totaldelights

Sandy Shores

2009-10-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Sold

Rainforest jasper Set

2009-10-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Amethyst & moonstone

2009-10-20T11:12:00.001-07:00

This fun bracelet is made from amethyst and moonstone hand wired with sterling silver and has a daisy center 22.95 plus 3.00 shipping and handling

Chalcedony drops

2009-10-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

These beautiful icy drops of chalcedony hang from sterling silver chain they would be a great addition to your collection. 15.95 plus 3.00 shipping and handling

Boro bead pendant

2009-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

This beautiful pendant is made with a borosilicate glass know for strength and beauty accented by swarovski crystals made with sterling silver. 14.95 plus 3.00 shipping and handling

Golden Amazonite

2009-10-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Golden Amazonite, coin pearls, sterling chain handcrafted necklace Golden Amazonite is handwired with golden coin pearls and sterling silver chain. 34 inches in length
25.95 with 5.00 shipping and handling

My friend Barbara

2009-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

This was written by my dear friend.
I am grateful for her friendship.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY TO SHOW
HOW MUCH YOU REALLY CARE,
FOR THE GIFT THAT JESUS GAVE US ALL,
HIS LIFE ON EARTH TO SHARE.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY TO BE
LIKE HIM IN EVERY WAY,
DOING WHAT HE WOULD WANT YOU TO DO
IN ALL YOU DO AND SAY.

WHAT ARE YOU SHARING WITH THOSE YOU MEET,
AS YOU GO THROUGH YOUR DAY.
ARE YOU GIVING A HAND TO LIFT THEM UP
AND HELP THEM ON THEIR WAY.

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING TO THOSE IN NEED
WHO HAVE MUCH LESS THAN YOU.
DO YHOU GIVE OF YOURSELF, YOUR TIME, YOUR MEANS,
LIKE JESUS WOULD HAVE YOU DO.

WHAT WOULD HE SAY IF HE WERE HERE
STANDING BY YOUR SIDE,
WATCHING ALL YOU DO FOR THOSE IN NEED
IN THIS WORLD SO WIDE.

AN INVENTORY OF DEEDS IS TAKEN EACH DAY
LOVING ACTS BOTH GREAT AND SMALL,
NOT ONE THING WILL BE LEFT OUT,
HE WILL RECORD THEM ALL.

FOR EVERY TIME WE HELP SOMEONE IN NEED,
OR LIFT A WEARIED SOUL,
WE ADD ANOTHER ACT OF LOVE
THAT WE SHOW HERE BELOW.

SO ASK YOURSELF "AM I LIKE HIM
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE.
DID I SHOW KINDNESS AND LOVE
TO HIS CHILDREN, EVERYONE."

REMEMBER HE IS WATCHING YOU,
EACH AND EVERY DAY
KEEPING TABS ON WHAT WE DO
FOR OTHERS DAY TO DAY.

I WOULD HOPE THAT WHEN WE LEAVE THIS LIFE
AND RETURN TO HIM ABOVE
THAT HE WOULD SAY "JOB WELL DONE
BECAUSE YOU SHOWED ME LOVE."

by Barbara Gibby

wonderful words

2009-10-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

THIS IS SO AWESOME....READ IT EVERY WEEK!!!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The
Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what the their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17.. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

45. Remember that I will always share my spoon with you! Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves

2009-10-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

So Funny that this came to me today and it did hit me like a ton of bricks.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Changes are coming

2009-08-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

We have had the website for almost 2 years now and making this change is not easy for me. I am not one that like to give up on things. But the reality is that we would rather put our funds into supplies rather than to maintain the website. So as of Sept 12th we will be posting and selling from here.

March and a new contest

2009-03-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

visit us and enter this months contest www.totaldelights.com

New month new contest

2009-02-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe we are already into the second month of the new year and with that brings a new contest, these great little earrings are made with Amethyst, Moonstone, Sterling Silver. Make sure you enter and tell all you know to visit and enter to. www.totaldelights.com

Garnet January Birthstone

2009-01-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

This bracelet can be found at www.totaldelights.com it is made with Garnets and freshwater pearls, sterling silver

January Birthstone : Garnet

Birthstone Color: Deep Red

One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatus,” meaning “grain” or “seed.” This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed. But don’t bite into a garnet, because at Moh’s hardness 6.5 to 7.5, it will definitely damage the teeth!

There are many myths and legends surrounding the garnet. One Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God’s wrath. A Greek myth linked to the garnet is the story of the young goddess of sunshine, Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released Persephone, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him.

First mined in Sri Lanka over 2,500 years ago, the garnet is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America; and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho. Although most commonly known as a red gemstone, the garnet comes in a variety of other hues, including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual bouquet of colors. This diversity is due to unique combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

Archaeologist findings of primitive style garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers dates the early use of this gemstone to the Bronze age. But not all garnet is of gem quality. It is also a very effective abrasive and is used commercially for grinding and polishing. Garnet coated sandpaper is one such industrial use.

The garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one’s safe travel and speedy homecoming. It is January’s birthstone, but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly one for any season.

New contest

2009-01-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Rhodonite---- Believed to stabilize one’s thinking into what is true for the wearer.
see others as brothers and sisters.

To enter this new contest visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Contest winner

2008-12-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Bettye Short our latest winner.

The new contest will be posted on Jan 1st make sure you check in and enter

I'm Back

2008-11-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post but the moving and unpacking has just about done me in. But I hope to be on top of it now and back to bloging and creating. But one thing that I have to mention is that till the 20th of
Dec we are having a huge sale 25% off of everything. So shop early and make this christmas a easy one. You just have to type in holiday for the coupon at check out to get your savings. Some other great news we have been moving up the ranks in yahoo and google. It is so great to see the fruits of our labors. Have a wonderful thanksgiving everyone. Deb and Diane

New items added to the contest

2008-08-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Keep it up there have been three new dangles added to the contest.

Handcrafted Jewelry--New month New contest

2008-08-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ok so here is the deal for every 5 enties in the contest I will add a new set of enterchangeable dangles so this contest could be the best yet. Tell all your friends email everyone you know lets get the entries up and the prize bigger and better than ever.

