Just finished today, a lovely little charm necklace heading off to a little girl in Germany. 

A little bit of history about the humble charm......

Charms go back as far as Neolithic times where man would pick up an unusual stone or piece of wood and carry it with him to ward off his enemies. 
Elaborate jewellery made of precious stones and metals emerged during Egyptian times and it was during this time that the first recognizable charm bracelets and necklaces first appeared. In the Middle Ages, charms and amulets were put to use by knights and kings. They were most often used with incantations to wreak havoc on occupants within enemy castles and protect warriors in battle. Charms were also worn on belts to represent family origin, political standing and profession.
The end of World War II saw the re-emergence of charm jewellery as we know it today. Soldiers purchased little handmade trinkets as gifts to bring home to their sweethearts. Native craftsmen fashioned small bits of metal into little replicas of items common to their environment. Enterprising jewellers in the States quickly picked up on the trend to create charms for all occasions.

During the 1950's, the charm bracelet was a must-have accessory for girls and women. Major rites of passage - 16th birthdays, graduations, weddings, travel and the arrival of children - were all recorded on the links of their bracelets. Today some of these vintage bracelets sell for two to three thousand dollars at auction.
The charm is once again back in fashion and judging by it's past history will indeed be around for years to come! 

Right, are just a few examples of gorgeous charms that I've made for clients wanting to express their chosen profession or beliefs.

I just wanted to share with you a cool pendant I made recently for a commission. I was asked to design  an image that subtly reflected a mother cradling two children represented by the semi-precious stones Amethyst and Peridot.  We chose the Amethyst because It carries the energy of fire, passion, creativity and spirituality and the Peridot which offers protection from negativity and clears the way to fulfilling one's own dreams. Below is the piece in the process of being made.

I loved making this piece and the client loved it too! I now want to make one for myself!

The other piece I want to share with you is of a couple of rabits, slightly retro in style looking at the full moon.  

I'm told that this is a fertility symbol, and have sold quite a few in recent months!! 

I love a piece that holds meaning for the wearer and these two totally fit that objective.

I'm really excited, as recently I sent this collection off to a fab shop in Melbourne called in.cube8r! 
Check them out if you are on line or lucky enough to live in Melbourne. Their shop is situated in Fitzroy and is a haven for all things hand-made.
www.in.cube8r.com
As an artist, you rent a cube from their shop for a small fee a month and then you have access to all your sales in real time, which means, if an item sells, you can see that sale straight away in order to replenish stock. 
What a great concept particularly for artists like me who live interstate with minimal access to a City. As part of the rental price they include you on their blog and facebook pages. Definitely worth a look if you are a 'crafty maker' and need an outlet.

Will keep you posted on how things are going.

Just a subtle reminder that this Saturday the markets will be on again. I will have an amazing collection of handcrafted jewellery ready for those who forgot all about mothers day...

Please check out some of my latest creations here.