Why can I not get a good night’s sleep?
I am sitting here at 1:52AM. My eyes are burning. They are actually tearing up.
One of My Pups is sound asleep, dreaming, right beside Me-The other went to bed hours ago. The Hubby is snoring-I can hear him.
I should take their heed.
I created 3 different spreadsheets to gage how profitable this whole Jewelry Business thing is-CAN BE.
I am putting off going to bed
WHY?
There is a an idea percolating. A NEW Design.
In my mind I am working through all of the specifics of the Design.
I have a feeling that with THIS one there will be quite a bit of deconstruction in conjunction with the construction. But, if I can get it right, it will be AMAZING.
A TRUE Statement Piece, yet more affordable for many...
BUT, I need a day off to play with the metals and stones.
MONDAY
That is the next day off.
That is the next opportunity for REAL concentration.
I have no doubt that I will be able to get a successful Design out of all of this.
Until then, I have 3 more nights of non-sleep/minimal sleep. 2 days of shuffling through a work day trying to sell somebody else’s product.
You KNOW I will post pictures of the finished product.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Dreaming Big in 2020
Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy.
AND Jewelry Designer.
Being a Jewelry Designer CAN allow me to be that Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy.
How am I going to do this?
HARD WORK
We are 2 weeks into 2020, and I am working to get most of my pieces listed on Etsy-Yes I am trying this platform again.
I am working on getting those same pieces listed on DeAndreaDesigns.squarespace.com
I am already looking into traveling locally a bit more to do Craft/Vendor Shows. I am learning that the Craft Shows require a different level of inventory.
A constant Learning Process.
I am going to open my Home a little more for Events. I really like these smaller more intimate Events.
To be able to support Myself, My Husband, My Pups.
This is MY Dream.
AND THAT IS JUST BIG ENOUGH.
One of my coworkers and I were watching a YouTuber who in just 6 years went from BROKE to Living his Life in Designer clothing, Living in a mansion, driving customized vehicles, AND has one of the TOP cosmetic companies.
This is his Dream, and his Dream is HUGE. He is an over the top personality. THAT is perfect for HIM, but not for Me.
Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy/Jewelry Designer. THAT is MY DREAM.
That is the NEW Dream-but is it REALLY NEW?
AND Jewelry Designer.
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| #TheThundrGirls need Me at Home |
How am I going to do this?
HARD WORK
We are 2 weeks into 2020, and I am working to get most of my pieces listed on Etsy-Yes I am trying this platform again.
I am working on getting those same pieces listed on DeAndreaDesigns.squarespace.com
I am already looking into traveling locally a bit more to do Craft/Vendor Shows. I am learning that the Craft Shows require a different level of inventory.
A constant Learning Process.
 |
| ThundrCrest hosts DeAndreaDesigns |
To be able to support Myself, My Husband, My Pups.
This is MY Dream.
AND THAT IS JUST BIG ENOUGH.
One of my coworkers and I were watching a YouTuber who in just 6 years went from BROKE to Living his Life in Designer clothing, Living in a mansion, driving customized vehicles, AND has one of the TOP cosmetic companies.
This is his Dream, and his Dream is HUGE. He is an over the top personality. THAT is perfect for HIM, but not for Me.
Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy/Jewelry Designer. THAT is MY DREAM.
That is the NEW Dream-but is it REALLY NEW?
Saturday, October 20, 2018
The Black Star of Queensland-A Star Sapphire
A little while ago I posted a photo of a Star Sapphire Ring that I had just finished. I was amazed at the number of people commented that they-or their Mothers-had had one when they were younger.
My own Mother had one.
I remember being fascinated at how the “Star” seemed to float on the surface of the Stone. How, depending on the lighting it was stronger, or even nonexistent.
I have always liked the Gem.
I loved seeing the “Star”-or asterism.
There was something almost magical about that “Star”...BUT of course it isn’t magic.
That asterism is the result of a series of needle like inclusions that intersect with one another to create a 6 ray star pattern. Best shown under a single light source.
Star Sapphire occurs naturally in every color that Sapphires do.
Blue.
Pink.
Orange.
Yellow.
Green.
Grey.
Black.
Blue, however, is the most desirable.
Most Star Sapphires are on the smaller side-perfect for use in Rings and Pendants, BUT occasionally, You find LARGE GEMS. Introducing “The Black Star of Queensland”...
Until recently "The Black Star of Queensland” was the largest Star Sapphire known. Measuring in at 733ct, it was found in the mid 1930’s in it’s namesake of Queensland, Australia. A 12 y.o. boy by the name of Roy Spencer found the stone, brought it home to his father, who worked in the Industry. They used it as a doorstop for 9 years thinking that is was just another black crystal.
