So much for Resolutions......

Ooops. So its now November and I didn't quite get around to the regular blog update.

But, I have been busy in the studio and will be listing many new pieces over the coming weeks in the run up to the holiday season. I have just introduced a new line of my 'Wire Lace' - this time rings..... would love to know what you all think.

Resolutions in September...........

Well, its been a long, long time since I updated my blog. The summer school break of 3 months flew by in the blink of an eye. So with the kids back in school, I've drawn up some 'new year' resolutions to put into practice now. And one of the top items is to update my blog with both news from my studio, but also hints and hot tips for shopping with other artisans online.

So, you'll be seeing more from me over the coming months, and would love to hear from you with your hints and tips too. Hope you all had a wonderful summer....... but roll on Autumn, my favorite time of year.

NEW 'Lace' Collection debut

I know I have been very, very lax in updating my blog lately.  Its been a busy time here with visitors and I've also been keeping myself very busy with lots of new designs which I'm hoping to list over the coming days.  

But one of my new ranges that I wanted to tell you all about is my 'Lace' collection.  A fusion of wire wrapping, crochet, knitting and forging to create one of a kind pieces of wire 'lace' - adorned with luxurious (and often sumptuous) gems.  My latest addition is inspired and named 'Traviata' - based on the novel of 'La Dame aux Camélias' by Alexandre Dumas. One of the greatest love stories of all time, this novel has fascinated generations of readers. Dumas's subtle and moving portrait of a woman in love is based on his own love affair with one of the most desirable courtesans in Paris.  Darkly romantic and feminine, with lashings of gothic chic, this is one of my favorite cuffs to date.

My new lace collection is available at my etsy store.  www.clairepearse.etsy.com. 

Spring & Summer Trends - The 'Chandelier' is back......

Thats right girls..... the 'Chandelier' earrings are back!  

Looking at the catwalks of New York and of course London's fashion week along with the major gloss magazines, they are filled with this seasons hottest trends in jewelry.   Chandelier earrings are making a come back, from lightweight to bold statement earrings, they are a fashion must have for this Spring.

Hot list items also include 'Statement' necklaces, bracelets and cuffs featuring bold, geometric shapes, ethnic and exotic color combinations and prominent, feature gemstones.

Well, I'm busy working on lots of new pieces at the moment, with some amazing new gemstones which have been arriving with me over the past couple of weeks.  My design book (and mind) is overflowing with new designs, and I'm planning the first new listings tomorrow, with some long wire-wrapped & exquisite gemstone pendant necklaces and bright and cheery springtime charm bracelets.   I'm also working on some Chandelier earrings with beautiful gems, including London Topaz, Pink Amethyst, plus many more too :)

Shown above is my 'Ocean Blue' - deep sea and aqua shaded sparkling gemstone bracelet, created with exquisite AAA graded gems including London Blue Topaz.  Listed in my Etsy store.  www.clairepearse.etsy.com

Awards, absenteeism and an addition to the family.

So I'll start with the absenteeism first.  Wow.... what a couple of weeks its been.  So next winter we will be definitely having the flu shots.  I've been knocked out over the last week (with both kids, my husband and my visit in-laws all stuck down with it too), but now I'm back and raring to go.

I want to Thank the lovely Katja (www.katjaadams.blogspot.com), Jo (www.gemheaven.blogspot.com) & Brandi (www.brandi-girl.blogspot.com) for their kind and amazing Awards sent to me last week.  And a very cool award it is too :)  Thank you guys....

So.... here are the rules of nominating fabulous friends and bloggers for the award:

1. Please put the logo on your blog.

2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

So here are my nominated fabulous friends and bloggers (in no particular order).

1. Sheela of Eclettica

2. Anna-Karin of SmåBlå
3. Suzanna of SuzyQJewelry

4. Patti & Pricilla :) Pricillaspeaks

5. Deb of Crysallis Creations

6. Jo of JoJobell Jewelry

7. Natalia or Realisation Creations

Ok..... so to the last part of my update.  Yes, we have a new addition to our clan here in Houston.  We've been considering getting a pet for a while, and we now have 'Milo' a gorgeous 10 week old male, tabby kitten. Already established as a member of the household, very playful, adored by Adam and Amy, and woke me up at 2.30am patting my face and miaowing..... we didn't think he'd venture upstairs yet - lol.  He's an adventurous little soul and quite a character - who seems to be a little over curious about my gemstones - so new storage options (for my gems that is) looks likely to be on the cards.

