My Own Bridesmaids' Jewellery

Wow, it's been awhile since i've posted on here! I've been super busy the past 6 months, getting married, working and buying a block of land to build our first home as a married couple. 

I've been looking forward to this post for months - a showcase of the jewellery my bridesmaids wore to my wedding. I would have loved to have got this post up sooner, but I thought I had lost my SD card with the photos. I found them this week and was elated - now I can show you close ups of my work yay!

I spent over a year thinking about and sourcing the gems I ending up using, I really wanted to have stunning, unique and complementary designs on the day. The peices were designed with the girls dresses in mind as they all wore different necklines. I also took into account what I thought they would wear again after the wedding was over. They all looked so stunning - I was sorely tempted to keep some of the jewellery myself!

My maid of honour, Alyce (pictured middle below), wore cascading sterling silver earrings constructed of pearl, moonstone,  and clear quartz. She also wore a pearl and moonstone sterling silver bracelet. She had a one shoulder dress, so didn't have a necklace as it would have clashed with the neckline. Alyce is a pearl fan (they look gorgeous on her), so I wanted to use alot of pearl in her designs - her bracelet was a large faceted moonstone gem with complementing pearl beads on the side.

Rachel (pictured on the left) wore a long triple wrapped necklace constructed out of moonstone, quartz and pearl. Unfortunately I don't have any close ups of Rach's jewellery. :( I wanted her necklace to balance out her strapless dress, and so made it fairly dramatic. In contrast to the other girls, Rach's earrings were simple moonstone gem drops. 

Cait (pictured on the right) wore sterling silver moonstone and chrysoberyl triple tier earrings that I matched with a moonstone and pearl bracelet. I mirrored the clustering of small moonstone, quartz and pearl beads in the earrings and necklace to tie the designs together. 

I will be posting about my own bridal jewellery in the next month or two, which I can't wait to share. I loved my designs (and have worn the earrings a few times since the wedding - including on my honeymoon)! 

If you would like something similar for your wedding - please send me a convo on etsy and we can discuss what requirements you are after. I can design in gold fill and in a range of different gems colours and cuts - drop me a line! :)

Wedding photos are by White Tulip Photography and Deanna Whyte Photography - AMAZING ladies! :)

Jewellery photos are by yours truely :)
 

  

 

 

I'm Getting Married!

 

Wow, not posted in a while! Naughty me! Will try and keep you guys updated a bit more often, and i need to use this blog more as it is a great forum for info on theori. 

Speaking about info, I'm heading off to get married from mid November -mid December, so theori will be closed. Custom orders need to be placed before 1st November to allow me time to craft and send off items, so if you are wanting an item for your bridal party, please contact meand we can work on your designs. Looking forward to working with brides this wedding season as its especially important to me :)

Changes to Shipping Costs

 

Due to Australia Post increasing their postage charges, I have unfortunately had to increase my postage charges for all countries. All items are shipped within either a small shipping box or padded envelope (depending on how many items are shipped and their size) and recycled tissue paper and wrapping are used.

Within Australia was $5.50, now $6.60

To United Kingdom was $14.50, now $17.50

Everywhere else was $10.50, now $13.50

Please see my policies for more details.

Studio Painting

I finally started (and have now finished) repainting my studio over this long weekend! The walls have been transformed from a pale yellow/biege (see what it used to look like here) to a very light grey, which I think looks great. I still have to  put up some of my prints and the space will be getting close to where I would like it. Now i just have to clean up the rest off the house and I can relax...

Food Photos

I've been into cooking and taking photos of my cooking lately - maybe this is turning into a food blog! I think it's to do with my new lens and also the love soft winter light that I get on Sunday mornings. I made some ultra - nommy wholegrain pancakes with strawberry sauce today - it was so awesome. I think i'll have to post the recipe at some point as I think that more people must experience the awesomeness! I also made a beef and pear tagine last weekend which was very yummy too - the recipe is here.

Anyway, here are a couple of photos that I have taken over the last two weekends that I thought I would share. I am really enjoying my camera, so if there is anything you would fancy seeing up close, let me know!

New Macro Lens

You may have noticed if you've been having a look at my shop that i've been updating and improving my product shots over the last month or so. I've started supplementing my darker backgrounds with lighter, airier backgrounds which I think have really made the shop look great! 

Also, I invested in a new macro lens, Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED from Camera's Direct here in Aus. OMG is this lens lovely - awesome crisp and gorgeous close ups! I have been wanting one of these for a while to improve my close up product shots (had to save up!). Below are the results from this afternoon's shoot with some of my succulents in the backyard to test out the lens. 