Moving Sale

2008-07-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

www.totaldelights.com

Moving what a job it is

2008-07-27T14:48:00.001-07:00

So we are preparing for the big move from Utah to Missouri and the packing cleaning showing the house is all so much. But we are excited and nervous all at the same time. This is the biggest move we have ever made. But how does that relate to the website you might be asking yourself well we are going to have a moving sale yes a moving sale. The details will be on the website in the next few days so make sure you check in and take advantage of the specials. But for now I better get back to packing.

Handcrafted jewelry something new--support jewelry

2008-07-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

We have something great and new at Total Delights Support Jewelry these pieces, have been created to give that extra support. Some may need the help with not smoking, or any other thing that you might be struggling with.

The first bracelet is made with Blue lace agate and freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals, sterling silver
Blue lace agate creates hope, harmony and positive thinking, calming ,and is an uplifting stone
pearls are also known for health and inner peace.

The second is made with Autumn jasper which is said to protect from negative energy and freshwater pearls for health and inner peace.

the third is made from smoky quartz, freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals, sterling silver
smoky quartz Is nature's stone of endurance, fostering serenity, calmness, and positive thoughts. Then again I used my favorite freshwater pearls for the health and inner peace. The pearls in this bracelet are nuggets and faceted pearls.
you can find these at http://www.totaldelights.com/support.html

Handcrafted Jewelry--Where do I find the time?

2008-07-08T04:24:00.001-07:00

The days are getting so full of packing boxes, sorting out the good from the what was I thinking. You know all those things that at the time seemed to make sense. But now I have to look at things with a different perpective. Moving is a big job, much less moving half way across the country. So I find that I am having to juggle my time, home, website, family and then everything else that no one wants to do is of course mom’s job. The funny thing is that in this cleaning and organizing I have found, or refound some great beads and all I want to do is to create. But I have to be pratical and finish the house so that we can get it on the market. Then I will find some time to do something wonderful with those. But thank goodness that Debbie is still hard at work. Her latest creation is made with unakite a favorite stone of mine. My mother in her last few months with us. Was spent in a assisted living home. And those that took care of her, were so wonderful and caring. So for christmas that year I made all of the staff gifts made with unakite. Bracelets for the women and keychains for the men. This stone’s meaning is uncondtional love of humanity. Those who care for the elderly have this wonderful traite. So you see this stone has a very special place in my heart. You will find this handcrafted necklace at www.totaldelights.com

Celebration

2008-07-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Total Delights has been up and running for a year now and with the fourth of July right around the corner, we thought there wouldn't be a better time for a celebration sale. So if you take 10% for our birthday and 10% for the holiday then you will be getting a 20 % off anything on our site sale. We have had a crazy first year and are looking forward to a crazier second one. Most all of our items are one of a kind so visit soon for the best selection www.totaldelights.com

Just type in freedom at checkout for the discount

Handcrafted Jewelry--July contest

2008-06-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ok so I didn't choose rubies or swarovski crystals. I choose both yes both this delicate handcrafted bracelet is made with real rubies, I have used gold filled chain, gold plate lobster, There is vermeil daisies, to boot. This will be a great prize to win. It is 7 1/2 inches in length but can be sized for the winner. Make sure you visit us and enter.

Handcrafted Jewelry-times almost up for june's contest

2008-06-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe that the month of June is almost over, where did the time go. So you all need to enter in the contest. I have been thinking about what to create for July’s contest, Ruby is the birthstone for July. So I have to decide if I want to use real rubies or maybe swarovski crystals in the ruby color. So if you have any thoughts please either post there or email me. doubledee@totaldelights.com Guess you will just have to check back in to see what I decide to do.
or check the website contest page www.totaldelights.com/contest

Handcrafted bracelet with Amazonite

2008-06-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

This beautiful semi-opaque blue-green variety of feldspar is named after the Amazon River.
Amazonite balances feminine and masculine energy. It promotes kindness and practicality. It is an excellent stone for artists and for men. Pale azure blue amazonite is know as the lucky “Hope Stone”. It will be lucky for all your hopes and dreams. Amazonite is blue-green to pale green stone in the feldspar group. It comes mainly from United States and Australia. Healing properties of amazonite
Amazonite helps balance the emotions and gives physical stamina. I love finding out the gemstones meaning, It makes the giving of a gift that much more special. I have a dear friend who’s daughter was going though a very rough time. So I made her a bracelet with Amethyst which is a stone of protection. It was a way of letting her know that my thoughts are with her I think that is the real fun in learning about gemstones and their meanings. Come back and learn more with us. For more
info on gemstones visit our gemstone meaning page. http://www.totaldelights.com/Gemstonemeanings.html

Handcrafted Jewelry--Where are all the blogs?

2008-06-26T21:45:00.001-07:00

I looking at the websites that I have exchanged links with, very few have blogs. And yet this has been a very important part of moving our website in a good direction. So I have to ask myself why aren't these other sites using this wonderful tool. Could it be their fear of not looking professional. I want to know something about the people that I am buying from. When buying online there are so many unknowns. You can't look folks in the eye. See how they deal with others. So why wouldn't you want to learn what you can about the person that you are thinking of doing business with. My biggest problem is that I haven't made my blog personal enough. So my new goal is to make this blog a fun, informative and a place that you what to visit and spend some time. So to begin I love to make jewelry, creating is something that I find very fullfilling and to work on our website. This has been a big learning experiance this all takes place between taking care of my grandson. And packing for the move that our family is making in the next few months. I have four kids, that all still live at home, three grandkids. Two live with us. So the total in our home is nine. My husband and I have never believed in thow away kids, there have been many times that we have taken in kids. Many people don't understand why we haven't tossed our two oldest kids out they are 25 and 22 years old. But there are things that they don't understand. And maybe at a latter date I will go into more details. But for now they are all here, like I said we don't believe in thow away kids. They are ours and ours to take care of, till they can do it themselfs. Anyway The next few weeks will be crazy and many of they crazy things I will be sharing with you all. But for now this is goodnight and have a great tomorrow. Visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Handcrafted Jewelry--Do you have a treasured piece ?

