Erica Freestone: 2014

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Double Stone Rings (Lately Post)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Sometimes a stone comes along and there is absolutely no need to design anything around it in metal. The stone itself is so stunningly beautiful on its own that anything more would take that away.

This raw, lightly tumbled chrysocolla is one of those stones.

What you may not know is that before I began my path as a metalsmith, I was on an explorative path in the science of geology. Rocks just get to me. The fact that the earth makes something like this over thousands, millions, of years is mind boggling and just...incredible.

This is one of those pieces where that comes out in full force. Where the coincidence (or destiny? Fate?) of my last name, Freestone, is kind of brought to the surface, put on display, to examine and wonder about, much like this beautiful rock.

So, this necklace. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211683050/held-raw-chrysocolla-rock-gemstone-prong?ref=shop_home_feat_4

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Free Crochet Boot Cuff Pattern (because sometimes I make things other than jewelry!)

You really can't go wrong by adding a pair of boot cuffs to any outfit. Boot cuffs are great because they give the appearance of a knee-length sock without the bulk. They are designed to peek out of the top of the boot, and they are fairly quick to make! Pair them with a long tunic top, some leggings, and your favorite pair of boots and you've got a great accessory for casual chic days.

Supplies:

1. 1 ball of yarn (pictured from top to bottom: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in oatmeal, Lion Brand Heartland Tweed in mount rainer tweed, and Lion Brand Heartland Terror in mammoth cave)

2. Crochet hook, size appropriate for your yarn (I used a size G for the top two and a size J for the bottom cuffs)

3. Tapestry needle

4. Scissors

Abbreviations:

Ch: Chain

St: Stitch

Sl: Slip Stitch

Sp: Space

Dc: Double Crochet

2dc: Work two double crochet in same stitch

Sc: Single Crochet

BLO: Back Loop Only (creates that great line texture)

Pattern:

(Please note that each yarn has a different weight and depending on the crochet hook size you use as well as the circumference of your calf you may need more or less stitches than this pattern. You might have to experiment a bit but this is the general pattern. This symbol * indicates where you may need to alter the number of stitches. Also, I came up with this pattern in my head, but please know that it very likely exists somewhere else.)

Chain 16*. (*This amount of first chains will determine the majority of the length or height of your boot cuffs. You may need or want more or less than 16)

Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts)

Row 2-40*: (working in BLO) Sc in next st; repeat from across. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts) (*This initial number of BLO Sc will be dependent on your calf size and yarn/crochet hook size. I recommend measuring against your calf as you go along to get a great customized fit.)

Fold piece in half with short ends together. Sl ends together to close.

NOTE: You will begin working in rounds from this point on.

Ch 1 and turn piece inside out so that the seam is on the inside. Work 40 sc stitches evenly around edge of cuff. Join to first st. (40 sts)

Ch 2. 2dc in same st, sc 1 st, repeat around. Join. Slip stitch in next st, slip stitch in next space. (20 dc groups)

Join and fasten off.

And you're done! Slip them over your favorite black leggings and zip up those cute boots and call it a day! Enjoy.

This post was written independently; I am not affiliated with or paid in any capacity by the above mentioned brand of yarn.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Recent Work

http://ericafreestone.etsy.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Thank You; (Growth):

Thank you for being here.

This month marks my 8th year anniversary of working professionally in this industry.

As a kid, I never thought that one day I would call myself a jeweler. I have to tell you, though, it is one of the most wonderful, awe-inspiring, challenging, and exciting things I have ever done with my life, and every day I become more and more enamored with what I do.

It is not always easy; some projects are much harder than I expect, some months are much slower than others. Still I truck on, and still I love every little bit of it.

So that's why I want to thank you THANK YOU thank you for being here, for supporting me, for encouraging me, for being my customers, for cheering me on. Many of you have watched me grow from the very beginning, and I am so grateful for you. Many of you have never met me in person, and I am honored you have found me and like my work enough to 'like' me on Facebook and follow my blog. Many of you have purchased something from me--the biggest version of the message of 'keep doing what you're doing'!

So, thank you. You guys rock. :)

Much love,

Erica

Monday, June 2, 2014

Obsessed. With. Rings.

May, June 2014

Forever obsessed with rings. Newest additions to the collection.

(and as always, each lovingly handmade entirely from scratch)

Available at www.ericafreestone.com or http://ericafreestone.etsy.com

Monday, May 5, 2014

New Little Darlings

New to my online store at ericafreestone.etsy.com are two darling rose cut sapphire rings. One in a stunning bright pink, the other in a lemony pineapple yellow. Both can be offered as unique engagement rings, a gift to Mom (Mother's Day is May 11th), or as a gift to yourself. Happy May, dear friends!

Sunday, April 27, 2014

// R U G G E D \\

I'm so excited to announce the release of my new // Rugged \\ collection of wedding bands and stacking rings.

$// Rugged \\ by Erica Freestone$

// Rugged \\ Set of two. Sterling Silver and 14kt Yellow Gold Stacking Band Set
https://www.etsy.com/listing/187742849/rugged-set-organic-textured-14-kt-yellow?ref=shop_home_feat_1

As I set out to plan a new series, the image of a woman on a mountain top kept surfacing for me. She stands, overlooking a valley, above a hazy grey stream, her long dark hair licking the wind while she stands in profile among the tall golden grasses. As this dream kept coming back to me I imagined the kind of ring that might represent her, this rugged yet graceful woman on the mountain. The kind of ring she might like to wear. For me the answer was something simple yet not meticulous, unique and individual, a touch spontaneous yet thoughtful and selective.

// Rugged \\

Inspired by nature's imperfect perfection, each ring is individually carved in wax--no two are alike as I use no mold--giving each its own unique character and individuality. I then cast in house in limited quantities in my home gallery at Sun Studios.

I just listed the sterling silver, 14 kt yellow gold, and the set of both up on my etsy site and am working hard at listing the dark blue sapphire crescent moon later this afternoon.

The collection is slowly growing and evolving, and I will be adding diamonds and more flush set faceted stones as options for these unique and easy-to-fall-in-love-with rings. I am currently in the process of creating a men's band to match in a wider width, and will be setting a delicious row of 1pt diamonds in the 14kt yellow band.

I would love any ideas on how to grow the collection--what do YOU want to see as part of it? Please share, inquire, daydream, and imagine.

As always, I'm hoping this update finds you all well, healthy, loved and loving, creative, and full of wonder for this beautiful world that surrounds us.

Sincerely,
Erica

Erica Freestone on Etsy
www.ericafreestone.com

$// Rugged \\ by Erica Freestone$