The Many Shades of Blue

Written by  Lynn of BeadzNBling

Blue - my very favorite color. So many shades, so many inspirations. This is another in a series of blog posts on how to name your colors creatively when listing your items for sale on venues like Etsy.com. Your creative juices at times come to a screaming halt and it's nice to have a list of fun and frivolous color names to brighten your listing.

I have a shop on Etsy named BeadzNBling and I am forever looking for something different besides just plain old blue. So how about azure ocean or geyser water. Enjoy the following list and do comment - let us know if you have a favorite you would like to add. We would also love to have you follow us. More colors to come!

Mind you, not every color listed will fit in to the allotted space the shops allow so they may have to be amended.

NAME THAT COLOR - SHADES OF BLUE
royal	teal	geyser
cobalt	iris	water
azure	midnight	river bed
ocean	stonewashed	slate
cerulean	mariner	shark fin
cornflower	sail	deep water
aqua blue	wild blue yonder	fiord
sky	whale	heather
cornflower	robins egg	danube
faded denim jeans	ultramarine	tropical
federal	navy	malibu
gray grey	sapphire	dodger
iceberg	baby	stone
ice cube	powder	steel
indigo	periwinkle	sea water or seawater

Somerville Open Studios

Written by Tracy McMahon

Somerville Open Studios is one of the largest art events held each year in the city of Somerville, MA located right outside Boston proper. Since 1999, this amazing, free event encourages artists to open their studios and homes to the public for a weekend allowing a true glimpse into the artist's world, where they create, how they create, and forging a strong connection between art lovers and the artists themselves.

This year over 400 artists participated. Trolley service was provided to various sites, studios, and homes around the city. Each space was clearly marked on a map and marked physically, with signage and balloons, allowing the public to easily identify participating artists.

For those artists not housed in larger studios or living spaces, like Brickbottom or Joy Street, those artisans whose homes are off the beaten path or otherwise not conducive to foot traffic, there was an option to participate at an event called Saturday Local Artists Market (SLAM) at The Burren in Davis Square.

Artists were invited to set up and display their work in the backroom of the popular Irish Pub. Here, the public found a vast array of vendors from jewelers to painters, potters, illustrators and beyond. It was a fantastic stop on the tour for great art, lunch, and a relaxing with a pint of the best Guinness in town.

SLAM events are held a few times a year and often coincide nicely with larger art-based events like Somerville Open Studios and Art Beat. It is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the local artists community.



The SLAM event, for me has been wonderful, as one who is just beginning to expand from my Etsy shop and dip my toe into local art fair circuit. The turnout has been fabulous, thanks to the great advertising, signage, and organization this year. Check out my display:

For anyone visiting the Boston/ Somerville area I encourage you to check out the local arts community events around the area. It is a great way to explore the area while getting a sense of the true local flavor.

Hello Procrastinators!

It’s not too late to get your shopping done for Mother’s Day.

Let’s consider another way to shop!

Written by Laura Stamper

 Certain gem stones and minerals are said to have specific healing or protective properties. It’s not too late to get that perfect gift for mom, or maybe you need a treat for yourself.

Moonstone Briolette Necklace

 M is for Moonstone, a gemstone that has been admired since ancient times. It is unique in how it naturally reflects light. Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, moonstone has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. It is said to have the power to grant wishes. Moonstone Honors the Goddess in all women.




 
Silver Moonstone Ring

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 Goddess Ring with Boulder Opal

 O is for Opals. Opals are precious stones that show a variable interplay of internal colors. Opal is a stone of inspiration which enhances the imagination and creativity as well. It helps one release inhibitions and enhances the memory.





Opal, Silver and 18K Gold Accents Pendant
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London Blue Topaz Ring

 T is for Topaz. Topaz is said to enhance one's spiritual potential. Legend tells us that it is used to increase intelligence and creativity, imparting wisdom which will in turn lead to wealth. Blue topaz with it's cool, tranquil, soothing vibrations help balance the emotions, with creativity, self expression and psychic perception.






