Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

Rustic Tribal Primitive

Sunday, October 27, 2013

"Ancient" Artifacts


For this weeks AJE Earring Challenge Reveal 20, I designed earrings to look as though they were just uncovered at some remote archeological dig. Darkened copper with a layer of copper relief to which I have added a verdigris patina. Brass rivets add to the primitive look of the design.

Another primitive earring design using copper metal clay discs from Kristi Bowman and terracotta colored ceramic daggers from Petra Carpreau, that have ancient looking characters painted on them in black, very similar to what you might expect to find on the wall of a prehistoric cave.

Copper Relief Earrings
Ceramic Dagger Earrings

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

One Way to Make a Difference

My son and I were having dinner together at a restaurant a couple of years ago, discussing the candidates for an upcoming election and their different ideologies. He said at the time that he was not too concerned about the rising number of people in our country who were totally dependent on the government for their survival. So I paraphrased the old Chinese proverb into a question and asked: "Would you give a man a fish, or would you teach him how to fish?" His answer was "I would do both." He is right, of course, but giving the fish should be a short term solution and teaching him to fish is obviously the better long term solution.

The jewelry I make is a reflection of this belief. I feel one pathway to peace in the world is to encourage those people who are willing to work hard to better themselves and provide for their families. I use handmade and recycled jewelry materials made by independent, productive people in all parts of the world.

Krobo Beads Handmade in Ghana from Recycled Glass

Handmade Brass from Africa

Kazuri Bead, Handmade in Kenya


Made from Brass Blanks, Hand Cut in Mexico



History tells us that a common thread that causes friction and eventually war is poverty, which can be manipulated by people who are greedy for power. The one small thing I can do is try to close the poverty gap a little bit, by using beautiful handmade materials from hard working people who want to succeed.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Splendour in the Leaves



Art Jewelry Elements Earring Reveal 19

Forgive me, Wordsworth, I couldn't help myself! A blanket of red and gold leaves now covers the yard. Rustling in the wind and falling from the maple trees, the leaves are an ongoing source of entertainment for my cat, Alejandro, looking out the window.

In these copper leaf earrings, I have used asymmetrical leaf charms cut from copper sheet. My idea was to capture the randomness of the shaping as a leaf begins to dry and curl. After hammering a subtle pattern on them, I dapped the leaf shapes in opposite directions to achieve a wave effect. The two colors of patina make them a little quirky and unusual. I have added Czech glass and a bit of Chinese crystal in umber and warm red, and copper accents.

Copper Leaf Earrings
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Jasper Autumn


Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy

Monday, October 7, 2013

Fabulous Fall


Though it never seems long enough, fall is my favorite time of year. Fleeting moments of vibrantly colored foliage in hues that grow stronger until the leaves are saturated and begin to fall like feathers from their hosts. Brilliant yellows and fiery red maples stimulate the senses, perhaps even more so because we know it is only for a short time.

This collage is a sampling of my jewelry pieces designed in the vivid colors of the season using stones, seed beads, mixed metals, leather and silk.

Chrysalis Too on Etsy
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire