Must Have Bohemian Jewelry for Summer

The new spring/summer collection from Valerie Tyler was created while dreaming of travels to exotic locales and a significant amount of wanderlust.  Culture, symbolism, and history were all drawn on to create a collection ideal for bohemians, artists, dreamers, creatives or anyone wanting to unleash their free spirit side.

Pieces are all handmade from brass, tha\en distressed and patinaed for a rustic, yet still modern look. Earring price in the new collection range from an affordable $20-48, necklaces $42-$100 and rings at $20-$45

Shop and learn more:

The Chevron Statement Necklace

Chevron Solstice Ring

Islander Haven Pendulum Earrings

Wayfarer Earrings

Dotted Ridge Teardrop Necklace

The Double Chevron Ring

Geometric Peak Pendulum Earrings

Dotted Ridge Teardrop Earrings

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - New at Valerie Tyler Designs

After my busy art show season I've been re-stocking the online shop with some new pieces.  A current favorite is a new style of sterling silver cuff that has a very unique texture formed through a lot of torchwork.

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, $100

Tools of the Trade: Texturing and Design in Jewelry

Today I'm going to continue my tools of the trade series and share something else I use to create the jewelry you see in Valerie Tyler Designs.  These are some examples of my design punches I use for texturing (also known as chasing / repousse tools) These are very similar to stamps, and in fact I often use steel stamps as well to create the textures in my work. Texturing metal is probably my favorite process I employ in my studio.  There is something gratifying about applying force and seeing metal transformed into something very different from a smooth surface.  I tend to like how a lot of the textures I use mimic natural surfaces like birch bark or small pebbles in a stream. 

Using tools like the ones above I can create pieces like these completely by hand:

Shield Necklace

Pebbles Teardrop Earrings

Sometimes similar textures are created using rolling mills but I tend to prefer the control of creating each mark by hand. 

New Pebbles Bracelet - Adjustable ID chain bracelet

Pebbles ID bracelet

 New in the shop is the pebbles id bracelet.  The id style chain bracelet was inspired by small meandering streams filled with pebbles.  

New Valerie Tyler Designs storefront!

I'm happy to announce that today was the soft opening of my new Valerie Tyler Designs storefront.  You'll soon be able to buy my new spring line direct from me (and no longer have to sign up for an etsy account!)

I'll be expanding the shop as time goes on to include new collections and many new items! 

valerietylerdesigns.bigcartel.com

Hiking and Nature Collections

We managed to get over ten miles of hiking in this weekend.  Over 5 yesterday and even 5 more today despite the 20 and below temperatures.  At one point today the cold was totally worth the beauty of the snowflakes as they drifted down so slowly, big and fluffy.
I added 3 more rocks to my collection (er..hoard, more like it) One I believe was even a rose quartz, cracked in half so I could see the structure. My husband had a good laugh at me once again adding 5-8 pounds to my walk with my pockets full of the big rocks.

I think at some point I need to make some art or at least a few lovely curio collections out of my nature finds.  Perhaps I'll put some up for sale or perhaps I'll just keep them myself.

I found a lovely artistic nature display collection via Martha Stewart--very inspirational!

Source: http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/2010/03/sandy-collection-3d-scrapbooking.html

What kind of things do you collect on hikes?  Please tell me in the comments below! 

New Jewelry Work: Textured Ring

It's art show application time so I've been busy planning this years line of higher end jewelry.  (In addition to my Miscellanea line and Etsy sales I have a signature line which includes more one of a kind work I sell at art shows and boutiques) Here's a little sneak peek at one of the pieces I created:

It's entirely hand forged including all the texture and made out of heavy sterling silver. 

My Shop Assistant and Photography Tent

Usually my shop assistant is pretty helpful. His purring is relaxing. He gives reminders when it is break time. However, I'm not sure he's that helpful with photography. YES...that is my light tent.

So do you have a crazy cat that has done something funny?  Do tell me in the comments.  (Or even better, do you have a crazy shop assistant?  DEFINITELY tell me about them if you do!) 

(By the way, anyone see a lint roller?)