For those of you who don't know....I LOVE quotes! I think they're wonderful little tidbits of inspiration that can really make you think!
One of my all time favorite quotes just happens to be one of the things that helped inspired me to start my jewelry business. It asks, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" I think this quote gives a positive message to anyone who has ever been afraid to try something new or to seek out their own dream. It really makes you wonder...."Is there something that I've always wanted to do that I've been too scared to try?" Well, IMO...life is too short to worry about failure. To me, it's better to try something and fail then to not try and wonder all your life, "What if?"
I hope that this little quote helps inspire you to try something you've always wanted to do. Good luck with all your dreams and aspirations!
Cheers!
Diana
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Palazzo Ducale Set
One of the hot new colors pantone predicted for spring is a pretty, light pink color called, "Cameo Pink." See the Spring 2006 Trend Report for details (via DCL Newsletter - click here to sign up). Anywho....I made this necklace with that color in mind.
This necklace uses pink peruvian opal, 3 unique bali silver beads, jet Swarovski crystal bicones, and a large, faceted pink calcite nugget. This is a very interesting piece with the contrasting shapes - the squareness of the rectangular pink peruvian opal stones against the rounded bali silver beads. The various natural pink hues of the pink peruvian opal give the necklace an unusual color scheme. I've never really seen a necklace with this combination of colors and shapes - it's one of a kind!
The natural inclusions and undulating colors of the pink peruvian opal reminded me of some sort of ancient European castle....and what d'ya know? There just happens to be a building called the "Palazzo Ducale" in Venice, which is famous for its large pinks walls made of Veronese marble. Click here to see pictures.
Here are the matching earrings:
The basic design of these earrings is one of my most popular. Again, the contrast of this design is interesting with the light color of the pink peruvian opal against the black color of the Swarovski crystal bicones.
Worn together, this set looks great with light, cream colored pants and a light pink sweater/top or jeans and a black top.
This necklace uses pink peruvian opal, 3 unique bali silver beads, jet Swarovski crystal bicones, and a large, faceted pink calcite nugget. This is a very interesting piece with the contrasting shapes - the squareness of the rectangular pink peruvian opal stones against the rounded bali silver beads. The various natural pink hues of the pink peruvian opal give the necklace an unusual color scheme. I've never really seen a necklace with this combination of colors and shapes - it's one of a kind!
The natural inclusions and undulating colors of the pink peruvian opal reminded me of some sort of ancient European castle....and what d'ya know? There just happens to be a building called the "Palazzo Ducale" in Venice, which is famous for its large pinks walls made of Veronese marble. Click here to see pictures.
Here are the matching earrings:
The basic design of these earrings is one of my most popular. Again, the contrast of this design is interesting with the light color of the pink peruvian opal against the black color of the Swarovski crystal bicones.
Worn together, this set looks great with light, cream colored pants and a light pink sweater/top or jeans and a black top.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Pantone's Spring Colors & a "Preview"
A member of the International Jewelry Designers' Guild posted a message about Pantone releasing their Spring 2006 colors. I checked out the PDF...and wow! How inspiring?! Now, I know all the hottest colors that designers will be incorporating into their new clothing lines....and more importantly, I can make jewelry to match it. There are further details in my Spring 2006 Trend Report which you can access via my newsletter. What? You don't subscribe to my newsletter? Well, here's a link so you can sign up.... http://www.dcelestine.com/newsletter.asp ....Trend Reports are for newsletter subscribers as a perk for signing up - plus you get coupons and all kinds of cool stuff!
The Pantone article also mentioned that designers would work with tropical themes using the blues and greens of the Caribbean, Pacific, etc. Well, I love the beach - how relaxing it is and pleasant the natural color scheme is, so I decided to do my next collection based on this "tropical theme." I'm not releasing any more details just yet, but here's a preview....
Heart of Bermuda Necklace
This gorgeous 3 strand necklace is funky enough to make a statement, yet elegant enough to add an extra touch of class to any outfit. I could see someone wearing this necklace with either a white flowing dress for "around town" or a black fitted dress for a more dressy affair. I call this necklace "Heart of Bermuda" because the wavy, Russian amazonite beads remind me of seaweed floating in the ocean. There just happens to be an area of the Pacific Ocean called the "Sargasso Sea," where sailors used to be scared away by the large amounts of seaweed floating on the surface of the water. The Sargasso Sea is located in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. The rich green color of this necklace looks especially good with white, which I hear is going to a big fashion statement for the spring and summer.
The Pantone article also mentioned that designers would work with tropical themes using the blues and greens of the Caribbean, Pacific, etc. Well, I love the beach - how relaxing it is and pleasant the natural color scheme is, so I decided to do my next collection based on this "tropical theme." I'm not releasing any more details just yet, but here's a preview....
