tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38878252094574306802024-03-13T11:21:34.800-07:00silverbluedesignssilverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-73006995145727387122010-04-21T01:17:00.000-07:002010-04-21T01:28:14.836-07:00Pom-Pom Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TMQ-aQCIkf5uLCe9HD0CjNvxql5gDjyff0JKM9H4hJT9cEufVE6xGtyHBYymQa7-DBlrCa4Siue024aYb9-ItaVZFJOBnepu4cU7Kz1SmKCNAOD5NZF8qr5xvGw-E1Jon2Z_wc2KmuQ/s1600/il_430xN_137655683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TMQ-aQCIkf5uLCe9HD0CjNvxql5gDjyff0JKM9H4hJT9cEufVE6xGtyHBYymQa7-DBlrCa4Siue024aYb9-ItaVZFJOBnepu4cU7Kz1SmKCNAOD5NZF8qr5xvGw-E1Jon2Z_wc2KmuQ/s200/il_430xN_137655683.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>These gorgeous flower-like pom-poms look intricate and difficult to make, but they are actually fairly simple. However, they do require an ounce of patience (see step 6). With adult supervision, they would be a fantastic project of a little gal’s birthday party; a beautiful memento for the young princesses to take home and hang in their own palace. Have a bunch of boys? Switch to using bright primary colors along with black and have the tykes create their own far away galaxy of planets.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlVdef4mPMAGWCqQEMhlQNk8iPptIdN6AVBofNFPPBwxAmMojTsESDJXdu9O33HCQS5QitDHPMG-8YmCPQlRK4MHZuOcCgy257qyS8kYOXwsDdHcphd_Oic-be-czSUxVcXwYRQo_ISM/s1600/il_430xN_132752077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlVdef4mPMAGWCqQEMhlQNk8iPptIdN6AVBofNFPPBwxAmMojTsESDJXdu9O33HCQS5QitDHPMG-8YmCPQlRK4MHZuOcCgy257qyS8kYOXwsDdHcphd_Oic-be-czSUxVcXwYRQo_ISM/s200/il_430xN_132752077.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a><br />
Made in smaller sizes and hung at a variety of heights, a group of these would make a great mobile for a child’s room or nursery. Make them in a bride’s wedding colors for her bridal shower or in soft pastel colors for a baby shower. Create themes based on the season; black and orange for Hallowe’en or red, white and green for Christmas. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwVv6wNRz-3BazsIpU740_vM2bp21XbtRJT-TkAOZDHCcPw8ASbNugUSAaHzuZ9djM-aCehcWbCzWq0Gi8KiztowU1mY3CYA6zgeoN5lrA8XbIknwfTDcBT5DtYhvpOJOc0m2k-aH8Rw/s1600/msw_spring06_pompom_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwVv6wNRz-3BazsIpU740_vM2bp21XbtRJT-TkAOZDHCcPw8ASbNugUSAaHzuZ9djM-aCehcWbCzWq0Gi8KiztowU1mY3CYA6zgeoN5lrA8XbIknwfTDcBT5DtYhvpOJOc0m2k-aH8Rw/s320/msw_spring06_pompom_l.jpg" wt="true" /></a><br />
Below are the instructions to get you started<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></strong><br />
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• Tissue paper (20 inches x 30 inches). Choose one to three colors in similar shades of the same color to keep things from looking like an acid circus. Unless that’s the look you’re going for. Local dollar stores usually have a good selection.<br />
• Scissors, either plain ol’ straight edged or a more decorative scalloped or waved edge.<br />
• Monofilament fishing line<br />
• Thin floral wire, white if you can find it. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here's how:</span></strong><br />
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1. Stack four to eight the sheets of paper on top of one another, depending on how full n’ puffy you want them to be. <br />
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2. Now, fold the sheets into 1.5-inch accordion folds, all the way across. Be sure to keep the folds even.<br />
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3. Prune the ends of the tissue into round or pointed shapes to give them a petal-like look. <br />
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4. Cut about a foot and a half length of floral wire. <br />
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5. Wrap the wire around the center of the folded tissue and secure it by twisting. Trim the excess wire.<br />
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6. Now the fun part! Pull apart each layer, separating it from the center one piece at a time (here’s where that patience comes in handy). <br />
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7. Measure the length you'd like to hang your pom pom from and cut a piece of monofilament accordingly. <br />
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8. Knot the monofilament to the floral wire and hang! <br />
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9. Try varying the size of the tissue paper and the cut edge to create an array of effects. Repeat until you've created a pom-pom fantasyland. The more, the merrier! <br />
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Not in a crafty mood or short on time? (hey, it happens) . . . <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PomLove">PomLove</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FiestaPomPom">Fiesta Pom Pom</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangekisses">orangekisses</a> all have a spectacular selection of ready to ship pom-poms in a variety of sizes, as well as a custom order option for your special occasion or color pallet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIPeAUhO8gdEfU4A9LYRjO_PVDH_f74pppVpB4kNQEGRK7de4OOqeszX70zbZ3B5VVaJge9LFigh4V3kxwSdqaOArk3GOF5D-g-ehxpxFSUZiGREDl70h7m50hfETcfJwkII_KJWm7g/s1600/il_430xN_128805003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIPeAUhO8gdEfU4A9LYRjO_PVDH_f74pppVpB4kNQEGRK7de4OOqeszX70zbZ3B5VVaJge9LFigh4V3kxwSdqaOArk3GOF5D-g-ehxpxFSUZiGREDl70h7m50hfETcfJwkII_KJWm7g/s200/il_430xN_128805003.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlblg7rhwtYzLgBVUnWn_ojdYpcLX-XrxAzp-2k1ElWSTEOkD0RtDQj3h5_1gbBmXBU5605dPtV0fA_LZrtjx05erVuvllyKevz8Io3vTtpW3YSVfwhqcQiKt8op5xwdRmFZl7erIQpZ0/s1600/il_430xN_127361148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlblg7rhwtYzLgBVUnWn_ojdYpcLX-XrxAzp-2k1ElWSTEOkD0RtDQj3h5_1gbBmXBU5605dPtV0fA_LZrtjx05erVuvllyKevz8Io3vTtpW3YSVfwhqcQiKt8op5xwdRmFZl7erIQpZ0/s200/il_430xN_127361148.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNdeuDCy0TcQwhYDPTx8CNFHUwaVz5DaEd3pcKWML58-KO5b89oellIDbRq5UHPg3gvRis2kLCwppIyGo7KvvOJznJKcDJhV6nwEGffj99WrJrRFJIe2JA4JP3wu-tIwml16YQq93OSQ/s1600/il_430xN_138696103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNdeuDCy0TcQwhYDPTx8CNFHUwaVz5DaEd3pcKWML58-KO5b89oellIDbRq5UHPg3gvRis2kLCwppIyGo7KvvOJznJKcDJhV6nwEGffj99WrJrRFJIe2JA4JP3wu-tIwml16YQq93OSQ/s400/il_430xN_138696103.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-28920945363719120952010-04-19T17:24:00.000-07:002010-04-20T01:47:29.759-07:00Silver Spoons: not just for your mouth anymore . . . .<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHoL02GktBrgiCfMfpIFFYa-Cov8GVzA_lMjLPwjY1g8IcZUY2urXCrV1KYDPFMjhyMyr1cYU4sGq91gaad_EsMaAfnLTNy1bTQ3zY9DtfCld3FLNiLnqpxIe-XQjIslbB6yebnIkSQg/s1600/il_430xN_138424382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHoL02GktBrgiCfMfpIFFYa-Cov8GVzA_lMjLPwjY1g8IcZUY2urXCrV1KYDPFMjhyMyr1cYU4sGq91gaad_EsMaAfnLTNy1bTQ3zY9DtfCld3FLNiLnqpxIe-XQjIslbB6yebnIkSQg/s320/il_430xN_138424382.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When visiting London in 2008, I had the pleasure of browsing through several vintage flea markets, especially in the prestigious Notting Hill neighborhood. It seemed everything old and British was for sale (well, not quite everything… the Queen was not being offered up for purchase). One of the things I really enjoyed sifting through were the stalls of old silver, which was generally for sale by weight instead of by piece, due to the current value of silver prices.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Os-xozeNBof3ctnEfPZgT3DDDpz28oBHaspYu0_gY9-srOO4XSRpvL_GKc52DJ5Tbl68tzTyCbCSpOPzvUSXbE9tYnPQTKx6fR3c3v0bRB1tQXshUWDieXInD3JfOojkOs211phFlks/s1600/coffee-spoon-ring-patterned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Os-xozeNBof3ctnEfPZgT3DDDpz28oBHaspYu0_gY9-srOO4XSRpvL_GKc52DJ5Tbl68tzTyCbCSpOPzvUSXbE9tYnPQTKx6fR3c3v0bRB1tQXshUWDieXInD3JfOojkOs211phFlks/s200/coffee-spoon-ring-patterned.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div>Always on the hunt for new and interesting jewelry, I found a stall where a young lady was turning antique silverware into wearable art. Forks became bracelets and tie clips, spoons became rings and pendants.