Great new song "I'm Home" by Brandon Bristow

Click below to listen to Brandon Bristow's great new song (which is, of course, one of my favorites as it is written about lil' ol me) so I would like to show off the music of my multi-talented musician/artist husband, who recorded this song, as well as writing, singing and performing all of the instruments, as he does for most all of his music. Wow. He's good and I am proud. Check out the song "I'm Home" below:

Etsy Shop Open

As promised, a pic of the wonderful graphic design for my new shop and section on my website "Simply Heaven" ~ I love it and Sharon of Manamoon Studios is such a dream to work with. She seemed to understand exactly what I needed because of course I need it to work along side my gemheaven pieces. This design for me fits the bill and slowly I am now adding pieces ~ I have been busy soldering, hammering and polishing!!

Simply Diamond

I love this shape and will definately be making more of these diamond shaped earrings at some point ~ these ones are shiny but I think hammered and oxidised will look fabulous ~ the ideas are brimming over here!!

Simply earrings with Adventurine

More fun and flirty earrings coming too ~ like the ones above but with different stones and I have some fabulous czech glass coming soon ;) Remember I can make up in a variety of textures, shapes, colours etc so if you are thinking of someone in particular don't hesitate to give me a shout.

A new Section

Simply Studs

I've been really busy over the weekend trying to finish my stock for a new section of my website called Simply Heaven ~ I wanted to do some simpler pieces for Christmas shopping as I always get asked about what I have for less than £20/£15/£10. Hopefully this new section will help you all not only with your Christmas shopping but also if you want to buy yourself a little treat without breaking the bank! Each piece instead of being boxed up will be placed into a simple organza bag, because of this I can offer first class posting (Instead of only registered which my one of kind pieces have) ~ I promise you'll still see the gemheaven touches and as soon as the my delivery is here in the next couple of days I will show you how you will recieve your piece of Simply Heaven.

Wave pendant with Flourite

The main difference with the new section will be everything can be remade ~ nothing is one of a kind but I can say pieces will be limited (until the beads run out for example) but everything is also interchangable ~ so say you like the Wave pendant above but you don't like Flourite gemstones ~ tell me what you would like and I will make it up especially for you. I have had so much fun creating a new line of simple but fun jewellery I really hope when I launch it you will enjoy it to.

Simply earrings with Turquoise

Any questions then feel free to send me a email ~ have a look at my website for more information and check out Flickr for more pics! The lovely Sharon of Manamoon Studios is creating my new Etsy banner and avatar which I will show off once its all up and running ~ can you tell I am excited ~ the preview is stunning!!

New Ultimate Bracelets added today!

Just added three new Ultimate charm bracelets today (only one already sold right when it listed)!

No Love Too Small

No Love too Small

Sometimes I just play around in my workshop, seeing what shapes I can make and how I can incorporate them into my designs ~ No Love too Small ~ was just a heart commission I had last Friday, I made half a dozen hearts in vary sizes and showed the customer concerned. These were left over and I thought they were soo cute I had to use them, a 3mm rondelle in Ruby finishes them off perfectly I think. Measuring about 30mm {1.25"} approx they are small and dainty!

Cranberry

I must be in a red mood this week, with the ruby earrings and now these with Rubilitte garnet wire wrapped onto them ~ I love the effect though and these would make a perfect Christmas Day pair ~ eeeek did I say Christmas Day? haha today is my older Sister's birthday and mentally I don't even think about Christmas until after today so I am a little ahead of myself :)

Happy Birthday ALi!!

Unique Los Angeles!

I am pleased to be one of the indie arts and crafts vendors participating in this year's Unique Los Angeles December 13 & 14. This is going to be an exciting shopping event and I can't wait to be involved! It is sponsored by Etsy, LA Weekly, LA Craft Mafia, et al., and going to be held at the California Market Center in downtown LA with over 250 independent creative artisans and their unique products for sale. Hope to see you there!

Following......

Mulsum

Ok those of you who know me well, know how terrible I have been of late and not only blogging but catching up on everyone elses blogs ~ I have great excuses ;) but won't bore you with them here because I have a new gadget on my blog! Yes, following is the new way to keep up to date with friends blogs ~ now at a drop of a hat I can see who is posting without trawling through each and everyone's ~ sadly if your blog or name was after L I probably wouldn't get to you because the beads would start calling and I would forget where I was ~ maybe its my age not the beads ....

Theodora

Showing of my surprise bracelet ~ yes I actually used gold~filled and found it very lovely to work with. I love the warmth it gives the garnet too. The earrings are a bit of sneak preview ~ as of Monday evening not even my Flickr watchers have seen them yet!! What do you think ~ Amethyst, labradorite and pink Amethyst on posts ~ I'm really pleased with the out come but need to stop putting pink Amethsyt in everything I make :P

Photo overhaul on website

Oh my! I recently realized I have a new quality photo editing program which allows me to edit and brighten my photos. I was utterly embarrassed as I went through and edited the terribly dark photos on my website. Most are now bright and beautiful as I did the editing that was not possible on my prior photo editing program. It was just painful to see all of those photos that had been viewed so many times on my website for so long in that condition. We learn as we go along! If only I had an assistant employed for these kinds of things...

