20 ways to leave your lover...or by bye-bye blog....

It's been real...it's been fun...it's been real fun!
However, this is my last blog post. I may start a new blog in the new year with a very different focus....that's a big maybe!

 Until then...

Endless Love!

The m agic of Cut Gemstones....

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Cobalt Blue....Colour Blast! (Lady Di and Kate Middleton, too!)

I have not done a Colour Blast for a few weeks, and what better colour than Cobalt Blue? You know, THE RING.... and all the jaw-waggin' round' that issue...all I can say is "good luck Kate Middleton...HOLD ON!"
Never mind, I love this colour-Bold, Bright, Rich and Royal!





"You can ring my bell....or knock on my door..."

cheers and happy days!

















The entire world seems to be buzzing about the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton today, and, adding fuel to the frenzy, official engagement photos have been released. The couple posed in front of a massive marble fireplace in St. James's Palace in London. Both were beaming. Middleton looked regal in a royal blue dress by ISSA and Prince William wore a dark navy suit — presumably to complement Middleton's large sapphire engagement ring, which belonged to the late Princes.

Amazing Felt work fom Christina...

Above photo...Christina, the artist. This shot was taken a few years ago at the JAA Jewellery Show. She's got class, style, charm and a warm heart! On top of this...check out her wonderful felt work...




The Interview....

1. How did you become interested in felting?

It was at an exhibition of a group of students from Box Hill Tafe in Melbourne who had completed their diploma of Textile Art. On Display was most amazing white wedding dress designed and made by Ruth Benjamin it was so finely felted in silk and wool and it was truly magnificent. From that day on I wanted learn the art of felting and that led me the Halls Gap.

I went to the Grampian’s Textile Forum at Halls Gap in country Victoria and did a beginners Felting course for 2 days. I had an excellent teacher Rose Kingsmill who taught us many of the different techniques in felting. She made the experience so much fun. I left there inspired.

2.Where do you do your felting work?

We live in Kilmore in country Victoria on a 74 acre property. I have set up one of our 4 bedrooms upstairs as a workroom. It is a beautiful place to get inspired, looking out across the country side.
3.How long have you been working with felt?

I started about 3 years ago. I am relatively a new comer to the world of felting.

4.Where do you see your designs "going?"

I hope to have an exhibition of my work in the near future. It would be great to see everyone I know wearing one of my felted scarves. I would love to open a small gallery somewhere in the country or by the sea.

Have you been involved with other sorts of craft or design?

I finished a 4 year apprenticeship in Jewellery making and became a qualified Jeweller. From there I moved into design. From an early age I have been surrounded and inspired by a very talented family of artists. My sister who is a textile artist, my mother who is a spinner and weaver and my father who was a wood turner.
6.Do you give classes? If so, where?

I haven’t started teaching classes but maybe in the future. For now I am happy to keep doing workshops to improve my skills.

7.What is your favorite: Colour, smell, taste, flower and person?

Colour would have to be pink. The smell would be when I walk out my back door in spring the perfumes in the air a mixture of flowers and trees. My favorite flower is an old fashioned scented Rose and my favorite person there isn’t just one but if you could bunch my family together into one person it would be that person.

8.Who would you most like to have dinner with?

Catherine O’Leary she is one of Australia’s leading felt and textile artist.
9.What one word describes you?

I asked my husband that question and he said Bubbly, I would have to say I love colour for me it would be that I am colourful.
10. Anything else you wold like to add?

I find Felting very relaxing. It takes me somewhere else into my creative world. I love the way you can start a garment with this fluffy soft wool in fabulous colours and watch the fibres shrink and knit together. It is amazing how you can Incorporate other fibers yarns and fabrics, embellish and decorate so it all comes together to form a beautiful piece of art.

Interested in Christina's work? Contact her: christina.kent@shrenuj.com

Renee Blackwell Design Pendant

As many of my blog readers know my jewellery is not available to buy off my website.
I do offer the occasional piece here on my blog....this one is a beauty!

Classic Renee Blackwell Design 3-Drop Pendant, set in sterling silver.
Top to Bottom: Swarovski Crystal, Vintage French Button 1940's era, Black Onyx.
(For some reason the bottom drop looks red in the photo..it is not red! It is Black Onyx!)
Price: $325.00 Aussie Dollars
Holiday gift? All pendants come in a lovely black velvet box!
If you would like to purchase this pendant, please contact me via e-mail:
hazelwildretreat@yahoo.com.au

birds.....

