Custom Jewelry Work: Commissioned Inspired by SG-1 Necklace

I recently had the pleasure of doing custom work on a design inspired by this necklace from an episode of SG-1.

We were under a pretty tight deadline considering we had to source the stone and I had to "test" out materials for the side elbows (from wood, bone and horn).

A local lapidary, Donald of Nature's Gallery, became my hero when he custom cut a slab of lapis so I could get started on the focal point of the design.

I highly recommend his lapidary services. This custom cab was a beauty at ~2.5 inches long and an inch wide. The pyrite in the specimen made this cab shimmer in the light. Just gorgeous.

After experimenting with bone, wood and horn, I choose black horn to make the elbow joints of the design for a number of reasons. It was the color I desired, lightweight, easy to grind, drill and polish, durable enough to hold the weight of the focal design.

The birthday girl was kind enough to share a picture of herself wearing her present and I just love the way it turned out and so did she (thank goodness! ).

I was really touched that she took the time to thank me for helping her husband create a custom piece of jewelry for her.
If you are looking for custom jewelry work, contact me at ARTIST AT DESIGNING-DIVA DOT COM to discuss making your dreams a reality!


P.S.
Check out this cool music video for season 10 of the SG-1.

Jewelry Inspiration-From Idea to Design

I'm often asked how I come up with a particular design and I'm usually inspired by people, places, and thing around me. Sounds pretty vague doesn't it..I really don't have any secret magic forumula I promise! :)

For example, this cute little necklace started with me wanting to capture my daughter, Brittney, at the point in her life when every stitch of clothing she owned was pink!!! She is a creative child and loves to draw. She loved to draw cats but no matter what type of picture she drew there would be hearts.

When I saw this pink marbled polymer clay pendant at the Houston Quilt Show, I immediately thought of her. I made it the focal of this necklace design. I took shades of pink, clear and frosted beads and braided in metallic ribbon.

It turned out better than I hoped and it captured who she was at that time....

Inspiration Behind the Jewelry Design-Superstar

I love to read and collect inspirational quotes. When I came across this quote, my mind instantly clicked and I knew what I wanted to design--the result is the necklace that was featured at Rare Bird Finds.

A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
-----Diane Mariechild

My inspiration to create jewelry comes from all my life's experiences. It might be something I see, read or hear that inspires me. My children, Brittney (8) and Blake (soon to be 6) often inspire me to slow down and take notice of the little things like the beautiful bugs or how great rain feels.

I keep a journal of ideas to help me focus on all the "clutter of ideas" in my brain. This helps me keep my designs in "collections" although I really do like to get very creative & artsy every 10-12 pieces...but the jewelry designs always find a good home! ;)

Definition of Beauty......Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore was recently quoted saying...

"I just think happiness is what makes you pretty. Period," she tells the magazine. "Happy people are beautiful. They become like a mirror and they reflect that happiness."

The Dallas Designing-Diva would like to congratulate her for being chosen for No. 1 spot on People magazine's annual "100 Most Beautiful People" list that will be hitting news stands this Friday.

And if you are reading this Drew, contact me, for a custom jewelry design that will reflect what you exude---happiness!

Hmm??? Wonder if she will...I'll continue to exude happy thoughts about that! ;)