Stories in Silver & Stone

Pear Blossom

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Pear Blossom Necklace - in the shop already.

I once knew a man who had an incredible, edible garden.
Juicy plums I ever tasted,
ripest raspberries,
sweetest peaches and cream corn.
In the back, he had a pear tree... I could smell the scent from halfway up the yard.
Brown and green skinned varieties, with sparkling pearlescent white flesh on the inside.
A delight for all senses.

Pear Blossom Necklace was inspired by this sensational sparkling Botswana Agate Druzy. The sides are layered with brown and cream, and the center is a mountain of shimmering exposed crystal. I have set this stone in sterling silver, with two hand forged leaves, that I imprinted with genuine leaves, at the top to resemble a budding fruit. It swings from a hand created bail, also imprinted with leaf veins, and 17 inches of Oxidized Sterling Silver chain.

I can't even express how much more beautiful this stone is in person, the camera just couldn't take to task the sparkle of this druzy!

Home, Home on the Range

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Hello lovelies, it's been a while, no?
After a jaunt down south to The Big Easy, I can officially say I am happy to be home, and back into the swing of things ( ie, getting my hands dirty!)
New Orleans was it's usual mysterious, intimidating yet charming self, and Mardi Gras still has me a little lost for words. I ate a Po' Boy, danced to When the Saints Go Marching In, and taught my 20 month year old niece to say "Hockey". It was a proud moment for Dan and I!
We learned about the history of Mardi Gras, and ate at a few New Orleans institutions, like Parkway which was opened in 1911 in a vacant parking lot sat in 6 feet of water after Hurricane Katrina.
We saw celebrities head up floats like Will Ferrell, Patricia Clarkson, Cyndi Lauper, Mariska Hargitay, Bret Michaels and Mr. New Orleans himself, Harry Connick Jr.
We caught beads.
Oh goodness did we catch beads.
We drank Abita, and sampled some good old southern hospitality you just don't always get in a newer city like Vancouver.
I got sick.
Dan got sicker.
We had an adventure, certainly.

A few snaps from the last two weeks :

Tarping out a primo spot directly on the parade route.

Crowds are starting to gather...

Live bands playing on the floats start things off right!

The calm before the parking storm - cars were parked bumper to bumper and the traffic was backed up as far as I could see!

People got pretty creature with the whole "needing a place to get business done" thing...

The floats were amazing, I can't imagine the time and money put into them!

This parade was called Muses - an all female production! It was the best parade we saw during Mardi Gras - those ladies were having a blast!

Mardi Gras success - first beads and dorky hat obtained.

Between the floats were all sorts of costumed men on horses, marching bands, baton twirlers etc etc.

That right there is Will Ferrell! He floated right by me, but the close picture I got was out of focus a bit :-(

Harry Connick Jr.

The floats and groups often have cheeky names - nothing is off limits!

The Flambeau men - a throwback to the days of plantations and slavery, when they would spin torches along the parade routes to light the way. It's customary to hand them change for their job done well entertaining.

This was on Mardi Gras day - the Rex parade which is the very last, and all male group.

Rex had some amazing floats - some were two floats joined, like a double long bus!

More beads...

I loved all the amazing artistry and colours that went into all the floats.

Cyndi Lauper

Look at that garbage! That is at the end of the night... right before they bring out inmates to sweep the streets. By the next morning, you would never have known there was anything at all going on!

Suitcase full of my favorite beads to bring back as souvenirs
{except that Mullet pendant - that one is mine!}

There you have it - my Mardi Gras experience in a nutshell!
I missed blogging, and catching up with you all out there reading others blogs, I hope you've all been well?

In the Shop Now...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Hibiscus Necklace

Click HERE to check it out

Tide Pool Ring Size 7
Click HERE to check it out

The druzy necklace is on its way, but not quite ready for her debut, so you will have to wait to see her when I get back from vacation!

Preview Alert! Dirty Metal soon to be beautiful..

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Most have no idea the process and journey metal goes through when they see their finished piece of jewellery - I assure you, it really knows how to get it's hands dirty!

Here are a few previews of pieces I am planning on finished up shortly :

Like I mentioned, the silver settings are still in raw state, dirty and unpolished. The stones have yet to be set, but I got so excited about these three I had to post early pics. I've held on to these stones for ages, hoarding them for their beauty.

