A Week Full of Surprises!

We all have busy lives and, suddenly, mine is no exception. In addition to coordinating the IFDA Arizona Chapter’s Tableau fundraising event for Ryan House and all that entails, I had the additional insanity of packing up my kitchen in preparation for a demo scheduled for next week. I knew it was going to be a crazy week, but had no idea what a week of surprises it would turn out to be! I am not saving the best for last!

I got a call late morning on Monday from my son Chris, that he and his dear wife, Stephanie, have a new bundle of joy! Brendan Harrison Jones arrived in a hurry. . .he could not even wait for the Dr. to get her scrubs, gloves & mask on! Thank goodness Chris has big hands and was able to react quickly. . .he was the hero of the day. Now that’s what you call being a “hands on” father!

Mother, son & big brother, Timmy, are thrilled to meet one another and things have hopefully settled down now that everyone is at home. Snoopy, the black lab “fur baby,” may be the exception. . .he is still getting used to the sound of little Brendan’s crying. Boy, are they going to have their hands full! I guess we will find out in a week when we go for a visit to meet our newest grandson. I can barely wait!

As if having a new grandchild was not enough, I was featured in an interview for World Artisan Gems blog site on Monday as well. I am so delighted to have been included among such talented artisans from all over the world. If you are not familiar with this site, and you love gorgeous handcrafted jewelry, please make certain you check out this blog – www.worldartisangems.com. Don’t forget to leave a little comment so we know you visited.

My last little surprise of the week came on Friday morning. I was featured in the Ruby Lane “Creative Hands” July newsletter in the Artisan Spotlight section for my creations utilizing shells in couture jewelry designs. I have blogged about my childhood fascination with shells before and I guess I am not the only person that is mesmerized by them!

All in all, this has been a week full of wonderful surprises – a gift of new life and two jewelry features. I just hope next week’s demo is not a trifecta of bad surprises! You know what they say – good & bad news comes in threes!I will update posts on the kitchen renovation as it progresses.

Tweet

The Flora Collection – How Does Your Garden Grow?

I’m not certain about the rest of the design community, but I always have a list of potential designs just waiting to be tried out. As a matter of fact, an entire folder in the computer is full of inspirations, sketches and ideas just waiting to materialize. Design ideas are gleaned from a variety of sources – fabric, paint colors, art work or even something as “pedestrian” as a favorite pair of shoes!

I recently decided that I should try out a new design idea for summer that is a “twist” on an older collection. Eureka! The Flora Collection was born. The first design of the collection was created as a prototype for a California bride with a “Woodlands” theme for her wedding. Since we were incorporating pearls in woodrose, grays and ice blue I was inspired by the pussywillows we used to pick as a harbinger of spring in the woods in Massachusetts.

Since Mother Nature is really the best designer – it was easy to be inspired by all the stunning variations of her handiwork. Hubby and I spent so many summers on Nantucket, where hydrangeas are profuse, that their gorgeous spectrum of colors became the next point of inspiration for this new collection. This stunning rainbow of colors - pale greens, blues, pinks and violets was wonderfully simple to replicate into this new design.

The third necklace of this new collection was inspired by the sea and has been aptly named “Les Fleurs de la Mer” (Flower of the Sea). A gorgeous collection of freshwater pearls, seed pearls and petal pearls are mixed with a sprinkling of dainty little aquamarine beads, culminating with a most spectacular moss aquamarine pendant.

My little folder of inspirations is still just bulging with new ideas for this Flora collection. Hopefully, I can make up enough floral inspired designs to create a gorgeous bouquet of flowers!

Tweet

Social Networking and Six Degrees of Separation – Sort Of!

I have been an avid fan of an interior design blog site called Cote de Texas for over a year now. It is an informative as well as humorous missive about an interior designer from Houston named Joni, and her wonderful connections, discoveries, trials & tribulations. To say that I am addicted to reading it daily is at best. . . a kind comment. Joni is a truly dedicated blogger (unlike me) who has even been know to sit in her car during hurricanes so she can plug in her laptop for power and blog away! Now that’s real dedication!

