Charitable Monthly Spotlight - HAG

This month I'm showing my support for HAG, an organization that helps people with Sugar Gliders who are having a tough time caring for them. It's not a hand-out but a hand-up.... more like Goodwill for Gliders than anything else. To learn more about this awesome organization, click here.

What is a sugar-glider?


“Sugar Gliders” are small marsupials in the same general family as a Kangaroo or Koala Bear. They are originally from the rainforests of Australia and Indonesia , and have been domestically bred as household pets in the United States for the last 12-15 years.

Often called 'pocket-pets', they are super soft and adorable. However, they also need a ton of care and upkeep. Since they're so dang adorable, many people will get one as a 'cool' pet not knowing exactly what it takes to raise them.

I've learned a ton about these cute critters as I've been a proud Sugar Glider Mama for the past 4 years. We're huge animal lovers in my house... along with our glider we also have a dog, a cat, and a bird. Just a bit of a zoo going on over here!

I discovered HAG last year while researching on my glider - I like to keep up-to-date on the latest news and techniques in raising these exotic animals. I was so impressed with both the mission of HAG as well as the knowledge and passion shown by founder Amanda Nojoe, that I knew I wanted to show my support. Which brought me to the question...

How can I help?!


Simple. I've decided to donate 10% of my total January sales from my website, BlueCopperJewelry.com, to HAG!! With each purchase you make from Blue Copper Jewelry you'll be getting beautiful jewelry and helping a great cause, all at the same time! It doesn't get much easier than that does it?!

Featured Jewelry - Week 3

All designs are currently available at BlueCopperJewelry.com
To see more details on any of these pieces, just click on the link directly below the photo.

Getting ready to ring in 2015 in style? That's why this week I'm highlighting some beautiful and sparkly designs in classic black, white and gray. Happy New Years to you... and stay safe out there!


Gray Agate 'Door Knocker' Earrings

Silver Crystal and Pearl Bracelet

Snowflake Obsidian Nugget Necklace

Silver Pearl and Black Crystal Bracelet

Black and White Agate Earrings

Featured Jewelry - Week 2

Here are 5 more original jewelry designs currently available on my website, BlueCopperJewelry.com. To see more details on any of these pieces, just click on the link directly below the photo. I sure hope you all enjoy. 
This week I'd like to highlight some of the gemstones I work with. As beaded bracelets are what got me started down the path of creating my own jewelry brand, this week I'll be showcasing semi-precious stones through bracelets. Happiest of holidays to you all!!
Fresh water pearl
Agate
Onyx
Lapis lazuli
Hematite

Happy Birthday Capricorn

Capricorn - the Goat 
12/22 - 1/19




Basic Traits:

Capricorn's are also philosophical signs and are highly intelligent too. They apply their knowledge to practical matters, and strive to maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, and they achieve their goals by purposeful, systematic means. They are very intuitive, although they don't share this trait with others freely. They do not deal well with opposition or criticism but a healthy Capricorn will often shrug off negative comments towards their character. They are patient and persevering - they know they can accomplish any task as long as they follow a their plan step-by-step. Capricorn's have broad shoulders, and typically take on others problems with aplomb. Ironically, they rarely share their own problems and tend to go through bouts of inner gloom after a spell of dwelling on these problems.


The Deeper Meaning:

Capricorn witnesses to the importance of the social order in which one lives, its proper functioning, and the personal fulfillment which can be found through finding one's true place within it. Capricorn follows Sagittarius in the zodiac. Sagittarius is concerned with finding a philosophical or religious framework in which life makes sense, but is not necessarily interested in the practical implications. All the earth signs, of which Capricorn is one, give substance to the ideas of the preceding fire sign. For Capricorn, it is not enough to have a grand idea about the meaning of life. The meaning is lost unless it can be contained within the social order in which people live. Ethical ideas (Sagittarius) must be worked out in terms of socially responsible behavior (Capricorn).

For all earth signs, it is all too easy to lose sight of the inspiration whose practical working out it is the task of the earth sign to witness to. For Capricorn, this can lead to meaningless drudgery within a conformist setting, and morally upright attitudes divorced from the spiritual insights which can give them life. You may frequently encounter, even love, people who challenge you in this area, and compatibility with such people may seem difficult. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which was the boundary of the known universe in ancient times (before Uranus, Neptune and Pluto were discovered), and how to deal with the experience of boundaries is one of the prime issues with which people with Capricorn or Saturn strong in their charts have to deal. We live in a world in which it is necessary to live within boundaries - the issue is, are the boundaries we experience real or imaginary, imposed or self-imposed? Do we live within the real limitations that being alive in this world entails, or are we constrained by fear from stepping out into a larger experience of life?

