Late For the Holidays

Oh my gosh. Where has this year gone. It seems like the presidential elections just ended. Christmas just ended. Then the New year came. Spring, Summer and now it's Christmas again. It is almost 2010. I still haven't absorbed 2009. I haven't blogged since October. Kept thinking I need to get my holiday jewelry on my blog. Now it is 5 days till Christmas. WOW.

So much happened this year. My youngest son just finished 4 years in the United States Army as a combat medic. He served two tours of Iraq, and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. We are so blessed to have him home this Christmas. Nothing else matters. He is home. Safe. My heart goes out to all the people who have family members in the Armed Forces. You all are in my prayers for a safe return.

Beautiful Mexican Fire Agate

I haven't blogged for over a month. Wow, it seems like just last weekend I was typing away about some funky beads. Where has the year gone?

The changes in the color of leaves and trees is, to me, is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

I am show casing a beautiful orange stone and crystal set. It is Mexican Fire Agate. Stunning shades of orange, ranging from deep fire orange to pale peachy. This necklace is about 18 inches long and is accented with smokey gray Swarovski crystals. Such pretty fall colors.

Visit Denimdawgjewelry.com for more handcrafted jewelry.

Its not too early to start you christmas shopping. Get it done early this year, then sit back and joy.

Funky Jewelry

I know these little beads look like mini burgers strung with copper findings. Well, they aren't. These funky little beads are actually replica's of prayer beads.

Lore has it that when a monk passed away, a piece of bone was sliced and the core was a binder mixed with pieces of stone. These beads have coral and turqouise mixed with a binder. the beads, would be passed around to each of the monks and they added them to their strand of prayer beads, known as "rosary" or "mala". The beads were thought to have spiritual powers attached to them.

These beads are NOT actual beads from Tibet, BUT are made from cow bone and crushed coral and turqouise mixed with a non toxic binder placed in the center. I found the unusual treasures at BeadBabe in Sacramento, California. The beads are on hand wrapped wire. Accented with small copper glass beads and 6mm copper mesh spacers. The lobster clasp is antique copper and the necklace is about 19 inches.

Labor Day Weekend

It is Friday before Labor Day. The start of a long relaxing weekend. The weather in Sacramento has been so hot and dry lately, I may just stay home and work on my jewelry and blog. Work has been somewhat slow. (dental office). We had the opportunity to get real organized and put old things in storage.
My creative juices have not been good lately. I look at all the materials I have, and I get so overwhelmed with where to start. Maybe I just have too much stuff. I will go to a bead store "just to look", and come out with a bag of goodies. Just went to Michael's, and Joann's. Both new stores. WOW. I don't need a thing, but out I walk with materials. I guess I'm just going to force myself (yeah right) to relax this week end. Hope all of you have a great weekend.

Good Weekend

Wow, I haven't felt this good in a really long time. My mom, (who is my best friend, EVER) moved in to a brand new adult care Alzheimer's home. It look's just like a hotel. She has her own decorated room, a huge backyard with a garden, and the nicest caregivers ever. I feel so blessed to find this place. Its called St. Philomena's. In Spokane Washington. There were no tears of sadness when she was dropped off. She said the place was beautiful.
Second, my youngest son, Kyle, is on his way back from his second tour of Iraq. He will arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska in a few hours. This tour he was there about 11 months. He starts block leave on October 9, 2009 for three weeks, heads back to Alaska to start the discharge process.
Thank God.
What a great weekend.

My Mom

I just spent a week and a half in Spokane, Washington. I went to visit my mom. I had been there in March, May and July. She is in mid stages of alzheimer's. I knew something was different as far back as October of 2008. I didn't make the connection. She moved slower, forgot simple things, didn't talk as much. Each visit I noticed she had declined a little more. She requires 24 hour care now. She is my very best friend. I love her more than anything and want only the best for her. It is an absolute honor for me to care for her. I only wish I could do more.

White T Shirts

I was watching 60 Minutes last night while eating dinner. Andy Rooney came on at the end. He was sitting at his desk (like he usually does) with about 30 different kitchen gadgets. Some new some old. He would hold up an onion slicer and say he has two of those, never used either one. A bread slicer with a wooden handle, he never used that either. Each item he held up he either had two or three, or he never used them.
I have 14 white t-shirts. Some sleeveless, cap sleeves, long sleeve. A few that are very light weight cotton and others a polyester/cotton mix. Every time I see a white t-shirt, I think I need it for an outfit or workout. They can be dressy or casual (like my jewelry line). Wear alone or under a sweater or jacket. Jeans or skirts. You can layer them with different colors. Some of the ones I have, I've had for a long time. What I find so funny tho, I NEVER wear white t-shirts. They look sooo cute on the maniquins, but when I put them on, they feel funny, or are too clingy. BUT, I'm sure I will go out and buy another white t-shirt.

