Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My Article Was Published!!
I have been a contributing writer on Boutique Flair for about a month now reporting on jewelry trends, gift ideas, and general info. Our editor, Krista, submitted the site to Blogburst last week and we were finally accepted. Well, I got the news today that my article entitled, "Pendant Make Great Gifts" was published by Computer Shopper in their gift guide! How cool is that? I'm very excited to know someone else likes what I have to say! I featured many talented artists, so please take a look!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cool Blog Award!!
I was so excited to learn that I received a Cool Blog Award from Teresa at TopCat Creations! I really like blogging, but sometimes I feel no one really reads it. Or that they like what I have to say. Now I know at least someone does! I'm honored to pass the award on. Here are the rules:
1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate 10 other blogs for this award
4. Add links to those blogs
4. Add links to those blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs
6. Give a reason why you consider their blogs cool
Here are my 10 Cool Blog Picks:
I hope everyone is as thrilled as I was. Enjoy your award!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Jewelry That Is Fabulous & Eco-Friendly!
Jewelry is very beautiful and an essential part of many of our wardrobes. For me, it's my livlihood! However, the process used to create it is often environmentally destructive.
Mining for gold, silver and other metals is the United States’ leading source of toxic pollution. That may come as a surprise, but it can take the removal of 280 tons of rock just to produce one ounce of gold. That’s because mining companies often extract vast quantities of dirt and rock and then spray it with cyanide or other chemicals to leach out microscopic amounts of metal. It can pollute our air and water. So what's a girl to do?
Mining for gold, silver and other metals is the United States’ leading source of toxic pollution. That may come as a surprise, but it can take the removal of 280 tons of rock just to produce one ounce of gold. That’s because mining companies often extract vast quantities of dirt and rock and then spray it with cyanide or other chemicals to leach out microscopic amounts of metal. It can pollute our air and water. So what's a girl to do?
You can wear antique pieces or heirloom jewelry that's been in your family. Also wearing natural or recycled materials is a better choice than new metal. There is some beautiful jewelry made of wood, bamboo, paper, and recycled products.
Take a look at these eco-friendly fabulous finds:
I hope you will check out some of these great pieces and help out the planet in the process! Join me next week for some more fabulous finds!
Originally posted on Boutique Flair.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Unexpected Friends
For most of my life I have had a few close friends. I tend to keep to myself and have always found it hard to talk to new people. Also, I am the kind of person who doesn't hide my feelings well. I try to be straightforward and I kind of tell it like it is. So people either like me or they don't I guess. Recently, I joined a mommy's group so Chloe and I would have some people to meet with and activities to do. I am so happy I did! I have met a lot of nice new friends that I hope to get to know a lot better.
In high school I had a very good friend who I did a lot of things with. We were close all throughout college, and through the beginning of our post-college jobs. However, we lost contact and hadn't talked to each other in over 7 years. Last week out of the blue, she called me hoping to reconnect. I was pleasantly surprised and happy to have her back in my life! She said she had been trying to find me and had been thinking about me for a long time. She had no idea I had a little girl and was very excited to learn that. I'm glad to have an old friend back!
I seem to make "friends" pretty easily online. Maybe because they don't know all your baggage or they just see you for what you present to them. I don't know, but I have really connected with Annette Piper of Under the Loupe. She is an amazing jewelry designer whom I've featured many times on my blog. I admire what she's done and how she is always there to lend advice or tips. It's too bad she lives all the way in Australia, because I would love to be able to chat with her. Please check out her blog because she shares her gorgeous designs and lots of knowledge!
In high school I had a very good friend who I did a lot of things with. We were close all throughout college, and through the beginning of our post-college jobs. However, we lost contact and hadn't talked to each other in over 7 years. Last week out of the blue, she called me hoping to reconnect. I was pleasantly surprised and happy to have her back in my life! She said she had been trying to find me and had been thinking about me for a long time. She had no idea I had a little girl and was very excited to learn that. I'm glad to have an old friend back!
