tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24317768966541385132024-03-14T01:57:35.662-07:00BlumensnapdragonDevon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-51090576379244395782018-08-28T20:46:00.002-07:002018-08-28T20:46:57.750-07:00IT'S A BEAUTIFUL BOY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">LUKE!! 6-24-17</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forgive me! It has been 2 years since my last blog post (sounds like a Catholic confessional). The addition of Luke to our family has been an absolute blessing (and seriously, long awaited, prayed for...). So that year went by way too fast and the previous year was a blur and I'd like to forget it (mostly stress, major changes, anguish, less than stellar health, etc). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Now to 2018</b>: Besides Luke and our family being a priority, I decided to elevate my jewelry business to a higher (mental) status. The holidays are quickly approaching and I have spent the last few months working on my brand, a new collection, posting on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blumensnapdragon/">https://www.instagram.com/blumensnapdragon/</a> creating goals, researching local boutiques in which to sell my jewelry and connecting to my local community and to the social media community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would love to connect with you too. More than likely over a playdate and a Bullet proof coffee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned as I try to keep all of my plates spinning. Advice on how to handle it all with grace especially if you have a small business, a family and career. (Mother of multiples-how do you do it?!)</span></div>
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<br />Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-24307464638243039162016-08-04T19:04:00.003-07:002016-08-04T19:09:55.960-07:00Candy for the heart and soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of those posts you can't wait to write! But I had to wait...until we were shopped out and made it back home to Scottsdale from the Tucson Gem Show with our LOOT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know of a few friends who drive south (about 2 hours) for ONE day of bead/gem shopping and then I know of some who spend a week (and frankly, I am totally envious of them). I have to remind myself that this is my hobby... Who am I kidding?! I have many hobbies, but this is the only one where people WANT the labors of my hobby-lucky me. So I spent two full days shopping for anything that caught my eye...serious candy! There was a lot that caught my eye, actually, but the $1,000 price tag just left me salivating over that candy. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznW3GYrdQMCuIL_94ma1qZcsrmxAqP5KemFM4euO-ZMX29fkshYMjJDXF-NWzppWwWy5U4kWXAP9qfXbUlOoKH8pRugX2IP7MFiuRh2BfFyhPCp1e-q4q0mMXikF8dvrSKrvaKjqm6M/s1600/IMG_2934%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZznW3GYrdQMCuIL_94ma1qZcsrmxAqP5KemFM4euO-ZMX29fkshYMjJDXF-NWzppWwWy5U4kWXAP9qfXbUlOoKH8pRugX2IP7MFiuRh2BfFyhPCp1e-q4q0mMXikF8dvrSKrvaKjqm6M/s400/IMG_2934%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> How in the heck??? Amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">no, I did not purchase this :(</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15N1UbF7oyOW5juEG4RmF5MFB3duvTty7OAu34cXoAmkj57KTMvs_okOYCSvUffmyJr9RDPrF5_hv6M7LJ_y_GNMtRX-moxRjtpEOQa9G9HttrKL8M6v486KizGe26xHsuFYLOm8CF_4/s1600/IMG_2940%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15N1UbF7oyOW5juEG4RmF5MFB3duvTty7OAu34cXoAmkj57KTMvs_okOYCSvUffmyJr9RDPrF5_hv6M7LJ_y_GNMtRX-moxRjtpEOQa9G9HttrKL8M6v486KizGe26xHsuFYLOm8CF_4/s400/IMG_2940%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Himalayan salt crystal</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtrBmYMRNpanLgwo_IVdCKg66py3IeaKA5cOwmsGgYXpHP2I5jHf7KdJx-beQTrl264DJ06G7N7-9tSLWR286pWH9IElRT1fGzJJV9vvyW1vuh8tYE3msbrP4IBWi4tgZExBOTNAjEvI/s1600/IMG_1539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtrBmYMRNpanLgwo_IVdCKg66py3IeaKA5cOwmsGgYXpHP2I5jHf7KdJx-beQTrl264DJ06G7N7-9tSLWR286pWH9IElRT1fGzJJV9vvyW1vuh8tYE3msbrP4IBWi4tgZExBOTNAjEvI/s400/IMG_1539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> (sorry, trouble rotating this one)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickIgD6xNuFOdg1b_hLfX1M-rMN-tCpAo5f5BBDe-vl8mVvn2IkF7QmYDOW8ccYG3v1eVnGYpE2R2ktI4RNWZKCqkWIP1OEewgwWw0oiUMeyzaFwPIy38RkwqrsL3U-Wf0LIXcZdves3c/s1600/IMG_1540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickIgD6xNuFOdg1b_hLfX1M-rMN-tCpAo5f5BBDe-vl8mVvn2IkF7QmYDOW8ccYG3v1eVnGYpE2R2ktI4RNWZKCqkWIP1OEewgwWw0oiUMeyzaFwPIy38RkwqrsL3U-Wf0LIXcZdves3c/s400/IMG_1540.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amazonite, petrified shells, and sterling silver flower pendants</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvkyryk8LvHJS-UvF2aYugFI7WhsTmZpvjHwh3zQlt0O_ZfHrHqeKY9WB-fm5Vo_RbHvxas4Y8ZuXBaFxi1KV8hbAPGo6QYtzHeryqk4epk6dhLPxyKdZzlMlDxI-Ja99iZgJEs48JGg/s1600/IMG_1541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvkyryk8LvHJS-UvF2aYugFI7WhsTmZpvjHwh3zQlt0O_ZfHrHqeKY9WB-fm5Vo_RbHvxas4Y8ZuXBaFxi1KV8hbAPGo6QYtzHeryqk4epk6dhLPxyKdZzlMlDxI-Ja99iZgJEs48JGg/s400/IMG_1541.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Citrine, amethyst, druzy, flourite...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecqUdD1DOvGadDLpumpWZR9Lw68pJYdGezgepvnKnZlJH41dAnvHdsDlP5gK5bcbtu_36rud1MS9obwG1nIE00m0-hInHOks8n7R13XepKwsGbtirvqDLY4FgryPfBfIqYH8XoFEFK4Y/s1600/IMG_1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecqUdD1DOvGadDLpumpWZR9Lw68pJYdGezgepvnKnZlJH41dAnvHdsDlP5gK5bcbtu_36rud1MS9obwG1nIE00m0-hInHOks8n7R13XepKwsGbtirvqDLY4FgryPfBfIqYH8XoFEFK4Y/s400/IMG_1605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Probably the best find my business partner found-rough, un-drilled aquamarine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBiV632uFWwi5_yw7y_0YgyaluiirH-CBTQ9CIVB07ykmDyH9J9cdjwWvXtwrAT4sJLxMiESBYUugRbEh39NuDILcLODNP2Nxw0RVGN7pWDkD3UJx1e4W3x-RTmtntiNQ11as0Q4vMLc/s1600/IMG_1523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBiV632uFWwi5_yw7y_0YgyaluiirH-CBTQ9CIVB07ykmDyH9J9cdjwWvXtwrAT4sJLxMiESBYUugRbEh39NuDILcLODNP2Nxw0RVGN7pWDkD3UJx1e4W3x-RTmtntiNQ11as0Q4vMLc/s400/IMG_1523.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the booth of one of my favorite designers, Kia. She walks the walk. She travels mostly to India each year and gets dirty in the quarries to hand pick her gems and requests certain pieces be drilled, faceted, and polished to her liking. She has amazing, truly one of a kind stones. I haven't made too many pieces with them as they are rare and I have a problem parting with them. (see previous blogs about this psychological problem of letting go)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We met numerous people and I also got to speak German with a few very talented designers from...Germany! Gorgeous and unique designs of finished jewelry were literally everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Gem Show does draw people from all over the world not only as exhibitors of precious and semi-precious stones and award winning jewelry designers but also tourists looking for "uniquities". There was some junk too; the cheap mass produced kind from China, but for the most part, there are so many super creative talented people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have committed to being more visible on my blog in 2017, so come back to see what I have fashioned from thousands of years of earth and pressure!</span></div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-42515944668366668902016-08-04T18:21:00.003-07:002016-08-04T19:13:05.065-07:00Getting Some Professional Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">While my friend, Tiffany from <a href="http://hisgloryphotography.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">His Glory Photography</a>, was taking our family photos a few months back I asked her to take some of this necklace to put in my Blog Boutique. She made it look so beautiful and was able to capture the small flecks of blue in the labradorite pendant as well as the prism-like cubes that I love. It is mixed with black oval druzies just to mix up the shapes and textures. I couldn't upload these pics into my Blog Boutique before it sold. I so loved this necklace because it can go with so many outfits and colors that I was sad to see it go. But this "hobby" makes me sad too often!!</span></div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-38428574066932651222014-07-21T21:18:00.000-07:002014-07-21T21:18:33.078-07:00Vintage Bracelet Re-do<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzFdWha7UqXT-Y2KlGjI-NoSdmCdIVRyTUMto7nqQFSz0Ptx4SNKlExKdWXe4_dJhl7DF_24Y4NX6Q0xyCiEjPxd_qDf1LvQLjXygo_3AOlHLrYg8VvALkvlv7o3pvTpjdXsfl2ILLyw/s1600/Vintage-Bracelet-Redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzFdWha7UqXT-Y2KlGjI-NoSdmCdIVRyTUMto7nqQFSz0Ptx4SNKlExKdWXe4_dJhl7DF_24Y4NX6Q0xyCiEjPxd_qDf1LvQLjXygo_3AOlHLrYg8VvALkvlv7o3pvTpjdXsfl2ILLyw/s1600/Vintage-Bracelet-Redo.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I found myself working on this very busy piece of carpet but decided to go along with it because I was feeling inspired yet lazy to find another piece of cloth to keep everything from rolling onto the floor. Although, I really don't like breaking a vintage piece apart something was telling me it was going to be ok. The small square blue-ish green iridescent pieces are from a vintage bracelet and the flat stone drop just said 'pick me' (it however, did not remind me of the name of the stone). Then I added the heavy base metal chain. It by no means is finished. Unfortunately, in the separating of the links several of the stones came loose from their bases and now need to be glued back on.</span></div>
Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-91597096695854121052014-05-29T21:16:00.000-07:002014-05-29T21:20:08.852-07:00Tucson Gem Show <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08FllR8me6_boT6po8g-LiZ-0OUP7ob1DgoEFshhuecgWR6hf-dJsi78uwD3DHHTBcPmUFgHnHx0TzBU-JnD9WzQaMfQPAHtMmzeE4N2JBRD84KK87VyuaDQoHcUjV5YQVqItqdkBqgc/s1600/_Tucson-Gem-Show-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Tucson Gem Show 2014</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's rewind a few months to the biggest gem show in the world...and how lucky are we that it is almost in our backyard ( a mere 2 hours in the car!). I am not sure I would attend each year if I had to spend hundreds on a plane ticket as this would cut into much needed spending money. We (my jewelry partner, Marilyn, and I) have a rule when it comes to the gem show: buy 3 strands-2 to use in our designs and the other to hold onto for the inevitable moment when we realize we are out. I actually have the same crazy rule when it comes to scrapbook paper (however, more stringent)- 1 sheet to use and 2 to hold onto. I have a problem with letting go...obviously. </span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08FllR8me6_boT6po8g-LiZ-0OUP7ob1DgoEFshhuecgWR6hf-dJsi78uwD3DHHTBcPmUFgHnHx0TzBU-JnD9WzQaMfQPAHtMmzeE4N2JBRD84KK87VyuaDQoHcUjV5YQVqItqdkBqgc/s1600/_Tucson-Gem-Show-1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Each year I also spend a little more money than the last...and then I start to panic...and there goes my 3 strand rule! Then I run out of gems, and get mad at myself. I must pass through 5 stages of the shoppers paradigm.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYD63q5iXOZDLyS5b5qqnpPPLVrkheRnWI7XRLN8FIwSfsoIYYrAZ52WyM67qckVsWPKgYmMB2QyJEHAH5a2oVJ3YTEsIqR8A3NytpVlYE43l9F6d7SXWS3o_2cKRDE5X5VIr0k7-95k/s1600/Tucson-Gem-Show+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYD63q5iXOZDLyS5b5qqnpPPLVrkheRnWI7XRLN8FIwSfsoIYYrAZ52WyM67qckVsWPKgYmMB2QyJEHAH5a2oVJ3YTEsIqR8A3NytpVlYE43l9F6d7SXWS3o_2cKRDE5X5VIr0k7-95k/s1600/Tucson-Gem-Show+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, big statement necklaces are still in fashion as well as vibrant colors. I bought large rough aquamarine (my staple), rough kyanite, varasite jasper (purple, yellow, and blue), large prehnite, Peruvian opal, flourite, tektite, carnelian, turquoise, coral</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gt976VQi8YJwtrlkXvl8jq2daXipmCBT85a1PSymTUU3KmJ_P89BNe4HS_Ivz6hXIITKMrWIX0HvNNoORqGr9tEXuT6vfCXHdIPntICC23KQNgfgyBFYtjByzFgzBl_dDw3MPcMya44/s1600/Tucson-Gem-Show-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gt976VQi8YJwtrlkXvl8jq2daXipmCBT85a1PSymTUU3KmJ_P89BNe4HS_Ivz6hXIITKMrWIX0HvNNoORqGr9tEXuT6vfCXHdIPntICC23KQNgfgyBFYtjByzFgzBl_dDw3MPcMya44/s1600/Tucson-Gem-Show-3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">and look at the size of my amber. I have passed it up for several years and we finally talked each other into buying...one strand! We do this every year...</span></div>
Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-46182049653124946622013-10-25T10:37:00.003-07:002013-10-25T13:34:46.129-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Two Great Boutique Parties Coming Soon!</span></span></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This year get your holiday shopping done early and feel excited that you are giving unique distinctive jewelry from Blumensnapdragon. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Come out to the 37th Annual </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Church Mouse Boutique on </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 8:30am-4pm </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>and Sunday, November 3, from 7:30am-1pm </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>at Blessed Sacrament Church</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>11300 N. 64th St.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Scottsdale, Arizona 85254</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The second event is a come-as-you-are </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Virtual Holiday Jewelry Party on </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Sunday, December 8, 2013</b>. Browse our 2013 sale items from the comfort of your own home. Click on the <i>Blumensnapdragon Boutique </i>button on the left hand column of this blog and start shopping!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">These two upcoming events will help you "WOW" those certain people who just need a good WOW-ing and allow you to enjoy a stress-less season. You will also be supporting our local economy and homegrown artists and crafters. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>These
Distinctive Jewelry Designs And Much More Will Be Featured At The 37th
Annual Church Mouse Boutique November 2-3, 2013 At Blessed Sacrament
Church In Scottsdale, Arizona </b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoTwZeC5h8_WL_iLHi2zYkU_jLEtTzQ_REbCWmU-rmh7jwV9yYn3mzsaECZov2sbQGIDxTeTVCMh06IuutoWuqsbbecTICdAkQ6qlvQo5OiVfj18pY_dOAOCYDDybIvo0vlBVw3q6Yxo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoTwZeC5h8_WL_iLHi2zYkU_jLEtTzQ_REbCWmU-rmh7jwV9yYn3mzsaECZov2sbQGIDxTeTVCMh06IuutoWuqsbbecTICdAkQ6qlvQo5OiVfj18pY_dOAOCYDDybIvo0vlBVw3q6Yxo/s640/1.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rennaissance- Real Baroque & Shell Pearls with Crystals</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2vTpX2BSKNvf5LvM3zz5sBbUJ22Y77Poj13KP0wT9lHh6aVDDIYEIhY9U41drQZ3HAI4tD88ujJJOXXL4Fs2QdaLWeoKKu6f8kKcOCDP9MOTD5qe2XMDfqNbHnYiBR-qd-W2R6UVHMY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2vTpX2BSKNvf5LvM3zz5sBbUJ22Y77Poj13KP0wT9lHh6aVDDIYEIhY9U41drQZ3HAI4tD88ujJJOXXL4Fs2QdaLWeoKKu6f8kKcOCDP9MOTD5qe2XMDfqNbHnYiBR-qd-W2R6UVHMY/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Doubled Up Amazonite</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hearts of Magnesite</span></span></b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></b></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Us9bN-CcK_e7rq_qn3eZnTNNwYh4koWyc3QdNXBGyoH84UYBudp6UYjzzFou_DvYSiBN-OSntDQBCWQXLqoEqbDJyYANlK2tdzbnUBarTwdPY47mdTzKpF2tZ7PO3lvIRkABcCtKalY/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Us9bN-CcK_e7rq_qn3eZnTNNwYh4koWyc3QdNXBGyoH84UYBudp6UYjzzFou_DvYSiBN-OSntDQBCWQXLqoEqbDJyYANlK2tdzbnUBarTwdPY47mdTzKpF2tZ7PO3lvIRkABcCtKalY/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Quartz and Magnesite Funky Bracelet</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn84I-MFVuNjTdKhujfzSCzSnjBt_GT94R7e_kXVosR_KML9jLVYbyHaiGRIr3b2HTJMw2X6BRsTPOaeDRW_FGIA0Awm1lYntcktxQXpj7Gel_6_PStk8bOuTk2hZFzE6ZFtWcn6yqX3s/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn84I-MFVuNjTdKhujfzSCzSnjBt_GT94R7e_kXVosR_KML9jLVYbyHaiGRIr3b2HTJMw2X6BRsTPOaeDRW_FGIA0Awm1lYntcktxQXpj7Gel_6_PStk8bOuTk2hZFzE6ZFtWcn6yqX3s/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Shapes Around the Wrist with a Sterling Silver Extender Chain & Clasp</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2Srp7XrbEmzHFSkELv62giwtKN559v1J75ijXV0Mxwx-f9R28IzeL_ZIcYZB0-chtNZ2XssqIlnlyMhdNjWNN15En_MhTTj6Jan-7XwKYhsINybtRNP9hmbwDocUZMAfYCUWOEwUWAU/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2Srp7XrbEmzHFSkELv62giwtKN559v1J75ijXV0Mxwx-f9R28IzeL_ZIcYZB0-chtNZ2XssqIlnlyMhdNjWNN15En_MhTTj6Jan-7XwKYhsINybtRNP9hmbwDocUZMAfYCUWOEwUWAU/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Aquamarine Glass with Sterling Silver</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkgDbnpfMCusikFvQR4ol5zNwrVXkhcy90Gff4-grneZz0x7Z4ZqTBqeR2ntgbIBmRWYRoxeTK1cx9Ou_3e9yNfVpmRKrKAIt0Gw4cC8UBm66tsXFDd5oJiJlGVSwd2DtmXE0sGQ1IQI/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkgDbnpfMCusikFvQR4ol5zNwrVXkhcy90Gff4-grneZz0x7Z4ZqTBqeR2ntgbIBmRWYRoxeTK1cx9Ou_3e9yNfVpmRKrKAIt0Gw4cC8UBm66tsXFDd5oJiJlGVSwd2DtmXE0sGQ1IQI/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Upcycled Chandelier Earrings with Crystals</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidevFkf-nAKU9BBqwvteGUEfCZcQvr7HoViCgKonqbCfZUMDdMp9OqBGQaUlY6-wkchvVXmqxta1EpeP6GfS43OwMiyPm5xW54UHwt5kBLNGHirI7jzXLig61Rd_aRtU1iuVBpN7FSrw4/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidevFkf-nAKU9BBqwvteGUEfCZcQvr7HoViCgKonqbCfZUMDdMp9OqBGQaUlY6-wkchvVXmqxta1EpeP6GfS43OwMiyPm5xW54UHwt5kBLNGHirI7jzXLig61Rd_aRtU1iuVBpN7FSrw4/s640/8.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Patina Flower Pendant, Faux Pearls, & Magnesite</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyDhB35Yrd7XKe0qDCdBs8yOcivUE7YegaXp5qoN4x2huEMARTDQgLPofjjoH4AqEiZ4B7EP9T23NJgqcbC30AhEbxZitU-UGB3w_hW7jqNCfQqqSbqff8H7o2EetlLEIBSmvRo8uqgI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyDhB35Yrd7XKe0qDCdBs8yOcivUE7YegaXp5qoN4x2huEMARTDQgLPofjjoH4AqEiZ4B7EP9T23NJgqcbC30AhEbxZitU-UGB3w_hW7jqNCfQqqSbqff8H7o2EetlLEIBSmvRo8uqgI/s640/9.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rough Citrine Chunks with Copper Chain & Findings</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWOUsMaOpNIbfKxrVuR8zWa2EtV_HilceFB6mrvsBUcQgtLyh1BTB4jCxo_QH-rlBLMoIbO4dJRd_ybb0raCLFRqTZBxVfwBNC1G_u6PKVCcJ0u1x1cfZWR_ubZ8L11-1lumEjblxuOU/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWOUsMaOpNIbfKxrVuR8zWa2EtV_HilceFB6mrvsBUcQgtLyh1BTB4jCxo_QH-rlBLMoIbO4dJRd_ybb0raCLFRqTZBxVfwBNC1G_u6PKVCcJ0u1x1cfZWR_ubZ8L11-1lumEjblxuOU/s640/11.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Faceted Swarovski Drop with Upcycled Jewelry Parts </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpxZAajDCWInc34zLIf68iuUOia3Jan__ssRy2XEHHGfzq3IKwABgGXm6aNf_hkRrkD0jEGdFgEcptDU6qHOXrC25oyOxwDfbC1v3akpY7JtozBtKFzbREPLOR-3jukqtRIq3kbg2yc/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpxZAajDCWInc34zLIf68iuUOia3Jan__ssRy2XEHHGfzq3IKwABgGXm6aNf_hkRrkD0jEGdFgEcptDU6qHOXrC25oyOxwDfbC1v3akpY7JtozBtKFzbREPLOR-3jukqtRIq3kbg2yc/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This Looks Much Better On!The Drop is Actually a Citrine Color</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljlArqFomusjDTUFUiJFN1Tm4UfPjEZAZy5CCJ1FvRcauXkWqGEC41dW0UaUpoQZTyZilTuVjw2C6IdOoL0xiZgItyXWfCl7WtsBusxMy1e9QfClkWaR5D8RAv1Poerxbfpww15vJl14/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljlArqFomusjDTUFUiJFN1Tm4UfPjEZAZy5CCJ1FvRcauXkWqGEC41dW0UaUpoQZTyZilTuVjw2C6IdOoL0xiZgItyXWfCl7WtsBusxMy1e9QfClkWaR5D8RAv1Poerxbfpww15vJl14/s640/12.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sterling Silver Hollow Heart with Flourite Prisms</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tiger Eye and Magnesite with Sterling Silver</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Blue Lapis, Druzy, and Smokey Topaz with Variable Bronze Chain</span></span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lengthened Version</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH_bhOCjIDlcXpogsZS67QykiysJ7yJM-kDhUrmyBKKl4wpmmcjQq_eK9GXjGYvdJQsfK8uzwCQogZu8o5MgnnDsTqNpv2NxG7MbKl6vpsczeRJa9_WGQlz8TgYg3xdOmJTGYSOHItCE/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH_bhOCjIDlcXpogsZS67QykiysJ7yJM-kDhUrmyBKKl4wpmmcjQq_eK9GXjGYvdJQsfK8uzwCQogZu8o5MgnnDsTqNpv2NxG7MbKl6vpsczeRJa9_WGQlz8TgYg3xdOmJTGYSOHItCE/s640/15.