Getting Settled

We just move into our new condo. We downsized after the kids and grand kids moved away. I always thought, "the simple life must be grand." There is alot to be said about that simple life. We have less than half the size we used to. Now, this could be a good thing. Less housekeeping, less utilities, less rent, less yard work. Less material objects. BUT also less room to set up by jewelry business. As you can see I'm very unorganized. The look of this area must be the mark of a genious. It has to be. I'm not going to say that it is because I have less room. I'm saying I'm busy. That's it. I'm busy. I have no time to organize. Who am I fooling. I have to get this all put back together so I can FIND stuff. It took three days, but now I am uncluttered and somewhat organized. It was find of fun cleaning up this mess. I found things I forgot I had. Beads, findings, clasps. Now I just need the creative juices flowing. Visit my website and see my new creations.

http://www.denimdawgjewelry/

Lime Green

I'm looking thru my closet. Trying to figure out what to wear. It's summer and very hot. As I try and choose, I notice the dominant color in my closet is, lime green. I have so many things in different shades of lime green. I even have a sassy handbag in lime green. It is a very neutral color. Goes with almost any shade, browns, blues, reds, and even lavender. When I'm out shopping (Chico's), I gravitate towards this beautiful color. For many years I was attracted to grays and black. Sometimes, white, but only if accented with black. I really went the other way with lime green colors. It is a very popular color this year. Take the plunge, go lime green.

This funky lime green turqouise bracelet and earrings set is perfect.

August Birthstone, Peridot

My birthday is not until January, BUT, I love the August birthstone. Its is a beautiful transparent lime or olive green stone, called Peridot. A rich color that is neutral and matches almost anything, and perfect for the summer wardrobe

This stone can be found in different areas of the world, including Australia, Norway, Brazil and even in the USA. Sometime even on the black sands of Hawaii.

Legend has it that pirates favored the peridot to protect them from evil. When set it gold, it protects the wearer from terrors in the night.

Protect this gemstone from scratches and dropping. Do not use in home ultrasonic cleaners.

Peridot is the anniversary stone for the 16th year of marriage. It is also a very old gemstone, found in ancient Egyptian jewelry from the early 2nd millennium B.C.

www.denimdawgjewelry.com

Fair Trade Federation

We use so many different materials in crafts from all over the world. When choosing products and materials consider where they come from. Look for companies that are certified by the Fair Trade Federation. FTF is the trade association that straightens and promotes North American organizations committed to fair trade.This Federation is part of a global fair trade movement. It hopes to support good working conditions, rights of children, prompt payment for those in less fortunate areas of the world. Hopefully to stop poverty in other countries.
These Kazuri beads are handmade, hand painted ceramic beads from clay that comes from the Mt. Kenya area. The purchase of these beads help women from Kenya earn a livelihood.

http://www.denimdawgjewelry.com/

Let's Go Green

More and more people are recycling. Using less and less plastic garbage bags, turning in cans and plastic bottles. Global warming is on peoples minds and more and more are thinking of ways to save our planet.
Crafters reuse some of their materials. Focal beads could be vintage buttons, broaches, or even glass. Game pieces are also great to recycle.
Another good choice is from the founder of JP Designs. She has a company called Cool Artwear. She has button and reversible pendants recycled from bamboo and corn. Her name is Judy Payne.

Eco minded jewelry can also be strung "green" wire. There is a heavy, metal free, wire that is earth friendly, from a company call Soft Flex. Check them out.
Here are some additional Eco friendly suppliers.

Soft Flex Wire
http://www.softflexcompany.com/
Glass Garden Beads
http://www.glassgardenbeads.com/

Bead To Feed
http://www.beadtofeed.org

Independence Day

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Backyard barbeque's with friends and family will be held almost everywhere. Red, white and blue decorations and fireworks will be seen all over the country.

This bracelet is made from handmade glass beads. Patriotic symbols ind red, white and blue. The beads are strung on heavy stretch cord. There are matching earrings also available. Young or old, almost anyone will enjoy this set.

http://denimdawgjewelry.com

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

To day is Father's Day. June 21, 2009. The third Sunday of the month of June. To me, it's a day for memories of my dad, who passed away several years ago. He was very quiet and unassuming, yet his silence was very inspiring to me. He always told me, "you don't have to tell people how smart you are, they'll know just by talking to you, don't brag." He loved to read. I don't ever remember him not having a book to read. He didn't watch TV. Thought it was better to read. He knew so many things, from reading. After he passed, there were so many questions I wish I would have asked him. I tell my kids, ask questions now, find out things now.
I hope every dad and daddy to be has a great day.

