Q-Elite Style News January 2010
Happy New Year! I was still so busy at the end of 2009 that January has already started to pass me by! I hope that your holidays were wonderful, and that 2010 is already starting out to be the marvelous year you deserve.
Did You Resolve to Lose Weight this Year?
This has to be the most common New Year's resolution. I've made this resolution in past years and generally never succeeded. I have, however, successfully lost weight and got more fit by making small changes in my behavior, generally at other times during the year. I read an article recently stating that the size of dinner plates has almost doubled in size since the early 1900's. I bought four new plates a couple of years ago; I didn't realize how large they were (12 inches in diameter) until I tried to close the kitchen cabinet door. When I use them I never fill the plate; my food has a lot of what graphic artist's call "white space", otherwise known as blank space. I use luncheon-size plates for most meals and very small bowls for ice cream and other desserts. I don't feel deprived at all because I use dishes and bowls in favorite colors and unique designs. Last year I created two 6x6 inch square plates with a dichroic mosaic fish design. They are so much fun, and I find that I feel full after eating dinner from this plate. I'm not a "diet psychologist", but I do believe that there is a large visual component to eating and enjoying your food. I'm totally satisfied and full eating from a smaller plate. The more pleasant the surroundings, the tablescape, and certainly the food, the more satisfied I am with my meal. For lovely plates and bowls that are 6x6 inches or less, shop http://www.qbydezine.com/ or order a custom plate in your favorite color.
"Garden Party" (6"x6")
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" Vincent van Gogh
GEMSTONE FOR WILLPOWER
For centuries humans have been fascinated with gemstones. In ancient times they were reserved for the wealthy who used them as a sign of status and position. Primitive cultures used gemstones to ward off evil spirits and court good spirits. Gemstones have always had an aura of mystery and almost spiritual appeal. It's no wonder that gemstones are thought to enhance certain characteristics or aspects of one's life. And what better time of year to talk about willpower! Tiger's eye is a member of the quartz family that is a very gold-yellow or gold-brown with streaks of yellow-brown. Tiger's eye typically displays stripes reminiscent of the slit eye of a cat (called "chatoyancy" in technical literature). Deposits of tiger's eye are found in South Africa, Australia, Myanmar, India, and California. In gemstone mythology, tiger's eye is thought to enhance willpower, clear thinking, personal empowerment, and integration of your spirit with worldly energy. Tiger's eye teaches us to be energetic in a very composed way. If the rich gold-brown of tiger's eye is your color, or you need a boost to your willpower, see "Asymmetrical Thinking" in Gemstone Jewelry in the Gallery. This lovely composition is a free-form wire design of tiger's eye on 12k GF wire. It is sure to be a signature piece that will attract attention and compliments.
Shop Gemstone and Wire Jewelry in the Gallery at http://www.qbydezine.com/
JACKFROST SPECIAL OFFER
Receive a 5% discount on any online purchase now through January 31, 2010. Q-Elite subscribers and apply this coupon to custom or offline orders placed by January 31, 2010.
YOUR FAVORITE TOPIC
Do you have suggestions for jewelry or glass topics for future editions of Q-Elite? Please send your suggestion or question to Susan at welderlady@msn.com
For the STORY BEHIND THE DESIGNS and other musings, visit the Q-Blog at http://www.qbydezine.com/
FORWARD a COPY to your friends and family so they can enjoy the benefits of Q-Elite.
ENJOY!
Q
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Q-Elite Style News - December 2009
I love the holiday season. The decorations, the food, the traditions, the friends and family gathering together . . . the shopping, not so much. I did most of my shopping on the internet, so I also take note of how understandable and user-friendly a site is. If you have visited www.qbydezine.com and have suggestions for how to make the shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable, please email your comments and suggestions to me at welderlady@msn.com. Thanks and have a happy and safe holiday.
FORWARD a COPY to your friends and family so they can enjoy the benefits of Q-Elite.
Heirloom Ornaments
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation – these are the great values of life. We can't prove them, or explain them, yet they are the most stable things in our lives.” Jesse Herman Holmes
For the STORY BEHIND THE DESIGNS and other musings, visit the Q-Blog at www.qbydezine.com
ENJOY!
Q
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Q-Elite Style News - November 2009
I can’t believe that November has arrived! Did 2009 fast forward directly from January straight to November? These last two months are a busy time for parties, holiday celebrations, and gift giving. Q by Dezine can help you find the right gifts for family and friends without breaking the bank or frazzling your nerves.
Last Minute Gifts No matter how organized you are, there is always an occasion for which you need a last minute gift. I have friends who buy quirky items as they find them and create a stockpile of potential gifts. My current stash includes dichroic glass pendants, pins and keyholders, earrings, homemade scented soaps, knitted washcloths (a true spa experience!), wine, winestoppers, votives filled with candles or candies, small plates, windchimes, scented candles, and fused glass nightlights. Some of the gifts are “artsy”, others are “modernistic”. All of them are handcrafted, and all are beautifully wrapped. The simplest gift wrapped creatively will look like you chose it well in advance specifically with the recipient in mind. A last minute gift doesn’t have to feel like an afterthought for the giver or the recipient. And a well-stocked gift stockpile doesn’t have to break the bank. Shop the Gallery at www.qbydezine to create your own stockpile of one of a kind art gifts.
