charisma by mendlbarr...

We've started creating in "collections" and have enjoyed the process. There is a feel, an inspiration that will flow throughout the series but each piece will have a design all it's own... some exotic, others a bit more conservative and still more variations that will allow each of you to find your perfect match!

light box vs. natural light...

Spent a few days working on a light box... searched the web for ideas and finally built one in my office... this was to save me from becoming a slave to the daylight hours! 

Well, I have sad news... I will remain faithful to my natural sunlight!  Even going to all of the trouble of adjusting the white balance on my camera and playing with different kinds of light bulbs, in my humble opinion, there is no comparison.

So with all of the "light box" stress behind me, I have found a new zeal in my photo sessions... today I fell in love with zinc and pewter for backdrops to my oxidized sterling silver collection!

 

 

Here is another creation... love how the organic colours of turquoise and tourmaline contrasted with the greys... enjoy!

musical influences...

There are times when a certain song or melody takes you back in time... you experience those same sights and sounds while being transferred to a different place and time!

Musical influences are magical...

perks to buying handmade...

 

 

i just found this quote and had to share... how true it is :)

 

 

dreaming of a white Christmas...

Designing this mini collection for our client has been so fulfilling!  We usually create an item individually and when it's complete, we move on to something entirely different. 

For this collection, we imagined a cohesive grouping of bright sterling silver and ice crystals... the mood is so appropriate for this time of year... we're dreaming of a white Christmas :)

What a neat idea... offer up the gifts and allow them to pick their favorite... each similar in presentation but unique in composition... no ear wire or crystal is the same!  Enjoy!

here is an idea...

love, love, love this... came across this on Facebook... just had to share :)

new inspiration... new creations

 

... there is nothing that compares to a soul blessed with time to express itself thru art... may each one of you experience this bliss... be careful it's addicting :)

Australia! My heart longs for thee :)

 

 

Wow! Can't believe it's been over 10 years since I fell in love with Australia! It all started with "Survivor: The Australian Outback"... and my obsession has only grown over the years :) 

Survivor: The Australian Outback (also called Survivor: Australia in later seasons) is the second season of the United States reality show Survivor. Filming took place at Goshen Station in northern Queensland during 2000 and aired from January 28, 2001 to May 3, 2001 on CBS. The location used was within a three hour drive of the coastal city of Cairns and located in a wet, tropical area.

 

Australian paper currency is gorgeous!!!   I know this because I was compelled to buy some from a very friendly tourist who came into the store I was managing (way back when!)  Had those three bills pinned to my bulletin board for inspiration... we WILL visit one day soon!

 

This post just came about as I glanced over recent blog views from foreign countries... I was tickled pink to see that we have viewers in Perth, AU!  Our one-of-a-kind creations have shipped to clients worldwide... but to realize that we also have readers in far off lands (Australia!!!!) is the icing on the cake!  Thanks so much! 

 

 

Today, an extra special "hello" to our friends in Perth, AU!   How blessed you are to live in a place my heart longs to visit... sending you positive energy!  Bet you can feel it :)

our favorite time of year...

Back to school... leaves starting to turn colors... crispness in the air... the excitement of the holidays!

I've heard that one always loves the time of year in which they were born.   Maybe that's why I'm ready to put the fall wreath outside our door?    Then I'll bring out the Halloween decorations... which leads to Thanksgiving decorations ... which then leads to Christmas and New Years!!! 

I love this time of year!

The richness of coppers have become a neutral... wear them with anything... enjoy!

1988 Lunch At The Ritz Earrings - Down On The Farm

Look what we just unpacked! 

 

 

 

Purchased these earrings in the late 1980s... I immediately fell in love with the farm theme!! 

LOL!  Even then, I knew I was a "country gal"! 

Who knew they were rare collectibles? 

It's the little things... :)