AGJ News & Weather!

Copper, Brass, Silver... Magic!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:58:00 +0000

Exploring new media, it looks like AGJ is heading in a 'Western' direction with our Western Whimsy Heart Pendant. After a heavy patina on textured copper emerged, I envisioned memories of tooled leather belts and wallets from my '60's upbringing watching Roy Rogers & Dale Evans and all the other westerns on TV! We'll be blazing new trails (Literally, I got a new torch!) and offering new, one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces with elements created in mixed metals. Think wild, wild west with a touch of 'steam-punk.'
Note that AGJ Elements will also offer a bit of the 'Far East' with themes of nature, the seasons in stone settings and stampings. Pictured here is our AGJ Seasons, Spring Pendant. Calibrated semi-precious gemstones are being searched out and collected to offer your choice of settings. Of course, you will choose your own stampings (unless your initials happen to be AGJ) and shapes/metals/textures may be mixed & matched to your specifications. Stay tuned for more designs and finishes for our AGJ Elements offferings. Click on the title of this post to see more photos. Mahalo! ~alohabc

Aloha 2012! Year of the Water Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000

I don't really know what happened to 2011, it whizzed by so fast. I'm determined to slow down, take note and enjoy this new year!!! So far, so good. The holiday decorations were put away before the homeowner association sent a letter. Spring seedlings are potted up, already beginning to sprout. New techniques in jewelry-making, playing with fire, melting and melding, there's a learning-curve before I post something here.
Meanwhile, a friend tossed out a new challenge, more crafting than creating, to feature a miniature ukulele for musicians and their fans. Makes me want to hum "Over the Rainbow." Hope you like it! ~alohabc

Aloha Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:42:00 +0000

Tea Lover to Tea Lover SOS: Japan Disaster Relief

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:53:00 +0000

This post is going to be short and bittersweet:

Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations is searching for all their customers affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, in order to bring aid to their families. They are asking for our help.

Please click the image or title of this post for more information, video and instructions on how to help Tea Lovers and others in Japan. Mahalo! ~alohabc

New Year, New Look!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:59:00 +0000

At AGJ you'll find a sleek new banner logo, serene color theme, streamlined page navigation and free shipping, for an entirely 'user-friendly' shopping experience. Our new line of signature packaging offers a clear selection and an elegant gift wrapping, always free with every jewelry order.

Some things haven't changed, you'll find this trio of genuine Venetian Murano glass earrings by AGJ available only at Illumination: Venetian Night-A Masquerade Ball. This will be the 4th year AGJ has donated jewelry for auction to benefit Assets School, and the 2nd time award-winning actors Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams will be guest hosts of the gala event. Celebrity chefs will also be serving dinner for the evening, Friday, March 4, 2011, at the Hawaii Convention Center. Click on the title to this post for more information on Assets School, the event and to purchase tickets. ~alohabc

Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:21:00 +0000

"Back to School"... a simple jewelry forum challenge declared on or about July 20th, plenty of time, yes?!? We would strut our stuff by Labor Day. Since then, the only thing that would cross my mind is pencils, backpacks and books. Down to the wire, literally and figuratively, school colors became the focus when I spotted a pair of CZ briolettes on the corner of my desk last night. The emerald green with a bit of white from Swarovski® crystals and a hint of a wave in sterling silver is my homage to all our university students heading to classes in Manoa. Click on the title of this post for schedules, news and features on UH Athletics for this school year. Go Warriors! ~alohabc

Yum... Yum Cha!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Mon, 31 May 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Awakened by ascending jet blasts on their way to a Memorial Day airshow over the harbor, followed by car alarms and neighborhood dogs barking from the commotion, there was little to do this morning but contemplate what to do next. A trip to the hardware store, quick caffeine fix and then a lightbulb went on... a restaurant in the shopping center now serves dim sum! Golden Lion Chinese Kitchen in Aiea, is grounded in local and Hong Kong style favorites, yet they've kept up with the times... bubble tea drinks for the afterschool crowd, a busy take-out business for working families, retirees and singles and now, "dim sum all day." Since Eastern Garden near Pearlridge closed their doors several years ago, dim sum or yum cha is something our central and leeward friends have been missing for some time. With reluctant husband in-tow this morning and the prospect of feeding the hungry boyz (still) asleep at home, we went all out today and brought home a feast. As you can see in this detail, the 'local favorites,' half moon, steamed manapua and pork hash have the lighter looks of the upscale establishments, yet we found the assortment to be stuffed full with whole shrimps, seafood chunks, and extras like shiitake mushrooms and fresh vegetables (local watercress, chives and spinach) that add texture and a flavor boost to even the classics. The owner told us the pork hash is their most popular specialty, "not like other places." Not knowing our exchange at the restaurant, #2son declared, "The siu mai is really good and the mochi rice has lots of meat in it." While balancing local preferences with classic ethnic recipes is a tricky business in Hawai`i, there seems to be more hits than misses at Golden Lion. They've had the staying-power that other storefronts in the area have not. Click on the title of this post for more information. ~alohabc

