No, this is NOT another picture of my grandmother...this is artist Ria Charisse's card. And her  “Thorny Twig" cast, a present from my friend Bonnie. For years I have been eyeing Ria's work, I  have a piece of her jewelry-but it is the casts that I love most. “The fascination with natural forms continues. After years working as a sculptor my aesthetic remains centered on the organic and the precious.” says Ria. I would like to get her plated pewter songbird feet next please. Just saying...

Where to find her work: the "Thorny Twig" at Hazel in Chicago and my Hummingbird Skull Necklace came from GoldBug in Pasadena.

Turn off the lights...

A new dimension is added: we are developing our very first line of candles. For weeks now I have been tinkering with an amazing array of essential oils-trying to create the perfect concoction. Then name it and marry it with the perfect BINTH design. I love this process. 8 original designs. 8 original scents. All hand poured and made from 100% soy wax. Our candles will release in September.

Thank you Adrienne for your eyes, Gigi for your marketing wisdom, Bonnie for your words...and all of you for lending me your sense of smell. And style.