Blog Carnival: What are your favorite color combinations?

What are your favorite color combinations and what do you create with these colors?

I would love to hear of your color inspirations, but for me I tend to do a lot with greens and blues. I also really like how amazonite and red coral looks together. I really love the ocean and the sand. I love the warm weather, especially now that it's like -2000 degrees here. I also am partial to purple for some unknown reason. I like amethyst and dyed purple jade.

Here are a few examples of my favorite color combinations in the jewelry that I've created:

This bracelet was created as a Christmas present

for my son's preschool aid.  There is a little

charm that says "inspire" at the clasp.

This necklace was created using Amazonite and 

a red Cinnabar heart.  I envisioned a bridesmaid

wearing this piece at her friend's wedding.

So, what colors inspire your creative side.  Inquiring minds want to know!!!

Blog Carnival: Inspiration

Inspiration???? Hmmmm, that's a tricky one. I am inspired by so many different things depending on my mood. If I'm feeling Zen, I like to create jewelry with affirmations like "meditate, love, and om" on them.

            Dyed Jade and faceted glass with sterling silver clasp.

Silver plated Om charm and love inspiration.

If I am longing for the ocean or the beach, I like to create pieces using hues of green and blue with some sea glass thrown in. Or I like to use dolphins, sea stars, or sand dollars.

Turquoise nugget focal bead with turquoise colored glass rondelles and

twisted green sea glass.  Silver plated toggle.

My favorite season is Autumn and during this time I am inspired by the changing colors and I like to use hues of orange, red, yellow and copper...oooohhhh, I love copper.

Glass and carnelian with copper toggle and beads.

Really no matter what, I can be inspired by just about anything in my surroundings. I like natural looking stones and ceramics and sometimes I like to add a touch of silk ribbon.

I guess as an artist, I can find inspiration and beauty in everything. One day I could look at something and not be inspired, but the next day, I can come up with something beautiful by looking at the same thing.

"What you see depends on what you are looking for."

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