east meets west

Lately, I have been drawn to gold vermeil. Vermeil is when they coat sterling silver with 22-24 carat gold. Most vermeil pieces have an exotic, middle eastern look because the gold content is so high they are very yellow. Think Indian wedding jewelry.

For these earrings I used four different stones. The briolettes in the middle are natural emeralds. The other green stones are tsavorite (a type of garnet) and the blue stones are apatite. I used large citrine briolettes on the bottom.

I am finding that it is not easy to find the kind of vermeil components I really want. I am only interested in pieces that have a certain exotic look. I have been working on several sets of earrings. Watch my shop for further postings.

broderie anglaise

When I just can't look at another bead or piece of silver, I come in from my work bench, put on my pajamas and break out the needle crafts. I have been working for some time on two crocheted blankets for Mei Mei. I love the rhythm of crochet. The in and out of the needle, the pull and tug of the yarn. I like to nestle in the corner of my large sofa and watch Nova or Project Runway, crochet and snack on things I shouldn't be eating at night- like sour patch kids or milk duds.

Sweet Pea Blanket

Spumoni Blanket

Recently, I have been dabbling in English embroidery (broderie anglaise). I find it very relaxing. My work tends to be less English and more modern American doodling. For my next project, I want to make a watch with an embroidered band. Keep an eye on my etsy shop!

Keep a green bough in your heart, and a singing bird will come!

-Chinese Proverb