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 

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

Early Spring Sale!

In the hopes of bringing spring a little earlier this year Blue Gnome is having a 2 day sale!

All items currently on the shelves are subject to a lovely discount until midnight on March 1st. 

So come stop on by!

 xo Blue Gnome

Midori

Sterling & Gaspeite

A little bit of gorgeous midori to brighten your day!

xo Blue Gnome

For the love of citrus!

Sterling & yellow opal

Sterling & gaspeite

A splash of citrus on this wet dreary day!

xo Blue Gnome

Sterling, silk and a little bit of family.

After a few weeks of spring-like weather while visiting my parents, what a big reality check to fly home, right into the biggest snow storm of winter so far.  

I'm actually a big fan of snow, just not snow in the city.  

If you're sitting indoors with a steaming cup of cocoa watching it fall and blanket the grey concrete jungle, it's all very nice and quite lovely.  But you know that at some point you'll have to venture out there..where the traffic is horrendous and half the population have yet to install their snow tires, lulled into a false sense of security by our milder than usual winter this year.  

The temperatures have gotten a little milder over the last few days but the heavens have given us nothing but dark overcast skies.  

Just when the sun seems to have won the fight and warmth starts to spread through the city

the clouds roll in once more, darker and heavier..it's been downright dreary.

I was starting to get a little nutty for colour so I went and bought some tulips.

On our many walks around the city, I've been on the lookout for happiness in the form of some much needed colour therapy.  

It's such a welcome sight amongst the droves of darkly dressed city slickers, 

fantastic splashes of colour worn in such a helter skelter way that it brings a smile and perhaps even a giggle to one's day.  

There was a girl standing at the bus stop yesterday who was such a marvelous blinding sight! 

Dressed from head to toe in shades of pink and purple, lavender to magenta, aubergine to fuchsia..all matching her crimson hued locks perfectly.  Leo had his pointer finger out (it's his new thing lately, pointing at this thing and that all day long, it's been terribly difficult trying to stay attentive and responsive to all his pointings...) and this girl laughed out loud and waved at him as we passed by her on the other side of the street.  

We need more people like her in this city.

So in an effort to being some colourful cheer into our home, last night I dug around in my sewing room and finally found the bundles of vintage Japanese kimono silk my mother gave me many years ago.  The pieces are all too small and scattered to make anything of substantial size but I finally have the perfect little project.

Made of sterling, coral and vintage, crimson kimono silk.  

A wonderful combination of metal and silk, steeped in some family history.

xo Blue Gnome

Sterling, coral, vintage kimono silk

xo Blue Gnome

In the arms of an angel.

I find the first few days back after a visit home are always the hardest.  

When I'm relieved to be back in my own space, cooking in my own kitchen and sleeping in my own bed..but there's a small void in my heart knowing that I am once again a country's distance from my parents, from the safe cocoon that seems a lifetime away from the realities of day to day living.

But as I sit here in the pale, early morning light filtering through the window, the snow is falling silently outside.  

I know how blessed I am to be here.  

Our home is cozy and warm, the house smells of home baked goodness as the blueberry muffins bake in the oven.  

It's a snow day here today and I think the muffins will go perfectly with a day of tea drinking, Sachi belly rubs and watching movies.

And to top it off, a lovely surprise from a dear friend!

So adorable..so delicate..and what perfect timing.  

From the butterfly in her hair to the amazing detail in her angel wings, she is absolutely perfect in every little way.  

And I love her open arms.  

We're going to be good friends, she and I.  

Because everyone needs an angel of their own and handcrafted is the best there is.  

So to A, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hope this blustery day finds you in the arms of an angel as well.

Keep warm and safe today!

xo Blue Gnome