Wednesday, September 24, 2008

When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall...

Days like today make me grateful to be alive.



The air is crisp and breezy, the sun is out (although quite low in the sky), birds are singing, and fat little squirrels are scampering about busily trying to remember where they stashed their nuts.



Fall is in the air and I'm loving it. This may just be my favorite time of year. Thoughts of frosty air, snuggling into warm sweaters, pumpkin pie, butternut squash soup, and hot tea fill my brain. I can hardly wait! Sure, Spring is nice, but there's just something about the anticipation of hunkering down for the winter inside a warm room and a good book that really gets me going.

The coming seasonal changes inspired my recent work as well. For years I've been hanging onto some beautiful porcelain raku buttons by Rama. I bought them when I was still sewing, thinking they'd be fabulous on jackets or coats. Then I stopped sewing, but clung to the idea that I could use the buttons somehow, someday. That day is here! I'm using them as focal features for beaded necklaces.



Sure, they dangle a bit oddly now because the shanks are centered at the back. I'll give them a touch of epoxy where the bead strands meet the buttons at the back to give the connections more "ummmph" and they'll be perfect.

The colors in the buttons are so pretty: rusty reds and magenta, teal blue, soft celery greens, and a touch of copper. Perfect for Fall pieces.



This ginkgo leaf is probably my favorite. The necklace is a work in progress; hopefully it'll be finished by the weekend.



Gorgeous forest greens and soft neutral browns really set the tone in this piece:



I used leopardskin jasper and jade beads for the centerpiece.

For now, I think I'll put on some shoes and head out for a walk while I hum my favorite Nat King Cole song, Autumn Leaves. Here it is for you to sing along with:



Who cares that my bead tray beckons, or the dishes need to be washed? This day is just too pretty to waste inside!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate-

Love that first necklace! Hadn't heard from you in a while. Just wanted to say hello and that I was thinking of you.

Bye!
Laura

Nosideup said...

Ginko leaves always look magical :)

Isabel said...

Somepinkflowers and Constance are such GEMS!!! I am so glad they got you to visit my "room" and that your comment brought me here. Love your jewelry, love this season, and that song. Yes!
I have to come back for more. :)

T.Allen said...

Many of my favorite colors there! When folks ask my favorite color I say, muted hues, autumn, Central Park in September. I miss seasons. The only downside of living in the Valley.

Kathryn Costa said...

Hi Kate,
I too love autumn. Great photos! Sorry that I haven't been around. I've been so busy and haven't had too much extra time. Those Soul Journeys take up time to create. I've also started Tai Chi classes this week. Monday night I start a mixed media painting class. I've also been spending more time with my son and dog.

All in all I'm doing really well. I have my sad moments but they are getting fewer and shorter. I've changed things up here, my routine, started new projects, and even rearranged furniture so my life feels different - I feel like I'm not missing the way things were a month ago. I am taking care of myself though. I'm focused on eating well, daily walks, and on Saturday I'm getting a massage after my Tai Chi class. Life is full and it is good!

Thanks for writing and checking in!
xoxo k

Fete et Fleur said...

The necklaces are exquisite! Happy Autumn!

Nancy

3rdEyeMuse said...

wow - that is a pretty glorious looking day ... I miss getting to witness the change in seasons so clearly, so thanks for sharing the photos. your new pieces are stunning. I like the ginko leaf a lot, too, but have a serious thing for jaspers. :)

ps - I would never have guessed it was a baby lemur! thanks for letting me know.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful work you do!! Love your fall pics, it looks absolutely peaceful there! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post! we have yet to see the changing of colors here (it was in the 80's today) but that will soon come, followed by snow. Fall has always been a favorite season for the reasons you describe.
You are so lucky to make such beautiful jewelry and be able to wear them (you must feel like a queen!). The necklaces you've just made are really elegant and earthy..the ginko leaf is the perfect centerpiece.
Hope you have a really good week Kate!

somepinkflowers said...

oh
kate
i have to tell you...
that photo
with the beads in the wee bowls
of various shapes....

well,
i clicked it up to BIG
and
the photo
looks like ART
---->personified<----

the composition of that shot
is simple perfect.

color, shapes, all of it...
the incomplete necklace
a part of the whole.

this shot has --->book illustration<--- written all over it

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

Your jewelry is just amazing - such detail!
I agree about Fall....both it and Spring are my favorite seasons.
We hear cooler temps are coming here....it beckons cozy and comfort and my imagination seems more acute when I am not sweltering.
XOXO