Christine Darnell Jewelry

My Shoe Crush - Brian Atwood

2011-06-19T15:43:00.000-04:00

Brian Atwood is the whole package......charming, handsome and talented and he designs the most amazing women's shoes. I absolutely love his designs. They are feminine and sexy but most of them are like walking on stilts........you can sure spot shoes designed by men. If they had to wear what they designed.......shoes would look a lot different........LOL

An explanation for my absence from blogging?!?!?!??!

2011-04-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

It appears that Life happens and the days fly by when they are filled with lots of new and interesting stuff. In the last few months I have gotten a new Apple MacBookPro which I absolutely love now and I wonder why I did not change sooner. But in the first month it was more of a LOVE - HATE relationship trying to learn new technology and the ways of APPLE. Then to make it even more interesting I also got a new iPhone (after using a Blackberry for years) since Verizon finally got the iPhone and suddenly I was in technology H_ _ _ feel free to fill in the blanks. After 25 years or more of using a PC it was quite the change and learning all the new programs has been very interesting, especially my new advanced photo software Aperture. My sweet husband bought One to One for me so that I can go to the Apple Store and get training which has been so amazingly helpful and so I have been spending countless hours learning, here, there and of course at the Apple store. I am still enjoying my Friday 3 1/2 hour class at Kendall and have been working on a new jewelry collection.......The Matte Collection.......all the pieces are a matte finish......I need to take some pictures and my next post should be a preview of the collection.

Happy EASTER all!

A cruel joke from Mother Nature!

2011-04-22T08:42:00.000-04:00

Hailing from sunny Florida I have often wondered where I went wrong that I ended up in this place called Michigan.......Oh yeah I think it's called a husband. So I woke up on 4.18.2011 walked into my den and looked outside and what to my surprise did I find? Mother Nature had played a cruel trick on me and there was snow.......actually 3 inches during the night and then 2 more in the morning and by the time it was done we had gotten 5 inches.......that's just not right this time of year and I was not happy. My poor little daffodils were hanging their little heads and were unhappy as well. I don't know where Spring is hiding this year but it ain't here.......

New Gift Wrapping!

2011-04-22T08:29:00.000-04:00

Since I like to change things every now and then to keep them fresh and interesting I decided to go from brown boxes with either lime green ribbon or orange ribbon to something a bit more subdued and elegant. I found some beautiful aqua ribbon that had fleur-de-lis all over it and some aqua and brown 2 sided ribbon with a stitched edge to which I add a smaller brown ribbon. I made some little accent tags with fleur-de-lis and voila........new packaging.

Family time in Northern California

2011-02-05T18:27:00.000-05:00

I love California.......so much to do so little time. So we were in California for a whole week at Thanksgiving visiting my dear Sister-in-law Joanie and her husband Jeff. They are such wonderful hosts and we had such a great time. We made Thanksgiving dinner together and it was yummy.

Went to Napa to some wine tastings and a great Gallery where I bought a print.

We ate lunch at Dean & Deluca's under the olive trees and bought some food items......it was fun to see the real place after receiving the mail order catalog for years.

The guys went to a Raiders game Jeff's favorite team.....his garage is floor to ceiling Raiders stuff.....this picture is not very good of the guys........so don't tell that I posted it.

We went to Columbia, California which is an old gold mining town sadly the cold weather had followed us to California from Michigan so we could not pan for gold.......too bad because I know we left that huge gold nugget we were going to find behind........darn the weather. Columbia is also where numerous Western movies have been filmed High Noon being one of them with Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.

We did lots of other fun stuff like eat at great restaurants......Thai and Mexican, shop at an amazing Design Center where we bought a new Christmas tree and lots of other fun Christmas decorations. I bought some of the most beautiful ribbons I have ever seen..........but the fun ended way to soon and we had to head back home. We have lots of fond memories of our visit.......looking forward to visiting again soon........Thank you Joanie and Jeff.

To bad we don't get any snow around here......LOL

2011-02-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

So I think I would like to stop all this snow and ask Spring to please come back. I would like nothing better then not to have to climb up and over 10 foot walls of snow. We take a daily walk through the woods at the end of our street which back up to a shopping center parking lot. The other day after the big blizzard we came to the end of the trail and found a 10 foot wall of snow blocking it. My inclination was to turn back and go back home through the woods................but Hogan my little English Cocker had other plans and before I knew it he had scaled the wall of snow and was on the other side so what's a girl to do but climb the wall of snow to find him on the other side running along behind the shopping center. He loves his walks and looks forward to them no matter what the weather. Me on the other hand I have to start talking myself into the walk at least an hour before we go.......so do you kind of get the picture.......Florida girl living in the snow country..........it is sheer torture for me and if it were up to me I would just join all the smart animals and hibernate for the winter. But alas that is not an option so I must suffer and hope to whine enough that Mark will eventually move me away to a warmer climate or let me go to my home in Florida for the winter. Sorry for the long break between postings I promise not to let as much time go by in the future.

