Orbit of Pluto

Pluto will always be a planet to me, no matter how the NASA scientists choose to classify it. I love that Pluto is part of a twin set, with Charon. I love to think of the two of them spinning with each other in the longest orbit of our solar system, caught in an eternal dance, like immortal lovers.

This piece is one of the COOLEST pieces I have ever made, I had to have one for myself! I love the use of the two different forms of silver, sterling and fine, fused together under the fire of my torch. The sterling has a very darkened oxidation while the fine silver is as bright as can be, a gorgeous contrast! The stone is a faceted labradorite with a misty blue flash, mysterious like it's namesake planet. The labradorite brings an amazing depth of color and texture to this piece. It is stunningly beautiful in person, I am so sorry my photos do not do it justice. It hangs from an 18" sterling silver chain that you can choose to wrap through it in many different ways. It measures 1.5" in diameter, but seems much more petite due to it's openwork and vine-like structure. It is amazing in person. I am completely in love with this piece!

Link to Metalology ETSY Site

sunflower seed pod swaying in the wind

This time of year the seed pods of sunflowers are a textural masterpiece. Bumpy and spiky, they hang their heads atop the long stems ready to lay their seeds for next year's enjoyment.

This piece is a sunflower seed pod on a long stem for you to wear around your neck! It is made using sterling silver, a long hammered stem that holds a darkly patinaed cup that holds a smooth silver cup that holds the seeds. It hangs from a sterling silver chain that measures 18" in length and the pendant measures almost 3" long. It sways gently on the chain as you move, just like a breeze is flowing calmly across them in a field.

Metalology on ETSY Link

The life of an Ocracoke Island SeaShell

I was on Ocracoke Island recently and the beaches there are amazingly littered with fascinating things washed up by the Atlantic. I collected many shells, saw iridescent jellyfish with a rainbow of colors, and watched the little shorebirds piping the wet sands for food, constantly in motion with their skinny legs blurry with speed.

Although I am a mountain girl, I love the seashore. I love natural beaches, uncrowded with people but alive with activity nonetheless. I love to walk along the water's edge getting my feet wet and picking up shells to look at the remarkable colors on the insides. I made this piece to reflect those memories.

I found one particular seashell on my last trip that looked very different from all of the rest. This one was rough, like it had been through a great deal of trauma. I loved the textures on the surface, thinking that each line or curve told a story about the life of this shell, like the tiny lines on the face of someone who has lived a life of adventure. I put it in my pocket and couldn't stop thinking about it.

I made this piece based on the shell in the last photo. I started with very thick gauge sterling sheet, added a three dimensional swirl to the top and raised pod shapes on the lower portion. I set a faceted labradorite in the center of the swirl to reflect the peaceful colors of the ocean. I made a tube bail at the top for use in stringing the 18" sterling silver chain through. It measures 1.25" long by 1" wide, same as the original shell from the beach.

Link to Metalology ETSY Site

my desk is a mess...what should i do?

my desk is actually a workbench, and it is always a mess. i seem to work best when it is trashed like this because i am not worried about messing it up anymore, and i have all kinds of random little thingies laying around that i can see, pick up, and get inspired to make something new. i love the view from my workspace, it is a lush and green woodland garden complete with stainless steel sculptures. the photo on my bench is my little niece Noelle. she inspires me too.

i feel that huge mess calling me back to work now, see ya later!

Metalology Modern Organic Jewelry