david neale of the golden smith

I love jewelry so much (or jewellery as it's spelled in Australia and New Zealand). And I especially love the work of David Neale. Simple, sophisticated, witty. The good news is that you can now buy David's work directly at his new online shop The Golden Smith. Perfect for Valentine's Day, non?

leather and metal: sarah north

I'm totally loving Sarah North's new line of jewelry at her Etsy site Ginko and Butterfly. So fresh for spring. Of course she also does gorgeous leatherwork.

ancient beads

More pieces with the ancient beads, on suede cord with sterling findings. I never realized how hard it is to take pictures by yourself of things you're wearing. A clean mirror helps.




Normally I don't wear 4 necklaces at once, but I was channeling my inner Sheryl Crow. I actually might wear this out... The one below reminds me of Wilma from the Flintstones.

Here are a few more necklaces I've made from the ancient Afghani beads, with sterling findings and hand-forged silver disks. The red beads are clay, with a rough-cut stone as the focal piece. The green beads are strung on a camel-colored suede cord. I'm thinking about setting up a BigCartel site for these - email me if you're interested in purchasing...

new jewelry from ancient beads

I've had the antique glass beads from Afghanistan for ages now, and finally realized that I won't be able to forge gold accents and findings any time soon. So, after a big mug of Earl Grey, I got to work and created a bunch of prototypes, using what I had on hand. I'm happy that I used every bead to make some awesome pieces that I'll wear, but eventually I'll replace the seed beads and findings with custom fabricated accents. What now is just a necklace will become a work of art. Above choker necklace mixes antique glass beads with faceted coral (I know, I bought them before I realized how wrong it is to harvest the stuff) and glass seed beads.


Two long necklaces with sterling silver chain, glass beads, and pearls. Center choker with hand forged textured silver discs, glass beads, and pearls.

jewelry: jennifer maestre

I'm loving the work of Jennifer Maestre - she creates fantastical sculptures and jewelry from art pencils. Go to her website and etsy pages for more. (Via Modish)

jewelry: megan auman

I've been a reader of Megan Auman's blog for a while now, and I'm a huge fan of her jewelry. Looks like she's discontinuing her fine silver on steel range, so get it while you can on her etsy page.

jewelry: agas & tamar

I've decided to branch out a little here at Crosspollination, and share more than just flower-themed treats. There are just too many wonderful things out in the world to share!

Those of you who read my old blog may have read the post on antique glass beads... Well, I just discovered Eli Halili, from Tel Aviv, who creates gorgeous baubles with the same type of ancient beads. They have a little boutique in NYC that sells their range, which I wish I had known about on my recent trip.

metalsmith: eva decarlo

I'm craving this birch ring by Eva DeCarlo. I love that she also makes tabletop items like the napkin ring and chopstick holder, below. (via Dear Ada)

jewelry: cake jewelry

Lovely things from Cake in Los Angeles... Mushka Bud Portrait Earrings and Coral Cap Bracelet by Billie Shane.


And the next three are by Melissa McClure, who's loft was recently profiled on Design*Sponge. What a great live/work area!

jewelry: buttons

The only thing particularly floral about these necklaces by Buttons are the names: Hollyhock, Dahlia and Fuschia from top to bottom. We stock these gems at The Cream of Matakana, and I love that the business is run by a trio of ladies in Wellington. Gorgeous execution, elevating craft to a whole new level. Check out their website for more one-of-a-kind pieces, and jewelry for girls (Buttonettes!).

jewelry: mari ishikawa

Loving this dusty miller-inspired ring and quote from metalsmith Mari Ishikawa... from Klimt02.

"The flowers and weeds in a field attract me as well. Their various shapes and perfection surprises me. For whom and for what is it so beautiful?
They are just there. I feel that their existence tells more than a thousand words sometimes.
Under the moon light we can share our life with nature."

-Mari Ishikawa

floral papers and jewelry by prismera design

Poppytalk Handmade's latest Mix Tape market has some great items... I'm loving the jewelry and paper goods by Prismera Design.