The Elder Spencer inspected the Stone a bit more closely over the years. He realized that there WAS something Special about the Stone.
In 1947 he sold the Stone to Henry Kazanjian for $18K-which he used to build a new Family Home.
Kazanjian studied the Stone before cutting and revealing “The Black Star of Queensland” buried deep inside-sacraficing 400+cts in the process.
The Stone has since been loaned to numerous museums, and been showcased on TV-Most notably around the neck of CHER in the late 60’s early 70’s.
“The Black Star of Queensland” was again sold. This time to an Artist and his Socialite Girlfriend for $500K-the money going to set up scholarships in Gemology.
After a legal battle to determine ownership “The Black Star of Queensland” now resides in Switzerland with the Socialite Girlfriend.
My own Mother had one.
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| Follow along on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/DeAndreaDesigns-248159268885/ |
I have always liked the Gem.
I loved seeing the “Star”-or asterism.
There was something almost magical about that “Star”...BUT of course it isn’t magic.
That asterism is the result of a series of needle like inclusions that intersect with one another to create a 6 ray star pattern. Best shown under a single light source.
Star Sapphire occurs naturally in every color that Sapphires do.
Blue.
Pink.
Orange.
Yellow.
Green.
Grey.
Black.
Blue, however, is the most desirable.
Most Star Sapphires are on the smaller side-perfect for use in Rings and Pendants, BUT occasionally, You find LARGE GEMS. Introducing “The Black Star of Queensland”...
 |
| The Black Star of Queensland. By greyloch . |
The Elder Spencer inspected the Stone a bit more closely over the years. He realized that there WAS something Special about the Stone.
In 1947 he sold the Stone to Henry Kazanjian for $18K-which he used to build a new Family Home.
Kazanjian studied the Stone before cutting and revealing “The Black Star of Queensland” buried deep inside-sacraficing 400+cts in the process.
The Stone has since been loaned to numerous museums, and been showcased on TV-Most notably around the neck of CHER in the late 60’s early 70’s.
“The Black Star of Queensland” was again sold. This time to an Artist and his Socialite Girlfriend for $500K-the money going to set up scholarships in Gemology.
After a legal battle to determine ownership “The Black Star of Queensland” now resides in Switzerland with the Socialite Girlfriend.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Time to start DREAMING BIG
WOW...Some things never change.
Reading over some older posts-like some of the Originals-where I was trying to find that balance between Work/Life...Yep, I am still searching for it.
Carving out a few minutes a day for DeAndreaDesigns is going to have to be a priority.
I have been posting more. Creating/Tempting my audience.
I have been creating a little more. Playing with NEW Designs.
I have been re-evaluating past Designs.
Even selling one or two of them. They were that good, but got lost in the shuffle.
Some just need finishing touches before they are ready to be seen...
SOME are JUST PLAIN bad, and will NEVER be seen. They are destined for a “Deconstruction Day”. Not a bad thing, sometimes the act of deconstructing something tells you more about how to properly construct it.
What I am learning, is that I will always be trying to find a balance between doing what I love, and the satisfaction of being able to pay the bills.
I am always going to be trying to be BETTER at the balance.
If my time away from DeAndreaDesigns has taught me anything...It is that I HAVE to find time for Myself.
Whether it is an hour at the gym.
OR
15 minutes outside with the dogs.
I have to take that time that I am just chilling
in the mornings/evenings and apply it to DeAndreaDesigns. If I don’t I will NEVER get out of Retail for someone else.
Like the caption on the Aqua Pendant says, “If you dream big enough, it can happen for you too”
Time to start DREAMING BIG!!!
Reading over some older posts-like some of the Originals-where I was trying to find that balance between Work/Life...Yep, I am still searching for it.
Carving out a few minutes a day for DeAndreaDesigns is going to have to be a priority.I have been posting more. Creating/Tempting my audience.
I have been creating a little more. Playing with NEW Designs.
I have been re-evaluating past Designs.
Even selling one or two of them. They were that good, but got lost in the shuffle.
Some just need finishing touches before they are ready to be seen...
SOME are JUST PLAIN bad, and will NEVER be seen. They are destined for a “Deconstruction Day”. Not a bad thing, sometimes the act of deconstructing something tells you more about how to properly construct it.
What I am learning, is that I will always be trying to find a balance between doing what I love, and the satisfaction of being able to pay the bills.
I am always going to be trying to be BETTER at the balance.
If my time away from DeAndreaDesigns has taught me anything...It is that I HAVE to find time for Myself.
