Conchas-Native Echo

The next in my Concha series, hand stamped copper on sterling silver ear wires. Nearly 2 1/4 inches long they are very lightweight. 

I have named them Native Echo. Did you know that echo was a synonym for imitator? I didn't until today. But I must say that the word echo as it is predominantly defined and its synonym suits my feelings well in creating these earrings.

I feel a strong connection that I can only describe as Native when I hand stamp these conchos. This style is most identified as belonging to the American southwest style of jewelry making. I grew up in Northeast Nevada in a community that had a large Native American community. So for me, when I use the word Native, it encompasses all these things.  Maybe it's just my imagination, but I do hear the native echo when making conchos.  It's a nice place to visit....


P.S. I am fooling around with my blog backgrounds.  I need a face lift, but don't have the time to be fooling around with it.  

New Work

New Year, new work.  Even though all of these pieces were started last year, they were finished in the new year!  So here's to 2012!  I still need to take photos of these pieces on, ( the earrings and the necklace).  And then I have a few pairs of trifle earrings I need to get together and photographed, and then I can make a proper update in my Etsy shop to start the year off!

First up is the Tranquillity ring.  A gorgeous hunk of Kyanite, and I am thrilled beyond words that I was able to capture the gorgeous color of this stone in the pictures!  Wheee Hawww!  This silvery blue can conjure up nothing but serene and tranquil thoughts.  :)

This ring doesn't really follow along the same themes as these next two pieces.  It's sort of a transition to bigger things.  You'll see what I mean.  Hopefully by the end of the week....

More Conchas!  This time with a larger hunk of silver, and bezel set turquoise tear drop shaped cabs.  I love these and definitely see more in my future....

And, a New Mexican Fan Necklace.  Yes, I'm still with the wire wrapping of the beads.  I think I am finished with this  for right now.  My carpal tunnel is irritated, and I need a break.  I do so love the fringes of beads though.....

This necklace is designed to be worn long.  And the fringe is so much fun to fiddle with!

So I'm shooting for a proper update in the shop on Tuesday evening.  With New Year's resolutions and all that rot, I too am jumping on the band wagon.  You know the one that goes to the gym regularly, eats better, cooks more nutritious meals for the kids, sets goals and makes them, works on a steady schedule and produces new work every week....you know the one.  :)  Let's see how far I make it before I fall off ;)  Have a fab Monday!  It's going to be a tough one here.  After two weeks of vacation time I am greeting Monday with mixed feelings.  See you again on Tuesday!

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.