An Autumn Snow

 

Autumn Snow

 I can't believe it's snowing before Halloween. The beautifully colored leaves are still visible, but soon will be all white... and cold! Yuck!  My studio is the smallest of the rooms in our apartment, but that means that it is also the warmest, so I escaped the chill and spent my Saturday afternoon working on some new jewelry.
I have been using a lot of reds, greens and browns because of fall, but I decided to put those away today and let the snow influence my work :)

 Swarovski crystal, Moonstone, Labradorite and Sterling silver

 Pink pearls, Lapis, Rhyodacite, and Sterling Silver

Close up of Rhyodacite pendant

In the evening, Hubby and I ignored that crazy white stuff outside and had some traditional Fall fun: Pumpkin carving! We toasted up the seeds for a tasty treat and then caught up on our DVRed shows.

Project Accessory {Upcycled Jewelry}

There is a new show called 'Project Accessory' on Lifetime that is all about jewelry and other accessories. I was giggling like a little girl when I sat down to watch the premiere Thursday night! As you all know, I am I huge fan of upcycled jewelry, and this episode's challenge was all about that! So, I thought I'd share some of the amazing designs these guys came up with and to let you know about the show, if you don't already, because it was awesome! (Btw: you can watch the full episode on myLifetime.com!)

{The Show} Project Accessory is a spin off from Project Runway, in which 12 accessory (jewelry, handbag or shoe) designers compete in various challenges. In the first challenge, the contestants had only 15 minutes to search through piles of storage unit junk. Using the materials they chose, each designer had to create three accessories, a necklace, belt and accessory of choice. These three pieces would have to be cohesive and complete the classic 'jeans and white tee shirt' look that their models were wearing. 

{The highlights} I was really impressed with most of the designs when they finally came down the run way. Every one of the contestants has amazing amounts of talent. These are some of my favorite pieces from the collections:

Necklace by Christina   |   Necklace by Shea     

       Belt by David   |   Clutch by Kelly   



Necklace by Nina (the winning designer for this challenge)

  

All photos belong to myLifetime.com

Jewelry Art Journal

Here is a recent spread I did in my art journal. The right page started with an old article I had about using paintings as inspiration for designing a necklace. I found a few paintings I liked and made a color palette for future designs. The left page is a few clippings of jewelry I liked, all in turquoise and teal colors. I used a stamp and brushes to add some paint in similar colors. Then added notes and doodles with a marker.

I {heart} pumpkins

 

 

Today was a beautiful October day, so Hubby and I went to pick out our pumpkins. We went to a place called Cows and Cones. It's a farm with an ice cream shop, animals for the kids to see, and a cute farm stand where they sell their goods. We got a big pumpkin for carving and some small pumpkins and gourds for the house.

I have another show next weekend, so my nose is to the grind still. Here are a few pieces I have made recently:

Vintage Key, Teal blue gemstone beads and crystal glass

Sterling silver chain earrings with Swarovski crystals and glass beads

Smokey quartz pendant

Or not...

I had hoped to have a picture, for Bead Table Wednesday, of all the great new pieces I've been working on. This did not happen. In fact, not much is happening on my beading table today.

Milo hopes you all have a restful afternoon!

The salty wind through your hair

Saturday was the Crafts on Main show in Old Saybrook. This is a nice town on Long Island Sound that features a great Main St, awesome views of the ocean and stunning homes. I often drive the route that takes you along the shore, where I can smell the ocean and see the lighthouse. Perhaps, though, this town is best known for Fenwick Estate, where Katharine Hepburn lived and spent her final days.

Fenwick, Old Saybrook, CT

 Katharine Hepburn at the Fenwick Estate

I could not have asked for this show to go better. Really, it was just perfect.
I didn't stress and get anxious now that I have my display set.  The weather was sunny and warm, but not too hot.We had great people to meet and lots of sales! 

Saybrook Country Barn   Old Saybrook, CT

I was thinking the other day about it becoming Fall and trying to find the good side of colder weather and dark nights. I ended up putting together a little "Fall Bucket List" for myself...

1. Go apple picking.

2. Decorate a pumpkin, without carving.

3. Walk outside more often. Enjoy the cool air.

4. Collect colored leaves to use in my art journal.

5. Bake a low-fat apple desert.

Sounds like it's going to be a good couple of months :)  What are you looking forward to this Fall?

Photo sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Happy October!

 Groton, CT