Some winter hilarity for you dog lovers!

2010-12-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook account and when I saw it I just could not stop laughing. It is sooooo cute ENJOY!!!

How cute is this!

2010-11-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

So one of the pumpkins on my front porch was getting a bit mushy at the top so I descided to roll it into the woods with the hope that the deer might like it and look who found it........looks like those pumpkin seeds I'm missing out on are making someone else really happy.

Desert Storm Bracelet!

2010-11-18T20:14:00.001-05:00

It must be the cold damp weather we are having that is making me think of the desert and making me actually name a bracelet "Desert Storm" but nevertheless that seems to be the name the bracelet ended up with. The piece of Montana Agate that is the center of the bracelet does look like a storm in the desert where you see things flying around on the horizon. The beauty of this bracelet is that the centerpiece is removable and can be exchanged with others thereby making one bracelet be many. At the moment I am planning many more center pieces which will be available for purchase after the first of the year as will be many different size bracelet parts.

Desert Storm Bracelet with Gem centerpiece removed.

The Windy City

2010-11-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

Wow how time flies.....it has been 2 weeks since my last blog entry. We were just in Chicago last week......I do love that city. We got to stay at the new Trump International Hotel and Towers it was a great hotel and wonderful service. The drive down gave us a taste of what is to come weatherwise.....rain, hail and then sleet....we also saw a horrible accident involving many cars thank goodness not us.

Trump is the small tower in the middle of this picture LOL!

Our room was beautiful......

The first night we got to eat dinner at Smith and Wollensky.......great seafood and awesome steak.......upscale business attire.

The next night we got to eat at Dika's in downtown Chicago (I guess there is more then one) as you would suspect the place is loaded with memoribilia of Mike Ditka and the Bears and he is always there greeting patrons it was really fun and great food.

Of course there was a little shopping by little ole me while Mark was in meetings and I bought a few things. While shopping at Nordstrom's I ran into a good friend and her daughter from home which was fun....it is a small world when you can go to another city and state and run into friends. It's great to have a world class city like Chicago so close by.

It's always a good day when it starts out with music!!!!!

2010-10-27T09:16:00.000-04:00

I have always been a fan of Huey Lewis and I saw him tis morning on a financial show and he was talking about being a small business owner etc. and one of the hosts asked him about his new CD coming out on Nov. 2nd so I had to go check it out and he sings the song "Respect Yourself" originally by the Staple Singers.......boy do I remember when that song came out I loved that songs so I thought I would share it with everyone........Enjoy!!!!!

Todd Reed does it again!!!!!

2010-10-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

Best of Show: Todd Reed, Todd Reed, Inc.
Palladium cuff bracelet featuring a 22.40 ct. Aquamarine accented with grey Diamonds (6.90 ctw.) and white
Diamonds (2.20 ctw.).

It could not have happened to a nicer guy. Todd Reed is pretty big time......but when I wrote him an e-mail a while ago to ask him a question he actually responded.......I was totally blown away. Not only did he respond but we had e-mails back and forth for about a week. He's a really nice guy and oh so talented.

For Animal Print lovers and Oh Yeah serious Shoe Addicts

2010-10-25T14:53:00.001-04:00

For as long as I can remember I have loved animal print ANYTHING so much so that all my friends buy me animal print things. My husband keeps asking me when I am going to get over it N E V E R. So with that in mind look what I found.........I seriously need these myself. The are by Nina http://ninashoes.com/yaneli-brown--14395

One of my Favorite Designers

2010-10-25T13:17:00.001-04:00

Pamella DeVos

One of my favorite designer labels is Pamella Roland http://www.pamellaroland.com/index.php. I love her feminine clothes season after season. Oddly enough Pamella DeVos who is the President of the company and Designer is from Grand Rapids, Michigan where I live. Her clothing line was launched in the Fall of 2002 and took off like crazy. Her gowns can be seen on stars at every awards show.......they are just exquisite.

CarrieAnn Inaba

Hillary Swank

Waves Cuff

2010-10-20T23:34:00.001-04:00

Finished the Waves cuff today and love how it turned out. It is sterling silver and the ends are brass to give it the gold and silver look for a lot less money then 14 karat gold. It will be listed for sale on my website http://christinedarnell.com/

Special Order Stalactite Ring

2010-10-20T23:20:00.000-04:00

A while ago I was listed on http://bludomain.com/ as one of many clients they had brought live. It also listed the name of my website template Harlowe which resulted in many people contacting me who wanted to ask me questions about my website and template and who compliment me on my website design. There were people who said they loved my jewelry and would keep my link for purchasing in the future. One of the people was a very nice lady from Virginia who indeed a short while later contacted me to place a special order for a stalactite slice ring. I sent pictures of the choices and she selected her favorite one and I made the ring......I was bending the last prong when the gem slice chipped I was beside myself.....I had made a few before and never had a stalactite chip so why did it have to happen on a special order?!?!?!? So I contacted the customer with the bad news and asked her what she wanted to do......she selected another stalactite slice but I knew she really liked the purple and green one she had selected initially so I decided to try to see if I could save it. So I made a new setting for it which had a bezel to protect the uneven edge and it turned out nicely. I sent pictures to her and she liked it and wanted it........happy ending and here is the end result.......it went out in the mail today.