2008-06-25T01:36:00.000-07:00

Some have a stand of pearls handed down from their grandmother. Or a mothers ring, maybe a bracelet from your first love. No mater what the piece is most women have a favorite. The one that makes them feel good when they wear it. Mine is the ring that was made for me from my mothers ring. I always feel save and loved when I wear it. It makes me feel close to her. My youngest daughter was given a pendant with a diamond from her grandmothers ring and she wore it when she was married. She said that way it felt like grandma was there. So what is your treasured piece of jewelry. I would love for you to share your stories.

Handcrafted Jewelry--My favorite gemstones

2008-06-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would answer my own poll if you didn’t catch that I love most all of the things that we create with. But gemstones are my very favorite. Moss opal has quickly become one of my favorite stones.

Moss Opal belongs to the group of common opals. In contrast to precious opal that displays all the colors of the rainbow, common opal is opaque, rarely translucent and shows no play of color. Moss opal owns its attraction to dark greenish inclusions in its milky white body that resemble moss.
The most important deposits are located in Australia.

Ever since people have believed in the healing power of Opal. It is reported to be able to solve depressions and to help its wearer find the true and real love.

Opal is a birthstone for those who are born in October
Visit us at www.totaldelights.com and let us know your favorite gemstone.

Handcrafted Jewelry which to choose, Simple loop - wrapped loop

2008-06-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

When shopping for jewelry one of the key things to look for is the way the loops are made. The loop with the blue background is a simple loop the one on top a wrapped loop. The wrapped loop is the way that I prefer to make jewelry. This loop makes the piece more secure and there is very little chance of lost pieces. This method takes longer to complete a item. And more supplies. So these pieces will cost more, but it is well worth the difference in cost. Your child will not be able to pull on your necklace and have it come apart. The simple act of brushing your hair can pull apart a simple loop. So when looking for that perfect piece of handcrafted jewelry remember that chosing by color is important, style, stone, or crystal. These are all factors in your choice. But by far the most important one is the way it is put together. After all you want to have that perfect necklace, around for years to come. Come visit us at www.totaldelights.com

new and beautiful handcrafted necklaces

2008-06-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

The new items just posted are made with some great gemstones, The first one is made with glamous jasper and is handwired. This is my favorite way to create jewelry. I love knowing that the piece is secure instead of just a loop of wire there is a very safe and secure connection. This stone is new to us and is becoming one of my favorites is has soft tones and blends wonderfully with the freshwater pearls in a golden sand color. One of the other new necklaces is made with Ruby zolite. This stone is said to make changes of negative to postive and will boost your physical energy. This stone is beautiful the Ruby veining is of a dark red color and blends beautiful with the zolite green. This is a very unique one most of the ruby zolite is brighter green but this stone is deep and wonderful. Come and visit us at Total Delights

Handcrafted Jewelry, Necklace with Golden aventurine

2008-06-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

This Handcrafted necklaces is made with Golden Aventurine is considered an all purpose healing stone. Another potent stone for relieving stress, anxiety, and emotional discomfort. It helps us to see alternatives and potentials. Good career stone for those in stressful situations at work. Reinforces ones decision making abilities and amplifies leadership qualities.

Freshwater pearls are the other item in this beautiful necklace they are golden in color and blend wonderful with the golden aventurine. At the center of this necklaces is a hammered ring. This necklace will be available for purchase on www.totaldelights.com in the next few days.

Handcrafted bracelets what's new today

2008-06-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

Two new bracelets for summer fun first one is made with freshwater pearls and turquise rondells with a Bali silver bead as the focal bead. It is 7 1/2 inches in length and finished off with a sterling silver lobster. The second is made with green
aventurine with a sterling silver bead in the center it is 7 1/2 inches in length also. These two new items will be available soon at www.totaldelights.com

Handcrafted bracelets, Dragonfly

2008-06-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Water Bug

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about with its friends. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more. "Look" said one of the water bugs to another,"one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?" up,up,up it slowly went.... Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. It's
friends waited and waited but she never returned. "That's funny!" said one water bug to another..."wasn't she happy here?' asked a second...."Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third....no one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled.....

Finally one of the water bugs gathered it's friends together. "I have an idea, how about the next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk, promises that they will come back and tell us were he or she went and why!" 'We promise they said solemnly.
One spring day not long after the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up he went. Before he knew what was happening he had broken through the surface of the water and fallen into the broad and free lily pad above.When he awoke, he looked about with surprise....

He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come over his body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled he felt an impulse to move his wings.... The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from his new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself above the water. He had become a DRAGONFLY! Swooping a dipping in great curves he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly landed happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why he was right above his old friends the water bugs! there they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before. Then
the dragonfly remembered the promise. Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down.
Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...... "I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least I tried, But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess that I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too.Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went," and the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air......Author Unknown

Handcrafted earrings for fun and success

2008-06-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

Jaspers are extremely nurturing stones and work in a subtle way to give slow and gentle healing. They are also extremely protective stones, protecting against depression and negative thinking. In addition jaspers are said to encourage a determination to succeed and to see ideas through into action. They are therefore extremely useful stones for those starting up their own business. These fun earring are made with Dalmation Jasper and Swarovski Crystals, Bali Silver

For these and more fun designs visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Handcrafted jewelry in its best form

2008-06-06T23:15:00.000-07:00

She is sooooo in the zone, Deb is creating like mad, her work is so great I am going to have to work day and night to catch up with her. These fab bracelets are made with blue lace agate, Freshwater pearls, Amazonite,Pink peruvian opal,Rose quartz, moonstone, swarovski crystals, Bali Silver. These great bracelets will be available in the next few days. Visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Fiesty and soooo much more

2008-06-04T21:04:00.001-07:00

Amethyst, golden coral, candy jade, Prehnite, russaian serpentine, black onyx Bali silver. Deb has certainly out done herself this time she spent today creating these wonderful two bracelets the first one she called fiesty and I totally agree. The second makes me think of juicy watermelon. Both will be great for summer and are 8 inches in length. If you want to see more of these and more wonderful things visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Debbie's newest creation then qassia have you heard about it

2008-06-02T23:17:00.001-07:00

I want to show off the newest creation of Debs a chunky coral necklace, this is a beauty and it has matching earrings. So go and check out this and her other new items at www.totaldelights.com

About Qassia
Qassia is a credit-driven intelligence engine coupled to a cascading tag-based web directory. What exactly does this mean? It means that Qassia will change your life.
Good stuff your websites will like
At Qassia, you can add your websites for free, and without having to add reciprocal backlinks. You'll get unlimited quality backlinks (as opposed to useless "no-follow" backlinks). You can also add intel. Short for "intelligence", intel is a tidbit of information. Qassia rewards users who add intel in three ways.
Backlinks You get one backlink for every piece of intel you add. Every intel will carry a direct backlink to one of your sites. So the more intel you add, the more backlinks you get.

