when nature inspires

Nature has always been a big influence for all of the grayling pieces. She is powerful, awe inspiring and beautiful. So when we saw these pictures of supercell thunderstorms by amazing Montana photographer Sean R. Heavey we were absolutely blown away.

No, these aren't stills from an science fiction movie,
just good ol' Mother Nature at her best.

Absolutely breathtaking.

Just seeing images like these totally get us inspired to create.
A storm is a brewin'...

check out Sean's website here.

put a ring on it

Daaaaaaaaaaamn! Recently we were visiting one of our favorite local boutiques, Frances May, where we saw this super sick pyrite ring by designer Andy Lifschutz. Basically all we can say is I.WANT. The mixture of organic and sparkle, high fashion and wearablity is amazing.

Another sweet ring from Andy Lifschutz's Nature Speaks line

This ring would look great paired with a Grayling Celestial Necklace.

To see the full line of Nature Speaks rings by Andy Lifschutz, click here.

Shop great contemporary fashion from Frances May here.

Photos by Nialls Fallon.

steamboat helena

Earlier this year my husband and I went to visit my parents in the Flathead Valley. It's a gorgeous, unspoiled spot near Glacier Park in the northwest corner of Montana.

On this particular visit, we spent a lot of time exploring. One day, we pulled off the road to visit Kehoe's Agate Shop in the tiny, miniscule, eensy weensy town of Holt.

Holt was one of the first settlements in the valley; complete with a saloon, post office, and blacksmith shop. These days, there's not much left but the wreckage of a steamboat at the edge of town.

Steamboats were the main means of travel back in those days. At one time, there were over 15 steamboats on Flathead Lake, a freshwater body larger than Lake Tahoe. The Helena was one of the last freight boats around.

inspiration: savannah

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah, Georgia for the first time. I hope it's not the last!

I couldn't help but take literally hundreds of photographs - inspiration was in every nook and cranny. Here a few of my favorites:

Entrance to Colonial Cemetery - Savannah, Georgia.

One of many doors into the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Special details abound in Savannah, even downspouts are unique.


The grave markers in the cemeteries were spellbindingly beautiful, but proved
to be difficult to photograph. I did manage a few decent shots - this one of a crest.

Decorative railing at the old police station.

The heavenly architecture of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

More than forty percent of the 2500 buildings inventoried in

Savannah have some historical or architectural significance.

all photos by me.