Great Find on Etsy!

Can’t you just see how scrumptious her sugar scrubs are?! I was one of the Guinea Pigs she refers to in her product description She will be listing her bath salts tomorrow so stay tuned for more all-natural, non-toxic, healing, soothing products from Barbara.
"I loved the sugar scrub I purchased from a major retail outlet, until I read the ingredients. A whole list of chemicals that I couldn't pronounce and didn't want. So began my first 'mad science' experiments to make a product that is good for the body, soul and environment.So I began with a list of ingredients that nourish your skin. Organic sugars that naturally exfoliate. Sweet almond oil to moisturize and soothe skin. Apricot kernel oil for it's high vitamin E content and skin softening. Grape seed oil for toning and healing. Scented with sandalwood and lavender essential oils, forming a synergy of scents to boost confidence and relax the mind.Then I sent a batch out to my 'guinea pigs', family and friends that were willing to give me honest feedback. They overwhelmingly love it and want more. However, as with any product with natural carrier oils, this will make your bathtub or shower slippery; so please use caution and common sense when using.This large 8-ounce jar is sealed and securely wrapped for shipping. Please note that I do not use emulsifiers, preservatives or artificial colors in this; this is a full jar of high quality oil and organic sugars. The heavy walled jar is labeled for recycling, so please recycle!
Simply smooth on skin and rinse with hot water. It will literally leave your skin as smooth as a baby's bare bottom"
Look for more scents to come!
The jars are dishwasher safe and because I re-use a lot rather than recycle so I use mine for beads and other small trinkets.

Lucite Flower Earrings

Here are some nice little treasures for your ears and you can see more at Divella Delights.

I have been having a good time putting these together, getting ready for Spring. In Maine we like to dream early, think of our gardens while the snow flies.
The flower earrings make a great gift if you are just trying to find a little something without breaking the bank. It is always nice to say 'I was thinking of you' and this is a great way to do it. I can even put a nice little gift card in with your gift boxed jewelry for you and mail it right to your recipient.

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.