Birthday Wishlist

Now that Halloween is over and (almost) out of mind, it has occurred to me that my birthday is only a week away. While I frequently (more like constantly) say aloud "I want that," I'm currently drawing a blank when asked the question "What do you want for your birthday?". So it's time to narrow down the mighty and vast list of what I'm lusting after.

1. A low-key birthday party with my closest friends, thrown by someone other than myself. I've always wanted someone to throw me a party and nobody ever has. It would be so glorious to just be able to kick back and have fun on my birthday without the stress of planning a party for myself.

2. A Flickr pro account.

3. Vintage dresses in fall tones.





4. A subscription to NYLON magazine.



5. A manicure.



6. Slouchy berets and beanies.





7. A gift card to Best Buy.

8. An ice cream cake.



9. A bottle of Yago Sant'gria.



10. As long as I'm being completely unrealistic, I'll take one of these too.

It's Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey!

It's time for another installment of Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey, the popular feature in which I thoughtfully respond to a selection of the Google searches that led people to my blog. Sometimes this involves writing haikus about chlamydia, which happens to be my favorite pastime.

If you would like a slightly more descriptive explanation, click here, and if not, read on (google searches in bold italics; my response below).

Inadvertently Ask Daddy Likey!

what are the major desserts in somalia
I've heard they love a good tiramisu.

i wear riding boots and breeches and want to get married
As far as I know, people who wear riding boots and breeches find love and get married all the time, so don't lose hope! And never change yourself for a man! Just find one who's into riding boots and breeches too, and you should be fine.

test for real pashmina
Ask the pashmina to spell "pashmina." The fake ones freeze up--they can never do it!

can goodwill store charge high prices?
I wish it wasn't so, but it is.

earwig diagram
Oh my! Sorry you missed it! Here you go:


mary kay scrub gives you aids
Yeah, I heard that too.

"austin powers catchphrases"
So, I have a spot of bad news for you. Hmm... How do I say this... Well, Austin Powers catchphrases aren't quite "in" anymore. Actually, I don't know if anything's ever been more out. Maaaaaayybbee "Somebody stop me!" from The Mask, but, actually, no, even that still has its charms. Would you like to know some more current popular catchphrases instead? Try these:

"Don't tase me, bro!"
"Your mom goes to college."
"Honest to blog!"
"I drink your milkshake."
"Sexy time!"
"I'm fucking Matt Damon."

brought my camera to spice girls concert
Do you really need to rub it in? Jesus.

"kate moss" "short legs"
You are severely mistaken.

does sharon stone have nice eyebrows

I would say so, yeah.

is there life after passion parties?
Life has been pretty dismal after mine, actually.

god please hear my need. what is a good persuasive essay?
Wow have I been there, although my lack of religious education left me ignorant to this whole God-is-in-the-Google thing. But just in case you're wrong, and my 9th grade English teacher is really God, here's her advice.

you so hot global warming is jealous of you
If a man ever says this to me, I will leave my boyfriend for him.

i need cocaine in seattle.
Did this work out for you? Because this is totally how I would go about scoring drugs, too. Seriously, I'd be the worst druggie ever, sheepishly asking Google things like, "So, does one eat meth, or no?" and "Better Business Bureau Portland-area top weed sellers."

penis hanging out of shorts + mother in law
Wow. Talk about awkward. For both parties.

a haiku for balenciaga

Intriguing concept,
But what happens when she sits?
Chocha is show-chaed.

rhyme about fake tan

Jeez, I'm workin' overtime on the poetry here. How's this?

Fake tans can be so lovely--
Just a subtle, golden glow,
But when you overdo it
You look like a crazy ho.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I get a lot of email now from people who are new to sewing, and who want (for some reason) my advice. Just last week I got a very kind email from Elizabeth, who wanted me to help her choose between two patterns.

Now, usually, my advice is just to buy both, to avoid regret, but I went and looked at her pattern choices. Her choice B was unremarkable (and a little difficult for a first project) but her choice A ... I fell in love.

