The Beauty in Baroque

What do you think of when you read or hear the word, "baroque"?  Some of us will think of classical music, concertos and old-fashioned operas.  Others will think of art history classes long forgotten, or even silly puns such as, "If it ain't 'baroque', don't fix it."
The actual word comes from the Portuguese word barroco, which means an irregular or misshapen pearl.  This term was used negatively by intellectuals in the Classical period who felt that the ornate, intricate music and art of the prior generations was overdone to the point of ugliness.  This term gradually lost its negative connotation and became just another historical term.
But what does this have to do with jewelry?  Jewelry meant to evoke Baroque aesthetics (which often come into vogue during autumn) will use rich jewel-tone colors and antique gold and brass.  There will be multiple pieces to it, and sometimes very heavy framing or shapes done in real or imitation precious metals.  Everything is just a little darker, more detailed, and more decorative.  I have a necklace coming out this fall which is inspired by the Baroque style-be sure not to miss it by checking out my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/NightingaleRoseJ .

Have a beautiful, rich rest of your summer!

Steampunk Autumn 2013

The scent of warm spices and baked goods, the slight nip of the air as it gradually chills down, the wild breezes and the smoky scent of the last barbecues of the season...I have caught autumn fever.  Autumn is my favorite season, partly for nostalgia, partly because of the sensory wonders I already listed, and partly for the joint anticipation of a new year of school and the wonderful holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving.  This is the time for rich jewelry designs in copper, gold and rose gold.  They pair so well with deep, warm fall colors such as garnet, royal purple, burnt oranges and all shades of brown.

Gothic fashion can be a little neglectful of warm colors, but steampunk embraces them wholeheartedly in a wonderful alternative aesthetic.  Cogs, clocks, aged leather, cozy knits and earthy woven fabrics are all perfect for this.  Corsets and other historical styles such as breeches contribute to the steampunk effect when paired with more modern pieces like well-cut blazers and patterned tights.  Steampunk accessories are what first started drawing me toward alternative fashion and culture, and steampunk continues to influence my work.
Here are some pieces I have made along this vein:
This tassel necklace made from bits and bobs.
A necklace that also includes some pirate themes.
And this copper ring that works perfectly with either autumn colors or steampunk outfits.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Midsummer Rains

Today was one of the heaviest rains so far of the Flagstaff monsoon season.  The raindrops were so loud and heavy and thick that I first I thought it was hailing.  There was lightning and deafening thunder, and there must have been a traffic accident somewhere because ambulance sirens were wailing right along with the storm.  It didn't last very long, less than an hour, but it was intense.  Personally, I love the respite to the heat, but I'm such a homebody that I hate even being a passenger in a car during heavy rainfall.  Thankfully, we only had a few errands to run before we returned.  Nature can be so incredibly refreshing and invigorating, but at the same time so frightening and destructive.  I think a piece dedicated to the rain is definitely due...

Here, have a pretty rain gif. And have a lovely (hopefully not too soggy) day.

Business Overhaul

So that I can offer goods to more people, I am working on a new business look with TheBuzz, an Etsy seller who has made a shop out of encouraging and teaching other Etsians so that they can better succeed.  It's very exciting, and our Etsy shop will look snazzy and professional.  I can't wait to unveil it to you!

Sculpting-the Beginning

I have started working in a new medium-air drying clay.  It is excellent fun.  So far I have tried silicon molds and sculpting by hand, and the prospects are incredibly exciting.  All that is left is for me to figure out what sort of paint will best work for the effects I want-then I can supplement my other designs with completely original pieces that cannot be duplicated except by me, and eve then they won't be exact.  My molds are of cameos and roses...they will make such romantic designs when they are finished!

A Crystal Summer

Something about the reawakening of the plants and scenery during warmer months is conducive to creativity. I find myself drawn to organic shapes and rough-cut stones that evoke the earth rather than highly fabricated and polished pieces.  It took me forever to figure out how to make wire-wrapped pendants out of unpierced stones.  I must have thrown away three yards of wire before finding a method that didn't require super glue to attach the wire to the stone.  Speaking of stone, while I was in Texas on vacation I purchased a little velour bag of quartz and pyrite stones, plus a couple of really nice amethyst chunks.  These are the pieces I'm using for the wire wraps. Now that I know how to make the pendants, I just have to find the right cord and practice my Chinese adjustable knots. I can't wait to show off these new pieces...they were definitely outside my comfort zone as far as technique goes, but it was worth it.

Fun Haul and Inspiration

Recently, we found a slew of fun and interesting beads and charms from a local boutique.  It really helped to boost the diversity of our products.  some of the pieces, like big ceramic roses or brightly painted coffins, really stretched my boundaries and resulted in pieces which I really love.

Products that resulted from this megahaul and subsequent mega-creative session include Boneyard, Muertos, Dracula's Garden and Skulldiggery.  They were very satisfying to make...I just hope others can enjoy them too.

Here's a peek at one of them: 

Browse the rest of the collection for yourself here.