New Directions!

If you have looked at my "Retired Designs" listings, you have noticed that many of my designs are being retired. After much thought, prayer and consideration, I have chosen a new direction for my website and my designs. I have had a lot of joy creating all of my work in the past 7 years but change is necessary!

I will be creating 4 major signature pieces a year to coincide with the seasons. They will be available for a limited time and I will be creating a limited number of pieces in each design. Because each one is made by hand, they will have subtle differences.

I will be doing more bead embroidery in cuffs and adding some necklaces using the same technique. I will also be creating more of the Peyote stitch patterns which will be made to order as the length of those are key to a good fit. The clasps will be made by me with a more elegant appearance.

I am very excited about the new direction I am going in, I hope you will too!

I have more changes in the works so make sure you stop in from time to time.

I will still be making my popular hats, not to worry. I will be limiting the amount I have on the site only because of the increase in Wholesale orders around the country. I will again not be taking any special orders this year.

I hope you'll stop by Divella Delights and check out the new changes and make sure to take advantage of the 60% off sale between now and then!

Bridal Cuff, Ready to Attach

Here we have the finished beadwork all ready to attach to the cuff.

I have to trim the cuff a little so that it fits just right so the finished piece will be posted later tonight. I am hoping to get some better photos so you can see the ivory and white more clearly. It really is quite striking!

As it turns out, I really like the silver in this piece which is quite a surprise ot me beacuse at the onset I did not think I would.

Be sure to stop by Divella Delights to see the finished cuff later tonight!

Bead Embroidered Bridal Cuff

I wanted to do a Bridal Cuff but was lacking a center stone to use. This is where those beading books come in handy! I made a center flower and some leaves using one of the techniques in “The Beaded Garden” with some variation of my won and made the focal point for the beginning of my Bridal Cuff.

 

 

 

 

The photos are a little challenging because at the moment it is white on white and I am no photographer but you can see how handy those books are when you have to improvise.

I plan to use a variety of shapes and sizes of seed beads in ivory and white as well as some beautiful little white pearls I have leftover from my daughter’s bridal necklace I made last year. I could not resist the chance to show her off so here she is wearing the necklace.

 

  I have some small silver flowers I will probably use too but if you have followed me at all, or if you bead yourself you know how the direction can change! First I will have to drill them as they have no holes in them yet. You can see them in the Blue Lace Agate Cuff.
Follow along with me at Divella Delights for the process and I will post the finsished photos here as well!

Beading Patterns

Don't forget, Divella Delights also sells beading patterns. I have Peyote patterns, and beadweaving tutorials! Here are a some photos for you to fall in love with!

 

 

Many Thanks!

I woke up early this morning with a sense of peace and gratitude I have not felt in a very long time. There have been so many things in the past year that have driven me to question the very existence of anything good. I will not saddle you with all the family adversities I will say only that there has been a lot of sadness and distress. In addition to that my jewelry business cannot seem to really get off the ground except on a very local level so again I find myself looking for a paycheck from someone else.


I have been designing jewelry for several years now and have all but given up many times. If it were not for the loving prodding of family and friends I think I would probably only be stubbornly plodding along using my stock for gifts for those treasured family and friends. I have also been tempted to sell off everything just to recoup my materials cost.

Yesterday was a marvelous day when everything seemed to come together.

Not only was I offered a much needed job, temporary in nature so we can finish our move to Vermont, but I received my advance copy of Bead and Button magazine (June issue). My Winter Frost necklace is in it, page 17 with my name so I am published for the first time in actual print.

There are 3 people (aside from family) who have been very instrumental in pushing me to publish my designs. It was first suggested by Denise Dernorsek, a friend I met while working at the VA when this venture in design actually began. She has given me constant encouragement and honesty in her critique but only when asked! The other is Marsha who is the buyer for and has been with Tardif Jewelers for more than 30 years and who has purchased hundreds of my pieces over the past few years. When her niece was getting married she came to me to dress the wedding party in bling, leaving me feeling very honored. We have become friends over the past few years and she too kept pushing me to submit my work to be published. The third is Duchess from Artbeads.com who also gave me much encouragement to submit my work.

Now it has come to pass, finally it seems to me, that my work is in an actual magazine and a very good one at that! It seems a bit silly to be so excited over such a small event but it happened at such a crucial point, as those things seem to do. It gives me the encouragement I need to market my designs in earnest. I guess now that I have something in my hand that is tangible proof that I am worthy I feel more confident.

