Opal...Australias Stone of Wonder!

Australia's National Gemstone

Opal was proclaimed Australia’s National Gemstone by Governor General Bill Hayden on the 27th of July 1993.

Opal is a fitting symbol of a spirited and diverse nation, ‘an opal hearted country’ which is home to 95% of the world’s Precious Opal.

The hugely successful Australian National Women’s Basketball team is affectionately known as ‘The Opals’.

Opal is the official Gemstone of the State of South Australia.

Black Opal was proclaimed the State Gemstone and new Emblem of New South Wales on the 7th of May 2008.

Opal is Octobers Birthstone...want to know more? go here

For more information on Opals go to:

http://gemstone-dictionary.com/opal.php

http://www.opalsdownunder.com.au/learn.php

http://opalsinformation.com.au/

http://opalsinformation.com.au/index.php/About-Opal/spiritual-healing-with-opal.html



Is there a gemstone you would like to know more about? Let me know and I'll do a posting.....
Cheers!
Renee
PS...Know of others who may enjoy my blog? Pass it along via facebook or twitter!

Cafe Gratitude....What are You Grateful For?

"When in doubt, Be Grateful."
Mathew Engehart


While in the San Francisco Bay area the past 3 weeks, my wonderful USA rep. Clarina, introduced me to "Cafe Gratitude" in San Rafael.
Food has never been my #1 priority. Don't get me wrong, I like it...but it's not my "passion"...as with some folks. However, after experiencing the food at Cafe Gratitude I just may have to "rethink" that old tape!

Amazing. Unique. Fab. food and staff. I ate there at least 4 or was it 5 times in those few weeks, and each time was delighted with, well...EVERYTHING. Much more than just food on a plate. Beautiful, fresh, organic, bursting with taste.

I strongly encourage you to go here:http://www.cafegratitude.com/aboutus
to learn more about the is amazing (more than a) restaurant and the very real people behind it.

Have a look at their full menu here..it's really worth a peek! http://www.cafegratitude.com/cafemenufeb08


And in the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Golden/Yellow Colour Blast Friday!

I love colour, and once in awhile I do these “colour blast” days a visual immersion of one colour…today’s is golden/yellow.

Bold, fun, striking.

This colour says “wake up and love life…..”

Pendant (above) by Renee Blackwell Design

Ruby-Breathtaking Stone from our lovely planet!

Ruby colorsRubies range in color from pinkish to orangey and purplish and brownish red, depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone. The most desirable color is the so-called "pigeon's blood", a pure red with a hint of blue. The distribution of color is often uneven, in strips or spots.Want to know more about Rubies? http://www.addmorecolortoyourlife.com/gemstones/ruby.asp

Go here to find out the healing and spiritual properties of Ruby:
http://healing.about.com/od/gemstonesaz/p/p_ruby.htm

Albert Einstein has a thought....

"Imagination is more important than knowledge,


Knowledge is limited,


Imagination encircles the world"





Albert Einstein

Olympia, Washington -After the Event...Jewelry Exhibition/Sale

The Olympia event has come and gone and all I can say is "Whew..." What an evening we all had! A fantastic collection of over 150 people came and enjoyed friends, food, fun and many went home with lovely new Renee Blackwell Design jewelry...(ok...so I'm now blogging from the USA, so here comes the American spelling!)


Above, the lovely and divine "Miss D" and myself...can you say:"I want your pendant?"

One of the show tables...displaying beautiful Renee Blackwell Design jewellery

Below...mom, dad and myself.....moments before the opening....best parents award!

My Dad, was the greeter for the evening and what a smash hit he made! My Mom layed out a feast of nibbles, champagne and punch for everyone to enjoy.

I am blessed!

btw....this event was held at the new studio and exhibition space of the very talented Debra Van Tuinen...worth a look at her website....to see her work to go:

http://www.vantuinenart.com/

Next stop....flying back down to SF, California again in the morning for round' three of our 3 week Renee Blackwell Design Blitz.....hang' on and here we come!

Whew.....

A week in San Francisco a week in Olympia/Seattle and a third week in San Francisco bay area.
Gee Whiz. How do rock stars do it?


All working with my wonderful USA rep. Clarina. We have 3 street festivals, 2 "in store events" at jewellery stores and my first ever exhibition/showing in my home town of Olympia, Washington. This event takes place 2 days from now....much to do in order to be really ready... to share my jewellery with my "home town folks..."

I have arrived! Sunny San Rafael!

A quickie blog posting! I have arrived in California, the San Francisco bay area...actually San Rafael to be exact. It's a perfect day here. Arrived from the nearly 24 hour trip over, slept great and up with a smile on my face.
Now the fun begins..nutting out the details with fantastic Renee Blackwell Design Rep; Clarina...on how the next 3 weeks will unfold.
Here we go....................