This is one of my favorite times of year in the Mohave Desert, when the skies are bursting with Painted Lady butterflies.
These lovely creatures are reminiscent of the Monarch, but typically smaller and more delicate.
The first photo shown here of a Painted Lady in Lake Havasu was taken by my friend and photographer, Ed Earley.
About a week ago I was making my daily drive to the mailbox (I live in a rural desert area) and there were so many of these gorgeous butterflies that I was plowing through them in my little VW Beatle, and smacked quite a few of them with the car. By the time I reached the mailboxes I was feeling kind of melancholy that I had shortened the life span of some of these ethereal butterflies...which is already only about 2 weeks anyway. On my return trip, I had a mini-revelation that if I just slowed down a bit, I could change the outcome for these exquisite creatures. I drove just a little bit slower on the way home, and practiced dodging butterflies...and I didn't hit a single one. It was again another reminder that slowing the pace and being mindful can change the outcome of so many experiences.
In tribute to the fabulous beauty and design of the ephemeral butterfly, I created this Cloisonne' enamel pendant, set with a bi-color green/gold Citrine. You can view this piece at our Etsy Store:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23435658
The Butterfly
Sparkling Satsuma
This playful, modern art cloisonne' pendant was created by firing a combination of vivid transparent enamels in about 20 layers onto textured fine silver. The center swirl dominates with a beautiful mandarin orange color, along with a blend of deep smoke, turquoise, aqua and golden brown. This piece is set with a stunning 29.48 ct. Satsuma Orange Spessartite Garnet (lab-grown) which brings a bold panache to this eye-catching beauty. Certain to capture lots of compliments, this heirloom pendant was made to be enjoyed for a lifetime. You can see find this piece and others at our online store. Come check us out at...
Mayan Echo
This cloisonne' enamel pendant was inspired by an ancient Mayan glyph design. The colors are a rich and luminous combination of gold, spring green, turquoise, cobalt & black, set against a shadowy background reminiscent of the night sky. This piece was created by firing about 30 layers of transparent enamel onto textured fine silver. It is set with a brilliant 24.20 ct. Golden Citrine. This really is a jaw-dropping heirloom art pendant; created to be enjoyed for a lifetime. You can see find this piece and many others at our online store. Come check us out at...