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Butterflies, Birds & Blooms

5/8/2022

The signs of Spring are everywhere – butterflies are flitting, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming.

A mama hummingbird has her nest under my patio roof. This is the third time the nest has been used and it looks like there’s one baby in it. My deep purple iris is blooming in the backyard and soft blue periwinkle is blooming in the front yard. The air even smells of spring!

I look for ways to create jewelry that conveys that feeling of spring. My favorite is to use metal, snippets of greeting cards, and resin. My sister-in-law, Susan, is a fabulous painter who turns her original works of art into greeting cards. Her use of color and pattern is simply intoxicating.

I search through her cards to find just the right combination of pattern and color and then cut out butterfly, robin, swallow, and flower shapes. The cut-out shapes are then sealed on all sides with three coats of Mod Podge. Once sealed, each shape is attached to a correspondingly shaped metal blank. Finally, I apply a coat of resin which adds dimension and protects the snippet of greeting card. This process takes several days.

Once the resin is cured, I turn the butterflies, robins, swallows and flowers into earrings and necklaces. Butterfly or bird necklaces feature one bird or butterfly hanging from a fine chain. Flower necklaces feature either just one flower hanging from a fine chain or a centerpiece of multiple flowers.

As I work, I’m captivated by the colors and patterns of each butterfly, bird, or bloom. Each piece reminds me of the power of nature to enhance our lives.

While my butterflies, birds and blooms may not look like those in nature, I hope they evoke some of the same responses – a smile, a feeling of happiness, and enjoyment of something beautiful. See for yourself.

Diamond Stand-Ins

4/12/2022

While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, they often don’t fit a girl’s budget. Luckily there are several lower cost alternatives with lots of sparkle.

Lab-grown diamonds are as the name implies made in a lab rather than made by Mother Nature. They are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth’s crust. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.

Crustal Cube Necklace

Diamond simulants are man-made stones which simulate the look of natural diamonds. The most well-known of these are cubic zirconia (CZ), Moissanite, and crystal.

CZ is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). This synthesized material is hard and usually colorless but may be made in a variety of different colors. It has a close visual likeness to diamond.
Moissanite is the synthetic form of silicon carbide. It has some optical properties, i.e., sparkle, that exceed those of diamonds.
Crystal is glass that is precision cut and highly polished. Daniel Swarovski’s vision was to “create a diamond for everyone.” Swarovski crystals and Preciosa crystals do just that. Unfortunately, Swarovski no longer makes crystal beads. However, Preciosa, located in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, manufactures sparkly crystals that I use in my jewelry.

Natural gemstones, many of which are naturally colorless or clear, are made by Mother Nature. Their natural beauty makes them a great stand-in for diamonds.

Rock crystal quartz is the colorless version of quartz and is considered the ideal of quartz. It is thought to unlock memories.
Zircon is a natural stone with fire and brilliance that rivals even diamonds. It is a gem of purity and innocence
White Topaz is a natural stone with the clarity and hardness of a diamond. It is believed to promote openness and honesty.

Amethyst & White Topaz Necklace

Regardless of your budget you can always add a bit of sparkle to your life.

Spring Clean Your Jewelry

3/1/2022

Spring will be here shortly and along with it the annual ritual of spring cleaning. Closets and cupboards will be cleaned out, rugs washed, and furniture polished. But how many of us will spring clean our jewelry? Jewelry collects dust and grime. You may notice gunk stuck between the prongs of a ring, dim diamonds, tarnished silver, or dull pearls.

Keeping your jewelry clean is easy. Start with a soft toothbrush (battery-operated ones are great) and plain dish detergent (like original, blue Dawn). For very dirty or tarnished pieces, I use Jewel Brite Jewelry Cleaner or Tarnish Remover. Both are biodegradable and safe for most metals, gems and gemstones including pearls.

For gems set in prongs, as in rings, pendants, or bracelets, use a toothbrush and either dish detergent or Jewelry Cleaner. Wet the toothbrush, add a tiny bit of detergent or Cleaner, and gently scrub your jewelry. Work the brush between the setting and the gems. Rinse with warm water, dry with a soft cloth, and see your gems sparkle.

Pearls require special care to keep their luster. They should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. If they look dull, wipe gently with a damp cloth. Never use detergents, toothbrushes, scouring pads or steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

For gemstone, glass and crystal bead jewelry simply wipe with a damp cloth. If the piece is very dirty, wet a soft cloth, add a tiny bit of Jewelry Cleaner or detergent, wipe the piece, and rinse by wiping again with a cloth dampened with water.

For sterling silver, copper, brass, bronze or gold, swish your jewelry in Jewelry Cleaner, let it sit a bit, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth. For really tarnished pieces, wet the toothbrush, pick up a bit of Tarnish Remover, scrub gently, rinse with warm water, dry with a soft cloth and your metals will gleam.

Finally, don’t use toothpaste to clean your jewelry. It contains abrasives and may leave scratches.

May your jewelry always shine!