Saving Money on Jewelry Making Supplies

There are a couple of things I try to do when buying supplies for my jewelry business. Free or low cost shipping! Not only do I want to save my own money, but also I want to be able to extend that price break to my customers. One thing though, I don’t ever want to sacrifice quality.

There are times items are less costly with one supplier than another but after I compute cost with shipping I am actually paying more per item.

After comparing prices, which takes a great deal of time, there are a few suppliers I use regularly who offer free shipping over a specific amount. I am not talking about thousands of dollars, a $10 or $25 minimum so it is not like I have to keep my list going forever before I make my purchase. I don’t have thousands of dollars at my disposal most months so I don’t use the $1,000.00 minimums or the 200-item minimum to get the best price.

There is one very large supplier out of California I used to use for gems and pearls but the quality had gone downhill and the cost had gone up so much I had to find others. I want to use high-grade materials in my creations. I don’t want to spend my time creating beautiful designs and then use inferior supplies.

So which suppliers do I use now? Well, there are several depending on what I am looking for.

If it is pearls, gemstones or gemstone chips on my mind I check out Artbeads.com and Beadin Path. The quality is very good and they both offer free shipping if your order is over $10 and $25 respectively. I do not think I have EVER spent less than $25.00 when buying jewelry making supplies! If you want it quicker there are other options but I prefer the free shipping.

If I am looking for copper I go right to Accessories Susan. Not only are her prices really good but her materials or lead safe and nickel free. She also has free shipping and with no minimum!

Any glass I buy I usually go right to the artisan. I did a blog a month or two ago about what some companies refer to as ‘Artisan created’. Careful here, most of it is not created by an Artisan as we think of it. My personal favorites are Generations Lampwork and Rufus and Roxy (free shipping $25+), both found on Etsy. Generations does charge shipping but it is nominal. They are both wonderful with special orders. Seed beads in bulk is something I have yet to find free shipping for so if anyone knows of anyone, please let me know. I buy most of my seed beads from Caravan Beads in Portland, Maine. If I am just looking for a tube or 2 then Beadin Path has a good selection but Caravan is definitely my go-to place for Delica beads. Caravan also has delicious pearls.

Although Gemphora is a little costly and they do charge shipping, they have wonderful great quality gems that I have trouble finding elsewhere like Kyanite, Fluorite, and Labradorite. I always get the $5.00 donation pearls when I shop with them. They pick them so it is a surprise each time I receive an order. I have never been disappointed.

I get most of my findings and Swarovski at Artbeads.com.

I hope this helps you find some better prices for your supplies. Let’s face it, we all enjoy saving some money when we can and I enjoy begin able to create pieces without having to worry about the end price.

Do you have any favorite suppliers?


I was not paid or compensated by anyone for this blog post

Som New Designs

O.k. So. I have been having lots of fun and staying really busy although I guess you would not know it from these pages! I have had some special orders keeping me busy and sold a Winter Frost so had to make another...remember? The first one is going to Bead and Button to be featured in the June 2011 issue! I had to picture the Winter Frost here again and then some others I have been working on. There are a few more and of course you can pop over to Divella Delights and see them.

Oh did you hear? I am now in a boutique in Harvard Square Dahling! Cambridge, Mass...nice!

Is that little fish lampwork bead adorable? It is made by Generations Lampwork, fun stuff!

Beware of "Artisan Created"

Whew...back from a few days in Boston and time to get back to work.
We left off discussing great jewelry findings (before the bath products).
Today I want to talk about Lampwork beads.
I have seen several sites lately who boast "artisan created" when talking about lampwork beads. This to me is misleading most of the time. When I saw that I could buy an unlimited amount of the same exact bead I began to wonder.
When I buy lampwork beads from an artisan each one is different, even if they are a "matched pair". This makes sense to me as an artist so I never gave it another thought. These mass produced glass beads are not the same. If you were ever curious about how these stunning beads were made I have a great link for you. After reading this you can clearly see that no 2 beads can ever be exactly alike unless you are melting the glass in some sort of mold. I do not consider that as artisan created. The beads that I use are truly artisan created, made by the artisan…one bead at a time with a torch and glass rod…by hand. This of course, does make the bead more costly but I look at it this way…I can buy an original painting or I can buy a print; a less expensive reproduction which a million other people are going to have. Perhaps if the prints are a limited edition only 500 other people will own them…still. The original makes it more valuable and there is not another anywhere. If you want to find some great (truly) artisan created beads check out my 'Link' page. Pictured here are some beads by

Generations Lampwork

and Rufus and Roxy.

