Out With The Old, In With The New

artisan jewelry, On The Bench, studio

After living without a studio for the past year I have finally landed. The goal was to be by the water and here I am in Point Richmond, Ca. I am setting up my jewelry & painting studio now and it feels so good… like seeing old friends.

Jewelry studio; Point Richmond, CA


Painting studio; Point Richmond, CA

Being away from having a permanent studio and focusing on business, I have been considering “what now?!?” A huge question that deserves time, breath, respect, and space to consider. I’ll be taking that time as I close some doors in order to allow others to open. It’s exciting and scary all at once. As I write that I am reminded of when I first moved to New York City as a new art school grad and saying the exact same thing… I felt excited and scared all at once.


Sterling silver pelican brooch on the bench; Point Richmond, CA

Many changes are happening, one being that I have left Facebook and Instagram. You can find me on Bluesky at meeshkapeace.bsky.social, as well as on Pinterest.

I appreciate you and your continued support.

Peace & Love
from Point Richmond
~meeshka


Sunset; Point Richmond, CA

WOW! What A Year!

painting, watercolor
Moving is not for the faint of heart! This year has been one of transitions. After roaming around without a home for the past 6 months I’ve been to San Francisco, Mendocino, The Sea Ranch, San Rafael, Tiburon, and Sausalito. It turned out that living in Sonoma was beautiful but also gave me allergy induced asthma. No fun. So the goal was to be by the water and regain some good health. It’s working!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It took awhile but I have finally landed in Point Richmond, CA. I’m currently in the process of unpacking and setting up my studio. In the meantime I’ve been doing some small paintings while on the road. Here’s my latest one.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I’m thinking about having a “MOVING SALE” soon to lighten my load. Stay tuned for a discount code. I’ll keep you posted.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Much Love,
Meeshka
.
.
Gouache painting: 10″ x 10″;  November 2024

Store Closing For April

artisan jewelry, handmade jewelry

Greetings!

Shopping will be paused during April. If you are considering a purchase, now would be a good time to do so.

Let the adventures begin!

Meeshka

What did you do on Leap Day?

artisan jewelry, Coral Reef, Earrings, gold, handmade jewelry, jewelry, moonstone, On The Bench, Ring, sterling silver

Bell Pine Art Farm
I have a dear friend up in Oregon that I speak with at least every Leap Year. We had a great chat and got all caught up on our lives, art, children and families. Check out her hand made goddesses at Bell Pine Art Farm.

Other than that I didn’t do much. Leap Day always feels like a lost day to me rather than an extra one… like it doesn’t really count. What did you do?

 

360º Ring Show
I am excited to be a part of this cool show at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. So many amazing rings! Check it out.

Coral Reef Ring
My entry in the 360º Ring Show is this one-of-a-kind ring made of reclaimed sterling silver and gold from my studio that has been melted and formed into a  flowing ring resembling what you might see on a coral reef.

The Coral Reef line of jewelry was inspired by the record breaking hot ocean temperatures in the Florida Keys (100°) last summer related to climate change,  leading to bleaching and a massive die-off of the coral reef. Marine scientists are preserving samples of rare species of coral before, possibly, they’re gone forever.Coral Reef Ring

 

 

Coral Reef Ring
Reclaimed sterling silver and gold.
One-of-a-kind.

 

 

 

Coral Reef Earrings
Reclaimed sterling silver and gold.
One-of-a-kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hinges!

I’ve been playing around with hinges and trying to learn how to incorporate them into my jewelry. Here are a few pics of my struggle… and it’s real! This attempt was an epic fail! Study more. Try again. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

   

Peace & Love from Sonoma Mountain,
~meeshka

Peace, LOVE, and Turtles!

artisan jewelry, etching, handmade jewelry, Love, Peace, sterling silver, turtle

It’s been a bit of a rough start to 2024, including the “atmospheric river” here in California, and I’ve been away from my studio. But you can’t have a rainbow without a little rainfall. I’m very much looking forward to better times ahead! I hope all is well with you. Stay safe!

It is crazy that it’s already February and Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. If you are in the San Francisco Bay area check out Made Local Marketplace in Santa Rosa for great gifts and Meeshka Jewelry designs. These pieces are still available, as well as many others.