Anyone seen my muse?

All was going along swimmingly this last week - doodling and creating to my hearts content..... then pow - without a moments notice, I think my muse slipped off to take a break!  If you see her, would you mind sending her back - she has lots of important work to assist with, including all this London and Swiss Blue Topaz to create with.  Now if that doesn't tempt her back I'm not sure what will.

I think we need to start tracking our muses with the new google tracker.... what do you think??  I have this sneaking suspicion that they all go off partying together somewhere.  Just a hunch :)

Pictured is one of my favourite and most glamourous of muses 'Brigette Bardot'.

Truly, Darkly, Deeply......

I haven't been working with wire as much over the last few months.  I think I got a little 'wired out' when I spent so much time wrapping during Hurricane Ike, that my fingers blistered! :)  But since working on the 'Mon Cheri, Mon Amour' I've definitely been feeling the creative urge once more.  So here is the latest creation..... a little darker for me, a touch of Gothic romanticism, with oodles of elegance and luxury.  Wrapped with fine silver wire, the focal gems are the most amazing Ruby briolettes - they truly are the most amazing blood red colour, and their size and beauty really were the driving force behind this design. 

Listed in my new online store.  www.clairepearse.etsy.com

Technicolor Dreams....

Well, as it turns out this posting isn't actually about me and my dreams.  I very rarely remember my dreams as it happens - that talent has been firmly been placed with my sister Kat!  Oh, my she has a) the weirdest and often predictive dreams and b) she remembers them and recalls them in detail. 

But now I'm wandering off the point, this is actually about a very lovely customer of mine, who has the most amazing taste in color and gems.  She asked if I could make her a 'Rainbow' gemstone bracelet and this was the end result.   Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - the graduated colors to appear flow gently into one another. The decadent and luxurious swathe of brightly hued gems are all AA-AAA quality (most being AAA) and include:

Garnet, Ruby, Carnelian, Madeira Citrine, Citrine, Lemon Quartz, Prasiolite, Peridot, Mystic Blue Quartz, lagoon blue Apatite, Kyanite, London Blue Topaz, Iolite, Amethyst, Pink Amethyst and Quartz (Rock Crystal).

This bracelet was such fun to create - full of bright sparkle it really does lift your mood and tickles your senses.  I think I may just be tempted to work with some more rainbow color schemes soon..... watch this space.  Thank you so much to the lovely Marta for her inspiration for this piece.

Wire Artisans Guild.... February Challenge

~o~ MON CHERI, MON AMOUR ~o~ My Darling My Love.

I am a member of a fabulous group of talented artisans called the Wire Artisans Guild (WAG for short) and each month a challenge is set to create a piece of jewelry based on a theme.  I am still playing catch-up a little on the themes at the moment (haven't been the most organized - oh, dear!), but I have managed to finish a piece for February's theme of 'Affairs of the Heart'.  Working on something of a romantic nature was great - I really enjoyed it.

This is a design I've had sketched out for a while now, and it all started on the day I received the gorgeous Solar Quartz focal briolette in the mail. On the same day I received another gemstone package - containing the most stunning raspberry pink sapphires - and there it was staring me in the face, with both gems sat side by side. I don't always get these Eureka moments, so I sat and sketched while it was still fresh in my mind. For me the design process often starts with the gems themselves - handling and looking at them, sitting them along with other gems. I don't often sketch out a design without having gems in mind first - it doesn't mean its a gem I already have - perhaps just a gem I've seen, and then the sketch gets filed away until I unearth it again a month or 2 later.

This necklace has been listed in my online shop.

A New Year, A New Start.......

Well, I have spent much time deliberating starting my own blog.  Do I have time? What do I say? What might I feature? Can I do this (Not being the most technologically minded individual - I was once, but since having my 2 kids and finding my 6 year old understands the remote control better than me I think I let them take over :)  So, I decided enough was enough - of course I can do this.  I can spend time rambling on for hours about one thing or another (I usually do :) So here goes.... my new blog.

As some of you might know, I am a self taught jewelry designer with a passion for gorgeous gemstones and an obsession with all things colorful.  I love to experiment with color and I have a great time using my jewelry design as an outlet for this.  I hope to showcase some of my newest designs and my design processes through my blog, whilst also showcasing the jewelry, fashion and art by other designers I admire and respect.

So, thank you so much for taking the time to read my posts, and I hope you all might find hidden treasures you like too :)

Claire x