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Well the first day of summer is here! It is gorgeous outside!  here on the Central Coast!.I was at Pismo Beach last night, a bit chilly but perfect none the less…So how about some beachy jewelry for the first days of summer??? What are some new summer jewelry trends?? Here’s a bunch of ideas to get us started! 

A bit tropical appeal?  I found all these Fossil Coral Beads at the Divine Planet in Kauai…favorite shop!! The detail on this fossil coral is amazingly beautiful!

This one I also got in Kauai last year…I love all the blues, mixed with some reds….looks like a hawaiian sunset….or a surfboard!  On brown leather laces with loop closure.

You can never go wrong with pearls for summer jewelry fashion.

and shells…

a little something for a beach updo?

I love these!  I wear mine all the time…to me they represent the main elements of coastal life…the sun the sand the ocean!

So feminine! Pink freshwater pearls and shells. for the beach…shells and pearls are the summer jewelry trend…

Pukas and the colors of the coast.

Perfect for a casual stroll on the beach with a fun and retro feel…

A bit of beach whimsy with these awesome detailed red coral rounds..

Oh wait…how did this get in the mix!  this is a vintage sanddollar we found as kids along the Pismo dunes!  well…take a stroll and maybe you will find one too! 🙂

Or what about these for that beach wedding???  Simple and elegant..

These just make me think….summer sunsets on the beach by the fire….ahhhhh

Juicy tropical pineapple margarita??? okay, well not exactly…but pineapple quartz is sure pretty!  mixed with peruvian opals and these pukas I found on the beach in Kauai…Tunnels Beach…my absolute favorite!!

a medley of pearls and shells and more all wire crocheted for a fun and whimsical beach bracelet.

a bit more fancy…perhaps for th bride on the beach??  or to dress up your next vacation in the tropics??  the blue flash labradorite is amazing on this!  mixed with the pinks of cherry quartz and pearls and lots more!

Definitely a one of a kind conversation peice!

Lots of different greens and teals….like the colors of the islands!

love this color combo!! a bit funky

Found on the coast of one of the Channel Islands…baby abalone with crystal and aqua stone…so just a few ideas to get you ready for the first day of summer jewelry trends!!!  for lots more jewelry with bits of the coast please see my website! for a bit of SomethingSeaBlue

Have the dress? You put it on and hmmmm, somethings not quite right…somethings missing??  You are a bit worried because you have this gorgeous strapless…but maybe you feel a bit to bare for inside the chapel for the ceremony?  A shawl? A shrug?  How about a bolero??   This ruffled collared bolero may be just the ticket! Just enough to cover your shoulders and still add a little flare of elegance…

Want to spruce up a simple dress??  How about a simple sash!  Flowers are always happy and so feminine…and if you are a pansy lover then this one may just be for you!  If you have a favorite flower and can’t seem to find the right color combo or the perfect sash…feel free to contact me in the comments and we can figure out the perfect combo.

Recreation of Nicole Richies Ruched Sash..custom made 

One of my brides is putting together an ensemble similiar to the one above..the bridal dress of Nicole Richie…so if your not into flowers but you want to change the look a bit…how about this cumberbund style removable sash?  Ruched silk dupioni with hidden back zipper with covered buttons. Can also be made in different colors to spruce up an evening gown as well..contact me for more options

In need of a bit of Something Blue?  This gorgeous combo of Blue Lace Agates, Moonstone tears, blue flash Labradorite, pearls, and Mother of Pearl are all wire crocheted together.  Over 50 stones!  Definately an unforgetable peice for a memorable day.

These remind me of something Princess Diana would have worn…the royal blue mixed with moonstones.  Well I’m sure hers would have been blue saphires and diamonds!  but this definately is a beautiful combo.  Dozens of blue flash faceted moonstone teardrops cascade around a large blue glass rondelled with little moonstone charms…

Pure and simple…can never go wrong with pearls…these small coin pearls with aqua faceted chalcedony tears with mother of pearl and aquamarine charm clusters.  Perfect for the beach bride. With a bit of a vintage appeal.

