Serenity Bracelets

Serenity is defined as a sense of calmness, peace, tranquility, or a similar restful state of mind. Something that we all strive to achieve, inspite of the hectic lives we lead.

I try to find time for yoga sessions once a week and the best part of the session is always the breathing exercises that helps me relax, focus and hopefully strengthen me mentally.

Serenity Bracelet with Coral, Turquoise and Moss Agate

The relaxing breath exercise, called the 4-7-8 method is simple, let me show you how...

• Get the tip of your tongue on the roof of the mouth behind the two front teeth and keep it there.
• Exhale completely through the mouth with a 'whoosh' sound.
• Inhale through the nose, for the count of 4, lower chest first, then upper chest should expand.
• Hold your breath for the count of 7.
• Exhale through mouth with a 'whoosh' sound for a count of 8.
• Repeat, at least three times... feel yourself reaching an inner peace!

These numbers 4-7-8 inspired me create a bracelet with 4 Sponge Coral Nuggets, 7 faceted rondelles of Moss Agate, and 8 Turquoise nuggets. This bracelet has an Om (aum) charm hanging from it. Om comes from Sanskrit, and affirms a Divine presence in the Universe and the union of our mind and body and spirit!

My next Serenity Bracelet is made using two of my favorite gemstones, Tiger Eye and Turquoise. I used 4 Tiger Eye coins, 7 Turquoise rondelles and 8 faceted Tiger Eye rounds. This bracelet has Copper beads and a beautiful sun toggle clasp.

Serenity Bracelet with Tiger Eye and Turquoise

So what do you think, will wearing a Serenity Bracelet help someone slow down, remind to breathe calmly, and lead to inner tranquility? 

Something Blue Anklet

It is traditional that every bride wears something blue on her wedding day but do you know why? The tradition comes to us from long, long ago, brides from ancient Rome (another version says ancient Israel) wore blue ribbons on the border of their wedding robes to signify love, fidelity and modesty. These ideals are as important today and brides enter into marriage wearing 'something blue' on her wedding day. The common 'something blue' worn is on the garter, maybe a blue ribbon on her pretty lacy white garter. But why not an anklet?

When Artbeads.com asked me to choose some beads as part of their Summer Time Design program I decided to make something for brides, and the 'something' I made is blue.

A 'Something Blue' Anklet!

Using faceted round Swarovski Crystallized Elements in Light Sapphire and Swarovski pearls Light Blue the anklet includes three candy heart charms that is keeping with the love and fidelity theme, aren't they cute? One says 'For Keeps', another 'Love You' and the third one 'I'm Yours'. Some sterling silver chain for extension and a trigger clasp, and this anklet would make any ankle sexy! For some additional bling, I have thrown in some crystal rondelles.

My 'something blue' on my wedding day was blue ribbon on my garter, so unimaginative, don't you think? What is/was yours?

Disclosure: Some of the beads described above I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com.

I have been asked to review these beads/supplies and give my honest opinion of them.  I am not being paid by Artbeads.com for my endorsement of any of the products received and reviewed in my blog postings.

It is still Summer Time!

As a Summer Time Design Partner of Artbeads.com, I was asked to make a few fun summer designs from their bountiful selection of beads. This summer has gone by so fast and it will soon be all over, I am only now able to blog about the jewelry I made from the beads I chose (what with family, vacations and issues with my photographic equipment!). But it's better late than never...

Well, who could resist the sparkle in these amazingly bright and shiny Yellow Cubic Zirconia Fan Bead? Artbeads.com sells them under their Pendant section, but I used a pair as earrings. They are not too heavy and I added no other beads. Really, no other bead is needed!

The shape and cut of this bead is amazing, no matter from which side you look at it, it is the triangular fan shape that you see. And they sparkle, my do they sparkle? See for yourself.

I have added a short length of gold-plated Pewter leaf chain, that have so much movement with a pair of leaves on each link and a nice drape over the top of the fan bead. All of it is topped with a gold-filled Fleur de Lis lever back earring. I think they look great, what do you think?

What I like best about them is that they are a great pair of earrings for the hot summer season and also the cool fall.


Disclosure: Some of the beads described above I have received free of charge from Artbeads.com.

I have been asked to review these beads/supplies and give my honest opinion of them.  I am not being paid by Artbeads.com for my endorsement of any of the products received and reviewed in my blog postings.

Yes, I Know It's Not July! But It Is Calder Inspired!

It's better late than never!

As many of you know the Art Bead Scene Challenge for July was based on this painting 'Blue Feather' by Alexander Calder. This was to be my entry! But I had problems with my photography system and could not get these pictures done last month. For now, it seems my problems are temporarily solved and I was finally able to get some pictures taken of the jewelry I made in the last many weeks. 

The Calder painting inspired these earrings, and I was going for the three dimensional mobile effect. I used Swarovski 'Mystic Black' pearls, each pair larger than the next, with the single orange Carnelian rondelle. Each bead is wire-wrapped so that it rotates independent of the others. The earrings are lightweight, but long.

