Merry Christmas to ALL!

As we near the end of 2011, I want to say THANK YOU to all of those who have helped to promote my jewelry design business -- my darling, wonderful husband Craig, my social media adviser, the people who have always had full faith in me, and of course my devoted customers! To you, especially, I wish to give you a BIG HUG!

I am so encouraged to be entering another year with my business. What delightful opportunities there will be as I expand my repertoire, build my line, and continue to develop NoelleLaBelle Jewelry to Adore (or NoelleLaBelle Jewelry2Adore.) Merry Christmas!

Do you love turquoise? I have a number of pieces with genuine turquoise stones, or with stones resembling the cool, eye-pleasing color of turquoise. To me, this color brings with it a sense of relaxation -- unbelievably clear Caribbean waters offshore of a tranquil beach, the cool, inviting waters of a deep pool on a summer's day, and a color- washed late afternoon sky painted  with splashes of azure blue and wisps of translucent gold and pink.

Check out these pretty pieces - all on www.NoellelaBelle.etsy.com. You will love them!

Tis the Season to be Jolly...

Ringy dingy ding, ding, ding ding! Ringy dingy ding, dingy, ding, ding! You know the tune (or SHOULD know that it's an intro to a popular Christmas jingle.) I'm jollier this year than last year --- a good thing, as we all need to look up and see a bright future! I think of the beautifully brilliant North Star that appeared in the sky long, long, ago leading wisemen to a humble stable. This star brought with it promise and hope for all of mankind. I am forever inspired by this hope.

I feel a sense of satisfaction in having honed my skills this year as a bead stitcher and creator of new beautiful jewelry designs. Am I there yet (at the perfection level)....? Of course not. The journey is such that feeling inspired along the way with the accomplishment of each new skill is reward enough.

 Being a jewelry designer is all-encompassing. Finding a balance between my real life paid job, and what I do on the side as a creative outlet is challenging. Yet, I feel proud of the pieces that I have produced this last year, and am committed to bringing more of my pieces to the world this year via craft and jewelry shows, and other venues that bring me in touch with people who love jewelry. Watch for future announcements of my endeavors in 2012!

Check out these over-the-top flashy chandelier earrings! You can't beat the alure of sparkling Swarovski crystals. These earrings feature a new color Red Magma -- a brickish-red hue that reminds me of cognac. Send me a message if you'd like to buy these -- $22.00 (before taxes and shipping.)

Crystal earring gifts for everyone!

Do you love the unsurpassed brilliance of intricately cut Swarovski crystal? My understated yet elegant collection of crystal dangle earrings are hard to resist. Shop NoelleLaBelle.etsy.com. Enter coupon code "BLOGFAN" at checkout for 10% off!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71331663/rose-crystal-dangle-earrings



http://www.etsy.com/listing/71401534/crystal-ab-and-czech-fire-polished

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71449843/silver-crystal-earrings-with-etched?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71399006/capri-blue-crystal-dangle-earrings

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Tis the SEASON!!! The Yuletide tree is up. The lights are aglow, and the holiday spirit is in the air.  As this is the season of giving, you undoubtedly are in search of the perfect gift for a beloved wife, a darling daughter, a cherished sister, a charming daughter-in-law, a favorite niece, or an adored grandmother. What better place to shop than NoelleLaBelle.etsy.com!

In the language of my German ancestors....

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur
  zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
wie treu sind deine Blätter!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Dein Kleid will mich
  was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft
  zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Das soll dein Kleid
  mich lehren.

EnglishO Christmas Tree
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How loyal are your leaves/needles!
You're green not only
  in the summertime,
No, also in winter when it snows.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How loyal are your leaves/needles!

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You can please me very much!
How often has not at Christmastime
A tree like you given me such joy!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree,
You can please me very much!

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Your dress wants to
  teach me something:
Your hope and durability
Provide comfort and strength
  at any time.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree,
That's what your dress should
  teach me.

The holidays are approaching, and I couldn't be happier! I've been a busy, busy bee! Not only have my husband and I been entrenched in some home remodeling projects, I've also been honing my skills with various seed beading projects that are oh, so absorbing! What a passion!. I've created some wonderful new pieces that I hope to have ready for holiday sales. We had a lovely vacation in Winter Park, CO in August with my sister and brother in-law. Every morning was a relaxing sequence of hot coffee and eggs, followed by a couple of hours of  beadwork (in my case) and needlework (in my sister's case), while the men chatted about world politics and economics. The next few weeks are sure to bring many wonderful events featuring family, friends, and great times with my colleagues at work.

Photographing jewelry...

I am not a photographer, but I think I've learned a lot in the last year or so when it comes to taking photos of my jewelry. I started experimenting in earnest last summer. On the back deck under an awning, I rigged up a white backdrop suspended on two inexpensive (but rather flimsy) tripods and covered my table with a similar white cloth. I thought it might be a nice touch to bring an element of nature to the pictures, so suspended my earrings and other items from small tree branches. Unfortunately, it became truly annoying to deal with unexpected breezes that flipped up the fabric and sometimes knocked down my tripods, and it was beastly hot outside! In addition, any slight puff would create a gentle sway of my jewelry items, and I'd have to wait. until the motion subsided. 