Sunday Morning Cookin'

I have been wanting to bake bread rolls for a couple of weeks and this weekend, I finally got around to it! I followed the recipe on that came with my breadmaker, but I used fine pasta/pizza flour instead of normal plain flour. The final product was well worth it, gorgeous soft, light, warm bread!  Now I think I need to cook some yummy soup to go with them - maybe cauliflower and potato? 

 

I have started to photograph and list a few new items in these past couple of weeks and an quite excited about the quality of the photos that I am putting up. I have discovered the best lighting for my pieces - mid - late afternoon with overcast skies. Lovely diffuse light that brings out the best in my gems. I've started to redo some of my items photos and I am actually hoping that it stays overcast this weekend so I can get some good shots!

Also, I have purchased a soldering kit and am very excited for it to arrive in my mailbox so I can start on the next phase of my designs. I have big ideas for statement necklaces and earrings that I can't wait to start working on - not least of which is designing and crafting my bridal jewellery (so many ideas for that - I can't even decide on the gems to use yet!!).

Apologies again for the lack of posts over the past few months. I have been ultra busy planning my engagement party and at my day job. I am feeling rather sad that theori has been neglected and am planning on crafting new pieces in the next few weeks (stay tuned for some gorgeous bridal designs i've been working on). 

I thought I would give you a look in on the party that took up alot of my time over hte past 3 or so months - the engagement party! It was held on on the 10th March in my Dad and Stepmum's backyard and pool area. The day proved to be a scorcher - 38 degrees celcius was forecasted! Fortunately the pool was there to cool off in and there was plenty of food, beer and wine to keep the guests occupied. We also had backyard cricket, bocce and other grass games set up which were very entertaining to watch. 

At dinner time, everyone moved around to the backyard for food and to chill out on the handmade picnic blankets! I was most proud of the decorations on the day that were mostly made by me.

It was a lovely day/evening and we can't wait for the wedding to roll around! :)

New Designs with New Gems

 Here are some new designs I made this weekend with an awesome new assortment of gems I received last week. The rainbow tormaline wreath is my favourite! Will be listed soon :)

 Rainbow Tourmaline, Tundra Sapphire, Moss Aquamarine and Garnet Wreath Necklace

Peach and Grey Moonstone Sterling Silver Necklace

New Design Goodness

I am feeling guilty for not posting for a while on actual 'theori' related activities, so i thought I would post some of my pendant making experiments (i'm brainstorming for my wedding jewellery!). These gorgeous improvised gem encrusted goodies were made this weekend from sterling silver and gemstones. I am not sure if I will list them as pendants or as finished necklaces... 

Oooh also, I have just placed an order for new gemstones and metals that are looking to be awesome! Can't wait to start designing new jewellery with new gemstones!

Amethyst, Moonstone, Citrine, Prenhite, Champagne Quartz, Clear Quartz and Glass Bead Large Pendant

 

Chalcedony, Apatite, Quartz, Champagne Quartz, Moonstone, Labradorite and Glass Bead Pendant

 

US Holiday Part 1

Thought I would upload some pics of my holiday to the States that I went on in October! More to come (I took over 500 photos!)

 View from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park - where I got engaged!!

 Rock formations in Yosemite!

Nevada Falls as viewed from the John Muir Trail in Yosemite

 

 Gorgeous Fall colours on the Mist Trail in Yosemite

Spring Garden - Blueberries!

More plant photos! This time of my Pink Lady Apple blossom and blueberries on the bush (still have a few weeks to fully ripen) in my garden. I am so pleased with the amount of fruit that I am going to get from the blueberry - beats paying $5 for a 200g punnet anyday!

 

Just Because

I thought I would share a photo of my cute little succulent that has recently flowered! Makes a great photo prop, don't ya think? :)

Guide to Buying Gemstones Online - Avoid the Fakes and Fractures!

Gorgeous Microfaceted Rose Quartz teardrop briolette and small rondells in a theori necklace

No one likes the sinking feeling you get when open an online purchase that you have been looking forward to only be disappointed by the quality, quantity or some other aspect of the purchase that was overlooked when you hit that 'order' button. As I've made a few boo boo purchases in the past from gemstone/beads sellers, I'd thought I'd pass on my accumulated knowledge to those who are browsing and are not too sure if what they are looking at is legit. Basically I have a few steps that I take to avoid disappointment when buying gems (which are mostly common sense, but have been overlooked by myself when distracted by the shiny pretties!)

Search and buy on legitimate websites and/or from credible online sellers

• Read feedback or testimonials (google is your friend on this one) - search for negative and neutral feedback to review. I am pretty picky and will only buy gems from sellers with perfect or very near perfect feedback
• Does the website look professional? Do they have a secure shopping basket? Could you ring them by phone if you wanted to? Is the address listed?
• find out about them. Do they have experience with gemstones? Do they have an updated 'about me' page? Do they blog, tweet or facebook (add them and you could get discounts!)?

