Monday March 24, 2014


Just a little peak into my world, as it stands, today.

My home studio I lovingly call The Sanctuary. 12 square feet of creativity abounds in this little nook in our home.



Work-in-process photo. Each little piece of the wings are pierced, which means I drill a hole into each area that needs to be cut out, thread my tiny saw blade into that hole, and then hand-cut each little part out using a jeweler's saw. Beyond that, each little place has to be filed and sanded down. Meticulous but oh so rewarding when finished.

Where the butterfly necklace started. As you can see, I got a bit better at drawing by the last one, although the second to last is quite charming and I might pursue that design today.

Wow, It's Been a While...

This blog has been bare for many,  many moons. So much has happened. Life. Life happens. And isn't it lovely?

News.

Admittedly, for the past couple of years, my etsy and online presence have been pretty dismal. This year, I've decided to change that. I'm not big on making New Year's Resolutions, but focusing more on etsy with my one of a kind pieces is my big goal for 2014--it resembles a resolution, but is also a goal that I know I can keep up with. I think I usually try to 'do it all' (etsy, personal website, blog, gallery, shows, farmer's markets, etc.) and that's where it goes a bit awry. There is a lot to keep up with, and it's a bit overwhelming sometimes. Life is busy, and beautiful, and I can easily get swept up in all of that and forget to enjoy myself every once in a while.

Life has re-focused in many different areas in the past year or so. I'm in love (>still!< Which really throws you for a loop sometimes!), I have a new job (still in jewelry--will share later), I have a new home... and while I have been able to maintain an ever-changing collection of my one of a kind pieces in Sun Studios in Pacific Grove, I am also feeling able to branch out a bit, and so etsy seems to be the natural next step.

And with that, this commitment in writing on a blog with which I hardly share, I look forward to sharing with you my efforts to my goal. In short, wish me luck! :)

New Pieces.



Hand-Pierced Sterling and Sapphire Butterfly Necklace



Natural Royston Turquoise and Imperial Jasper Opera-Length Sterling Silver Necklaces



Handmade Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring

 

 



My bench in my home studio, also lovingly called 'The Sanctuary'.




 

Snippets...in May

It's been a wonderful couple months since my last check-in here at this somewhat deserted blog...for those of you who keep up with me here, I appreciate you very much and I'm sorry it's been so slow!

I have been very busy with many custom orders for lovely clients as well as growing my etsy page and website with more made-to-order and one of a kind pieces. Some of my favorites for the websites are the Blossom Ring and the Numerology Ring. Growing up in my Mom's flower shop has almost certainly inspired the flower-themed designs I have in my collection, and a recent custom ring I created for a sweet lady down in Florida enticed me to offer a stacking ring completely customizable for a double-digit number of choice. This ring is catered to those who love numerology, but it could also be the year of your marriage, graduation, or a lucky number.

Blossom Ring
Made to Order in custom sizes.

Numerology Ring
Personalized ring made to order in custom numbers and sizes.

Outside of the internet, life in the real world persists, and Sun Studios (my home gallery) has been a lovely venture and location for my jewelry and creative spirit. I adore being amongst fellow artists and have been utterly inspired, humbled, and gently nudged into new pathways since my move in February. The biggest changes, surely, have been my new work with yellow gold and (!!!) diamonds, faceted stones, and an exploration into the fine jewelry world...

18kt Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver ring with flush-set sapphire.

18kt Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver engagement ring with bead-set diamond.

...Although my silversmithing roots are never far away. It's too hard to resist a gorgeous agate cab...

Confetti Agate Statement Ring (Private Collection)

However, there might be a nice compromise in rose-cut gems, like this beautiful pink tourmaline rose cut I set in my 'As One' series bangle bracelets.

Pink Tourmaline Rose Cut 'As One' Bangles
http://ericafreestone.mysupadupa.com/collections/wrists/products/as-one-bangles

I've also taken a small collection of work to Casa del Soul in Carmel Valley Village, where the extraordinary Linda Jacobs curates a lovely smattering of beautiful pieces fit for a queen. Linda hosted a successful Trunk Show earlier this year in which I participated, and I was thrilled to be offered the chance to sell my jewelry in her store full time.

Trunk Show display at Casa del Soul.

Trunk Show display at Casa del Soul.

Other than that, my friends, my life continues to amaze me, excite me, and challenge me into new thought-paths. I could not be happier and hope that this blog finds you exactly the same.

Much love and many wishes for creativity and inspiration,

Erica

Yes, Goddess earrings in green chrysoprase
https://www.etsy.com/listing/152019272/yes-goddess-earrings-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_feat

Follow my 'View From The Bench' series on Instagram! Search #viewfromthebench or find my username ericafreestone

Kiera, my sleepy 'guard dog' at the studio.

Finding inspiration at the Monterey Marina by the fisherman's wharf.

Newbies...

Big Mouth Bass fishing in Carmel Valley