new masters

Here's the next batch of masters. These are cast in silver and aren't polished or antiqued. They are destined for our pewter line. You may remember seeing the polymer version of this piece, when I was trying to decide what to do with it. I think it looks particularly good in silver.

Here's the back of the piece, engraved with the first lines of one of Emily Dickinson's most beautiful poems:

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

This little horned owl has been in more sketchbooks....but I just never got around to carving it. I've drawn it over and over, with different faces, feather patterns and body shapes. I sat down to make something entirely different, a rabbit, I think, then this took shape. He's quite small, perfect to dangle from a bracelet or in a long necklace with oval shaped beads.

I haven't made many pieces with openwork, but found a bit of antique handmade lace in my sewing box and thought it would make a lovely necklace. The first thing I thought of was a choker type piece, strung all the way around with the lacy drop pendants, with tiny briollettes wire wrapped in the middle opening and from the hole at the point. It would have a rather opulent and vintage feel, perfect for a summer wedding. I'm looking forward to making myself something with this design!

I love carving flowers and leaves, there is something quieting in the familiar shapes. It's almost meditative. Anyway, I carved this little dangly piece to go with our floral clasp. I think it'll look great with so many styles- retro or vintage, depending on the beads. These new pieces will also debut at the Bead and Button Show, so stop by and say hello!