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Thursday, November 16, 2006

Brand NEW Creations

I have posted a ton of new creations for you! There are over 30 new stunning designs that include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cell phone FOBs and watches. There is a little of something for everyone!

Personally, I couldn't even begin to decide what new creation is my most favorite but I do lean towards two distinctive necklaces. The first is the Drops of Garnet lariat necklace. Designed in 14k Gold-Filled and accented by three garnet gemstones. If you love the sun-drenched warm colors of Indian summer, you will fall in love with this necklace! With the upcoming holiday season, add a little color to that little black dress with this necklace!


The other is the Golden Briolette necklace. This simple, yet extremely stunning necklace would pair perfectly with any upcoming holiday season outfit. Designed with a golden Swarovski briolette crystal suspended on a delicate 14k Gold-Filled chain. If you are looking for something to go with just about any outfit this is your necklace!
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Monday, November 13, 2006

NEW Beaded Cell Phone Charm Jewelry

Beaded cell phone charms, cell phone jewelry, FOBs -no matter what you call them, they are the perfect jewelry for your phone!


Mocha Latte Lampwork Beaded Cell Phone Charm (CPC11)
Design features a mocha latte artisan glass lampwork bead, smoke topaz and light smoke topaz Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver. Length: 3-1/4".


Blue Swirl Crystal Beaded Cell Phone Charm (CPC14)
Design features a lovely teal-blue swirled artisan glass lampwork bead accented with blue zircon Swarovski Crystal and sterling silver. Length: 3".

All handmade beaded cell phone charm jewelry are one of a kind.
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Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Crystal Allure Supports Humane Society at Lollypop Farm

As strong supporters of animal programs we are honored to donated the Swarovski Crystal Harvest Necklace to the 3rd annual Bark & Whine Tasting hosted by the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm (Fairport, NY). Details of this wonderful event are listed below.

With over 18 points of shimmering Swarovski Crystals in various shades of topaz, accented against a sterling silver chain this handcrafted necklace is absolutely stunning!

This particular necklace for chosen for various reasons. The most obvious is it's beautiful design! At 13" in length this necklace will stand out in a crowd and its colors are reminiscent of crisp, autumn days.

Don't miss out on your chance to bid for this gorgeous Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs original!

Bark & Whine Tasting
Celebrate the Spirit of Masquerade at the 3rd annual Bark & Whine Tasting. Join us for a Venetian carnival with a sophisticated twist.

Our 3rd Annual Bark & Whine Tasting event is Saturday, November 4th at 7:30 pm at Locust Hill Country Club. This enchanting evening includes extensive wine tastings, fortune tellers, roving magicians, silent and live auctions, and The Maria Gillard Band. Enjoy sampling great wines (tasting organized by Wine Sense), bidding on popular auction items, and a selection of hors d'oeuvres and decadent desserts.

Tickets are $100 per person. Traditional Masquerade dress optional. For more information or to purchase tickets call Christina Dauenhauer at Lollypop Farm at 585-223-1330 ext 241 or order your tickets now online.
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Wednesday, October 4, 2006

October is Healthy Lung Month

Everyday we take for granted our ability to breathe -but it's not that easy for millions of people with lung diseases. October is Healthy Lung Month and a great time to learn more about the lung diseases that affect more than 30 million Americans.

Cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, asthma, and chronic bronchitis are just some of the lung diseases you may have heard of. Being short of breath can make everyday activities seem like a chore rather than an enjoyment. Consider this: have you ever gone outside on an extremely cold, frigid, windy, winter day and the wind just slaps you in the face with such force and shock that you actually feel like you've lost your breath and you can't breathe? This is how some affected by a lung disease feel -everyday.

So how can you keep your lungs healthy? What can you do to help raise awareness of these lung diseases? Well, if you smoke the first place to start is to STOP SMOKING and/or avoid secondhand smoke. More than 87 percent of lung cancer cases as well as most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis are caused by tobacco smoke. And for those with cystic fibrosis, smoke and secondhand smoke further compromises their lungs. I hope this does not sound like an anti-smoking message. But the evidence speaks for itself. Smoking is BAD.