Credit When you add intel, you also get credit, in the form of Qassia dollars. Your net worth in Qassia dollars determines how well your websites rank in our directory.

Revenue When your intel is displayed, you get 100% of the advertising revenue generated by that page. That is not a typo, by the way: we give you ALL of the gross ad revenue.

This means that website owners have triple incentive to contribute intel. The contributed intel will allow Qassia to become a vast repository of intelligence, with unrivalled original content. And a vast amount of original content draws traffic like honey draws ants.
So why am I putting this on my blog that is for handcrafted jewelry, Because it is a bonus for website owners or those who sell things from your blog. Backlinks are time consuming to gather and most of us are trying to write for our blogs so why not combine the two. Right now they are in beta testing so you have to have an invite from someone already there so consider this your invite http://totaldelights.qassia.com/

Swarovski Crystals

2008-06-01T12:44:00.001-07:00

Swarovski crystals known to be the best in crystal today and just why.

Daniel Swarovski was an Austrian glass cutter and jeweler born in Bohemia. In 1892 he patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of lead crystal glass jeweler. This process has made the Swarovski crystals the best to be had in the world of crystal. The cut and colors are brilliant and add so much to any piece of handcrafted jewelry created with them. But Jewelry isn’t their only use. Swarovski was also a sponsor for the Phantom of the Opera Film, in which the "standing model" of the chandelier was composed of Swarovski crystals. There have been replicas of the crown jewels made with Swarovski crystals. The latest thing that I have found with these great crystals is a
$20,000 Swarovski Encrusted Scrabble Board

New month New contest

2008-05-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

So I guess that I was a day ahead of myself and ended May’s contest a day early so sorry, you know the old saying day late and a dollar short. Well that is me. But anyway this month’s winner is Jennifer J. So congrats to you Jen I will get your bracelet mailed Monday. So the new prize is a pair of earrings that has both of June’s birthstones. These are made with Sterling Silver chain and freshwater pearls, then Swarovski crystals in the Alexandrite color. So enter to see if June is your lucky month. Ok so it seems like the internet doesn't like me today so you will have to go to the website to see the earrings, but then you have to go there anyway to enter so no biggy. www.totaldelights.com

Down to the wire

2008-05-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Ok so , I guess I could use the wire line as a pun, but the truth of the matter is that we are down to just 2 more days for this months contest. I must admit that I have had better response than I thought we would have, And the goal for next month is to double the entries. This has been quite the journey, from the open house parties that Deb and I had to donating jewelry for fundraisers. To a full fledged website. This all began as a dream really just a passing thought. Could we really do this. Can we make a success of this. We have had our ups and downs, believers and doubters. Even at times wondering if we could make this work. But here we are about 14 months into it and feeling very good about the future of our little website. We have had increased traffic (ok ok I know anything is up from nothing) But as I work at this computer each day to better the site and do the things that others are helping me learn about. I feel that this is the thing that I am meant to do. That this will not just be a website about selling jewelry but a way to reach others. The waterbug story on our site has touched so many over the past few years. It has come to be the symbol that we look for in every shop we visit. And now with warm weather the thing that we lookfor each time we walk down the street. We want to help anyone who is struggling with the lost of a loved one. I have a as I call it a car jewel it hangs from my rear view mirror it is made of some very special crystals that belonged to my mom and at the end is a dragonfly. From his wings are smaller crystals that represent the birthstones of the ones that I have lost in the last few years. I know that they are watching over me. I just hope that they can be proud of the work that I have done, for it is because of them that I try so hard to be a success

Creating with pearls

2008-05-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the mailman has become a great new pastime for me. That is waiting for my lastest bead order. Then the magic begins the opening of the package and then the indiviual little bundles. Each one with new treasures to make beautiful jewelry with. This order has my favorite pearls any kind will work, all the colors, shapes. Some artists want to work with crystals, and they have their place in my creations. Gemstones, anything from rich agates to pure black onyx. These all make for great jewelry. But if you mix these with the best, pearls you then have the ultimute in jewelry. I have said before that I have a passion for pearls and that is an understatement. Wearing jeans and a tee shirt then you can add a simple pearl bracelet or a pair of pearl earrings, keeping it simple. But dressing up then the pearls will make a real statement. Multi strand, single peart drop. or like this Pearl Necklace DB-150 This necklace will make that little black dress and you stand out in the crowd. Visit www.totaldelights.com for more creations with pearls.

Totally Teens

2008-05-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

The new things that I posted today are things that I created for teens and young girls. And my son suggested that we call this line Totally teens. And I think that I am going to make some changes on the website to relect just that here are some of the new items you can find these and more at www.totaldelights.com

2008-05-23T22:35:00.001-07:00

So she was at it again today and at this rate I may have to work for 24 hours straight to catch up. This wonderful coral necklace is big and bold. It also includes Swarovski crystals.. check it and more out at www.totaldelights.com

Let freedom ring

2008-05-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Debbie has been a very busy bee creating lots of wonderful new things and most of them have a great patriotic theme. Her work is outstanding and the quailty of her work shines though.
I hope to have them posted by tomorrow a computer problem has happened and I am pretty sure things will be cleared up by then.

