Photographing my jewelry has been a huge challenge for me. Because my hand made beads are dainty and usually shiny, they get lost and reflect light...which is not good for a flattering picture. This early shot of a bracelet that sold long ago is an exception. The handmade beads are the white and clear ones, which I think contrast well with the cherry quartz chips and the blister pearl medallion.

I wish I knew what I had done right on this picture! I've been told to take pictures outdoors on a sunny day, which I haven't tried yet. Apparently the natural light, and a decent macro option on the camera, really helps. I'll try that some day.

For now, I'm having a hard time just finding the time to make jewelry! I have a bunch made, waiting for Ted to move his Artisan's Collective from Davis Street to the new location in the Bishop Arts District.

Yesterday, Saturday, I took a class in Alebrijes at the Latino Cultural Center (the center is pictured above). I'm in LOVE! I have so many ideas, right now I'm just working on my first one...but I want to get started on another one!

First, what are alebrijes? Well, it's a Mexican folkloric art that was started by one man, Pedro Linares in the 30's. He fell ill and had a dream/hallucination in which weird, colorful, mixed up animals cried "Alebrije". The animals were combinations such as a chicken with an eagle head, a pig with wings, etc. He was a paper mache maker and when he survived his illness he wanted to bring his strange creatures into reality. I'm making a snake-gecko-with a forked tail and feathers! A snecko...

Right now the form is made and glue is drying. Once dried I will paint the base white and then paint on the designs--can't wait for that part!!!!