Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Truth About Art Glass


Recently, there has been some confusion regarding art glass beads. Made famous by the glassworkers of Murano, Italy, the process of making stunning beads has been perfected by artisans throughout the world. Some countries, including the Czech Republic, China, Indonesia, Austria, Taiwan, and India have become very adept at producing these outstanding beads.

I'm sure many of you have seen this process done at an art fair or craft event. Some artists, such as the famous artist, Dale Chihuly, from Seattle, Washington, have created magnificent sculptures by blowing glass. Others, wind molten glass around a thin, steel rod and then fire the glass using a flame torch. The glass is layered and manipulated into various shapes and styles. Whether the outcome is a sculpture of blown glass flowers or a simple art glass bead, the beauty of handworked glass appeals to all.

Charming Life Designs uses handmade art glass beads, also known as lampworked glass beads. These beads are created by skilled artisans. Each bead is embedded with a design, ranging from flowers and swirls to a marbleized pattern. In some cases, a thin sheet of .925 sterling silver foil or 22 karat gold foil is nestled inside each colorful art glass bead. The transparent nature of the glass allows the silver to shine through, adding depth and interest to each bead.

We painstakingly seek out the highest quality of beads available to us at the most affordable prices. As you browse through our art glass designs on our website you will be pleased to discover that our designs have the look and feel of one-of-a-kind, handmade beads, yet our prices are far more affordable. Accented with Swarovski crystals, genuine freshwater pearls, and sterling silver beads, our jewelry adds a splash of color to any outfit.

Take a minute to view our collection of intriguing art glass earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. New styles are added on a weekly basis. Check it out!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

2010 New Designs are Here and More are on the Way



















This February, Holly and I took a trip to Tucson, Arizona, where we raced through the Holidome, JOGS, GWL and a few others venues as we searched out the newest and coolest products, while meticulously handpicking coin pearls, stones, and beads. One thing is for sure, we woefully under-estimated the amount of time needed to thoroughly comb through the venues. Each year, Tucson offers a smorgasbord of jewelry designs, ideas, and opportunities to become inspired, it literally takes days to digest the event.

Nevertheless, the show was a huge success for us and we dragged our overloaded carry-ons home, anxious to get to the workshop to start creating our newly inspired designs. During the next few months, we will be unveiling a series of colorful and fun designs. Our new collection will be a mix of whimsical charms incorporated into classic designs. Without saying too much, I’m certain you’ll enjoy these collections immensely.

Our first group of designs is now on our website and they are perfect for spring and summer. With over 50 styles and colors to choose from, these festive Art Glass Earrings are a fun and affordable addition to your wardrobe.

Stay tuned!

Barb

PS: We did manage to scout out some great restaurants. Saffron’s was recommended by one our favorite vendors, who happens to be from India, and it did not disappoint. Delicious food and extremely well priced. Note, however, that it was quite spicy so order “mild” not “medium” if you have sensitive taste buds.

Guadalajara’s, near First and Prince, was packed on a Tuesday night. Casual and fun the food was Mexican with an American twist. The décor was traditional Mexican, including hand-painted sinks, terracotta flooring, and a Maricihi Band. We ate so much our stomachs ached.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Happy Customers Make Us Happy

Everyday we strive to provide great customer service by offering both quality and service. When you order from us, we always take care in carefully packaging our jewelry, as well as shipping your order out promptly. It is so heart-warming to hear back from you!

Joe, in Portland, Oregon, sent us this thoughtful note and BOY did he make our day! Thank you, Joe, for your kind words.

Joe writes:

I can not remember a time when I was SO happy with an on-line purchase from start to finish! And I buy a LOT on line! First, I found you through Cafe Give... how great is that! And then your selection was amazing, and your prices SO reasonable! And then FREE Shipping (I'm in heaven!)... And then I get a notice less than 24 hours later my item has shipped WITH tracking (I love tracking!).. and today, the ear-rings arrived! So WELL packaged in a beautiful box and pouch,and to open them up and find such stunning jewelry too good to be true! I bought them for a dear friend as a valentine gift as she is grieving the loss of her husband and the green hearts are a perfect symbol of helping her heal her own broken heart! As a small business person myself, I am often appalled by others concept of 'Customer Service", you have outdone yourself! I am 110 % SATISFIED!

in gratitude and blessings!

Joe in Portland