Next, I thought I'd build a light-box. I had read everywhere on the internet that THE way to photograph jewelry was with a light box. I constructed several, using cardboard boxes with their sides and tops cut out. I taped artist's tracing paper over the cardboard frame, and hung a branch inside to hang the jewelry on. Here's an idea of what the inside of the light box looked like. I was never particularly happy with the results. I had purchased three metal reflectors and daylight fluorescent bulbs, but it never seemed like enough light. One day when I was particularly frustrated with the setup and my results, I SMASHED the box and whisked it into the trash!

Somewhere along the line, I decided I needed a better camera. I did some research, and finally bought a Canon SX 20 IS. It has an incredible number of features, many which after a year I have never used. But I'm happy with the improvement in quality of my pictures. This camera has a super-macro setting which allows one to get in very very close to the subject. I love this feature! I also started learning how to use Photoshop Elements to adjust white balance, color, sharpening, etc. What a difference. Check out the two shots below. The first one is the before, and the second one is after the levels and color cast adjusted. Still perhaps not a perfect photo, but vastly improved.

I've learned that light is of particular importance. Some of my best shots have been early morning, when the sun is just peeking out over the horizon, preferably near an east window. I have a north window that for a few weeks proved to be an ideal spot for early morning pictures. That lasted until the tree nearby filled out with new growth blocking the perfect morning rays. Ahhh me. The challenges of a photographer!

But I keep at it because it is a challenge, and it's fun, and creative, and fulfilling. I hope to take some professional classes some day (in my "free" time.)

The Weekend Jewelry Designer?

I might have to change my blog title to "The Occasional Jewelry Designer." I've been away from my design studio for several weeks now, and I'm starting to feel the pangs of withdrawal. But I assure you that there is nothing that can keep me away for long!

We had a lovely trip to North Carolina, but didn't manage to dodge the heat. It was beastly hot during the day. However, in the evening after dusk, it was breezy and comfortable sitting on the wrap-around deck of our friend's house perched high in the mountains overlooking Asheville. Our conversation turned to the black bears which our friend says have been more frequent visitors this year, wandering closer and closer to residential areas. Just a few months ago, one bold and brazen character lumbered up the steep steps to our friend's upper deck, and was caught trying to take a swipe at the bird feeder filled with seed. The pictures below were snapped several years ago while driving up a winding mountain road not too far outside of Asheville. These two cubs seemed oblivious to our presence as they foraged through the leaves looking for berries. We never did see the mom (maybe that's just as well!)

Had I planned better, I would have taken some beading projects along on our trip. Time got away from me, however, and my beads and tools were left behind.

But.....I did find a bead store! Beads and Beyond is located on Wall Street in Asheville, a narrow little street chock full of interesting shops and restaurants. We went early enough to be able to nab a parking spot right on Wall Street, and walked a short distance to the bead store. I purchased some interesting Czech picasso beads, and some sparkly chinese crystals. This surely must be an addiction. It is impossible for me to visit a bead store without buying something. I also purchased a Kumihimo braiding disk, which is a modification of a traditional Chinese method of weaving cords, ribbons, or other fibers into braided cords. A basic 8-strand weave is incredibly easy and very fast. I completed a 24-inch braid in the car trip home in a few hours. There are other techniques that incorporate beads into a braid - something I'm eager to learn.

We had lunch at the Laughing Seed Cafe, an interesting vegetarian restaurant also on Wall Street. The black bean and tofu burrito was excellent, and the Reuben, made with tempeh and purple sauerkraut and onions was tantalizing. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Asheville and looking for a tasy alternative to burgers and fries.

Our 11-hour drive home was uneventful. Traffic was moderate and we experienced no incliment weather. The stretch of highway 40 connecting Asheville to Knoxville, Tennesee is particularly scenic as it winds through the lush peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. I certainly hope to go back soon.

Off on a road trip...

My husband and I are leaving on a road trip to Asheville, NC today. There's something very liberating about getting out on the highway and just driving. Not a concern in the world, just wide open road. The friend we are visiting lives just a short distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway, his house perched high on a mountain top. Black bears live in the woods, and sometimes meander a bit too close to residential areas. On our last visit, we spotted two bear cubs not more than a half mile outside of town, rummaging through dried leaves looking for berries.

I'll be taking some of my beading projects with me, and have even thought of how I can do some bead work in the car along the way. I'll let you know how that works out!

Chalk it up to experience.....

Although I sold only three items at the Craft & Vendor show yesterday (the show was not very well attended, and traffic was minimal,) I'm glad that I participated in the event. I considered this to be my "maiden voyage," and as such, an opportunity to try out my display, see the displays of others, talk to vendors, and make note of things I could improve or change with my presentation. I fully intended to bring my camera, and of course forgot it! But my son snapped this picture of my display with his phone. Many thanks to my son Scott and his girlfriend Brandy, who helped me transport my items, assisted with setup, and kept me company for the duration of the event.

