Solstice

Winter is coming, when granite storm clouds can capture the sky. On other days, we’re transfixed by the beautiful silvery greys of the foggy northern California coast. Depending on the light, the waters of Tomales Bay can be brilliant blue, or barely blue, or somber gray. When we’re lucky, golden sunsets complete the day!

The starting base for these beads was dark grey clay. Then, inspired by winter on the Point Reyes Coast, I painted them with swashes of alcohol inks — blues and gold — and also with silver mica powder. (See below for a few photos from my painting and sanding sessions.) A coat of resin adds luminous reflection. Deep winter skies and water are mirrored in the twelve pairs of Solstice earrings shown below. Which is your favorite?