Simple and elegant….again that royal blue is stunning!  The aquamarine brings out the blue flash in the moonstone charms…

Now one of my favorites…reminds me of Kauai, with the blue wave mixed with keishi pearl.  Over 50 stones, pearls, crystals, glass and mother of pearl all wire crocheted with faint pink wire, with sea green ribbon ties in the back.  A must have for a coast loving bride…So just a few suggestions and idea to complete your special day…for more ideas feel free to contact me or if you have an idea that you need to complete just ask!

This dress I made for a girl that got married at the end of the pier on Turks and Caicos….5 layers of different types of silk and organza…so beautiful for a beach side bride…and here’s the dresses we made for the girls…we just happened upon this fabric the day we were purchasing the fabric for the gown…and we were so excited by the colors and huge butterflies!

Aren’t they fun!!!!   Okay that was my little show and tell for the day 🙂  Have fun planning!

Ahhh yesterday I was so excited to receive my package in the mail from Etsy shop FabulousRocks  ! If you have not visited their site then you are in for a treat if you are a gem enthusisast!  The selection of gemstones and silver/gold findings is incredible!

Blue Glass Rondelles, Moonstone with Aquamarine Charms

So this morning I sit down at my jewelry table and Im faced with gorgeous gems…120 tiny faceted rondelles…rose quartz, moonstones, peridots, carribean blue apatites, aquamarine, chalcedonies…and more!

So what do you think???  Out came the two earrings listed above….uh ya….I kept the blue ones for myself 🙂  you know….always got to take care of the artist too!!!  And then love this plumeria pendant I found in Maui last year…mixed with a medley of gorgeous faceted rondelles, pearls, shells and more!!!   Well, long day…shopping at bead shops in Pismo and jewelry making….must get some rest!  Until next time!  Keep creating 🙂

My first crop of the season!

Well, another secret about me that only those closest to me know!  My absolute crazy obsession with radishes…all kinds…red, black, french breakfast, watermelon, daikon radishes!  I love to eat them! Seriously…I will eat a whole bunch everyday….like these ones in the bowl?  yaaa they are long gone 🙂

It was getting to be an expensive habit!  I guess there are worsse habits to have…so this year…it was time to grow them!   I did not realize how quick you can have them!  In just a few weeks they are ripe and ready..and oh so good for you…better than snacking on chips or other tempting treats…with the radish you get the crunch! with a bit of a kick!  these ones are so spicy 🙂

So a couple of months ago, I opened a new Etsy store… TheRandomRadish  honoring my love of …well.. the radish!

Theres just a few items so far…but I love also to shop for bulk at the health food store..so what a cute way to bring your bulk items home!  You know…us girls always like pretty things!  even if it is just to buy some barley!  🙂

In the store there are only a medium sized bag but lets see what kind of feedback we get??  What sizes would you like to see??  come on all you Foodies out there! 

The foodie bags and kitchen towels are made with 100% linen  or flax.  And appliqued with 100% cotton.

So how about it?? Let me know what you think!  And always remember to Eat Your Vegetables!!

Ahhhh its Friday!  Can’t beleive the week flew by sooo fast! But it was an exciting week for me!  Beachcombing…working with brides…and….I got my first order to have my jewelry carried in a new jewelry store on Tybee Island in Georgia!  So exciting!  When the store opens in July I will be doing a feature article on the grand opening so stay tuned 🙂  Its perfect…since I love the east coast…I love lighthouses and coastal towns…so this is a good match for me…hope it all works out as planned!

So this is some of what  I accomplished today…worked with some gorgeous bronze and copper coin pearls…

Some pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness….with a bit of pink wire crochet…

And some more mother of pearl vintage buttons…I just love working with  buttons….its a good fit for me..being a seamstress and loving the ocean….so mother of pearl buttons and me are made for eachother…and plus they are vintage!  everyone loves vintage….nostalgia

Okay, well this wasnt from today….but it fits my theme!  lots of vintage buttons!

Well, everyone have a wonderful weekend…and if you get a chance to take time off from the workshop…and are near the beach…take a long beach walk and relax!  and well if there are no beaches around….perhaps another large body of water!  or the park???  something to enjoy the outdoors….and ENJOY!!