NEW Product Alert: Q by Dezine will create lovely wrapped gift sets for you. Contact Susan at welderlady@msn.com for this special service.
The Care and Handling of PearlsPearls come in many shapes and sizes, and nowadays many are dyed in colors that range from subtle to neon. Traditionally, pearls were cultivated in Japan, but in recent years, China has developed a fast-growing pearl cultivation industry and has taken over as the leader. Pearls are also cultured in Australia, Burma, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand. Like other gemstones, pearls are thought to confer special powers, and are usually associated with innocence, tranquility, serenity, and wisdom. Some references call the pearl “The Stone of Serenity”. Pearls are a natural substance and very porous, and therefore require special care. Put them on last to avoid exposure to hairsprays, lotions, cologne, or makeup. The oils in your skin actually help keep the pearls from drying out, so wearing them frequently is good for them. You can clean pearls by wiping them gently with a barely damp cloth; never use any jewelry cleaners. Store your pearls in a silk or felt pouch to protect them from scratches since they do scratch easily.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.” Nolan Bushnell
Gift Ideas for the Men on Your List Need something different for the men on your list? The Millionaire Money Clip can be custom ordered in his favorite color, and will make any bankroll look like a million dollars! Winestoppers are a favorite for the host who loves to throw a great party. You can choose from any of the one-of-a-kind designs in the Gallery that are available with square, round, or teardrop shaped tops. Do you need to keep your man organized? Small plates like Tuxedo, Positive/Negative, or Waves are perfect for catching loose change, keys, and other small items, and have a contemporary, masculine style. Think outside of the box with a Not Just for Votives© votive holder, that can serve as an artsy candy dish or paperclip holder for his office. A nightlight is a thoughtful gift for young and old, alike. So, step away from the tie or pair of athletic socks, and snap up a handmade creation that will surprise and delight the men on your list.
Shop the Gallery at www.qbydezine for artful and useful gifts to please the men on your list.
For the STORY BEHIND THE DESIGNS and other musings, visit the Q-Blog at www.qbydezine.com ENJOY!
Q
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Q-Elite Style News - October 2009 The leaves are changing color, signaling the harvest season. Thank you for signing up for the Q-Elite Style News, your guide to styling your home, your self, and your friends. FORWARD a COPY to your friends and family so they can enjoy the benefits of Q-Elite.
FIND YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE A wise woman once said, “If I’m going to buy a piece of good jewelry, it had better be big enough for everyone to see!” Well, whether it is bold or delicate, your jewelry should be your personal expression and should make you feel great when you wear it. Your signature may be a single piece or a particular style of jewelry. The signature style of one of my good friends is to mix bold modern pieces with antique jewelry; she does it with flair and purpose and looks stunning. The most recent additions to the Gallery are elegant and versatile for casual or dressy occasions. The Dreamcatcher and Graceful Goddess necklaces are gemstone and wire creations that can dress up any outfit. The fantasy insect pins add a cheerful pop of color to a suit or coat. Try wearing one on top of your shoulder as though it just landed there or at your waist on a scarf belt. Find your signature piece in Gemstone and Wire Jewelry or Glass Jewelry in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com
NEW PRODUCT ALERT: Pin a whimsical and elegant dichroic glass fantasy insect on your jacket and smile all day. See the new insect pins in Going Buggy in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com.