Love Stones

2/12/2022

One of the things I like most about making jewelry is learning all about the gems and gemstones I use. In addition to discovering where they are mined and how they’ve been used through the years, I enjoy finding out their spiritual and healing properties. In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are some fascinating facts about gemstones believed to attract and strengthen romance: the “Love Stones.”

Rose Quartz with Sterling

Rose Quartz, a beautiful translucent pink gemstone, is often called THE love stone because it is thought to generate strong love energies and to help find new love. It is also believed to promote sweet dreams – so keep a crystal or two on your nightstand.

Moonstone, a shimmering white, cream, or soft peach gemstone, is the stone of new beginnings and romance. It is thought to bring passion to your life.

Rhodochrosite, a gemstone with swirls of pink or red, is said to soothe the heart. It represents selfless love and compassion.

Imperial Topaz, a stunning golden yellow stone, is thought to draw love to its wearer.

Rhodonite, a pink or red gemstone often flecked with black, is said to nurture love and encourage brotherhood. Just holding the stone is believed to promote relaxation and bring a sense of well-being.

Ruby is said to be filled with love. It is thought to increase passion and sexual love. Place it under your pillow to ward off bad dreams.

Watermelon Tourmaline, a green, white and pink stone, looks like a slice of watermelon and is thought to attract love. It is also believed to be beneficial for relationships.

Green sapphire is said to bring loyalty, fidelity and integrity.

Multi-color Moonstone

Chrysocolla, a beautiful green-blue gemstone, is believed to stabilize rocky relationships particularly when combined with Rose Quartz.

For more about these and other gemstones, explore Jewelry Facets .

Happy Valentine’s!

2022 Color of the Year

1/4/2022

For the very first time in the 23-year history of Pantone’s Color of the Year, rather than selecting from their vast treasury of hues, Pantone created a new color from scratch: Very Peri. It is a periwinkle blue with violet-red undertones.

According to Pantone, “as we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa. Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.”

This year look for jewelry featuring:

Sapphire is the most precious of the blue gemstones and comes in many shades of blue. Because blue is a color related to permanence and reliability, women in many countries have selected blue sapphires for their engagement rings.

Sapphire

Tanzanite

Spinel is a transparent gemstone that comes in a range of colors including blues in all shades. Blue is the rarest of spinel colors. Spinel is believed to renew energy, provide a source of hope, and eliminate negative thinking.

Tanzanite is the blue variety of the gemstone zoisite. It can range in color from deep blue-violet to pale lavender-blue. Tanzanite is thought to promote compassion and to calm an overactive mind.

In addition to gemstones, crystal, glass, and cubic zirconia beads will abound in this beautiful color. Regardless of your budget, you’ll be able to find just the right piece of jewelry in the 2022 Color of the Year – Very Peri.

The Pantone Color Institute, often referred to as simply Pantone, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. These standards allow the exact same color to be used across a variety of products as diverse as home furnishings, paint, cosmetics, clothing, and linens.

Holiday Memories

12/1/2021

For me, the holidays are filled with memories of special foods and fun activities. These memories remind me of the people who are a part of my life – past and present.

One of my most cherished memories, was going to see Santa. My mom began taking me to see Santa when I was one. She didn’t drive. So, we took the bus downtown to Famous-Barr one of the three major department stores in St. Louis at that time. We walked around the building oohing and aahing at the fabulous Christmas windows. One had a huge train set in it. Then we went up to the top floor where Santa sat in all his glory. My last photo with Santa was when I was six. I was four in this photo. I still like to wander through stores enjoying all the Christmas decorations.

I remember waiting eagerly to see what St. Nick left in my stocking (a.k.a. sock). On December 5 my brother and I hung a sock on our bedroom doorknobs certain St. Nick would fill them with goodies during the night. Of course, we always looked for the biggest of our socks to make sure there was plenty of room for candy and small toys. And if you weren’t good, St. Nick just might leave a lump of coal in your sock. So, we were really well-behaved in the weeks leading up to St. Nick’s. Even now, my brother, sister-in-law and I exchange silly little gifts for St. Nick’s.

Another memory is of baking holiday cookies. My mom made the cookies and my dad decorated them and did the dishes. I still bake the same cookies my mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother made. Last year I made fruitcake (liberally soaked with 151-proof rum) and 8 kinds of cookies – I go just a little crazy with my holiday baking. And no, I don’t eat all the cookies myself; I share them with family and friends.

May your memories warm this holiday season!

Local Artists Make the Best Gifts

11/2/2021

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re like me, you’re thinking about special foods and finding just the right gift for those on your list and yourself. Look no further than local artists and crafters for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and yummy foods (also good for gifts).

The Prescott quad-cities area, where I live, is home to an amazing number of artists and craftspeople. And if you look, you're sure to find them where you live.

They create an astonishing array of items including jewelry, paintings, woodwork, ceramics, glass, clothing, home décor and food. The benefit of buying from an artist, either in person, at a gallery or on their website, is learning something about them and how they create their items. Including that information with your gift, makes even a small gift important.

Here are ways you can find the perfect gift and support local artists and crafters.