"Greek Jewelry Shop..." I LOVE IT!

A most amazing ring design....by "Greek Jewelry Shop"






You can find these wonderful designs here: http://www.greekjewelryshop.com/homepage.html

me...today.

My life of late....

#1.I fear I actually have to face the music about my puppy Jasper, now 7 months old and who I just adore.
OK here it goes, I will say it....He likes Dad better than me....CRAP! Now I know how all those moms feel when they've changed dirty diapers, wiped snotty noses, held crying babies endlessly only to find the little bub' running gleefully to Dad when he comes home from work.
I asked our dog trainer months ago if one could "love their dog to much..." she just laughed, but now I wonder if I've smothered him in love....


#2.Some bands get better with age, some suck and should have just given up when the time was right.
Last week end my gal-pal Felicity and I went to see a "tripple-hitter" line up: Peter Frampton, followed by the band America and then Chicago. (I am after all a 1977 high school graduate)
Anyhow, they sucked. All of them....well, Chicago was OK, but average at best.
Some may remember my blog posting 6 or so months ago about Carol King and James Taylor and the absolute stunning concert they put on..


...and then there is the man himself.....don't even get me started on the legendary BOSS, Bruce Springsteen in concert. I was introduced to Bruce (musically speaking) at the tender age of 15 and he's rocked my world ever since...



#3.A "quickie trip" to the USA a few weeks ago. My mom was feeling blue and a bit under the weather....Even tho' I was just there in June, I sat my bum down on that big friendly jet and zoomed over for a week. Much love later, I flew home. Both hearts happier!
But what happened was.....


#4.The trip put me way, way,way behind in the studio. Christmas is on the way and well, in my line of business (Renee Blackwell Design) that means BUSINESS! So I've been working double time and finally almost caught up. I am not one of those who subscribes to the
"I'm crazy busy" mantra....I prefer to work steady and true.

#5.Just a side note: When said friend above, Felicity heard me chattering over dinner about feeling so "normal" so "suburban"....(she thanksfully said, YOU ARE THE LEAST SUBURBAN PERSON I KNOW....) THANKS FOR THAT!
Anyhow, she suggested one of the (small) things I might try was buy and wear OTHER peoples jewellery. Wow! Hey, that is a cool idea...
So the very next day, while she and I shopped til' we dropped in the semi'hip neighborhood of Paddington in Brisbane I bought several items of jewellery and have not taken them off!
Little changes can be big changes....

And with that, I say....Happy Days!
Oh,lets all be extra nice to people today...Why not!

Australian Rhodonite....Such a Beautiful Stone...

Sold!!! thank you Robyn of New York, USA
Above-Pendant by Renee Blackwell Design
Hand cut and faceted Hematite and Australian Rhodonite, set in sterling silver.
$285.00
Free world-Wide Shipping AND I will include a sterling silver cuff/choker for FREE!
If you would like to purchase this amazing ONE OF A KIND pendant, just e-mail me at:
hazelwildretreat@yahoo.com.au

Below...rough cut and semi-polished examples of Australian Rhodonite...from Broken Hill, NSW.







Below....I love this Australian stamp from 1973, featuring Rhodonite. I actually found a site with postage stamps from around the world with different stones, gems and minerals. I think I'll do a blog posting on this soon....



btw...stay tuned for more artist features on Adornments of the Soul!
hey, do you know an artist who might enjoy being featured (OR YOURSELF!)...let me know!

November Birthstone....Topaz or Citrine

Above ring by Renee Blackwell Design....check out my website! http://www.reneeblackwelldesign.com/

November Birthstone -

Properties of the Topaz
For those who were born in the month of November the Topaz is the traditional birthstone. The November birthstone poem reflects some of the properties with which the Topaz is associated - constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the November Birthstone Topaz are strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions.

The healing properties of the November birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to sanity, asthma, gout, blood disorders, tuberculosis and insomnia. The Topaz is also used to enhance spiritual rejuvenation and feelings of happiness.

November Birthstone Zodiac Sign
The twelve Zodiac signs are an astrological version of birthstones in addition to the twelve calendar months. The November birthstone of the Topaz is considered to be the birthstone for Scorpio (The sign of the Scorpion) and relate to those born between November 22 - December 21. The Zodiac sign of Scorpio also responds to Beryl, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Tourmaline and Opal.

The Color of the Topaz

The Topaz is commonly colorless, also light to medium blue, violet yellow, pink, peach, gold, green, red and brown. Topaz with Orange-red and pink colors are rare and most valuable.