If her choice A had been in a romantic comedy, I would have been in the role of matchmaker, and this would have been the perfect guy ... who then asked to be set up with my best friend. Hijinks would ensue.

But, I hear you asking, how lovely WAS choice A? Here, you tell me:


Now, giving advice to newbies is a sacred trust, and even though the dress was up for auction on eBay, I couldn't go and snipe it! That wouldn't be sporting! So I appeal to you all -- does anyone have a copy of this for sale? B36, by preference?

At least I am consoled by the thought that one new sewist is going to have a very happy first dress!

Blogback Mountain

Possibly my favorite sentence ever blogged: Pulling one of these off when you're the height of a great dane is about as likely as nationalized health care.

I want Agathe's wardrobe life. She eats lunch outside and has a pet pig, for god's sake.

Tricia asks the tough question: Why do we wear what we wear?

This post incorporates my three favorite things: sandwiches. sustainability. and Todd Oldham.

Meg has a great tip for making new friends--darn tootin'!

Some douchebag called our dear Queen Marie a beaver. Or perhaps he was not a douchebag, but a perfect gentleman simply comparing her to Woodrow?

I have the best eyebrows in America--that's a fact, because one person told me two years ago. And now I may have to nominate Gala as having the best eyebrows in Australia.

Hyena In Petticoats=Awesome blog title, even awesomer blog.

Maybe this is the real reason for seasonal depression?

Ed Levin Jewelry Designer

Ed Levin began designing jewelry while living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he worked with a master Florentine jeweler. He brought what he learned back to the United States and founded Ed Levin Jewelry. He has passed his artistic vision and skills down to the next generation of master craftsmen who carry on his legacy. His jewelry is still handcrafted using age-old techniques and only the finest materials.





Saddle Bracelet

This engraved bracelet is truly a piece of art. The lightly hammered bangle splits at the front of the piece to hold a large engraved floral plaque, which also serves as the anchor for the tongue and groove clasp. Available in Sterling Silver, Two-tone Sterling and 14k Yellow Gold (pictured above ), and solid 14k Yellow Gold. The bracelet measures 1" at its widest point.





Shadow Box Necklace

This unique, three dimensional slide style pendant features a triangular "frame" above a pool of Sterling Silver or 14k Yellow Gold, where a 6mm bead appears to be floating. The pendant measures 3/4" long by 3/4" wide at the widest point, and includes an 18" Sterling Silver snake chain with a handmade hook and eye clasp. Choose from all Sterling Silver, Sterling with a 14k Gold bead, or Sterling Silver with a 14k Gold pool and bead (pictured).





Water's Edge Ring

This eclectic puzzle style ring, available in 5mm and 7mm widths, has a wonderful organic feel. Choose Sterling Silver, 14k Yellow Gold, 14k White Gold, and Two-tone Sterling and 14k Yellow Gold.



Company Statement

Ed Levin Jewelry offers designer jewelry in gold, sterling silver, and platinum. All of our jewelry designs are loving handcrafted at our workshop in Cambridge, New York, by our staff of skilled craftspeople. Our handcrafted jewelry comes with a lifetime guarantee. Other handmade designer jewelers cannot make that same guarantee. Our designer jewelry is of heirloom quality. Ed Levin collectors have been adding our designs to their jewelry box for decades. You haven't experienced handcrafted designer jewelry, until you have experienced Ed Levin jewelry.



About Ed Levin

Levin was born February 4, 1921, in New York City and grew up in Long Beach on Long Island. He studied fine arts at Columbia University, and later at Alfred University, the New School, and the Barnes Foundation. He successfully obtained conscientious objector status during World War II.



In 1948, Levin lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and studied with a Florentine master jeweler. In 1949, Levin married Ruth Perlmutter, and lived on the Upper West Side in New York City.



In 1950, he and his founded Ed Levin Jewelry, and made jewelry on the stove top in their New York apartment. He traveled by bus throughout New England to sell his jewelry to college students. In 1953, the couple moved to Shaftsbury, Vermont, where Levin sold his artwork and jewelry from Ed Levin Arts Workshop, established in a building on their property. In 1964, he moved his workshop to Bennington where he opened a retail shop.



