My favourite squirrel necklace

One of my favourite designs ever is now available at my Etsy shop. The squirrel ornament is from a 50-year old Russian book for housekeepers (from a woodworking section). However, being a Canadian artist now I've included tiny maple leaves into this ornament. The original piece was hand pierced and soldered. I can cast them now, but still keep all my pieces unique, so none of them looks the same.

To see more pictures or buy it click here >>>

Seed-bead contest in Kiev, August, 2011

As a jewellery artist who started as a seed bead designer I still love jewellery made with the creative techniques available for the seed beads. My dear friends and co-founders of the International Association Art-Biser were traditionally invited to jury an International contest for the beaders that took place in the capital of Ukraine Kiev.

Look at all this beautiful and joyful jewellery! It is very sad really that we need a "special occasion" to wear something like this... and a "special" mood too. Can you imagine... there are countries where people wear all these gorgeous accessories just because it is sunny outside and everybody is dressed up as if they are going to a birthday party anyway? I am jealous...

These last three pictures are from the web-site of the magazine that holds the contest - Modnyi

Owl ring and Heron ring

These birds were my first tries to do wax carving. The owl was also engraved after it was cast. It took so long time and so much patience to carve them... that they stay the only birds I've ever carved :) I have rubber molds and can reproduce them. They are finally up and on Etsy available to be ordered.

Click here to see more pictures or buy the Owl ring

Click here to see more pictures or buy the Great Blue Heron ring

Autumn necklace

This necklace is from the story about the Pink Christmas Bracelet that you can find here if you scroll down. I do not have another picture of it, as it was damaged when we were moving. So I need to fix it first. Maybe it is even going to be for sale after that... I thought it was quite unusual for me not to put something like this on my web-site for so long. Therefore it is going to be on the same page now, right by the bracelet. (And please do not laugh at this picture of me... this outfit seemed to be very appropriate and creative in Russia! and rather humble too...) (And, yes, I made the head-piece too... and I still have it too)

Men's / Unisex necklace collection

This collection had started as men's, but when it was finished I thought it was more "unisex" rather than just men's. I can see women wearing this jewellery. I would wear most of them myself too.

This collection (there are more pieces in it than I copied here) is available in my online store. They wanted me to write about my inspiration for each piece. I realized, that indeed, there was an inspiration for each of those pieces.


My husband does not wear jewelry. One day I've decided to take this fact as a challenge. I wanted to make a necklace that he would want to wear. I ended up creating a collection of men's jewelry. It turned out successful. My husband is even asking me to make him a special pendant. I will... Though, he is not getting this one, as I do not need a spoiled husband :) He will get only one necklace!

I was looking for a typical "men's" pendant shape, but could not resist giving it an elegant look by creating an animal pattern with black enamel. The result of my quest became suitable for women as well as for men.

I was creating exquisite and very feminine jewelry for years. In search of something different I got carried away by creating jewelry that had a very strong look. A cross with clear lines and contrasting black enamel is just what could satisfy my interest.

I wanted to give a little bit of glamor to a simple dog tag, considering men who wear jewelry because they want to look fashionable.

The inspiration for this piece is the crystal itself and the metaphysical qualities that it has. It is believed to receive, activate, store, transmit, and amplify energy; stimulate brain functions and activate all levels of consciousness. It is excellent for meditation and is said to bring harmony to the soul.

Australian opal necklace

We went to Australia in April... I brought this opal from Sydney to make a very special necklace. Finally, on the 21st of August it is done and the pictures are taken. This necklace is officially for sale. This is what I've told my husband.

We are still laughing over the story with another pendant I made... So, my husband told me: "If you sell your opal necklace I will eat my hat this time".
My answer was: "Start seasoning it!" (lol)

Prohibition Tea Party

These lovely pendants (rose quartz, rodonite and BC jade in silver) from my original collection are participating in a fund-rising event: gala and craft auction! Scroll down to read the invitation!

Squirrel ring (sterling silver and enamel; hand-made)

Chain Maille

Chain maille has been being a popular technique for making jewelry since the 18th century. Though, I wondered when it was invented. I found out that the first chain mailles were found in Europe and dated the 3rd or even the 2nd century AD. The jump rings were about 10 to 12 gauge and about a centimeter inside diameter.

The most common technique was welding some jump rings and connecting them by the open ones that were riveted. Sounds like a lot of work! Then the whole thing was sewed on a leather base. They still use chain maille in bullet-proof jackets or for butchers’ gloves.

There were not many patterns for the body armors, though people came up with lots of weaves for chain maille jewellery. There are many magazines, books and web-sites where anybody can learn how to make an interesting accessory made of dozens or even hundreds of jump rings.

I keep testing new techniques and styles. I’ve tried this one too. I like the result and must admit that this is addictive… :)

Chain maille bracelet

Sea bottom pendants

I continue my sea theme in jewellery. I do not remember when it was last time when I enjoyed making jewellery that much! I do love jewellery making, but I take it seriously usually. These pendants are pure fun! I put all my sea creatures out on my table, take the stones out of their little draws and start playing.