Gertrude's Garden Party

A couple of months ago, I had a request to make a ring based on the design of my "come rain or shine" necklace.

I had quite a few conversations with the customer advising her that the design isn't particularly well suited to a ring as it stands tall and could get knocked and the such....but the customer really wanted it - and wanted it on an adjustable ring.  She totally accepted that it was a "cocktail" ring, would need care when wearing and that it was a crazy idea - but she just really wanted it. 

She also wanted to add some color to the design which I was a little doubtful of to begin with - but hey, I was doubtful of the ring in the first place so might as well as some color too!

So in the end, she got her crazy ring - and she loves it! She wears it carefully - in Australia where she lives -  and gets lots of comments.  She asked me to name the bird and ring and so I decided it looked like a Gertrude who was all dressed up and going for garden party, complete with her own flower parasol! Thus "Gertrude's Garden Party".

Birds with Words

I've started a little "words" collection of jewelry this week.....a range of jewelry with a lower price point for everyday gifts.

Here are the first couple of pieces - my birds with words.


Both are bangle bracelets, but the birds and words could also be hung on chains instead.

The first bangle is based on the poem that inspired my silver poem bracelet - "Be as a bird" by Victor Hugo.

"Be as a bird
who when pausing in flight,
alights on a bough too slight
yet continues to sing,
knowing she hath wings"

Since I found this poem and made the first bracelet, I just think of it all the time. This version is simpler than my drawn version, but still gives the message that we have inner strength, even when times are difficult..

The second bangle bracelet is "A little bird told me". Perfect as a birthday present for someone.


This is shown on an interchangeable bangle - like the Pandora, Chamillia, Troll etc bangle bracelets. Between the words and birds are stopper beads to hold them in one general place. Additional beads could also be added to this bracelet.

I have a couple of other "birds with words" ideas coming up.....any ideas from you?

I'll be listing them soon on my website.