VERY BIG JEWELRY

As I have said in previous blogs, BIG is in this year. I had the day to myself and was rummaging thru my treasures. I found some large beads and put together this necklace. Large yellow/green quartz and very large carved silver balls. I have had the quartz for quite awhile, but just received the carved silver balls.


I went to the Gem Faire in Sacramento last August. I came across a booth that has so many findings and accent beads. Super Time International had a great selection of beads, but I was really impress with their selection of peweter findings. The prices were incredible and so was the selection.
DenimDawgJewelry.com

Beautiful Handcrafted Lavender Jade and Swarovski Crystal Earrings with Silver Wire Hooks

These beautiful handcrafted lavender jade and Swarovski crystal earrings are so lovely! They're such a wonderful accessory to spruce up any outfit. Don't have anything lavender in your wardrobe? You could always try an elegant floral hair clip, a watch, or necklace with some purple in it. The elegant Swarovski crystals glisten in the sun and add a sparkly touch.

Big Jewelry Is In This Year!!!

Big is in this year. Big and bold necklaces, earrings and handbags. If you don't care for big bold necklaces, at least try an over sized pair of earrings. Bright colored stones mixed with metal accent beads look great on anyone.
As for color, yellow is the hottest color this year. Pantone (proclaimed global authority on color) has named Mimosa, which is an orange yellow hue, the 2009 color of the year. I have always been afraid of bright colors, but since I started making jewelery, I love mixing different colors together. It is so much fun.

It's All About Accessories

Look around! There is so much color out there. It's handbags, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses. It's the year for accessorizing.

Friday causal can be jeans, t-shirt and jacket. Then for the evening after work, dress those jeans up with sassy heels in animal print. Add a long necklace over the t-shirt and throw on a jacket and you can head out to dinner at a real nice resturant.

Handbags seem to be getting bigger and more colorful. Animal print with bright accent colors are the hot items. They match any attire, whether dressy or casual. They are large enough to hold everything you need plus extra.

http://www.denimdawgjewelry.com/

Amethyst Stones

The birthstone for the month of February is Amethyst. It is a variety of quartz and a very popular gemstone. Amethyst is also the Zodiac stone for the constellation Pisces. This birthstone is so available that it is really not that expensive. It come from different areas of the world and in different shades of purple ranging from almost white to very deep purple. The name Amethyst came from the Greek, that means "not drunk". Therefore it is believed to ward off the effects of alcohol.
This is a very versatile stone and used often in handcrafted jewelry. Its a "neutral" color and can be used with many different accent colors.

www.denimdawgjewelry.com

Huayruru Natural Seed Bracelet

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp ) that is found growing in Peruvian rainforests. This seed is characterized by being both part red and part black, visually suggesting a complementary and duality of color. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been a belief among Peruvians that these seeds have both the power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits, to those who were them. These beautiful red and black seeds are also known as " prayer beans, rosary beans, crabs eye and lady bug seeds". Add a "green" piece of jewelry to your collection.

www.denimdawgjewelry.com

Handcrafted Jewelry

I have mentioned before that I started making jewelry about one year ago. I didn't have any knowledge of gemstones, pearls, glass beads or any of the findings used to complete a design. I was in Oregon and found a tiny bead shop in downtown Grants Pass. The colors and "bling" of all the beads and stones caught my eye. It was like a candy store for me. I purchased some polished jasper oblong stones and some pale blue Swarovski Crystals. I had no idea what I was going to make, but I sure love the colors. I also bought a copy of Beading Daily magazine. On the way home to Sacramento I read that magazine cover to cover. I was hooked. I have made many mistakes, taken many thing apart, given away many many items. I absolutely love beading. If you have a chance to pick up a copy of Beading Daily, do so. There are soooo many great ideas, articles, and inspiration. This is a picture of the very first design I did. Please also visit my website www.denimdawgjewelry.com.

Handcarved Bone Jewelry

I really like lime green. It seems every time I look for new clothes, I go for the green!! When I was younger, green, (any shade) just seemed like a crayon color only. It has become a very popular color, I see it every where. My very favorite is lime green or kiwi green. It is a very neutral color and accents every color very well. I found these hand carved bones at Michael's. I played around with them and came up with this design. Check out my website. http://www.denimdawgjewelry.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy New Year to everyone. It's that time of the year to make new resolutions. Dream big for this year. Embrace friends and family, and health. Hopefully all of your dreams will come true. I feel this is going to be a great year. Try a new word every day, try something you have never done before. Say Hi, to a complete stranger. Buy the person behind you a cup of coffee. Smile for no reason. Help someone carry their groceries to their car. Make this a Happy year!!!!!