Our Blog
I’m a Rockaholic, Part 3
Recently, I shared my secret, that I have a collection to end all collections of unfinished stones just waiting to be called into service as a piece of beautiful jewelry. And I committed to you that I would make something beautiful out of at least a few of the many....
I’m a Rockaholic, Part 2
Remember these? Last month I vowed/committed to you that I would stop my gem-shopping habit and work with some of the stones that I had. Well, I did stop by a gem show and picked just a few things (but I swear, it was waaayyyyy less than I usually buy). But I...
My Name is Nadine and I’m a Rockaholic
When I took my first wire wrapping class in 2000, I knew I loved working with wire and it came easy to me. At the time, I hadn’t yet realized my love for gemstones was so strong! Somewhere I’ve written (maybe it’s on the biography inserts I put into my gift boxes?)...
Pearls Are Always Appropriate
Jackie Kennedy once said, “Pearls are always appropriate”, and I couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re going to a fancy event or heading out in your jeans, pearls fill the bill. Since pearls are June’s birthstone, guess what we’re talking about? Umm….pearls!“I feel...
Wire Whisperer
Wire wrapping, not to be confused with wire sculpting, is my passion. What's the difference you ask? Well, I'll tell you.Wire sculpting is usually done by grabbing a few wires and creating swirls and dips over the top of a stone, thereby at least partially covering...
O-O-O-Opal!!!!
I’m an October baby, so my attention and reverence for opals have been lifelong. I recently connected with an opal dealer, whose collection of Australian Opals was irresistible to me. My purchases were only limited by my available funds. I couldn’t wait to share them...
It’s Not That Easy Being Green…Unless You are a Gemstone
Kermit lamented“It’s not that easy being green, having to spend each day the color of the leaves. When I think it could be nicer being red or yellow or gold or something more colorful than that”. Poor thing, it took him the whole song to figure out that being green...
I Heart You
February is one of my favorite months because of Valentine's Day...need I say more? And when I think of Valentine's Day, I think of hearts, which are my specialty. I am the Queen of Hearts...the good kind (in case you were picturing the foul-tempered monarch from...
Custom Etchings ~ Dogs, Symbols, Logos
Shih Tzu for client When I think about all the classes I took last year, the one that stands out is the etching class. Probably because my final special order for Christmas was a special etched piece for a client whose wife had recently lost a pet shih tzu. He...
A Blog About Me
A custom pieceWhen I left teaching at the end of 1999, all I cared about was getting my life and family back to some semblance of normalcy. That’s when a one afternoon class in wire wrapping sparked my interest. Little did I know it would change the course of my...
The Colors Of The Holidays
“It seems like the holidays (of giving and receiving) begin sooner and sooner each year! I’ve already seen them up in several stores. So here’s a little preview and something to think about. Let’s explore the pieces that will let you dazzle those around you! You...
Beauties From Russia (with Love)
When international conflicts or supply chain issues occur, it also affects the availability of certain gemstones. That includes stones from Russia. Fear not, not only do I make jewelry, but I collect gemstones from all over the world, and that includes Russia.Russia...
For the Art’s Sake
William Holland SchoolMore than 10 years ago, I found out about the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, which sent my art into a different trajectory. It is a lovely little school (my husband calls it “art camp”) nestled in the woods in Young Harris, Georgia....
Ooh, Labradorite!!!
Like many stones, labradorite is named after the place where it was first found - Labrador, which is in Canada. I have always admired the incredible fire and colors in labradorite, also known as a “fire stone”. It is known for its changing colors and aids the body and...
Love “Stones”
I think I fell in love with gemstones while I was learning to wire wrap in 2000. It’s hard to believe that is now over 22 years ago. But, as some of you may have heard me say this (or read it somewhere), I am a rockhound and my jewelry making supports my “habit”. ...
Courage & Strength Continued
This month I'm continuing with more gemstones that help with courage and strength. My focus this month is on howlite, onyx and lapis lazuli, three more stones with amazing properties that help with both courage and strength.Howlite Not only does howlite promote inner...
