A shoe store like no other

11124 Old Seward Highway  Anchorage, AK (907) 929-0555

Romance is in the ear                                                             Inez Dunn©2017

Mark your calendar now for Saturday September 16, 2017, Noon to 3:00 at ShuzyQ.  All new jewelry designs in an array of hand-mixed patinas from rich coco to vert de gris and this beautiful oscar winning red (shown above.)  More to come...

Fall again and again...                                          Inez Dunn©2017                       

September Sale

Sail On Through                                                                                 Inez Dunn©2016

Hello Friends,
Its fall! And I'm having one of those great sales events...I have curated much of the old and many new jewelry items all just for you! Click on the jewelry tab at the top of the page and view the amazing assortment of one of a kind earrings. Earrings for any and every occasion, plus there are necklaces all artistically fashioned, all unique and will compliment any fall outfit. There is still much more I need to do but, I'm having a blast with the updated look of this blog, and it is my hope you will enjoy the layout and selections just the same. There is more to come, please keep coming back and please share this site with a friend.

Questions, Custom Designs, email me at:   inad123@yahoo.com

Flutter Away

 

Free to Fly                                                                      Inez Dunn ©2016


Butterflies are mysterious and fascinating creatures. They gracefully appear out of no where, silent and meditative and then disappear with as much ease as when they arrived. With spring nearly upon us images of butterflies are popping-up everywhere. From towel linens to purses, barrettes, and even jewelry pieces like the ones I created in the photo below. Instead of coming-up roses, spring is now trending with all things, four winged. Naturally, I became a bit curious and immediately sat down at my computer using the free movement of  the mouse as my pen and brush, and began to pursue my own interpretation of this magical insect. And then you could say, I caught the bug! (Pun intended). After I drew and playfully rendered my first butterfly drawing I was soon on to creating many more butterflies with various filters and elements. (As seen above).  In Alaska there are as many as 80 species of butterflies, and in a rare and recent discovery the golden Tanana Arctic butterfly was just added to Alaska's growing butterfly list. So maybe today's mantra could be in the musings of the famed Cassius Clay he said,"Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee", and although I'll never be a boxer...this artist will walk away happily from this months post, lighter and inspired almost like I'm floating, just like a butterfly!

Gifting

Bejeweled                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2015

December is the season for gifts. Bells are ringing, lights are beaming, and those shiny red cans of sharing are everywhere. Children can't wait to open their gifts, and many adults spend countless hours shopping, buying and wrapping gifts with a shared solidarity that represents our celebration of the coming holidays. Gifts remember can and should come in all forms of the imagination, and sometimes the most unexpected gifts have a history all there own...I'm referring to material things, things we all have excess of or items, objects that we no longer use can become ideal gifts for Homeless Shelters, Women's Organizations, and even agencies that care and provide for our furry friends.  For instance maybe you have a winter coat that you haven't worn in years, or maybe you have too many winter scarves like me! Recently, close friends of mine experienced a burglary in their home. Not only is this kind of invasion a complete violation of privacy, it is an assault of trespass in the most sacred of space. Unsure of what these mindless thieves were after,  electronics were taken and jewelry, clothing? towels,? blankets? and food? (Broccoli from the refrigerator!) Come-on!
So when I heard about all the missing jewelry from this mother and daughter well, I did what any jeweler would do, I emptied out my messy and unorganized jewelry box and scooped-up dozens of my old earrings, necklaces and bracelets and I gladly gave them. What is different about this gift is that these old adornment pieces of mine all have a story. Like a bracelet I really loved at one time but over the years I seldom wore. Or a dangling pair of earrings I made for a special occasion and at the last minute decided they didn't look right on me. So, maybe this last post of 2015 isn't really about the giving of gifts, maybe I'm writing more from the heart on the subject of just giving. Giving because you want to and giving because you can. Maybe today you'll look into your own jewelry box, coat closet, or that top shelf in the garage over-flowing with usable hats and gloves. Maybe you'll wrap up something nicely and hand it to someone standing near a shiny metal can happily, willingly ringing a bell. Season's Greeting to all!!

