black coral jewelry: March 2013

On Opening a 2nd Shop, and Learning from Mistakes

A few years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would open an online store. Or any kind of store really. It just wasn't a path I had ever considered for myself. But life has a funny way of bringing you to where you most need to be, and for whatever reason, my path led me to Etsy. Now, Little Hill Jewelry is fast approaching its one year Etsy-versary (April 12th), and I'm just a teeny tiny ways off from my 100th item sold.

One of my newest additions, found in my Little Hill Jewelry shop

It's been a lot of hard work, and it's been really disappointing at times, but looking back, I'm proud of what I've accomplished. And looking forward, I'm hopeful and excited for where my path might take me next.

A few weeks ago, I decided to open a second shop. I figured things were going fairly well with my first shop, why not give it a go. Well, my second shop's been open for 3 days, and while I've already had my first sale, it's been a rocky start.

One of my favorite beading patterns from my new shop, LH Beading Patterns

Originally, LH Beading Patterns was going to be a collaborative effort between myself and another young woman. We were going to share the promotion of the shop, and both add patterns, but as it got closer and closer to being time to open, it looked less and less like she would be sticking around. Finally, the day before we were to open up shop, she decided to bail, which was a super bummer. She said she felt so bad about leaving me in the lurch that she wanted me to have her patterns, to do with as I saw fit. This (I thought) was so incredibly generous of her, and more than made up for her bailing at the last minute.

It turns out that was more of a curse than a blessing. I won't go into details, mostly because it's completely humiliating, but it turns out her patterns were something less than original. I, having no clue, posted her patterns for sale in my shop. Imagine my utter embarrassment when I got that message. I was in tears when I realized what was going on, and very, very close to just scrapping the new shop all together.

Thankfully, the wonderfully kind Etsians who pointed out the problem were unbelievably gracious and understanding. So, while I just wanted the earth the swallow me whole, some little voice inside me thought "Maybe I can still do this." It took me awhile, but I sat down and deleted everything that I could remember her creating. I have no idea if there were actual originals in the stack of patterns I chucked, but all things considered, I guess I don't much care.

This whole experience has taught me (probably in the hardest way possible) that good friends don't necessarily make good business partners, and that there is so much validity to the advice my Mother gave me all those years ago: "Trust, but verify." This lapse in judgement is something that I'll be kicking myself over for a long time to come. I can't seem to keep my mind away from thoughts like "If I had just..." or "What if I had..."

Another of my favorites, this pattern's design evokes a sense of calmness and serenity for me.

So now that I've shared one of my most embarrassing business errors, maybe you're wondering; what's the point? Why tell even more people about this humiliating experience? Well, the truth is, I wasn't going to. I was all set to just sweep it under the rug, and push it to the back of my mind, and to just move on. But I was thinking today that it's important to acknowledge our mistakes. Not to embarrass ourselves further, but to own them, accept them, and to learn from them.

The point is that we all screw up. It's not something you hear a lot about really, unless it was some kind of epic catastrophe. Maybe it doesn't happen often, and maybe not in big ways, but I think that if you're in business long enough, mistakes are going to happen, things are going to go awry, and the thought of just sacking the whole venture will inevitably cross every business person's mind. But our mistakes aren't what define our businesses, or our lives. How we repair the damage does. How we react and respond does. How we move forward does.

Moving forward, I'll know to be wary of mixing business and friendship, and I'll be more careful to make sure I don't end up with a face full of mud. I'll also always remember how kind, patient, and understanding complete strangers were to me, and how that ounce of compassion gave me the courage I needed to move on down my path.

And I just want to say, if you mess up, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. Sometimes things go wrong, which is practically the story of my life, but those wrong turns can sometimes lead you to the right place, to the place you were meant to be all along.

Feel free to stop by my new shop, LH Beading Patterns, and have a look around. Now through April 12th, you can enter coupon code WELCOME during checkout and save $2 off any one pattern.

Come check out the new shop, and save $2 off any 1 pattern now through April 12th, 2013

Happy beading, and have a great week!

