Surfacing for air

Posted on December 29, 2011 by marty

This has been a very, very busy month. I’ve had my busiest online holiday season ever. My elves and I have been shipping frenetically for the past several weeks. We were able to pack and ship most orders within a day and often the same day as receiving the order. Unfortunately, the US Postal Service also had a record season and we had some anxious moments tracking packages. God bless the postal workers for their hard work.

I’ve also done my personal Christmas shopping and wrapping; sent out most of the family year end holiday letters; cooked a holiday turkey meal and left the day after Christmas to visit my 94 year old father in Montecito for a few days. I got back yesterday and celebrated my son’s 19th birthday. Out of town guests will be here tonight for a few days.

If I haven’t been able to answer everyone’s email in a timely manner, forgive me.

I thank you for your support and patronage which allows me to indulge myself in my art.

Marty

Marty Christmas 2011

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Surfacing for air

Customer requests: add jewels to large octopus pendant

Posted on December 11, 2011 by marty

A woman ordered my large octopus pendant for a dive trip to the Dominican Republic but she wanted it customized. I e-mailed her numerous photos of gemstones and we chose this array of stones for her Treasure Octopus Pendant. A stunning Ethiopian Opal dangles freely from the bottom curve of a tentacle and a flaming orange Mexican Opal hangs from an upper tentacle. Bezel set peridot, citrine, and pink tourmaline complete the piece.

Here’s what we created.

octopus pendant with jewelsOctopus pendant with jewels back side

Posted in customer requests, Jewelry, Stones | 2 Comments

Customer requests: draw a dragon and brave knight on the box.

Posted on December 10, 2011 by marty

Shipping for the holidays, this request came in: “Draw a dragon on the box being killed by a brave knight on the box, please.” My husband, Art, quickly drew this:

knight_slaying_dragon

What I don’t understand is the design we were shipping in the box was not one of my dragon designs or my knight in shining armor but an Octopus Ear Cuff. ??

Posted in customer requests, Jewelry | 2 Comments

All Or Nothing – 11-11-11 Wedding

Posted on November 22, 2011 by marty

Phoenix - Dragon Tiara

There were many things that could have gone wrong with this project, but all of the planets were in alignment and the tiara came out beautifully. I shipped it to my clients with a week to spare and Art and I flew to Las Vegas to attend the wedding.

Out of respect for my clients, I am not posting photos of the wedding, but it was a unique and magical event.  The ceremony took place at 11:00 A.M. on 11/11/11; a melding of Hard Rock, Elvis, Star Trek and the Renaissance.  It was an all day event with fabulous food and drink, karaoke and good-company. Seeing the tiara crowning the bride was the culmination of months of work and it was great fun to be in Vegas for a few days.

Full Moon over Paris

Full Moon over Paris

 

 

 

 

Posted in Travel, Wedding | 1 Comment

The Silver Corset – part 2

Posted on October 26, 2011 by marty

silver corset

We met tonight with V. for the second fitting of her metal corset cover; soon to be created in solid sterling silver and embellished with golden dragons, flames and jewels. The initial stage of the production is in the talented hands of Michael Leeds, who is tailoring the aluminum prototype to fit V’s curvacious contour. Continue reading →

Posted in Design projects | Tagged , | 4 Comments

The Phoenix Dragon Tiara – Stage 4

Posted on October 18, 2011 by marty
Phoenix Dragon Tiara

Phoenix Dragon Tiara

This elaborate tiara comission is nearing completion.  After months of sculpting the wax, sweating over the price of precious metal, and agonizing over the logistics of casting such a complex project, magic has happened.  All that remains to be completed is the setting of the three opals. They are loosly positioned in place for the photo. Continue reading →

Posted in Design projects, Stones | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Octopi Wall Street

Posted on October 15, 2011 by marty

Octopi Wall StreetWhy, with all the media coverage, is no one is reporting this? I rather miss the vintage movies of giant sea monsters attacking New York.

 

 

 

 

Continue reading →

Posted in Jewelry, Nature | Comments Off on Octopi Wall Street

Good Times at the Maryland Renaissance Faire

Posted on October 3, 2011 by marty

I’ve just returned from the Maryland Renaissance Faire.  A good time was had by all and good times will continue weekends through October 22-23!  Both the participants and Faire attendees dress for the occassion, celebrating the season.  Wonderful crafts abound and music and pagentry surrounds!

         

 

Posted in Museums and Shows, Travel | Tagged | Comments Off on Good Times at the Maryland Renaissance Faire

Going to the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Posted on September 19, 2011 by marty

Its time again for me to journey east to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, one of the largest period festivals in the country. I will be attending this weekend, September 24 & 25. It’s my tradition to have my hair braided, Saturday morning, before the faire opens.  With my hair up, my ear cuffs and ear wraps stand out and I enjoy wearing the colorful costumes that I have assembled over many years; except perhaps the final tight lacing of the bodice.  I have had a permanant booth at the festival for 30 years and the fair has grown and expanded around me.  If you are attending the faire this weekend, please be stop by to visit!

Posted in Museums and Shows | Tagged | Comments Off on Going to the Maryland Renaissance Festival

The Snakes of Urban Outfitters

Posted on September 2, 2011 by marty

Bloginity has just posted an article about Urban Outfitters Snake Ear Cuff “similarity” to the Marty Magic Snake Ear Cuff. It’s called “Looking For A Steal? Try The Snakes of Urban Outfitters“. It’s a good article. I am disappointed that a major American corporation would behave this way.  I am not opposed to products made overseas, but design piracy is wrong.

I would much rather be designing than litigating. –Marty

Posted in Jewelry | Tagged | 4 Comments