London Blue Topaz Earrings 

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Hematite Carved Pendant Necklace

 H is for Hematite. Hematite is said to protect the wearer's vital energy and guarantee survival. Amulets of hematite have been found in nearly every pharaoh's tomb as a support in the afterlife. It brings with it grounding and calming which in turn creates mental organization and focus. It will assist in original thinking, logical thinking, and mathematics.






Enchanted Garden Bracelet

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Prasiolite and Emerald Earrings

E is for Emerald, the sacred stone of the goddess Venus. It was thought to preserve love. The emerald has long been the symbol of hope. It is considered by many to be the stone of prophecy. In several cultures the emerald was the symbol for fertilizing rain. In the Christian faith it is the symbol of faith and hope.




Water Lily Bracelet - Emerald and Iolite

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Rhololite Garnet Earrings

 R is for Rhodolite,a garnet which is known as a warm, trusting and sincere stone. It stimulates contemplation, intuition and inspiration. It protects the base chakra and enhances healthy sexuality, overcoming frigidity, stimulating the metabolism and treating heart, lungs and hips.







Rhodolite Garnet and Quartz Necklace

Think Outside of the Box-Shop by Flavor

Written by Laura Stamper

My grandson asked me, “What flavor are you?” That got me thinking. If I were a flavor, what flavor would I be? And since it was my grandson’s idea and mothers day is almost here …. I thought what a fun shopping guide for mother’s day this year; or maybe to get something fun and special for yourself.

Vanilla: Vanilla is the quintessential timeless and classic flavor. It is actually made from a type of orchid, and after saffron, is the most expensive because growing the pods is very labor intensive.

When I think of vanilla, I think of classic, rich, timeless, cultured and luxury. Like this Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet.




Chocolate: Chocolate is perhaps the most popular flavor in the world.

It is rich, seductive, smooth and versatile, like this chocolate brown Wood Bead Pendant. It is a comfort food as well as a show of love.

Caramel: Caramel is created by heating sugars. It is sweet and soft.

When I think of caramel, I think of warmth and comfort - the same feelings I get from this pretty Brown Cream Swirl Carved Bone Necklace.







Strawberry: Strawberry is appreciated for its characteristic aroma sweet flavor, and pretty appearance.

A strawberry would emanate playfulness, and a fresh natural wonder - like this Strawberry Charm Necklace.

Pepper: Now we are talking about real spice; hot and sassy! There are many flavors in the pepper family and many stages of warm.

This is a flavor that says “attitude”. Nothing timid here! This hot Salmon Coral Chili Necklace says it all ...





Citrus: Citrus is fresh and tart. It has a sunny feel to it and seems to show up at parties.

Whether orange, lime or lemon, these tropical flavors are associated with a youthful demeanor. Like this fantastic Citrus Lampwork and Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Bracelet!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from JET Artisans!

For most American families, Mother's Day is a special occasion to show Mom love and appreciation. The little things like making her a special breakfast or taking your Mom to lunch are great ways to spend some time with her on this special day. But if you want your Mother to remember the occasion, a physical gift is the way to go. One of the most personal - and most often worn - gifts is jewelry.

When Mom puts on her new piece of jewelry, she will think of Mother's Day ... and she'll think of you. It could be a ring ... maybe a Mother's ring with a birthstone for each child. Perhaps a necklace with hand stamped discs, each for a child in the family. It could be a charm bracelet with charms or birthstones with a similar meaning. Or maybe a pair of earrings, made with her favorite color beads! Jewelry is a very meaningful gift, and will help make the day a memorable one.

Here are some fabulous gift ideas from JET members. Remember, some of these items may require stamping, engraving or custom stone setting ... so please order early!

