Recent personal upheavals kind of forced me out of my comfort zone when it came to creating... I found myself experimenting with mixed metals, something I normally don't do (and face it, it doesn't really work unless it's really all about the metal, and I'm not a metalsmith).

I also gave a bit of thought about releasing jewellery in small groups or collections, and although it got me excited in terms of themes, I still don't think it's something for me. I guess I'm too fickle-minded to be able to keep it up. It would become too much like a regular day-job, having to constantly think of what to do next and how to make them all gel together. Urgh.

Anyway, here are some of the recent metallic pieces I listed:


From L-R, top to bottom:

Pebbles - The minute I saw these hilltribe fine silver ovals, I knew they had to be in a bracelet. It would be bright, shiny, simple and classic. The only twist was that I would be using goldfilled wire and giving them extra thick wraps so that they'd stand out as design elements on their own.

Flounce - My penchant for putting together contrasts led me to imagine a busy, flouncy cluster of stuff below these sleek hilltribe fine silver what... elongated bicones? I dunno, I think they're cute... I also have a penchant for satin-finish beads because they just look so modern.

Paillette - I had these goldfilled discs for the longest time ever, they were languishing away, together with the rest of my 14kGF supplies, in a rarely-used and rarely-stocked box. Finally I thought to hell with it and I would pair them with my new black spinel rondelles. I have never used black spinel before, and they are so cool... hardness of 8, super sparkle due to high reflectance, and never dyed or treated.

Spangle - I made one side of this and it was only a few days later when I completed the other earring. I don't really like wire-coiling, especially with oxidised metal, it makes my fingers sooo black... Lots of talented artists work in shiny and oxidised metals, but I don't think I've seen anyone doing gold over blackened sterling. Just thought I'd do something different because I like to be ;)

That's it for now. I will be trying to avoid working on weekends, but it's really hard not to work nights. That's when, after I've finished with the day's creations (if any!), photography or yoga classes, I get to sit down and prep photos and listings and decide what to buy next. It was also a long time since I updated my Flickr stream... go figure. I still have a few pieces unlisted... thinking of what to do with them...

Have a good weekend, all!