It's now a necklace

Today the sky was just right for outdoor photography, not the weather though it was windy!  It made it a challenge to hold that camera steady.  I've steered away from outdoor pics in the past,  preferring the jewelry to stand on its own with a plain backdrop.  Sometimes you can get carried away with over styling the shoot.  Then you wind up with wondering what the photo was for, the pretty flowers or the jewelry?  However I would like to put together a nice look book for potential wholesale clients and want to be more creative. 

The sky had a thin layer of cloud, just enough to diffuse the direct sunlight but still bright.  I drove out to my folks' house on the 'Rez (technically the Umatilla Indian Reservation) where I grew up.  Went down to the pasture to do some location scouting and found a dead tree that had been cut way down.  It was perfect to hang my latest necklace which is made from Clair's amazing pendant and faceted smoky quartz with brushed silver.  I've seen the blouses the Pendleton Round-Up Queen and Court are wearing and these stones really popped against the satin.

  So anyhow, as I'm kneeling down trying to get the best angle and not wiggle the camera in the very windy conditions, I feel a little nuzzle on my left shoulder so I turn to look, this is what I saw....

Sophie, my sister's very sweet (and a little naughty sometimes) filly.  She was very interested in whatever I was doing.  Of course I had to take time out and scratch here and there and tell her how sweet and pretty she is.  Then I snapped a few more, I love the next one.

After that I moved on to other parts of the ranch, got some interesting ones by the barn and corral.  Also got some good shots down by the creek on a nice flat rock.  I think now I'll try more outside shots with still making the jewelry the main focus.  With Western jewelry, the rustic backgrounds do really make a difference.  Oh yes, and of course I'll have some four legged help!

Leather!

I can't believe it's been a year since I last posted! Time goes by so fast.

I'm so happy to report that at long last I've found a fanstastic leather person. Let's start with the history of this whole leather thing. A couple years ago I was taking leather carving / tooling lessons and came up with the idea of leather pendants. I soon realized this is a craft that will take years to become decent, lots of tools to purchase plus aching shoulders and back!

The search was on to find someone to make them for me. I've met and/or emailed plenty, had a few made, some were good, some not. After being referred time and again to someone new, I was given Clair Kehrberg's contact info. She sent me the most amazing pendants! It's reinvigorated me to get this project really going. The picture is one she made that the Pendleton Round-Up Court will be wearing this year. I plan on using beautiful faceted smoky quartz with accents of silver and gold. It will be very exciting to have these necklaces worn to all the major rodeo events this year!

Keep watch for what Jewelry by Day and Clair's Saddle Shop come up with next!