It's Over!

Thanksgiving is over, I am very thankful for all my family, all my blessings, all my friends, my health, etc., etc..  I love Thanksgiving, but the work, the stress, the family, the friends etc., etc..  Thank God I still have my health!!

Let me ask you....what is the etiquette for RSVPing? (probably not a word, but it works for me) Should you respond if you are not attending?  Is it rude "not" to respond?  If you're not sure you can make it, should you RSVP "maybe"?  OK, we all know the answers to these questions...just making a point.

I am always looking for healthy, natural products to use on my skin.  Remember the Crisco Oil Phase years ago?  Alright, get your mind out of the gutter! I mean as a treatment for your face.....some of you may be too young to even know what I'm talking about...ask your mother. Where was I...oh ya, healthy, natural products......I've started using Organic Coconut Oil on my face as a night treatment and on my hands a couple of times a day.  Jewelry making is really hard on the skin and nails and my skin drinks it, well, like coconut milk (har har).  The results are already amazing.  Let me know if you try this and if it works for you!  I would love to hear from you.

Now about the BLING....can't wait to show them to you!

Carole's Dreamsicle

These beautiful green and peach colored Jade Beads are from Thailand.  They were given to me by my BFF Carole Dapello.  We met and became best friends in High School in 1963. YIKES...1963!! I'm sure this can't be right because I'm much, much younger than this!  

This is soooo Classy!  Freshwater Cultured Pearls draped and folded into Sterling Silver Chain.

These gemstones are called Amazonite.  The color is between pale green and aqua and when you touch them, you almost believe you are going to feel something soft and velvety instead of stone.  Then there is the beautiful Sterling Silver Accents which makes this a "pièce de résistance"!
This next piece is another one of my favorites!  The Pendant is made with heavy gauge Hammered Sterling Silver and Turquoise.  The second pendant is a Sterling Silver Flower.  Love Love Love!!!!

Wild Ribbons

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, I want to wish you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! I hope all your Turkey dreams come true.

I am getting ready to have a party in my home for friends and family, (and anyone I can drag off the street) to showcase my jewelry for the first time. I am generally not insecure about much of anything but, I am a little nervous about this party....not sure why, but there is always that doubt.  Remember when you were in Jr. High School....kind of like that uuuggghhhh!!!   OK, I'm fine now, just needed to say it out loud.  Thanks for listening...You'r the best!!

Now let's look at some more Faaabulous Jewelry!

Can you guess what this is?  

Of course.....It's a Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystal Ear Cuff! Stays where you put it and blings everytime you move your head.   $20     (item #45)

Then from one end of the body to the other.....Toe Rings! Sterling Silver and Copper  with Swarovski Crystals....OH soooo cute!!  $21    (item #58)

This is one of the first pieces I made right after I bought my very first Silver Wire in September, 2011.  It was very complicated and waaaay beyond my skill level.  However, my skill level moved moved up several notches by the time I finished this piece.  It is heavy gauge Hammered Sterling Silver and Crystal beads linked together to make this SENSATIONAL SPECTICAL!  I've worn this one several times and each time I get such positive feedback; once, I even had a crowd around my table telling me how unique it is and how talented I am.  No, really it happened..............OK, I made that last part up.  $125    (item #4)

SOLD....YEEEAAA!

If you live in the Valley Of The Sun and are interested in any of the pieces I showcase on this blog, just send me an email and I will make sure you get a personal preview of my work; or you could just come to my party (not really).  If you are a member of my family, I have a special discount for lucky you (really)!!

I am thinking of expanding this Blog to include the many, many, many things I have learned...sometimes the hard way, in my life.  I have been told that I have lots of Common Sense....and by the way, I agree (just my humble opinion).....and I want to share it with you.  I continue to learn amazing things and love sharing my opinion often and with anyone who will listen...ooopppsss did I just write that last part?

My first tip:  I recently learned this on Pinterest.  Love that site!

