April 9, 2011

May in Newton, Boston this summer!

Going to all the open studios and craft shows this Spring has been inspiring. Craft Boston was particularly good this year, but not well attended. Today, I went to the open studios at Fountain Street in Framingham and the energy there was electric! Hopefully, New England is waking up from its overly long and cold winter and is ready to visit artists of all kinds, both fine and craft.

Paternostri will be unveiling new jewelry at Studio 29 in Newton Centre this May. (see the calendar) I have big chunky necklaces of beautiful stones with studded with Hill Tribe silver. Some elegant earrings and pearl bracelets.

This summer, I’ll be at SoWa in Boston’s South End (500 Harrison Avenue), where I’ll put up a tent and display my jewelry in the marketplace along with many other vendors, including food and beverage vendors. It’s a popular destination for many Bostonians. Vendors are there each Sunday throughout Summer and Fall, so check back for the days I will be there.

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February 26, 2011

Best Little Bead Show Brings Rewards

Carol Stoltze and I went down to the Best Little Bead Show in Dedham yesterday. I came back very satisfied with my purchases, having discovered a new stone vendor, Africa Gems from New Jersey. Good prices for large blue green Apatite, chunky Amethyst and aqua Chrysacolla.

Top: Aqua Terra Jasper, Bottom: Apatite

Some discoveries are always to be found in Jaspers and Agates! They are becoming my favorite stones. New (for me) Aqua Terra Jasper, Moss Agate, lentil shape blue Tiger Eye and dark red Jade. Some faceted Green Agate caught my eye as well as an unusual white striped Carnelian. What treasures to behold! Along with the ever beautiful Hill Tribe Silver nature themed charms, I’m excited to see what will come out of these beads.

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Filed under Agate, Amethyst, Carnelian, Goodies, Hill Tribe Silver, Jade, Jasper, Tiger Eye

February 4, 2011

Shipping Stones

It’s easy to spend a lot of money fast and come home with loads of rocks. In my first two hours at the Tucson Gem Mall, I had enough to weigh down my bag considerably. Even though I only purchased from several vendors that day, they each had enough on display that browsing the beads can take upwards of an hour. Thanks to the USPS for their Fit it and Ship it boxes. I send one heavy medium box for about $10 and it arrived the day after I got home.

The second vendor I visited was from India and specialized in silver and gold filled findings. Their Hill Tribe silver from Thailand was extensive. The price of silver has increased this last year, so some of the tags were a little disconcerting. Never-the-less, I came out with several hundred dollars worth of silver.

The third vendor was from Illinois, and specializes in mid-east vintage beads and findings. I’ve seen this vendor at the Marlborough Gem and Jewelry Show.  He sold me rough agates and hand-made glass discs. The last vendor was a company from California. The rep was an older sweet  person. He quoted prices to me that were more than half off the tags and I responded by hauling away a bundle. I especially like the natural turquoise, onyx, quartz peridot and aquamarine gems.

I made it to two other venues on other days and found luscious pearls and other gems! Already, I can’t wait until next year when I plan to spend more time searching out the unusual and high quality that only Tucson can offer!

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Filed under Aquamarine, Hill Tribe Silver, Onyx, Pearl, Peridot, Tucson, Turquoise

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January 24, 2011

Beautiful Tucson!

I’m very excited to be going to beautiful Tucson this week with my husband to visit friends and, oh, yes, check out the universally popular wholesale gem and jewelry shows!

I expect to find unusual stones and pearls to use in Paternostri jewelry. One of my favorite stones is jasper. It is a diverse rock coming in many colors and varieties. Ocean Jasper is especially interesting. It’s smooth quality and clear color patterns are unique. Another nice stone is Peruvian Opal, with colors of pink, green or blue. I’ll be looking for nice shapes and cuts. Pearls are a best buy in Tucson. I will be searching for large coin size pearls and keishi briolettes as well as pearls in unusual shapes and colors.

Here is an excerpt form the show’s website:

“For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

The “Gem Show” is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at more than 40 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time – in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls.”

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December 5, 2010

Sweet Orange Body Cream

There is a laboratory on the west coast that sells wholesale face and body products to businesses for resale. I was intrigued by this company’s philosophy and bought several samples over the last year. Finally, I decided to take the leap and purchased a limited supply of the body butter that I found was one of their best products and the best cream I’ve had. Even though the natural scent of the cream was pleasing, I did some experimentation with essential oils and came up with a blend that I think makes this the best butter around for the price. In addition, I designed a label and came up with some pretty packaging.

Deb’s Body Butter will be for sale at the next two shows, as long as it lasts. Come try a sample!

16 oz. for $12. Made of Jojoba, Almond, Shea, Macadamia, Sunflower and Avocado oils.

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Filed under Natural Body Products

November 27, 2010

Next Sunday in Newton

Next show is Celebrate Newton! at Newton South High School, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm. Don’t miss it! But if you do, you can come to the Newton Corner Home Show December 12 on Hunnewell Street, 12 pm to 5 pm. Jennifer Parmenter and I will be showing exclusively to our favorite customers… and that includes you! We will provide the usual delicious snacks, cookies and beverages.

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