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j5_XdrD0IQKGtXM5daP54783XI5n47xe0poy0I3ncLCJDhX7GIvhhsj5DJbo8KCtECyktx7YBt_BwL1JLa-EgrKC49kOZy2gBv6MzC6ilcvRJEA9_EbI5hMkU6dWLrq122ksvNnBkxg/s1600/34-74-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j5_XdrD0IQKGtXM5daP54783XI5n47xe0poy0I3ncLCJDhX7GIvhhsj5DJbo8KCtECyktx7YBt_BwL1JLa-EgrKC49kOZy2gBv6MzC6ilcvRJEA9_EbI5hMkU6dWLrq122ksvNnBkxg/s200/34-74-large.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a>In the seventeenth century, English servants who married began the tradition of crafting wedding rings from stolen bits of silverware, since they couldn't afford a proper ring. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As recent as the late 1960’s and through the 70’s, spoon rings were very popular with the young and rebellious, who wore them as a symbol of breaking from family traditions and conformity. Nothing says “family revolt” more than chopping up the heirloom silverware. These “repurposed” jewelry pieces were mainly available at flea markets and craft sales, where sellers would offer them inexpensively at a couple dollars per piece. Because of the nature of the ring’s design, these were also easy to resize, as most rings were created in a spiral shape that wrapped around the finger instead of a closed and soldered band.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBr-pAmFD_QxTF2GkZxaCxMQetOSHoTFpq1cdgSWc_eHt6HFq2wWt4tRSXTEQAbsSA4HGSDFoEFR_dAEAdGrdBMqS-JEPuMi4sBBdv_4E9_FDR9PBcY7UmpPARdAXfrCXnytOr0oqx-Y/s1600/il_430xN_111295051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBr-pAmFD_QxTF2GkZxaCxMQetOSHoTFpq1cdgSWc_eHt6HFq2wWt4tRSXTEQAbsSA4HGSDFoEFR_dAEAdGrdBMqS-JEPuMi4sBBdv_4E9_FDR9PBcY7UmpPARdAXfrCXnytOr0oqx-Y/s200/il_430xN_111295051.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Still somewhat popular today, these rings are beautiful and reasonably easy to make. Two great websites with detailed instructions on how to make your own silver spoon ring as well as a list of materials and equipment you will need are at <a href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/sterlingsilver_scpf.htm">Essortment Hobbies</a> and <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2189274_make-jewelry-from-old-spoons.html">Ehow</a>.</div></div><br />
Grandma’s silverware . . .beware! <br />
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Not feeling crafty enough to make your own? The photos displayed here are some beautiful examples of the several different patterns for you to purchase by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneMariesAccessorys?section_id=6541523">AnneMariesAccessorys</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dankartistry">dankartistry</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbOR3M-TOYsVDbVJAsay5amBSWgCmzH2-U3TdEs4e29woMa775HBSH4zJtAZBtQrAIK5go2YrCvY0r4m58Cp6gYn3KAhDVuuSh1sDnSlm2zOdsC82Orqbi3vrse_yw759g2jkY0UcyeE/s1600/il_430xN_116956831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbOR3M-TOYsVDbVJAsay5amBSWgCmzH2-U3TdEs4e29woMa775HBSH4zJtAZBtQrAIK5go2YrCvY0r4m58Cp6gYn3KAhDVuuSh1sDnSlm2zOdsC82Orqbi3vrse_yw759g2jkY0UcyeE/s400/il_430xN_116956831.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-65407324504613438752010-04-02T02:02:00.000-07:002010-04-02T03:38:20.199-07:00Spring . . is in the Bag !<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqDR14Rtmy0ocyhvk1Pe23fRyHH2ZIw0GM8FLg-GEGDZMxvL041MVsjNpJLkFRxPVbKt6CXL41ZAZIqMRD9dCg510U84NxnrDi3_yeW1AcjAtP1UbVBmVCfIX9H__8VECnX5CXOq4Yo4/s1600/il_430xN_74964347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqDR14Rtmy0ocyhvk1Pe23fRyHH2ZIw0GM8FLg-GEGDZMxvL041MVsjNpJLkFRxPVbKt6CXL41ZAZIqMRD9dCg510U84NxnrDi3_yeW1AcjAtP1UbVBmVCfIX9H__8VECnX5CXOq4Yo4/s200/il_430xN_74964347.jpg" width="200" /></a>Warm weather, blooming flowers, birds chirping and Easter only a couple days away. . . .</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here are a trio of lovely spring tote bags to brighten you day. These bags all feature roomy interiors with six pockets; some smaller for your cell phone, others larger to secure your water bottle or pocketbook. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMe6sYM6tAWVuq1NvbtgBlNL8ezm94Jc8Jees7XGvMAdk295svXnii10CNzI_qJ2M2UFDRUnwTdXGoeJmyyH0_Fgs7Lw7i8PtocLM0I_1PnWUJFP2M8SriY37JbgdfRrGzr0yoeOnq-4/s1600/il_430xN_74869609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMe6sYM6tAWVuq1NvbtgBlNL8ezm94Jc8Jees7XGvMAdk295svXnii10CNzI_qJ2M2UFDRUnwTdXGoeJmyyH0_Fgs7Lw7i8PtocLM0I_1PnWUJFP2M8SriY37JbgdfRrGzr0yoeOnq-4/s320/il_430xN_74869609.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These bags can be put to use for a variety of tasks. Use one as a book bag, another as a diaper bag to hold just the things you need for your little one while visiting a friend for coffee. Load one up with flip-flops, a good book & a blanket and head to the beach (just remember the sun screen). I have one for craft projects that holds everything I need (crochet hooks, scissors, balls of yarn, buttons) which I can toss in the car at a moment’s notice if I am heading out to my nephew's cello lesson or to Oma’s house for coffee.<br />
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All the totes are handmade and feature many vintage or upcycled fabrics from . . .oh. let's see . . .a grad dress, a full length skirt that I shortened, Italian dupioni silk swatch samples, cushion covers that I tried to make that ended up being too small. Each has its' own character and no two bags are the same. The unique buttons are from either my mom's or my Oma's collections. . . pssst! Mom, see what happens when you innocently ask "Can you use these fabric and buttons for anything?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26284468">totes by silverbluedesigns</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRtmN3W9x6m8EbYtk5fFNdPk4OZEKM-oiykRcVLgBX5r95Tf7jMN8faH4W1OgLXLEfujQaY27BMB9invvFtXeg3ddRdDxR0nlfEikV2gjeeXsuxcCTYN59YsRe5JRy5Tc610EiLCOKlw/s1600/IMG_7905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRtmN3W9x6m8EbYtk5fFNdPk4OZEKM-oiykRcVLgBX5r95Tf7jMN8faH4W1OgLXLEfujQaY27BMB9invvFtXeg3ddRdDxR0nlfEikV2gjeeXsuxcCTYN59YsRe5JRy5Tc610EiLCOKlw/s320/IMG_7905.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-21321519747346809422010-03-31T00:24:00.000-07:002010-03-31T00:46:11.160-07:00Easter Inspirations in JewelryI will be the first to admit that there are a lot of jewelry designers out there. And after awhile, some of it starts to look the same (except those designs made by moi, bien sur). But then every once in awhile, I stumble across someone who is designing jewelry so differently, so uniquely, so . . .well, FRESH . . .that it causes my mouth to physically hang open.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyDcZUwaBYlSrziHUy9HhDPl0eMA_lGIzio7UQZX6OvXGv48v0NNeBLCjI8HVnNFpHv3n7kJnFR8_Tou0Puom0RKJ4PAUx6imQvRLSEv2MY_jZ_hLv5K1hzY0I-yFvuHFeb198pVifh0/s1600/il_430xN_89492089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyDcZUwaBYlSrziHUy9HhDPl0eMA_lGIzio7UQZX6OvXGv48v0NNeBLCjI8HVnNFpHv3n7kJnFR8_Tou0Puom0RKJ4PAUx6imQvRLSEv2MY_jZ_hLv5K1hzY0I-yFvuHFeb198pVifh0/s200/il_430xN_89492089.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Tonight I came across <a href="http://www.barbara-macleod.com/v2/">Barbara Macleod Jewellery</a>, (yes, with the European spelling of the craft) or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bcm999">bcm999</a> as she’s known to fellow Etsians (those of us who sell and spend way too much time on etsy.com). Barbara graduated in 2007 with a first class degree in Jewellery and Metalwork Design from Duncan of Jordanstone Art College in Dundee. Soon after she was awarded a start up grant by the Scottish Arts Council, and returned to her home town of Lochinver, - a small picturesque fishing and crafting village in the northwest Highlands of Scotland to set up her workshop. Since then, she has sold her designs through local and international galleries, major events and her <a href="http://www.barbara-macleod.com/v2/">website</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HK2B5N8vxIloDp_VKWCvf1BPagCmRjWPRf1ArPaVXn8336GrvylHshG9UPaIREPIBmXILqzIDDXMUWQoZci06w_lKdsyhh0cU8cp-DL0oJ9MKYqUVrfjpitRh-3APXUqjE3m6t_KhiE/s1600/il_430xN_89674573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HK2B5N8vxIloDp_VKWCvf1BPagCmRjWPRf1ArPaVXn8336GrvylHshG9UPaIREPIBmXILqzIDDXMUWQoZci06w_lKdsyhh0cU8cp-DL0oJ9MKYqUVrfjpitRh-3APXUqjE3m6t_KhiE/s200/il_430xN_89674573.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Her designs blend the perfect mixture of modern and classic. Crisp, bold yet intricate silverwork is paired with a soft pallet of rosy pink and ecru, mint green and sky blue. The current collection very much reminds me of delicate Easter egg patterns. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnPfUi0OXiZuTc2US8sWuUUYotuJEz3m-KQpFqaf7a-HggPg3fqQVcyBPwqYauKmPVAmHQY_UO2nkN0OKuSBStkf9mZRqG8I7kJdO8UHvhTm-3m937GKyYdS0aPl5a18C0YchuKTstp0/s1600/il_430xN_94553001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnPfUi0OXiZuTc2US8sWuUUYotuJEz3m-KQpFqaf7a-HggPg3fqQVcyBPwqYauKmPVAmHQY_UO2nkN0OKuSBStkf9mZRqG8I7kJdO8UHvhTm-3m937GKyYdS0aPl5a18C0YchuKTstp0/s200/il_430xN_94553001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Each piece is wearable for both daily work life and night time glamour. Compliments and curiosity will both be forthcoming when wearing one of these gorgeous designs. <br />
