Meet Sara

This is Sara...when sketching her, she just looked like a Sara, but she is here to help me design my necklaces. She has a up-close ear as well as a very stylish hand to show off a few new watches & bracelets.

I will continue to have my close ups...I want to capture as much of the detail as possible with those...these just work out a few of my kinks before I actually start sculpting...

...anyway, I hope you enjoy seeing Sara, I personally think she looks kinda cool.

Monthly Newsletter

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Once you sign up to our newsletter you will automatically get a coupon code for 10% off.
It our gift to you for signing up.

Once a month, our newsletter customers will see new pieces before they hit our showcases, it's our little Trunk Show just for you.

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US Customers Only Please

RedSky Gallery Exhibition

redsky
gallery

charlotte, nc (my hometown)
december 4th & 5th, 2009

Bamboo Leaf Band

DONE!

My New Sterling Silver Bamboo Band featuring my

Signature Bamboo Leaf in 14K Gold...but with a few last minute changes.

All of the bamboo details are there including the
bamboo stems and leaves coming across the bamboo.

This ring is now a standard piece that I wear daily. The sleek cigar band style is extremely comfortable. I will be designing more rings like this in the future.

New Smarter Bamboo Bangle for Theresa...

This one is for Theresa...

I started out wanting to design a unique bamboo bangle for a special customer of mine...but this time I wanted a little wider than usual and with my little bamboo signature leaves added to set my bangles apart from all the rest but something kept gnawing at me. I watched at least 100 women who love bangles try on my medium bamboo bangles and every time...just a bit too small or a bit to large.

URRR...this was very frustrating to me because I saw a terrible flaw in the all-american bangle and I thought it was crazy to make 3 sizes when you could have the same problem...just a bit off in size. So I sat down, bounced a few things off my husband when it hit me..."immediate adjustability". My mental concept could be adjusted, stay in place and adjust it right in front of the customer.

Well just in case, before I started I looked for a few adjustable bangles just to see what other designers were doing about this problem and a few had some good ideas but I wanted my "Bamboo Leaf" design incorporated into the bangle as well as adjustable so I started sculpted this piece...I'm only about 50% finished and I can already see that in wax it's going to work. I can't show the details (too dark) but all three, including the bangles with leaves can adjust to fit the new owner...perfectly, and stay in place. If it all works as well as I think it will (thank you Don for your help as well) I will produce ONE bangle and never hear the words...it's too tight.

Also...have you ever wanted to give a bangle to someone and it fits?

...more later.

My Oncidium pendant to be Auctioned Off!

Golden Anniversary for Southland Orchid Show

Twice a year the American Orchid Society has a Members Meeting which is hosted by an affiliated orchid society. This week we’ll have the Fall 2009 AOS Members’ Meeting in California outside of Los Angeles at the fabulous Huntington Library & Gardens from October 16 – 19th.


The meeting is being hosted by both the Huntington and the Southland Orchid Growers Show – this is the 50th Anniversary for the Southland Orchid Show and in celebration of that they have a special poster and AOS has a special pendant.

You can find the show information and the poster at www.aos.org under Events and Members Meetings. The Southland Orchid Show poster shows one flower of Oncidium Jiuhbao Gold ‘Tainan’ AM/AOS which has been reproduced in 14K yellow gold by award winning orchid artist Dawn Vertrees. Jeff Bradley, longtime AOS member, commissioned the gold oncidium pendant which will be auctioned off, along with exciting orchid trips, special orchids as well as other items at the AOS auction on Friday, October 16th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Arcadia, California. Auction preview at 5:30 PM, bidding beings at 6:30 PM.

Everyone is invited to attend the auction – registration is not necessary. If you want more information and would like to bid on this piece please contact Susan Wayman at 561-404-2031 or swayman@aos.org or Carol Holdren affiliated_societies@aos.org

Kudzu...Could this be my next cuff?

Kudzu? Let's Vote...

HEALTHY FOODS - KUDZU

Why should I be eating kudzu

Kudzu is a plant native to Japan and China. Its root has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where it is considered to be among the top 50 therapeutic herbs. Practitioners of Chinese medicine use kudzu to treat a range of conditions, including excessive thirst, headaches, high blood pressure and angina. Other uses include diarrhoea, allergies, migraines, headaches and alcoholism.

Kudzu is also a useful cooking ingredient as it can be used as a gluten and corn-free thickener in soups and sauces. You can find it in health food shops and Japanese food shops.

What is it rich in?

Kudzu root contains isoflavones such as Daidzein. Animal studies indicate that Daidzein may reduce the desire for alcohol. Studies with alcoholic people show mixed results but heavy alcohol drinkers given 1000 milligrams of kudzu extract three times a day for a week significantly reduced their beer consumption. Daidzein also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Who should eat kudzu?

Those suffering from high blood pressure or angina pectoris

Those suffering from blood sugar imbalances. The fibre in kudzu slows the release of sugar from carbohydrates thus reducing blood sugar highs and lows

Those with intolerances or allergies to gluten and/or corn starch can use kudzu as a thickener

Serving suggestion and amounts

Therapeutic doses of kudzu vary from 10-100 milligrams of the extract 2-3 times a day. However, as a culinary root 1-2 tablespoons in a sauce is usually sufficient to thicken it.

How interesting... And we thought it was just a pesky plant that's taking over the South!

Any comments?

...a few new rings

Bamboo Bands

A New Phalaenopsis Necklace

Our Orchid Shows are gearing up and it's time to think about my Orchids again.

Phalaenopsis Necklace

I will be reproducing my Phaleaenopsis Orchid Necklace. The original one is way down towards the end of my posts but I'll bring up a copy just to show you what the original necklace looked like.

The new Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace will be smaller, more flexable but twice the details the original one had. The design will be the same but it will have more buds, some half open buds, and a bit more smaller leaves.

The three flowers will be as perfect as I can get them, so I have chosen the Phal. H.P. Norton to reproduce. I feel this Phalaenopsis is among the most beautiful I have seen. While I am making the flowers, I will be offering a single Phalaenopsis Pendant with an Enhancer while sculpting the necklace.

Wax Model pictures so far...

I will be sculpting 2 more orchids above the first one plus a few more buds between the flowers. After that, I'll be designing the leaf links to the back and a clasp.

Ocean Reef Necklace

I'm getting close to finishing up the wax model on this new project. I have sculpted several fan corals with plate coral peaking out from between the overlaping corals.

Some of the plate coral will be cast in 14k yellow gold but the majority of the necklace will be Sterling Silver. I will have 3 clusters of small aquamarines dotted around the necklace. One cluster on the left side and two clusters to the right.

I took two of my sketches and combined them, coming up with this design...I think you can see by looking at my drawings, I took the best of both.

Needless to say, it's going to take some time to complete this piece but I can assure you...it will be photographed. This is a one of a kind piece, and if anyone is interested in this piece, please call me.

Two New Cuffs - UPDATED!!!

Two New Cuffs...

Bamboo Cuff

14K yellow gold & rose gold bamboo leaves

on sterling silver

Ocean Reef Cuff

Sterling Silver Fan Coral with 14k yellow gold

plate & cup coral



Finished Cuffs!!!

Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold
Bamboo Cuff

Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold
Ocean Reef Cuff

Bamboo Collection

The Newest Addition to my

Bamboo Collection

Two bamboo leaves, one in Sterling Silver and the other in solid 14K yellow gold.

The 4mm Sterling Silver Woven Chain is soldered into the bamboo stems creating a seamless neck piece.

If you are interested in this piece, please email me at:

dawnvertrees@gmail.com

...a watch for Kristi

Kristi's Watch Design

...a bit more nautical

Sculpted Wax:
The corals included in the piece are cup coral, fan coral, plate coral & tube coral.

Well, it's finished and I couldn't be happier! I love sculpting coral because each piece is telling a story such as the eel trying to snatch that piece of topaz that has fallen and stuck between the corals.

I'm not sure if my photos capture the details but here they are...I hope you like it.

What's new in my Bamboo Line?

Bamboo Hoop Earrings

Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold

$329

Stack-able Bamboo Rings
Sterling Silver Bamboo Rings - $39 ea.
Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold - $138

Bamboo Cuff
Sterling Silver & 14K Yellow Gold
$529

St. Petersburg Times "Bay Magazine"

June Issue

Tampa Bay Magazine

Isn't she beautiful!

Our Tampa Bay Magazine is out!

I was blown away by this. Don & I came home from a large art show and normally I do not go straight to my e-mails (due to lack of brain cells after a 4 day show) ...but I did anyway.

When I saw the e-mail from the Bay Magazine editor...I quickly scanned over the e-mail, couldn't believe my eyes and told Don to read the e-mail and let me know if it was as good as I thought it was...AND IT WAS!!!

The St. Petersburg Times was wanting to look at adding my big bold silver pieces to their article on elements of copper, brass, silver & gold...what an honor! My pretty pieces were going to a very prestigious magazine.

Ghost Orchid Pendant

Just finished a small quantity of

Sterling Silver Ghost Orchids...finally!

Tomorrow, I'll add them to my website.

Thanks for waiting.

New Leaf Band

Blue Topaz Leaf Band

This ring is so comfortable...if I wasn't getting ready to design my own ring, this would be it!

