Lobster Lu's Art, Antiques & Jewelry Blog

2009-06-25T07:54:00.005-04:00

Escape from the Ordinary

I was supposed to be working on some rings this week. But the Esc key pendant that I started a few weeks ago kept bugging me. So, I let the plans drop to heed the call of the Muse.

This is a sterling silver square that I textured with a hammer and other items of destruction. The sawed out circle has a brass collar. The focus is the Esc key from an old computer. My way of recycling. The keys are very high for jewelry, so I had to saw the plastic key in half. And the shape of the key is difficult for this type of bezel setting. I will try a different method for my next computer key. There's a copper "scrap" with two tiny 1.5mm Cubic Zirconias in a burnished setting. I love the way they sink into the copper and contast with it.

I will put this on a simple brown suede cord.

Wearing this, I will state my desire to escape from the ordinary that surrounds me. My jewelry, too, I hope will escape from that. Some people find comfort in the common, but I feel stifled and bored with it. So, I'll continue to listen to the Muse. I'll work on more designs to recycle computer keys, so that I can offer a line to my customers soon. I know my customers are always looking for a way to state their uniqueness. Soon, we will all escape from the common.

2009-06-20T23:23:00.005-04:00

A New Day, A New Direction
Well, I did it! I finished the course at Studio Jewelers, Ltd. It was not easy, but it was sooooooooo wonderful. I learned more about making jewelry than I thought was possible. I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers there. They are really the best!
(Check out their website at http://www.studiojewelersltd.com/index.html ).

So, now I have so many new skills and so many new designs swirling in my head. First, I need to set up my own studio so that I can do more of the types of work I just learned. There is so much, though. A little at a time is all that is possible.

But the main, major tool for a bench jeweler is the bench itself. It's so specialized, there are so many features that make perfect sense and become a necessary part of creating.

The jeweler's bench height is important. It's higher than a regular table or desk. The bench pin (the wedge of wood sticking out of the middle) is where most work happens. That often needs to be eye level, or chin level, for comfort. A chair that easily adjusts height, is also required. There are two openings on either side of the bench where slats of wood for arm rests can go. When setting stones or holding something firm, the arm rest helps to hold the project steady. My bench also has holes to hold mandrels. When banging rings or bracelets, it's so much easier to have the mandrels held firm. Another very important part of the jeweler bench is the pull out metal lined tray. Without it, the floor is a mess of metal or wax shavings and dust. Besides, tiny stones and metal pieces of a project tend to fly at the most unexpected time. Without a bench, a jeweler will spend most of her time, on hands and knees, searching for a stone that dropped. Believe me..I know this for a fact! There's also a cut-out tray that slides out and has a little shelf above it. This
is another way to catch the precious pieces and ensure there is no space between the jeweler and the bench. If you are working with a precious metal, you really don't want to lose anything. Some frequently used tools can go on the shelf. In my case, a jeweler's saw and some files.

A jeweler's bench is much more than just a workbench. It really is a tool, that allows a smoother creation process.

I was so excited to recently receive a jeweler's bench as a gift. Here it is! It took quite a bit to get it where it stands today. The UPS couldn't handle it (cracked the first one). So, I drove myself up to Zak's in the Diamond Distrit, NYC and in the pouring rain, they loaded a new one and took back the broken one. (Those guys are great, if you need any jeweler tools). I was so happy with this brand new bench in the back of my van. I looked up and realized I was in the middle of Times Square. The lights were shining for a new day, a new direction in my designs. The whole world of moving the metal ahead of me.

Here's a picture of the bench before being christened. If you can see, the bench pin is a rectangle. I had to cut it, as jewelers before me, into a v shape. This requires woodworking saws. What an ordeal! I felt like I was committing to jewelery making as I realized again and again, I did not want to be a woodworker!

It stands in an alcove of windows that overlook the forest. It is a joy to sit at this bench and create objects to adorn my friends - those I have met and those I hope to meet someday. I look forward to this bench getting old, with nicks and holes from making many fresh and inspiring necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches and maybe a tiara or two. Oh...and the kitty is looking for a diamond cat collar.

2009-03-14T12:31:00.003-04:00

Expanding My Skill Set

This week, at school, I made this ring. It involved transferring a pattern, sawing two identical pieces, soldering at 3 places, lots of sanding and polishing and finally a little pearl and rhinestone setting.

I like the design of a circle in a shape and the side view profile of space between the two identical forms. I would like to play with this concept in the future with different materials and finishes.

2009-03-07T09:34:00.004-05:00

Week One in Studio Jewelers School

Here's a two metal (brass and copper) turtle brooch that I made on my second day of school in Studio Jewelers. I'm learning incredible skills and making new pieces every day. I'm so excited at the possibilities of new designs these new skills will enable me to create.

