Sunday, August 28, 2011

Jewelry Party Success!

Saturday August 22nd was a big first for me-the first time that I undertook the responsibility and privilege of organizing and putting together a jewelry party!  It offered some unique challenges (coordinating invitations, spending 10 minutes in Walmart agonizing over which gift bags to put purchased snowflake ornaments in, transportation of 45+ cupcakes by myself, etc.). 

Despite complications though, it was a very enjoyable experience for me and one that I will definitely repeat in the future! My good friend Beth hosted it at her beautiful house for me. (My humble apartment wouldn’t have worked, unless you wanted to party in an oversized cubicle.)  In addition to my sterling silver and copper jewelry, I displayed snowflakes, which I used bead weaving techniques to create with seed beads and Swarovski crystals.

However, the most important part of my party was the fact that I donated 25% of my sales to another good friend of mine, Emily, who will embark on a five year mission term to Italy starting in 2012.  Here’s a link with more details about her trip and Avant Ministries, which she does her mission work through.


Finally, here’s a few snapshots of the event-enjoy!

I had some assistance for putting the ornanments up!

Tree of Life Pendants!

Me with my display table
 Emily examining my selection!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Celebrating Your Birthday With Sparkling Brilliance!

For centuries, people have associated birth stones with specific months of the year.  While I am very skeptical of the metaphysical significance behind the birthstones, I do like the idea of associating a specific stone with a birth month.  Since birthstone jewelry has remained popular, I created a simple earring design, which allowed me to be flexible in incorporating the various stones.

However though, seeing the cost of some of the rarer stones, costs have prevented me from using most of the traditional birthstones in my jewelry.  (and unless I find a diamond mine in my backyard, I’m afraid that people with April birthdays are out of luck.)

Fortunately though, the Swarovski Crystal Company has associated crystal colors with birth months.  I’ve included the complete list with pictures of my earring design.  Enjoy!

January-Garnet, February-Amethyst, March-Aquamarine



April-Crystal AB, May-Emerald, June-Violet



July-Ruby, August-Peridot, September-Sapphire



October-Rose, November-Topaz, December-Blue Zircon