Gift wrapping made easy

So you've found the perfect gift. How about the perfect presentation? Pick up some of  what these etsy sellers have to offer and really do it up right!

start with some nice paper and cool ribbon...

                      feterie                                   Jamnglass
                PaperPhine                            51greenwich

                     add some gift tags and other emblishment...

                     GreenPost                        Justabitofpaper
                     badbooks                        HappyHuismus

       
 
    Pillow boxes from CCustomCreations and  PipingHotPapers
   Or perhaps you'd like to make your own boxes? ReminiscencePapers

             And I think these Snow Angel letterpress cards from
                    broklynbookbinder are quite wonderful too!

                             Happy wrapping!

            Or find more ideas in my "wrap it up" treasury on etsy.

The Columbia Gorge

The "Mighty Columbia" as the river has been described in song is a bit calmer then when Lewis and Clark first encountered it or settlers tried to navigate it on their way to the fertile Willamette Valley. These days it's been tamed by dams. If you head out east on I-84 from Portland, in no time you find yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery (in my mind) you'll see anywhere! Especially the part of the river gorge that includes the Cascade range. This photo, shot by Wendy Dunder inspired me to babble on about one of my most inspirational  places. Taken recently during a bit of stormy weather, it really conveys the majesty of this part of the Pacific Northwest.



You'll spot 620 foot Multnomah Falls within a half hour out the Gorge from Portland. My photo certainly doesn't do it justice...

The town of Hood River, about an hour East has world class windsurfing, Mt Hood ski areas in their back yard, and wonderful fruit orchards. The scenery changes at this point. You'll find yourselves in a much drier landscape. Head on out of Hood River to The Dalles where you can make a stop at La Petite Provence, you deserve it, after all, you've been in the car for about an hour and a half  hyperventilating over the scenery. That will burn some serious calories!



A few new pieces.

It took a bit longer than I had hoped to dig into the batch of loose stones and pearls I blogged about several weeks ago, but then I dream about a week where I just work in my studio all day long without interruption... I've been able to finish 3 pieces using the Nevada boulder turquoise and the pillow keshi pearls. One of the rings, the large one, is a commission based on the smaller ring that I finished first. Both have pink tourmalines that pick up the bit of blush in the matrix of the boulder turquoise.

This is the largest stone out of the batch that I looked at as a possible brooch, but it makes a fabulous ring!

And another pair of the sterling and 14kt gold peach pillow keshi pearl drops.

For those in the Portland area, I'll be at the annual LOCAL 14 Women's Art Show and Sale Oct 14th -17th up at the World Forestry Center. If you've never been, you're in for a treat! Check out the website for more info!  

A recent Sunday afternoon...

Recently my friend Louise called and asked if I might be interested in driving out to Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose, Oregon to attend a free class on clematis given by Wim Snoeijer of The Netherlands. It was a beautiful, warm Indian summer day, Louise is an amazing gardner, plus she has a little red Mini Cooper. How could I resist?

                                                                  Joy Creek Nursery

We learned how to properly classify the various types of clamatis. I admit to not remembering a thing, except feeling a bit like I do when I'm at my French class... Anyway, we looked at lots of pretty blooms all of which I could see myself happily owning!

We took a little snack break after the class to give our brains a rest, found some shade and Louise unpacked a most wonderful spread including a variety of cherry tomatoes from her garden and pears plucked from her trees. She also made oatmeal cookies that were to die for. I think I ate 4 of them.

Louise

We enjoyed walking through the gardens admiring the various textures and colors, and of course, getting a few ideas for next Spring. I have no idea what the names of most of these plants are. I never seem to pay attention to that. I suppose I should try harder, but the visuals are what grab me.

love this color

a gorgeous red rose

I actually have this in my yard. It's cool.
                                               

just kidding... poor Ophelia.

How I Spend My Money...

Much of the time my inspiration begins with the purchase of some new stones. Today I bought more Nevada boulder turquoise, not that I don't have enough of it already but, well, my thinking is you can't have enough of the good stuff. I also recently purchased several more pair of peach pillow keshi pearls. It's a very sensous pearl and nice to work with.
So I thought I'd share my new little stash before running down to my studio with it and getting started on some new work! I hope to have some new pieces to post within a week. I work best on a deadline...

the keshi pearls are about 15mm

the turquoise vein runs through a beautiful matrix stone

Above: some examples of rings made using the same material   Below: earrings

Below:  keshi pearl earrings. I plan on making more of these!

Etsy Front Page

Thanks to WickedDarling, who included my ring in this opulant front page treasury. She has a wonderful sense of design, as you can see, and a beautiful etsy shop that is well worth perusing. Thanks Pam!

What about Mom?

So the kids are back in school, early morning routines re-established and mom gets to juggle work and school once again. Wow, mom is amazing isn't she? What can you do to show her how much you appreciate her? Aren't the Holidays right around the corner? I've got some ideas for you, and if you get started early, well, you'll have more time to enjoy that eggnog instead of running out to the mall for an uninspiring last minute gift...

                 Mother's Charms, since 1993, have been a popular choice for Mom! I'll be retiring all but the custom charms (bottom left) and my new initial charms (bottom right) due to the rising cost of producing them. But I still have quite a few available, along with a dog and a cat, for the mom who has everything!

               Here's another idea, You have some wonderful drawings you child did in preschool or kindergarden. How about a brooch designed from one of those small masterpieces. Again, with the child's name and age, or whatever you like, on the back. here are a few examples...

These are all good things to get going on early, as they do take some time to complete.

Want to browse some more? Check out my etsy shop for more jewelry ideas or get inspired by these wonderful craftspeople, all on etsy, and all part of the Artisans Gallery Team, dedicated to producing quality art and providing excellent customer service. (really nice people too...)

For the hip mom...

latouchables                      tsurubride      \

AmaliaVersaci                      emilyryan          

For the romantic mom...

elde                                kathiroussel

illuminatedperfume                   13threads

For the crafty mom...

paperphine                       mck254       

greengardenstamps                  fiberstory

Well, I could go on and on, but you get the idea! Check out etsy's Artisans Gallery Team  and find something for all of the mom's in your life! And enjoy that glass of eggnog...