The beautiful Summer 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry has been on the newstands for a few weeks, have you seen it?  I’m excited to share with you a little about one of the articles you’ll find inside.  Late last year my friend Diane Cook, of Rosa and Josies, kindly asked if I would like to participate in a challenge with 5 other jewelry designers (oh would I!).  We were asked to create a piece of jewelry using one finding, the “Marianne” by Brass Bouquet. Oh the possibilities!  I hope you’ll have a chance to pick up a copy of this issue to see the end results by participants, Diane Cook, Diana Frey, Mary Jane Dodd, Riki Schumacher,  Molly Alexander, and Julie Pishny.  I am inspired by each and every design… it is amazing just how unique they all are.  Diana’s necklace incorporated 6 of the Marianne focal pieces!  Incidentally, if you visit Diana’s blog, you’ll be able to have a glimpse the entire article, page by page.

For my design, I was inspired by the book, French General:  Treasured notions.  The romantic and detailed focal really lent itself to something rather delicate.  After I decided how I wanted to work with the filigree opening (resin?  rivet something inside?), I was on my way.  I knew I wanted to incorporate an old piece of linen.  I thought of adding some embroidery stitches to the linen,  but instead opted for pretty teal blue seed beads, and a brass bead cap that I flattened to resemble a metallic sequin.  I riveted the focal to a piece of brass that I had etched and cut to shape.  With some sparkly Swarovski crystals, a floral brass button,  and sari ribbon from Mudhound Studio, the piece was complete.  I sent my package off to Diane in Texas, hoping it would be suitable to join the works of the other challenge participants.  Diane wrote a wonderful article which includes questions asked of all of the artists, as well as the interesting answers.   I was amazed at the exceptional results and so happy to have had this opportunity to participate.

If you happen to be a fan of Diane Cook’s beautiful jewelry like me, please consider joining us this September for the ArtBLISS retreat.  We are so excited that Diane will be making her way out East expressly to join us for a weekend of jewelry workshops.  Diane has a full line-up of classes, which includes Etched and Layered Cuffs, “Believe” Soldered Pendant Necklace, and Heartstrings.  Come learn from a nationally-recognized instructor, whose work frequently graces the pages of the prestigious Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine.  We’re all going to have a great time, whether you can come for an evening class or the full weekend!

-Cindy