Friday Features: Deronda Designs

Shades of Blue Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Today's Friday Feature post is about an amazing lampwork glass bead artist, DerondaDesigns. Read on to find out more about her incredible beads...

My name is Deronda and because it's not a common name, we decided ti would be perfect for my glass. My etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/derondadesigns 

I play with glass and metal. The beads are the big part of what I do, but the etched copper is something that comes and goes as the mood hits. 

How did I get started? Curiousity....my mom gave us the love of creativity and the encouragement to play with all kinds of stuff.

Pretty Pink Flowers Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

 Do I have any other arts/crafts? Oh wow, have you been sneaking into my closets? The curiosity has led me into all kinds of things from woodwork, to sewing, to painting, to scrapbooking, to ceramics and on and on it goes. But glass is still my first love.

A story of my shop name? Nope, it's just my name...nothing exciting there? 

Every set of beads I make is different so it's hard to pick a favorite anything. A lot of what you might see in the shop depends on my moods. The glass has always been a way for me to express things that I can't say outloud. 

Right now I am selling on Etsy and Artfire and I have finished jewelry pieces and other things that have nothing to do with glass or jewelry at our little store here in my hometown.

Ivory and Amethyst Lentil Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Sometimes I blog a lot, and then I get busy and forget...now that you have reminded me, i will probably blog soon. It'sderondadesigns.blogspot.com/

I do the FB thing: http://www.facebook.com/deronda.designs and you know that I am an addicted Plurker: http://www.plurk.com/Deronda

Her beads are incredible...I happen to have purchased the above beads, but you can find many more in her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DerondaDesigns
Have a great day!

Thursday Treat: Ball Creative Designs

Greek Watch in Red by Ball Creative Designs

Hey everyone, I hope your week is going well. I wanted to point out a little thing that's been on the blog for a while...I accept ads on the blog for $1 per month, and my newest advertiser is Ball Creative Designs (http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html). She's an amazing multi-media artist, who spins and dyes yarns, makes fabulous stitch markers, and creates beautiful jewelry.

Aubergine Sheep's Clothing Yarn

 Her yarns are a mix - some are cotton, some sheep's wool, some alpaca, with some silk and other neat fibers as well. Everything looks beautiful, and from what I've heard around the interwebs, they are great quality too...

I Have These Stitch Markers and LOVE Them!!

Her stitch markers are also awesome. I have the ones above and just adore them. I have to finish a few crochet projects before beginning the knitting project that requires these, but I have them on my living room table just the same (no joke, my husband is starting to think I'm nuts).

Please do visit Ball Creative Designs at her website, you won't be disappointed! http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html

Are you interested in being an advertiser for only $1USD per month? You get a 150x150px image of your choice and a free mini feature. Leave a comment below with a way to contact you if you are interested.

Arwednesdays with Arwen: Loving Animals

Hello, it's me again, Arwen the Wonder dog. I wanted to get serious for a moment, if I may today...
I am loved.
I am very loved.
How do I know? Well, my mommy tells me at least 10 times every day.
I get my beautiful fur brushed every day, with lots of petting and mommy telling me how pretty I am. When that is done, I get my pearly white teeth brushed.
I have lots of toys, from tennis balls to squeaky stuffies, Nylabones and Kongs to keep me occupied, stimulated and happy.
I get to go for walks almost every day (unless it is very cold, icy or very wet), and I get to play in my yard every day, chasing birdies and squirrels and barking at imaginary beasts. When I come back inside, there is always fresh water, healthy food, and sometimes even treats if I've been good (or just looked really cute).
But, mommy tells me not all animals are loved.
Mommy tells me that there are many animals all over the world that are not fed properly, are not cared for, brushed, walked or even talked to nicely. Many animals are beaten, starved, left alone tied outside, or even forced to fight other dogs until one of them dies.