Here is a pair of earrings from NancysCrystalFantasi featuring Green Aventurine, Emerald, Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver. The lovely combination of three shades of green in these earrings makes them versatile and suitable for year-round wear. Think these are the perfect gift for your Mom? You can find them, and a lot more here: Aventurine, Emerald and Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Ida of AdroitJewelers is offering a fantastic Mother's Day gift! This one-of-a-kind pendant is made from genuine Maine sea glass found locally. It has been soldered with non-lead solder. It has a rustic, bumpy, rough look, but is smooth to the touch. Because of the nature of the style there will be slight irregularities, which are part of the style. Ida hand-formed the word "Mom" and soldered it to the sea glass. The pendant measures approximately 1 1/2 inches from top of bail to bottom of sea glass and approximately 1 1/8 inches wide. Your Mom will treasure this pendant! You can buy it here: Genuine Sea Glass Pendant for Mom


Michelle of ELEVEN13 is offering a nice selection of gifts that would be very appropriate for Mom. One of my favorites is this pearl and Peruvian blue opal necklace ... If I were a Mom I would wear this! White freshwater pearls and natural Peruvian blue opal beads, Bali silver beads and a twisted sterling silver toggle clasp make this a beautiful, classic yet modern necklace for that special woman. This necklace measures 18 inches long. What an amazing Mothers Day Gift this would make! To purchase this wonderful necklace, please visit this page: Pearl Necklace with Peruvian Blue Opal



These pretty floral earrings were designed and made by Kerry at WanderingJeweler. They would be a great Mothers Day gift! These deep purple lucite trumpet flower and silver coloured ball earrings are very delicate and pretty. The silver coloured ball is made from a coiled wire. These earrings are about 1" long ... Visit this page to purchase them ...
Purple Lucite Flower Earrings for Mother's Day 


BeadznBling is jammed full of pearl jewelry - and you can't get a better gift for Mom than pearls.

Different, sure - but not better, cause ALL Moms love pearl jewelry. Pearls are a sure thing! The shining star of this design is the large heavy focal piece of a sterling silver box clasp with square cabochon set fluorite gemstone. The necklace is 22 inches when slightly twisted. The keishi pearls are 5mm x 8mm on average and the briolettes are 5mm by 8mm as well. The clasp is 32 mm long and 22 mm wide. Check out this fab necklace: White Pearl Necklace Double Strand for Mothers Day

The vivid, delicious colors in this necklace can mean only one thing - top quality artisan glass beads. I love the look of this necklace ... not too overwhelming, what I would call tasteful. Six handmade lampwork beads made with amethyst, green, and ivory glass, decorated with golden stringer, wire wrapped with sterling silver wire on a silver chain. Accented with 4mm Swarovski crystals,  the necklace is finished with a sterling silver lobster clasp and a Swarovski crystal charm. The lampwork beads are artisan handmade from Italian Moretti and American Double Helix Glass. The beads are about 14mm x 10mm. They're kiln annealed for strength and durability. The necklace is 18" but can be worn at a shorter length by placing the lobster clasp through any link in the chain. Visit Debbie Gilroy's fabulous shop, DGDesigns (stoutdg2) to buy this necklace:
Lampwork Bead and Swarovski Crystal Silver Necklace

So you think you need a combination gift. Maybe flowers AND pearls? Siany - of sianykitty - has what you're looking for! These pretty earrings show off both beautifully ... so why choose? Give Mom these lovely peach flower and gorgeous round fresh water pearl earrings. A pair of 8mm fresh water pearl in a subtle natural peach color, dangling on a resin made, darker peach -  almost orange - 12mm wide rose. Hand forged on a silver wire this pair of earrings is just a perfect gift for Mom!  Please visit Siany to purchase these here: Rose Flower Studs Freshwater Pearl Earrings

For this Mother's Day Necklace, Mollie of RoughMagicHolidays hand stamped Love Mom heart copper pendant dangles on a handmade Infinity chain! Mollie handcrafted the rustic alphabet letters and the small heart and then stamped them onto Joe's handcut primitive pendant.

Hammered for texture and strength, oxidized and buffed to a warm soft glow, the heart is about 1-1/4" across at its widest point. Including the matching wire wrapped connector, the pendant is approximately 2" long.