In 1968, Levin married Ruth Pearl Bluestone Dale, bought a house in Cambridge, NY, and moved his wholesale business there. While Levin continued to design jewelry, he also spent time in his studio painting, sculpting, throwing pots, and inventing tools.



Ed Levin Jewelry, Inc., considered the oldest and largest hand-crafted jewelry manufacturer in the United States, is owned by the family and currently sells to hundreds of retail shops throughout the country.



Levin was adamant in his beliefs and followed his own path. Life, for him, was a continuing exploration of ideas, the senses, and challenging the status quo. He actively supported peace, human rights, civil liberties, and environmental protection.



Levin said, "The diversity and richness of the natural world and all of the peoples who have inhabited it will always inspire both art and jewelry. The connections are not necessarily direct or obvious, but our present is still connected to the earth forms and ancestor creations that abound and still touch us."



Edward Levin, of Cambridge, New York, and Cedar Key, Florida, died February 23, 2008, at his home in Cedar Key. He was 87. He was an artist, craftsperson, jeweler, painter, sculptor, ceramist, and inventor of machines, tools, and processes to enhance creativity in jewelry making.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Designer Jewelry by Rhonda Reagan - 16 January 2008

Donna D'Aquino Jewelry Designer - 25 February 2008

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Spring Bridal Jewelry

Getting ready for a wedding can be traumatic, but it should also be joyful. Selecting the jewelry you'll wear with that beautiful wedding gown can be a daunting task. The current big and bold trend in designer jewelry has also trickled down to bridal jewelry.



Spring 2008 Trends for Wedding Gown Styles

Light cotton and organza gowns are the best picks for spring, and the 50s inspired trends from winter will linger through 2008. This year calls for classic silhouettes and romantic embellishments including lace, organza, eyelets, and tiny beads. Very full skirts are still strong this year, and a contemporary look involves a simple straight-cut gown with an extra-long train.



Bridal Necklaces

Low-cut wedding gowns are very popular, and a long necklace would add just the right touch. Necklaces utilize the bigger-is-better theme as well, dripping gemstones and setting off demure necklines. Dramatic cascading pendants show off two, three, or more linked-stones.





Rhiannon with Pearls

Sterling Silver braided chain necklace with hand knotted oval Macramé pendant and Crocheted choker with Freshwater Pearls and Austrian Crystals. The necklace has a secure clasp with an adjustable length chain. Rhiannon was the Welsh Goddess of art, communication, creativity, fertility, ghosts, leadership, manifestation, movement, poetry, rest and writing.



Even the classic choker can be emboldened with up to six strands of pearls. I think chokers are a very good choice, and can be worn with virtually any neckline, like this one:





Maia with Pearls

Hand-knotted Sterling Silver Macramé choker with Freshwater white pearls, 1 1/4" wide. The necklace has a secure clasp with an adjustable length chain. Maia was the Roman Goddess of playfulness, sexuality, and wishes.



Bridal Bracelets

Thick cuffs of silver and gold sprinkled with gemstones are currently in fashion. Tiny rhinestones or beads can add an air of daintiness to chunky designs. Some brides are walking down the aisle with family heirlooms on their wrists for an old-fashioned sentimental air.





Bianca Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Bracelet

Complete your antique-inspired set with a pearl and cubic zirconia bracelet of stunning character.



If you want to be a little less dramatic, go for a plain silver bracelet, like this one:





Double Heart Linked Sterling Silver Bracelet

A repetition of silver intertwined hearts form a charming display. A darling wedding gift, this Double Heart Linked Sterling Silver is so sweet the soon-to-be bride will adore it.



Bridal Earrings

Although they might not be as important as your other jewelry, earrings really do complete a look. Try on various earrings and see which look best with your gown's neckline and the hairstyle you plan to wear on wedding day. You want to make sure that your earrings show up.



