Thursday, January 15, 2009

Jewelry Crafted by Hand

you have likely not spent any time at craft exhibitions and shows in the last few years. Handcrafted jewelry has really come into its own with a variety of different metals, styles, semi-precious gems and stones as well as non-traditional jewelry materials. Handcrafted jewelry is often a one of a kind item, making this an ideal gift idea for that hard to buy for person on your Christmas or birthday list. Handcrafted jewelry also is in high demand for bridal parties and special events as the wearer is sure to draw attention and comments on the unique jewelry they are wearing.Often this in itself creates the one of a kind quality of the jewelry as the materials themselves are not available in stores or in mass produced jewelry items. In addition handcrafted jewelry may also reset or use some of those odds and ends pieces you have in your jewelry box such as the single earrings, hopelessly bunched up gold and silver chains and even the rings that don't fit anymore and turn them into unique and new creations you can wear with pride.This is a wonderful way to design your own jewelry with the help of someone that can provide ideas, assistance and typically will not charge as much as a custom designed piece from a jeweler. Of course there are handcrafted very exclusive items that you may want a designer to produce such as an engagement and wedding ring set or an anniversary or family band. Before going to a traditional jeweler however you may want to spend some time browsing around the internet to find out just what is available.
The internet has really brought handcrafted jewelry into is own. Artisans and jewelers from around the world are able to market their creations through the internet, literally entering into a global market with just the expense of hosting a website and uploading some digital photographs.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Tips For Growing Hostas

Grown mainly for their beautiful foliage, hostas exist in a wide range of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. They were once classified in the family Liliaceae but are now included in the family Agavaceae.the name hosta evokes an image of a low-growing green plant with large broad leaves. To be more specific, a hosta is a non-bulbous lily that is a shade tolerant, hardy perennial plant grown principally for its foliage. But hostas produce pendulous 1" to 2" long white or violet flowers on an erect panicle up to 31" tall. Hostas are also called plantain lilies or Funkia, but these names are outdated. The scientific name for hosta is also its common name.peat moss, rotted or composted manure, rotted sawdust, or composted leaves. By adding large quantities of organic matter, moisture retention and aeration of the soil is improved. Due in part to their leaf size, hostas have a very high transpiration rate, and so soil conditions should allow for optimum water retention.
This is true especially if growing under trees which take up much soil moisture. Plants in ideal growth conditions receive 1-1/2" per week. Over the course of a season that is 3/4" every 3 to 4 days. Hostas need this extra water during the growing season, but not in winter when they are dormant. Too much water in winter can contribute to crown or root rot.Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Place the hosta in the hole so that the clump is level with the soil surface, and water thoroughly. You can plant them any time during the growing season, but the later in the season you plant, the more important it is to keep them adequately watered. Cutting off the flower scape as soon as possible after blooming tends to increase the probability of re-bloom.
There are books about slug control methods including: picking them off one by one, leaving out beer-filled trays in the hopes the slugs drown, copper rings, squashing them between bricks, pesticides, and my favorite, diatomaceous earth. It is a powder of the finely ground shells of diatoms. Diatoms are microscopic sea creatures. When sprinkled on the ground, the slugs crawl over the powder, cutting themselves all to pieces, then they die of dehydration.Leaf beetles will eat holes in the center of the leaves between the veins. Sometimes this can be confused with slug damage. A natural control is the house wren. They have a tremendous appetite for those pests and for slugs. If you're not keen on birdhouses, you can fall back on commercially available pesticides. Always carefully follow label instructions and heed warnings.
x'Sum and Substance' - A striking hosta with large, leathery, neutral-green leaves. It has been called "the biggest and most popular hosta in the world." It grows to 3' tall and 5-6' across.
x'Blue Angel' - The largest and most dramatic-looking of all hostas, 'Blue Angel' has deep blue-green leaves and can grow into a mount 30" tall and 6' wide.

x'Emily Dickenson' - Deep green glossy leaves with creamy white margins, a neat, compact, mounded habit, and deep lavender flowers make this a welcome plant in any garden. It grows to 20" tall and 26" wide.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Pearl Jewellery

(1). Single Line Pearl Necklace Set Model No: FNSP-506

Features: Trendy and Gorgeous single line silver touch Necklace Set made of synthetic high quality pearls in white color and AD stones and matching Tops of AD stones Necklace Measures 16 inches long with hook clasp and with adjustable extension rings Earrings Tops measures 0.4 inch diameter Sizes are approximate and finish long lasting Beautiful color of Pearls and good quality of accessory being used This Necklace Set would make a lovely gift or great addition for your own jewelry wardrobe! Comes in a nice free velvet folder.Features: Freshwater Hyderabad Natural Pearl Bracelet, Pearl Size: 4mm, Quality: Aaa Metal Base / Clasp: Surgical Metal with Italian Gold Finish Pearls Colour: Pink, Pearls Shape: Oval, Strands Size: 3 rows 6 - 8 inches Uniformity: V.Good / Excellent, Free Delivery Shipment.This colorful pair of Earrings has 2 rows of shiny white Rice Pearls joined together with bright Red Ruby beads & Lustrous green Emerald beads alternately arranged & strung on a wire Earring. Earrings Height: 5.00 cms.Worn by women of style and substance. With the combination of different colors enhances the beauty of the necklace. The combination is selected in a manner that can be worn with any dress.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Religious Jewelry

Each religion has a particular set of symbols that represent them and these are used while creating the religious jewelry. There are many people who love to wear religious jewelries to show their faith in a silent manner. There are many types of Christian jewelry such as crosses, rosaries and lapel pins available in customary and modern designs.
• Bracelets • Necklaces • Rings • Pendants • Brooches
It is a popular Christian custom to present the infants with crib medals to invoke the blessings of the Lord. Young boys and girls are also presented with religious jewelry as gifts marking their first Holy Communion.
A special rosary gift for the First Communion will be cherished forever. Young girls can be gifted with religious ornaments like a sacramental charm bracelet or crucifix locket. You can surprise your fiancée or wife with a lovely religious necklace, pendant or ring. There are many fine quality pendants, bracelets, book markers and pins available in 14K, 18K and 24K gold plated designs. These make for great gifts for all occasions.