Pearls found in Vegas!

About 30 years ago, Harry asked me if I would fly to Vegas with him but I was too stupid ... um, afraid to fly. Time, though, has a way of making you realize you have to get over your fears if you're ever going to accomplish anything. So, early this month we finally left for Vegas and had to board not one, but two planes to get there. The last flight time was scheduled for over 4 hours - Aaaah! The pilot (a former Navy pilot) and flight attendants all mentioned they were looking forward to an extended layover in Vegas and sounded just as excited to get there as we were and we landed after only 3 hours and 15 minutes!

While we were there, we tried to at least go into most of the casinos, just to get a feel for them. There were lots of shops and attractions along the way but one of the places that really captured my imagination was the artistic Crystals at CityCenter, known for its beautiful and unique architecture. The Mastro’s Ocean Club, a very chic fish house restaurant is the undeniable masterpiece of the center. You can learn more about the restaurant at their website, http://www.mastrosrestaurants.com/ .

(Mastro's Ocean Club Restaurant, Las Vegas, Nevada)

Also located in Crystals is the jewelry store, Mikimoto, known worldwide for its stunning cultured pearls. I learned that the founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, was the creator of the world’s very first cultured pearl! Mr. Mikimoto’s amazing work is documented on the company website’s History section at: http://mikimotoamerica.com/

While you’re there, drool over their Pearl Jewelry Collection, too. I just LOVE these starfish earrings from the Milano Collection by Giovanna Broggian!

We had an absolute blast in Vegas! There are just so many “pearls” to be found in Vegas … I can’t wait to go back now to find more! (Yes, and even get on another airplane!) When you get a chance, check out all the pictures from our trip posted on my Facebook page.

See you on the beach!

Julie

Swarovski discovered!

I have found Swarovski crystals can add an unmistakable touch of sparkle -- you'll notice I use them from time to time in my designs. For some reason, though, it took me awhile to find Swarovski also has a wonderful website at http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/index where the entire collection can viewed. Actually, I had looked at the site some time ago, but apparently not well enough.

On the home page, under "Other Swarovski Sites," there are other goodies including an entire world for just their Crystallized Swarovski elements at http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/index.php

You can upload photographs of your own creations, join their forum, read their online magazine and blog, enter competitions (currently in progress is "Boudoir Beautiful - 2010 European Design Competition" http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/events-and-stores/events/Boudoir-Beautiful.en.php ), learn beading techniques with crystals ( http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/instructions/techniques/Beading.en.php ), download instructions and there's also a complete Colour Chart for their beads at http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/service/downloads/Colour_Chart_Beads.en.php !

I'm going back now to see what else I can find. Hope you enjoy!

See you on the beach!

Julie