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Given the funds, I would be up for purchasing more than one of these, and not just for wearing at Easter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7ZioZRzluUrMM5gU8aMqwSOhUSGlY9Q63oZkf11cDZxpyuvV42IBtOMDwP9l5sz09M4K9oFDcC_zrPr_IqLPbFyU4kfwwD_qyxQ1ug6DGstUZNDvx9XNLT5JqIc0ueywMBg63i_r8wo/s1600/il_430xN_94560939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7ZioZRzluUrMM5gU8aMqwSOhUSGlY9Q63oZkf11cDZxpyuvV42IBtOMDwP9l5sz09M4K9oFDcC_zrPr_IqLPbFyU4kfwwD_qyxQ1ug6DGstUZNDvx9XNLT5JqIc0ueywMBg63i_r8wo/s320/il_430xN_94560939.jpg" /></a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-86890965936393086242010-03-10T17:58:00.000-08:002010-03-11T01:47:26.135-08:00More Earrings for Spring<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring is definitely in the air, despite the smattering of snow we received today. The crocus and daffodils are in full force, the cherry blossoms are out on the trees . . .and the buzz of creativity is in the air. All this excitement has turned my thoughts towards new beginnings. New projects, new job . . . .new wardrobe, perhaps? </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few new accessories to inspire the new look of spring:</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYJmmmrgSuPDOnzjhcoZL_SFBJl1xguYQ6D8i3FnMsUtordeZiF0bNoQAweoSdkb_doD2XKlwoiyusTnFjmnn_SZ4YjRf2Cuygtnl05KVgZKGsjlStfLGWuLKpYHvwsUYSLZKxd056zc/s1600-h/IMG_8470b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYJmmmrgSuPDOnzjhcoZL_SFBJl1xguYQ6D8i3FnMsUtordeZiF0bNoQAweoSdkb_doD2XKlwoiyusTnFjmnn_SZ4YjRf2Cuygtnl05KVgZKGsjlStfLGWuLKpYHvwsUYSLZKxd056zc/s200/IMG_8470b.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a>Pink and mauve are two colors that whisper spring. Here they work together in a pair of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38874073">pink pearl and mauve blister mother of pearl earrings</a> (left). Delicate blue and pink crystals accent the look. How very sweet. How very spring.</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguVY1ZKgdaNeNSVh2HbnfMYK98U8cgvRurPgJfwjsYMTKX35yUd0YmlW4c2xbJfxzjkXjnbFGxlRX6dE089_VcnX7PmD0M-zyfuOozKmdqq3SksEzTCEgXLMB1tJC3ezZSSzojnkiuAY/s1600-h/IMG_8461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguVY1ZKgdaNeNSVh2HbnfMYK98U8cgvRurPgJfwjsYMTKX35yUd0YmlW4c2xbJfxzjkXjnbFGxlRX6dE089_VcnX7PmD0M-zyfuOozKmdqq3SksEzTCEgXLMB1tJC3ezZSSzojnkiuAY/s200/IMG_8461.JPG" vt="true" width="200" /></a> Another color that heralds spring in green. Here green is presented in a pair of amazonite jade earrings with Bali silver flower accents (right). <br />
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Denim blue is a staple year round. A great pair of earrings to match with your favorite jeans are these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38821344">Montana Austrian crystal and silver pave earrings</a> (below left). Or try these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38824851">navy crystal and ribbed silver bead earrings with pale rose quartz</a> (below right).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkm9b-xIcjbH-hBZKPXOOjZihrpMVxYTsqucUxiFpM8zbauoKxsLFVUfDupvH-QJZN3xyW5qutoBB_uBhbEDVg88OSiYVtI6ZK2tNfOPFj3prpH-SpHcLo5DwdTV5Ptc70-dEtCBYQO0/s1600-h/IMG_8388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkm9b-xIcjbH-hBZKPXOOjZihrpMVxYTsqucUxiFpM8zbauoKxsLFVUfDupvH-QJZN3xyW5qutoBB_uBhbEDVg88OSiYVtI6ZK2tNfOPFj3prpH-SpHcLo5DwdTV5Ptc70-dEtCBYQO0/s200/IMG_8388.JPG" vt="true" width="167" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG3Qu5ydm2yZysbpk8AkiVJ5DvV-nMVbG8KpC-DaSE7ydg0IKnv2irgv8mqOSo3RjkD0o_6WCYecNaNeDeZO4sRvtO_xw3hu6QOXzHRHLdpdzy3nhnkvCHcfPhLpp9HSVxwheurAKM5Y/s1600-h/IMG_0882b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG3Qu5ydm2yZysbpk8AkiVJ5DvV-nMVbG8KpC-DaSE7ydg0IKnv2irgv8mqOSo3RjkD0o_6WCYecNaNeDeZO4sRvtO_xw3hu6QOXzHRHLdpdzy3nhnkvCHcfPhLpp9HSVxwheurAKM5Y/s200/IMG_0882b.jpg" vt="true" width="184" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Just add a spring floral top and a light sweater, slip on your ballet flats and you're set. Perfect for a Saturday trip to the local market or brunching on a Sunday.</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-58771344509634365982010-03-09T01:26:00.000-08:002010-03-09T01:36:48.985-08:00A New Look For Hoop Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBNPfpKgZ5jpEzXRlAU44wm-QbIYR1eTo9iPOIxj0LW4IGpgwphlwA1PN1oz2eqsqsqAtIZ1PPJnY_hgnpaUqk1gQBshu6JwV2TpvF14Yc9UyuK9Dt9ajwWp_PDBkY-mJj43cgR60Ets/s1600-h/il_430xN_128842077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBNPfpKgZ5jpEzXRlAU44wm-QbIYR1eTo9iPOIxj0LW4IGpgwphlwA1PN1oz2eqsqsqAtIZ1PPJnY_hgnpaUqk1gQBshu6JwV2TpvF14Yc9UyuK9Dt9ajwWp_PDBkY-mJj43cgR60Ets/s200/il_430xN_128842077.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's a quick fix for giving new life to your existing jewelry. These connectors and pendants by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EverLuxe">EverLuxe</a> are delicate and light enough to be threaded onto silver or gold hoops to add a new dimension to your existing earrings. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBwbboE1NoNR5UAbsLnpC0qSrhWlMYvY2KNf1UuoH5Df0YoX7VwVjv5sB2HVNrlitXnv3taAM-qy5qHd938K69bhq0V5TCJUBwzmDnX14R9sg8ar4lhJPWr5DOIysTsR08xtLhH0u2o8/s1600-h/il_430xN_128841677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBwbboE1NoNR5UAbsLnpC0qSrhWlMYvY2KNf1UuoH5Df0YoX7VwVjv5sB2HVNrlitXnv3taAM-qy5qHd938K69bhq0V5TCJUBwzmDnX14R9sg8ar4lhJPWr5DOIysTsR08xtLhH0u2o8/s200/il_430xN_128841677.jpg" vt="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Or, you could place them between a stud earring and your ear. Imagine a diamond or colored stone sparkling at the top of these. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They would look great with pearl studs as well. And at such great prices, you can easily create several new looks by changing and swapping the look to extend your jewelry wardrobe.<br />