I seem to make "friends" pretty easily online. Maybe because they don't know all your baggage or they just see you for what you present to them. I don't know, but I have really connected with Annette Piper of Under the Loupe. She is an amazing jewelry designer whom I've featured many times on my blog. I admire what she's done and how she is always there to lend advice or tips. It's too bad she lives all the way in Australia, because I would love to be able to chat with her. Please check out her blog because she shares her gorgeous designs and lots of knowledge!
Monday, November 3, 2008
What's Hot For Fall: The Statement Necklace
I absolutely love big and bold necklaces! Once and awhile I may opt for a dainty piece, but typically I like to jazz it up with an eye-catching number. I guess I'm fortunate because this season, it's all about making a statement! You can take the most ordinary outfit and turn it into extrodinary by adding the right jewelry. Here are just a few of my favorites:
The necklace pictured above is a stunner and handcrafted by Elaine Haydon of Elaine Haydon Jewelry. I'm a sucker for green, and this stick pearl and peridot piece is an absolute winner! Can't you just imagine this with a simple black dress or a pretty ivory blouse? You'll certainly stand out from the crowd!
If you want a dramatic piece, here it is! Handcrafted by Annette Piper of Dip.Gem. Handcrafted Jewellery, the Iliad is named for the Greek poetry. Annette is a gemologist who has turned her love of gemstones into works of art. Luxurious peruvian amazonite is accented with a bold Hill Tribe silver clasp. Wear it with a white button down and jeans for an unbelievable look!
This gorgeous design is handcrafted by Yazmin Wickham from A Pretty Rock. I love the combination of gemstones she used, plus the oxidized silver really makes it stand out. I would love to wear this with a neutral turtleneck this fall!
This last piece would be perfect for the holidays! This beautiful 5 strand garnet and silver necklace was handcrafted by Becky Augustine of Becky Augustine Jewelry. Wear the clasp to the side to show off the garnet ends! The deepness of the garnet would show up well against black, grey, and ivory. You'll look like a million bucks wearing this to your holiday parties!
Originally posted on Boutique Flair.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Jewelry That Is Beautiful & Raises Awareness
As October comes to a close, I wanted to take a look at some of the beautiful jewelry that's being made in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a cause that is very dear to me. When my grandmother was 73, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Our family was in shock, as she had always been so healthy. We are blessed that she is doing well and has been for a few years. Not everyone is that fortunate. I believe finding a cure for this disease is in our near future. By giving a portion of the proceeds to cancer research from these beautiful designs, I believe these ladies are truly raising awareness!
When I saw this necklace at the top of the article, I knew I wanted to include it. Made by poetsummer, it includes glass beads in various designs and shades of pink, silver charms, and an adjustable rope chain. It's a One Of A Kind Piece and sells for $42.99.
This meticulously handcrafted bracelet can be found at a lovely shop called time2cre8. Mary Lou is a very talented beadweaver and I've been in awe of her work for some time. This is a woodgrain pattern she does in peyote stitch using delica seed beads. It sells for $63.00 and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation in the purchaser's name.
These adorable sandal charm earrings are made in honor of all the cancer walks that are held in the fall. For $20 you can purchase these sterling, Swarovski crystal, and pearl beauties from kari1121 on Etsy.
This handstamped sterling silver necklace is dainty but powerful. It signifies the hope that there will be a cure one day! Accented with a pink Swarovski crystal, it can be found at indigosignature for only $26.00.
These pretty little earrings are made with lampwork glass ribbon beads, Swarovski crystals, and silver. For just $15 you can show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness by purchasing them at tilleyjewels.
The last piece is called a Wiggle Weave bracelet and is just so pretty and unique! Made with seed beads and Swarovski crystals, you will definitely raise awareness! It sells for $40, with $5 of the proceeds going to the St.Louis affiliate of the Susan G. Komen foundation. Handcrafted and found at JewelsbyJaci.
With all these pretty pieces, I'm sure you can find something that's meaningful to you. It's always time to raise awareness!
Originally published at Boutique Flair.
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