I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. I haven’t posted much to my blog, or to Facebook or Instagram or YouTube. I all but disappeared. That’s because I’ve been going through a bit of a style evolution. I looked at my jewelry designs and they no longer seemed to reflect me. I didn’t see Ayana in them anymore. I was bored. I wondered, “Am I really be this boring?” Then I realized my designs didn’t reflect me – my almost five-year old jewelry designer self. They didn’t show my growth. They hadn’t evolved as I had evolved over the years as a designer. My skills have grown. My techniques have changed. But only a few of my products changed, leaving my Etsy shop, website and blog looking disconnected. And so here I am…heading into year five. A Sneak Preview of What’s to Come On January 15, I will release my newest jewelry collection. This collection will be much different from my previous beaded designs. I’m putting more of my design vision into this one.  I’ve spent a lot of time sketching these last five years, while learning new techniques. [caption id="attachment_629" align="aligncenter" width="640"]A recent sketch of a new necklace design by Ayana Glaze Jewelry Designer A recent sketch of a new necklace design by Ayana Glaze[/caption] Wire and Gemstones: A Prominent Pairing in My New Jewelry Collection Gemstones are my first love when it comes to designing jewelry. That love is reflected in nearly all my new designs. This time I am moving beyond the standard beaded jewelry. I am pairing wire and wire-wrapping techniques into my new pieces. [caption id="attachment_631" align="aligncenter" width="640"]New earring design featuring wire-wrapping and mystic pink gemstones. Copyright 2015 Ayana Glaze New earring design featuring wire-wrapping and mystic pink gemstones. Copyright 2015 Ayana Glaze[/caption] I use 14kt gold-filled wire and sterling silver. Fabrics, Crystals and Chain Too Also, my new collection will feature fabrics, crystals and chain combined with wire and or gemstone. Look for designs with leather, denim and suede. Clean and Modern Jewelry that’s Still Classic, Custom and Couture This collection is less bulky and chunky. It’s more clean and fresh. My spring collection is airy and light. There are more women’s pieces, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more. Changes coming to the Men’s Jewelry Collection The men’s collection still features those beaded bracelet designs and skulls. This time I’m adding a little diversity. Men get more options, like wire wrapped shapes and beads, macramé and knotted designs. [caption id="attachment_634" align="aligncenter" width="408"]New designs on their way to the men's jewelry collection. New designs on their way to the men's jewelry collection.[/caption] I'm very excited about the new look and design aesthetic of Ayana Glaze Jewelry. I hope you will be, too.