The Turquoise Bead Embroidered Cuff is completed at last!

To see more of my bead embroidered cuffs, stop by Divella Delights!

Bridal Accessories

Ok, the name of my blog is Maine Made, Mostly so I can get away with this one. These are so stunning I could not help but show them to you. They were created by Carellya and can be found on Etsy

These 50-something best friends live in Jerusalem and have a way with vintage lace. After raising their families and finishing their careers, they are now having the time of their lives creating unique designs using vintage lace, beads and pearls. Their Etsy shop is full of delightful, magical accessories for the Bride. The lace embroidery is breathtaking!

I have to warn you that going to this shop could cause a ringing in your ears, a craving for cake and a desire to rent a hall!

New Crochet Rope Design

In a recent edition of Beadwork magazine I saw a bracelet in there I really liked. The problem was that no matter how many times I tried to weave it using the directions and technique in the magazine I could not get it to work.

I have been doing bead crochet for with some time so I though perhaps I could come up with a pattern with the same beads and a similar look. This was the result…

splendid! I will be ordering more of these beads!

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!

Daily Specials

There is a different special every day or two at Divella Delights. The items are selected randomly and are always 30% off.
The one for today is pictured here.
These crocheted bracelets were meant to be forgotten! Roll them on and forget about them.
These bracelets are made with heavy-duty nylon cord and seed beads hand picked and purchased locally to ensure high quality. The 18mm Swarovski in the center is a stunning faceted Jet and 2 smaller faceted blood red crystals. I have slept, showered and played in mine for 2 years now and it still looks like new. My grandmother said it was the only piece of jewelry she could sleep in.

Gemstone Beaded Watchband

Beaded watchband
My watchband broke the other day and one of those silly little pins went flying when I went to take it off. It belonged to my mom and even though it is nothing special in the monetary sense, I really like having it on. We had our first snow and I really did not feel like going anywhere so I thought I would use up some odds and ends and see if I could come up with something that I liked. I looked for a beaded watchband and could not find something that was really my style.
I wanted something with gems in it and I love all the autumn colors so I ended up with this. It is Poppy Japer and Mother of Pearl with 14K gold filled and sterling silver beads.
There are a couple of minor changes I intend for the next one. For instance the clasp. This one is a from 2 different color toggles I had lost the other pieces to. I can’t ever throw anything away and I figured since this was only for me and an experiment I would try this style of clasp. I like it very much! This makes me want my other watch to break as well!
Let me know what you think. If I get enough responses I’ll make a few up in different colors.

So stop by guestbook at Divella Delights and let me know what you think!

Getting Noticed

The last couple of months have been busy! Divella Delights has been featured on Shopping Connection Galleria and Accessories Suzanne. I have also had 2 articles published in regard to jewelry making and marketing with an e-zine and it has brought a lot of traffic to the website.
It has taken a couple of years but Divella Delights is finally getting noticed. I am very excited!
I hope all this makes for a prosperous Holiday season this year.
My hats are also going into Bonnet Boutique next month and they are already in Rise Gallery and doing very well.
Thanks so much to all of you who have passed the word around!

Sign up on the e-mail list at Divella Delights for a chance to win free jewelry. I have a drawing every month!

Beaded Flowers, Leaves and Bugs

Remember in my last blog I mentioned that I am learning some new techniques? Well, here is my first flower. Now my brain is really racing. I am doing some bugs next; they look like fun too. So I am thinking I should do a bunch of white ones perhaps in a couple different sizes and incorporate it into a free form peyote necklace along with a couple of beetles or butterflies. I also want to put some of those wonderful micro-macramé leaves in there as well. I am going to try to draw out something rough but I want to keep it free form so I can bead as I go.