To my delight, her post over the week-end was regarding her attendance at an event in Houston where she met the world renowned designer, Bunny Williams. It seems Bunny was in town during a launch of her newest line of furniture - BeeLine Home. Joni’s accounting of this lovely event was really adorable and funny - especially the saga of her “stalker” buddies and the ever popular – must have – ginormous handbag (I can relate to this myself)!

A portion of Joni’s blog showcased a very unusual accessory from the BeeLine Home that immediately sent off whistles and bells for me. Bunny’s adaptation is called a “Vanity Tower”. The function, as explained by Joni, is to secret away rolls of toilet paper. Here is where the six degrees of separation begins.

Early in my interior design career in the Boston area, I had a shop called Necessities which carried an assortment of home furnishings, gifts and antiques. One of the most endearing and prized objects I purchased during this time, was an adorable pair of reeded antique columns with charming little scalloped shelves. They were a pretty shade of green and just the right height to display all the dainty little Limoges boxes we carried. Naturally, I have no memory of the provenance of these little columns but, suffice to say, they looked as though they were handmade and were quite old. When I decided to move my design office to Newbury Street and close up the shop years later, I sadly parted with the little columns and they found a new home.

During the time I had the shop, I was asked to participate in a fund raising event at the Ritz Carlton (the original one across from the Public Gardens – since sold and now known as The Taj) for the Boys & Girls Club of Boston. The theme of the event was “The Power of Style”. Each designer was paired up with a “style icon” and was asked to produce a tablescape honoring them. I was chosen to create a table as a tribute to Sister Parish (ostensibly know as the doyenne of American decorating) due in part to my “no fear” use of colors.

Since Sister Parish was widely known for not only her brave use of colors as well as all things cozy and comfortable (including her penchant for inserting floral print fabrics and American hand made quilts into many designs), I decided that my table would be named “Lunch at Dark Harbor”. Dark Harbor was the name of the house Sister Parish owned in Islesboro, Maine and where she had passed away the previous year.

My tribute to Sister Parish consisted of a luscious floral linen tablecloth from Brunschwig & Fils and of course the ever present quilt. Additionally, a grouping of charming little handmade ceramic houses created the centerpiece and handmade (by me!) grass and garden critters encrusted chargers complimented the colorful majolica oyster plates.

Years later when my design office was securely ensconced on Newbury Street, I decided to do a massive renovation to our home in Andover. Those little antique reeded columns were still on my mind and I really cursed myself for letting someone else adopt them! Clearly, I could not call up the buyer and ask to purchase them back so. . . I did the next best thing. Completely from memory and old photos of my shop, I had the little columns reproduced and installed as a design element in my gorgeous new kitchen. I was a very happy camper.

After suffering through the massive renovation for over 6 months, I thought I was finally going to able to enjoy the fruits of my labor and hubby was hoping for some long awaited home cooked meals! The paint had barely dried on the walls when we found out we were being transferred to Arizona! Rats! Foiled again. . .someone else would now be enjoying my gorgeous home including my charming little column shelves!

Now here is the irony - I once had a pair of antique reeded columns that appeared to be a handmade – one of a kind pair – purchased in Maine. I was chosen to create a tablescape tribute to Sister Parish’s Dark Harbour home. Bunny’s connection to Sister Parish was as her employee. I was astonished when I saw the charming little columns (so similar to the original antiques) reproduced by Bunny’s Williams BeeLine Home while reading Joni’s Cote de Texas blog.

Gee, maybe I should ask the buyer of the antique columns if I can purchase them from her again. . .who knows. . .maybe, just maybe, they actually came from the Sister Parish estate (not so far from Boston)!

Tweet

The Right Place at the Right Time

I have spent the last two years as 2007 President-Elect and 2008 President of the Arizona Chapter of IFDA (International Furnishings and Design Association). Those two years were an obligation that I felt deserved my full attention and as a result, I made the decision to put my jewelry designs on the back burner for the duration.

With the new IFDA President taking over responsibilities in January of 2009, I gave myself permission to forge ahead with the marketing of my jewelry company and made the decision to become a client of the Martz Agency here in Scottsdale. My liasion at the Martz Agency is an adorable gal named Jennifer whom I have worked with in the past while I was President of the IFDA Arizona Chapter.