I thought the finished display looked very nice. I purchased a table skirt that adjusts to fit both 6-ft and 8-ft tables. Since I don't have my own table, I anticipate this drape would work well to accommodate tables of various sizes (this was a 6-foot table.) I created the riser by placing heavy plastic wine bottle crates underneath each end of a 4-foot shelving board. I draped that with a black satin drapery panel from Bed Bath & Beyond. I could have purchased yardage of black satin fabric and sewed my own, but I really didn't have a lot of extra time. I've purchased the various jewelry busts and trays over time, and find I really like the deeper black of the velvet props more than the bust made of smooth "leatherette". I placed an oval mirror at one end on the upper level, and inexpensive LED lights bought at IKEA to bring out the sparkle of my crystal pieces. On the far end of the table, I placed what I think is a pretty ingenious solution for displaying many earrings. I can't take full credit for the idea of making earring display card out of business cards, but I did dream up using a wire DVD tower to hold the cards.

Front side of the card. I put my shop name right up at the top, and my website at the bottom. I created a custom design to my specifications, and had them printed up at Vista Print.



I probably tried to add too much information on the back of the cards, and next time might revise this. I purchased the adhesive back hangers online -- I wasn't able to find them anywhere locally.

 I made the earring rack itself out of a wire DVD rack purchased at Office Max. I stretched 12-gauge black aluminum floral wire from side to side, and at intervals down the length of the rack. I was able to fit three earring cards on each level. Because of the way the rack was positioned on the table, I could only use one side for additional pieces. To really draw attention to the display, I used one of the flexible-neck LED lights as an "uplight," hidden behind an upright necklace display.

I found it very important to add little plastic earring "nuts" on the ear wires sticking out on the backside of the cards!

For easy setup and take-down, I circled the entire earring tower, with earring cards already in place, with plastic wrap. It worked like a charm! I took care to cover the bottom side as well, just in case an earring card might slip off the wire during transport.



Getting ready for the show...

Wow, there's a lot to do to get ready for a jewelry show. I spent a lot of time this past weekend running around to various stores picking up things I'll need. I really want to "do things right" and put together a display that's going to be attractive and functional. It seems like I've got an awful lot of stuff. I'm glad I'm not selling books or something else heavy or bulky. I would need a fork lift to get everything where it needs to go! It takes me back to the days when I worked as a Recruiter for a nurse staffing agency. I worked a lot of job fairs, to which I dragged boxes and boxes of promotional items. I was always pretty tired after these events.

Here's a fun piece that I really like. The beads are lampworked beads in bright colors. I love the vibrant cobalt blue of the beads used in the chain.

I didn't realize that I had so many earrings. I picked up a hint somewhere online to use business cards as earring display cards. With the little sticky back hangers that I ordered online, they hang on a jewelry rack just like in a store. Pretty cool. I'm actually using a wire DVD rack that sits on the table and provides vertical interest to my display. I'll be sure to get some good pictures of my setup.

My first jewelry show!

I'm so excited! I have been selling online at Etsy for awhile, but am preparing to do my very first craft fair Saturday, July 16th. There's so much to think about and to prepare. Luckily, I was directed to a great resource by Rita Klingenberg (google her) that's been very helpful in thinking through the planning phase. I know that doing craft/art fairs is something that evolves over time. I'm being realistic in thinking that this first attempt is not going to be perfect. Whatever experiences I have, I will build from.

If you're in the Chicago area on July 16th, think about visiting the Signature Event Designs Craft & Vendor Show -- 11 AM to 3 PM at the Hinsdale Community House, 415 W. 8th Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521. I'll be there with my fabulous jewelry pieces....and you will adore them!

What a difference a day makes...

It was 90 degrees here in the Midwest today. By 9 AM it was clear that the humidity was going to be oppressive. So, despite our preference for wide open windows and fresh breezes, we buttoned up and cranked on the air. As I dozed on the couch this afternoon feeling cool and comfortable after having braved the oven outside to run errands, I contemplated on what it's like to live in Chicago.

Just 5 months ago, we awoke to this scene outside our back patio door. The biggest snowstorm in years had dumped 20-some inches of snow onto the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. It was a biggie, comparable to the January storm of 1999, which delivered 21.6 inches, and rivaling even the big, BIG snowstorm of 1967, which blessed us with 23 inches (I barely remember this one.) The National Weather Service states that storms dropping as much as 15 inches or more of snow only happen once every 19 years. So 2011 was our lucky year! The fiasco on Lake Shore Drive made national news as dozens of motorists found themselves stranded for hours in the middle of giant drifts. Luckily, we were all home

The view outside our front bay window. This looks like a black and white photo, but the photo was shot in full color. Truly a lovely sight. A blanket of unblemished white covered everything. Pure, unmarred, pristine. Great to look at. Horrible if you have to go anywhere.

So, when I complain about the heat and fuss about how my hair falls flat in the humidity, I should remember that winter's coming.

Discount to blog readers!!!!

During the month of July, I'm offering readers of my blog a 10% discount! All you have to do is make a purchase on my site at http://www.noellelabelle.etsy.com/, and at checkout enter the discount code:

BLOGFAN

It's easy to make a purchase on Etsy. I accept PayPal, which is a really easy way to buy. You don't have to have a PayPal account. You do need to register by providing some basic information and then can pay with your credit card. Very EASY!

Metaphysical Properties of Gemstones....