But for now you can catch a sneek peek at some of them here.
come visit us at www.totaldelights.com

Green with envy

2008-05-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

At least that is what everyone else will be when you show up wearing this wonderful bracelet. This hand wired piece is made with sterling silver and russian serpentine, prehnite, freshwater coin pearl. Sterling silver heart charm.
See this piece and many more wonderful ones at www.totaldelights.com

I am sorry

2008-05-20T00:38:00.001-07:00

In my last post I said some things that I now fear hurt some feelings. And that was never my intent That post was created more for something to write, lets face it this blog is for promoting our website. And at times things to write don’t come easy. But to those I hurt I publicly apologize, You helped us get to where we are today and you were there in the beginning and every step of the way. We have appreciated everything you have done. I am encouraged that there are still so many good people in this world, I have been blessed to know just a few of them. And are still proud to call them friend.

feeling hope

2008-05-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

So the past few weeks have been difficult to say the least but I have hopes of things changing. I have found some wonderful support for people with websites. They have so much info and resources for anything from fixing the photos to site maps and much more. I truly feel blessed to have found them. The other great thing is that they honestly want to help, there is no jealousy, just honest help. Something that I wasn't sure was there anymore, or maybe I just didn't know where to look. But thank goodness I did find them.

Talk about multi-tasking

2008-05-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had to take my youngest daughter to the emergency room. She is ok they took lots of blood and she is feeling like a pin cushion right now. But with having four kids and 3 grand-kids seems like I have spent my share of time at a doctors office or in a ER. So I never go without my tote bag and plenty to do. So 3 pairs of earrings and one bracelet later, and 4 to 5 tubes of blood. we have new jewelry and a daughter that is going to be fine.

Pearls, Pearls and if there is time more Pearls

2008-05-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

Pearls, Pearls and if there is time more Pearls, as you can tell Pearls are a passion of mine and one of my favorite gems to create with They are the only gemstone formed within a living creature. Have been a symbol of wealth and sophistication. So now to look at some of the differences in pearls. Natural vs. Cultured. A natural pearl is actually begun as a foreign object inside an oyster’s inner body. In response to the intrusion the oyster goes into defensive mode and secretes nacre, a substance to protect itself from the object. Adding layer after layer till a beautiful pearl is formed. Natural pearls are very rare about one in 10,000 will produce a single natural pearl. Just recently, a double strand of 68 perfect natural pearls, know as the “Baroda Pearls” was auctioned at Christie’s Auction House for $7 million. Google “Baroda Pearls” to see a picture of these wonderful pearls. So because of the rarity of natural pearls, most of today’s pearls are cultured. In 1916 Kokichi Mikimoto patented the process of culturing pearls inside Akoya oysters in Japan. This then made pearls affordable to the public and the pearl craze began. Now cultured pearls are still actual pearls, similar in most ways to the natural pearl. The only difference is a small piece of polished shell or mantle tissue is introduced by hand to the oyster. The process from there is the same, to creating a pearl. Cultured pearls come from saltwater or freshwater mollusks. The freshwater ones can be found in lakes, rivers, ponds and other bodies of freshwater. The majority of the freshwater pearls today come from china. The Saltwater pearls come from oysters that live in the oceans and are in protected waters such as lagoons, The Akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearls are the best know and are certainly deep sea treasures in there own right.

Part one of Pearls, Pearls and if there is time more Pearls.

Written by Diane Brixey, Pearl lover and self taught jewelry artist. Her work can be seen at www.totaldelights.com

May's Birthstone "Emerald"

2008-05-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Gemstone Emerald is the green variety of the mineral Beryl.Emerald is May 's birthstone.
The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds usually contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone. Even artificial emeralds often contain flaws, however, as the process of growing artificial emeralds mimics the way nature does it (slow crystal growth from a molten mix). Nearly all emeralds, even many "natural" stones, have been treated to improve clarity, generally by immersing them in oil. For gemstones, a green colored oil is often used, "improving" the color as well. Unfortunately, this oil may evaporate over the years, making flaws appear where none were visible at the time of purchase. A high-grade mineral oil may be used to improve the appearance again. This month's contest has a freshwater and emerald green swarovski crystal bracelet as the prize. So make sure that you stop in and enter at www.totaldelights.com

Slide show of our creations

2008-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Milk Chocolate

2008-05-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

These fun handmade earrings are created with Brazilian Petrified Jasper. Topped with Bali Sterling Silver and finished off with Swarovski Crystals. 1 1/2 inch drop. This stone has become one of my personal favorites

New month so many new things

2008-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

So here we are at the beginning of a new month and so many new things are happening at Total Delights First the new awareness page dedicated to Haley who is doing something wonderful to help raise awareness of Leukemia and Lymphoma by racewalking 26.2 miles in the Edinburgh Marathon, the 25th of May 2008. And the new contest for the month of may a freshwater and emerald green swarovski crystals ( may's birthstone) bracelet. valued at $24.95 all are encouraged to enter. So many things and so little time come by and visit us at http://www.totaldelights.com/

Something great is happening

2008-04-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

So this day has been a whirl wind day to say the least. We have expanded our new awareness page to include a new page. Haley's page as it is called.
Stop by and check it out for all the details http://www.totaldelights.com/Haleyspage.html

awareness jewelry

2008-04-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

It is done the awareness jewelry page is now up and running. We have four items on there and now we would like your help is there any other type of awareness jewelry that you would like to see on there I had thought of perhaps car jewels, to hang from the rear view mirror. Please go and check it out. We would love to hear you thoughts.

http://www.totaldelights.com/awareness.html

New contest

2008-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

So I had this fun idea and I'm going to see how it works. I have placed a contest page on the website and all that anyone has t do is fill out the entry form. simple huh. Well we will see, I hope that it generates traffic to the website. I have spent the past weeks working on improving things and building links. Time will tell I have had great response to the link requests so that is a plus. Most of the others site owners have had good things to say and that makes me feel good so onward and upward we go. Anyway all of you enter. and good luck.

Making changes all around

2008-04-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Many changes have taken place at http://www.totaldelights.com/ stop in and check it out.

Let us know what you think.

