METAMORPHOSIS: AUGUST INTRO

Volunteer: Vicki R.

Profession: Volunteer Coordinator

Likes: Neutral colours, Celtic designs, family-oriented

Dislikes: Bohemian-style jewellery, stud earrings

So, I have an idea for Vicki’s metamorphosis jewellery…but I’m struggling to commit.  My idea includes everything she told me she likes and is simple yet detailed and sentimental. The problem with my design is that it includes the usage of a special ring. She told me I could use it if I do something that represents her family but I’m scared I’ll use it and then she’ll hate what I make her (and me).

I’ll have to go back to the drawing board to see if I can come up with something better before I take this huge leap of faith.

METAMORPHOSIS: JULY REVEAL

Amethyst and Citrine Cocktail Ring

As I mentioned in my intro, I knew what I was going to make Lambroula from the get go!

To make this ring, I melted Lambroula’s silver and made wire which I then twisted together. I made three rings and the vessels. After soldering everything together, I set the stones and voila!

METAMORPHOSIS: JULY INTRO

Volunteer: Lambroula P.

Profession: Opera Singer

Likes: Statement jewellery, all colours but gravitates towards blues, greens, purples

Dislikes: Bohemian-style jewellery

Lambroula gave me a fair bit of silver and loose stones to play around with, but playing around won’t be necessary because I already know what I’m going to make her! I promise I’ll be on time with my project delivery this month!

METAMORPHOSIS: JUNE REVEAL

Bangles set with Amazonite and Black Onyx.

I was a little late handing this Metamorphosis project off, but better late than never!

Tara had mentioned liking this style of bangle in the past. At first I was hesitant to make them because she already has a lot of bangles. But since I knew she would most likely love them, I went ahead anyways. Can’t ever have too many bangles!

To make them, I made the plain bangles first. Then I made all the settings.

Once the settings were all cleaned up and ready to go, I notched the bangles, making little seats for the settings. After soldering the settings to the bangles, I set the stones and then polished the whole bangle.

METAMORPHOSIS: JUNE INTRO

Volunteer: Tara K.

Profession: Controller

Likes: Big jewellery, turqouise, black, purple

Dislikes: Dainty jewellery, yellow, orange

Tara loves jewellery! All kinds and the more the better! You might think of this as an easy month for me because if Tara loves all jewellery, it’s likely I’ll make her something she likes. But because she already has so much, I have/want to come up with something unique. Time to start designing!

METAMORPHOSIS: MAY REVEAL

Stackable rings

Tess said she would like some stackable rings and I wanted to make some. Perfect!

I knew I wanted to use parts of her old rings as the bands for the new rings and some of the stones she already had as well. But, I also had it in my head that I wanted to use birthstones and Tessa’s are diamond, ruby, and sapphire: a combination I wasn’t sure Tessa would be a fan of.

The issue with birthstones is that people don’t like them and/or the combination their family stones make. What most people don’t realize is that there are alternate birthstones for every month. For example, April’s traditional birthstone is diamond, but one alternative is opal, which Tessa conveniently had.

For July, instead of using a ruby, I used black onyx. For September, instead of sapphire, I used moonstone (which Tessa also already had).

As for the bangles (featured below), they were a last minute addition. I figured it would be better to give her a stack of bangles she might wear instead of giving her back a little bag with random items she wasn’t wearing at all (i.e. dolphin earrings, a soccer ball pendant….).

METAMORPHOSIS: MAY INTRO

Volunteer: Tess R.

Profession: Community Fundraiser Coordinator

Likes: Dark colours (black, navy, purple, green), practical and feminine jewellery

Dislikes: Pastels

Tess gave me a lot of silver and gold which means I have a lot of options. It also means I’m going to stress myself out thinking of all those options! First things first: the elimination round. Set aside what I know I want to reuse and melt everything else!

METAMORPHOSIS: APRIL REVEAL

Arrowhead Stud Earrings

I chose to make Tracie a pair of arrowhead studs because they seemed like a practical piece of jewellery she could wear straight through from her meetings, to her workouts, to being a mom, etc. Arrowheads symbolize strength and I figured if she was only going to wear one piece of jewellery during the day, I might as well make something practical and symbolic.

METAMORPHOSIS: APRIL INTRO

Volunteer: Tracie D.

