What I'm Reading: "Jewels: A Secret History"

Jewels: A Secret History

By Victoria Finlay

Victoria Finlay is also the author of Color, a fantabulous book about colors, their history, importance throughout the years, uses, and origins.

(Let me tell you, as an Art Historian it really rocked my socks off!)

But now... I think she's trying to be my most favorite author ever!

Her latest book is the same sort but this time it's about... JEWELS!

She's doing the same thing for gemstones that she did in her Color book and I am beyond stoked so far!

As a jewelry designer, fabricator, artisan, and rock hound/ collector of all things geologic, including lovely pieces of jewelry (Is there a better way to collect rocks? I think not!), I cannot wait to read through her historical insight.

I've only finished the first chapter (On Amber, can you tell from my pics? Lol) but it's love at first read so far!

(I couldn't resist taking out some of my own Amber collection for a short snap-fest.)

Her writing is superb, meaningful, witty, and packed with insight! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for something more.

If you like history or are always asking Where? When? Why?

Victoria Finlay, world traveler and author extraodinaire, is for you!

What are you reading?

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson, please ask permission prior to use. Book written by Victoria Finlay and published by Random House.)

 

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Argento Alchemy Projects

On my work bench lately...

Working on a new pretty for the Argento Alchemy Esty site!

Kisses,

K

(All images and designs created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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Back To School: Studio Work

My Fabrications course is going well so far and I'm really enjoying it!

I'm learning so much!

Both my teacher and my classmates are so awesome and inspirational!

Since a lot of the work we do is rather unglamorous (I smell like machinery and oil when I leave, lol) our studio is reflective of that. It's real, not aesthetically pleasing but not un-so either. We work at jeweler's benches and get to "play" with loads of awesome tools!

This rather blurry shot (sorry) shows our torch station where things get hot and also awesome.

Here's the sketches I did for my current project: an Art Deco inspired pendant.

In the baggy above is hematite cabochon that I'm going to bezel set on my piece and the square is actually sterling silver (my preferred material) in sheet metal form.

We trace the deign onto tracing paper and glue it down to the sheet metal.

Then we very slowly and patiently saw the design out.

P.S., this glue? Fantastic!

I don't want to fall behind in class (I'm pretty fresh to most of the techniques and everyone else is rather advanced.) so I had lots of homework to do.

I don't have a bench yet but an old Ikea table works for now.

Here are my parts all cut out. They still need a LOT of work!

Lots of filing and soldering yet do!

I love how as you work you end up covered in teeny tiny sparkling metal specs that glimmer and glitter!

Incidentally, you sweep that precious stuff up and save it! All "scrap" can be re-melted and re-used, it's still rather valuable. You save money and are environmentally responsible at the same time. I'm a big fan of both!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission prior to use.)

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What I Wore; Happy St Patricks Day!

I know most people celebrated over the weekend but today is St. Patricks Day so in honor of the ocassion I donned some of my luckiest green pieces today.

I built my outfit around this cute sparkly and metallic green tee from Disney. (I purchased it in Mouse Gears inside of Epcot but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find it in Disney stores around the country and definitely at Downtown Disney locations.)

Then I added this multi-green and navy tweed pencil skirt from past seasons at J Crew.

Next cam my favorite part, accessories!

I layered in a semi-precious and precious gemstone and sterling necklace and matching chrysoprase earrings from my past Argento Alchemy works as well as a braided wrap bracelet.

I also wore a vintage green crystal clip earring from my Grandmother that had lost its mate as a brooch. As well as a Honduran inlaid sterling cuff, a Michaud cuff, and a large green druzy ring.

Here is a more detailed shot (bottom to top):

Large green druzy ring

Hand dyed silk, hand forged fine silver link, and black pearl braided wrap bracelet.

Michael Michaud eucalyptus cuff

Honduran inlaid cuff

Since I work at home I can get away with a Mickey tee and tons of jewelry but...

For those of you who don't I also pulled together some more office friendly inspiration above.

Details: Argento Alchemy petite chrysoprase briolette dangles on German sterling huggie hoops, vintage green crystal clip earring worn as a brooch, and work appropriate bangles in jade from Chinatown in Chicago and navy, green, and white cloisonné from France.

Just swap out the tee shirt for a white or blue button down plus heels and your work ready instead.

Hope you have a lucky Monday!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson.)

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Getting Creative: Argento Alchemy

Here's my little something special I told you about earlier!

It's a delicate sterling silver and ruby handcrafted "Secret Love" necklace.

Each lovely ruby bead represents a dot and each sterling cylinder bead represents a dash. Together on their delicate sparkly 18" chain they spell out "Love" in Morse code!

I love love but that doesn't mean I always want to my heart on my sleeve or a literal heart around my neck. I created this necklace for those times when you want something special but also delicate and subtle in a lovely way.

It's a great gift for yourself, friends, sisters, or mothers! It's also great for hinting about to that special someone in your life...

I'm still just getting started with Argento Alchemy again so I only have a limited amount of these at the moment.

Hopefully my new etsy website will be up soon but in the meantime if your interested please email me at: argentoalchemy@gmail.com

(Each necklace is $30.00 and shipping to the continental U.S. is free! All other shipping zones will be shipped at the current US Postal Service rate.)

Ruby Kisses,

K

(Design is property of Krista Carson. All images are created and owned by Krista Carson.)

 

 

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What I Wore; Outfit Details

Today I wore autumnal greens and fall friendly vintage owl pendant that I love on a sterling chain I made.

It's big and ostentatious but is so much fun and once belonged to a beloved Great Aunt.

Every time I wear it I smile which is great because today has not been so fab...

Do you have a special accessory that perks your day up?

Kisses,

K

(Image owned by Krista Carson.)

 

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Inspire Me Tuesday: J Crew Spring 2013

I love how fun and easy J Crew's Gayle Spannaus's ideas for spring '13 are. Probably because they're all things I like to do already but I'll let you judge for yourself:

Kisses,

K

(All images via J Crew.)

 

 

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Jewel Cool

Two nights ago my creative juices were really flowing and I made, what I think, might be my best piece yet. (Of course, I very well might think every piece is my best yet after they're freshly made... But I digress)

 

It's girly, fresh, and chock full of pink. Light pink boulder opal, fuschia tourmaline, environmentally friendly carved coral, and cherry pink agate give way to creamy orange agates, pale alexandrite, chunky rock crystal, and a touch of amethyst.

Normally I'm a blue and green girl but with my sister in law to be's upcoming shower and wedding full of pretty pinks and romance I'm feeling the love.

I also can't wait to share the upcoming March bridal shower with you! But for now I'll just leave you with a sneak peek (I don't want to spoil any surprises for the bride).

(The Fleur de Lis-ed and pink stripey-ed back of the invitations, fun right?)

Kisses,

K

(Images and products all created, designed, and owned by Krista Carson. Pink Striped bags by Whisker Graphics.)

 

 

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