Introducing...Copper!

As much fun as sterling silver wire is, I thought I'd throw in some copper to add a little variety. So, I've been adding some copper versions of my silver earrings.

And of course, my not so helpful helpers tried to get in on the photo taking...

Custom Orders and the Benefits of Handmade

Over the last several weeks, I've been able to make several custom orders. I have fun making something that a customer likes and wants. It is a joy to find a color or selection of beads that they love and to see their reaction.

I read a great article recently about the benefits of buying handmade jewelry (and any handmade artisan product). You are buying local and supporting your local economy. You have a piece that no one else has! Each piece is slightly different, so yours is a unique work of art. Finally, the artist or artisan puts lots of love and time into each piece -- you get much more than just a manufactured factory item. It may cost more, but there is an attention to detail and quality that you just can't find in a mass-produce piece of jewelry. It's not a throw-away product, but something to treasure.

So, I've added a new page to this blog with some items that I can customize. Look through it, find something you love, and let me know how to make it perfect for you. I have a ton of colors, textures, shapes and sizes of beads. Or, we can start from scratch. Look through my blog and Square Market shop to get ideas.

Thanks for following and keep checking back for new items!

Recent Projects

Hi friends, here are a few recent projects.

And don't forget, Valentine's day is coming up if you need a gift for that special person in your life.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas has passed and we are about to ring in the new year. But I love decorations, so the tree is still up and the wreath is on the door. I think it could just be a "winter wreath", don't you?

Anyway, I got several new tools for Christmas, so it's time to make some more jewelry. I'm excited about adding new texture and dimension to my work. One new tool is a ring mandrel. So be looking for some rings coming in 2015.

Here's a simple wire ring I was experimenting with. Just textured silver wire. It turned out nice and sparkly, don't you think?

A few custom orders from Christmas:

Happy New Year!

Get your Christmas Orders in Soon!

Hey Friends, I still have some great items that you can get for your last minute holiday gift needs. But, please place orders by December 17 to ensure your package will arrive before Christmas.

If an item that you wish to purchase has already sold, send me a message and I may be able to make another for you, or create a similar custom piece.

Thanks for your business!

Here are a few things I've been up to lately:

New Tree Collection!

Tree Pendants & Earrings with or without Birds

Tree of Life

You may have seen my tree logo and wondered what it was all about. I have always loved trees, but when I began to study art history in college, the Tree of Life became my favorite art motif. Just do a quick search online and you'll find that it pops up everywhere, across cultures, religions, and continents. 

Tree of Life on Papyrus from Egypt

In some places, it is the Cosmic Tree, reaching from the underworld, through this world, into the heavens, connecting them all. In one Native American creation story, the first woman on earth fell from heaven and landed on the back of a turtle. She planted some bark from a tree, and the tree grew on the turtle's back, creating land. Having also loved Ancient Egypt from a young age, I of course had to bring home a tree of life painted on papyrus when I studied there several years ago. On this tree, the roosting birds represent the stages of life, all looking one direction with the final bird looking towards death.

Zentangle Style Tree by Mary Frances

I could keep going on, but the drawing on my blog that is my logo is a little tree that I drew after trying to find the "perfect" tree for my logo and stamp. To me, the tree represents much more than just a nice story. It represents life as we see through the story of God in the Bible. First seen in the Old Testament, the tree of life is in the garden of Eden, the fruit of which gives life forever (Gen 3:22). However, because of the disobedience of the man and woman, they are cast from the garden and angels are placed in front of the tree, guarding it from humans. But, that is not the end. Through the redemptive story of man constantly disobeying and turning from God, and God's faithfulness in drawing them back to himself, he makes the ultimate way to restore the broken relationship, to "eat from the tree". He sends his Son to the world, perfect, who then, on a cross of wood, is crucified for the sins of all humankind, and restores the relationship of God with man, giving life to all who believe. A tree of life!

Tree of Life Pendants

Tree of Life Bracelet

But the image of the tree shows up in other places in the Bible. In the Psalms, it speaks of the one who delights in God being like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, whose leaves stay green and prosperous (Psalm 1). It speaks of strength, prosperity, no fear. And it's fruit gives abundant life.

So, there you have it, your art history lesson and tree of life lesson for the day. I hope my little trees speak of life and encouragement to you as well.

First Craft Fair

Today I participated in a craft fair where I work. It was my first show, and I must say, after all of the hard work to get ready, it was a lot of fun. Besides actually making enough inventory to sell, I spent the last few weeks pinning ideas and searching the Internet on how to set up a display on a budget. Here's how it turned out:

Thanks to all of my friends and co-workers who came by.

If you'd like me to show my jewelry at your next local craft show or event, please contact me. I'd love to share my work!