New Fall Jewelry Designs

I love this time of year and I find it much easier to design jewelry with the colors inspired by the season of Autumn.

Fall brings with it the end of those dog days of Summer and ushers in a gentle reminder that Winter is approaching. It is the time of year for fresh warm apple pie and hot cider, cozy sweaters and warm colors. It is once again time to pull out the crock pot for delicious homemade soups and stews and heat up the oven for fresh biscuits. We can justify putting a few logs in the hearth to chase away the early morning chill.
It also means football is finally back and in our house that is serious business!
The best part as a jewelry and hat designer is the fabulous Fall palette I can delve into for my designs. I could never decide if it was the fibers or the gems that give me the most joy, I enjoy both immensely.
You can see some of my Fall flavors above but there are many more to choose from.
I will leave you now and go give the Split Pea Soup a stir and get those biscuits in the oven.

Enjoy your stay here and when you leave don't be gone too long because I am shopping for yarn this weekend so I should have some lovely hats for you to look at soon!

Classes, Sale and New Items

I have very exciting news! Divella Delights is moving to Vermont! We are very excited but as I look around at everything there is to pack I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.


I have decided to put nearly everything in the shop at 50% off. Hats, Bags and Jewelry!

Please help me out and pass this on to anyone you can think of who might be interested in getting some really good deals. This is a great chance to get some beautiful designer jewelry at the same prices my wholesale accounts have.

We have Easter right around the corner and Mother’s Day coming up soon too! If you are really the organize type you can shop for Christmas early too!

I have some great new pieces and a new section in the shop for the Ravishingly Robust woman.

I will be very busy for the next few months getting the house ready to sell, packing, donating, etc…so the next time I talk to you will be from Vermont a few months (and miles) down the road!

Take good care

Winter Garden Necklace

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As I scan the social networks I see the most delightful images testifying to the beauty that only winter brings. One photo in particular was this one by Joan Regal Ahier from the Dalles, Oregon. Although she considers herself to be an amateur photographer, her talent captures the essence of many a moment like no other I have seen. I used this photo as inspiration for my Winter Garden piece.

A nearly monochromatic work, this 18-inch necklace is meant to mimic an ice-covered garden in winter. In it you will find all of the delightful elements a lady loves.
The upper neck of this stunning piece was accomplished with dainty silver pearls and sterling silver beads to rest comfortably on your neck. As the neck transforms into the main body there are shimmering Swarovski crystals peaking out from the weave to catch the light and add flashes of color the way only these lovely Austrian crystals can. Next the weave (and the fun) begins!
I used sparkling crystal AB seed beads to give the effect of sunlight in the ice-covered trees and frosty Magatama beads to capture the look of snow on the ground. The lovely opalescent flowers give the sense that the temperature change came quickly and suddenly thus freezing the flowers in place. It serves to remind us that Spring will return again, the branches will turn green once more and blossom. The slight breaks in the weave not only allow more light to play on the necklace, but also allows for me to incorporate gemstone beads into the piece. As with most of my pieces this one draws to a close with a sterling lobster claw clasp. On the other side is an oval jump ring for added security, also in sterling.

For a piece that is nearly absent of color this necklace shimmers dramatically!

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.

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!

Bead and Button Feature

Monday morning I am sending this necklace to Bead and Button to be featured in their June 2011 issue and I am very excited.

When I decided I wanted to learn some of the bead stitches I looked at all the popular bead magazines and after checking into all of them for a couple of issues I decided on Bead and Button. they had the best instructions and great photos. With my subscription I get online extras and a place where I can post photos of my work.

I am honored to have one of my pieces in their fine publication...you better subscribe now because I intend to buy the newsstands out come June!

Winter Frost

Although Autumn is my favorite time of year there is much to be appreciated in the winter months as well. I live in Maine and there is not a more beautiful place to be in either season. The flamboyant colors and cooler temperatures of Fall ease us into the stunning monochromatic flavor of winter. Last year I was quite taken with the icy patterns on my porch windows. I went out each morning to see what gift Jack Frost had left for me as the patterns changed every day.I have wanted to do something monochromatic in sterling for quite some time and when I saw the Hill Tribe sterling Poinsettia pendant I knew I had to have it. I went back through those photos from last winter and here is what Artbeads.com, Old Man Winter and I came up with.

