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

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.

NEW Daily Specials

Divella Delights has started something new. You will notice next time you visit us that we now have a " Today’s Special" Category. Each day or two there will be a different item at a substantial savings. Once it is gone, it's gone so stop by early! I have listed the kick off item here, but won't be doing so every day.
If you have not checked out the new ornaments made by David Jacques, come check them out. They are 3 dimensional and handcrafted from beautiful hardwoods. There are more to come so stay tuned! Shipping is still free and you always receive a free gift with every purchase over $20.00

Swarovski Bead Crochet

These bracelets are a hit! I am having very good luck with these bead crochet bracelets both on line and wholesale to the local jewelers. I have discovered that the usual way of joining these (1 bead weave) does not work as well for these. It is best if you take the first 3 beads on the same side and then go through the Swarovski pick up 3 beads on the other side, take it back through the Swarovski and through the center and repeat with the other strand. then pull snug but not too tight knot, glue weave it through a few more times and glue again before snipping off the ends. This seems to work much better making a nicer, smoother join. I have not tried this new technique on the "invisible" join like this one but I plan to give it a try if I make any more of these.

Swarovski Beaded Bracelet

Happy September! I am so happy to Autumn approaching for it is my favorite time of year. It is also what inspired these 2 Swarovski Beaded Bracelet bracelets. The bracelets are crochet ropes using high quality seed beads and the dazzling center is an 18-mm Swarovski large hole, bead that really makes these bracelets sparkle and come to life. This bead used in both bracelets is the Swarovski 18 mm Faceted Roundelle Large Hole. It looks really spectacular against the creamy beads. You can get the completed bracelets at Divella Delights or you can go to Art Beads make your own Swarovski Beaded Bracelet.
Go to and get these and many other gorgeous colors. The beautiful copper/topaz color can be found here

Making Jewelry

I have been having so much fun making jewelry the last few days! The time has come however, to get busy on all my crochet orders.
Most of the orders are for the crochet Flapper hats that did so well last year but I also have some orders from the jewelry store for crochet necklaces and more crochet bracelets. I am doing the ones with the gemstones and pearls in the center for her. Funny, I had intended to give those up all together but now I am getting orders. I guess you can never guess what is going to happen next in the world of retail.

As always you can see my work at Divella Delights.
So, off I go now to get my crochet hooks, knitting needles and get to work!

Crochet, Macrame and Beaded Flowers

Now that all my kids and relatives have come and gone for the summer it is time to get back to work in earnest. I have 24 of my crochet Flapper hats to make for Bonnet Boutique and of course the ones for my website and I am going back to LL Bean again this fall. The hats were such a huge hit last year so I am giving it another go. I should have quite a bundle of new ones finished in August.
As far as jewelry goes, I am learning some new techniques and will be working on perfecting those in time for the gift-giving season coming up fast and furious. I am learning peyote-beaded flowers and leaves as well as micro-macramé and have some wonderful designs rolling around in my head.
I had a lot of fun this summer with my Garden Collection and I will do a few of those for Autumn and perhaps a Poinsettia bracelet.
It is just about time for my monthly give-away where I select an item from my shop and give it someone drawn from a hat of names from my e-mail list. If you are not on it yet, you can go to http://www.divelladelights.com/ and sign up on the bottom of the front page.
My crochet beaded bracelets continue to be 60% off, as I will not be doing those anymore so if you are looking for a nice gift at a very good price you can check them out at http://www.divelladelights.com/
I have ordered new gift boxes so will be using them again this year at no extra charge as soon as they come in.
I guess that about wraps up this month ramble. I hope you are all having a great summer!

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

Games and Sales

We are going to play a new game at Divella Delights. Every day there will be a featured item. You’ll know it only because the title will be in red. That one item will be marked at half price! They will change at random and could be in any category and here is the kicker…it could be something already marked down! For example if it is one of the crocheted bracelets that are already 60% off (while they last) at $13.20 you could get it for as low as $6.60! A $32.00 crocheted bracelet for $6.60! And many sell their crocheted bracelets for more than my original price!
If you have not read my previous blog, all crocheted bracelets are 60% off while they last as I am not going to be making them any more.
Does it get any better? Stop by http://www.divelladelights.com/ and check out my new designs, sales and say "Hi" in the guestbook. While you are there you will want to sign up on the e-mail list because every month I draw a name and send a mystery item from my shop to that person!

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.

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

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.

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.