Carefully read the whole listing
It is easy to be captivated by a gorgeous photo of eyecatching gems or a bargain. It's times like these when you are distracted that you can be caught out by not carefully reading the listing (oh shiny!). Reading the listing carefully is important for all purchases, even if it is from a trusted seller (see above), as you don't want to be caught out about size, quantity etc.

• How many beads are in the lot? A full strand?
• Are these the EXACT beads, strand, etc you are receiving (if so refer to 'Closely Scrutinise Photos' below)?
• What quality does the seller describe the beads as? AAA, AA, B, Exceptional, Stunning? This can be misleading as (to my knowledge) there is no recognised 'scale' of semi precious bead quality.I generally tend to buy from sellers that are brutally honest in their descriptions, and will tend to spend more money at shops where they are, as I am more likely have a better understanding of what I am actually spending my dollars on.
• Is the drill hole size big enough/too large for the wire/material you are planning on using? If this isn't specified - ask!
• Have a ruler handy to measure the diameter of the beads as described and compare to other beads you may have. 
• Do they recommend a gauge of wire to use?
• What colour do they use when describing the gem? Monitor resolution can change colour shades, so it is useful to refer to this description as well when determining the colour

Closely Study Photos

theori necklace with a rough cut Apatite gemstone that has indistinguishable cleavage but conchoidal fracturing (shaped like chips out of glass)

• Closely study the photo and ALL the stones in the photos. The ones front and center are typically the best stones on the strand and you are not guaranteed to get these unless stated.
• Does the stone look like a typically described specimen? Check out for clarity (inclusions), colour (labradoresence or Schiller), cleavage or fracturing (for rough cut gems only! How the stone 'breaks' or cleaves). If you are unsure, do a bit of reading or ask an expert (search on the Etsy forums for lapidary etc).
• Are the drill holes positioned evenly through the gem (how do the gems 'sit' on a strand - do they drop straight down or are they lopsided)? Are they the same width for the entry and exit? Do the two sides line up?
• Is there any visible cracking/chipping on the drill holes?
• Is the faceting even and uniform?
• Are the beads the shape they should be (onion, round, heart etc) and the same size (if they are listed as so)
• Has the photo/s been noticably 'photoshopped'?

Nice even drill hole in a citrine focal briolette from LiciasBeadVault

Read Shop/Site Policies

• Do they have policies? I won't purchase from people who don't.
• If you aren't happy with your purchase can you send it back? Who pays for postage?
• How long will it take to reach me?
• Can I get extra insurance/tracking for large or expensive purchases?
• How does the seller deal with lost packages?

Price

If it's too good to be true, it normally is. Unless you are buying direct from the gemcutters or supplier ( and they can be determined to actually be what they say they are), you are unlikely to get a super cheap bargain at face value. Price is something I use along with other information to determine if a gem is suspicious, does the photo look strange, there is a limited description AND the gem is cheap? Hmmm...

Ask and You Shall Recieve

If a seller is committed to having you as a customer, they will respond to any queries that you have. If you are unsure about anything, or want to know more drop them a line and ask!

Have I missed something?

Do you have any other tips that I haven't included here? Let me know in the comments below!

Holiday Preparedness Part 1

Source

I think people are classified into two groups. Those who pack early and make sure they have absolutely everything they may need and those who don't (or the last minute 'I only need a change of clothes and a toothbrush and i'll get everything else some other time' person).

I am the former. I think it is because I get so excited at the possibility of going somewhere new or out of the ordinary that I want my trip to be awesome and not worry about having to wash clothes or that I have forgotten some important 'OMG I can't believe I forgot that' item.

Sooo having said that... I have already started packing for my 3 week trip to the US. It's in 4 weeks. Eeep. But at least i'll be able to cull all the stuff that I don't really need and have super streamlined luggage that i'll be able to fill with all my wonderful purchases! Hoorah!

Source

Sewcapades - Camera Pouch

I have rekindled my on and off again relationship with my sewing machine (and also started to add to my fabric horde again...) as I am making useful pouches and bags for my upcoming holiday to the US! Below are some photos of the 1st (orange vintage fabric) and 2nd (green vintage fabric) attempts at my own design of a small camera pouch. 

 

 

I think I may restitch the orange one as I hand stiched it and it hasn't come out exactly as I wanted (it also needs an iron!). I really like the cute print of the fabric and had been wanting to use it in a project. I have several other fabrics cut out ready to make a few more so I can get it absolutely perfect.

I'll be posting some more about my sewing escapades as I try to make the perfect travelling cosmetic pouch/makeup brush holder. Stay tuned... :)

Winter Garden

Took some photos of my awesome cactus that is growing quite happily in my backyard! This particular species can grow quite huge, and I hope to have him for many years to come!