Gorgeous dendrite laced Amethyst Sage

Chocolate sprinkled Chrysoprase

Glittery sparkling Botswana Druzy

Should have these babies finished and sparkling shortly - but do let me know if you can;t help but claim one for yourself, and I will reserve it for you. Don't forget, I will be closing up shop soon to go on vacation next week!

Upcoming Shop Closures

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Hiya folks! Just a word to the wise about some upcoming shop closures while I head down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!

BellaBijouToo.etsy.com : Closed Feb 5th-20th
www.bella-bijou.com : Closed Feb 5th-20th
www.BellaBijouJewellery.etsy.com : Closed Feb 10th-20th

All orders placed before those dates will be shipped on the regular shipping schedule, so if there is something you have been wanting, may I suggest now as a good time? ;-)

Wont you be Mine?

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:11:00 +0000

Valentine that is ;-)
Since I will be shutting down the shops for a while in February to take a much needed vacation ( Mardi Gras here we come!) I figured it would be a great time to try and move some inventory to new homes, and make room for new designs soon to come when I get home!

Use code LOVEMONTH to take 15% off in the One of a Kind Shop between Jan 25th-29th 9pm PST

*sale does not apply to the cost of shipping, custom orders or previously purchased orders.

Happy Shopping & thank you for your continued support and reading my blog. I know I have not been overly active in posting so far this month, but I can assure you after a much needed get away down south full of food, music, parades, beads and costumes, I will surely come home with plenty to say!

Shop Update Preview - 1st of 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:21:00 +0000

All these goodies will be heading into my shop tomorrow, Weds Jan 18th, at approx 10am PST. They are all available on reserve, just contact me via etsy, or email to claim one of these as yours!

Beautiful Day Necklace
Sterling Silver and Turquoise

Have a Heart Necklace
Sterling Silver and Thulite

Golden Thread Ring Size 7

Sterling Silver and Cacoxenite in Amethyst

Water Lily Ring Size 7.75

Sterling Silver and Aqua Drusy

Many Moons Necklace

Sterling Silver and Citrine

A good start to 2012, I think!

Dear 2012...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:40:00 +0000

I have hopes for you.
Not HIGH hopes, because that might be setting myself up for let down, like I did for 2011.
I have dreams which seem out of reach,
and plans which might just be doable.

I plan on laughing more.
Even when I want to cry.
I plan on setting aside time for myself ( this may be a repeat from last years hopes and dreams. Perhaps I may have more luck this year)
I plan on not stressing the little stuff,
because there will always be something bigger.

I plan on taking the lessons I learned from 2011, and spinning them into positives this coming year.
Lessons like :
- there will always be someone waiting in the wings to bring you down. I don't plan on making room for those people this year.
- I deserve better fitness and health. I've worked hard the last month to lose a few pounds and I owe it to myself to continue and start 2012 the right way ( so far, I have!)
- more time must be made for (good) friends. Plain and simple.

2011 Did reinforce a few rules to live by for me as well. Things I don't think nearly enough people do.
Like:
- the power of a genuine compliment to someone else often goes unknown. Next time you think something nice in your head about someone - say it to them.
- focusing on one's own art, yet being able to appreciate the talent of others is a craft all onto its own. A strong sense of your own creative path is essential to success.
- Sometimes it takes standing alone to understand truly how wonderful standing next to another feels.

Dear 2012, welcome.

What lessons did you take from 2011?

He Just Wanted to Say "Hi!"

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:25:00 +0000

"can we go for a walk now?"

It's a Long Way to the Top... If You Wanna Rock and Roll!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:50:00 +0000

Yesterday two long boxes showed up in the mail addresses to me. They were wine boxes.

I thought to myself, "wtf, I didn't order any wine?"

Then I saw they were from Australia, and was even more perplexed, until I realized they were from a very good friend of ours that moved across the pond a year and a half ago.

He is probably the only person I know who would ship booze to the other side of the world!

BUT, it gets better. Two and a half years ago, this friend and I went to see AC/DC when they played in town, both of us being big fans.

Well, these weren't just any Aussie wines he sent me, they were AC/DC brand wine!!

Who knew?