Heart of Bermuda Necklace
This gorgeous 3 strand necklace is funky enough to make a statement, yet elegant enough to add an extra touch of class to any outfit. I could see someone wearing this necklace with either a white flowing dress for "around town" or a black fitted dress for a more dressy affair. I call this necklace "Heart of Bermuda" because the wavy, Russian amazonite beads remind me of seaweed floating in the ocean. There just happens to be an area of the Pacific Ocean called the "Sargasso Sea," where sailors used to be scared away by the large amounts of seaweed floating on the surface of the water. The Sargasso Sea is located in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. The rich green color of this necklace looks especially good with white, which I hear is going to a big fashion statement for the spring and summer.
Friday, January 20, 2006
First Post EVER...and a lil history!
Ok, so I've decided to start up my first blog....I know....I caved in....everyone has one, right? Well, mine may be a bit different from some. I plan on talking primarily about my work & passion - jewelry making.
"Pearly Peacock" - turquoise, coin freshwater pearls, amethyst, peridot colored Swarovski crystal bicone
For a lil history....I've always been an artsy person. My dad is an architect, so since childhood, he has nurtured the artistic side in me by helping me take up all kinds of artistic hobbies, including: painting with acrylics & watercolors, drawing with pencils & colored pencils & charcoals & pastels, seed-beading (weaving & jewelry making), photography, scrapbooking....and the list goes on.
Once I got to college, I found that I didn't have time for the arts & crafts I used to appreciate, so I kinda (sadly enough) let it go. No worries though! As soon as I graduated and got my first "real job," I was soon looking for a hobby to utilize my newly found free time. Well, for whatever reason, I went in Michaels and went to look at craft supplies & stumbled upon some books on jewelry making. They were fascinating! I had never thought to work with beads other than seed beads before! I started purchasing pewter components & glass beads and I made some simple bracelets, which I gave to friends, co-workers, family, etc. It wasn't long before I wanted to upgrade, not only my materials, but my skills, so I taught myself how to do wire-wrapping and started purchasing Swarovski crystals. It's kinda like a snowball effect, really...I've found myself constantly looking for new beads & components, as well as new methods. I started purchasing gorgeous gemstones & freshwater pearls, and I'm looking into ways I can make my own "designer" pendants. I'll have to keep you posted on that one though...gonna be awhile before I can afford one of those kilns! They're expensive!
Well, I guess that's enough with the "high level history." I've started this blog so I can share the story behind my work and my inspiration with people around the country ...and even the world!
After playing around with several of the blog layouts, I finally decided on this one.....at least till they come up w/ some new ones to try. This one has the same simple clean look as my web site....I found the others to be too overdone for me, or too "techie-looking." So, this will be with me for awhile. I hope you enjoy reading my blog, and PLEASE do feel free to post comments. I always enjoy getting feedback! :-)
Thanks for stopping in!
Diana
"Pearly Peacock" - turquoise, coin freshwater pearls, amethyst, peridot colored Swarovski crystal bicone
For a lil history....I've always been an artsy person. My dad is an architect, so since childhood, he has nurtured the artistic side in me by helping me take up all kinds of artistic hobbies, including: painting with acrylics & watercolors, drawing with pencils & colored pencils & charcoals & pastels, seed-beading (weaving & jewelry making), photography, scrapbooking....and the list goes on.
Once I got to college, I found that I didn't have time for the arts & crafts I used to appreciate, so I kinda (sadly enough) let it go. No worries though! As soon as I graduated and got my first "real job," I was soon looking for a hobby to utilize my newly found free time. Well, for whatever reason, I went in Michaels and went to look at craft supplies & stumbled upon some books on jewelry making. They were fascinating! I had never thought to work with beads other than seed beads before! I started purchasing pewter components & glass beads and I made some simple bracelets, which I gave to friends, co-workers, family, etc. It wasn't long before I wanted to upgrade, not only my materials, but my skills, so I taught myself how to do wire-wrapping and started purchasing Swarovski crystals. It's kinda like a snowball effect, really...I've found myself constantly looking for new beads & components, as well as new methods. I started purchasing gorgeous gemstones & freshwater pearls, and I'm looking into ways I can make my own "designer" pendants. I'll have to keep you posted on that one though...gonna be awhile before I can afford one of those kilns! They're expensive!
Well, I guess that's enough with the "high level history." I've started this blog so I can share the story behind my work and my inspiration with people around the country ...and even the world!
After playing around with several of the blog layouts, I finally decided on this one.....at least till they come up w/ some new ones to try. This one has the same simple clean look as my web site....I found the others to be too overdone for me, or too "techie-looking." So, this will be with me for awhile. I hope you enjoy reading my blog, and PLEASE do feel free to post comments. I always enjoy getting feedback! :-)
Thanks for stopping in!
Diana
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