Of course, exercise is an excellent way to keep your lungs healthy -give them a good workout!! If your lungs are already compromised don't despair! There are still exercises you can do -just consult with your physician first before starting any exercise program or routine.

You can also make a difference by raising awareness. One lung disease of special interest to us has always been cystic fibrosis (CF). This is one disease we'd like to see disappear! Yet, you'd be surprised not many people have heard of CF. Sadly, we've even come across some physicians that didn't know what it was or how to test for it! Those with CF can and should still exercise but ultimately they will need a lung transplant to survive. So how can you help? An excellent resource for cystic fibrosis information and awareness activities is the Lungs for Life Foundation.

Another great way to get involved during the month of October is to purchase your cystic fibrosis awareness, organ donation awareness, transplant awareness, survivor and co-survivor jewelry at Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs. Remember, your purchase of our designer awareness jewelry will benefit a selected charity. What better way to get involved than to show your support AND look fabulous!!!

Sources:
-Lungs for Life Foundation
-American Lung Association
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Wednesday, September 20, 2006

NEW Heart Beaded Lanyard

Lampwork Blue Heart Swarovski Crystal Beaded Lanyard (L04)
Light blue puffed lampwork hearts with an amazing color core that looks like spun satin are the focal of this sapphire crystal accented beaded lanyard. And for all you pet-lovers out there, this beaded lanyard comes with a sterling silver paw charm!

This beautiful handmade beaded lanyard features an artisan blue lampwork puff heart, Swarovski Crystals, sterling Bali beads, clear accent beads, sterling silver pet paw charm, silver key ring and lanyard hook.

Length: 18" long, 36" around the neck
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Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Awareness Colors and Awareness Jewelry

Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs prides itself on creating beautiful crystal awareness jewelry around the actual awareness color -not the color a charity identifies themselves with.

As the leader in cystic fibrosis awareness jewelry, organ donation and transplant awareness jewelry, we feel that awareness jewelry should be raising awareness of the disease/topic NOT a particular charity.

We continue to expand our awareness jewelry collection and you can now find handmade awareness bracelets in support of animal awareness and pulmonary fibrosis. Don't find your cause listed in our collection? Simple contact us to request a custom design.

Unsure what color represents the cause closest to your heart? Check out our extensive Awareness Colors and Meanings article.

Thank you for shopping Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs for all your Awareness Jewelry and for supporting the worthy causes that receive a portion of the proceeds.
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Wednesday, August 9, 2006

KNOT very hard!

A few months back (wow! has it been that long!) a customer requested having a particular necklace re-created. Her friend had bought it in New York City years ago and she was no longer able to buy that necklace. I got to work searching out similar beads and components and some time after that initial meeting I was able to gather all the necessary supplies to handle this custom request.

Although as I began the project I found no custom job is ever without bumps in the road. It literally took almost two months to actually finalize this necklace but the end result was fabulous!! With a few changes made to the overall design the customer was very pleased and inquired if the necklace could be made in other colors as well!

What went into the design of this necklace? Swarovski crystals (of course!), 14k gold-filled bead caps and components, nylon cord and the technique of knotting.

This particular necklace is 45" in length with countless knots between the beads and bead sets. The designer clasp is customizable because you select the crystal rhinestone color you want for your particular design (tip: check out Mimisgems.com for these designer style clasps).

If you are interested in purchasing this necklace or one that is similar to this design, please contact me.

So why knot when doing so is a lot more trouble than simply stringing beads?
• The beads look better. The knots space the beads, allowing you to see each bead better.

• Beaded necklaces (and bracelets) that have been knotted have a more finished and luxurious look.

• If the necklace ever breaks, only one bead will be lost.

• The necklace is less likely to break. The sharp part of the bead hole tends to wear against the reinforced knot, not the thin bead cord.

