Friday, March 22, 2013

Newbies

I've been a little behind in introducing some newbies!  
With the weather around here not knowing what to decide on, we've been experiencing some wonderful spring weather..only to be hit with 10cm of snow the next day.  This winter has been a long one, and although it's been glorious having a real winter this year and watching Sachi enjoying the abundance of fluffy, powdery snow up at the cabin..I'm ready for Old Man Winter to pack up his bags and bid us all farewell..and to finally let Lady Spring arrive.

 Sterling & Kingman Turquoise

 Sterling & Chrysoprase

Sterling & Gaspeite

It's been a productive little while in my shop lately, my longing for warmer weather has been my inspiration in choosing some gorgeously hued stones to work with.  The oceanic hues of larimar, chrysoprase and the classic turquoise have me daydreaming of warmer beaches.  
I've been loving the fresh spring-like colour of gaspeite, a vibrant reminder of the life that's just awakening under the cold, still frozen earth.

Sterling & Grey Moonstone

Sterling & Graveyard Point Plume Agate

And a couple of other pieces, just because.

Hope your weekend is a restful one!

xo Blue Gnome



Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Thank you.


It's already the middle of March and we've just come home from a St. Patrick's Day play date "hosted" by Leo.  The turn out was great..and as I pat myself on the back for an event well planned, I'm suddenly aware of how much my life has changed in just over a year.

I made the huge life changing decision to be a stay at home mom after my maternity leave was up earlier this year.  And by huge, I mean HUGE.  Despite the fact that I'd been waiting for years for that kick in the derriere to finally leave the cozy and comfortable yet unbearably boring job I've been holding down for the last decade, the thought of not going back had me in moments of utter panic.  

Have you ever thought of what you are, or who you are without that job description to define your exact role in life?  
Don't get me wrong, I never lived my life around to my job.  
But outside of that, what exactly..or who exactly was I?  
Tina Jones..dog owner?  
Tina Jones..daughter and sister extraordinaire?  
It's a funny thing to suddenly not have a job..or a career.  To suddenly drop the main thing that's defined you in society, to take a leap of faith into doing a job you've really only been doing for a year, and still fumbling along at day after day.  
It's terrifying and exhilarating.  Horrifying and exciting.

As of January 2nd this year, my job description is Tina Jones..mother

 I work for a wee person who barely reaches my knees standing up, who demands my full attention and has a temper tantrum when he doesn't get his naps.  
Not much different from my former boss..except he was a little taller and he didn't take naps.  
Although perhaps somedays, he should have.

After many sleepless nights of soul searching, I've come to the conclusion that this is absolutely the right decision.  There's closure in finding that place within yourself, when for once you stop listening to your rational brain and 
actually listen to your heart.  
I've had a good many years of doing what I wanted, when I wanted and I feel that I owe it to this little person to give him everything I've got right now.  
The silversmithing has proven to be a life saver of sorts - a hobby that's grown into something so much more, an escape from the daily "mommy life", a creative outlet so I don't lose myself completely.  

And with all this said, Leo and I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting our journey.  
With every purchase or encouraging comment about my work, you fuel that creative fire in me that gets me through the most trying days. 

The days are finally getting longer and the morning sunshine is streaming in my kitchen window.  Ah..the first day of spring. 
 Life is good.  
And the coming months with be fantastic.

So we thank you for embracing one of a kind 
and for supporting handmade.  

Without people like you, there wouldn't be people like me.

xo Blue Gnome 




Friday, March 8, 2013

Orca




Sterling, Larimar - Orca Totem


Sterling and Lolite - Orca Totem

I've been obsessed with all things oceanic lately, 
it's a dream of mine to one day live in a little sun bleached house by the sea, 
embraced by the sound of the crashing waves and the ever changing tides.

I've created a couple of totems that are close to my heart and close to my dear British Columbia, 
totems that embrace both my love of the ocean and my admiration of the sea mammals that reside near its coast.  
A long time symbol to the west coast Native American community of family, community and protection, 
the Orca or Killer Whale, like wolves, mate for life and travel in pods; 
groupings of family who they protect fiercely.  
Orcas are said to rule the northern waters, working with seals and dolphins to keep them sacred and safe.  
Reincarnations of human souls lost at sea, they have often been known to seek contact and communication with humans on boats.

  As a totem animal, Orcas teach us how to swim in life with grace and strength 
and to dive deep into the depths of your being.  
Playful at heart but ferocious in battle, this totem serves to protect the wearer through life's uncharted waters.

Available now in the shop.

xo Blue Gnome