I miss that crazy goof terribly, and wow did this make me bust a hearty belly laugh out, like old times :-)

He sent me a bottle of You Shook Me All Night Long Moscato, and Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon - what a riot! I wish someone had been home just to snap a shot of the look on my face when I opened these both up. I mean, seriously - AC/DC and nice wine wasn't my first thought of a match made in heaven.

Secondly, who sends wine in the (international) mail? LOL

Thirdly - check out those labels - how awesome are they!?

What a hoot!

But I can tell you tomorrow night, when the clock strikes 12, and I put 2011 behind me, I will not only be toasting to a new year, but to great friends.

Friends who's presence is felt as strongly from other corners of the world, as they would standing right next to you.

I can't think of a better way to end the year :-)

Cheers to you, and yours.
I wish a Happy and Healthy New Year to each and every one of you!

I'll leave you with one of my favorites :

Because....

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

I think it would be a great way to end off 2011... I am extending the 20% off sale until Friday, Dec 30th 9pm PST!!!

I am so wonderfully thankful for all those who have supported me in 2011. I think the perfect way to end the year might be to treat yourself to something special ;-)
Don't forget the Last Chance section will be gone for good come 2012, so snatch those pieces up now for a super great deal!
Use Coupon BOXINGWEEK2011 to get 20% everything :
www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com
www.bellabijoutoo.etsy.com
www.bella-bijou.com

MIA

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:06:00 +0000

I have been totally missing in action on this blog as of late.
I apologize!
You see, I have the dreaded day job, which is retail, which gets pretty darn hairy come Christmas.
Long days, grumpy people, and Christmas songs playing all day long for a month kind of get to you. So for the last few days I have taken a bit of a break from the world.
A couple days off from the day job was needed.
A few days of minimum internet usage has proved a nice break.

I mean, despite normally pushing myself to the brink of super human capabilities, I am still just a human, right?
I needed that reminded that there is only so much one person can do :-)

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and took some quite time with your loved ones. If you don't celebrate, I hope you took a few days to love life and appreciate it.
My Christmas was a whirlwind of driving and traveling and visiting, but also a nice break filled with yummy food, a few glasses of red and white, and plenty of laughs.
That's what its all about right?

PS - My Boxing Week Sale is still going strong! Take a whopping 20% off everything in all stores until tomorrow night.
www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com for one of a kind
www.bella-bijou.com for exclusives not found anywhere else
www.bellabijoutoo.etsy.com for the catalog line

A little Birdie Told me...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

That's right, it is that time of year again!
Take 20% off everything with discount code BOXINGWEEK2011
Between Dec 21st-28th.
Shop One of a Kind : http://bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com
Shop BellaBijouToo : http://bellabijoutoo.etsy.com
Shop my Website : http://bella-bijou.com

*sale does not apply to custom orders, previously purchased items, or the cost of shipping.

On a personal note - this year has not been the easiest for me. Loss, job/financial uncertainty, and health concerns have all touched me this year. I have struggled to keep my chin up.
I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you who has taken 30 seconds to write a sweet comment on a blog post, or on my facebook page.
Thank you for supporting my dream.
Thank you for helping me support my family.
Thank you for wearing my art.
Thank you for being your beautiful selves and putting a smile on this face :-)

Lets hear it for a new year, new hopes and dreams, and much happiness to you all!

Free From the Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Occasionally I will witness a tiny sapling,
all by it's lonesome,free itself from the Earth against all odds.

In times when I feel low,
or weak about my own personal strength,I remember these little shoots of life,

green with tiny blooms,
pop up in the oddest of places,
the coldest of weathers,

the hardest parts of the Earths crust,
and I remind myself strength comes with persistence,
and the will you have from within.

Free From the Earth Necklace has been built out of Sterling Silver. I have set a juicy orange Carnelian in silver, with petals around it and leaves growing from it. Tucked in these leaves is a 3mm gypsy set faceted Amethyst gem. Finally, a single droplet of faceted glowing green Prehnite finishes off the pendant. Completely oxidized then brushed for depth.
Necklace comes on 17 inches of oxidized sterling silver chain, and pendant measures approx 40mm.

You are free to be... whoever the heck you wish yourself to be!

In the shop, now!

Some serious...

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Present wrapping has been going on in here!

:-)

Didn't Order Before the Xmas Cut Off Date?

