Author Archives: marty

A Memorial Remembrance for John J. Chambers Crowell

John J Chambers Crowell passed away on May 13th, an hour into his 99th year. Santa Barbara News Press Obituary. May 2015, Because of our families schedule, we celebrate my father’s 98th birthday a week early.  On Friday morning, May … Continue reading

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The Art of Jacob’s Ladder

This post has little to do with design unless you consider mastering the climbing of Jacob’s Ladder an art. And what is a Jacob’s Ladder you ask? According to Wikipedia, Jacob’s Ladder is the “colloquial name for a bridge between the earth and heaven that … Continue reading

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Reunite Gondwana Land

My father, John C. Crowell passed away on May 13th, 2015. He was a remarkable man, a renowned geologist and a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather. His grandson, John Bobroskie will inherit his sterling silver Gondwana Land Belt Buckle. … Continue reading

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Grandfather’s Clock

I was fortunate that as a child my parents read to me.  My father read to me from the Jungle Book, Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island,  just to name a few. My mother read me what was age appropriate beginning … Continue reading

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2015 Maker Faire Inspiration

Here are a few photos of this years Maker Faire. We hope to participate next year!

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Chameleons – Super Heros of the Old World Lizard Clade.

Chameleons are just about the coolest animal on this planet. They have super powers and can make themselves invisible and look in two directions at once!  They have ballistic tongues that project with incredible speed and impact to catch prey; … Continue reading

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Sensei – Star, Shining in our Hearts

Our guardian dog, Sensei-Star, passed away this April, 2015. Sensei-Star kept us company both in the studio and in the office and watched over Alisha and her family in her off duty hours.             Alisha … Continue reading

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Marty’s Frogs Hop to Shedd Aquarium

Many of you know that nature is my greatest design inspiration. I have traveled to jungles and rain forests, archipelagos, coral reefs, deserts, plains and mountains. Spotting a heard of elephants or a pride of lions in Africa is exciting but … Continue reading

Posted in Jewelry, Museums and Shows, Nature | 2 Comments

Baja Inspiration

Many of you know that traveling is a passion of mine and Baja is one of my favorite destinations. As the daughter of a field geologist, I spent much of my childhood camping in both the deserts of Southern California … Continue reading

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Paradise Lost

Lost wax casting is a challenging and often an uncertain process.  I spent two full days carving the original wax for my Bird of Paradise Pendant but unfortunately the wax did not cast completely. The photo below right is of … Continue reading

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