The look in wedding jewelry now is bold, and the hottest trend in the spotlight is the chandelier earring. The dangling pieces of jewelry boast diamonds, pearls, or even glass beads, evoking a glamorous, Art-Deco look.





Castalia Chandelier Earrings

Hand-knotted Sterling Silver chandelier earrings with Sapphire color Czech & Austrian crystals, 2" long. Castalia was the Greek Goddess of art, children, creativity, inspiration, and joy.



Pearl drops are elegant wedding selections. The white of pearls can illuminate your face. You can also go for something more dramatic, such as hanging crystal earrings, but make sure they don't overwhelm your dress. If your gown is heavily beaded and sparkly, you may want to wear subtle or smallish earrings.





Amara Pearl Earrings

Three ethereal iridescent freshwater pearls are tiered to dangle from three slender sterling silver chains attached to earring posts adorned with a shiny silver bead.



Have a happy wedding!

See full article.





Related Entries:

Fair Trade Bridal Jewelry - 02 August 2006

Bridal Jewelry from 1928 - 12 October 2006

Carolee Bridal Jewelry - 10 January 2007

On the Dot with Bridal Jewelry - 03 July 2007

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

By the Numbers

Remember those nursery curtains I bought at Target? They turned into this:



It's Butterick 2626, the same dress as the one in this post. It's not ironed -- this is how it looks after being hung up wet from the dryer.

I didn't realize until I took the picture how ... prominent ... the numbers are on the bodice. In my mind, it's an alphabet dress, not a numbers dress, but I don't mind. (And since I'm going to be wearing this mostly for work, I hope I earworm everyone I meet with Dolly Parton's "9 to 5".)

It took me forever to figure out what buttons to use, until I remembered I bought fifteen packets of covered-button forms at the last Hancock's notions sale:


The covered buttons were EASY. There's a template on the back of the package and then all you have to do is get the fabric wet and put it in the mold. It took less time to make the buttons than it did to sew them on. (Just remember to check the orientation of the shanks if your buttons have a definite up-and-down ... a couple of mine are sewn on an angle for that reason!)

If I had it to do over again, I would, and with a glad heart, but this time I'd unpick the curtain hems BEFORE washing them; the sizing made the fabric stiff and in my haste I ripped one of the hems along the seamline, which made cutting-out a bit awkward. (If you have rips or stains in your fabric, you can mark them the way I do, with blue painter's tape -- it's stiff enough so that you can feel it from the wrong side but it comes off easily without leaving any sticky stuff behind.)

The obligatory "Let me show you where I screwed up" part is here:



The skirt has an interesting slashed/darted opening on the left for the zipper, and the right-hand side is supposed to have just a plain dart. Which I forgot to make. Which means the back skirt is not centered on the back bodice. To which I say: big whoop; I gave up being worried if people were staring at my ass a decade ago.

Here's the full back view:



Despite that annoyance and assorted others (if you remember, this is the dress where I turned front and back bodice gathers into darts, plus I had to let out the waist an inch, which is irritating on a skirt with side-seam pleats) I will probably make this pattern at least once more. It's so comfortable!

If you're playing "spot the pockets", they're set in the front skirt seam, between the third and fourth outermost pleats. Very convenient!

I'm with the band

Novelty bags are a niche to themselves. rarely seen as more than a one off, they are often coveted in vintage stores for their tongue in cheek appeal.
I'm not sure where the Piano Clutch from Dutchy falls.

It's symmetrical enough to not shout "PIANO!" and the mix of textures is lovely with the embossed patent set onto the smooth leather. However, there is no mistaking what the designer's intent was when you look a second time, and see the subtle keys stitched into the cream leather. It's not like it's a baby grand on a strap. I think if it suits some one's personality, it's a very cute bag that is sure to make some people smile.
The bag is well thought out, with interior pockets and a cell phone slot. The wrist strap is removable, but personally, while I prefer a clutch hold, I like having a loop if I need to slide the bag onto my wrist.
There is also not a serious investment involved, a plus for a novelty bag that you would probably not be carrying too often (lest the appeal wear off). It's $175 and available from Unsung Designers.