Jennifer recently received an inquiry about some jewelry that was needed for a photo shoot and she submitted some photos from my line that matched up with the outlined criteria. Eureka! They liked several of the pieces and I was told to bring them in for the photo shoot.

Now, even with my extensive experience as an interior designer and the press – I knew that this was not a sure bet. Magazines, television, etc. are often fickle – changing their requests at the last minute and sometimes leaving the poor designers as collateral damage even though they have jumped through hoops of fire to accommodate the media. This time it was a case of being at the right place at the right time! Two designs from my line were included in the April issue of AZ Society – a peridot and citrine necklace and some turquoise, kyanite, sky blue topaz and labradorite earrings.

I could not be more thrilled since this was my first “official” foray into the world of PR & Marketing since creating this jewelry line. Maybe. . . it was just beginner’s luck. I think it was the fact that the items we submitted were carefully culled to meet the criteria set out by the magazine and the professionalism of Jennifer at the Martz Agency. Let’s hope lightening really can strike twice!

Tweet

New Mommy / Mother’s Day – Custom Birthstone Necklace

Joshua Charles Hunsaker

This idea, for a Mother’s Birthstone Necklace, came to me right after my niece had her first long-awaited child. He is a week old today. As I was constructing the necklace as a little keepsake for my niece, I realized that it would be a lovely gift for any mother – new or old - especially with Mother’s Day coming up soon. As soon as I completed the necklace for my new-mommy niece, I decided that I should make another version for my dear sister representing her children as well.


These photos are merely an example of what the necklace styles look like when completed. Obviously, each necklace will be a custom design based on the chain (link chain or beaded chain), types of birth stones (see chart below), number of stones and type of metal (sterling silver or 24K gold vermeil). I am more than happy to lay this out and photograph so you can see what your design will look like before beginning the actual construction. The stones listed below are the standard birthstones but, certainly substitutions for some of the more precious stones (diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, etc.) can be made at your discretion.

Pricing Examples From The Photo Featuring Both Necklaces:
Top necklace with moonstone beaded chain and 5 birthstones (Mother, Father and 3 Children) – consists of 3 September (kyanite substituted for sapphires), one December (sky blue topaz) and one April (ruby). As shown - $97
Bottom necklace with link chain (sterling silver) and 3 birthstones (Mother, Father and 1 Child) – consists of one August (peridot), one May (emerald) and one March (aquamarine). As shown - $74

Please email me with your design questions – I would love to work with you on a special gift for either a Mother’s Day surprise or a New Mommy gift.

Birth Month - Modern Birthstones - Stone Substitutes
January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond - Rock Crystal (Substitute)
May - Emerald - Green Onyx (Substitute)
June - Pearl or Moonstone
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire - Kyanite (Substitute)
October - Opal or Tourmaline
November - Citrine or Yellow Topaz
December - Blue Topaz or Turquoise

Tweet

A Turquoise Lesson from History

Purdy Wallcoverings

Veranda - Jan.-Feb. 2007

When I was five years old my mother suddenly passed away at the young age of 29. There are very few of her possessions that I have and now that I am an adult, I realize why. At such a young age, she simply had not enough time to acquire meaningful treasures to pass on to me. Be that as it may, of the few possessions I have from her, one of them is a simple little ring of oval turquoise stones set in sterling. Although I have always cherished the ring and have never altered the design, I can honestly say that I have never been a fan of turquoise set in silver. I believe it lacks warmth and elegance.

On the other hand, as an interior designer, I have always been enamored with the turquoise/aqua family and it is scattered all over my home. One of my collecting passions is Sevres Blue. Additionally, I have had entire rooms in my home that were designed around this aqua blue family. It is a very calming and restful color to me. I still hold onto the theory that everyone looks tan when surrounded by aqua (even though it may be February when we are at our most pasty white)!

As I studied my little Sevres Blue collection, I came to realize that historically, it was always trimmed and banded in gold. Apparently, I am not the only person that thinks that gold brings out the richness of the color and counterbalances the coolness of aqua and turquoise.