2009-02-21T13:49:00.006-05:00

Calder Jewelry Exhibit Inspires Brass Bangings!

The very soon to be over exhibit of Calder's jewelry at the Met soooo inspired me this winter! I love brass and Calder did too. It is very hard to make jewelry and not want to try some of his designs. They are often simple and yet stunning.

So, here are a few bangings I've been doing. The M initial pin is almost an exact copy. Just for myself. The original Calder's were huge, this one isn't so big. And I did a bit of a matte finish on the brass. Calder used sterling or iron for the pins themselves. The contrast of the dark metal with the brass is interesting. I tried just using brass.

The spike necklace is perhaps not done. Calder made one with a spike between every ball of the "plumber's chain". Those spikes are over 4 inches. Calder's jewelry was BIG and often unwearable. I find that so inspiring. Should I leave this necklace with the few spikes in the front that is more wearable, or make the sunburst of a necklace that is totally art and amazing and not quite wearable?

Well, these are like drawings, little studies in the style of a great artist.

Is that a tiara for a little bird, or an over the top brass ring? Depends on your perspective, I suppose. It was a fun ring to create. I made it quickly in between pounding the necklace spikes. Calder made some lovely flower blossom necklaces and tiaras. I didn't see any rings exactly like this, but it is inspired by him. It's very light and easy to wear. Banging it made it nice and strong. I think I'll experiment and expand on this design. Some earrings to be added too.

Hope you're having a nice weekend!

2009-02-12T21:03:00.006-05:00

Love Letter Valentine Altered Art Domino Pendants

Yesterday, I made these sweet little pendants, using collages of vintage
images and dominos. I solder a frame around the edge and a sterling silver
jumpring.

Aren't they sweet?

If you are nearby, at the Jersey Shore, come down on Friday or Saturday to
Vintage Variety on First Ave in Atlantic Highlands. I'll be there with these
pendants and other jewelry - something for every style and price range.

Have a Sweet Valentine's Day!

2009-02-10T15:25:00.002-05:00

"I'm in Love with a Jersey Girl" Valentine Sale

Vintage Variety Shop
76 First Ave
Atlantic Highlands NJ
is hosting a trunk show with
Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry
on Feb 12th, 13th and 14th 2009
Noon - 7pm - Thursday -Saturday

Come Shop for your Valentine & the Henry Hudson Regional Marching Band receives a percentage of all sales for their upcoming trip to Disney World!

Anything in the store is eligible! Vintage Variety offers new, vintage and recycled clothing and accessories! Amethyst Lobster offers unique jewelry that is handmade in Atlantic Highlands!

Come early and make a wish list to give to your Valentine! Preview some of the jewelry at www.AmethystLobster.com

2008-09-22T09:50:00.006-04:00

Back from a Renaissance Faire

My sincere apologies to my online friends and customers. I have been spending a minimum amount of time online this summer, as I've been doing several markets, fairs and festivals each week. The outdoor selling season is coming to a close soon, so I will be concentrating more online shortly.

This weekend I did The Lakewood Renaissance Faire. It was my first Renn Fair as a vendor and it was really fun. I had to alter my booth display a bit for the theme, as well as my wardrobe! Here are some photos, courtesy of my son.

The RennFair inspired me to create lots of new products for the Mystic Isle Collection. I promise to get them online soon.

Happy First Day of Autumn!

2008-03-17T11:36:00.001-04:00

Soldered Art Pendants Now Available

I've been busy this past month, now that the majority of the 2008 Collection is online, learning some new skills. I am having lots of fun soldering. In fact, I think I am addicted. I want to solder everything! Well, I've added several soldered pendants into each of the 3 collections. I'm starting with my favorite images under glass. I hope you enjoy.
Take a look!

And Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day today! I know someone very close to me is drinking with the firemen on Fifth Avenue right now! :)

Click here for Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

2008-02-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

Pirate's Mermaid Sterling Ship Wheel Earrings - Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

I am starting to put up the 2008 Neptune and I Collection today. All the charms are 925 Sterling Silver and the chains are too. These ship wheel charms are of excellent quality. I always hand-pick components (if I don't make them myself) and it was the discovery of these charms and two versions of pirate ships charms that inspired the 2008 Neptune and I Collection.

The wheel steers the ship away, and brings it back again.

See this and more in the Neptune and I Collection of Amethyst Lobster - Unique Jewelry.

2008-02-03T17:43:00.000-05:00

Crystals on Antiqued Chain Earrings - Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

I've discovered crystals and stones work perfectly with my hand antiqued brass chain. Here are a pair of the latest earrings. More earrings and necklaces can be found in the Mystic Isle Collection now.