Seashells

"She Sells"                                                                                                          Inez Dunn©2015

Seashells and summer are a perfect pair! Whether your a collector or a casual observer most of us are fascinated by seashells.  Shells of all sorts carry a varied history, and it all dates back to around the
16th and 17th century, when keen eyes discovered their possible and potential value. Shells for their beauty and intrinsic value suddenly became the island trader's sole source commodity. Its said that the Dutch were among the first patrons to be captivated, although many may argue it was the elite of Paris society. Regardless, the new world was soon introduced to the decorative possibilities of shells, not only for ornamental pleasures but atlas to adorn oneself from head to toe. Craftsman from notable factories began designing extraordinary jewelry created from natural pearls and Mother of Pearl. Soon the world was hooked by the dazzling array and the shiny allure seashells provide. By the 1940's in this country plastic imitations were a dime a dozen, why every grandmother had at least several chokers, bracelets, and earrings all crafted so brilliantly that they closely mimicked the real thing.
Today, shell jewelry is the iconic symbol that represents summer, its worn casually and seriously with all attire. Maybe today before you head out the door, throw on that pearl necklace or a pair of dangling shell earrings, remember its the perfect pairing to summer!

Falling for beaches

My Kachemak Bay                                                                                                                            Inez Dunn©2014

Just 13 days ago winter arrived on the southern Kenai peninsula. And for the last few weeks winter disappeared and fall showed-up again. Late fall is definitely my favorite season with its stripped appearance and calm gesture. Of course the rain came too...but now the beaches are swept clean from those winter storms and now is the best time for collecting agates, fossils, and everything else kind of treasures.

The ebb & flow of things                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2014

         

Alaska's beaches are rugged and active geologically. Land mass spills from the bluffs and adds to the thick glacial clay layers. Large tides take away the sandy soil and reveal huge rocks & boulders not present before. Happy fall again, and get out and do some beach combing today. Life is beautiful!

Alaskan Beach Agates                                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2014                  

Alaskan Agate Pendants with 14kt Gold & Copper                                                                                Inez Dunn©2014

September Sunday

Sun Daze                                                                                                Inez Dunn©2013

Its fall my friends and the days are filled with sumptuous colors. The once verdant and alive leaves and grasses are now toasty and brittle. And the crispness in the air influences all flora to change color.
Here in Alaska, the fall season is the bumper before the snow whispers on in. From the mountain ranges to the seashore Alaska is awash in fall colors although, muted compared to say the east coast.
The hues of burnt sienna, umber and rust paint this great state before winter arrives. So, speaking of colors and change in the air...now is the time to exchange your summer jewelry & accessories for bigger and bolder bracelets, necklaces, earrings and the like. Heavier metals, brighter beads, and even clay jewelry! (I'll be reporting more on the latter in next months post). Note: the ring necklace above
is exactly what I'm talking about. To learn more pick-up this months issue of the magazine Belle Armoire Jewelry at: http://www.bellearmoire.com and learn how I made the "Rings True" necklace. And if that weren't enough make sure you go out and bask in the celebration of fall!
Happy fall to all!!!

IRS

"Resin  Ates"                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2013

 

IRS

Long before I decided to blog, I made a list of subjects that I would and would not write about. Politics and taxes definitely taboo. But something in his week’s news struck a cord with me it was about the IRS and its need for transparency. For years I have been meaning to write about the IRS, no not that IRS, but rather mine: Inez’s Resin Situation. What is my situation? I’ll tell you. I have tried almost all the resin products out there, and my results have been more about tragedy than triumph. Now, if your still reading this and scratching your head, I’m talking about the gooie substance derived from plants that when mixed with other chemicals is poured over stuff to cause preservation. The subject of resins and their applications is quite broad, and when you get into the whole chemistry behind hardener and catalyst well; that requires a chapter of a blog post all unto itself. You see the whole reason that the IRS thing and transparency resonates is because resin too requires clarity; it has to be transparent to work in jewelry design in order for the entire concept to be fully understood. Working with resin requires a complete adherence to preparation, and most importantly a really warm environment, like 70 degrees+.  Living in Alaska, the whole temperature thing presents a bit of a problem, but I haven’t given –up. Okay now, back to my situation I have set-up numerous bezels all with different resin products. And I will reveal my latest findings in next Sunday’s post. And because I am not a spokes person for any of these products I will not be naming names only results-but if you need specifics please send me an email and I will answer your questions. I may have heard a collective sigh that seemed to reverberate through the blogo-spere? Hey, I’m simply applying the same conventions that all mystery writers adhere to: Suspence works, Baby! So just wait patiently for next week. All things considered, perhaps implementing a bit of transparency in ones life isn’t such a bad thing, I mean being seen for who you really are is actually a good thing but being fully understood well that’s really powerful stuff. Save that for the next time you need some sense of accountability, whether dealing with yourself or the other IRS. Until next Sunday think clarity, clarity, clarity. Ah!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

