How Do You Celebrate The End Of Summer?

Labor Day is just around the corner.  Traditionally, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year.  Around our house, we are trying to soak up the last bits of summer by going to the pool one last time; by having one last outdoor BBQ with friends; by hitting the beach for just one more jump in the cool ocean waves.  

We are also getting ready to start another year of school.  This is a big year for us.  My oldest son is starting second grade and my little baby (oh where did the time go???) is starting preschool this year.  It's only 2 mornings a week, but it seems like just yesterday that I was dropping off my older son, clinging to my leg, at his first day of big boy school.  We have gathered our backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils and erasers, and our first day of school outfits...not that boys this age care so much about that "just right" outfit.  I can't wait to capture the first days of school on film for prosperity.  

As far as creativity goes, I have been working on many new jewelry pieces for the Fall months.  I love using the reds, oranges, and greens.  To me, it symbolizes change.  All the deeper hues of the colors we use other times of the year.  I love the crisp scent of the air, wood burning in an outdoor fireplace, the colors of mums and pumpkins.  Everything is just so beautiful and I love to spend time outside this time of year.  I hope everyone enjoys the change in the weather and all the beautiful colors!

"A woodland in full color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart."  -Hal Borland

Looking Forward To Fall/Winter....

I know that it's only August, but now is the time that I am starting to think about the cooler weather months.  I love Fall especially.  The gold, rust, and copper colors are really beautiful and I love watching the leave change their colors, going to pick pumpkins, and decorate my house for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  I also start to think about what colors are going to be upcoming designer trends; the colors that YOU will start to see in the department stores, fashion, and runway magazines.  Consumers will want to start to look for jewelry and accessories that will coordinate with the new lines of clothing.  So in order to help you out, I will do all the dirty work for you.  I will keep up to date on what colors you will start to see and design jewelry accordingly.  For the Fall/Winter months a few colors start to stand out in my mind: Tandoori Masala, Calendula, California Buckwheat, Calypso, Indian Ruby, and Cast Bronze.

Here are a few pieces of jewelry that I created that incorporate a few of these colors:

This double-stranded necklace is created using goldstone ovals and turquoise (california buckwheat and calypso) & also amber heishi beads (tandori masala).  Just a little fact about amber....it's actually created from fossilized tree sap.  This necklace is highlighted nicely with copper clasp and focal bead.

This is another favorite creation of mine.  Crab fire agate ovals are paired with turquoise rounds (indian ruby and calypso).  There are also some fire polished black glass beads along with some silver plated spacers to add some interest.  The sterling silver round pendant is so much fun for the upcoming months.

Both of these great necklaces, along with some of my other creations are available for sale on my etsy shoppe.  Please don't hesitate to contact me about any of your special needs or if you would like me to create a custom, one-of-a-kind necklace for you or for a loved one.

Thanks for looking.

The Lucky Earrings Winner is.....

mkokopelli. Congrats!  I will be emailing you to get your information so I can mail out these
earrings to you :