Designing-Diva Buzz

Blue Talisman-an Aqua Aura Quartz pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:25:00 +0000

I was drawn to this shimmery blue crystal at the rock store the other day. It is an aqua aura crystal.

For those of you who are not familiar with this crystal it is produced by taking a natural quartz crystal and permanently bonding vaporized finely powdered pure gold.

I designed a thick sterling and fine silver girdle for the crystal and used 26 gauge to wire wrap a white freshwater button pearl and a brick shaped rainbow moonstone bead. The girdle has been "roughed up" to match the look of the "roughly faceted" crystal.

(Energies: Power, Healing, Love, Protection )

With the sterling jump ring the Blue Talisman pendant is almost 2 inches long and ~ 3/4 inches wide. This is an one of a kind pendant with complimentary aqua colored suede. Don't miss out on this one!

Jewelry for A Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:52:00 +0000

Since Designing-Diva became a reality, I have supported the Susan G Komen foundation's and breast cancer with sales from my swarovski beaded awareness bracelets. Last year, a limited edition necklace design was created to support ovarian cancer research as well.

Both of these causes are important to me not just because I am a woman but because I personally know many courageous women who are struggling with these diseases and some who have lost. I want to honor these women by helping raise funds for research.

Cynthia Brown of Gift-A-Licious has given me another opportunity to do so and I'm very excited about this venture. I will be donating jewelry for 5 gift bags for a concert that will benefit breast cancer awareness and the St. Anne Home for Mentally Challenged Women. The fundraising concert will be held on October 25th at Eastern Kentucky University and the main attraction is Dolly Parton.

Here is how my jewelry donation to the gift bag will help ...

A gift bag presented to Dolly as a thank you for performing
another will be auctioned off to benefit breast cancer awareness and the St. Anne Home for Mentally Challenged Women
one will be presented to Dolly to auction off for her Imagination Library charity
two will be used as magazine giveaways, etc (great PR for these causes to raise awareness)

You can check out current E-bay auctions like this that are making a difference right now... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170239952473&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007 and http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170239952982&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007)

Not to give too much away but my 2008 limited edition jewelry designs that are in the works will be "spiritually" based for both breast and ovarian cancer. Both designs will be available for purchase next month. Make sure you are signed up for the Diva's newsletter so you don't miss out.

I encourage you to support whatever you are passion about it....no matter if it is time or pennies....it does all make a difference!

Have a fabulous weekend!
~Randi

Plushies,Softies and Toys-July Giveaway from Funky Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Ok, I may be in my thirties but I'm still a huge fan of "stuffed" animals/characters/creatures. I never was a "doll" girl but boy did I have a stuffed animal collection.

That's why I'm just tickled that this month's give away at Funky Finds includes plushies, softies and toys for my inner child! ^-^

Check out all the cool stuff that will be given away in July!

Feel the Need to Buy Some Beads for your Stash ?

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:36:00 +0000

^{Make plans to spend a day this summer shopping for great beads , register to win great door prizes every hour. Free admission and classes also taught throughout the weekend. See you all there.}

^9th Annual

Ft. Worth Bead Market

All the Beads you Need

July 19, 20 2008

Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4

Admission Free Public Welcome

Retail & Wholesale Beading Classes

BEADS AND JEWLERY

Vintage Beads, Pearls,Clasps, Swarovski, Glass, Gemstones,

Silver, Lampwork, PMC, Jewelry, Books, Fibers,

Seed Beads, Tools, Indonesian Beads & more

Will Rogers Memorial Complex,

Amon Carter Exhibit Hall

3400 Burnett Tandy Dr.

Ft. Worth, Texas 76107

Directions: Go Montgomery Street exit off I-30 take a right

to the 3rd light - turn right onto Lancaster Ave. and then turn right

into the first parking lot entrance. The building is at the end

of the parking lot on the left. BIG Horse statue in front.

www.thebeadmarket.net

I Heart Funky Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Jessica of Funky Finds has been a huge supporter of independent crafters and artists from around the globe. Not only does she highlight artists and crafters from around the world, she has a monthly give-away too.