I am also making this leafy ring using a 5mm round Citrine and purple Amethyst.

New Lemon Quartz Vine Design

I have been sitting on this stone for a while now but the design finally hit me while in Winston-Salem at a convention. It was the perfect stone for trying out my new Vine Design.

I'm not particular fond of the tradition straight line settings that most stones sit in...especially since I don't care for straight lines in the first place.

My father has always told me that nothing in nature grows straight, so I sculpted this ring as if the vines were holding the ring up and my leaves were holding the stone down.

Well I'm happy to say...I'll probably never go back to a straight setting again. I think it came out beautiful...

Vine Setting

Laser Cut Lemon Quartz

Florida Craftsmen, Inc.

I was just accepted into the Florida Craftsmen Gallery starting May 26th, 2009. We will be displaying 10 pieces in their gallery.

Florida Craftsmen, Inc.

501 Central Ave

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727.821.7391 Fax: 727.822.4294

Jeannine's Lotus Ring...

5 am - Starting on Jeannine's ring.
7:12 am - coffeeeeeeee
8:56 am - Just finished the ring shank, just plain for now.
10:15 am - hungry, making a sandwich & pretty satisfied with petal design
11:45 am - making lotus petals.
12:59 - adding the petals to the ring.
1:15 pm- it's starting to take shape...looking good.
1:45 pm - making the 8mm setting

Did I mention that Jeannine is only a short drive away (15 min. max) and I bet she can't wait to see her ring plus I know she is wondering WHY I'm not posting any pictures???

2:36 pm - adding the surprise to the side of the ring shank. This idea is just too cool.

2:39 pm - fine tuning the petals.

After a bit of additional work to say the lease...whalla!

I'm a bit under the weather but I will be posting additional information about the Sunstone she choose to add to the center of her Lotus Flower.

The best of both worlds.

Although my designs are self explanatory...I have a lot to say about this design...but first, I have to add a few things to my website and then I'll be back.

KRISTI - UPDATED!

As you can see I'm getting ready to work on a few custom pieces.
This one is called "Kristi".

It's going to be an impressive ruby ring. Kristi wanted a ring based on one of my leaf bands which is a beautiful ring but for this stone I wanted to make it a special one-of-a-kind piece.

Finished...

New Dogwood Designs for Tammy

Being that one of these is going to go to Tammy once finished...I think I'll just
name the one she picks "Tammy" unless she has another idea.

I have two Teal Blue Quartz in my possession, one 14mm and the other is 15mm. Each will consist of silver (maybe palladium) & 14k yellow gold...my designs will change slightly, they always do once I start sculpting the wax but I'll do my best not to get carried away...I am pretty happy with the overall design, just hope Tammy is once she sees these.

It's Finished!

Mainsail Arts Festival

34th Annual Mainsail Arts Festival

What an exciting year!

I was awarded the "Awards of Excellence" at the 34th Annual Mainsail Arts Festival

St. Petersburg Times Newspaper Article

Houston AOS Spring Orchid Show - UPDATED

2009 AOS SPRING SHOW
HOSTED by the HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY

Well, this concept started with an idea that we might develop a special piece for the AOS Spring Show in Houston, Texas. The theme of this show is "Orchids Texas Style" and to me, this design says just that.

Dimensions: 1.5" high and very 3 dimensional.

Available in Gold/SS (as shown) and Sterling Silver 92.5

For more information, please click here to go to my website.

...a little nautical

Abalone Shells don't normally create a pearl but this one did. So I sculpted coral around the pearl
which created a shadow box, so inside this colorful shell I added a 14K Starfish to add to it's mystery. This is a very rare one of a kind pendant.

Sold

Citrine & Gold

Key West Collection

Golden Citrine Cuff with 14K Philodendron Leaves
and SS Banana Leaves
$2300

Golden Citrine Ring with a combination of 14K & SS Philodendron Leaves
and Banana Leaves
$689

New Items

14K with Diamond Ghost Orchid
$1150

Oncidium Spray UPDATE

Oncidium Orchid Spray
$2200

What an honor. I was blown away when I saw my stand from across the room.

Not only did I win 1st Place in my category, I won Best of Show for my Oncidium Spray Orchid Necklace.

What an exiting event.

Thanks to the jury!



This is the Oncidium Spray Necklace I will be entering into the Miami International Orchid Show Art Contest this weekend.

I call this piece "Oncidium Spray" but I took the idea from the World's Most Beautiful Orchids by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash.

The picture on page 275 is a Oncidium ampliatum which produces a sturdy branched sprays of yellow flowers in the spring.

Because this particular Oncidium produces a sturdy branch, I decided to accent the stem with hand carved leaves and buds which gave me a intricate neck wire .

I personally think the whole Oncidium Spray came together beautifully.

This is a one of a kind piece in Sterling Silver.

New Designs

...this is a little out of my comfort zone
but I just couldn't resist once I found these
beautiful stones.

Check back for designs & finished pieces.

Amethyst Leaf Necklace

Hand Sculpted Sterling Silver
& Amethyst Drop Necklace

$725

I"M IN!!! #1 Show and I'm IN IT!!!!

Booth #15

What:
Celebrating its 46th anniversary in 2009, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival® presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine Arts Festivals. The Festival attracts more than 150,000 people annually to view the works of over 330 of the finest artists and craftsmen in the world. A signature event of the South Florida cultural calendar, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet with exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and take a walk through history. And for the kids, they too can create their own works of art in our Coconut Grove Bank Kids Creative Corner. Last year approximately 4 million dollars of artwork was sold in three days at the show.

When:
The 46th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will be held February 14, 15, 16, 2009.

Where:
The Festival is held annually in the streets of Coconut Grove, Florida, a charming village within the city of Miami. The Festival is located just south of downtown Miami, adjacent to beautiful Biscayne Bay. It runs along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive.

Festival Hours:
The Festival will be held February 14, 15, 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Woven Chains Have Arrived!

Handcrafted
Sterling Oxidized Woven Chains

Besides beautiful our new chains are extremely comfortable and hanging one of my Cattleya Orchids on the woven chain is a perfect match...it's actually stunning.

You can purchase these on my website at www.dawnvertrees.com or you can click on the link for more information.

The New Vanda...

I took this flower from the front cover of Dr. Motes book...VANDAS. He wrote the book "Their Botany, History, and Culture.

In my sculpting opinion, he had the best Vanda to re-create because of it's character and I only hope I have captured the beauty.

These will be available in a few weeks, I will be posting the finished piece here before I list it on my website.

I will have 4 sizes available ranging in price from $32 (charm), Earrings $69, Med. Vanda Pendant $139.00 up to $189 (shown with enhancer).

I have also attached a link to Amazon where you could purchase the book. It's a wonderful book and I hope to see them again at the Redland Orchid Show in May to have my book autographed.

New Vessels

My Leafy Perfume Vessel

This is a one of a kind hand sculpted vessel with 14K solid gold leaves draped around as if it had been sitting on a step for so long the vines grew around the vase.

Note: This necklace hooks in the front.

Materials: Argentium Sterling Silver Vase
Leaves: 14K Gold
Chain Length: 18"
SOLD

New Orchid Pendants!

Bamboo and
Phalaenopsis Orchid Pendant

1.5" Hand sculpted bamboo beautifully frame my 14K gold Phalaenopsis Orchids and buds.
The chain is an 18" reverse rope in Sterling Silver.

Price: $429

Key West Collection

New Key West Collection Pendant

One of my small hand sculpted philodendron leaves holds this cluster of tropical leaves which include a banana leaf, a large philodendron, palm leaf and two small philodendron leaves to the right with a solid 14K hibiscus peaking through the forest.

The 19" Byzantine Chain is hand made by Don and is made up of a combination of Argentium Sterling Silver and gold filled rings. Length can be adjusted.

SOLD

"Theodore"

My Cool Little Tree Frog...

...this little guy took over 6 months, not necessarily to sculpt but to just wrap my brain around carving him. I've never sculpted animals, reptiles or bugs and never planned on it but my husband insisted on this one.

I would work on the Lil' guy for hours and then hide him away hoping that Don would forget about him but about every few weeks he would ask, how's my frog coming along? Eventually I was satisfied with how he was turning out. He started taking on a personality...he definitely became a "HE", he also took on the Geico Gecko look which is kind of adorable.

Well needless to say, I've become very fond of the Lil guy. He's about 2.25" legs and all plus he has a double bail to fit up to a 10mm wide Omega chain (chain not included). He has a high polish finish on him which is something very new to me as well but he wears the look well and his name is Theodore.

Note: This is for the tree frog pendant, he will fit on a 2.3mm up to a 7mm omega. Frog Pin is also available.
Due to the popularity of this item, please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery or e-mail/call us for availability.
Materials: Argentium Sterling Silver 92.5

Price: 169.00

New Orchid Charms

YAY, I have Orchid CHARMS!

...phalaenopsis, ghost orchids, lady slipper, cymbidium and my favorite, a cattleya.

Along with the individual charms, we have created necklaces, post earrings, charm bracelets, and rings.














Materials: Sterling Silver 92.5

Charm Necklace with 18" or 16" Chain $69

Charm Post Earrings: $69

New Plumeria Designs - UPDATED!

