This morning's weather pattern has been a tease, as per usual for this Portland climate. We had a couple of really summery scorchers, which I tend to spend sitting out of doors, down in the meadow, making jewelry. Days like today that turn cold suddenly, the clear sky clouding over with mere peeks of sun here and there lend themselves to wonderful activities such as this one, or they provide a great filter for shooting pictures of my most recently fashioned jewels. I do plan to get out on the balcony later, where I usually set up some props to take pics on big pieces of leather. The latest pictures have been really fun to take because I borrowed some a nice variety of large, raw gemstones to drape earrings against from my sweetheart, Aeython. He is a mega gemhound, sitting out there now with the doggie, Jhabi, and a plethora of gems to create with and be inspired by.
A word about Jhabi: He may be the single, most loving and lovable creature alive today.
I fell in love with Jhabi first, as his highly excitable, enthusiastic and incredible affectionate nature is quite irresistible for a girl like me. When we met, I found myself instantaneously down on his level, helping not only contain, but also unleash this young Golden into a blessed frenzy of waggling exuberance!
Jhabi's owner, Aeython, who I then acknowledged, sitting calmly on the couch, was equally as intriguing to me, but somehow, I didn't feel at liberty to show him that sort of enthusiasm, just yet. You know how it is with people. There's so much more caution and discernment and an order of things that must be checked and balanced before proceeding. The beauty of animals is that we get to skip so much of that stuff with them. They aren't concerned with the heady, intellectualizing or self-protecting mechanisms that we humans employ to make sure we are sure of something, first, before doing anything, acting rash. The gift that this wonderfully radiant dog has offered me, if being able to do what comes natural, throwing a lot of phooey out the window, allowing me get down and be very happy, just to be giving and receiving love.
I spent the early part of this morning working on a necklace commission from my good friend, Michele. She bought a pair of "Magic Crystal Ball Earrings" from me, which are a couple of varied sizes of round Quartz Crystal beads, which I surrounded in a delicate wire basket weave. She found a Sterling Buddha pendant, that's hollow and has a stash spot inside, which has been a reminder of sorts for her, to stay clear, focused, present and at peace. She barely parted with it for me to work with, but I've had it for probably 2 or 3 weeks now and I finally reached a point of really sitting down to tackle this one. We discussed making it very asymmetrical and artistic. I knew she wanted to use more Quartz Crystal, do some fancy wirework, and incorporate the beautiful drawn cable chain that she wore it on. It came together surprisingly fast! I worked on basket weaving about 6 of the stones yesterday, then did all the assembling and constructed the piece today. I was tempted to throw in some very pale Blue Chalcedony or some White Agate for a little color variation. I realized in doing a totally clear and silver piece, just how much I enjoy color combining. She had the vision of there being some sort of large ring in the center, which she could then attach some beautiful, dripping dangles in varying colors. I made it very random and asymmetrical, yet well balanced, and incorporated some little Hilltribe Silver charms from Thailand. The finish of these matched the Buddha pendant perfectly. I left what was already shiny silver, shiny, and what was dark, I left dark, and I actually really enjoy the varied finishes overall. I'll let her ultimately decide what she likes best, because it can all be changed at this point. A few heart-shaped silver tags that I stamped with a "T" on each one are currently sitting in some cold liver of suphur to darken, which will be the final touch at the back of the piece. I can't wait to reunite her with her now, fully expressed Buddha!