 

Can’t get to Made Local Marketplace? Check out these designs and others online at meeshka.net. FREE shipping in the USA, and a velvet gift bag is included.

Peridot, sterling silver, and keum-boo 24k gold earrings

swimming turtles cuff

Etched sterling silver swimming turtle bracelet

Etched sterling silver and Sleeping Beauty turquoise necklace.

 

Another gorgeous winter walk in Sonoma Valley.

Peace & Love from Sonoma Mountain,
~meeshka

Is It Too Late To Say “Happy New Year”?

handmade jewelry, On The Bench

According to Larry David, I’m passed the acceptable amount of time to wish you a Happy New Year, but I would be remiss if I didn’t do so.

Happy New Year!

 

New Earrings!
I was busy in December I was making new earrings. Check ‘em all out!

Peridot, sterling silver, and 24k gold keum-boo earrings. One-of-a-kind.

Beautifully matched AAA Chalcedony and sterling silver earrings. One-of-a-kind.
Complimentary velvet gift bag included with every purchase.

Winter walk in Sonoma.

Happy New Year from Sonoma Mountain!
Peace & Love,
~meeshka

 

THE SMALL WORKS EXHIBIT 2023

artisan jewelry, Coral Reef, Cuff, etching, gemstone, gold, gold fill, handmade jewelry, mermaid, moonstone, ocean, sterling silver, turtle, Under The Sea

I am once again very proud and delighted to be included in the juried Small Works Exhibit 2023 at Art Works Downtown in San Rafael! I participated in this show in 2013 and I’m excited to be among the talented artists again this year.

“Art Works Downtown invites artists to share their gift of creativity in The Small Works Exhibit, an annual offering of quality fine-art to holiday shoppers and the art-loving public. This dynamic showcase will feature over 80 unique artworks in the award winning Gallery 1337.”  ~from the Art Works Downtown website

 

Mermaid Pendant Necklace: sterling silver, amethyst and pearl
Hand drawn, etched, oxidized sterling silver mermaid pendant with amethyst cabochon. Strung on amethyst/gold fill and pearl/sterling silver chains.

 

Swimming Turtle Cuff: sterling silver
Hand drawn, etched, rolled, oxidized sterling silver swimming turtles cuff.

 

Coral Reef Earrings: sterling silver, 22k gold and moonstones
Coral Reef Earrings are inspired by the record-breaking hot ocean temperatures in the Florida Keys (100°) this summer related to climate change leading to bleaching and a massive die-off of the coral reef. Marine scientists are preserving samples of rare coral species before they’re gone forever.

 

Small Works Exhibit 2023
November 18, 2023 through January 20, 2024
2 Receptions: Friday December 8, 2023 and January 12, 2024 from 5 to 8pm

At downtown San Rafael’s 2nd Friday Art Walks
ArtWorks Downtown Gallery • 1337 Fourth Street • San Rafael

THE FLAME WITHIN: METAL ARTISTRY UNLEASHED

artisan jewelry, gold, handmade jewelry, sterling silver

I am very proud and delighted to be included in the juried show, The Flame Within: Metal Artistry Unleashed, a biennial collaborative exhibition by ACCI Gallery, Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco, and Northern California Enamel Guild.

Coral Reef Necklace with AmethystSterling silver and amethyst Coral Reef Necklace

“As artists, we experience the flame within, the drive to create. As metal artists, we then unleash our skill and utilize flame to convert our creative ideas into visible form. In both inner and outer spheres, we must balance wild abandon with conscious working within the constraints of the material, time, and our craft. Often the result of the unleashed is an unexpected unique piece of art.”
~from the ACCI Gallery show website

5 strand braided sterling silver and 24k gold ring

Sterling silver, 24k gold, and raw diamond earrings

The Flame Within: Metal Artistry Unleashed
October 13 – November 12, 2023
Opening Reception: Saturday October 14, 4-6PM
ACCI Gallery
Arts & Crafts Cooperative Gallery
1652 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA
510.843.2527

etching

SKETCHING, DESIGNING AND CREATING JEWELRY

artisan jewelry, Custom, etching, gemstone, gold, handmade jewelry, ocean, On The Bench, sterling silver

Sketching and Designing Jewelry

For me, designing one of a kind jewelry is an intuitive process. I have ideas, sketch out variations, and start creating. What often occurs are finished pieces that differ from my original visions. Going with this flow is the process of listening to my head, my heart, and what unfolds before me, which often can be interesting, delightful and frustrating all at once! Below is a peek into what’s going on in the studio right now.

