April Giveaway!!!! Beautiful Necklace to Win

You could win this beautiful spring / summer necklace with genuine cultured pearl (Value $42).

How do I enter this giveaway?  It's easy:

1.  Like my "Facebook Page" to receive 1 ballot in the draw.

2.  Receive an extra ballot for every person you refer (the person you referred, will need to like my page and share my page with their friends as well - and they'll need to send me a little note with your name (the person who referred them) in order for you to receive your extra ballot.

Giveaway ends on May 15th and the winner will be announced during that same week.  

Have fun and get started here:  Go to my facebook page.

Boho Hippie Tribal Dot Textured Copper Ball chain Necklace 18 inches

My jewelry designs are usually a bit heavier and so I decided to start focusing on smaller pieces that are more delicate and dainty for my customers who prefer the smaller pieces.

This cute little pendant is made of recycled copper which I formed and textured, then I made small little balls from a fine silver wire and welded them to the copper.   I really like how it turned out!!  The bead chain compliments this perfectly!  See it here.  I also made the matching earrings.  See them here.

Note on Fine Silver:  Fine silver is 99.9 pure silver.  The difference with sterling is that sterling silver is .925, which means it's an alloy (with copper- that's the reason sterling tends to oxidize quickly).  Fine Silver keeps it's beautiful sheen and hardly oxidizes at all.

See more of my designs and go here.

Unisex Copper Cow Spot Wide Band Thumb Ring

This wide copper band or thumb ring fits just beautifully!  To make this ring, I took copper that I have forged and I treated it in such a way as to add these funky spots in a contrasting metal and thus the "cow spots" were born.  Another feature of the band is that it is slightly offset while overlapping itself, which gives the impression of two bands in one.   Each ring is different and unique in that it's completely handmade (from cutting out the metal to polishing the end product)!!

The best thing about this awesome wide ring is that it can worn by either women or men.  Ring is available in all sizes. 

I made a matching leather wrap bracelet that is pretty nifty too.  I'm always excited when I can come up with something unique!!!!  See it here.   

I am quite diversified in my creations, you might want to see what I mean by browsing my shoppe here.  I have all kinds of goodies!!

Cow Spots Unisex Black Leather Wrap Bracelet Adjustable

I designed a series of different copper and silver jewelry pieces which you can see here.  The ring is quite unique!  This bracelet is very original, one of a kind (ooak), unisex Leather Wrap Bracelet with gorgeous, forged copper.  I treated the copper in such a way as to make these crazy spots in a contrasting metal, which I call "Cow Spots" because the pattern actually reminds me of the spots on a cow. 

The best thing about this bracelet is that it's adjustable with slip knots (no need to look for your size because it's a one size fits all).  Note that I still added a nice sterling silver clasp to make it easier to remove and put on.  It's best to adjust the slip knots before you attach the clasp. 

All of the components on this bracelet other than the copper, are made of .925 sterling silver.  All of the components are completely handmade for the exception of the clasp and the leather (of course).

I polished the copper, so it looks pretty shiny just now, but in no time, it will gradually change and take on a beautiful, rustic look.  If you prefer to keep it shiny.  I can lacquer the copper for an extra fee.  See this beautiful bracelet in my Shoppe here.

Delicate Gold Trio of Pearls Necklace Gift

I usually make my chains by hand, link by link.  The only problem I have is that it's very difficult to make small, delicate chains and so I usually don't have any dainty necklaces for the ones who prefer smaller jewelry.  But this has all changed now.  I've added to my collection smaller, delicate chains to accomodate every one of my clients...  Here is the first from this collection - Trio of Pearls-  A row of beautiful, lustrous, cultured pearls in a rich creamy-white (non dyed) color on a 14k gold filled, delicate chain with spring loaded clasp.  Measures 16" long (can also be worn at 15").  If you wish a longer chain, please convo me.  This beautiful necklace would make an anwsome gift for that special someone in your life!  This necklace could also be a great accessory for a bride.

Go to my shoppe here to see more of my pieces.  Use coupon code:  BLOGSAVE15 to save 15% off any purchase over $25.

Dangling Hearts Lapis Lazuli Lariat Necklace Gift Set

This is one of my latest designs: My Dangling Hearts-

This lariat is quite long and would look great year round.  It's definitely a four season piece!    All of the links are handmade, piece by piece from quality 14k gold filled wire in various gauges.

The Lapis Lazuli is one of my favorite stones because of the beautiful flecks of gold throughout the intense, blue color.  You will love the dangle hearts; they add a touch of whimsy without deterring from a classy and sophisticated design.

