Love the new trend...Jewelry with Crosses

I love the new trend...jewelry with crosses. I have really been inspired by all of the avenues this trend can take...from working with resin...metal..silver...and gold. Take a look at some of Trinkets' designs.
We will be participating in the Athens Interiors Market, "Mojitos at the Market" on Thursday, November 8th from 5:30-8:30 p.m....great time to purchase gifts for all the people on your list. Trinkets will also be participating in the Heartscapes Annual Holiday Market November 17-18...unique, affordable hand-crafted gifts of art by local artisans in the Atlanta area.

Bohemian, Gypsy, Hippie...A Rose By Any Other Name

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."
Shakespeare

This is one of my favorite lines from "Romeo and Juliet"...whether we call the design bohemian, gypsy, hippie...the look is the same. I love the BOHO look of today...a reminder of a time in my life that recalls wonderful, bittersweet memories...days of patched jean shorts, embroidered flowing tops, flip flops...carefree days...days of first love.                              
Back then, it was mostly about the look...the clothing...not the jewelry. The BOHO look of today...lots of chains, beaded earrings, bold color...and, yes...still...embroidered tops, funky headbands, and color...the look is the same...just by a different name. And the peace symbol?
Yes, it was around, too!

Color Your World...Trinkets' favorite paintings

Recently, in my classes, we have been talking about color...color combinations that inspire jewelry as well as fashion. As we were doing our color boards, we got off track and started talking about our favorite paintings...color, subject matter, etc. that really speak to us. I decided to take a few shots of art work that has inspired me...whether it was the color or the subject matter...these paintings caught my eye...take a peek.

"Autumn Mist" Painting Class at Sunshine Village Art Gallery

Yesterday was another fun and relaxing painting class at Sunshine Village Art Gallery. Laurel, our instructor has learned our idiosyncrasies in painting. For example, I am always wanting more paint, and, as a result, tend to use too much. I found out that "less is more" especially when "making mist". You can always "add to" but can't "take away". Also, if you want a thick stroke, do it the first time...don't try to go back and re-do until it becomes flat.

Another interesting fact is that you never know what the end result will be..all of our paintings were different...even though we were painting the same subject. As Laurel has told us, "Every artist has a different handwriting"...the way you put the strokes on the canvas. Laurel is a wonderful teacher and takes us through step by step. I am looking forward to next time!

My painting of "Autumn Mist"

Laurel's Painting
                                         

Another interpretation of the same painting (on left)

Trinkets' Jewelry Class at Cedar Shoals High School

Trinkets' has embarked on a wonderful new adventure. I am teaching the "Art of Jewelry Design" in the 21st Century Program at Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, Georgia. I have slipped effortlessly back into the classroom...it has been a comfortable fit from the very beginning. I now remember the rewarding feeling when students are being engaged, interacting, and learning before your very eyes. I had that experience yesterday. I will have to say...after the class...I truly felt like I was back in my element doing what God has called me to do. After the last five years of "walking by faith, not by sight", I have learned the meaning of God's Grace.

Trinkets' Newest Design...A Glitzy Bracelet

Trinkets has given a new twist to the latest trend of stretchy bracelets...look at this new design made from faceted jet beads combined with a focal point of rhinestones and pearls...fabulous look for the upcoming holidays or just to wear everyday!

Put a little glitz into your life...

Guard Your Heart

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:23

The Heart Matters...Laura Linney, well known actress, had an "aha! moment" that was very interesting.

Charisma is not character.  A magnetic personality doesn't necessarily indicate a good heart.

Doing the right thing has power. You don't have to do it in a flashy way. A friendship or romance can not flourish if the person hasn't demonstrated strong character. Traits like humility, courage, and empathy are easily overlooked...but it's important to find them in your closest relationships.

Perhaps my best proof of this is how I fell in love with my husband. I observed how special his friendships were to him. He was caring, dedicated, and generous with them. I thought...this is a profoundly good sign. And I was right.

Inspiration

I have started taking painting classes at Sunshine Village Art Gallery, a wonderful art gallery in Watkinsville, Georgia owned by Ann Reynolds.  The classes are taught by Laurel Genteman, a talented artist and teacher.  My favorite of all the classes tends to be the ones with floral themes or elements of nature. Nature has always been a distinct theme in the design of my jewelry...leaves, flowers, organic shapes...the rustic look of combining earthy gemstones with silver & gold.

                                  Bracelets with Jasper & Coral...Sterling Silver Mosaic Cross
                                                  

I do not get caught up in the perfection of every detail, but have been able to "let go" and see where the journey takes me. Palette painting is a favorite of mine...no rhyme or reason to it...but it usually ends up with an attractive result. These classes are very enjoyable and almost therapeutic in nature.

                                         One of my paintings...Abstract..."Sunflowers"

"Love Me Forever" Keepsake Pearl Charm Bracelet

Pearls are classic...they are a wonderful keepsake that can be passed down through generations. The pearl is a symbol of purity and love...it can be a keepsake for many events in our lives...marriage, motherhood, anniverary...just to mention a few.

This bracelet is a Trinkets' original design...it was inspired by the well-known children's book by Robert Munsch, "Love Me, Forever", a story of the evolving relationship between a boy and his mother. The bracelet is made up of pearls and has a hand-made pewter charm with mother and child on one side and "Love me Forever" on the other side. Bracelets will be available to purchase after October 1, 2012.
www.trinketsjewelry.etsy.com

Trinkets' items with vintage Venetian beads from Italy

Trinkets Jewelry loves to work with vintage beads from all over the world. These wonderful
Venetian beads were found in Italy...beautiful black beads with hints of color scattered throughout.
These are a few of the items we made to give these beads a new life in the trends of today.
Go to our Trinkets' etsy shop or our web site to see more designs. Enjoy!
www.trinketsjewelry.etsy.com
www.trinketsjewelrydesigns.com