.Hobby vs. Career.

I purchased this book the other day. I began making jewelry when my aunt gave me my first jewelry making kit around the age of ten. I was a frequent shopper at Dava Bead. My designer creations were sold (yes, sold, but only really to my family members- most became presents) under the name JaVO. My brother even made business cards for me for Christmas one year. I have always been in love with jewelry, both wearing and creating, but ever since my fashion show last spring I have been having actual dreams of being a jewelry designer. I looked into doing a term in jewelry design in Italy even. It's not really feasible at the moment seeing as how I just moved to New York two weeks ago (did I tell you that?) but maybe one day in the future.

I don't want to get too into the book because if you're interested you should check it out but this was one of the first designers in the book and I am already deeply in love. Arielle De Pinto. It reminds me of the jewelry I created for the Spring fashion show- on a much higher level, of course. This is the kind of stuff I aspire to create one day. This and found object jewelry, that is.

I need a way to cast metal. It's frustrating that jewelry making is limited to the supplies you have on hand. You can do whatever you want with chains and beads and doodads but if you want to cast a silver or gold something-or-other you are S.O.L. Unless you have cast abilities in which case I envy you.

When I was looking for a picture of the book to show you I stumbled upon this gem. At first I skimmed over it but then I noticed the face. So I went to the website that hosted this picture and found another amazing jewelry designer: Jeremy May. He makes jewelry out of books! That's what this ring is made out of. So incredible. Go to the website to check out more.

This is another piece that I made about a year ago. I made matching ones for all my girls. I purchased a sheet of copper, cut it into smaller tags and then stamped 'love' in braille on them. I then found various chains around my house (part of this is from a chimney pull) and at a bead store and created uniquely different chains for each of the tags. I love the way the copper ages.

...

One day.

The Color of Unemployment

There I was, staring at my cell phone willing it to ring... it didn't and I got restless. Inactivity doesn't suit me.

Then my picture frame broke.

So I sat in my window...

... And got out my jewelry making supplies...

... And made this creature:

Then I photographed it:

Then I made food:

Then, obviously, I ate it and now I am writing this.

My cell phone has yet to ring. Well, I guess that isn't quite true. My dad did call me.