Good To Go Jewelry

Padre Beads

2011-12-07T14:35:00.001-08:00

My latest fave. Padre beads are trade beads that can be hundreds of years old. These beads were traded between Europeans and Africans, and then Europeans to Native Americans (mid 1400's to early 1900's). The name "padre" comes from the Franciscan priests that gave the beads to the Native Americans in trade for their good work and conversion to christianity. The beads are glass and although not made in one place, most are said to originate from Venice.

I love the variation in colours, even the chipping and pitting in some - as these are telltale signs of their travels. Those in too good of condition should be questioned.

The large hole allows them to be strung nicely on soft deerskin. Wear alone; or looks great layered with other necklaces.

Good to ... be-jeweled

2011-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

... I have been needling away lately; some earrings:

Summer Vacation?

2011-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to take a vacation in my workshop this summer. Best laid plans .... However, I have re-introduced myself to my bench work of forging, hammering and torching. Thanks to Deryn Mentock, I was able to carve out some time to play with techniques I love doing.

My results:

BeadStar 2010 1st Place: Stones

2011-01-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

THANKS!

Magazine on Sale now at major booksellers nationwide

(see page 55 for my winning entry)
http://www.interweavestore.com/Beading-Jewelry/Magazines/Bead-Star-2010.html

November 6 Show in Orinda

2010-11-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Visit me at the Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Orinda Community Center on Nov. 6, 9:30am - 4:30pm. Will have new pieces that I have been dabbling with: fiber arts/wire collaboration, beadwork with leather and lots of unique earrings.

Ozzie

2010-08-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

New Addition to the Family

No Coincidences

2010-06-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

.... in life. Given how much time I've been spending poolside (swim team Mom), I have gravitated this week to portable projects. I started making beaded circles; grouped them and stitched them. End result: kind of like the 'bib necklaces' that have been trendy. Fun, easy, portable project for the summer.

After necklace was put together, it felt deja-vu'ish. To my closet I went to look for the source of the familiarity. No surprise to find a cover-up (thanks Leanna) that had similar colors and shapes. This is not the first time inspiration has come from a memory or image absently tucked away.

2010-06-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Bracelet (leather wrap) is one of the finalists. Please take a look and cast your votes.

I am in the Stones Category, #7 - just sayin'

www.beadstar.com

http://www.beadstar.com/2010/bead-star-stones.asp

Bracelet

2010-05-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Working on bracelets again. Loved making these years ago - and am glad to revisit and make again. Will start posting variations; but this is a Kate McKinnon classic style that I was drawn to and still love to make.

Go to Earrings

2010-05-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly versatile. Have worn them dressed up and dressed down.

Spring into Summer Bracelets

2010-05-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Fun summer bracelets to throw on with almost any casual outfit. Hope to make a bunch. If so will post them to shop. True to my style; always try to make pieces adjustable/versatile. Bottom pic shows three separates together. Wear one, two, three ... wrap the long ones ... lots of fun options!

More Flowers

2010-05-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Love the Dahlia. The middle flower: had dahlia in mind when trying to form the petals. My variation to the other two which I constructed from design by Carol Wilcox Wells.

Spring Inspiration

2010-05-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

I have had flowers on the mind for sometime. That combined with love of needle and thread has turned out sparkly, bud-like, flower-like pieces. Now what? Will continue to explore; may end up as a focal point on a wide cuff; as a single pendant, clustered together in an asymmetrical necklace ...

Cuffs

2010-03-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making cuffs. Time-consuming; but worth that extra sparkle.

Closet Magpie

2010-02-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

I like Swarovski crystals. Over the years I sneak them into pieces; used sparingly and in moderation. A couple years back I saw a crystal cuff bracelet at Nordstrom; and it really caught my eye. Now re-exploring bracelets and bead-weaving I felt compelled to make one.

It's a lot of sparkle; and I like the peak-a-boo styling: wear with a denim jacket, or nice long sleeve white shirt and a pair of jeans.