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black coral jewelry

Seen in black coral jewelry obvious still oceans, coral reefs is actually disguised . with strong h2o concerning twenty-five one 500 feet interesting depth. The coffee quality as well as attention in the coral reefs color improves according to the interesting depth.

However coral reefs is definitely an really delicate substance, it really is still doable to be able to reproduce the idea. Rose-colored in the best good quality black coral jewelry black coral jewelry is actually observed inside the well-known oceans in the These types of regarding Biscay to be able to Madeira, Reddish colored Ocean, Southeast Eire, Mauritius, inside the Cape as well as Canaries de Verde Island, inside the Mediterranean and beyond, Islands and also with Japanese people oceans.

Corals are delicate as well as sensitive jewels that you should retained for special situations merely. Employed broadly with necklaces right now, coral reefs necklaces should be considered health care regarding. Even though rose-colored is basically tender when compared with other jewels, coral reefs necklaces as well as black coral jewelry flaming bracelets should be located very carefully in order to save the idea from scrapes. Furthermore, flaming necklaces should never are in contact with compounds because fortunately they are porous.

Important as well as special flaming bracelets as well as necklaces are utilized since the older gemstone necklaces with previous as well as traditional parts located with museums. Later on, the idea predates utilized pearls to hold the craze regarding boat necklaces alive. Coral formations necklaces is actually colorful because it will come in a variety of colorings as well as designs. The following are several dramatic as well as spectacular hues regarding coral reefs.

Reddish colored Coral formations

Coral formations with red color is actually traditional, and for that reason, pricey. In comparison with other colorings, red-colored coral reefs is actually extremely loved and is particularly extremely commanded world wide due to the elegance, solidity as well as constructive tone. Observed through the exotic your bed regarding Beach regarding black coral jewelry Bonita springs as well as Mediterranean and beyond, red-colored black coral jewelry flaming necklaces is actually vivid as well as stunning.

Commendable or maybe Important Reddish colored Coral formations

This kind of red-colored coral reefs black coral jewelry is actually generally known as Corallium Rubrum or maybe Corallium Nobile. This specific cherished coral reefs can be found in Sardinia as well as Sicily, the Mediterranean and beyond, and also with Algeria, Tunis as well as Morocco.

Black color Coral formations

In terms of by using as well as carving, dark-colored coral reefs is the best kind. In truth, it really is easier to bend over as well as form this particular coral reefs when warmed. The particular dark-colored color is the consequence of decomposing result, because that color truly exists beneath the offered exterior.

Orange Coral formations

An extremely energetic color for flaming bracelets as well as necklaces, orange coral reefs is actually black coral jewelry generally known as Allopora Subviolacea as well as Akori. This specific remarkable rose-colored discovery was produced journey Cameroon black coral jewelry coast.

Glowing Coral formations

This black coral jewelry specific really suitable rose-colored was presented black coral jewelry when it had been observed journey Boasts coast with Hawaii islands. This unique flaming carries a polished exterior and is particularly black coral jewelry resinous.

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Barrier Diamond jewelry - Gifts From the Seashore

Reefs is situated in however waters which are apparent, with a degree concerning twenty-five and 1000 toes. The actual attentiveness and high quality from the coloration of the coral formations enhances with all the degree. Nevertheless, coral formations is incredibly sensitive within character and might always be duplicated within normal water that has a temperatures ranging concerning 13 and 04 college diplomas Celsius.

These types of best configurations are available in a few areas simply. The best high quality connected with coral formations is actually found out inside waters from the Crimson Sea, your These types of connected with Biscay for you to Madeira, Mauritius, The southern part of Ireland in europe, inside Canaries and the Cape de Verde Countries, your Malay Archipelago, inside Med, and within Japanese waters at the same time.

