Labradorite

Labradorite is truly a fascinating stone and one of my favorites. Like staring into a deep tide pool in a remote lagoon, the stone displays flashes of blue, purple, green and gold.
It is said to be a power stone, which allows you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals.
In the earrings pictured above, I've used small nuggets of Labradorite, but still, you can see the intense flash.

Post Earrings

I created a few pairs of these nifty post earrings yesterday. Right now I'm loving the combination of gold and black. To me it seems part Tory Burch, part Gucci chic, part vintage Versace and part eighties cheese, but all of those parts together is very right now and sophisticated. At least I think so.
Because of the size of these earrings (approximately 1/2 inch or 14mm in diameter) they look sort of like faux plugs. Be edgy without the pain!

New Displays

I've decided to re-vamp my show display this year (now I just have to work on booking some shows!) and started with these above. They are essentially cheap picture frames that I've painted. I removed the glass and "upholstered" the back of the frame using batting, pretty fabric and my trusty hot glue gun. I'm really happy with the way they came out, soft and pretty, yet functional. I took them with me recently as I made the rounds to some local boutiques and they held up surprisingly well being yanked in and out of my tote bag.

I think all in all, they cost me less than $20 to make three.

New School Polymer Clay (continued...)

Another one of my favorite shops on Etsy and an artist doing amazing things with polymer clay is Jessicajane. I don't recall exactly how I happened upon her shop, but I was smitten from first glance. I must have a thing for faux bois wood (must have been all that paneling in my childhood home hehehe) because I just can't get enough of her tree stump pendants. And in staying with the outdoorsy theme, her bird charms are the sweetest.

Above is one of my favorites pieces of hers because it combines the faux bois wood and her signature little bird! Be sure to check out jessicajane's shop on Etsy and be overcome by awesomeness.

The New School of Polymer Clay

I use polymer clay in almost every one of my jewelry creations, but I would by no means call myself a polymer clay artist. There are, however, some fantastic people doing some amazing things with polymer clay. The above image is from one of my favorite Etsy shops, SaltAndPaper. You will not find any polymer clay cane beads woven into hemp necklaces in this lovely shop. I especially love the faux bois section, featuring pieces such as the one above that you would swear were made out of wood.

Luxe Necklaces

Here is a small sampling of what I've been working on lately. With the spring / summer show season right around the corner, I've been striving to create some new pieces that are innovative, yet sophisticated.

These necklaces feature my signature pendants but with a twist; a cascade of crystal and semi precious beads. I love them!

Polymer Clay Earrings

January is a slow month, and I've been going a bit stir crazy. So I've been trying to focus all of my energy on creating new designs. These earrings are one of many new designs I've been working with.

They feature the designs I primarily use of the reverse side of my reversible pendants and earrings. I use them so much and I thought it was time to bring them to the forefront.

I'm very pleased with the way they've turned out, so I've listed them for sale in the shop.

Resolutions

I'm not usually one for resolutions, but I do like to set goals. So my resolution/goal for this year is to really push myself and my Etsy store to be all that it can be (and basically avoid getting a job outside of my home lol).

That being said, I've decided to add some new styles of work to The Lola Collection. I will continue to create my signature pendants, earrings and bracelets primarily but will integrate some new beaded work into the shop.

These new pieces will allow me broaden my horizons, discover new and different techniques, and use materials I wouldn't normally use. Basically, it'll keep me from getting bored lol, which can sometimes be a problem! Above is a sampling of some new pieces that are not yet listed in the shop. Take a peak and let me know what you think!