Mixed Metals

I've returned from the 2011 Arts and Crafts Festival here in Pullman at Beasley Coliseum, on the WSU campus, which is always a wonderful event. I've been working on new Blue Mango Jewelry most of the summer and am excited to share the results of my new designs and materials. Mixed metal jewelry is a new trend. As many of you know, silver prices have gone through the roof and it affects us in many ways. Most artists and craftspeople had been exploring new possibilities to avoid raising jewelry prices.

I've been creating new combinations with Brass, copper pewter and iron. I'm exploring what are called Cold Connections: riveting, using eyelets, dapping metals, wire wrapping, folding and pounding metals into new shapes... the list goes on. It's been great fun and I'm anxious to share these new ideas. I've also been expanding my World's Treasure Bracelets which many of you already wear. I've added new clasps andcharms and have been working with new tribal beads and stones from around the world.

Charm bracelets have been featured in many fashion magazines and trade papers lately. They're great fun to make and I'm excited to share the results. In addition, I continue to work with pearls; freshwater, natural, keishi, stick pearls, shell pearls and Swarovski pearls. There seems to be an endless variety of pearls. I'm also working with precious pieces of coral in a variety of colors combined with lampwork beads. As the saying goes, "the sky's the limit'.

Falling for Fall....

The leaves have begun turning gold and a few have already fallen to the ground. Here at Washington State University, the Cougars have begun playing football and school spirit is in the air.


I've just returned from a week at the ocean with my old high school girlfriends. Imagine, six of us still great friends after not seeing each other for years. A great treat!


Of course, I had to go bead shopping, there are some great bead shops in Astoria and I made the most of the opportunity! My cup runneth over, literally, with new beads and findings. Stay tuned for my new ideas, I feel so inspired. I'm also working with combinations of copper and brass. With silver prices going thru the roof, many artists are looking for new ways to design and create new goodies. Stay tuned!

September Song

The first day of September, harvesting has begun. From my studio widow I can see a huge combine combing the wheat on the high hills where I live. Farmers used to do this using teams of horses, spectacular and very dangerous work. Old photos showing several to 18 head of horses are fascinating to see. Imagine the cooperation needed to produce and process wheat to flour to bread. It's a part of our colorful, local heritage here in the Palouse.

I, on the other hand, am laboring in fields of beads. I've been working on a series of treasure bracelets many of which you can see here on my website. I'm now creating these bracelets with clasps for those of you who prefer a more structured bracelet. It gives me a choice of new toggle clasps and charms to adorn these colorful beads.

I've also been focusing on Krobo beads. Krobo beads are handcrafted in the African nation of Ghana, made from recycled glass ground by hand in a mortar and pestle, then fired using traditional techniques, i.e. homemade clay molds, homemade clay ovens fired with wood, and hand painting with a re-firing of the beads after each color is applied. I love the ‘primitive’ look and the wonderful vibrant colors of these beads and I enjoy supporting the handicrafts of that country. 

Garden Inspiration

I have taken nearly a month off from my website and blog. I'm still doing jewelry I'm just having trouble making myself sit down in front of the computer to talk about it. With luck, one of these evenings I'll have enough energy to catch up a little bit.


While working in the garden last week I saw a pair of butterflies reviewing my plantings. I was inspired.

Four Month Anniversary

I can't believe it's been four months since my website has launched! Who knew it would be such a steep learning curve. Perhaps another way of saying it is 'fools rush in'.

Someone ought to give college credit for this sort of thing. Really, most of the credit goes to my webmaster, Laurel, or should I say, webmistress? It's been a wonderful collaboration as long as no one checks on our phone bills. Creating jewelry, photographing it, writing descriptive copy, blogging about it, and all the technical stuff that goes into the actual presentation on the web. Phew!

The fun begins when I can actually view my creations on my website. People connect, become friends and customers begin to arrive. It's very exciting to realize that folks around the world are looking at the jewelry I've created in my small studio here in eastern Washington. 

My cup runneth over.

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!                              -Sitting Bull

Tonight's Moon

The moon and sky tonight are beautiful. 