The Garden Collection

Gifts to make you smile!The old days and ways of making jewelry have certainly changed in the past few years. I love the "anything goes" philosophy of creation! The only limit is my imagination and willingness to explore. One thing that really helped me get out the box was the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I was very conservative in my approach for the first several years I was making jewelry. Then slowly I began to branch. Not everything has worked but when one of my customers said to me: "Every time I look at it (bracelet) I smile". I knew at that moment I was on the right track. This series is not to be taken seriously! It is not for an evening at the Opera. They are however, a LOT of fun to wear. Some of my customers have purchased colors they have never worn then went shopping for an outfit to match. What a wonderful applaud that is.The more I learn the more fun I have and the harder it is to come out of my studio. I learned how to do macramé and along with my other techniques I am making these bracelets. They are such an amusement! Even the shopping for these is a lot of fun. I look for anything interesting…different colors of course and different shapes, textures and materials. I love to incorporate genuine gemstones into them when I can and sometimes even pearls! It is such a pleasure watching these evolve. They seem to take on their own direction. Often, in fact more often than not, they take a turn in a way I had not predicted.I will get back to the more conservative soon I suppose with the changing of the seasons. For now though, I am having a blast.

Come by and see my new Garden Collection at http://www.divelladelights.com

On your mark, Get set

GO!
This is the bracelet I am giving away to the person who has the most referrals who sign up on my e-mail list this Saturday, July 11th
In the event of a tie I will draw a name at random from a hat.
The only catch is that the people you refer need to email me with your name so I know who referred them. They can do that at info@divelladelights.com
What?! You are not on the e-mail list yet? Just go to the bottom of the home page and sign up. Then send a note to all your friends. To make it easier you can copy and paste the note below or write your own.

Hi!
I would love to win the bracelet at www.divelladelights.com/blog. Please sign up on the e-mail list this Saturday, July 11th. Sign up is located on the bottom of the front page. Thanks!

GOOD LUCK!

Bead Crochet Instructions

The sale is going very well at Divella Delights and the crochet bracelets are selling fast, thanks to all my wonderful customers. Because I still have some beads left and the gemstone style sells quite well I will be working some of those up until my stash is depleted.
If you know how to do bead crochet and you are interested in making them yourself I am going to tell you how! If you don't want to go through making these yourself, I have a number of these available on my site right now at very good prices. I will also be happy to make you one in your color choice while my bead supplies last. http://www.divelladelights.com/
The first thing you need to do is make the rope leaving long ends, about 12 inches. There are a number of good sites explaining this technique; I have provided a link to those below. Once you figure out how long you need the bracelet to be you need to figure out how much you want in the center and collect gemstones, seed beads (#6, #11 and #15), pearls and the like. Remember the bracelet has to roll over the hand so you want to measure the hand at the widest point with the thumb folded in towards the palm.
So you have your crochet rope. String your first end cap, your #6 seed beads and your other end cap. Fasten that securely by taking it through the center of the rope, knot, glue and then weave it through a couple of times and repeat. As you pull the string through the knot will go into the rope and not show. Finally, weave it through again, do not knot, glue, give it a pull and cut. The string will disappear into the rope.
At this point you are ready to do the center and you should have something that looks like this
Take a beading needle and Nymo thread that has been conditioned with beeswax. Enter at one end leaving enough of a tail to tie off later, about 3 inches being careful not to go through your crochet string. You are now between the first and second bead. Add a gem or pearl and a size 15 bead and push it down to the bracelet. Take your needle and go through the gem and the next #6 bead, repeat to end, turn and repeat back to beginning end. Tie the ends together but do not cut! Repeat this until you have the desired fullness then tie off, add a dab of Hypo cement, let dry and wear! Here is a picture of the bracelet above finished.

Good source for end caps: http://accessoriessusan.com/
Beads: http://www.beadinpath.com/
Crochet Rope Tutorial (Free): http://www.sova-enterprises.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=2_5_134_189;products_id=814

Another Freebie: http://www.beadcrochet.com/lessons/basicbeadcrochet-rt.htm

Crochet NO More

I have decided not to make the crocheted bracelets anymore so I putting them all at 60% off. Many of them have handmade artisan-created lampwork in them for under $13.00!
I want to focus on my one of a kind designs and will be working on learning some new techniques to incorporate into those.
I have also started receiving hat orders for the coming season and find I will be very busy with those quite soon.
Now is the time to grab those bracelets! They make wonderful gifts, especially for those ladies in your life who have a hard time with clasps. My grandmother wore hers everyday never taking it off. She loved it because she just rolled it on, did not pinch her or get tangled up with anything else. So think ahead a few months. Is there anyone on your Christmas list who might like one these little treasures? They come in a wide variety of colors. There are even a couple for the men in your life.