Over 700 sterling silver beads are woven together with Swarovski Crystal and beautiful, genuine silver button Pearls. The center is a large Hills Tribe Sterling flower; the clasp is a sterling lobster claw. The Swarovski sparkles beautifully from behind the silver weave as the light hits them and give this piece a subtle splash of color

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!

Color Relief

I have been so bored with all the neutral colors I have been working with I had to do something with color. I have quite a stash of lampwork beads created by fellow Etsy artisans so I put them to good use. You will also find other lampwork beads, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, hand blown glass and some vintage glass beads and Lucite as well.This necklace was created using micro macramé in a beautiful technique taught by Stephanie Sersich.On one side I used red and orange ending up with yellow and the other side is blues and green ending with yellow.It measures 9.25 inches from the clasp to center and the center dangle hangs a full 4 inches from the bottom of the necklace.

Lampwork Stack Necklace

I found a great way to use up some of my lampwork so I can buy more!

A stunning array of Artisan Lampwork beads by a couple of different artisans combined with Silver Leaf Agate and Bamboo Leaf Jasper makes this truly a one of a kind piece. Measuring 18 inches to center the drop is another 1.5 inches.
The lampwork beads are stacked and wire wrapped on heavy gauge 14K gold filled wire. The lobster claw clasp is also 14K gold filled.
This is truly a stunning piece, even more fabulous in person.
I can make earrings to match if you like.

Update from Divella Delights

Hello Everyone!I hope you are all enjoying your summer. It has been a tough few months with family difficulties and health issues but it seems as though things have stabilized and now I can really get back to work! Good timing too since it is time to begin the new Winter Hat designs for this year! I want to do some really fun and funky felted hats this year getting back to the 20’s and 30’s era.
I had a request for bead crochet rope necklaces so am going to do a few of those with some wonderful new lampwork and other embellishments. I am going to go ahead and do a few bracelets too so stay tuned!

Classes will start soon and I will be adding more info to the website.

Shortly you will see a “Tips, Tricks and Patterns” tab at the top of the page where I will post things such as my trials with different materials, good websites for supplies and some patterns for you.I will be going to Oregon for 3 weeks in August for a little R&R as well as a little business. When I return I expect to be doing several classes a week for 3 different age groups beginning at 9 years old. I did a trial run on my niece this Spring and it went very well. If you live in the Waterville, Maine area and are interested in the classes, shoot me an e-mail for more details.

Have you been to the website lately? I have been doing some really cool designs with my new beading software, stop by Divella Delights and take a look. More soon!Have a great day!
Dianne

Baroque Pearl Jewelry

Oh I just love baroque pearls. I never know exactly what I am going to get in the way of shapes and these are wonderful! I made a triple strand beaded necklace for them with beautiful silver seed beads as well as some really pretty hex beads. The clasp is a sterling lobster claw and the earrings are sterling a button pearls.

All the new designs have sold to the local fine jewelry store so I guess I had better get busy. Not only does she want more but also I would like to have some available for you! If you ever see something that has sold and wish to have something similar, please let me know. I cannot (nor would I want to) duplicate it exactly but I can certainly use the same design and gems.

Free Beading Instructions

As some of you know I was invited to participate in the "Blog for Beads" segment that Artbeads.com has been doing for several months now.
The way it works is I get to pick out a specified dollar amount in materials and create jewelry according to a theme chosen by Artbeads.com. Following that I have to give my honest opinion about the materials I have chosen. In addition the fabulous materials they carry the shipping is free which makes the next part of my scheme easy for all of you! Beginning with the next segment when I post the photo of the design I create for Blog for Beads, I will also give you a materials list and easy to follow instructions. All you have to do is sign up on my e-mail list and I will e-mail you the info FREE!
Here is the feedback I received from Artbeads.com about my latest creation. pictured here.
"Wow, what a beautiful ‘Mermaids Choker’ you’ve created! The pendant is breathtaking against your luscious mix of seed beads, crystals and amber. Your choice of colors for your beads is outstanding and the two gold satin rounds add a lovely touch framed up against the side of the gorgeous lampwork pendant. I’m delighted to see your beadwoven clasp too! This is the kind of design, that if I saw it in person, I would want to pick up and touch as it has a wonderful warmth and vibrancy to it. An absolutely gorgeous piece and I thank you for all of your hard work creating it. I also appreciate your work on your blog, photos and links as well."
Be sure and check out the feedback from my customers on my Guestbook page!