When I am first inspired to create a piece of jewelry, I usually spend quite a bit of time poring through my stash of beads, crystals, and stones. I buy strands of semi-precious gemstones based mostly on their color, character, size, and shape. It's not until later that I conceptualize how I will use them in a jewelry piece.
But there's another aspect to gemstones and semi-precious stones that one can't help but find intriguing: their metaphysical properties. For thousands of years, it has been thought that gemstones posses special energies, healing qualities, and the ability to ward off evil and negativity. Just do a Google search and you'll find lots, and lots of information on this topic. Amazon.com has several books that look interesting. I have decided that I need to become a student of the amazing history and heritage of semi-precious gemstones.

I thought I'd share with you a few of the things I've learned about the stones I've used in my creations.

This long necklace features rectangular shaped Aqua Terra Jasper, and small rondelles of genuine turquoise. I've sold this one, but have another similar one that will be listed soon.



Aqua Terra Jasper - also called Impression Stone

I love this stone mostly because of it's beautiful aqua blue color, and the interesting, lacy sand-colored matrix throughout the stone. Apparently it is not a true jasper, but has properties very similar to other jaspers, and is grouped with this variety of stone.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60417389/fancy-vintage-look-brass-necklace-with

Rhyolite, Carnelian, and Red Agate

This is really a cool piece, that to me has ancient world elegance. I've combined antique finished brass chains and etched brass charms with three different stones in warm earthy colors.

Rhyolite
The main focal stones of this piece are smooth disks of Rhyolite. Here's what Rings & Things Beads & Findings has to say about this semi-precious stone. They have a great online gem index for you to explore. (You can find them at http://www.rings-things.com/.)

Though at first glance it might look like jasper, rhyolite is an igneous rock with high silica content - chemically identical to granite. It cooled from a molten state (as hot as 2192°F), too quickly for crystals to form. Because rhyolitic magma and lava are so thick, they tend to build up pressure until a gas explosion in the volcano throws them all over the place in particles ranging from ash all the way up to big blocky chunks. The stone's mossy greens, browns and grays are reminiscent of a rainforest, and it presents interesting banding.

Rhyolite represents change, variety and progress. It is said to light the fire of creativity within the soul and help with self-realization; it's believed to balance the emotions and increase self-respect, self-worth and the capacity to love. Rhyolite occurs largely in the U.S.A."
(found at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/r.htm.)

Carnelian (excerpt from Rings & Things online gem index

The name carnelian is said to be derived from the Latin word carnis ("flesh") due to its color.
Ancient Egyptian tombs are full of carnelian jewelry, as the Egyptians believed the gemstone had great power in the afterlife...... Elsewhere in the Middle East, carnelian represents the Hebrew tribe of Reuben and the apostle Philip. In Hebrew literature, carnelian appears as a gemstone in Aaron's breastplate. Some Muslims call it "the Mecca stone." Islamic doctrine holds that engraving the name of Allah on carnelian stones boosts courage. Ancient Greeks and Romans called it sardius and used the gemstone for signet rings, cameos and intaglios, while Tibetans created amulets of silver with generous applications of carnelian. Hindu astrology names carnelian as the secondary stone of Scorpios.

Red carnelian has been used for centuries to stop the flow of blood, and many believe the gemstone will stop nosebleeds. It is said to help heal physical wounds and blood disorders.
(found at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/c.htm)


Red Agate

Here's what Rings & Things has to say about Agates (this is an excerpt):

In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believe agate renders the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Agate is a cooling stone and is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. (found at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/c.htm)

Happy Father's Day to all Dads!

It's Father's Day, and we're awaiting the arrival of my dad. He's a widower now, having lost my beautiful mom about a year ago. It's important to stay connected now, and we try to keep him in the loop.

Earlier today, I did manage to sneak in a visit to one of my favorite local bead shops, Bead Heaven. It's in the middle of downtown  Downers Grove, IL. They offer beads of all kinds, findings, link chain, crystals, pearls and lots of other goodies. If I could, I'd buy everything in the store! They teach classes too.

I've been looking specifically for black and white beads. I tend to design in bright colors, but a colleague of mine mentioned that offering pieces in neutral black and white might be a good idea. Many people look for pieces that coordinate with a variety of different outfits.



Bead Heaven: http://www.beadheavononmain.com/

 I love these classy shiny black earrings. I purchased the beautiful faceted onyx rondelle beads at Bead Heaven.


Faceted black onyx beaded earrings with fancy sterling silver earwires.



A little of Marc Antoine..

After a five-day trip to Puerto Rico with friends followed by a Caribbean cruise, I created a DVD off all of our pictures. I used this piece as the musical backdrop for the opening scenes of my slide show featuring a visit to the historic fort of Old San Juan, and our drive along the coast to Ponce.

"Latin Quarter"

http://youtu.be/be1pgMNMEJE

A little music with your browsing?

I reloaded the Amazon MP3 clips player you see in the upper right hand of my page and it seems to be working. I'm a lover of smooth jazz, and although I don't own any collections by these artists, I love the music nonetheless. My favorite artists are:

• David Benoit on the keyboard. He composed the "Peanuts" music, and is a fabulously acomplished jazz pianist!
• Marc Antoine - Guitar - his music has a cosmopolitan flair, and is wonderfully unique.
• Peter White -- Guitar -  his pieces are unbelievably melodic and smooth
• The Rippington's -- They're an older group. My favorite is "One Summer Night in Brazil". Oh my gosh...this piece is absolutely the best for escaping on a mini "mental vacation."  I used to shut the door of my office at work, put my head on the desk, and just relax. Wonderful! Check out this piece on YouTube. (Right click on the link and select either "Open in  new tab" or "Open in new window" so you don't lose my site.)

http://youtu.be/gPJHphpTJKA

A photo shoot...