2008-02-01T17:18:00.000-05:00

Words on Wood Chain Necklaces - Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

Words on wood are split and blurred, allowing us to discover Hope, Love and Truth. Words are powerful, although broken, faded or smudged, we still hear their power.

A few more items added today to the Mystic Isle Collection.

2008-01-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

Whispers under Glass - Charm Pendant with Brass Chain - Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

Just added to the site, a way to purchase the Whispers under Glass Charm Pendants, with or without chain.

I started creating these this past summer and sold out every batch I made at local shows. So, I decided to add them to my official 2008 Collection. They are always attention getters at a show. You cannot read just one! Most people must read them all. It's really quite fun and interesting.

I'm working on a way to recreate that fun experience online. Bear with me. We'll figure it out!

2008-01-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

The Chelsea Collection - Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry

Just added 2008 Chelsea Collection!

2008-01-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

New Front Page

Sorry about telling you to refresh and there was nothing new! Oops!
But today we put up a new front page for Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry. Most links aren't up yet, but I hope you like the new look. You can flip through the images! Cool, huh?

I'll let you know when I actually have some items up. Some pictures need to re-taken.

Have a great day!

2008-01-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!

I am slowly putting up the new items on the website. As of this minute, one lonely pair of earrings in the Mystic Isle Collection. But by end of day, I believe I'll have most of the Chelsea Collection up. Don't forget to use that refresh button!

2008-01-25T12:39:00.000-05:00

Wearable Art Exhibitors at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show

So now that I blogged about FOOD in Pasadena, maybe I should say something about some of the incredible people that I met there.

I loved being in the California Ballroom. I was surrounded by such high quality artists, it was incredibly inspiring. The whole show was hand-picked, high quality, but the California Ballroom seemed to have most of the nationally known names. Of course, I must say, I did not have alot of time to visit with artists in the other rooms and I am biased since that's the room I was in. That said, the California Ballroom ROCKED!

First of my new found friends was Kate from L. O'Neill Design. Check out their website here at www.loneilldesign.com.
Kate and her partner make the most amazing jackets and purses. The styles are distinctive and flattering, yet timeless. Kate's booth was directly in front of mine, and I watched many women trying the jackets on. It didn't seem to matter what body type a woman was, there was a jacket to make her look elegant and stylish. Many had matching purses too. I want one of the swing coats! Someday!

My neighbor on my right was Sharon Cipriano from Art Heaven. I've admired Sharon's work through magazines and other publications for years. The quality of her work in person is just stunning. Her handmade pendants are heirloom pieces. And the stones she uses on her necklaces are unlike any I've seen before. She has a great eye for using a strand of stones to pick up a detail in the pendant. It was a treat to meet her and she's such a sweet person. She really took me under her wing and gave some great advice and encouragment. I really appreciated that. I hope to see her again, somewhere down the beaded road.

The Inner Circle
Several of us exhibitors were situated so we formed an inner circle in the room.
Linda McCollister of Eye of the Beholder Jewelry Art and I really bonded. She is just one of those people who has a contagious excitement for beauty and art. I think everyone got a hug from Linda. Her metalwork and beaded necklaces are totally unique. She's out there breaking the rules and it is so fun to see and be inspired by it. I am sure you'll be hearing much more about her art in the years to come.

Linda's good friend Helen Cole of Helen Cole Jewelry Art was at the next booth. Helen has been making fine jewelry for years. She works in copper, silver and gold. Experienced jewelers were stopping in awe at Helen's display case. I especially loved the Amethyst Maker, shown here. Helen told me she primarily does custom work, which allows her to make pieces she knows will be treasured.

On my left was Mary Andreani of Andreani Studios and her friend, Marylu. (Yes, another Lu Marylu - we share all but a space in our names!) You may have seen Mary Andreani's beautiful beaded necklaces and bracelets in Ornament magazine advertisments. She does beautiful work and chooses the wonderful stones. I coveted a a big beaded turquoise necklace that looked like Sleeping Beauty mine turquoise.

There are many more exhibitors I'd like to post about. Maybe just a quick mention and a link will be enough for you to get a feel for the wonderful talent I was surrounded by. Teri from Teripelio Designs works with unique and bold beads and stones. Her incredible work is sold in many shops in California. Lucy Arnold showed one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. Her display is so earthy and elegant, with natural wood and green pebbles, it drew the shoppers to her booth. Gloria Askin had colorful creations that were laugh out loud fun. Gloria bought a pair of Girl with the Big Earrings earrings from me, so you know she's not afraid of funk. Sue Rutherford of Davis, CA showed her custom beadwork. She was so sweet and had such delicate macrame style necklaces, I just had to mention her. Seek her out at the next show. Kitty and her daughter at The Reckless Necklace had an amazing number of all out funky fun and chunky big creations.

