Karen of Isabeau Bijoux

I'm a featured artist!

2009-01-07T08:29:04Z

Wow, I've been featured on HandmadeFuzion front page and their blogs! You can click on the link below to see.
How cool is that! It's my first time as a featured artist anywhere. :)

Moo cards

2008-11-17T09:29:40Z

I've just got my first set of MOO cads, and they're sooo cute! If you don't know what these are, they are sort of miniature business cards, with captions of your Flickr photos on one side and your URL on the back. Very pretty! And they fit in any purse or wallet. I made them to advertise my www.jewellia.com site.

Embroidered necklace - in progress

2008-11-01T14:33:11Z

Embroidered necklace - in progress
Originally uploaded by Jewellia

So this is a bead embroidered necklace I've been working on for quite some time now... The stones are onyx and serpentine. Not sure how to continue from this point, though. Should it be symmetrical or asymmetrical? What do you think?

"Hearts"!

2008-10-16T06:07:49Z

"Hearts" hammered sterling silver ring
Originally uploaded by Jewellia

Wow, that giveaway was fun! I think I'll make it a habit to do a giveaway or some kind of a monthly promotion thing for my site on the beginning of each month. What do you think?

And this ring I custom made for a wife of my collegue. It's very cute, and he told me she loved it!

Pearl earrings giveaway!

2008-10-13T13:19:42Z

Pearl earrings
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

Get a chance of winning these sterling pearl earrings! For details, check my blog at
http://isabeau-bijoux.blogspot.com/

Jewellia website opening

2008-10-12T14:31:30Z

Tomorrow I will be opening my new website for my jewellery, Jewellia.
To celebrate, I will hold a giveaway for a pair of earrings tomorrow, Monday 13 Oct, on my Blogger! - http://isabeau-bijoux.blogspot.com/ Don't forget to check in to win!

isabeau2 @ 2008-09-23T11:10:00

2008-09-23T08:24:27Z

Gosh, I re-read some of my earlier posts, and there were some many spelling mistakes and typos! I'm so ashamed! I'll take a moment later to correct them, for sure...
In the meantime, I've set up a shop on the new handmade and crafts site, www.handmadefusion.com. My shop is at www.handmadefusion.com/stores/Jewellia. The site is new and looks nice, with lots of categories. Check it out!
I'm also working on my site - I still have much to do, but it's coming along.

isabeau2 @ 2008-09-13T16:28:00

2008-09-13T13:33:00Z

This has been a horrible, horrible weekend so far. I caught a mild cold, and can't bring myself to do anything other than watch TV and eat. :( There go all the plans of finishing the website and catch up on my reading... Also I've been having rather drastic mood swings in the past two days, like really drastic. Maybe it's the cold, but it really annoys me. I just want to be my normal creative self, not this emotional wreck...

"Caudalie" bracelet

2008-09-10T14:04:11Z

"Caudalie" bracelet
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

Caudalie is a French term used to define the time that the aftertaste of wine persists in the mouth; generally, the greater the length, the better the wine.
I bougth the clasp a long time ago - it really caugth my eye! I was waiting to do something equally pretty with it, I hope it works...
In this bracelet, garnet rondelles in two subtle shades and cuts on sterling silver headpins compose the length of the bracelet, along with sterling beads and a decorative sterling clasp in the wine theme.

"Warrior Queen"

2008-09-06T12:36:16Z

"Warrior Queen"
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

The shape of this unusual pendant reminded me of a shield, and the overall sense of power of this bold piece made me name it Warrior Queen. The name was acctually inspired by the warrior queens of Scala, from a book series by Lynn Flewelling (great read!).

"Flutter" silver pendant

2008-09-04T08:25:58Z

"Flutter" silver pendant
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

The first thing I've made on my new desk. :) Sawn, pierced and polished by hand, sterling silver 925.

Also, I'm finally done watching the BBC miniseries on Geiman's "Neverwhere". I really loved this book, and the film was true to it to the letter, but it was a really low-budget production, and it showed. The music score was horrific, and the cating was dissapointing. I really enjoyed the villains, Crupe and Vandemar (can't remember is the spelling is correct), and the Marquise, even though he wasn't all all like I pictured him. :) Richard and Door were entirely non-descript.
I would recommend it to the book readers, as it's a nice visualisation, but that's it.