Mollie's handmade chain of oxidized copper figure 8 links is princess length, about 17-3/8" long. Because each heart and chain are individually handcrafted, no two will be exactly alike. Your necklace will closely resemble this one!
Find it here:
Mothers Day Necklace Love Mom Heart



This stunning necklace is made by Trace at TraceDesigns from a gorgeous genuine honey quartz triangle, wrapped in sterling silver wire and dangled from a sterling silver chain. The honey quartz triangle is slightly faceted to create dimension and interest. This stone is prefect in its quality. The color is gorgeous deep golden yellow, almost amber, that gleams in the light. Grab it fast! This stunning art deco piece will not last. The chain is 17 3/4" long; the pendant: nearly 1" tall and just over 1/2 inch at the base. You can find this beautiful and unique gemstone necklace here:
Yellow Quartz Triangle Sterling Silver Pendant




Visiting Michele's shop - malves1009 - is like stepping into a jewelry time machine

for a trip to the past. Her designs are vintage inspired - they are all original, but influenced by older styles. So it really isn't a surprise to see cameo jewelry, and that's a good thing ... because cameos aren't very easy to find.  Her Cameo Pin Brooch is a great example of what Michele does best! This vintage inspired etched glass lady cameo brooch pin was put together with a vintage glass cameo set in an antique brass setting. Cameos have been around for many years and seem to be popular for all ages, so why not start a tradition in your family? Brooch is 1 7/8" wide x 2 1/4" long or 45mm wide x 57mm long. Please visit:
Lady Etched Glass Cameo Pin Brooch  to buy it!

This keyring was made by artisan jeweler Denise Woodhouse at LoveStoneArts. Because this is a personalized design, your keyring would look similar to this one, but not the same. Obviously the names can be changed; but there are other options as well. This particular keyring features a large Lapis Lazuli heart cabochon; there are other stones available as well. If you think this is the perfect Mother's Day gift, head over to her shop - LoveStoneArts today and send Denise a convo. She will be happy to go over all the available options to make sure your gift is everything you want it to be ... and more! You can find this amazing Custom Stamped Silver Keyring here:

For Mother Made to Order Custom Stamped Silver and Gemstone Keyring 

I'm a metalsmith. But I look at wire wrapped jewelry like this in awe. It just amazes me how jewelry like this is made ... I have total respect for this talent. If you like wire wrapped gemstone jewelry as much as I do, head on over to LeesEarringBoutique. You'll find an amazing selection of fantastic jewelry suitable for a gorgeous Mother's Day gift ... and maybe a gift for yourself as well! I chose to feature this beautiful 14k Gold Filled pendant set with amethyst and aquamarine. To buy it, visit:
Amethyst, Aquamarine14kGold Filled Pendant

ArtMadebyTammy is a very cool shop. Full of very reasonably priced jewelry, you're sure to find a beautiful gift within your budget. Tammy makes, embellishes or customizes the jewelry she sells by hand painting, adding crystals or stones and a lot more. This is a unique shop that is fun to browse in, because you never know what you'll find! The pendant on the left is her hand painted Make a Wish Flower Necklace. It was designed and made by Tammy and is a one of a kind beauty. Mom will feel really special - knowing no one else has the same necklace you gave her! The pendant is 41mm x 21mm, and it comes with a matching chain. You'll find this fabulous floral necklace only in one place ... please check it out here: Hand Painted Dandelion Flower Pendant


Mother's Day is a spring holiday. Spring is also a great time for flowers! These earrings are made with lovely violet - purple amethyst ... carved into cute little blossoms! The flowers are about 8mm wide so they're not exactly tiny, but not so big that they're heavy (they ARE stone, after all). They're suspended on hand formed sterling silver wires made with Argentium brand sterling - so they are naturally tarnish resistant. They hang about 1" from the ear. Amethyst is the February birthstone so these would be a great Mother's Day gift for any mom with a February birthday! You'll love these ... please visit cserpentDesigns to purchase these earrings:
Hand Carved Amethyst Flowers and Sterling Silver Earrings


Debbie at TheBrassHussy has been selling brass jewelry on Etsy since September 2007! Her line of pendants, earrings, lockets and more includes some of the most popular jewelry designs sold on Etsy. That's easy to understand when you look at this fabulous floral design locket! Debbie added an antique style patina to darken the brass and bring out the beautiful rose motif. She also added the chain - and antiqued that also. The baby blue flower adds the finishing touch. You can add a family photo to complete this wonderful gift, making it a truly personal item. You can find the  Heart Locket with Bluebell Flower by clicking the link.

