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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Zur Designs Countdown To The New Year Sale Is Going On!

Ah the New Year...filled with great possibilities! And it's a new decade as well!

To commemorate the coming of 2010 I have put all my coil bracelets on sale! They are 50% off their regular price until January 3rd, 2010! Just a little thank you for all those who made 2009 a great year for Zur Designs!

Check out the sale and buy yourself or someone you love a beautiful piece of jewelry they will want to wear every day!

Thanks to all of you for your support in 2009 and wishing for all of you only great things for 2010!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Sunday, December 27th is Lynnwood Jewellry!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Sunday, December 27th is Lynnwood Jewellry! They are makers of handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings, in sterling silver and semi-precious stones and beads. They create jewellery that is eye catching and unique, for women who appreciate individuality. They work in sterling silver, even their findings are made of sterling silver and they use semi-precious stones and occasionally Swarovski crystals too.

All of their sterling silver jewellery is hallmarked with their makers mark (LJ). Take a look at their lovely work in their Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
suzedablooze


Now it's time to choose a favorite item and I keep going back to this one: Sterling Silver Heart Necklace! It's just beautiful!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Lynnwood Jewellry!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Today is Realistic Florals!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! The HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Today is Realistic Florals!

Realistic Florals Specializes in a Diverse selection of Original Hand Crafted Silk Centerpieces,Flower Arrangements, Wreathes,Bows,and Crafts. We strive to provide quality at reasonable prices.

Take a look at this lovely Etsy Shop!!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
RealisticFlorals


Now it's time to choose a favorite item...they are all wonderful! I think I am going to choose this one: Pink Rose Swag/Wall Hanging...it's just stunning!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Realistic Florals!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays From Zur Designs!!





Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!! And here's hoping we all have a wonderful 2010!!

Thanks to everyone who supported Zur Designs this year! From wonderful customers to collaborative handmade colleagues and very special friends!

It's been a wild and wonderful ride!

HANDMADE RULES!!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Today Is Intentional Stones!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Intentional Stones is the HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Wednesday! This beautiful shop is run by "...a couple of moms who make jewelry as a meditation to get through day to day life. "

"Meditation becomes art as we listen to the language of the stones."

Take a look at their beautiful Etsy Shop!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
IntentionalStones


Had trouble picking a favorite in this beautiful shop but I think I am going to go with "Floating on a Dream". Isn't it just gorgeous?Pale pinks and greens are highlighted by curved silver tubes connected by floating links. Like wearing springtime around your throat.

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Intentional Stones!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Today--Aimee's Rock Works!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Aimee's Rock Works! This wonderful shop features hand-crafted rock products from the Pacific Northwest using stones that are personally selected for their beauty and character.

Check out Aimee's Rock Works on Etsy for yourself!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
AimeesRockWorks


Now for my favorite item pick...narrowing it down to one is hard...but I am going to go with this Stone Cairn Gift Set...I love the colors, I love the quote, and I love the ideology behind it! Isn't it great?

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Aimee's Rock Works!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Fire Tree Sterling Silver and Crystal Necklace

I am not a winter person. For those of you who are, I congratulate you, you are much more in touch with your environment than I. Check back in summer...that's where I am in my warm and toasty element!

There are, however, a few things I do like about winter: being snowed in, warm and cozy, enjoying the company of someone you really care about. I also love the muffled sounds in the street when snow his falling; making the world a quieter place. And I love the vividness of winter sunsets on cold, cold days.

I remember back to one such sunset. I was out cross country skiing with a companion. We were heading back to the car and stopped to share a coffee from a thermos he kept hooked to his belt at all times. Huddling together for warmth, we watched a vivid winter sunset unfold and filter through the mountains and cast a beautiful glow on a large pine tree. It made that tree ignite with color: yellow, golds, oranges, fiery reds, and even the cool white heat of the color blue. He turned to me and said, "Fire Tree".

This necklace brings me back to that day. The Swarovski Baroque Pendant reminds me of a tree and the facets of that crystal create all the colors that make it truly a "Fire Tree".

The necklace is 16" long and is on a sterling silver chain. The pendant is held in place by a simple sterling silver bail. A small swarovski crystal AB teardrop pendant hangs beside the pendant which adds more color and sparkle to the piece. An antique style sterling silver clasp rounds out this design.

Fire Tree can be purchased at my Etsy Shop! It will come beautifully gift wrapped and ready for giving. Is there someone on your list that would appreciate Fire Tree?

Happy Holidays from Zur Designs!!

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--My Wired Imagination!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!

I visit this shop quite a bit and browse at the luscious gems and the great tutorials and wonderful designs!

In Bobbi's own words:

"I adore wire wrapping - I never tire of creating wearable art using straight wire and a pair of pliers. It is not my hobby, it is My Passion, My Love, My Living........

