Concha Earrings

Teacher gifts!  :)

I really hadn't given much of a thought to teacher gifts this year.  Last year I gave bars of handmade soap from DeShawn Marie. 

This year I wasn't sure what I was going to do. 

Then I started getting some orders for some really nice teachers gifts.  Nicer than anything I've given teachers in the past. 

And I started thinking.  And then I started feeling like a cheapskate.  I mean, these ladies give a lot to my children.  I really wanted to do something special to show my appreciation for everything they do throughout the year.

Rounds of sterling silver, richly textured by a hand stamped pattern.  Stone beads securely wire wrapped to each.  Brushed by hand for a matte finish.  

About that hand stamped pattern....I sat down with my metal stamps and a piece of copper.  I began stamping, and this pattern is the first that came out.  I tried some other things, but nothing came as quickly or as easily as this one did.  

So I went with it.

A distinct Mexican, Southwest American vibe.  And as I sat sanding each patterned round, I realized that they reminded me of something.  

Conchos?  So I looked up Concho Jewelry, and sure enough....Very similar concept.  

I know it sounds crazy.  But sometimes a design comes from your soul, and this one came from mine. 

We recently  had a challenge with the Aspiring Metalsmiths.  It was to make something that represented where you came from.  

At the time I read it, I remember wondering what in the heck I was going to make that represented me, and where I had come from.  

My Mother is Mexican.  My Father always called himself a mutt, and my Grandma said, English, Irish, and German Jew.  And I know my Grandpa had a Native American Great Grandmother somewhere in the family tree.  

My people are from California, Nevada and New Mexico.  I am from the American West.  I grew up influenced by the Mexican culture, and it continues to influence my life today.

So when I made these, at a time when I just sat down intending to make some teachers gifts I came out with much more.  

Just sitting down and creating.  No pre planned designs in mind.  I am so satisfied at what I created.  I am really proud to give these gifts to some wonderful ladies this Christmas season.