These are recent drawings that are currently being etched to become new jewelry.drawings for etchings

The process involves creating the etching and designing the piece. In this image I was exploring which stone to use, Amazonite or Turquoise, what shape to make the pendant, and how it might hang.

process

I often design as I go along, starting with a vision and allowing the piece to evolve. Below is a mermaid necklace in progress. Sterling silver, Amazonite, Amethyst, Moonstone, Tourmaline… decisions, decisions.

sketches

Sketches for Coral Reef Earrings to go with the Coral Reef Necklace and Ring.

drawings for etchings

Becoming earrings: sterling silver, Moonstones and gold bezels.

Becoming Coral Reef Earrings

 

Dress Up Your Jeans

I just completed this necklace last week. Playing with etchings from my artwork has been so much fun! Then final decision for the center stone is a beautiful Sleeping Beauty Turquoise.

Sleeping Beauty is a mine in Globe, AZ, where these stones are from, and is named after the mountain range where it is located. Known for its unique color that ranges from ‘robin’s egg’ blue to deep-blue, the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is one of the most sought after gemstones in the Turquoise world. According to research, the darker it is, the rarer it is. (source: Turquoise Moose)

The necklace is strung on porcelain and silver beads from Africa, with a sterling silver swivel clasp. This piece is not yet up on my website but will be soon.

Dress up your jeans

If you are interested in purchasing this necklace before it goes up on my site, please feel free to contact me at meeshka@meeshka.net.

Custom orders are also always welcome.

Carole Peace

SAVE THE PLANET. SAVE OURSELVES.

artisan jewelry, Coral Reef, Custom, Dead & Company, gemstone, gold, Grateful Dead, handmade jewelry, honu, sterling silver, sugar skull, sun, Tell Me A Story, turtle

Once upon a time… there was an anti-nuke rally at San Onofre around 1979 with about 15,000 people in attendance. We sang and danced as we hoped for a better future. Fast forward to now. We had no idea what lay ahead, and we still don’t know, but it is becoming abundantly clear that we have to do something to save the planet if we are to save ourselves.

Coral Reef Necklace with AmethystA few months ago I created these “Coral Reef Necklaces” never imagining I’d be reading this headline. “Record breaking hot ocean temperatures in the Florida Keys (100°) related to climate change have led to bleaching and a massive die-off of the coral reef.”  Marine scientists are scrambling to preserve samples of rare species of coral before, possibly, they’re gone forever.
Coral Reef Necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On another note… July 16 was my birthday and I celebrated with  dear friends and family. The highlight of the week was the last Dead and Company tour concert at Oracle Park that night. (Check out the drone show in the link!) Laur and I have seen so many shows together and this one brought many memories rushing in. Once again we danced, sang and felt hopeful (yes, Laur was with me at San Onofre) being surrounded by the loving people of our “tribe” as we were transformed by the music. Ahhh, the power of music.

To honor the birthday concert celebration I made us necklaces. Turtle backHand drawn and etched sterling silver turtles with keum-boo 24k gold lightening bolts.

Turtle front

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Grateful Dead Inspired Jewelry

Sterling silver skull and citrine with fishies necklaceSterling silver skull and citrine with fishies necklace

 

Sterling silver turtle and peridot necklaceSterling silver turtle with peridot necklace


Sterling silver sun and labradoriteSterling silver sun and labradorite necklace

 

Sterling silver heart necklaceSterling silver heart necklace

 

Birthday

Happy birthday to ME!

Save the planet. Save ourselves. And please, be kind.
Peace and Love,
meeshka

SUMMERTIME IS BEACH TIME!

artisan jewelry, gold, gold fill, handmade jewelry, ocean, sterling silver, water

Summer is here and if you know me you know I love the beach… any time of year. Check out these new ocean inspired jewels!