• Softer bead materials (such as pearls, malachite, or coral) are prevented from rubbing together and abrading the sides of the beads.

General Tips & Tricks:
1. Pre-stretch your cord overnight by tying two light weight keys at either end of the cord and hanging it;
2. You may pre-string all the beads to be knotted all at once (faster method), or you can put them on one at a time (easier for beginners);
3. Use the same knotting technique throughout the design.

Tips on selecting your thread:
Color: (Option 1) Select thread to match the color of the beads -or- (Option 2) Select thread that is slightly darker in color than your focal bead.

Type: Silk is the preferred cord for knotting, especially pearls. Nylon cord will work when a stronger, thicker cord is necessary.

Thickness: Use a thickness of cord that when doubled (2 strands) fits snugly inside your bead. Most beads are drilled with a 1.0mm diameter hole. For soft bead materials such as pearls, silk cord in size E or F works well. For harder materials like black onyx, garnet, or rose quartz, use nylon cord in size 2 or silk in size F for 8mm beads.

Length: You’ll need a length of cord at least four times the length of your finished necklace, for example, an 18" necklace will need at least 4x18"=72" or 6 feet.

On the last two knots either: (1) put a tiny drop of a thin adhesive such as Hypo Tube Cement or (2) clear nailpolish. When dry, carefully trim off the excess cords.

Advanced Techniques:
1. Add bead tips for a clean, professional look

For more information on bead knotting, simply do a search on the internet or shop your local book store for jewelry books using this technique. You won't be disappointed by incorporating this technique into your jewelry designs!
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Friday, June 16, 2006

Wire-Wrapping Technique

Shortly after I began designing my pieces I came across the technique of wire-wrapping. This technique makes for a beautifully finished piece of jewelry -especially if any component you wire-wrap dangles from the design, such as charms.

My very first piece that uses this new technique that I have learned are the Glow Earrings. In the first attempt at these I had used the simple loop technique but once they were done and I was able to see them whole and finished something just didn't look right. I decided today is the day I'm going to learn a new technique and I decided to teach myself wire-wrapping.

Armed with some instructional books and the proper tools I took the first earring and wire-wrapped the first crystal -it came out perfect the very first time! I thought to myself, "This wasn't very difficult...why did I wait so long to learn this?!" And so onto the second earring and viola! The results were a beautiful pair of earrings that anyone would be proud to wear.



They were so beautiful that I just had to have a pair for myself! And so, I now have as part of my personal jewelry collection this pair of earrings that look absolutely stunning with a dressy outfit or even a casual outfit (such as white crop pants, a tan colored shirt -in any fabric except cotton -and sandles) -fabulous!!

I am currently working on a bracelet and earrings set that again uses this technique but I am most interested in a forthcoming piece of jewelry that will be designed into earrings using shell disc beads. I can picture the finished piece in my mind and I am quite positive they'll be wonderful! -stay tuned!!

I am not one for re-inventing the wheel when the wheel is not broken so if you're interesting in learning this technique for yourself all you have to do is simply do a search on the internet for "wire-wrapping" or go to your local bookstore and search for jewelry design books. As always, use the proper tools and you too can create beautiful wire-wrapped jewelry!
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Celebrate Mom With A Beautiful Handcrafted Beaded Mother's Bracelet

Mother's Day is fast approaching!

Mothers are the bearers of life, comforters when we are sick, givers of unconditional love and so much more. Although we may not recognize and celebrate Mom on a regular basis, we should on her special day. This Mother's Day you'll want to ensure you have thought of a way to show her you care.

Our Mothers bracelets are personalized just for you and there are a wide variety of styles to choose from. Our Mother's Bracelets, Mother's Jewelry, Name Bracelets, Generation Jewelry and Family Jewelry are made of the highest quality materials including: .925 Sterling silver beads, 14 karat Gold Filled beads, Bali style beads, Swarovski® crystals and 49-strand high quality beading wire.

