Monday, February 28, 2011

The life and studio of a creative soul

Mt. Crested Butte, CO


Summer Island Mountain Girl


Turquoise Ultra Midi Drop Earrings


Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado


Tropic Midi Drop Earrings


The view outside, Mt. Crested Butte, CO

The life of a creative soul is a busy one especially when you work at home.  My studio is a happy place filled with colorful glass for fusing in various sizes and stages of design and there are bins and drawers filled with jewelry supplies including beads of all types in every color.


My postcard collection

...more post card collection.

It's a cozy place to work even in winter with 10 feet of snow outside, the walls are painted soft creamy yellow, rusty red and deep sage green and are covered with artwork from friends, paintings, wildflowers posters, photographs of family, art design books, a key west calender, and my post card collection from all over the US and quite a few countries I've visited.


Handmade art by Laura from Joy Warrior Gallery, Crested Butte, Colorado



Being the visual creative soul that I am, I love the stimulation I receive from artwork and color everywhere.  My thoughts and eyes can dart from one vibrantly colorful place to another but when it needs a visual rest there's the breathtaking view outside to gaze at.

The view outside, Crested Butte, CO


Cobalt Blue Dazzle Earrings


Elk Avenue Downtown Crested Butte, CO

In the mountains, one day it may be snowing large clumpy snowflakes and the next day may be the bluest sky you've ever seen.  On an island, one day there may be a light, gentle breeze and the ocean is like glass and the next a gale force wind is blowing the outdoor furniture over on it's side and white capped waves are crashing over the dock. I just love the contrast of it all.


Sunset view Mt. Crested Butte, CO

Working at home in both environments gives me many occasions to venture outside and enjoy the day.  I just have to remind myself to do so because my days are a crazy mixture of glasswork, beading, healthy cooking, business, laundry, marketing, bookkeeping, inspiration, correspondence, housework, photography, hot tea breaks, trips to the post office, daydreaming about the children's books I'm working on and of course making time for outdoor play...skiing, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, boating or going to the gym.

Nordic Skiing, Crested Butte, CO


Did I mention I also share my studio space with my husband, a lifelong casual musician.  There are guitars and concert posters on half of the room and a living room arrangement, with a couch, chairs and a coffee table with tree bark legs. It's a quiet spot for reading or contemplation or a loudly inspired place when I turn up the blues tunes or island beach music.


Sky Blue Midi Drop Earrings



If you agree my days are busy then you'll believe me when I say my nights are busy too! I love great restaurants, live music and live performances such as dance, plays or comedy and movies so even though I may live in two small towns there always is something to do to inspire and enjoy!
Wishing you days and nights filled with fun and entertainment that you love!
Live happy,
Nancy

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

What inspires me ... Tropical Retro Style

Ocean Sunset Necklace



As a Florida native, the tropics are a big part of my life and what inspires me.  Early photo's of me are on the beach in Miami and the Florida Keys.  I have always lived near the ocean at least part of the year and enjoy the seaside lifestyle although it can vary depending on where you are.  Every coastal community is unique although they all have beautiful beaches...great seafood and gorgeous green foliage and fragrant colorful gardens.

Ocean Sunset Bracelet


I love designing Island Inspired Jewelry because it reminds me of my Spring and Summer favorites ...tropical getaways...beach days...boat rides...sunsets over the ocean...aquamarine sparkling seas...sun drenched tropical cottages...beach walks...fresh local seafood...seaside parties...picnic island...beach music...swaying palm trees...swimming the coral reefs...dolphin sightings...vibrant flowering plants...the sound of crashing waves and tropical inspired art.

Ultra Tangerine Earrings

This week I have been busy designing jewelry for an online Key West gift shop which sells unique art including beautiful paintings, festive ceramics, local books, delicious cakes, jewelry and much more...

Tropical Lime Dazzle Earrings


My designs this week have featured two gorgeous seaside shades ~ Turquoise and Orange,
both vibrant like sunsets over the ocean but with a retro yet fresh modern feel.  I call it Tropical Retro Style. 

Ultra Sea Breeze Earrings





I hope you will visit www.viakeywest.com and enjoy looking around at all the unique and fun tropical gifts and maybe find something for yourself or a special someone.  Be Well and Live Happy!

www.viakeywest.com


Tangerine Sunshine Earrings



Ultra Key Lime Earrings




Monday, February 21, 2011

Honeysuckle Pink ~ Color of the Year 2011








"The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most." John Ruskin


This year Pantone has chosen Honeysuckle Pink as the color of the year! 
It is a festive contemporary burst of color and a reminder that summer is on it's way. This warm reddish pink is described as optimistic & positive, uplifting our spirit to handle the challenges of everyday life. 

It is a stimulating color that will brighten and energize your home or your wardrobe when used as an accent color on walls, accessories, clothing or jewelry.  It's a joyful shade that looks great on everyone.

Leatrice Eiseman, color specialist and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “It’s not quite as hot as a hot pink, it has slight coral-ly undertones, which gives it some warmth. It’s what a lot of people find appealing.”


Pink conveys compassion and an open heart and is a soothing color on physical, mental and emotional levels.  It is calming, reducing stress while increasing relaxation and also heals grief and sadness.  It's associated with caring, nurturing, peace and kindness.


In Feng Shui, Pink is believed to increase relaxation and is the universal color of Love.

Its gentle and delicate feng shui vibrations have a proven soothing effect on one's behavior. You could almost say that, as a feng shui color, Pink literally soothes the heart and fills it with love!


If you love pink then this is your year to express it in clothing, jewelry and around your home or office. Pair it with aqua and orange for an exotic inspired combo or with turquoise and yellow and add a neutral like sand or white. I will be experimenting with this coral rose combined with greens, blues and purples for Spring and Summer Jewelry. Stay tuned...
Live Happy and Enjoy!











Friday, February 18, 2011

It's your Birthday...Wish Big & Shine!



Birthdays give you reason to reflect on life and since I just celebrated mine this month I thought I'd share my wishes for your birthday this year. 
Enjoy Life & Live Happy!
Birthday To-Do List
Hope
Laugh
Dance
Count your Blessings
Share Joy
Feel Beautiful
Be Inspired
Do What You Love
Imagine
Sing
Be Yourself
Smile
Accept Love
Eat Good Food
Celebrate
Laugh Louder
Dream in Color
Love Life
You Can Never have too Much Happy!