Prettiness amidst Tax

My brother and sister (middle) are travelling through europe for three weeks. Just before they left, they both complained that I hadn't put anything up on the blog in quite some time. Their argument was that I didnt seem to be all that busy which meant according to them, I could technically be joining them on their adventure...

Unfortunetely, as much as I would love to be frolicking in the fountains at villa d'Este in tivoli, or spending every last bit of pocket money on italian gelato, and gobbling up coppa ham crepes in Paris, soaking up the european summer sun.... I am still in Windhoek, trying to sort out my tax forms form the past year.

Luckily, amidst taxing times... there is always some 'prettiness' in the studio : )

Here are a few commission pieces from the past week.

Silver pearl ring for a pretty lady.

The earrings above are specially designed for a very talented fashion designer - homemaker - grandmother - mother - stylist - traveller - entrepreneur. ( intimidated much? eeek)

A ring for a special friend.

Swakopmund Exhibition

The decor:
The days before the exhibition were crammed with craziness! But I must confess, the day before is my favourite. I always take a good half hour and spend time picking the flowers I want to use as part of the displays. 'Penny gum' and 'baby's breath' are non-negotiable, but then there are always beautiful little bursts of exotic colour that I can't resist. There is a beautiful flower shop in Windhoek, and there are always these little exotic faces that have travelled from who knows where!

The guests:
I was very excited about this exhibition as it was my first time back in Swakopmund since living in Windhoek, and I was so happy to see all our friends. Such special people. Thank you for all your support!

On the business front:
My sincere apologies to all the husbands who were emailed suprise invoices the next day ; )

The venue:
A very special friend of mine offered me her home. What a privelige to have such a beautiful exhibition space! The space worked so well, and the lighting was just perfect. Bruna, jy was 'host' en 'sales lady van die jaar' - baie baie dankie!

Event co-ordinater:
My husband is the biggest help before an exhibition. He helps me with what ever needs to be done! He rolls metal in the evenings if I have a deadline, he designs my excel spreadsheets, he makes the best tea and he takes my workshop assistant for walks when I need to work. The beautiful display cupboard for my gold jewellery was built and designed by him.

Display cupboard on the right (top).

Old window frames also 're-vamped' by my husband (above).

New stock on its way : )

Last minute pretty things

It has been a while since I have had just two minutes to get to my laptop and share some new jewels with you.

These past two weeks have been so busy!

Birthday celebrations (hubby!) - eager engagement rings - prep for the swakopmund exhibition - my workshop assistant discovering the joys of my beautiful chewy pumps - tourism expo excitement ( we love slowtown!) - new website - and mastering the art of crepe suezettes ( Yum!)

Oh the joys of house - wifey - jeweller juggling!

I'm not complaining at all : ) I love my work and I love being able to be at home to do it.

So before I get started on another hyphenated - paragrah, here's what I have been up to.

These bangles are brass and have lyrics from songs punched onto the metal surface.

... Look at the starts, look how they shine for you....

...I fell in love the moment I saw you, and you smiled because you knew...

...I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart...

These were the first pair of earrings I made with this design and they were for my sister-in-law in Windhoek.  She is my self-employed marketing director ; )- Dankie Estee!

And of course always something for the little heart lovers.

done : )