Sterling silver etched fishie pendant strung on turquoise necklace.

Sterling silver etched “fishie” pendant strung on turquoise necklace. Etched fish are originally hand drawn, etched, and put through the rolling mill to make the impression on the silver.

Sterling silver etched starfish and turquoise earrings.

Sterling silver etched starfish and turquoise earrings. Etched starfish are originally hand drawn, etched, and put through the rolling mill to make the impression on the silver.

Sterling silver, keum boo gold, aquamarine and gold fill earring wires.

Last Drop Of Water Earrings, Revisited. Sterling silver, keum boo gold, aquamarine, and gold fill earring wires. Last Drop Of Water earrings represents the environmental struggles of our time.

Tunnels Beach, Kauai.
One of my favorite beaches.

THE BACK STORY

artisan jewelry, Dead & Company, Grateful Dead, handmade jewelry, Michelle Vidro Graphic Design, On The Bench, Tell Me A Story, turtle

Once upon a time in Brooklyn, New York…
… a baby was born.
I thought you might like to learn a few things about me. I was chatting with a new jeweler friend the other day and telling her the story about how I got “here”. I realized you may like to know these things, too.

  • As a young child, I learned to draw by sketching cartoons while watching TV. I had a thing for The Flintstones.
  • When I was around 7 years old I sent in the Draw Winky drawing from the TV Guide. They accepted me into their art school. My parents were shocked! No, I didn’t go.
  • Was VERY fortunate to go to a high school with a big art department. I practically lived there. That is where I learned metalsmithing, but I practically lived in the ceramics studio.
  • Attended my first Grateful Dead concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 1974. #mindblown Maria Muldaur opened the show.
  • Went to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena to study graphic design and illustration.
  • Lived in Manhattan on the Upper West Side. Started and grew my art career on Madison Avenue; ad agencies, publishing companies, New York Times.
  • Moved to San Francisco (I’m a California girl at heart). I moved around a lot in my lifetime, actually. Lived on a kibbutz in Israel, Eugene Oregon, and Kauai, to name a few.
  • Learned Desktop Publishing (among the first) on a Mac and worked for MacWorld, PC World, and Publish magazines (IDG) in San Francisco.
  • Made a baby!
  • News Artist on the Marin Independent Journal in San Rafael, CA.
  • Rediscovered my passion for making jewelry in 2000. Took a few refresher courses and built out my home studio. Made a website, did retail and wholesale shows. Landed in museum gift shops and galleries.
  • Co-owned the Marin Jewelers Guild in San Rafael, CA for around 12 years.
  • Covid. Changed everything. Need I say more?
  • Currently I’m the webmaster and on the Board of Directors at the  Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco.
  • Still selling online at meeshka.net and various retail locations.
  • Now I continue learning, playing, and exploring the edges of my creativity. See below.
  • Constantly looking for joy.
  • Still dancing to Dead & Company.

Sterling silver and amethyst pendant. Coral reef.

Following my creative heart, these remind me of a coral reef. Sterling silver and Amethyst pendants in progress.

Etchings from drawings and an agate pendant

Experimenting with etching some of my drawings to turn into jewelry. Also a sterling silver  Agate pendant in the works.

 

Gift Cards Now Available Online

Gift Cards Available
You asked, we delivered. Any denomination available.

HAPPY ACCIDENTS

artisan jewelry, Cuff, Custom, Doodle, gemstone, gold, handmade jewelry, jewelry, On The Bench, Ring, sterling silver

Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned in the studio.
Lately I’ve been concentrating more on creating and less on marketing, and on having more fun in general! I have a lot of ideas and inspiration in my head and in sketchbooks, but sometimes the outcome is another story altogether. After a frustrating day of melting gold bezels for a stone on a cuff I decided to go pyromaniac (which all jewelers secretly are), blast my torch, and melt some sterling silver on purpose.

This ring is the happy outcome of recklessly melting sterling silver. The stone was supposed to be a beautiful tourmaline, but that broke (another heartache), so I set the sterling cabochon from another melting episode that just so happened to fit. End of story, the cuff never got a stone.

