Allura Marie Handmade Bracelet on the Cover of July 2009 Bead Trends Magazine

The Sugar Plum handmade bracelet from Allura Marie Jewelry made the cover of the July 2009 Bead Trends magazine! I am so excited about this feature. It is my first beading magazine feature and this wonderful bracelet made the cover!! Be sure to check out the magazine with lots of other great jewelry designs and ideas on your local magazine stand.

New "Twilight" Inspired Jewelry

I have been working diligently over the past weeks (which is why I have been dormant from posting in my blog...) on some new designs including some "Twilight" movie inspired designs. Here are some of my charm bracelets designs. The first is a charm bracelet inspired by the "Twilight" character Jacob and the second is inspired by the "Twilight" character Edward.

Statesville, NC WON as an All-American City 2009

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/791020.html

The award is given annually to cities that display outstanding civic achievement, including innovative methods of dealing with problems and programs to increase cooperation among residents and business representatives.

Statesville's theme this year was “Many Beats, One Rhythm.”

Statesville - A 2009 All-American City Finalist

Statesville All-America City Finalist
Celebrate Statesville! Celebrate it ALL!

I am very honored to live in such a great city in such a wonderful state! I hope that you enjoy the excerpt from the Statesville Chamber of Commerce. Come, visit, and celebrate Statesville, NC and all of the wonderful people and places that it has to offer! See you soon!

The National Civic League will announce the 10 national winners of the designation, All-America City, in Tampa June 16-19. Statesville has been recognized as one of the 32 finalists for that honor, the highest honor bestowed on a community.
The All-America City award is given to communities that embody working together; the public and private sectors, collectively, seeking to address pertinent issues. Being named a finalist suggests that Statesville is a model community that others will look to as they face their own challenges and opportunities. Our goal is to win the title. We hope to take a very diverse group of people with us to Tampa. Would you like to know more about the whole process? Take a look online at www.statesvilleallamericacity.com

The above excerpt found at http://www.statesvillechamber.org/news_details.aspx?id=154

Just a Small Taste of Treats for Mother's Day

Happy Monday! That is if Monday can be happy day! :) To me everyday should be a happy day, even those dreadful Monday's that everyone so dreads on Sunday.

I was hard at work this weekend creating some new jewelry designs. Here are some of my picks for all of the wonderful mother's, mother's-to-be, and grandmothers. They all can be found along with many others at www.alluramarie.com.

Spring & Summer in NC

Happy Wednesday (Hump Day) to everyone! I am loving spring and summer in North Carolina! I don't know that I could ever live anywhere else. Not to mention that most of my family is from here and currently resides here in the Western part of NC! We have soft colorful mountain-scapes, many great areas for boating, tons of vacation spots, and very distinct 4 seasons a year! During this time is year is usually when my husband and I decide where we would like to go on vacation...either one large trip or a few small trips. In thinking about where to go this year, it has reminded me about last year's few vacation trips. Below is a picture of my younger brother, me, my husband at Myrtle Beach, SC. The other picture is of my husband holding our Yorkie, Maci! I think that she has his eyes! :)



If you have never been to NC, you should check out http://www.visitnc.com/ for some great details on places to visit. I definitely recommend visiting the Bilmore Estate in Ashville, NC and doing the winery tour! It is awesome and the Estate has a wonderful array of flowers in it's garden during the spring months and lots of beautiful Christmas decorations at Christmas time!

New Jewelry Design - Tutti Fruity Bracelet & Earring Set

Hello Friends,

In celebration of the glorious spring weather and all of the wonderful array of colors that this time of year has to offer I have created a new bracelet and earring set that I call "Tutti Fruity". Both are made out of faceted chunks of Amethyst semi-precious gemstone linked to smooth Carnelian gemstone beads. The earrings have some added details where I have looped sterling silver wire over the front of the large Amethyst gemstone. The juicy color details of this set not only match perfectly but they are sure to make you mouth water! Enjoy!

New Jewelry Designs - Midnight Mist Earrings

Good Monday Morning to Everyone!

I trust and hope that everyone had a great weekend! My weekend was packed with a Intergalactic Bead Show on Saturday and Sunday was filled with the actual jewelry making from some of the great goodies that I found at the Bead Show! One design that turned out much better than I originally had expected was the Midnight Mist Earrings. Using links of sterling silver chain to create a "tassel" effect make a new, fun, as well as elegant addition to any one's wardrobe! I will definitely be creating more designs very similar to this. Keep a look out for a matching necklace which is sure to be another wonderful addition to the fashion accessory wardrobe! Enjoy!