Here's a fabulous Rose Quartz ring in a combined fine silver and sterling silver setting. You'll want to visit laurastamperdesigns to explore her creations ... Laura makes some of the most creative, innovative and beautiful jewelry you can find - on Etsy or anywhere else. This ring is named "Pink Nebulae". The detail is amazing; and this is a truly unique ring. It has a class but very modern look and a bright, mirror polish. This ring is a size 7.




Terry of Jewelry24Seven created this sparkling green Peridot and Swarovski Crystal bracelet. This three strand bracelet is a real beauty. It features a sterling silver slide clasp, natural Peridot tube beads and glittering Swarovski beads. If your Mom has an August birthday, this is a perfect gift ... because Peridot is the August birthstone! Three handmade spacers keep the strands in order, and the bracelet will fit a small to average size wrist (length is 7"). Find this Peridot, Crystal and Silver Bracelet by clicking the link!


This wonderful aqua agate slice, turquoise, azurite and hand forged sterling silver necklace was made by Brooke of BrookeJewelry. Long and luminous, this necklace has a lot of shine going on. Brooke made the prong setting for the agate and the large chain links - they are all hand forged from sterling silver. The lovely turquoise, azurite, Czech glass and sterling silver beads are wire wrapped in place. The geode agate slice is a beautiful turquoise aqua blue. The necklace length is nice and long so it is in style right now. The chain is 28" to the bail and the agate adds an additional 3" in length. There is no clasp, this pretty gemstone necklace fits easily over the head.This agate, turquoise, azurite and silver necklace could be a fabulous Mother's Day gift for YOUR lucky Mom!


Made by Barbara of CapitalCityCrafts, a single cast peace dove in sterling silver hangs from an 18"

leather neck cord in a beautiful shade of turquoise blue. A universal symbol of love and peace, the Peace Dove Sterling Silver Necklace is highly polished to reflect every beam of light. It is about 1" across and 3/4" high. The back is hollow and textured so it isn't overly heavy and is comfortable to wear. This peace dove in sterling silver with turquoise leather neck cord is ready to ship. There are also other leather cord colors as well as suede available. The neck cord is closed with a lobster claw clasp and there is a 2" sterling silver extension chain so you can adjust the length slightly. This sterling silver Peace Dove necklace would look fabulous on your Mom!

Here's a pair of sparkling crystal earrings made by Cher - of DesignsbyCher that would be a gorgeous glittering gift to celebrate Mother's Day with! These fabulous earrings combine the world renowned flash of precision cut Czech crystal with the earthy look of antiqued brass for a truly lovely contrast. The color of these Czech beauties is emerald green; the AB coating gives them a fantastic rainbow effect. These earrings will definitely be noticed! The emerald green color also makes them a great gift for Moms with a May birthday, as Emerald is the May birthstone. Give your Mom these Antique Brass Emerald Crystal Earrings. What a gift!



Next we've got a very reasonably priced gift from ChristalDreamz! This attractive glass bead necklace will add a spot of bright color to your Mom's wardrobe, and is a perfect Mother's Day gift for shoppers on a tight budget. Made with top quality art glass, the color really pops ... The chain is a 20 inch length, a really nice size for wearing with a dress or over a sweater. And of course this cool necklace would look just as great worn with a complimentary colored tee shirt! Head on over to ChristalDreamz today and grab this Cherry Red and Black Bicone Beaded Silver Chain Necklace!

These pretty pearl earrings were hand knit by Chaya Robinson, of  ChayaGallery. The knitting is done completely by hand with 14k Gold Filled wire. The pearls are genuine freshwater pearls. Chaya can substitute the pearls with Swarovski crystal, if you wish upon request. The posts are 14k Rolled Gold Filled with silicone backs. These beautiful earrings are about 1.5 cm wide, which is approximately 0.6 inch or just over a half inch wide. Your mom would absolutely LOVE these fantastic earrings! You can purchase them directly from Chaya here:
White Pearl 14K GoldFilled Stud Earrings by ChayaGallery

 