It is a waning gibbous moon.

Recharging My Batteries

Just back after getting out of town for a few days. We enjoyed a quiet week on the Snake River. It's particularly lovely this time of year. I managed to create a couple of pieces while I was out, including this World's Treasure Bracelet. 

Congratulations to U of I Grads!

Congratulations to all the University of Idaho students who graduated this weekend. May the wind be always under your wings.

What Are Shell Pearls?

For centuries, the lowly oyster held the patent on pearls. Even cultured pearls, required time and the commitment of the oyster. No more. Take Shell Pearls. While the oyster still provides the shell nuclei, the mollusk can now outsource the actual pearl production. These pearls are produced in less time and at a fraction of the cost of precious natural pearls. Shell pearls help by reducing the toll on the worlds dwindling pearl oyster beds. Many of these have already been harvested to extinction.

Shell pearls begin with a shaped piece of shell. They are then drilled, coated, baked and polished to a soft luster. While these cannot be called natural pearls, they boast some significant advantages. Shell pearls are as affordable as they are beautiful. They are more consistent in size, shape and luminousness and are more durable. They are less prone to damage from body oils, perfumes or chemicals and will maintain their rich luster.

I've just created a few pieces using these shell pearls. I have to say that the only way I can tell them from natural pearls is their symmetry and price. I think you will agree. 

It's Springtime!

In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six 
different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.   
~Mark Twain

Happy Mother's Day

For all you moms out there, I offer a sneak peak at a bouquet of garden lovelies. Click here.  We haven't finished uploading them yet but if a particular pair of blooms catches your eye, just drop me a line. 


Enjoy your day. 

Congratulations to the Graduate!

Graduation is fast approaching for the Washington State University like so many other schools. Drive through town with the windows down and you can almost hear the collective sigh of relief- be it from the students, their teachers and their parents. 

It is my pleasure to congratulate all those who have worked so hard. Congratulations to the class of 2011!

More Mother's Day Wisdon

You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.  ~William D. Tammeus


Cinco de Mayo

Gathering up my Day of the Dead charm bracelets and Cinco de Mayo earrings. What fun they are to make. 


http://www.bluemangojewels.com/earrings/blue_mango_jewels_earrings_4.html

Mother's Day Wisdom

"A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically
once, and by car forever after."    
-Peter De Vries

Attention Brides-to-be

If your special day is approaching, let me extend an offer to create your bridal jewelry with you. I know your to-do list seems endless, and yet opportunities abound. Blue Mango Jewels can design affordable jewelry that can be worn on your wedding day and beyond. You give me an idea of your price range, and interests and I will work with you to create custom jewels for your bridesmaids and you; the bride.

Happy May Day

In honor of Flora, the ancient Roman Goddess of flowers, I wish everyone a happy May Day and present these Rosy Columbine earrings as a small token of my appreciation for May, the month of flowers.

A Mother's Heart

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.  ~Rajneesh


May Day

May Day, an oft forgotten holiday is May first. For me, May Day is tied to sweet memories of making little paper baskets with paper handles as a young girl. My sisters and I would then fill the small baskets with garden flowers and then hang the baskets on neighbors front doorknobs, ring the doorbells and run and hide. These little May Day gifts were probably never as anonymous as we thought but we loved the secretive nature of our gifts.  -Laurel 

Sky-High Silver Prices

Bad news for silver jewelry buyers. As of today, the current market price of one ounce of silver is $45.15. To put this in perspective for you, last month silver was $37.11, and one year ago the price was a mere $18.34! A shocking increase and a heavy burden for both folks who create jewelry as well as those who wish to purchase a piece of silver jewelry. Will the price continue to rise? I imagine that it will, but it may fluctuate around the $50.00 per ounce price. Gold is currently around $1500. per ounce. For those of us who make jewelry, this means that the price of gold and gold fill jewelry has increased an even greater amount than silver.

Why am I blogging about this? Well, for one thing I don't want you to be shocked by a steep increase in jewelry prices. It's important to be an informed consumer.