I Break for Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Sun, 16 May 2010 20:46:00 +0000

It isn't often that most residents, including myself, actually hit the pavement in Waikiki. The Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of those rare exceptions. It isn't your typical athletic marathon or triathlon that goes on in this health-conscious state, but a fun, family & friends event with entertainment, food, drink and encouragement all along the way. This year's event was held yesterday, and I'm very sorry not to have posted beforehand to encourage more support for the benefactors of this charity event. However, consider this an advance invitation to be prepared for next year's 33rd Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk! This year on the route there were breakfast pastries, giant fresh strawberries, lots and lots of ice cold water, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, live Hawaiian music, crunchy granola, chilled watermelon, kiddie bouncers, rainbow shave ice, bubble machines, heavenly coconut cake, local radio station DJ's, frozen juices & pops, paper fans, mist showers, (have I missed anything?!?) oh, and red velvet cupcakes! If you were one of the thousands to get all the checkpoint stamps, there was a bento lunch waiting for you at the finish line. Waikiki hotel caterers and businesses provided all the yummy treats and refreshments.

The Visitor Industry Charity Walk is a great way to support a long list of worthy causes and local non-profit organizations, while team-building with your coworkers, reuniting with friends and bonding with family members. It's not too early to put on those walking shoes and launch your conditioning program for next year's walk. Click on the title of this post and bookmark the event's website for future reference. Hope to see you there in 2011! ~alohabc

Art By Us!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:30:00 +0000

New toys, new venue! ArtByUs.com is a 'virtual' art gallery and auction site, with one-of-a-kind (aka OOAK) pieces created by known and unknown artists. You are buying original and limited edition works directly from the artists. AGJ Word Play, is my latest ArtByUs submission. These copper bits were hand stamped, formed and given a vintage patina to draw out the calligraphy image against a mirror-polished background. 14kt gold filled accents for a contrasting finishing touch. I'm loving this new opportunity to use my hammers, and just wait 'til you see what else can be done with a few steel stamps and finishing tools! Simply click on the title of this post to reach the ArtByUs page to discover the translation and for more information. ~alohabc

I Do MOO, Do You?!?

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:41:00 +0000

I love my new MOO business minicards. Aren't they pretty?

Ânuenue means rainbow, and with the opportunity to make up to 100 cards, each a different color, I thought these would make useful color swatches... let people choose their favorite color (very revealing)... make great bookmarks, too. What would you do with MOO?!? ~alohabc

What's Cooking Now?!?

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:44:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!! After a flurry of last minute cooking, cleaning and partying from Christmas to New Year's Day, there were finally a few moments when I could sit down and enjoy the TV set all to myself (between football games) and watch the foodie film, "Julie & Julia." Not only was I inspired to eat a little more butter this year, but to apply my jewelry making skills to create a few kitchen gadgets! I've always loved dollhouses and miniatures, and though not measured to any particular scale (this whisk is approximately 30mm), these wire-wrapped charms are true to their counterparts in form. This piece is offered as a pendant charm, along with others pictured in copper as earrings. They're all available now on Etsy, just click the title of this post or the thumbnail pictures in the sidebar on the right to go to "anuenuegems on Etsy" and bon appetit! ~alohabc