Intergalactic Bead Show in Charlotte, NC

My best gal pal and I will be attending the Intergalactic Bead Show in Charlotte, NC tomorrow. I am so very excited. I love getting to actually touch and feel the products before I buy them especially the semi-precious gemstones. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love internet shopping in my PJ's in the comfort of my own home, but there are some things that you just have to touch and feel before you click the "Submit Order" button! :)

http://beadshows.com/show/load.action?city=Charlotte&state=NC&start=4%2F25%2F2009&end=4%2F26%2F2009&cascade=shops

Summer Eclipse...

"The moon will never touch the sun, the journey I am on, it's not begun, Summer eclipse, I can't forget the day when night and day had met..."

These are the lyrics for a song called Summer Eclipse by Gala. I call a pair of my newest earrings creations "Summer Eclipse" because these earrings are the point where night and day meet! :)

Hope that you enjoy!!

http://www.alluramarie.com/catalog.php?category=3&page=5

A Smile is a Wonderful Compliment...

Meeting someone in passing and them greeting you with a smile is a wonderful, warm feeling that is sometimes hard to find in today's world. Equally as grand as meeting an unexpected smile, is when someone compliments you on something you are wearing, the way you look, or your positive attitude out of the blue. No matter how dreary the day or what type of mood that I am in, these are things that I always strive to do in order to make someone's day and my own as well. After all, you never know what they may be thinking of doing and in turn how it might impact them for that day or even for the rest of their lives...

Being positive and nice and always having a smile on your face should not be a hard habit to change, in fact it should not be a habit at all...it should just be an extension of YOU and who YOU are as a person! That being said, everyone has bad days...everyone has bad weeks or months even! But no matter how bad of time you are having, there is light at the end of the tunnel...and oh what a beautiful, bright light it is! It will get better, things will turn around!

Spring time is a beautiful time, while you are gazing out the window at the trees swaying in the breeze think about how YOU can make someone's day and hope that that person makes another persons day, etc. and that the cycle of smiles, optimism, and compliments never ends! :)

Always, Jodanna

New Spring / Summer 2009 Collection

Now announcing the Allura Marie Spring / Summer Jewelry Collection. A few of the items in this collection are shown below in the collage. Click the collage to view the collection in its entirety. I hope that you enjoy!

Always, Jodanna

Allura Marie - Featured as a Designer on the Rise 2009

Good Monday to Everyone!


Today is a great day! :) Allura Marie Jewelry was currently chosen as a "Designer on the Rise" by StyleBakery.com for Spring & Summer 2009! I am incredibly honored to receive this distinction! In honor of this feature, I are offering a 15% Off Discount. Visit the below link to get the code that you enter during checkout to apply the 15% off.


http://www.stylebakery.com/designers_on_the_rise_spring/

As always, I are interested in receiving your feedback and comments! Please let me know your thoughts!


Always, Jodanna

Allura Marie Jewelry Interview with Women-PrenuerGalore Blog

Check it out and let me know your thoughts! Be sure to register for the giveaway of a braceelt and earring set of my handmade jewelry!

All the Best - Jodanna

http://women-prenuergalore.blogspot.com/2009/04/interview-with-jodanna-cook-from-allura.html

This is pretty interesting and cool! In my home town of Statesville, NC there will be an continuous 10-day concern going on in hopes of setting a new Guinness World Record. Organized by the United Way of Iredell County has organized what promises to be the longest continuous concert by multiple artists. This concert will begin on March 19 and will run continuously for 252 hours, ending on March 30. The current world record of 216 hours was set at the 3rd Balatonfüred International Guitar Festival in Balatonfüred, Hungary, in June 2008.

It is a small town now, but after this we will be known world wide! How exciting! The link to visit to learn more about this everlasting concert is http://www.statesvilleworldrecord.org/worldrecordconcert.html

New Allura Marie Jewelry Website

Hello All,

I have some wonderful news to share, Allura Marie Jewelry has a brand new face!! Our new website, alluramarie.com, is now up and running and we are looking for shops, blogs, etc interested in exchanging banners / web ads.

If you are interested please contact us at AlluraMarie@aol.com.

Thanks!

~Jodanna M. Cook (Owner, Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry)

Jodanna Cook of Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry is now Member# 2316 of SRAJD

Owner and designer of Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry, Jodanna Cook, is now member# 2316 of SRAJD!

