Pellegrino Studio/Gallery Opening and Wine Tasting

Saturday, August 29th, was the first annual Pellegrino Studio/Gallery Opening and Aberdale's Wine Tasting Event.

The event was held at the residence of Franco and his lovely wife Pat. They have a wonderful restored farmhouse on three acres of land in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the big red barn in the back houses Franco's studio as well as a beautiful gallery space.

Despite the persnickety Berkshire weather it was really a fabulous day and the event was very well attended.

Guests enjoyed wine tasting demonstrations that were scheduled at different intervals throughout the day so that all the guests could take part. It was a real education on wines and Sarah from Aberdale's was a wonderful presenter. The wine tasting was coordinated by the Pellegrino's daughter Lauren and Sarah from Aberdale's and was a real hit with the crowd! Fine food, good music, and wonderful art all made for a very successful event!

In addition to the paintings of the artist Franco Pellegrino, there were also displays of Patricia Pellegrino's photographs (Images--Original Photographs of the Berkshires and New England), jewelry by Zur Designs (handcrafted jewelry inspired by the Berkshire Mountains), and handmade candles, wreaths, and other flower arrangements by Everlastings (unique, handmade gifts for your home).

Note how I called this the "first annual" event. That's because I am hoping they will do it again next year!

Beaded Impressions Beading Contest is Open to Public Vote!

Vote for your favorite necklace and earring design in the 2009 Beaded Impressions Beading Contest! Public voting ends August 13th. It is a wonderful showcase of the talented jewelry artists out there! You will receive a coupon for 10% off any purchase just for voting!

They did have a bit of trouble with their voting page so there are instructions on how to access the survey and if you still have any trouble you can contact them directly.

In the necklace category, be sure to check out #26--Cosmo's Moon! No matter how it turns out, it was a lot of fun just creating the piece and entering the contest!

Have a great day!

Cosmo's Moon Necklace

So, I entered this necklace into Beaded Impressions Beading Contest!

I love the movie "Moonstruck"! I know some people think it's a little over-the-top but I grew up in an Italian family so for me it's like coming home!

In the movie, Cosmo's brother-in-law tells us about the enormous and magical moon that appeared one night during his sister's courtship. La Bella Luna--the moon brings the woman to the man. Drawn to the window the future brother-in-law found Cosmo in the yard gazing up at his sister's window. For years he believed that Cosmo's great love called up that amazing moon that woke him from his blissful sleep.

The idea that true love growing in the hearts of new lovers could draw down a moon of such splendor is a compelling metaphor and I always felt that this was more than a story of about two people falling in love. Perhaps it was really a tale exploring the intricate facets of love and the magic that love makes possible.

This necklace was inspired by such a moon, bright and shining in the midnight blue sky; an inspiration for love that will last a lifetime. I carried an image in my head of such a moon and with the help and inspiration of some beads from The Purple Door in Jamestown, R.I. and some beautiful crystals I received as a gift from my best friend, I set to work to create that vision.

Other materials used: 3.25mm sterling silver cable chain, a delicate 2.25mm diamond cut chain, mother-of-pearl 6mm beads, sterling silver star beads, czech glass beads in a midnight blue, bali spacers, bali toggle clasp, and a sterling silver heart pendant to symbolize love.

Cosmo's Moon Necklace can be purchased at my Etsy Shop and at USTrendy. Don't forget to check out all the entries in The Beaded Impression Beading Contest. They are all so amazing! I'd like to thank abeadstore.com for hosting this contest. Don't forget to check out their wonderful selection of beads and beading supplies!

P.S. I love the name Cosmo. It reminds me of a sweet man I grew up around who always saw me as a sweet little girl with curly blond hair long after I was no longer even close to being that anymore! Also, the Hermit Designer's middle name is Cosmo; proving I never met a Cosmo I didn't like!