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Shortened Version</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>For Pricing And Availability, Please Leave A Comment For Me On This Blog or email me at <a href="mailto:schnakie@yahoo.com">schnakie@yahoo.com</a>. Hope To See Everyone At Both Events!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Devon</b></span></span></span></div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-71833301806076182972013-07-11T23:25:00.000-07:002013-07-11T23:29:20.486-07:00Where Bloggers Create 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y6aVBe0XunQCyVhVBXzUFRYNSf7GNZIPCcqcCX4jJBKA1rRLOpVn04TVemshU8m7FLLfHTPlg2jWfRVA5haH2soch6mO5utO__gJWmxwE67SjSr5Arx9vKj8JEZuVaT6Y_rA6EAsIds/s1600/DevonWBC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y6aVBe0XunQCyVhVBXzUFRYNSf7GNZIPCcqcCX4jJBKA1rRLOpVn04TVemshU8m7FLLfHTPlg2jWfRVA5haH2soch6mO5utO__gJWmxwE67SjSr5Arx9vKj8JEZuVaT6Y_rA6EAsIds/s640/DevonWBC1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to my little 'studio' in the corner of our home office/fitness equipment & craft storage room where many Blumensnapdragon designs are created or finished. You wouldn't think I know where everything is as it's quite cramped, but I do! Like most of you, I can't design until my space is organized. I use antique milk glass pieces, candy bowls, silver trays, etc that have been handed down or found at garage sales.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy-wOzSBCy23bZ9yP6hJ69l5BIs6JGBoifQXSjEXRx7D7anQciq1YQiHCzxZjr6Kc5u7HokHqlmxTCmOIdgD9tAmX17mw_DJ9wR3wKndRmGnBhkZG3YOujldetELDdefTCWns1nbUJf0/s1600/DevonWBC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXy-wOzSBCy23bZ9yP6hJ69l5BIs6JGBoifQXSjEXRx7D7anQciq1YQiHCzxZjr6Kc5u7HokHqlmxTCmOIdgD9tAmX17mw_DJ9wR3wKndRmGnBhkZG3YOujldetELDdefTCWns1nbUJf0/s640/DevonWBC2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some of my favorite 'uniquities' are created with crochet hooks that I have had since I was a child. I still worry sometimes that they will be confiscated by TSA so I rarely take them in my carry on to work on projects.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx96Y8tEwUjwbwUZYjd5pbvQygkgTeioIQ7_Z93yx2RNXrTILPDdCJlMRKvHVhRrPtcSPt2G3HCtpLiM24fDA77s9flT4nnGSqANLgxCagVbV1O48IcBEtAiPGyaEIwqrFDdKUU1Yo1Yg/s1600/DevonWBC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx96Y8tEwUjwbwUZYjd5pbvQygkgTeioIQ7_Z93yx2RNXrTILPDdCJlMRKvHVhRrPtcSPt2G3HCtpLiM24fDA77s9flT4nnGSqANLgxCagVbV1O48IcBEtAiPGyaEIwqrFDdKUU1Yo1Yg/s640/DevonWBC3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Normally, I don't think of myself as having ADHD or ADD but when it comes to designing, I must. I cannot just design one piece. No. Sometimes. I will sit on the floor and start emptying jars of semi-precious stones or my vintage elements and if I don't like the exact combination I will start on another piece but still look to finish piece #1, but in turn start on #3 and so on. I think I bought a lot of blue at the 2013 Tucson Gem Show!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32oNI5He-IGycaKEShD1gFOFZn4w1DhZB-kUGEBlH0IjqziJo6zevs8dvyv1_oMPx3IN_y05PXShcL58dnCU5hPxYyv-np5-4k8KMcrP1jMiGfexdkERVEGa5tMf3Tl9WPqjNkdTvmnI/s1600/DevonWBC5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32oNI5He-IGycaKEShD1gFOFZn4w1DhZB-kUGEBlH0IjqziJo6zevs8dvyv1_oMPx3IN_y05PXShcL58dnCU5hPxYyv-np5-4k8KMcrP1jMiGfexdkERVEGa5tMf3Tl9WPqjNkdTvmnI/s640/DevonWBC5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The red multistrand necklace above is vintage and I really like it as is, but I really want to dismantle it and create 3 things with it! (see previous story). The other necklace is one I just finished. I am loving these patina crosses from the Gem Show as well as these baroque fresh water pearls and pyrite chunks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuujDoJQRFCkz9GnLMdDjbjSwHY13-MIymf4IJFRqG7bee-t1yVX3bheq-40KfT2a0YqugD0fJJlQFWUaLHx7vbozDYluB1OO8jnaI4ibgON_d3KJZFbno1haEALf76cxls5TMQrv7BM/s1600/DevonWBC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuujDoJQRFCkz9GnLMdDjbjSwHY13-MIymf4IJFRqG7bee-t1yVX3bheq-40KfT2a0YqugD0fJJlQFWUaLHx7vbozDYluB1OO8jnaI4ibgON_d3KJZFbno1haEALf76cxls5TMQrv7BM/s640/DevonWBC6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Definitely needs organizing! This is the leftover jumble after designing. But I see a few possibilities...I did the silver cuff with magnetic closure a few years ago and want to do the color scheme with something else. I use broken pieces of jewelry and vintage items passed down from relatives to create one of a kind fun jewelry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEzG4EMlCX1CEuOQ55zCPX-PfWkPU4JLm0ULPn8WzQLgG1LEKLGtgDHY2JS8QOxIxZiJ0VpvHuvWD-7yMd9_wDwXRZ5gUhrmck4GuYInflcu5A_UYycRnv_1IN_o5_gPKTs4EuiesNSA/s1600/DevonWBC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEzG4EMlCX1CEuOQ55zCPX-PfWkPU4JLm0ULPn8WzQLgG1LEKLGtgDHY2JS8QOxIxZiJ0VpvHuvWD-7yMd9_wDwXRZ5gUhrmck4GuYInflcu5A_UYycRnv_1IN_o5_gPKTs4EuiesNSA/s640/DevonWBC4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have found baby food jars to be the best container to hold everything. I do travel often to a friend's house to design and then I rethink schlepping numerous glass jars!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsP5gqq_349BJM4Y8vWQ6LLlp9qqkITXWMW9GRzIgzn1kowHjjvn5ZlBWiZQLwIl9Sd3qz1luWDgMlMK0ZoGjE1-NAu7Qjux2u2rzNN6bjahM1Q4E2q-A8WJRVSDC2uzABbkqXyfL204/s1600/DevonsWBC8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsP5gqq_349BJM4Y8vWQ6LLlp9qqkITXWMW9GRzIgzn1kowHjjvn5ZlBWiZQLwIl9Sd3qz1luWDgMlMK0ZoGjE1-NAu7Qjux2u2rzNN6bjahM1Q4E2q-A8WJRVSDC2uzABbkqXyfL204/s640/DevonsWBC8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(Grateful to have my angels looking over me) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love these paper roses Karen Valentine adorned my birthday present with one year. I glued magnets to several and you will see them on my vintage ceiling tile bulletin board.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNwVbqP5qGXJUWlZhxwv0wHkqbMWz1C0UN1NaBYL7e16xB63RhkMSkZJ7-_zWZCnGOls0EEZslpmnAJD1enZ-GR-f3oMRyl7hZo6qXCkxxQzWgT-14k6AB7x3I5EohmbnGvvqOiWLwUE/s1600/DevonsWBC9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNwVbqP5qGXJUWlZhxwv0wHkqbMWz1C0UN1NaBYL7e16xB63RhkMSkZJ7-_zWZCnGOls0EEZslpmnAJD1enZ-GR-f3oMRyl7hZo6qXCkxxQzWgT-14k6AB7x3I5EohmbnGvvqOiWLwUE/s640/DevonsWBC9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The spice jars and caddy work well too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtm_eqYAxdZftIaTjVWAFw_hfrXJbQXXk3pMYb74BADsLN09-4WuUfmALy0v2H1LH_HEdQhejNutyhW7FnR2PrIqUmSB4hmEIkoXl_3xrDUVvGCu-R1hWpq7gZSPtYYpQBFSRwT9MUMo/s1600/DevonsWBC10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtm_eqYAxdZftIaTjVWAFw_hfrXJbQXXk3pMYb74BADsLN09-4WuUfmALy0v2H1LH_HEdQhejNutyhW7FnR2PrIqUmSB4hmEIkoXl_3xrDUVvGCu-R1hWpq7gZSPtYYpQBFSRwT9MUMo/s640/DevonsWBC10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Because you can never have too much inspiration!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW5qjSOB6IjLg7eNJUIr4QWVo_ht29PwKLgRSn1SsIWam3JGnZT6drhBBY4IMqHyHps951im0HTXQuif1ntLHar_US_DmsXJwWuAXM4wYioAqGPzeCxhN-0rb20J_5bUy4NNGKMjD2PQ/s1600/DevonWBC7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW5qjSOB6IjLg7eNJUIr4QWVo_ht29PwKLgRSn1SsIWam3JGnZT6drhBBY4IMqHyHps951im0HTXQuif1ntLHar_US_DmsXJwWuAXM4wYioAqGPzeCxhN-0rb20J_5bUy4NNGKMjD2PQ/s640/DevonWBC7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Awwww. My inspiration and motivation. Pictures of my husband and I, our dog Mischa, good friends, slogans, words of wisdom, and things I am grateful for. Love the bumper sticker from a cafe in California; What Are You Grateful For?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-5qLoni-9_82X812QeGPXn5HvyxiAHGeIzgClhDZdItyYjR6rTFXEv8_u7FEuCtI_JAVDae-b1tlmqNu2R0Rw-hbh8trLjPmbH7REIL0D-TsxL3agxZUaM2wtIDGecuyhBm1MqeVTzg/s1600/DevonsWBC11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-5qLoni-9_82X812QeGPXn5HvyxiAHGeIzgClhDZdItyYjR6rTFXEv8_u7FEuCtI_JAVDae-b1tlmqNu2R0Rw-hbh8trLjPmbH7REIL0D-TsxL3agxZUaM2wtIDGecuyhBm1MqeVTzg/s640/DevonsWBC11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh my gosh! There is also a backside to this...filled! I need to get this covered by our home insurance policy. That's how important it is to me.One side of beauties was gifted to me by my husband's aunt and the other by his mother and grandmother. It is so hard to use anything from this collection in my new designs. It will be a slow process, but I'm also not one to hoard things. I want them to be used, talked about, and enjoyed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFYxhBpSs3nWpc_W7aGRCV3BcWsGDXZqcu1INIAsQybG6Eyynl_klrmR4LbNI9Da4mWLcREyIuoWtvCNqyADIBiYSJ3xztKEMo9TCl406RUhVRMgpvtR5QO9taByKAj9sBGdYNO4FDHQ/s1600/DevonsWBC12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFYxhBpSs3nWpc_W7aGRCV3BcWsGDXZqcu1INIAsQybG6Eyynl_klrmR4LbNI9Da4mWLcREyIuoWtvCNqyADIBiYSJ3xztKEMo9TCl406RUhVRMgpvtR5QO9taByKAj9sBGdYNO4FDHQ/s640/DevonsWBC12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">See my previous blog about "The Unveiling". The remaking (stripping) of my awesome dress form.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uBB8MOHul0V4lxUX_-yGYxg6gz3927BvXA8JBbLsYBA3wZ8mZJv8US_K5tznpG6msDezcrIRtYoTq9s3wA4n6FIspE934WqorZZwWRRLwCzNVwqd8Jk-MGFccwbpIplHKQPoHeHYYbk/s1600/DevonsWBC14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uBB8MOHul0V4lxUX_-yGYxg6gz3927BvXA8JBbLsYBA3wZ8mZJv8US_K5tznpG6msDezcrIRtYoTq9s3wA4n6FIspE934WqorZZwWRRLwCzNVwqd8Jk-MGFccwbpIplHKQPoHeHYYbk/s640/DevonsWBC14.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My mother's old train case. It went everywhere with her in her youth and I have even taken it on cruises just because I'm an old fashioned girl. It still travels, but just to display my finished pieces at jewelry shows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: large;">Thank you for depositing some of your precious time here. Your comments are like gems to me. Thank you Karen Valentine for giving us the opportunity to open a virtual door into so many creative bloggers' worlds. xo</span></div>
Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-7533799402102758412013-06-24T08:19:00.000-07:002013-06-24T08:19:41.646-07:00The Unveiling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know how long I have owned this dress form. My friend Karen, from My Desert Cottage pointed out (in the nicest way possible), that
it's kind of hideous. :)</div>
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At first we were going to cover it with simple beige linen and maybe add to it some text or stamping. Then we decided to see what was underneath. Actually, we didn't know how we were going to cover it... what a bear!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf2VuNCoRGu5hoLTxBetIw7iJujzVRMY5ZdGYkkvKlLyjCDML0PVHWuI3wHBWm1Xz0d0JaKt1tw0r-A3hyphenhyphenvGcJn9DRKr9mTV7f96XfMrS9jNeQ34OxvqUPv9H9V_lN2gcec4N02Tizls/s1600/Manni3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf2VuNCoRGu5hoLTxBetIw7iJujzVRMY5ZdGYkkvKlLyjCDML0PVHWuI3wHBWm1Xz0d0JaKt1tw0r-A3hyphenhyphenvGcJn9DRKr9mTV7f96XfMrS9jNeQ34OxvqUPv9H9V_lN2gcec4N02Tizls/s640/Manni3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The previous owner did go through great lengths to cover it with seam tape, cotton and hideous pink fabric with rickrack. </div>
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She is so petite and cute underneath-the owner might not have been so tiny-I mean, look at that waist! It's so 50's.</div>
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Sometimes, the best things are left alone and we certainly saved ourselves a lot of time. We sat around asking ourselves, "Now what do we work on?" We got the EASY button!!! How often does that happen? Thanks, my dear Karen.</div>
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<br />Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-67679323123239740362013-05-13T17:52:00.000-07:002013-05-13T17:52:00.277-07:00Vintage Jewelry Re-Doux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj5y9RW16B13wD_JkGsVOCqSvvThf3nEaA9GJ7hxIM9mry6AmFzNUqnBnSNBS4miJlbjR813AO2IaLgj6CrqHhVjnjcPBMF8D9_Wo6znjml2MDxKvHlVwjAHF9_PUSrd6NZt5yfAWldU/s1600/VintageNecklace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj5y9RW16B13wD_JkGsVOCqSvvThf3nEaA9GJ7hxIM9mry6AmFzNUqnBnSNBS4miJlbjR813AO2IaLgj6CrqHhVjnjcPBMF8D9_Wo6znjml2MDxKvHlVwjAHF9_PUSrd6NZt5yfAWldU/s640/VintageNecklace2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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While I love to make jewelry out of gorgeous natural gemstones, I have a soft spot for the pieces made from jewelry pieces passed down to me from my mom or other family members. These pieces will never make it to my boutique because they hold sentimental value and they are one of kind and can never be duplicated. </div>
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The necklace in the above picture was made with a pair of vintage daisy earrings from the 50's given to me by my mother. Connected to the daisy ensemble is a vintage pin and finally the drop at the bottom is an earring (not vintage, once broken and discarded)<br />
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The necklace below is one of my (many) favorites. The center piece was either a vintage earring or pin. I wired each bead by hand using sterling silver, crystal, and hematite. The drop at the bottom is comprised of a broken earring and a vintage Catholic religious medal given to me by a friend. I made it in the style of a rosary but shorter as I also wanted it to be its own piece.</div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-79463916997389927022013-05-01T19:44:00.001-07:002013-05-01T19:44:20.295-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A little while ago I had a jewelry show at my house. I invited friends, family and coworkers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHriCMKvJ3O1EbcXFps5lTmnkKREg7Q0ElDiuQJZ1AxBUiUK6OaOegzKyVAdBkWkJ_X5xpP1s38GYLzJ5MWKrmS_IwkdwXyELLSWjgmuL6aMiiH8bB8klfn-P_nYHKU4hnbWtL5RY9M4/s1600/Party2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHriCMKvJ3O1EbcXFps5lTmnkKREg7Q0ElDiuQJZ1AxBUiUK6OaOegzKyVAdBkWkJ_X5xpP1s38GYLzJ5MWKrmS_IwkdwXyELLSWjgmuL6aMiiH8bB8klfn-P_nYHKU4hnbWtL5RY9M4/s640/Party2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was really fun to try and display all the jewelry in a creative way. Although I am still learning, I think I did a pretty good job!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoeDb9g-YdkhaiMC8MCD3FIhO_o0i34uaNfpJfLYhWW1lnRv037TtUqwSJVuExq9grk-HRotafK9gcS-YJl5c99dU8Pf5ofkaUlFClZG6tr22jd_2niGqH9fSsnQtt0BbYYe72kw3R5g/s1600/Party3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoeDb9g-YdkhaiMC8MCD3FIhO_o0i34uaNfpJfLYhWW1lnRv037TtUqwSJVuExq9grk-HRotafK9gcS-YJl5c99dU8Pf5ofkaUlFClZG6tr22jd_2niGqH9fSsnQtt0BbYYe72kw3R5g/s640/Party3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I borrowed a mannequin from my friend Karen from <a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.com/" target="_blank">My Desert Cottage</a> and it really helped to make the necklaces pop!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd44sAakWXBd-Hpq_Cw7ewDUWFPbRsR9qP6XDVhPFO3oUumWDTF9RyINKJtbT40o0dB5sCK1bthRsgUYClX-s1tMuqnpJTcV_YUWQOOkDu-jg1610jZVCU9sMZT1vHXWFJ83fbjVm7PQ/s1600/Party4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd44sAakWXBd-Hpq_Cw7ewDUWFPbRsR9qP6XDVhPFO3oUumWDTF9RyINKJtbT40o0dB5sCK1bthRsgUYClX-s1tMuqnpJTcV_YUWQOOkDu-jg1610jZVCU9sMZT1vHXWFJ83fbjVm7PQ/s640/Party4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I am very grateful to have sold many pieces and will do it again for sure!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx8VMm8aFvWZsL4eDKDi_o5w_Y5dh_GfwBnCoQAUUD2aRZiKdMl-1HFYiegUGdvzsAyLCqnEA42iHlbu-vrOGypj5cQPlPzHiK9B0sa8UHx-XjXs57GeZpHEiGNvDMZQAE3OWRsnGubw/s1600/Party5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx8VMm8aFvWZsL4eDKDi_o5w_Y5dh_GfwBnCoQAUUD2aRZiKdMl-1HFYiegUGdvzsAyLCqnEA42iHlbu-vrOGypj5cQPlPzHiK9B0sa8UHx-XjXs57GeZpHEiGNvDMZQAE3OWRsnGubw/s640/Party5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The best part however, was just getting together with friends and playing dress up!!!</div>
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I was so involved in the party that I forgot to take photos of the guests trying on the jewelry and having fun! Oh well, next time!!!</div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-63636651656545011082013-04-05T18:09:00.000-07:002013-04-10T10:01:08.984-07:00I'm baaaack!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjDL4zEkJdOE1AYiHHdh8CfZs2ME5X-CJOiyECisVNangsHIGvulYJF5TVd0WbmNu43kHeCBxaFIt2IYbJqZizN2grYGao5mpr8sjio-sFKEiq7v3NrVtrBlRKFJjHLHo_5FnDyMZS8w/s1600/Gems2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjDL4zEkJdOE1AYiHHdh8CfZs2ME5X-CJOiyECisVNangsHIGvulYJF5TVd0WbmNu43kHeCBxaFIt2IYbJqZizN2grYGao5mpr8sjio-sFKEiq7v3NrVtrBlRKFJjHLHo_5FnDyMZS8w/s640/Gems2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so sorry I have been away for so long!!! You know how it is....life just gets so busy and before you know it a year has gone by!!! I wanted to share with you a taste of the wonderful earthy treasures I found at this years Tucson Gem show.</div>
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There were so many lovely stones, beads and gems to choose from!!!</div>
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I just loved all these greens!! The purple accents are wonderful too don't you think???</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UG0yT33ycxqVyHqCbfx8E-ChdqZpRPDXlDKMHgH69FsJiLwUHazQU4fNnQDu4PK1CuDmXdkgjqk1Mcm3ttOcScG7KCCdR9ajlkDqcKrSW1YjFJYsDQnEeYSHg5zbvBDi5ZFahyphenhyphenG-HF0/s1600/Gems3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UG0yT33ycxqVyHqCbfx8E-ChdqZpRPDXlDKMHgH69FsJiLwUHazQU4fNnQDu4PK1CuDmXdkgjqk1Mcm3ttOcScG7KCCdR9ajlkDqcKrSW1YjFJYsDQnEeYSHg5zbvBDi5ZFahyphenhyphenG-HF0/s640/Gems3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This color palette reminds me of the ocean. I think it will make a gorgeous necklace or maybe some lovely bangles!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsIyN38Ivxxz2NCznaYfPhliRemOHabOlvT4Apz6X_TiPNo9cg_QSDKaI606BxhRFU9rTQZXNYjVXn4_wxTxD6GNQ-xLsaH1ppJ44pZUfU8QN5DumiAbdRzurWK8xGuvT1tLBojn7nKw/s1600/Gems1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsIyN38Ivxxz2NCznaYfPhliRemOHabOlvT4Apz6X_TiPNo9cg_QSDKaI606BxhRFU9rTQZXNYjVXn4_wxTxD6GNQ-xLsaH1ppJ44pZUfU8QN5DumiAbdRzurWK8xGuvT1tLBojn7nKw/s640/Gems1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These chunky Quartz Crystals are so fabulous and I love the rough Aquamarine and the Pyrite!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCsL6_mMn7qRUOUDB6LdHmpCSmNBbivev5AC0AGBou2-SVNGn0zG9MSwmbTRHAy2uDrtCAqTkOjtLyShov73EoMlgbTkhJzdOfRvlYRZkvSgeSRngQ4q8QJjiOdBXP5TzH2ssQESiknc/s1600/Gems5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCsL6_mMn7qRUOUDB6LdHmpCSmNBbivev5AC0AGBou2-SVNGn0zG9MSwmbTRHAy2uDrtCAqTkOjtLyShov73EoMlgbTkhJzdOfRvlYRZkvSgeSRngQ4q8QJjiOdBXP5TzH2ssQESiknc/s640/Gems5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Greys and yellows are hot, hot, hot right now!!</div>
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More gorgeous color!! I can't wait to find some time to sit down and create something with all these lovely stones.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92AqPOP7jCFA_2I6L372ntjCjarc-PrairbhluYFtGvntELkys2VfB6fj3BsIgrbjj7sFsHuIMHfdTbfnAYX9j0mHAxCwGvPItsMZsYeo0VxcLG79cOgvtKmf_EwZddoDvirCihWIGSQ/s1600/Gems6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92AqPOP7jCFA_2I6L372ntjCjarc-PrairbhluYFtGvntELkys2VfB6fj3BsIgrbjj7sFsHuIMHfdTbfnAYX9j0mHAxCwGvPItsMZsYeo0VxcLG79cOgvtKmf_EwZddoDvirCihWIGSQ/s640/Gems6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And lastly, some beautiful cut Hematite. I could have easily spent another couple of days there shopping and spending sooo much more money, but I practiced great restraint!!!</div>
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Don't forget to pop over to my <a href="http://blumensnapdragonboutique.blogspot.com/">Boutique</a> and check out the pieces that are already finished and ready to go to a new home!!!</div>
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See you soon!!!</div>