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</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUTHPmellN_BGBYT7cY7HEmH-AHMHLc9E1b1KumsjWK464n1b4jJ8tCO8XFjqIlVZFa4yHtxd3IjI0XkZTimtALdDmyvT8LPNjdlrDsmbdlG1Jl8P2etXcUqTVK9CPeeaU71K7midVUY/s1600-h/il_430xN_128947499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUTHPmellN_BGBYT7cY7HEmH-AHMHLc9E1b1KumsjWK464n1b4jJ8tCO8XFjqIlVZFa4yHtxd3IjI0XkZTimtALdDmyvT8LPNjdlrDsmbdlG1Jl8P2etXcUqTVK9CPeeaU71K7midVUY/s400/il_430xN_128947499.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42321773">Matte white gold flower cascade connectors</a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-46907889134844461122010-03-04T05:33:00.000-08:002010-03-09T01:05:28.601-08:00Under a Canopy of Cherry Blossoms<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw-0huZvW1oKQ288ss6nyrJ_YBMsOD_JnzTjSV89QoLIkviulhavD6yCjtynlVIINTGYzTmt68iypze9iEzvDY23OCrD8U1LiLcPMIOAL079ZOJ78E03BfTmpzmPec6inh41m_fo98MU/s1600-h/IMG_7054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw-0huZvW1oKQ288ss6nyrJ_YBMsOD_JnzTjSV89QoLIkviulhavD6yCjtynlVIINTGYzTmt68iypze9iEzvDY23OCrD8U1LiLcPMIOAL079ZOJ78E03BfTmpzmPec6inh41m_fo98MU/s400/IMG_7054.JPG" width="400" /></a>It is the beginning of March, and as many of you have witnessed, Vancouver has been experiencing some rather warm weather. Last week it was a bit funny to see broadcasts from the Olympic events with daffodils in full bloom as a backdrop.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>One of the other markers of spring that has come early this year is the blooming of the cherry trees. Many of the streets in Vancouver are lined with these beautiful and majestic <em>Prunus Cerasus speciosas</em> covered in pale pink puff balls. There are an estimated 36,000 flowering cherry trees in Vancouver. Each year the city holds a <a href="http://www.vcbf.ca/">Cherry Blossom Festival</a> with several events such as a Haiku contest, a Bikes & Blossoms Tour, and a photo contest taking place around Vancouver. Other cities with large cherry blossom festivals include <a href="http://www.nccbf.org/">San Franciso CA</a>, <a href="http://www.cherryblossom.com/">Macon GA</a>, <a href="http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390">Washington DC</a>, and <a href="http://cbfhawaii.com/58/">Honolulu, HI</a>. The largest and <a href="http://gojapan.about.com/cs/cherryblossoms/a/sakurafestival.htm">most festive celebrations take place thoroughout Japan.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsRsMn30kPOFyHw0kgrNvbHbqwvEl6c0V0ya0IVKFdVxvfIJsPgtLYXwaCFOfA_uSsr0HFfsQ5zEngeh7Kva0GE84GpRFocoGR9Ge3i0eTfXH__Wtb1kSZHyFB6qyEmIa4zKJMRzz1ec/s1600-h/IMG_7061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsRsMn30kPOFyHw0kgrNvbHbqwvEl6c0V0ya0IVKFdVxvfIJsPgtLYXwaCFOfA_uSsr0HFfsQ5zEngeh7Kva0GE84GpRFocoGR9Ge3i0eTfXH__Wtb1kSZHyFB6qyEmIa4zKJMRzz1ec/s400/IMG_7061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Cherry blossoms figure prominently in Japanese culture. The cherry blossom is seen as a symbol of represents the transience of life; it is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time and so reflects the teachings of Buddhism that state all life is short and transitory. A falling cherry blossom represents the beauty of snow or a life taken too soon by battle.<br />
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In Japan, the flowers are dried and used to make tea. The leaves (<em>sakura</em> leaf or cherry leaf) are used in cooking and medicine to make 'cherry tree rice cake' <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDG2ROApmY0mdV9DPdgDyauyZJ0SwUHy5WUdxRvIvDmu59LeVNGeAmTgpXhBPDDeKHWzK8BaoSK2W0fMmuvNFxOhiAHlYroMZzIFcopRjoW_kfKa1-i1KIWYof7uf3ScLqNC6XDzsPbc/s1600-h/il_430xN_111912781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDG2ROApmY0mdV9DPdgDyauyZJ0SwUHy5WUdxRvIvDmu59LeVNGeAmTgpXhBPDDeKHWzK8BaoSK2W0fMmuvNFxOhiAHlYroMZzIFcopRjoW_kfKa1-i1KIWYof7uf3ScLqNC6XDzsPbc/s200/il_430xN_111912781.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you are not able to visit the festival, there is another way to bring the cherry blossoms to you. Have a look at these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27933886">gorgeous painted wooden bangles</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/amy987">amy987</a>. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84s0Ga872-FUTzF5AMiWMz06skXIJEMeU-jDiSbHNFtLOgm9yVfi5KmrfMHjaAEm59_ZFI4KkqVO0xKIQ2BAcaxUlFhVYIetvLluwnIKllyJjHw-wOxPZWwCABs2XW1Ujq1KUOsENnOw/s1600-h/il_430xN_111912937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84s0Ga872-FUTzF5AMiWMz06skXIJEMeU-jDiSbHNFtLOgm9yVfi5KmrfMHjaAEm59_ZFI4KkqVO0xKIQ2BAcaxUlFhVYIetvLluwnIKllyJjHw-wOxPZWwCABs2XW1Ujq1KUOsENnOw/s200/il_430xN_111912937.jpg" width="200" /></a>Each bangle is hand painted and unique, and is painted both inside and out. What a great way to keep the cherry blossoms with you all year round.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q9FYlnkuxi76zII_z37pNQ_fEGhww7dDkI4ZKOZabY9mc__MosfIDWL_IXLMPVmFvghc53CcX8fv5MZSp6rB_ypr0DRkP3TfZRKPD_ZpRSPP7kcCUwbqrs1FsPfoX_Tt1W3PIfrDXyQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_111912633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q9FYlnkuxi76zII_z37pNQ_fEGhww7dDkI4ZKOZabY9mc__MosfIDWL_IXLMPVmFvghc53CcX8fv5MZSp6rB_ypr0DRkP3TfZRKPD_ZpRSPP7kcCUwbqrs1FsPfoX_Tt1W3PIfrDXyQ/s200/il_430xN_111912633.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-73670453677417988312010-03-03T10:44:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:03:10.433-08:00Paris Chic meets Dark Espresso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPgrNbu3Z4p6aJ2UGdH69eYCnGc9b_PHSUti_QjxQyYygPH9Trh6CJxz-zPnza8toIZD7faSkA0IzSvw1NH9glMzUAMTyDeDgepqRVRZlN-tk9Ej7iCOv5KRsKkLpBVfksS5qZ-r3ntQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_117861452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPgrNbu3Z4p6aJ2UGdH69eYCnGc9b_PHSUti_QjxQyYygPH9Trh6CJxz-zPnza8toIZD7faSkA0IzSvw1NH9glMzUAMTyDeDgepqRVRZlN-tk9Ej7iCOv5KRsKkLpBVfksS5qZ-r3ntQ/s200/il_430xN_117861452.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Anyone who has seen my apartment (and not many people have, since it is still in the final stages of renovation.) will note that most of my furniture is dark espresso and fairly contemporary. Bedroom set? dark espresso with black leather insets in the headboard. Dining room chairs? dark espresso with beige ultra suede. Book shelves? You guessed it, dark espresso with pictures in dark espresso or silver frames. Even my crown molding and baseboards are now painted in Behr # 790B-7 Bitter Chocolate Espresso. And I don’t even like coffee.<br />
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So I find it a bit interesting that recently I have become drawn to French style occasional furniture. Perhaps it is a reflection back to my stay in Paris in my oh-la-la bed & breakfast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS4uUkZ4LG-LnheIRMd3P0nYafMNeniEAyE0YdQnXTAWV7x2Bswb-Z0u1ke3h9H-UuoC071RD4zAw2EJeE5IeuGjsQi_P4SQuZ1A33EtVwk0010Dng0adeynzDKyEPabjisYl2OR2EzQ/s1600-h/il_430xN_123027981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS4uUkZ4LG-LnheIRMd3P0nYafMNeniEAyE0YdQnXTAWV7x2Bswb-Z0u1ke3h9H-UuoC071RD4zAw2EJeE5IeuGjsQi_P4SQuZ1A33EtVwk0010Dng0adeynzDKyEPabjisYl2OR2EzQ/s320/il_430xN_123027981.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GoqwN-aUbVsUb88_whrf3sH1Axb995yI6BlKUB3wM1D8d_8pSAbqXP-a0NY4Jbw4_YnAcwAW8zq8l8sf6b2mX3q0CMetG-FfDiYq7P6tKrITE_qfd-4GjulLKINNTakirr1KQSoNX1I/s1600-h/il_430xN_117861205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GoqwN-aUbVsUb88_whrf3sH1Axb995yI6BlKUB3wM1D8d_8pSAbqXP-a0NY4Jbw4_YnAcwAW8zq8l8sf6b2mX3q0CMetG-FfDiYq7P6tKrITE_qfd-4GjulLKINNTakirr1KQSoNX1I/s200/il_430xN_117861205.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>I like the chipped and peeling antique look of this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40589751">gorgeous hand carved Louis XIV style dresser from the 1930’s</a> (above).It would look lovely in the same room as <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39068867">this carved mirror</a> (right).<br />
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Both are available from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kgentinetta">Karina Gentinetta</a><br />
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Imagine my surprise when I found myself enamored with this coffee and end table set at a local antique store. Even more surprising was that I bought them, even though they are pretty much the opposite of the rest of my furniture. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvmBV66IGfMDNpXhL_sPRBRO7SKenNMJHe5maTCmXqM1xvHETIb1y4ZRsBV3hznorg54X6bjaAcYC06li2DfjBkxAS-SFf0932gTYumr0TTFkkENF0Un90nygtJV_rrERdlnYTRjBqGg/s1600-h/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvmBV66IGfMDNpXhL_sPRBRO7SKenNMJHe5maTCmXqM1xvHETIb1y4ZRsBV3hznorg54X6bjaAcYC06li2DfjBkxAS-SFf0932gTYumr0TTFkkENF0Un90nygtJV_rrERdlnYTRjBqGg/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xP9DEK3gyqpF4hs7i-njZ7HionreRsvwyrPKFthdDxutVjCEgXwzW_O8FhkXvK8ijpfVl8C_456XBEwpvklNAtlahGEwm71AR7HDtsXT-DExFfs9D9o9aomvAD978a1l_BbB20WZENQ/s1600-h/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xP9DEK3gyqpF4hs7i-njZ7HionreRsvwyrPKFthdDxutVjCEgXwzW_O8FhkXvK8ijpfVl8C_456XBEwpvklNAtlahGEwm71AR7HDtsXT-DExFfs9D9o9aomvAD978a1l_BbB20WZENQ/s320/IMG_1443.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But maybe that’s why they work so well. A little bit of French je ne sais quoi in the middle of my living room.</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-90528248989901571422010-02-12T04:06:00.000-08:002010-02-12T05:35:06.483-08:00Pretty Organza Posies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZXJSggTdvwlXwh5rSQCsr0VUp6FTfinY-6MCT683yn8Ilajz7RWXsmMn_14V1ckcx8JVRiV3cmb7bDOUzqGYDSXOyVtCZ66MyJ2iIFdPfXvZsBi5-gYq6F-GNbn5CG01OxiHKR_JjhE/s1600-h/3329383332_6a07ce6d95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZXJSggTdvwlXwh5rSQCsr0VUp6FTfinY-6MCT683yn8Ilajz7RWXsmMn_14V1ckcx8JVRiV3cmb7bDOUzqGYDSXOyVtCZ66MyJ2iIFdPfXvZsBi5-gYq6F-GNbn5CG01OxiHKR_JjhE/s640/3329383332_6a07ce6d95.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
