Back from an extended leave. I have been busy learning many new techniques to add to my making capabilities,  spent some time with my new grandson and family, and managing my health. Anyone that has to cope with a chronic pain condition will probably understand that in itself can be a full time job. I am very excited to be focusing on my craft again, It is a welcome relief to escape into a "creative zone" and be less conscious of physical discomfort. I am looking at the website to make improvements to content and navigation. Most importantly I am working on new designs! I have always been and still am interested in helping anyone realize their jewelry want and needs.The best method for contacting me for special orders or requests is by email, but feel free to call if that is your preference and leave me some details to get back to you. Please understand, it is not often easy to leave a work-in-progress to answer a call in person, my items are hand-crafted by my hands and my hands are often holding a torch, drill, or polisher.

Summer is quickly coming to a close with Labor Day just around the corner. I did not get to spend much time with the website. New items I created went to a local shop in a resort area that had requested to take them on consignment. It feels uniquely rewarding to have others enjoy the things I have done. I find the process of creating jewelry therapeutic as I have an injury that makes me physically uncomfortable most of the time, but when I am "in the zone" creatively it can override my consciousness of it. One of the reasons I began with natural stones was because of the metaphysical properties that some are thought to have to aid in healing and support various aspects of our being. I have found a few that were new to me to seem to have some of those properties. I am looking forward to the Fall season and using some of the rich colors that remind me of the changing foliage that will be around me, I have some amber and red agate that I find very beautiful and hope to be able to show you here on the website soon. 

I have been putting in whatever spare time I can find to get this site up and working, while still pursuing the creative ideas when they grab me and expanding my skills trying new techniques, materials and tools. I read a fellow jewelry designer's blog post today and it suggested that it is a good idea to have a blog. I gave that some thought and I think I agree, especially for creative people working primarily on their own a lot. I think doing so can help avoid creative blocks as you have an outlet to put down some of your thoughts rather than  just let therm rattle around in your own head. I also find that I like to read blogs of the sites I visit. It makes me feel a bit as though I had a conversation with the artisan as if I had stopped by their shop in person almost. While I do not know if I will have enough of interest to write much here about, time will tell, at least this is the start and I will go from there. If you have taken the time to read this, then thank you for stopping by and please come again! I would be happy to read your comments if you care to write. Thanks again! Karen