Monthly Winner and Other Ramblings

A bouquet for your wrist and a smile for your heart…
I had a wonderful compliment on one of these new bracelets from a customer. She said, " It makes me smile every time I look at it"...that is what I call a success!
I am absolutely convinced that once these bracelets really hit the streets, I won’t be able to keep up making them. That wouldn’t bother me a bit as I have so much fun creating them! In order to really get them out there, I have decided to run a short term 30% off sale on them. And because it is a pain to separate them I have all the bracelets at the same discount, lucky you. Enjoy!
The winner for this month’s free drawing is Tonya! Congratulations Tonya! I hope you enjoy the gift I am sending you.
I am beginning to get orders already for the winter hats! I had a lady contact me with an order for 3 of them and here we are in May…well, nearly June but you get the point. I am also talking with some local boutiques and the local jewelry store has taken them as well as the felted clutches. The gallery who featured me last month has decided to buy outright rather than consign which is so much easier for me. She sold many of the ones she had and is buying the rest as well as more on the website. That says a lot as far as confidence goes. I think at this point I will forgo consignment, I am just too busy!
The summer hats did not go so well so I am donating them all at the end of the month. I hate to see them without a head in them, they are so cute!
I hope you are all enjoying the Spring, I am looking forward to Summer as it is still a bit chilly here in Waterville, Maine!

Metal Sensitivity

Do you or someone you know have sensitive skin? Does even the finest gold or silver turn your skin colors? Does your sensitivity only apply to plated metals? Are you fearful of the metals containing lead and seeping into your skin? Lots of people have allergies or sensitivities to metals and have trouble wearing jewelry they love but there is an answer! You can wear the latest styles and be free from rashes, itching, fear and more.
Check out all the wonderful macramé jewelry. Now, before you shutter from visions of giant owls with huge jeweled eyes staring down at you, listen up! What I am talking about is micro-macramé. Same knots, to be certain…those are eternal but wait until you see what’s being done with them. Rather than using large ropes and thick cords there are many of us designing jewelry using thread and small cord such as Irish linen. The possibilities are nearly limitless. I have even done some with pearls and other gemstones. In fact, most of my micro-macramé pieces do contain genuine gems! How exciting is that?
Take a look at this photo…fun isn’t it? This just gives you an idea what can be done. Of course, smaller scale can be done as well if you prefer the more classic look. The point is that many of us are designing jewelry with those of you in mind who cannot wear all the beautiful trinkets that fill the jewelry store shelves.
Check out your local jewelry store. Many of them have realized the desire for handmade, local jewelry over the imported stuff that fills the malls. My local jeweler took a chance on me a few years ago and she has been very pleased, not to mention successful. There were several months last year that the only sales made were my designs! She has half the store filled with local designers, the other half remains the typical, everybody has one items. You can guess which side does better.
You can also shop online for artisan created jewelry. The choices are infinite. Happy shopping!!

The Patriot

Celebrate your patriotism on the 4th of July or any day of the year. Made like my garden series but in red, white and blue, this bracelet contains lampwork, snow quartz, Czech, vintage and contemporary Lucite, and some non-tarnish silver tornado beads I twisted up. It has a red star button for a clasp.

