jewelry

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Holiday Travels Outside!

December 20, 2009 in Uncategorized

Greetings… We are now traveling to escape the ice and snow of Alaska and won’t be home again until mid January. My husband and I are now ensconced in our RV and heading toward Organ Pipe National Park in Arizona for a few days of hiking, birding and relaxing.

Before arriving in the hopefully snow-less southwest, we spent Thanksgiving with our extended family at a lodge near Mt. Hood, Oregon and enjoyed snowball fights and sledding in the 30+ degree weather at about 6,000 ft. It was beautiful. We were snowed in for an evening but in the morning the sun came out and melted the snow from the trees which formed a tumbling cascade of diamonds in the light.

I love traveling for many reasons but one especially… it inspires me to create from a different perspective than when I am at home.  You can see one of the pieces designed from my travels by going to my website and clicking on Gallery. The Beach Morning Glories (brooch and earrings) was designed after a visit to the Gulf Coast of Texas.  I know I’ll be inspired by something I see on this trip and I’ll let you know when I am.  Thanks for visiting my site and Happy Holidays!

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Happy Birthday, December!

December 4, 2009 in Uncategorized

This is a special month for my daughter Panika and I because it is our birth month. The traditional birthstone for December’s child is Turquoise and those who wear it are promised prosperity, success, happiness and good fortune. (What’s not to like about that!) It also enhances creativity and serenity… so…. maybe we should all wear this beautiful stone from time to time!

The December Birthstone. Courtesy of www.a1-birthstone-jewelry.com

The December Birthstone. From a1-birthstone-jewelry.com

The name was derived from Greek “Turkois” meaning “Turkish” because it was first brought from that country. It has been mined since at least 6,000 BC and found in many ancient Egyptian artifacts. In more recent times, both North American Indians and Tibetans have used this stone extensively in their artwork and it is considered sacred by them.

Antique Turquoise earrings from Lhasa. Courtesy of http://nomad.hananyanny.com

Antique Turquoise earrings from Lhasa. Courtesy of nomad.hananyanny.com

Turquoise from Arizona, a favorite of Zuni Pueblo silversmiths. Courtesy of jeweljumble.com

Turquoise from Arizona, a favorite of Zuni Pueblo silversmiths. From jeweljumble.com

Turquoise is considered the most valuable of non-transparent minerals used in jewelry today.  It is the only gemstone belonging to the Phosphates family and contains a small amount of copper which provides the range of colors from which we can choose, from deep green to light sky blue. Some of the most valuable turquoise is mined in Iran but it is found all over the world. I have a lovely piece that comes from a mine in the Bisbee, Arizona area that I plan to make into a piece next year. It is also mined in New Mexico, Australia, Afganistan and China. I’ve even found pieces at an old copper mining site in Alaska called Kennicott.

The December child is curious, makes a wonderful teacher and student and loves both knowledge and people.

If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a Turquoise blue,
Success will bless whate’er you do.
- Anonymous

Please visit my website to see how I have used the beautiful Turquoise stone in one of my designs.

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Gift Ideas for the Holidays

November 29, 2009 in Uncategorized

It’s that time of year again! Christmas is right around the corner and thankfully, we still have plenty of time to think about gifts. If you’ve thought about purchasing jewelry for a special someone this year, consider some of my designs. I have holiday-themed jewelry and pieces suitable for any occasion. I started a new Gallery on my website this year, which showcases some of my absolute favorite unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you’re looking for a range of my designs, my website has every piece available. (I also have items for sale!)

To get into the holly-day spirit, I designed a new Holly necklace that matches a pair of earrings I’ve had in my line for awhile.

Holly Pendant, Red Jade Berries

Holly Pendant, Red Jade Berries

Whether you’re looking for leaves, blueberries, or bears (oh my!), you’ll find a variety of pieces that will match your holiday wish list.

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Upcoming Craft Show Apperances

November 8, 2009 in Uncategorized

I will be displaying my work at the following craft shows in Fairbanks and Anchorage. If you are in either area, please come by and say hi!

Holiday Market Place
Carlson Center–Fairbanks, Alaska
November 13 – 15, 2009

Craft Emporium
Dena’ina Center–Anchorage, Alaska
November 21 – 22, 2009

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Welcome to my blog!

October 29, 2009 in Uncategorized | No comments

Holly Special Piece Necklace

Holly Special Piece Necklace

Greetings and welcome to my brand new blog! I am new to the blogosphere but very much look forward to participating in this web community to share with you updates on my jewelry designs and life in Alaska.

My name is Judie, and I have been designing jewelry in Ester, Alaska for 39 years. I have a shop and studio in this small town several miles outside of Fairbanks, the Golden Heart City. I draw inspiration from Nature’s own wealth of imagery. I am particularly drawn to capture animals and plants which have a whimsical theme or romantic symbolism. This often challenges me to find that perfect bead or stone which compliments the design in a meaningful way.

There is always something interesting happening in the jewelry world and in this great state, the Last Frontier. Thank you for coming by, hope to see you again very soon!

-Judie

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