Aloha Beadazzle Hawaii!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Beadazzle Hawaii in Mapunapuna has been a reliable source for Swarovski® crystals, pearls, gemstones and findings at wholesale prices over the past several years. Our good friends, Amanda and Eddie, of Beadazzle Hawaii are working hard over the holiday weekend to close up shop, with the last day of business, December 27th for 2009. For all of us beadaholics on Oahu, it may come as a bit of a shock, but TAKE NOTE: We are assured there will be a NEW, IMPROVED, BEADAZZLE HAWAII, coming in 2010! The question has already been answered, "How are we going to manage without Beadazzle Hawaii?!?" Eddie and Amanda have been preparing for this business shift by creating a wonderful new website, www.beadazzlehawaii.net with all our favorite colors, shapes and sizes of crystals, findings and more! New items will be added continually, and along with Amanda and Eddie's service-oriented and generous spirit, FREE SHIPPING on orders $100 or more. Eddie and Amanda will continue to post news and status on their blog, www.beadazzlehawaii.blogspot.com so be sure to stop by, sign-up for email news and bid Eddie and Amanda a fond, "Aloha!" this weekend! ~alohabc

7th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza comes to Kailua Town!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:34:00 +0000

It's that time of year, once again... and this time it's extra-special for AGJ. The Chocolate Extravaganza is an islandwide community event on Oahu, benefiting homeless families with children and the mission projects of our host, Emmanuel Episcopal Church. This is my first time donating not only jewelry, but a bit of chocolate, too! This is a peek at "The Works" Deep Dish Chocolate pizza, which will be on the Chocolate Buffet. Also shown here is "Mocha Latte Twist" a fun, flirty necklace set of Swarovski® crystal pearls, crystals, and sterling silver, which will be available at the Silent Auction. The single strand, 43" opera length necklace is shown doubled here, with its matching earrings. Please click on the title of this post for more information, and click on the photos to enlarge them. Hope to see you this Saturday, November 14, 2009, at the Chocolate Event of the year! ~alohabc

Roughing It

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:30:00 +0000

A renewing reunion with friends, family and nature up and down the westcoast and Sierras, inspired a few new designs this month. AGJ Lee Vining earrings on the left and AGJ Rock Creek Swirls on the right, reflect an earthy, casual charm in natural lemony turquoise, faceted amethyst, and traditional turquoise stones with antiqued brass findings. Yes, we also caught a few fish, too! ~alohabc

Happy 5th of July!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:24:00 +0000

It could have been the fireworks, or just the extra-long weekend that inspired these sparkly designs, but truth be told, my jewelry forum friends have been the inspiration for "A Year of Jewelry" challenge to make at least one piece per week. Starting off with a bang, I knocked out a few... easy-peasy. As the weeks wore on, it was beginning to feel more of real challenge to have the discipline to think of something new each week. I fell behind, and am still playing 'catch-up,' but these have me nearly up to date. They're even available on my website already! Click on the title of this post to get there. Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, I did! ~alohabc

Time for Change!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Healthcare... finances... global warming... this blog certainly isn't going to solve these issues. However, a bit of fun, food and low cost entertainment might just be what the doctor should order for some of us to reduce the stress of these trying times. This is a peek at my Rx for all of the above, Alohabc's Deconstructed Brownies. Here's the recipe: One box Brownies, on sale at Long's prepared as directed. Cut to serving size. Add nuts, fresh and/or dried fruits, shredded coconut to serving dish. Take one small strainer and sieve powdered sugar in a large pile ontop and around brownie. Take one pinch of S&B Curry Powder (also at Long's Hawai`i, or Asian section of grocery store), and sprinkle ontop of brownie. The one pinch curry is all you need for a bit of color and fragrance, or try cayenne pepper, if you dare. There you have it... healthful anti-oxidants, low cost, one-stop shopping and fun when you serve this elegant treat. Enjoy! ~alohabc

Bread & Jam, etc.

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:31:00 +0000

How did it get to be mid-May already?!? A flurry of proms, performances, award banquets, commencements, grad party planning... that's what our household has been up to lately. I suppose that's why "simple" is what my inner-being is craving right now. It's times like these when a certain childhood jingle creeps into my brain about the joys of jam and bread. Jewel-toned marmalades, berry preserves and rich fruit jams are what I reach for first, often from the farmer's market. Then comes the bread... local bakeries with Japanese or German style loaves are my favorite sources. They are usually sliced on the thick side to toast golden brown, with enough body to hold up to swoops of jam all the way to the edges. A folded papertowel goes underneath from toaster to table, to wipe blops of jam, catch crumbs and swipe the table clean... saving water and time from washing an extra dish. I have had a few moments to apply this simple craving to my jewelry, too. These hand-formed earrings are hammered gold filled wire and beads. Simple pleasures sometimes make all the difference in an otherwise hectic day. What are yours?!? ~alohabc