2008-04-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

real or fake

2008-04-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.niche-articledirectory.com/rss.php?rss=49
good reading about gemstomes

great reading

2008-04-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

Total Delights: So many pearls

2008-04-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Total Delights: So many pearls

2008-04-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Total Delights: So many pearls

www.totalelights.com

great info

2008-04-23T17:44:00.001-07:00

http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-Pearl-and-Diamond-Earrings&id=377979

So many pearls

2008-04-16T02:18:00.000-07:00

So many pearls, over 200 hundred freshwater pearls make up this necklace that was a custom order. All handwired on a sterling silver chain.

MORE NEW

2008-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

NEW NEW NEW

2008-04-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

New Things are happening at www.totaldelights.com

New jewelry, new look and a new special so come by and take a look.

Special for Mother's Day

2008-04-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

We are running a special right now with each order you will receive a free pair of pearl earrings. These are made with sterling silver, freshwater pearls. They are a classic look that is sure to please.

New look

2008-03-27T04:35:00.000-07:00

So we have created a new look for our website and we are eager to hear your response to the new look. And please be honest we your input to know if we are on the right track Thanks for all your help

Photos are getting better

2007-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

I think that the photos are getting better what do you all think

New and beautiful

2007-11-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

There are many new items posted on the website www.totaldelights.com but the one that to me is the most striking is the pair of earrings that Deb made and the photo of them, in fact I placed them on the home page. The photo is great and shows the earrings off so well, That I had to place them on the front. I love to change things around on our front page because I feel that reflects who we are always changing. We have so many flavors to our designing. That I hope that everyone will be able to find things that they like.

Magical moments

2007-11-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

This fun handcrafted bracelet is made with 3 beautiful lampwork beads that have great swirling in them. Then gold freshwater coin pearls and plum pearls. Handwired with sterling silver and Swarovski crystals 7 in of magic. Will soon be found on www.totaldelights.com

Red again

2007-11-15T06:06:00.000-08:00

You gotta love the Red Hats.

My passion for pearls part 2

2007-10-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

So you all already know that I have a passion for pearls and this handmade bracelet is no excemption. It is made with the most wonderful cranberry red freshwater pearls and then a Bali sterling silver bead framed by black swarovski crystals and I am going to have a hard time parting with this one. It will soon be posted on www.totaldelights.com so come by and check it out.

Dragonfly bracelets

2007-10-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

So this is one of the latest dragonfly bracelets, that was recently ordered and just shipped out. To date these bracelets have been our best sellers. These are wonderful handcrafted bracelets that we offer made to order with a birthstone color.

We also offer a copy of the waterbug poem/story with the purchase of these bracelets.

The Water Bug

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about with its friends. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more. "Look" said one of the water bugs to another,"one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?" up,up,up it slowly went.... Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. It's friends waited and waited but she never returned. "That's funny!" said one water bug to another..."wasn't she happy here?' asked a second...."Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third....no one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled.....Finally one of the water bugs gathered it's friends together. "I have an idea, how about the next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk, promises that they will come back and tell us were he or she went and why!" 'We promise they said solemnly.One spring day not long after the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up he went. Before he knew what was happening he had broken through the surface of the water and fallen into the broad and free lily pad above.When he awoke, he looked about with surprise....He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come over his body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled he felt an impulse to move his wings.... The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from his new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself above the water. He had become a DRAGONFLY! Swooping a dipping in great curves he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the newatmosphere.By and by the new dragonfly landed happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why he was right above his old friends the water bugs! there they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before. Then the dragonfly remembered the promise. Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...... "I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least I tried, But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess that I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too.Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went," and the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air......Author Unknown

Red Hat fantastic

2007-10-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

So Deb has our done herself this time with his new Red Hat necklace come and check it out at http://www.totaldelights.com/

As promised

2007-10-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Red Hat collection is now up on http://www.totaldelights.com/ it is just the beginning there is much more to come.

Do you know any Red Hats?

2007-10-10T22:26:00.001-07:00

The Red Hat Society is where there is fun after fifty (and before) for women of all walks of life. they still believe silliness is the comedy relief of life and, since they are all in it together, they might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, they share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes them next. To us this seems like a wonderful group and we are going to start to design jewelry for them. There is the fun and funky costume jewelry out there but this group even though they may be fun and light hearted still deserves to have some handcrafted jewelry that is quality and will last and still make a statement about who they are. So to you Red Hats out there we tip ours to you. You will find the Red hat collection at www. totaldelights.com next week.

a little gold

2007-10-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

So a little gold is in order for the day This set is made with cherry quartz and freshwater pearls, swarovski crystals and brass spacers and then a gold vermil clasp. The matching earrings are made with the same things except for gold filled wires. This set will be posted in the next few days on www.totaldelights.com

Passion for pearls

2007-10-05T21:10:00.001-07:00

So it's out I have a real passion for pearls, just about every shape and color. They have always been a favorite of mine when in high school I bought my first "real " piece of jewelry. You guessed it a pearl ring. I still have that ring. But for me pearls are the best, you can wear them out to dinner, dressed to the nines, or with a pair of jeans. And today they do come in every shape and color. And the picture above is some pearls I just got in the mail today. But I had to take a picture before dividing them with Deb. Check in at http://www.totaldelights.com/ and see the wonderful pieces made with pearls and more. But don't forget to check back in the weeks to come and see if you can spot the pearls that are pictured above.

Early bird

2007-10-01T23:07:00.001-07:00

Ok so it is time for a new coupon and are you ready, better make sure that your sitting down. . . . Ok so I'm messing with ya, but it is time for a new coupon and the deal is FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50.00. now you add that to the fact that your items come ready for giving and what more could you ask for to really get a head start on you shopping. Just type in, you guessed it early bird at check out and you will be on your way to enjoying the season stress free and finished early. http://www.totaldelights.com/ There are 83 days left till christmas but more like 70 if you shop online. check out this countdown till christmas site http://www.christmassantaclaus.com/clock.asp

2007-09-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

I have been struggling with taking a good photo as of late and for selling jewelry goes that isn't good. I just made a new light box and I hope that will help. I need to get a light source from the top worked out and then I hope that it will be better. But for now things will just have to do. The above necklace is new and has yet to be posted on the website that will be done in the next day or so, I guess this is then a seek peek at the new things to be posted

The black and gray necklace is made with ceramic hearts and Bali Sterling Silver, The black rounds are actually Swarovski pearls they are called mystic black and have the glossy look instead of the pearl finish.
The pink necklace is made with a beautiful pink dicrohic glass pendant and is very hard to do justice in a photo. It also has sterling silver and chinese celestial crystals.
The bracelet is made with red bend jasper and blackstone the center has a bold Bali sterling silver bead that is framed by the beautiful beads.
These all we be listed soon on www.totaldelights.com check in and see what else is new.

