Season of the Witch

Sarah Lynne Bowman modeling Gothic-style
headdress and jewelry

It's great being back in Austin, for a whole multitude of reasons, but jewelry-wise, it's great being back among a network of friends who will model for me! This latest shoot features Sarah Lynne Bowman, whom I met years ago through other friends, and who's a LARP afficionado and fond of corsets, costumes, and fantasy. She was all too happy to don various outfits of a "witchy" sort, and showcase several of my headdresses and Gothic-style jewelry.


I posted an album of our shoot on Facebook; hopefully this link will work even for non-FBers:

Season of the Witch

Enjoy!

Craftsmanship

As tedious as it can be, I really enjoy making pieces like this. It definitely feels like craftsmanship. It's a slow process that builds on itself, and I get to see the work take shape. This one, for instance, just looks like a mess of pearls and chain most of the time. It's only when you get the last pieces of chain attached that it all falls into place -- quite literally. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction once all those little pearls settled into their respective niches. It was the satisfaction of a job well-done. Maybe that's one of the reasons I do what I do.

Why do you do what you do?

"Red as Blood" Gothic Choker

First, I have to give props to Laura Zeiner of Stick Lizard Designs -- she's the one who came up with the seed-bead pattern for this gorgeous Victorian-style necklace. I took her class at Nomadic Notions and learned how to make this piece, and so far, I've made three!

This red & black one is probably my favorite, though. I was inspired by watching "True Blood" (oh yes, I'm a fan). Pam, in particular, has some awesome taste in jewelry (or at least her wardrobe designer does!) and this seemed like the sort of thing she might wear. You really can't go wrong with red and black! I used red velvet Chinese crystal rondelles, along with some black crystals, size 11 black seed beads, and a few sterling silver spacers, then finished the whole thing with some gunmetal chain. It's all Gothic and sexy, and makes me think of vampires, which is why I've called it "Red as Blood." How very fitting, as Halloween looms ever closer!