But, mommy tells me that there are great people who rescue these sad animals so that they have a chance at a happy life. One place is called Harmony Fund (animalrescuechase.com), and they are having what is called the World's Biggest Baby Shower for Animals (http://animalrescuechase.com/baby-shower/), where people can donate money online to help them rescue lots of animals and make them happy like me. Take the little guy in the photo above. He lives in Puerto Rico. One day, his owners got in a fight in their apartment. To get him out of the way, one of the owners shoved him in a hole in the wall in the back of a closet, where he fell to the bottom of the building and was left for two weeks in a wall, and was ignored by the residents who heard his cries for help. Finally a nice lady heard what was happening and rescued him, moments from dying and covered in sores. Now he is healthy and living the good life, thanks to these amazing people working with Harmony Fund.
Mommy thinks this is very good, and I do too. If you are able, please try to donate to them to give all sorts of animals (doggies, horses, cats, monkeys and more) the chance to have a happy life. At the very least, please try to spread the word about all the great things that they do so that others can help them too.
Please help these animals have a chance to have a happy home.
A chance to be loved.

and Arwen the Wonder Dog

Victoria Beckham's Got Classic Style

Victoria Beckham's Classic Style (center image from PeopleMagazine.com)

Love her or hate her, Victoria Beckham's style is (of late anyway), a beautiful classic, great for the office or a well-dressed date. While many can't afford her beautiful fashion line, there are ways to get a similar look - and for a fraction of the price.

This week I did decide to show more expensive pieces, but as they are classics, these are pieces that will get literally years of wear. They will still be in style for another few decades, and with proper care, many of these pieces should last you that long too. Classic sheath dresses in slick grey, cardigans in bright, sophisticated blue, nude patent heels and sexy-simple jewelry will never fail to excite, while looking so polished and feminine, everyone will be asking you for style advice. Let's see the winners, shall we?

Lena Tweed Dress from BananaRepulic.com

First, the dress. The dress Victoria is wearing is her own, in a light plaid pattern. I chose this simple, slate grey Tweed Lena dress from Banana Republic (bananarepublic.com), as it has a square neckline that will complement just about every figure. I also like that it is sleeveless so that you can wear it year-round with different weights of sweaters and get maximum use out of this dress. It sits just above your knee and has subtle pleats at the waist line, which will accentuate your waist and fit better around your hips when moving or sitting. For the perfect fit, take it to a tailor. There is nothing worse than gaps or folds where there shouldn't be. Pair this with nude sandal foot tights for the ultimate professional, polished look. About $160 for the dress.

From Left: Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Bracelet, Earrings, Necklace from Littlestudiojewels.etsy.com

To decorate your person, without overwhelming your super-chic look, this great set of jewelry will go far. Each piece is sold separately, but if purchased together you get a great discount. The Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings from Little Studio (http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels) will give you that little bit of pink, and a little bit of luminescence. Pretty, simple, stylish. About $45 for necklace, $30 for bracelet and $20 for earrings, buy 2 of the set, or all three of the set and get $5-$10 off!

Featherweight Cashmere cardigan from Jcrew.com

To keep the goosebumps at bay, pop on a great cardigan, like this gorgeous Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in Byzantine Blue from JCrew (jcrew.com). It is slightly fitted and has long sleeves, so that you can keep your arms warm with the sleeves down, or go for effortless chic with them pulled up to your elbows, like Victoria. Cashmere is great as it is lightweight, it will keep you warm on those over-air-conditioned days at the office, yet will be cool enough for most light summer days. The ultimate style-upper? Define your tiny waist (or create the illusion of one) by belting a skinny black belt around your waist outside your cardigan, a la Beckham. It screams feminine, without being too girly or too revealing. A splurge at $200, but it will last decades with proper care, and when have you ever seen a classic, fitted cardigan on a "not in style anymore" list??

Calvin Klein Sandie Pump from Piperlime.com

Nude pumps are a must. Every woman should have at least 2 pairs - peep toe for summer and round/almond toe for winter. These Calvin Klein Sandie peep-toe heels from Piper Lime (piperlime.com) give you a little extra height, but will save your feet with the subtle platform. They are high, yes, but professional at the same time, and not above being totally sexy for that last minute, after work date *wink, wink*. About $110, these are an investment in your wardrobe that will get so much wear, you might just want to buy 2 pairs.

What do you think? Is this your style? What would you wear?