Alexandros: Custom Piece for Gene

When Gene asked me to create a masculine bracelet with a rainbow colored beads, I knew the design process would be challenging and rewarding.  I've never made a man's bracelet before and I had to think of a rainbow-based design that wasn't evocative of Skittles--I needed to create an understated and handsome, pride bracelet.  So, I'm happy to present, Alexandros.

I had a lot of fun designing and making this bracelet.  The highlights of the bracelet are the leather cording and  handmade ceramic beads--both are made by Mykonos in Mykonos, Greece.  The company has long been known for the quality of its ceramic beads and leather products. 

The bracelet has earth-toned and bright toned beads in every color of the rainbow framed by five gunmetal black beads on each side.  The two beads near the clasp are special additions to the bracelet: one lovely brown reminds me of my client, Gene, (his hair and warm personality) and the other bead is deep brown, almost black, the color of rich soil that symbolizes the loyalty, respect, and nurturing we all need to get along in the world.  I know that may seem like a lot for one bead to symbolize, but I think it compliments the pride the rainbow beads convey.

The clasp is a bead I've had since my Albuquerque days.  It's a brass colored bead with some patina on it already.  I believe it is a metalized ceramic bead, and the design is reminiscent of Celtic, Turkish, or North African designs.  I only bought four of these beads, so it's a very special addition to this custom bracelet.

Thank you again for the challenge, Gene!

"Alexandros" is Greek in origin and means "defending men" or "defender of men."

A few preview shots...

My latest design...

Slightly off center on the mannequin!  But, it's almost 1am!

Artisan made Turkoman Pendant

The colors are amazing together!

I'll share all the details after the sun comes up!

Believe Bracelet - Upcycled- Reinvented

I loved photographing this bracelet.  The soft colors and texture are captured perfectly!

This bracelet is my first "reinvented" piece. Almost all of its components are from a vintage necklace at least 20 years old. The original necklace was in near perfect condition and had little to no signs of wear. The only problem was that the design was quite outdated.

The focal pieces was the foundation of the design.

This one-of-a-kind bracelet is composed around a vintage, sapphire blue Lucite and brass focal piece. This piece was not original to the necklace and is old new stock in perfect condition. The lovely and realistic faux components, lustrous pearls, tiger's eye, and faceted smokey quartz, create a classic feel to this bracelet, which would be a perfect Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, or Kwanzaa present for a mom, beloved mother-in-law, or cherished grandmother. It also make a great piece for holiday dinners and parties.

I love the soft effect here.

(In fact, the pieces are so realistic, the seller I purchased the original necklace from said she couldn't say for sure if the tiger's eye and smokey quartz were real or faux!)

This bracelet looks nothing like the original necklace, which had red Lucite accents and dated gold links.

The clasp, extender chain, and wire wrap detail are all vintage pieces in amazing condition. The "believe" charm and rhinestone detail near the clasp are new components that capture the spirit of this piece that I envision as believing in the potential to create and reinvent beauty in the world.

The charm adds a touch of newness to old beauty.

 

Buy it here on Etsy!

Moving!!!

Dear friends and fans,

Things will be quiet for a week or two (and have been quiet for a week and a half) because I am moving from Carborro to Chapel Hill.  It is a short-distance move, but all of my time is going to packing, cleaning, and being a teacher and graduate student.  I have many ideas and designs to shape into reality, so I'm looking forward to moving to a new, larger space and getting back to creating.

Thanks for your understanding!

Jameela

P.S. In the meantime, check out what's for sale at my Etsy shop!

River's Way Bracelet: Custom Order

A custom order with an inspired, yet spontaneous, design...

River's Way

The owner of this bracelet gave me free reign with a design, and because she is a dear friend, I wanted it to be unique, very wearable, and reflective of her personality.  I thought my Teagan bracelet would be a nice foundation to base this new design on because of it's versatility and color scheme (blue is the owner's favorite color).  

 

This bracelet, of an intentional asymmetrical design, features blue-green mosaic turquoise, turquoise blue chips, a gunmetal wire globe, and a lucky fish charm near the Tibetan silver toggle clasp.  Asymmetrical placements intrigue me because I feel they they add movement and liveliness to designs..  When I completed this bracelet, the first image that came to mind was the movement of a bright blue river flowing through a vibrant. fertile landscape; thus, "River's Way" was born. 

 

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.  Find out more about Turquoise here.   The blue turquoise chips add color and dimension to the off centered focal point of the bracelet.  I've had these blue chips for a long time, and only a limited amount remain.  They are a rich turquoise blue and may be either natural turquoise or dyed howlite.  The lucky fish charm (the only one I have) is suspended by an iris blue stream of Delica seed beads, which adds uniqueness and a touch of youthfulness to the design.


For more one of a kind bracelet designs, see these listings on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80301573/white-pink-magnesite-turquoise-black
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78619117/green-empress-bracelet-green-cinnabar
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77650266/lillian-bracelet-yellow-jade-amethyst

Coming Soon...