The formula for the most amazing heavy duty cleaner you will ever use.  I just cleaned my kitchen with it from the cabinets to the floor and everything in between and everything is sparkling....really, I am wearing sunglasses right now.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup White Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Blue Dawn Dishwashing Liquid

1/4 cup Washing Soda (not baking soda). I use Arm and Hammer from the laundry isle

2 Gallons very warm tap water

Directions:

I split the recipe and put it in two one-gallon milk cartons.

One I use for the floor and the other one I put in a spray bottle to clean most everything else.

Caution:

Do Not use this formula on waxed floors....it may make the wax gunky, unless you were thinking of stripping that crappy wax anyway!

Let me know what you think of this new content.  If you make this recipe, tell me how it works for you.

Beautiful Garden Art

Not only do I love, love, love making jewelry, I also love, making other fun artsy projects. So, TA-DA!!.....my new garden sculptures. I saw the directions on pinterest (follow me on Pinterest - #Mary# #Robinson#) and thought to myself "self, this is very cool....you should do this". So I took myself to Goodwill and bought 3 very very large boxes of the coolest junk. Then I I took myself to the hardware store and bought 2 tubes of liquid nails. Then I made these little lovlies!!

 

They are all made with plates, a candy dish, bowls, vases, glasses, glass paperweight and a jello mold.  This was soooo darn much fun.  However, this project was not without a few hazards.......Like when I tried to move a sculpture before it was completely dry.  Once the dust settled, my kitchen floor and countertop were covered in broken glass..and it was soooo pretty too.  I am still finding broken glass.  Or, that I had junk all over my kitchen for several days until I had my fill of making these little lovlies.  In the end, it was all worth it....unless you ask my husband who thinks it's just a whole lotta junk.  He just doesn't appreciate my ultra-uniqueness. Is that a word?  Anyway, they are growing on him I think; or maybe he's just tuned them out so he doesn't see them anymore.  Whatever, they bring me joy!!!!!!!

 

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

What a wonderful day today.  In Arizona, our Great weather starts in Late September and lasts through April and sometimes May.  Hallelulia!  I sat outside at a winecafe in Phoenix for a three hour lunch with my BFF's like we don't have a care in the world.....well for those three hours we didn't.  Had a couple glasses of wine, some great bruchetta.......and now back to reality.

Did I mention that I love, love, love to make jewelry.  If I had nothing else to do, I could sit at my work table every day for hours on end and just create stuff.  Sometimes I even get to do just that....but then my family (husband, four children with spouses and 9 grand children) step in and nudges me out of my delerious joy and says "Hello! don't you like us anymore? You used to cater to us, we want you back!"  I really do love my family, don't get me wrong....but, right now, I love jewelry best!! Take a look at what I did this week.  I would love your feedback.

This picture doesn't do this piece justice.  It is made with Freshwater cultured pearl coins and crystal quartz.  This one makes me very happy just to look at it!  It looks great with jeans or that little black dress for an evening out.  $65

Big Chunks of Red Coral adorn multiple sized Sterling Silver Rings. The 5 small Coral beads are hand carved by a sweet, dainty, little Asian lady who loves, loves, loves her work and is sooo happy that someone will be able to enjoy her hard work for a lifetime......hey, its possible. The earrings are hammered Sterling Silver hoops with with little red coral flowers. $92

My Fellow Americans

I would like to take a moment and share with my Fellow Americans a message. Please indulge me, I promise I will be brief.

Regardless of who you voted for, our President is Barrack Obama for the next four years.  It is our responsibility, no...our duty to maintain a positive, respectful attitude AND MOVE ON!  If you don't want to support him, then just keep it to yourself. You can't change it, you can't control it, but; you can make a difference.  The world is watching you and what you do reflects on me.  So please get a grip because you are in control of how you feel, what you say and how you act.

THANK YOU!!

