Wired Double Spiral Coil Pendant

I really like the double spiral coil and depending on what mandrel it’s coiled on, you can make it just about any size to fit any project. In these two designs I’ve spiraled on a large mandrel to get a both a medium and large focal pendent.

Designed in all natural Chinese turquoise, the center a medium double coil spiral is hand wired in silver non-tarnish wire. I’ve included a few smooth polished tube silver tone pewter beads as accents.

The colors of the turquoise are so striking, when I saw this strand in Tucson I just new that it would turn into something incredible. The mix of green mixed with rust, black, brown, toffee, and a hint of blue in some stones cut in a flat disk shape carry very well with this necklace.

This one is I’ve done the same double coil spiral a little larger than the first, also created in silver non-tarnish wire, again as the focal pendant. The necklace is then made from blue magnesite barrels and lampwork beads that are toffee background with red swish marks and silver tone pewter beads.

Browse our collections of uniquely handcrafted artisan jewelry for purchase at our online Ruby Lane shop!

Advice for New Moms: My Little Happy Place

This week's advice comes courtesy of Alison G. at My Little Happy Place. Alison is the mother of two darling little girls, Avery and Isla -- and the designer of both of their darling nurseries. I'm particularly loving Alison's advice on what I don't need as a major goal of mine is to not overcrowd my house with unnecessary baby items!

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I'd like to think I have something to offer a new mom, as I've been one twice - as recently as six months ago. However, the Mommy-to-Be and New Mommy experience is so personal and unique, it's difficult to encapsulate with anecdotes and product reviews, as there will be as many moms out there who agree as who disagree with my words of advice. For what it's worth, here's a couple of my Golden Nuggets on new babyhood....

{Avery's Nursery}

I'm forever amazed at the sheer volume of baby and nursery products. It's hard to know what is essential, but I've found three items (and my husband concurs) that we use day-in, day-out, from the moment we come home from the hospital:

1) the Boppy Pillow - the pillow that forms 'round Mom or Dad during feedings, provides support for baby during pre-sitting stages, etc has been my #1 go-to item.

2) Sheet Saver - Let's face it, babies have a lot of blow-outs! This quilted and waterproof tie-on pad covers crib sheets, so when baby's mess goes beyond the diaper, you're not changing the entire crib in the middle of the night. I bought several. Babies R Us has a decent selection.

3) Bouncer Chair - I can't get over the array of bouncer chairs on the market - some look like they might send your baby into orbit! We've always had fairly basic models, but they've done the job of calming and entertaining our kiddos beautifully.

{Isla's Nursery}

You could devote an entire post to what you need not spend money on in terms of baby gear, but my vote goes to Diaper Genies (or similar diaper pails), and free-standing high chairs. In my book, you don't really need a so-called "contained" HAZMAT container for diapers - just take them outside to the trash - easy peasy.

Although there are some very designerly high chairs out there, I still think the versions that snap onto a chair you already own is a better use of space.

{Isla's Nursery}

Other advice/preparations....I'd say go ahead and take those labor and birth preparation classes. They will at least provide you with the basic information of what to expect when baby decides to make his/her appearance. If you plan to breastfeed, I highly recommend making friends with a Lactation Consultant, or, as my new-mommy cousin calls hers, a Boobie Whisperer.

Congratulations again, Averill and Dave!

Why one should buy the sterling silver necklace

The sterling silver necklace is selected by the people by many reasons. The silver is such a type of metal that will keep the size, as well as the crafts that have been highlighted on to it. There are different categories of silver ornaments, which include the rings, necklaces, and many more with this type of the product. The cost of the silver necklace is very easily available from the market with many of the designs, and the styles that make it the perfect choice for many people to purchase this type of product. Different comparisons are being made with silver maintaining the top most shine as compared to other type of metals, that se have in the market.

The mechanism of cleaning the silver as well as the necklace is very easy as compared to other metals. The various combinations are being used with the silver rings, as also with the necklace so as to look more beautiful and by this allowing others to draw there attention towards them. There are silver bracelets with many of the designs, and making people to buy along with this silver metals. The sterling necklace was also being highlighted in the movie name twilight, and informing the audience about it. The twilight necklace was also been shown in order to have the promotion of the necklace so that people could purchase from the stores, and the shops, and availing the services being offered by them.

There are huge collections of the twilight jewelry available in the market and among them there are many favorites of the different peoples and letting the entire audience know about it. By putting such type of jewelries it increases the personality of the girls as well as the women. These earrings determine the actual behavior of the women while going to the functions, in the society, as well on many occasions. Due to this the demand for the jewelries is rising in huge numbers allowing people to buy this sort of product from the latest collections that is available in the shops, and also in the market.