"All the work I list is handmade by me, including all my ear wires and most of my clasps; I never use solder, base metal, or plated metals. Each piece listed is the exact one for sale unless otherwise noted.. If you see a one of a kind piece that someone else beat you to, please convo me - in most cases I can make something similar."

Take a look at her wonderful Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
MyWiredImagination



Okay now time to pick a favorite....hmmm...I think I am going to choose this opal ring! The colors in it are awesome and the intricate wrapping makes it a stunning design! Isn't it gorgeous?


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at My Wired Imagination!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Ambient Girl Designs!


Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!
Nicola Viau is the owner of Ambient Girl Designs, a great stationary shop specializing in custom cards, invitations, gift tags and much more.


Take a look for yourself at her wonderful stationary shop: Ambient Girl Designs!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
AmbientGirlDesigns

I like lots of items in this shop but I chose Fancy Christmas Gift Tags as my favorite item!



Set of 5 tags. These beauties are definitely unique! Hand punched, hand stamped, hand embossed with silver on high quality card stock.
The back of each tag is white card stock so you can write your own personal special message! Finished off with silver eyelets and bright red ribbon, truly a bold statement!

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Ambient Girl Designs!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop Today is Deb Thuman's Shop!!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Deb Thuman's Shop. In the artist's own words:

"My art is the visual story of my personal history. It reflects my fascination with color and shows what is in my imagination. Life is way too short to play with just one toy, so I play with fiber, fabric, beads, and mud."

Take a look at her wonderful Etsy Shop!!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
DebThumans

Now comes the hard part...picking a favorite! This was really hard because I am nutty for ceramics and her jewelry was awesome but I am going to have to go with her quilt called "Glista". Love it and love the story behind it! Isn't it gorgeous?!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Deb Thuman's Shop!

Friday, December 18, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Haffina Again!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Haffina Again! This shop features handmade jewelry using semi precious stones and very unique designs!

Take a look at her lovely Etsy Shop for yourself!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
HaffinaAgain

Now it's time to pick my favorite! Another tough choice amongst all these pretties but I am going to go with the Fluorite Dangle Earrings! They are just gorgeous!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Haffina Again!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Red Fox Jewelry!!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of the Day is Red Fox Jewelry! Her beautiful designs are created using chainmaille, very creative beading, and wire-wrapping.

In her own words, "As you can see I like to offer new and different techniques and items all the time. I also like doing things just a little different than everyone else. So I hope that you will find something here that trips your trigger, so to speak."

Take a look for yourself at her wonderful Etsy Shop!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
RedFoxJewelry

Okay, here comes the hard part, picking a favorite! I think I am going to choose the Light Green Bicone Bead and Copper Wire Arrowhead Wire Wrapped Cuff Bracelet! I just love the design and color...it's simply lovely! I love the sterling silver version too!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Red Fox Jewelry!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

One of My Etsy Christmas Purchases From Bella Fresca...Presentation is Everything!

I bought this yummy bubblegum soap for my niece Mollie from Bella Fresca and was so delighted when I received the package! As I said...presentation is everything!

It was wrapped in delicate pink tissue paper and even had a gift tag that I can address to Mollie! I loved my sample soap....mmmmm!

The bubblegum soaps are wonderful! Mollie is going to love them. Susan from Bella Fresca even gave me the theme for Mollie's presents...bubblegum...when I posted on my Facebook Fan Page for ideas on how to fill Mollie handmade stocking (which by the way kind of looks like bubblegum!)


I am making some handmade cotton wash cloths and scrubbies to go with the soap in a variegated pink that looks also like bubblegum!

Here's a close-up of the soap so that you can see how wonderful Bella Fresca's products really are! See the sparkles in the soap? How great is that?
Bella Fresca means "beautifully fresh" in Italian! I think that's a perfect way to describe this wonderful Etsy Shop! Handmade Rules!

Thanks Susan for all your help! Happy Holidays to Bella Fresca...and to everyone!

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Awww It's Me Zur Designs!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!Thanks to everyone at HAF Etsy Street Team for featuring Zur Designs as today's featured shop! Here's my shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
ZurDesigns

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Fire and Ice Sterling Silver Necklace

I was thinking about the Robert Frost poem called Fire and Ice:

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice

I remember analyzing this poem in AP English and proposing the argument, as many have before and after me, that this wasn't only about the way the world would end but rather spoke more about the human condition and relationships and what happens when fire and ice come together.

The natural forces of fire and ice are conveyed as equally destructive as the most common acts of humans which are desire, or love, and hate. But every once in awhile (maybe not the Pat Benatar song) fire and ice come together and create a wonderful synergy.

That's what this necklace is all about...taking those elements that should not be mixed...and creating something above and beyond what each element can ever be separately.

