I’ve just added a small “Falling Leaves Collection” of autumn inspired jewelry. This mixed media jewelry collection incorporates leatherwork, semiprecious stones, and wire work. Inspired by the changing seasons, it includes hand crafted leather leaves and feathers, accented with high quality gemstones.
Click here to see these newest additions to the site!
I’ve updated the site with a handful of new beaded semiprecious stone necklaces. Several feature labradorite, many have lunar themes (which I’ll be exploring throughout the year), and a couple give a nod to Bowie. From left to right, as seen in this photo, they are:
“Serious Moonlight” (sold) – a pair of simple yet beautiful gemstone layering necklaces. These are less intricate – and thus, more affordable – than a lot of my beadwork, and they were fun to make. I’ve already had requests for more like these, and will do my best to comply as time allows.
“Snow Moon” – Bone and amethyst necklace inspired by the February full moon
“Sage and Seafoam” – Labradorite necklace with amazonite and Peruvian Opal
“Blackstar” – Labradorite and sterling silver with charcoal glass beads.
“Owl & Moonstone” – A carved leather owl on the wing, with Welo opal and moonstone.
“Eclipse” – Labradorite, hematite and freshwater pearls, set in dusky blue seed beads.
Oh – and I’m trying something new with this update, and including tidbits about symbolism and folklore. Over the years I’ve come to realize that many people wear jewelry as symbols or reminders of ideas that are special to them (mothers’ rings, for example) so I’ve included some of that info. Believe it if you need it, if you don’t just pass it on.
There are a few stragglers that still need finishing touches and/or better photos, so they’ll be added as time allows. I’ve needed to rebuild my jewelry selection for months now, and this feels like a good start!
I designed this original leather mask in 2013. It’s part of an ongoing series that began in 2001 – each one is unique, but shares similar lines and details. It would seem that the design has recently been copied by another artist, who is marketing it as his own.
Sadly, this stuff happens daily. If it was an isolated incident, I might be more able to let it roll off my back – but it’s not. It’s extremely frustrating, but I try to keep my mouth shut, because everyone tells me to take the high road. To “be better, not bitter” – and honestly, I want that too. Unfortunately, there are so many of these copycats these days that the “high road” is starting to feel like a lonely ledge… and it gets harder and harder to make a living doing what I love (or to love what I do for a living) from that place.
This really hits me where I live, and I don’t know how to put a “positive” or “professional” spin on it. To my fellow aspiring artists, I cannot encourage you enough to be respectful of your peers (and yourself). Be honorable, be original, and don’t steal.
This gallery showcases many (but certainly not all!) of the designs that I’ve done in this series. I hope it offers a sense of the time that spent honing and evolving these signature pieces. Many of these designs were commissioned to incorporate symbols or ideas that were personal and significant to them. Please be honorable, and respect my craftsmanship, my livelihood, and the wonderful people who’ve helped to support that process.
These sold works are archived here to illustrate the progression of my work over time. Those interested in custom work may find this collection especially helpful, as it provides a good sense of my style and abilities. Most of these pieces were unique or one of a kind, but sometimes I’m able to create something similar.
The Jewelry galleries include a variety of my past bracelets, earrings, pendants and necklaces.
The Hair Accessories galleries represent some of my sold barrettes, clips, fascinators, and hairsticks.
The Costume galleries feature leather masks, wings and crowns that have sold over the years.
The Contest galleries showcase annual costume contest entries: 2011 , 2012 , 2013 and 2014.
Enjoy!
I was cleaning out my studio recently, and it struck me that I tend to collect – and cherish – the oddest things. I have saved every little note or scribble my daughter has given me over the years, along with pebbles, feathers, sticks, bones and other random mementos. As I tidied up, I arranged some of these things into more contained groupings. This one is my favorite:
Those are the stories behind this little collection. Most people will see an old pile of worthless tidbits … I see symbols of time spent with family and friends, precious reminders of childhood innocence, memories of falling in love, and proof that dreams and wishes (even really silly ones) can come true.
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