Total Delights

2007-09-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Total Delights

2007-09-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Total Delights

Total Delights: Citrine

2007-09-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Total Delights: Citrine

Gift wrapped and ready to give

2007-09-24T00:40:00.000-07:00

The other day I talked about sending orders out already for gift giving. I just posted the above photo on the website and have made some other changes. We are excited about this and we hope that it will help with sales for the holidays. The other changes are some gemstones listed on the home page and links to the page that you can find these stones. I hope that this will help people find things that they might be searching for or make them want to look around at the differnet stones. I also posted about the coupon for fall. But don't worry if you can't buy before the 1st of oct we will be running another one. Don't forget to stop at http://www.totaldelights.com/ for all your holiday shopping.

2007-09-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

New things to come

The first picture is a new turquoise that is going to be great to create with. Can't wait how about you. Make sure you check http://www.totaldelights.com/ in the weeks to come to see jewerly made with these great stones.

These are some of the new beads that we are going to be making new jewelry from. We are so excited to get them in the mail and start creating.
The second picture is freshwater pearls they are a beautiful rose pink color
Thethe third picture is Mookaite a great stone for fall designs and we can hardley wait.

The last stones are called Indain scenic jasper and it is a new stone that we are going to have alot of fun with the fall trends is anything with chocolate brown so these are going to be fun.

The following are social bookmarking sites and if anyone uses these please mark our website.
http://www.simpy.com/
http://www.blinklist.com/
http://ma.gnolia.com/
http://www.shadows.com/
http://www.furl.net/index.jsp
http://www.wists.com/

2007-09-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

Summer nights may be gone but this beautiful necklace isn't, you can find it at www.totaldelights.com it is made with Black onyx, yellow turquoise, blackstone finished off with Bali sterling silver it is 18 1/2 inches.

would you like this

2007-09-19T20:45:00.001-07:00

The time is coming for thinking about Christmas shopping. And we are going to offer to have the items bought to arrive ready to give. I wanted to know if this is something that you would like. Do you think that it can help with sales . We are so excited for the shopping season to begin. We hope that things will be very busy and that we will have the chance to build a customer base. I know that we have a great website and that we have a great product. We also like that we have a wide variety of items. Sometimes when you go to a site they make wonderful things but the only down side is that they have their favorite way of creating. I call it everything the same favor. But the one thing that we have going for us is that Deb and I love to create in many different styles and we have very different tastes so you can find something for everyone at www.totaldelights.com

Fads. Trends and Classics

2007-09-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Fads, Trends or Classics
They say that every woman should own a basic black dress, Why because of the versatility of it.
The many functions that it can be wore to. Mixed with a jacket to make a different look, add accessories and you have possibly more looks. So to the subject of this article fads, trends or classics. Just what does that mean for todays women and her jewelry. What does she want to have in her collection, the latest fad, this seasons fashion trend or the really classic pieces?
So lets examine all three. First fads,
A fad refers to something that becomes popular in a culture relatively quickly, but loses popularity dramaticallySo is there a place for fads in your jewelry collection. Yes but I recommend not spending a lot on the pieces. Those pieces that everyone is wearing. And yet they’re maybe that one piece of fad jewelry that you love. That you can see yourself wearing over and over. That’s the piece that you want to invest more in especially if you’re sure that it won’t end up in you daughters play clothes chest. . Now not all fads become trends, And thank goodness that many don’t, if they did just what would the goodwill store’s sell. We have all had our share of fads, the things we look at later and think just what was I thinking. The picture we wish was never taken. Thank goodness those jewelry fads don’t stay with us too long. That something else moves in to take its place. It is arguable that a fad that remains popular for a significant amount of time typically loses its significance in current popluar culture as it evolves and becomes accepted into a society's everyday culture as trends (e.g. televison, internet, music, video games.) One fad that moved to a trend and I believe has now made its way to a staple of jewelry designs is the Y necklace in 1995 you could see it on the necks of many celebrities, so then everyone wanted one. But soon the Y necklace is being made from every type of material, chains, crystals, gemstones and many more. So now you have a fashion trend.
The current trends in jewelry are deep, warm, regal hues, also clear crystals and even natural elements like wood, which was big in the summers hottest styles. And the current trend in metals is toward warmer toned metals. Bright and Shinny metals give a modern look, while the browns of antiqued metals give the dreamy feminine look. The other trend is mixing elements velvets with cottons. Multi-strand chains with different styles and sizes of chain. Ribbon, natural fibers and even yarns will make the fashion trend this fall. One of the biggest trends in handcrafted jewelry was the chandelier earring. They are being slowly replaced by some longer, leaner styles. The stiletto earring will be the thing this fall. To me trends are the pieces that go with more than one outfit that have the versatility to be worn day evening. But more than anything I believe that trends in jewelry are made more by you than anyone or anything. Your personal taste, determines what is a trend for you. The pieces that you own that if broke, you just have to replace. The look that says you that your friends when they see, say Susan would just love that. The fashion forecasters may decide the colors of the new designs and the type of fabric that those designs are made in. But they can’t decide our personal tastes. So what is a trend to you, is it the thing that you have to have because everyone around you has one or is it the style that suits you. Something that you feel better wearing. The design that you love and want in every color, and material that it is made in.
And now to classics to me these are the pieces that as they say never go out of style. The simple diamond post earrings, a knotted string of pearls, you get the idea. These are the pieces that you invest in that you plan on handing down to your children the ones that you grandmother and mother left to you. They are the ones that are given for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas and any other special occasion. Your first diamond is something that a woman never forgets. I just gave my girls their first diamond. A diamond pendant that was made from my mothers wedding ring that was left to me. This is the classic piece that will endure though all the fads and fashion trends that may come and go. They will go with those pieces because we love them and they have that special meaning in our lives. I have heard it said that a woman will spend a little money for the fad, even the trend. But the classic piece is the investment that she will have and enjoy. Wear with pride and know that she is always in style. So the bottom line is fads, trends and classics all have a place in your jewelry collection every woman has the right to feel good about herself and the things she wears. Remember to have fun and enjoy your treasures.

