Okay.  Off into 2012 we go! 

What a way to start a year!  On January 1st we received a request to work with a store called "Sip Sip" in Harbour Island in the Bahamas, then on the 4th, we received a request to work with an incredible, highly rated, beach resort in Placencia, Belize called Robert's Grove.! 

After thinking it through for a minute, we decided that it might be best to personally deliver at least one of them!  And I've never been to Belize... And I wanted to get away for a few days to recover from the insanity of the holidays...  So off to Belize we went.  And it was beautiful!  Click here to take a look.

But now I'm back and it's back to reality.  Which is just fine with me.  I have lots of new ideas popping up in my head that I want to evolve into new pieces.  It's so fun to be inspired!

In case you're new to on u... Here's a little bit about what we're all about...

I wake up every morning with ideas bouncing around in my head that I just need to get out...  Quite often, I awake in the middle of the night and find a pen in my hand... drawing. writing.. knotting... playing... creating...  I can't stop...  I don't want to stop... Why should I?  It's why I do what I do... and I can't think of anything else.   I don't want to know why.  It just comes naturally ... I'm destined by it.  I don't think there's anything wrong with that.  Is there?  

I really hope not... Because if there is.  I'm in really big trouble.

I'm proud to offer a truly authentic and exquisite eco-chic line of handcrafted jewelry that is created by hand, with glass, semi-precious and vintage findings that is fashion forward... Everything is made right here in Richmond, Virginia. And I'm very, very proud of that.

My designs embrace, and many highlight, classic, antique or funky vintage buttons and findings that have been inspired by my every day perspective on life, whether it's from here, or from afar.  I've been weaving many findings from India, London and Portugal (some are from 1000 BC) into my designs. And also materials that I've found in little markets in Sangiovese, Greve, and stops along the way throughout the Chianti region of Tuscany which I visited not too long ago.

The thing that really distinguishes my line of handcrafted jewelry is the knotting.  I could never just string a strand and be done with it.   I take the time to create elaborate knot patterns through intricate hand-knotting and hand-crocheting.  I didn't find them in a book, or copy another's ideas; I learned them from my Yia Yia (my Greek grandmother).  Texture and dimension.  Originality.  Authenticity.  I think you'll find it here.

 After one look, you'll be able to recognize the difference of on u jewelry.  Wrap one of my designs around your wrist, or neck, or even your ankle, you'll easily feel how good it looks on you (or, is that on u?!). 

A year ago I traveled to the northern reaches of India - New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and beyond... Click here to see a few photos - taught me quite a bit... Mostly to relax.  To gain harmony with color.  To realize that I am incredibly fortunate that what I do is very  special... and that others totally enjoy that I am able to share my experiences - through my designs and the little collectibles and trinkets that I am able to bring home from my travels throughout the world... You'll recognize them in my designs and pieces.  I've also learned that pieces that are e 1000 years old are really not that old.. in the scheme of things ... And I've also learned that there are leaders, and followers.. 

Follow me..

I think that I have things that you'll want to keep and cherish... for a thousand years...

It's great how everyone is running around with reusable bags and trying to cut down on all sorts of items destined for landfills.  Please don't stop!  It's something that we've been doing all of our lives...and certainly since the beginning of on u jewelry in 1991 - reusing, recycling, and reinventing ways to take advantage of what life has to offer...  Simply look for the ECO CHIC logo.  It will help you to narrow down those items that I create with a minimum of 95% recycled, reused or natural products. 

 Please support the really great shops and boutiques throughout the country that carry the line.  We only work with a handful of stores that we adore our relationships with.  We're not in to being too big... because that wouldn't allow us the time to do what we do best... creating sensational jewelry that makes you feel, and look, your best.

Also, let's not forget about giving to our favorite charities.  It's tough out there, for sure, but keep in mind that it's especially hard for non-profit and volunteer organizations that also need help right now.  We'll do our part.  We hope you'll do so, too.

We welcome all of those who caught a glimpse of the line in recent issues of Richmond, Magazine, Coastal Living, InStyle, Southern Living, and People Style Watch Magazines. 

Feel free to join the Mailing List to receive special offers by email and snail mail (it's totally Opt-In and there's no way that we'll ever share your address with anyone).  I'll notify you of my show and studio schedule, plus any special events that are on the rise.

If you like what you see, please pass my web site address along to your friends and family.  Know of a show or have an idea or recommendation on how to make the on u jewelry site better?  Drop us a line, we'd love to hear from you!

on u.   We know. You get it.

You may not have heard this for awhile... Please, buy American!