Handmade Paper Beads

At the last Gem Faire in Sacramento, I found some pretty paper beads. They were sold by the bag so I didn't really know the colors I was getting. After I got home, open them up, I was pleasantly surprised. Small dainty paper beads. (they come in larger sizes also).

They are made from recycled paper and magazines. Women in Uganda living in extreme poverty make these beads, earning about $1.00 a day.

There are several organizations that help these women sell their beads through fair trade, which helps these people living in extreme poverty. Bead For Life, Beads of Hope Africa, and Uganda Beads.

Getting Ready for the Holidays

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a great time. Had out of town family for an entire week. Exhausting, but wonderful. Ate too much. But what the heck, it's the holidays.

Black Friday came and went, Cyber Monday came and went. For those who want some last minute stocking stuffers, please visit my website. I have stretch bracelets, earrings, as well as jewelry sets. They are one of a kind pieces and unique styles. Fun and funky. Dressy and casual.


www.denimdawgjewelry.com

Will You Celebrate Thanksgiving??

I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already. It seems like just weeks ago we were putting the last of the left overs away.

I'm very thankful for alot of things this year. My son is home from Iraq, done with the Military. I have a new daughter-in-law, that I think the world of. My mother-in-law is living with us, and so far so good. I will get to see my grandson for the holidays and we all have our health.

We have had alot of changes this year. Some good some bad. I try not to dwell on the bad and thinks things happen for a reason, and God will never give me more than I can handle.

I am looking forward to sitting down on Thanksgiving with my wonderful family. Before we start eating, I will ask everyone to give a reason they are thankful. I'm thankful I don't have to cook. My husband does all the cooking. I do all the clean up. It's been this way for 25 years.

Hope everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Whether alone or with family. ENJOY.

Fall Is In The Air!!!

I can't believe it is already September 2010. I have been crazy busy this entire year. We have moved my mother-in-law into our home in May. She lived in Grants Pass, Oregon for about 40 years. Most of our family is here in Sacramento, and it is nice to have her here.

I haven't been working on my jewelry for quite some time. I have missed the quiet time. I'm hoping to get back into the swing in time for the holidays.

I have some really cute Halloween bracelets. They are stretch cord and you can wear one or two together. These bracelets, as well as others are available thru my website. Please visit http://www.denimdawgjewelry.com/.

B-I-G Jewelry

Well, I have been gone for awhile. So many things going on in my life. I needed to take a break and blog a bit.

I went and saw "Sex and the City2" yesterday. I never really watched the series on TV. I didn't even see the first movie. I enjoyed the movie so much, I rented and watched the first "Sex and the City" last night.

So much color, fashion and jewelry. The jewelry, of course, really caught my eye. I have been making some set with oversized beads. I saw several pieces of "large" jewelry in the movie. I decided to post this set that I made several months ago.

This necklace is about 19 inches and have very large gold resin beads accented with handmade glass beads. The gold resin beads are about 40mm x 25mm. The glass beads area about 18mm and separated by tiny goldtone spacers. Goldtone lobster really set this necklace apart. The bracelet is size 7.5 and earrings hang from gold wires.

GUILTY INDULGENCES

We all have them. Something we really love, but may not be good for us. Chocolate. Ice Cream. Shopping. Shoes. Handbags. TV Shows. Guilty indulgences. Actually all of the above are mine. I love watching "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" while eating ice cream covered in chocolate. Watching that show and the lives of the girls, makes me want to go out and buy that latest style handbag or shoes. They are so fashion savy. No matter what they wear, it looks good.

I love the "chunky" jewelry, Kourtney wears. It really inspires me. I have been hunting for very large chunky beads to add to my jewelry line. I have found some. YEAH!! Now I will put them together and post it on my website. Denimdawgjewelry.com.

I found these beads at Chico's clothing. They are resin, and very large. I purchased the necklaces, took them apart and will use them in my own design.

Amethyst and St. Valentine's Day

Well here it is the New Year already. Actually February. WOW!! Christmas will be here before we realize it.
February is the month of "love". St. Valentine's Day. A time for chocolate (my fav) and beautiful cards, dinner dates ( my fav again) and small gifts.
The birthstone for February is Amethyst. It's color is as unique as it is seductive. It's said to protect its wearer against seduction. From lavender to dark purple, and from the quartz family, Mose's described it as a symbol of the Spirit of God in the robes of the High Priest of the Jews. Russian popular belief, the amethyst offers protection from drunkeness. (yeah).
So, since Valentine's Day is in 10 days, visit my website and purchase a gift for your loved one.

The Fashion Color for 2010

The new color for the year is Turqouise. Yes. According to Pantone (the color authority), the fashion color this year is all shades of turqouise. Check the Red Carpet and you see all shades.

This necklace is designed with large turqouise chunky stones accented with dark brown 10mm glass pearl beads.

Funky and fun. Dressy or casual.

Beautiful Rutilated Quartz Stone

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Yes, I've been gone awhile and loving every minute of it. I did have a chance to work on some new jewelry designs.

This is a four strand stretch bracelet with rectangle rutilated quartz stone. Alternating with gold czec glass beads, this turned out to be a favorite of mine.

Quarts is a very common mineral. It can be found in almost every corner of the world. What "rutilated" means is there is a quartz stone with rutile enclosures. Simply put, dark streaking throughout the stone in different colors. It appears in long thin shots of color. Some examples, rutile inclusions are all on the same axis so each rutile strand is visible. Such rich earth tones, very beautiful stone.

denimdawgjewelry.com