I think it captures the spirit of the painting, don't you?

For my Art Bead I chose a pair of blue enameled butterflies from Anne of GardanneBeads.

I would love to hear what you think of my interpretation of the painting.


Have a great week!

Sweet Dreams are made by Charoite?

Charoite Pendant & Peacock Blue Freshwater Pearls

"Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?"

(Annie Lennox/Eurythmics, 1983)

Did you know that sleeping with a piece of Charoite under your pillow calms disturbed sleep and dispels fearful dreams? That's what metaphysical gem enthusiasts will have you believe! 

Charoite was discovered in 1947 in the Chary River area of the former Soviet Union and gets its name from the river. This region known for its harsh climate and terrain was the traditional place of exile for political prisoners. I wonder if prisoners were used to mine or dig for the gemstone? This semi-precious gemstone's value is in the fact that it is found only in this desolate region of Russia.

Charoite & Sterling Silver Bracelet

Charoite was introduced to the western world in the late seventies. It is easily identified by its characteristic grape color, ranging from very light to dark purple along with its black and white mottling. Areas of the stone can range from translucent to opaque. The fibrous crystals found in Charoite give it beautiful swirling patterns, making it one glorious gemstone!

I love the purple color of the gemstone, though it can be somewhat pricey. This is one gemstone strand that is I cannot resist at bead shows. Don't you love it?

Dog Days of Summer

In North America, around August 4th is the beginning of what is traditionally known as the 'Dog Days of Summer'. The 40 days that follow are sultry, sweaty, humid, and 'can fry eggs on the sidewalk' hot! The weekly weather forecast in Tampa calls for afternoon highs of 93ºF, with heavy lightening and thundershowers in the afternoon and feels like a 100º hot! Ever wondered how everyone survived before air conditioning became so commonplace and affordable? Then throw a hurricane or two into the mix and you have sunny Florida! I know this is not what the Chamber of Commerce would like me to say... but it is, what it is! Oh, let's not forget the mosquitoes!

A tribute to Dalmatians! 

A bracelet with Dalmatian Jasper. Does Mother Nature love Dalmatians?

Golden Retrievers are the best!

A bracelet with synthetic Goldstone.

Ever wonder why these hot summer days are called the Dog Days of Summer? Well, it has nothing to do with actual dogs. These hot days mark the period when 'Sirius' the brightest star in the Big Dog constellation 'Canis Major' starts to rise with the sun in the daytime sky. Ancient Romans thought the Sirius star added its heat to that of the Sun to produce these very hot days. Hence the ... Dog days of Summer! Now you know!

I thought I would take this opportunity to show some of my personal tributes to our four legged friends. 

Enjoy the Summer!

Happy 4th, Andrew!

The versatile and talented Andrew Thornton celebrates his 4th anniversary in the blogosphere with a giant giveaway of, what else but beads! Check them out... its hard to stop the drooling.

Wow!

Hurry on over, to his blog and leave your comment before Monday August 2nd. 

Happy Anniversary Andrew!

Gorgeous Giveaway

Cyndi from Beading Arts is giving away this gorgeous Kingman Turquoise Cabochon from Cabbing Rough. So hurry on over to beading arts and leave a comment to get your name in the hat. I have not used a cab in my jewelry before, but if I win, this would be a great time to learn a new technique.

Isn't it truly gorgeous? Look at the golden bronze infused into the turquoise, magnificent!

Don't forget to check out the other cabs for sale at Cabbing Rough, Cindy would like to know what your second favorite would be from their selection..

Summer Design Contest from Happy Mango Beads

I found Happy Mango Beads through an advertisement in a bead magazine and was thrilled at the selection of exotic beads they carry from far-a-way lands. They have ancient beads and modern day beads, the store is a history lesson on beads!

Some of the purchases I made from them resulted in this memorable necklace, using a handcrafted brass face mask and recycled sandcast glass beads from Ghana in West Africa.

Happy Mango Beads is now sponsoring a beading contest and the theme is 'Songs of Summer'

You must hurry as the contest deadline is August 6, 2010. The categories that you can enter in are as follows:

Summertime Blues  - all shades of blue

Under the Sea – seashells, coral, pearls, fish

California Sun – yellows that feel like sunshine, touches of orange and red

Hot Fun in the Summertime – fun & funky!

Kokomo – a tropical flare using colors such as: lime, aqua, hot pink, orange or coconut wood

Saturday in the Park – green grass, leaves, blue/green ponds, specks of floral

Rocky Mountain High – nature inspired, gemstones

Under the Boardwalk – wood, recycled glass

Summer in the City – metals, glass, ceramic

Tiptoe through the Tulips – think flowers! 

That pretty much covers every creative avenue, and you do not have to use beads purchased from Happy Mango Beads!

The overall winner gets a $100 gift certificate to Happy Mango Beads, while winners of each category get a $25.00 gift certificate to be used at the store. Check out the contest rules and lets get beading!