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xo,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Devon</div>
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Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-6832788675374957632012-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:002012-12-22T09:46:54.022-08:00If You Can't Handle People Staring...Don't Wear This<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm serious! I wore this beauty with a purple slouchy top at a boutique party</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and saw the stares and overheard people gasping, "did you see her necklace?!", "OMG, it's gorgeous", etc.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaoh4wk6toSmbkselaZJA-wUhxhQPXcRdY1FOsLmIydv3C3TuhQA-xeaXvEBz2cPpUipg0J4KRqJ13UEvfumVjDdmLcoNP60CKNNo3bs481WbCxI_-ailqpcWu5hHQyFN4lb-a-XM6hM/s1600/jewelry+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaoh4wk6toSmbkselaZJA-wUhxhQPXcRdY1FOsLmIydv3C3TuhQA-xeaXvEBz2cPpUipg0J4KRqJ13UEvfumVjDdmLcoNP60CKNNo3bs481WbCxI_-ailqpcWu5hHQyFN4lb-a-XM6hM/s400/jewelry+001.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It REALLY made my day. And I even wear this to work! As a trainer I'm working hands on with clients all day. Because the stones look raw people ask if they scratch me. No. And with the ribbon closure, I never feel it and can wear it as long or short as I like.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQwf8_XiT-87Xlfc8z-pKAHYu3dDKIFi8QC2Z-s-tYAkYZ8zEER4vH84N5P9NlSxlAxRMX4EHLrgbIQr1T_WTQWRvpUBEtpG-cB7_kSvXQiyaXXlKHVrXlduEbWohmRApk7lTqW9ifp0/s1600/jewelry+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQwf8_XiT-87Xlfc8z-pKAHYu3dDKIFi8QC2Z-s-tYAkYZ8zEER4vH84N5P9NlSxlAxRMX4EHLrgbIQr1T_WTQWRvpUBEtpG-cB7_kSvXQiyaXXlKHVrXlduEbWohmRApk7lTqW9ifp0/s640/jewelry+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These amethyst and citrine stones are my favorite find from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show last year. As most of my friends know this story, they bring it up every time I wear this piece. They say, "The ones where you had to fight off the lady". True. We were </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSYd1VhuQrdEBziUjYyw8CTtcMeP3DnCH0zwhjdplUGWXkapD9lOnK9yfKYn-unSZ555tyEwwLUzQ2FPWSj7zWBBdLm9RfRlCqYRL9tAJdl730_K6bf8QjGm31edL2pGWPJZxqWIlUGY/s1600/jewelry+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSYd1VhuQrdEBziUjYyw8CTtcMeP3DnCH0zwhjdplUGWXkapD9lOnK9yfKYn-unSZ555tyEwwLUzQ2FPWSj7zWBBdLm9RfRlCqYRL9tAJdl730_K6bf8QjGm31edL2pGWPJZxqWIlUGY/s400/jewelry+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">eyeing the same strand and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was one left. Trust me, she walked away only with a bruised ego. It was in my hand and she said she wanted it. Really?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> You can choose to have yours look like the one above for $65 or I will custom make it (please contact me for pricing).</span> </div>
Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-17099804814169785952011-09-14T20:39:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:43:29.385-07:00Snow In Sept?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful words left by fabulously creative bloggers and a huge thank you to my friend </span><a href="http://www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Karen Valentine</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for her hard work and dedication to putting it all together, and bringing US all together!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hope to be more regular at posting blogs and new jewelry designs and I welcome comments!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fXi7ELFIAbRK1ighwhaLXkH_RP9u5IJPcFfpKEE5_XmsRrjFk2JDvMqrfDdntM42dS-hYpiLHy36laEOf-g6uMkWRpzssgClGd6jLAy2ZCmS9WgTG25DTZPb745qMTKYnRZuSg9dKYM/s1600/DSC01815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fXi7ELFIAbRK1ighwhaLXkH_RP9u5IJPcFfpKEE5_XmsRrjFk2JDvMqrfDdntM42dS-hYpiLHy36laEOf-g6uMkWRpzssgClGd6jLAy2ZCmS9WgTG25DTZPb745qMTKYnRZuSg9dKYM/s400/DSC01815.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I asked my sweet cousin, Kelly, to model the necklace I made specifically for her. This was a few months back on our visit to Aspen. We found the most pristine snow with absolutely no one around and played with our husbands in the snow. It was the perfect setting for her Iceberg necklace. I made one for myself which I immediately named as my new favorite (happens with <em>every</em> new piece). Then she saw it and had to have one, so I had her help me design it. We took an old earring and attached it on the diagonal to the bottom and beaded through it and added a drop (which gets lost in her cleavage, but who cares!) I love it and love her. This was unfortunately the last of my raw glass chunks from the Tucson Gem Show. {Note to self: buy three strands of everything we like...one for me, one to keep, and one to design with!}</span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-62442232917567590962011-07-15T00:15:00.000-07:002013-05-21T08:58:41.979-07:003rd Annual Blog Party!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 130%;">Renew, Rebirth, Revive!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">There is probably no other venue to make your comeback than at a party. Nothing like full exposure to hundreds of people! I feel like I have come out of my year-long cacoon. My last entry was at my good friend, Karen's, Blog Party 13 months ago. Since then, I found my dream job at a wellness clinic in Scottsdale and I moved back into my house after living with my mother for 7 months (see last year's post) during a remodel on our house. But the biggest change of all was my husband's safe return from Afghanistan on New Year's Eve night 2010 after spending a year in very remote and hazardous areas working with the Marines (Semper Fi all you military families). As my heart was being ripped out, I learned my brother, a Colonel, would also be there for 6 months! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">I have never endured such emotional turmoil, depression, and despair for such a long period of time. My job, friends, and family and my faith kept me alive. I know there are many women in blogland and beyond that can relate so I won't go into any detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">I want to give all my energy to my renewal; self-healing, marriage, family, friends, and my passions that satisfy both halves of my brain!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629488042139876002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eYBvRPdtDjY0ulFgJY9f1yzGZPSaHHTVx7MdvtX-8Oa9K3-h_BuBaO4m9Q16KXPHxn0rYTOJm9uM1sSpSQE4NLzSxorJ0UQQ8gPAky-YgRwUOTZpWDYeI0P4AoF3fOSgYVUs3O6yTQg/s640/Blog+Party+2011+010.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I went from a dining table to a 6 foot table in the corner of our office but I'm so grateful to have my own space! Not enough room to spread out yet, but we're creative, right?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629489334946433858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pPEdx2LSZeX8AgaMD1fdcd23QbUgrspM94zvGhzgMj3Y005mINCeE47kEkynLXIRnLzKxgcd8tt_wMAToTfY6jp5tQUAHvU23BkYeXqyHoIXiR7P9nG5zbpIr4m9oDROGrGSLDprCd8/s640/Blog+Party+2011+003.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /> I love the hanging organizer Karen gave me for my vintage jewels. Love those cigar boxes too!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629490322139179378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OUcgQVMbj2bnbqNT1BIom4nIWw97Zfj8CYrcjpETVgttJM2mwkzSSJRoBacvSlQfJoxby5SyYvbWHPQ8VvqwI9o0AjIKy02sQpRh9SmDsSjtj98rJrg5w0dUfrCa7Jb5dj5Zuqjvyks/s640/Blog+Party+2011+001.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />My mother's old train case that I used to carry on trips. The antique binoculars I bought in Prague years ago and the funnest assortment of vintage jewelry from my husband's family.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629492165484637042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFigMJmGDZAXgx_94G_EHkh5Tybe9qg4cGnlbDWpXasGAH_58fx4i9TB2jp8Ar5cfXDZUwKsNzg8VLHG2_zzlgoLTkdJB8uCsJxK9K-fOM4fRZVluGrnZvOWYVJh8IXybpOOfLI1hMT18/s640/Blog+Party+2011+002.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahh, my dress form...sewing baskets and tote bags because I design jewelry with a friend each Sunday and schlep over all I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629493858157774626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iTX9s0SGDVMkIbjk1-5DHxuR6e9YKXoo0i1Es8yo3grD02FPVAHCmZEuTq15VpRn8ktWy_7NimdiorLOdl32VNNdWOGe0TOg79gTkjYmOhcXqamxRH1hTCpSg8aLbHxFbV_uDPDqTo0/s640/Blog+Party+2011+005.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />My inspiration board. Of course, one of my best friends and the most creative person I have ever met, Karen, HAS to be on this board (upper right) as well as the creative fairy necklace she made me! Then my sweet husband and I (upper left) and a simple love note, a few sketches of some necklaces, quotes, and our dog, Mischa, who shows me as much love as I shower on her and who has to be near me at all times. Our walks every morning help keep my sanity and allow me to create in my head.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629496444141511426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduDtc3KzmDG7byqnep6bxNih9rQO0uZ7UYWmh6zZ5d5RlQs9q4_eT_vdAmiPBumWLQHf6t_dI0opZfEIKLNF09mbUDzbTiSiQtiWVQgME6dUo5Ls01Igv__KTld_JptfiLrMXTy7W16Y/s640/Blog+Party+2011+019.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Ok, speaking of...also known by her alter ego; Svetlana.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629497623566148434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCNjKWuucIN4nruJKHZIHaeUvgg5jRj65PnyEE-nsJuMcpSaVS2RqJBZEsxv1FeGR_Rpb-WRp24SvAdSZg8cO3nvseTVSJr4jiuV59PxH1sYCKgLjPuuBpgXzRmY4Kqatr1kM5-J6pIA/s640/Blog+Party+2011+006.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /> Some of my designs. Mostly new but the one on the right is repurposed from my mother's 1950's earrings, a vintage pin, and an earring for the drop. (my mother still names all of my pieces)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629498512348509586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBs4rCjoaXX6KueD6nLlXRzoXP6v0rSycevn0S1Uw22seKTBhHd7mL9gNYd3G-Madry9yeEWm8U9rhiQcL9YNIPSI4HKbxEi1inJsMmndhoEJIvlNV7U5s5SzpiwavLdqX4VXBMzq296Y/s640/Blog+Party+2011+015.