I recently realised that the Captain oh Captain shop was lacking in earrings. So I sat down one day and went crazy.

I still have a facination with the Swarovski rhinestone chains and using them in different ways is both challenging and rewarding. Hence all the earrings I made having the rhinestones in them.

The chain moves freely both side to side and vertically. Which gives earrings in particular a really nice ’swing’ movement. Add some vintage chain and you get earrings that look great and are really comfortable (a big thing for me). There’s nothing worse than earrings that are too heavy or catch in your hair.

And while I’m ranting about materials Firepolished crystal can have the most amazing depth to it. The above roundel is olive green, but it has specks of other greens that gives it a whole new dimension. I like using different elements in a design, each part stunning on it’s own.

Yes, I am one of those people who spread their materials out on the desk just to look at them.

Technorati Tags: earrings, vintage, swarovski, jewellery, shop

After almost 16 years of warmth and love my cat Moosh passed away yesterday.

I thought that knowing he would no longer be in pain, or that he had a long life would make the final moment easier. It didn’t.

Tonight, I crave a meatloaf. Having never made one before makes me wonder how I know to crave it.

I have created my own recipe with help from smittenkitchen and my mother in law’s over the phone ‘I used to make it with (insert 30 ingredients).’ Including sultanas soaked in some alcohol. No offense to old grapes, but there’s something about mixing meat and parched fruit that doesn’t sit very well within my stomach.

So, I’m making my own rye bread-crumbs in the oven, chopping some capsicum and going blindly forth.

Technorati Tags: meatloaf, recipe, help

The Canon returned home. Photos were taken. All is good.

Now I didn’t realise I was a camera snob until I tried taking a jewellery photo this morning without the Canon EOS.

While I have always loved the old trusty Sony Cybershot, I have obviously become attached to the Canon in such a deep way I was unconsciously unaware of this.

The last time I used the Cybershot I was shooting for the shop My Way or the Highway which has a totally white background. I perfected this on the Cybershot, however shooting moody photos on a coloured and textured background has been the realm of the Canon.

To make matters worse I am so in love with this piece I have just made I am beside myself that I am unable to list it in the shop for everyone to see. It’s not my fault, the Husband has taken the Canon to work. And seeing as it is technically his camera, I can only complain about it here.

So the picture is a ’sneak’ preview, albeit grainy, out of focus and without ‘tude.

Technorati Tags: jewellery, photos, canon, eos, sony, cybershot

I recently learnt the expression ‘bokeh’. Essentially the out of focus part of a photo that enhances the focal point or subject.

A previously average photo can become something amazing when you take away the background noise.

Cruise through Flickr and you’ll find groups dedicated to it. With some stunning photos.

While we’re talking about Flickr I spent forever cruising this random part last night. I wonder who decides these photos are worthy?

Technorati Tags: jewellery, photos, bokeh

I think I have a new record.

This piece was photographed, listed, sold and packaged within an hour.

Talk about quick!

I don’t have many of the vintage ovals left anymore. It’s funny how things work. I’ve had these ovals for months. And they didn’t really sing to me until I put them with Turquoise. Now I’m sad I’m running out of them (that’s the thing about vintage materials, once they’re gone…they’re gone).

Technorati Tags: vintage, necklace, turquoise, shop, etsy, captain, oh, captain

‘Captain’s Copper Leaf’ - vintage necklace

There are elements of my designs that I look at for ages before I know what I want to do with them. Sometimes it’s weeks!

This leaf practically yelled at me the moment I held it. Simple, no fuss, on a delicate copper chain with a hint of green.

I love it when they talk to me.

Technorati Tags: etsy, shop, copper, leaf, vintage, necklace, jewellery

I have learnt by the equivalent of hitting myself with a hammer over and over that I cannot take photos on a rainy day, using the natural light and expect the right look.

Fortunately I managed to get the above photos taken before the weather went south.

I have many many other pieces, all sitting there drinking tea waiting for their train to arrive.

Technorati Tags: jewellery, photography, light