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Well, I might just have a solution for you!

Every year I get a few folks who don't quite get their orders in before the cut off, and over the last couple years, this is what I have come up with. Since I never want to guarantee Canada Post will deliver in time for the holidays this time of year, I have created a graphic that can be printed out on any home computer, or your local photo printing lab.
After you order your items, just let me know in the notes to seller when checking out, etsy convo or an email, and I will whip up a 4x6 sized image of the item you purchased, that you can then print out and give to the lucky recipient. This can of course be done for anything that was already purchased as well, just in case ;-)

So, it could look a little something like these :

Your graphic will be customized to whatever you purchase,sized to 4x6 inches to fit into a christmas card perfectly, and you can expect it emailed to you within 24 hours of your purchase.

So have no fear, if you worried you may have missed out on that special Holiday gift order, knowing you can hand them a personalized picture of their special gift that was handmade just for them, and is on it's way!

Happy Shopping!

Ready To Ship Shopping Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:53:00 +0000

In case you were wanting some of the items I normally offer as a made to order item, but didn't get your order in already, I happen to have several items in my inventory ready to ship :-)
As usual, everything in my One of a Kind shop is ready to go, and now these guys on my website are as well!
Please see the guide underneath the pictures for sizes and links

a. Dew Drop Necklace in Garnet

b. Skeleton Key Necklace

c. Pebble Necklace in Amethyst

d. Halo Lariat

e. Aqua Necklace

f. Pebble Necklace in Sapphire

g. XOXO Studs

h. Square Stackers in Size 7

I. Written in the Stars Hoops

j. Fools Gold Hoops

k. Copper Dimple Bangle Set of 3

L. Dimple Hoops in 14k Gold Filled

m. Fern Copper Cuff

n. Lotus Hoops in 14k Gold Filled

o. Lotus Hoops in Sterling

p. Written in the Stars Ring Size 7

q. Honeycomb Earrings

r. Aqua Earrings

s. Skeleton Key Ring Size 7

Custom Love

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:47:00 +0000

A few custom orders I have done in the last couple of weeks :-)

Rosy Disposition Ring in Labradorite (isn't that Labradorite heavenly!?)

Story of a Lady Ring with White Topaz

Cat Cameo Ring

Did I mention I love custom work? It is always fun putting someone's vision and my style of metalwork together to make something pretty!

Ten Things Tuesday Vol 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:01:00 +0000

This might just become a pattern ;-P

1. We are putting the tree up today. Normally we don't do it so early, but since my parents moved and it was being stored in their attic, I needed to grab it when I was visiting this past weekend.

2. I miss not having my family down the street. It sucks.

3. Every year I secretly move Dan's battery operated singing ornaments to the back of the tree. I know I know, that is terrible, but they are hideous! I have a tree full of passed down for generations ornaments, many of which are one of a kind handmade, then some plastic singing Spiderman ornament? It just doesn't work for me LOL

4. I found a dog tag the other day that said " I rescued my human" - now isn't that the truth sometimes!?

5. I put makeup on every day, even if I don't plan on leaving the house. I thought of this while doing so just now. I feel like it lets me be a chameleon - never looking exactly the same, like my face is my canvas.

6. Dan and I watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation last night. It never, ever gets old for me, and it isn't officially the holiday season until I have seen it.

Image found here : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/

7. I need a new book to read. I just finished Tina Fey's Bossy Pants and it was one of the funniest books I have ever read. I highly recommend it if you are familiar with Tina and Saturday Night Live.

8. This year is my 11th Christmas working in retail at the dreaded day job. I promised myself my 10th would be my last year :-( What can I say? Money doesn't grow on trees.

9. I have been crocheting again - like a fiend. It wouldn't be a surprise if scarves where given out to friends as gifts this year.

10. It was my Dad's birthday a few days back. I drove up the coast for a visit and we giggled during silly movies together and ate sponge cake with whipped cream and raspberries.
Happy Birthday Dad!

Cyber Monday!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Today is the very last day to take advantage of my last sale of the shopping season before the Christmas shipping cutoff!