This lovely lariat necklace with matching earrings is a wonderful gift set for that someone special in your life.  Click here to read more.  Use coupon code:  BLOGSAVE15 to save 15% off any purchase from my Gift Shoppe here.

Black Rutilated Quartz Pendant Gift for Her

This is another one of my latest jewelry designs.  This gemstone is magnificent!!  This black Rutilated Quartz, cut stone is natural art!  Pendant is made of 14k gold-filled.  Great gift idea!
Click here to see different jewelry designs.

Pink Topaz Wire Wrap Pendant in Gold

Here is one of my latest pendants.  I love this pink Topaz stone; it's beautiful and glitters so much! 
This pendant is designed with 14k gold filled wire. To read more about this pendant click here.

Many Benefits of Lavender

Over the years I began being very interested in the benefits and the many uses of the Lavender flower.   Not only does this flower smell nice, brighten up any room, add a unique taste to food and teas, it is also recognized for its many medicinal properties.  Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, a natural antibiotic, a sedative and to detoxify.

While there are many applications for this wonderful flower, I'm hoping this list will give you a brief but practical overview of some of the possibilities.  I'll be printing out the list for my own information and I'll post it on the inside door of my herbs / medicine cabinet for quick reference.

- Skin Problems (Acne)
- Headaches (rub on temples)
- Digestive Problems (use a tea)
- Scrapes and Wounds (apply a drop directly to the wound - scratch)
- Bug Bites (apply directly)
- Bee Stings (apply directly)
- Scars (apply directly)
- Insomnia (rub a few drops in your hands and rub on pillowcase before going to bed)
- Calms and relaxes (rub a few drops lavender oil on feet to relax)
- Deodorant (rub over armpit area)
- Helps with hay fever symptoms (diffuse the oils in the air or use lavender capsules- find online)
- Helps with dandruff (rub in scalp)
- Repels mothes and insects in linen Closet (add drops on cotton ball and store in linen cupboard)
- Place a few drops in water fountain (refreshes the air, kills bacteria and reduces cleaning time)
- Add drops of oil on cloth and add to dryer to freshen your laundry.

I personally really enjoy lavender in herbal teas, in my bath and in my lip balm.  Some also add the Lavender flowers to a small cotton or linen pouch and add it to dresser drawers or hang it in the closet to keep clothes smelling fresh and clean.

I was also really surprised to learn how good Lavender tastes in Honey.  We had the opportunity of visiting a small Lavender Farm on our Nova Scotia tour last summer.  They had an array of wonderful Lavender items to choose from.  Lavender skin products such as soap, lip balm, cream, massage oils and more.  They had a wonderful collection of candles and other great stuff.  We decided to try the "Lavender Honey".  It was the best purchase ever!  It was sooo delicious!  I had to fight my husband to get the last bit of it.  I would definitely suggest the Lavender Honey to anyone!   I also noticed Lavender jelly - Hmmm... I wonder what that tastes like?  I must try it. 

I never actually tried it, but there are wonderful recipes using Lavender and I actually found this book and the feedback is wonderful.  I must try as well.

Little Tip for the Garden and the Patio:
I've also added a few plants to my garden box to repel insects - they don't care for the odor.  I must say it works quite well.  A friend of mine also keeps Lavender plants on the patio in the summer
for the same reason. 

If you know of any other application for this powerful and wonderful flower, please leave a comment!!

Here's a great, unique gift idea - Lavender plant with cute clay pot- grow it inside too.

New Super Food- Dark Chocolate!

I'm a chocolate nut!!  Although I don't care for sweets in general such as cake, cookies and candy, I do have a weakness for chocolate!  Who can blame me?  It's hard to resist a smooth, silky piece of chocolate with crunchy hazelnut pieces! 

The best part is that chocolate is not only delicious, it's also very healthy!!  Research has shown cocoa to be very high in antioxidants, which is great for fighting off disease.  In fact, chocolate has ranked highest in antioxidants when compared to other fruit juices deemed "Super Foods", with the exception of Pomegranate.

What makes the cocoa bean the new "Super Food"?  The cocoa bean contains polyphenols and flavonols, which are also found in various seeds and fruits.  These components are knows to help against cardio-vascular disease and help keep the arteries clean. 

So, the next time you have a an urge for a sweet treat, reach out for a dark chocolate bar.  It'll make your heart glad!

Check out these dark chocolate, caramels with sea salt.  Yummy!!