Accountability...
and a Garnet Ring

One week ago I read a post on my friend Gayle's blog, This Artist's Journey discussing her desire to stretch her metalsmithing muscles and get out of her comfort zone. She revealed how easy it was to stay with "what is familiar, easy, comfortable" and how hard it was "to dive into metalsmithing head first without looking back to my beads for comfort." As I read her post it struck a cord deep within me, it was as if she had read my mind!

For a very long time I've wanted to learn how to bezel set stones, and finally this spring I took a metalsmithing class and learned how! It was a wonderful class with an inspiring teacher who taught himself how to make jewelry. He shared volumes of information with the class; it was an opportunity of a lifetime! When the class was finished I felt confident in changing my jewelry designing style. But something happened along the way, self doubt crept in and thoughts of what if I ruin the silver, what if I make another mistake, what if no one likes my designs and how can I risk failure? Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Well, at the end of the post Gayle ask "Anyone with me in trying something new instead of taking the easy way out???" and I just had to respond, I needed someone to be accountable with! My reply in the comments section was, "We were given talent for a reason, and it is wrong not to use it! It is time to get off the sidelines and get into the game! Maybe we should start an accountability group, what do you think?" It was time to move ahead, and not look back!

So here is where the metal hits the anvil so to speak! I've started out slowly with this simple little garnet ring as my first response to the challenge from Gayle! It was inspired by the book These Happy Golden Years, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In the book, Almanzo Wilder ask Laura to marry him and gives her a garnet and pearl ring as an engagement ring. Although I do not know exactly what the ring looks like, I am sure it was simple and lovely. This is my little nod to that engagement ring, although it is much more modern in style, it is simple and lovely!

I must end this post with a challenge to you. Are you stuck in a rut with your art? Have you stayed with what was comfortable just because it works, but you dream of doing something on a much grander scale? Well it is time to get off the sidelines and into the game! Find someone to be accountable to, step out of your comfort zone, look for encouragement, and do what you dream of doing!

Your dreams are waiting.....

Blessings,


Heart's Desire Beading Company 2010 © - All Rights Reserved

Whiskey Quartz, Garnets and Peridot, Oh My!!!

A very vogue circle necklace with a hammered texture that is adorned with a stunning flame shaped whiskey quartz briolette. This beautiful stone is surrounded by peridot rondelles, faceted garnet rounds, a spessartite garnet briolette, and one plump freshwater pearl.

This stylish necklace started with sterling silver wire and chain, and of course all the splendid stones. No store bought findings outside of the chain for this necklace! The head pins and the circle that the stones are suspended on were created with sterling silver wire and a torch. Each stone is lovingly wire wrapped, and floats freely around the circle. Every little round garnet has a swirl of wire wrapping around the stone and finishing at the bottom. This detail is repeated on the two round garnets which connect the chain to the circle.

The circle was hammered for an interesting texture which captures and reflects the light; the back side of the circle has a smoother finish. So depending on your mood, you could wear this necklace with the texture or smooth finish side up.

Each detail of this necklace was thoughtfully considered, from the choice of warm colored stones, to the textures of the metals. It is my hope and desire that you will enjoy this necklace as much as I did in creating it for you!

Thank you for looking!

Blessings,





Heart's Desire Beading Company 2010 © - All Rights Reserved

Make a Statement with These Earrings!

These hand forged teardrop earrings make a flashy statement with their length and hammered texture! Measuring from the top of the earwires to the bottom of the teardrop, these lovelies are 2-1/2 inches in length and are 1-1/4 inches at their widest point!

They are made from sterling silver wire that was soldered, and then hammered into a curvaceous teardrop shape. There is a distinctive little swirl of wire at the apex of the dangle that allows them gracefully swing from handmade ball earwires. Yet, despite their size, these earrings are quite comfortable to wear, and are handcrafted to be a classic pair of earrings for any consummate fashionista!

Thank you for looking!

Blessings,




Heart's Desire Beading Company 2010 © - All Rights Reserved