Oleander Leaf necklace Sterling Silver As a child growing up

As a child growing up in the Midwest I took solace in a neighbor’s yard under the canopy of a rather anomalous tree with beautiful lacy purplish red leaves

It is such splendor to witness the tightly closed Mayapples emerging from Winter's browned dried leaves in the months of April and May in the woods

patterns and textures

We were told collecting these leaves brought wealth and abundance

pleasure and spiritual enlightenment

Oleander Leaf necklace Sterling Silver As a child growing upI became acquainted with Oleander shrubbery during the 17 years I taught metalsmithing in the Grand Cayman Islands. It grew lush around our workshop, framing our studio entrance with magenta blossoms and a sweet fragrance. Creating lush fence rows, these shrubs grow curiously close to the shore, seeming to drink from the salty Caribbean. The leaves, thick and leathery with distinct veins, are toxic if consumed, but a beautiful motif to design into