Custom design your mothers bracelet or name bracelet using one of our existing beautiful beading options or we can create a unique and personalized name bracelet design just for you. Nothing says "I Love You" more than a personalized gift with the name and/or birthstones of Mom's children! If you can't seem to find the perfect bracelet for Mom, Grandma or an Aunt, simply contact us to tell us what you are looking for. We'll help you design a beautiful creation!

Other great gift ideas: Beaded Earrings, Keychains and Watches

Browse our Custom Jewelry Gallery
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Thursday, May 4, 2006

About Sixty Five Roses -Cystic Fibrosis

The story behind why cystic fibrosis is referred to as "65 Roses" by young children:

In 1965, after learning that her three little boys had Cystic Fibrosis, Mary G. Weiss began volunteering to raise money to cure cystic fibrosis. One of her duties was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's four year old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call. After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his mom, "I know what you are working for."

Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know he had Cystic Fibrosis. With some trepidation, Mary posed the question back to Richard, "What am I working for, Richard?"

"You are working for '65 Roses'," he answered so sweetly. Mary was speechless. She went over to him and tenderly pressed his tiny body to hers. He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered, "Yes, Richard, I'm working for '65 Roses'."

You can help support those living with cystic fibrosis with every purchase from the Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs' Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Jewelry Collection.
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Monday, May 1, 2006

About Cystic Fibrosis Handmade Jewelry

May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affects approximately 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. CF causes a sticky, thick mucus to line the lungs, small intestines, sweat glands and pancreas. This results in the deterioration of lung tissue making it difficult to breathe. It also prevents necessary nutrient absorption in the small intestine and blocks pancreatic ducts from releasing digestive enzymes. 1 in every 23 Americans are symptomless carriers of the CF gene.

Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs is a proud supporter of the Lungs for Life Foundation. LFL provides assistance and services to those living with cystic fibrosis and their families. Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs has made significant strides in raising awareness of this hereditary disease since 2004 with the sales from our Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Bracelets Collection. For every bracelet sold a portion of the proceeds gets donated to the Lungs for Life Foundation.

As one who was personally affected with cystic fibrosis in my family I know all to well the struggles one faces daily with trying to live life and manage their health. My brother passed away in 1998 after fighting cystic fibrosis for 33 years. It was after seeing his daily struggles that I founded and continue to support the Lungs for Life Foundation.

Be a part of making a difference in the life of someone, or their family, with cystic fibrosis with your purchase of one of our beautiful and meaningful handmade cystic fibrosis awareness jewelry pieces.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
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Wednesday, April 12, 2006

NEW Beautiful Venetian Glass Handmade Beaded Watches

All our handcrafted beaded watches have stainless steel backs, Japan 2045 movements and are water resistant.


Venetian Amethyst Crystal Beaded Watch W01
Beautiful gold and amethyst venetian foil glass beads are accented with amethyst Swarovski Crystals, goldfilled beads and sterling silver in this handmade beaded watch. Two-Toned Silver and Gold Mother of Pearl Geneva Quartz Watch Face. Beaded Watch Measures: 7-3/4".


Venetian Pearl Time For Tea Beaded Watch W08
Beautiful silver and rose venetian foil glass beads are paired with white Swarovski Pearls, .925 Bali and finished with a sterling silver teapot charm. Marcasite Style Silver Geneva Quartz Pink Watch Face with Hearts flanking each side of watch face. Beaded Watch Measures: 7-3/4".

Shop all Beaded Watch Bracelets
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Thursday, March 30, 2006

NEW Autumn Inspired Handcrafted Beaded Watches

Keep track of time with a beautiful handcrafted beaded watch. All your friends will be jealous of your stylish time piece. A watch is really a bracelet that is meant to be admired.

All our beaded watches have stainless steel backs with Japan 2035 movements and are water resistant.