Fat Tuesday Reprise

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:17:00 +0000

I once heard an uncredited quote, "When a child sees something for the first time, they will aways see it again." This rang true working with Head Start kids and my own toddlers seeing a butterfly or a flower for the first time, then lighting up with delight upon each new encounter. My own experiences and explorations brings this concept full-circle. A brief visit to New Orleans made me acutely aware of the significance of the colors purple, green and gold... fluer de lis... plastic beads... chicory-blend lattes... and the virtues of ANYthing fried, served piping hot. Then an unexpected encounter with a Mardi Gras celebration in Honolulu last night was a very sweet treat. With all the elements of "carnaval" up and down Nu`uanu Avenue, I almost felt transported back to my first encounter with NOLA charm!
Fat Tuesday in Hawai`i is celebrated with Portuguese donuts, Malasadas, with a generous dusting of sparkling sugar that ends up everywhere. Something akin to Beignets. It's not the only occasion they're eaten, and Mardi Gras isn't the only time you'll find celebration going on downtown. Checkout the event listings in the sidebar to the right, and you'll see upcoming events, restaurant reviews and other resources for entertainment in Honolulu and islandwide. BTW, you can find Cafe Du Monde at Tamura's Market in Wahiawa and grocery stores in Chinatown, for an authentic chickory-blend latte. ~alohabc

Classic Comforts

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Basic Black, the Little Black Dress (LBD), flats, pumps and cardigans... are the fashionista's "comfort foods" for the stylish soul. Personalized with accessories, the LBD can fill a seat at your next interview or take a turn on the dance floor. I've been challenged to think of all this beyond my own fetish for Basic Black, because a friend's employer requires an all-black wardrobe for their staff.

Whether monochromatic or a "wake-up" call in multicolors, jewelry can set your tone for this year's return to classics. You'll find these pieces at AGJ Classics & Convertible Collection. ~alohabc

Tigers Rock! (Zoo, Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:53:00 +0000

We adopted this little guy last night. How could my hubby say 'no' to Miss and Mrs. Hawai`i peddling these cute little cubs?!? Our evening under the big tent and stars flew by as we enjoyed classic & fruity martinis, sips of wine, delicious hot & cold pupu and chocolate sauce drizzled over fresh fruits and cake. Couples bopped (some danced) to live jazz and shared tables with new found friends all around. We almost forgot to check-in to our tour, but learned the r-rated mating habits of African porcupines and Indian elephants from the experts. Judging from the smiling crowd, which didn't dwindle until the band closed with "My Funny Valentine," the evening was a grand success. Now we want to return soon in the daylight to get a peek at the new tiger cubs on exhibit, we feel like we're part of the `ohana now! ~alohabc

It's a Zoo Here!

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 06:21:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day! I don't know about you, but I'm going to the Honolulu Zoo! Guided night tours, martinis & heavy pupu, included. Come walk on the wild side... click on the title of this post for an invitation to an adults-only event, February 14th. See you there! ~alohabc

Classics & Comfort Food

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Ever have a craving for hot dogs, but end up with half a package of stale Costco hot dog buns or dozens of bread ends in your freezer?!? I had an abundance of both, so this is a recipe I came up with the other night... Hot Dog Bread Pudding! Most recipes call for stale French bread, but I found the texture of these buns and stale potato bread (I'm sure Challah egg bread or Portuguese Sweet Bread would be a nice substitution.) was perfect for a light, moist pudding. All the recipes I came across online called for an outrageous amount of sugar or syrups, so this is a lowered sugar/fat version. With one cup of raw sugar, this piece was plenty sweet for me... some recipes called for up to three cups! I'm all for substitutions and creativity, so those are cranberries instead of traditional raisins, but I wished I had some rum to soak them in before the baking. Once again, I forgot to put in chopped nuts, so that's why you see the pecans here. Now, before we all forget why AGJ News & Weather was created, this is my newest jewelry, a pair of classic sterling silver hammered hoops, with a bit of embellishment. In these times, we all need a bit of simple comfort, don't we?!? The recipe for Hot Dog Bread Pudding will be found in my new newsletter, AGJ Quarterly, and these 1" hoops will be a Subscriber Special Offer. Click on the title to this post to subsribe. ~alohabc

Chinese Fusion in Kaneohe

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:50:00 +0000

A holiday staff party at a local Chinese restaurant most of us had never been to, turned out to be a gourmet extravaganza of unexpected delights this weekend! Besides the opportunity to meet significant others, distant coworkers and talkstory outside of the office setting, we were treated to a one-of-a-kind meal that's worth sharing here. Lots of photos, so let's get down to business...