It was a gorgeous day yesterday, and I battled the mosquitoes for a photo session on the back deck. Because of all of the rain, these buggy beasts have been harassing us incessantly for the last week.

I never did find a permanent name for my model -- I call her Noelle, Lolita, Rosalinda, whatever strikes me at the moment -- but she's a permanent fixture in my dining room. She sits perfectly on any chair, so I can move her from one spot to another without too much difficulty.

I think it's helpful to photograph a piece of jewelry as it appears on a person. I shoot my photos at such a close range that sometimes proper perspective is lost.

Here's Noelle wearing my new earrings. She's also wearing the beaded collar necklace you see here. I haven't listed this one for sale yet.

...Uma...next time, shop first at NoelleLaBelle and save beaucoup bucks!

I have a similar one in blue on NoelleLaBelle.etsy.com



Sold recently!



Featured as a knock-off of Uma Thurman's jewelry...

My gorgeous sparkling sea-green bracelet sold shortly after being featured in the fashion blog "The Look 4 Less." My hand-beaded piece was likened to a bracelet worn by Uma Thurman to dress up her beautiful pure white gown. Check it out!

http://www.thelook4less.net/2011/06/style-me-saturday-umas-jewelry.html

Color and Mood....

It's spring in Chicago. It's that brief moment in time when the temperatures are moderate, the skies are bluer, and living things begin to unfold and reveal touches glimpses of their colorful glory. And it's GREEN everywhere!!! At no other time does the grass grow as furiously, and as lush as it does right now. Two or three months from now, patches of dry wilting, moisture-starved turf start appearing everywhere, except on turf owned by those citizens desperately battling to save the green with artificial watering. Yes, it's a battle. But right now, rain is abundant, and green, green, GREEN is our the world.

So how does that make one feel? Well, I know that when I look out my window and see green grass, green flowering plants, and lush green foliage....I feel rested. And relaxed. And taken away...to somewhere natural, botanical, or maybe even tropical.

It's no secret that colors influence one's mood. Scientists have studied the human physiological response to color for quite some time. Warm, hot colors excite...cooler blues and greens relax. But regardless of what science has discovered, it's important to be sensitive to the impact that colors have on you. Pay attention to what you find soothing and comforting. Make note of environments that you find energizing, then analyze whether or not the colors might have something to do with that feeling of invigoration!

Third Annual Suburban Bead Encounter...

I missed it! I learned about the May 15th show while shopping at The Place to Bead in Naperville, IL. Obviously, I had the location wrong in my brain, and showed up the next day at the wrong place! Too late I realized that the show must have been at the "other" Hilton on Coporate West. By then, I had changed my afternoon plans and had gone clothes shopping instead. I think there's another one scheduled for the fall.

It's been too gray/rainy to do much photography. So I've been working on some beadstitching projects, including a really fabulous piece that I can't wait to list on NoelleLaBelle.etsy.com! I've also been organizing a room downstairs in our house to be my beading/jewelry studio. I have a work station, much better lighting, and finally a permanent place for my rolling cart. I purchased a Commercial 7-Tier Steel Bin Rack from Sam's Club awhile ago that is really made for organizing garage tools. But it's perfect for storing my jewelry tools, beads, findings, bead stitching books and magazines, and everything else. I can pull out the individual bins and bring them to the table if I need to, then put them back neatly when I'm done.

I must admit, I am wowed by this necklace!

Selling one of my hand made jewelry designs is similar to arranging an adoption. It's hard to part with some of my creations, but I feel a certain sense of elation in finding a "good home" for them. It's particularly exciting to see somebody wearing my pieces, like my coworker Sam, who purchased a gleaming tiger eye necklace with matching earrings. She looked stunning!

I really, really adore this necklace. It started as a "beaded bead" worked in Cellini Spiral, an intricate stitch which demands total concentration in order to maintain the pattern. It was so lovely, that I just had to make it the centerpiece of a necklace. I love how the pale aqua color of the amazonite adds contrast to the blue of the bead, and how the greenish-blue of the labradorite ovals capture flashes of deeper blue. Swarovski crystals in indicolite are a near match to the blue of the focal bead. Sterling silver is used throughout.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73336624/sterling-silver-link-necklace-with

Have you ever heard of a Cellini Spiral?

Cellini Spiral is a beadwork stitch that uses seed beads stepping up from very tiny ones, to gradually larger ones. I found this pattern to be challening, especially when first establishing the foundational pattern. But one I got the hang of it, it went smoothly. The resulting "beaded bead" is the focal piece of this necklace.

To give this piece a really rich look, I chose a turquoise and bronze theme, using bronze hex beads, turquoise and gold seed beads, genuine facetted turquoise rondelles and brass/bronze cultured pearls and Swarovski crystal pearls. Each strand connects to a length of brass link chain which closes securely at the back of then neck with a brass lobster clasp.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73246060/turquoise-brass-and-pearl-necklace-with

Another pretty piece for Mom....