These organza flowers are absolutely gorgeous. I can just see a bunch of them in cream and pale blues sitting in an ironstone pottery bowl on my dining room table. They would be fantastic pinned into a bridal or prom up-do, attached to a classic headband, or pinned to a lapel to brighten a dark winter’s coat. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcM7LeGorXlN12JVXcTbm5DCX-2ERZBpg5MHJpF-UawX2kpawapwhDlJ_U_rOE8AlenefWaUS0vCW38VyFGMso2DY7J8u9Ohn3RTU7esMDGVkBF0Fkn4H7-R57tuKTS9x1aQ51lvYlRU/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_118140790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcM7LeGorXlN12JVXcTbm5DCX-2ERZBpg5MHJpF-UawX2kpawapwhDlJ_U_rOE8AlenefWaUS0vCW38VyFGMso2DY7J8u9Ohn3RTU7esMDGVkBF0Fkn4H7-R57tuKTS9x1aQ51lvYlRU/s320/il_fullxfull_118140790.jpg" /></a></div>The handmade set in red wine by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/supplier">supplier</a> (shown left) would be stunning for a winter wedding. <br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39152363">Handmade Organza Flowers in Red Wine</a><br />
by supplier<br />
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Pin a couple in the bride's hair, one for each of the bride's maids and one for both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. And at a very reasonable price, you may be able to request larger quantities to outfit the flower girls as well. (how adorable one of these would be pinned at the shoulder of the dress)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGLjFmEyJ-Jn7AseWO6JcfFgdna_NzTrsu2Oed8Fvina_L2Ck3hmqyok7B0onaiUyitBhYcx6MOuc91CZuLI4sJO1QgDueyBoPQYTOzYAxj8RAV1GW8MXDJ1T3AtwtM8kb74znJA6Dw/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_122924450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfGLjFmEyJ-Jn7AseWO6JcfFgdna_NzTrsu2Oed8Fvina_L2Ck3hmqyok7B0onaiUyitBhYcx6MOuc91CZuLI4sJO1QgDueyBoPQYTOzYAxj8RAV1GW8MXDJ1T3AtwtM8kb74znJA6Dw/s320/il_fullxfull_122924450.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another way to wear these are as clips on a pair of peep toe shoes, as shown by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClarkandDiversey">Clark and Diversey</a> (shown right) or by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jurgitahandmade">jurgitahandmade</a> (shown below).The clips add new life to the shoes and give them a very sweet and romantic look.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40559091">Ivory Bridal Shoe Clips with Rhinestones</a><br />
by Clark and Diversey<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40374936">"Mary" Ivory Organza Shoe Clips</a><br />
by jurgitahandmade<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaVdaO8RhnZ_HI9tzQ70L97OzoV4Tqxa2ZEZ4nDJfRzNn6YaNBYo1p947F9RcajYSZ43AdKE38DFd1TSNwG6qCB6vuTwLf7mwsPsK7yWds186m7b85Wp2ykw2Kj-w2Ng_Q6-3uausMIc/s1600-h/il_fullxfull_122298455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaVdaO8RhnZ_HI9tzQ70L97OzoV4Tqxa2ZEZ4nDJfRzNn6YaNBYo1p947F9RcajYSZ43AdKE38DFd1TSNwG6qCB6vuTwLf7mwsPsK7yWds186m7b85Wp2ykw2Kj-w2Ng_Q6-3uausMIc/s320/il_fullxfull_122298455.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The addition of pearls and rhinstones to the centers of the flowers give them that extra sparkle and make them oh-so-much-more glamorous.<br />
Hmmm . . .I have a beige pair of heels not unlike the style shown left that would benfit by adding a couple coffee colored concoctions to. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether structured like the ones by supplier or David and Diversey, or more flimsy and whimsy like the ones by Reese Dixon or jurgitahandmade, these little beauties are sure to add interest to your existing wardrobe without a huge investment. Just attach . . . and be prepared for the compliments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Super crafty and wanna know how to make them yourself? <a href="http://wanna%20know%20how%20to%20make%20them/? tutorial here by Reese Dixon">tutorial here by Reese Dixon</a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-15256403530595400622010-02-12T01:04:00.001-08:002010-02-12T05:39:53.130-08:00oh Chanel, how I adore thee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I'm browsing on the Chanel website, deciding on my next purchase (ha!). There are the usual suspects: the white gold and diamond rings, the strands of creamy white pearls with the classic double CC. And then I come across this little number. So different, so avant garde . . and yet classic and refined at the same time. Which when you think about it is everything the Chanel brand stands for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHC4Xpckp5f9xlX93FMDgr-mlYRPzO-nUipCnoEYfnOP-viVC6cX541SjljcgxPVznLbWEofDFSESl3LzCNujmolvR9VvdLKdnsIclZfWSlXLWYJPrrdT2DLLqiT1cLUp4Wrh0u60SUE/s1600-h/chanel+loopy+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHC4Xpckp5f9xlX93FMDgr-mlYRPzO-nUipCnoEYfnOP-viVC6cX541SjljcgxPVznLbWEofDFSESl3LzCNujmolvR9VvdLKdnsIclZfWSlXLWYJPrrdT2DLLqiT1cLUp4Wrh0u60SUE/s400/chanel+loopy+necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Listed in their Les Intemporelles de Chanel (The Timeless Chanel) collection, the description reads only "Diamonds and white gold necklace". Of course there is no price attached because I think at this point, if one were seriously considering adding this necklace to their collection, the price would be something dismissed with a lofty wave of a well manicured hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm not a big fan of gifts at Valentine's Day, but for this? I would make an exception.</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-45440923820950774312010-02-10T03:38:00.000-08:002010-02-10T04:05:48.054-08:00Goodbye Turtlenecks, Hello Open NecklinesWith all the warm weather we've been having here in Vancouver (perfect by me, not so perfect for the 2010 Olympic Games), it doesn't seem so far a stretch to begin to think of shedding layers of heavy winter clothing for lighter, more vibrant attire. Can you say, "goodbye turtleneck"?<br />
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So with that in mind, I’ve started creating some new pieces for more open necklines. This doesn’t mean of course that you shouldn’t wear them with a classic turtleneck. Indeed, these pieces would be stunning with either a warm & creamy or a rich & dark palette to play off of.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40066629">Blue Lace Agate & Hematite Beaded Necklace</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHoYGVAVaqbaXY2foIVFFuRHk_thHcMMb2aHfuxGDlJ6UPWGAR6heHxoU3zaXo7i_yLYCpfz7O7YthOBzMJbx6Oldh47my0uQefhZLkkn-Ab5TS6In7BJ41L8cPvMhwRaiVEwkUc-_z0/s1600-h/IMG_8318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHoYGVAVaqbaXY2foIVFFuRHk_thHcMMb2aHfuxGDlJ6UPWGAR6heHxoU3zaXo7i_yLYCpfz7O7YthOBzMJbx6Oldh47my0uQefhZLkkn-Ab5TS6In7BJ41L8cPvMhwRaiVEwkUc-_z0/s400/IMG_8318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I enjoy the contrast of the black and copper banded beads with the pale blue lucite and frosty blue lace agate. The Bali silver textured beads remind me of pomegranates. Still with a hint of winter, but perfect for the opening of a blazer or peaking out from a tailored white dress shirt. Also great with a classic cocktail dress or dare I say it yet . . .flirty little sundress.</div><br />
Highlights of this necklace include:<br />
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~ teardrop shaped blue lace agate focal bead<br />
~ polished blue lace agate nuggets<br />
~ textured Bali silver beads <br />
~ round magnetic hematite beads<br />
~ pale blue faceted lucite beads circa 1950<br />
