Twisted Tuesdays - New Designs

I have mentioned several times over the past week or so that I have been feeling invigorated by my studio time of late. Yesterday was no different. All the work has been to create a collection of BRIGHTS for JOOLZ (a local jewelry store that carries my work). The owner, Fracnie, has hinted a few times in the last, um, 6 months that she needs new designs for the store. The last time I sent designs, the pieces sold the same day they were put out! Francie knows her clients and what was all black and white last time is all about color this time. Why did it take so long to get her new pieces? Well, there was releasing my first book, teaching nationally for the first time, summer home with the kids, and then teaching again. I really wanted to make sure I fit this in though. Before teaching again in September, and going to the UK in October, and then prepping for an art show in November. So, rather than taking time off after Bead Fest, I jumped right into working on these new pieces. I wasn't sure if it would work. Did I have any ideas for new pieces? Would the kids let me work in peace? I quickly found that I do have ideas, and the kids are deep in self-entertainment this week and last.

The top piece is titled "Call For An Up Do". I am wicked excited about this one. I spent time during 3 separate torch sessions to create more then 15 big hole glass rings. I had in my head one idea about how I would bring them all together, but as I started to build it, that idea wasn't having the impact I wanted. I coiled and coiled and ringed and ringed, trying this and that until it suddenly started to come together. I couldn't be more thrilled with it. It might possibly be one of the COOLEST pieces I have ever created and I am actually kinda sad to let it go. (insert pouting lip here) One of the things that I like best is that I made it into a three part neckwire, so while it is stiff and formed, it lays so nicely on your neck.

The lower piece is one I showed last week. I am calling it "Summer Afternoon". For this, I wanted something sweet and simple. Each really round-round, is bright and poppin' with color. Together they are just sing, if I do say so myself. I don't usually do earrings, but for JOOLZ, I made a few. This necklace is a style that I can see in lots of beautiful color combinations. Can't you see is in beautiful blues and purples with some spots of chocolate brown. Or or, how about, deep reds and oranges with just a touch of purple or brown. Oh yeah... see? Invigorating. And just like the last time I sent JOOLZ new work, pieces are going to fly out of the shop! This piece is already claimed and it hasn't even left my house yet. If you want dibs on a piece, pop over to the JOOLZ website and send Francie an email.

What new twisted things have you been working on these days? Post on your blog and come back here to share a link in the comments!