Here's another of my favorite necklaces for Mom: this one is a sweet, delicate single strand necklace that would be perfect to wear with a summery linen blouse or top. I used a triple strands of tiny seed beads in pearlized cream interspersed with teeny tiny clear Swarovski crystals as the main necklace base. Along the way, I added knobby sterling silver spacer beads between pairs of off-white Swarovski crystal pearls , and luminous oval four-sided cats eye beads in luscious spring green. The cats eye beads are nestled between tiny crystals that catch the light at the most unexpected moments.

This is a pretty piece that has a lacy, feminine look. The clasp is an easy to use hook and eye configuration.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72708539/springtime-green-lacy-beaded-necklace

Happy Easter!

In case I'm not able to return here before Sunday, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. Although not everyone celebrates this day as a religious holiday, it's also a celebration of new life, and the awakening of nature from its deep winter sleep. I'm always excited to watch new buds forming on the tree branches, and tender young sprouts poking up from beneath the damp blanket of mulch. I'm always in a state of anticipation as I wait for signs that the darling perennials that I planted so lovingly last year have survived the harsh winter.

A number of years ago, a little later in spring, I was working in my corner raised flower bed, loosening up the dirt, preparing to spread new mulch. As I lifted up some foliage, I was pleasantly surprised to have revealed a bunny den! Over the entry to the little cave, the mom bunny had carefully arranged a camouflage of dried leaves and grasses. But, I could still see the tiny little baby bunnies curled up together in a tight little furry ball, content and oblivious to any danger. The next day, as I returned for another look....they were gone! Mama had apparently sensed my presence and moved her brood to another location. I wonder if she moved them to my neighbors yard and closer to his beautiful vegetable garden (I don't think he's a fan of bunnies!)

Happy Spring to all!

Hand beaded choker for Easter or Mother's Day...

I grew up in a family of three girls, me being the middle child. The celebration of Easter for us was not only a joyful experience honoring our Risen Lord as we attended the traditional sunrise service on Easter Sunday, but it was also a fashion event. My mother always took us shopping in the weeks before Easter, and made sure that her three girls were dressed to the T's. Our dresses were made of frilly taffeta and lace....the fuller, the better. Luscious sherbet shades of pink, yellow, and cream.....decorative lace collars, silk sashes....we were beautiful. Easter bonnets were also the rage -- white straw head pieces decorated with artificial daisies, pansies, and ribbons. I remember one year feeling oh, so special, because the ribbon around the brim of my bonnet was so long, that I could actually sit on it. I felt so amazingly beautiful (and probably even at that young age,  a little sexy.)

In recollecting the beauty of spring tulips and hyacinths blooming early, I've created this beautiful hand-beaded choker in luscious, pearly pink. The three pink stones are pink quartz. Added glimmer comes from the beautiful  cathedral cut Czech fire polished beads that are worked into the choker. What a pretty piece.

Thinking of warmer weather....

Here in Chicagoland, we have a great sense of anticipation regarding the weather. This time of year, we are passionately yearning for that glorious moment in time called SPRING! And I really mean "moment" -- sometimes it's just a nanosecond. If you've lived in the Midwest for any length of time, you know that "spring" is a concept that is sometimes elusive. It can be rainy, gloomy, and gray for weeks on end...and then BAM.....it's 83 degrees and humid. That doesn't constitute our ideal of spring. So we tend to talk a lot about the weather here. We're never happy, and lament constantly about whatever our plight might be regarding the day's weather....perhaps a 20-degree plunge from yesterday's high of 68, to a miserable damp 48 today.

So, thinking of this, I thought I'd share with you a picture from the sunny, warm Riviera Maya, taken last year on our vacation in February. Ahhhhh meeeeeeeeeee. Sunshine, sandy beaches, ocean breezes.....Mojitos....You get the picture!

Rain, rain, go away...

On a gloomy, gray, rainy day, it seemed appropriate to cook a nice dinner. I'm making pecan-encrusted baked chicken, and will serve it with a nice crisp tossed salad. Yum! It smells good already!

I'm actually having a lot of fun tweeting on Twitter. My list of followers is growing, and I've learned quite a lot from the interactions. I learned about the Chicago Bead Society and about a new online venue for handcrafters! Rings & Things offered a tutorial on creating a leather and stone bracelet, and Fusion Beads has a tutorial on knotting pearls. Very informative.

I'm finishing up a new leather macramé bracelet tonight made with opalite and amazonite. It's got some Swarovski crystals mixed in for a really cool, elegant look. You will like it!

Another version - macrame leather bracelet in yellow and blue....

Here's another version. I like the color combinations in this one: yellow barrel African trade beads and cobalt blue and bronze seed beads.


Brown leather macrame bracelet with hammered brass rinks, yellow trade beads, and cobalt and bronze seed beads.





 

The finished bracelet...

I posted a picture earlier of a brass link and leather macrame bracelet I was working on. Well here's the finished product! The piece coordinates with my bright Moroccan-inspired dangle earrings. I've used the same hammered brass links and colorful African trade beads. The macrame portion is done in dark brown 1 mm round leather thong. It's now for sale in my Etsy shop!