Each bead and gem is individually knotted in a core of waxed Irish linen with coordinated threads for a lifetime of wear making this series perfect for every day or any day when you just need a smile.
See this and many more at www.divelladelights.com

Carousal Series, a banquet for your wrist
I have a new design to show you and one in the works. This was inspired by Stephanie Sersich from her book ‘ Designing Jewelry with Glass Beads’ although I have made a few changes in that I use different stringing material and I use a lot of gemstone rather than making it all lampwork. I am calling it the Carousal Series. I am working on some fulled beads and discs for a fiber version. I hope you will come by and check it out in a few days.
The beads I make with the wool are fulled by hand and they take a few days to dry completely so I am hold with those but in the meantime I ham having a lot of fun making the gemstone variety.
I have spent this spring learning some new techniques and mixing up with my old ones and am having lots of fun doing it. I like using all the leaves and flowers, it reminds me of a beautiful English garden
As always if you see a design and would prefer it in a different color, just ask!

Gemstone Jumble

A great new design using Rhyolite, Turquoise, Lovely faceted Smokey Quartz, Labradorite, Artisan created lampwork from 3 different artisans, Wooden charm by my hubby, vintage Lucite, a 3 pressed Czech leaves. Whew…
The entire piece is knotted with a complimentary green cord and the clasp is a loop and Lampwork bead by Rufus and Roxy.
As this is a first attempt I am keeping this one as it does have some minor flaws. I should have some for sale the first part of next week. They’ll run $40-$65 depending on the gems and other materials used.
I have purchased some great fibers and have some pretty hot ideas in mind so come on back in a bit.
I will be unavailable from 27 APR until 6 MAY but I’ll be ready to roll when I return!

Micro Macrame

Well folks, here I go again in pursuit of another lesson. A friend of mine had a book on micro macramé and it looked really interesting to me. My mind went away with all the design possibilities. It will be my new venture to incorporate some of that old 70’s style stuff with my designs. Understand that this is not done with the Jute we used back in the day. It is done with thread or very fine cord and beads…even gems! Yea! Sounds like it will be right up my alley. I have ordered the instructions and that should be in for me to pick up in a couple of days.
I am still working on the vases; in fact I have a beautiful black, silver and white one in the works now. It is smaller than the first one I did for 2 reasons. First to make it more affordable and second don’t you know those things take a long time?
I am also still doing the crochet bracelets, the woven gemstone work and free-form peyote so if there is something you would like, please ask.
I will be going on vacation soon and am trying to get my ducks in a row, learn new techniques to keep things interesting and figure out what I want to take with me for some possible new accounts.
Look for new designs at www.divelladelights.com

Show Your Support

Show your support for our men and women of the Armed Forces regardless of your political affiliation. Though some may not agree with the conflicts we are or will be engaged in we all support the men and women who give their service to this country. The mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles and all the other loved ones and friends in the US Armed Forces appreciate our support more than you know.
The lampwork beads are handmade, artisan created by http://generationslampwork.etsy.com/ and they can be done in any color as can the beaded part. currently I have black, white and green with the yellow ribbons.
20% of all sales for these yellow ribbon bracelets will be donated to Operation Homefront. More information on this charity can be found at http://www.charitynavigator.org/
While our troops will not be overlooked, these crocheted bracelets were meant to be forgotten! Roll them on and forget about them. Great for summer fun, these bracelets are made with heavy-duty nylon cord and seed beads hand picked and purchased locally to ensure high quality. If you get them wet just rinse with clear water and let air dry. If your bracelet is a little too big or a tad too small just wet and wear it. I have slept, showered and played in mine for 2 years now and it still looks like new. My grandmother said it was the only piece of jewelry she could sleep in.

Giving it away!

Free? Really? Absolutely!

Beginning this month I am giving away one free item a month free of charge to one person on my E-Mail list. All I ask in return is that you stop by my guestbook after you receive your item and leave a note. The only thing you have to do to have a chance of getting a wonderful surprise in the mail is join my e-mail list by clicking on the link to the right and scroll down, enter your e-mail address and hit "sign me up". These are not seconds. They are taken from the items I have for sale in my shop. Here are a few examples.
I will contact the person drawn for a mailing address to send the gift to. I will not use your address for any other purpose, give it away or sell it.
My aim is to increase the favorable comments in my guestbook for others to see. It is that simple.
Sign up now…the drawing for free merchandise is soon!