On my bench

Okay, it's been a month since my last confession post and I'm the first to admit I am a delinquent jewelry blogger.  I have so much going on I don't even post to my family blog all that much.  When all else fails, throw some pictures up there and tell a story or two, right? 

Here's a piece that graced my pliers yesterday.  A crazy-beautiful Tom Boylan focal, purchased from him in his California studio.  Right now it is sitting on my bench, wired to amethyst and pearl links, 11 inches in total.  Well that's not long enough for a necklace, is it?  No.  I intend to fasten the ends to lengths of chain, but before I can do that I need to make more of my signature spiral hook clasps so that I can get an accurate length before I cut the chain.  I have the wire & pliers I use to make the clasps all in a bag waiting for the next football game or car ride so I can sit down and make a bunch at once while I'm a captive audience.  The thing is, that hasn't happened much lately so this project sits, unfinished, until the stars align.

Meanwhile I have been hoarding some Patti Cahill lampwork I purchased a year ago, and finally broke up the set rather than put all the gorgeous eggs into one basket-necklace.  First of all, putting all the special beads into one piece makes it pretty expensive (Patti is one person who has great talent and charges what it is worth).  Secondly, when I break it up it makes for a nice grouping at the shop downtown. 

This fall I am in love with peacock blue, plum purple, and olive green....  TOGETHER!!!  And it's everywhere, so I figure I'm not the only one who does, so I made a necklace with different shapes of Swarovski crystals in those colors. 

Speaking of following fashion trends, I can't tell you how many times I have been advised by well-meaning friends to scour fashion magazines to see what "the latest" is and make jewelry like I see in there.  If you've met me you'll know that I don't necessarily wear what is in style, I wear what I like.  I tend to make jewelry the same way, not chasing trends and being left with dozens of ear threads when the fad fades, and so far that has worked out for me.  If I like what's in, so be it, but I'm not going to make something just because it's in.

Up next for this lazy jewelry blogger?  Jewelry tweeting, since I think a lot of my followers found me because of jewelry.  Follow me @annemade or over on my blog sidebar.