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates have so many wonderful applications! They great for those people on your shopping list you are not quite sure what to buy. Not only that but suppose you want to buy your mother something really special and you have some others who would like to join in. Each person can send their own Gift Certificate so Mom has more choices! She can choose several pair of earrings, some necklaces and maybe a handcrafted exotic wood cutting board or bowl or even that wonderful Winter Frost necklace. The gift certificates are also great for those last minute "OOPS I forgot someone" gift because they can be sent right away. Because they all go through Paypal everything is instant. They are very easy to use.
Divella Delights has gifts for little ones on your list as well. Do you have a niece or nephew you have not seen for a while? Send their mom or dad the gift certificate and let them get the right size and color.
You can print them out and give them in person or in a card. They are great for those Yankee swaps at the office!
Here are a few things we offer at Divella Delights…stop by and see more! We are always changing!

Fall Infatuation

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot
There is no place that compares to Nature’s palette during these months here in New England. A drive up I-95 in autumn is simply amazing. The further north one goes the deeper the colors of the trees and the crisper and cleaner the air becomes. There are places where the hillsides appear to be in a blaze, the oranges and reds so deep and vivid. No doubt about it, living in New England is for the lovers of autumn.
Creating jewelry is always easiest for me this time of year; the inspiration so stunning and the colors are my favorite palette to draw from so it made this design come quite easily.
I began with this stunning copper leaf from Artbeads.com as the focal point of my 21-inch necklace. Behind that leaves created with seed beads peek out. Several inches on each side were then woven using the same Toho seed beads, coppery pearls, Swarovski in Padparadscha, and Goldstone. I always Fireline for my weaving because of the strength and the fact that is does not stretch. The last part of the neck is done with this wonderful lovely copper chain with tiny little leaves swaying gently from the links. Finally a copper toggle clasp to pull it all together making it easy for most anyone to put on and remove. Be sure and see all my new fall designs and my hats too at Divella Delights.

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Divella Delights from Sea to Sea

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that right around the middle of September you will be able to see my jewelry at Clothware in the Square in Cambridge, MA in Harvard Square. My hats will be at Fyberworks in Portland, Oregon the Fall! I am very excited! Perhaps New York is next!!

Come by Divella Delights and see my new creations of the jeweled variety as well as my new knit and crochet Hats and Scarves for 2010!

Free Drawing

I am giving away this Pearl Medallion necklace and all you have to do to have the chance to win is s imply go to Divella Delights and sign up on the e-mail list. I only send out 1 e-mail a month so your inbox won't get inundated with useless nonsense. Come by and take a look at what's new!

Back to Work!

Here is what I have been working on lately...

Busy, busy , busy...

Our family had a difficult start to this year but hopefully we are on the mend now.

I am still working the full time job for another 8 weeks so I am trying to get some design time in and beading is always a great distraction for me. I have been having some fun with the geometric bracelets although they take about 5 hours each so not too cost effective but like I said they are fun!

I have managed to get some of my signature pieces done for my trip to the west coast in August. I also need to get some hats done for that trip but I do have a few left from last year so I guess if I don't get to those it will be OK.

Celebrating Spring with Artbeads

In springtime, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head. ~Terri Guillemets

Artbeads and I are celebrating Spring together!

That's right, it is time for Blog for Beads again and look at what I have for you this time!

I began this necklace with this stunning Venetian Glass 20mm Zanfirico Millefiori Disc as the focal point. I really wanted to bring out the beautiful gold tones in the glass so next I chose these 8mm Gold-Filled Round Matte Bead and placed them on the sides of the Venetian Glass and along the neckline. The balance of the neck was created with Swarovski Bicones and Amazonite beads. I used seed beads in 3 colors some of which are woven in and some I did in leaf shapes.

Artbeads has a wonderful selection of Venetian glass, Murano Glass and Lampwork beads in beautiful colors and a variety of shapes.

Sometimes when I have a hard time getting the creative juices flowing I just choose a large focal bead and go from there. It is a wonderful way to get beyond any creative block...give it a try!

I have another piece coming soon with more wonderful materials from Artbeads.com

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Divella Delights!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Divella Delights!
Everything on the site is 10% off, even the Under $25.00 section and all those beautiful hats! Necklaces have been discounted 40% and bracelets are 30%! Sale begins now and ends Thursday evening and remember, I ship every day.
All orders over $45.00 receive a free gift!
I have the jewelry store I sell to coming over tomorrow to fill up her display so if there is something you want, you might want to get it now.
The winner for February has been selected so as soon as I hear back I will announce the winner.
I just purchased a program so I can make my own bead patterns for peyote bracelets so lots of great new designs coming up. I will even be able to bead people, pets, etc into a bracelet. See the geometric one? This one was designed by Anna Neff although I changed things up a bit and designed a clasp I like much better. This will be very exciting!
Happy Valentines Day to all of you!

