In my experience with gift giving, jewelry is always a winner and this has caused me to explore the option of custom designed, handcrafted jewelry. You see, when I am looking for a piece of jewelry, I want to find something unique and “out of this world”. I search for that impossible, sparkling item containing the magic quality that says, “Look! I know you and I care enough to invest time and energy in finding the very thing you most wanted! Aren’t I sneaky?” I want to see utter astonishment on the recipients face, a look of disbelief and genuine heartfelt appreciation, along with the awestruck statement, “How did you know?” This is the kind of response that makes me, the giver, just as happy as the recipient; it becomes a mutual receiving fest.

For me, gift giving has become a watered down experience since shopping for jewelry has made me weary. Most merchandise looks the same and if it doesn’t, the price is ridiculous whether or not the item is desirable. Most jewelry is being manufactured now in batches and duplicates by someone I don’t even know, and will probably never meet let alone talk to. Who are these people and where do they live?

I know crafty people who make crafty gifts catered to the recipient’s tastes! My daughter makes earrings and necklaces for her girlfriends, who are always thrilled to wear her personalized art pieces. These talented craftspeople are to be respected, if not worshipped for their saintly pursuits. I mean really. Who has the time? Which leads me to discuss the subject of this long-winded dissertation, I design it. The artist makes it. This is what “custom designed, handcrafted” means. And if you look online, you will find many resources for handcrafted custom jewelry. Continue reading ‘Custom Designed, Handcrafted Jewelry. A Personal Experience’

What a golden opportunity this Valentine’s Day is to start a new tradition of giving. Love is the greatest gift we humans have to offer and I just want to wrap my arms around everyone! It’s February and love is in the air. Spring is coming, and Valentine’s Day ushers in a new round of giving.

Really this holiday is exceptional because it is an opportunity to stop and think about what your partner, spouse, girlfriend, or lover, if you will, means to you. Think about the impact this day can have on the rest of your lives together. It is a whole day for lovers. It is a day that invites us to be ridiculously in love with full permission to express it! How cool is that? Our everyday lives can take some of the zest out of romance if not remove it completely if we let it. I mean, who has time to create romance? Valentine’s Day is the day to create time for love.

This could be the year to start your Valentine’s Day tradition and this is my invitation to all of us to step into the air of love. Give hugs; give flowers, cards, chocolates and jewels. Give compliments, it is so easy to be generous. We have nothing to lose on a holiday that just begs us to make fools of ourselves. Continue reading ‘Valentine’s Day Tradition and Love Expressed Through Giving’