I'm in a Plumeria mood again...I actually designed this piece in porcelain about 2 years ago but because I've been so busy with my orchids I haven't had a chance re-visit this design in wax.

I really like this design and plan on making several versions of this pendant.





This design will have an enhancer on the pendant so that you can clip it over an existing Chain, Omega, Pearls or Wire.

More than likely this pendant too will have a 5 or 6mm round Citrine stone set inside the plumeria.

If your not familiar with me or my work, I'm a lost wax artist and each piece will be cast in Sterling Silver.

Hibiscus & Buds

Argentium Sterling Silver Oval Necklace with Hibiscus & Buds growing around the oval rings.

My teacher, Mr. Volker suggested this ring type design to me but because I could not visualize the outcome, I sat on it for 3 months but then because I trust his instincts, I sat down and sculpted the little rings. I imagined vines growing on the rings jumping from one link to the other.

Well to my surprise...this little guy is one of my best sellers. We have made earring and pendants based on this design and everyone just loves this design.

I have had so many wonderful comments on these pieces at our show, just thought I would show all of you blogger.




Full Circle Necklace: $365 (top)

Circle Pendant with Enhancer: $135 (bottom)

Earrings: $89

Sterling Silver Coral

I guess by living in Florida for 8 years it has made me aware that we are losing our reefs.

After a few snorkeling trips, I have found that our coral reefs are one of the most beautiful and visually impressive habitats on earth, swarming with life with an abundance of color, they are just amazing.


I guess by living in Florida for 8 years it has made me aware that we are losing our reefs.

After a few snorkeling trips, I have found that our coral reefs are one of the most beautiful and visually impressive habitats on earth, swarming with life with an abundance of color, they are just amazing.

Quick Facts: Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Hosting hundreds of different species, one square kilometer of healthy reef can produce food for 2,500 humans per year.

Tiny animals related to jelly fish and living attached in colonies of millions build up the massive reef structure by secreting calcium carbonate, the same chemical material of limestone and marble, to form a protective outside skeleton. Coral reefs flourish in warm, clear, shallow waters of tropical oceans worldwide.

The highly productive coral reefs provide significant benefits to the human population. The reefs are sources of food. They are a major source of sand as they erode. As buffers, they provide protection to coastlines from waves and currents. There is increasing interest in reef species as sources of biologically active compounds for medical drugs.

But for the past 30 years there has been significant decline in coral reefs from massive hurricane damage, plus a number of other factors mostly caused by human action have led to the deterioration of the reefs. Over-fishing, sedimentation, the increase of nutrients in the water and a large scale die-off of Diadema, the black sea urchin (sea egg), have been identified by the researchers as being among the major causes of the decline of coral reefs.

The growth of large algae (seaweed type marine plants), if not kept in check, smother existing coral and prevent coral larvae from settling to form new colonies. The algae are kept under control by herbivorous organisms which graze on them. The parrot fish, a Jamaican dinner delicacy, is one of the most important grazers, and over-fishing of parrot and other reef species allows the algae to flourish. Blast fishing using dynamite kills living coral and does damage to the physical structure of the reef.

Sea urchins (sea eggs) are also important grazers on the reefs. Between 1982 and 1984 there was a mass die–off of the black sea urchin, Diadema, from a disease which attacked only that particular species. The Diadema population fell a hundred-fold and has not recovered. So algae flourish on the reefs.

Sedimentation leading to turbid water conditions also blocks coral growth. The coral polyps share a symbiotic relationship of mutual assistance with microscopic algae living in their cells. These algal partners, as plants, need sunlight for photosynthesis. Sedimentation from land run-off reduces sunlight.

Peter Edwards and Tatum Fisher identify sewage and agricultural fertilizers as the major sources of nutrient-supplying pollution affecting coral reefs. Additional nutrients mean additional growth.

...My vision with this new line is to bring awareness to our Coral Reefs and to donate a portion of the sales to an organization to support long term restoration.

Once these pieces are completed, I will locate an organization that help coordinate a donation program ...if anyone can give me a name of an organization, please e-mail me this information and I will be more than happy to post the results.

New Stones...

I have the most wonderful gem guy from Hobe Sound, FL ...he came by our booth in Sarasota this past weekend and dropped off a few of my favorite stones which include Citrine as well as Aquamarine, pear shaped Blue Topaz and a trillion cut Garnet .

I have already started sculpting with these and I'll post the results later today.

If you are interested in a one-of-a-kind design using any of these stones,
please email me.

"Collector's Choice" Award

What an honor!

I won the "Collector's Choice" Award at the Craft Art 2008 Show. and I couldn't have been more surprised! The show was put on by the FLORIDAcraftsmen, Inc. this past weekend.

What an honor to have this ribbon hanging in my booth.

The show was so professionally organized...it was just wonderful being there. I was amazed that I was among some of the most talented artist I've had the pleasure to talk to, it was just an inspiration being there.

Also, my hat off to all of the volunteers who helped, not only were they there helping to organizing the event (as well as us) but offering us coffee in the morning and water in the afternoon...they certainly spoiled Don & I and we look forward to next year.

Oncidiums

Well it's time I sculpted a new Orchid...I've been to a few Orchid shows and this little guy stole my heart.

Psygmorchis pusilla is an ephemeral species often found growing in orange groves in Belize. The small fan-shaped plants usually last only a few years...another good reason to sculpt this beautiful Orchid.

I will use the roots as the bail and balance the fan shaped leaves, bud & flower asymmetrically.

I think it will (I hope it will) be a favorite among Orchid growers.

Pretty Little Daisey Ring

...far from finished but by the time I get this one finished, I'll have to cast it and
get it off to the cute couple waiting to get married.

I still have to add her wedding band plus create a band with the same theme
inside the carved channel ring.

The cute story about this ring is that the couple went to NC mountains to find their precious stones to fill each Daisey. She was very excited about her idea she came to me with her sketches and if I had a scanner, you would have seen those as well but they were good enough to where I did not have to sketch this one, she knew exactly what she wanted.

Cute story...just thought I would share this one with you.

New Lady Slipper Earrings - Finally!

Too Cute!

These are some of my latest editions to our Orchid family. These little
Lady Slipper Orchid Charms are 3/4" or 18 mm tall and are hanging from our handmade ear wires.

We are making these little charms into Ear Wires (as shown) Post Earrings, plus I have also designed bamboo hoops in which the lady slipper hangs beautifully.

We have created 5 new charms which include our Lady Slipper, Cattleya, Phala, Cymbidium and a Ghost Orchid.


These are on my Ruby Lane Website, for more information, please click here.

New Cattleya Orchid Pendant

This is one of my new "Susan Fender" Cattleya Orchids with a 7mm white freshwater pearl.

When I sculpted this orchid I new it was the perfect size pendant or brooch for a pearl so I left a little space to cradle a either a black or white pearl. Once the pearl was set, the texture in the orchid as well as the little flips I added to the edges makes this an elegant piece to pass down to the next generations.

Because I'm a huge fan of the Enhancer(clip on the back), we have soldered one of our larger enhancers to the back of the pendant. You can add this pendant to an existing set of pearls or to an Omega Chain up to 7 mm wide.

I have added this pendant below to a set of my pearls. I personally thing it perks up a beautiful set of pearls.

Pendant with Pearl: $225
With 17.25" Pearls: $329

This piece is currently spoken for!

Key West Collection

My Key West
Collection

The Orchids are by far (in my mind) the most unique flower of all and the tropical leaves are by far the most unusual as well, each having their own uniqueness and all a pure pleasure to sculpt.

But I think I'm finally seeing a pattern in me, I enjoy seeing the whole tropical thing together as if I was on a tropical island looking in. I enjoy looking at my jewelry and seeing a vein wrapping around the bamboo while a hibiscus flower is nudging its way through trying to find his spot to shine.

...anyway, I hope you see my jewelry as a place where you can escape too.

I wanted a pendant that is bold, like my cuff so I was off to my drawing board to sketch out a solution. What I didn't draw but was in my head was that hibiscus peeking out between the leaves and to make up for that, I wanted her to shine in 14KG. (I think she was very happy with that).

Once sculpting I decided that I did not want a bamboo oval with all the leaves
crowded inside, although if you look at it you would think that's exactly what I did but if you look closely you'll notice that the leaves make up the circle.






I also wanted the leaves to have height so I cupped the leaves which gave additional depth to the piece.

For more information about this piece, please click here.

Again, thanks for looking!

Bamboo & Phalaenopsis Orchid Pendant

New Bamboo & Phalaenopsis
Orchid Pendant

Every chance I get, I try to wear this necklace. It has an oriental feel to it that I just love. In one sitting I drew up three designs, this being one of them but so far, this is my favorite.

I sculpted the pendant in wax, earrings at this time were not in my head so I started by making a bamboo frame and then it was a no brain-er...a small orchid fit perfectly inside.

I haven't finished the earrings but I think you can get a pretty good idea from the wax.

This is a new collection that I introduced earlier called the Orchid Spray, not sure if the name is sticking though, might have to work with that one a bit.

Here is the new pendant completed, this one is in Argentium Sterling Silver but we will be introducing the SS with 14KG Orchids & Buds.