Profession: Film Photographer

Likes: Cool colours (blues, greens, etc), earrings, necklaces

Dislikes: Earthy colours (reds, oranges, etc)

I know exactly what I’m going to make Tracie! Or so, I think I do. Once I start melting these rings who knows what might happen. But unlike other months, as soon as I met Tracie and saw these rings, an idea popped into my head.

METAMORPHOSIS; MARCH REVEAL

Amethyst Pendant

I haven’t slept in two days. True story. I’ve been so nervous.

When I started playing around with what Stef gave me, I kept going back to the idea of making a pendant. When I finished it, I realized that I made something that encompassed details she didn’t want. She said she liked big but simple or metalwork with no stones. I made her big, metalwork, and with stone.

I really wanted to make a Moroccan-style/Game of Thromes pendant and Stef had the right materials to do that! The pieces just kind of came together for this pendant where as I struggled with every other design I came up with for her.

BRIDESMAIDS GIFT IDEAS

After writing my groomsmen gift idea post last month, I thought I should write one for bridesmaids. Women are both easier and more difficult to shop for. Easier in the sense that there’s more options. Difficult in that women are pickier!

When gift-giving, I always opt for simple. Even if I think I know someone’s style like the back of my hand, I still try to go the simple route. People can add to simple things (i.e. simple necklace? Add another one for a layered look, etc.).

Here are some bridesmaid gift ideas that are sentimental yet simple and classic.

1) Simple round pendant with initial. They can eventually add other charms if they want. If you like this idea but want to step it up and get something a little more commemorative of the day, try a necklace from Palomaria. You can custom order necklaces in your wedding colours.

2) A silver bangle. People have been wearing bangles since the beginning of time. You couldn’t buy a more classic gift. It’s simple and classic and the recipient can wear it alone or paired with other bangles or bracelets. For a sentimental touch, engrave the inside.

3) A delicate ring that can be worn solo or stacked.

4) Simple stud earrings.

*Highlighted words are linked to the shops selling items in gallery.

GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEA

Wedding season is just around the corner and the bridal party gift enquiries have started.

I was recently brainstorming bridesmaid gifts with a bride when we got to talking about groomsmen gifts. Her fiance is stumped trying to come up with an original and reasonably-priced gift for his buddies.

Guys are usually pretty easy to shop for but to get a guy a nice gift, you sometimes have to spend a little more than what your budget might allow for.

The thing with wedding party gifts is that it’s hard to get something that everyone will like at a good price. Most brides and grooms try to get something “cool” or something that can at least be worn again but most of the time, it’s not used again and not everyone agrees that it’s cool.

The last three groomsmen gifts my husband got were a tie, cologne, and a flask. He wears the cologne and has worn the tie a bunch of times. The flask will be good for a boys trip (if he doesn’t forget it). So all in all, the gifts he’s gotten are pretty useful. But what else could you give a guy?

How about a tie clip? Even guys who don’t wear ties still have the occasional tie-necessary events. I came across personalized tie clips on Love It Personalized’s Etsy shop. I wouldn’t engrave the front for a sleeker look, but I like the idea of engraving the initials or wedding date on the back!

GREEN WEDDING IDEAS

I was recently included in an article outlining green wedding ideas. The italicized copy below is an excerpt from the article and contains a reference to yours truly.

With growing awareness of the environmental effects of excess waste and pollution, it’s no wonder that many of us are pursuing a more sustainable way of living. Naturally, this lifestyle transformation has begun to carry over to weddings as well, and many eco-conscious couples are looking for new and unique ways to make their celebration of love a little more green.

As an added bonus, going green helps you stick to your budget by trimming out excessive waste, which we think is good karma for keeping the earth clean. Here are a few ideas on how to save both the earth and your pocketbook from succumbing to the real cost of weddings.

Jewellery

As we all know, mining ores and precious stones such as gold and diamonds often results in major environmental devastation. Conscious couples are choosing to opt out altogether, hiring local artisans to design one-of-a-kind pieces using metals and gems recycled from old jewellery. These include hair pieces, necklaces, bracelets and, of course, wedding bands. Not only does this help solve the issue of unnecessary suffering caused by mining, but it also helps to support the local art community and economy.

Ethical Jewellery Designer: Alicia Agarrabeitia

Read the article by Kendra Coupland on the Real Weddings website here.

METAMORPHOSIS: MARCH INTRO

Volunteer: Stefanie S.