That felt good.  Now I want to show you some more of my Jewelry Line.  I would really appreciate your feedback.

This Beautiful Turquoise and Red Coral necklace and Sterling Silver earrings are definitely a show stopper so don't be surprised if the spotlight lands on you wherever you wear this piece! It is chunky, funky and fun.   $ 104            (item #31)

The Turquoise and Red Coral are linked with Sterling Silver and then linked to the silver plated chain with cute little swirls.   It will look amazing all by it's self, however there is also a beautiful Turquoise and Red Coral set that matches this amazing bracelet.   $45       (item#26)

 This necklace is so easy to wear. The chain is handmade of quality hand polished Copper and adorned with different lengths of sticks dressed in Copper beads. The Pendant is a beautiful hammered disk. Passers-by can't help but notice and comment on this fun unique piece. The Copper earrings are a beautiful repeat of the necklace.  $65    (item #5)

This Sterling Silver triple strand beauty is crafted with Crystal Quartz Nuggets. They are dazzeling in any light.  The unique chain is handcrafted of sterling silver.  $70   (item #87)

Finally the email gods have smiled upon me!

Finally, the email gods have smiled upon me and I was able to get the picture of the after finished product.  I am still bummed about not thinking to take a before picture for you.

In the first necklace, I used 10 mm orange jade with amber chips and because the owner loves only turquoise, I added the 4 small pieces of turquoise.  I hung the pendant on a sterling silver bar that is the same width as the hanger.  Just Imagine that beautiful but big **s pendant on a string of the turquoise chunks from the second necklace.  I only used six of the 15 pieces of turquoise in the 2nd necklace and the little amber chips in the second necklace, I used sterling silver chain and added silver enhancements on the two large Turquoise chunks.

However, I understand that My opinion of hideous is someone else's idea of spectacular. To Each His Own and God Bless!  Can you tell, I am feeling pangs of guilt for calling the original piece hideous. Please don't judge me. I will never be judgemental again!

Beautiful!

While I am STILL waiting for my permission to access my email, (the gods must be on vacation) I will post some more of my Jewelry

This simple but elegant Sterling Silver necklace and earrings are classy and beautiful. The chain is handmade of quality heavy gauge Sterling Silver. The pendant and earrings are decorated with green swirled Glass Beads. You can count on hearing "where did you get that necklace?" Just direct them to The Queen's Design and I promise I will treat them like royalty! I'm really good at it. really good at it.  $112
(item #3)
 

VA VA VA VOOM! This Fresh Water Cultured Pearl and Swarovski Crystal necklace and earrings is intricately woven from start to finish.  It would be beautiful for a bride to wear at her wedding (caution, may outshine the ring) or Bohemian funky with jeans and a t-shirt. If you stand in the sun it could be dangerously blinding for passers-by.  $140     (item #20)

This beautiful Sterling Silver ribbon collar cuff is hand formed to fit your neck in several different places. The Swarovski Crystals just add to the dazzling brilliance and fun of this piece. The large Red Crystal pendant will have people taking a second look. You'll think they're looking at your décolletage, and they may well be, but I'm pretty sure they're looking at that brilliant tangle of Sterling Silver ribbon dripping in red. OK, I'm just sayin, this Ridiculously Stupendous Necklace is Outrageous.  Did I just say that out loud?   $96      (item #50)

This Sterling Silver Collar set are absolutely One-Of-A-Kind. The necklace is hand formed to fit your neck perfectly. The end pieces are adorned with beautiful Amber Swarovski Crystals. You will definitely not find this piece on anyone else!   $75     (item #40)

What a Beauty!

My 8 year old granddaughter (aaaawwww) has taken an interest in jewelry making.  She has her own bead box and little tool set.  She made me a necklace today that said A COOL NANA.  How sweet is that!  Well, a little of my joy in this beautiful little spirit took a drastic turn today.  The second picture above  is what happened after she left today.........uuuugggghhh. Her bead box, slid off the counter all over my kitchen floor. It was impossible to be mad at her for very long....just until I got all the beads cleaned up......I mean, Hello, just look at that face, what a beauty!