It was challenge to photograph; hope these pics capture a bit of this fun cuff.

Hello 2010

2010-02-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

Time flies is my excuse for unintentional lapse in posting. Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday to me!

Lots of ideas stirring; however not a lot of studio time these days. Busy time of year with school and neighbourhood commitments. However, I have been needling away on some bead-weaving.

I love bead-weaving. It is the first technique I really embraced; and have re-kindled my passion for it. I attended the BABE show in November and was enamored with Melanie Potter's work. Pictured is one her flower motif necklaces I recently finished. Way back when ... all I did was bead-weaving; mostly bracelets. I still love to do; and I think will find my way back to doing more and more this year. I'm finding that I like collaborated pieces techniques, textures and materials. I plan to continue this exploration ....

Last One ... (for the season)

2009-12-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

Home Boutique in Rockridge this evening.

Open Studio(ish)

2009-11-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am hosting a day to pop in and browse Good To Go Jewelry pieces for sale. After a (bit of a) break from madly prepping for the (successful) trunk show I'm back at it again this week.

I will be home for drop in on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

If you are local and are interested, email me for more details.

Happy Days!

Initials Necklace

2009-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

My take on the 'mama jewelry'. Initial charms (fine silver) can represent initial of each child, family member, dog - even spell out a name; you decide!

Each initial is handmade: formed, sanded, kiln-fired, polished and hand hammered.

I like necklace worn long, on a 24" sterling silver ball chain, dog-tag style; however 16"/18" length are also available.

Running in circles ...

2009-11-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

... today! Quick refresher here at home. Looking forward to first Orinda Trunk Show tonight.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-11-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

Only one week out; busy hands ... Why does inspiration, creativity, come at busy times? Wish I could bottle it up for those slump days. Working on finishing up many pieces, display, packaging .... Looking forward to next week!

Curly Font ?!

2009-11-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

Was on the pc tonight; and happened to notice that blog postings in the past month or so were showing in a curly/fancy font when viewed in Internet Explorer. Have quickly fixed!

Those who know me know that is not my style. When it comes to communication; it should be practical. Leave the fancy stuff to the jewelry making.

Sorry to the eyes of those who have been reading via Explorer.

What a Day!

2009-10-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon the Etsy Storque Blog that featured Sellit; an application that supports and helps market/promote online merchants. Good To Go Jewelry is referenced in the article ( as well as a quote from me! What a boost!

THEN .... mail came today and there was a Collector's Edition of Beadwork Magazine: 41 Favorite Jewelry Designs, and my project is one of them. They featured my Turquoise Collage necklace (see page 36). I am so honored to be included in a great collection of projects with so many talented artists. Thank-you Beadwork Magazine. You can pick up a copy at major book and craft stores.

What a day!!!

Sellit

I'm liking these bracelets

2009-10-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

More mixed bracelets. The sterling silver chain is quite hefty; great weight & feel. Technique tip: I have been oxidizing chain (before piecing together) with hard boiled egg.

Note handmade silver chunk bead used in top bracelet. I'm happy with my first go'round results.

J&G

2009-10-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jennifer!

Sun Came Out: New Pics

2009-10-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Result of Rainy Days

Inuksuit

2009-10-14T09:49:00.001-07:00

Mama Necklace

2009-10-14T09:47:00.001-07:00

Dylan & Bryce

Trunk Show

2009-10-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

Trunk Show: November 13

If you are local and would like to attend, please send me an email for info

Green Girl Studio Charms

2009-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Cynthia Thornton, of Green Girl Studios, has written a book called Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More, and it will be released on November 1, 2009!

I have admired and used Green Girl Studio charms in my designs; and happy to support them. The frogs below are part of a give-away at http://lorelei1141.blogspot.com/. If you would like a chance to win; hop on over to Lorelei's blog and leave a comment.

