gratitude & inspiration

In the continuing rearranging & organizing of the studio, I have set up the area directly across from my work desk to inspire and to remind me how lucky I am to do what I love for a living. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports my business in any way whether it is purchasing something or spreading the word. It is sometimes really difficult to be self employed but when someone thanks me for creating something that they love to wear, all the negative disappears and I know it is all worth it. (tax time again?!) 

I have included some recent gifts also, inspired by the creativity of  friends and my gratitude in finding such kindred spirits thanks to my business. 

Projects in progress to remind me to finish them, 

Etsy jewelry waiting for a home. 

And of course my constant studio assistant, Galatea!

sitting pretty.

Birthday Pilgrimage

Today I took the day off to visit Earth Mother, a painting by Edward Burne-Jones. Had only found out about her existence a month ago and she had been calling to me ever since I saw the painting listed on their website. Every bit worth the drive, even worth the odd looks from the security guard who seemed puzzled by my reverence and length of visit. Likely he was afraid I was going to try and run off with it or get it wet with my misty eyes. :) 

Worcester Art Museum, or WAM !

Happily surprised at how many pieces of Medieval Art was to be found there, paintings and sculptures and even a reconstructed Medieval Chapter House with glorious Stained Glass.

Took notes, was inspired, made sketches, took some pictures. The photos were taken with my Droid Phone and without flash, so none really captured the work very well, but wanted to share them here just for memory's sake and for some fun pairings.

Looking forward to visiting again!

Nature Inspired Work & Cabin Fever

Sometimes looking out the studio window is my only connection to nature, the outside world for days. I am grateful to the many birds and squirrels that stop by to find shelter in the old pear tree.

This winter has been so hard on so many people, I'm sure the animals have had it bad but they seem to flourish and thrive all the same.  Survival. Hope. Cycle of Life.

Here is a group of creatures coming with me to the show on Sunday... 

if they don't find homes there they will be appearing on Etsy soon!

super cold

super cold
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Days like these I am so glad to work from home...

keeping out of the frigid winds

 and thankful for the sun pouring into the studio.

also keeping me warm today...

snow, inspiration, dreaming

Back to the grind...

...grinding Stained Glass Hearts that is! >

Where did January go? This year is flying by so fast already. Not fast enough as Spring seems too far away.

Boston is getting more snowstorms this year than ever before, all the better to hide away in my attic studio and get lots of jewelry made for the Cabin Fever show in a few weeks! 

ready for beadwork...today's project!

..excited to show our new gifted PR bags by Arteffex!

trying to get out for a little inspiration between storms...

&

and settling back in for more work...

Happy February Everyone!