Friday, January 20, 2012

Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling First Annual Benefit Celebration

Tomorrow, at the Carborro ArtsCenter, Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling will hold their First Annual Benefit Celebration.  Come out and learn about their amazing summer 2011 1,800 mile journey on the Underground Railroad!  Cyclists will discuss their adventures, show a preview of their documentary, and hold a silent auction featuring items from artisans around the Triangle.  I've donated a pair of limited edition earrings in support of this awesome cause. 

Read more about this event here:  http://snr.chcpact.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=7

And checkout their FB page here: http://www.facebook.com/SpokenRev

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Généviève

Introducing Généviève...
the first Bohemian Earth piece of 2012


 When I completed this necklace, the name"Généviève" came to mind.  I think Généviève sounds elegant and graceful, which seems fitting for this multistrand statement piece.


The necklace features three strands of faceted deep red garnet.  On each strand of garnet, there is one beautifully detailed antiqued solid copper bead.  The deep red of the garnet complements the blue green turquoise rondelles that make make up the top half of the necklace.  These turquoise rondelles have a lovely earthy matrix and are accented further by eight rustic, faceted solid copper beads.  The necklace closes with a solid copper s-clasp.
This necklace will be an elegant birthday present for a Capricorn or a woman born in January.  The Copper plated pewter links, reminiscent of hearts, that connect the two parts of the necklace also make this one-of-a-kind necklace a lovely Valentine's Day gift that can be worn year round.



Garnet encourages good health, creativity, and devotion and commitment to oneself and others.  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.  Copper enhances non-verbal communication, gives energy for the tired and aids in grounding the restless.

The name Généviève is French with possible Germanic or Celtic origins and means "woman of the people."
You may purchase Généviève, 
a one-of-a-kind design, via my Etsy shop..

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".