Anti Tarnish/Silver Cleaning Suggestions

2009-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Lately I have embraced using fine silver as my focal pieces; however past finished pieces and findings are sterling silver. I have been using a product called Jewel Brite to clean pieces that include softer stones, such as freshwater pearls and turquoise. I came across Jean Campbell's cleaning solution and thought I would pass on:

Tarnish-Busting Formula
1. Choose a plastic or glass (never metal) pan that is deep enough so that when filled with water your tarnished jewelry will be covered.
2. Put a piece of aluminum foil in the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour near-boiling water into the pan.
4. Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to the water.
5. Place the tarnished jewelry onto the piece of aluminum.
6. If necessary, add more baking soda to the dish until you see the tarnish coming off your piece. You should get a slight bubbling effect with an odd odor.

As soon as I got home that day I tried it, and guess what? It worked like a charm! I found I needed to take a soft toothbrush to some of the metal beads to get the tarnish completely off, but it didn’t take much. I’m not sure how the chemical reaction would affect gemstones or other beads, and I would never try it with a piece strung on silk, cotton, or nylon thread because of the hot water. But it went perfectly for this bracelet made of sterling silver, freshwater pearls, and crystals strung on beading wire.

I’ve heard of other at-home tarnish remedies, too:
• Mix mild soap, water, and a drop of ammonia. Rub the tarnished piece with the mixture and wipe clean with a soft cloth.
• Place clean silver in a plastic zip bag with a piece of white chalk inside. This keeps new tarnishing at bay.
• Cover newly cleaned silver with car wax to inhibit tarnishing.

Tribe of Inukshuk

2009-10-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Guess that would be "Inuksuit" (plural). Into the fire ....

North to Northern Ontario

2009-10-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Heading homeward where inspiration hit. This one's for you Zete!

Wrapped Crystals

2009-09-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Simple with a touch of bling.

Circles; two ways

2009-09-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Both hammered; both fine silver. Single hand formed, sanded and fired in the kiln. Double circles are torch fused, hand hammered and tumbled. Bon apetit!

Twisted Sister Earrings

2009-09-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

My sister likes hoops; hand twisted wire on hoops; hence the name.

E&S

2009-09-30T11:37:00.001-07:00

Estelle & Simone. Thanks Jenn!

Al

2009-09-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

Beyond the kid's initials; for the momma named Al.

2009-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Re-inspired by a pair of earrings a couple years back. A friend was wearing them this weekend; I had to make them again. Necklace is another collaboration of techniques: knotting and wirework in this one. Stones are all natural and semi-precious; however can't recall names. I think yellow ones are serpentine; and believe the blue rectangles are aquamarine.

Letters x 3

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ana's kids on a necklace. (Thanks!)

Earrings today

2009-09-17T12:26:00.001-07:00

Working through my 'favourites' stash of stones. The reddish beads are carnelian; yellow: I think are lemon quartz ...? Lost my notes to that strand ...

Etsy Shop

2009-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Shop is underway. Local folks; you know how to track me down. This shop is a convenient way for me to post available pieces.

Lots of admin to make this happen; takes away from the fun stuff of making. However; uploading here we go .... Keep checking back.

http://goodtogojewelry.etsy.com

Stinson Beach

2009-09-12T17:50:00.001-07:00

Gotta love the life in NorCal.

Feel the Heat

2009-09-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Not 'just' for coffee. Spa time ....

More Hoops

2009-09-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

Finished Letters on Sterling Silver Ball Chain

2009-09-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Just fused ....

2009-09-04T12:47:00.001-07:00

On their way to being earrings. All kinds of fire being used today!

Ready to be fired ...

2009-09-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Back to School

2009-09-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

Since the kids went back to school last week I have been eeking out time to catch up on Summer Stuff. Not a lot of time in the workshop over the summer; however did receive great feedback (and orders!) ....

I have more fine silver pendants (circle, squares, rectangles).

Will be posting to Etsy Shop (stay tuned). (you can always email me directly).

