Winter is here and we've been spending our time in the warmest place in town - our studio! Thanks to the heat created by our kiln and during our jewellery making, we have a tropical greenhouse to work in and it's certainly been a fertile ground for ideas. Take a look for yourself...

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Christie Halsted is looking forward to spring and has created a collection full of the colour punch of African Citrus. Mixing tiny Tradewind beads with antique glass droplet beads from West Africa, she has used silver to emphasis their vibrant colour. This joyful collection is composed of necklaces, earrings and bangles - watch for new additions on Facebook.

Gail van Jaarsveldt's latest pieces for African Renaissance are a desert inspired combination of bleached stone and ivory tones, shot through with rich rusts and all brought together with gleaming gold. Gift's intricate wirework once again makes each piece a collector's item.

Joe Mutoko has returned to his favourite medium - buffalo horn - and created a set of sleekly stylish pieces. His bracelet is combined with sterling silver studded leather to match his earrings, whilst the elegant dome cut ring is a must buy!

Christie Brookstein has been swept away by girly tones this month and created a collection from rare pink and lilac tone trade beads. Malian sweetie marriage beads, glass snake vertebrae beads and finely striped candy cane beads all feature.

The Ruoko members are all creating beautiful pieces, but we've decided to focus on Moses Kalembela's latest collaboration with Christie Halsted this month. We're giving you a sneek peak before the pieces are made up, which will take several weeks, so enjoy this preview!

Once again, Moses has turned his delicate scrimshaw technique into miniature works of art. He puts hours of work into each miniscule creation, using magnifying glasses to make the fine details. With the use of coloured Indian inks, he's broken traditional scrimshaw stereotypes and captured African insects on vintage ivory in glorious colour. It's almost as if he's etched the spirit of each tiny creature; each piece is so vibrant. I can't wait to see what Christie Halsted will create with these mini masterpieces.

For those of you born in July ruby and carnelian are your month's stones. Carnelian is excellent for restoring vitality and motivation, and for stimulating creativity. In ancient times it was used to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife. It gives courage and motivates sucess in business and other matters. Ruby is also an excellent stone for energy and encourages a passion for life. It is a stone of abundance and promotes dynamic leadership.

Cancerians have green aventurine and chrysoprase, whilst Leos have rock crystal and golden quartz as their star sign stones. Rock or clear quartz crystal is often found with inclusions and is abundant in Victoria Falls - you'll pick it up around the gorge area in it's distinctive wand shapes. Both star signs also have an affinity to amber.