The Lariat: Your Summer Scarf

Scarves were a huge hit this fall and are a great way to accessorize any outfit. I know my closet is filled with scarves in a range of different patterns and textures. Years ago the main purpose of a scarf was to keep your neck warm! While this still holds true, current trends have made them a staple in fashion and a go-to accessory. Not only are scarves appealing because they can be found in an assortment of colors, patterns, textures, and materials, but also because of the many ways they can be worn.

As summer approaches, scarves (yes, even the light-weight silk and linen ones) move to the back of our closets. Summer is a season in which we tend to "shed" clothes and only stick with the essentials. We become inclined to show more skin in an attempt to survive the sweltering heat of the summer sun and embrace summer fashions such as mini-skirts, short-shorts, jumpsuits, flip-flops, and (my personal favorite) sunglasses!

I have the perfect solution for this fashion conundrum! The Lariat! It gives the look, versatility, and appeal of a scarf, but without the bulk or bother. Lariats are very fashionable and fun to wear. Unlike a typical necklace, a Lariat does not have a clasp; rather, it is characterized by one long strand that can be tied or wrapped in a number of ways to create a variety of looks. Below I have demonstrated some of the ways to wear a Lariat, but the possibilities are endless!

October Birthstone

Modern Birthstone- Opal
Hope, innocence, and purity

October's birthstone has a unique ability to refract and reflect specific wavelengths of light. The explosion of color that hits your eye is reminiscent of a beautiful rainbow following a thunderstorm. Most opal is 50-65 million years old, dating back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It is formed as silica from decomposing rocks mixed with ground water which formed a silica gel that collected and hardened in underground cavities and fissures.

Opal gets it's name from the Latin word "opalus," meaning precious jewel. It was called "Cupid Paederos" by the Romans, meaning a child beautiful as love. One legendary explanation for this gemstone's origin is that it fell from heaven in a flash of fiery lightning.

Opals were treasured by ancient monarchs, for both their beauty and presumed healing powers. They were set into crowns and worn in necklaces to ward off evil and to protect the eyesight. These gemstones were also ground and ingested for their healing properties and to ward off nightmares, if you can believe that!

Opal actually contains up to 30% water, so it must be protected from heat or harsh chemicals, both of which will cause drying and may lead to cracking and loss of iridescence. Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness, confidence, creativity, spontaneity, relationships, memory, happy dreams and changes. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

Black Opal Doublet Hammered Sterling Silver Pod Bracelet

by Three Angels Forge

The MAGICAL MYSTICAL LIBRAN MOON Talisman Necklace
by Emily Gray Jewels

Quartet Ring--Size 8.5

by Vivian Gatson Desgns

Autumn/Fall Color Report

I'm excited to say that fall is here and it's time to break out the
long-sleeves, layers, and boots (I love boots)! I'm sure everyone

is ready to revamp their fall wardrobe and I have just the thing
to help you out- The Pantone Color Report for Fall 2009! For
those of you who don't know, Pantone is the global authority
on color and the provider of professional color standards for
the design industry.


“The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the
typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman,
executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Designers
recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to
current economic conditions, but also understand the need to
incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and
entice them to buy.”


Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York
Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a
painter’s palette, fall 2009 offers choice and diversity, but the
unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.

More To Blog About...

Okay, so it can be a little hard
to find the time for blogging,
but I'm going to make an effort
to blog more. Bare with me,
I'll get the hang of it! So much
to do, so little time!

May Birthstone

May's birthstone is the emerald. It is a beautiful, intense, and brilliant green gemstone. It's healing properties include Love, domestic bliss, sensitivity, loyalty, memory, mental capacity, harmony, focus, and eliminating negativity. And as most couples would agree, all of these qualities are essential for a successful and lasting love. This may explain why a gift of Emerald for an anniversary -- or anytime -- is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Moxie Rings

Petracollecton

PMG Art

Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2009

February Birthstone

The birthstone for February is Amethyst, it is also the zodiac stone for Pisces. Amethyst is a member of the quartz family, occuring naturally as crystals within rocks. It comes in a variety of beautiful shades including violet, muave, and rich violet purple. The darker the gemstone, the higher the quality.

The ancient Greeks believed this gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication. The Greek word "amethystos" (αμέθυστος) may be translated as "not drunken". Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. It's healing properties include contentment, spirituality, dreams, healing, peace, happiness, love, and intuition. Amethyst is believed to induce relaxation and calm the mind.

The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship.

Sterling Silver and Amethyst Computer Key (Control) Ring

by Creative Dexterity

3oz. Amethyst Crystal Soap

by Amethyst Soap

Amethyst and Gold Gemstone Tree

by Original Creations by Apryl

Handmadeology

Today marks the launch of Handmadeology:The Science of Handmade. Marketing genius and Etsy mentor Timothy Adam is the mastermind behind this innovative site dedicated to teaching artists to effectively market and sell their wares online. Tim has gained a strong following through the Etsy forums and his popular blog, posting countless tutorials that have helped so many artists. Many of us are waiting in anticipation to see just what it is that he has in store for us, I have high hopes for Handmadeology and it's purpose, which is to help this community of artists succeed!

Timothy Adam (Timothy Adam Designs) is a self taught metal artist, and a certified Mig welder. He creates modern metal art, jewelry, clocks, and furniture. While working with a variety of metals including copper, steel and aluminum, all his jewelry and sculpture is cut and welded by hand. This line, so modern and unique, definitely deserves to be checked out!

One of Timothy Adam Designs most popular collections is his camera series. These modern steel pieces include necklaces, earrings, magnets, and keychains.

I absolutely adore his jewelry display items!

Happy 2009!

Wow! It's hard to believe that it's already 2009! I have a good feeling about what's in store this year. A fellow Etsian posted a great motto in the forums,"No whine in 2009!", I like it! I wish everyone health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.

Let me start by introducing myself...

D'Zines by Danielle is a unique line of artisan jewelry handcrafted from beautiful gemstones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, and precious metals. With a wide array of designs and collections you are certain to find a piece that fills your every desire. Every piece is created with the intention to make you look good. That's why my motto is, "Look good. Feel good.” because my mission is just that, to make you feel good. Custom designs are my specialty! With a great eye for color and design, I'm sure I can come up with the perfect piece for you.