Christmas in July

The Child Abuse Council of Hillsborough County, FL is holding their fund raising event 'Christmas in July' tomorrow Friday July, 23 from 6 - 9 pm at the Child Abuse Council's Baby Bungalow at 3106 W Azeele St. in Tampa. The event includes a Silent Auction and Taste of Tampa Bay. It is for a worthy cause, I have heard the testimonies from the children they help, it is heart breaking! The organization is a private, non-profit agency that provides programs to prevent, educate and treat children and strengthen families.

This is the second year that I have participated in this event with a donation of a piece of jewelry for their Silent Auction. I wanted to show you the piece I donated this year.

The necklace is made of lime green chalk turquoise smooth nuggets, one larger asymmetrically placed red coral nugget and all the beads are separated by tiny red coral round beads. I finished it with some sterling silver chain and trigger clasp and a pair of matching earrings. I think this necklace is so summery and christmassy at the same time and so Florida! 

I hope they get some good bids and raise lots of money.

You can check the Child Abuse Council out on Facebook if you want to know more about the work they do.

A Gift from the SuperNicePeople

The SuperNicePeople at HipChickBeads.com sent me an email and asked that I share it with my friends, so here it is... a coupon for free shipping ... for a limited time!

How can you go wrong with a group that call themselves SuperNicePeople!

Happy Shopping!

Use the Code

NOSHIPPINGFEE

when you shop at www.HipChickBeads.com on the checkout page

Hurry, this offer ends midnight Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

The Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg, Florida

This weekend the spectacular and colorful glass sculptures of the world renowned artist Dale Chihuly comes to town. The Morean Art Center, in St. Petersburg. FL is providing a home for an exhibition -The Chihuly Collection- which opened today. This will be the only permanent museum collection of Dale Chihuly's glass art.

The Chihuly Collection will be housed in a building specifically designed (by architect Albert Alfonso) so that the architecture enhances the artworks. Each room and exhibit space has been designed to complement the glass work to provide visitors with a unique visual experience. The exhibit will also include the 700 lb. Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier, created specially for this collection and a blue Chandelier donated by Joan Stonecipher from Naples, FL. Mrs. Stonecipher is said to have told her ex-husband Harry Stonecipher, the former CEO of Boeing that for her 60th birthday, she wanted a Chihuly "a women can only wear so much jewelry, but a Chihuly I can look at everyday!"

Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier

(photograph courtesy of The Morean Art Center)

The opening events were held this weekend with a premiere tour of the collection today and general admission begins tomorrow, Monday July 12. Combination tickets to this event also includes a tour of the Morean Art Center and a hot shop where visitors can watch demonstrations of glass blowing. Cool! 

I must confess, I had not much knowledge of Dale Chihuly, but the publicity surrounding this exhibit made me research and learn more about him. Dale Chihuly has certainly elevated glass blowing to a fine art! Check out his 2000 hand-blown glass blossoms Fiori di Como that adorn the ceiling of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I have not been to Las Vegas, but a trip to see this masterpiece might be worth considering.  

The ticket prices for the opening events of the Chihuly Collection were out of my price range, but I certainly plan to see the collection and tour the hot shop. The Morean Art Center I have learnt, also conducts classes in Lampworking, Dichroic Glass, Borosilicate Glass jewelry and Metalsmithing.  Nice to know there is such a place so close to home that I can go to, when I find the time and money! 

Have a Great Weekend!

Last weekend was a rain event here in the Tampa Bay area, this weekend promises to be sunny, and even cooler than many parts of the Northeast USA!

No matter where or what your plans....

at the beach....

or in your backyard....

Or if you plan to do some beading, check out the discount coupon to Artbeads.com that is valid though the end of July.

Enjoy the weekend!

I Love Artbeads! Don't you?

As many of you already know, I am a Design Partner with Artbeads.com and today I received an exclusive discount code that I can share with all my fellow bloggers and friends.

This discount code allows you to take advantage of a 10% discount on all purchases until July 31, 2010.
Here is the magic code!

SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0125


Combine this with the 4th of July BLOWOUT SALE they have going on now, with prices slashed on over 1000 items and we are talking about some serious savings.

Happy Bead Shopping!

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
Enjoy!

Disclosure: As part of the Design Partner program I have received free of charge beads/supplies from Artbeads.com to be reviewed. All they ask in return is my honest opinion.  I am not being paid by Artbeads.com for endorsements and/or reviews.

Thornton's Thursday Treasure

 Check out the thursday treasure that is being given away by Andrew Thornton.

This week he is giving away to one lucky blogger a copy of Kate McKinnon's book and DVD 'Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry'. Wow!

You can read all about the book in Andrew's book review,
and check out some of Kate McKinnon's amazing jewelry at her website.
She even has room in her upcoming class for Metal Clay in Tucson, AZ in November!

All you have to do to win is to hop on over to his blog and post a comment.

If you write about it again in your blog, or facebook, or other social networking site you get your name in the hat again. Just make sure you let him know about it.
Good Luck, but I hope I win this one!