Purchasing the Silver engagement rings

The Silver engagement ring is of the many designs that we have in the society, with classic designs, styles, and the prices. These types of rings are said to be easily purchased by many people by looking at the budget of the employee in the organization. This type of product is useful for many occasions. The specialty of this type of rings is that it is very soft as compared to the normal rings that are being found by many people in the stores. These types of rings have become the most centre of attraction for many people, by its exclusive designs, designed by the top designers from all over the world.

The selection of the ring is being done by the girl that she would be putting to the ceremony of her engagement. Since the bride has to choose the ring as per the choice of the dress that is to be worn by her. The silver engagement ring would be said as the best if the color of the dress is with white color. These types of rings make it easier for the people to buy from the stores that provides the classic models with each type of the rings. The ring section also describe about the wedding rings with huge collections of the designs that we have in the market.

One can chose the type of the rings that he wants for the occasions like wedding, birthday, or the anniversary, or some special functions. The silver eternity rings are said to be the best gift to give to the dear ones or the person to whom one likes from the bottom of his heart. This Silver Eternity rings describe the ever lasting relationship with many of the people to whom this is given as a gift. These types of rings are also being found in the movies, and in this way the promotion of the product is being highlighted, and through this channel one comes to know about it, and the importance of the rings. The sterling silver rings have also being in more demand because of its classic designs, and many styles that have come into the market.

Idaho’s Gem Owyhee Picture Jasper

Called King of the Picture Jasper Owyhee Jasper is colorful and popular picture jasper that probably derives its name from the Owyhee River. This material has been offered under several trade names including Owyhee Jasper Agate, Owyhee Junction Jasper, Owyhee Picture Jasper, and Owyhee Picture Rock.

Owyhee Jasper is basically petrified mud. There are three jasper mines within a mile of each other, the LED, Wildhorse and Rocky Butte. The Classic Owyhee Jasper has a wide variety of patterns and shapes. The jasper is known for its bright colored scenic patterns with and without blue sky. This jasper depicts desert scenes, high mountain ranges, winding roads and meadows or even the seas.

Where does Owyhee Picture Jasper Come From?

Owyhee Picture Jasper comes from the Owyhee mountain area, situated on the Idaho-Oregon border, along US 95 just south of Homedale Idaho. The Owyhee River begins in northern Nevada and flows north close to the Oregon - Idaho border. It eventually empties into the Snake River just south of Nyssa, Oregon, about 25 miles northwest of Jordan Valley, Oregon.

The river abruptly turns east for several miles, makes several loops and then turns north again. It finally flows into the Owyhee Reservoir. This is Eastern Oregon's high desert country in Malheur County and even spills over into Humboldt County, Nevada. Many types of picture jasper, plume agate, petrified wood, rhyolite, colored agates and saginites come from all these areas.

Owyhee picture jasper is a natural wonder depicting the great beauty of the earth it was born in.

This design features the famous Idaho gem, owyhee picture jasper in smooth polished rounds; the have been drilled on the diagonal to form the overlap, making designing with these types of cuts very difficult! I’ve hung a large puffy crystal heart in a light beige and the bail is many hand charmed crystal clusters, which area also in a few places in the necklace.

 

 

  

See this and many other uniquely artisan crafted designs at our online Timeless Designs Shop!

Research material from mineralsnmore.com.

Layers for the cold

It saddens me to say this, but the colder weather is approaching. It's time to pack up the shorts and bring out the sweaters. Unfortunately, during the winter months most people sacrifice fashion for comfort. The good news is, there are ways to stay fashionable during the winter months while still managing to staying warm. Layering is a great way to stay warm while wearing trendy clothing. First of all, start with some great basic tops. Find tops and blouses that you love, but wouldn't be able to wear by itself during the colder months. Secondly, invest in a few blazers or cardigans to throw over top. Cardigans and blazers are a great way to stay warm, while still being able to wear you favourite tops underneath. This fall blazers are everywhere, and there are so many different styles to choose from.  Knits and sweaters are also great to wear over your summer tank tops, and they keep you warm and cozy. H&M has some amazing knits and sweaters for both men and women, and are very affordable! Lastly, top of you outfit with a great jacket. Take the time to pick out a jacket that you really like, that is simple and classic. A classic design will allow you to wear your jacket everyday, and will go with almost anything in your wardrobe. And if you really like to accessorize, add a scarf or waist belt over your jacket. Just because winter is approaching doesn't mean you still can't look put together. :)

Trendy sweaters for fall/winter

A little retail therapy...

How did I not know Jonathan Adler was coming out with a diffusion line over at HSN?! Mayhap I've been focusing far too much on babies and nurseries over here. In any case, get yourselves over to HSN.com pronto and check out all the Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler line, which includes plenty of candles, lamps, vases, pillows, throws and other accessories in Adler's signature motifs and bright colors. I just picked up the greek key throw and greek key diffusers. What a nice little shopping pick me up for this otherwise tired Monday!