This is the etched cuff without a turquoise gemstone and gold bezel.

And Speaking Of Flames
Isn’t this flaming bezel too cool?!?

Rough cut Amethyst and sterling silver earrings

On to the next creations! 

Sterling silver braided ring with keum boo gold accents.

These started out as a ring then devolved into sterling silver, gold keum boo and a square rough cut diamond pair of earrings.

And when all else fails, bake your dog a cake!
Peace & Love,
~meeshka

2023 OR 1953?

artisan jewelry, bronze, Cuff, Custom, handmade jewelry, Peace, Tell Me A Story

My intention is to always stay positive. These are trying times.
Warning: brief rant ahead.
Scroll down to THROWBACK SALE if you want to bypass the rant.

What year is this? I wish I could stop reading the news. The headlines are a throwback to a different time and I wonder to myself, WTF is going on?!

• Abortion is illegal in 13 states as of this writing. (10 more to surely follow.)
• There have been 38 mass shootings so far this year (3 months).
• Banks have failed. Recession? Inflation? Depression? Pick a financial crisis.
• People in Israel are protesting to save their democracy.
• The rhetorical threats of nuclear war are dangled before us as if it’s no big deal.
• Bigotry, racism, hatred and intolerance are being normalized and on the rise.

And this is just to name a few!!!
I’m sorry if this is all just too much, but this is my point! It totally is!

What’s an artist hippy chick to do?
I keep creating, meditating, and manifesting to try to tip the scales towards a critical mass of positivity, love, and light. Is it futile? Am I crazy? Please tell me I’m not. Ok, maybe I’m a little bit crazy but I’m okay with that. I think you are, too.
Peace Sign NecklacePeace

THROWBACK SALE!
Here is the silver lining to my disbelief at the state of the world. In order to remain positive I want to spread a little sunshine your way. In honor of a throw back to what seemed to me like simpler times I’m having a FLASH SALE from April 18 to 20. Enter THROWBACK40 at check out and receive 40% OFF your entire order.

(And don’t forget, Mother’s Day is coming May 14th. Call your Mom!)

Shop Meeshka’s Throwback Sale

On Another Note… The Rain
One nice thing about all the rain we’ve been having, besides reducing fire danger and making everything super green, is the cozy time I get to spend in my studio. Here’s a sneak peek at a couple of things I’m working on… etching and improvising.

Collaborate with Meeshka on a custom jewelry design.

The breathtaking beauty of Sonoma after the rain.
Love,
~meeshka

 

Gift Guide 2023

artisan jewelry, Gift Guide, handmade jewelry

Not sure what to give this holiday season? Here are some ideas in every price range. Complimentary velvet gift bag included with each purchase, perfect for giving.

Gift Card
Any denomination available.


Under $100
Bangle Bracelets
Sterling silver handmade bangles.

 

$100 – $250
Starfish Earrings
Hand drawn, etched and oxidized sterling silver and turquoise earrings.

$250 – $500
Aquamarine Ring
Brazilian rough cut aquamarine, sterling silver and 18k gold ring.

    

$500 – $750
Gingko Pod Necklace
Sterling silver and amethyst. Includes a small glass vial for your keepsakes.


Over $1,000
Sonoma Mountain Bracelet
Inspired by life on Sonoma Mountain: sterling silver, NuGold, copper and Lapis Lazuli bracelet.

Complimentary velvet gift bag included with every purchase.

 

Season’s Greetings from Sonoma Mountain!


Peace & Love,
~meeshka

The Small Works Exhibit 2023

artisan jewelry, Coral Reef, Cuff, etching, gemstone, gold, gold fill, handmade jewelry, mermaid, moonstone, ocean, sterling silver, turtle, Under The Sea

I am once again very proud and delighted to be included in the juried Small Works Exhibit 2023 at Art Works Downtown in San Rafael! I participated in this show in 2013 and I’m excited to be among the talented artists again this year.