France is regarded as the midst of coral formations bracelets making and Torre delete Greco, that's next to Naples, could be the position the optimum coral formations bracelets within France is actually prepared. Greater bits are generally molded in to eye-catching outdoor umbrella addresses or taking walks is, although the smaller bits are molded in to square, rounded or egg cell molded beads which are found in rosaries, necklaces and bracelet. Reefs is ideal for wooden cameos which is made into magnificent diamond earrings, pillboxes, brooches, inlaid bracelets cardboard boxes, necklaces, belt buckles, happens to be, wrap night clubs and cuff backlinks at the same time.

A great deal of coral formations comes for you to places similar to China and taiwan and Of india, where it can be included in religious events. In america connected with America, your inhabitant Navajo and the Zuni silversmiths happen to style coral formations bracelets on a very big size. The actual Zunis mixture it using dark-colored fly, although it splendidly contrasts using turquoise at the same time. The actual San Domingo Indians design coral formations in to wampum-style beads at the same time.

Different colours connected with coral formations: Reefs is actually often known as Corallo from the Italians and is situated in many disparities. Listed here are regarded as being the most outstanding with regard to superb.

Crimson Reefs

The actual Crimson Reefs can be a basic and happens to be really expensive at the same time. Here is the almost all appreciated coral formations when compared with others which is within fantastic desire around the world due to its solidity, charm, and beneficial hue. Crimson Reefs hails from your sand sleep from the Med, along with the Gulf connected with Naples that will happens to be next to Genoa. In addition, corals are found out down Algiers and Tunis that is about the African-american location, inside waters connected with Provence, Sardinia, Catalonia and Corsica and in addition alongside areas of your Spanish and France seacoast.

Treasured or Respectable Reefs

This is the kind of red coral formations that will is referred to as Corallium Nobile or Corallium Rubrum. This Treasured coral formations is situated in Sicily and Sardinia, your Med, and in addition within Morocco, Tunis and Algeria.

Dark Reefs

This coral formations is extremely good with regard to carving and surrounding; as being a matter connected with truth it comes about for you to bend over if it's warmed. The actual dark-colored coloration is actually viewed as the effect of the initial step connected with decomposing, since the coloration simply is available a little under the floor.

Glowing blue Reefs

It truly is called both equally Akori along with Allopora Subviolacea. This exceptional collection has become found out off of the seacoast connected with Cameroon.

Older coral formations

Divers off of the seacoast connected with Maui, within Beautiful hawaii, can see and produced this kind of wonderful coral formations readily available. This coral formations includes a resinous or glossy floor.

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black coral jewelry

There black coral jewelry exists black coral jewelry anything in relation to black. Dark garments, black link foods, Ashley Funds, black globule diamond jewelry plus a black globule pendant. Dark is usually basic. Dark is usually trendy. As long as it is not black coral reefs. Dark coral reefs may be farmed to be able to decimating black coral jewelry amounts. The item come in the Carribbean seas off from South america in addition to Belize. These kind of black coral jewelry nations around the world tend to be beginning to shield the coral reefs, nevertheless it continues black coral jewelry to be becoming poached in addition to decimated.

Ambergris Caye is amongst black coral jewelry the many islands journey seacoast of key land of Belize black coral jewelry situated in Key The us. It's full of Mango groves in addition to beaches shielded by the ocean. Traveling in to the small air-port throughout black coral jewelry San Pedro, bridging the tarmac in addition to jogging directly into area using the aroma of salt atmosphere black coral jewelry along with the comfortable moist air flow, you'll be able to relax in addition to seem like an item of paradise poker may be found. Yet available inside seas, by the ocean, a new battle is usually flaming.

Your coral reefs ocean can be a fine setting. Belize has got the minute biggest ocean program on the globe guiding the great Screen Ocean of Australia. This kind of encourages many tourists in addition to scuba. Many people snorkel in addition to plunge to be able to check out the ocean. Its not all the tourists get pleasure black coral jewelry from the fine globe there're getting into. Also careful scuba can leave guiding destruction. Transferring within a new ledge can leave atmosphere black coral jewelry pockets which can be bad for ocean existence.

Dangerous scuba and people together with snorkels can readily stop available as well as clean against the ocean causing injury to the black coral jewelry delicate setting.