Shirtdresses I Have Not (Yet) Purchased

I know the general perception is that I am cornering the market on shirtdresses, but I swear that is not true. As evidence, I present these patterns that I have not (and probably will not -- probably) buy:




This one, from Miss Helene's, is really cute. I love the faux-western yoke. But I am NOT BUYING IT.

And this one,




Sent by Deb, and available from BootyVintage, is really elegant and sophisticated. (Probably too elegant and sophisticated for me, as those of you who know me will attest.) So it's available to YOU!

Both TCarole and Deirdre left comments pointing out this one, which is a new Vogue pattern, and so is available both at the Vogue Patterns site and in major fabric stores:




And William N. pointed out this one, at Cemetarian:



Just the thing for when you can't decide between a wrap dress and a shirtdress.

So, see? I haven't bought the ALL. There's plenty left for you guys!

[Update: But that Butterick 7373 at Vintage Martini? Was already sold! Sob.]

Project Runway - Yeah Christian! (It's over, now what?)

Yeah Christian! I'm glad that he won and I hope that we see more of him than we do of previous Project Runway winners. Tonight's final runway was the best of the 4 seasons. Every outfit that came down the runway from each designer was interesting - whether you liked it or not - I wanted a closer look at each item. I had to get out of bed and sit on the floor right in front of the tv to get a closer look as each collection came down the runway. Christian received the most applause, at least 5 of his outfits received applause as they came down the runway and they had guest judge fembot Victoria Posh wiggling in her seat and whispering in Michael Kor's ear. The outfits were just striking and I really like the look of the 3rd outfit above, very dramatic, outrageous, over the top, only wearable by someone like Posh, but fabulous.


Rami's collection was really nice too and for a brief second I thought he had a chance of winning when the judges said they were finally seeing the Rami that they wanted to see. The judges pointed out Rami's trouble with colors and I have to agree, some of the colors were odd. The gowns above were my favorites. The first had a satin basketweave on the side of the bodice that turned into an amazing drape down the side. The gold dress had a nice Old Hollwood look to it. The 3rd dress was made from 1930s lace and it had a gold shimmer as it came down the runway, the bottom had a very striking movement as it came down the runway. I can imagine Rami's gowns being worn on red carpet's in the near future.


Meow, kitty sees you! Doesn't that look like cat eyes on the bust of that first dress? I still really liked Jillian's collection too. I thought Jillian's pieces were more wearable for the semi-average gal. The riding helmets that some of the models wore were distracting, but the clothing was very nice and I see Jillian doing well with her own line too. The judges complaint was that the collection was too mixed, but I thought she was just showing her range.

At the beginning of this season, I kept feeling that something was missing from the show. Looking back at the season now, I think it was one of the best. It was focused more on the fashion than on the personalities, which is a good thing. In the past, the show had alot of focus on fighting, backstabbing and wacko people. If it weren't for Christian & Chris, this would have been a dull lot of designers, they added fun. Elisa had a wacky personality, but it was a sweet, likeable personality and I was interested in her designs. Unlike Vincent who was a true annoying wacko who was drug along in the competition for drama. Christian's early confidence seemed like arrogance, but it grew on you and it wasn't offensive or as biting as Santino was in his early episodes. Christian really grew on me, much earlier than Santino finally did.
I think the challenges were great this year too, faves being the Hershey challenge, the Wrestling babes, the NJ Prom Girls, the Weight Loss gals, the Avant Garde challenge and the Art challenge. During promos at the beginning of the season, Heidi and Tim both said this was the most talented group of designers, and at the end, I have to agree. They really turned out some amazing pieces this year. But now it's all over. I can't wait for the next season!


