautiful centerpiece and double as a party favor. How fun! Rachel makes all her cakes to order so you can get any size color or embellishment you want. These cakes are perfect for any party occasion - birthdays, showers, or girls night out.

Perfect for the upcoming summer baby showers.
Unless you looked close you wouldn't know it was paper. This will impress your party guests!

M&M filled cake. Need I say more. Yum!

Go visit Paper Cakes by Rachel and order a lovely one today. Tell her I sent you.

Blog Button

I have wanted a blog button for quite some time. But I'm not savvy in the graphic arts and I'm too lazy to figure it out. I have a great blogfriend offer to make me my very own blog button. I was thrilled! Brittany was kind enough to whip up this fabulous little friend who will live on my sidebar. Everyone say hello and make her feel welcome (Hello!)

Show Banner

I am finally done with my banner! I am so excited about how it turned out. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a big vinyl banner (even though that would be great). Instead I decided to create my own from cute paper and ribbon.

I used big scrapbook letters. The ones I got were actually unfinished so I painted them brown. Then I cut the shapes and attached it all together. I strung on string and tied ribbons between the letters. As I was standing back to admire, my husband walked in and asked "Aren't you going to put some gems on the Jessica's Gems banner?" I'm a little slow and had honestly not thought of that. What a brilliant (yet painfully obvious) suggestion. So on went some huge crystals to add a little bling. What do you think?

Yes, it is hung off my stairs so I could get a feel for how it will look hung. I plan to do mostly indoor shows, but do have one outdoor show planned. I'm concerned that a paper banner is not going to hold up so well in the elements. I guess we'll find out!

Feature Friday: Marie's Cosy Cushions

I am on a home decorating kick. I troll the decorating blogs for fun ways to liven up my home and make it more "ours". I have a large number of items that are awaiting being spray painted as soon as can find a time to get to the store to buy spray paint. I have also recently become obsessed with pillows. I love them. Big, little, patterned, solid, bright, dull. I want them all. My husband has joked that he is surprised we are not currently swimming in pillows because I talk about them often.
"A red pillow would look great on the living room chairs."
"What we need are some pillows to rest on the trunk."
"Pillows would add some great fabric and softness to the room."
"I love these pillow to go on the storage bench I don't currently own, but want."
See, it's a problem for me.

So when I found Maire's Cosy Cushions, I fell in love. It was all I could do to not purchase everything in her shop. So instead of blowing my mortgage payment on puffy love, I will send you there instead. All her items are made to order. These are the ones I really want. The ones that would coordinate in my living room so perfectly.

I also love these organic tree pillows. What a great way to bring the outdoors in.

Who wouldn't love a flower pillow? I know I would!
And if the pillows weren't enough, she also makes wall art in the same fabric as the pillows! How cool is that. I made something similar for my office but it was made from scrapbook paper and Styrofoam, not fabric and canvas. This is the real deal!

So if you haven't seen this great shop from England, go check out Marie's Cosy Cushions. You'll be glad you did.

Shows Next Week

Next week I will be participating in two different shows. I would love to see you at one (or both) of them!

Spring Boutique
Tuesday, April 7
7:00 - 9:00 pm
2304 Pointe Meadow Loop
Lehi, Utah
Vendors: Jessica's Gems, Angela's Accessories, Mymby, Modbe

Spring Spectacular
Saturday, April 11
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Courtyard Marriott
10701 S. Holiday Park Drive
Sandy, Utah
Vendors: Jessica's Gems and too many others to list!

I hope you will come visit me at one of these great boutiques. I will have much more product than is currently listed in my Etsy shop.