Passion : I'm On Scoutie Girl!

Please take a moment to read me feaure on Scoutie Girl! The blog owner and writer, Jan is super sweet, and said some wonderfully sweet things about Bella-Bijou! Thank you Jan!!

http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2009/03/passion-is-bellabijou.html#comments

Also don't forget! Buy any two items from my shop ( or one over $75) and get a free pair of WEE CURLS!

New Technique, New Designs!

I have been a busy buys bee folks! I've finally got some new items from the newest technique I wanted to teach myself - ENAMEL! Its been a productive week for me, and nothing fuels the inspiration like a new idea or design!

Its been raining, then sunny, then raining again here, and everytime I get ready to go for a nice walk, it begins to rain again. I guess that means even more time at the bench right ?

PATCH OF SKY

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=22932876

BABY DAISY - Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=9822643

SOLAR - Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=18916772

LAGOON - Enamel Drop Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=9822849

SKYLIGHT - Enamel Drop Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=9824342

MARIGOLD - Enamel Drop Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=9824265

I'd love to hear feedback! Believe it or not, I have more pieces to list tomorrow! ALSO, my sale is still on! Buy any 2 items ( or one over $75) and get a free pair of WEE CURLS!

Locally Inspired Pieces

I listed three new turquoise pieces today, all of which have names that were locally inspired. Im lucky enough to live in BC, and although it rains here, alot, when the weather is nice, it's not just nice, it's gorgeous! North Vancouver is sandwiched between the ocean and the mountains. We have a valley, many large rivers and creeks, and hiking trails as far as the eye can see ( except I hate hiking lol)

RIVERSIDE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22819382

FORREST

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=22819726

IN THE VALLEY

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=22820078

On a funny note, this morning I'm sitting at the computer listing my new pretties when I hear a big truck pull up. Its about 9 am, and Im thinking, "Gee its early for the UPS guy..." Then there is a knock at the door, so I peep out the peep hole ( because im still in my pjs) and its my Dad! He had been delievering a load of lumber up the street and wanted to pop by to check out some recent new tool purchases! Gotta love a dad who can bond with his daughter over tools, its a beautiful thing!! (BTW he was very impress with my new dapping set hehe)

***EDITED TO ADD - I almost forgot! Every two purchases gets a free pair of WEE CURLS! ***

Amazing Work, by and Amazing Friend

For the last 8 years I have been blessed with having a friend who shares me creativity, my passions, and my taste in music ;-p Besides being a former DJ, awesome photographer, and full time friend to me (tough job) he has discovered his passion for wood carving. I have never seen anyone pick up an art so quickly like when Elias picked up carving - it just comes from his hands. His work is amazing, inspiring, and a great means to connect with his Native heritage. I wanted to blog about Elias, and his art for a change, instead of just talking about myself ( sigh, so boring!) Anyone that knows about First Nations art, will know the name Bill Reid - a very famous, and accomplished carver who's works are in The Museam of Anthropology, the Vancouver Airport, and featured worldwide. Elias has been training with a former apprentive of Bill Reid's, and it has been an amazing journey for him.

Take note, each piece starts from a single piece of wood. Elias drawes out his carving first, and if you are new to Native Art - each and every piece tells a story. First Nations art commonly features animals to tell its meaning, such as the Raven, which the Haida people believe created the world. I could read Haida and other First Nations stories all day, they are fantastic, meaningfull and thouroughly educating regarding the history of my country.

Here are some of Elias's pieces - aren't they incredible ? He has recently done some amazing commission pieces, and im just saving my pennies until I can afford one of his stunning pieces of work for studio( when I finally get a studio!)

Busy Day One

Wow, I was on fire working yesterday! I had some super inspiration come may way, and I am so very thankfull for it! I got 2 custom orders finished, aswell as a bunch of new turquoise pieces!

Also, yesterday was my first official day on my new weight plan. I did eat pretty well over the weekend, but gave myself today as a start. I made a great salad for lunch, then dinner was mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin and salad. My biggest issue is eatting smaller portions, and trying to choose healthier options. The pork tenderloin was super lean, and the salad balanced with dates, feta and lots of veggies. Yes the risotto is not that healthy, but I had alittle, and it sure was tasty!