Mom beachcombing for sand dollars early morning at Pismo

I love love love sea oats…on the way down to Shelter Cove to seek out some seaglass! Its a bit of a jaunt 🙂  But I had coffee! Here we come!

The beach ready for us to comb 🙂 ahhh yes…low tide….perfect!

Find your spot.. make yourself comfortable and patiently sift ….move the sand back and forth, do a little digging…you will be amazed at what you find 🙂  and look up once in a while to absorb the scenery and the sounds of the birds …and of course the waves..

The finds for the day…I was searching for  baby sanddollars and found six!  I want to let them dry in the sun and then dip them in silver or gold for a gorgeous pendant…it may not look like it was a good beachcombing day…but once these shells are dry and cleaned up they will be perfect for jewelry!  lots of seaglass…clear, green, aqua, a baby blue and even a brown one with some markings on it!  plus lots of cowry ( i think thats what they are called? ) shells with some purple…and lots of rocks for my collection in the sunroom/workshop…to me it was a good day 🙂  3 hours of quiet beach definately does the body good!  now Im ready for work!

Then you have to take some time to enjoy and be inspired by all the beautiful colors….here at Shelter Cove is alot of rocks and beautiful purple sea weed…

Looks like a purple fern 🙂

These poor little guys got left by the tide 🙁  We thought to put them back in the water but seems they werent moving 🙁  Very beautiful colors…I said it seemed like a Romeo and Juliet story….they looked peaceful and looked like they were holding hands 🙂

After beachcombing we went to a cute little organic beachy cafe for some  breakfast and yum much needed coffee!  Felt like we were at Java Kai in Kauai with the coconut pineapple scone!  okay anyways!….then went to 2 bead shops and found stones for the rest of todays creations 🙂  

Baby abalone pendant found off the coast of California on one of the Channel Islands…mixed with a medley of shells (some found on kauai 🙂  )  and pearls etc…

Nothing to do with the beach except the ocean blue color 🙂

Lovely rustic coin pearls in copper and bronze mixed with lots of stuff!  and a large stunning shell pendant I found last year in Maui…

Inspired by the beachcombing day with colors of the aqua sea….and the ceramic pendant that resembles a blue wave…..finished with a white Keishi pearl dangle….So……what do you think????  Time to grab a cup of coffee in the morning and grab a bucket  and do some beachcombing?? go for it!  Its good for the soul 🙂   Fresh air, birds, waves and peace and quiet….

Have a wonderful day!  I sure did!

Well its that time of year!….the sun, the sand and a gorgeous bride…there’s nothing like a beach bride…the beauty of the ocean blue mixed with soft white silk…

White Silk Pansies on Blue Striped Silk with Pearls and Labradorite

How about a simple sash?  This simple blue pansy sash was custom made for one of my beach brides..crisp white dupioni/shantung silk make the shabby chic pansies embellished with pearls and blue flash labradorite…on an appllique of pearls on lace…blue striped silk sash.

For the beach bride…pure and simple is best…even barefoot!  How about a bit of the sea on the wrist? This very soft pale blue mother of pearl rounds are wire crocheted on the faintest pink silver plated wire, mixed with pink keishi cornflake pearls, pink freshwater pearls and more…. very soft and elegant with a bit of whimsy..

Or  for something a bit more bold?  This medley of cobalt blues mixed with bright lavenders…

Simple from the sea…this baby abalone was found on one of Californias channel islands…paired with a soft clear aqua stone and crystals on a simple silver chain..

Baby blue jade on rose gold earrings….with vintage blue glass.. a bit of a vintage feel with the colors of the deep blue..

Not sea glass but definately stunning….large blue glass rondelles floating on a delicate silver chain.

Now this is a bit crazy! Definately OOAK (one of a kind)  A medley of vintage mother of pearl buttons wire crocheted with blue flash labradorite, puka shells, pearls and more…makes a statement!

Brass always gives a bit of an antique flair…to these simple blue glass dangles…

Yellow and blue glass swirs with yummy pineapple quartz rondelles…on antique brass..

