The Polar Vortex of Winter 2014

Polar Vortex of January 2014

They say yesterday (January 6, 2014) was the most depressing day of the new year. Hmmm, I might have to concur with that. Here we are in the brand new year and I'm already fighting time. I dream of being able to get a good (truly) dedicated day in at the jewelry bench. Ugh. So many ideas -so little time in a day to accomplish them.

What makes matters worse is today was a snow day off from school for the kiddos -great for them -not so great for Crystal Allure Jewelry. We are actually in the middle of what meteorologists are calling a polar vortex. Sounds cold, right?! Well, it is -in fact, bitter cold!

I'm hearing of -55 degrees in some places -ouch! Right now it is 3 degrees here (and this is a huge improvement from last night), but it feels like -16 degrees thanks to the wind. BRrrr! After seeing some of the amazing polar photos of today, the one I took doesn't seem to look as 'polar' as it felt trying to snap it. But let me reassure you, the snow was just whipping around like I was in a snow globe. The picture above is probably a view that is quite familiar. When trying to get the best winter shot, I like to venture out in the cold...no further than the edge of my garage door!

My snuggly little girl, WARM in her bed. Zzzzzz...

All this polar weather happening around the world makes my heart break for any pet that has been left outside. And, if I may, let me be frank here -if you have a pet and didn't bring them in, then in my humble opinion, you are intentionally abusing them. I'll even eat my words if you say otherwise and agree to spend the same amount of time outside with the same level of clothing coverage as pets have fur.

I just don't understand it even on a good weather day. I mean why did you get a pet to begin with? Have some respect and compassion for your pets today -PLEASE bring them indoors!!

And take that extra 5 minutes to stop your car and try to help an animal you see outside in this ghastly weather we're having. More importantly, if you see any animal outside, call 911 and alert the police.

The picture above is my sweet little girl all snuggly and warm in her bed with her blankie. This is how ALL pets should be riding out this cold weather. Wouldn't you agree?

If I had to find a bright side to this bitter cold weather it would be that it has inspired more than a few new handmade Winter Beaded Jewelry designs!

Stay warm....and snuggle with your pets. :-)

Pantone Inspired Fall Beaded Pearl Gemstone Necklaces

While Autumn officially began September 22nd, and we are just 32 days away from the first day of winter, I still had some Fall Beaded Jewelry Designs to share! I know, I know. You're probably thinking (with a very confused look on your face), 'didn't she just write a winter inspired blog post?' Yes. Yes, I did. But, hey, that's how the weather rolls here in Upstate New York. Besides, you'll find quite a few people here who will say, 'Let's not rush winter already!" And with Thanksgiving just around the corner... I would have to agree.

So, it's time to get back on track. The point here is...I had all the new fall beaded jewelry ready to roll and here's how it went down:
1. Autumn weather arrived. Check.
2. The leaves started turning their gorgeous shades of russet, burgundy, deep green, rich yellow (you get the picture..). Check.
3. Autumn jewelry pictured and ready to post. Check.
4. Life happens....need I say more.
5. Snow falls. What?!?! (hence my winter inspired post)

But, I'm back on track and really, really want to share these gorgeous new gemstone beaded necklaces!! One (mind you, this is just one) of the things I love most about Autumn is the color. I love the rich colors, cozy colors and the combination of both!

My first inspiration on the following designs were the gemstone beads I had personally hand picked. The second inspiration was Pantone's 2013 Fall Color Report. Marry these two -and viola' -instant gorgeousness you simply can't take your eyes off of!

This first gemstone necklace came together after I discovered the blue crazy lace agate teardrop gemstone pendant. Isn't that mix of earth brown, meditative blue and white just stunning?! Paired with larimar gemstone beads and brown smoke topaz Swarovski Crystals and this necklace combines the beautiful color of Pantone's Mykonos Blue and Carafe!

Larimar Crazy Lace Agate Beaded Gemstone Necklace (N126)

Not a blue color kind of gal? No worries. I would be shocked if you were able to resist the allure of nature's lush green. Green is such a versatile color. Wear it in spring, summer, fall and even winter if it's the right shade. This next gemstone necklace features a rhyolite gemstone pendant reminiscent of Pantone's Deep Lichen Green color. The pendant showcases a mix of green, cream and brown colors. It is paired with green freshwater pearls and jet black Swarovski Crystal accents.

Rhyolite Gemstone Freshwater Pearl Beaded Necklace (N127)

Pantone's Koi color is not for the faint of heart. Autumnal orange can be a challenging color to try to wear for most women. But, you don't have to go orange from head to toe. Even if you tend to wear a lot of black in your wardrobe, this inspired necklace would be the perfect compliment. It's all about using this color as an accent!

Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Beaded Gemstone Necklace (N118)

And, last but not least, is a design that speaks to your sweet tooth (without all the calories!!) Pantone's Carafe is a rich, glamorous chocolate brown. Which made it the perfect inspiration for what I call my "graham cookie" necklace! I came across this rippled chocolate-brown ceramic pendant and grabbed it up. Almost instantly, I envisioned this "delicious" pendant paired with creamy riverstone gemstones and "chocolately" smoke topaz Swarovski Crystals. Mmmm! Mm!