~ black with copper foil "wedding beads"<br />
~ unique handmade scroll clasp<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4XJ4tlEPO3lomCH5Ocpjlljj1eH5dAvpHU_SFFnNx4O106PmneLAz4HINYIsWMcoaI2J_MdoIlMASPr7zqCr35IXZlDa45oy_EZz014CFsZNRXnT_KEFCa3HhH6fbbZG1dm_UDjIS2s/s1600-h/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4XJ4tlEPO3lomCH5Ocpjlljj1eH5dAvpHU_SFFnNx4O106PmneLAz4HINYIsWMcoaI2J_MdoIlMASPr7zqCr35IXZlDa45oy_EZz014CFsZNRXnT_KEFCa3HhH6fbbZG1dm_UDjIS2s/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The necklace measures 18" or 46cm and has a 2" extension (5cm). Upon request, the necklace can have longer extensions added to suit your needs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Want to add the necklace to your collection? You can find this handmade and one-of-a-kind piece <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40066629">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For other unique and interesting pieces, please visit the <a href="http://www.silverbluedesigns.etsy.com/">silverbluedesigns shop on etsy.com</a>, and stay tuned for other newly created additions.</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-70818714646176033532010-02-09T06:20:00.000-08:002010-02-09T08:10:16.036-08:00The Regal Amethyst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzqQ9hxIhoeSv3nmugdai6t_mp4klhCVtsM4mCEZEw3tQnLazYATC3BZV0TJXQ-44cEIUTfcUSOTcTRBeSSygovp21iau3ycGJUVQfxXmxIk4b4ZJX7q4l5I9Ry7zAHhdp_21bc2Wk9A/s1600-h/amethyst_urug1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzqQ9hxIhoeSv3nmugdai6t_mp4klhCVtsM4mCEZEw3tQnLazYATC3BZV0TJXQ-44cEIUTfcUSOTcTRBeSSygovp21iau3ycGJUVQfxXmxIk4b4ZJX7q4l5I9Ry7zAHhdp_21bc2Wk9A/s200/amethyst_urug1b.jpg" width="173" /></a>Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February as well as the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Pisces. A gift of this deep, dark purple prismatic stone is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, and is traditionally given as the anniversary gemstone for the 6th year of marriage (just when couples perhaps are in need something with these attributes?). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITapkk2SQXsHskMkroHw76bn58l0DZ1F5uyEPSxqoMRLebvRYs5C4TzpEaj90BDftQMQoxF0pglmT3cEPDFXH20CctZKpGftEeNRTv1-BM6WccahGDvEkw1IL3FlKxR_DBD9n7EFZjU/s1600-h/amethystpolis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRITapkk2SQXsHskMkroHw76bn58l0DZ1F5uyEPSxqoMRLebvRYs5C4TzpEaj90BDftQMQoxF0pglmT3cEPDFXH20CctZKpGftEeNRTv1-BM6WccahGDvEkw1IL3FlKxR_DBD9n7EFZjU/s200/amethystpolis2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication. In fact, the Greek word "amethystos" basically can be translated as "not drunken." This was due to a belief that amethyst would ward off the effects of alcohol, and it was common practice to serve fermented beverages from amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. I am making a mental note to remember to bring my amethyst goblet to next year’s Super Bowl party.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Deposits of this gemstone are found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka; and in the United States (Maine, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Colorado). Defined deep purple stones found in Guerrero, Mexico are some of the most valuable and prized in the world.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div>In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqcku2IL-qW3aBHwGOdvVamK85X8pJBxU6eZeH8OcAGQQFS_o6gURW_ZTe9gUUk69a3ly0aNW02_aH-aqPnl5-nCFO0LhzAxAYGDZF67iJpmzx59eWEcrRIn_mJUeSl7jMZVekk01cV4/s1600-h/UK_Orb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqcku2IL-qW3aBHwGOdvVamK85X8pJBxU6eZeH8OcAGQQFS_o6gURW_ZTe9gUUk69a3ly0aNW02_aH-aqPnl5-nCFO0LhzAxAYGDZF67iJpmzx59eWEcrRIn_mJUeSl7jMZVekk01cV4/s200/UK_Orb1.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErbdsey5QMCSgkGWDSsYju3Tozpl6mHSGmNfrEIPomokCwRI8nRLW55kVcPiX7LGp36KZxLcRFRWjxkVoxQfNoiPOE6K_8z_F5Ei_hEEBXoJPbOeEd0L_2c6otdgc9UIGhr09i-WPrfI/s1600-h/UK_Sceptre1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErbdsey5QMCSgkGWDSsYju3Tozpl6mHSGmNfrEIPomokCwRI8nRLW55kVcPiX7LGp36KZxLcRFRWjxkVoxQfNoiPOE6K_8z_F5Ei_hEEBXoJPbOeEd0L_2c6otdgc9UIGhr09i-WPrfI/s320/UK_Sceptre1.jpg" width="96" /></a>The color purple is traditionally the color of royalty and amethyst has been used throughout history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs and rulers. The Royal Orb and Sceptre used in coronation ceremonies in the United Kingdom, Great Britian and Northern Ireland feature amethysts; the Orb (left) contains a large octagonal stone below its 365 diamond cross. One of the world’s largest amethysts is in the Sceptre (right), smack between a diamond encrusted cross and the world’s largest known diamond, the Star of Africa which weighs in at a mere 530 carats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuYB_cWaooJB2CYyz7-L2YoJq2Oxuuw2bUKETkjYtgPhDNhLguAoDJ0vfaj73FJn1_hi7gCe1vOgg_pLCNSx2TWlpgyS13zxsy7DYNwpZjhh8pzyGNmgJ5ucw7cLUgVSwapCukQDKwSs/s1600-h/amethystparure+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuYB_cWaooJB2CYyz7-L2YoJq2Oxuuw2bUKETkjYtgPhDNhLguAoDJ0vfaj73FJn1_hi7gCe1vOgg_pLCNSx2TWlpgyS13zxsy7DYNwpZjhh8pzyGNmgJ5ucw7cLUgVSwapCukQDKwSs/s320/amethystparure+a.jpg" /></a>I think one of the most stunning examples still remaining today of amethyst crown jewelry is the Swedish Amethyst Tiara and Parure (above, clockwise from left: earrings, necklace, regeant dress swag and two brooches), favored by Queen Silvia of Sweden and shown here worn by Crown Princess Victoria towards the front of her head (below left).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8sRd4TsPbKiVzg4gSgvvwyT8hlgoqAbHdCFfxgdOld1Coc81CBN5FeZMiF7m8aDP45IOlEsvmP0YkSjSxgIe61tP5cX79bk8lMCNZHT6ovCg78uv7xj9NsdnMhzthsbyzQRR3z7QPnE/s1600-h/SwedishAmethystTiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8sRd4TsPbKiVzg4gSgvvwyT8hlgoqAbHdCFfxgdOld1Coc81CBN5FeZMiF7m8aDP45IOlEsvmP0YkSjSxgIe61tP5cX79bk8lMCNZHT6ovCg78uv7xj9NsdnMhzthsbyzQRR3z7QPnE/s200/SwedishAmethystTiara.jpg" width="184" /></a>Today, due to its widespread availability, amethyst is a lovely and fortunately affordable gemstone that is found in a wide variety of cut and uncut stones that many can all possess and admire; regardless of whether or not it is your particular birthstone. </div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">HOW TO PURCHASE AMETHYSTS</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Find out the grade of the amethyst. Amethysts are often separated into 3 categories: Siberian, Uruguayan or Bahain. Siberian is the highest grade amethyst, Uruguayan falls in the middle and Bahain is the lowest.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtNccS1Zp5lY0J-9Fnf0bnbHl1dRyl4n-pF3fXnv5PEatcnlKqFRbL5FrLxN42Y2DMruh1MEOy0XS3_tsplHgWv2kd8SUPnJzas11nN8aGWw7MTqziW1LDkMHy5yzODGNSLi4gVA7PoU/s1600-h/amethyst+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtNccS1Zp5lY0J-9Fnf0bnbHl1dRyl4n-pF3fXnv5PEatcnlKqFRbL5FrLxN42Y2DMruh1MEOy0XS3_tsplHgWv2kd8SUPnJzas11nN8aGWw7MTqziW1LDkMHy5yzODGNSLi4gVA7PoU/s200/amethyst+bracelet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Examine the color of the gemstone. The deep and rich violet colored stones will be the most expensive while the lighter colors will be more affordable.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Inquire if the stone is synthetic. Over 70 percent of amethysts on the market are synthetic.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Check the clarity. You want a stone that is clear with few inclusions.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Know the terminology. If you are looking for true amethyst jewelry, do not buy a piece labeled as Oriental amethyst. This term actually refers to a sapphire that has the same violet color as an amethyst.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~ Purchase a piece of amethyst jewelry with a clean cut. If the stone is cut well, it will maximize the intensity of the amethyst's color.