Whether it is an hour at the gym.
OR
15 minutes outside with the dogs.
 |
| My baby Grendel |
 |
| My baby Prudence |
I have to take that time that I am just chilling
in the mornings/evenings and apply it to DeAndreaDesigns. If I don’t I will NEVER get out of Retail for someone else.
Like the caption on the Aqua Pendant says, “If you dream big enough, it can happen for you too”
Time to start DREAMING BIG!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
LAPIS LAZULI...I know very little about You
I have ben having a very difficult time writing this one-Almost like I am trying to force something.
Although I LOVE this Beautiful Blue Stone and all of the little Gold flecks that abound within, I KNOW very little about the characteristics, properties of the Mineral, OR even how to gauge one that is better quality than another...
Why have I been so drawn to working with it lately?
Is it just because of request for one? OR is the Universe telling me that I NEED to be working with it?
THAT being said, this is what I have found out...
Lapis is apparently a Stone of Self-Discovery.
Helping to bring about Peace and Serenity thru the release of stress.
“I am aligned with my deepest truth”
This “Stone of The Sky” has been used in Ornamentation/Decoration since approximately 4000 B.C. Whether it was as a dye in artwork, inlaid in mosaics, or used to cover King Tut’s sarcophagus, AND represented in the Bible as the 5th stone in the Breast Plate of the High Priest.
It has been valued for MANY MANY Years.
So what should You be looking for when purchasing Your own piece of serenity?
When You are purchasing Your own piece of Lapis, as always if YOU are drawn to it, IT is the RIGHT piece for You...BUT if You are purchasing for a gift, or just because it is pretty. You want the BEST quality.
Look for something that has a deeper, more intense hue of BLUE.
Look for something that is consistent with little white (Calcite) veining. Flecks of gold (Pyrite) are acceptable so long as they are not overpowering the blue.
Lapis is divided into categories based on where it is found. ALTHOUGH these names do not necessarily indicate WHERE it is mined-only the characteristics of these areas.
Afghani/Persian Lapis has a very intense medium dark hue with little Pyrite and no Calcite.
Siberian Lapis will come in a variety of Blues with more of the Pyrite and some Calcite inclusions.
Chilean Lapis may be spotted with Green hues and has obvious Calcite veining.
Although I LOVE this Beautiful Blue Stone and all of the little Gold flecks that abound within, I KNOW very little about the characteristics, properties of the Mineral, OR even how to gauge one that is better quality than another...
Why have I been so drawn to working with it lately?
Is it just because of request for one? OR is the Universe telling me that I NEED to be working with it?
THAT being said, this is what I have found out...
 |
| Lapis TearDrop Pendant |
Lapis is apparently a Stone of Self-Discovery.
Helping to bring about Peace and Serenity thru the release of stress.
“I am aligned with my deepest truth”
This “Stone of The Sky” has been used in Ornamentation/Decoration since approximately 4000 B.C. Whether it was as a dye in artwork, inlaid in mosaics, or used to cover King Tut’s sarcophagus, AND represented in the Bible as the 5th stone in the Breast Plate of the High Priest.
It has been valued for MANY MANY Years.
 |
| Oval Lapis Pendant |
When You are purchasing Your own piece of Lapis, as always if YOU are drawn to it, IT is the RIGHT piece for You...BUT if You are purchasing for a gift, or just because it is pretty. You want the BEST quality.
Look for something that has a deeper, more intense hue of BLUE.
Look for something that is consistent with little white (Calcite) veining. Flecks of gold (Pyrite) are acceptable so long as they are not overpowering the blue.
Lapis is divided into categories based on where it is found. ALTHOUGH these names do not necessarily indicate WHERE it is mined-only the characteristics of these areas.
Afghani/Persian Lapis has a very intense medium dark hue with little Pyrite and no Calcite.
Siberian Lapis will come in a variety of Blues with more of the Pyrite and some Calcite inclusions.
Chilean Lapis may be spotted with Green hues and has obvious Calcite veining.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Finding Balance...Part??
I was just looking over some of my past musings.
I CANNOT believe that I have not written or posted anything in the last 3 years.
A LOT has changed in that period of time.
I have since closed the Store/Studio. I accepted a position with Godiva that I LOVED-they have since closed my store. I found that I liked having Health Insurance AND a steady paycheck, so I am found another Retail Management position.
I got married.
We adopted two puppies-LARGE dogs now.
We bought a house and moved to Suburbia.
A little after my last posting I suffered a concussion that left me unable to focus on any kind of close detail work. When I did try to work on anything, I would end up with a migraine that could last for hours-OR DAYS.