A better danger to some corals, black coral reefs becoming one of these, is usually the business sector. Dark coral reefs makes beautiful diamond jewelry. It's sleek in addition to gorgeous. It is usually dwindling in numbers. With Belize you will find regulatory companies of which allow coral reefs being farmed by black coral jewelry simply some industrial suppliers. They're likely to only pick-up the expended coral reefs that has fallen in addition to resting for the bottom part. Even though most of the suppliers tend to be vigilante in addition to safety on the coral reefs, you may still find violations transpiring. Nearly all suppliers acknowledge of which safeguarding the coral reefs is their utmost attention. The unusual product can be a additional beneficial product in addition to statements a greater price.

With South america, most of the industrial scuba rationalize his or her collect by simply expressing that you have huge bedrooms much deeper straight down. The present analysis doesn't service this particular assertion. It's got found few bedrooms together with minor well being. Furthermore, different absolute depths provide different ecosystems. Cropping shallow coral reefs overwhelmingly influences a selected environment. Even though black coral reefs is commonly a new much deeper existing coral reefs, it is however an essential the main ocean eco-system.

The most effective strategies to sustain black coral reefs should be to take away the require correctly. Obtaining black coral reefs is much like acquiring poached ivory- it comes at the disastrous price to the setting. Being conscious of the origins of any kind of thing can demand some work, but the work may be protecting an invaluable organic question. Bracelets is a wonderful gift, a beautiful thing to be able to use, nevertheless it will come from assets which can be less insecure and then black coral reefs.

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Pendant: Ocean Sprite

I've had this project on the side as I've been finishing up some of the bigger pieces I've been working on.

I began to work on it again when I finished up the previous piece I posted in the blog-post I made before this one.
If you've read some of my previous posts, the one called "Forest Sprite" and "Twilight Sprite", you can see that I've been starting a small collection in this sort of theme. I have an idea for each one of the pieces I want to make, I just lack some materials, so this one is probably the last one I'm gonna make for a while, at least until I stack up on the materials I need :)

For this pendant, which I call "Ocean Sprite", I wanted to capture the essence of the ocean. To make it more fluid I started out with basic curved lines, to resembles waves. I also ended up creating a very basic hombre effect, going from cobalt blue, which would resemble the dark depths of the ocean into a lighter turquoise color, resembling waves reaching for the surface. To create a sort of sea-foam effect I used seed beads with an opal effect surface treatment.

Personally I'm very satisfied with this piece and it says what I want it to say, from my own point of view of course, then it's up to each and everyone to make out what they want of it :)

Have you ever tried to invoke a special feeling in your creations?

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Bead Embroidery Necklace

Been some time now since I had time to blog last time, my apologies :)

A few days I managed to finish up another bead embroidery piece, but we've been having it really dark and gloomy, weather wise, and I prefer to take my photos using the daylight rather then a lamp etc. So yes, I've been waiting patiently for the weather to clear up a bit so I could get a somewhat decent shot of this necklace. I have to admit tho, that I really had a hard time getting great photos of this necklace, maybe cause it has a lot of black and white? *shrug*

The idea from the beginning when it comes to this piece came a bit random to me. I was cutting out the new template I made for another bead embroidery collar I'm working on, and one piece of paper which I cut out ended up with the exact silhouette as this necklace has. I liked the shape of it so I decided to take it to the next level and make a, yeah, as you can see... A necklace :P

I've been wanting, for some time now, to create a black and white piece and that was the idea I had in mind. But indeed, as I worked I ended up incorporating some greys and some faceted red roundel beads. When I was playing around with the red beads in various places I couldn't help myself but to incorporate them, cause they were really "screaming" at me.

