Friday, October 30, 2009

New York-New York...You're still on my mind....



Been home over 3 weeks now and it's been a blur. Busy with all things Renee Blackwell Design. Very, very busy. But I am well aware that the other option is...well...not busy and for me and my jewellery business that would not be a good thing. So, I fly to Sydney for 2 whirl-wind days....spend lots and lots of time at Harmony House my studio, and wake at 5 am ready to go!


(It's Friday again and time for a posting...I try to make weekly postings happen on a Friday-Thursday for my American readers!)


So, let's talk NEW YORK CITY...I adore that city! Spent 10 days there less than a month ago and I'm already ready to go back...wanna' join me?


Saw the delightful and amazing Carrie Fisher in a one woman show called: "Wishful Drinking" she was a total hoot! Laughed my lips off...

Also saw Isabella Rossellini at a giant bookstore where she was doing a book signing and talking about her new mini-series called: :"Green Porn0..." Awesome. She was just so, so, so.......sigh, lovely!
What I loved about both women is they are in their 50's and 60's and still going strong...still working their craft in their own unique ways. They were both very famous and in the limelight for many years in their own right...but all these years later with that fickle light of fame fading, they are doing the Nike... "just doing it"...

Stayed at a great spot called "Country Inn the City", on West 77th...great location and great digs...

That's just a tiny taste...the feast of New York goes on and on...

Have a grand week!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Red.



As I looked thru' my photo's from Paris, I find many have the colour red as a focus...in this posting are a few fun and random shots for your
red moments...Most of these were taken thru' the windows of shops as I walked by. (Except for the amazing red, round sofa which is in the Louve)


Love the chicks red hair, red beads and red dress...it works in my book!











One of my own designs featuring a stunning red stone....
Sterling silver with Vintage German glass "Siam Red" era 1940's...
by Renee Blackwell Design

Friday, October 16, 2009

Cedar Creak Dreaming....


A year ago, I designed a collection of beaded necklaces called "Cedar Creek Dreaming", partly based on the colours and feel of this beautiful creek.
These were on offer at an Exhibition I was involved in at Holdens Gallery in Maleny. (Holdens continues to stock a wide range of my work...)

I bring this up now, because with summer upon us, (here in Australia) the creek has so many beautiful colours, smells, animals and feeling to offer. I cross this creek every single day on my way to Harmony House, my design studio and I always see or experience something different! A plant in flower, a bird or bird call or just a change of colour in the water.
When we first moved to this property nearly 11 years ago, I discovered we have Platypus living in the clean, beautiful waters of Cedar creek, directly in front of our home. I have since grown to love these unusual and amazing creatures.

Trivia:A baby platypus is called a "puggle."
Here are a few shots of necklaces from the "Cedar Creek Dreaming" collection and a few shots of the creek itself!





Life is Rich and Full...






Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fashion Friday....Beautiful!



Renee Blackwell Design Jewellery on Model:
Single drop pendant of inlay Pau Shell and Onyx, set in sterling silver.


This past Friday, I had the pleasure of participating in "Fashion Fridays" at the Wyne Bar Restaurant in Maroochydore, where my jewellery was featured along with the latest fashions from Gingers Boutique, in Buderim.
(Gingers has carried my jewellery for a number of years now, and is an exceptional boutique)
What fun to see my creations presented on fabulous professional models! The event was partly to raise money for the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation and I am happy to say we donated 10% of the days jewellery sales to this valuable local cause.

Also featured at the fashion event, was a delightful range of clothing from new sunshine coast designer Simone Leete called "MiMi First"
Check it out, either on line or at Gingers Boutique...you'll love the concept and quality AND designs as much as I do!

About MiMi FiRST® Fashion Clothing for Real Women
MiMi FiRST® offers women quality fashion essentials. The easy care wardrobe basics are available for re-order forever and always. MiMi FiRST is not dictated by seasonal trends, providing the client with functional styles which are feminine and have a reliable fit. The collection is updated with the introduction of new colours and styles while the original collection will always remain.

by the way....hot pink hi-lights in my text are hot links to sites and more information....






Monday, October 5, 2009

Glass-Colour-Light...Stained Glass Beauty!


All round Paris I found beautiful stained glass windows...from the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, the Louve or just walking the streets. I love glass and colour and light, which is why I find stained glass so lovely and uplifting. I think you can easily see how this inspires my jewellery designs. These stained glass photo's are just random shots as I walked the streets and museums.
Colour thru' light....beautiful and magic!

I'm looking forward to working with bold, primary colours in the near future...cobalt blue, fire-red and sunshine yellow....




Find out more about stained glass....























Sunday, October 4, 2009

Inspiration and Thoughts from 3 Weeks of Travel...













Important...Start every day off in Paris with a strong Espresso...or two!



How to best distill 3 weeks of non-stop travel, sights, inspiration, people, places and events?
Photo’s for a start….many stories to follow in future postings! btw...am I inspired? YES!!!