stud.

In my nearly non-existent spare time, I have been trying to perfect my technique for soldering posts onto my earrings because I have been enamored with the idea of utilizing sterling scrap (between Julie and myself we generate tons of scrap) - it's the eco-friendly part of me I suppose.  so now I finally am happy with the results and am introducing these recycled sterling stud earrings into my repertoire!  using a combination of solder and fusion, I've been able to solidly attach sterling posts onto wonderfully rough and organic recycled silver "buds".  so yummy.

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the open hoop. again.

 yes.  i am obsessed.  the idea of the open hoop earring is floating through my brain all the time lately (that and that darned katy perry song "california girls" - the mini is crazy over it and we've listened to it about 50 times in the last two days - don't ask) - probably because i have about 10 feet of gorgeous, reclaimed sterling silver sitting on my worktable and i can't stop myself from fooling around with it.  (oops.  that sounds kind of dirty.)  i just pulled these babies out of the tumbler and i think they are my new favorites.  they are a larger version than the ones i made earlier this week and are more along the lines of my "wishbone" earrings.  they are lightweight and just full of silvery shiny goodness - the little rustic balled ends are also a nice design element, i think.

i had asked my friend julie for her feedback on the earlier version and she said that she preferred the "wishbone" design rather than the crossover.  (like L, julie has impeccable taste and is a fantastic model for my jewelry - not the mention the inspiration behind the original mini open hoops)  and i think i have to agree.  i'm loving the more improvised, informal shape of these, as well as the softer lines and rounder forms.  i think that i'm going to make myself a killer iTunes playlist, melt a little metal, and go a little larger with the next set of earrings. 

hmmmm.  stay tuned for more.  i'm psyched.

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sustainable.

just thinking about minimizing my carbon footprint.  and these choices make it easy.

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forever.

showing off my new design - a stylized infinity symbol is repeated along the length of both this wedding band and the matching engagement "diamond" ring (as with my other engagement rings, the "diamond" is reclaimed sterling - just awesome and another excuse for me to melt metal.)
for some reason, every time i look at this set, i hear ben harper's "forever" in my head.  so here it is for your listening pleasure - as interpreted by miguel tavares.

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