Beauty in the Romance

Posted on August 3, 2015 by

For some reason, the brilliant summer sunlight, the vibrant hummingbirds in the yard, and the intensely blue skies with sunsets that defy the imagination all remind me strongly of Maxfield Parrish’s  romantic and dazzling artwork (click on the links to see his bio and work). I have always loved his figures who are evocative of romance and play. It has driven me to find a little of that feeling in my jewelry. So here goes!

Radiant Garden Necklace

Radiant Garden Necklace

Art Deco Maiden Bracelet

Art Deco Maiden Bracelet

Woman in Emerald Bracelet

Woman in Emerald Bracelet

Halcyon Days Bracelet

Halcyon Days Bracelet

Blazing Woman Bracelet

Blazing Woman Bracelet

 

  And here is my favorite Maxfield Parrish- breathtaking isn’t it!

Daybreak by Maxfield Parrish

Daybreak by Maxfield Parrish

Advertisements
Posted in Artists, Bracelets, Necklaces | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Faces

Posted on June 28, 2015 by

I really love exploring new ways to be creative and am completely enamored of these lovely faces!  Of course my workroom  now resembles World War III -utter chaos due to the growing amount of new tools, jewelry parts, and oh so many many ways to color and paint!

A Klimt beguiling beauty is illuminated delicately with glowing warm tints.

Klimt Bracelet    A beguiling beauty is illuminated delicately with glowing warm tints.

Searching Woman Bracelet An art deco inspired woman softly shines through an opalescent swirl of lilac, pearl and midnight blue.

Searching Woman Bracelet    An art deco inspired woman softly shines through an opalescent swirl of lilac, pearl and midnight blue.

Doors of Fire Necklace

The Woman Within Necklace This pendant is embossed, painted and glazed in fiery hues. Open and enter!

The Woman Within Necklace A mysterious woman inspired by Gustav Klimt arises from the vibrant paint.

The Woman Within Necklace A mysterious woman inspired by Gustav Klimt arises from the vibrant saffron, marigold and crimson handpainted backdrop.

Posted in Bracelets, Necklaces | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

“Why do we never get an answer when we’re knocking at the door?…”

Posted on April 3, 2015 by

Yes, that was tease for you Moody Blues fans! So please enter new doorways with a few answers  😉

And since I am obviously a devoted Moody Blues fan, I thought I’d give y’all a Moodies break with “Question” :

“Why do we never get an answer
When we’re knocking at the door
With a thousand million questions
About hate and death and war?”

Oh heck, here’s the whole thing, enjoy!

Posted in Music, Necklaces | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Accio Magic Doors!

Posted on March 20, 2015 by

Hah, got your attention! Thought I was going to show you new jewels, and I am, but since I am knee deep in Harry Potter (how many of you just stopped reading this?…) I thought I’d pass along some impressive work by a group of young folks who want to do good in the world, http://thehpalliance.org. Their latest campaign is called The Apparating Library to promote literacy and continue their international book drive. Check it out!

Here are a few doorway necklaces for those Potterheads out there:

Still looking for my magic wand……

 

Posted in Books, Necklaces | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Through Doorways

Posted on February 10, 2015 by

Here we go through open doorways to new adventures! This is a new line of pendant necklaces. Each one reveals an inspirational thought. Here is a sneak peek:

Posted in Necklaces, paintings | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

It’s the New Year and time for Chocolate Mousse!

Posted on January 1, 2015 by

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2015 brings you all happiness and joy! To start off the new year properly, one needs chocolate and lots of it 😃 so here is my recipe for chocolate mousse.  Cheers!

