Sneak Peek

I've been busy in the studio in preparation for this Saturday's Trunk Show.  Here is a little peek at what you will see...Displayed on my favorite sweater from last year, a J. Crew ribbed cashmere in caramel.  I will have this sweater forever, but the question is, which necklace to wear with it??

And to coax you out of the house on what is expected to be a brisk and snowy day, I've put together a door prize that is all about cozy and classy.  A porcelain mug wearing a sweater, Nutcracker tea, A Warm Woolen Mittens candle (how perfect?!),  my new favorite bracelet: fat gray pearls and classic tiny white pearls, all wrapped with sterling wire, and a Zippity Doodads tote to hold it all!

Stop by, enter to win, enjoy a spot of tea, and check off some items on your Christmas list!

Warm wishes,

Holiday Trunk Show

Mark your calendars...Zippity Doodads is holding their Holiday Trunk Show on Nov 23, 11-3.  Stop in to enjoy a pastry and cup of tea while you shop for stocking stuffers or that bold piece of bling to compliment your holiday ensemble.  The studio is buzzing with activity and the crafting of new pieces that are sure to delight.  Can't make it?  Then by all means stop in at the Westmoreland's new location @rt 30.  The shop has never looked better!  The new space is striking and stocked with wonderful pieces from artists across the country, a great place to cross off lots of names on that hard-to-buy-for list!

Last on the Zippity Doodads calendar is the Annual Trunk Show in Ellicott City, MD, hosted by the lovely and gracious Karen Good.  This is always a fantastic evening filled with laughter, beautiful women, and Zippity Doodads jewelry designs to bring them all out on chilly evening.  I always leave this show feeling blessed to be in their company!

See the sidebar for dates, times and location.

Let the fun and festivities of the holiday begin!!!

Warm regards,

An Artful Affair!

Hope you can stop by!

The Intro to Fall

Fall is that teaser season where we have glimpses of both summer and winter. Today as I sat down to work in the studio, the skies were presenting a cool, stormy, gray green but the air was warm and humid.  The first drawer of gems I went to select from was filled with less common, gorgeous, moss aquamarine stones. Just like that stormy sky.  Then I turned to the metals and wanted to create that light, layerable bangle that is secure.  The results are pictured below.  As I sat back to study and critique the new pieces I kept thinking of my standard criteria for acceptance in the fall: How will it look with a gray cashmere sweater? Or even this season's favorite color: Camel.  My conclusion: Ahhh. Yes!!!  

..... And here is the sweater I have been dreaming of....Once again Garnet Hill has the plushest, coziest, cashmere sweater: The button detail Cashmere t-neck....And it comes in both camel and gray.  Why choose?

Stop by the Ligonier Country Market this Saturday to catch me for the last time this season. Can't make it? Then by all means stop by the Artful Affair on the 21st! Talented artists, culinary wizards, and a cup of tea. What could possible by better? See the sidebar to eth right for details!

Warmly,

Celebrate the last days of summer and the transition to fall with COLOR!

And when you can't decide which color to choose from the late summer-early fall palette, why choose them ALL of course! And add pearls when possible!

And of course I envision this design paired with a super versatile warm-cool weather sweater from Eileen Fisher. Linen, understated and graceful.  Perfect with the new confetti colored pieces from my studio...

Looking for a bright, inexpensive piece to celebrate August? Pair my new confetti designs with a chiffon, peplum, sleeveless shirt from American Eagle. If you stop by the Ligonier Country Market on August 10, I guarantee you will see me wearing just this!

So, I intend to spend the end of summer harvesting fresh dinner veggies from the garden, playing Bocce with my family and drinking Negronis with my much-better half.  Taking inspiration from the joy in my life and converting it into new designs for you!  What will the end of summer bring you? 

Loving red, white, and blue is more than just patriotism....

So MANY reasons to love those famous colors! Whether you are celebrating the birth of our nation or Bastille Day, those three colors are a wardrobe staple. 

Let's discuss white. We all know that pearls are timeless and can be worn in so many ways, with so many things. 

Navy is truly a versatile color and aside from its classy, tailored appearance it is a classic summer must-have for the nautical look.  And what says navy better than a glistening sapphire?

Now red.  I have always believed that red is a neutral.  It goes with so much.  And as for red in the summer? Absolutely! And it isn't just because ruby is my birthstone!
Here is a peek at how I interpreted that patriotic palette....

And no one does navy and nautical better than Lilly Pulitzer!  Take a look at her Amanda dress, or even the Reeve dress.  Sigh. I love summer!