Elizabeth of Foret handcrafted this fantastic Crescent Moon and Star Pendant from sterling silver wire and a natural blue chalcedony star. The metalwork was done completely by hand to give it a whimsical, dreamy, primitive look, reminiscent of a wonderful drawing from a child's book. It was made to be worn on either side, so it can depict the waxing or waning moon. The chalcedony star is suspended from a  beautifully made spiral. The star is a faceted blue chalcedony that sparkles as the pendant moves in the light. This pendant has a large 5mm diameter bail, so your Mom will have many choices when it comes to wearing it. The bail will fit a wide variety of  silk, satin or leather cords, ribbons, chains and many sterling silver collars. This beautiful crescent moon and star pendant is 1 7/8" tall; and the blue chalcedony star is 15mm x 15mm and 7mm thick. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!


If your Mom is a fan of green and gold she will absolutely adore these Green Engraved Flower Stud Earrings brought to you by SatinDollCo. They have a really classic style that would look amazing with a nice spring / summer dress.  These pretty button studs feature genuine vintage green engraved flower cabochons on silver plated posts with silver plated backs. These green and gold colored floral stud earrings are a fantastic looking gift for the shopper on a budget, and your Mom will love them! They are a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit without being too bold.

This absolutely gorgeous double strand gemstone and silver bracelet offered at JemsbyJBandCompany is made with amazing smooth, round aquamarine and fluorite beads. The soft colors are just so pretty ... the aqua, blue, green, pink and violet colors go so well together! The box clasp is a unique aqua, turquoise and green moonstone with a square shape set in sterling silver. The clasp measures 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inch wide and has a safety catch. Like the colors of rainbow after a storm, this bracelet is the perfect accompaniment for your Mom's summer wardrobe. Soft and pretty with lots of sterling silver to offset the gemstones. This lovely, feminine Double Strand Fluorite, Aquamarine and Moonstone Bracelet measures 7 1/2 inches end to end.

From Norah of YourDailyJewels, we have this awesome pendant featuring a bouquet of gemstones! Norah guarantees this one will put a big smile on your mom's face ... A 100% recycled fine silver pendant is hand carved with, what else? "Mother". The heart shaped 'M" is about one inch wide and across (20mm). A bundle of gemstones spills over the front of it like a bouquet of flowers. The gems include ... peridot, pink quartz, citrine, amethyst, iolite, pink jade, crystal quartz and ... Czech glass. The sterling silver has a lobster clasp, accented with purple quartz rounds and sterling beads for a lovely detail at the nape of the neck. This fantastic handcrafted Fine and Sterling Silver with Gemstones Mother's Necklace is a gift your Mom will treasure forever, and will make this a really special Mother's Day!

OK ... we all know that "punk rock mom". She dresses in black and wears canvas Chuck Taylors and has multicolored streaks in her shoe polish black hair. Well, this Mother Necklace is for her. You can find it at RusticRockJewelry with the rest of the recycled, repurposed, rough rock stuff most people look at and say to themselves ... "why???" But that Mom has her own unique style, and she'll LOVE this pendant! Black-grey metal. Suspended from a 20" metal chain of same color. The chain closes with a lobster clasp that is blinged out with black and crystal clear Swarovski crystal, for a little added irony and contrast. The pendant is almost two inches long and a half inch tall ( 48mm x 13mm), and hung vertically.

Laurie of everydayapromise is offering this pretty Woven Bracelet. Laurie hand wove this colorful bracelet with white Crystazzi pearls as the center channel. For contrast, she surrounded the white Crystazzi pearl beads with fantastic deep teal and purple seed beads with hot pink accents, all in Czech glass. The tiny lobster clasp and the jump ring are sterling silver. The bracelet measures about 7 1/2 inches long. Laurie describes it as "quite stunning", and perfect for the Spring and Summer seasons or as a gift for Mother's Day!

We have 120 current JET members, and every one of their shops is a fabulous showcase of talent! Unfortunately we can't feature them all here. But I hope you visit as many as you can! You're sure to find many things you'll love ... and it should be very easy to get an amazing Mother's Day gift with so much to choose from. And you never know ... you may find a fabulous gift for yourself  too!