For more information about this piece, I have added it to my Ruby Lane Store at: Bamboo & Orchid Pendant

Tropical Cuff, My New Key West Collection: Update

Whew! Never thought this day would come. This design has been in my head ever since I visited the Florida Keys a couple of months ago and now, it has finally spilled out onto my paper.

Funny, it only took about 30 mins. to draw but yet it has been a 2 month design in progress in my head. The last two pieces of the puzzle in my mind was the Bamboo & the Stone in the middle but even while drawing it out, the stone changed over from a semi-rough gem to a gold hammered disk with silver palms running over the disk and the gold bamboo holding everything in place.

I want two or three different styles of earrings, one incorporating the gold disk and one showing just the philodendron leaf.

The Philodendron Slider has already been designed in is already in the works.

This cuff will be an absolute delight to sculpt!

Update! I will start the casting process in the morning (June 24th) and so far this piece is definitely has the two thumbs up from both master jewelers who work with me. The hammered dist will start out in Sterling Silver but I have decided to make all three hibiscus flowers in 14k gold...it will be stunning! More to come...

It's here...

A Iris for Laetitia...UPDATED!

While down in Islamorada at one of our shows, Don & I met a wonderful couple. They were in the process of working out their wedding details and had no clue about what jewelry she wanted for herself.


She had an Iris in mind and ask if I could make one....I have had several Iris request but her request was so special...I'm just a softy for weddings and the honor to make her wedding jewelry to cherish for years to come...so I said yes to the "Iris" Challenge.

Sculpting this flower was a toughie and Don, who is also a perfectionist...pushed me to get it right, well I'm pretty sure I got it right! I'm very happy with the outcome.

I have several additional ideas for this Iris, I would like to use this Iris without pearls using one of my husband's byzantine chains plus I want to use this pendant with a Swiss Blue Topaz drop which I feel would be beautiful.

Laetitia was wanting to go with Dark Peacock Freshwater Pearls and I couldn't have made a better choice knowing all the colors she has in her bouquet but I also wanted to make use White Freshwater Pearls as another option for myself.

Price: $350

My Lady Slipper

My New Lady Slipper

Although she isn't finished (more polishing needed) and way cooler in person, we have already taking deposits on her when shown at the Redland Orchid Festival. She is 2 3/8" tall, 1 3/4" wide (tip to tip) and 5/8" deep. At this time she is all Argentium Sterling Silver 925 but we are also thinking about doing a few in 14K Gold.

So far we have request for Pins and Pendants with hidden enhancers as well commissioned earrings. For more information about deposits, please e-mail me at dawnvertrees@bellsouth.net or you can call me at 954-594-2186

Once finished, I will update the photo.

Thanks for looking,

Dawn

New Tiger Lily Ring

I love interesting rings and this is just packed with character. I hand sculpted a Tiger Lily to one side and set a 11mm x 9mm Faceted Lemon Quartz in the center.

I have a stem coming up on each side and on those stems are long leaves growing up around the lily and the lemon quartz.

I have a tiny 3mm cz diamond set between the lily and a leaf.

Something I haven't done lately is that I antiqued the ring which added great depth to this ring.

For more information about this ring, please click here.

Mother of Pearl with a spray of Orchids & Buds

While on a hunt for something different to sculpt on, I came across 4 beautiful natural, Mother of Pearl

pendants.

My head was filled with all kind of ideas while driving home, I immediately imagined sculpting tiny orchids, buds and leaves down the sides, on another one...bamboo on the edges or thought about banana leaves falling over to one side...anyway I had 4 pendants and 4 ideas so there you go...each pendant has it's own unique one of a kind look.

The Polished Silver looked really great next to the mother of pearl and the natural MOP (mother of pearl) has a beautiful luster like you would want in a pearl. The light seems to reflect off the MOP giving me pink, teal, silver and blue tones...this piece is so pretty if I do say myself.

For more information and photos about this pendant as well as the other 3 pendants, please click here.

Orchid Spray with a 10.5 Freshwater Pearl...my absolute favorite!

I'm not sure where to start with this one...

I had one of my clients to come in and show me her beautiful pearls for me to make her a Leaf Pendant to add to her pearls...her pearls were 11.5mm and had to be custom made and I had just pulled this ring out of the tumbler, cut sprue still there and of course no stone and she looked at it and said...I want it!

Well this is the second time I have made this ring and it's the second time they have sold within 2 hours. It's hard to photograph all of the detail in this ring...but it has 4 detailed Phalaenopsis Orchids with small buds, some slightly opened along with a few closed buds and the leaves intertwined between the stems and buds.

Well when she picked it up this morning...(I did not want to give it up) she was so tickled, then she hugged me...and held her hand out the whole time saying I love this ring. Again...she was very happy. Thank goodness her husband was with her because someone had to drive!

Well needless to say...I will be making a third one and if anyone is interested, call me. The cost on this piece is $349.00 It's all Argentium (the good stuff) Sterling Silver 925 with a 10.5mm white (not dyed) White Freshwater Pearl and comes in a lovely gift box to give or to keep!

For Additional Photos or to purchase my next one...Click Here!

I couldn't believe it when I added my patina to one of my new Sterling Silver Pendants. Normally I only used the patina on my original porcelain pieces but because had a request to try it again...I dipped one of my new silver pieces and to my surprise it worked beautifully.

The results are a bit different, the colors are the same but I used to brush the edges to remove the bronze but this time the bronze and gold tones are perfect...it gave my orchid a very rich look. This pendant would work well with your existing silver or gold jewelry you may have.

The colors are unbelievable beautiful. I have every Jewel Tone in the book on this one. Ruby Red, Teal, Blue, deep Bronze and Gold on all the edges...I could have planned this better. I just want to thank Nancy for convincing me to get my Patinas (LOS) out again.

I also tried several beads but at the last minute (almost giving up there) I took an 18" chain and dipped it too and then polishing it a bit and it was a perfect match.

The Cattleya Orchid is hand sculpted and is approximately 2" and is stamped 925. The Bracelet (right) is also 2" with leaves on one side and Orchids Buds on the other.

Material: Argentium Sterling Silver 925 Orchid Pendant Finish: Patina
Chain: Sterling Silver with a Patina Finish

SOLD

...just a sample of my collection.

My Gift Back to Women In Distress

Yesterday was an exciting day for me along with showing off Isabella to my client for the first time but along with that...I had my opportunity to deliver a very special necklace to my absolute favorite organization...Women In Distress here in S. Florida.

I wrote them a letter about a month ago and they graciously accepted my offer to contribute a piece of my jewelry which allowed me to give back to their wonderful organization.

I myself am a survivor and it was Women in Distress (WID) who took the time to give me the tools to find ME again.

After 8 months of attending WID meetings and working with a couselor, I have slowly gained my self-respect/self-confidence but also in the process, I also found out I had a hidden talent, so you can see why I am so excited about giving back to this organization.

I owe my life to WID as well to my new husband who pointed me in their direction for help and also to all of the counselors who took the time to work with me, hold my hand, let me cry and yes...gave me a huge teddy bear one night to hug when I really needed something to hold on to.

The necklace will be silent autioned off at the 2nd Annual Starfish Luncheon
May 14th, 2008 at Pier 66
Event Details:
www.womenindistress.org/

Over 300 people are anticipated to join Women In Distress of Broward County to raise funds for victims of domestic violence and recognize special honorees at the Second Annual Starfish Luncheon.

"Isabella" ...What a beautiful name.

A great guy from Italy has asked me to make a one-of-a-kind Cymbidium Orchid Pendant. He has chosen this picture for me to sculpt by...I personally think it's a wonderful choice and obviously there is a special meaning to this flower.

I can't wait to get started on this piece...the Cymbidium Orchid is an absolutely beautiful flower and adding one of these pearls below to the center is going to be striking!

He has named this piece, "Isabella" and what a beautiful name to go with such a beautiful flower.

I searched out for a 7.5mm Black Pearl and these are the two that were sent to me to pick from. They are both so beautiful that I will add one to the center of the Cymbidium Orchid and probably make an Orchid ring with the other one...only time will tell.

I will have two suprises for this piece...I hope you will keep an eye on Isabella.

Update: Showing my work in wax can be scary and this is no exception but I'm keeping my client on top of things and this is the next step before casting. Once cast she will have several finishes including sandblasting to give her a soft glow and polished on parts of the lip (tongue part) to show the detail in the cymbidium. I'm crossing my finger on this...but I feel the detail will be worth the extra work.

Well she is finished! The Black Pearl adds a beautiful touch to this piece.

The Ghost Orchid - A Very Rare Orchid

Argentium Sterling Silver Ghost Orchid Ghost Orchid

I have added a picture of the Ghost Orchid to show just one of the photographs that I used to sculpt this tiny Ghost Orchid.

The Ghost Orchid is one of the rarest Orchids only found in South Florida and Cuba and this particular Ghost Orchid was spotted in the swamps in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples Florida. An orchid enthusiast took several photos and sent it to me to make a pendant for his wife from this very rare sighting.

The Pendant is made from Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is 1 3/4" tall by 1 1/4" wide and is an awesome design to wear. If you are a die hard orchid lover...you can surely appreciate the beauty of this orchid.
The chain is a very nice Sterling Silver 18" Rope Chain with a Claw Clasp.