Behind the scenes Jessica has been one busy girl, Funky Finds has recently added Funky Town which is a place for designers to post events, specials, images and more!

And now I get the honor of being a part of The Shops at Funky Finds! If you are an artist or designer, this is a painless way to get your goods in front of the public's eye! And if you love to support indie's like me, check it out!

Destashing & Overstocks on Steal My Baubles

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

One of my major projects this summer is overhauling my website with an updated shopping cart that has search features (for price,materials used, etc), best-seller list, just added, etc....I'm not quite ready to pull my hair out but summer isn't over yet! hee hee

My second project which is even more overdue is organizing and putting my stash/overstocks on sale. I've created many jewelry designs that I love but just didn't fit into a particular collection. I will be utilizing my blog, Steal My Baubles, to highlight these jewelry designs.

Many of the designs are one-of-a-kinds so I highly recommend checking back daily or subscribing to the feed via e-mail (you get an e-mail when there is a new post).

The "destash and overstock" items will be priced just above wholesale so I can recoup my material costs with very reasonable flat rate shipping (worldwide). You can rest assured that your jewelry purchase still comes with the Diva guarantee and will come in it's own packaging just in case it's for a gift( yes, treating yourself is allowed).

So, help this jewelry designer with her "mock up designs", "overstocks" and "stash" by checking out Steal My Baubles daily!

Fine Living,Recipes & More with Patty Gironda the host of Home At Last

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I recently did some custom work through my Etsy shop for Patty Gironda. She is the host of the Atlanta based show, Home At Last! . Patty was in the process of adding a line of wine corks made from turned wood with fused glass and vintage Lucite cabochons. I had the pleasure of creating fused glass cabochons for her new line. What an exciting project to work on.

Since the show is Atlanta based, we can't catch it here in the Big D but the website now has some great features including printable recipes and streaming episodes ! Yeah,yeah....now I can catch the talented Patty on my computer!

Home At Last! offers other shopping experiences for fine living like the Robust Morning Blend Coffee. Mmm. There is nothing like waking up to the smell of a fresh pot of "special" brewed coffee! I'm on the last of my Columbian that my brother-in-law brought back from his S. America trip so I will let you be checking out the special blend soon!

Make sure to check Home At Last! often for stories, streaming shows and more beautiful products from around the world and don't be shy.....tell your friends and family too!

Custom Wedding Jewelry-Pearls & Crystals

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000

The inspiration for this wedding jewelry is this fantastic printed grey and pink dress. The wedding is going to be small and casual. I wanted to create a design that would look fab with this dress but could still be worn everyday.

The colors for this jewelry were pulled from the print-grey and pink. I used irridescent grey coin pearls and two kins of crystals (pink bicone swarovski and faceted grey czech crystals). I used a fine sterling chain to separate the "pearl and crystal". It helps pop the design and doesn't overwhelm. I want the jewelry to compliment the dress NOT scream for attention.

If you are looking for custom jewelry (wedding or NOT), please feel free to contact me using the form on the website. I will work with your budget and a variety of materials to accomplish the look you desire.

Thanks to Miss Serendipitist for Reviewing Glass Rock Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Whitney of Miss Serendipitist (find unexpected wonders) recently reviewed one of my fused glass pendants from the Glass Rock Candy collection. Thanks!

She has truly found some unexpected wonders....you will want to bookmark her blog and her finds!

Awareness Jewelry Colors & Meanings-ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) added

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

The awareness color meanings has been updated.

Nancy Henson was kind enough to contact and let me know that blue can be used for ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). Thanks for helping me keep this updated Nancy!

I've had the honor and privilege to NOT only create awareness bracelets but custom jewelry using the metaphysical healing properties of stones for customers the special people in their lives. It is very rewarding to hear back from customers and gift recipients on how much they enjoy and are comforted by the jewelry that I have created.
I recently had a digital mammogram and grateful when I got the "normal" result back! Designing-Diva has supported a number of women's health issues including breast and ovarian cancer. I was happy to help out Lisa Patton of Hill Country Swings when she contacted me for a silent auction donation for the Cattleman for Cancer Research event held in Bastrop, TX in October. If you live in Texas and would like to help out or attend the event, you can visit the above link for more information!