Snacks will surely be my biggest downfall, since I'm more of a snacker than a meal planner. I'm doing my best to think of easy, filling snacks, that can get me through the days when I don't feel liking sitting down for a full lunch.

Anyways, enough about that boring stuff. Here's my new pieces!

INK BLOT

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22703264

BEAN SPROUTS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22708080

BOOKENDS

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=22707977

Custom BELLA RING for my dear friend, with her supplied emerald

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...

I've had some fun with faceted stones this weekend! I had been holding on to this stunning London Blue Topaz for about a year, and finally found a project that deserved it lol. Evertime I looked at it, Van Morrison's "Moondance" popped into my head - hence the name...

MOONDANCE - Chunky Ring Size 8

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22680743

These earrings reminded me of the "eyes" on the backs of butterfly wings. They are faceted pink amethysts, bezel set, and oxidized for depth.

BUTTERFLY WINGS - Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22661357

I hope everyone is having a fab day. Im off to eat my salad full of sliced chicken breast, tomatoes, cucumber and a wee bit of goats cheese - yum!

an honest moment...

I'm not sure where to start with this. I don't normally post about these types of things online, for fear that I will be chastised for putting my feelings out there for "strangers" to read, by those in my life. The Internet is a power full tool, and sometimes I feel uncomfortable knowing that what I write can be read by members of my family and friends. Seems odd doesn't it ? However, its easier to speak freely to "strangers" sometimes. People who just appreciate there is someone out there they can relate to. Sometimes, the people that are too close, don't understand ( its like I want to write it out here, but not have it questioned in person at another time, or make it the subject at the next family dinner, if that makes sense)
So what is all this jibber jabber about ? Weight. There I said it, the ugly word I don't like saying. And before anyone out there says, "oh but you don't need to lose weight" ask yourself why you say that. Is it because we have been trained that weight is a bad thing, and when someone opens up about their issues with weight, we automatically feel the need to say, " but your not fat!" ? What usually makes it worse, is when someone, half your size says one of these particular sayings lol.
I have never been skinny, nor do I want to be, but weight has been an issue for me since I was pre-teen. I learned to embrace my curves along time ago, however when curves become thick, and the muffin top grows, and pants get tight, any embrace I had goes right out the window. You see, weight has always been a mental thing for me, just as much as a physical thing. I can ignore my growing waist line & chubby feeling for so long, until one day I go to put on my one tried and true always-looks-good shirt, only to barely get it over my chest. This is what happened 2 weeks ago. And then it hits you, like a brick wall : I've gained a significant amount of weight.
Now before anyone accuses me of being a whiner, or a complainer, this is NOT what this post is about. Its about making a change. A change in me. About saying it out loud, public, admitting that I need to change the way I think, and the way I eat.
Many years ago, I realized that I absorb others feelings. If they are negative, I tend to be negative. Of course, you can't always avoid this kinda of attitude, but you can try and eliminate the negative in your life much as possible. In the past when I have been positive about my weight loss, its monumentally helped me to continue on the right path. So how to you get positive when you feel the weight of the world is on your waistline, and your at rock bottom ? Well to be honest, I hoping with the first couple pounds shed, I will begin to see the light so to speak.
So plan is to try and get myself back to that happy place. Where the pounds kinda just come off, because I don't eat my emotions, and the negative emotions aren't there, because I'm making a change FOR ME. Where I naturally make better choices, and don't reward myself with food (oh this winter has been sooo bad for that!) Taking myself back to a place where, If I wanted to have some chips, or a beer, I didn't feel guilty, because life in general was more balanced and the foods I ate on a daily basis were better choices.

So here's what I'm hoping :
better choices = healthier body = lost weight = positive attitude boost

I don't know if I'm going to succeed, and I think the cravings for candy and chips and pop will be tough to get past at first, but I am detirmined to make a change for me.
If anyone else has ever struggled with this, feel free to comment, or email me if you prefer to keep it private bella-bijou@hotmail.com if you have any good recipes, such as Weight Watchers, or words of advice, they are always appreciated.
As always, thank you for reading my blog, whether you know me personally, or are one of those wonderful "strangers" out there :-)

A Weekend's Work...