About the Author: Diane Brixey is a self taught jewelry artist and co owner of the website http://www.totaldelights.com/ Her work can be viewed there and she can be contacted though emailed at doubledee@totaldelights.com

2007-09-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

What is the secret of Swarovski Crystal Pearls? The unique Swarovski Crystal Pearl technology. Each Swarovski Crystal Pearl is created around a crystal core, hence the name Crystal Pearl. This crystal core gives the pearl its ideal weight and combined with the Swarovski Pearl coating it causes each Crystal Pearl to glow from within. The pearl coating developed by Swarovski is applied around the crystal core in pearly layers.
Why are Swarovski Crystal Pearls so Valued? The optical and haptical perfection. The high specific gravity of a raw pearl made of crystal gives the Swarovski Crystal Pearl the same weight as a cultured pearl. A Swarovski Crystal Pearl feels good to the touch and as a piece of jewelry, it offers that sensual experience valued by pearl enthusiasts.
Swarovski pearls are of highest quality. The weight and precision-centered holes ensure that when the pearls are skillfully hand-knotted, the strandage is balanced and hangs softly. The special coatings on the pearls are lead-free, resistant to perfume, sun rays, perspiration and wear.
Swarovski Crystal Pearl Colors

White
Cream (Medium Ivory)
Powdered Almond (Matte Finish)
Gold
Maroon
Midnight Blue
Olive Green
Silver
Baby Blue
Pink
Light Cream Rose (Light Ivory)
Apricot
Bronze
Burgundy
Purple Velvet
Moss Green
Dark Grey
Powdered Rose (Matte Finish)
Cream Rose (Cream with Slight Blush Tone)
Antique Gold
Copper
Dark Brown
Mauve
Tahitian
Black
The handcrafted necklace and earring set can be found on www.totaldelights.com

Diane & Debbie's jewerly blog: Something special for Fall

2007-09-14T01:28:00.000-07:00

Diane & Debbie's jewerly blog: Something special for Fall

Rhodochrosite

2007-09-13T20:38:00.001-07:00

Rhodochrosite Gemstone
Description: Rhodochrosite is commonly found in the form of stalactites and stalagmites. Rhodochrosite gems help to develop inner freedom. The gemstone neutralizes the destructive behavioral patterns that restrict personal growth. Rhodochrosite energy works with you to build healthier patterns.
Color: Solid to Clear Pink
Hardness: 3.5 - 4.5
Source: Romania, Spain, France, Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Germany, Italy, South Africa, U.S.
You can find the above bracelet at http://www.totaldelights.com/

Citrine

2007-09-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Citrine
Citrine is one of the most affordable gemstones, thanks to the durability and availability of this golden quartz. Named from the French name for lemon,"citron," many citrines have a juicy lemon color.Citrine includes yellow to gold to orange brown shades of transparent quartz. Sunny and affordable, citrine can brighten almost any jewelry style, blending especially well with the yellow gleam of polished gold.In ancient times, citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts.Although the darker, orange colors of citrine, sometimes called Madeira citrine after the color of the wine, has generally been the most valued color, in modern times, many people prefer the bright lemony shades which mix better with pastel colors. Citrine is generally more inexpensive than amethyst and is also available in a wide range of calibrated sizes and shapes, including very large sizes.Most citrine is mined in Brazil. Supply of citrine is good from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly from the Serra mine, which is producing 300 kilos a month of hammered goods. The Ira’ mine produces an additional 100 kilos a month of hammered goods.Sometimes you will hear citrine referred to as topaz quartz, which is incorrect. This name was used in the past in reference to the color, which is sometimes similar to the color of topaz. Since topaz is a separate mineral, this type of name can be confusing and should not be used. However, citrine is considered an alternative to topaz as the birthstone for November.Since most citrine on the market started its life as amethyst which was heated to turn its color to gold, citrine jewelry, as well as amethyst jewelry, should be kept away from prolonged exposure to strong light or heat. With this precaution, citrine jewelry will last for many generations.

Technorati Profile

Something special for Fall

2007-09-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

OK something fun for all we have a coupon that is good for the website. You just have to type in the words fallfun when prompted at check out and you will receive 10% off your purchases over $50.00. This coupon is good till the 1st of Oct. So now is a good time to make those early Christmas purchases.
The necklace above is called Spicy nights and is made with Leopardskin jasper and Blackstone and Brecciated jasper also Bali sterling silver see more at http://www.totaldelights.com

Autumn jasper: protects against negative energy

2007-09-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Jasper Gemstone
Description: Jasper is a member of chalcedony family. Jasper is used in healing mental stress, aids in grounding and offers protection. Jasper gemstones can align all the chakras and balance yin yang energies.
Color: Multi-colored, Solid. Yellow, Orange, Brown, Green
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.0
Source: Worldwide
The jasper gemstone is a popular gemstone amongst birthstones, daily gemstone and planetary gemstone traditions.
Jasper is the talismanic birthstone for the month of January.
The hebrew, russian and italian birthstone for the month of March.
Jasper is the mystical birthstone for the month of September.
Jasper is the planetary gemstone for the star sign Aries.

You can find the Autumn jasper bracelet at www.totaldelights.com

2007-07-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

So we are starting our adventure in this world of handcrafted jewerly and have found it to be a crazy place to be in. The creating of the website was a challenge but at the same time something that we am so proud of that we can say we did it ourselves, We did have some help from some friends the picture on the top of the site was edited and as we call it tweeked by a dear friend that is a wonderful artist that lives in Brazil, this internet thing is really wonderful.