Classic Pearls-To Knot or Not ?

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:47:00 +0000

With freshwater pearls in abundance, you will see a variety of techniques used to string them. At one time, pearls were only strung on silk but now with fine gauge silver and similar stringing materials a girl has more options for her classic look!

This is one of my favorite classic designs that I've made this past year. Blue grey coin freshwater pearls have grey czech crystals on either side and are strung on hand knotted black silk to hold the pearl and crystals in place.

If you've ever wanted a string of heirloom hand knotted pearls, check out this wonderful knotting tutorial by Fusion Beads which shows you step by step how you can create your own Jackie O inspired style!

If you are looking for hand knotted freshwater pearl necklaces for your bridal party or just because you want a classic look in your jewelry box, please contact me for custom jewelry work. I think you will be surprised at how affordable this can be done with swarovski or freshwater pearls (prices start at $50 for 16 inch sterling silver component designs).

Custom Jewelry Work: Commissioned Inspired by SG-1 Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of doing custom work on a design inspired by this necklace from an episode of SG-1.

We were under a pretty tight deadline considering we had to source the stone and I had to "test" out materials for the side elbows (from wood, bone and horn).

A local lapidary, Donald of Nature's Gallery, became my hero when he custom cut a slab of lapis so I could get started on the focal point of the design.

I highly recommend his lapidary services. This custom cab was a beauty at ~2.5 inches long and an inch wide. The pyrite in the specimen made this cab shimmer in the light. Just gorgeous.

After experimenting with bone, wood and horn, I choose black horn to make the elbow joints of the design for a number of reasons. It was the color I desired, lightweight, easy to grind, drill and polish, durable enough to hold the weight of the focal design.

The birthday girl was kind enough to share a picture of herself wearing her present and I just love the way it turned out and so did she (thank goodness! ).

I was really touched that she took the time to thank me for helping her husband create a custom piece of jewelry for her.
If you are looking for custom jewelry work, contact me at ARTIST AT DESIGNING-DIVA DOT COM to discuss making your dreams a reality!

P.S.
Check out this cool music video for season 10 of the SG-1.

Check out the Fused Glass Jewelry Overstock Sale All this Week

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:11:00 +0000

I have an overstock of glass cabochons/pendants in a few designs and will be sharing them this week on sale on my other blog, Steal My Baubles.

If you are a jewelry artist/designer and would like to use the cabochons in one of your own designs, contact me at ARTIST at DESIGNING-DIVA dot COM for bulk pricing.

Summer To Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:21:00 +0000

Summer is "spring cleaning" time for my business and especially my website.

The website is in desperate need of an "overhaul". For shopping ease, I'm looking into Zen Cart. Now, I'm fairly technical savvy and can use Dreamweaver with ease but the "php" is a whole new learning curve. If you know anyone who is a Zen Cart whiz who might be interested in "exchange services", I would love to talk to them to save on the hair pulling! :)

As a small business owner, I value my customer feedback and if there is anything you notice on the website, Designing-Diva, that is annoying or could be done better, just drop me a line!

As I overhaul and add new designs, I will be reducing prices on overstock and older items so stay tuned or better yet subscribe to the the Diva's 411 newsletter.

Recharge & Renew plus 1st Summer Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:39:00 +0000

I'm off to East Texas with my family to recharge and renew for a glorious week of camping and fishing. I'm taking my sketchbook and ready to be inspired for some new designs.

While I'm gone, take advantage of the Summer Sale......save 20% on ALL orders when you enter discount voucher code, Summer20, at check out. Shop Designing-Diva now for jewelry or art glass decor!

I will be back on the 13th and all in stock items will ship out on the 16th of June. Any items that need to be made, will be shipped by the 18th (if for some reason, I need to order in materials rest assured I will contact you immediately to alert you of the delay).

Thanks!