Brown leather macrame and brass link bracelet



On a rainy day....

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The sun can't shine every day (unless you live in Arizona)....and it won't! So like today, which was rainy, windy, and overcast, I got busy with some of my ongoing design projects, finished a few things and started some new ones. I would have liked to do some photography as well, but that will have to wait.

In the past I've struggled with finding the ultimate setup for an indoor photo shoot. I've got several special daylight fluorescent bulbs with reflectors, a white backdrop, and some other stuff, but it's really a challenge to drag it all out and set it up. I've tried a homemade lightbox, but haven't been happy with the results. What I need is an ART & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO! My husband tells me some day I'll have one...but I'm not holding my breath.

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Alas the cool little jazz-playing widget I added is not working...

I've removed the Amazon MP3 widget until I can figure out why it's not working. I thought it was a cool addition to my blog. One of my friends alerted me to the fact that nothing was appearing. You're supposed to see a small rectangular box portraying the artist, the name of the song, and a black "play" arrow. Stay tuned, though. I'll figure something else out eventually.

My invitation.....

I've got 2 (yes TWO) followers! How exciting that is! Join them and FOLLOW me on my blog!

My favorite music...

You may have noticed that I added a little widget to this blog that plays snippets and sound bytes from different jazz artists. Jazz and particularly smooth jazz, has been my delight for about the last 10 years. I have a strong background in music, and come from a family well-versed in the classical masterpieces. I studied piano as a child, then flute, and also sang in choral groups, including a stint in an acapella jazz ensemble. That was particularly fun and memorable!

Now my favorite artists include Peter White, whose smooth melodies on guitar can lull me into a dream state,  David Benoit -- OMG a veritable genius on the keyboards! -- Marc Antoine - with his very cosmopolitan interpretations on guitar,  and other artists such as Down to the Bone, The Rippingtons, The Jazzmasters, and of course my absolute favorite, American jazz performer, pianist, and radio personality Ramsey Lewis, born and raised in Chicago - (almost) my home town (I'm a suburbanite.)

Oh....and I can't forget Michael Buble! He is sooooooo cooool!

Another project!

I had a vision in my mind of creating a bracelet to match my Moroccan-style brass earrings. Right now I seem to be fixated on antique-finished brass - not brass-colored plate over base metal, but 100% brass links, chain, findings, etc. Anyway, in thinking about this bracelet, I had the notion to use leather cord and use macrame knotting techniques. I dabbled in macrame years ago but needing a refresher course, I trotted over to the local Michael's in search of a macrame book. A young clerk, seeing me perusing the craft books asked if I needed help finding something. When I said I was looking for books on macrame, she eyed me with a puzzled expression....."What's macrame?" she said. I just had to smile! (Am I that old?)

I eventually found several books that I really love, including one by Suzen Millodot entitled Ornamental Knots for Beaded Jewellery, which is really more about the art of tying decorative knots. The knots that Suzen demonstrates in the book are incredibly sophisticated and intricate, and possibly way beyond my skill level. But nevertheless, I love a challenge and will eventually try to duplicate some of them!

Here's the brass link and leather macrame bracelet I'm working on.

This is really an interesting book. Suzen's pieces are beautifully designed and crafted.

The perfect Mother's Day gift...

Are you looking for a fabulous Mother's Day gift? Check out this gorgeous gold necklace. It has little squares of turquoise-colored aqua terra jasper, gleaming gold-filled beads, and fancy gold-dipped pearls circled with genuine Swarovksi crystals.

At the center hangs a Swarovski starfish shape in "crystal golden shadow" color. Mom will absolutely adore this piece!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69487813/classy-crystal-studded-gold-pearl/

New studio on ArtFire!

I have a new studio on ArtFire! ArtFire is a venue for artisants to display and sell their art work and handmade designs. I've started uploading my beautiful jewelry pieces, and will be adding more soon.

I hope you will stop by to take a look.

http://www.noellelabelle.artfire.com/

Now I'm Tweeting! (Or is it Twittering?)

What a fast paced world. I'm twittering and tweeting now, and feel like a top caught up in a whirling dervish. I'm exaggerating of course. But Twitter is a continuous feed of snippets and bits thrown out there in rapid-fire succession by all of the people you are following. Just throw out a thought and it's captured in the spin!

Check out the twitter feed I've added to my blog. It's on the left hand side if you scroll down.

Back to the semblance of "normal"....

Luckily, my husband is out of the woods in regards to his recent “confrontation with death” (as he would say -- and he's right – pulmonary embolisms are nothing to sneeze at.) Things are beginning to return to normal, and for that I’m thankful.

In the meantime, I’m pondering what real-life venues I should be pursuing this spring and summer. I want to promote my business, and I think real life events will be fun and worthwhile. I did a Christmas promotion at my company this past year which was terrifically successful! Everyone absolutely ADORED my jewelry pieces (that’s why I call my company NoelleLaBelle, Jewelry to Adore.)  

I’ve decided that just for April, and ONLY for my blog fans, I’m going to offer a 10% savings discount for anything purchased from my Etsy shop at http://www.noellelabelle.etsy.com/. Etsy is great because #1) customers can purchase with a credit card via Pay Pal (you don’t need a Pay Pal account), and #2) I can offer discount codes to the people I choose! For this discount, please enter the following code at checkout: NLBBLOGFANS. Happy Shopping!

