Amethyst is the birthstone for February. It is purple, ranging from a light lavender to deep, dark violet shades. Non-purple stones called amethyst are created by treating amethyst with heat or radiation treatments. Citrine, which is yellow, is an example of a stone that can be created by heating amethyst, although the heating can also [...]

With Valentines Day around the corner (one month away!), lots of people are once again trying to find the perfect gift. I might be biased, but I think jewelry is almost always the perfect gift for any holiday (well, at least for a girlfriend or wife). This post is dedicated to my male readers, in [...]

I am a HUGE fan of people who can draw and paint, and come up with a final piece that doesn’t look like a preschooler made it. I’m not one of those people. (My husband is, though, and you can check out some of his past work at Southwestern Voodoo.) Having also spent many, many [...]

It’s like an early Christmas miracle – it snowed in the bay area this weekend! So it seems very appropriate to be sharing some of my favorite icy cold winter white items in the gift guide today. The two photos above come as a set from LJ Design Photo Shopping info for Holidays: (1) Icy [...]

Today it’s all about the bold, beautiful colors of gemstones! I found lots and lots of jewelry (more than I had time to include, sadly), some with real gemstones and some with less expensive materials but the same gorgeous colors – so there should be a jewel for everyone’s gift giving budget here. Let’s start [...]

This whole 12 Days of Christmas shopping guide was inspired (obviously) by the song, so I couldn’t leave out birds and trees! Enjoy these handmade items all weekend long, and I’ll be back Monday with some fabulous finds in jewel tones. Shopping info for Jewelry: (1) Twitter Earrings by Flaunt Designs Jewelry (2) Oak Tree [...]

With all this gift shopping, cold weather, and the demands of your normal life, you could probably use a spa day right about now. Treat yourself (and a friend?) to some of these handmade bath and body products, and take some time out to relax! Shopping info for Fresh and Clean: (1) Chamomile Soap by [...]

Shopping info for Golden Jewels: (1) Silver Hoops with Gold Discs by Isuezabo (2) Infinity Ring by Seababe Jewelry (3) Tutorial to make these Sunflower Earrings by Yoola Shopping info for Silver and Gold: (1) Golden Freshwater Pearl Earrings by Michon (2) October Night Earrings by Jowful Crow (3) Gold Simplicity Earrings by Adroit Jewelers [...]

Now that you’ve bought some fabulous clothes, jewelry, and accessories, don’t forget about decorating your home! Shopping info for Dramatic Touches: (1) Pink Rubra Tillandsia by Fantasy Plants (2) Recycled Bottle Spoon Rest Set by Combustion Glassworks (3) Wet Gerber Fine Art Photo by LJ Design Photo Shopping info for Holiday Decor: (1) Jolly St. [...]

When you see the fabulous accessories I’ve found, you might be tempted to buy them for yourself – but don’t forget to keep your friends in mind too! Shopping info for Not-at-all Basic Black: (1) Ankle Corset by Totus Mel – it’s hand tatted. It’s gorgeous. You know you want it, and these to go [...]