I’ve played around with resin and even some enamel in the past, but these didn’t really do it for me.  The colors all shine – and quite frankly, I’d like my colors to be more matte looking so you can see the metal and it’s finely etched details along with the color.

So guess what?  I think I’ve finally found something – Gilder’s paste.  Gilder’s paste is a bees wax based paint that you can use on metal.  You can add color in may different hues – and it’s permanent!  (However, I will still protect my pieces with a special metal lacquer because I’m paranoid that way.)  The sample below is something I just started working on today.  You have to wait approximately 12-24 hours between coats, so what you see here is not exactly what I expect this to look like just yet – but it is getting close.

Floral colored sterling silver pendant

Oh, the possibilities!  I think some new designs may be emerging pretty soon from this.  And I think I’ve found my colors!

And they say that this tree has the power to make wishes come true!  For a wish to be granted, you must first ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire and then tie a loose knot in one of its pliable branches.  When your wish is fulfilled, untie the knot and thank the willow for your gift.

I think this little tree is going to be inspiring lots of designs over the next few months!

One trend that seems to be occurring over and over again are faces.   I’ve always loved faces – whether they be in masks, or pictures, or sculpture.  Faces intrigue me.  They can tell a story, and convey an emotion without speaking a word.    I usually choose to make my faces serene or joyful – never threatening or severe.  I think I do this to try to combat all the craziness occurring in the world around us, and in our daily lives.

The faces that are featured in quite a few of the new designs are recent additions to the  Faeries & Creatures collection.  One of my new favorite pieces is called “Lost in the Night Sky,” which features a peaceful, moon resting in the windy night sky among the stars while she illuminates the world below her.

Another is called “The Guardian,” where a woodland fairy calmly watches over a tiny bird nest until its mother returns from her travels.  

I find that I’d rather make my faces those of faeries, or the moon, or of other woodland nymphs, who don’t cause too much mischief, but are there to watch over us and remind us to be happy and keep our imagination alive.

Rockin' Band Necklace

You never know what I will come up with!