I did, however, find the time to make, or should I say remake 2 pieces for a friend that turned out beautiful...if I do say so myself.  Unfortunately, I was so anxious to dissasemble the necklace she gave me that I forgot to take a before picture.  I am hopeful that when she purchased this piece, it had some redeeming value......if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all! OK, I want to be nice, but I'm sorry, it was hideous!  It was made of chunks of turquoise with the extremely large pendant hanging lopsided off the chunks.  There was no meaningful structure, no balance and no synergy.  I always try to see the good in things and try never to be judgemental, and if only, I had taken a before picture, you would have been able to see for yourself.  I know that some of you are new friends, but you can trust me....I promise....It Was Hideous!...those of you who do know me, speak up, they can trust me right???? 

Well, now I am locked out of my email account for some unknown reason so I will include the picture of the finished products once the email gods deem me good enough to get into my own stuff aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

First Blog!!!

Hi, I'm Mary and I am The Queen's Design. Someone once called my jewelry "Wearable Art"....I couldn't agree more! However, I might just be mildly biased.  I love love love my jewelry...well duh!  I have this little problem I need to share with you.  Whenever someone oooo's and aaaa's over how pretty, or how unique one of my pieces is; instead of just saying "Thank You" I say "I Know, I just love this one" I agree with them and then continue to sing my praises over how much I love this piece or that piece or what inspired me to make this one or that one.  I lose myself in my own work!  Is that bad?...because I think it might be bad. Well, I'll work on being more appreciative when I receive compliments on my jewelry, but I make no promises that I won't relaps at any moment cuz it really is great stuff.....see there I go again.  I'm hopeless!.

I have never done a blog before, so this is going to be a fun and interesting new experience.  I have been making jewelry for two years and have found my new Passion!  If I am not sitting at my workbench making jewelry, I am thinking about what I want to make next, or where I can find my next fix...uh I mean gemstones. Let me know what you think.

Soooooo....here goes!


FIRE FIRE!
You should never yell FIRE...but with this spectacular piece you won't be able to help yourself. This beautiful set is made with Sterling Silver Bars and Swarovski Crystals. The style and colors are dazzling! All three pieces $142 - Earrings $35, Bracelet $42, Necklace $65
(item #11)

This stunning Bracelet is adorned with different size and shapes of Blue Crystals and Abalone Shells.  Each Sterling Silver squiggley link is hand sculpted and adorned to create a truley unique design....some may even call it regal!  $95
(item #38)

This beautiful Sterling Silver Ring with a 14 mm Swarovski Rivoli Crystal is totally unique. The good news is its ADJUSTABLE. That's right, I said adjustable and you would never know it if I didn't just tell you.  Once you see the ring you will be amazed at how it can be fit and refit to any finger you wish to wear it on.  This one is definitely an attention getter!  $95

(item #7)

This beautiful ring is fun, classy and funky. Yes I really mean classy funky! The beautiful Swarovski Crystal makes it jump off your finger so hold on tight! This ring is ADJUSTABLE so you can fit it for any finger. It comes in beautiful Sterling Silver or hand polished Copper.  $44
(item #18)

This necklace will stop traffic! It is a mixture of hearts and swirls that are intricately wrapped together. It is highlighted with dark teal  crystals. The earrings are simple so as not to detract from the beauty and intricacy of the necklace. For those of you who are allergic to some metals, the copper has been hand polished with several coats of wax. Because of this extra step, the metal will always stay the stunning shiny copper it is today.  $83
(item #9)

This one is The Queen's FAVORITE! This incredibly unique necklace and earrings are handmade of Sterling Silver and a combination of Swarovski Crystals and Amethyst stones. A definite show stopper!  $155
 (item #19)