Pendant rush

Yesterday I went shopping for semi precious stone and I ended up spending a fortune there *gulp*.
So today out of feeling creative (and guilty!), I made a few pendants.
From left to right, the first one is black onix with a small pearl, the second carnelian, the third is agate and the fourth is olive jade with a pearl as well.

Here is also a pair of earrings I made yesterday using some gorgeous shell beads that I bought a while ago at the same shop.
Earwires are handforged by me.

Third sale

Thank you Alex, for helping me make my dream come true (one step at a time...but eventually I'll get there).
This is the pair of earrings my friend just bought from me at Dawanda.
Since we are trading a lot on Bookmooch together, I waived the shipping fees, as we agreed that I will send her the earrings when I next send her books, and she will send me the cash when she next sends me books :)
And this brought us to an idea, which I will also add to my Bookmooch bio page.
Any European bookmoocher who purchases from my Dawanda shop, will have free shipping on jewelry as long as they mooch a book, simply so I can add the jewelry in the package with the mooched book :)
Sounds like a deal?

Double Countdown!

SOLD

Double countdown - one day until the party and 2 days until my silver course begins!! SO Of course I'm beavering away trying to get inventory and pricing done and hoping I have enough stock for everybody!! Its not something I enjoy - the inventory I mean - I much prefer the creating the preparation and paperwork is just something that has to be done!

SOLD

I thought firstly I would show you a couple of commissions I've been working on. The first a very chunky charm bracelet with Caroline Hannons beads creating the starting point, with lemon quartz, citrine, silver, and swarovski crystals. The second is a chunky chainmaille bracelet with crystal quartz focal to signify 15 year anniversary - and it looks delightful on (Congrats Clare and Ian) Now I'm going to show you something I have never done before - use gold - I actually used Gold Vermeil which is 24k gold over sterling silver so I haven't strayed too far off the path and don't panic I won't be changing my alliance lol !!!

But don't they look warm and inviting!! I have used Gold rutilated Quartz and citrine - which adds to the warm look - these earrings are so dainty too!

So comments please :D

© Gemheaven 2007

Aventurine pendant - SOLD

A colleague at work wanted for a friend's birthday a similar necklace - pendant to the one shown in my previous post, however as she is a read-head, she wanted something in stronger colors. So I made this pendant with yellow aventurine and silver and attached it to a bought silver chain. She liked it and next week it's going to her packed in a box. She also wants another one for herself, but in really strong colors, so this weekend I have to go shopping! Next Monday is a public holiday in Cyprus, so I can get creative and do stuff!

I'm so happy, I've just sold my second piece of jewelry :) At a low, startup price, but she will get me more customers from a club she is in, so I promised her better prices. For me it's worth getting my name and silver jewelry out there as fast as possible.
Maybe my dream of quitting working in the corporate world and working for myself in jewelry design is getting closer to becoming a reality?

Sold my first item!

Not long after I opened my Dawanda shop, I sold my first piece of jewelry. I've just seen today that the money has been transfered to my bank account.
It is only a pair of earrings and the price was very low, hardly covering the cost of the material, but it's my first sale, so yes, I am excited!
The item sold was the earrings shown in this post.

Ooops

I so meant to post yesterday!! We are planning a little trip to Bath and can we get a hotel room - you must be joking! So instead of showing my new pieces I was searching the web for 2 rooms (One family one) in Bath city centre! But I'm here now!

SOLD

This bracelet is one of my favourites, artisan beads by Isabelle Anderson with gemstones and silver! The colours just pop and look incrediable - sadly this bracelet is reserved already! This little beauty is still up for sale -of course she will be coming to the party on Friday - artisan beads by Caroline Hannon - its got a ethnic feel to it with the bali beads and clasp.

SOLD

Another view of Fiji and I really must add some new goodies to the website later if I get time!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Havoc!

The office/studio, always a refuge of sorts where I can engross myself in the mystery and beauty of gemstones and beads, has become even more of a refuge the last 2 weeks. We are remodeling two bathrooms and putting down wood floors in our master bedroom, the study, and the den. We are also putting tile/granite down on the master bathroom floor and replacing the tub with a shower with seating. Upstairs we put in a Jacuzzi bathtub and had the wallpaper taken off and the walls and ceiling painted. The house is a mess; a layer of dust at least a 1/4" thick covers most surfaces (did I mention that I was allergic to dust mites?).
My own jewelry lies scattered about the house in various plastic bins at the moment. We are sleeping upstairs in my son's old room (it does have a queen bed and a tv) while our bedroom is downstairs. I don't know where half my clothes are; getting dressed in the morning is an adventure as I go up and down the rather steep stairs looking for a top, then a bottom, trying to stay out of sight of the workmen when I haven't found one or the other (what happened to my robe!?), and telling myself that no one will notice that I am not wearing makeup.