The 17mm swarovski crystal briolette and 11mm swarovski crystal teardrop pendant are the ice. The 14mm red swarovski heart is the fire. The Fire and Ice Pendant is on a 20" sterling silver diamond cut chain which just adds to the overall sparkle!

You can purchase Fire and Ice at my Etsy Shop!

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Stanislava!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Stanislava. This is a unique and wonderful handmade shop filled with all sorts of wonders such as wreaths and candle holders, gift bags, special boxes, fairy angels, romantic hearts and some amazing Woolen Sheep! A great place to find unique holiday presents!

Take a look at all the magical gifts in Stanislava's Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
Stanislava

So many choices but I must choose a favorite so after much deliberation I chose one of her fairy angels. I really liked the little face on this one! So sweet! She comes with her own handmade gift box too!




Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Stanislava's Shop!

Monday, December 14, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Bead Lady 5 Designs!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!The HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of the day is Bead Lady 5 Designs! All her jewelry pieces are handmade, original, unique, and eclectic. Only the finest materials are used. Creating jewelry is a great passion of hers so if you have any questions please feel free to contact Bead Lady 5 Designs.

Take a look at her wonderful shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
BeadLady5

After much browsing, my favorite item in Bead Lady 5's shop is the Vintage Style Cameo Crystal and Freshwater Pearl Necklace Set! It's just beautiful!
A lovely floral 30x40mm cameo mounted on a nicely detailed antique brass setting and embellished with olivine Swarovski crystal rhinestones is the focal point of this beautiful necklace. A lovely antique brass leaf bail with another crystal rhinestone attaches the cameo to a beautiful necklace of white fresh water button pearls and olivine Swarovski crsytals with antique brass filigree bead caps. This 17 inch vintage style necklace with a 2 1/2 inch pendant drop is a very strikingly beautiful necklace.
Matching earrings are included that dangle 1 inch from the ear wires.


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Bead Lady 5's shop!!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

It's The Holidays at Zur Designs

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

It's the Holiday Season at Zur Designs and not only to I get to create beautiful jewelry and often customize that jewelry to suit your own personal tastes, I also get to wrap them up all pretty for the holidays!!!

So are you stumped on gift ideas for the ladies in your life? Well, Zur Designs has some great gift ideas!!

How about a lovely coil bracelet? They go with anything from business to casual and are a great accent for all those holiday parties!


This coil bracelet is called Leather and Lace and features black tiger eye, pearls, jonquil swarovski crystals, bali spacers and bead caps and a great little charm dangling from one end! It goes with a sweater and jeans, a business suit and really accents a little black dress. A perfect gift idea for the lady on your list or it makes a nice holiday gift for YOU!!


Purchase Leather and Lace!

Or what about this Basic Black, Red, and White Coil Bracelet? Lots of glass beads in all three colors with a great little charm at the end. Perfect for that black business suit or looks great with a sweater and jeans! She'll want to wear this every day! Or you will if you are buying yourself a treat!


Purchase Basic Black Red and White Coil Bracelet Here!

How about a lovely wire wrapped ring? Wire is either sterling silver or 14K gold filled and can be made to order if the sizes listed are not right.


This large pink rhodochrosite stone is wire wrapped in sterling silver wire. It's a big, beautiful ring and is a size eight so it could be worn on the first or middle finger for many women...I can also custom order the exact size just for her!

Buy Large Rhodochrosite Wire Wrapped Ring Here!

Or what about this luscious azurite malachite sterling silver wire wrapped ring? This brilliant azurite malachite gemstone bead has vivid green and blue colors in it and is nestled in sterling silver wire with sterling silver beads on each side. This is a sweet little ring that looks really good on your hand. This ring is a size 6 but I can custom make one just for you! Treat yourself! You deserve this pretty little ring!





Buy Azurite Malachite Wire Wrapped Ring Here!








Or is a necklace is more your idea of a perfect gift, why don't you check out the sterling silver chain necklaces made with high quality sterling silver and semi precious stones and beautiful swarovski crystals and pearls.

Take, for instance, Little Lavender Coquette. This 24" chain necklace features a beautiful 17mm swarovski briolette pendant as it's focal point and a sterling silver and purple fan charm that is so sweet!
Another pretty necklace is Pink Sparkle Motion. This 25" necklace really does sparkle! The three types of swarovski crystals and sterling silver chain makes this piece feel like there's a ray of sunshine around her neck!


Purchase Pink Sparkle Motion Here!

Also, how about this little anklet? It will be a real hit for her stocking!



There are many other items in Zur Designs' Shop...so take a look today!

Most importantly, everyone have a safe and wonderful holiday...and BUY HANDMADE!!!

