My shop looks like it is on LSD

Ah ha...yesterday I took photos of my new jewelry and thought the back ground I was using looked like lush winter wardrobe colors.
I just love jewel tones and thought my shop would look rich and warm with color.

Then I posted them online and my first thought was "Lucy in the sky with diamonds"!
I have some re shooting to do today! : )

First model shoot

Last Sunday I had my first model shoot for my jewelry. To make my model and and her friend comfortable I created an atmosphere of a garden party. I used my purple velvet table cloth for craft shows and set out bowls of snacks and had juices and teas. I wanted it to be as cozy as possible.
To tell you the truth I was very nervous! I have no clue what I am doing. So, before Anya and her friend Becky arrived I went through fashion magazines looking for poses that would work well for jewelry. I tore the pages out and had them on the table next to all the jewelry I wanted to photograph.It was a beautiful fall day with warm sunshine while I was setting up for the shoot. About 20 minutes before the ladies arrival the sky became gloomy and threaten rain. Overcast is great for photography but I felt rushed out of fear of rain.
When I edited the photos I created a soft blur around Anya's face. My thought process is that I want the jewelry to pop more the model. Who knows, it is all trial and error!

I learned so much that day and have so much more to learn. It was great fun and I am so glad Anya agreed to do it. It didn't feel like work at all and I had so much fun with her and Becky. Next time I am going to get Becky to do some posing too!

Gothic Victorian Lotus necklaces

One of the benefits to selling at a weekly craft show is getting feedback from customers. By mid-summer I started focusing on designs for this holiday season that I would list on my Etsy shop. This Lotus Necklace design was very popular. I found these large hand painted charms in several colors and the customers loved the look.
October is my favorite month, when the air becomes crisp and the leaves are blowing about. I know it's time to pull out my velvet skirts and dresses. Fall is when I become so homesick for Taos, New Mexico. Roasted green chilies bought from roadside stands, Aspen trees shimmering golden in the afternoon light. Once the snow falls it is very common to see free spirited women in velvet dresses and skirts with big ole' snow boots on and there stunning jewelry. In the Southwest just running errands around town is a reason to wear your favorite goodies.

But, back to the Lotus necklace. This statement necklace is a perfect accessory for that velvet party dress. I created this Gothic Victorian design in three color choices, Burgundy, Chartreuse and Scarlet. I can't resist adding a touch of sparkle, so I dangled complimenting colors of Swarovski crystals.

Hmmm....where did I put those velvet skirts?

Indigenous Peoples Day

In 1992 I had the honor of being present for the first celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day in San Francisco, California.

It had such a influence on my life. At the time I was living south of the city in San Jose. I took the bus up by myself and when I arrived at city hall I was shocked by the heavy police presence. There had to be over 100 police. This was very unsettling and it caused anger in me. God forbid Indians should gather in one place to celebrate their heritage.

Well, once the event began it was easy to forget the police presence and listen to the speakers and music. It was on this empowering day in my favorite city that I was introduced to poet, singer, activist John Trudell. John is such a powerful speaker and voice for what it means to not only be a Native American but to be a human being in such insane times.

A good way to introduce yourself to John's music and lectures is through YTube videos.


One of the founders of Indigenous Peoples Day was Millie Ketcheschawno, a member of the Muskogee Creek Nation. She was a long time activist for Native American rights who lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Millie was one of the founders of "Resistance 500". This group helped to stop the Quincentennial Jubilee plan to sail replicas of Columbus' armada into San Francisco Bay. In 1992 the Berkeley Resistance 500 Task Force, endorsed by the Berkeley City Council, brought about the end of the Columbus Day celebration in Berkeley, replacing it with Indigenous Peoples Day.

Native American activist thought it was appropriate to also celebrate that Indigenous people are still alive and their cultures are not gone. Some Native American activist groups view the ”discovery” of America by Columbus as the “Columbus' Invasion”.

Millie Ketcheschawno passed away in 2000 but she would be pleased that today California, Hawaii, South Dakota, Nevada, The Virgin Islands and many cities and Universities in the US no longer celebrate Columbus Day.

Carolina Prints Featured Photographer

This month I am featuring photographer Glenn Burns of North Carolina and his Etsy shop Carolina Prints
For decades Glenn shot photo's of nature scenes, family and wedding portraits. He worked in the computer industry and needed a creative outlet. Upon retiring from IBM he has been able to focus more on his passion.

Glenn's favorite subjects are flowers, sea and landscapes. He primarily works in digital but also enjoys making analog black and whites in his dark room.

To see more of his work you can drop by his Etsy shopCarolina Prints

Exotic Red Coral necklace

Each week until November 20th I am going to offer free shipping on one particular item.

This week I will pay the shipping on my Exotic Red Coral necklace.

This offer is available for international customers too!!