Black onyx, wire mesh flower with ruby quartz
I've always enjoyed being creative, and over the years have tried my hand at needlepoint, embroidery, hand and machine knitting, pottery, wood and stone carving, as well as sketching and taking photos. In January, this year, confined to the house with a heavy cold, I came across the Jewellery Maker channel on TV, was immediately hooked and, as a result, sent off my first order. It seemed a natural progression from my long-standing interest in geology, to be able to work with real gemstones, to learn more about their origins, and to produce beautiful pieces of jewellery from them.
Cultured freshwater pearls and black onyx on 925 gold plated sterling silver bracelet.
Citrine, iolite, moonstone, quartz on crocheted silver plated copper wire
Choosing a name for my jewellery was not difficult. In July 2012 my lovely husband Mike lost his near seven year old battle with cancer. We had spent many happy Greek holidays together so I wanted to use a version of 'petra' (Greek for rock or stone) in remembrance of his strength of character ('Petrina' is the feminine version) - and to represent the gemstones I work with.
Jasper crocheted & plaited wire and ribbon
It's only six months since I started up my new interest, and it has kept me busy during the long, dark and dreary days and nights at the beginning of the year when, as a keen gardener, allotment plotter and outdoor 'girl', I would normally be suffering from cabin fever (see my blog chris-twentytenandallthat.blogspot.co.uk). I miss my Mike so much too, but my new-found creative hobby has helped to keep the blues away. At the moment I'm keeping busy planting, pruning and weeding, despite the dodgy weather, but when I do sit still, I'm enjoying producing as much jewellery as possible. I've held one successful party, and have a second one booked soon, and the feedback from friends and neighbours has been very encouraging.
Here are a few examples of my work, so far
Fossil agate and quartzite
Fluorite earrings
Labradorite and antique bronze
Lapis Lazuli and citrine hair combs
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