My New Etsy Treasury! Be Mine!

My New Etsy Treasury!

Be Mine

by

Zur Designs

Bliss Necklace

I've been thinking a lot lately about the word "bliss".  How many times in your life have you actually experienced true bliss?  sometimes it happens int he quiet moments of the day when you know that everyone you love is safe and happy and well.  it can happen during the creative process, when all elements come together to become something beautiful; cherished for years to come.  If Bliss were a design it might look like this 19" necklace made from vintage lavender and white pearls, used as the focal point, nestled in antiqued bronze vintage bead caps and surrounded by charms made of lucite flowers, swarovski pearls and crystals. More lavender and white pearls line the chain surrounded by antiqued bronze vintage heart connectors. A lovely white lucite flower with an amethyst swarovski crystal as it's center dangles from the antiqued bronze chain. The design is tied together with an antiqued bronze swirled toggle clasp.

Bliss can be purchased in my Etsy Shop!  Giving this necklace as a gift?  Bliss will arrive at your door beautifully wrapped and ready for giving.  And remember, there is always FREE SHIPPING at Zur Designs!

Experience Bliss! :)

Endearing

When I think of the word "endearing" I think of that sweet feeling I get inside my heart when someone does or says something charming, sweet, and adorable. Or if someone expresses a thought in a brand new way--usually from a very brilliant mind!

This 16" sterling silver necklace with the beautiful and sparkling light rose swarovski briolette crystal (wire wrapped) and sterling silver heart charm is very endearing. It's simple. It's elegant. It will be a favorite piece in anyone's accessory collection all year long.

Giving this as a gift? "Endearing" will arrive at your door beautifully gift wrapped and ready for giving.

Remember, all sterling silver chain necklaces are 20% off through February 10th as a way of helping out all those who want to perfect gift for your special valentine! And as always, there is FREE SHIPPING at Zur Designs!

You can purchase "Endearing" at my Etsy Shop! Happy Valentine's Day!

New Valentine Listing!!

I once had a friend say to me that he didn't like when people said, "I love you," and expected it in return. He said the reason it bothered him was that it made it too commonplace a phrase, like "see you later!' and wasn't a strong enough expression for what being in love really felt like. Yet he didn't feel comfortable replying with something a bit closer to his feelings such as "you are part of my own skin". It was as if what he felt was beyond love...and saying "I love you" simply wasn't enough.

So the other day I started thinking about a love like that...it was self-assured, confident, and impenetrable and I started to wonder what a design would look like that would capture that feeling of love. I realized that it would definitely glow.

So I used my shiniest crystal, and even used my shiniest chain, a diamond cut sterling silver, that glittered in the light. I added shiny charms, one of them a bright red sterling silver heart and some red and clear swarovski crystals dangling from the side.

And I called it "Love Squared". Love Squared is 19" end to end and can be purchased in my Etsy Shop.

Happy Valentines Day!!

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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--Stanislava!

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!

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

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!!

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!

Purchase Little Lavender Coquette Here!

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!

Purchase Bejeweled Anklet Here!

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!!!

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 Today Is dbVictoria!

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!

The Friendship Pendant

I've been thinking a lot about a friend of mine that I don't see too often anymore but still talk to quite frequently. It's one of those friendships that no matter what our own personal circumstances and no matter how much time passes, we are the same when we get together and it's like no time has passed at all. And when we need one another for support or even just a kind face; we know that we can count on one another--no questions asked.

Those are the types of friendships I value...friends that are almost like family and will always have a very special place in my heart.

As I was thinking about all this I realized that there should be a special piece of jewelry to commemorate this type of friendship. Hence, the Friendship Pendant was born. I incorporated a special Celtic knot into the design because to me, the Celtic knot symbolizes the timeless nature of the human spirit, of love, and of life itself.