I have been having much too much fun!
The folks at Artbeads have featured me on their Facebook page, which I think was really sweet of them. We have been making great designs together and will continue to do so from time to time. I enjoyed designing that one so much I made another, pictured here.
In addition to the jewelry I am making now I am having a wonderful time playing with my hats. The red one I just finished I love and I want to do more like this. I will wait and see how it is received first because in retail you just never know. There have been things I have made that I thought were just fabulous but they did not sell well. It is indeed a tough business.
When I am finished with my contract at the State offices here I am hoping to take a trip and do some marketing…not my forte to be certain but I have to get my designs out there. The jewelry store here does extremely well for me and is surely my bread and butter throughout the year. I need 3 more just like them and I can stay home and work and not have to look for other work to fill in the gaps. Wish me well! Stop by Divell Delights and drop me a line in my guestbook

Handmade Jewelry sale

Good-Bye 2009!
In just a couple of days we will have the final monthly drawing for 2009. You only need be on the e-mail list to have a chance at a very special free gift. Here are just a few of the free gifts this year and this month there is going to be something extra-special!
There are some changes in the works at Divella Delights for 2010 so stay tuned in January for some updates. I am trying to get it all together now so I can just send out one e-mail with all the new information.
Did you know that we now offer Gift Certificates at Divella Delights? Did you realize that they never expire? You can also set up a specific day to have your gift certificate sent. If your life is as busy as mine this feature can come in very handy!
There is a sale beginning NOW at Divella Delights with earrings, bracelets, necklaces and even the Crochet Hats by Jessy from 30%-50% off regular prices. Some of the designs will not be coming back so if you have seen something you like, now might be the time! We also have the new "Under $25.00" category. Come by and check that one out from time to time.
I extend my wishes for a very happy, fulfilling and joyful 2010 to all my wonderful customers…see you all next year!
Dianne
Divella Delights

Instant Gift Certificates

Divella Delights is please to announce that we now carry Gift Certificates.
They are very secure as Paypal processes them. They are available in any denomination and you can print them or e-mail them, your choice so you never have to be caught without that special gift again! We have personalized items available for just about anyone.
Because Divella Delights creates one of a kind items your recipient can always find something that uniquely speaks to them.
You can find the gift certificates located on the top right of any page. So there is still plenty of time to shop for Christmas!

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates are wonderful things!
I am a mother of 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren and sometimes with my busy life things can get away from me, even important things. Birthdays and yes, even Christmas sneaks up on me. I know what I want to get and go to the store only to find they have run out!
With the older kids and my siblings and friends there are times when I am not sure what to get them, color, style fit, etc…. There are also the last minute parties when I want to pick up a little hostess gift but I am stretched for time. These are some of the times where those gift cards and instant on line gift certificates come in really handy. I can print one off at home, pick up a card on the way and Voila! I have a wonderful gift in hand immediately.
Divella Delights now offers gift certificates! You can print them or e-mail them. The transactions are through Paypal so everything is secure. We carry beautiful one of a kind gemstone and beaded jewelry, crochet and knitted hats and bags, vases, ornaments, bead crochet jewelry, and candleholders all handcrafted and created by my husband and I in our smoke free home studio in Maine.
There are styles for the young and old, conservative pieces and gifts for those with a little wild streak. We make special occasion plaques and clocks that are suitable for military, retirement, graduation or any time you want something personalized for a special occasion or to mark a milestone. We even have items for men, babies and children. I take special orders and am happy to work with anyone to make him or her something uniquely theirs.
Here is a list of occasions gift certificates from Divella Delights can really come in handy:
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Hostess gifts
Graduation
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Retirement
Wedding
New home
Baby shower
Military service and the list goes on.

Stop by Divella Delights and see what we have to offer. You can purchase a gift certificate on any page by clicking on the little symbol located on the top right side of any page.
There is no excuse to be caught by Father Time again!
　
　
　

Gift Certificates Available!

Divella Delights is pleased and excited to offer Gift Certificates for your convenience this year! Effective immediately, you can shop at Divella Delights by just clicking in the Gift Certificate symbol located on the top right of any page, select your amount and recipient and your shopping is done! There is also a space from a nice note from you too!