More crystal items featured on NoelleLaBelle.etsy.com.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71331194/sunflower-crystal-dangle-earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71361472/swarovski-crystal-drop-earrings-with

Be prepared for "The Wrench"....

One can have the best laid plans, but if you're "thrown a wrench," that's what you must deal with. My weekend design plans were a bit forestalled this week by the hospitalization of my husband. He developed a PE Thursday night (pulmondary embolism...or blood clot in his lung) which required a trip to the local ER. This is a potentially dangerous situation, and the medical staff told us over and over again how lucky he was to have paid attention to his symptoms. The ER staff was wonderful and both doctors and nurses on the telemetry unit have been awesome. He's doing fine, and will hopefully be home tomorrow.

Despite the events of the past few days, I did get to squeeze in some time to create some new Swarovski crystal earrings. Swarovski crystals have an amazing sparkle and flash that is world renowned, and really hard to resist! I simply can't get enough of them. Since I do custom work, if you see an earring design that you like, and a color in mind, most likely I can create a pair of earrings just for you. You can send me a message on my website. http://www/noellelabelle.etsy.com.

Dangle earrings with sterling silver earwires and beads, Swarovski crystals in rose and crystal with aurora borealis finish.

Blue is the color of summer....

I've got a new beaded necklace that I think you will love. There are a lot of interesting things going on in this piece....shiny black glass beads that look like onyx, a shimmery foil-lined center bead, furnace glass cylinder beads that pick up the blue color, black crystals, and other shiny silver accents!

Blue makes me think of summer -- the beach, crystal clear ocean waters (particularly in the Caribbean,) icy cool tropical drinks mixed with Curacao, the perfect blue Colorado sky as seen on a summer trek above the timberline, the blue of my husbands eyes. Ahhhh meeee. It's summer.

Check out my new necklace:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71221741/pretty-glass-bead-necklace-in-ocean-blue

QwikSwitch Interchangeable Earring Collection....

Check out some new additions to my Qwik Switch collection. What a concept. Each earring dangle connects to a lobster clasp/earwire combo that makes switching things up effortless. The look is a little edgy and defnintely clever. Buy one lobster clasp/earwire set and as many earring dangles as you like.

I just listed these QwikSwitch earring dangles -- they're made with a faceted Czech fire-polished cut glass bead in two-tone peachy/pink. I think they're cool.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71018022/qwikswitch-vintage-look-faceted-czech

In honor of my mom, Marie..




Detail of one of the pink rhodochrosite necklaces I created in honor of my mother Marie.

  



Pink is the color of spring!

This weekend, I made a trip to a local bead shop to scout for strands of semi-precious gemstones, brass beads, and findings. I was looking for stones and beads in springtime colors..hoping to find beads to add to some new charm bracelets I'm conceptualizing. The color pink has been in my mind lately. This is, in part, because I've been thinking a lot about my mom's memorial service last May, and the gorgeous pink roses and baby's breath that we picked out. She loved pink -- a color which matched the warm glowing nature of her spiritual beauty, and her carefree easy laugh.

I stumbled across a length of pink rhodochrosite beads, and knew I'd found what I was looking for. Examining the strand, I admired the beautiful natural striations of light to darker gray on a background of deep pink to lighter pink. Perfect! I bought two strands...one of the puffed coin shape beads, and one of cylindrical-shaped beads.

I love to learn things about the semi-precious gemstones that I purchase. A little sleuthing uncovered the fact that rhodochroside, sometimes called Inca Rose Stone, was discovered by the Inca Indians as they explored deep caves filled with stalagmites and mineral deposits. Today the colorful stone is found in mines in Argentina, as well as in Peru, Canada, and Colorado. Rhodochrosite is thought to have the metaphysical properties of healing. It is thought to sooth the emotions, open the heart, and stimulate love and passion. These unique metaphysical properties have led to nicknaming this mineral the stone of "love and balance."

As I design new jewelry pieces featuring this lovely stone, I will strive to exemplify love and aesthetic balance.

Yes, it's almost the middle of the week....hump day they call it (is that about a camel? I think not....) Things at my real job have taken the spotlight of attention thus far this week. Yet, at the rare moments of "intermission" I have already begun to plan my design initiatives for the weekend! Oh WOW! My thoughts right now are focusing on CHARM BRACLETS! I've done a number of charm bracelets in the past which have received rave reviews. They're fun for me to create, and fun for people to buy! Here are a couple of bracelets I've done in the past.

My beautiful cobalt blue beaded earrings.....in three versions

Today was a photography day. It was gorgeous, in fact! A tad on the cool side..but who cares! The sun was out and shining brightly.

Since I'm not a professional photographer, I'm still experimenting with how to get the best photos of my jewelry. It would probably be quicker to take a class and get some real advice...but for the moment my long experimental sessions are how I'm learning.

I recently listed these beautiful earrings which are the prettiest cobalt blue ever. The hand-painted beads have an intricate look, and the faceted quartz dangles are really sparkly. Each picture was shot at a different time of day, with different backgrounds, and different orientations to natural light. Which picture do you think makes these earrings stand out the most?

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Version 2...

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Version 3....

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