Freshwater Pearls

This time the “stone” up for discussion is the pearl. All of the pearls in my pieces are cultured freshwater pearls. A pearl forms when there is and irritation within the tissue of a bivalve mollusks ( a science word that I learned from my mother ) such as a mussel or oyster. The pearl then forms when a mother of pearl substance, nacre, is secreted and sticks to the irritation. There has always been a common teaching that the irritation was a grain of sand. However, here comes the science lesson, nacre will not stick to anything inorganic, sand is inorganic. The irritation must be organic such as a piece of foreign tissue or parasite. In the case of cultured freshwater pearls a piece of tissue from another oyster or mussel is implanted and the process begins. There are other methods but this seems to be the most common practiced. Just a few random pieces of information.

Green Amethyst

I enjoy reading about different stones that I use. Sometimes the light basics and other times its interesting how they form and what they are used for. My recent favorite stone has been green amethyst. I always thought that amethyst was just purple, so I started to do some research (which means google it). Green amethyst is also called parsiolite, or green citrine. Just like citrine and amethyst its part of the quartz family of minerals. Just a little fun fact. Or fun for me, don't forget I'm a science nerd.

Winter Chill, still influencing

The winter chill is still on my brain. I was cleaning up from a project one evening. Thre was a mass of beads and chain all over the table. This "stuff" was left and I thought oooh I like those colors together. So I hope this adds a little warmth to a cold winter day. Icy blues coupled with warm golds. Check out the matching necklace too!!

Fresh Start

Its the new year so it feels like it is time to make a fresh start and do new things. Personal goals aside (learning to make a good crème brule ) , I hope to do some new things with DDJ that we can all benefit from. Lets start with the obvious, a shopping cart, getting the newsletter running, and being able to do online jewelry parties. Now that I have gotten all that out of the way, or transfer ed the task to my web mastering husband I can move on. For myself personally am excited about learning new techniques, finding funky things to turn into jewelry and taking my imagination one step further. Cant wait to see what happens, for all I know I might be right back here in a years stating the same thing.

New for the New Year

Well I said I was going to try some new techniques for the new year. I am giving metal clay jewelry a whirl. The artist in me loves the design potential, the chemist in me thinks its pretty nifty and the pyro in me, well likes to play with the torch. How it works: tiny bits of pure silver are mixed with clay, the clay is worked and molded into a desired piece, heat is introduced (yea fire), the clay burns away and you are left with pure silver. It's not alchemy its just science. So here is a peak at the first piece, look for more to be on the web site soon.

Happy Holidays

I am busy working on lots of new pieces and techniques for the New Year!! I can't wait to share them with everyone. Until next year! Have a Merry Christmas!

Yea New Beads

I came back from the Thanksgiving holiday to find new beads that I ordered had been delivered. It was like an early Christmas. I already have great plans for them, hope I have the time!

Shinny Stuff

I was asked the other day if I had a favorite stone to work with or if I specialized in anything specific. My answer was "anything shinny". If it sparkles, shines, or stands out in any way I will try to make it into jewelry.

My favorite component to work with would be chain, so many shapes and textures to fit any mood. Changing the chain selection can take one piece from light and airy, to thick and chunky. It is just too much fun!

Girl Party!!

I am excited to partner with my friend Heather to do an Avon and Diva party. The best part is 10% of the Diva Design profits will be donated to JDRF. So make new friends, pamper yourself a little, and help a cause! See you there. October 13th 10-12pm.