Mother's Day is coming up.

What's your Mother getting for Mother's Day?

Mine is getting the silver heart ring in this picture.

Here's another one, size 7, available in my Etsy shop that could go to your Mother. Or buy it for yourself!

I know I like to pick out my own presents. I don't want to be surprised. I just want what I want.

Hey, if you do buy it for your mother, put a note in the "message to seller" letting me know if you need it shipped to a different address or if you need a gift card enclosed.

Twig Time in the Studio!

I've been working on a branch theme in the shop.

Here are some tree shelf brackets in progress.  They are about 2 ft high and 1 ft deep, for the shelf.  I designed them without a continuous backplate, so that you can see tree before bracket.

 
I've worked on them since I took the photos.  They are now ready for the final clean-up, patina, burnishing and sealing.  I'll take pictures again before they ship out.

Then I went completely small scale to make some twiggy copper rings.  The rings are adjustable, a few for the pinky fingers and the others could fit anywhere from size 5 to 9, maybe even 10.

In the house, I got around to finishing up some more felt heart ornaments.

I couldn't resist buying more hand dyed roving at the local yarn shop, so you'll definitely be seeing more ornaments.

Here are a few springtime sights around the yard.
Our earliest flowers, a type of windflower

and the dried outer skin and seeds of a tomatillo, that surfaced after the snow melted. We planted tomatillos 3 years ago. We haven't planted them since, but they come up every year, loads of them. Don't plant tomatillos unless you really like them.

New things just for me! (featured artists)

I got a few new things just for me.  Yay!

A pretty silver succulent ring from Gretchen Walker, pictured here on my left index finger.  I wear it on my right hand, but I couldn't do the photograph with my left hand.

I'll be wearing it to the opening at VIVA tonight.

I also got a kitchen witch doll from Fairiesnest.  When I saw this one, with her own crow, I couldn't resist.

See more of her dolls in her Etsy shop http://fairiesnest.etsy.com
I need to make or buy a little shelf, just for her.

Big or Little?

Many of you have noticed that I'm doing much more jewelry these days. A few people have asked which I enjoy more, the small work or the large work.

The truth is, I enjoy both. At this point in my life, the smaller pieces, the techniques, time frame, materials, fit my busy lifestyle. Jewelry and small art are so fun to make, quite challenging, yet less stressful than architectural work like railings. The small stuff is easier to ship too...

I am still working on a railing section with enticing elements like birds and flowers. (I really can't resist such things.) You'll see pictures as it progresses a bit further. For my online shop, expect to see more jewelry and lots of art.

Here's the jewelry update.
These copper maple leaf pendants sold about as fast as I got them listed.

I've set myself a little creative challenge- to start making earrings on a regular basis. I've set some guidelines for myself. 1- Keep it simple. 2- Keep it in my own unique recognizable style. 3- Make most of them in the $16 to $30 a pair price range. (You may also see some truly exquisite indulgences along the way.)

Copper Drop Earrings - Simply beautiful hammered and burnished bits of copper. I know what hammer I used by looking at the marks it made.

Reticulated Silver Panels with freshwater pearl drops. These remind me of ice melting in the spring.

Then see how the creative challenge inspires me in other pieces. The silver earrings inspired this series of Ice Cube Rings, reticulated silver panels on sterling silver bands.

Yes, you'll be seeing more rings, with pretty things like hearts and leaves, some as commissions and some for my shop.

Coming up- more tendril hooks, silver butterflies, chasing tools....
Remember. I can make any of the jewelry in gold. Just ask and I'll work up a price for you.