I used a square rhyolite bead as the focal piece because the black and gray and blue of that gorgeous stone reminds me of a clear night sky the color of midnight blue that only reinforces the feeling that some things last for an eternity. The squatty little blue swarovski crystal perched on a bali spacer on top of the stone just draws out the blue even more. Then I placed the pendant on a 25" sterling silver chain with a toggle clasp.

The Friendship Pendant can be purchased at my Etsy Shop. Perhaps you have a friend that would appreciate this timeless piece to symbolize a friendship that lasts forever!

Zur Designs Pre-Holiday News

So it's been a busy time at Zur Designs...getting ready for the holidays, doing up some custom orders, and slowly but surely doing an overhaul to my Etsy shop. As you might have noticed, I have a new banner on this blog with a matching avatar thanks to a very talented handmade artisan friend of mine Nicola Viau otherwise known as Ambient Girl Designs. I haven't completed my shop makeover yet but you have to check out the new banner...it's so pretty! I have begun to make a rather lengthy list of how many places my avatar needs to be changed!! Phew!!

So I am part of the wonderful group of Etsy artisans that have come together to offer incredible savings during American Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend! Some hardworking Etsians have put together an incredible blog that is categorized and alphabetized to make shopping a breeze and Indie Smiles has pitched in by offering all participants directory listings. Then there is a dedicated Facebook page for this event!

Come join us as we celebrate the handmade movement by offering you quality hand-crafted items perfect for the holiday season!!

Oh and as for my sale? I am offering the following specials:

• FREE SHIPPING worldwide for the duration of the sale
• 10% off any of my sterling silver chain necklaces for the duration of the sale
• FOR CYBER MONDAY ONLY: BOGO--buy one coil bracelet and get the second coil bracelet for half price

For the necklaces, I was going to do the refund through PayPal but since it's for the duration of the sale, I think I will adjust the prices to make it more convenient. The coil bracelets for Monday I'll refund the difference through Etsy because that's kind of a random choice for buyers. The shipping will be all set to FREE.

This Saturday, November 28th, I am going to be part of the Everlastings 13th Annual Holiday Open House and Sale in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Everlastings is a handmade business started by two of my sisters Jude and Cath that features one-of-a-kind silk and dried flower arrangements and other home decor and gift items such as candles, handmade pot potpourri and much, much more. My sister Cath passed away in 1998 but Jude carries on with Everlastings and each year this holiday sale is held in honor of our beloved sister. My sister Pat will be selling her original photographs of New England and the Berkshires as well as photo cards, bookmarks, and other affordable art products. I will be presenting my handmade jewelry. Afterward we will be celebrating a landmark birthday for my sister Jude...I can't tell you how old she'll be because she would be very mad at me!!!

Original Photography by Patricia Hall Pellegrino

Floral Wreath by Judith Hall Votolato

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Come join us as we celebrate the handmade movement by offering you quality hand-crafted items for you and yours.

Secret Garden Necklace

When I was a little girl we had this wonderful backyard that overlooked a pond and had lots of trees to climb, a large vegetable garden, lots of flowers, and a stone fireplace where the family had cookouts all summer long. My dad put in a swimming pool so he could keep track of all of us and so we had a tall fence all away around the perimeter of the yard.

I thought of it as a wonderland and called it my secret garden. I would open the gate and it just seemed magical inside; like there was a whole new world beyond that fence!

This is what I was thinking of when I created this 25" long necklace. I love the pretty pendant of flowers in pink and black, and I added sterling silver chain, swarovski pearls, and charms containing small pearls, crystals and beads of Czech glass...and I couldn't forget the key to open the gate and enjoy the magic within!

The Secret Garden Necklace is for sale in my Etsy Shop! I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all items in my shop!

Zur Designs Is The Featured Shop on VA Beach Quilter's Blog!

On Labor Day, September 7th, the Etsy Shop of Zur Designs will be featured on VA Beach Quilter's Blog! I am offering a special promotion to readers of this blog so be sure to check it out! Happy Labor Day!

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!