Well, after the last two days of melting bezels and crushing stones ( gasp - I crushed not one, but TWO gorgeous labradorite cabs) I've finally got something to show for me aching back and self depricating thoughts lol.

I was going to do some water casting this weekend, but of course, Murphy's Law, it poured rain, and I really prefer to do it outside. Hopefully I can get some done today, so I can post pics and results! It's been exceptionally cold the last few days, and this is what I woke up to the other morning :

From all the melted and new scrap I managed to create this weekend, I did get some stellar work done.

FLEUR - Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22353146

TWIG - Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=22353099

SAUCER - 14k & Sterling Nose Stud

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=22320373

As always - I love feedback. The sales have dropped completly, so I'm hoping some new pieces are just what I need to boost some interest!

A New Piece - Finally

I've finally got around to photographing this ring! The turquoise in it is sooo beautifull. Its almost a matte finish, Robin Egg blue ( hence the name) and its the perfect freeform shape!

ROBINS EGG

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22192781

In other news, it dumped snow the other day, and we had our coldest day in March record broken ( greeeat). The sun is out, but its still icy :-( My neck feels better today, a little sore, but I can move it so thats a plus! Anyways, hope you all have a happy day!

I am here - I swear!

Yes I know, not too many posts here lately. I've been a little swamped for time ( no excuse I know!) I have a gorgeous new Turquoise & Amethyst ring to photograph and list, and will blog about it soon. I also have some seriously cool new ideas to work out! I was super suprised to find out my RASPBERRY Ring Trio was featured in the Gift Guides for Her - thanks Carolyn for pointing that out to me!!
In other news, we still have not found a new place to live, looks as though we will now be looking for May 1st instead of April 1st, which kinda stinks as our trip to NOLA is planned for Jazz Fest ( 3rd week in April) It Doesnt leave much time for packing, saving money fora deposit etc. I am hoping sales continue, so I can afford to go on this trip. They kinda weaned off last week, until today, when I recieve a few (always a thrill!). I tweaked something in my neck late last night, so I have been walking around like frankenstien all day, but it seems to be easing up now, so hopefully I get get out one of my new ideas tonight :-)
Hope all of you lovely bloggers out there are doing well!

Vacation in the Works, & Some New Pieces

Hi happy people! I have some new pieces today to show - including the matching ALPHA studs to my ALPHA line. Also, Dan and I have decided we are going to do our best to save our pennies so we can visit his sister in New Orleans at the end of April!! Dan's brother in law is American, and is in the US Coast Guard, so they were stationed in New Orleans about a month and a half before Christmas. Previously, he was a Blackhawk pilot, so they were stationed in North Carolina. It will be the first time we've seen then since June! I'm excited, I've never visited that side of the US ( unless you count Orlando for Disney World when I was 10). The flight is really pricey, so im hoping the sales continue, and I can finish paying off some of the things I need to, so I can start saving!!

Anyways, here's some of my new goodies :-)

AMETHYST - Ring Trio

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=21872585

ALPHA - Custom Studs

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21827969

YING YANG - Ring Size 7.5

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21872099

Blah mood but new creations

Hey everyone! I've had the chance to work on some new designs this past weekend, even though I've been in a bit of a rut. Ever have those days where you feel the weight of the world dragging you down ? I tend to have them for days at a time :-( Here's hoping it passes soon. Perhaps its the stress of looking for a new home, and dealing with my asshat manager at work ( sorry for the language). I was "talked to" about punching in 1 minute late the other day. I get that late is late, but Im normally the employee whos 4-5 minutes early everyday...

Anyways, THANKFULLY, I have my wonderfull jewellery biz to keep me busy. I really don't think I'd be sane with out my little creative outlet! Every order still makes me jump for joy!

Here's some of the new pieces Ive been working on. Im very excited about the first - my ALPHA line!! After much testing and drawing, I've launched a line after my own handwriting!

ALPHA - Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21776937

(ALPHA stud earrings will be posted soon!!)

SPRING BLOOMS - Swiss Blue Topaz

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21746128

And finally - Some more gorgeous heat patinated copper earrings to keep TIGER LILY and POPPY company in my shop ;-p

SAKURA - Hoops

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21758933