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" />The necklace in the middle with the purple drops used to be an earring. Upper left are antique rosaries (Karen found these) and a lot of stuff that doesn't have a home.<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629498260107282306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RO9g2MqPMYo08zWwtEaePDX8JyS5ntY4Rnx1ChhlTUaBnh8hyphenhyphenxywoB9UTVzy0zOluMf44hRE6cpqa-VTb0dOv89zXFHy-OlSnPDrnIxZrt2g_sPCOGhQLJ3o2A_xvGtRAo-UCvJEAR8/s640/Blog+Party+2011+008.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Jewelry awaiting a happy home. (They are all happy at my home but my husband says Picasso would never have been anything great if he kept all of his paintings for himself.) Hmmmm.<img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629498021986138946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUPviMq_HnXCiQDWIqd_Pj_U_11ZcFPt5BcGZJ8mwqAV5qk8JV-pBS7FxGj0P3Lk6kCIoQ1qTPtJcC_HBAD4lHKrz7c86Twq25y2u0GocazyZTM0PWnRE2p_cNuKBTbASiVJEEJlB-3s/s640/Blog+Party+2011+007.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />I started using this picture holder to display more finished jewelry. E6000- you have made my life easier!<img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629499262552673586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Tq-GNhwxQP6l2_1EN1gkEt39icOwJRm9LS8FlZcEWUyOZNehwxigjLKNR7-liBGxDmw3wCKgFbCMnwiEj_cJtcKslugSflB2h1V6y2pUFkwXZMio5GF0IBdLSVObCVkz7Jp26bY4_7Q/s640/Blog+Party+2011+009.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" />My family-my strength. Some of my favorite pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629508025681668386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi_Mu873rlACmz1iKpvMqd_fju8biANtBsIC1ktko02KaBgfMlqJS-c7e5giVoGMRBbJUswb4clP-bc2HN8SRy7zy5wLNE9rSS1vwkQE2r7wj1GA3kZ4GBrVihX1Tna-QMb0YZshL0Kg/s640/Blog+Party+2011+014.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" />Rough amethyst and citrine, plus pearls from the Tucson Gem Show in February. Can't wait to work with these.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629509069352420402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOH3eS-R8p3ks5Oa1mHjlIMwe1r6QQvW8m9jJriMp73Lt-rVX34fW5pB9jnmmDSY47oSY0hU0Jpb3O7Z17qjrE9I12eOeb0q8o4_rVB8sKDwqlonbeVIxBOKDK9TgYZQc30YIZW7dJuA/s640/Blog+Party+2011+012.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" />And...the other half of the room/brain. The final thing I love, is our flag, especially this one, as my husband raised it with the Marines on base in Afghanistan on our anniversary last year, 10-21-2010. Woah, that makes me all teary. Keep our soldiers in your hearts because we are in theirs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(I had to put Karen's blog page on my monitor as she is responsible for this fabulous party- bringing so many people together for the sole purpose of sharing.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for your time. It is so precious and you chose to spend some with me. I will do the same for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, go and enjoy some more!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">xo devon</span></div>
Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-67870861644558766222010-06-18T16:01:00.001-07:002010-06-21T11:16:09.802-07:00Where Bloggers Create II ... Finally here!!<div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJb4f8zKgDU9ZFvNdoweh6ptg77BHLiIW2X51xIMjIrNzcOf0_i6p8F3m1qEpD41cEp_8vmzRzk_t83cQucbk37mBJx1u7R4hK9A0WCTV4gX2j_Ag0KqeIb2cT-6xdIcZi2EDxD-wHg4/s1600/1Bloggers+Create+Party+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484252915695596754" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJb4f8zKgDU9ZFvNdoweh6ptg77BHLiIW2X51xIMjIrNzcOf0_i6p8F3m1qEpD41cEp_8vmzRzk_t83cQucbk37mBJx1u7R4hK9A0WCTV4gX2j_Ag0KqeIb2cT-6xdIcZi2EDxD-wHg4/s400/1Bloggers+Create+Party+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been waiting for this day with pure excitement! Thank you my dear friend Karen for CREATING...period! Thanks also for this fabulous party that spans the globe and brings all of us creative junkies into a tighter circle. Who knows? Maybe there's 6 Degrees of Separation in this group. I look forward to our conversations over the next few days and months and to many friendships created at this annual party. No need to dress up to visit in fact, pj's and slippers is the dress code.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We will definitely not all fit in my studio! This is my mother's breakfast nook in Scottsdale, Arizona and we haven't even eaten at this table in 7 months. That is when my dog and I moved into my dear mother's home and took over her house with my jewelry, etc. A few months later, I took over her formal dining table with my sewing project and that leaves us eating on the couch or clearing space for 2 at the table. (I love you Mom). Why is a happily married woman living with her mother? Side story: After our quick stint living and working in Oregon last year my husband was sent to the Middle East to work where he has been for the last 10 months.Our friend has been staying at our house doing renovations so when we moved back to Arizona this was the best possible solution. I cannot wait to move back into our home at the end of the month and to spread out in my studio!! Sorry to have you wait, come on in!</span></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLebQPMXxSPddfUVcTnmykMi36KDzub99GESxazySapX6l7vQJl-_MGJy6th7kK52mNuQssjnL_ljOxfZazGsBSjtLAVx7XhAxsNdq-jWvnXGNO0RtvkuDYKbp7aHfrpQrW_ENI1fD0fM/s1600/2Bloggers+Create+Party+3+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484252854382728402" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLebQPMXxSPddfUVcTnmykMi36KDzub99GESxazySapX6l7vQJl-_MGJy6th7kK52mNuQssjnL_ljOxfZazGsBSjtLAVx7XhAxsNdq-jWvnXGNO0RtvkuDYKbp7aHfrpQrW_ENI1fD0fM/s400/2Bloggers+Create+Party+3+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">First, I must thank my friend and mentor Marilyn from Ariels Glamourie for teaching me a lot of what I know about jewelry making. It began one night when a few friends got together to celebrate a birthday and there sat Marilyn with this stunningly gorgeous necklace decorating her neck and that is when I lit up like a firefly and I have been buzzing about ever since! I made a deal with her that I would train her and she would teach me (visit my other blog to see what my left brain does during the day...<a href="http://www.coredynamicfitness.blogspot.com/">www.coredynamicfitness.blogspot.com</a>). </span></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ett31qLZSSzGeKJQugQ_eCvGWKzE9rSW4FMsuITGlYf_fBG61j4qqZo9Wk5Pp0siI8tm6EXlNbsnK3t_QxH9De9j7uy-a7s6xxDrnPQvLFve9VtDAxBFZ18QcBdW3wpNd2lb2TRf4wo/s1600/3Bloggers+Create+Party+4+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484252842811645314" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ett31qLZSSzGeKJQugQ_eCvGWKzE9rSW4FMsuITGlYf_fBG61j4qqZo9Wk5Pp0siI8tm6EXlNbsnK3t_QxH9De9j7uy-a7s6xxDrnPQvLFve9VtDAxBFZ18QcBdW3wpNd2lb2TRf4wo/s400/3Bloggers+Create+Party+4+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">I have a lot of passions but this one is different. Put some semi precious stones (I will take precious ones too!) and wire in my hands and even I am amazed. If you want to see giddy then watch me redesign a vintage piece or something someone holds precious but isn't wearing because it isn't their style...yet.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7mWw7AnlpMYgT_dZfQioH2d50Uwx5XrSGR0J0viuSb4ORN2cGgHUHLY0KyCNCFJv0guNZDQ5zxzLi581OhL4xmv8n-TBi1x2KvHCgR7RXmn32VarRzx-Iz9g6m22FfmSjyRPPbO_DZk/s1600/4Bloggers+Create+Party+7+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484252832923239314" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; cursor: pointer; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7mWw7AnlpMYgT_dZfQioH2d50Uwx5XrSGR0J0viuSb4ORN2cGgHUHLY0KyCNCFJv0guNZDQ5zxzLi581OhL4xmv8n-TBi1x2KvHCgR7RXmn32VarRzx-Iz9g6m22FfmSjyRPPbO_DZk/s400/4Bloggers+Create+Party+7+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">My pendants are my project of choice when I am going on a trip-I will usually string up a few ideas then take these on plane trips. People are so gracious and complimentary. When I am done with a piece I show it to my mom and within 30 seconds she comes up with an appropriate name-like Esmeralda- the pendant above. (also my nickname as a child)</span></span></p><p><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYMETtzJ99gOdZJARrCYKLHH49JCe4z1bl066Vs5gn6PPxe_ySIBo7-FgZP1iIwduVNVF1uLmKIPKe7weJl0toJaqB2v3xZ33UFB3eMWqV63QkGgBMDyD4wPOfMDZaQxvavPpqVf99Vc/s1600/6Bloggers+Create+Party+2+2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484252823260155442" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYMETtzJ99gOdZJARrCYKLHH49JCe4z1bl066Vs5gn6PPxe_ySIBo7-FgZP1iIwduVNVF1uLmKIPKe7weJl0toJaqB2v3xZ33UFB3eMWqV63QkGgBMDyD4wPOfMDZaQxvavPpqVf99Vc/s400/6Bloggers+Create+Party+2+2010.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Thank you so much for visiting my little creative corner. Maybe at next years party I will be able to show off a brand new studio!!! I will be coming to your studio next!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">xo</span></p>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-89766176100906196592010-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:002010-06-15T08:00:06.550-07:00Auntie Janice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1oZlT12-1CGxZJGr2wyN0HA04XTwbiljEm1pyzd7vtfZK3LYqaPUNelBh6GfUbSJgMoby2_ajNqYhkT2elmxwyNaJqwSnwdct5TvpXXUulct5bvQbanfVbhR1zTats9_NARvpSykxcc/s1600/Auntie+Janice+E+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1oZlT12-1CGxZJGr2wyN0HA04XTwbiljEm1pyzd7vtfZK3LYqaPUNelBh6GfUbSJgMoby2_ajNqYhkT2elmxwyNaJqwSnwdct5TvpXXUulct5bvQbanfVbhR1zTats9_NARvpSykxcc/s400/Auntie+Janice+E+2010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the many reasons why I love designing jewelry is because I can mix old with new and make a truly unique and meaningful piece that will actually be worn instead of hidden away in a drawer. See last week's post on the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8668639004603127065">Memory Chain</a> I made for myself with my grandfather's bracelet. The concept for the Auntie Janice necklace above was born the weekend I went to California to say goodbye to my Gramps before he passed. My aunt Janice showed me the antique etched pin/pendant passed down from her grandmother as well as a graduated pearl necklace that my Gramps had given my Nana and had gifted to my aunt after Nana passed. Both were not being worn and she asked if I could do something with them. Then she says she wants to give me 1/2 the pearl strand so we both have tokens of Nana. Seriously, it has been an emotional few weeks! So, I took the very dainty clasp from the pearl necklace and wired it to her pin and wired it around the aquamarine, pearl, and crystal necklace I made. We both have a thing for aquamarine.