Alice in Wonderland

I just thought I would not be able to find another carver that could impress me as much as Dashi Namdakov when I've come across this Russian wood and ivory carver! His name is Joseph Epshtain. Look what he has made!

These are the figurines from the "Alice in Wonderland" book made into a chess set.

I hope he can find a connoisseur who can afford this beautiful piece of work!

My necklace is published in a designer jewellery book

My necklace that I wrote about before is included into this wonderful book of designer jewellery. The book is for sale here. Preview is available.

Creative Treasures

Jewellery Masterpieces virtual collection

There is an amazing Russian carver... a sculptor and a jeweller whose work can become an inspiration for anybody who does carving. It has become an inspiration for me too. He has the highest level of creativity and fantasy that ever exists. I am looking at his works and I see his world, as I see the worlds of Erte, Lalique or Faberge.

He says that he tries to introduce people to his ethnic culture (which is not Russian), but could anybody else do this introduction in a way he did? I would not believe so. It was a talent that could not avoid an international attention. And it did not. The artist works in Italy and England. He had exhibitions in the best galleries all over the world.

His web-site is a pure eye-candy. I will be visiting it again and again... whenever I need an inspiration... His name is Dashi Namdakov.

Gothic Necklace

I have always liked elegant evening necklaces in Gothic style. Black lace, glimmer of dark stones and hanging chains... I think this is very feminine and exquisite. Being a designer I had to try and make a few pieces of jewellery in this style. I asked a friend of mine to make me some handmade laces and used them for my Gothic/evening necklaces.

Small beads are garnets. Chains and a clasp is made of copper. Enigmatic tektite is set in sterling silver. The result is as fabulous as I could imagine...
The necklace is available at the Just Jewellery gallery in White Rock.

(Update: the necklace is not available anymore)

Peackock Feather Necklace

Beautiful labradorite cut by a lapidary artist Bruce McClellan is featured in my peacock feather necklace. Peacock feathers are so widely used in jewellery but still a favourite theme for many jewellers as well as wearers. When I got this stone I realized what it should be used for. I opened google to look at the peacock feather designs, to make sure that whatever I design is going to look like nothing out there :)

It is stylized, simple, unusual and would look great with pretty much anything. The necklace is available at Just Jewellery, White Rock.

(Update: not available anymore)

Kynite Maple Forest pendant

This is one of my favourite styles to work in. I've made a free-form pendant with a gorgeous kynite before... It was my favourite piece at that time. I gave it to a jewellery gallery on consignment to "decorate my display". Of course, it was gone soon after :) I had to make another one in the same style and with a kynite... Though it is the same ornament, a similar stone and it is made by the same person again (me, of course), it does not look the same at all. That is a good thing, I think.

This pendant is available in my etsy shop online. To buy it or see more pictures click here >>>

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