Meanwhile, kitty Cluny, my little dear who is terrified of everyone but my husband and me, basically hates the workmen, their sounds, their voices, their movements. He is always hiding, but when he hadn't shown up after the workmen left last week, I feared the worst: that he had fled outside and was lost and terrified, shivering with fear somewhere on the golf course, not knowing how to get home. I slept little that night - on the couch in the den with the garage door up and only the glass door locked so I could see if he came back home. He didn't.
At 6 o'clock the next morning, I'm still looking when my other cat, Cuervo, starts acting strangely. I hear faint meowing and Cuervo goes crazy scratching at the walls. I follow the meows and find that Cluny has hidden himself underneath the new Jacuzzi bathtub (before they put the panels on the outside) and now he can't get out. The man has to come and take the heater off, but since he is present, Cluny still won't come out, even though now he is physically able. I send the workmen downstairs, but Cluny can still hear them. I lure him with albacore tuna (the stuff we eat), he turns up his nose and takes a nap now that he knows he can get out.
No, he's not still in there; when the workmen left at 6:40 that evening, he came out.
It took me two days to catch up on the sleep and recover from the emotional trauma!
What does this have to do with jewelry? Nothing, and in the last two weeks, about the only thing I've done is work on custom orders since my all creativity seems to have left me in the series of sneezes I've been prone to.
So only 2 pieces that aren't on the site: the top bracelet made with peach aventurine, borosilicate lampwork beads, and aquamarines and the necklace created from lampwork beads by James Derrick Reeves, rose quartz and emeralds (yes, emeralds). Of course, Reeves' beads were the catalyst for the necklace. It's a strange mixture, but I like it.
Here's hoping the remodeling is soon finished. Believe me, I'll be thinking twice before we attempt any changes involving the creation of heavy dust in the house!


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50 Lengths

Why the title I hear you all ask??? Well today is my swim day with my lovely Mum - my Mum suffers from Polymyalgia which is an arthiritis of the joints - its supposed to stay with you until your body learns to fight it - my poor mum has had to cope with it for 3 years now and although she has cut her steriods down to one a fortnight today she was stiff and in pain and a swim always relieves it!! And yes I did my 50 lengths!!!

THis necklace is made with labrodite nuggets, silver and Caroline Hannons beautiful artisan beads - the blue flash in the stones is almost like peacock blue - that shimmer between blue and purple and I used Carolines beads to enhance this flash. ITs a long necklace, one to wear with higher necklines and I am rather proud of this one!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Sore!

Bet your wondering at the title of this post - well yesterday E bought round some bikes to try (his mate is selling them) so because Elli loves riding the trail ( special bike trail near to where we live) we thought it would be great fun to all ride our bikes!! It was great fun but I'm a little sore and tender in a certain area today - I suppose that's what happens when you haven't ridden a bike for about 6 years!! Please someone tell me it doesn't last!!

At the moment I am selling earrings like hotcakes - it must be the season for decorating your ears!! I'm almost - (I said almost!) struggling to keep up but hey I love a challenge! I have a party on Friday -(hello Ally if you are reading this!) and then my silversmithing course is on Saturday and Sunday so busy busy here - might need Monday off!

The top earrings are a beautiful purple Chariote (perfect with all the purple in the shops!!) and the second ones are Amazonite with Karen Hill Tribe Silver - aren't they cute! Thirdly are beautiful hammered silver discs by Alison Raposa hung on solid chain - very light!
Last but no means least are beautiful opal earrings (again silver discs by Allison)


© Gemheaven 2007

Style...getting there

I'm trying to find my wrapping style for the pendants. I think these two are closer to what I like than any of the previous ones. Maybe there is hope yet?
I like particularly the second one, the olive jade wrapped in silver. Based on some suggestions, I am trying to limit the amount of wrapping, to actually enhance the stone rather than bury it in wire :)

DaWanda - new European online shop for artisans

Since I am in Europe, it makes more sense to sell in Europe, rather than in shops in US (like Etsy.com). I was so glad when I heard of DaWanda (through a comment on one of my posts on this blog), and today finally I took the plunge.
If you are interested in buying jewelry, or anything else crafty from Europe (and not only, as I've seen that there are also sellers from Phillipines, from the US, Canada, but still, in minority), check out Dawanda.com. My - so far small - shop is at http://en.dawanda.com/shop/MarikaJewelry. Come and visit and send me a note - and maybe purchase some :-)

On the road to success, one step at a time :)

I woke up this morning to a new comment on my blog from The Beading Gem, telling me that she featured my fuchsia earrings in an article on her blog.
It is such a lovely article, and it feels great to finally know the feeling of what it means to be 'featured' in a blog, or online magazine :)
As this is what her blog reminds me of, an online jewelry magazine where you can browse for interesting pieces of jewelry of all kinds, learn about new jewelry designers and artists and get new ideas.
Thanks Beading Gem, I will continue checking out your blog for more great article posted by you. Love your site!