Some great dishy reading -
Tim gives a great interview about the show and dishes a little about Victorya -
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2008/03/project-runways.html
Wonder why she was so grumpy at the reunion show? She thought the time limits on the challenges were faked for tv and was mad through the duration of her stay on the show because they didn't have more time to work on their clothing. Show accused the producers of giving more money to some of the designers to spend at Mood Fabric, and actually has Tim count out the money in all the envelopes in front of her. Plus I still don't get her attitude about Jack leaving, she thinks it was a set-up.
Victorya responds to Tim's comments over at Blogging Project Runway -
http://bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com/2008/03/victorya-responds.html
She basically disses and dismisses his qualifications to be a mentor for the designers. Can you say Bitter? How about Sore Loser?

LOTS of great stuff from the RunGay Guys - http://projectrungay.blogspot.com/
First check out all of their great photos from the Project Runway finale party and read the great dish. Also watch Jillian's 2 exit interviews, meow! She get's a little catty and questions whether Pos was a fair judge or not. I have to agree. I think someone with a wider range of an opinion/knowledge of fashion should have been a judge. Her comments about a lady in an orange dress and shoes being the judge is funny.
PLUS Jillain won the 'It's Sew Not Over Challenge' on Bravo's website (Yeah! I voted for her) so she gets the 10K prize.

Bat Mitzvah Disco!

There are a few categories of clothing and related items that just automatically fall into these small niches the second you see them...and not particularly flattering niches at that. More a signifier of a wearable joke, they include things like: "Mother of the Bride" (a favorite of Michael Kors on project runway), "Bridesmaid", "Boy George", "Flashdance" (OK that last one can be fabulous in small doses), and one of my favorites swiped from the book of the same name Bar Mitzvah Disco...or in this case, Bat Mitzvah.
For those unfamiliar with the gala events that sometimes surround the Jewish rite of passage, picture My Super Sweet 16, only for a 13 year old...and flash it back to the 80's.

From the house of accessory disasters also known as Fendi, comes a bag that would have fit right in with the mylar balloons, and pastel multicolored rainbows and ribbons...seriously, I think I had a dress that matched this bag exactly, it was 1982, and I wore it to a fancy schmancy Bar Mitzvah held at Regine's...
Fast forward to 2008, and it really is yet another example of Fendi missing the mark. Prada and others featured here last month have done multicolored bags in all the colors of the rainbow proving that in the right hands it does work brilliantly.
The only thing the Fendi Multicolored Doctor B Bag does brilliantly, is provide a cheat sheet for future Disney Princesses who can't remember Roy G Biv for their Rainbows and Unicorns exam. You can purchase this little piece of brand new 80's nostalgia for an over the top $1,840 from eLuxury.

Message in a Furla

Have I recently mentioned my search for a crossbody bag? You might think it no big deal,
after all, so many current handbags from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Gryson, Chloe had dangling shoulder straps, they must be there for something, right?
Well, if what I wanted was a satchel attached at my hip, or in some cases, my boob then there were plenty of choices. But, what I wanted was an un-messenger bag. A bag that sat comfortably at my hip and looked like it was meant to. Nothing square and book-baggish, I wanted soft and slouchy. The Anna Corrina City Tote as featured here (believe it or not over a year ago) in super-jumbo-extra-large was close, but it was so big, that it could have doubled as a wrap skirt.
And then, in my weekly walk through Bloomingdales, there it was, hanging from a soft shoulder strap, canvas strap hanging from a pair of silver toned loops....
it was almost perfect...The Furla Elisabeth.

It was exactly what I had been searching for, if you take away the embossed croc, and the fact that the other choices, while grained leather were lilac, geranium red, and an awful toffee color.
But the good parts: The strap was long enough for the bag to hit anywhere from low hip, to my waist (hooray for adjustable straps!). The inside was big enough, the close was magnetic for easy access, the handles were short enough that they didn't interfere with anything, and it was perfectly soft and slouchy. Oddly enough, it is the sort of triangular hobo I might have otherwise overlooked, especially given the colors, were it not for the shoulder strap.

So, I did what any girl in this web-based world might do. I went online and searched for the bag in black, beige, even grey...something versatile and if not Spring-y, then I wanted all-season.
Black, was easy (it also comes in a rainbow of embossed croc, and linen) but then I saw this metallic.