Basics

Luster of Life

I suppose my title may confuse you but as someone who can't help but watch the news I know the world and his horse are all waiting to hear some good news about the credit crunch ~ my fellow jewellery lovers will know that treating yourself in times of trouble is a great pick~you~up and treating friends and family especially now we are approaching Christmas!! So I'm coming up with a basic range ~ something that will still have the 'gem heaven' sparkle of course!

Ghost Tree

My lovely friend Brandi tagged me this week, anyone who has been reading my blog since the start will know I have been tagged a few times before ~ but you never know you may read something new about me today ~ well I will try!!

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

1) I love nail polish ~ mainly pinks and reds and have bottles of the stuff but I also bite my nails so colours are confined to my toes!! You will be pleased to hear I am trying and have one hand which is not quite as embarassing as the other

2) I'm in love with sock monkey ~ I found a site on Etsy with some stunners on and keep trying to tell Elli she wants one for Christmas!! I WILL have one lol!!

3) I am growing my hair ~ I get bored so easily and decided on a change ~ *disclaimer I may change my mind again at anytime

4) I've seen Mama Mia twice and actually would have gone more if I could have!!

5) I am tone deaf ~ can't sing a note yet I do a mean Babara Steisand in my shower!! WEll I think so (I was brought up on Barbara and especially love the Guilty album)

6) I can't leave the house without eyeliner and lipstick on!

7) I have an important medical appointment I keep putting off and need nagging about .....

Brandi tagged a few of my mates so here's my list

1) Izzy of Adventures in Glass
2)Bettejo's A bead a Day
3) Nina ~ Beads in the Belfry
4) Caroline ~ Crafted Gems
5) Sharon ~ Manamoon Studios
6) Becky ~ Chameleon Designs
7) Kelly ~ Kebo Jewellery

Added a new cancer awareness piece!

I just finished adding a new dusty rose garden beaded charm bracelet with breast cancer awareness ribbon to my site here where 50% of proceeds are donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation. I have a few more things in the works to be added to the page soon. Trying to hurry before October ends, but don't worry, I will always donate 50% any time of the year for this cause.

Finally ! Added a bunch of newly made items to my site!

I was finally able to create some new jewelry to add to my website. I have been so busy with shows and special orders that I have not had the time to make any of the ideas I had so patiently waiting for me to make in little plastic containers all over my workplace. I was finally able to set aside some time for creating these items and I am excited to say that they are now on the site here! There are many new beaded bracelets and gorgeous multistrand necklaces!

Beaded Guitar Straps now available at Norman's Rare Guitars

I am pleased to announce that a selection of Julia Bristow hand-beaded guitar straps are now currently available at Norman's Rare Guitars in Tarzana, California, a favorite guitar shop and supplier to some of the most famous musicians.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Don't forget October is breast cancer awareness month. Be sure to visit my breast cancer awareness jewelry page where 50% of all proceeds are donated immediately to National Breast Cancer Foundation. I will be adding more jewelry pieces to this page soon, when time permits!

My fruit necklace was worn today on the news!

Today my fruit necklace and ring worn on Fashion with Flannery by Flannery Bijoux on the news! You can see the video here

Germany

I've been in Germany - did anyone notice ;) My E won a place in the Mercedes Trophy World Final 2008 Golf Tournament and so I have been a WAG for a week!! There was four in the team - three playing and a team Captain plus partners and what fun we had! With 27 nations all socializing as well as the golf - it was a surreal, can you imagine not only flying Business Class (VIP lounge was fab) but also arriving in Suttgart to see the Vans to collect us!

Our guys were dressed as James Bond complete with Martini's - it was so cool to see them all being applauded. There was some fabulous costumes of national dress and from that first day it was one big party ~ and I am still suffering I can tell you :))
As Wags we were taken here, there and everywhere the above pic was taken at the Mercedes museam which was fantastic ~ like travelling through time with the car company. The great thing was we ended the Tournament here with the presentation can imagine partying amongst 30 yr old mercedes, mind you we didn't come into contact with them at the end of the evening wonder why!!
And here's my E mid~round have no idea what he's doing though ~ but then I have no idea how to play golf, a WAG is too busy shopping!!!!

Hope to see you at the Harvest Festival!

Just a reminder - Julia Bristow Jewelry will be on sale with nice discounts on most items at this year's Ventura Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We will be in the San Miguel Hall Booth #A04. Be sure to stop by!

Click here for info.