L'Atelier Lundi: December 6, 2010

After a several-month long hiatus, I'm revisiting the L'Atelier Lundi series: a peek at what I'm currently working on.
This winter, my jewelry has taken a turn for a simpler, less-is-more aesthetic. Since the move back to California, I've spent many an afternoon combing the beach for little treasures, and the beauty of organic shapes like feathers and driftwood is compelling me lately. I am taking cues from the sand and ocean and sky for color stories. A pallet of soft grey labradorite, molten gold, a flash of plummy garnet. One brilliant blue crystal delicately accented with silver.
Field studies noted in stone and metal.

L'Atelier Lundi: July 26,2010

The Evie necklace; color palette inspired by the beautiful cover of Paranormalcy, a highly-anticipated YA novel coming out next month. Love that the design turned out almost exactly how I first imagined it, and am crazy about how prettily it hangs against the collarbone (kind of like those bead curtains from the 70's). But good grief the endless wire-wrapping has resulted in one extremely sore right thumb -- am not going to be able to make anything else until the throbbing pain subsides.
This is the first time I've ever taken color cues from a book cover, but it was a remarkably helpful jumping off point. A fun way to combine two of my great loves: YA novels and jewelry.

L'Atelier Lundi: July 12,2010

This week the creative endeavors I'm sharing are not jewelry, but my other true love: photography.
These shots were all taken with the instax mini, which produces tiny polaroid-esque instant photos. It is a tricky, tricky beast so far. Lighting is a b*tch (cannot tell you how many shots have come out pitch-black) and there is no telling if anything will be in focus or not.

But that is kind of the fun really -- the not knowing how it will turn out. Relinquishing control, crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

The impatience while the picture develops from milky white and slowly the colors seep through.

It's a surprise every time.

L'Atelier Lundi: July 5,2010

L'Atelier Lundi (so named because en français it has a more alliterative ring than "In the Studio Monday") is hopefully going to be a new weekly feature to share what I am currently working on.
Since summer began I have been enamored of making necklaces using hemp cord or silk thread in place of metal chain.  I first started using the thread in one color, but have since branched out to braids in complimentary hues.

In addition to the standard three-strand braid, I've fallen hard for the look of the nautical "rope-braid". Done in hemp, it is sturdy and cool to the touch, and makes me feel like I'm just one boat-neck, striped sweater away from being aboard some Mediterranean millionaire's yacht.

And lastly, beads strung and knotted directly on colorful thread is possibly my favorite technique. There is something soothing and meditative about the act of choosing beads and stringing them in an abstract pattern.

*A few of the pieces shown are available in the Etsy and 1000 Markets shoppes, and all will later be up at Daphne.