I also, finally, got to use the patched up shell cabochon I bought last year from an Etsy seller in the US. The person has two separate shops and he/she sells almost the same stuff in each of the stores; Balibagus & Cabcabana, I strongly recommend for you to take a look, especially if you're interested in hand-cut gemstone cabochons and hand-carved bone, the selection is wonderful and the seller keeps updating with new products at least ones a week, if not more :)

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Springtime and Cheesecake

Cheesecake? Yes, cheesecake, because not every entry can be about jewelry =P

A quick update...Things are going pretty well for Little Hill Jewelry. I'm still terrible at remembering to update this blog, so I'm sure there are tons of things that have gone on that I should mention, like my gifting a few celebrities, and revamping my website. I'm also working on some new items for spring/summer, but you can see those sneak peeks over on my Facebook page.

It's snowing here in Vermont, which is cool and everything, but the first day of spring is like, a day away, and we've got 8 inches of icy, wet snow on the ground. Thank goodness for the internet, and my awesome Promotional Frenzy team members over on Etsy--check out some of their spring themed artwork!


This is a stunning photo of Cherry Blossoms in Snow from HausofAriella

A wonderful print of a blossom against blue sky from NewCreatioNZ

A pretty floral headband from NewEnglandQuilter

And a beautiful brass flower pendant from KapKaDesign

So I thought I'd change things up a little this post, and share my new and ridicilously fantabulous recipe for cheesecake. Yes, I said cheesecake. I'm obsessed with cheesecake, but don't eat it often, because desserts aren't generally the healthiest thing on the planet. Now, don't get me wrong, this cheesecake probably shouldn't take up residence in your daily food pyramid, but it's just perfect for a special treat that won't weigh you down.

I wish I'd thought of it while I was cooking and snapped a few photos, but food-blogger I'm not, so it didn't occur to me. I know reading a recipe with no pictures is endlessly boring, but believe you me, it's totally worth it! I know, I know, enough babbling on...here's the recipe!

Totally Awesome and Almost Fat/Sugar Free Lemon Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the crust: 1³/₄C Nilla Waffer Cookies, crushed fine

¼ C unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling: (3) 8oz packages of fat free cream cheese

1C fat free sour cream

2C Splenda (or other preferred sugar substitute)

3 large eggs

2t lemon zest

2T lemon juice

For the Topping: 1¹/₂t lemon zest

6T lemon juice

1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk

¹/₂C Splenda (or preferred sugar substitute)

2T unsalted butter, cut into small bits

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325^o
Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Press crumbs evenly into the bottom of a prepared 9” springform pan.

Don’t have one? No big deal, you can really use any pan you like so long as it’s comparable in size. I like the springform pan because the sides pop off, which makes removing the cheesecake a breeze. If you’re going to use just a regular 9x9” square pan, I suggest lining it with parchment paper, just to save yourself headaches down the line.

Bake crust in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes (I left mine in for 12)
Remove pan from oven and let cool on a wire rack while you prepare the filling
Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and sour cream.

This is way easier to do if the cream cheese has been hanging out on the counter for a bit. I took mine out about an hour before I got started, and it was the perfect consistency.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just blended. Then gradually add the Splenda, mixing well. Finally, add the lemon zest and juice.
Pour filling into the crust and smooth. Now you’re ready to bake it!

Okay, so here’s the thing. Even full fat/sugar cheesecakes can crack on the top while their baking. It’s just what cheesecakes do. By changing the chemistry of the cheesecake (fat free and sugar substitutes), this is actually way more likely to happen. Fear not, there is a trick to help prevent this!
When you put your cheesecake in the oven to bake, add a small pan of water on another rack. I bake my cheesecake on the middle rack, with a Pyrex dish with about 1 ½ cups of water on the rack above it. This creates a moist heat environment, which helps keep the top of your cheesecake from getting all dry and cracked. But, ya know, even if it does crack, it’s not like it effects how yummy this cheesecake is :)

Bake cheesecake. How long is really going to depend on your oven, and your environment, and how the food gods are feeling that day. Generally speaking, it’s going to take between 1 hour 25 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes.

Normally with cheesecakes, you take it out when the tops starts to get that lovely cream and brown glow to it. Since we’re using Spelnda, that’s not going to happen (Splenda doesn’t caramelize like sugar), so you have to keep a really close eye on it.
The cheesecake is done when the top looks dry and the center is only slightly jiggle-y when you gently shake the pan. It’s part science, but mostly magic and instinct. The cheesecake is going to continue to set up after you take it out of the oven, so a little jiggle is a good thing.

