Pages

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bloom Now: Red Coral Rosebud Earrings


Okay, it's pretty obvious that I love roses.  Usually I'm more drawn to shades of pink, but I just can't resist red roses.  Especially rosebuds.  And especially when they're combined with vintage brass dangle settings that depict more rose buds!  

These red coral rose bud earrings call to me.  Maybe they call to you, too.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Autumn Leaves and Freshwater Pearls: Happiness



Normally it might be a stretch to suggest that leaves, autumn or otherwise, have anything at all to do with pearls.  However, they definitely belong in the same sentence describing this exquisite blister pearl leaf necklace.

I love blister pearls. The focal point of this piece is a wonderful hand carved leaf blister pearl in shades of creamy white & ivory, carmel and taupe, and soft blush pink.  I've used silver to hand wire wrap gorgeous soft blush pink freshwater pearls in this necklace. Extremely pale, they're almost a sort of feminine neutral. Bali sterling silver accents both the necklace and the coordinating earrings. 
What makes this even more meaningful is that pearls symbolize a woman's perfect beauty. A pearl necklace is believed to warn sensitive people of imminent danger. Pearls promote wisdom and contentment; soften pain and bring joy.  And a single leaf symbolizes happiness.

Now, that's a brilliant combination!  Browse more romantic necklaces at Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Statement Jewelry for Fall: Sardonyx Floral Necklace



I adore Fall.  It's my favorite season of the year.  I love the crisp fall nights and the good excuse to light a crackling fire.  I love the warm autumn summer days when the sunshine seems more golden.  And I'm absolutely crazy about all the fall color as the leaves turn. 

If you enjoy a good Scarlet Maple or Sweet Gum in the autumn sun, then you should take a look at this carnelian and sardonyx floral necklace.  Big chunky gemstone beads in fabulous autumn colors.  It's a truly sensual combination of burnt orange, cream, golden yellow and more.  Pretty spectacular and just plain pretty, too, if you know what I mean.

Victorian Style Jewelry: Ivory Rose Necklace

You may very well find yourself explaining that you really didn't raid your Grandmother's jewelry box when you wear this handmade Victorian style rose necklace. 
 
Front and center is this exquisite ivory reconstituted coral rose pendant. The rose is fully three dimensional and looks as those it is a real rose that has been very carefully preserved for the ages. I've suspended it from a charming rose floral aged brass connector.
 
 
 
The necklace is composed of soft ivory natural Riverstone gemstone beads, accented with vintage style brass bead caps and little floral beads. Extra long, extra romantic, and extra special. Perfectly neutral in color so you can wear this very vintage piece with just about anything. Included are coordinating earrings composed of the same natural Riverstone gemstone beads suspended from antiqued brass leverback finding. 
 
This romantic necklace would be a beautiful accessory to wear to a wedding. Browse Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry for more Victorian style jewelry pieces.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Swim Litttle Fish: Lucky Koi Copper Pearl Necklace

Lucky Koi Carnelian Freshwater Pearl Necklace
According to Japanese legend, the strongest koi fish swims upstream until it reaches the final waterfall, where it vaults into the mists and becomes a water dragon. The koi a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The koi is generally accented as a symbol of good fortune by many cultures in the world.
 
Symbolizing renewal, this koi fish necklace is a wonderful talisman and perfect for any nature lover. Electric colors of orange. I've combined natural burnt orange Carnelian gemstone beads with amazing copper orange Freshwater Pearls. All hand wire wrapped with copper jewelers wire. Focal is a three dimensional hand carved natural Carnelian koi fish. Beautiful carving details in this gemstone pendant
 
Carnelian Koi Fish Pendant Close-up
Find your perfect lucky charm symbol at Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry.  Our jewelry is all handmade with care.  Free standard shipping and gift box packaging with each purchase.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Recipe: Apple Cheddar Scones

It is a bittersweet thing to be married to a man who loves to bake.  The sweet thing is, of course, the results of his time in the kitchen.  The bitter has only to do with the calories!

Gary's scones are absolutely one of my favorite things.  I'm sharing his original recipe, but you should know that he often experiments with different flavors.  Our favorite variation is to substitute smoky Swiss cheese and pear for the cheddar cheese and apple.  Whichever you try, you will not be disappointed.

Apple Cheddar Cheese Scones

2 1/4 cups flour (Gary uses all-purpose)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup lightly packed, grated, sharp cheddar cheese
1 large peeled, shredded apple (Gary likes Fuji)
1/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a bowl, combine first three ingredients with a pastry blender.  Add butter and continue to cut in with pastry blender.  Stir in cheese and apple.  Add buttermilk and stir just until ingredients are combined.  (Don't over-stir)  If the dough is still very crumbly, stir in more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time.  Just enough to bring the dough together.

Knead the dough very gently several times on a floured surface.  Pat dough into a round, about 8 inches in diameter and 1/2" thick.  Cut into 8 triangles and placed on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 24 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool a bit before serving with your favorite coffee or tea.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Butterfly Bracelets at Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry

Butterflies are still fluttering in my garden.  The blue-eyed Swallowtail have been joined by other species.  I wish I had the photography skills to really capture the scene.  It is magical!  

By now it will come as no surprise that I love butterflies.  Not only are they beautiful, but they are also a powerful symbol for change and transformation.  Butterflies can remind us to makes changes gracefully. And butterfly jewelry is a lovely way to remind us of that.

Shown above is one of my favorite  handmade butterfly bracelets.  The focal is an unusual hand painted ceramic oval with a gorgeous butterfly.  I surrounded it with gemstone and crystal beads in harmonious colors using vintage brass wire and even some filigree beads for a joyous result.



Shown above is another handmade butterfly bracelet.  Very vintage in style, this bracelet features a large vintage brass butterfly centerpiece.  Butterflies need flowers, so I included some beautiful brass flower connectors with all these rich golden yellow crystals. 

Browse Bittersweet Ridge Jewelry for more butterfly theme jewelry.  Each piece is handmade and one of a kind.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Butterflies on my mind...

For the past few weeks we've been enjoying some visitors.  Butterflies!  In fact, butterflies by the hundreds.  They've been swarming all of our flowers, but seem to be particularly attracted to our mimosa trees.  The majority appear to be Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies, however they've recently been joined by a few of other varieties. 

Absolutely gorgeous to watch.  Mesmerizing, in fact.  To my great disappointment, my photography skills simply cannot truly catch such small creatures in all their fluttering beauty;  at least not in the numbers we're seeing.






Very inspiring.  I can 't help but think about heading to my studio to create some butterfly jewelry.