I, for one, plan to explore new avenues of creating work with other materials that don't contain sterling silver. It's kind of like riding your bike to work rather than driving your car. Sometimes necessity really can be the mother of invention. Stay tuned.

Arbor Day

    Friday is Arbor Day, an under appreciated and seldom celebrated holiday and is a fine concept; that of giving a little bit back to our environment. I am fortunate to have acreage on which we have planted more trees than I can count. Over the years, my family and I have planted ponderosa pines, junipers, willows, oaks, cedars, red twig dogwoods, Douglas firs, and so on. I have the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of our labor year round as these trees grow and become wildlife habitat and protection for the many creatures with whom we share our 12 acres. This environment keeps me centered and inspires me. 

Thought for the Day

Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles. 

~Sonja Henie

More World's Treasure Bracelets

At last, we've taken a few more photos uploaded them to the website. Check 'em out. I am really enjoying these bracelets. They're fun and look great in pairs. I've got a few more waiting for their close-ups. I'll try to get to these bracelets after the 'Art Under the Elms' show this weekend. 

Everyday Should Be Earth Day

   Turn off the video games and TV and get your children outside.
Children who grow up without appreciating nature can grow into adults who don't understand why they should care about it. Sharing the great outdoors is a great way to connect with your kids and have them connect with nature.
   My children used to collect shells, seeds, beach glass, flowers and interesting pebbles and make necklaces, crowns and bracelets out of them. Curiously, I am reminded of this when I create my World's Treasure Bracelets.

Quote of the Day

All art is autobiographical; the pearl 
is the oyster's autobiography.  

~Federico Fellini

Art Under the Elms

   The upcoming Art Under the Elms event this weekend in Lewiston, Idaho began over 25 years ago as a celebration of the arts. It has grown over the years to be one of the largest outdoor festivals in Idaho, featuring local artists. The festival is a fundraiser for Lewis-Clark State College. All good things. 

   If you find yourself in Lewiston this weekend, stop by my booth and let me know that you read my blog. I'll give you a 10% discount on your purchase that day!

Earth Day

    41 years ago on April 22nd, we celebrated our first Earth Day. It was the dawning of the age of ecology. We owe a great debt and perhaps Earth Day itself, to Rachel Carson for her book, Silent Spring. This book did much to bring awareness of how we were polluting our air, land and water without compunction. Ms. Carson raised our awareness and made us realize that not only was all that unchecked pollution bad for the environment, it was bad for us too. We realized that we are part of a system- an ecosystem. All that pollution was bad for us too.

   41 years! How sad that it is still a struggle between ‘progress’ and environmental protection. We need to remember why it is we celebrate Earth Day. We need to remember to be aware of how our choices and actions. Teach your children not to litter, recycle those plastic bottles, ease up on the lawn’s Weed n’ Feed. We need to take care of the Earth.
   Thank you Rachel Carson. And thank you Mother Earth.
In honor of Earth Day I will offer free shipping on all my World’s Treasure Bracelets between now and April 22nd.

WSU Mom's Arts & Crafts Show

Mom's weekend was always one of our busiest weekends at The Old Mole, the natural fiber clothing and handcrafted jewelry shop I owned for many years. Now, here I am again (many years after retiring) doing another Mom's weekend. I can't seem to stay away! I love welcoming so many old friends and customers.

Gearing Up for the WSU Mom's Arts & Crafts Show

Mom's weekend was always one of our busiest weekends at The Old Mole, the handmade consignment shop I ran for so many years. Now, here I am after (how many years after retiring?) doing another Mom's weekend. I can't seem to stay away.

Little Boxes

Its wonderful how a little gift box can hold so much promise. A new shipment of gift boxes arrived yesterday. I'm all ready for packaging up little treasures for my Arts & Crafts Show customers.

