A Walk on the Dark Side

I've had so much fun creating pendant necklaces for my new jewelry line, Ophelia's After Dark!  Here are two new goth girls and my fallen angel necklace. View them here

Encouragement

Your identity is not equivalent to your biography. There is a place in you where you have never been wounded, where there's a seamlessness in you, and where there is a confidence and tranquility.

- John O'Donohue -

 

Musings...

“I must down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life,To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.”

~John Masefield 



For Strange Women

Combining my love of fragrance with a neo-Victorian aesthetic, For Strange Women offers naturally scented products that not only smell amazing, but are beautifully packaged.  The brainchild of the talented Jill McKeever, she has succeeded in creating a line of artisan perfumes for...well...strange women. :)  Check out her shop here and her blog here.







Sale at Ophelia's Adornments!

Offering an end of summer sale on select jewelry on my website through August 26th!  New customers also receive a free gift!  Click on the link below:


Sara Bareilles-Many The Miles (Acoustic)

Refreshing Creativity

Sooner or later, it hits all of us creative folks...the dreaded slump.  During that time, we're either tired and stressed from every day "stuff", or we're just not feeling very inspired.  I'm not there right now, but have been in the past (and know I will be again!), so I was wondering...what do you do to refresh your creative spirit?  Whether simple of elaborate, I'd like to hear what speaks to your soul and allows you to reawaken that spark of inspiration....thanks for sharing!

Girl With A Pearl Earring

One of my favorite fine art paintings - Vermeer's Girl With A Pearl Earring - is featured in my latest art pendant necklace.  I also just listed some really pretty vintage baroque glass pearl earrings...yes, there's a theme going. :)  Click on the images for the link to my shop.  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  xx

Gypsy Parties!

There are two great gypsy blog parties happening in September!  Click on the links and join the fun!



Birthday Cake!

My birthday was last month, and I had to share with you this fabulous cake my mom made me!  The way she decorated it is just so fun, and the cake itself was chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate...and chocolate ganache!  Yummo.
I love to bake (though I don't have much time for it any more!), and I think baking for someone is such a special gesture.  Any of you have any special dessert/birthday cake memories?
Let them eat cake!

The Art of Mae Chevrette

Boston-based mixed media artist Mae Chevrette's work is, to me, inspirational.  I can really see and feel her heart and soul in her pieces.  At only 25, she's one to watch!  Purchase her work at her Etsy shop (you can buy both prints and originals - she's also running a sale until Aug. 14!), and check out her blog







Ophelia's After Dark ~ coming soon!

I'm very excited to announce my new jewelry line ~ Ophelia's After Dark.  With a more sensuous, darkly romantic edge than my current line, I'm having so much fun sinking my teeth into these new designs.  Of course, I'll continue to develop my current vintage brass pieces, but this gives me an opportunity to explore...well...my inner vixen!  Available on my current website, pieces will be up for sale by late August.  Visit the preliminary link here.
 xx,
Barbara

Childhood Memories ~ Tasha Tudor

My passion for books began at a very young age.  My mother said I would follow her around the house with an armful of books as soon as I could walk, begging her to read to me (and she did - tirelessly!).  My favorite stories featured animals and had beautiful illustrations, and I especially adored the work of fellow New Englander, Tasha Tudor.  Her gentle world never failed to soothe my soul.  She also inspired my love of corgis; I've had two (very much missed!) of the little darlings.  She was an interesting woman, choosing to live a simple, often solitary life in the country with her beloved animals and gardens.  Though Tasha is no longer with us, her spirit will always live on in my heart.  Thank you, Tasha!

Which children's books or authors still hold a place in your heart?