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It's interesting to me how my creative process works.  

Sometimes it feels just like this.

Scoop up a handful of materials (in this case beads).

And then roll them out like you are throwing dice. 

Ideas then appear to me. Sometimes they are similar to the one I started with when I made the bead.  

And sometimes they surprise even me!

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I love how bronze colour changes with age.  It deepens and takes on character.  

Like fine wine or family heirlooms, to me bronze just gets better with age.  

Reminds me of something my ancestors may have worn, or perhaps something washed around in the sea...

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Things are coming along in the studio these days as I prepare for the first release of the coast to coast collaboration with my friend Jenn.  

The pieces are taking shape and I am adding the beautiful beads.  These ones are inspired by barnacles!  

The new pieces are coming within a few weeks.  Be the first to shop by signing up to my email list below.  

I am still working on my coast to coast collaboration pieces.  I made these rings with an idea in my head - one large statement necklace with a mix of my bronze and Kanna Glass beads.  

Now that I am playing around with them (the rings are just out of the kiln and not polished yet), I am not so sure about the one big necklace.  

Maybe, there will be TWO necklaces from these three pieces!  

If you want to be able to shop these new pieces first, then sign up to my email list below.  Release is coming soon!

I am really pleased with how these new pieces for my coast to coast collaboration with Kanna Glass Studio are coming along.  

These pieces came out of the kiln last weekend.  And I thought I would see how they matched up to the lovely ocean coloured beads before I polish them up to their true bronze colours.  

I really love how they are looking so far.  

If you want to have first dibs on these new pieces when they are released, then I recommend you get on my list - Insiders shop first, always.  

I really did try to put the beads away so I could focus.

But they kept clamouring in their new jar home.  Until they all tumbled out!

This is what it feels like when I am inspired creatively - all the ideas clamouring to get out!  

If you want to be first in line when I release the new creative pieces for this collection, then sign up to my email list below.  

"The sea, once it casts it's spell,

holds one in it's net of wonder Forever" ~ Jacques Cousteau

I am currently working on new pieces that include these beautiful beads.  To be first in line when they are released, you need to be on my email list.  Sign up below.

Opening the box of beads was really fun.  It was full of the blues and greens of the oceans, like the Atlantic and the Caribbean.  

Some are one colour:

And some are swirled, multicoloured, just like the ocean!

I can't wait to see what comes from this collaboration.  

Want to be the first to shop new pieces made incorporating these lovely beads?  then sign up to my email list below.  Insiders shop first, always (and receive special offers too!)

A few weeks ago, I sent this parcel of bronze and copper beads to my friend Jenn at Kanna Glass Studio.  

On the same day she received my handmade treasure, I discovered a package from her on my doorstep!  It is the start of our coastal collaboration:  Pacific Northwest and Atlantic South East.  

Watch this space as the collaboration unfolds.  This week, I will be showing off Jenn's beautiful beads.  You can also follow us on Instagram.  Jenn is @kannaglassstudios and I am @leonajeannedesigns.  

And as always, if you want to be first to shop when I release my new collaboration pieces, then sign up for my email list below:

Ok, playing around with the '80's pop culture reference!  But it's true - don't forget about my made-to-order bronze bead collection.  

It's been almost a year since I launched the Isles Collection and although I love my one of a kind creations, I have a soft spot for the simplicity of the Isles pieces.  

There is really something for everyone in the collection - from a classic necklace to earrings that suit your personality.  Go have a look!  

{PS - you are welcome for the Simple Minds earworm...lalala,lalala,lalalala...}

Or more accurately, I want to go on a touring bike trip.  My friends and I have completed a number of trips over the last 15 or so years.  

We have ridden along the Great Lakes in Ontario and Quebec and here on the west coast, down into Washington State and around the US San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands.  Not quite laughing all the way, but laughing every day for sure! 

But of course this year, no such trip will happen.  Since I miss my cycling peeps,  while I was on staycation, I sent off some cards made by my friend Deb.  And I am dreaming about next year...

PS:  No travel means channelling my energy into my art - I am working on new designs.  If you want to be first to shop these new one of a kind and limited edition pieces, then you had better sign up to my email list!

The summer is heating up - lots of sunshine and high temperatures.  

I want my summertime earrings to be an easy "go to".  

My Captiva earrings are just that for me.  Light and breezy.  They are even named after a sun soaked island!

Psst - there will be some changes coming 'round here.  No, I am not going anywhere, just switching things to keep it interesting!  If you want to be first in on anything new, then be sure to sign up to my email list!