I went on a trip to southern California and was blown away by all of the unique botany that grows there. They have had a unseasonably cool summer and the plants must of loved it. I took some pictures and am very inspired to design some jewelry now. I wish I had noted the names of these flowers and plants during my time in California- that would have really taken it up a notch. If any of these translate into some designs, I’ll do some research to figure out the technical name.

Gorgeous Blackish Purple Flower- the petals are like that of an artichoke.

Thorny Succulent I spotted at the San Diego Zoo.

This palm has eyes all over it. Something about it reminds me of Picasso. I’m calling it Eye Bark.

Sweet little plant all decked out like a Christmas Tree. I love seeing the different phases of buds to blooms so compacted together.

Thorny Leaf- super cool. This is my favorite California Botany find.

This little puffy plant reminds me of varicose veins, but way cuter.

I left this copper tray in my bathroom window with an arrangement of bones I had found. There was a rainstorm and the rust formed from the moisture.

I’m in the middle of packing and organizing for my move to NYC. Several months ago on a walk with my dog, I gathered some old magnolia husks in a field.  I put them on a shelf in my studio for inspiration. This is the dust from the husks.

I had to take a few pictures- it was such a lovely surprise to find this when I picked up the husks to pack among my other natural vignettes in the studio. For now I sealed the dust with clear packing tape which I have very handy right now. I’m thinking an art project could come out of this accidental in the future.

I’m moving back to NYC! This changes my original Kickstarter video, “Casting Call for Jewelry Designer”.  I no longer need to raise money to buy casting equipment- there are plenty of casting houses in NYC along with a jewelry district that I’m very excited about.

My new Kickstarter video, “Seeds of Change” is now launched. Please check it out and help me to successfully reach my project goal in time to raise money for an e-commerce site. That way, you can actually see all of my jewelry and find the perfect piece to buy for yourself or someone that will love it.

The link to my Kickstarter project is on the bottom right. Thanks for watching.

A grouping of natural elements found out walking my dog, Ramona. I have these organic vignettes around my studio for inspiration.

A mushroom I found that looks so much like a flower. I thought it would eventually dry into something not so pretty, but it is still just as lovely as the day I picked it out walking Ramona.

I love this coral sponge. It would be amazing as a piece of jewelry, but I think wouldn’t translate well into a mold because of all the tiny fissures.

Acorns that I collected on a seasonal walk with Ramona.

I had watched the decay of this animal for quite a while on my many walks with Ramona. I waited until the day it had been cleaned pretty well by the turkey vultures in my neighborhood. I had thought it to be a snake with all the tiny vertebrae, but then I found a row of teeth and have decided it’s probably a possum. My Dad told me that possums don’t carry diseases like other animals- I guess they get a bad rap because of their appearance.

I also picked up a turtle shell the other day and cleaned it with bleach. I put it on my coffee table among other nature vignettes I’ve arranged. I was looking for it the other day and couldn’t find it. I guess Ramona just couldn’t resist and ate it. Yummy!

Ramona, my walking companion and turtle shell eater.