My creative space...

Oh, rubies...!

I have been trying to pinpoint exactly what it is about these gems that has me so enamoured...

At first I thought it must be because they are a perfect, lush shade of raspberry...ripe and ready for the picking!

But I have come to the conclusion that it is because these gems have a PRESENCE...

...they command that you sit up and pay them every ounce of your attention!

And so, a gemstone so regal deserves a noble home...


The *Lalla* Earrings...

The term 'Lalla' is Moroccan for 'Lady'.  It is used as an honorific title when referring to female members of the Moroccan Royal Family.

Regal, non?

And what better accompaniment to rubies than cornflower blue sapphires from Ceylon...

Jewels fit for a princess...

...and designed to make you FEEL like a princess!

And may I just add, that I never, EVER in my wildest dreams imagined that I would one day be working with rubies and sapphires.


RUBIES and SAPPHIRES!!!


I am both humbled and giddy like a schoolgirl!


:-)


More creative spaces over here.

My creative space...

...has been taken over by a small army of silver pebbles...

These wonderful little baubles will be adorning a custom ring I am working on for a very special lady...

...a compliment to this beautiful labradorite...

How gorgeous is that rainbow flash!

This ring began with a sketch...

...then slowly began coming to life...

...the ring band is wide and textured...

...ready for soldering...

...starting to take shape...

Now, it's back to the workbench...


those little pebbles are waiting for me :-)

Pop on over to Kootoyoo to see what other creative people are up to today.

My Creative Space...

I hate wasting metal,

particularly as the price of silver keeps going up and up.

So, the question arose about what to do with the centre I sawed out from my *Moroccan Trinkets* motifs...

The answer?


Make Moroccan Charm Bangles!

Simple and sweet,


and guaranteed to sing a tune every time you move!


I wish I could take all of the credit for these,


but I did have a little help from my apprentice...

He's very enthusiastic!

To see what other creative people are up to, head over to Kootoyoo

P.S.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

My creative space...

Although 'My Creative Space' over at Kootoyoo hasn't officially started back up again for the new year, I thought I'd show you what I've been working on anyway!

Lots of delicious stones...

...some sketching of new ideas...

...plus a little *sketching* on the computer ;-)

...and lots of luscious silver...

There is a distinct lack of beads to be found on my workbench these days.  


I think I've been seduced by silver and stone!


~*~

I'm slightly obsessed with Moroccan doors and doorways at the moment.  Aren't they just inspiring!

Photo courtesy of Eliahoo

Photo courtesy of Jamie Anderson

Photo courtesy of Pietro Izzo

Expect to see lots of these gorgeous shapes popping up in my work soon!


~*~


I hope that the new year is being kind to you so far.


Is your Muse still on holiday, or is she inspiring you with new ideas?

My creative space...

...is all about learning and growing this week.

Do you remember the work-in-progress piece I showed you yesterday?

It was a steep learning curve...


...I had to teach myself how to sweat solder.


And not just sweat soldering one piece to another...


...but sweat soldering one piece to another to another to another.


Oh, and throw in two different types of metal, and...


...yeah, well I said it was a steep learning curve!
*LOL*


But I finished it...


...and I love it ♥


The *Koutoubia* Necklace

Layers of sterling silver and copper...

...rich with texture.

Measuring 32mm long and 28mm wide, it is petite enough to wear everyday...

...and I think I may just *have* to wear it everyday!

And the inspiration behind this piece?

Photo courtesy of Marie Sophie

This exquisite doorway in the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.

The doorway inspired this sketch...

 
...which inspired this necklace!

What is inspiring you this week?

More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.

My creative space...

...is all about new ideas and designs this week...

I'm not really very good at drawing...

...but I try!

The hard part is translating my wonky sketches into wearable jewellery.

Thank the technology gods for Adobe Illustrator!

I can re-create my less-than-symmetrical sketches into a perfect template...

...then cut and paste it to metal sheet, and saw it out...

Have I mentioned how much I love sawing?

I find it strangely relaxing... 

Nothing like having a little company whilst sawing...

...perhaps an apprentice in the making! ;-)

Pop on over to Kootoyoo to see what other creative people are up to today...and don't forget to add your link if you'd like to play along!

Happy creating :-)