A Peruvian Blue Birthday

I wanted to give you a peek at my newest creation, a custom order for a sweet client of mine. Her mother's birthday is next week and in lieu of fire opals, we opted for Peruvian Blue Opal, and this is what came pouring out of my heart...

Hand wrapped in sterling silver, with Amazonite and sparkling aqua blue crystals that really set off the blue-green color of the opals. So, what do you think? Is this dainty, delicate and feminine enough for an 85 year young lady? Not too trendy? The earrings are a simple dangle on posts which is a classic look, well suited to a young woman of this age. I hope she likes it.

In honor of this very special day, I thought we should have some cake. {Do we need a reason to have cake?} My husband's birthday is February 12th, and back in the ole days it was a tradition that I baked him a heart shaped cake every year for his birthday, since it was, technically, almost Valentine's Day. Made sense to me. I imagine this beauty to be an Italian Cream Cake with buttercream frosting. It's from an Italian bakery, so that makes sense, right? Well, imagine it to be whatever flavor you desire and grab a piece and let's celebrate.

Once again, thank you for stopping by and visiting with us today. Wishing this sweet mother a very Happy Birthday and hope she enjoys her very special gift. xox

You can see more of my charming creations at Belle West and Legacy 925 on Facebook. I'd love for you to join me on my adventures by following my blog and 'Liking' my pages, as we have some wonderful giveaways coming up, and much more beautiful jewelry on the way. 

For additional inspiration and beauty, you can follow me on Pinterest... I'm Belle West. xox

Rudolph and the Ice Queen

I had the pleasure of creating a very special custom charm bracelet this week for a client who wanted Christmas charms with some added bling in the form of snowy, white pearls for a wintery feel.

As I laid out my pearls and crystals, I came across a beautiful keishi pearl that resembled snowflakes. But after placing them on the bracelet, it was just too 'flat'. So, I dug a little deeper and found some round faceted pearls in my stash that gave it just the right 'pop'.

Then came the crystals. The original blues I started with just didn't have the right tone, so I played around and came up with these sweet little blue rhinestone 'crowns' resembling a Snow and Ice Queen look on those pearls. And, if you live in Colorado, what's a good snow without a little ice?

And, so was born... Rudolph & the Ice Queen. I'm actually quite pleased with the results. The aqua blue double AB Swarovski crystals give this bracelet a beautiful flash of color that sends chills down my spine. Brrrr... it really is cold here. We got our first dusting of snow this morning and it's quite beautiful against the yellow Autumn leaves and that moody, gray sky. I love Colorado. And this bracelet reminds me of a wild west wintery Christmas. Ice and all.

Dream Lake Icy Reflection

You can see more of my charming creations at Belle West and Legacy 925 on Facebook. I'd love for you to join me on my adventures by following my blog and 'Liking' my pages, as we have some wonderful giveaways coming up, and much more beautiful jewelry on the way. Thank you for visiting and sharing my chilling tale of Rudolph and the bitter Ice Queen this morning. Hope you have a wonderful day. And, stay warm. ;)

For additional inspiration and beauty, follow me on Pinterest... I'm Belle West. Pleased to meet you.

Credits: EstesPark.com photo via Rocky Mountain National Parks page on FB.

CBC Admin Appreciation Day

Good morning and welcome to another beautiful day in Paradise! Before I head out into my adventurous day, I'd like to take a few moments to share and celebrate some wonderfully talented jewelry artists who I have had the pleasure of getting to know and becoming friends with on Facebook through a group called Creative Bead Chat. This group has been a blessing to me in more ways than you can imagine.

It's a supportive community of artisans who share ideas, tips, tricks, resources, love and inspiration. Having trouble with your jewelry photography? Just ask. Wondering what's the best sealant to use on your vintage glass pearls? Just ask. Where to get the right tools for the job? Just ask. Just ask~ and people come out of the woodwork to offer advice, assistance, and lots of laughs. 

Today we are celebrating the women who started this group and the admins who keep it going. Each one, very talented in their own right. And, here they are, in alphabetical order:

Karen Totten: http://www.starryroadstudio.com/ 
~ creates beautiful and very usable ceramic components.

Keirsten Giles: http://cerebraldilettante.blogspot.com
~ the 'Cerebral Dilettante'. Love that name. Creates beautifully creative works of art.

Marla Gibson: http://​spiceboxdesigns.blogspot.com/ 
~ makes beautiful seed-beaded jewelry.

Marla James: www.etsy.com/shop/marlasmud 
~ the Comedian What's in Charge. She keeps us laughing, in addition to creating beautiful organic ceramic components. 

Melinda Orr: http://www.etsy.com/shop/orrtec  
~ the creator and founder of the group, and for that I am eternally grateful. Also a very talented metal artist who creates beautiful jewelry and components.  

Well, that's it for now. Be blessed and celebrate someone today who inspires you. xox