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Flying Cheese Toastie!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! The HAF Etsty Street Team Featured Etsy Shop of the Day is Rachel Elliott Glassworks by flyingcheesetoastie!

All the item listed in her etsy shop are handmade by Rachel in her studio in Scotland! She uses a variety of different glass techniques to create unique designs and custom orders are always welcome.
To see examples of her sculptural art pieces, please visit here. Take a look at her Etsy Shop!




Etsy
Buy Handmade
FlyingCheeseToastie


Okay now comes the hard part...choosing a favorite among all of her gorgeous glass work! Drum roll please...I chose the Retticello Barrel Borosilicate Focal Bead. Isn't it a beauty?!
This bead is made from cobalt blue and clear borosilicate tubing that has been flameworked and fumed with 22ct gold and pure silver which creates the intricate pattern and colours on the surface.

It measures 45mm / 1&3/4inches long and 25mm / 1inch in diameter with a 3mm / 2/16inch hole. This bead is hollow so weighs 24g / 7/8oz.

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Flying Cheese Toastie's Shop!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

My Definition of a Very Good Day!!

This is my definition of a very good day! When the postman brings this little package to my door! Don't you absolutely love ArtBeads' packaging? If I wasn't so frantic to look at the beads and other goodies inside, I'd be compelled to keep it wrapped for awhile...so I took a picture!!

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸❤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Ƹ̵̡Óœ̵̨̄Æ·♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸❤¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of The Day--Lanee's Crochet

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's featured shop is Lanee's Crochet. A shop where you'll find awesome crocheted hair clips, cotton scrubbies and cloths, scarves, and more!

Check out her Etsy Shop for yourself!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
LaneesCrochet

Okay, now I need to pick a favorite...this is always hard for me but I am going with the Pink Rave Crocheted Handbag with Pin! So pretty! I love the colors and I love the design!

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Lanee's Crochet!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Little Lavender Coquette Necklace

Just listed this sweet little necklace in my Etsy Shop and called it Little Lavender Coquette because it just reminds me of some dainty little woman in one of the old French courts sitting there with her little purple fan!



You can purchase this lovely necklace for a gift at my Etsy Shop for someone special...even if it's YOU!!!

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of the Day--Feronia

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's featured shop is Feronia and she has gorgeous, gorgeous jewelry designs!

Check out her shop on Etsy!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
Feronia


I searched for my favorite item for quite some time but this necklace called "Spa" continued to catch my eye! Isn't it just so simple, elegant, and beautiful?



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Feronia!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop Today Is dbVictoria!

Handmade Artists' Forum!
Designs by Victoria is a wonderful shop where each piece is either personally handcrafted or embellished! She carries wire wrapped jewelry, embellished parasols, and other artful creations.

Check out this lovely shop!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
dbVictoria
I, as always, had a hard time picking out a favorite item...but I finally went with the Steampunk Green Garnet, Vesuvianite, and Brass Necklace...isn't it gorgeous?!
Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Designs by Victoria!

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of The Day Is Celtic Crossing

Handmade Artists' Forum!
Today's featured shop is Celtic Crossing. This gorgeous shop is filled with beautiful handcrafted jewelry using such mediums as wire and stone.

In Celtic Crossing's own words:

"This a labor of love and I hope that you will find something here that will catch your eye and you'll just have to have!

I have done gem cutting in the past, so working with gemstones is a joy for me and I do have a background for it. I am knowledgeable in properties of the stones so please feel free to ask me about a stone if you'd like to know more about it.

I am also a Reiki Master, and so with each piece of jewelry I make it is infused with positive energy before it leaves my hands and is sent onto you!

Enjoy your time browsing through my shop and please "heart" me, as I am putting up new things all the time"

Check out Celtic Crossing's wonderful Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
CelticCrossing

I don't know which of these beautiful pieces I'd pick as a favorite....hmmmmm....I think I will go with Simple Love:

Simple and elegant! This would make a wonderful gift...even if it was for ME!!!


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Celtic Crossing!

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Member Jennuine Candles!

Handmade Artists' Forum  Etsy Team! Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Our featured HAF Etsy Street Team Artist today is Jenn of Jennuine Candles specializing in 100% palm wax candles with a variety of choices...container candles, pillars, votives and tarts/melts.This business started as a hobby and a way to give gifts to friends and family...until her husband brought some candles to work and it all kind of spiraled from there!

Places you can find Jenniune Candles:
Check you her lovely shop for yourself!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
JennuineCandles


I had a hard time picking a favorite because there are so many great things in this shop but I am going to go with:

Pear Spice 16 ounce Palm Wax Container Candle


My mouth is watering just talking about it! Pear Spice will jazz up your holidays with the aroma of juicy pears, warm brown sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and a touch of cinnamon spice. A tantalizing holiday treat!

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Jennuine Candles!

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