Spain

I just got back from an inspirational trip to Spain. It is full of art and architecture and beautiful countryside, not to mention the food, tapas, paella, sangria and spanish guitar music. Everywhere you look, an amazing amount of sculptures, even in small villages in Mallorca. My favorite place on Mallorca is the small village of Deia on the north coast of Mallorca that looks alot like the Big Sur coastline in California.

Awards

Recently I was awarded first place in jewelry design at the Affaire in the Gardens show in Beverly Hills. Needless to say, I was shocked, I haven't won anything since 2001, Best of Show at the local Art Center in the Craftmakers Exhibit and I was a Niche finalist in Philadelphia in 1999 at Buyers Market of American Craft. I didn't even know they judged the artists, it did involve cash and a discount off my booth fee for the next show. It really is validation that I am on the right path, even though things aren't selling well right now. Since I produce a luxury item, it is I am sure one of the first things people cut back on in these hard times. Hopefully, things will get better soon.

New Work

I just received new photos that photographer George Post took at the Contemporary Crafts Market in June. I could not wait to share them on my Blog. They should be up on my website soon.

New Work

This sweet little pin has some more of that Montana Agate set in sterling textured by corrugated cardboard with 18k accents. This pin retails for $175.

New Work

This is my favorite shape right now and this jasper happened to fit nicely using this tourmaline as an accent with 22k squares to finish it off. This one-of-a-kind pendant retails for $225.

New Work

This piece is one of my most recent favorites and of course it is sold. The stone reminds me of a Picasso painting. The man who bought it for his wife was the former head of the architecture department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

New Work

This is also some of that Montana Agate, this particular stone looked like a bird's head to me. It is set in an 18k bezel on sterling that has been textured with handmade paper with a hammered edge. The bail is 14k gold with 22k accents. This pendant retails for $275.