The Muse, To Do Lists and New Creations

Have you ever had a couple of weeks that leaves your head spinning? You can’t think straight, keep jumping from thing to thing and not really feeling as if you’re getting anywhere (even if you are)? No time to stop, take stock and dare I say, smell the roses? If you have that makes me feel MUCH better, as I’m there at the moment!

I can identify one reason – the muse came to visit. Now when she comes along, everything just has to stop, the creativity flows and all is right with the world. Well, in my little sphere of my studio all is right!

Unfortunately, the rest of the world keeps marching at its own pace. The family still needs to be fed, the house kept at a respectably clean level, and the laundry done. The husband still needs a lunchbox packed and jobs done while he’s busy farming. The phone still rings, orders still come in and have to go out. The school term still rolls on, homework has to be supervised, piano lessons attended, and even a little trip to the hospital to pick up son who had been hit in the face with a cricket ball at a school match was thrown in the mix.

The consequence is that every time I surfaced from my studio the “to do” list just got longer as those “urgent & important” things kept taking precedence. So, when the muse departed earlier this week (although sad to see her go and hoping for her return soon) I’ve spent the time since desperately trying to catch up. Throw into the mix my new duty as the school’s P&C secretary and I’m feeling so far behind in some things (like the mountainous pile of ironing … which I’m at least glad to say, my children are now too big to be crushed under should it fall!) that I’m doubting if I shall catch up – at least in the short term.

Please tell me you’ve had times like these and got through them!?

On the positive side I’m absolutely thrilled with the new pieces I’ve made. There’s a gorgeous lapis lazuli and freshwater cultured pearl bracelet (photo above), a natural pink freshwater pearl necklace, a necklace and bracelet in red, white and black, a scintillating necklace of smoky quartz, petro tourmaline, citrine and vermeil, a torsade of pearls and gems in green, silver and berry colours, a necklace of greens in pearls and aventurine, a soft neutral toned pearl and amethyst necklace, a silvery peacock pearl necklace scattered with amethyst, aquamarine and iolite, plus some earrings to match some of these too. There is also a very special pink amethyst and pink topaz necklace that’s almost finished and is sure to gain many admirers!

I need to get all this lovely stock ready for my next show, which is at Mendooran this coming Saturday … oh dear, I’ve just remembered that means even more things to do before then *sigh* . I guess I’d better get started!

Hope you're achieving more than me!

Till next
Annette

Jewellery on the runway

Jewellery is making more and more impact on the fashion runways - the recent shows for spring 2009 featured lots of statement jewellery - masses of cuffs and bangles, huge earrings and a mixture of large, bold necklaces or pendants.

Some of the fashion is rather minimalist and jewellery will make or break these outfits. Maybe it is a reflection on the economy - perhaps the designers are expecting us to purchase more plain items (that will last more than a season) and our accessories will help make the look fashion forward. Even the more flamboyant designers still made a point of including bold jewellery.

Another awards event was on last week - the Director's Guild Awards - and there were a few necklaces in evidence. One that was particularly eyecatching was Marisa Tomei's chunky silver necklace. But, as has been the case recently, earrings were still the major players in the jewellery stakes.

I wanted to share a little piece of wisdom I found on the Business Mums Magazine Blog recently
A smile is a curved line that sets things straight.
Anon
How true is that! Even reading it makes you smile.

I occasionally make cuff style bracelets - and they always find a new home quickly. The one pictured above (and below) is a new one-of-a-kind cuff bracelet - delicate in colour but bold in size. Three strands of generous sized pale lilac freshwater pearls are liberally sprinkled with small faceted amethyst gems and the clasp is a discreet sterling silver slide style.

It is an unstructured cuff, however when on will sit comfortably with the three strands next to each other:


I have named the piece Hedy, which is a Greek name meaning 'peaceful' - the soft colouring is very tranquil. It will be on my website soon - keep your eyes peeled!

Australian Summer and Amethyst

We've just been to Sydney and its a long, tiring drive. We made the journey to see my dad while he was there as he lives on the north coast of NSW which is even more of a drive!

We left very early in the morning, just before there was light in the sky and the children thought it a great adventure to see the sky gradually lighten and change colour. By the time we made it to the Blue Mountains, the sun was high in the sky and blazing down from a bright blue sky.

Driving along, with chattering children in the back, and engine noise from both our and others cars, the cicadas in the bush were still loud and a definite reminder of the Australian bush. My husband and I spoke about how that sound reminded us of summer in Australia - hot days in the bush and that constant buzz of cicadas. I just saw this post on the Rainbow Designs blog, and it is so true! We certainly are fortunate to be able to be so close to nature in this big country. Remember my holiday post and the kangaroos in the front yard! ;)

The response to free worldwide shipping has been great and I am so glad I can now more easily share my jewellery, in reality, with the rest of the world. Its a great feeling and makes the additional cost to me very worthwhile!

Today's picture is a very stately, classic necklace. Made with big faceted lilac coloured amethyst and set off with natural lilac freshwater pearls and tiny little Karen Hill Tribe silver faceted balls. Although you can't see it, the silver clasp is in the shape of an adorable ribbon bow. Very feminine!

Amethyst is a beautiful stone and comes in every shade of purple from lilac through to the deep purple favoured by royalty (they're featured in the British Crown Jewels). It is the stone of the Buddha and Catholic Bishops wear rings of amethyst. Some tribal shamans used amethysts as a talisman and object of power. Egyptian solders wore amethyst into battle to retain their courage and the Romans made goblets of amethyst as it was believed to protect against drunkenness.

The Romans had a wonderful myth for explaining the occurrence of this lovely rock. The god Bacchus had been insulted by a mortal and furious, swore that the next mortal that crossed his path would suffer his wrath. A young maiden called Amethysta, who was affiliated with the Goddess Diana was the next mortal he saw and in his anger killed her. Diana took pity on Amethysta and changed her into crystal. Bacchus soon repented his act and wept on the crystal, whereupon his tears turned the crystal purple.

Metaphysically, amethyst is still considered a powerful and protective stone. Among its many attributes are: a natural tranquiliser, helping you feel more focused and in control; enhances acceptance of new ideas; dispels anger and fear; alleviates sadness and grief; opens intuition and enhances psychic gifts; brings intuitive dreams when slept with; tunes metabolism; cleanses the blood and eliminating organs; heals bruises and swellings, poor hearing and skin conditiouns; treats insomnia and brings restful sleep.