Chocolate Mousse

IMG_2325

Ingredients

2 cups 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

2 cups heavy cream

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated white sugar

1/4 cup strong brewed coffee

1/8 cup rum

Directions

  1. In a large chilled bowl, whip the cream to form light peaks. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. Melt the chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally till smooth.
  3. In the meantime, whip the eggs with the sugar, cooled coffee and rum at medium-high for about 10 minutes, until very fluffy and thick.
  4. Stir the melted chocolate into the beaten eggs (the volume of the egg mixture will reduce, don’t worry about it!)
  5. Fold in the whipped cream.
  6. Spoon mousse into cups or pretty glasses. Decorate with shaved chocolate and enjoy!
Posted in Recipes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

More chain maille variations….

Posted on November 17, 2014 by

Bracelets this time 🙂

Chain Maille Bracelets

Chain Maille Bracelets

Chain Maille Bracelets

Chain Maille Bracelets

 

Posted in Bracelets, chain maille | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Variations on a theme

Posted on November 16, 2014 by

It’s official, I have gone chain maille crazy! I love the effect of joining metal rings in a variety of ways to form interesting pieces. (Admittedly, it’s tough on the hands but I am ablsolutely compelled! Obsessed is probably a better word LOL!)

Chain Maille Necklace Simple and elegant this necklace is made with special square wire formed into multiple rings and hand woven.

Chain Maille Necklace Simple and elegant this necklace is made with special square wire formed into multiple rings and hand woven.

Chain Maille Rosette Necklace A variation which adds a lovely melody to any outfit!

Chain Maille Rosette Necklace A variation which adds a lovely melody to any outfit!

Chain Maille Grande Large rings make a definite statement!

Chain Maille Grande Large rings make a definite statement!

 

Posted in chain maille, Necklaces | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Jewels for the holidays!

Posted on November 8, 2014 by

Here they come! Can you hear the holidays rushing towards us? Wasn’t it just summer?! Well, to start the season off right, here are a few new pieces of jewelry to add a bit of sparkle to your life 🙂

Art Nouveau Earrings

Art Nouveau Earrings                                                                                                                             A rainbow of hand tinted earrings that are elegant for any occasion!

Victorian Ornate Scroll Bracelets

Victorian Ornate Scroll Bracelets                                                                                                                   Each bracelet is colored and shaped by hand. These can be dressy or worn casually.

 

 

Posted in Bracelets, Earrings | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

New news!

Posted on September 21, 2014 by

Hi folks, I just wanted to update everyone and let you know that I am now selling my jewelry in a new venue, Studios in the Park in Paso Robles. Check it out, it’s full of intriguing and diverse art pieces plus plenty of gorgeous handcrafted items in a variety of media! There are always artists and craftsmen in residence who demonstrate their art and are happy to answer questions. A terrific place to visit!

studios on the Parkhttp://www.studiosonthepark.org

And don’t forget my other venue, Fiona Bleu in Morro Bay, filled with unique and creative art, jewelry, sculpture and other gorgeous works!

FB 2

fiona bleu

http://www.fionableu.com

Posted in Bracelets, Earrings, Galleries and stores, Local happenings, Necklaces, paintings, Places | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sapphire Day!

Posted on August 13, 2014 by

The sky recently has displayed so many rich and vivid shades of blues that I just borrowed  a few, mixed them with golds and bronze tints, and voila! Feast your eyes on these ladies:

Star Goddess Bracelet in Sapphire

Star Goddess Bracelet in Sapphire This lovely one rests on a pierced filigree bracelet cuff which has been hand painted in shades of cornflower, periwinkle and sapphire, then highlighted with a bronze tint.

Side view of the Sapphire Star Goddess Bracelet

Side view of the Sapphire Star Goddess Bracelet A flowered clasp and Czech sapphire crystal add a finishing touch.

Ancient Egyptian Goddess Bracelet

Ancient Egyptian Goddess Bracelet

Ancient Egyptian Goddess Bracelet

Ancient Egyptian Goddess Bracelet

Posted in Bracelets | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Angels and Maidens

Posted on August 8, 2014 by

Well, as far as I am concerned, you can never have too much color so I developed new variations for two of my favorite necklaces. Cheers!

