Permission to Rest: freedom to be

garnet chips and copper

The other night, I was so frustrated with myself, because I had been feeling like I had so much to accomplish during vacation. Instead of tackling any of these "things", I did absolutely nothing. In reality, none of these "things" even need to get done this week. I put so much pressure on myself all the time. I was talking to a friend who said, "Rachel! Do I need to look up "vacation" in the Merriam-Webster for you? You don't have to work. Give yourself a break." That just about did it for me. It was completely freeing. I don't have to make jewelry, post new items, blog and tweet during vacation this week. A hobby was becoming an obligation and I was the only one who had expectations for myself. That night, I gave myself permission to rest and do nothing.

smoky quartz and copper

The funny thing is...
The next day I wanted to make jewelry. So I sat on the floor (I love sitting on the floor...I don't know why, I just do), caught up on all my favorite shows: Glee, One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl (how old am I?), Gray's, and Private Practice, and made some new items. They have not been added to my Etsy shop yet, but they are all for sale.

sterling silver and turquoise chips

gold filled hammered hoops with green freshwater pearls

peridot chips and copper

Theme Songs: a time to catch up

Modeling how I wanted my student to sit in a box (right before I fell over) so I could make preposition pictures. "Sit in the box like Ms. Roberts."

As a teacher, I have several vacations a year. People often say, "must be nice." Let me tell you. It is!

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. -Ecclesiastes 3:1

My Theme Song
To everything, rest rest rest
There is a season, rest rest rest
And a time to every purpose under heaven.

a time to catch up
a time to slow down
a time to drink coffee
a time to drink wine
a time to work out
a time to sleep in
a time to laugh with friends
a time to weep from exhaustion

A time to make jewels
This of course gives me more time to do what I love. So be looking for some new designs. I may try to challenge myself to work with the supplies I already have and see what happens. Anything you are looking for me to make?

Weapons of Fashion: copperhead strikes

What is my obsession with weapons this week?! Brass knuckles, guns and now copperhead snakes? I am not a violent person. These are just the things I thought about as I was designing in different metals. I am loving the new long necklaces. They are so simple, affordable, trendy, and beautiful.

Garnet Theme Songs
I made this necklace for a friend's birthday this week. My friend already had the Stefania Mou earrings (purchased for her birthday) and I figured she needed something to match. The next day I made one for myself. It also matches well with the tri-color stacked hoops. The 36 inch length is perfect. And has a nice jingle. So people know when you're coming. It's like your own special theme song as you walk into a room. Don't even get me going on theme songs. Everyone should have a theme song. Every. One.


Peridot Boots
I would like some lime green boots. Some tall boots. Some tall, lime green boots. Just because. They'd be cool. In the meantime, I'll settle for a necklace with lime green in it. This peridot and copper necklace is the perfect balance of color. It is lightweight and again, very jingly. Press play and strut your stuff.

Theme song? Anyone?

Show Me Your Guns: right to bear arms

Whether you are for or against the right to bear arms, this is one gun you will absolutely support wearing.

Turquoise and Gunmetal
The combination of these two colors is perfect for the warm weather seasons we hope are just around the corner, well paired with a white tank and a tan. You don't have a tan? Not warm enough for a tank? No problem! Show off your pasty white skin and throw on an open front cardigan.

Coral and Gunmetal
Another beautiful color combination: coral and gunmetal. This necklace is light-weight and comfortable. Just think: beaches, sunshine, and...sand stuck in all crevices of your body. I can not wait to dig my toes into the beach and yell at seagulls at Pine Point.

What about Valentine's Day?
What about it? Anything will do. From hearts, to red, to anything in between. Women love jewelry. Observe. Take notice. And find something stunning. Need some help?
What are YOU doing for the day that is both adored and despised all around the world?

Tortilla Chips and Brass Knuckles: my newfound love for all things metal

Mmmm...chips
I love potato chips and tortilla chips (mmm...corn). I also love amethyst chips. And antique brass. And copper.


Metal Mixology
The past few months, I have really enjoyed mixing metals. Now I'm mixing colors with metals. My new found love of brass began as I started realizing how much money I was spending on sterling silver. The prices keep rising. But since I started making jewelry when the price of silver was high, I didn't really have a reference point when I started. Thus began my mixed metal journey.


Tri-Dagger Necklace
This light purple amethyst looks beautiful with the antique brass chain. And the pointy "daggers" add a unique edge to the purple beauty. The necklace is long enough to slip around the neck and can be worn alone or stacked with other necklaces of mixed metals (of which will be made shortly).


Amethyst Chip Earrings
The earrings are a perfect match to the necklace for those who are the matchy-matchy type (I never used to be like this, but my friend, Jenika, told me to match whenever possible, even if you're only matching to your underwear). I didn't take her advice lightly. And to this day, I try to match my underwear to SOMETHING, but the hot pink is always difficult to match. And I like to match my jewelry.


Brass Knuckles
If you have brass knuckles, I suppose you can pair those with the daggers. If you're the brass-knuckle type.