The Twisted Gem became a reality 4 years ago. I have had a fascination with gemstones and rocks from a very early age. Combine that with my love of unique jewelry and I had to start creating special pieces for my family and my friends. If you would like me to create a work of art for your special someone, contact me via email at stacyahrendsen@hotmail.com or by phone 319-899-6426.
I love a good Rock and Gem Show and the 2103 Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Rock Show held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - March 16th and 17th did not disappoint. This shindig is put on by the Cedar Valley Rock Club and I try to go every year!
I picked up some great Lapis Lazuli beads. Keep an eye out for the new pendants I'll be creating with them!
There was a huge Asian T-Rex display and lots of Iowa fossils, but my favorite booth is always PV's Rocks.
I also picked up a couple of mineral specimens for my collection. I love to get unusual pieces for the Twisted Gem's show display. They make a great background for the jewelry I make.
Here is a piece of Calcite from the Chihuahua Mexico region. New to my collection!
This piece will look great with the copper wire I use for some of my designs.
And I always try to pick up some good ole USA rock too!! This piece of Dolomite is from one of the quarries near Black Rock Arkansas. It has a pearly pink color and is really quite beautiful.
I was also able to pick up some glass-topped showcases. As usual, I spent too much money, but I suppose there are worse habits to have. I was on the lookout for some great cabachons, but found the pricing a bit steep. Even though I prefer supporting local rock clubs and rock shops, even I refuse to over pay. At any rate, this year was another great show. If you get a chance, hop on over to the Cedar Valley Rock Club website: http://cedarvalleyrockclub.org/
Going public today with this new blog. Introducing my hand-crafted jewelry to the internet world!
I started out with simple stringing with beads, making easy earrings, bracelets and necklaces. My daughters and grand-daughter and I have had many fun afternoons making jewelry! I discovered I have a knack for color combinations and designs and got many compliments from people. So I decided to try a craft show or two to see if anyone other than family liked my stuff.
After having great success with lots of sales, I became hooked. My friends started ordering birthday presents for their family members and the rest is history!
I have a tendency to try a lot of different techniques, ie. stringing, chain maille, making pendants, and of late, wire wrapping of gemstones. I have always had a particular weakness for gemstones and gravitate to the earth tones in most of my designs.
I also like to add Swarovski crystals to my work. The bling is something I just can't resist.
Most of the jewelry I have created has been custom-ordered from friends and acquaintances. I love seeing their faces when I show them their completed pieces and knowing that my jewelry is given with love makes them even more special.
This piece is a
40mm x 45mm Botswana Agate (Africa) with 4mm Red Agate Beads Sculpted with Copper Wire Finished Size 3 1/4" H x 1 3/4 $65.00
I love the fiery red of the agate on the right and the creamy white on the left. The copper wire I used for the wire-sculpture really picks up the red.
All of the pieces I'll be posting here are for sale, so let me know if you can't live without it! I hope you enjoy my designs as much as I do!
