little buds (of creativity).

this weekend, i grabbed some time to put some orders together - and realized i hadn't fired up my torch in a week.  A WEEK!  i don't think that that has happened in a very long time, but recently it has felt that things have been moving a mile a minute (i.e. renovations, entering an apartment after evicting someone and being attacked by fleas, working about 10 hours overtime, and being robbed) and there has been no time to stop and melt anything.  it actually made me a little bit sad because i know that taking a few minutes to make something - or even sketch or research a new design or technique - really helps me center myself.

after everything was resting nicely in the acid bath, i cut some 18 gauge wire and got to making it molten for my new stacking ring design.  based on my open bud hoop earrings (i'm still wearing mine!) these rings are a perfect match!  each of them have a lovely organic feel to them, with a unique texture and look to each of them.  i am a huge fan of artistic randomness, or happy artsy accidents, and because i really don't have much control over the whole melting process, i love how it all turned out.  they are delicate and earthy and modern all at the same time - and also perfect worn individually, or in a huge stack with plain skinny bands.  i think i'm in love!  (again.)

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the smaller, the better.

you don't hear THAT everyday. (*wink wink*)  but certainly in this case, small is awesomely fabulous.  with some time on my hands this weekend, i've been working on an even smaller version of my tiny bud open hoop earring... and here it is!  at just over 1/4" in diameter (the other ones are about 1/2"), these are perfect for people with multiple piercings or tiny earlobes.

i've been experimenting with texture as well, and there will be a version that is hammered (similar to the original style), one that is more of a "flathead" (see picture) and then one that is perfect just as it is (like in this listing).  they photograph beautifully too.  but the best thing about these earrings?  the reclaimed sterling silver wire i have been working with to make them is pretty flawless.  it makes me feel a little virtuous to be making something that is eco-friendly as well as super stylish - and at $10, a steal as well!  want a pair????

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