Roast Duck & Mashed Taro/Potato Guacamole Nachos:

Crispy Honey Walnut, Spinach & Ka`u Orange Salad:

Sea Bass, Shiitake Mushroom & Baby-Baby Bok Choi (so cute!):

Flourless Wonton Soup (surprise filling inside eggwhite wrapper):

Spicy Diver Scallops & Crispy Spinach (like toasted nori!):

(We ate our Pepper Beef Rolls on Asparagus Spears, before I could take a pic!)

Minute Chicken Cake Noodle (perfection of a classic!):

Non-dairy Panacotta, Fresh Mango Sorbet, Rasperry & Mango Sauces:

There you go! Oh wait... there are some details you'll need to find a meal like this, isn't there?!? Take note, this is a classic neighborhood Chinese Restaurant from all indications, inside and out (note the stainless steel teapot and Aloha Shoyu in the first pic) with an extensive classic menu in print. It is behind the scenes that these fusion delicacies are conceived and created by owner, Raymond Siu, and his family staff.

Plan a party; eight or more would be about right.
Take note of allergies, preferences, favorites, but be open-minded.
Decide on how much per person in your budget.
Call in advance and make arrangements: 235- 4505
Name of restaurant: Pah Ke's Chinese Restaurant, Kaneohe

Chef Siu works hard to find the freshest local ingredients and prepares all his meals with health in mind. Of course, you can always stop in for a wonderful classic meal when you're ono for good food and great service, but believe me, your next party will be memorable at Pah Ke's. Kung Hei Fat Choi! ~alohabc

Disposable Jewelry?!?

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:03:00 +0000

"Going green" has gone mainstream and upscale, while at the same time fashionistas are being blasted with "cheap chic" trends. Call me a snob, but when it comes to "cheap" jewelry, there are no real bargains! Why sell ourselves short with rhinstones and goldtone from a celebrity designer or mass market products that will fall apart, turn your skin green or flake off on your fingers? Would you ever throw $20 bills into a landfill?

Not everyone can afford what comes in sky blue boxes or diamonds for everyday wear, but we can find heirloom quality, crafted jewelry and stimulate the economy at the same time! Microbusinesses in homes across the country are supporting families and supplementing households with handcrafting. A few classic pieces in genuine Swarovski® crystal, a string or two of pearls and a small collection of earrings can accessorize a simplified wardrobe to great effect. Splurge on one "statement" necklace for that Little Black Dress on clearance, and you'll be set for any occasion, day or night! ~alohabc

Christmas BonBons

noreply@blogger.com (alohabc) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:57:00 +0000

I wanted to give my friends a special holiday gift this year to commemorate our visit to the Chocolate Extravaganza, as reported in an earlier post. I had seen "chocolate" beads before, but of course I could not find what I was looking for now, so I took the matter into my own hands. Polymer clay, aka "Fimo," a brand name, has been a staple in the craft world for decades. Doll and dollhouse makers, as well as jewelry artists and other craftspeople do truly amazing things with "poly clay." I decided this would be my best option after viewing websites and video tutorials. Made a quick trip to the local craft store for clay and craft varnish. With craft tools and kitchen implements in hand, I formed my mini treats, each x4. 15-o (extra tiny) seedbead "sprinkles" placed with a toothpick, a genuine garnet cherry and each recipient's initial decorate the teeny treats. The most difficult problem to solve was the "serving dish." The bonbons are secured on the backside of a large decorated scrapbooking brad head, with the prongs cut off. A bit of a paper plate was cut to fit inside and provide an even surface to glue the bonbons to the dish. The pieces were sealed and finished with a brushing of water-based varnish. Wrapping up these little charms was even more fun. Nestled in fluted bonbon cups and wrapped with decorated cellophane, these gifts are about the size of a chocolate kiss! Isn't that sweet?!? You can see even more amazing polymer clay food by clicking on the title to this post! ~alohabc