A medley of blue glass, flourite, pukas, mother of pearls and more!  all wire crocheted to perfection….a great something blue for the coastal bride..

I love these…I wear mine all the time..to me they represent the sun (orange carnelian) the sea (vintage aqua blue glass) the sand (the puka shells)

And last but not least…a bit of dainty blues for the hair…Pearls with a bit of something blue….

Hope this was a bit of an inspiration for the coastal brides!  If you saw something that you liked here but it is not exactly what you want..just contact me on my Etsy store or leave me a message here…I am always open to doing Custom orders…between the two of us we can Make it happen!

So what do you think of when you hear “Brazil”?  Samba? Bossa Nova? the beautiful language?? or the Shoes!??  Thats what I think of! But today I stumbled across an amazing artist from Brazil, founder and creator of Brazilian Designs Inc and owner of Etsy store BeijoFlor

Wow !! What an inspiration!  Her jewelry (bijouteria) is amazingly gorgeous! But practically everything was a Druzy?  I see that term all the time…and always in relation to gems or rocks of some sort and sometimes I see it spelled drusy…but then you know me! had to do a bit of research….

Basically here is a bit of what I found…for one yes, there are variations in the spelling it can be referred to as druzy, drusy, druse, druses.  Basically they all mean the same thing…a term that refers to a blanket of tiny, sparkling crystals often found inside a geode or an agate.

The sparkling appearance of druzy is like that of spilled salt or sugar. The formation of the tiny crystals occurs after molten rock begins to quickly cool, trapping gasses within it as it solidifies. The trapped gasses cause crevices and cavities in the cooling rock.

The colors are delicious! The various colors of druzy gemstones were made in nature by the depositing of different minerals, which give them their unique colors of blue, pink, lemon yellow, turquoise or blue.

Which ones are your favorites??  I absolutely love the Verde ring! I may just have to buy it! So I can have a peice of Brazil with me if I cant go there and pick up one myself! 🙂  Labradorite and moonstone have also always been some  of my favorite stones to work with…the essence of color they show off are amazing and at times surprising !

This one looks like a slice of a jalapeno 🙂  So vibrant!  Well there you have it…your little lesson for the day…always so much to learn and explore…

So why not put on a little Brazilian music and do a bit of exploring yourself! Get a taste of Brazil and all its treasures by visiting BeijoFlor  …..you might just have to get a little Druzy for yourself!  Have a great weekend!

Pink Ribbon Wire Crochet Bracelet

***FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER*** 10% OF SALES ON ALL PINK JEWELRY WILL BE DONATED TO SUSAN G KOMEN FOR THE CURE FOUNDATION **** (any jewelry that is pink, has pink or has rose gold used is considered part of the awareness jewelry)

Komen For the Cure

I know its early but I found these sweet litte beads and had to share!  As many of you know I had been working on my “Chemo Bracelets” but got a bit side tracked…. 🙂  a common thing for any artist! So continue please to stay tuned…Im working on those…

Pink Ribbon with Pink Pearl

….so yes as I was saying…October is the annual international Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) (also referred to as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)) to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Rose Gold (aka “pink gold”) Filigree Hearts with Pearls

But have you ever wondered “Why the Pink Ribbon?”  I know I have so I did a little googling 🙂 Heres what I found…

Pink Ribbons with Charms on Pink gold (aka Rose Gold)

That the ” Pink Ribbon was introduced during the Komen Race for The Cure in 1991″ says the site http://www.pinkribbon.org/  it goes on to say that…”

Pink Gold (Rose Gold) Filigree Hearts with Pink Pearls

“The first chapter in the history of Pink Ribbon as a symbol for breast cancer awareness can be found at the Komen Foundation’s Race for The Cure, on the 16th of June 1990. At this race, held in Washington DC, the Komen Foundation handed out pink visors randomly to the 8,529 walkers. Some participants wore Pink Ribbons. A year later,in 1991, Komen distributed pink ribbons to every participant in it’s New York City Race For The Cure. As from this year, the pink ribbon became the symbol for breast cancer awareness.”