Local Galleries – Buying from a local gallery supports both the artist and the gallery owner. Many feature local artists as well as artists from around your region.

Craft Shows – They provide a wide range of items and prices. I’ve found some of the most appreciated gifts at craft shows.

Artist Websites – Many local artists have their own websites or Etsy stores where you can view and purchase an array of items. You may also have the item shipped directly to the recipient; particularly nice if you’re unable to travel to be with family or friends.

Local Artists – If you’ve purchased from local artists in the past and have their contact information, call or email them. Many may be willing to have you visit their studio or direct you to places displaying their art.

This year, I encourage you to look locally for unique and interesting items for those on your list and yourself. You’ll contribute to a happy holiday for the artists and keep the money in your community.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Fall Jewelry Materials

10/4/2021

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the nip in the air as the days cool down. I love the rich, warm fall colors – orange, rust, red, ocher, and brown. What I see outside my window invariably influences the materials I choose as I work on jewelry. Here are some of my fall favorites.

Bronze – hammered shapes reflect the light adding sparkle to an autumn day.
Citrine – golden to deep yellow, like a ray of sunlight on a crisp fall day.
Colored Copper Wire – incredible colors like tangerine, plum, navy, and magenta make up into colorful rings and earrings.
Copper Wire - it bends and swirls easily. Its warm color looks great alone or mixed with a variety of gemstones.

Glass Beads - every color of autumn from deep green to darkest rust in countless sizes and shapes.
Jasper – from soft yellows to deep rich chocolate browns, jasper is the perfect fall stone.
Tiger Eye - golden brown; mesmerizing like the eyes of a tiger.

Blending these materials to create a unique piece of jewelry delights me. I get excited about all the possible combinations and quickly lose track of time. It's why jewelry-making is not only my passion but my obsession.

Visit Prescott Art Market or browse here for great autumn jewelry.

All month long, stop and enjoy the colors of autumn!

How Slinky Lynnx Chic Began

9/2/2021

People often ask me “how did you get started making jewelry” and where did “Slinky Lynnx Chic” come from? Here are the answers.

In the early 2000’s, I participated in a sport called Cowboy Action Shooting. It combined historical costumes with target shooting. Participants created a persona who lived sometime between the end of the Civil War and 1900. My persona was Slinky Lynnx – a slightly naughty Miss Kitty (from “Gunsmoke”). The “Lynnx” being a play on my first name.

Slinky Lynnx lived in the late 1890’s and dressed accordingly. I made some of my clothes and bought others. But I was unable to find appropriate jewelry. So, I researched jewelry designs from the 1890’s and used them as a starting point for my jewelry. I found I absolutely loved designing and making jewelry. My grandfather, whom I never knew, was a jeweler so perhaps his genes were coming through.

Slinky Lynnx in 2003

Lynn Hammering Wire Today

I launched Slinky Lynnx Chic in 2005. My early designs used bead-weaving techniques to mimic complex Victorian designs. As I moved away from Cowboy Action Shooting, my designs started to change and became less complex and more contemporary. I tried all types of jewelry-making techniques and materials. I found myself returning again and again to using wire in my creations.

My favorite wire to use is copper. It is easy to shape and looks wonderful both when bright and highly polished and when oxidized to have a dark, warm patina.

I continually challenge myself to find new ways wire can be turned into jewelry. See how I meet that challenge here and, if you are in the Prescott area, at the Prescott Art Market in the Gateway Mall.

Little Known Gemstones

8/20/2021

Most of us are familiar with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires - the so-called "precious' gemstones. And many of us are familiar with "semi-precious" gemstones such as Peridot, amethyst, citrine, tourmaline and garnet. Beyond these there is a vast array of interesting and beautiful gemstones not frequently used in jewelry. Here are just a few.

Azurite, a soft blue mineral, is found in copper deposits deep in the earth. It is an opaque stone usually cut in cabochons or beads and not faceted. It is believed to clear stress, worry, and sadness.

Fluorite comes in pastel pinks, greens, blues and purples often with more than one color in a stone. It is transparent to translucent and may be found as beads, nuggets or faceted gems. It is thought to raise the power of concentration.

Azurite with Malachite

Kunzite is an icy pink to lilac gemstone and can be found in beads as well as faceted gemstones. It was discovered in the early Twentieth Century and is named for George Frederick Kunz, Tiffany's legendary gemologist and gemstone author. Its soft pastel colors symbolize purity.

Kyanite, a shimmery transparent to translucent stone, is most commonly found in shades of blue and green. its crystals are long blades or columns and because of this structure it is very hard to facet. Therefore kyanite is most often formed into beads or cabochons. It is thought to inspire calmness, composure, serenity, loyalty and respect.

Larvikite Pendant

Larvikite is a dark bluish gray stone with silvery light blue reflections and flecks of black. It only occurs in the Oslo-rift near Larvik, Norway. It is also called "Norwegian Moonstone" and "black labradorite." In addition to its use in jewelry, Larvikite is also used as a facing stone on buildings. It is believed to enhance psychic abilities.

For more about these and other gemstones, explore Jewelry Facets.