What a whirlwind 2020 has been already! If you have looked at my show schedule you will see some changes due to COVID 19.  The CO state government, local health and CDC officials, have advised to postpone large gatherings & the Denver Quilt Craft & Sewing Festival was one such event.  However, the show is rescheduled for June 25-27, 2020.  This is the previous date of the Castle Rock show, which will not happen this year, but will take place at the Denver Mart instead!
I'm sorry I will not see you in person at a show in March, SO...I want to extend special savings on my website designs to my wonderful loyal customers.  I have been working on a MEGA online sale so please check out my Boutique for great discounts on my designs. (Some even 50% off regular price)  I will continue to add new merchandise so please keep checking back.  Creativity doesn't disappear during a pandemic!  I pray for you and your families good health.
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As the Holiday Season is upon us, I find myself reflecting on the past year and those who have helped shaped my business. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being the best customers. Your faithful support continues to give me the opportunity to do what I enjoy!  Your appreciation of my designs make it possible for my continued creativity, to explore new art, techniques and trendy ideas so I can improve day after day in offering excellent quality products for the latest fashion.
 
It has been quite a year for us all, I have experienced a lot of loss in the past 5 months but your kind words of sympathy, encouragement, understanding, or even just an emoji to one of my facebook posts has helped lift my spirit. 

At this Special time of year I want to convey my sincere wishes for this Holiday Season.  I hope you celebrate with your family and friends and that you are able to discover that beyond material gifts, what really matters is that we give our time and love to each other.  They are, in fact, the greatest treasures we have in this world.

May these be your gifts this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!
 
The Blessings of Peace
The Beauty of Hope
The Spirit of Love &
The Comfort of Faith
 
God Bless
Denise

This time of year I start seeing one of my favorite trends and it might not be what you expect… layers! As I’m at shows and meeting new folks I love seeing their personal style expressed through their clothing. Often times we are intimidated to layer our jewelry for fear that it’s “too much”. With the holiday’s upon us it’s the perfect time to freshen up your tried and true Holiday outfit with a new spin on layers.
 
Here are a few ways you can layer your jewelry this holiday season like a pro…
 
The Long and Short of It
This is perhaps the simplest way to layer your pieces that makes a big impact. Use a pendant necklace that makes a statement that hits above the bust-line paired with a thicker chain or smaller beaded long necklace that plunges towards your belly button. Big impact without a lot of weight.
 
The Double Pendant
This one is also a lot of bang without a lot of bucks. Simply pair a single strand pendant necklace with a chunkier longer strand pendant necklace. The longer necklace should hang at least 4-5 inches longer than your shorter necklace. If your worried about pendant shapes, have the fuller pendant on the upper necklace with something longer/leaner on the bottom.
 
Third Time’s a Charm
This is one of my favorites and you can even combine the double pendant into the mix if you’d like. Necklace 1 is a long multi strand necklace, I prefer three to five strands in a punchy color like turquoise. Then layer on a slightly shorter single strand necklace with a pendant on top. The Pendant should rest on top of your multi-strand necklace and the colors provide a nice contrast. Finally finish with either a single or double stranded necklace. If you want this necklace to also have a pendant, then follow the advice in The Double Pendant for pendant shape.  
 
Of course another way to get a great layered look is to simply select any number of the Multi Strand Necklaces on sale this month in the Boutique or visit me at a show. In either case I hope this article gives you some ideas of how to expertly layer your jewelry this holiday season. Please share your layers online and if you include a design of mine in your layered ensemble, I hope you will tag me @DesignsByDeniseA on Facebook or Instagram.
 
 

Do you ever wonder how you can care for your pearl jewelry? Caring for your high end jewelry can be intimidating at times and sometimes you don't want to ask your salesperson for fear that they will sell you some expensive cleaner, gadget, or care plan. This month I'm demystifying Pearl Care. 

Notes for Wearing:
Pearls are more vulnerable to the chemicals found in cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, and lotions because they are an organic gem composed of calcium carbonate. For that reason it's important that you follow the "golden rule of pearl care" which is that pearls are the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. You want to style your hair, apply your make-up, get dressed, and apply your perfume before you put on any pearl jewelry.  Ensuring your perfume has dried, your make up is set can go a long way in protecting the lustrous surface of your pearl. 

Pearls are much softer than most precious gems and pieces such as pearl rings and bracelets are subject to scratches. Avoid wearing these pieces if you are expecting to be doing any intense work with your hands like gardening or working out.

Pearls should also be wiped clean after use. When pearls come into contact with acid the crystalized calcium of the pearl can break down which will cause the pearl to loose it's luster. Acid can be found in sweat, perfume, lotions, fruit juice, and vinegar just to name a few. If you know your jewelry has come into contact with acid, wipe it down as soon as possible to avoid long term damage.

How to Clean Pearls:
Use a soft cloth to clean pearls in between use and remove acid but if a soft cloth is no longer enough to remove dirt then you can use the following method. Make sure to avoid harsh cleaning tools or chemicals that would damage the pearl's surface. NEVER place your pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies
You will need a soft cloth and brush. A soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft manicure brush work well as they can poke into thin crevices without scratching the surface of the pearl. 

Use a baby shampoo or a mild soap. Avoid standard jewelry cleaner as harsh cleaners can destroy the pearl.

Use mineral water or distilled water to rinse. Tap water typically contains chlorine and other harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the pearl's surface. Lukewarm temperature is typically best.

Step 2: Support the pearls in your hand.
Lay the strand of pearls with the section you will clean in the palm of your hand and support them to avoid any stretching to the thread. Therefore,  do not hold the pearl strand so that it dangles or is being pulled taught while you clean to avoid stretching this thread.

Step 3: Dab the pearls with your soapy water.
Using a corner of your dry soft cloth to gently dab the distilled water and mild soap mixture onto the pearls. Use the soft brush in any areas where the cloth is unable to clean. Do not allow the soapy water to sit on the pearls for too long. Rinse with distilled water. 

Step 4: Dry and Polish Your Pearls
Use the dry portion of your soft cloth to gently dry and polish the pearls. This will help maintain their luster. Once the thread has dried, wear them to return some oils from your skin to the pearls. 

Storing your Pearls:
Because pearls can be easily scratched you want to store them separate from other jewelry. Additionally make sure to fasten clasps and pins to avoid another scratch hazard and lessen the potential for the item to be tangled with other pieces. When possible use a small velvet drawstring bag for each jewelry piece to avoid contact with other pieces. If you are unable to store each piece in an individual pouch, wrap each piece in a soft cloth before storing together. 

Avoid hanging your pearls to prevent stretching on the thread. Store flat whenever possible. Additionally avoid storage where pearls are exposed to sunlight. Long-term exposure to sunlight usually cause pearls to change colors or yellow. 

The List of Don'ts:

• Don't use abrasive brushes, scouring pads, or sponges to clean your pearls.
• Don't use "magic erasers", detergents, or other commercial cleaning products even if they are "safe for non-stick" or marked "gentle".
• Don't clean your pearls with anything containing bleach, ammonia, vinegar. Stick to soap and water only.
• Don't steam clean pearls.
• Don't use an ultrasonic cleaning machine, ever.
• Don't store pearls in a plastic bag, plastic can emit chemicals that can cause damage to the surface of your pearls.
• Don't leave pearls around a heat source like a heater, fireplace, stove, or electronics that emit a lot of heat.