I Heart Handmade Valentine Online Craft Show by American Craft Guide

The American Craft Guide community currently has the "I Heart Handmade Valentine" online craft show going on now through February 8th, 2009. There are lots of great artists featured with lots of sweet deals just in time for Valentine's Day! Each featured shop including Allura Marie will be giving away free gifts like earrings, sweet treats, and lots of other goodies! The featured shops also have lots of great deals just for this online craft show. Allura Marie is currently offering 15% off your total purchase now through February 8th!

Go and check it out and leave some love for all the wonderful designers!! http://handmadeshow.com/ Enjoy and best of luck on winning items from the great featured shops!

~Jodanna

Gemstone of the Day: Labradorite

One of my Labradorite designs, Smooth Operator, is shown above using a faceted pear shaped birolette. To view this item and other at my ETSY please click on the above picture.

Labradorite is the umbrella term for a sodium-rich variety of plagioclase feldspar found in igneous or metamorphic rocks. When light hits labradorite from a particular direction, it can display striking rainbow-colored reflections (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) known as labradorescence or schiller. Labradorite has been described as looking like gasoline lying on water or the delicate wings of a tropical butterfly. It is in the same family as moonstone. Stones with a light green-gray base and moderate schiller are known simply as labradorite.

Labradorite was officially discovered on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada, in 1770. However, pieces of the gemstone also have been found among Native American artifacts in Maine. During the 18th century, labradorite was frequently used in jewelry in France and England. Labradorite is said to detoxify the body and slow the aging process. It also is believed to elevate consciousness and protect a person's aura, helping to keep the aura clear, balanced, protected and free from energy leaks. Many say the stone heals mental confusion and indecision. Labradorite is found in Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, the Ukraine, Australia, Mexico, Norway and the U.S.A.

*Data in the above posting is cited from Rings-N-Things at www.rings-things.com*

Gemstone of the Day - Jasper

The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Although the term jasper is often applied to unidentified stones, true jaspers are metamorphic rocks.Jasper derives its colorful patterns from other minerals present, and is often named according to its pattern. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth.

The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. In the fourth century, it was called the great "rain-bringer," and it has been thought to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological troubles. Some also use it to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. It supposedly gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. Landscape jaspers are amongst the most popular varieties. Jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily, France, India, Venezuela, Germany, the U.S.A. and elsewhere.

*This data in the article is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

My bracelet design above is created using Leopardskin Jasper which is often referred to as a jasper, this stone includes feldspar minerals, which means it is actually a rhyolite. It is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like the fur of a leopard. It is considered a wonderful gemstone for bringing wanted things into your life. It also may enhance your total vibration, stabilizing the heart and solar plexus areas. I call the design Pastel Portrait.

~Jodanna

Gemstone of the Day - Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a catch-all term for cryptocrystalline quartzes (quartz with microscopically small crystals). The term "chalcedony" refers more specifically to semitransparent or translucent chalcedony with a solid color (commonly pale bluish-gray) and nearly waxlike luster. The color can also be white, blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange or red. Blue and purple are the most popular hues.

Chalcedony forms in rounded crusts, rinds or stalactites in volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The stone is extremely porous, so it takes dye easily and is frequently enhanced. Chalcedony has a slightly lower density and hardness than other quartz. Protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Because of its abundance, durability and beauty, chalcedony was one of the first raw materials used by humankind. Its earliest recorded uses were as projectile points, knives, tools and containers. The stone was used in Renaissance magic for health and safety, and has been worn as carved cameos and gems for many centuries, especially popular in the Victorian era. In ancient times, it was used as a talisman against idiocy and depression. Today it is still believed to banish depression and mental illness, as well as fear, hysteria and touchiness. Chalcedony is also thought to reduce fever, aid eyesight, stimulate creativity and stimulate calm and peace. The stone is found in Brazil, Germany, Russia, the U.S.A., Canada, Africa, Turkey and Indonesia.

*The above data is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

Please see one of Allura Marie's newest creations above known as Persuasion using this wonderfully beautiful gemstone known as Chalcedony. To visit my ETSY store to get more information regarding these earrings just click the above linked picture.

~Jodanna (Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry)

Great Article Regarding Tips on Closing Split Jump Rings Properly

I ran across this great article (Q&A) on Fire Mountain Gems.com which is a company that I use to purchase some of my beading products on. I thought that I would share, I hope that you find it as interesting as I have.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/asktheexperts/previousquestions.asp?docid=823T&WT.fmg_linksection=5JAXPZ4H8EOC&WT.mc_id=NL090113

Allura Marie Listed in the Directory of Handcrafters & Indie Artists

I wanted to let everyone know that I have just recently been listed in the Directory of Handcrafters and Indie Artists. Please follow the below link to check it out.

http://www.americancraftguide.com/directory_jewelry.html