America's Best Lost Recipe-Waukau (Berry Pancake)

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:27:00 +0000

OMG, my BFF shared a recipe from her new cookbook, America's Best Lost Recipes, called Waukau(berry pancakes) which is a cross between a pancake and a cobbler.

This is a great brunch recipe and with Father's Day coming up you just might want to whip this up for your family! This was so awesome-puffy and caramelized and all that yummy fresh fruit that is in season right now! :)

Waukau-Berry Pancake

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsps unsalted butter
2 cups fresh berries (any combo of rasperberries,
blueberries,blackberries or sliced strawberries)
3/4 cup sugar

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower middle portion and preheat oven to 375.
2. Whisk flour and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the milk, egg and vanilla.
4. Make a well in the flour/salt mixture and add the milk mixture.
Whisk until combined (there may a few lumps).
5. Melt butter in a 12 inch OVEN PROOF skillet. Pour batter into
center of skillet and let it level.
6. Add your berries in the middle of the batter ensuring an ~ 1 inch
border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle sugar on the berries and avoid the 1 inch border around the edges.
8. Bake until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown (~ 50-60 minutes).
9. Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

Reversible Blue Banded Agate Sterling Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 +0000

The May 2008 Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine had an amazing Kentucky agate that I was just drooling over (see current cover to the right)....when I quickly flipped the page to read the artist's design notes, I had a "lightbulb" moment.

John Leeds demonstrated how you can use jump rings tacked to a bezel for an open back. While he used "half" jump rings and an actual bezel, I was inspired to use the jump ring idea. I created large jump rings from round sterling wire and soldered them together using the outer edges of the slice as my guide.

I didn't use a bezel but created "prong settings" with round sterling silver wire so that my slice can be worn either way....yep, it is reversible.

With the "prongs" you see the banding more and the open back lets light through this fairly thin slice (4mm).

The bail was created from fine silver bezel wire that was wrapped around a tear shaped mandrel several times.

I just love the way it turned out!

Blue Volcano-Original Sterling Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:58:00 +0000

This original sterling silver pendant was created with a blue star sapphire that has really nice rays.

My husband, John, picked this six-rayed blue star after scouring the wholesale section at the recent Gem Show in Dallas. This is a "belated" Mother's Day gift for his mom as I've been way busy with shows and orders. The stone is a fitting choice since she has 6 kids (one for each ray).

The backplate of the pendant of was hand stamped and aged with liver of sulfur.I was going for something that looks mythical from an era past.

This precious little pendant will be mailed to her tomorrow. I sure hope she likes it. :)

Free Family Event this Sunday at Fair Park in Dallas-Cultural Day in the Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park is hosting a FREE family event this Sunday, June 1st from 1-6pm at Fair Park in Dallas.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the free performances all afternoon. Check out crafts and booths from a variety of cultures.

I will be hosting a small table at this event with 15% of the proceeds benefiting the Texas Discovery Gardens.

Hope to see you there!

May's Free Jewelry Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:30:00 +0000

This month, Designing-Diva drew two winners for the free monthly jewelry drawing:

Sara of Wylie, Texas
Sarah Wilson of Dallas, Texas

Congratulations ladies. Your free jewelry will be mailed out today.

Sign up for the jewelry newsletter because the next drawing will be on June 15th! NO purchase necessary....just be an ACTIVE newsletter subscriber ! :)

Etsy Dallas Hearts Oak Cliff People

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:08:00 +0000

The indie crafty loving is still rocking from the Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q held this past Sunday at Larry Pile's, Kessler Craftsman, home, yard and studio with a lovely write up by Oak Cliff People.

Go ahead and read the article titled, Artistic Community Puts Its Talents On Display
Etsy Dallas hosts neighborly trunk show to display residents’ and craftsmans’ creative side

Speaking of Art , the 500 INC is putting on Art Fest this weekend at Fair Park (previously the venue has been in Addison) and once again the talented Mr Larry Pile,Kessler Craftsman, will be showing off his work so don't forget your pocket book! Here is a link to a list of all the artists who will be showcasing their talents!