Once the cheesecake is done, take it out and let it hang out on a wire rack while you make the topping.
The topping is basically lemon curd. It’s tart, sweet, and lemon-y, and it’s not strictly necessaryto make this cheesecake, but it is a great finishing touch.
Set up a double boiler.

If you don’t have one, you can improvise like I do and just set a heat safe bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and that steam can escape, and you’re all set.

Add the zest, juice, Splenda, egg, and egg yolk to the bowl and set over simmering water. Whisk until the mixture is hot and frothy, about 5 minutes. You really have to whisk constantly to keep the eggs from curdling.
Once the mixture is hot and frothy, gradually add the butter bits, whisking until each addition melts. Once all the butter is added, whisk constantly for about 7 minutes until the mixture is smooth, glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the cheesecake from its pan to a serving plate. If using a springform pan, run a thin knife around the edge to loosen, and then just pop off the sides, then gently slide the cheesecake onto a flat plate.
Top the cheesecake with the lemon curd.

Be sure to do a little taste test of the topping before slathering the cheesecake with it. It is lemon curd after all, and can be a little tart. I only ended up using about ²/₃rds of the topping spread thinly along the top.

Let the topped cheesecake hang out at room temperature for another 30-45 minutes, and then place in the fridge for several hours, or overnight.
I totally didn’t wait several hours. More like—barely an hour. You just want to chill the cheesecake and make sure everything is nice and set before you cut into it. Try and hold off as long as you can.
Top with fresh raspberries for a fresh burst of color and dig in! The only fat is from the butter in the crust and topping, and the only sugar is from the cookie crumbs in the crust, making this almost fat and sugar free, and totally, deliciously, diet friendly.

And that’s all there is to it. Try it out, and let me know in the comments what you think!

Ta ta for now :)

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An easy way to distinguish between genuine and fake gemstones

Actually, the most effective way to distinguish real diamonds and fake is by specifically testing methods that should be done by someone who is really an expert on diamonds.
But there are tips for us, how to know the difference between genuine and fake diamonds, although not as accurate as through special testing earlier.

Here are his tips:

Note Each Side Diamonds
.
Real diamonds: Will dazzling sparkle from all sides.
Rhinestone: Usually shine just the top, and less sparkling from the other side.

Put Diamonds Above newspaper.

Real diamonds: Will not get to see the writing on the shaded at diamond stone. Since the original diamond has the part in the complex, so that the light will not be able to making shadows on the diamonds.

Navigate Breath At Diamond.
Real diamonds: The fog generated will disappear quickly.
Rhinestone: diamond stone will remain hazy for a few seconds.

Wearing Magnifier.
Rhinestone: If you see any scratches on the surface, we can be sure that imitation diamonds, because diamonds are not genuine easily scratched.

Compare Weight With Weight Diamond Diamond Sports.
Rhinestone: It feels heavier. This may be made of stone Cubic Zirconia, a native of Austria who has the lusterresembles a diamond.

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Bead Embroidery Earrings V

I've been a bit busy lately and haven't really had too much time to either bead or blog. I just found out that my mom is coming over in May and will stay with us for about 15 days before she travels back to Sweden again.
We're also starting to plan a bit more things around the house, for instant... We're finally getting shelves on the walls on the second floor which I'm very, very happy about.
We're probably not even gonna travel up to Sweden this year, as we'll be focusing more on getting the house in order etc.

While I've been working on a few different beading projects, I've also finished up a pair of bead embroidery earrings that I had a bit of fun with.
I kept them pretty simple, a basic silhouette. I kinda fell in love with the colors white and garnet red when I was playing around with some red garnet cabochons I have stashed away, so I decided to pair them up with the opal finished beads by Miyuki. Then I added some extra sparkle with some Swarovski crysal bicones in a garnet red color.

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