July Jewelry for Charity Set ~ Swirling Ocean Surf

Good morning!!
For those of you who love the ocean and ocean-themed jewelry, I've got something special for you today. My July Jewelry for Charity Set...

This one will have you daydreaming about the ocean with every glance. I named it Swirling Ocean Surf because that's exactly what these beautiful lampwork glass beads remind me of.

In an attempt to create the effect of ocean waves twinkling in brilliant sun, I used Swarovski Crystal bicone beads in Aquamarine AB2x and Montana AB2x and it worked beautifully. The photo doesn't begin to capture the effect.

I continued the swirling theme with these gorgeous Bali silver beads, twisted rings and elegantly scrolled and detailed toggle clasp. The sterling and Bali silver leverback-style earrings match the bracelet perfectly.

The donation from this month's piece is again going to the American Red Cross to help those still suffering the effects of Hurricane Katrina and those affected by the horrible outbreak of tornadoes and floods this year.

Hope you're enjoying your summer! Have a wonderful weekend!

♥ Debi

May Jewelry for Charity Set to Benefit the American Red Cross to Help Tornado Victims

Well the charity jewelry for this month is finally done and up on the website! After the tornado outbreak at the end of April, I decided to change charities and make this one to benefit the American Red Cross because they're helping the tornado victims.

Of course changing charity and purpose changed everything. I decided I wanted yellow and white beads, preferably with flowers, because yellow represents hope and renewal. Of course I didn't have any. I did a shout out on facebook to my glass artist friends though and Krissy from Krissy Beads came through for me with a beautiful set of beads that were just perfect!! This is the result...

I finally finished everything and got it up on the website today and I'll tell ya it was nice to work on something cheerful after a really rough couple days!

I brought Niko to the vet first thing Monday morning and he needs surgery. Doggie moms get really upset and nervous when their babies are sick, too :( 

Then it was a phonecall to my doctor for left arm pain that I feared may be a blood clot. Soon as he examined me he sent me off for a stat ultrasound and, sure enough, the basilic vein is clotted from just above my wrist all the way up my arm!! Talk about a bad day.

So I guess I'm hoping for a bright future, too...... and that's exactly what I wish for all of you  ♥xoxo♥

♥ Debi

So, does "Murphy" follow you around, too?!?

Who's Murphy? Well, that's how I refer to Murphy's Law...ya know the whole everything-that-can-go-wrong-will thing... Murphy and I are on a first name basis. As a matter of fact I often feel like Murphy runs my life! And I reeeeeeally wish he'd go run someone else's...lol. I set up a couple tables of my jewelry last weekend at a prom dress sale being held to benefit the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The event was hosted by my next-door-neighbor, Laura...who did a fabulous job and raised lots of money. She asked me to show my jewelry thinking the girls would find it helpful to choose jewelry to match their gowns when they bought them and could match the color. Well, they did and it went well. And, of course, I appreciated the invite :)

Well, once I was home and started carrying things downstairs to put them away, didn't I just stumble landing sideways on my foot. It hurt, but I figured I just twisted it and it would go away. Well, it didn't...it got worse...my foot ended up looking like a little balloon! It ends up that I sprained my ankle. Well, at least we hope that's all...my doctor sent me for x-rays to make sure there aren't any fractures! Damn Murphy...again!!

So, I'm curious...does Murphy follow you around, too? I hope not.