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

Summer is Almost Here!

Mark your calendar ... Monday, June 21, 2010 is the first day of summer! To celebrate, I have reduced all of my Jewels of the OBX anklets 25% off. Why anklets? Because no other piece of jewelry says summer more than anklets and they're so cute with sandals or flip-flops and painted toes. They're on sale now through, guess which day? ... June 21st!

"Makin' a Splash" Anklet


When you visit Jewels of the OBX, remember to Log In and become a friend of the site. You'll receive occasional product updates, special offers and coupons and in addition, you will also receive 10% off your next order! Yes, you may use your discount on the anklets (that's a total of 35% off!)





There's another new feature at Jewels of the OBX ... look on the Order Form page and you'll find my personal search engine that is a database for the Jewels of the OBX collection. It's an easy, one-stop location to find any piece that you're looking for. I hope you'll enjoy having access to what I find to be an invaluable tool.

See you on the beach!

Julie

Jewels of the OBX Birthday Earrings updated!

What better color than emerald to announce the coming of the long-awaited summer season? The color of green grass, cool and refreshing under bare feet on a warm day. My birthstone-inspired Swarovski crystal earrings now include this beautiful color and of course, they have the trademark Sterling Silver clam shell drop.

They make great birthday presents because all the work has been done for you! They're personalized and if you choose, can be shipped directly to your recipient in a complimentary gift box and gift wrapped.

I also offer $20 Happy Birthday gift certificates for my customers to arrive for their birthday to be used towards any purchase at Jewels of the OBX. If you would like to receive a gift certificate for yourself or for a friend, simply email me at jewelsoftheobx@embarqmail.com along with the birthday month and day (no need for the year !)

The birthday earring collection is steadily growing - it now includes February through May.

Check it out at:

http://www.jewelsoftheobx.com/#/birthday-earrings/4537840408

See you on the beach!

Julie

Maxxing out on the Outer Banks!

Another great retailer is coming to the Outer Banks ... T.J.Maxx is scheduled to open on Thursday, April 22, 2010! As a permanent resident, I'm happy to see businesses and restaurants that will be open year-round. I understand we're a tourist area and tourism is basically seasonal; however, this is also a place to live for tens of thousands of people who need places to shop. The "season" could be expanded with open and inviting businesses instead of ones that put up "See you in March" signs.

The store will be located in the old Nags Head Food Lion location next to Staples (also open year-round, thank you!). Food Lion moved recently to their brand new location pretty much across the street on the ocean side. It's a little on the small side so I'll be interested to see if it can accommodate the summer traffic. There's a little strip of stores in front of the new Food Lion and right now, the Front Porch Cafe is open. Harry and I enjoy stopping there for a coffee when we're out on the bike and then afterwards, scoot out the back way to the beach road.

So, welcome T.J.Maxx and just to make you hopeful for future patronage ... just today, we went to K-Mart, NAPA Auto Parts and for dinner ... Taco Bell.

See you on the beach!

Jewels of the OBX earrings shown in Beadwork Magazine!

I'm so excited ... my earrings, "Pearl Elegance - Olive," are shown in the just released April/May 2010 edition of Beadwork Magazine! On page 6, I describe the inspiration and construction of the earrings in their feature, "W.O.R.D., (What Our Readers Did)." You may remember, I offered these earrings free with any jewelry purchase during the 2009 Christmas season. In anticipation, many days were spent making them and eventually, pieces in bronze and silver glass pearls.

The magazine contacted me back at the end of last year to say they would be shown in April which sounded like such a long way off, but here it is! Because the winter was so cold this year, it has kept us inside more than usual and I've spent it being productive with designing and working new jewelry pieces. The time has absolutely flown by and now spring is just a week away and we've already turned the clocks up for daylight saving time. Oh, and wait for it ... Easter is just two and a half weeks!

One day, I would like to submit a complete feature to the magazine which is a little more involved, providing a list of materials used and other required items. Beadwork says its fairly painless, which I'm sure is true, but that takes time and, well - there I go again! For now, I'll just enjoy Beadworks' very kind acknowledgement and keep on beading!

See you on the beach!

Julie

"Pearl Elegance" earrings can be seen at http://www.jewelsoftheobx.com/

Jewels of the OBX Birthday Earrings updated

It's definite ... my favorite color in Swarovski crystals is Aquamarine. After starting the Jewels of the OBX Birthday Earrings collection, I have completed those for February and now, March. I thought the Amethyst color for February was beautiful but the soft and shimmery blue for March simply sparkles.

As with all my jewelry, I've tried to price them affordably and with the free gift boxing, they would make a great birthday gift. I also offer $20 Happy Birthday gift certificates for my customers to arrive for their birthday each year. If you would like to receive a gift certificate for yourself or for a friend, simply email me at jewelsoftheobx@embarqmail.com along with the birthday month and day (no need for the year !) and I can email it or snail mail, whatever you'd like.

You can see more on the latest Aquamarine earrings at: http://jewelsoftheobx.com/

See you on the beach!

Julie