Claire Pearse

Burned fingers and the learning curve of enameling......

2011-03-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

I'm both enjoying and cursing my latest obsession..... enameling is something I have wanted to try for such a long time (many, many years in fact).

I have a kiln which is great, and then there is torch fire enameling. I have tried out both and so far I'm enjoying the torch more, but I now have 3 burns on 3 different fingers! My impatience is a curse, but its so much fun and I need to experiment further. I have found over firing is a bit of a problem, and also different enamels fire at different rates... oh, and they can discolor at the drop of a hat. But in saying all that - I love it!! I love how sometimes things go wrong with the most unexpected and beautiful results.

Most definitely a learning curve - but lots of fun and I hope to have the first new pieces to share this week.

But for now I'm lost in the joys of Spring! My garden is now alive with the color and scents of the season, with the Azalea in full bloom..... in fact I see a pair of 'Azalea' earrings in my very near future!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

C x

Back again.....

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well - I hope so anyway.

I am indeed a transient blogger..... I am easily distracted, and often neglect my blog, but I'm going to attempt to keep it up for now and share a little about me, my current work and obsessions.

Spring is most definitely in the air, filling my world with the most amazing color. I can't get enough of it - drinking it in and trying to translate it into the jewels I am creating.

I'm also spending time dabbling and exploring the world of enamels.... and its addictive. Will post some pictures very soon.

For now I want to share one of my favorite bracelets, created back in 2009 - I wonder if there will be a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow!

Competition time, PMC and Thursdays Holiday Must Haves!

2010-11-11T08:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday Everyone!

To celebrate reaching my 400th sale in my 'Claire Pearse' Etsy boutique, I've decided to hold a competition/giveaway! Its your chance to win a pair of my petite chandelier or cluster earrings. For a chance to win all you need to do to enter is to join my facebook fan page and let me know your favorite gemstone, and give me a name for your design.... something that means something to you or conjures up an image or emotion that I can turn into a special design for you. I will also make sure the design includes your favorite gem! The competition closes on the 19th November. To enter look out for the competition announcement/thread on my facebook page and add your entry into the comments. Good Luck!

I've also been busy working on my new PMC pieces and yesterday I managed to photograph the first of my new pieces - the 'Set Me Free' earrings..... hand formed soaring birds created with PMC, wrapped with 14k Gold fill and adorned with cherry red Garnets. I'm thinking of creating a series of PMC pieces around this idea, maybe with necklaces too, but for now I'm working on a few Bronze clay pieces, very much inspired by my Celtic heritage - more to follow about this very soon. Would love to hear your feedback on the new pieces, and you can find them listed at my Etsy shop.

'Chocolate and Butterscotch Bars' by Whimsy and Spice.

So for my Thursday finds I had to share this decadent and delicious vendor here on Etsy. I cannot recommend them highly enough..... having tasted many of their creations - they are so incredibly delicious! The are called 'Whimsy and Spice' and they bake incredible cakes, cookies and oh, my their marshmallows are to die for!! I can see another purchase from their shop in the very near future and they'll be finding their way into friends and family packages this Christmas! Enjoy! x

A return to blogging............

2010-11-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

My poor, sadly neglected blog...... Well, I can't help thinking its about time I put this right. But where to start?? Rather than backtracking over events since my last blogging adventure, I've decided to start things afresh.

Whilst featuring news and updates from my studio, I'm going to share the work of friends and of other artists and artisans I admire. So with a chill in the air (even here in Houston we've been feeling the bite of winter) and only 48 shopping days to Christmas I'm starting today with a wintry theme.....

Fresh from the Studio this last week are my 'Glacier Earrings' created with the most beautiful Crystal Quartz shimmering beneath clustering tendrils of icy gems including, Blue Topaz, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Apatite and Quartz.

The Glacier earrings are one of the first of my winter themed pieces listed in my Etsy online shop with many more to follow over the coming weeks.

I was so delighted this morning to find I'd been featured in a fabulous Etsy treasury by AlteredEras. Entitled 'Shiver' its a wonderful collection of wintry delights, and I just love this ocean inspired Christmas Tree by Etsy seller GiftsandStars. They also have some great handing decorations for your nautical inspired Christmas.

Happy Monday everyone..... and I'll be back tomorrow with details of my new fine silver (pmc) designs and sharing the work of another fellow artisans too. ~ C x

Spring, inspiration and time to escape.....

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000-06:00

At last it feels like spring is peeking its head out from under the duvet after its long winter slumber. And boy does it feel good..... Spring is undoubtedly one of my busiest design periods, my sketchbook is always open, whether to put onto paper the latest design buzzing around my head, or to take note of colors, words or feelings that 'inspire' me.

This weekend we took a trip to Galveston, and being at the coast really awakens the senses.... the brisk sea breeze, the sounds of the shore and beautiful colors from the Spring flowers, and swaying palms. Indeed a time to escape and refuel, and now with a sketchbook full of ideas, my first Summer designs will be previewing later this week, along with other gorgeous Spring designs.

So much for Resolutions......

2009-11-05T18:05:00.000-06:00

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...........

2009-09-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-10T15:01:00.000-05:00

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......

2009-02-25T15:03:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-02-21T12:20:00.000-06:00

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 Crysalli s 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?

2009-02-06T10:39:00.000-06:00

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......

2009-02-03T14:02:00.000-06:00

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....

2009-01-30T08:47:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-29T11:04:00.000-06:00

~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.......

2009-01-28T09:33:00.001-06:00

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