Tavia, Posted April 24, 2012
Hello again! I am always amazed how long in between blog posts I go. A lot of life happens during my "quiet" moments on my blog. A LOT. And, being self-employed I have the benefit of being able to whisk out of the studio on a whim when life happens - one of my kids is sick, or an ailing family member needs help, or a friend needs a ride or a shoulder to cry on, or our house got broken into TWICE in 6 days, or hey - let's move the studio! And, yes, all of that has happened since I last wrote. So, this is a more personal blog post than most of my others as I see my Mother's Day approaching and I want to celebrate everything.
Here is a little glimpse into my life.
I love going to work everyday - literally. I love it! But, I am not just a business owner and metalsmith, I am also a mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and simply a human being. So, the flexibility is great being self-employed - but kids, parents, friends, a sunny day, detectives (remember - house broken into twice!), movers, installing tools and machinery - are all part of my life. Then there are the other aspects of work - applications, sketching new designs, communicating with customers for commission work, fixing tools, paying the bills - all very, very important - but I don't get to just sit at the bench and simply create all day, everyday - which is how it happens in my dreams. But, I love it - all of it - all the mess and the goodness together. The "I gotta make up some time in the studio because of X, Y and Z", along with the fresh cut spring bouquet from my garden that I bring in to brighten the studio. Moments of stress and surprises of pure joy sprinkle my life and it is all magical (see photo above). And, in the middle of it all, I know we all have people in our lives that go the extra mile, that help us no matter what, who love us no matter what, who just simply work hard, who make us smile when we need it most. I know I do - I am surrounded by the miracles of friends and family, a loving and supportive husband and amazing kids who are oh, so silly. So, as I reflect on the last few months and marvel at life, I recognize the support I receive so that I am able to do all the things I do on a daily basis - love, live, and create. My Mother's Day is not just about me - it is about all the players in my life, without whom I couldn't be the mom I am.
Family is so much a part of my work, but it is subtle. When you browse you may not realize that you are seeing a memory of mine, or a piece inspired by someone I love. And, although my Adoration bracelets are a little more obvious about the importance of family, and directed at moms, dads and kiddos, I remind myself that they for everyone and anyone who you, or myself, may want to cherish. They are custom made. You can choose a very special quote to put on the interior to tell someone just how much they inspire you and support you. And to celebrate life and those who support us, all of my Adoration bracelets are on sale until the end of May - all of them - not just the ones for Mom.
So, remember, as you wander through the daily grind, soak up those special moments - like an unexpected walk in the rain.
Happy Spring, Happy May, Happy Mother's Day!
XO
Tavia
Tavia, Posted February 05, 2012
Whew!! After a very busy, bustling and successful holiday season I have settled down a bit in the studio to finish up commissions that rolled into the new year (all those January weddings!), begin my planning for 2012, start show preparations and create new work that has been on my mind for quite a while now. A pretty exciting start to the year so far, if I must say so! I even rearranged my bench and office areas in the studio for a fresh new look - and it feels really good to come in to a renewed creative space in the mornings! I hope everyone has had a great start to their new year so far and I thank you for checking in. I want to take a quick moment here also to share with you a few highlights from 2011 that I haven't shown you yet. I hope you like them!!
A 14k yellow gold and sterling silver super sweet 10th Anniversary gift that also honors the couples four lovley children
New "All Pinned Up" titanium ring with sterling and 14k rose gold rivets, paired with a 14k rose gold and 14k white gold double stacking ring
18k peach gold engagement ring with details of organic hammered and grit textures, a special date significant to the sweethearts,
and a cool unique shape
Adorable sterling silver nest ring with a pink
sapphire made specially for one lucky little girl
A wedding band in 14k rose gold with a 14k white gold liner, adorned with a lovely vine texture and diamonds flush-set as blooms
Super cool ring with a titanium band wedged in place
by two sterling silver bands and lined for comfort
This distinct engagement ring fabricated in 14k white gold is
built in a cup style shape and is adorned with a vine texutre on the interior with the diamond set off-center while 5 flush-set diamonds accent the design on the rim
This is a new series called "Midnight Blooming" made of
titanium discs with sterling silver flowers that rotate. A cool blue patina highlights the flowers
Thanks again for checking in! Happy 2012!!
