Hi everyone!
It’s been a minute! Good to see you all!
As some of you know, my Dad passed away last month after a valiant battle with brain cancer. It’s been a sad time, but my family and I are coping OK- we have made a good team from the get-go to ensure that Dad got excellent care, and that we kept up with the demands of life. We were all at home with him and he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones and the beloved cats who sat on the bed. He had wonderful providers, ranging from the EMTs who brought him to the hospital after the first unexplained seizure, to the neuro-oncologist, to the in-home caregivers. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues at my day job, who covered my classes that week and delivered a wonderful care package that they put together when I got back to New Mexico.
Anyway- I’m pleased to share that I’ve finished my latest collection, Tesoro. Tesoro means treasure in Italian and Spanish, and given the strong Mediterranean influence of this collection, it seemed fitting. I’ve got some super cool new designs, including those inspired by various art and culture from the Mediterranean region.
I’ve long had a fascination with ancient Egypt and the rich history and ornate artwork and jewelry. It seemed fitting to incorporate an ancient Egyptian-inspired necklace, the Temple of Isis. This one was inspired by some ornate Egyptian necklaces that feature a delicate motif at the center like this one. Though it took a few tweaks for it to sit properly, I was thrilled with the results once I figured out the tweaks to ensure a proper position!
These delicate earrings were inspired by Roman Crotalia earrings, which had large stones to create a rattle/dangle effect. The ancient Roman version features gold and pearls. I created a modern twist with an intricate glass bead frame, and I have multiple gemstone versions! As always, these earrings are on sterling silver hooks, making them less allergenic.
I made another new design, the Byzantine Cross, featuring a central double-drilled gemstone surrounded by beadwork evocative of a Byzantine cross, with beaded dangles coming off the ends. I love these with a solid jewel-toned top!
The Infinity Paisley bracelet is a fun new addition. This one is a bit smaller than some of the cuff bracelets that I’ve made in the past, but still features the same intricate beadwork. This design was inspired by intricate jewelry from southern Spain. I love the paisley beads at the center! There are a few different versions, with different stones and color schemes. And as always, it’s stretchy for a forgiving fit, and metal-free!
I think my new favorite is the Aegean Weave bracelet, inspired by art across the Mediterranean region. I absolutely love the delicate gemstones and the intricate beadwork is so much fun to do! It’s kind of a new variant of the Bohemian Dreamweave bracelet!
And Tesoro wouldn’t be complete without a hand chain or hair ornament. Check out this great Diadem Weave Hair Jewelry. This has a fun intricate looped pattern featuring gemstone beads. I’m absolutely loving it for a regal touch to an outfit!
Have a look at the Tesoro collection- see what speaks to you!
All the best,
Grace