Not as shiny as bright silver or gold, it is metallic, but still muted. It is definitely versatile for most anything, and softer than black or grey would be.
It is the perfect all day bag that won't fall off my shoulder, weigh down my wrist, or take up a hand (and with a 2 year old who hates the stroller - as if there was something bad about being pushed around in your own shaded lounge chair, it even has a cup holder - I need my hands free).
The embossed croc comes in honey, orange and purple for $555, and the metallic, AKA moon, is $450. Both are available online from Lord and Taylor.

Goss Design Studio

Andrew Goss and Sandra Noble Goss have been working together as artist-jewelers and metal workers in Canada since 1973, when they graduated from George Brown College's Jewelry Arts program in Toronto. They also studied jewelry for a year at Hornsey College of Art in London, England, and moved to the Owen Sound region northwest of Toronto, Canada, in 1976.



These are examples of Sandra's work:





Paisley Pendant

Sterling silver, etched bronze





Berry Branch Bracelet

Etched sterling silver



Andrew and Sandra share a studio and work in similar materials, but they design and work on their own separate pieces of jewelry. Materials they use include brass, copper, bronze, sterling silver, copper nitrate patina (a chemical heated onto the surface, also called 'verdigris'), 24k gold leaf, and more unusual materials such as concrete and cellulose acetate.



These are examples of Andrew's work:





Small Boat Concrete Pendant

This small (1.75" long, 0.75" wide, 0.5" deep) boat-shaped pendant is hung on a sterling silver chain, usually 16" or 18". I have done it in a variety of colors such as white, black, gray, some with texture, some smooth, some with gold leaf (as shown).





Pinched Leaf Earrings

These earrings are made of thin brass or sterling silver. The texture is from rolling the metal against textured paper. The ear hooks are sterling silver and show as a line in the front of the earrings. 1.75" long, 0.75" wide.



Their jewelry is made with traditional techniques such as sawing, filing, forging (with a hammer and anvil), fusing (joining silver together almost at its melting temperature), etching, soldering and casting. But they also use newer techniques such as roller-printing (where a paper texture is impressed in the surface of the metal), fold-forming, etching, and multiple-metal laminations (where several different metals are soldered together).



Sandra teaches some of these advanced techniques at Georgian College's jewelry program in Barrie. In her work, she looks for richness of texture combined with common symbols: spirals, circles, moon-shapes, hands. Her recent work involves fossils found in the area, and their references to memory and family. Some of the ideas are incorporated into wall pieces, etched bronze interpretations of fossils.



They also have a Techniques for Jewelers Page, where they have useful information about several jewelry techniques:

• Gold Leafing
• Rolling Mill Printing
• Etching Copper, Brass, and Bronze
• Using Photocopies as a Resist
• Multi-metal Lamination
• Concrete and Cement

Andrew's jewelry tends to be more geometric and simple, aiming to develop a pure form, where the parts form an integrated whole. A series of roof-top pins, and a series of wall-mounted rocket/fish pins, reflect these concerns. Like Sandra, he has also worked in a larger scale: his cast concrete and bronze drinking fountain can be seen in the Cycle Centre park across from the market building in Owen Sound. Andrew's recent work is in cellulose acetate and concrete.



Their work is sold across Canada: Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Waterloo, Calgary, Vancouver, and also in several cities in the United States. Their work has been shown in Canadian collections in London, Paris, and Germany. They are recipients of several Ontario Arts Council Awards, as well as awards from the Metal Arts Guild and the Canada Council for the Arts. They are also founding members of the Art Town Collective.



You can see more of their work at Goss Design Studio. It's a very interesting website, and well worth your time.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Design School & Competition - 13 January 2006

A Closer Look at SEO and Cheating - 18 January 2007

Why the bootstrap entrepreneur needs to learn design (Part 4) - 27 January 2007

Jewelry Design Issues - 16 February 2007

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.