Quickee

2009-08-13T04:33:00.001-07:00

Just popping in for a quick post. 'Been awhile .... Still north of
the border. Thanks to Terri and all her friends for a great party and
great support. Will be back home soon .....

sent from iPhone

Nest found a home

2009-07-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

nest on braided linen

Silver Pendants on Leather

2009-07-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Inukshuk

2009-07-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Still a fave of mine. Each one is unique.

Back to boro

2009-07-24T14:09:00.001-07:00

My first published piece was a bracelet made with boro beads. Still have a variety of them in my stash; and came across them the other night. Bracelet is all wirework; have not done much wirework in the past few weeks due to numb thumb. Those within earshot have heard of my aches and pains; but in all fairness I did not really start complaining until week 4 ....

Mixed necklaces

2009-07-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I never know how these are going to turn out. Wear them long, or doubled up. Good weight, looks good.

2009-07-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

2009-07-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

2009-07-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Back to some jewelry

2009-07-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

I have been busy (and a bit sick). Would like to say I have been busy with jewelry; but it has been all about the kids the past few weeks. I pop down into the workshop to knock off a component; or tinker on a piece. I took some pics this morning of some things that have been in the works.

Mount Diablo Camping

2009-07-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Pic may not do it justice: nature's jewelry; sap is so sparkly in the
sun.

Alors ....

2009-06-29T15:03:00.001-07:00

One last crêpe; make it a big one!

2009-06-29T15:01:00.001-07:00

Siene River Cruise

2009-06-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

Took a nice cruise after dinner this evening. Eiffel tower at dusk;
which occurs about 10:30pm.

Au revoir Paris; we head home in the morning.

Place d'Odeon

2009-06-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

Cool, funky, rock, turkish influenced. Steve said they sounded like
gypsy Red Hot Chile Peppers; with a Gaelic twist.

Stumbled upon .....

2009-06-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

... Iive music. Small orchestra with proud conductor on grounds
behind Notre Dame. Notice how low the canopy is on the trees; created
quite a nice setting.

Starlight, church bright

2009-06-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

No stars to be seen; however brightly lit steeple of St. Germaine
church was a beautiful backdrop to post dinner drinks and people
watching.

Irish coffee in France?

2009-06-27T17:22:00.001-07:00

Yup; and it is above and beyond the ones at Buena Vista (cringe; sorry
SFO)

Noon'ish Coffee Break

2009-06-27T03:33:00.001-07:00

Midnight Snack

2009-06-26T16:00:00.001-07:00

Alexander Calder

2009-06-26T15:59:00.001-07:00

The master Wire Artist. New learning for me. He was in Paris from
1926-33; where he made his first wire sculpture. Those who work with
wire would be impressed with his wraps and loops.

Amazingly fluid and impressive.

Pompidou Museum

2009-06-26T15:55:00.001-07:00

Great day meandering thru modern art museum. Saw a very interesting
exhibit of art by female artists ....Special exhibits of Kandinsky and
Calder were visiting.

Pic is a view from the up escalator.

City Bikes

2009-06-25T16:53:00.001-07:00

Bedded for the night.

Tour de Eiffel

2009-06-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

Avec une Chocolate, Banana, Cream Crepe. Need I say more .....

Good eats (and cook) day

2009-06-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Started at market this morn. Bought all that was needed to make a
saucy chicken tarragon and cherry clafoutis. Learned so much from
Marguerite about the French grading system for produce and meats.
Great day with Marguerite, cooking at her home studio kitchen. Simple
but very tasty!

Used Metro, Tram, and RER today.

Hotel l'Abbaye

2009-06-24T05:13:00.001-07:00

Room with a garden view, and chirping birds too!

Enroute to Paris

2009-06-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Getting to the airport. Done. No tears; big hugs. Used iPhone to
check in online; bypassed line 100 deep. Swift check-in, thanks
iPhone!