CLEANING GLASSGlass is a marvelous and magical substance that we often take for granted. We use glass every day in transparent applications like windows to let the light in or containers for drinking water or wine, and in the opaque forms of beautiful plates and bowls. Take a minute to look at your surroundings and count the number of places where you see glass. Amazing, isn’t it? As beautiful as it is, cleaning can be a chore. And what happens when glass loses it shine? If you have glass tabletops as I do, treat them with respect. Always use a clean, soft cloth; a cloth that has been used to clean other surfaces may have grit and grime that will scratch glass. And what about that glassware that has dull spots that don’t seem to wash off? Prepare a dishtub of hot water, dishwashing soap, and baking soda. Soak the glasses and scrub them gently with a sponge. Rinse in cold water and then place in a bowl with warm water and white vinegar. Remove the glasses and let them drain on a paper towel or dishtowel. They should be sparkling clean. Dishes, bowls, and other pieces made by the fused glass method can be washed gently in warm soapy water. The more delicate they are, the more careful you have to be. Never use cleansers, cloths, or sponges that are abrasive. They will scratch the glass and ruin its beauty. I generally advise against putting fused glass dishes in the dishwasher because other items in the dishwasher may hit the piece, causing chipping or breakage. Generally, pieces created by hot glass methods (blown glass and flame work) are quite delicate and need to be handled very carefully when being cleaned. If there are other materials on the glass piece, the cleaning methods for those materials must also be taken into consideration before cleaning.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” Mahatma Gandhi
Light your way . . . . . with a nightlight As we move toward winter, we lose a little more light each day. And it stays dark much later in the morning, too. To chase away the darkness, I often use string of white holiday lights bunched in a glass vase in a strategic location and put them and other lamps on timers to light up the room as night falls. Nightlights are very handy in hallways, bathrooms, or any dark corner. There is something both hospitable and reassuring to guests when they see a nightlight in the guest bathroom. They know they won’t have to stumble around in the middle of the night. A nightlight matched to your décor is jewelry for your room. The main bathroom in my house, the one that overnight guests use, is a calming blue and white with a spa ambience. The nightlight is an abstract blue design on a yellow background. It gives just the right glow that a generic white plastic nightlight couldn’t even approach. In the darkness of early morning, a butterfly nightlight shines its light at the foot of the stairs so I can see my way safely to the first floor to turn on the lights and get that morning cup of coffee. Find a nightlight to light your way in Jewelry for Your Home in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com. For the STORY BEHIND THE DESIGNS and other musings, visit the Q-Blog at www.qbydezine.com ENJOY!
Q
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Happy September! Thank you for signing up for the Q-Elite Style News, your guide to styling your home, your self, and your friends. FORWARD a COPY to your friends and family so they, too, can enjoy the benefits of Q-Elite.
THE WARDROBE STAPLES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
Yes, we all know that black pumps, a great jacket, classic black trousers, and a white shirt are on the list of basic wardrobe staples. In recent years the slide or pendant has become a staple. There is a simple elegance in wearing a silver or gold chain or neckwire with a slide or pendant. Pendants are especially versatile because you can change out the silver chain for a ribbon that contrasts with your outfit or a leather cord to make it edgy. The same silver chain is the perfect foil for glass pendants like “Sea & Sky” with its open diamond shape, or “Fiddleheads at Night” with its fine silver inclusions. A bolder pendant like the dichroic “Bold Jewel” looks great over a turtleneck or boatneck top. A wardrobe of pendants allows you to change your style by changing pendant styles. Switch to “Puzzle/3”, a veritable Gordian knot of sterling silver that would look delicate on a black satin cord or very sophisticated on a gold chain. The Brazil series of glass and gemstones sewn onto crocheted sterling are perfect for both casual and dressy occasions. These are signature pieces that will garner compliments everywhere you go. Find your signature pendant in Glass Jewelry or in Gemstone and Wire Jewelry in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com
NEW PRODUCT ALERT: See the OCEANA COLLECTION, inspire by the world under to sea, in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com.
CLEANING SENSITIVE GEMSTONES - PART III
It is important to clean your jewelry periodically and to store it properly to keep it in the best condition. Cleaning Sensitive Gemstones Part III will cover gemstones with fair to good toughness. The "toughness" of a gemstone is its resistance to breakage. The gemstones jade and nephrite jade are exceptionally resistant to breakage and can be cleaned in an ultrasonic device, in boiling water, soapy water, or with an untreated cloth. The gemstones, amethyst, citrine, and garnet, can generally be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning device, with soapy water, or with an untreated cloth. Never place them in boiling water. Beautiful light green peridot is quite sensitive, and should only be cleaned with an untreated cloth. Never use cleaning chemicals or brushes, and ALWAYS take into consideration all of the components (gemstones, metals, plastic, glass, found objects) that comprise your jewelry piece before determining a cleaning method. NOTE: Three very sensitive gemstones are pearls, coral, and shells. Coral and shells can be cleaned in warm soapy water or with an untreated cloth. Pearls should only be cleaned gently with an untreated cloth.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach eagerly without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
IN THE GLOW OF THE CANDLELIGHT . . . . . Not Just Votives©There is nothing like candlelight to set a romantic mood! Even if you are enjoying a spa night on your own, a candle’s glow provides an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation. Votive holders like the pale yellow “Reflective” or the deep navy “Modern Midnight” are designed with the iridescent surface on the inside to best capture and reflect candlelight. The Fantasy Votive, “Supernatural” has small squares of clear iridescent that further scatter the candle glow. If you don’t burn candles, these glass containers are elegant on the vanity holding your bath oil pearls or guest soaps; they are delightful addition to your desk, holding candies or even paperclips. The votive holders are food safe, and what they can hold is based on their size and the size of your imagination. They are Not Just Votives©, but elegant glass containers ready to serve you. Find your perfect glass container in Jewelry for Your Home in the Gallery at www.qbydezine.com. For the STORY BEHIND THE DESIGNS and other musings, visit the Q-Blog at www.qbydezine.com
ENJOY!
Q