Inspiration from the Northern Wilderness: Alaska

The cool colors of the glacier, the silt filled water.
Pure is the air, and the love for their daughter.
They live off the land, prizing hides and Mammoth bone.
In the gravel I walk on, there's semiprecious stone.

Three teachers first came to this unforgiving land.
Savage Cabin's insulation is unwoven hemp strand.
The dark winter's air is dangeriously pernicious,
and the wildlife are all the more capricious.

I met a native Athabascan, whose beauty stretched across the glacier.
And as she spoke to me, I was captivated by her candor.
In 35 degree water, we paddled the raging Nenana!
All for the experience of visiting Alaska!

by Carly Jane Lee

The Linnet Bird's Story

"Inspired by the painted desert of America’s southwest, The Linnet
Bird was born. As a
recent transplant to the Seattle area, Carly Jane Lee recalls the
varied hues of the Mojave desert on childhood trips with her family.
“My dad would love getting up right at dawn & would encourage my
brother & me to go with him on hikes into the desert.” It was from
these visual images of colored sands and multihued canyons that the
palate of The Linnet Bird’s pieces would take shape. “I wanted to
create pieces that would embody the
dazzling serenity of the desert.” Incorporating influences from a
foreign geography might be risky to those used to the temperate
climates of the Northwest. “Beauty is universal, whether they
originate from drier climates or from the oceans & mountains.” It’s
this inclusive beauty that the Linnet Bird endeavors to showcase
throughout it’s collection.

The Linnet Bird’s name originates from bird watchers & collectors from
Europe’s royal families. Beginning in the 15th century, those who
appreciated linnet birds, prized them for their ability to always
carry a beautiful song. This capacity to sing despite being
domesticated were valued to those who sought after the petite
red-breasted bird. Even during the colder and darker months of the
year the linnet bird would continue to sing it’s cheerful song.
“Everyone, not matter their success level, needs encouragement
throughout their personal and professional lives,” says creator Carly
Jane Lee. It was with this perspective in mind that the earrings in
her collection celebrate the strong, simple yet enduring beauty
derived from the linnet bird. The stones and desert gems are partnered
onto these silver frameworks that
emulate their strength from a small endearingly happy bird. "

By John and Carly Lee

@thelinnetbird

The Linnet Bird is now on Twitter! We are gearing up for a fabulous event on Tuesday 26th of July that you won't want to miss. We will have noshes from Serious Pie, drinks from Dry Soda, fashion from Queen Anne Dispatch, East Pike Vintage and C. Mor. Threads as well as preview products from YWCA’s 9th Annual Closet Treasure Sale and local designers such as Sarai Pearl Jewelry, The Linnet Bird, Moorea Seal Jewelry, Baby & Co., and Nakate.

CRAVE & aLIVE

http://thecravecompany.com/seattle/2011/07/19/alive-fashion-show-a-unique-perspective-through-a-collaborative-lens/


Photography by Kristina Krug

Runway: aLive Fashion Show

http://www.seattlemet.com/blogs/wear-what-when/alive-fashion-show-415-westlake-baby-and-co-pike-vintage-july-2011

---

Photo: Kristina Krug

Pardalote Rhodes

Whimsical Rhodochrosite pared with silver wrapped Amazonite swung from a tiny sterling silver chain. Named for the lifelong mated pardalote.

Rhodochrosite is formed as stalagmites in Inca silver mines abandoned in the 13th century, it is sometimes called Inca rose. Today, the world's main deposits are still found in Argentina. Rhodochrosite welcomes all change. It urges us to pay attention to our hearts and those things we hunger for. It brings out the adventuresome qualities in us. It gives us new chances. When change calls to you or falls into your life, rhodochrosite can help you open your arms and embrace it.

Lory Turquoise

Large teardrop magnesite stones hugged in silver make an impressive statement for work or for play. Named after the vibrant and lively lorikeet found in Australia and the lesser known Nevadan magnesite.

"Native Americans, including the Pomo Tribes of California, carved white magnesite gemstones into beads for jewelry and currency. The currency beads were traded individually versus by the strand like most other valued beads. Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate with the same crystal structure as calcite, a calcium carbonate with a hardness and texture similar to turquoise and marble. Magnesite forms when magnesium-rich rocks such as serpentine or dolomite are exposed to carbon dioxide-rich water. Major deposits of white magnesite can be found in Austria, Italy, Poland and the state of Nevada."

Amazonite Coua

Stunning amazonite wrapped in sterling silver bobbed from a sterling silver chain and ear wire. Named for its delicate flute like sound and legend to protect its wearer.

"A Brazilian legend boasts of the Amazon people giving ''green stones'' to the visitors of the region. Europeans assumed this stone was native to their lands of South America. Amazonite is actually not found in the Amazon Basin and the legend was most likely referring to Nephrite (jade). It is believed that Amazonite was first called 'Amazon Stone.' Amazonite is a green variety of microcline feldspar and its magnificent color is due to lead impurities. Amazonite is said to bestow truth, honor and integrity to its wearer." Fire Mountain Gems

Glass Capercaillie

Pastel colored glass teardrops fall from sterling silver chain on a silver ear wire. Name originated in 1758 and is derived from the Gaelic capull coille, meaning “horse of the woods.”

The sun brings construction in Seattle

To those old followers, and to those new; I have pushed you to the back of my dinner plate like toddlers push back their green beans. The Linnet Bird has jumped out of her nest and attempted to take flight! With growth comes change and adjustment, and I have had to put other venues ahead of this blog. For that I'm sorry. But why you may ask am I writing you now? Because I have built up my inventory enough to begin posting new photos!! Stay tuned to see what's new on the menu. I'll give you a hint: it's spring in Seattle!

Citron 4mm

I pass by these bushes each Friday at work. I've never given it much thought because the cherry tree across the way is more obviously breathtaking. I find myself now saying a little hello to this lil shrub since April. It's colors of pineapple basil gelato from Royal Grinders merge with the monthly mint mojitos artfully crafted at La Isla (appreciatively consumed by my husband and me).  This color has come alive - reminiscent of childhood banana slugs, Leap Lotion from the 90's Body Shop that has now been forgotten, the very first sign of new growth on my echeverias, and the inner most sacred part of my wedding bouquets. The tiny inside parts of the lilies daisies, hydrangeas, mums, and dahlias.  Seeing beauty in everyday places  Allowing your mind to create fantastic displays of introspective musicals; the dreamer's set design, the colors and materials of costumes, the talent.  To invoke memory, invite whimsical creativity, and instill true beauty; this is The Linnet Bird. 

Some Inspiration

Ready. Set. Design!

The Linnet Bird. Elements of nature to create accessories that enhance natural beauty of each woman at every stage in life. Pieces that transcend occasion to allow a womans true joy and song to sing forth.

The Morning Sun

I awoke at 5:30 to fine the sun gently caressing my bare cheek. My husband lay asleep wrapped in blankets shielded from the crisp air. I begin my day as any other day; a cup of chai and kisses from my kitty. As I make my way through the house, floor boards creaking under foot, kettle begining to whistle atop the gas burner, I begin to pray. For my husband, my family, for our future. What is to come? What is to go? Wafting my flax seed oatmeal I inhale the sweet aroma of cactus honey. The sun is just peering through the layers of clouds and window panes. Earnestly making it's way to my window. Eager to reach my vase of tulips illuminating them as if they were to explode. Bringing warmth to my eyes. It is a good day.