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