Mermaid Choker

"I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each." T.S. Elliott

Artbeads and I have done it again! This time the theme was summer and I had a hard time choosing my items with so many wonderful beads to choose from. When I saw this artisan created lampwork it took me right back to the years I spent in Hawaii...those beautiful beaches and luscious blue water.

The inspiration for this piece began with the beautiful lampwork bead in the center. It has the colors of a sandy beach and deep blue ocean waters. On either side you will find a satin 14K gold filled bead. On the multi strand neck there are treasures to be found. Among the size 11 and size 8 seed beads you will find genuine Swarovski crystals in 2 colors, and handsome genuine Amber chips; some opaque and some transparent. The “clasp” is a woven peyote stitch medallion and loop closure, a perfect detail for those hot summer days you want to wear your hair up. The length is 17 inches.

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.

Beautiful 1920s Felted Hats

I have been having a really good time this year making my hats and hat and scarf sets and have loved all the wonderful comments on both my ETSY feedback page and my Divella Delights website guestbook. The hat that is drying now however takes the cake. While I was twisting up the yarn this idea came into my head so I gave it a try. I wanted something a little more chic and elegant and to my delight, it worked. White I am waiting for it to dry I am working up a Turquoise necklace in the same style as my last post. It is coming a long very nicely. I just can't wait for that hat! All I can tell you now is that it is red, a color I usually tend to stay away from. Check back in Sunday or Monday for the necklace and mid-week for the hat!

Sweet Dreams

I have had this vision locked away in my head for quite some time. With the Holiday madness and working 2 jobs I didn’t have any time to be creative. Now that things have quieted down a little and thanks to the generous team at Artbeads today is the day. They contacted me and asked if I would be willing to review some of their inventory free of charge. Well, what designer can pass that up?
I love lampwork and have used a lot of it my work. I really had a hard time choosing between the bamboo lampwork pieces and the one I finally chose. I also use a lot of seed beads and Artbeads has an extensive assortment of colors and finishes making it easy to get those ideas in my head into reality.
I am very left brained and I have wanted to branch out a bit and try something asymmetrical.
To create this 20 inch necklace I used #8 beads in a light green then made a weave with #11 seed beads in Opal Topaz and Green Picasso along with Smoky Quartz gemstones and genuine pearls . Oops, I nearly forgot the 4mm Swarovski crystals

It was really hard for me to do the two sides different but I think it turned out beautifully...what do you think?

You can see more photos of this piece and get more information on my website at Divella Delights.
Disclosure...As a reviewer of products at Artbeads, I receive the elements in this necklace above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products. I am not being compensated by Artbeads for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed

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!

Weekend Special

This is my special this weekend...50% off at Divella Delights

I want real flowers, perennials which not only grow and change and die, but also rise again and astonish me. A garden shouldn't just bloom and look pretty; it should develop like the rest of life. Otherwise it, and we, live only to be spaded under.- Emma L. Roth-Schwartz
I had such joy creating this necklace although it took me a month to complete. Each leaf, each petal, each delicate wing of the butterflies were stitched one bead at a time with great care. The pearls you see here are genuine. There are also macramé beaded leaves for some added texture. The entire piece measures about 20 inches but do keep in mind that the center rises quite a bit. On me the top of the center arrangement falls just below my collarbone.Despite the size of the piece it is very comfortable to wear as it lies flat on your chest.The flowers were sewn on Ultrasuede and the backing is felt and is colorfast; I tested a swatch prior to use.The clasp is appropriately a copper flower and stem toggle. I guarantee there will not be another like this one!

See more photos at Divella Delights.