Putting Together a Collection for Fall 2012 Fashion

I've been asked, by an exclusive clothing boutique in Montreal, to put together a Fall 2012 Jewelry Collection to sell in their store. I don't mind telling you, I'm excited! I'm thinking of changing my name - something chic - The Artist Formerly Known as Vickie????? I'll work on it.

The first color palette I'm working with is black and gold and bronze. I need to stay fairly elegant, yet arty and exclusive, so I've got a few ideas I'll show you over the next few days.

This is a focal piece for a necklace that I can already see in my mind's eye. It uses up some scraps from different techniques, which is always great, but requires a lot of hand cutting and hand shaping, so this will definitely be the centre of a very "arty piece".

Warrior Women

All through history there have been Warrior Women, women who overcame tremendous obstacles to accomplish historical feats, women such as Queen Boudicca, Queen Artemisia, The Trung Sisters and Queen Zenobia, just to mention a few. All through history down to the present we have warrior women whose names have never made recorded history, but who daily overcome tremendous obstacles or endure difficult situations or bear heavy burdens just to care for those near and dear to them. These pins are dedicated to today's warrior women and I'll introduce my favorites from time to time.

The first is Lady Bernadette. She struggles with depression and lonliness yet always presents an elegant, cheerful face to those around her, not wanting to be a burden to anyone. Every day she manages to get to work or fulfill her responsibilities she has won a battle. Some days the battle overwhelms her. My Bernadette loves the colour green and has a smile that lights up a room. The green swarovski crystals trailing down her cheek are her tears and the dark pattern on the left side suggests the emotional veil she hides behind in order not to burden others with her pain. This pin is to let her know that there are many of us who recognize her valiant struggle and love and appreciate her.

Lady Bernadette



A Wedding Necklace - A Commissioned Piece

I don't usually take commissions. The last time I agreed to paint a painting commissioned by a collector who had only a few specific requirements - "the same color but large - 5 ft" I thought I would be safe. No problem. I could paint whatever I wanted in whatever technique I chose, as abstract as my emotions demanded, just constrained by color and size. I couldn't do it. I didn't go into my studio for 3 weeks. I pruned the he......... out of my trees and shrubs, dug up some trees, muttered, stomped, snipped and complained. It's not the way I work. So I learned my lesson - well, sort of. I don't paint commissioned pieces, but maybe, just maybe I could make a piece of jewelry on request.

This proved to be a delight. The dress is dark blue with a beige/cream belt. The lady a lovely woman from Madagascar. Ideas flooded my brain and have left me excited with potential for future experimentation.

Here is the piece.

Blue Lagoon

Attention to detail and finishing is the key to sophisticated work. Don't skimp on the sanding, buffing, edging and assembly. It shows how YOU feel about your work. If you are making fine art jewelry, then take it to that level.