Price: $98

Click Here To Purchase

For more information about the Ghost Orchid: Click Here

I would like to introduce my husband...Don Vertrees

No, this isn't my husband but this is what he made for me last night. I was blown away on how he took immediately to the tools, technique and so many jump rings to make up this beautiful Handmade Byzantine Chain.

I wanted to create a totally hand made necklace which include the Toggle, Bail, Pendant and yes, the chain and Don has made this possible for me.

Not only is the Byzantine a beautiful chain but every link is perfect. Before Don started he wore out the book store and the Internet making sure that once he had the right tools in his hands...he could produce this necklace in his sleep and guess what? HE DID!

I am just so excited that I have my own Byzantine Chains but now I have my work cut out for me...designing a pendant that will compliment his beautiful work.

$425

Click Here To Purchase

A Gift For Dawn...

Volker Kracht, my mentor just came back from Brazil and he brought me back these beautiful, breathtaken stones for me to design with. They were taken from the mines in Brazil and they just blew me away.
These stones, even without my sculpting have already been spoken for. I will be photographing the finished pieces once completed but if anyone is interested in future pieces...please contact me. I will be sketching as soon as I can get paper & pencil in my hand.

Of course each stone brought in from Brazil will be a one-of-a-kind piece but the shape and colors will be very close.

I am so excited about these...I feel this will take me into a new direction that I have been searching for.

Thanks again for all of your support.

First Picture: IMPERIAL TOPAZ ...Rough but oh so beautiful.

Second Picture: LODOLITE QUARTZ
...AN UNOFFICIAL TRADE NAME FOR QUARTZ CONTAINING INCLUSIONS FROM MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL. THEY HAVE INTRIGUING PATTERNS AND 3D IMAGERY. This will make an interesting piece of jewelry.

Third Picture: NATURAL FLUORITE STONES

New Design using Fluorite & Cherry Blossoms

I'm definitely thinking about a cherry blossoms branch for this design plus some type of faceted drops for the buds.

It's my first design on paper which usually means it will change somewhat once I start sculpting plus I have a tendency to over design on paper.

The small drops or buds are going to be a bit difficult to find but that's OK...sometimes the hunt is what makes it even more personal to me.

This is such great news!

Don & I have been accepted into two huge shows here in Florida...The 21st Annual Las Olas Fall Art Fair and the 9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving!

We are so excited about doing these shows.

21st Annual Las Olas Art Fair
Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

9th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving Art Festival
Saturday & Sunday, November 29th & 30th, 2008
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Orchid, Buds & Leaves

When I have three projects in a row this week and I have a tendency to start with one of my projects rather than someone else's project so I had found a gorgeous natural 20mm x 30mm oval (my favorite shape) cabochon in aventurine.

Aventurine is a quartzite gemstone composed of interlocking grains of quartz and small mica crystals.

This mica looks like tiny silver specs in the gem which is really going to pop once I cast this orchid in Sterling Silver.

I haven't decided on how I'm going to make the bail...I've started with a small stem with some neat texture in it.

I also found the matching 28mm x 13mm twisted nuggets and I added 5mm Sterling Silver beads between each nugget...

...I think it's going to be an awesome necklace when finished.

UPDATE: Just cast but not soldered yet. More photos to come once completed.

As soon as I have this cast and soldered, I'll post the finished piece.

Citrine & Hal Together

"Hal & Citrine"


Once I put "Hal" my larger "Phala" Orchid up to the Citrine Nuggets...I knew they were meant to go together. This is a elegant combination.


Hal is a little over 1.5" across and sandbasted giving this orchid a soft glow, plus we highlighted the edges which outlines each part of this beautiful flower.


The Citrine Nuggets are 18mm x 13mm and have a rich gold tone to them with slight inclusions.


I have added a Sterling Silver Enhancer to the "Phala" Orchid making this necklace very versatile. You can wear the necklace with or with the Orchid or you can attach the Orchid to one of your existing necklace.


$225.00

Click Here to Purchase

2nd Annual Seaside Craft Fair on Hollywood Beach

My Next Show!

Hollywood Beach, Florida

Saturday & Sunday, April 26th & 27th, 2008
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Many crafters told Howard Alan Events that this area of Florida has great potential, so they are back for a second year. The show is set up directly on the boardwalk, right off Hollywood's newly renovated beaches. They receive support from the city, local media and residents wanting good fun events in their backyard.

Admission is Free

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk named one of America’s top ten nostalgic promenades by USA

Today in 2005, the pedestrian Hollywood Beach Broadwalk has undergone a complete renovation.
Built in the 1920s, the oceanfront Broadwalk offers over two miles of car-free enjoyment. Walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers set their own pace on this path, which is bordered by six miles of Hollywood’s famous coastline, boutique hotels, charming shops, and cafés and places to eat facing the ocean. The beach area and Broadwalk also offer free wi-fi access. Hire a bike on the Broadwalk and follow the gorgeous new path. Then, continue into the West Lake Nature Preserve to reconnect with nature and discover what early Florida looked like.
The beach offers its own entertainment, including paddle ball, volleyball, group yoga and Tai Chi classes. Several golf courses and tennis courts are also within easy reach. At night, a full season of cultural events takes centre stage.

New Leaf Spacers

I think it's time for me to design my own spacers. There are so many beautiful Pearls and Gems available that I want to highlight the stones so I'm designing my own spacers.

Update: This spacer is about 3/8" in diameter and about 1/2" long with a slight curve in the tube.

I will be making a mold of this leaf spacer.

There's around 12 tiny leaves with stems running around underneath the leaves. By the time were finished with this piece...I would say we'll have 12 hours making just this one spacer...so I think you can see why I want to make a mold.

I will be casting this one in Sterling Silver and I will post the results and once we make the mold...show you the final piece.

UPDATE: New Photo of cast piece!

Beads shown are 8mm.

Comments Welcome!

"1st Annual Art in the Gardens"

April 5 and 6, 2008

Stuart, Florida

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens, will present

"Art in the Gardens"

I want to thank everyone for making this show such a success for Don & I.

We had a great time, met a lot of new friends but I want to also thank Susie, her husband & Laura for coming out. Susie is a wonderful supporter (she wore her beautiful Black Pearls and Leaf Necklace) and she kindly modeled my new jewelry to some of my new customers, she makes a great model! And Laura...my #1 fan. She is a beader herself and has supported me & my work from day 1.

Thank you all for coming out!

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens

1905 SW Ranch Trail, Stuart

Call 772-283-5565 for directions!

New Asymmetrical Necklace in Lemon Quartz, Citrine & Amethyst

Asymmetrical Design using Amethyst

SOLD

This has been an amazing designs that I created a while back. I gave it to one of my Galleries and within a couple of weeks it was sold. Since then I have had several request for this piece so I decided to bring it back in Amethyst as well as Citrine and Yellow Quartz.

I designed a new necklace based on the original Asymmetrical Necklace plus I designed a smaller version of the "A" Necklace using Amethyst & Citrine Brioletts and Faceted Stones shown below.

Asymmetrical Design using Lemon Quartz

$460

The "Leaf Section" of the above "A" designs are 2 1/2" and Argentium Sterling Silver 925

In each design including the smaller Asymmetrical Designs below, the Clasp is in the front of the necklace instead of in the back which is usually impossible to attach plus you can adjust the length with a catch we have behind the stem in front. This is the most versatile necklace I have ever designed.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Amethyst

$395

All the same features of the larger Asymmetrical design have been incorporated into the smaller design.

Asymmetrical Design (smaller version) using Citrine

SOLD

Smaller Asymmetrical designs leaf section is 1 7/8", the brioletts are adjustable.

For additional photos, please e-mail or call me for front & back photos.

Thanks for looking!

Phalaenopsis Orchid Necklace is FINISHED!

She's Finished!

This piece is a Limited Edition Only. It will be 1 of 12 and this piece is Number 1. The Orchid Necklace, 2 of 12 is in Brazil. It was given as a gift by my mentor, Volker Kracht, a Master Jewelry & Artist who hand delivered the piece.
I am anxiously waiting his return to find out more about the one on the receiving end. I will keep you informed.
This was a design I've had for about 1 year...but procrastinated because I knew that the cost & time for making the first one would be enormous...plus I wanted to put a few more projects under my belt before I started sculpting this necklace. Once sculpted & cast, it took us more than 5 months to complete this necklace.
Now about this necklace: It has incredible accurate detail and was designed to wear comfortably. I have taken this piece to my Botanical Show last week and everyone who tried it on was amazed on how light the necklace was...and when they did try it on, the look on their face was priceless. It was as though they had stepped out onto the red carpet.
It has 3 Phalaenopsis Orchids, 17 buds and 33 leaves.
Each leaf in the necklace has movement, making this necklace flexible and adjustable, allowing us to add or remove leaves to adjust the length for a custom fit.
The necklace is Argentium Sterling Silver 925 and is stamped and has the "DV" logo. The Clasp is a very strong hidden clasp and was beautifully hidden under the leaves.
I am in the process of finishing up the matching "Phala" Orchid Bracelet and Ring.
Leaf Earrings are available in two different sizes.
As always, additional photos are available or visit my Ruby Lane Shop for additional Photos.

