Magnolia, 2007I was just thinking about posting about my morning routine when I saw another gal (Corey Ackelmire) do the same! Mine is less about breakfast, though, and more about computers. On my days off of work, I get up, put my hair back, and put in my contacts (or sometimes I don't, like today). Turn on my

January 2008, Multnomah FallsDave and I have officially reached....toddler-hood! Today is our 2 year anniversary, and while that may be small numbers for some, it is a great thing for us. I come from a family where both parents had 4 marriages, and sometimes it still amazes me that I am able to stay in one relationship for

Paralucia spinifera series, 2004A few years ago, I did a collection of very sculptural rings (7) based on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera). An endangered species, it is one of the rarest butterflies in Australia, and endemic to the country. It can only be found in a very small area between Bathurst and Hartley, in New South

Like Two Pieces of the Same Heart, 2008

Here are some pressings I did last night using my new iron patty molds!I got a little carried away and they split a little at the top but I might work that to my advantage :)

D and I went to Hood River last night to drop his brother off, and spent the night at his sister's. After coffee with the siblings, we popped into an old Antique store and found some treasures. Above (and below) are candle holders--I just love the shapes and matte finish! And I love that you can flip them

Double Leaf Brooch, 2008Today was a fairly productive day in the studio. I finished these two pieces, finally! I would have a third piece to show you, but I have been battling with the brooch findings for hours! Why, oh why is it so hard to solder a pin into a tube? good god. Anyway I think I

Two Leaf Earrings, 2008Sterling SilverAlso new in my Etsy shop, these are studs that hang about an inch down from the ear. Very fun! Still deciding whether or not I should be blackening pieces from this series :)

Single Leaf Pin, 2008Sterling Silver, Stainless SteelThe first brooch I've made in a while, from my leaf series, is now up in my Etsy shop! More to come soon.

My "Leaves" necklace has now been entered into the call for entries for the upcoming Ethical Metalsmith's virtual exhibition. I recycled silver to make the necklace, and love it. Hopefully it gets in. If not, oh well :) I think the Ethical Metalsmiths organization is a great thing. There's a good community surrounding it, with some outstanding artists

Here they are....the finished product. Now, I know that I totally undersold these, only profiting a mere $8 from the sale. HOWEVER, it is a learning experience. I didn't realise quite how long they would take to make, which was really where I lost the money. But they are beautiful, and they have opened the gateway to more

Leaf Necklace, 2007Today I broke out Dave's camera (he says it's ours--a Canon 30D Digital SLR), and the macro ring flash I bought him for Christmas, and took some pictures of a couple pieces of jewelry. I'll be taking more tomorrow, with a tripod this time :) The macro flash gives a nice illusion of daylight, which is

Damask Pendant from simonewalshI am a fairly minimalist person, but have recently found myself loving pattern, texture, and layers. One of these that I love especially is Damask. In most forms, it is not too cluttered, and usually comes in bold colors, my favorite being black and white. Here are some beautiful Damask patterned goodies from Etsy:Black and