Latest Work

Here are a couple pieces that I worked on these past few days - a ring and a neck piece. Each flower is raised from flat sheets of bronze. They are mere studies and practices, which means they are just for me. So please excuse the lousy photography.

Friday Finds - 31 Jul 09

This Friday, I'd like to thank some of my blog readers for following my ramblings. I really appreciate your continuing support. :) Below are some favorites I find in their Etsy shops.Clockwise from top left:
1. Blue Carambolas Necklace by danugs

2. Tire Swing Earrings by mikicatdesigns

3. Peppermint Rosemary Vegan Soap by deshawnmarie

4. Crochet Purse in Periwinkle by peanutscreations

5. Funky Peach Cupcake Pincushion by sewbutterfly64

6. Bluebird Scrabble Tile Pendant by prettywhimsical

Be sure to check out all the other goodies in their stores.

Friday Finds - 24 Jul 09

Do you like green? Then this weeks featured items are just for you. You can take a closer look at each item by clicking on the link below these photos.Clockwise from top left:
1. Chalcedony Shades of Aqua Necklace by unicorngem1994
2. Green Clusters Bracelet by snowbell
3. Faceted Natural Crystal & Green Amethyst Necklace by southpawstudios
4. Mermaid's Heirloom Necklace by mermaidencreations
5. Angela Earrings by nightskyjewelry
6. Island Cooler Bracelet by realisationcreations

Temple of Herod

Now, here's a model of biblical proportions. A retired farmer has spent more than 30 years building an enormous scale model of Herod's temple - and it is still not finished. Alec Garrard, 78, has dedicated a massive 33,000 hours to constructing the ancient temple, which measures a whopping 20ft by 12 ft.The pensioner has hand-baked and painted every clay brick and tile and even sculpted 4,000 tiny human figures to populate the courtyards. But Mr. Garrard, who started the epic project in his 40s, says his masterpiece will not be finished in his lifetime. "I have an interest in buildings and religion. I thought maybe I could combine the two and came up with the idea of doing the temple. I'd see one or two examples of it in Biblical exhibitions, but I thought they were rubbish and I knew I could do better."
"I have sculpted and painted 4,000 figures, each measuring just half an inch and they all wear their correct costumes. Each one takes about three hours to make and there are 32 versions of Jesus, although no one can ever spot him no matter how religious they are." Visitors come from all over the world to see the model, and Mr. Garrard provides binoculars so they can see all the details. "I personally know all the top archaeologists from Jerusalem and I've had experts from the British Museum visit," he says.
But he chases the money-changers out of the temple: I've had a lot of offers from people to buy it, but it's not for sale." He says his wife Kathleen thinks he is mad. He adds: "She wishes she'd married a normal person." Mr. Garrard, from Norfolk, spent more than three years researching the temple, which was destroyed by the Romans 2,000 years ago and deemed to be one of the most remarkable buildings of ancient times. He then started to construct the amazing 1:100 scale model, which is now housed in a huge building in his back garden. "Everything is made by hand. I cut plywood frames for the walls and buildings and all the clay bricks and tiles were baked in the oven then stuck together," he says. In its heyday the temple complex covered 36 acres - four times the area of Windsor Castle. The Temple was probably located on the site of today's Temple Mount, and it is also the location of the Islamic mosque, Dome of the Rock.

[This was originally an email sent by a friend. It is such an incredible project that I had to share it. All photos in this post were taken by photographer, Geoff Robinsin, and included with his permission.]

Friday Finds - 17 Jul 09

A blue and purple collage for this Friday's Finds. I hope you all enjoy browsing their shops.
Clockwise starting from top left:
1. Toddler Messenger Bag by meeabee

2. Hand Painted Silk Scarflette by silkartfrombrazil

3. Lagoon Ring by clevergirl

4. Purple Tranquility by houseofsixcats

5. Map Pieces by madmaggiedesigns

6. Sapphire Swirl by bellissimadesigns

Friday Finds - 10 Jul 09

This Friday's theme is metal, which is my favorite medium. Aren't these wonderful?Clockwise from top left:
Become Rose Garden Shawl Brooch by meltemsem
Leaf Neckpiece by bullfrogstudios
Cherry Blossom Sakura Ring by studiometalsmith
Simple Swirl on Square Necklace by limegreenmodern
Urban Life 2 - The Salvation of a Smile by canadianrockies
Bond Brooch by freeforged

Friday Finds - 03 Jul 09

This Friday, I'd like to showcase some fiber arts. If you'd like to check out each item, click on the links below the group of photos. Clockwise from top left:
1. Red Hair Buddy Clip by bagsandbuds
2. Mrs. Carmen Scarflette by warmandsoft
3. Nuns n Roses, the rock star by nunofakind
4. Lateralus Rose by zuppaartista
5. Crocheted Rag Rug by kelleylivingston
6. Cozy Kittens Pillow by rokstudy

Premio Meme Award #2

Last weeks, besides Julie Magers Soulen, my friend Jodi Bombardier of Jewels-by-Jules also awarded me the Premio Meme Award. Jodi is a wire wizard, making amazing wire jewelry and writing wire wrapping tutorials and books. If you want to get some expert advice, visit her beautiful blog. Her bracelets are some of my favorites, showing the perfectionist side of her. Thanks, Jodi! Jetson – Copper Wire Woven Bracelet

The award rules are simple: I list 7 facts about myself then pass the award to 7 people.
1. Proud mom with a son who will be attending UC Berkeley (my own alma mater) this fall.
2. Never had any interest in jewelry until I started making them.
3. It is not a real vacation unless it is a tropical one.
4. Love being my own boss.
5. Need to join "Diet Coke Anonymous."
6. I’m a shortie – only 5’-3” tall.
7. Got 6-7 scars from ankle surgeries.

I am happily passing the Premio Meme Award to some of favorite artisans:
1. roiaobrien
2. nunofakind
3. prettywhimsical
4. quirkydolls
5. tialeyvintage
6. meeabee
7. ju’screations

Premio Meme Award #1

Couple of weeks ago, Julie Magers Soulen of Julie Magers Soulen Photography awarded me the Premio Meme Award. Julie takes amazing pictures and here’s my all time favorite. As I am posting write-up, she is relaxing here on this porch. Thanks, Julie!

Golden Bliss

The award rules are simple: I list 7 facts about myself then pass the award to 7 people.

1. Proud mom with a son who will be attending UC Berkeley (my own alma mater) this fall.

2. Never had any interest in jewelry until I started making them.

3. It is not a real vacation unless it is a tropical one.
4. Love being my own boss.
5. Need to join "Diet Coke Anonymous."
6. I’m a shortie – only 5’-3” tall.
7. Got 6-7 scars from ankle surgeries.

I am happily passing the Premio Meme Award to some of favorite artisans:
1. purifiedart
2. cindypack
3. melt’m
4. deandymentstudios
5. mandibeads
6. ligiarocha
7. solheart