"She's a Classic"                                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2013

Today was Mother’s Day. I say, “was” because if you’re reading my post, the local time is now midnight. As a tribute to Mother’s day I decided I would focus on the individual attributes that make each mom unique in her own way. No two moms are alike, nor are her children. All moms vary in temperament, some moms are sunny, some are overcast and some moms vacillate in and out of the storm. And although most of us complain about our mom’s, I believe its equal to the amount of love we have for them. Basic biology, if it weren’t for our moms, we wouldn’t be here. Now, when it comes to gift giving for mom or any female in your life, there are a few simple rules, especially when jewelry is the gift your selecting; get it right and you’ll remain in good standing at least until next year. Below I have created a quick stylistic reference that will make buying jewelry a lot easier, keep you stress-free about any last minute purchases, and save on your pocket book. Okay, I can’t guarantee the “pocket-book thing, but read on…

1. She’s a “Classic”, tailored, career oriented, disciplined, older, retired, almost organized but, fussy about her individual self.

Go for anything pearls, pins; post earrings, crystal jewelry that is singular in design. Nothing-pretentious here, select jewelry that is straightforward, and as individual as she is.

2. She’s a “Newbie”, eclectic, diverse, independent, modern, younger, multitasked and family oriented. Her style choices are mixed and matched.

Go for avante-guard pieces, standout necklaces that have vintage touches, leather bracelets, and earrings that are long. Handmade, and local is important here.

3. She’s “Bubbly”, bold, boisterous, and put-together, fashion forward, attention to detail about her looks, and presentation. She’s at her best at shopping malls, and knows value when she sees it.

Go for color, color is key here when making a jewelry selection. Anything beaded, chunky necklaces in multistrands, playful charms, and busy bracelet designs. Neon or florals set the tone and will work well.

4. She’s a “Team Player” jeans and sweatshirt; innovative, creative, retrospective, family comes first. Her idea of a vacation is alone time with a good book.

Go with dainty earrings, necklaces that are streamline and on a chain. For this pick it is important that if you choose metal it be matched to her wedding ring, or wristwatch. These considerations will ensure the jewelry won’t be in conflict, and she’ll feel more comfortable wearing it.

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, new, old, happy, and even cranky thank you for all you do and especially for your love. Hmm, now what to get for Dad?

"She's a newbie"                                                                                                   Inez Dunn©2013

 

 

"She's Bubbly"                                                                           Inez Dunn©2013

         "She's a Team Player"                                                                 Inez Dunn©2013
All jewelry photographs, creations, and designs are handmade by Inez Dunn.

April Is National Poetry Month

Waxing Poetically                                                                                                                           Inez Dunn©2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April is national poetry month

The month of April begins with fools, midway it’s all about taxes, and toward the end of the month a day is set aside for celebrating planet Earth. But did you know April is also national poetry month? So, after paying my taxes, which I really did, I set aside time revisiting my old poetry books. Among the dust and crinkled book jackets were Whythe, Hass, and Sexton, not what you were expecting, but then again I’m not your standard poetry groupie. When I read a poem I am always fascinated by its structure and the deliberate placement of active verbs and phrases. I also admire the poet who can successfully convert dreamy imagery into descriptive words, words that are placed so artfully that they evoke all the senses.  Poetry is a very personal and contemplative craft, much like jewelry design. In jewelry design components such as beads and findings create their own rhyme and rhythm simply by their arrangement. I consider color, texture, and theme and how the elements relate or create harmony together. With poetry its similar, the writer has to convey a message, disguised cleverly in the artful arrangement of words. The entire process can be a bit complicated, but who needs that? In summary, the written poem and the beaded necklace must achieve unity in order to be understood successfully.

That’s a simpler way of saying it… so my friends, find a poem somewhere, read it, savor it, then pass it on. And mark your calendar for April 22, to give thanks to mother Earth. Thank her for the ground you walk on, thank her for the air you breathe, and be grateful for the human perseverance in all of us that seeks out harmony, unison, and poetry wherever it may be found.