Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's been a great year!


"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do" 
- Rumi
 
Dear friends and fans,

2011 has been a wonderful year!  I am thankful to all of you for your support and encouragement.  I am so happy that I'm able to make pieces that you love to wear and wear in love.  It was around this time last year that I begin to think about making jewelry for myself more regularly and I toyed with the notion of making jewelry for others as well.  By January, I was determined to open a Etsy shop.  Opening the shop and having a line launch were months away, but I began building an inventory based around materials I thought were beautiful.

Rumi's words (see the epigraph above) resonate within me deeply.  Through my jewelry making, I seek to cultivate happiness, love, and beauty in my life and in the lives of others.  I may sound sentimental, but I truly enjoy it all... from a flawless execution of a design to restringing and adjusting a necklace two or three times.

As you may have noticed, I have taken a break from creating during this busy holiday season to focus on my family and to prepare for my comprehensive PhD exams, which will take place in February.  I look forward to making a few pieces in January and February and I should be back to a regular jewelry crafting routine by March.  

In the meantime, I'm planning many designs including multi-strand showstoppers, minimalist earrings, and color-filled necklaces.  You'll also see a Frida Kahlo necklace series, new materials including solid copper and brass and more sterling silver.  And, I'll begin making my own earwires and other metalwork designs as time and practice allow.  I have a lot planned for 2012, and I look forward to sharing my vision and designs with all of you.

Many thanks to you all and happy new year!
Jameela

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Kathmandu Dreams III

...Kathmandu Dreams III


I think "Kathmandu Dreams III" is just lovely and the combination of yellow, blue, and red exudes sunshine and warmth. It is the third necklace in my Kathmandu Dreams series.


The focal point of this necklace is the solid brass pendant, which features coral, resin, and turquoise inlay. The pendant, which was designed and handmade by a Nepalese artisan, invokes a horseshoe shape finished by a dramatic flourish of red coral and blue turquoise.

 One set of handmade Nepalese yellow resin beads echo the resin in the pendent and bring a sense of unity to the design. Coin shaped blue Val Verde turquoise with lovely matrices, faceted deep red coral complete, and tiny handmade solid brass beads complete this necklace.


Turquoise is a powerful healing stone that can help wearers with meditation, balance, and communication. It is also a protective stone that enhances love, friendship, and loyalty. Coral brings peace, settles emotions, and protects against depression. It also helps with intuition and visualization (source: www.thatcrystalsite.com).


Including the artisan-crafted solid brass clasp, this moderately lightweight necklace is an impressive 22" long, or matinee length. The pendant is 3 1/2" long by 2" wide. The resin beads are 1 1/2" by 1/2".

Friday, November 25, 2011

Small Business Saturday Sale!



I'm celebrating Small Business Saturday with a SALE!

Select items have been marked down!  I've created a "Small Business Saturday" section in my shop so that everything will be easy to locate.

Enjoy the savings and don't forget about the Winter Holiday Promos!

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If you spend $50-$99.99, before shipping and handling costs, use the code HOLIDAY7 to receive 7% off your purchase.

If you spend $100 or more, before shipping and handling costs, use the code HOLIDAY10 to receive 10% off your purchase.

These promotions will run from until 12:59 PST December 29, 2011.
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EXTENDED THROUGH MONDAY 11/28! See the "Cyber Monday" Section

Thursday, November 24, 2011

*SOLD* Bohemian Engagement II: OOAK Necklace


Bohemian Engagement II

 This one-of-a-kind necklace is fun, bohemian, and full of texture and pattern. The necklace will make a statement with its asymmetrical design and black cinnabar lucky fish focal piece.  This is the second in my bohemian engagement series, which means it was born on a whim (the materials found themselves together and I liked the way they looked!).



Blue mosaic turquoise, green cinnabar, and black and gold Lucite globes make up the composition and hematite rondelles near the ends of the necklace add interest.  This necklace is 16 1/2", so it rests just above the collarbone beautifully.  (See the first image featuring a life-size bust.)