2 and a half years with NO creative outlet-except for merchandising the store-has left me feeling more than a little lost.
Thankfully, a few months ago, my Cousin’s Fiancé asked if I could make a bracelet for the Wedding. I said, “YES”, without realizing whether I would be able to do it-AND not suffer the impending migraine...I not only did not get the headache, but I ENJOYED it.
I have since been tinkering with past designs-some are still VERY difficult to do. BUT, I am finding that a little bigger and bolder designs work well for me ow. Most importantly, I am finding that I NEED to work FOR ME again.
I NEED that creative outlet.
I have not only been working with past designs, I have been tweaking them so they work better.
AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH NEW DESIGNS.
Some of Y’all may have noticed that I incorporated a bit of braiding into my necklaces...Well, .999 FineSilver wire braids just as nicely. Maybe even better.
Some newer designs have been born. Some older designs have been reinvented.
At this point in the whole process, I am only promising that I WILL continue to Design. Enough to build up an inventory capable of doing shows? Or reopening? That is to be determined.
I do KNOW that I WILL continue to Design.
I CANNOT believe that I have not written or posted anything in the last 3 years.
A LOT has changed in that period of time.
I have since closed the Store/Studio. I accepted a position with Godiva that I LOVED-they have since closed my store. I found that I liked having Health Insurance AND a steady paycheck, so I am found another Retail Management position.
I got married.
We adopted two puppies-LARGE dogs now.
We bought a house and moved to Suburbia.
A little after my last posting I suffered a concussion that left me unable to focus on any kind of close detail work. When I did try to work on anything, I would end up with a migraine that could last for hours-OR DAYS.
2 and a half years with NO creative outlet-except for merchandising the store-has left me feeling more than a little lost.
Thankfully, a few months ago, my Cousin’s Fiancé asked if I could make a bracelet for the Wedding. I said, “YES”, without realizing whether I would be able to do it-AND not suffer the impending migraine...I not only did not get the headache, but I ENJOYED it.I have since been tinkering with past designs-some are still VERY difficult to do. BUT, I am finding that a little bigger and bolder designs work well for me ow. Most importantly, I am finding that I NEED to work FOR ME again.
I NEED that creative outlet.
I have not only been working with past designs, I have been tweaking them so they work better.
AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH NEW DESIGNS.
Some of Y’all may have noticed that I incorporated a bit of braiding into my necklaces...Well, .999 FineSilver wire braids just as nicely. Maybe even better.
Some newer designs have been born. Some older designs have been reinvented.
At this point in the whole process, I am only promising that I WILL continue to Design. Enough to build up an inventory capable of doing shows? Or reopening? That is to be determined.
I do KNOW that I WILL continue to Design.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
FIRE OPAL...The Delicate Orchid of the Gem World
WOW!!!
I have not written in a very, VERY LONG time, and I can tell You that I have felt something missing.
Hopefully, writing about one of MY personal Favorite Gems will help.
Fire Opal.
THE MEXICAN Fire Opal to be exact.
Imagine looking into a campfire and having ALL those Reds, Oranges, and Yellows trapped in a faceted Gem-or even a cabochon.
That is what a Good Quality Fire Opal resembles.
Opals are a silicate based stone-composed of up to 20% WATER...AND they are not very durable.
Much like myself, these Gems like being out and shown and adored-constant wearing allows the Gem to Balance it’s water content by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, BUT excessive heat and light can actually dry out the stone causing cracking.
I love days that are overcast and rainy.
Fire Opals are a Stone of Loyalty and Trust.
They help to strengthen those that are Shy.
They encourage a positive, healthy Sexuality.
They symbolize JOY of the Heart.
They attract money.
Looks like I have to find My Fire Opal Ring.
I have not written in a very, VERY LONG time, and I can tell You that I have felt something missing.
Hopefully, writing about one of MY personal Favorite Gems will help.
Fire Opal.
THE MEXICAN Fire Opal to be exact.
 |
| Fire Opal Wire-Wrapped .999FineSilver Ring |
That is what a Good Quality Fire Opal resembles.
Opals are a silicate based stone-composed of up to 20% WATER...AND they are not very durable.
Much like myself, these Gems like being out and shown and adored-constant wearing allows the Gem to Balance it’s water content by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, BUT excessive heat and light can actually dry out the stone causing cracking.
I love days that are overcast and rainy.
Fire Opals are a Stone of Loyalty and Trust.
They help to strengthen those that are Shy.
They encourage a positive, healthy Sexuality.
They symbolize JOY of the Heart.
They attract money.
Looks like I have to find My Fire Opal Ring.
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