Riverstone Topaz Crystal Gemstone Necklace (N043)

Each of the gemstone beaded necklaces above are one of a kind. These are just 4 of ten colors in the Pantone 2013 Fall Color Report. Stay tuned for Fall Colors Part II......

Inspired Winter Snowflakes Earrings Jewelry

Yesterday I woke up to find the ground outside covered in a light layer of fluffy white stuff....SNOW!!

I know some of you are grumbling at the thought. But, personally, I love winter. I get excited to see the first snowfall and look forward to the upcoming holidays. It's also a time when I am inspired to get back into the studio and release all the creative thoughts I've held onto since summer began.

So, in the excitement of the coming winter, I'm sharing some new beaded jewelry, as well as, some restocks of previously sold out pieces. Who doesn't love snowflakes? Right?! Did you know: there are no two snowflakes alike? Well, the same holds true for our sparkling Snowflake Blizzard Crystal Earrings! Each "blizzard" of hammered, sterling silver wire is unique due to its' hand formed nature. A true one of a kind design!

Snowflake Blizzard Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings (E160)

Baby it's cold outside! One glimpse out the window and it's a blizzard of iridescent crystal aurora borealis snowflake-cut 14mm glass beads on hand formed and hammered "blizzard" sterling silver wire.  These handmade earrings are finished with sterling silver leverback ear wires. The length is 1-1/2" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Here's a second glance at these unique, hand-formed wire earrings:

Snowflake Blizzard Sterling Silver Handmade Earrings (E160)

Are you a true winter snowflake die-hard? Well this next pair of handcrafted beaded earrings will offer you endless sparkle and glamour. Wear for your holiday parties into New Years Eve and even for the winter bride!

Swarovski Filigree Snowflake Crystal Drop Earrings (E269)

Stunning silver-plated 26mm Swarovski Crystal Filigree "snowflakes" are combined with shimmering aurora borealis (AB) Swarovski Crystal teardrops. These snowflake earrings measure measure 1-3/4" from the bottom of the ear wire.

Another great pair of crystal earrings perfect for the winter bride -or even for the summer June bride because they do look like crystal sunflowers too!

Snow Flurries Crystal Quartz Gemstone Bead Ring (R103)

Isn't it just beautiful and nostalgic when you look out the window and the world outside looks like a peaceful, mesmerizing snow globe? That's what this ring reminds me of.....

A flurry of swirling sterling silver surrounds a crystal quartz gemstone bead in this snowflake inspired handmade wire wrapped ring. Each stone, and swirls of sterling silver wire, are unique and will vary slightly from the one pictured. Currently available in 6-1/2" only.

Snow Jade Gemstone Blue Crystal Snowflake Charm Bracelet (B169)

SOLD

Jack Frost has nothing compared to this winter bracelet! Handmade beaded bracelet features snow jade gemstones, shimmering blue Swarovski Austrian Crystals, pearls and a lovely sterling silver snowflake charm. 14 karat gold fill beads are mixed with sterling pave' style stardust beads that mimic the twinkling snow on a sunny winter day. Finished with a blue crystal charm drop and sterling silver snowflake charm and signature jewelry tag. Measures 7-1/2".

View all Winter Beaded Jewelry

A BeWITCHING Halloween -Jewelry Wardrobe Board CONTEST

My, my, my. It has been forever since I last posted! Or maybe I should really be saying, "Yea! School is back in session!!" lol. Although I will admit it feels like it was a long summer -you agree? It's been a slow process to get back into the studio and get the creative juices flowing again.

But, the good news is that polyvore cured that for me. I just love creating fashion sets on polyvore featuring handcrafted Crystal Allure Jewelry. This time I highlighted a gemstone beaded necklace from the Fall Beaded Jewelry Designs collection and added a little twist for the upcoming 'holiday' (see end of this blog post).

I created this new set to show the versatility of Crystal Allure Jewelry. Yes, it is true that our unique jewelry designs are perfect for your everyday wardrobe -wear them from the boardroom to the bar. But...what about, say, a party? A costume party?

I know what you're probably thinking. But put that thought right out of your head because 'Oh yes you can'!! And this newest set proves it. I paired our Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Beaded Necklace (N118) with a little black dress, witch hat, cute black boots and viola` you get an instant Halloween costume!

A BeWITCHING Halloween! by crystalallure featuring Mahogany Obsidian Swarovski Crystal Necklace N118

Pretty adorable -right?! Here's the details:

Mahogany Obsidian Carnelian Gemstone Beaded Necklace (N118)
A rich fall colored mahogany obsidian gemstone pendant is the focal of this beautiful handmade beaded necklace. Gemstone pendant complemented by both jet and topaz Swarovski Crystals, jet glass beads, carnelian gemstones and brown glass beads. Finished with our signature jewelry tag.  Beaded Necklace measures 17-1/2".

CONTEST:
Open to all citizens of the United States. Contest runs from October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013.

Win a $25 jewelry gift certificate. All you have to do is purchase this one of a kind gemstone beaded necklace (N118), wear it with a similar Halloween costume (like shown above), snap a picture (or selfie) and email me your picture no later than November 10, 2013.

The picture must be good quality and clearly show you wearing the necklace.

By emailing your picture, thereby entering this contest, you agree to allow Crystal Allure Jewelry to use your photo, without compensation, for advertising/marketing purposes.