I was lucky to get a pat down in security! Breezed thru duty free;
speaking of breeze, loved the dyson air-breeze hand dryer in the
washroom.

Onto step two ....

sent from iPhone

Hoop- La-La

2009-06-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

I love the look of hoop earrings; and have been playing around with sizes, forms, styles .... I like these as they are simple, organic in shape, fine silver and allows for so much variation; such as the addition of chalcedony wraps. I plan to do more with hoops within hoops; stones within the hoops, wrapped stones on hoop and on hooped hoop .... so many options ....

Wrapped Pearls

2009-06-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

Chalcedony Swing Earrings

2009-06-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Amuse-bouche (for the ears)

2009-06-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

When I make earrings I liken it to how I think a chef would feel when creating an amuse-bouche. They are a small sampling but pack a lot of punch and require just as much work (or more) as a larger necklace or bracelet. I love a great earring worn simply; allowing it to subtly stand out with no interference from a necklace.

Silver Charms

2009-06-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

My take on the 'mommy jewelry'. Initial charms (fine silver) can represent initial of each child, family member, dog - even spell out a name. My version is meant to be worn long, on a 24" ball chain, dog-tag style. Heck - we've earned our stripes eh! If interested, shoot me an e-mail, text, phone call .....

Nest finds a Home

2009-06-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wired nest finds a home on a silk crocheted pearl necklace. The pearls are so tiny ... just barely able to crochet them. I incorporated crocheting beads in necklaces a few years back after seeing a simple but beautiful necklace worn by a friend (Bridget - thanks!). Not sure if hers was crocheted however I achieved the look i was drawn to through crochet. Having sewed and knit for years, I love adding this element into my jewelry.

Twig into Silver

2009-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning with the song "Fire It Up!" in my head. So I did. I had prepared a twig with layers of silver paste the other day. This morning I fired it in the kiln and result was a hollow silver twig The twig burns off and - voila: pure silver twig.

Fine Silver Wire Pendants

2009-05-28T14:09:00.001-07:00

Simply Stylish.

Thanks to Carol Ann for the inspiration and to Jenn T. for spur'ing me on (at the time unknowing) to experiment with and end up with a finished pendant. Made from a plain piece of fine silver wire, fused and pounded!! Torch and tools, these are fun to make!

First Kiln Firing

2009-05-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have been putting aside some pieces to kiln fire (vs. torch fire). These pieces have been shaped and formed in the clay mode, dried, and now ready to be fired. (spot my fave: baby inukshuk)

Pics show before firing, after firing (now fine silver), and in tumbler (fire scale removed) ready to take on a good polishing. You will see these pieces show up as a component in a finished piece or as a solo pendant.

Fine Silver Links Bracelet

2009-05-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Why do I make a point of stating "fine" silver and "sterling" silver? Fine silver is almost pure (99.9%). Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, with added metals (mostly copper). All silver will tarnish however sterling silver will tarnish quicker, due to the "other" content.

I like fine silver for that reason (low/slower tarnish) and mostly because it fuses easily; allowing me to shape and connect as desired.

Beachcombing at Bracket's Landing

2009-05-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Opportunity to test posting from iPhone. So far kids have found a
fish , hermit crab and crab (all live). Have been spat on by clams
(I am sure they aim and revel in their hits; Marcus got it in the eye)

2009-05-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Link to online gallery: Marcella Jewelry 2009

if link not active cut and paste:

http://www.me.com/gallery/#100169

2009-05-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging. This has been on my 'to-do' list for some time. I have other big ideas I wanted to implement first; however finally came to realization that there is no time like the present. So; here I am sharing through blogging. One of the first posts is a link to my online gallery for a peek at some of the jewelry I have completed. (Shout out to my Canadian friends; prepping to see you in July).

2009-05-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with Art Metal Clay (fine silver). When first introduced I immediately knew I wanted to create the iconic Inukshuk. This pendant is the end result after experimenting with the form and it’s stability as a pendant.