What It Takes to Set Up a Show

     I'm happy to say that Patricia is getting back into swing of things. I will confess that after seeing her hand 2 weeks ago, I was worried that she wouldn't be up to the WSU Spring Arts & Crafts Fair and I even had my doubts about the Art Under the Elms later in April.
     There are so many little details that go into preparing for a craft show. She has been working all winter on wonderful new pieces and has quite a lot of inventory but jewelry is just a part of putting together a booth at a show. All the jewelry needs to be priced, inventoried and carefully packed. Then there are displays that have to be arranged, spiffed up and loaded into show trunks. An artist's booth at a show must be a self contained store. The vendor must bring everything she needs to conduct business- pens, calculators, bags, mirrors, glass cleaner, etc. I'm always amazed at how many trunks have to be toted to set up a show.       -Laurel Balyeat

Spring Almost Sprung...

Just when you thought it wouldn't happen! Vibrant crocuses scattered like tiny jewels, creamy snow drops, and fat, swelling buds from which golden daffodils will soon emerge. Renewal...something those of us in the pacific northwest cherish.


This is my first blog since my return from the hospital due to a 'love bite' from my favorite cat, NineTwo. My right hand is an essential part of making jewelry, of course, and at present, it's pretty stiff. But, three weeks of occupational therapy should make it good as new!


April is a busy month for me, two big shows! Mom's Weekend, at
Washington State University, on the 8th and 9th (Go Cougs!).
Later in the month, Art Under The Elms, a three day event in Lewiston, Idaho on the 22, 23, and 24th. Phew, I really need to get busy! Please stop by and introduce yourself.

On the Mend

Patricia is recovering remarkably. She is able to begin using her hand again. It has been a long slow recovery for a sharp quick bite. I visited her last week and was relieved to see that she was much improved. I was also thrilled to see that she has all sorts of wonderful new inventory. Once things settle down, we will load some new work on the web site. Meanwhile, I can stop worrying about plenty of jewels for the upcoming WSU Arts & Crafts Show.

The Culprit

   Patricia is out of the hospital after a 5 day stint there for a nasty infection from a bite from her favorite feline, NineTwo. It has been suggested that she change his name from 9-2 to 911. The result of this little bite means that Patricia is out of her studio for a couple of weeks.

Aloha Spa Tahoe

Thanks to Patricia, I spent a good part of the day at the Aloha Spa at Lake Tahoe last Saturday. Let me just say that if you are anywhere near Incline Village, you should consider a visit. Gwendalyn, Jennifer and Carolyn were so attentive and accomplished. I had a tropical fruit & grape seed scrub that I'm sure took years off my age and a seaweed wrap that gave my collagen a rousing pep talk. I wrapped it up with a hot stone massage and a facial. When I was finished, I glowed like a girl getting ready for her prom. I practically drifted down to the water's edge where I had that beautiful beach and icy water all to myself.


During this blissful time, Patricia was playing with her cat and suffered a nasty cat bite. She is currently in the hospital enjoying a steady dose of antibiotics. My takeaway here... Do not mess around with cat bites! Let your doctor know right away and get started on those antibiotics as soon as you can.

Considering Spring...

It rained so hard yesterday that it melted most of our snow. I looked out my window this morning and saw our old friend/nemesis, the great blue heron perched above Redfish Pond, staring intently. Ready for his breakfast of sushi, no doubt. The sun is out....life is good. One of our male peacocks has begun to court the peahens already. Here is a photo of him. 

I'm ready to go into my studio and do, what?
I'll sit, look out my window, and wait for inspiration....I hope.

Earring Order....

This is a small photo of the earrings I've just created for a special order. Maureen wanted hearts, peridot and small pearls in a drop earring. This is the result that I've created. I'm happy with the new, fresh look. Thanks, Maureen!

Watch snow fall, think spring....

It's march 10th, and it's snowing! I love living in a place where there are four distinct seasons, but winter is holding tight here. There are glimmers of hope, I did see buds swelling on my red twig dogwood bushes, and several buttercups peeking out of the snow, brave souls! So, I've put together a sweet pair of glass blossom earrings. There are 8 layers to these blossoms, swarovski crystals, glass beads, brass findings, and a brass ring. Here's a small photo of these beauties. Tell me what you think!