May Funky Finds Give-Away

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:19:00 +0000

Coming soon: May 25-31st

Bookmark Funky Finds if you haven't already because May's Giveaway includes Games, Scrapbooking , Sewing and more!

Last month, I won uber cool prints from the Plywerk Guys that are hanging in my studio. It might just be you that is picked to be a WINNER this month!

Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q written up by Kera

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:06:00 +0000

Yeah. More PR for Etsy Dallas and the awesome Beer-B-Q we put on this past Sunday!

Etsy Dallas' First Beer-B-Q had a nice little write up on the Kera Blog. Lydia Regalado got a great shot of several people having fun at the Make & Take table at the event.

Thanks for coming on out and giving Etsy Dallas a shout out in the Arts & Culture section!

Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q-Awesome Tunes, Food & Shopping Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:57:00 +0000

Etsy Dallas put on a rockin' Beer-B-Q with delish food & drinks by grillman extraordinaire Dylan Dowdy, tunes by DJ Modchap and Garrett Heinrichs band, plus who can forget the rice tricks by Magic the Magician.

With almost 30 of the Etsy Dallas members scattered throughout our host and leadership team member, Larry's (Kessler Craftsman) house, yard and studio. Thanks to James of One up Designs who created reusable vinyl signs to help everyone find the event.

The 25 goodie bags we made up were gone in very short order and were loaded with tons of cool handmade products from members and gracious donations from The House of Dang! and Armhole .

We had enough donations to do NOT one but 4 FREE raffle giveaways which was a huge hit with the folks that stopped on by to check us out and hang out and listen to some tunes!

The Make and Take It table was headed up by the Crafy Diva, Carrie of Atom In ,was a huge hit with kids and adults and it was great to see all the cool things that people made.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped with load-in, set up and clean-up including a shout out to Constanza of Knit Sisters and Abby of Pulp Reality!

The whole leadership team did a fabulous job and should receive a huge kudos for all their time and effort to make this such an amazing event:

Brenda of B.Liscious
Carrie of Atom In - the Make-n-Take booth diva!
Larry of Kessler Craftsman
Mandi of Scribble Scrabble
Pam of Pamela Michelle
Randi of Designing Diva
Stephanie of Tefi Designs

Plus all the Etsy Dallas members who showed up with their amazing wares:

Alicia Colina-Ashby - cigar box home goods
Bending Light Studio - photography, prints
ebraunnagel - bags, purses
Freeforged - fine metal jewelry
HipHazel - ceramicware
Honeydew Baby - hair bows, kids' clothes
HOUNDMADE - dog accessories
Karma Crochet - crocheted housewares, blankets
Kathy D. Keith - photo cards, art, and more
Little Cookie - kanzashi hair accessories, plushies, bags
Memopause - notebook necklaces
Miamaria - purses, aprons
Modest Ambition - crocheted clothes and accessories
Sadie's Things - antiqued brass jewelry
SugarLoveHoney - blankets, tutus, baby clothes
The Carpenter Collection - beaded jewelry
The Plaid Mushroom - Lip balms & key chains
TP Design - paintings, home décor, cards
XY Factory - baby goods, maternity clothes

Little Sunshine Plate & Etsy Dallas Beer-B-Q Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Dallas Designing-Diva) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:30:00 +0000

I just created a little bit of sunshine with this happy yellow small decorative dish. Of course, I just had to do something to jazz it up so added little streaks of black for interest on the four corners.

I will have a few decorative fused glass home decor items & accents plus a limited line of jewelry at the Etsy Dallas Beer B-B-Q this Sunday.

Where: 1027 N. Windomere, Dallas 75208 CLICK HERE FOR A MAP
When: Sunday, May 18th
Time: 11am-5pm
Music by: DJ Modchap and the Garrett Heinrichs Band

If you are in the Oak Cliff area, make sure you stop by early while we still have beer and food plus you will get a chance to snag one of our goodie bags and enter the raffle! And hey, it's all FREE so you can spend more on your purchased directly from Dallas indie artists like me! :)