silver wire and gemstone jewellery in development by Gayle Bird
I actually don’t like commissions because I worry about them too much – and I’m also somewhat of a slacker and don’t want to disappoint people. But despite that, I took two commissions on a couple of weeks ago; oddly enough, they’re both with beachcombed materials.
It took a few tries to get these right. I definitely need to get back into the swing of things!
I think I burned myself out making things for my fall shows – I’ve made barely anything all winter. It’s time to ramp it back up, though! First up, getting this blog internal. It took some finagling, but I think I’m all set. Next, I’ll take and show you some photos of a few lower-end pieces I made to bring to the flea market in order to make some cash to get my wisdom teeth out (still recovering, ouch). These are things you’ll never see at my shows or galleries – but trust me, my gallery work is much more elaborate and fun. I really really needed cash. :) I’ve been off work for most of the week and I should have time today and this weekend to bring some of my plans to fruition. I hope to get back into production before Monday. Hey, I just realized I didn’t share photos of my other two shows in the fall. I think I just collapsed after the last one and haven’t yet recovered. First, Marconi. The sign is in the back in the corner, but I pulled it out front next to the stand-up area before the show started. 
I found my earring sales went up when I reduced the number on the table/stands. Also, people LOVED the loose agate slices, centre. Not sure if it was because they were loose or because they were centre. In any case, I didn’t do very well at this show and I won’t be doing it again. Next, Victoria Park. This is the only juried show we have, and it showed. I did much better than the other two shows, by far. I’ll be doing only this show from now on – and not just because of the numbers. The CBCCD is a godsend and I felt welcomed and supported. Well worth the extra booth cost. 
Finally, I had a call about a week after the show for a commission for a wifely xmas present, made with beach glass they picked up together: 
And now back to making my website more cohesive. Wish me luck!
My friend the lovely Elinor got me a great deal on some wholesale beads a few times; in return I promised her a couple of pieces with her materials. You’ve seen The Earth in the Night Sky already; here’s the second piece, with her gorgeous labradorite cabs.
A shot of the piece as a whole:
And tilted a bit to see some of the flash:
And finally, with my hand, for both scale (it’s huuuge) and to see some of the orange flash in the third piece:
I’m VERY pleased. I hope she is too!
I think I screwed up my camera settings; pictures keep coming out all grainy and I have to resize and de-noise and brighten and colour correct, and it’s no fun whatsoever. But! Look! A necklace that could be worn as a crown: 
And a commission for my friend Elinor, called “The Earth in the Night Sky”: 
One of a kind wire-wrapped jewellery handmade by Cape Breton artist Gayle Bird. Look for silver wire, labradorite, beach glass, gemstones, glass, beads, and a unique style.
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