While researching some images for this post, I stumbled across two unusual blog sites called “House of Turquoise” and “Everything Turquoise” with some of the most divine images of all ranges of turquoise – what an inspiration! Who knew! Erin, thank you for allowing me to “borrow” a bit of inspiration for this post.

At the Tucson Gem Show recently, I came across some wonderful Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, purchased it and promptly set it aside for later. Later came sooner than I suspected. I received a call from the agency that is handling some of my PR, that a local magazine was looking for some turquoise jewelry set in gold for a photo shoot. Needless to say, it jogged my memory and an entire weekend was devoted to creating an earthy but elegant - lovely turquoise necklace and earrings set in 24K gold vermeil.

Since I had design carte blanche with this set, I indulged my senses by mixing the elegant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise with little frills of gorgeous Capri blue Kyanite, soft Sky Blue Topaz and a heavy dose of mesmerizing blue flash Labradorite. Of course, the piece de resistance of the necklace is the free form turquoise slice pendant encased in 24k gold.

Just as the Sevres Blue collection lives happily in my home with a more relaxed atmosphere – the chic turquoise and gold of this jewelry design can live contentedly with either a ball gown or a blue jean skirt.

Tweet

Lesson of the Week: Don’t Fool With Mother Nature (or the Queen Bee)

Things had been going rather smoothly after the holidays and it seemed like a good week to begin some new jewelry designs for the spring. Over the week-end, I began putting together the blueprint of a new necklace that was intended as a little “thank you” for a friend. Dana had requested something clear, black and/or grey and I was thrilled to finally have the chance to use some of the gorgeous tourmilated quartz gemstones I had acquired at the last Tucson Gem Show.

On Monday, our pest control company was attending a colony of bees that had been making a home in the facade wall of our garage. This visit was round two of three and involved the application of a neurotoxin for the bees that would render the hive inactive. Visit three was planned to remove the honeycomb after the bees were killed in order to keep another hive from becoming attracted by the pheromones of the first honeycomb. Obviously, the bee specialist was very knowledgeable in his science as well as the culture of the bees. Monday came and went with nothing unusual except for a few quiet hours that were spent uninterrupted – allowing me to complete Dana’s beautiful necklace of rock crystal, black onyx and unique tourmilated onion briolettes peppered with black straws.

Tuesday was spent running errands in the morning and working on the computer late into the afternoon and early evening. Just before dinnertime, I looked up from the computer after hearing a strange noise only to realize there was a bee in my office buzzing around. I called Olivia & Asher (my King Charles Cavaliers) out of the room and closed the door. As we moved closer to the kitchen, I could see that not only were there at least a dozen bees circling the lights in our 12’ ceiling but another dozen or so had landed on the floor and were buzzing around there as well. With no door to close, it was “retreat #2” for us and off to the Master Bedroom we went. Apparently, the bees had not discovered that area just yet.

After a quick call to my hubby to inform him we would be staying at a hotel that night, another call to the bee specialist and gathering up our necessities, we took off for “retreat #3” – the local Residence Inn. So far, the bees seemed to be winning the war!

Wednesday morning I met the bee specialist and dressed in a full bee suit, he applied yet another application and warned me that we might want to stay at the hotel another night just to be safe. According to the specialist, Thursday morning was determined as the date and time we would have won the war of the bees. On Thursday morning, I entered the house very quietly to make certain I was not hearing the hum of the bees as they circled the rooms looking for a hostage. All was quiet and I felt relieved that we might be able to finally check out of the hotel and come home again.

Much to my shock, when I entered the Kitchen and Family Room I was confronted by not just a dozen or two dead bees. . . but more than 100+. Needless to say, all day Thursday was spent cleaning up bees and listening for their return. After all, we had executed their Queen and the little workers had no one to give them orders in addition to being poisoned.

In retrospect, I should probably have called out a beekeeper when I was informed by the specialist that the bees in my facade were “just Honey Bees – not Killer Bees”. But, living in Arizona, all bees are guilty until proven innocent and I suspect have gotten a bad rap from their gang member cousins – the “Killer Bees”. Lesson learned – don’t fool with Mother Nature or the Queen Bee!

Tweet