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJU6eBRWuiShVTqn7D4VutlBwckKTLyVzhNo-Q8DLtEI-wbSYcNC1N8xkKK4FRNKhk3F4k1pRWvzIArBqoje2AvkRQbIfUF6fPvshJWDAsAVfGHASq6AUxMMTOXnCx4fAxT9DH2C5GyY/s1600-h/amethyst+3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJU6eBRWuiShVTqn7D4VutlBwckKTLyVzhNo-Q8DLtEI-wbSYcNC1N8xkKK4FRNKhk3F4k1pRWvzIArBqoje2AvkRQbIfUF6fPvshJWDAsAVfGHASq6AUxMMTOXnCx4fAxT9DH2C5GyY/s200/amethyst+3b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35305454">Amethyst Raindrop Pendant Necklace by WildWomanJewelry</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-42298659148729928772009-12-24T12:54:00.000-08:002010-02-10T04:24:13.634-08:00Slow Day for Self Promotion . . .just an update of some of the projects we've been working on. . ...(I know, I know . . it's been awhile).<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9STRe_k5kyoah72-MthZsC-crVKrepqnpOksphfVHkwchmELjUzkhFp9F5e9QZuGnu1ZPe7hQXtX28soDZLTqfYMICKYaEDO47yXwCw_vle6yNXcHS1aUVWN7XVJLaYLUoPddWx30FG0/s1600-h/IMG_8529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9STRe_k5kyoah72-MthZsC-crVKrepqnpOksphfVHkwchmELjUzkhFp9F5e9QZuGnu1ZPe7hQXtX28soDZLTqfYMICKYaEDO47yXwCw_vle6yNXcHS1aUVWN7XVJLaYLUoPddWx30FG0/s200/IMG_8529.JPG" /></a>First up is this beautiful necklace with a large blueberry quartz teardrop focal bead (left). The facets on the focal bead capture the sunlight quite brilliantly (yes, I know, there's a pun). Or even better, the candlelight as you gaze into his eyes over that romantic dinner you have coming up.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Another one that turned out really well is this green and teal combination (below right). Turquoise, amazonite, pale apple and dark African jade beads mixed with Czech glass. This piece reminds me of the warm ocean on a summer's day. All that's needed is the white sand . . . . and a margarita.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwzVzj-a4FIN8AskI3_OwEmIOsGdRBVHUbL-S80gmkzxfljaLF1dqDnFPrL-NOq4f5iu0Yo_RykvU5ZIi3L28RkEAC-B4OslbeMhG-QLYoXfynF3sXADVTa72qH_7yrOXqU-dI0OpbvE/s1600-h/IMG_8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwzVzj-a4FIN8AskI3_OwEmIOsGdRBVHUbL-S80gmkzxfljaLF1dqDnFPrL-NOq4f5iu0Yo_RykvU5ZIi3L28RkEAC-B4OslbeMhG-QLYoXfynF3sXADVTa72qH_7yrOXqU-dI0OpbvE/s200/IMG_8357.JPG" /></a>One of my favorite things to do when coming up with new jewelry designs is to lay out all my boxes of beads in my studio. Then I take a small glass mixing bowl and start mixing in beads that I think will go well together. A dash of this one, a pinch of that one. Give it a stir and put it all together. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This also means that none of my pieces end up the same. Which is great, because who wants to see the same necklace on someone else when walking down the street. It's nice to own something that's unique and one-of-a-kind. Warning though: if you don't like receiving compliments, then these pieces aren't for you.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuVdoVvp2gtYYJmWG5h8C6avOU_T_AnbdGtHT6FQPNsFnKjWJ_Xsv4qU5xbnyIMo4Mo0r2yPT-KEG1uxsVqqGblMKLh6XEFQieEq-I1k0SrNE0p8Gz7wAB7N3M7RFqPoVdqLdDwwhERY/s1600-h/IMG_8522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuVdoVvp2gtYYJmWG5h8C6avOU_T_AnbdGtHT6FQPNsFnKjWJ_Xsv4qU5xbnyIMo4Mo0r2yPT-KEG1uxsVqqGblMKLh6XEFQieEq-I1k0SrNE0p8Gz7wAB7N3M7RFqPoVdqLdDwwhERY/s200/IMG_8522.JPG" /></a><br />
This one (left) features some nice pale moss agate. It has three fantastic carved flower donut-style beads, the center one larger than the other two. Their centers are threaded with very pretty amazonite round beads. Again, I've used Czech glass and Bali silver to accent the focal beads. A very pretty Y shaped drop necklace.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As always, you can find these designs and many others in our online store at <a href="http://www.silverbluedesigns.etsy.com/">http://www.silverbluedesigns.etsy.com/</a>. <br />
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I will also be listing a number of beads as I try to make room for new finds (though I maintain that one can never have too many beads . . .just not enough space)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">. . . and so a little bit of self promotion never hurt anyone . . . right?</div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-36603768626075367062009-10-14T13:12:00.000-07:002010-12-02T13:31:20.664-08:00Perfect Petite Pincushions<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1us_l8UizsIfJHvOJmGJHJjRa_03jQ1vqTyiq225ToMdZnDTSMa2dArPdej-e1V1JVdMlOwoDaOYgsKKkSFC0BSjjaUD-pGfdc0Q30ha_HCaS8ak1VN5XRsPHO2ZSzZXNkh7CC97iGyk/s1600-h/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1us_l8UizsIfJHvOJmGJHJjRa_03jQ1vqTyiq225ToMdZnDTSMa2dArPdej-e1V1JVdMlOwoDaOYgsKKkSFC0BSjjaUD-pGfdc0Q30ha_HCaS8ak1VN5XRsPHO2ZSzZXNkh7CC97iGyk/s200/cupcake.jpg" /></a>I’m sure this has happened to many a sewing phenom who’s had one of those magnetic pin holder contraptions. You know, the yellow oval thing that looks like it could double as a soap dish. Nice for keeping the pins in place . . .not so nice when it drops on the floor late at night and all the pins go scattering across the floor along with the cat who was dozing so nicely under the sewing table. So I have reverted back to a traditional stuffed fabric pincushion. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBug0n2ebOr-lNP_Qv0lbAadtB3VYyWVY68GjVNJVyb6OwaPfedIzIMb3lAZp3bJDpum2BNEgIfHdJEfGpWRzM3DXaAM919ZgTM23zqnYJuyn1bgirhpsLM1dgIt5s7qXRyqUMzJ4D3Q/s1600-h/buttercups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBug0n2ebOr-lNP_Qv0lbAadtB3VYyWVY68GjVNJVyb6OwaPfedIzIMb3lAZp3bJDpum2BNEgIfHdJEfGpWRzM3DXaAM919ZgTM23zqnYJuyn1bgirhpsLM1dgIt5s7qXRyqUMzJ4D3Q/s200/buttercups.jpg" /></a>The uber-common design of a tomato with a funny little strawberry attached was most likely introduced during the Victorian Era. But really . . . a tomato and a strawberry? I mean, the strawberry is kinda cute but the tomato just makes me think of pasta which makes me hungry. According to <a href="http://www.tomatoesareevil.com/tomatohistory.htm"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Tomatoes Are Evil.com</span></a>, pins were initially stuck in ripe tomatoes all over Europe. The firmness of the skin with the softness of the inner pulp was ideal for keeping the pins in place. When no ripe tomatoes were abound, housewives and seamstresses made red, tomato-looking cushions for their pins. And since tomatoes and strawberries grow well together . . . voila!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4IDtDoH6kRsYcoh-sMoPVBfastKWaglm6IDH1M0yBNAEmD_zzRQLOMh_h64Kmh6rlCzcbQyDRcRIwT5B_PqruCzR_ZWA18coBtTYLgkn3tcKFtr5wnTrOeBAd-Kwf3tQnySzWN95n9E/s1600-h/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4IDtDoH6kRsYcoh-sMoPVBfastKWaglm6IDH1M0yBNAEmD_zzRQLOMh_h64Kmh6rlCzcbQyDRcRIwT5B_PqruCzR_ZWA18coBtTYLgkn3tcKFtr5wnTrOeBAd-Kwf3tQnySzWN95n9E/s200/strawberries.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pincushions are typically filled tightly with stuffing so that the pins are held rigidly in place once poked into the fabric. Traditionally, wool roving (un–spun wool) is used in the tomato in order to prevent rust on the pins. The attached strawberry is typically filled with an abrasive such as emery in order to keep the pins clean and sharp. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNAAK-LvtMsfa-hp-CO8Gh0nMlxt9eDAgDkuvL3MjW0aH1qqfVx8vW9x-ClH8s3jiY8BJzysiGFLXF2JAk7d5mjBoD0l7rTX951wyR7vqJrKn_AegTMzCVUrN7OyafkDqBoOjgdiDSVQ/s1600-h/white+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNAAK-LvtMsfa-hp-CO8Gh0nMlxt9eDAgDkuvL3MjW0aH1qqfVx8vW9x-ClH8s3jiY8BJzysiGFLXF2JAk7d5mjBoD0l7rTX951wyR7vqJrKn_AegTMzCVUrN7OyafkDqBoOjgdiDSVQ/s200/white+pumpkin.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So in not wanting to stay with the traditional, in my search I came across a couple different takes on the tomatoes-love-strawberries theme. And I must say, these would make pretty additions to any home, sewing phenom or not. I like the idea of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31125090">little strawberries in reds, greens and whites by <span style="color: #ead1dc;">allthingssmall</span></a> to decorate a holiday tree. Or a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7457499">trio of little pumpkins by <span style="color: #ead1dc;">Sea Pinks</span></a> for a centerpiece at Thanksgiving. And I adore the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5684692">sunny yellow flowers on denim blue felt by <span style="color: #ead1dc;">The Daily Pinchusion</span></a>, while the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36759262">yummy cupcake design by <span style="color: #ead1dc;">Smarmy Pants</span></a> reminds me to smile and find the whimsy when my sewing isn't quite going as planned.