Oh yeah, and there was me, Mary Lu from Amethyst Lobster. My Mystery Window Earrings, which are in the current issue of Ornament magazine, proved to be a big seller.

Coming soon - next blog - the 2008 collections finally get to the website!

2008-01-23T11:46:00.000-05:00

Back from Pasadena

I'm back from The Pasadena Bead and Design Show and still recovering from cross country jet lag (I don't travel well).

The town of Pasadena was nice but sleepy. I took walks in the morning, before the show, but not much was open then. In the evenings, after the show, we did find some great little restuarants. I was disappointed by the shops though. I thought there would be more interesting boutiques, but all I saw were brand name chains. It felt like being in an open air mall.

The first night, after set up, we walked to the Yardhouse. It's a huge sports bar type restuarant. At that point, neither Jessie nor I had slept more than 2 hours in the last 48, so we were incoherent and the next day were amazed we had actually made it through dinner and getting back to the hotel. I remember the burgers were good though.

On Thursday, we went to Madres, a restaurant owned by the actress Jennifer Lopez and run by her family. It was a treat to see authentic Shabby Chic decor as Rachel Ashwell had decorated it herself. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. It didn't really strike me as Old Havana, as it's portrayed, but rather Grandmother's Living Room with the old rose sofa. The fried plantains were the BEST ever!

On another night, we looked in Old Town for a good meal. There were long waits at the most interesting spots and then we stumbled into Barney's Beanery. It's an amazing Route 66 type place. The menu is a newspaper and has just about everything you might want, including low prices. The decor is really funky. Imagine 100's of license plates, nailed to the ceiling, choppers and bikes in the window, a gutted out school bus, with tables inside, pool tables everywhere, three levels, hundreds of tvs, including one at every table, playing old mtv videos. Plus the food was good!

By the last night, we were so over Pasadena and homesick for some East Coast food. Jessie found Mi Piace that promised to be a New York style Italian restaurant, bakery and lounge. I had a good feeling as soon as I saw most people were dressed in black. It turned out to be the best meal we had the whole trip.

Next post I'll cover more about the actual show. Now for another cup of coffee!

2008-01-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

The Girl with the Big Earrings

She inspired me to create earrings like hers, with loops over the ears. I don't find beautiful shells like she did on the beach, I find soda cans.

She's a big attraction at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show. I think alot more Cali girls will be recyling from now on!

2008-01-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

What to do in Pasadena this weekend
Come to the Pasadena Bead and Design Show from 10am to 6pm
at the Pasadena Hilton 168 South Los Robles Ave, Pasadena California.

There's a wide assortment of totally unique wearable art of all types. It's such a refreshing experience to see the wonder creative talents of wearable art artists from all over the country. There are also beads, findings and other supplies for the jewelry and fiber artist.

Stop by and see me in the California Ballroom. Look for Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry. Mention the blog for a free gift!

2008-01-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

The Pirate's Mermaid Green Pearl Charm Hoop Earrings and Necklace Set

Coming VERY soon to Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry!

2008-01-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Pirate's Mermaid Sterling Charm Hoop Earrings

A pirate ship, a chain, a ship's wheel, cultured pearls, mother of pearl shells and blue kyanite beads on hoop earrings. All crafted with sterling silver.

Coming soon to the Neptune and I Collection of Amethyst Lobster Unique Jewelry.

2008-01-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

Clues from Keyboards Past - Art Jewelry

I've been frantically trying to create enough new pieces to bring to the Pasadena Bead and Design Show, which will start next Thursday. I'm very excited about a new design I've created, a hybrid of a choker and a chain charm necklace. The back is a sturdy oxidized sterling wire and the front is a specially antiqued brass chain with interesting stories and mysteries of beads and treasures. The necklace is very comfortable and easy to put on, as the clasp is in the front. It's also adjustable and can be worn with each strand on either side, or the two together. (I know, I need some pictures to explain this. Coming soon.)

But for now, here's a peek of one of these necklaces, this one called Clues From Keyboards Past. Do you think she was upset? Screaming? Caps Lock! What will that mean in a decade? A century?

Coming soon to the Mystic Isle Collection of Amethyst Lobster - Unique Jewelry.

2008-01-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

The truth about stories, is that we are all a part of a story. We uncover the story, we pass it on, we transform it. This necklace contains vintage Chinese medicine bottle, an antique coin, black and white stones and crystals. All suspended on an antiqued brass chain, which adjusts on a unique oxidized sterling side opening choker.

Coming soon to the Mystic Isle Collection of Amethyst Lobster - Unique Jewelry.

2008-01-02T17:31:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year

Oops! I mean Happy 2008!