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.

This pin is also using some more of that beautiful Montana Agate with Onyx. The silver is textured with handmade paper and bamboo paper with 22k and 18k accents. This pin retails for
$225.

New Work

I found these beautiful Montana agates at a Gem Show in Santa Barbara, they reminded of the many beautiful sunsets I have seen in my lifetime. I decided to put them all together in a bracelet, so they could be admired while you are wearing them. I textured the silver with curogated cardboard to emulate landscape and added 22k gold squares with an onyx clasp. This one-of-a-kind bracelet sells for $475.

Montana Agate and Dendrite Agate Pendants

These are two pieces I am proud of and have used on my most recent promotional materials. These were photgraphed by George Post and he recently photographed more of my new pieces and I will post them when I receive copies.

What I am About

I decided to start a blog, because it is so hard for me to update my website every time I have something new to post, so I thought this would be an easier way.

I have chosen to be a Jewelry Artist and have been for over 35 years. It has not been an easy road, because I live in a very conservative community without a lot of disposable income. I do art shows in metropolitan areas, such as LA, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Desert and I also teach classes at the local Community College. I still am passionate about my craft and love to create, so that is what keeps me going. It is my form of meditation and peace.

My hope is that I can connect with other people out there who are appreciative of hand fabricated art jewelry.

For the Love of Jewels

Linda's Profile on For the Love of Jewels.