You can always Call or E-mail me for additional Information.

New Calla Lily & Turquoise Necklace

I LOVE TURQUOISE!

There is something about bright shiny silver and turquoise that just goes together so perfectly but adding my Calla Lily Stem with all it's texture just adds a new level of beauty.

I strung up the piece, put it on my velvet bust and waited until Don came home from work...I sat the necklace on the counter so that it would be the first thing he saw when he walked in the door. His reaction was very positive...and for him, that's a good thing. Don has a very good eye and having him in this business is great because he has some great feedback.

At this time the necklace is 17" long but can be adjusted.

The Sterling Silver Pendant is 1.75" wide x 2.50" tall

Note: This is also a pin as well as a pendant

$254

If you are interested in this piece, please call or e-mail me for more details as well as additional photos.

New Wide Leaf Band Ring - Garnet

This is a super comfortable ring that I love wearing...actually, my jewelry display is a blast to have around...in fact, deciding what ring to wear is such a new thing to me but I'm getting used to it!

This ring has 6 hand sculpted leaves 925 Sterling Silver that wraps around the top of the finger and in the center I have set a 9mm x 6mm Faceted Almandine Garnet which has a beautiful deep red color which is typical for a garnet containing iron. This is a natural non-treated stone.

This ring can have just about any stone or birthstone set in the ring (final price depends on the stone) and as always, Shipping, Insurance and Re-sizing is free.

Cost: $165

Free Flowing Leaf, Bud & Flower Bangle with Stones

I've had this design in my head for some time so I set up my mandrel and just started by adding my stems first and then added the leaves, buds and flowers and kept going until I was finished. I added 2-10mm x 8mm Amethyst Cab, 2-9mm x 6mm Peridot Cabs and inside three flowers I set 3mm citrine cabs.

The design took on a very natural free flowing design which is exactly what I love.

The Bangle measures 8" around and 2.5" across. If you have large hands like I have, I can add two hinges to open the bangle up with a safety chain.

This is a one-of-a kind Bangle in Argentium 925 Sterling Silver.

Cost: $396
Free Shipping & Insurance

I'm Going Tropical! Philodendrons, Banana Leaves, Hibiscus...

You would think because I'm heading to my next show at the Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens in Stuart next month that this is where I had the idea about going tropical, it would have made perfect sense but noooo...we were in the Keys at our show and while staying at the hotel in Florida City they had beautiful tropical gardens around the pool and I looked down at a cluster of tropical plants growing together...there were banana leaves, palms, hibiscus, philodendrons and I said...this is my next projects!

My head was spinning but it was Don who suggested making a slider with a single Philodendron leaf first so this morning I made the larger leaf for an Omega Chain or a set of pearls using an enhancer and then I made a smaller one as a slider for a Hematite Choker.

The little leaves are 7/8" and 1 1/8" tall and will be cast in sterling silver first and then possibly 14kt next.

I plan to make a ring out of the smaller leaf which will wrap around the finger...I've curled the leaf around my finger and it was just perfect. My husband said I nailed the design beautifully!

High-Riser Designing Woman has passion for jewelry

I made the front page of our Sun-Sentinel's High-Riser Newspaper today.!

My friend, Beverly submitted my Blog to the newspaper and the next thing I know I'm getting an e-mail from Chris Guanche, a writer from the newspaper wanting to set up an appointment to write an article about me. He was so impressed with my jewelry, he scheduled a meeting immediately with me and with his photographer, I didn't even have time to get nervous. I was so excited to have my story told plus have my artwork shown to over 50,000 readers along the coast of Ft. Lauderdale up to Boca Raton!

Unfortunately they forgot to add my contact information so I've had several people searching for my information on the Internet. Well if anyone out there can find their way to this blog (which several have) you can e-mail me at dawnvertrees@bellsouth.net or call me at 954-594-2186 to find out where you can see my Jewelry.

New Earrings....YAY!

Cattleya Orchid Drop Earrings
Long time coming but they are here...new hand sculpted Cattleya Orchids are hand set with 4mm Citrines with French Ear Wires.

The Cattleya Orchids are 7/8" wide (petal to petal)
Argentium Sterling Silver stamped 925
Price: $149


Calla Lily Ear Thread Earrings
Too Cute!
These were extremely popular at our last show and I'm excited about taking these to our next show in the Keys this weekend.

These are amazingly comfortable. Each have U-bars that attach to the cable chain. Sterling Silver Ear Threads with Argentium Sterling Silver Calla Lilies.

Price: $74

I'm having a Garden Party...

...and all of the Phala Orchids & Buds as well as their owners out there are invited.

I'm not sure what goes on in my head when I start designing one of my orchid pieces but when I see those little Phala's...it's like looking at little faces and they are all saying...don't forget me.

So it's definately a party.

Update at the ArtiGras Show: Don & I have a wonderful time meeting everyone who came to our booth including the supportive staff at the show, the learning experience was priceless. We left the show totally satisfied but not only that, we left with a clear path to what we needed to do for our next show which will be in Islamorada March 8th & 9th.

I loved hearing all of the comments about my jewelry including the comments that "they had never seen anything like it". That was exciting because I was able to explain that it was because of my method of sculpting the wax as if it was my porcelain, something that's not the norm when learning how to make jewelry.

All comments were extremely positive but both Don & I agreed...we feel the Phalaenopsis Orchid designs really stole the show leaving me wishing I had more designs to offer.

So we both agreed, I need to expand my Phala Collection but I also heard one other request...PEARLS! I heard this load and clear. So I am developing a collection by combining the two, Freshwater Pearls & my tiny Phala Orchids shown to the right.

I don't usually show my pieces right after the casting but they were so cute, only 3mm 4mm & 5mm wide (around 3/8th"). The long stem on each flower is called a "Sprue". This is where the silver is shot from the outside of the plaster mold into the void where the wax piece used to be before it was burned out.

We'll cut those off and start cleaning up the orchids and I'm pretty sure I'll sand blast each orchid creating a soft glow.

This is going to be a growing collection so please check back in a few days.



March 5th...I'M POPPING IN HERE FOR A MINUTE.

I am in the process of designing 3 new cluster "Phala" Orchid rings. The first one will have a 10mm x 8mm stone, a beautiful Green Quartz (light pastel green) stone which sets up high with a cluster of buds, orchids & leaves wrapping around the stone.

This design reminds me of the traditional "Cocktail Ring" in Bloom!

...more coming soon!

Don & I also have some exciting news for all those hi-risers living along the S. Florida coast in a few days, so again, please check back...this is very exciting and a complete surprise to me!

Peeking through the leaves...

It's as if I'm standing next to a large tree trunk and looking between the leaves seeing the sun peek through the leaves.

I spent so much of my time walking through the woods next to Lake Norman back in the 70's.

It was so quiet there but if you looked close enough...it was so busy. Everywhere you looked something was blooming, leaves were getting larger and veins were searching for a place to land. I would sit by a tree and just look at the leaves while watching the birds and squirrels run from one tree to the other.

This one-of-a-kind hand sculpted pendant is cast in Argentium Silver 92.5 (see definition of Argentium below)

Pendant Height: 3/4" x 7/8" wide

10mm x 8mm Oval Citrine Cabochon Gem.

Citrine Color: Light to Med. Gold / Heat Treated

18"Rope Chain included.

When I sculpt each piece I lay out my stems around the stone that I've chosen and from there I hand sculpt each individual leaf curving them around each other as if they were blowing in the wind.

If you are interested in this piece or other pieces I have on my blog, you can e-mail, call or purchase this piece listed on Etsy by clicking on the title "Peeking through the leaves..."

Cost: $195.00

Argentium® Sterling Silver is a patented and trademarked alloy that is at least 92.5% pure silver, just like traditional sterling silver.What makes it different from traditional sterling silver is that a small amount of germanium replaces some of the copper that is usually the other 7.5% of sterling silver. There is two things I love most about Argentine Silver is that it's more tarnish-resistance. Although many say it's tarnish-resistant...that's incorrect. Argentine Silver will still tarnish, just slower than traditional Sterling Silver but the good news is that Argentine Silver is very white, almost giving a white gold look which is a good thing!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

It's been a month since we found out that we have been invited to participate as a "Homegrown Artist" in the upcoming ArtiGras Art Show Event coming up this weekend.

I have been working hard on at least 30 new designs and Don has put together a beautiful exhibit for us. Everything is coming along nicely and we are so excited!

As soon as pieces are photographed, I will add them to the blog.

Thanks to everyone for your support & wonderful comments!

New Double Leaf Pendant...Very Art Nouveau!

This 1 5/8" tall pendant caters a 10mm x 8mm Citrine Stone, two hand sculpted leaves and three small buds. (chain not included)

Cost: $139
Additional pictures are found on my Ruby Lane, you can click on the title "busy, busy, busy..."to see additional pictures or to purchase this piece.

One-of-a-Kind Hematite Orchid Necklace

This one of a kind necklace was designed by my husband, Don who has a vey good eye for
jewelry.

The necklace is a 18" Hematite Gem Necklace. Each necklace is intricately woven hematite beads with a sterling silver magnetic clasp beneath the Leaf Slide.

