header-turquoise-black-necklace.jpg

Archive for March, 2009

We are BACK from the DOMINICAN!!

March 26, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized

My family and I have just returned from a holiday in the warmth and sun of the Dominican Republic. It was an incredible holiday made even more fun by having our grandson, and of course his parents, enjoying the week with us.
I must say that the last 2 days of our holiday, I kept designing jewellery in my head so I knew that it was time to return. I did find some Dominican amber and am looking forward to working with it.
It took a couple of days to adjust to the cold here, but spring is coming as I see buds peeking through.

I find it hard to believe that my Open House was just a few weeks ago. This 3 day event was an amazing success and I thank everyone who came. My son- in-law designed the invite which was fabulous and no doubt played a part in encouraging people to come. We had a great turnout. There were many new people as well and this is a result of my pieces being featured in the Style section of our local paper, the Hamilton Spectator. Three of my friends helped me “man” the Spring Sale. Thank you, dear friends.
I consider myself a very fortunate person and am very grateful for all this help and support.

I have been looking at my schedule of events, and a number of shows are coming up. I will be in Toronto in the Distillery District, May 23 & 24 and here for the Beyond the Valley Studio Tour in Dundas, May 30 & 31. Do check my events page for details or click on the Links.
I am looking forward to another new and exciting experience. The Circle Arts Gallery in Tobermory will be showing my jewellery this season. They are open May 16 to October 12 in 2009. This is the gallery’s 40th year. Check the link for details. This is one of the finest galleries that I have been in and their list of artists is impressive. It is well worth a visit.
I am now planning and working out designs for new pieces. Yesterday, I came home with an large supply of just incredible stones that I have not had before. The colours and shapes are wonderful. These gemstones are speaking to me so I know that it is time to get back to work!!

Posted by Stephanie @ 10:16 am | Comments

AMETHYST

March 11, 2009 | Filed under: amethyst

Amethysts have become well known and popular stones in various shades of purple and lavender. These colours, once reserved for royalty or very old people in the case of dark purple (in the 50’s to 70’s), are now fashion forward shades and a highlight of the current and past few seasons. I have always loved purple and remember as a young girl looking for clothing in that colour. Difficult to find but now this colour is part of the fashion world.

Amethyst comes in many grades or quality of stone. Some of the finest is found in Russia. When you take a close look at a fine Russian stone, you can see red winking back. Just gorgeous!
It is also found in Canada and Brazil as well as a number of other countries. Its variety of colour depends on the combination of trace amounts of iron and aluminum, as well as natural or applied irradiation. One of the very nice things about amethyst is that not only is it beautiful but since it comes in many grades, it is very affordable.

This stone along with turquoise has been used for thousands of years. Neolithic people used it as early as 25,000 B.C. Quite remarkable isn’t it?

In terms of jewellery, amethyst in gem quality, (the stone for February) was frequently found set in rings. Now there are all kinds of shapes in different grades available, and amethysts are used for necklaces and bracelets as well. I always have a number of pieces in my collection and on my gallery page you will see a necklace with black ovals, onyx and 2 shades of amethyst as well as goldtone vintage chanel beads. This is the last piece of this particular line using gold tone chanel beads.

It was said that one of the attributes of amethyst was that it prevented drunkenness. I wouldn’t rely on this.
Another was that wearing it relieved physical, emotional and psychological pain or stress. It can calm and clear the mind. It is always fascinating to read about the different attributes of stones. There are many publications available and the information is quite comprehensive.

Just as black is a staple of fashion and jewellery, amethyst can be as well. It works well with a number of colours and even a hint of purple can give a piece some pizzazz. You might own a piece of amethyst drusy which is the crystalline form often found in gift shops and used as decorative pieces. But a piece of amethyst jewellery-now that is the thing!!

Posted by Stephanie @ 7:57 pm | Comments

SPRING OPEN HOUSE starts TOMORROW!!

March 4, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Well the time has arrived and my Spring Open House begins tomorrow at 12 noon. The weather looks fine, not like last year when we had the worst snow storm of the winter. I have a lot of new designs and of course many different stones. It is exciting for me but also stressful waiting till the morning.
I have been blogging about stones and have covered turquoise and onyx. I enjoy this very much and will continue. Coming up next is AMETHYST-one of my favourite stones.

Posted by Stephanie @ 8:00 pm | Comments

SCOTT BARNIM POTTERY TULIP SALE-MARCH 5,6,7

March 1, 2009 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Scott Barnim is having his yearly Tulip Sale at his studio, on March 5, 6 and 7th and the following week on March 12, 13 and 14-hours 12 to 5. His Studio is located at 15 Park Street East, in Dundas, Ontario. He is offering a 15% discount on all purchases made during the sale.
His phone number is 905-628-2507 or email barnim@primus.ca
Scott and I are members of the Beyond the Valley Studio Tour which is happening the last week end in May.

Posted by Stephanie @ 9:45 pm | Comments


Categories

Previous Posts

Subscribe

Meta