Friday Feeling

Ohhh what a lovely morning , my new jump rings arrived ready for me to get moving with some more of my favourite weave bracelets - for anyone who loves chainmaille (especially if you make it) check out The Dragonfly Company not only was the communication fabulous (I am on a tight schedule here!) but everything arrived as promised - and the packaging was beautiful - so a big thumbs up to Lynne!! So of course more chainmaille maybe tomorrow lol

Of course everyone who knows me and my work understands how important my surronding are and I'm not talking about how messy my desk is either! I'm talking nature and these beautiful faceted Jasper beads really do say Autumn don't you think? The faceting just gives them that added extra - a little sparkle to take you into the evening.

SOLD

And a pair of earrings to match are obligatory!!! These headpins are made by a UK girl living in the US - a very talented lady called Allison Raposa who as soon as her website is up and running I will definately be adding her link for you all to drool over her designs!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Hair day!

Can you believe it On Tuesday I forgot my hairdressers appointment! Now anyone who knows me will say its not the sort of thing I would ever do, you see my hair is my favourite part of me! Luckily Helen, my hairdresser knew its a one off - we laughed about my appointment card being hid underneath a pile of beads and we had it rebooked for today - so tonight I feel revived and pampered - noo wonder my friends thought my hair had grown!!

This necklace was inspired by the lovely talented Jennifer Casady - it wasn't a conscious desicion but when it was finished it so reminded me of her work (I think her work is more glamourous and elegant!) I named her Closely Linked though after Rosie who thought up the name at my last jewellery party and because I have so much in common with the lovely Jennifer (my love of her jewellery and her love of my beady box!!!) I thought the name was apt - so here's to Jennifer and Rosie!

© Gemheaven 2007

Boudica

Never mind I don't like Monday, I don't think I particulary like Wednesdays either! Why? I hear you ask, well Wednesday doesn't really give me much time to play with my beads, I work in morning (for E) then I watch Elli swim with the school , pick up from school is straight after (you still with me!) and then after homework and a light dinner we are off to Rainbows - now normally I would be then off to Pilates but I'm not feeling too good , my ears are aching and crackling and I feel I need a night off everything - including my beads eeek!

I have got a few goodies to show you though :) and I'm hoping after the gym to make something else for your perusal - fingers cross some of my supplys arrive though. But for now I'm having a night off (well after the hoovering yuk!)

See you tomorrow xx

© Gemheaven 2007

Amber Moon

SOLD

Sorry first for leaving you all in the lurch these past few days - its not like me really I prefer to post at least every other day if not every day, but I had nothing to show you. Stock was low and I was desperately waiting for a silver order to arrive before creations and designs could flow again - but hurrah it came and so did the ideas!!!

Another reason for my missing posts was not only did I have my party on Friday night but Saturday was an evening out with the girls (they lead me astray honest!) and Mar's Birthday party which was lovely - shame I suffered Sunday really!!! My E has also been away playing in a golf tournament and he actually won so he's going to be going to Germany next year to play in the World final!! How proud am I??

SOLD

© Gemheaven 2007

Miscellany

Because I have been busy doing custom work the last month, when I make something, it's because I caught an odd moment between e-mails or I'm waiting on a call. Still, I like being busy; I go home late evening and for once have no trouble sleeping (once I catch up on the e-mails).
The mornings have begun to be chilly; I can sense Fall in the air, and the water in the pool is frigid even on the sunniest days. How could it be so sweltering a few short weeks ago and then change so suddenly?
The bangle bracelet above is evidence of my growing Fall mood; the warmth of the carnelian always reminds me of Fall and Winter. I do not often think of it as a summer stone (unless perhaps the carnelian is orange or white).
The bracelet below, too, is indicative of the turning leaves and my changing mood. Crystal moonlight Swarovski - very large Swarovski, I might add - and gorgeous silver-flaked beads that really shine - great lampwork beads by one of my favorite lampworkers, Robin Weber. This bracelet may be cool whereas the carnelian bangle was warm, but it's really not so much coolness as it is frostiness, the frostiness of late Fall, early Winter. This is a Winter bracelet!

My last two bracelets are equally at home, I think, Fall, Winter, Summer, Spring. Classic amethyst with more of Robin's wonderful beads: this time they are purple laced with silver, and their shine is lovely. In fact, I haven't seen that many beads that can compare to these in the shine and sparkle department.
And finally, the last bracelet, aptly entitled Miscellany, is a mix of gemstones, precious and semi-precious. Kyanite in a lovely teal colour, aquamarine that is mostly blue in colour, emeralds, rubies and pink chalcedony, all are accented with sterling silver to show off the gemstones. It's a small bracelet with a lot of presence.
The carnelian bangle bracelet, amethyst bracelet, Swarovksi and lampwork bracelet can be found on the Cluny Grey Jewelry website, and Miscellany should be listed there soon.
Welcome Fall!



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