</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I sent it off with a note telling her never to wait for a special occasion to wear it because life passes quickly and we should wear the good stuff anytime!</span></span></div>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-44771888514013339332010-06-10T16:20:00.000-07:002010-06-10T16:21:37.182-07:00Gramps and the Memory Chain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyleLmADNllTkl6iAfSEs-s9tXCgTFeAdcExrqdjvvsBH5tJVi8PSdapTIqN88_2JWN1vg92CYVx0Ttzp7wE4a2nvYtPOkBwBGLFdRXU1TwMUAojrmsf0T_HCeRODg7FQsi3OmwkR5qfU/s1600/Memory+Chain+E+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyleLmADNllTkl6iAfSEs-s9tXCgTFeAdcExrqdjvvsBH5tJVi8PSdapTIqN88_2JWN1vg92CYVx0Ttzp7wE4a2nvYtPOkBwBGLFdRXU1TwMUAojrmsf0T_HCeRODg7FQsi3OmwkR5qfU/s400/Memory+Chain+E+2010.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I just finished this new piece and I knew before I was done that it was going to be my new favorite. My 'Gramps', Clinton T. Chase, died a few weeks ago at the most incredible age of 98 1/2!! As I said in his eulogy, this is a new era for us (the grandchildren) as he was the last remaining grandparent. We are in our 4th and 5th decade of life many with their own children but there is something truly remarkable, different, and so special about grandparents. This man was an anomaly and lead quite a memorable life. In 1931 he sat in on a seminar by Albert Einstein. He was an aerospace engineer and worked on Amelia Earhart's plane, yes, that one. But he was always quick to add that he only worked on the wingtips! He joined the Merchant Marines and sailed all over the South Pacific. He was happiest at sea although he wasn't able to go on a luxury cruise until he was 93 due to the care taking of "his bride" for several years until she passed. We went on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate his 95th birthday (a few years early), then he went on two cruises by himself each year thereafter. Two years ago we did a family cruise to Mexico that makes me smile and cry. The last cruise he wanted to take was to Europe to see all of the brilliant cathedrals and to find out how they were made. It would have been spectacular indeed and I would have loved the look on his face as he studied and photographed each cathedral. Some day we will make his wish a reality.</span></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oI5c3iUMozUoEue4ROGXgROgTDKC8GHAj4RE3vBiemIuCQE-0doqPfumxcwpzcGkL3H2xaHWT2Rsh24AvAkGES-_nC1JS4TQkpC6C86F1TWi7NHywH1JEDAgDvebWUZ8Ny436YbesUY/s1600/Memory+chain+B+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oI5c3iUMozUoEue4ROGXgROgTDKC8GHAj4RE3vBiemIuCQE-0doqPfumxcwpzcGkL3H2xaHWT2Rsh24AvAkGES-_nC1JS4TQkpC6C86F1TWi7NHywH1JEDAgDvebWUZ8Ny436YbesUY/s400/Memory+chain+B+2010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt3eXd2_-tPmST70pDrU_hyphenhyphen4gTPROkro_-T2_q0Qy2FgVNWJtqYSFRl5dBSS673j_S3nyzNcaP4CHdPIHwaXnbg7_Xz2GhHR2zn93ixFguAs0_jJbx3eYOaT_ws_G-Een6jQS8Y1HqdU/s1600/Memory+Chain+D+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXt3eXd2_-tPmST70pDrU_hyphenhyphen4gTPROkro_-T2_q0Qy2FgVNWJtqYSFRl5dBSS673j_S3nyzNcaP4CHdPIHwaXnbg7_Xz2GhHR2zn93ixFguAs0_jJbx3eYOaT_ws_G-Een6jQS8Y1HqdU/s320/Memory+Chain+D+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, I will wear this necklace which I have named the Memory Chain. This was his copper bracelet that I added ribbon and cord to as well as a decorative copper toggle. The stones are ivory magnesite with veins of brown. I added the copper lobster clasps so that I could attach them either to the extender chain and have them hang down my back or attach to the toggle in the front for added charm. I have been putting this on first then finding an outfit to go with it. For me, this is how I wear my heart on my sleeve (or neck) and how I will be working on my grief-by wearing my Memory Chain in honor of Gramps. xoxo</span></div>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-11960963328360171072010-05-20T13:04:00.000-07:002010-05-20T14:41:04.682-07:00Vintage Victoria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQe_AeEBGC0_VKM00YVGvAicPUK52OI7lc3gzptevfoK8sbxPsfmobB3S8MQf7D9NPak9TnUXYbkNDrniMfFmuarFimTw3VFJwLjKs5h856vk5gQZHc5gI-omeQFpSlx2wyLPBAppa-A/s1600/DSC01093.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQe_AeEBGC0_VKM00YVGvAicPUK52OI7lc3gzptevfoK8sbxPsfmobB3S8MQf7D9NPak9TnUXYbkNDrniMfFmuarFimTw3VFJwLjKs5h856vk5gQZHc5gI-omeQFpSlx2wyLPBAppa-A/s400/DSC01093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473453986314155538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVGvOD2VTuEX-ENvQDLEonhdqdvkuEVYAxtEP5Y3D8eqvzzq2J0Col60LQlUVreoBpIdrbb3Bda436WzO0T9Zoi7sB-_ygYi_cojkpERDBeaz6eziBGdHfDbkhlrQhhaieK8p8lcPeZI/s1600/DSC01092.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVGvOD2VTuEX-ENvQDLEonhdqdvkuEVYAxtEP5Y3D8eqvzzq2J0Col60LQlUVreoBpIdrbb3Bda436WzO0T9Zoi7sB-_ygYi_cojkpERDBeaz6eziBGdHfDbkhlrQhhaieK8p8lcPeZI/s400/DSC01092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473453974092036306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Victoria has taken me several months (on and off) to finish. I love the purple in this vintage brooch from my in-laws. I can remember in the 80's and 90's wearing more gold jewelry, then silver became more popular and gold was passe. Isn't it ironic that the price of gold has skyrocketed? I checked into it a few weeks ago: $55 for 1 inch of fine gold wire. Sorry, Victoria, you have been downgraded to vintage brass. I did use gold filled wire, extender chain, and hook clasp. The tiny rhinestone strand is new as well as the high quality faceted amethyst drops from the gem show.(See my previous post on <a href="http://blumensnapdragon.blogspot.com/search/label/Gem%20Show">March 9</a> about the beautiful beads and gems I found at the gem show.) Victoria will soon be posted for sale in my Art Fire shop (price: $99)</span><br /><br /></span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-83790899170983845592010-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:002010-04-28T15:17:33.761-07:00Where Bloggers Create Party<center><a href="http://mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-bloggers-create-ii.html" target="_blank"><br /><img border="0" src="http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt108/valentinestudio123/WhereBloggersCreate2button.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I just dropped by the fabulous blogsite of my good friend, Karen at Valentine Studio Designs, and picked up my button for her next Where Bloggers Create Party. She must have been thinking about me when she wrote that anyone can join the party even if your 'studio' is a table. So, for the next month I will be working on jewelry for the party and my shop as well as taking pictures of my studio-table for the upcoming party. Hope to see all of you there!</span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-38791694406288099282010-04-02T22:23:00.000-07:002010-04-02T23:28:43.245-07:00No better time for a remodel!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxSlwvupZxWFAE2VbIOL73FfvTytZlihmLYwytnLGZDXJ4NhnhpY4l_imLzmRlrvrpIvZFjqxSHX0qY8_cPleMVqegs6wmOg-ufq1fSt4ydfPZgIcv7W2kGjcGSlg5kn9TduuLZc2g0A/s1600/kitchen+wall+before.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxSlwvupZxWFAE2VbIOL73FfvTytZlihmLYwytnLGZDXJ4NhnhpY4l_imLzmRlrvrpIvZFjqxSHX0qY8_cPleMVqegs6wmOg-ufq1fSt4ydfPZgIcv7W2kGjcGSlg5kn9TduuLZc2g0A/s320/kitchen+wall+before.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455778082859358578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Still no pictures of new jewelry and this is part of the reason: a home remodel. THANKFULLY, my dog and I have been living at my mother's house for the last several months and our good friend, who is renting our house, is not only doing everything himself (he happens to be a general contractor!) but is dealing with the horrible mess so we don't have to. So, between running to Home Depot, The Great Indoors, checking on-line for faucets, sinks, lights...going to the house to see progress, getting e-mails about faucets, sinks, lights...exchanging e-mails with my husband who is out of the country, I don't get much done. Ok, between that and taxes, certainly NOT getting much done!<br />This is our ho-hum living room/kitchen wall. We have lived in our Spanish/Southwest style home for over 4 years and are taking advantage of our situation and giving our friend much needed work.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-t31uiKt1Ks-wRgbz7ealmQwVZeNWakRK9c97NSRzn9IZ3GiNIFDV1mtygfJO6Kow0462KjQq_T2G5zNBMYUdxktGJhqTfSqM2GZe710t9wbn_xhxbzrUcRZc_CnVE-HuFzlPQwucRQ/s1600/kitchen+wall+2+during.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-t31uiKt1Ks-wRgbz7ealmQwVZeNWakRK9c97NSRzn9IZ3GiNIFDV1mtygfJO6Kow0462KjQq_T2G5zNBMYUdxktGJhqTfSqM2GZe710t9wbn_xhxbzrUcRZc_CnVE-HuFzlPQwucRQ/s320/kitchen+wall+2+during.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455783047417844482" border="0" /></a>We wanted to open up the space to be able to interact with people in the kitchen (me) and with those in the rest of the house (my husband and the dog). It is definitely open and it is a load-bearing wall. Finally, got rid of the old painted, warped, and ugly cabinets!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6gsDbP7jI4E51eUAWLbhHeSQN8ynucJg3_L9_5b41_gZiGsc_C1s1Pm5zWu3vLO332aF2DipvtnRdHnVaUQqJwgd4htRZpzxqPteEiiEvWZPFcxAdPfCSWseNb_rvNTeuTE6oH3GAIw/s1600/kitchen+wall+after+A.