"Catherine" necklace

2008-09-02T08:02:46Z

"Catherine" necklace
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

This is a part of my new luxury collection! It features large smokey quartz focal and drop briolettes, green amethyst (prasiolite), citrine, peridot, and spessartite garnet rondells. A decorative sterling toggle clasp completes the design.
This is my take on something really regal (and expensive :)). I like how the colors turned out, very autumn-like.
Also, this will be featured on my new website! Yep, I've finally taken the plunge and started building a website. I hope it will be ready soon, and... I'm planning to host a giveaway to celebrate the opening! So stay tuned. :)

My new workbench!

2008-08-30T09:14:42Z

My new workbench!
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

My new jeweller's desk with some equipment already on it (and beneath it). Acctually, I've had it for two weeks now, but I was too lazy to blog, lol! And, on the other hand, too busy making new stuff on it. Silver is so fun to work with, and this desk makes it a real pleasure. I would really recommend anyone who is serious about metalworking to invest in a proper bench - it makes all the difference.
I also bought all the other stuff you don't see in the picture - steel blocks, punches, pincers, etc. My hubby said the all look like torture devices, and he's afraid to be in the room when I'm working. :)

isabeau2 @ 2008-07-21T09:46:00

2008-07-21T06:47:33Z

Money IS happiness. It can buy you airconditioning. :(

isabeau2 @ 2008-07-20T19:07:00

2008-07-20T16:13:10Z

Horray, I finally got my Shadows Return book in the mail! Along with some fab gemstone goodies, which I hoard with the intention of making a really lavish necklace. And I mean REALLY lavish.
So I have to get my act together and finish re-reading Traitor's Moon. I would skip it and go straight for the new one, but I don't remember a lot of the facts and characters, and reading the first two was a lot of fun, like revisiting old friends. :)

And since I haven't posted my jewelry here lately, here's my bead embroidered bracelet with unakite. I really love the colors on this stone.

isabeau2 @ 2008-07-13T13:07:00

2008-07-13T10:11:39Z

I haven't done a thing this weekend, and I feel like crap.
My husband has some issues at work and also feels like crap.
I'm pretty sure even the Salmonellas I grow at the lab feel like crap, 'cause the grow all funny, and their soft agar turns to soup agar for some reason.

And I didn't get my book yet!

Jewellery exhibition

2008-07-08T07:34:52Z

I went to a jewellry exhibition that was hels on 1-28 July in Tel Aviv. Lots of artist and supply vendors, really really nice original works. It's sure something to aspire to! :) Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, so there are only crappy cell phone photos to show.

I'm choosing gemstones

My new hoard of treasures. :)

isabeau2 @ 2008-06-30T12:05:00

2008-06-30T09:15:06Z

You know, I'm way into online RPG games, but small and private ones, with only two players interacting in a dialog format. It's kind of writing a co-authored story, really. :) Anyway, I'm really proud of myself of coming up with an entire story line for a game (even though the ending was kind of smudged). I'm even thinking of turning it into a real story, with some changes, of course.

Conrad met the prince in his study. His highness was sitting at a large redwood desk, absently perusing through some letters. He was a rather good looking youth, slender and elegantly dressed, with short auburn hair.
Conrad stopped at the door and bowed, trying to make the best use of his rather patchy manners, and hide his nervousness.
"Good morning, your majesty", he said as cheerfully as he could.
Prince Robert glanced up at him, without putting down the papers he had in his hands. "It's "Your higness"", - he corrected coldly. "Unless these is something I'm yet unaware of".
Conrad blushed and almost cringed with embarassment. Oh yes, wonderful first impression, Conrad, you country bumpkin, that's exactly the kind of mistake it's best to start your service with. Now the prince will think him an idiot, and worse, make fun of him. There is nothing he feared more than being laughed at.
"Forgive me, your higness. I misspoke". He wasn't quite sure what he was expected to say. Was he supposed to introduce himself, or wait for the prince to speak first?
Robert eyed him thoughtfully and stood up from his seat. "You are my new armsbearer, aren't you?" he said with a distinct air of dissaproval. "I was expecting someone younger".
Conrad wasn't surprised to see that he was a good head and a half taller than the prince, and much heavier in built. "I am", he decided to ignore the last remark. "I arrived here last night. My name is Conrad Takenni. I'm very pleased to enter your service, your higness."
"Pleased, are you? Oh, well. Did anyone explain your duties to you?"
"No, your higness", said Conrad, feeling more and more out of place, and beginning to get annoyed with this conversation.