The Leaf Slide is a series of 15 of my hand sculpted leaves overlaping each other until they reach the Orchid below.

The Pendant is one of my hand sculpted Cattleya Orchids, which has amazingly acurate detail carved into each one.

The unique concept with this necklace is that you can wear this necklace three different ways as shown.

Cost: Sold

*Although this piece sold at my last show, I can create another one-of-a-kind piece. Please e-mail or call me.

Swiss Blue Topaz & Almandine Garnet Ring

I don't think I'll ever get tired of making rings...I love rings.

Once I added my first stone to my leafy rings I was hooked for life and now I've added little flowers and buds to make the design more interesting. I love a ring that can keep your attention for at least 5 minutes and this was does the trick. You have leaves that intertwine between each other. On one side you have a bud ready to open and on the other side you have an open flower with a 5mm Almandine Garnet.

On this particular ring I decided to braid the band which was perfect for sculpting my tiny leaves on each side as if they were little vines.

This ring is just beautiful all around and I'm so pleased to offer this ring on my blog as well as at the ArtiGras Show.

This ring has a 10mm x 8mm Swiss Blue Topaz plus a 5mm Almantine Garnet inside the flower. I have choosen stones such as Amythyst, Citrine, Almandine Garnet, Blue Topaz as well as Peridot...which is one of my favorite stones. I will always add a complimentary stone to go with the larger stones unless a client request their favorite stones to be added instead.

I have just finished making a matching one-of-a-kind pendant, as well as a beautiful bracelet with 4 large stones, 4 flowers and buds.

This Ring is a limited edition, only a small number will be made. Overall width of the ring is 20mm x 25mm

Ring can be re-sized.

Retail Cost $245

New Blue Pearl Necklace

Sterling Silver Leaves intertwine with Blue Freshwater Pearls.

I am so excited about introducing this necklace at the ArtiGras Art Fair in Abacoa in February. I sat down for a couple of hours just staring at the Steel Lady (my bust mandrel) trying to get a visual fix on this design and then I decided to stick some of my leftover Swarovski crystal pearls on the bust, this helped and now I was hoping I was on my way, so I thought. Well after three days, I'm still not finished, but I went ahead and photographed the piece anyway.I think after a few more hours of scratching & scraping...I'm going to cast this piece.

My mentor told me not long ago...

If you become satisfied with your work, what would you do after that?

I remind myself of that comment often!

What I do like about this necklace is the single pearl that would be in the middle of the necklace...I did not want to just stop and start with another pendant but I wanted to incorporate a pearl right into the design.

Update! This piece was a hit at the ArtiGras Show in Jupiter. The piece was so elegant and when the ladies tried the pearls on, it just hung beautifully. I was so thrilled!

I had the necklace available in Pink, White and Blue Pearls.

Check out additional photos and prices by clicking on the heading "New Blue Pearl Necklace"

Phalaenopsis Bracelet to match Japan Piece

When I look at this design, I think of pure elegance with its leaves and orchid buds draping down the top of your hand! ...and then too it's probably because the Japan Necklace was just cast in Silver and it turned out better than I expected.

have just a moment to add these pics...we are packing up the trailer for the show and I'm still running around picking up banners & card holders.

We are back from our show and this elegant Orchid Bracelet Sold in the first three hours of the shows first day.

Cost: SOLD

I'm in the process of making a new bracelet, if interested I'll notify you once this piece is completed!

My Dogwood Collection - UPDATED!

I have been sitting on this design for about 4 months and I think it's time to start.

I like to keep a few projects going at one time, it allows me to walk away from one, think about it while starting another. I guess I get bored easily.

I have already started the necklace part of this design plus I've made and cast the Dogwood buds. I wasn't pleased with my first Dogwood flowers, I guess that's why I put it aside.

I had joined "CageyCrafters" a wonderful forum a while back and a few of them gave me thumbs up on doing the Dogwood Flower, or the push I needed to start back on this design. They also gave me some great feedback on what flowers they would like to see me sculpt. I'll be posting their suggestions once I go through the list.

I pulled out some of my designs for this project that I thought I would post. I have designed a a beautiful bracelet, ring, a single Dogwood Pendant, plus a slider. I had also designed 4 sets of earrings plus one very elaborate necklace shown.

I plan to use a small cluster of Peridot Stones inside each flower and I feel with the detail I have in the pedals...the stones will make the flower. Another stone suggestion would be garnet or pink quarts. If done in 14K or 18K, I would like to consider emeralds, rubies, or green tourmaline...all equally beautiful.

As always the first product being produced will be in sterling silver plus I really have my heart set on peridot in the center.

I skipped over the necklace and started on the Bracelet. It just popped into my head, no drawing this time but woke up and started sculpting on it this morning. I wanted a few buds, definitely some leaves but three dogwood flowers for sure.

Don & I will be picking out stones tonight. I have about 6 designs that I just completed and the next step is setting the stones. I know that I will be looking for 3 mm, 4mm and 5mm peridot for the center of each Dogwood.

Well the new pieces are starting to take shape and I would like to introduce my first pair of Dogwood Earrings with 5mm Peridot Cabs in the center. They are 3/4" from tip to tip.

I have chosen a few beautiful Gems such as Peridot, Citrine, Blue Topaz, and Garnets. On these I have used 5mm Peridot Cabs for the center of the Dogwood Flowers.

Update! The Dogwood bracelet below is a one-of-a-kind Dogwood Bracelet with three Garnets set into each dogwood flower. This bracelet set beautifully on your wrist.

If you love Dogwoods, this collection is a must!

This one-of-a-kind Dogwood Slider is one of the most beautiful pieces I have sculpted. The detail is amazing. If your not into Sliders, this beautiful piece can made into a pin.

I will list the Dogwood Collection on Etsy.com with additional pictures including the back of each. The workmanship of this collection is worth seeing.

Additional items will be added this weekend.

New Leaf Band

I'm so excited about making this ring!

It's not finished by any means but I positioned a cab I had on hand on top of the band between the leaves as a visual. I'm finding I'm having to do a lot of that especially when working with green & blue waxes.

The setting still has to be made but once I decide on the stone, then it's off to the casters.

I haven't decided on a stone yet but I'm toying with the idea of a topaz, but the list is endless.

...but if any of you have a good suggestion on a really cool stone that's about 6mm x 8mm...I'm all ears.

One thing I really like about this ring design are the weaved stems on the inside of the band and although most people will not see the inside of the ring, detail is a personal thing with me. I want to design the jewelry to look as if I went outside picked up 15 leaves and weaved them together for a ring.

So if you order this ring and your proud of it...take it off and show people the cool detail inside.

As of now it's about a size 7 and will be available in about two weeks.

Please e-mail me if you are interested in this ring.

And as always....thanks for taking the time to view my blog.

Finished! The London Blue Topaz, Garnet & Peridot are my absolute favorite but I did put a diamond up to this ring and it was absolutly beautiful and a 9mm x 7mm Oval Citrine would also look stunning!

New Cattleya Orchid Pendant, simple but elegant.

This is a small Cattleya Orchid Pendant but Oh! What a statement it makes.

I wear my orchid jewelry everywhere and what better way to do so, I love Orchids and I want the world to know it!

This pendant comes with a very nice 18" Sterling Silver 2mm Byzantine made in Italy.

Cost: $96.00 Now Back In Stock!

The pendant only can be ordered for $59.

Other items available are Pierced Earrings $89.00, as well as a Pin or Charm $59

Size: 7/8" wide by 1" high

Materials: Sterling Silver Weight: 8 grams

This is also available as a Charm in 14kt or 18kt

All Designs are Copyrighted 2007-2008

Sterling Silver Cattleya Pierced Earrings

These earrings are adorable. Only 7/8" across with the detail you would fine in the original Potinara Susan Fender Cattleya found on the front cover of the The World's Most Beautiful Orchids by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash.

These earrings have post for pierced ears.

8 total grams of silver

Cost $89

Now Back In Stock

New Cattleya Orchid Ring with tiny buds & leaves.

Potinara Susan Fender Cattleya Orchid Ring

There is so much character in this little ring. I hand sculpted this Orchid using the Lost Wax Method.

The Orchid is a Cattleya Orchid with 3 small buds with two tiny leaves to the left and two small leaves on the right.

This is ring is a size 6.5 but can be sized at no charge.

Weight 9 grams of Sterling Silver. Orchid Measures 7/8" wide

Available in 14kt & 18kt

Cost $85

Hand Sculpted Phalaenopsis Orchid Pendant

Phalaenopsis Orchid

From the Greek Phalaina (meaning "moth") and opsis (meaning "appearance")
I sculpted this Orchid from a book called "Growing Successful Orchids" by Mark Isaac-Williams. The orchids name is called P. "Little Hal" so it's only fitting that we give credit to the grower of this beautiful orchid and call it "Little Hal"

This pendant brings elegance to my new Orchid Collection.

This orchid is available in Sterling Silver although it can be ordered in 14kt or 18kt Gold. Pendant measures 1 1/4" x 1. 1/4"
The 18" Chain is a 2.6 mm Sterling Silver Byzantine Chain made in Italy.