I'm in the Spotlight!!!!!

2010-10-20T21:25:00.001-04:00

What could be more fun then taking a walk on a sunny fall day with all of the beautiful fall colors and your beloved dog......you say nothing.....well think again.......being featured on Pearls Events Blog. Aletha did a lovely feature about me and my jewelry on her wedding planning blog.......Thank you so much!!!!!
http://www.pearlseventsblog.com/

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Spotlight | Christine Darnell Jewelry Designs

I had the opportunity to sit down with jewelry designer, Christine Darnell, a few weeks ago, and boy, did she WOW me with her beautiful work! Over a cup of coffee, we looked at many pieces in her numerous collections, and I can honestly say that I was blown away with her exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and huge variety of gems.

Christine recently started a blog and although she's currently designing jewelry for a living, her former career as an interior designer shines through in her writing, as well as her passion for architecture, fashion, travel, music and movies.

In between sips of coffee, I had a chance to ask her a few questions about her and her work, so please enjoy a little Q&A with Christine Darnell...

How long have you been designing jewelry?
I've been designing jewelry since 1999.

What is your favorite piece in your collection?
If I had to pick just one, I would have to say the Spiderweb Cuff. If I get to pick just a couple more, I'd go with the Dinosaur Bone and Pink Tourmaline Ring.

What is the most rare metal/stone/gem you've used?
Raw diamonds are the most rare stone I've ever used. They are simply gorgeous in their raw form.

How many of your clients order custom pieces?
Although I have quite a large collection, 75% of my sales are special orders for our clients.

What is your favorite item to make?
I would have to say rings, probably because I personally love rings so much. I just don't have enough fingers for all the rings I own!!!!

What is the most popular piece?
I don't have one popular piece, however I sell many items with pearls. In particular, Keishi Pearls and Corn Flake Pearls. From pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, they are all big sellers.

How do you find such unique items to use, such as these Keishi pearls?
I hand select all my gems and pearls at gem shows and I love working with people to design special, one-of-a-kind pieces for special events such as weddings and other social events.

Paris Fashion Week

2010-10-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

I love the whole Gaucho look by Hermes.......love the clothes, the hats and the boots.....totally awesome.

I have always loved one shoulder gowns and this one by Lanvin is exquisite.

Love the bright cheery colors and flowing sheer fabrics of these dresses by Christian Dior. They remind me of a trip to the Carribean I need to go on.........Oooooops I guess I'll take Mark my husband with me.

Just some highlights from Paris Fashion Week.....enjoy!

Pantone Fall Color Report

2010-10-14T14:28:00.001-04:00

If you are a slave to fashion (oh heaven forbid.....not me) and and need some guidance for your Fall 2010/Winter 2011 wardrobe these are the colors that all the big name designers are showing in their collections.

"I Dream in Jewelry"

2010-10-13T17:09:00.000-04:00

A girl after my own heart.......When Rachel Zoe isn't jet setting from one fashion week to another, she's at home, trying to siphon through her many, many ideas for her new jewelry line. Collecting since she was 11, her over-the-top and often gaudy style came from her mother combined with a little Cleopatra and Bianca Jagger, so she says.

Keishi pearls

2010-09-25T21:13:00.002-04:00

I just love pearls they are so traditional and timless and one of my favorites are Keishi pearls because of their uniqueness. Like all natural pearls, Keshis, or "chance" pearls, are all nacre, iridescent layers of mother-of-pearl. The pearls are either salt or freshwater, natural or cultured. I found these great pearl pictures on the Veranda Magazine website which is my favorite home magazine.

I am thinking about going to a Gem Show next weekend and just know that I will find myself drawn to some of my favorite pearl suppliers never mind that I don't need more pearls but they always seem to be calling my name.......LOL

The B52's - Love Shack

2010-09-25T20:49:00.001-04:00

I can't get this song out of my mind since we saw them in concert last night. It was the first thing I was humming when I woke up this morning and the whole time we worked out in the yard today doing fall cleanup. This is a fun video......enjoy.

What a way to end the day......

2010-09-25T00:04:00.000-04:00

We went to the B 52's concert tonight.........what a blast. They are great and I just love the song Love Shack. These guys sound every bit as good as they did 30 years ago......their voices are still very strong.

So it begins......

2010-09-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

My first post and I'm so excited I hope it won't be too ugly. As they say.....practice makes perfect......that's what I'm hoping for anyway. LOL.......

I just finished a giveaway with Southern Weddings Magazine on their Blog and the winner has just been announced Giveaway Contest Winner Congratulations Catherine B.

Gotta run and take my sweet boy for his walk......he is stealing things that means take me for a walk. Ok Hogan here I come........