Handcrafted Jewelry Collection Trunk Show

My dear friend Rhiannon is hosting a Mother’s Day Trunk Show during the Fort Point Arts Community Art Walk Spring Open Studios in Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 11th, from 11am to 5pm.

Handcrafted Story Charm Bracelet By Jenne Rayburn

I am a member artist of the Fort Point Arts Community, and am thrilled to be showcasing my handcrafted jewelry collections as well as one-of-a-kind statement necklaces and limited edition leather handbags and textiles.

Date: Saturday, May 11th

Time: 11am-5pm

Location: Rhiannon Hayes’ Loft, #225, 21 Wormwood Street in Boston, MA

Year of Snake: Snake is the symbol of the 2013 Chinese New Year

The snake is the symbol of the 2013 Chinese New Year, which is the 10th of February. The Snake Jewelry in the Ark Collection of animal charms are made of polished sterling silver, lustrous 18-karat matte gold-plated brass, antiqued sterling silver plated brass, and matte raw brass, and strive to capture the organized, intelligent, intuitive, and elegant snake in a contemporary, silhouetted form. The Chinese believe the animal ruling one’s birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. The saying is: ‘This animal hides in your heart.’

Black Snake in Antique Silver, and Gold 18k plated Snake with Garnet and Ruby

According to Chinese astrology snakes are the deepest thinkers of the 12 zodiacs. Legend has it that inception of the Chinese zodiac signs began when Buddha called on all the animals to bid him farewell before his departure from the Earth. However, only twelve animals arrived at his summoning, so those were given a place of honor in a year being named after each. Those born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and now 2013, were born under the sign of the snake. Snake people are born charming and popular. Snakes are spotlight magnets, and they will not be ignored.

Jenne Rayburn Ark Collection 18k Gold Plated Snake Earrings

We are leaving the year 2012, which was the year of the flamboyant dragon. The dragon is a legendary animal and the symbol of the emperor in China. Together the lucky dragon and the wise snake bring good fortune. The Chinese New Year always begins on the second new moon after winter solstice.

Jenne Rayburn Ark Collection of Animal Jewelry: Grasshopper, Snake, Elephant, Raven

The Ark Collection of Animal and Symbolic Jewelry is crafted from thin metal then hammered for texture and strength. Beautiful jewelry that is easy to wear, lightweight and durable!

Fresh and Frisky: Getting Back To Work In The Design Studio

The wind is blowing fresh minted snow, and all those leaves I never had time to rake, in swirling piles over the sunny back patio. I just want to sit inside and day-dream – about new jewelry designs and new collections! And of course, with the wind and cold, why would I do anything else?

Jenne Rayburn Ark Collection of Animal Jewelry in 18k Matte Gold and Antique Silver

The bustle of December has turned to the quite and reflective days of January – what worked? what needs work? and where to go from here? I am pulling out all of the pieces and reworking and re-assembling them.

Jenne Rayburn Brass Jewelry

Stay tuned for new work, new pictures and new venues in 2013!

When in doubt wear red. {Bill Blass}

Carrying on a tradition from past years, and gearing up for Valentine’s Day, the Hourglass Gift Gallery will be having it’s annual Red Show during February 2012. “Replacing earthy fall colors with bright happy reds and red hues in hopes of softening our long winter blues!”  Here are a few of the necklaces and earrings I created for the show this year, inspired by native and ethnic adornment. Even though I do not use a lot of vintage pressed glass or cut glass beads in my primary jewelry lines, I am really drawn to the bright and textural colors, wonderfully detailed designs and variety of shapes.  Plus, they just don’t make them like this anymore so I feel compelled to collect them wherever I go –  these are some gems from my “little” stash.

Bold Vintage Lucite and Glass Statement Necklaces

The  bold necklace on the right is made from big vintage pressed brass beads and carnelian colored Italian lucite.  I LOVE Italian lucite – the colors are often complex (these have hints of cream and gray swirled in), the beads are warm to the touch and light weight so wearing a bold necklace does not wear you out by the end of the day (a slave to fashion).

Contemporary Statement Necklaces with Vintage Beads

The cultural influence here is Asia and India and the inspiration is tribal necklaces. These necklaces are playful and ethnic with a modern twist.

Contemporary Statement Necklaces with Vintage Beads

Contemporary in composition, yet composed of vintage blown glass (right) and plastic (left) beads, combined with vintage brass chain. The only thing better then a kick-ass red lipstick? Kick-ass red jewelry, of course.

Vintage Glass and Brass Dangle Earrings