I hand Sculpted each Orchid using the method called Lost Wax which allows me add the detail I want in each piece.
This Pendant can be purchase without the Chain.

Small Pendant: 1.25" Pendant with 18" Byzantine Chain

$145.00

This Pendant is available without the Chain.

Pendant Only Cost: $89.00

Click on link to purchase this piece or e-mail me to reserve one.

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/dawnv/item/SPCO-177

Exciting New Bangles Available Now

"Plantlets"

This is an adorable line that I have created for those who love Orchids as much as I do.

This idea came to me in the middle of the night, literally! I wanted to create a sleek line of Orchids jewelry. Well I thought, why not start in the beginning just like they grow.

Our first new Bangles consist of tiny leaves and orchid buds that intertwine creating a natural weave. The detail is consistant throughout my collection which gives my jewelry it's realistic beauty.

7.5" Sterling Silver Bangle

Each bangle is 27 grams of Sterling Silver

For more Information & prices, please click on the link below.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9711099

2007 Art Clay World Contest Piece and It's Reproduction

Japans's 2007 Art Clay Contest

I was told by a friend of mine about the Art Clay Contest being held in Japan and I thought I would give it a shot. I went to the art store, bought a couple of colored pencils & paper, curled up in my chair and started sketching. Evidently this design was in my head somewhere because I pulled it out and fine tuned it in one day. Some of my other designs had not been that lucky. I knew it was the perfect design for the Contest...It just felt right.






Being a porcelain artist it was only natural that I choose the Porcelain/Art Clay Fine Silver Overlay Paste Category but trust me, it would have been easier using all Art Clay Silver Clay.


The next day I started to draw the design on my steal bust. Working with porcelain was definitely going to be a challenge. I knew I would have a problem transferring the necklace to the kiln. The porcelain was an 1/8" in many spots with uneven weight. Not a challenge I was looking forward to. Another problem I saw with this piece once finished was warping. Porcelain is notorious for warping and here I had the worse case. I wasn't working with a flat piece, it had the bust curves which would not lay flat in the kiln.


To make a long story short, the first one broke and had to spend another 16 hours sculpting the second necklace and as far as the warping...I walked away from it for two weeks letting it air dry as much as possible and that worked.


Here is a bit of bad news though. Once it shipped to Japan, they really had no clue it was porcelain so when they removed it from it's stand...they broke it. So with it broken, there was no chance that it was going to win in anything. The good news was that Art Clay in Chicago professionally photographed it before they shipped it. So it was published unbroken in the 2007 Japan Catalog.

New Exciting News!

I have been asked to reproduce my 2007 Art Clay Contest Piece.

The request was made to reproduce the Orchid Necklace in sterling silver as a Limited Edition.

She has also requested the matching Orchid Bracelet, but I will also be making additional pieces to complete the Collection.

I have spent the last month sculpting wax parts for this necklace which consist of the Phalaenopsis Orchids shown below plus practicing on my buds and leaves for the big day and today is the day. I am so stoked about building this necklace.

Phalaenopsis Orchids are by far the hardest of all for me to sculpt especially in porcelain. They are such perfect little Orchids and with so many talented Orchid growers out there...I feel they have to be perfect!

The secret to my sculpting is simple...build the flower in layers. You first sculpt the dorsals, then the lateral sepals and then the petals and last, sculpt the lip or labellum.

You have to respect the uniqueness of this flower in my opinion to be able to reproduce it. Again, just my opinion but I think it helps.

I will be using my bust mandrel today and taking pictures throughout the process. My goal is to inspire someone to take out their porcelain, polymer or wax and make something...you might be surprised you have a wonderful talent like I did.

OK, this was a bit tough to do. I'm trying to stay true to the orchid design above but when I sculpted the original one in porcelain, I had to go heavier so that it wouldn't break. When you sculpt in wax (which will eventually be sterling silver) you can go much thinner. This unfortunately made my design a bit sparse.

So instead of 2 buds at the bottom tip of the cluster, I ended up having to add 4 buds plus a small leaf.

That same pattern had to follow all the way to the top of the cluster. Tomorrow I will continue with the left side of the cluster which will pull the design together.

Well it's Saturday and I have finished the left side of the Orchid necklace.

I've had to go ahead and put pieces on my mandrel so that I could make sure the pieces were flowing together. Unfortunately it makes taking photos more difficult plus the wax is dark green & blue so it's difficult to see all of the leaves and buds poking out from under the orchids but they are there.

Like the original design the buds intertwine between the leaves...it has turned out to be such a delicate design but yet this necklace makes a huge statement.

My next step will be designing the section around the neck. It will consist of sculpted leaves that can be lengthen or made shorter, depending on the person by adding or deleting leaves.

Well this is almost the last step for me before I cast all of the pieces in Sterling Silver.

The leaves will connect to each other around the neck and I'm in the process of designing the hook in the back. The original was a stiff necklace which is uncomfortable but the way this will go together will allow movement.

Custom Designs

How I start a Custom Design...

I'm in the process of designing a new Bangle for one of my clients. I was asked to design a new bangle based on one of my smaller bracelets sold in my Ruby Lane Shop. Here is the letter I received...

...This bracelet is wonderful, as are all of your designs. Can you give me an idea of what kind of ballpark $$ on having 2 and/or 3 of these made? I would like the sterling and differences in individual designs. I really like heaver jewelry.I would want you to choose the particulars of the appearance. I am not opposed to stones, patination, use of and inclusion of different metals, etc. Please forgive me for my endless questions and be assured that as this would be a purchase for my use, there would be no time constraints. Thank you for the help and I hope this is and will be a beautiful season for you.

Based on my original Leaf Bangle and her request, I designed this bangle for her. I was planning on 2 or 3 bangles like the one I designed to the right but each having their own unique design.

I like the design but was concerned about her width after further discussion. She was looking for a Bangle that was about 2" if not wider so I redesigned this bangle to one large bangle instead of three.

This (to the left) is just one bangle measuring 2.25" wide. I want to use several stones that sit next to the stems. Some of the stones that I'm considering 5 or 6 stones such as Citrine (yellow), Amethyst (purple), Topaz (blue), Tourmaline (Pink)

I would like to also incorporate 14K or 18k into this bracelet. Possible gold surrounding the stones.

But to get an accurate price, sometimes you have to spend a little more time on the piece. So I'll take you on one of my projects from start to finish.

At 9:45 am I started to lay out the stems for this bracelet. The process I use is called Lost Wax. I actually sculpt wax to make the piece. At 6:45 pm...this is what I had. It's only half finished but this will give me a good idea about the weight, cost and of course, how the bracelet will look once cast in Sterling Silver.

I have a lot of shipping to do today but I will continue to form this piece tomorrow so that I can get a weight from the wax to converted to the weight in silver.

I hope all of you find this interesting, I personally think it's all pretty amazing!

Hopefully I'll see you tomorrow! I will be starting another project at the same time. This is an amazing piece that has a wonderful story behind it.

Dawn

Latest Design - Cattleya Orchid Bracelet

When I sculpt my pieces I have half of design in my head and the other half comes out on the mandrel. This piece was no exception...I knew I wanted the Orchid at the very top but I knew I didn't want a typical design, totally symmetrical so I started on one side with two leaves, added my sculpted orchid and then to the right side of my orchid...

I added three tiny buds for new growth.

I hope you enjoy my sculpted designs and I always

appreciate your ideas, feedback or just to say hello.

Process: Lost Wax
Materials: Sterling Silver
Weight: 41 grams
Orchid Size: 2" x 2"

Hand Sculpted Cattleya Orchid Necklace

This is a beautiful hand sculpted Sterling Silver Orchid Pendant using the Lost Wax Method.

This is my signature Potinara Susan Fender Orchid found on the front cover of the book, The World's Most Beautiful Orchids put together by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash.

This Orchid caught my eye several years ago because of the velvet ripples in the lip or labellum and to me, it is the most beautiful orchid in the world. If you have time, Goggle the title and just look at the Orchid on the front cover...it's breathtaking.

I have added an 18" Sterling Silver 2.6mm Byzantine Chain which makes a beautiful statement on it's own.
It's just a beautiful piece and words can't describe the depth of detail that was added when sculpting this piece. Pictures do not do it justice.
Pendant Size: 2" wide x 2"

I have just finished the matching Ring, Earrings and two Bracelets to this Cattleya Orchid Collection.

Asymmetrical Leaf Necklace with Amethyst Stones

Words can't describe how elegant this piece is.

When sculpting this piece I was thinking of a leafy vein just curling around whatever was in it's path, so it gracefully curled around my byzantine chain.

My Leaf Design was made in Sterling Silver which makes the Amethyst Stones pop!

I used two hanging Amethyst Teardrop Briolette Beads plus a beautiful 10mm x 8mm Oval Royal Purple Amethyst at the top of my leaf design.

The 2.6 mm Byzantine Chain is 18" long and has a "S" hook in the back but it can also be adjusted lengthwise from the front. It has a clever little clasp that holds the chain in place.
10mm x 8mm Oval Royal Purple Amethyst & Amethyst Teardrop Briolettes (HT)

I will be sculpting matching earrings, bracelet and a ring all with Amethyst stones to match the necklace.

For more information about this Necklace, please e-mail.