Pink Keishi Pearls with Charms

So there you have it!  The story of the Pink Ribbon ….annually in October its a good reminder and a symbol for women to be breast aware for early detection.

Rose Quartz Pink Falling Leaves with Blue

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October, people raise money by organizing activities such as theme parties^[] or a “pink day” (when employees wear pink clothing or accessories) at work. The money raised is donated to the organizers’ choice of breast cancer care or research programs

Medley of Pink, Rose and Cherry Quartz

So here is some ribbon jewelry as well as some “pinks”….some of which I made at the doctors office while my mom was receiving her chemo treatments…as many of you know that supporting someone going through chemo or if you  are going through such treatment yourself….it takes lots of time!  But so worth the time…..(see blog article “Brass Jewelry, Chemo Jewelry” for the full story 🙂

Cherry Quartz on Brass

I have had many in my family battle cancer from grandparents to cousins, aunts and uncles…both my grandmothers…one survived, one did not…both with colon cancer.  I also lost an uncle in his 40’s to cancer.  This year it just seem to come so much closer to home…

Shell Pink with Pearls

I was never “face to face” with it…never sat in a doctors office to hear a prognosis…never saw someone being given chemo…it was only something I saw in the movies.  So now I have a whole new appreciation and respect for the doctors and nurses who really show genuine concern….and for the patients themselves who continue to stay strong…

Cascading Shells and Pearls..Pink

During those doctor visits I see so many patients coming and going…some really seem to be struggling, like walking into that office takes every bit of their energy…but for good cause…no one wants to lose the battle…we are made with a desire to “keep on fighting”….

Pink Vintage Glass Bobbies

So my respects go out to all you readers who have gone through this fight yourself  or are enduring it right now or supporting someone…a family member or friend….or for those who hold tight to memories of  their lost dear ones …..

Pink Shells Wire Crochet

Thank you for reading …..keep smiling and keep hopefull…..  🙂

Have you ever wondered how seaglass is made to become something so gorgeous and valuable to beachcombers the world over??  How can what was once littered become a beautiful sea gem? a peice of art to be collected on the beach or shores of large lakes?

Lets go to the beaches of the garden isle of Kauai for some answers! Common to the locals are some very gorgeous beaches known as Glass Beaches….the concentration of glass on these beaches is amazing! My daughter Heather lives in Kauai , owner of Etsy store TumbledTears.  and beachcombing at these spots is one of her favorite past times…. 

 

Sea glass can be found in  wide range of colors from dark green, kelly green, aqua, turqoise, clear, cobalt, shades of blue, brown, red, orange and even some pastels.  Where do all these colors come from??  Since most “glass beaches” are the sites of “dumping” spots from long ago…like years! So old Heineken bottles, Rolling Rock bottles, Ball canning jars, wine and medicine bottles,  Coca Cola bottles, Phillips Milk of Magnesia, Noxema, Bromo Seltzer, and Alka Seltzer ,  old Clorox bottles, to Budweiser beer are to be held responsible for these now treasures… One of the most common sources for red glass was made by Anchor Hocking Glass Company for both decorative household items and the 1950’s Schlitz Beer bottle. Tableware, brake lights, and marine running lights were also orange and red in color.

Why the frosty appearance?  This is from the “hydration” process that happens in the ocean. Soda and lime found in the glass slowly leaches out from the continuous contact with the water. This causes a frosty appearance!

Sea glass is often called mermaid tears. The legend has it that when a mermaid weeps, her tears touch the sand and turn to glass 🙂  So thus the name “TumbledTears”….

These once rough jagged edged peices of glass have been tumbled to perfection by the powerful waves of the island…pounding for years against the reefs, rocks and sand to be recycled into beautiful bits of jewelry for you to enjoy today!

You dont have to live in Kauai to enjoy this beachcombing experience…any beach, bay or lake is a likely place to find these gems…peices of nostalgia…find it, examine it and wonder what it used to be 🙂

A few pix of Heather’s beach days….with some fun visitors!

The artist with her friend Bob shortly before they both went for a swim together….oh the life!