Hook-less Hoops: the NEW alternative to clip on's!

It's so simple... earrings that hang from the natural form of your ear. A comfortable alternative to clip-on's. So flattering, even my customers WITH pieced ears are wearing them. Great for teens!

Order hoops by visiting Anja Artisan Jewelry $15

ANY earrings design can be used with "hook-less hoops". Pictured with London Blue Topaz.

Transform an existing earrings design into "hook-less hoops" for just $5 extra. Call or e-mail Britta to place a custom order: britta.ambauen@gmail.com 303-579-5770

Firefly Handmade Market was held at Boulder's Chautauqua Park over the weekend, kicking off my season of markets and festivals! Thank you to the organizers of Firefly and all those who came out to enjoy the handmade goods.

Most notable, at my booth, were silver book pendants. Just about 1 1/2 inches in height, the sketch book is fully functioning. It is bound with traditional book making techniques and high quality paper. This one already has a few drawings to get you started. The all-silver book can be customized with an inscription on the inner pages: add a favorite quote, poem, or message to a loved one. (Isn't Mother's Day just a few weeks off... hmmm?)

To those of you who missed this fabulous market, never fear! Catch me at one of these upcoming events:

April 30 The Handmade Hookup in Stapleton, CO
Saturday, 10-3pm

May 7th The Hill Flea in Boulder, Colorado.
Saturday 10-4pm
Mother's Day! Bring your mom and let her pick a gift!

May 8th Sundays on the Streets at "The Streets at Southglenn", Centennial, CO

June 18-19 Fremont Fair in Seattle, WA
Saturday 11-8, Sunday 10-6

Say It Like You MEAN It!

I was a great soccer player in high school. As a lefty, I could run down the left edge of the field and lob that ball right into the goal. My problem was that nobody knew I was in crossing position. My coaches would say, "USE YOUR VOICE! CALL FOR THE BALL!" I would (sometimes) weakly call out, "im open, im open." Not enough. Not e-nough.

Today, I don't play soccer, I sell jewelry. I've got great products and I know it. My "Megaphone Necklace" is a reminder to call for the ball.

There will be:

• No raising pitch
• No turning statements into questions
• No softening the tone
  
• No hesitation
• No apology
• No meekness

If I don't sound like I believe in what I'm selling, why would anyone think I'm worth listening to?

So, world, whatever idea or thing you might be selling- say it like you mean it! Share an idea in class. Make your opinion known at that board meeting. Lead a revolution. Make a silly joke. Whatever you have do say: if it's worth saying, it's worth hearing.

Put on some loud lipstick, engage that core, and be HEARD!

Buy the Megaphone Necklace on Etsy

To Match or Contrast?

As a jewelry designer, I find myself, most often, arranging pieces with customers in mind. It's surprisingly rare to create something just for me (so I'm a little excited).

With a few fancy and festive events on the horizon, I spent the weekend shopping for a cocktail dress and heels. Something fancy, something unique, something that will showcase jewelry.

After a Saturday afternoon at the mall with a trusty friend at my side, we narrowed the search criteria for the dress to dark colors or jewel tones, and discovered that I'm open to strapless dresses (previously on the "I just can't wear it" list). However, we didn't quite find the winner.

Sunday afternoon, I google'd "consignment" and set out to continue the mission. Three stores in- I found it. First the flowered heels that make me believe I'll magically be able to salsa like a star. Soon after, the deep, Pacific-blue silk, strapless dress. As the cherry on top, I spent a total of only $58 (Thanks Buffalo Exchange!)

Now, for the necklace...
My first thought was "hooray, I can use my favorite stone in the world!... LONDON BLUE TOPAZ". However, after exploding my gem collection, I'm liking the warm reds, pinks with splashes of green to pick up the shoes.
To match or contrast?

Comment to contribute your preference, and check back soon to see the complete "look" for my Friday night art opening.

Before and After

The Friday afternoon jewelry bench transformation!

Inspiration in the Scrap Jar

Each design cut from sheets of sterling silver leaves a little piece of negative space in the scrap jar. Rejected echos of past projects.

On days when ideas just aren't flowing, I like to explore the rejects waiting to be melted down. It's a sporty endeavor with "bitter ends" and needle-like points waiting to stab. Delicately, I bring out bits and pieces until something strikes a note. Usually, the result is shapes never arrived at when dealing with a blank canvas...

"...and then what did YOU say"

A bit of imagination mixed with the everyday.

oil on wood
18" sq