15% off Everything ( including Last Chance which is already down by 15%)
Use the coupon code PREXMAS when shopping :

One of a Kind
Etsy Catalog
Exclusive Website Pieces

This was my bench on Thursday. I am proud to say it is about 10x cleaner today!
having said that, I am guessing by tomorrow it might look like this again :-)

Video Didn't Kill the Radio Star

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:11:00 +0000

I was just on CBC Radio's Early Edition!
I got the privilege to chat with Rick about Black Friday Sales, and running a small business online - how exciting ( and totally nerve racking for someone who's never been on radio before!)
I will post the link here later when it is on their website for everyone to listen to my nervous voice haha!
EDITED : Here is the link, skip to about 2:19 to hear little ole me http://www.cbc.ca/earlyedition/past-episodes/2011/11/25/urban-farming-wally-buono-eli-glasner-occupy-movement-ledge-guys-battered-womens-support-hotline-gre/

In the meantime, if you heard me live, and wanna shop my great Black Friday Sale - use code PREXMAS to get 15% off in these three online shops:
www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com
www.bellabijoutoo.etsy.com
www.bellabijoujewelry.com

Desert Sun Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:45:00 +0000

The Desert is a wild and mysterious place...
Scorching day time sun,
freezing nighttime cold.

Hills and plains of sand and the soul of things that once were,
stretch on for as far as the eye can see.

The sun comes down on the hot ground and it changes,
Beige, to amber, to terracotta, and finally almost plum - as the sun no longer illuminates it.

Desert Sun Necklace
Sterling and Mookaite

In the shop now :-)

And don't forget - take 15% off with coupon code PREXMAS

Big Bess and the Sky is Falling

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:11:00 +0000

These two babies are now in the shop.
Do check them out, won't ya?
{don't forget the sale! Get 15% off with coupon PREXMAS}

Big Bess Turquoise Ring in Size 7

The Sky is Falling Necklace
Sterling and Lapis Lazuli

Yep, you heard right, it's time for the Pre Christmas SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:02:00 +0000

Every year I host a sale on the US Thanksgiving weekend, just in time for holiday shopping!

I know the banner says it starts on the 24th - but my loyal blog readers and facebook fans always get first dibs! Shop a day early before it is officially released, starting NOW :-)
Just use the coupon PREXMAS to get 15% off when checking out.

As usual - the sale does not apply to the cost of shipping, custom orders or previously purchased items. No reserves during the sale.

Sale ends Monday November 28th at midnight.
Shop my One of a Kind Shop (YES the Last Chance items are included - thats 30% off!)
Shop my catalog on Etsy
Shop my Website for many exclusive pieces not found anywhere else

Also - please take note of the following Christmas Delivery Cut Off Dates :

For One of a Kind { ready to ship}

2011 Holiday Shipping Recommended Timeline for Christmas Delivery
Within Canada - Dec 10th
To the US - Dec 6th
International - Nov 26th

For Made to Order { or custom work}
Within Canada - Dec 7th
To the US - Dec 3rd
International - Nov 22nd

Ten Things Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Jaime/Bella-Bijou Jewellery) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:04:00 +0000

Because, well - why not?

1. It snowed here *briefly* this week. As you may know, I am NOT fond of the snow. I live at the base of a mountain, and it is beautiful up there on the slopes. It is not beautiful trying to navigate down this crazy hill I live on in the snow and ice however...

2. My day job had its staff christmas party this past weekend. Yep, nothing like having a party a month before the actual holiday so that we can get it out of the way. Way to go retail job.

3. It was fun and the food was tasty. I drank too many drinks called "El Diablo"

4. Minus a slight headache, I was ok the next day. Dan was slightly less than ok ;-)

5. Dan booked tickets for us to go to MARDI GRAS!!! His sister, bro in law and our little niece live in New Orleans and this will be their last Mardi Gras before they move, so it was now or never! They live right near a major parade route too - so I am guessing it is going to be 8 overwhelming days of non stop food, parties and socializing.

6. I think I might actually need a real vacation after Mardi Gras to recover from it.

7. To the locals it is bigger than Christmas - not all boobs and beads.

8. I doubted myself something terrible this week. I mean really doubted myself. It was a low point.

9. I can't guarantee it wont happen again, but at least I know where I put the ladder to help myself climb out of dark holes ;-)

10. I just remembered a snippet from Saturday night that included seriously discussing the memories of Dance Mix '93, and the importance of the Grunge Movement. So I will leave you with this combo :

Enjoy!