Art Deco Angel Necklace in Blue

Art Deco Angel Necklace in Blue
This lovely angel is securely fastened with micro screws to a winged filigree scroll which is tinted by hand with a variety of paints and gilders paste. Love the varied hues!

 

Masthead Maiden Necklace in Burgundy

Masthead Maiden Necklace in Burgundy
Hand-tinted in burgundy, cherry and gold using paints and Gilders paste, this lovely maiden is ready to sail!

Of course you need earring to go with all these new necklaces, but of course not matchy-matchy (do you remember “What Not to Wear? 😉 ),  just an echo of the hues in the jewelry.

Earrings Aglow

Earrings Aglow

 

Posted in Earrings, Necklaces | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Buttons Buttons Buttons!

Posted on July 25, 2014 by

I have an current obsession with Czech glass buttons! They are beautiful art pieces handmade by skilled glass artisans whose techniques have been perfected and handed down for generations. I can’t resist making them the centerpiece for more jewelry pieces so here we go!

Radiant Emerald and Wine Necklace The rich palette of this glowing Czech glass deserved equally sumptuous hues to complement it. The chain is handmade with squared rings.

Radiant Emerald and Wine Necklace The rich palette of this glowing Czech glass deserved equally sumptuous hues to complement it. The chain is handmade with squared rings.

Summer Peach Bracelet Golds, peach and cherry tones highlight this delicate offering.

Summer Peach Bracelet Golds, peach and cherry tones highlight this delicate offering.

Orchid Spiral Bracelet

Orchid Spiral Bracelet Layers of antique brass and hand painted emerald hues frame this lovely Czech glass spiral button in an orchid color palette

 

Posted in Bracelets, Necklaces | 1 Comment

Butterflies in Flight

Posted on July 23, 2014 by

We live in the path of the monarch butterfly migration and are lucky enough to see vast numbers of them on the coast of central California. Though we see lots of monarchs, there have been plenty of varied colored butterflies flitting about our garden lately. Felt like I must make something to reflect the joy they inspire, so voila!

Sapphire Butterfly Bracelet

Sapphire Butterfly Bracelet This amethyst and sapphire butterfly flies through lush foliage amidst colorful flowers and leaves.

 

Sapphire Butterfly closeup

Sapphire Butterfly closeup

 

Posted in Bracelets | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Chocolate Lush Recipe

Posted on July 4, 2014 by

My husband’s birthday was this week and the only gift he wanted (besides his dream of owning a Tesla, LOL!) is Chocolate Lush for dessert. So in the spirit of the 4th of July, I declared independence from calories for the day (don’t tell my hips please!).

Chocolate Lush, yes!

Chocolate Lush, yes!

Chocolate Lush

Crust layer:
1 1/3 Cup flour
1 1/3 sticks of butter
1  1/3 C. chopped nuts (I use slivered toasted almonds, chopped)
1/3 C. powdered sugar
Mix together, and press into 9×13″ pan.
Bake at 375 until golden brown for about 15 minutes, let cool.

Cream Cheese Layer:
12 oz. cream cheese (softened)
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 1/4 Cup powdered sugar
Whip the cream cheese until soft.  Mix in the powdered sugar until blended. Fold in the Cool Whip until mixture is smooth and well blended.  Spread over the cooled crust.

 For Chocolate Pudding Layer:
3 small packages of chocolate instant pudding
4 1/2 Cups of cold milk.
*You can use any flavor of pudding you prefer, but seriously, the chocolate is phenomenal!

Top Layer:
Spread 8 oz  Cool Whip over the top of the pudding layer.
* You can whip your own heavy cream, and sweeten it with confectioners sugar & vanilla.

Refrigerate overnight. I also like to sprinkle mini-chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shaved chocolate and/or chocolate syrup over the top, because there is no way you are counting calories with this dessert. It is definitely and completely over the top, yummy!

Layers of lovely chocolate lush!

Layers of lovely chocolate lush!

Posted in Recipes | Tagged | 1 Comment