Addict? Me?

People keep saying to me that I should not take any work on vacation! What on earth could they be thinking? My work is my passion. I often spend all day in my studio, knit and crochet while hubby is home in the evenings and then back up to my studio after I tuck him in.
Most of my ideas come to me as I am drifting off to sleep so I have to get up, make some notes, perhaps gather some materials together to recall that creation that surfaced in that half conscious state when the vision appeared.
I love to do things outside the "norm" although I am happy as an artist to see that the line between normal and not is getting grayer by the day.
I think the most boring commissioned pieces I have had are plain, simple just strung requests. I like to be challenged. Can you draw it, explain it in detail? If so, I would love to attempt it! The most wonderful requests I have had have been from the local jewelry store. She will call me and say "I need something with Carnelian and Pearls". We have been working together long enough that she trusts me. She also knows if she does not like it I will sell it elsewhere and start over although that has not happened yet I am happy to say. I get to play and let the creative energy go wild. I love that!
The option of NOT taking work with me just terrifies me. I have a bag in the car with knitting always, always. I have a light in the car so I can knit while hubby drives at night. Ok, so perhaps I am an addict. I am however, a very happy one. How many of us are fortunate enough to be able to be so fervently dedicated to a profession they cherish? Every day I am surrounded by beautiful colors, luxurious fibers, ravishing gems, lustrous pearls and have a studio right upstairs.
So, what WILL I take on vacation…so many options!

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.

New! Spring Knit, Felted Clutch

These beautiful bags measure roughly 10"x6"x2" and are felted very thick. First I hand knit them using exquisite woolen fibers then I felt them. After they are dry I add the embellishments.
I make the felted adornments as well and any items with needle felt are also done by yours truly. Naturally I also so all the beading. About the only thing I don’t do is raise the animals and spin the yarn.
This series will be going to the local shop when I get a dozen made. At that point they will no longer be available on line.
I am having a sale on my site at http://www.divelladelights.com/ on selected hats and jewelry so come by for a visit!

Want to keep the sun out of your eyes but find it too hot to wear a hat? Do you want a little something to keep your beak and that sensitive area on the tops of your ears from burning while you lounge by the pool? I have designed just the thing!
Made of 100% cotton this is cool, comfy and it is adjustable with a 2 button (fun and color coordinated) closure in the back. Best of all you can toss it right in the wash. You can pitch it in your bag or wear it around your neck so you have it with you when you need it. Perfect for all those fun, summer activities like camping, hiking, fishing, gardening or just doing nothing at all.

OK folks, sales have hit bottom and I can’t make much in the way of donations these days. In order to try to increase those I have designed a summer 100% Cotton Visor in 2 styles seen above to which I will add your choice of "ribbon". A list of ribbon colors and their corresponding awareness campaign can be found below and was taken from http://www.fundraisers.com/causes/ribbons I have posted the white visor with the pink ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness. I will also be making different ones periodically. If there is a certain color visor you want, please contact me at info@divelladelights.com and I will do my best to accommodate you.
All Visor sales regardless of if they have a ribbon on them will be subject to the donation.
The donation will be 10% of the sale to the charity and will be made quarterly.

Yellow Awareness Ribbons continue to be associated with American Armed Forces and gain poignancy as lives continue to be lost in the Middle East. The same color is associated with Suicide Prevention. Yellow Ribbons also symbolize Hope, a common link among all humanitarian causes; an arrow accompanying a Yellow Ribbon means "Hope Ahead."

A Gold Awareness Ribbon symbolizes childhood cancer, and orange is the color for Leukemia.

Pink Ribbons are universally connected to Breast Cancer issues. Efforts by legions of volunteers affected by breast cancer have increased research funding and promoted routine self-examinations and mammograms for early detection. Pink also signifies Birth Parents for adoption related organizations.

Black Ribbons still represent Mourning and have also been adopted to increase awareness for Melanoma and Gang Violence.

Blue Ribbons promote awareness about Colon Cancer and Child Abuse Prevention. Pinstriped Blue Ribbons have been adopted by organizations involved with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Colon Cancer and Scleroderma are signified by Light Blue Ribbons.

Purple and Silver are the most prevalent Awareness Ribbon colors. These colors represent so many causes; you may need to ask the ribbon wearer which one they're signifying. Go ahead…ask. They'll enjoy educating you about something close to their heart.

Purple Ribbons have been employed by organizations supporting Pancreatic Cancer, Alzheimer's, Lupus, and Youth Courage. Purple also denotes issues related to Domestic Violence.

Silver Ribbons demonstrate support for Multiple Sclerosis, Children with Diabetes, Brain Disorders, Amalgam and Anti-Stigma.Green Ribbons spread awareness about Environmental Concerns, Organ Donation, Missing Children, and Safe Driving.

White Lace Ribbons stand for Osteoporosis; solid White Ribbons represent Victims of Terrorism. Teal Ribbons are linked to Ovarian Cancer.

Red Awareness Ribbons will forever stand for AIDS related causes and MADD continues to spread their message with red ribbons on automobile antennas; Substance Abuse has also become associated with ribbons of red.

Cotton Visors

Want to keep the sun out of your eyes but find it too hot to wear a hat? Do you want a little something to keep your beak from burning while you lounge by the pool? I have designed just the thing!
Made of 100% cotton this is cool, comfy and it is adjustable with a 2 button (fun and color coordinated) closure in the back. Best of all you can toss it right in the wash. You can pitch it in your bag or wear it around your neck so you have it with you when you need it. Perfect for all those fun, summer activities like camping, hiking, fishing, gardening or just doing nothing at all.
These can be made in a variety of colors and with or without the little knit leaf and flower.
This one is available on my website and I will be coming out with a broader design for those of you who want more coverage so keep checking my website at www.divelladelights.com

Java Junkie

In addition to lots of cups, cozies, bags and yes, even jewelry with a coffee theme that can be found on Etsy.com I have discovered yet a new addition to my favorite addiction...coffee soap! This one is Mocha Java Coffee Soap-Vanilla almond Latte. It is made by Mountain Meadows Bath and Body Boutique. Made with luxury ingredients and freshly ground coffee, you will be back to order this soap time and time again. Handmade and all natural, old fashioned soap. This can be seen and ordered at http://mmbathbodyboutique.etsy.com/ for just $4.00. There are many other interesting items to choose from in this shop that makes this a one stop for that perfect gift. How about an Olivewood Pen or some beaded jewelry. If gifts for Fifi is what brings you then how about some all natural Shampoodle Doggie soap. If she was really good in her bath you could give her some Organic Peanut Butter and Banana Doggie Cookies. Just don't leave these on the counter. The kids and Hubbie will never believe they aren't for people. Cruise by and see the folks at Mountain Meadows... See ya, I am off to the bath and I may never come out!

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!