This Friday is what some people call “Black Friday” because of the extreme after Thanksgiving sales that take place for early birds. Well…skip the crowds, the lines and the early wake up call and instead browse www.naturalbeautyjewelry.com’s Black Friday Sale. Select items will be up to 50% off plus free shipping on all purchases until 12/25/08.

So stay in your pajamas, eat left over turkey and shop for beautiful handmade jewelry from the comfort of your home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Natural Beauty Jewelry will be exhibiting at The Festival of Trees 2008. This event is sponsored by The Junior League of Duluth, a volunteer organization that raises money to help their community. At the event you can expect over 140 of the area’s top crafters and vendors showing their wares.

The Festival of Trees – “The Northland’s Largest Holiday Arts and Crafts Show”

Location

Lake Superior College, 2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811

Dates/Hours

November 22, 2008 /8:00am-4:00pm

November 23, 2008/10:00am-3:00pm

More Information

http://juniorleagueduluth.com/duluth/npo.jsp?pg=fundraiser&article=506

Hope to see you there!

Updated: The Black and White Collection is now available! Come share in the excitment: Black and White Jewelry

I am very excited to launch the new Black and White Collection, and just in time for the holidays! The collection will debut on Tuesday, November 11th offering classic to trendy jewelry designs using black onyx, crystal quartz, mother of pearl, zebra stone, and freshwater pearls. You can’t go wrong in black and white…a timeless color pallette that is always in style!

So keep an eye out for your promotional email. And if you aren’t on our email list…please join! Just type your email address in the box on the bottom of the home page and we’ll send you emails alerting you to upcoming events and promotions just like this one.

In case you didn’t already know, all of our jewelry comes packaged in recycled paper gift boxes…and it’s free of charge!

Each recycled paper gift box contains a paper insert bearing the NBJ logo and website. Many of our earrings also come with a free pair of rubber earring backs, so don’t miss them taped inside the box cover.

*If you would prefer not to receive a gift box, please make special note when placing your order.

Why Buy Handmade?

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.

“I pledge to buy handmade this holiday season and request that others do the same for me.” 

If you want to support anything and everything handmade, go to www.buyhandmade.org to make your pledge. Then reply to this blog posting to let me know…it would be really cool if you did!

*Information courtesy of http://www.buyhandmade.org/why-buy-handmade

Now featuring 37 new fall designs! 

Browse a lovely assortment of amethyst, carnelian, turquoise, agate and many other designer pieces. All are handmade using sterling silver, gold filled and other fine materials.

View all of the 2008 fall designs by clicking here.

I thought many of you would like to see where Natural Beauty Jewelry was born, so here are a few pictures of my work space.

All of my designs originate here at my desk in my loft. But don’t let the size of my work space fool you…there are many, many tiny things stuffed away in their own individual places. I keep an assortment of magazines, books and resources at hand in my bookshelf for inspiration and reference. 

 I have to admit that my desk is not always this clean. I never know when a wave of inspiration will take over, at which point tidiness is thrown out the window to make way for the completion of a new design.

 And of course, there is the home office where I often work as well. I work in here when I am doing a lot of web work, administrative tasks, and printing, etc. 

We’ll see how much longer I can be contained inside my current space. I hope to someday have a studio in which to display my work and welcome customers to stop by and say hello.

Do you have trouble getting your fingers to maneuver that tiny lobster clasp? Sick of asking another person to put on your necklace or bracelet for you? A magnetic clasp is just what you need!

 If you would like to order your Natural Beauty Jewelry with a magnetic clasp instead of a lobster clasp please contact us before ordering and we will assist you in placing your order. Magnetic clasps are silver plated or gold plated only, additional charges may apply.

Pictured jewelry: Peach Moonstone, Coin Pearls and Turquoise Bracelet

Want to wear more jewelry? Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips on how to get started. I have pulled together a list of pieces that should be included in every woman’s jewelry collection:

1) Pendant Necklace - A pendant necklace is versatile and can add a sturdy focal point to many ensembles.

2) Cuff Bracelets- These are easy to mix and match. Silver cuff bracelets accent your everyday jewelry magnificently!

3) Pearls – Available in many different lengths, pearls are the perfect touch of class and sophistication that is always in style.

4) Long/linear Earrings - The eye is naturally attracted to geometric lines and angles. Long earrings catch the eye and add an flattering element to any outfit.

5) Chunky Ring- Who doesn’t appreciate an over sized cocktail ring? Whether it is made of turquoise, black onyx or citrine, at least one is necessary.

6) Charm Bracelet – Charm bracelets add a little funk to your attire, whether it be full of your own hand picked charms or a fun thing to look at throughout the day.

7) Long Chain Necklace – Long chains can compliment the many outfits of your life and lengthen your overall appearance. Try mixing and matching silver and gold long chain necklaces for a new twist.

8) Diamond Studs – Classic, beautiful and forever a staple. Try wearing diamond studs with your more complicated jewelry pieces. They will make sure that you don’t look too “over-done”!

Is there a jewelry piece that is missing from this list? Just click on the above title of this blog posting to leave a comment.