Is it bad?

"Shadows Return"

2008-06-26T08:09:48Z

So I went ahead and ordered my copy of Lynn Flewelling's latest book, "Shadows Return". To tell the truth, I was a little afraid to pick up where the storyline ended in the previous one, only because I picked up this ugly-ugly rumor that the main couple were going to split. Really, I can't live through Seregil and Alec splitting. :( I know it sound so darn silly, but I just love them as a couple, and I'd rather have them happy together forever in my head.
But, me being the nosy me, I took a pick at the spoilers thread at Lynn's LJ otterdanceand I knew I just had to read it, no matter what! I won't post any spoilers here, but I'm waiting so eagerly, and waiting for the final book next summer will be hell's torture, I know.
I'm re-reading the series now to catch up on the old names and places, hopefully in time for the book to come in the mail. I forgot how sweet and innocent Alec was in the beginning, really clueless, so funny. :)
I also remember I had a scrap sketch of them on Deviantart, here - http://ondin.deviantart.com/art/Seregil-and-Alec-38158167
God, how awful...

Malachite earrings

2008-06-07T13:10:39Z

Malachite earrings
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

These certainly took me a long time to make and even longer to post! I promise I'll do better next time. :) Anyway, these are sterling silver, all hand forged by me in my class, with malachite cabochons. The detail in the back wasn't y idea, but I think it looks interesting and a lot better than simple solid backing.

Old Jaffa

2008-05-01T07:58:33Z

Old Jaffa - sea view
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

My husband and I went for a little day trip in Jaffa on the Passover holiday week. We went to the old flea market, the sea boardwalk, and the beautiful old city park. It was really nice, though my feet were sore for days after. :)

Well, that was a flop...

2008-04-24T16:31:13Z

My little table at the fair
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

I went to a jewelry fair with my dear husband last week. It was nice, rather well organized, with lots of activities for children. However, it wasn't very good for me... I've sold only one necklace and one pair of earrings during the 6 hours we were there. I felt rather down that day... Oh well. Not sure if I'll do it again...

Just some thoughts

2008-04-08T06:48:33Z

"Serafina" necklace
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

Lately I have been thinking about starting my own little website for my jewelry - something very simple that I can maintain myself, maybe on GoDaddy or something similar. I need it to be low cost and low maintenence (yes, I do ask for a lot. :)). The thing is, I'm not sure I have the time and the energy to put into this kind of project right now, as I'm spread pretty thin between family, school, jewelry making and silversmithing lessons.
Do you think that a personal website is actually worth it? Do you think it would help me reach a wider audience?

On a more upbeat note, this is a new necklace I just made, using the beaded cabochon technique. I bought some Lacy's Stiff Stuff for the backing and Nymo thread - such a joy to work with these materials! Very easy to use and professional quality. This one is already taken, but I plan to make more things with cabochons.

Sterling silver ring with malachite

2008-03-26T09:41:06Z

Sterling silver ring with malachite
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

Sterling silver, malachite. I made this during the course of my last four silversmithing lessons. The soldering took me a long while, this was a stubborn one! The design was atched in acid - a very interesting proccess. I'm currently working on a pair of earrings to match it - I'm sure it will take a few more lessons.

Dragon skin

2008-03-11T07:26:13Z

Dragon skin
Originally uploaded by Isabeau_bijoux

When I got the amazing green dragonskin jasper pendant, I knew I had to make something to emphasize the connection to dragons. I wanted to work on it for the longest time, but stalled, since it was so much effort, lol! :)
The necklace is made of black agate and onyx stone beads, interspersed with sterling silver Bali beads. Peridot chips are woven with glass and seed beads to imitate dragon scales. The necklace is finished with a sterling silver toggle clasp.