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Today I am pairing the flirty Captiva earrings with an equally flirty necklace.  

The Coral Frag II necklace does have enough pizzaz on it's own; it doesn't need a big blingy earring to go with it. 

I think these two pair really well together as they compliment each other so well - both flirty, but not over the top and equally eye catching.  You might say they are a Perfect Pair!

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Each of these necklaces is inspired by coral reefs. 

They are meant to bring to mind the beauty and diversity of the reef.  And to warm your bones as you dream of your next seaside vacation.  Whenever that may be...

In the meantime, why not sign up and be first to know when I release additional coral inspired pieces to join these four?  I am working on some patterned pieces, coming soon.

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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...}

Jewelry can actually belong to many families.  There is the class of jewelry (mine is art jewelry).  There is the material type or the inspiration (mine is ocean inspired).  Or even the type of jewelry (necklace vs earrings for example).

Then there is the way jewellers and artisans organize their art - into collections!  While I started with a complete collection of my beads in the Isles Collection, I have since been releasing one of a kind work that will ultimately fit into various collections in my mind. 

Today, meet the Coral Reef Collection family - inspired by the ecosystem in the ocean.  

If you want to be first to shop when I release new pieces joining the Coral Reef Collection, then you had better be an Insider.  Sign up below with your email!  

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse marine ecosystem.  It is important that this biodiversity be protected and maintained.  

What can you do to help protect coral reefs?  As with most conservation actions, this starts with looking at how you live everyday.  Live sustainably by paying attention to your own actions by doing things like following the three R's: reduce, reuse, recycle.  And by limiting fresh water usage. 

How does a necklace help you to be conservation minded about coral?  Well, when you wear one of my coral frag necklaces, like Coral Frag III, you can be reminded of the beauty and functionality of coral reefs and of the small steps you can take every day.  

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I use sea green and ocean blue, but there are tons of blue and green colours.

Like azure or aegean.  Or cerulean and teal.  And what about good ol' turquoise, like my nails (even if it does come by the name "sea mist")?

They all go really well with my bronze coral reef bead earrings though!

PSSST:  New work is coming soon.  Get on my email list and be the first to shop new releases.  

It's not always a straight line from inspiration to final piece.  For me, it's about essence and mimicry.  And as an artist, I can allow creativity to have it's way with an idea.  

When I create something, my inspiration comes from various places - including the ocean and beach environments. These Minoan earrings are made from my coral reef beads, which bring to mind ... you guessed it...coral!

I am working on some new pieces now for release this fall.  If you want to be first to shop when these items are released, get on my email list by signing up below.   

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!

Choice is an interesting thing.  How do you know when you make "the right" choice?  For earrings or clothing, you can try it on (or see it on someone) and decide it is exactly right for you.  

But what do you consider when you make those life altering large choices?  Do you go with the flow?  Or do you take charge and make steps towards your goals?  Or does it really depend on the scenario how you exercise your choice?  

Generally, I have thought of myself as a "take charge" type person when it comes to the big decisions.  But I have also been known to follow a whim (like that time I came home with a puppy...).  What's your modus operandi when it comes to decisions?

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It occurred to me this weekend that my notion of "going to the beach" may not be the same as yours...

While I have spent time on tropical, sandy beaches, I am not really a sit-on-the-beach-and-tan kind of person.  While I adore the soothing aspect of being on the beach, I am much more active on it.  I prefer to walk and beach comb and take in sound of the waves, the smell of salt.  I might swim, depending on the location and temperature of the sea.  I get bored if I am just sitting there.  

If I am going to sit, then I prefer a porch on a cottage or a big ol' beach chair, maybe with arms wide enough that I can write on or comfy enough to curl up with a book.  

What's your favourite way to experience the beach?  

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Someone made this awesome driftwood swing at the bead. 

Swinging is one of those activities that can transport you to another time and place.  Perhaps a carefree moment of childhood.  Or in my case, our summer lake cabin.  Makes me smile and relax all at the same time. 

I thought my Martinique necklace was a perfect match for this swing.  You can let it transport you away...

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Did you know that darkness is one of the components that enable you to get a good night's sleep? 

Sometimes, it can be hard to get that total darkness.  There are lights on all appliances these days.  Where I live, sundown isn't until after 9pm, which means it's light out after I got to bed during the work week.  If you live in the city, you could have street or other lights shining in your window.  

I had heard about black out blinds and even rigged up some blankets to make my bedroom dark.  Then I found this mask!  It's silk and breathable and soft on my face. I am sleeping much better now - and that means I can dream up new creations just for you! 

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