As some of you might have noticed, it’s all about red cinnabar nowadays. I’ve often used little synthetic (some kind of plastic) cinnabar hearts and butterflies over the years but when I was in Barcelona almost two years ago I made a discovery.

There was this tiny little shop in Barri Gòtic called Antoní Jover where an adorable old man sold mainly laces and ribbons (yes, it was the sweetest shop ever!) but he also had a selection of  Chinese, beautifully hand-carved red cinnabar (lacquer) beads. Although they were quite expensive I bought a small handful of them and last year a dear friend of mine brought me some more. It breaks my heart to use them so I still have quite a few left. Now I think I’ve been stashing them away for far too long and have decided to at least continue the Garden Song series. These gorgeous beads belong in jewellery!

Garden Song 2

It’s a little late for this but whatever. Happy Valentine’s Day, each and every one! XXX

Tricolore pendant

Today I have been listening to only classical or ambient music all day. I’ve had the need to calm my thoughts. I’ve been terribly restless, it started yesterday already and I hardly slept a wink last night. I just couldn’t shut myself off although usually just a few minutes of reading or writing my journal in bed does the trick. Thankfully I had the day off today. I enjoyed a long and slow, caffeine-free breakfast much earlier than usual, took some photos as the sun finally came out today (hooray!), started a few projects, wrote some emails…

Then later as it was already starting to get dark, I went for a long walk along the seashore and through some of my old favourite neighbourhoods. It was relaxing to stroll along the familiar streets and discover new shop windows. At some point I remembered I was close to Moko so I popped in to get some candles but was able to stop myself from buying anything else. The sky was a striking dark blue after such a sunny day and the cold wind from the sea was pinching my cheeks. As I was getting back I noticed The Moon. Full moon, absolutely huge, icy and white, a bit scary even, hovering as it were in the sky just above the buildings at the end of our street. So that’s what’s been squeezing my being, not letting me sleep, making me all fidgety inside. Just dear old moon. ♪

The Gardener earrings

The Gardener bracelet

A few weeks ago a friend of mine had the opportunity to make a work related trip to Paris where she was to attend a two day fashion seminar and a fabulous gala dinner party. The dresscode for the occasion was none other than the jazzy 1920s and the party was to be held at some gorgeous castle or mansion somewhere in the outskirts of Paris. What can one possibly say other than oooh la-la!!! When she approached me in order to ask for my opinion on how to accessorize her evening outfit, my imagination immediately took off. I started envisioning all these ultra chic, nonchalant figures lazily leaning against each other on the terrace of a grand palace. Moonlit night, flickering lights, cigarette smoke, jazz, cocktails…

George Barbier: Au Revoir 1924.

My friend was still lacking the right kind of jewellery to add sparkle to her all black evening gown. As it turned out, I had just finished a new bracelet and started working on a longer, kind of “deluxe” version of the Ametista necklace in my friends exact favourite colours, lilac & green… So, I offered to lend her a set of jewellery for her to wear at the party. I would have liked nothing better than to be able to go there myself but since that was out of the question, I thought it would be lovely if at least my jewellery could attend!

So, here’s the jewellery that got to do a bit of time travelling ♥. A short and light Ametista necklace…

…worn together with the super long (about 100cm) Ametista in “absinth” necklace…

… and naturally there was also a bracelet with the appropriate tassle and bling hanging from the silver clasp.

She also wore the more previously seen Dancer in “blush” earrings to complete the set. I imagine that my friend and my jewellery had a grand time indeed! I can’t wait to see the pictures!

George Barbier: La Villa d’Este 1922. Both Barbier images were found here.

“So long, January! I won’t be missing you!” I’ve heard this line many times recently and I certainly couldn’t agree more. I’m happy to be rid of this tedious month, half of which I spent bedridden and the second half running around like a headless chicken, trying to catch up.

But this feels like the proper start for the new year. In February there’s also a clear promise of Spring even if there’s snow on the ground and the icy wind coming from the sea is blowing your skin off. Still, the weather, not to mention the light, can only get better.

Time for some music.

So, I had my camera out this week and managed to snap a few photos. I’ll add some more next week, but here are the first two. These pieces were made ages ago but the photos have been unacceptable until now. I’ve created some additions to the “Ametista” series and played a little with turquoise…

Seafoam (version 2)

Ametista in goldstone

Back next week. Until then, toodle-oo!