Crocheted Bracelets 30% Off Sale

Have you looked at my crocheted bracelets? These are great gift items because they have no clasp so they roll on and off and fit a wide variety of sizes. Great for moms with little ones, those with poor vision and they are so comfortable you can easily forget you have them and sleep in them.
I have my eye on some new lampwork beads to use for the centers of my crocheted bracelets but I need to justify buying them so I am having a sale on the ones I currently have for sale. Take advantage of me now. These bracelets sell on line in other shops at $35.00 or more. They are available with and without the center bead. Valentine's Day is not that far off and this is a great chance to get your crocheted bracelet at a terrific price! I even have some for men!

Visit me at www.divelladelights.com for your crocheted bracelets!

Crocheted Bracelets

Are you like everyone else this year and looking for low cost gifts? These crocheted bracelets are beautiful gifts and very reasonable. What is really wonderful is that they allow you to give a piece of handsome handmade jewelry without breaking the bank.
Fabulous, wonderful and colorful, durable, not to mention easy; just roll on and off, no claps to fiddle with! These crocheted bracelets are made with heavy-duty cord to give you years of enjoyment. They are available in most any color.

I have many more in my shop at www.divelladelights.com so come by and check out the beautiful new crocheted bracelets today

Centipede Bracelets

This design I am working on reminds me of a Centipede. It came about as a result of my woven designs when the local jewelry store requested hat I come up with something a little less expensive this year for the Holiday season. So when I went to photograph my first Caterpillar bracelet I laid it out and it screamed out " I am a Centipede" to me so there you have it. I use hundreds of tiny seed beads and a variety of gemstones and pearls and Swarovski crystals in each of the Centipede bracelets. I also use a heavy-duty stretchy cord and double it so they are very sturdy and at the same time they will fit most women. I can’t say one size fits all because that is never the case from my experience.
Although each Centipede bracelet takes me well over an hour to create, I love doing them. I like the beaded toggle clasps, I feel they give the pieces continuity and they are easy to work with. Oh right, I make those too. The have a wonderful slinky feel to them when you wear them and lots of movement and a little sparkle. The Christmas Centipede has 2 original lampwork beads I purchased from Libelula Designs.
They are very affordable so this year I think every woman needs a Centipede Bracelet!

HANDMADE JEWELRY SALE

Pictured here are some of my latest designs and there is something new almost daily. I have the gemstone line, a crocheted line, lots of great earrings, bracelets and necklaces. I even have ID lanyards that have the breakaway feature.

I am having a Grand Opening sale at my new website! Come and check out all the new designs. When you go to www.divelladelights.com click on the Grand Opening link at the top of the page and enter gopen08 all lower case, all one word then click on the Gallery link watch the prices drop 15%! This offer is good until 10/15/08 so shop early for Christmas. If you would like to add your e-mail to the guestbook I can send you info on sales and new designs! Please sign the guestbook anyway and let me know you came from Blogger you don't have to put in your e-mail. I would like to know where people are visiting from.

Crocheted Bracelets by special order

Lots of styles to choose from! I make these with heavy duty nylon cord to ensure a long life and you can even get them wet! I use high quality Japanese seed beads and original lampwork beads. They are typically made to 8 inches to fit a 6-7 inch wrist but I have made larger ones for men and women and smaller ones for children upon special request. I have has special orders for band, school, barn, and reggae colors, as well as color schemes. They just roll on and off so no clasp to fiddle with. I have these on http://www.divellasfibers.etsy.com/ for sale and you can also order from there very easily. You can pretty much figure the cost as I charge $2.25 per inch plus my cost (usually $4.50 to $9.oo) for the center bead if you use one. So without a center bead it will be just $18.00 for the typical 8 inch piece to fit a 6-7 1/2 inch wrist. They retail for $49.00 here in town and I have seen them on the net for the same. I just can't fathom that! I have been told my prices need to go up but for now I want to leave them as they are. I get my lampwork by special order from Generations Lampwork so if there is a special theme you want, I am certain we can come up with the perfect item for you.
These are really cute. They are initial beads and have flowers and hearts as well as whatever initial you want. I made these for my 2 grandaughters and they picked their own colors for the bracelet beads. So as you can see, whatever you can dream up can be done in some fashion.

Selling my wares

OK so I needed to make myself something to go a-marketing in because I wanted to be able to wear both the styles I do...black pants, green sweater...what do you think? I am making some bobs this morning to complete the set. The bracelet is a little big for me, I did not get the idea until I crocheted it. I will have to make myslef another to fit. I am on my way down the coast of Maine and to Cambridge and surrounding areas. I have been told by several women that live down there that I need to go to Harvard Square so here I come! I am really hoping to get at least 3 accounts between Maine and Mass. My sweetie bought me a very nice black leather jewelers case to travel with, much nicer than plastic bags. Wish me luck!