New Work

I have this intense need to only craft botanical items these days. I also want to push myself to create larger statement pieces. There'll definitively be more of these kinds. I worked on this baby for the most part of yesterday. It came out so beautifully that I almost gasped after giving it the final patina and polish. I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favorite pieces I have made to date. A true labor of love which shows off all the elements that inspire me.
It will be listed later on today in my Etsy shop!

I also made this one. The amethyst needs to be set yet properly. I purchased this huge vintage amethyst in France two years ago. It's the best quality, clear, without any inclusions. Been working with tapered settings, which I don't normally like making. However, I think it's important to step out of ones comfort zone, in order to grow and get better. There can not be any progress in a boxed-in state of mind. 

On my bench are still a couple of necklaces and rings in the making. Hope to have them finished tomorrow. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xx Sabine

Bench news and other ramblings

I do have to admit that I am quite envious of those of you who are going to attend the Tucson gem fair. Perhaps once I will make the long trek "over" there to check it out.

I will though attend the second largest gem show again in Sainte Marie aux Mines in France at the end of June. Can't wait. It's a heaven for jewelers.

I haven't talked about this before, however, John and I are planning on moving to Germany to be closer to my family. It will be also much much better business-wise since we'll be able to visit more gem shows, never mind the much lower cost of almost everything. John loves it there and can not wait to move. I am not sure when it will happen. Perhaps this year or next year.

Being closer to my family would mean a lot to me. My dad is very sick. He has got stage 4 prostate cancer which has moved to the bones in his shoulders. It makes it very hard to be so far away when a loved one is not well. He has taught me a lot. He was the one that introduced me to stones and the lapidary arts. Dad has always been very creative and for him to be unable to continue doing his crafts hurts a great deal. Last summer he was still carving figurines in wood.

I have not lived in Germany since I left for Canada in 1991. It will be challenging without a doubt, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, at least from my experience.

Looking forward to be near a Starbucks ( yeah, I know, but that is something I miss greatly here in Norway ). Small things folks are what matters...hehehe.

I won't though drive 2.5 hours to drive to the Airport in Oslo just to get to Starbucks. That, by the way is the only Starbucks in Norway!!
I almost cried when John and I went to Cologne about a year ago and noticed a Starbucks. I must've looked ridiculous the way I freaked out! Small things folks are what matters...hehehe

Anyhoo, before I ramble on too much I would like to show you a couple of necklaces that I finished today. I had them lying on the bench for a few days now and today I finally managed to put the last few touches on them. The agua nueva one has already sold! *Thank you*

There will be a couple more necklaces in the next two days!

Wishing you all a wonderful wednesday!

Thanks for reading!

Early Morning

I find the best time go for a walk is either early in the morning or late at night. This morning I took a walk down to the boardwalk to capture some incredible light. Such a great way to start the day. 

Clockwise from top left:

1.The Color Line ferry in the dock, getting ready to go to Sweden

2. Outside my front door.

3. Boardwalk in Sandefjord

Boardwalk in Sandefjord

When I got back I went straight into my studio to finish what I started yesterday. There are tons of new items which will make it in the shop sometime today.

7 pairs of earrings and three necklaces.

I feel a nap coming on. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Thanks for reading!