Swing by the Ligonier Country Market tomorrow and stop in.  Wish me a Happy Bastille Day (I'm not French but it is my birthday)!

You know it is summer when...

I am totally focused on hammering out new pieces for the 2013 debut of Zippity Doodads at the Ligonier Country Market on Saturday! I love market season and seeing old friends. The offerings at our market are top notch and range from furniture and hula hoops, to produce and the best Arancini I have ever eaten.  Did I mention crocheted hats?  Look up my friend Lauren Etling at Hooktastic, and she is sure to put a smile on your face Ask about her dog hats (inside joke, she would be delighted to tell you the story.) And of course, the market is filled with hand made jewelry from lots of artists representing the areas top talent.  I will be in the middle row all season.  Check the side bar for dates.
So, what am I making you ask? And what is the source of my inspiration? Well, as much as I try to resist turquoise (or seaspray, or whatever perfect aqua,) I am always drawn to it.  I think it is because I love orange so much and they are a great combo.  Check out Boden for an example of this yummy pairing. How about those loafers?? And I am a sucker for a crisp white shirt. I may have to do a little shopping after the market!
So, as a response to the color pairing of turquoise and orange I give you....

The coral beads in these pieces look like persimmon fruit to me!

Now, those who know me, know that I can't resist a pearl and use them respectfully in contemporary but clean designs. This summer I have fallen in love with stick pearls.  So many of my customers have commented that they look like jacks, that I have cleverly named these creations The Jack Collection. There are some bold necklaces and eye catching arm candy incorporating these stunning pearls and some favorite stones such as watery green amethyst, chalcedony and pink opal.  Take a peek:

Congratulations! As a reward for reading my entire blog, mention that you saw this and receive a 10% discount at all my market appearances this summer.

Happy shopping and hope to see you 'round the market!

I hate to call it so soon...But Spring is here, right?? Then let's CELEBRATE!

What warm, sunny glorious days we've had recently.  Such sweet payoff for such a long and protracted winter.  Maya Angelou was correct when she recently commented "Spring is turning out to be a little late this year. We are longing for more fresh greens growing and more birds chirping. Spring will come, I know, and when it comes it will be sweeter than had it come on time. We will all be grateful." And I am grateful.

I am also grateful that I still have my tiny design business and wonderful loyal customers.  And I am always grateful for the fresh new faces as well.  So in the spirit of spring gratitude...Thank you!!

I am also delighted that the snow is gone and I am even welcoming those warm rainy spring days.  I love the drama of the sky during those rain storms and I found a beautiful blue stone that makes me think of big fat raindrops.  The entire collection of pieces made from this robin's egg blue agate I am naming Rainwater.  Take a look:

 

And, staying true to myself, I am working with some stunning new pearls.  I was even able to work one of my favorite style elements (nautical) into some of the pieces...

This piece would look perfect layered with one of the coastal wrist pieces made by Rhode Island based Kiel James Patrick! Oh my...And with a bold, effortless dress by Lilly Pulitzer?? I'm getting itchy with inspiration!  And secretly, or maybe not so much so, I always picture myself abroad, say, in Morocco, wearing a fun and long-wearing piece of my own jewelry with a fabulous and smart dress from Patagonia...Click the link to see the one I am speaking of.  Passport is ready.  Now to pick the location, buy the dress and pluck the piece from my inventory.  If it were so simple....I'm always traveling, even if it is in my mind... 

 

I digress...

 

I know summer is coming soon and I think I shall have those bases covered with bright colors like oranges, mints, pinks and emeralds. Stop in at the Spring Artful Affair (details to the right) and see the new designs and lots of other talented artists and sweets-makers...I love hosting this event and am tickled that my old favorites are back and the new talent is exceptional.  See you the 27th of April?



Best,

New Collection at the Westmoreland

I am so excited that the Westmoreland Museum of American Art continues to carry my designs, and I must say that I am particularly excited about the new pieces that they now have in their shop!  A perfect time to stop in, see the stunning new exhibit by Aaronel deRoy Gruber, and pick up a pair Zippity Doodads bezel set emerald earrings or one of the pieces from the cool ice cube line.  Now...Back to work!! I have an Artful Affair and busy Ligonier Country Market schedule to create for!!

Seasonal Dislocation

So, I'm not one of those people who hates the snow.  In fact this was the view from my studio window this morning...

It was magical.  I started to plan a snowshoe adventure in those woods with my two dogs.  But something called me to sit down and release a little creative energy at the jewelry bench first.  My eyes are seeing a winter wonderland but my hands are creating a surf and sand piece. 

Who knows.  Call it seasonal dislocation.  But I am delighted with both.