Gold, Pearls, Kids and Sports

The past few weeks have been happily busy for Hillcrest Jewelry Design. I was pleasantly surprised with the enthusiasm for my jewelry at a family bridal shower 3 weeks ago. I had packed up a basket of various bracelets, necklaces and earrings with the intention of the Bride-to-be picking out some pieces that suit her specific style. I attached a poem and gift certificate to the basket. Since I haven't seen her in years and wasn't quite sure what her style is I thought this would be a nice way for her to select her gift. Not only did she enjoy "shopping" out of the basket, but the other bridal shower attendees also enjoyed trying on the jewelry and subsequently purchased several pieces. Yeah! Not only was it a beautiful day spending time with family that I rarely get a chance to see but it was great to get such positive feedback on my designs. Thank you!

The following week was spent creating a few new pieces and prep work for the Leesport Market Mid-Summer Craft Fair. I had been thinking of doing a gold version of the Mogadouro earrings. These are about half the size of the sterling version. I will have to make more since these are on hold and I already have a request for another pair.

While playing with my gold wire, I came up with these earrings. A friend of mine suggested I flatten the bottom of the wire underneath the bead and I'm so happy with the result. The bead is hematite, which is wrapped in sterling silver wire.

In between all the jewelry, the kids have been keeping me busy as well. Zoe had so much fun at dance camp last week. Zach and Cait both played in summer basketball leagues and have been having fun with basketball and volleyball open gym sessions, respectively. Soccer continues throughout the summer as Caitlyn is playing on a Super Y team. Hubby took the girls up to New York last Saturday while Zach kept me company at the Leesport Craft Fair. Despite the 92 degree heat and humidity, the shoppers were out in full force. I can't wait to see all the shoppers return in October. Sunday I joined the family in Queens for another soccer game. Caitlyn was spectacular in goal! I was surprised to see the New York Fire Department Ladder 140 show up to watch the game. Several firefighters climbed on top of the truck to get a better view. It reminded me of my dad, who volunteered for 20 years with a fire department in Bucks County, and made me wish that he could have been there to see her play.

This week hubby will be shuttling kids to soccer camp in the morning and keeper camp in the evening while I'll be home in the office getting ready for my summer jewelry show with Tastefully Simple. I have several new designs that will be for sale in addition to the selection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces that I have marked down 50%!

I love this white fresh water pearl bracelet and almost kept it for myself. There are 2 bronze pearls that are set off-center along with a sterling silver cut out tube and sterling bead caps.

This tri-strand bracelet is the result of mixing all my left over rice pearls. Peacock, light blue, white and gold rice pearls combine for a stunning look. Two more sterling capped pearls dangle off the extender.

I must have been on a roll with the pearls when I decided that these black button pearls would look great in an anklet design. A sterling silver heart locket daintily dangles at the clasp.

I have also been designing custom bridesmaid jewelry which will entail a significant amount of sterling silver wire-work. I'll keep you posted as it develops.

I have a few more pieces to work on for the show this weekend and will be cleaning like crazy.

Oh one more thing...Welcome to the world Sydney Maureen! I can't wait to meet you! ~Heather