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sharp, clean pins with no rust that don’t fall all over the floor held by beautiful and charming designs . . .? Genius!<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36759262">yummy cupcake design by Smarmy Pants</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5684692">beautiful sunny flower pincushion by The Daily Pincushion</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31125090">delightful strawberry pincushions by allthingssmall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7457499">cheeky pumpkin pincushion by Sea Pinks</a></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-75616011401790849272009-09-17T11:57:00.000-07:002009-10-14T13:23:52.905-07:00Stately Sapphires - The Birthstone for September<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I am a Diamond girl. That is to say, I was born in April, thus making my birthstone Diamond. Which really, I have no complaints about. However, if I were to choose a gemstone to pair with my diamonds, it would have to be the wonderfully hued Sapphire, the birthstone for September. This regal corundum mineral is generally thought of as the truest of blue in gemstones. Hence the phrase “Sapphire Blue”. But sapphires can be nearly any color except red (since those are called rubies, which are chemically and structurally the same). Sapphire is also the Zodiac stone for the constellation of Taurus the Bull. (which, being a Taurus, I can appreciate)<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy7rf1LHBayLr2NdkBXjmc0q05mPKe38mAbYpcRhYbP7IcSYNA9w4RWPTDw3o0cay_vCG560i7zMeSYTV2TdBb91U7pddcrk-ZCGLoXtmNrc2HgussIYc5MWEAJbEY3Qh2P0vifyAHKA/s1600-h/Logan-Sapphire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy7rf1LHBayLr2NdkBXjmc0q05mPKe38mAbYpcRhYbP7IcSYNA9w4RWPTDw3o0cay_vCG560i7zMeSYTV2TdBb91U7pddcrk-ZCGLoXtmNrc2HgussIYc5MWEAJbEY3Qh2P0vifyAHKA/s200/Logan-Sapphire.jpg" /></a><br />
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The Logan Sapphire from Sri Lanka (right) is one of the largest faceted gem-quality blue sapphires in the world, weighing 422.99 carats. It is currently on display at the Natural Museum of Natural History.<br />
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The Hall Sapphire Necklace (below) was designed by Harry Winston, Inc., and features thirty six matched Ceylon sapphires from Sri Lanka, surrounded by four hundred and thirty five white diamonds. The Hall Sapphire Necklace is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's American Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX1jDW7gegBUUODrOGfWQ_4fLyORrD0UGyk0ldKI9LTsfszqjvJ0YMx_-HjW_ooi5dRjl8EP4oNbT5eq9AA1U5uZG9N917xN8mjuhjFH5N-GWA-LsOLNN9ASqiieT2Y6o3g4FKEoM-h8/s1600-h/gem_history_sapphire_hall_necklace_lg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX1jDW7gegBUUODrOGfWQ_4fLyORrD0UGyk0ldKI9LTsfszqjvJ0YMx_-HjW_ooi5dRjl8EP4oNbT5eq9AA1U5uZG9N917xN8mjuhjFH5N-GWA-LsOLNN9ASqiieT2Y6o3g4FKEoM-h8/s200/gem_history_sapphire_hall_necklace_lg2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sapphire is also the traditional gift for a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary. (my advice? instead of celebrating a 25th anniversary with paltry silver, opt to celebrate five times your 5th and receive five sapphires) If somehow you make it to your 65th wedding anniversary, then the traditional gift is the rare and pleasantly peculiar star sapphire. (below right)<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpS8jLlYwsyzYd_PlBhnQKOpnnb0lRdFpEc3ed8pFpWiklYnd8O1FNZaN9HvmybClJ_QEBZNIph9VnWv6d_XhRaUxbKNj65LvvwR3f_gJage2am37j-LISzV6MNY5YC0hkHNxZp83Xgk/s1600-h/sapphire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpS8jLlYwsyzYd_PlBhnQKOpnnb0lRdFpEc3ed8pFpWiklYnd8O1FNZaN9HvmybClJ_QEBZNIph9VnWv6d_XhRaUxbKNj65LvvwR3f_gJage2am37j-LISzV6MNY5YC0hkHNxZp83Xgk/s200/sapphire5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sapphires from Sri Lanka and India are well known, and excellent examples are also found in Tanzania and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. In addition, sapphires are found in many places throughout the world, including North Carolina, Montana, Brazil, and China. <br />
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But I think the best place to find them should be in my jewelry box . . .<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6A2_6b805t6MK3zHJPUhE9h0QyJdxZbRpATcHJt8x2sQx99HK1uNjH3H858G41gWmc4eHQ7MQHLkxjWV8OXAF_qOHCUVAdDZa6xPge6cwh8KUSXu2WO-WiI7JG-pDXQNb-SmYFlpebg/s1600-h/pariaba+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6A2_6b805t6MK3zHJPUhE9h0QyJdxZbRpATcHJt8x2sQx99HK1uNjH3H858G41gWmc4eHQ7MQHLkxjWV8OXAF_qOHCUVAdDZa6xPge6cwh8KUSXu2WO-WiI7JG-pDXQNb-SmYFlpebg/s320/pariaba+green.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Paraiba Green Sapphire<br />
</div></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887825209457430680.post-90836150877412901552009-09-16T17:23:00.000-07:002009-10-14T13:26:39.989-07:00Button, Button . . .Who's got a Button?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP_UHBw3IbUGWrfiWgCWhV72og93eCre3uzBZTzUzVb11fBF5-kFbdqUUh1Rn0AlvCLn3g4P1zSAJMn_HHDWt_ArX5wzA92MJrH35eCYenXRg-Wbd2AFCPV5ck0hB1ZoN98JKbtF0miA/s1600-h/mother+buttons.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382231900333694018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYP_UHBw3IbUGWrfiWgCWhV72og93eCre3uzBZTzUzVb11fBF5-kFbdqUUh1Rn0AlvCLn3g4P1zSAJMn_HHDWt_ArX5wzA92MJrH35eCYenXRg-Wbd2AFCPV5ck0hB1ZoN98JKbtF0miA/s320/mother+buttons.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 289px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 304px;" /></a> <br />
<div><div><div><div><div><div>I have a fascination with buttons. I think it's partly my Oma's fault. My first memories of my intimate introduction to these little treasures are of sitting on the floor in the living room at Oma's house while my mom had coffee. I was given a large glass jar, the kind that dill pickles used to come in. It was filled with buttons of all shapes and sizes. I think the idea was for me to thread the buttons onto string, thus improving concentration and dexterity in a toddler. However, I had different ideas. <br />
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<div></div><div>Instead, I sorted the buttons. First, I sorted them by color. Then I sorted them by size. I divided them into shank and no-shank; I divided them into two holes versus four. Then I put them all back in the jar and started over.<br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0GNmctkpQ33pJ0UniFIP3nZ5E3_W9K91nN2Sh75tyEP4XTeeG0ykBL1SYV2am2HGWaWHuniUmRuDHg_dwTbQYOR_eWdYSNxteCZuNjlaxycBeiN20ObBp2C8xgAbUDnsVS7mXogIhac/s1600-h/pewter+button.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382230985334438034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0GNmctkpQ33pJ0UniFIP3nZ5E3_W9K91nN2Sh75tyEP4XTeeG0ykBL1SYV2am2HGWaWHuniUmRuDHg_dwTbQYOR_eWdYSNxteCZuNjlaxycBeiN20ObBp2C8xgAbUDnsVS7mXogIhac/s320/pewter+button.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 268px;" /></a> <br />
<div>Today I buy buttons for no reason other than they tickle something inside of me. Usually, crafters buy notions for an intended purpose. I have scores and scores of buttons that I have no idea what I will use them for. For now, they sit in a series of antique Ball blue glass jars on a shelf in my studio. For now, this is their sole purpose. <br />
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<div>To just look interesting and hold all kinds of possibilities. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGna4BHIqkBFBwgQF3_1A6chI-Ic4zJej6XslRH2is4FPQVY6_7H5dLzwJlfsLGZp2yokCKK-q8ZMi1nxwuOg-zWXjEDpzzZuhn4VgdL3l17x3KIHmSkn1nG0JPEtuTnUEqfd90AjX9VQ/s1600-h/mop+buttons.jpg"></a><br />
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<div>And that's okay by me. <br />
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<div></div></div></div></div></div></div>silverbluehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03237615480987232763noreply@blogger.com0