Pink Rhodonite

Pink Rhodonite
In anticipation of the upcoming episode of Massachusetts state symbols, I have been working on more rhodonite pieces.

I was contacted last minute about being involved with the state gemstone segment so I had very little of the stone on hand to show. I maximized as best I could by pairing with other materials.

Black Onyx Rhodonite Bracelet

Black onyx really makes the stone pop!

Black Onyx Rhodonite Necklace

Here it is paired with curly shells which compliment the pink beautifully. The remainder of the strand includes shell, white quartz and glass pearls.

Curly Shell Necklace

It is gorgeous with natural pearls. But then again, what isn't? The bracelet sold within a couple of days of posting.

Pearl and Rhodonite Bracelet

Of course I had to make a necklace too!

Pearl Rhodonite Necklace

These girly earrings have a Swarovski crystal with an AB finish. The bottom bead is pale autumn jasper.

Swarovski Crystal, Autumn Jasper, Rhodonite Earrings

Turquoise is a fun, unexpected pairing with the stone.

Turquoise Rhodonite Earrings

Thank you for stopping by! Wishing you a marvelous day and fulfilling week ahead! ~Val

Curry Roasted Vegetable Wrap and Turquoise Earrings

Turquoise Earrings
I've been looking at my copper cuff bracelet blanks differently.

I came up with this long, dramatic design. I found the wire is difficult to coil after texturing but managed a small coil on the bottom. These turquoise pretties are available in my Etsy shop.

Curry Roasted Vegetable and Avocado Wrap
The original inspiration recipe found here is a curry roasted veggie and avocado naan-wich from Naturally Ella.

The only big differences for me were leaving out the onion and using a wrap instead of naan. Changing the bread is a great way to reduce the calories!

The filling includes:
1 cup of diced red pepper (I used yellow because it was $1 less a pound!)
1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half (I used one large regular tomato)
1.5 cups diced zuchinni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
salt to taste
1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed 

Preheat the oven at 425 F. In a roasting pan, toss all ingredients except the chickpeas. 

Roast for 15 - 20 minutes until veggies are tender. Then stir in the chickpeas and continue to roast for 5 additional minutes. 

The avocado is used like a mayonnaise. Mash up 1 avocado with 2 tablespoons of cilantro or to taste. I used the freeze dried. Sprinkle in the lime juice if desired. 

Then you spread the avocado on the wrap followed with the veggies. So delicious and healthy! 

Next time a make it I'm going to spice it up a bit since both Jim and I like our curried foods to have some heat.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a beautiful week. ~Val

A Yard Update and a Turquoise Eyeglass Chain

Eyeglass Chain

This turquoise magnesite is always a summer favorite with customers. Magnesite is a combination of carbonate and magnesite that takes dyes very well. The eyeglass chain is available in my Etsy shop (also with gold accents). 

The Yard
The chipmunk is continuing to entertain us.

I grabbed my camera take a picture of mommy and baby feasting on the grass and didn't realize that little rascal made his way into bottom left of the frame too!

The lilies bloomed beautifully.

This is the yard bully. A bluejay. I never knew bluejays had a nasty demeanor!

Forgive my grainy photos. My camera is nothing fancy but does take good jewelry photos!

He bullies all the other birds away. Even the larger blackbirds!

He is so mean, but still beautiful.

His bulliness is why there are no other birds munching on the bread!

Feeding the birds has become almost a daily thing. They LOVE bread and popcorn! I'm learning more and more of which bird is which and the sounds they make. A great pastime! 

It does feel like self employment has made me a little lazy. But I tell myself I have worked my butt off my entire adulthood and it is now time to enjoy the simple things in life. Maybe I'll become a workaholic again in the future, but for now I'm enjoying life and the beautiful weather! 

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great week. ~Val

This Week's Blog Post

Turquoise and Red Coral Necklace
It has been a while since I paired turquoise with red coral. It is a combination I have always loved!

The pairing always looks great with a white shirt in the summer. Yes it is December and cold out but I still think of beautiful weather! Shoppers still need to find pretty accessories to wear when they fly to a warm climate for vacation. Available at Miss Val's Creations.
 
Cheetah Print Stuff From Etsy
My youngest niece is a 6 year old fashionista who loves anything with cheetah print! I knew Etsy was where to go for my shopping! I hope she will love all her new cheetah goodies.

These super fun leg warmers are from Snugglebugkidz. Check out the ruffles on the bottom! This shop is full of delightful children’s accessories!

This hairclip is from 4SistersCreations. This is a great shop for adorable hair decorations!

This infinity scarf is from OAKscarves.  It is children’s size! This shop also has infinity scarves for toddlers! So sweet. The infinity scarves are also available for the stylish adult man or woman.

This totally endearing  tutu is from emeliasmom. This shop also has some really fun baby t-shirts and other neat accessories.

I saved my favorite for last….this pageboy hat with the pink flower. Talk about ridiculously cute!!! This is from molzeeblossoms. This is another shop with really cool accessories!

I hope all of you celebrating Christmas have a wonderful holiday surrounded by loved ones! Merry Christmas! ~Val

Latest Commissioned Order!

My customer requested this beautiful set! She was looking for a strand of turquoise and a strand of red coral that she could twist together for a fabulous look!

These 17" strands can also be worn alone.

Another way she could wear them is by clasping the decorative toggles together to create a 34" necklace symmetrically or asymetrically!