Courage and Strength ~ Aquamarine, Bloodstone and Carnelian
Last month I talked about the protective and healing properties of Shungite. This month, I’d like to focus on some gemstones that help with courage and strength, something that a client recently contacted me about. She was looking for a stone that helps with those...
Shungite, Does It Help with EMFs?
Shungite earringsMost gemstones have healing properties, properties that may help with emotional or physical issues. I’ve often met clients who are attracted to certain stones and find out that they help with certain things they are lacking in and need in their lives....
Anatomy of a Custom Order
Here’s an example of a true experience I recently had. My client was given a tumbled gemstone rock(smoky quartz) by her daughter. The meaning to her was far beyond any dollar amount and she wanted it turned into a precious keepsake that she could wear often. She also...
Valentines – The Heart Of the Matter
This beautiful heart pendant, made with a mabé pearl, is on its way to Kress Emporium.While some people say Valentine’s Day is a Christian holiday, others say it has a pagan background. Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day represents romance, and what symbolizes...
Ring Ring Ringing in 2022
Sayonara 2021! Time to Get Our Bling-On in 2022If you are the type of person that just loves color, texture, and unusual designs, this is the place to be, because I'm about to show you sparkly, interesting, unique...and you'll be ringing in the new year with...
The Browns & Golds of November
Now that Summer is gone, gone, gone, and the oranges and reds of October have peaked and we will soon be left with browns and golds to remind us that Autumn is really here. I thought I’d visit with the browns and golds in gemstones and metals. I think it’s fun to find...
A Fallen Leaf…
If I have to think of fall, the first thing that comes to mind are leaves, leaves, and more leaves. (My yard is comprised of trees...lots and lots of trees, which mean an annual onslaught of falling leaves.) So, leaves is what we shall focus on this month.My BackyardI...
The Colors of Quartz
To coordinate with the Henderson County Gem and Mineral Society’s upcoming HUGE annual Gem Extravaganza on Labor Day weekend, I thought I’d give you a bit of background on this year’s theme. It is the Colors of Quartz. Quartz is found all over the world and is the...
Treasures From the Sea
As our summer heats up, it makes me want to just spend my days oceanside, splashing in the surf. Alas, the mountains don’t provide many waves to frolic in, and so I must satisfy that urge for the ocean by playing with ocean gemstones. Known as the “Jewel of the...
Bucket List ~ Down Under Gemstones
Like me, I bet most of you have been itching to travel. Since we’ve been on lock down, I decided to revive a wonderful memory of our “Bucket List” trip to Australia and New Zealand several years ago. It was unforgettable and extraordinary! So, journey with me to...
April Showers Bring May Flowers
April showers bring May flowers, and this is the theme of May! Our recent rains have resulted in resplendent blooms of azaleas, tulips and more, dotted among the leaves of daylilies, rhododendrons, and hostas awaiting their blooms. It’s time to celebrate the beauty of...
The Colors Of April
In celebration of spring,the colors of April reflect the blue of robins’ eggs, the petals of lavender, the swirling patterns of yellow and white like the daisy centers, and pink cherry blossoms. Like a garden of colors bursting with life, these stones are inspired by...
The Color of March
The color of March is dark and light pastel green. You see this hue in forests and jungles, from the darkness of ivy and malachite to the lushness of green lotus leaves and Peruvian opals. Peruvian opals, the lightest of these March gems, are found in the Andes...
And Kiki Makes Four, Our New “Covid” Family
After 3 years since we put down our last standard poodle, Max and decided to pet sit, but not get another dog. The loss was just too painful. And then something changed. We took care of a friend’s dog, Duke, that had the same temperament as Max and the house felt the...
I purchased this red cinnabar necklace, and it is gorgeous! It has a nice weight to it, and beautiful detail. I bought the matching earrings as well, and they’re just as gorgeous!