Profession: Owner of Flour Petals

Likes: neutrals, simple patterns

Dislikes: yellow, designs that are too girly

Stef is a stay-at-home mom that runs her own dessert and flower-arranging business. Do I go the practical route and make something that goes well with cookie dough? Should I mix the silver and gold like in January’s metamorphosis project? Should I use the stones she gave me? She said she prefers simple designs with little to no stones…

METAMORPHOSIS: FEBRUARY REVEAL

Knuckle ring and pendant.

As previously mentioned, Amrita has a large assortment of unique jewellery she mixes and matches. Knowing that, I felt I could get away with making her something a little bolder. Something to wear to all those Indie concerts she goes to!

METAMORPHOSIS: FEBRUARY INTRO

Volunteer: Amrita G.

Profession: Philanthrophy Services @ Vancity

Likes: most types of jewellery, unique designs

Dislikes: Anything that looks to perfect or clean, yellow, big hoop earrings

Amrita likes jewellery. She has a lot of it and wears a lot of it together. My challenge this month will be to make her something unlike anything she has. Mind you, I think she has an endless jewellery box so it’s likely I’ll make her something she already has. On the plus side, her tastes are diverse which means I can get a little bolder in my design.

METAMORPHOSIS: JANUARY REVEAL

Gold and silver cuff.

As I mentioned in my INTRO post, I can’t remember how Laura feels about bracelets but I do remember her saying she doesn’t have any cocktail jewellery and doesn’t like jewellery that gets in the way. I decided a cuff would fill the cocktail jewellery void and because the bottom is open, it won’t clink about or get in the way as much. And….this is a bit of a stretch, but she said she liked trees and the hammered finish sort of resembles tree bark. Right?!

METAMORPHOSIS: JANUARY INTRO

Metamorphosis is here! I thought it would take me awhile to get volunteers but I had an overwhelming response from people willing to trust me with their old jewellery. (Cue nervous laugh...)

Without further ado....let's meet the first volunteer.

Volunteer: Laura T.

Profession: Finance Manager

Likes: Simple jewellery, neutral colours, trees

Dislikes: Jewellery that gets in the way, very bright colours, the beach

Laura seems to like simple, classic designs. I thought some bangles would be a good way to go but they can get in the way of her desk at work and they can be noisy when worn together. She also said she didn’t really have any “cocktail” jewellery so

Metamorphosis is here! I’m really excited and inspired but also really nervous because there’s a chance I might make things that people hate! (Cue nervous laugh….)

For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, read about my Metamorphosis project here. I thought it would take me awhile to get volunteers but I had an overwhelming response from people willing to trust me with their things. (Cue more nervous laughter…)

I have decided to post an introduction post at the beginning of each month, an update half way through,  and then a reveal post at the end of each month. January’s project will only have two posts because I’m making this decision more than half way through the month.

Here’s a little info about January’s Metamorphosis volunteer a long with a photo of what she gave me!

Volunteer: Laura T.

Profession: Finance Manager

Likes: Simple jewellery, neutral colours, trees

Dislikes: Jewellery that gets in the way, very bright colours, the beach

Laura seems to like simple, classic, yet practical jewellery. That being said, she said she doesn't really have any "cocktail" jewellery. So maybe I should make her somehting big and bold? Or maybe something practical that she can actually wear every day.

THERE ARE NO WRONG PATHS

The new year is upon us. For some it's just another year. For some it's a new year, new you.

Personally, I don't make new years resolutions. I do however, remind myself to dream big and take risks: if you succeed, you’ll be happy; if you fail, you’ll be smarter. Win Win.

I recently came across a video of Oprah speaking at the Stanford School of Business. She talks about career, life, and leadership. The last minute is what resonated with me most. I’ve paraphrased it for you…

“There are no wrong paths. There’s no such thing as failure. Failure is just [life] trying to move you in another direction. You get as much from your losses as you do from your victories. The losses are there to wake you up. When you understand that, you won’t allow yourself to be completely thrown by a circumstance. Your life is bigger than any one experience. Relax…it’s going to be ok. You’ll know you’re on a detour when you’re not at ease with yourself. That is the cue that you need to be moving in another direction. The way through the challenge is to get still and ask yourself what is the next right move.”

Life is about learning and you can’t learn if you’re dwelling on what was or what you can’t change.

So with that in mind, I wish you all a happy new year. I hope that instead of making new years resolutions, you choose to simply live life to it’s fullest potential.