Working Away in my Studio

It’s wonderful to have an excuse to spend a little extra time in my studio. I have to get together enough work for the WSU Mom’s Arts & Crafts Weekend next month.

Sweet Spring Event...

Good morning, the snow is still on the ground, but the sun is out and it's a warm 42 degrees. Yesterday was the Sweet On Spring show in Scotty & Suzanne's conservatory. Lemon yellow forsythia, cheery primroses, budding pussy willows, and sweet scented, blooming jasmine lit up that delightful space. So many members of the Palouse community came for the show and to visit. I love these annual events that contribute to the fabric of community and this is one of the best. Many thanks for a wonderful event!

But It's Not Spring Yet...

I have been trying to get this website up and running before Patricia’s spring season begins. Who knew spring came so early on the Palouse! Looking at her Blue Mango Jewels calendar, I see that she has a number of shows scheduled over the next 8 weeks. The season kicks off tomorrow with Sweet on Spring. Oh how I wish I could be there for that. It’s an intimate show in an idyllic setting.


Four weeks later Blue Mango Jewels will have a booth up at the WSU Mom’s Spring Arts & Crafts Fair. This is a big show held in the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum on the Washington State University campus. Both of these shows will be indoors.


Mid April, Patricia will take her act on the road, heading down to Art Under the Elms in Lewiston, Idaho for a three day show. This is a lovely place for a show with lots of good music and ambiance. Although the weather can still be unpredictable in April, it should be nice. I say this thinking of the Moscow Renaissance Fair the last weekend in April. Last year there was snow, rain, mud and more rain during the show. The amazing thing to me is that this did not keep the locals from coming out. Still, I’m going to cross my fingers for better weather this year.

New Goodies...

I've been out of town for several days. I had some time to spare and managed to forage for bead stores in the Spokane area. Bingo! I found two great shops with wonderful selections of glorious beads. Mostly semi-precious stones, labradorite, red serpentine, blue apatite, carved horn, imperial jasper, some killer ceramic beads, amethyst, turquoise, a sterling raven for which I'll create a necklace. The list goes on...

I'm in a show this saturday, Sweet On Spring, where I'll debut some of my new work. The venue for this show is a wonderful sunny conservatory. After that, I'll be free to get back into my studio and play with these gorgeous beads. The snow here in the Palouse is about 12 inches deep, so I can indulge myself indoors. I've just been accepted into a three day show, Art Under The Elms, in Lewiston, Idaho. Wonderful show, I'm excited...stay tuned.

New Work...

I've been working on new bracelets which I'm calling World's Treasure Bracelets. I've uploaded a few. Check 'em out!

Mark Your Calendars- 'Sweet on Spring' is fast approaching.

Living in the Garden nursery kicks off their 2011 season with their annual 'Sweet on Spring'
event
Saturday, March 5th from 9:30 to 4:30.
Patricia will be one of 7 artists showing and sharing their latest wares. 

This is a wonderful way to spend a day in an absolutely magical environment. Suzanne and Scotty have created Living in the Garden, an incredible nursery that really deserves its own spread in Sunset magazine. 

Back in the studio

I'm glad to be back in the wintery Palouse. The snow has been falling for a few days. It's cold outside which makes it feel all the cozier in my studio with all my beads and supplies. It's time to get back to work preparing for a couple of spring shows.

While Patricia is off celebrating her wedding anniversary...

Patricia is enjoying her wintery time away in the wilds of northern Idaho and, I’m sure, collecting inspiration for future creations. Meanwhile, I am still trying to get the website up and operational. We’re getting to some of the fun stuff now. It has been interesting experiencing the trials and tribulations of building a website.

The website is beginning to take shape...

We’re getting the web pieces to actually work together. There are so many things that go into a website. All we want to do is share the jewels - the wonderful necklaces that Patricia has been creating lately, but now we are both into this up to our necks. Well, learning lots and fill many of those pesky empty hours.

Chugging Along...

Work on the website is coming along. We’ve added a Share This button to the blog today. It’s so exciting.

Blue Mango Jewels Website is Underway

My daughter is working on this for me. Wish us luck.