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6gsDbP7jI4E51eUAWLbhHeSQN8ynucJg3_L9_5b41_gZiGsc_C1s1Pm5zWu3vLO332aF2DipvtnRdHnVaUQqJwgd4htRZpzxqPteEiiEvWZPFcxAdPfCSWseNb_rvNTeuTE6oH3GAIw/s320/kitchen+wall+after+A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455784583263803794" border="0" /></a>This just feels more social and I am sooo excited for these new cabinets with pull out drawers! It is not done yet. Our black granite counter tops need to go back on and we are getting a granite bar top, and glass blown pendant lights will hang over the bar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTFWZUVZf_MiR1KQmbvqi-YqXtPr-4bgqjWARwPxDgr-IQKCoemuFbhONQsieW2AqXcGNx_E_QuwshfwvbrvQ-XscoT_ceL5WdimdFWn09AyNShxWjb7xRFpfUrBncSLBqk38m3TLY-s/s1600/kitchen+before+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTFWZUVZf_MiR1KQmbvqi-YqXtPr-4bgqjWARwPxDgr-IQKCoemuFbhONQsieW2AqXcGNx_E_QuwshfwvbrvQ-XscoT_ceL5WdimdFWn09AyNShxWjb7xRFpfUrBncSLBqk38m3TLY-s/s320/kitchen+before+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455787150215730962" border="0" /></a>It won't show up in the following picture, but do you see the entry into the dining room? Since there is an arch theme in the house my husband wanted one framing this entry and it turned out really well (husband is also a builder).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmO4Z4G3K6X59TsK82OdR_jQ0JtRKqPocAx0fb1CgBNpJ6vlgmrZ4CR62Z7qpBUceDnq0xM8fEHbkw82nDb7yIovmq0o4HBjJ0MNlWi1kPe3DOLVltEReW3EwrqK89Uvh3HR6eyKk1Ko/s1600/kitchen+after+A.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmO4Z4G3K6X59TsK82OdR_jQ0JtRKqPocAx0fb1CgBNpJ6vlgmrZ4CR62Z7qpBUceDnq0xM8fEHbkw82nDb7yIovmq0o4HBjJ0MNlWi1kPe3DOLVltEReW3EwrqK89Uvh3HR6eyKk1Ko/s320/kitchen+after+A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455792247916518290" border="0" /></a>Obviously, much more work to be done...I am a patient person and living with my mom has been a blessing. I have taken over her breakfast table with my jewelry and now her dining table with my sewing project (more to come) so we joke that we will be eating off of T.V. tables in the bedroom. I truly believe that no matter how old a 'child' gets, they always return to the nest at some point.<br />Enjoy your nest!Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-60599249301919549532010-03-24T16:07:00.000-07:002010-03-24T20:28:19.511-07:00Focaccia On My Mind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4odTsImNVOeLPZQjtRO4ZZuMIsIr4-0w5EZ8ko21Z7wsWH1ZzcbBoIIgexQyryMoyaI1U0lmuU51AuMflAf0NNGvan2fnC4IKYVQj8Q0auU4bBnryp3QyxY2hbqU6Bl1eVVAxlfttWw/s1600/Olive+Bread.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4odTsImNVOeLPZQjtRO4ZZuMIsIr4-0w5EZ8ko21Z7wsWH1ZzcbBoIIgexQyryMoyaI1U0lmuU51AuMflAf0NNGvan2fnC4IKYVQj8Q0auU4bBnryp3QyxY2hbqU6Bl1eVVAxlfttWw/s400/Olive+Bread.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452343679181332210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's a jewelry blog, right? Yesss. Technically. But a girl has to eat. See my <a href="http://blumensnapdragon.blogspot.com/2009/11/Food%20As%20Inspiration.html"> Nov. 20, 2009</a> blog, </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;font-size:130%;" >Food As Inspiration</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and you'll gain more insight as to what really makes me tick. I am an amateur baker-bread mostly, but anything home baked...get in my belly! (Goldmember). Right now I am in the mood for focaccia-the olive and rosemary one pictured. The recipe I use comes from Nancy Silverton's Breads from the La Brea Bakery. I have been there-it's this little hole in the wall near Hollywood and at most times of the day you stand elbow to elbow waiting your turn, hoping that the person before you doesn't take the last one of the one you are eyeing. She would not let me take a picture (even when I told her I came ALL the way from Arizona). If she only knew that I am extolling the wonders of her breads! Back to the bread, slice this baby (it made 2!) lengthwise and you have the most wonderful surface for gastronomic delight! Heck, just slather pesto on it while it is warm, in hale first, then shove it in. You are probably getting a vile picture of me eating like those hot dog eating contestants. As Julia Child used to say Bon Appetit!</span></div>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-38123135818618157102010-03-22T15:11:00.000-07:002010-03-22T15:52:24.727-07:00My Vintage Treasures!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY0WcjYePbKkjhdWRohaSnSV2JL2DfWzyocdC1b3wggWUPWvy0dn1Es6xn_7jasZafIUy_fqRVRuKodt-z3L7yj8e1Bdr6Sa3bFCVy20f5UfnGRhcDiRC-5_lKjOZQPyJJbD6ZkoH7Nk/s1600-h/vintage+stuff+from+glenda.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY0WcjYePbKkjhdWRohaSnSV2JL2DfWzyocdC1b3wggWUPWvy0dn1Es6xn_7jasZafIUy_fqRVRuKodt-z3L7yj8e1Bdr6Sa3bFCVy20f5UfnGRhcDiRC-5_lKjOZQPyJJbD6ZkoH7Nk/s400/vintage+stuff+from+glenda.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451585008678504306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I already know how blessed I am for numerous reasons, now I can add lucky. Or is it luck that the women in my family (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc) were into jewelry? Then I marry into a family whose women love jewelry and voila!, I am the most excited recipient of the above vintage jewelry! And that is only half of it. It took several hours to clean and polish and so worth it-you almost have to squint it's so bright! Triple strands of large faux pearls with lime green crystals in between, triple strands of faceted blue and purple Austrian crystals, strands of faceted square (very unique) clear crystals, ornate rhinestone earrings and brooches just to list but a few. Most of it is in perfect condition and honestly, I will wear as is. The rest will be redesigned into spectacular vintage/modern pieces to sell in my ArtFire shop. I feel LUCKY!<br /></span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-48924076640830628882010-03-19T19:49:00.000-07:002010-03-19T20:16:49.846-07:00Vintage Remade Statement Necklace<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPzQ-G__2rpxGcYLmuhD0FQRA__hK5amJVBdPe8_ezaLXVuTK9g-MLSZE8boTxLLCO2aA9Dglax6vBYuwxp5WClF9anBVw6gGfxsxPQOaH-boYVPPBihNU9KpJHdOrfADd3mDENiJ7lc/s1600-h/DSC01045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPzQ-G__2rpxGcYLmuhD0FQRA__hK5amJVBdPe8_ezaLXVuTK9g-MLSZE8boTxLLCO2aA9Dglax6vBYuwxp5WClF9anBVw6gGfxsxPQOaH-boYVPPBihNU9KpJHdOrfADd3mDENiJ7lc/s400/DSC01045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450543502813722386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">My friend Marilyn once said to me, "Make things you love that you want to keep, that way you will be crazy about them and others will be too." So I have adopted that mindset (try explaining that to your husband when you just started your jewelry business). I love it when I have completed an amazing piece and think, "I am going to have to make something like this because I am not letting this one go." Needless to say, I adore this statement necklace! Three strands are vintage necklaces I received from my in-laws that I restrung and 3 plus a bracelet are new pieces also given to me. How lucky am I? VERY! I wore it recently to a fundraiser with a black tiered lace cocktail dress and all the women swooned over it. Last night I wore it to our monthly Bunco night with a pair of white jeans and a black sleeveless top and again all the ladies loved it. Right now The Necklace is on loan to a fellow Bunco Babe and is en route to Las Vegas where she will be modeling it at a wedding this weekend. She asked if someone offered me $10,000 for it would I accept?<br /></span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-21874880220463646572010-03-09T19:32:00.000-08:002010-03-09T19:43:57.358-08:00Goodies From The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwYIDgIMN94W4GKpnxrzqPhWW-a-S9sFi2PGZJm_WX2Vv2LgR99g9f30KDglQdb3udf9YtGbNGKKbICNA3h75RvFcqJ5XwJ6UM5HOTcfmqY0BLwbqm4Tpy0Bnz_VKM4f41gWpqgriPH0/s1600-h/tucson+gem+show+finds2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwYIDgIMN94W4GKpnxrzqPhWW-a-S9sFi2PGZJm_WX2Vv2LgR99g9f30KDglQdb3udf9YtGbNGKKbICNA3h75RvFcqJ5XwJ6UM5HOTcfmqY0BLwbqm4Tpy0Bnz_VKM4f41gWpqgriPH0/s400/tucson+gem+show+finds2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446843969501322626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">These are some of the fabulous goodies Marilyn and I found at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show last month. Take a look at that amethyst and that super pink chalcedony-with such a unique cut that I forget the name of it-, faceted aquamarine, sterling silver cubes and flowers, amazonite, crystals cut like onions and green garnet! We are soo excited to get back to designing some beautiful pieces both for us and for you.<br /></span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2431776896654138513.post-24445948239268490292010-03-06T09:49:00.000-08:002010-03-12T18:29:18.335-08:00My Blog Gets A Makeover<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">So, you have already noticed that my blog got a makeover! I did like the other background design-it was fun and whimsical (thanks to </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://itkupilli.blogspot.com/">www.itkupilli.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">) but after a year I was ready for a change to something more elegant to go with my jewelry designs. I have to thank my dear friend Karen Valentine (</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/">www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">) for all of this. We completed it during our weekly craft nights at her house-she kept track of 10 open tabs and the job each one had, describing out loud what she was doing, while I sat next to her trying to soak up some of her creativity, insight, and computer agility. We will be adding a finishing touch as soon as we can find what we are looking for. The girl has got some whopping talent. I have known her for over 10 years and have been in her house thousands of times but always find something new she has done or redone and she will always share her techniques. It's like a mini-tutorial every time I come over! Thank you Karen for sharing your time, talent, ideas, and your big heart with me!</span></span>Devon Smith-Breidelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00053446023685452292noreply@blogger.com2