I love Spring

It's very nice today...mostly sunny, reasonably warm. So out to the park we went, with camera in hand. Took some fun shots, then once it started to drizzle, we came inside to warm up - and I played with photo edit a bit! :-)

Here's a few fun examples based on today's excursion. Enjoy!

This picture has been edited...can you tell how?

Quickie

After yesterday's rambling, ranting post...this should be quick.

This is Spring Break week for our kids (like so many). It's not the best weather in Oregon...and with our bank accounts rather low (stupid new car) a trip to "warm and sunny" wasn't in the cards. So...I've been working like normal. Pffft.

I did decided to spend at least 1 day with my spawn - so I'm off tomorrow. We decided to drive to the Oregon coast tonight (hopefully I can slip out of work a little early...). It will be chilly (48F is we're lucky), quite possibly raining, likely foggy. Not anybody's idea of Spring Break - but at least it will be NOT HOME and NOT WORK.

On the plus side, our large hotel room has a fireplace, and looks out on the ocean. We can sip hot cocoa and listen to the waves....maybe jump in the indoor pool. Hmmm...this could be relaxing and fun...wish me luck!

2008 Spring Jewelry Trends - a quick peek

Taking a small break from my own designs and inspirations...I also love to look at what the top jewelry companies in the world are offering too! I would never steal their designs, of course - but sometimes they provide inspiration, or just a sense of what will be "hot" soon! Come browsing with me.

I love Tiffany - such gorgeous, classic pieces. Their new Legacy collection is full of diamond-encrusted geometric shapes - ovals, diamonds, half-moons - many with dangles. Reminds me of classic 40s rhinestone pieces, with very little color but lots of sparkle. My favorite piece has to be this lovely enamel ring with silver accents - just the right burst of color! (I prefer pink, but the signature blue is also available)

Betsey Johnson creates fun and funky jewelry. Her current line at Nordstrom's has plenty of color, and tons of charm - literally! Charms and dangles adorn bracelets, necklaces, even earrings! In true Betsey fashion, this can be completely over the top...but sometimes that's exactly what you need. These flirty little charm earrings, for instance - tons of fun.

Saks Fifth Avenue carries a huge range of jewelry designers, and shopping here can be overwhelming. First I stopped by pearls, since I love them so - but found nothing unique or interesting. Looks like another season of the same strung-pearl looks, perhaps with color variations, but nothing new. On to necklaces and pendants, where tons of color can finally be found. Many of these were quite delicate in shape, no doubt to match the more feminine look for Spring and Summer fashion. A bit disappointing, although I did spot this lovely creation by John Hardy.

Browsing this stores and websites reminds me, once again, why I love Etsy so. The amazing variety of jewelry, at all price points, just can't be found anywhere else!

Busy Weekend - 2 items from it

Ok, so the busy part was more at home. Three day weekend with gorgeous weather - so yeah, definitely busy! I did have a chance to make 2 bracelets...all the new green around us really inspired me, and when I found some extra pearls from a custom order last month, I knew exactly what to do with it!

Seeds of Spring I - Pearl, amethyst, and peridot. A pretty bouquet of early crocuses, for your wrist.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9636890

Seeds of Spring II - Delicate peridot and pearl. Like green stems poking up through soft snow.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9637059