“Art Works Downtown invites artists to share their gift of creativity in The Small Works Exhibit, an annual offering of quality fine-art to holiday shoppers and the art-loving public. This dynamic showcase will feature over 80 unique artworks in the award winning Gallery 1337.”  ~from the Art Works Downtown website

 

Mermaid Pendant Necklace: sterling silver, amethyst and pearl
Hand drawn, etched, oxidized sterling silver mermaid pendant with amethyst cabochon. Strung on amethyst/gold fill and pearl/sterling silver chains.

 

Swimming Turtle Cuff: sterling silver
Hand drawn, etched, rolled, oxidized sterling silver swimming turtles cuff.

 

Coral Reef Earrings: sterling silver, 22k gold and moonstones
Coral Reef Earrings are inspired by the record-breaking hot ocean temperatures in the Florida Keys (100°) this summer related to climate change leading to bleaching and a massive die-off of the coral reef. Marine scientists are preserving samples of rare coral species before they’re gone forever.

 

Small Works Exhibit 2023
November 18, 2023 through January 20, 2024
2 Receptions: Friday December 8, 2023 and January 12, 2024 from 5 to 8pm

At downtown San Rafael’s 2nd Friday Art Walks
ArtWorks Downtown Gallery • 1337 Fourth Street • San Rafael

The Flame Within: Metal Artistry Unleashed

artisan jewelry, gold, handmade jewelry, sterling silver

I am very proud and delighted to be included in the juried show, The Flame Within: Metal Artistry Unleashed, a biennial collaborative exhibition by ACCI Gallery, Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco, and Northern California Enamel Guild.

Coral Reef Necklace with AmethystSterling silver and amethyst Coral Reef Necklace

“As artists, we experience the flame within, the drive to create. As metal artists, we then unleash our skill and utilize flame to convert our creative ideas into visible form. In both inner and outer spheres, we must balance wild abandon with conscious working within the constraints of the material, time, and our craft. Often the result of the unleashed is an unexpected unique piece of art.”
~from the ACCI Gallery show website

5 strand braided sterling silver and 24k gold ring

Sterling silver, 24k gold, and raw diamond earrings

The Flame Within: Metal Artistry Unleashed
October 13 – November 12, 2023
Opening Reception: Saturday October 14, 4-6PM
ACCI Gallery
Arts & Crafts Cooperative Gallery
1652 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA
510.843.2527

etching

Sketching, Designing and Creating Jewelry

artisan jewelry, Custom, etching, gemstone, gold, handmade jewelry, ocean, On The Bench, sterling silver

Sketching and Designing Jewelry

For me, designing one of a kind jewelry is an intuitive process. I have ideas, sketch out variations, and start creating. What often occurs are finished pieces that differ from my original visions. Going with this flow is the process of listening to my head, my heart, and what unfolds before me, which often can be interesting, delightful and frustrating all at once! Below is a peek into what’s going on in the studio right now.

These are recent drawings that are currently being etched to become new jewelry.drawings for etchings

The process involves creating the etching and designing the piece. In this image I was exploring which stone to use, Amazonite or Turquoise, what shape to make the pendant, and how it might hang.

process

I often design as I go along, starting with a vision and allowing the piece to evolve. Below is a mermaid necklace in progress. Sterling silver, Amazonite, Amethyst, Moonstone, Tourmaline… decisions, decisions.

sketches

Sketches for Coral Reef Earrings to go with the Coral Reef Necklace and Ring.

drawings for etchings

Becoming earrings: sterling silver, Moonstones and gold bezels.

Becoming Coral Reef Earrings

 

Dress Up Your Jeans

I just completed this necklace last week. Playing with etchings from my artwork has been so much fun! Then final decision for the center stone is a beautiful Sleeping Beauty Turquoise.

Sleeping Beauty is a mine in Globe, AZ, where these stones are from, and is named after the mountain range where it is located. Known for its unique color that ranges from ‘robin’s egg’ blue to deep-blue, the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is one of the most sought after gemstones in the Turquoise world. According to research, the darker it is, the rarer it is. (source: Turquoise Moose)

The necklace is strung on porcelain and silver beads from Africa, with a sterling silver swivel clasp. This piece is not yet up on my website but will be soon.

Dress up your jeans

If you are interested in purchasing this necklace before it goes up on my site, please feel free to contact me at meeshka@meeshka.net.

Custom orders are also always welcome.