Tiger Eye Gemstone Beaded Watch W02
Beautiful round tiger eye gemstones are accented by the warmth of antique gold finished bali spacers and finished with a round gold tone rope style toggle in this handmade beaded watch design. Legacy Oval Goldtone Watch Face. Beaded Watch Bracelet Measures 7-1/2".


Charmed Gold Chain Beaded Watch W07
This charming watch features four strands of 14k goldfill cable chain securing a bi-level round goldtone watch face. The watch face is adorned by various charms that include Swarovski crystals, pearls, tiger eye gemstones and goldtone oak leaves. Round Goldtone Geneva Quartz Watch Face. Beaded Chain Watch Measures: 7-1/2".

Shop all Beaded Watches
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Tuesday, March 7, 2006

NEW Felix the Cat Beaded Keychain

Crystal Allure Jewelry learned a heartbreaking story about a cat named Felix who, sadly, was believed to have been abused. Through the care, compassion and love of the Cortland NY SPCA, Felix survived, is on the mend and has found a happy and safe fur-ever home.
Felix the Cat Prevent Animal Abuse Awareness Keychain (K010)
Felix the Cat Prevent Animal Abuse Awareness Keychain K010
The feature of our handmade beaded keychain is a lovely ceramic orange cat bead accented with Swarovski Crystal, both sterling silver and 14k goldfilled beads and a sterling silver paw print stamped heart charm (because pets leave paw prints on our heart!). Length: 4-1/2" (not including round keyring).

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this handmade keychain will be donated to the Cortland NY SPCA to cover the cost of Felix's care and other animals at the shelter.
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Friday, February 17, 2006

NEW Gorgeous Gemstone Beaded Bracelets

We're excited to announce the addition of two new gorgeous gemstone bracelets to adorn your wrist for autumn, winter or both!



Onyx Gemstone Crystal Bracelet B097
Beautiful handcrafted beaded bracelet featuring onyx gemstones accented with peridot crystal channel beads. Finished with 14 karat gold fill toggle clasp. Beaded Gemstone Bracelet measures 7-1/4".


Carnelian Gemstone Beaded Bracelet B055
Enjoy the warmth of gold and reddish-brown in this handmade beaded bracelet featuring carnelian gemstones, accented by swirled coffee-colored accent beads for a simple style that will remain your go-to bracelet, time-after-time. 14 karat gold fill beads and toggle clasp. Beaded Gemstone Bracelet measures 7-1/2".

Shop Beaded Gemstone Bracelets

Shop Fall Beaded Jewelry Designs

Shop Winter Beaded Jewelry Designs
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Friday, February 10, 2006

How to contact the Beaded Jewelry -Blog

Please feel free to email me at: crystalalluredesigns [at] gmail [dot] com.

-Stephanie
*jewelry designer*
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Thursday, February 9, 2006

Welcome to the Beaded Jewelry-Blog

Hello! And welcome to the Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry -Blog.

I thought it would be fun to keep a journal, that I could share with everyone, of my journey as a beaded jewelry artisan and my entrepreneurial dream (that has come true, twice over) of running my own business. I founded a not-for-profit charity in 2000 in memory of my older brother who lost his battle with cystic fibrosis while waiting for a double lung transplant. As a way to raise funds for the charity, I began designing cystic fibrosis and lung transplant beaded awareness bracelets. I was shocked to find, after much research, that nothing like this existed and so I set out to meet the demands of this niche and the desires of many people around the world who wanted an awareness bracelet to show their support for these causes.

The bracelets became so popular that soon after, Crystal Allure Beaded Jewelry Designs was born and became the leader of cystic fibrosis and transplant awareness jewelry around the world and web. This success has been, by far, what I am most proud of. I turned my loss into something that could help others and designing awareness jewelry has also helped heal the sadness of losing my brother.

Check back often for new jewelry design announcements, beaded jewelry articles and information on beads, gemstones and Swarovski Crystal.

You can subscribe to the Beaded Jewelry -Blog for FREE and receive an email, in your inbox, each time a post is made to this jewelry blog.

-Stephanie
*jewelry designer*
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