While I wait on a few more materials to arrive for my high-end collection, I've been working on a necklace featuring white magnesite, blue turquoise, amber, and pyrite along with a bracelet featuring green cinnabar, mustard colored natural seeds, and white coral.

I'm really excited about these pieces.  The bracelet is right-on for fall, which is only a few months away, and the colors and design will make this piece one-of-a-kind and a piece one can wear for seasons and years to come.  The necklace has a southwest feel with a bit of an edge--I'm saving further details until it's complete.

I'm also designing a few silver-toned earrings that will most likely feature chunky, organic-looking silver pieces and dramatic rustic silver drops. These earrings will be substantial and statement-making (I may have to make a copy for myself!).

More than one of these pieces should be ready and posted here and on Etsy by the end of this week... I'm looking forward to completing them and their subsequent unveiling!

Update 8/7/11:  See the fall colors bracelet and the chunky earrings that evolved into another bracelet here and here.  I'll finish and re-envision the other items this week!

What I'm working on...

I've been ordering materials and sketching ideas like mad lately.  I'm very excited about pieces I will be making in the next couple of months.  I plan to create a few high-end pieces featuring vermeil, Karen Hill Tribe silver, and 22k and 24k gold dipped brass.   Currently, all the materials I use are carefully chosen and of high quality, but I'd like to design a few pieces that are considered "fine jewelry" for those looking for the perfect wedding day necklace, anniversary gift, or special birthday present.

One piece that I'm working and am truly in love with features amazonite in a beautiful pale aquamarine shade, vermeil, and a 22k gold over brass pendant.  When the special clasp arrives along with a few other accents, I'll compete the design and begin work on another fine necklace featuring white coral, an opaline mother-of-pearl pendant, gold dipped and vintage accents.  There is also a blue jade and gold piece in the works and a few minimalist designs featuring handcrafted Hill Tribe silver (which is approximately 99% pure silver).

I'm also researching materials for my next 13/20 piece.  I'm not sure if I want to make another bracelet, which is more functional for dancing, or a necklace or long earrings.  I'll decide and create something in the next few days.  And, there are a few Nepalese, Turkoman, and Afghani pieces I need to build designs around--I'm waiting on a few more materials to arrive and then I'll get to work.

I will say that all of the upcoming pieces will be one-of-a-kind, so I plan to spend a lot of time with my camera and good lighting before I send them off to new homes.

I'm off to sleep now, as it's almost 2am local time!

Autumn Moss: OOAK Russian Serpentine & Antique Copper Necklace

This necklace is a redesign.  Originally, it was named "Moss" and consisted of the Russian serpentine stones and two antiqued copper globes (the latter are absent from the present design).  I photographed it many times and was simply unhappy with the results.  I thought that the necklace needed something more in order to photograph well, since pictures are what buyers' decisions are largely based on.  The Russian serpentine is quite lovely and I wanted to pair it with something that showcased the beauty of the stones.  I am happy with the redesigned necklace with its antiqued copper accents and faceted firepolished Czech glass beads in a rich copper brown.

The name "Autumn Moss" endeavors to capture the beautiful greens and browns in this one-of-a-kind necklace of Russian serpentine, firepolished Czech beads, and antique copper accents.  The serpentine is an olive-pistachio green with a beautiful matrix of forest and hunter green--very lovely. 

On the end of each piece of serpentine is an antique copper flower cap and between each pair of flower caps is a faceted, firepolished Czech glass bead in an rich shade of iridescent coppery brown.  These "Crystal Picasso" Czech beads capture and reflect light beautifully. 

The focal point of the necklace is an antique copper barrel with a floral filigree design.  Four Czech firepolished beads frame the barrel and reveal its elegant design.








"Autumn Moss" closes with an antique copper toggle and bar clasp with its own intricate design.  The necklace is 22", or matinee length, which is a versatile length for office, evening, and casual wear.  And, it is ½" wide at its widest points.



 For lovers of gemstone lore:
Associated with Aries, serpentine acts as a catalyst for joy, increases clarity, and enhances cellular growth while activating Kundalini energy.  It is also known for its ability to attract love and money and helps us become attuned and open to nature spirits and the Earth's serpent energy (hence its name!).  Read more about serpentine here: http://www.thatcrystalsite.com/guide/properties-glossary.php?init=s

 These pictures taken in low light with bright flash reveal the strikingly beautiful nature of serpentine.

 

  Buy "Autumn Moss" here on Etsy!

New Pictures!

Those who know me well know that I have a touch of perfectionism, so I've been retaking pictures of a lot of my pieces and experimenting with lighting, camera settings, and angles.  My goal is to reproduce their colors and texture as accurately as I am able.  So, here are a few new shots I've uploaded to my Etsy listings.  

Click on the captions below the images to go to the Etsy listings.

White Lotus in Golden Bloom

Rustic Golden Leaves

Rustic Golden Leaves

Frida y Estrellas

Kathmandu Dreams I

Kathmandu Dreams I

Kathmandu Dreams I

Stormy Neptune

Princess of the Skies

White Lotus in Silver Lavender

White Lotus in Silver Lavender

Lillian I

And for fun, here are a few shots that I've touched up and manipulated in an (awesome) free photo editor:

Princess of the Skies

Princess of the Skies

Kathmandu Dreams I

*SOLD* Iridescence - 13/20 Collection Bracelet #1: Green Shell & Hematite

"Iridescence" is the first piece of what I imagine will be a small collection of bracelets and lightweight necklaces suitable for dancing.  To learn more about the 13/20 Collection, see this post.

This bracelet was crafted with the concept of "Natural Time" or "Our Organic State," the second principle of Nia Dance's 52 Principles, in mind.  Thirteen pieces of hematite represent and support the body's 13 joints and 20 spiked pieces of iridescent green shell represent and support the body's 20 digits.  This bracelet is lightweight and perfect for dancing (it will look amazing as you and others catch glimpses of it in motion). 

I chose the materials for this first 13/20 bracelet carefully.  I wanted materials that supported the 13 joints and digits and found that Hematite and shell would work well together both energetically and aesthetically.  Hematite is known for its grounding and protective properties and it is also believed to impart "courage, strength, endurance and vitality," all of which are important for dancing and healthy joint function.  Hematite also supports balance between the body, spirit, and mind while focusing energy and providing balance between "the ethereal nervous system and the physical nervous system."  Furthermore, Hematite is believed to help regenerate bodily tissue, the absorption of iron, and treats leg cramps, and aids spinal alignment and fractures (source here).

For the 20 stones that represent the body's digits, I wanted to use a natural material that was stimulating in order to encourage a kinesthetic, material connection with one's environment.  I think shell is perfect for this task as it stimulates "intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability" along with providing "insight into decision-making [and] cooperation between the self and others, as well as within the self"(source here).

This bracelet is 6 ¾" long, fits a wrist or arm up to 6 ¾", and closes with a Tibetan silver toggle clasp.

Buy it here on Etsy! 

Frida in Marrakech: Red Cinnabar Flowers & Morocco-Inspired Drops

 I loved photographing these earrings in the late morning light!

When I completed this design, two things came to mind: Frida Kahlo and Morocco.  "Frida in Marrakech" is the marriage of two realms I love.  I use the term "realm" because Frida Kahlo is a realm--her life and art exude dynamism, passion, and  prove too much to be contained by any one thing. 

  

So, all of my Frida Kahlo inspired designs will feature Frida "in", "with", or "and" something or somewhere.  I've never been to Morocco, but I've been seduced by the country's art and many aspects of its rich culture--it is definitely a realm of its own. 

Here, I present to you Frida in Marrakech.  These earrings feature carved red cinnabar flowers and Moroccan-inspired silver etched acrylic drops hung on platinum-over-copper  kidney wires.  They are medium weight and measure 3 3/8" long and 1 1/8"at their  widest point.

 

By the way, I'm not sure if Frida Kahlo actually spent any time in Morocco, but there is a fabulous guestroom named for her at the Casa Taos in Marrakech.  (See it here.) I must go there one day!

 I've made two pairs, so these are limited edition.

 

Buy them here on Etsy.

*SOLD* Desert Pearls I & II Necklaces: Turquoise Jasper, Pyrite, & Freshwater Pearls

 I originally intended to sell these necklaces separately, but I think they look great together and hate to see them parted from one another.  These necklaces were challenging to photograph because I wanted to capture the detail of each stone and the iridescence of each pearl.  I plan to make more minimalist style necklaces in gold and silver tones.

Description:

These necklaces are of minimalist design, yet they are visually stunning.  They can be worn layered together or on their own.  While designing these necklaces, I had Albuquerque, where I lived for four years, in mind.  In the high desert there are so many colors, many of which are captured in these necklaces.

Desert Pearls I has two turquoise jasper stones along with an inset of three freshwater pearls in beautiful desert tones of brown and green.  Each stone is unique and has its own inclusions that make it one-of-a-kind. The pearls echo the colors in the jasper and add interest to the necklace.  This necklace is 22 ¾" long.

Desert Pearls II has an inset with one turquoise jasper stone with a small chunk of pyrite and another inset with two light green pearls and three chunky pieces of pyrite.  I love the look of the pyrite with the other stones.  They have just the right amount of luminosity and accentuate the luster of the pearls.  This necklace is 20 ½" long.

Metaphysically speaking:

This necklace has a lot to offer for the gemstone and metaphysical enthusiast.  According to Angel'sLove.net, all types of jasper have been called nurturing stones because they are calming, soothing, and help balance male/female/yin/yang energies.

Pyrite "attracts and balances" male energies, is associated with intelligence and increases psychic abilities.  Also known as Fool's Gold or Healer's Gold, Pyrite is believed to promote "good investments."  





On the other hand, peals enable a goddess connection and help "attune the wearer to the ebb and flow of life."  Pearls also help with centering and vibrate "truth, purity, charity, integrity, and loyalty."  Read more at Angel'sLove.net. 

Both necklaces are lightweight and close with a spring clasp.  The chain is nickel and lead safe gold-plated iron.

 

Buy these OOAK necklaces here on Etsy!