If you have planets in your birth chart in the signs either side of Capricorn, Sagittarius or Aquarius, then you might experience a strong pull away from the limitations implied by Capricorn. The Moon in Sagittarius, for instance, would indicate a longing for the freedom to imagine a life without limitation, an inclination to put mundane life into a mythological or philosophical context which can help lift one out of the very earthy requirements of Capricorn. This would be a part of your nature which needs to be honored and a place found for it in your life.

Featured Jewelry - Week 1

This is the first of a new weekly post where I'll be highlighting up to 5 of my original jewelry designs currently available on my website, BlueCopperJewelry.com. To see more details on any of these pieces, just click on the link directly below the photo. I sure hope you all enjoy. :)

For this initial week I'd like to jump things off with what I love best... Copper!

Square Copper Dot Earrings

Triplet Copper Sparkle Bracelet

Hammered Copper Chain Pendant

Copper Chain Chandelier Earrings

Copper Goddess Statement Necklace

See you next week with more goodies!!
~Vanessa

How to Care for Copper Jewelry

Copper is a natural material that will patina, or tarnish, over time; this is a natural occurrence. To help your copper jewelry it’s original shine longer by keeping it dry and in an airtight zip-lock plastic bag when not being worn.

I, however, am a bit of a rebel! I let my bracelets get wet. I leave them out in the air for weeks between wearing them. I like to let my copper get super dark, like an old penny. By wearing the bracelet, it naturally polishes itself, really highlighting the high- and low-points of the beads. Personally, I think it give the pieces more character.

If you like your copper super shiny, then just keep it out of the air when you’re not wearing it. If you want to polish up your copper, here are a few methods for cleaning and shining copper jewelry:
  • My favorite way to clean my copper jewelry pieces is with a jewelry polishing pad... Please contact me if you're interested in purchasing either a polishing pad or polishing cloth. (I'm currently taking orders)
  • Worcestershire sauce does a great job of cleaning copper jewelry. This method should not be used with gemstones or pearls that cannot be cleaned with chemical cleaners, as the acid in the sauce may affect more delicate stones.
  • The acid in the tomato of the ketchup also shines up copper quite nicely. This method can be messier than the Worcestershire. Apply it with a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting ketchup on the same types of stones as should not be used with chemical cleaners.

Be aware, pearls and malachite are both very delicate, and should not be treated with any chemicals. Keep pieces with these stones dry and airtight if you prefer your copper shiny.

Celebration time

It's my birthday! Well, not mine exactly... it is the one year anniversary of Blue Copper Jewelry Designs on Etsy though!

Here's the back-story:


Last year, on the Fourth of July, I was feeling stagnant in my business. I already had a shop on Etsy where I sold my shell nightlights, my mom's jewelry, along with a few of my copper bracelets. Something was missing though.

It didn't feel like 'my' shop; my work felt more like an addendum that just didn't fit. So as America celebrated her independence, I decided to declare my own; a place to explore my own creative freedom.


And what a year it has been!!


I've been blessed with awesome customers who are digging on what I've been creating. As an artist you create what's in your mind and heart... and then cross you fingers and hope that folks will like it too.

That first sale was so cool. I felt like Sally Field; 'You like me. You really like me!' Sounds silly, but it's true! Each piece has a little bit of my heart and soul in it, so it's such an honor when someone else recognizes that.

I think it's time to celebrate!


Don't you?! So the real question is how does one celebrate the 'birthday' of a brand?

By having a super-duper Happy Birthday sale!!

For the month of July I'm offering 30% off everything in my Etsy shop! And it's really simple... you won't even need a coupon code!

(As a side note, my shop will be closed Saturday, July 12th... I'll be at the Indie Craft Bazaar down in Ft. Lauderdale. If you're in the area, stop by and say 'Hi!' And in the meantime, be sure to purchase your favorites... a number of my pieces are one-of-a-kind designs, so once they're sold, they're gone!)


You've Been Treasured!

I've been selling my copper jewelry designs on Etsy since July 5th of last year and in that time I've had my work featured in a number of treasuries. It is such an honor when your work recognized!

In order to share the love I'd like to take this post to share some of these fantastic treasuries with you.

Virgo 'I serve'

Virgo
August 23 - September 22
2nd Earth sign - 2nd Mutable sign - Feminine
In analogy with Mercury, her ruler, and the 6th house
Virgo governs the intestine.

Her color is green or yellow, her stone is the agate, her day is Wednesday, her professions are accountant, secretary, writer, computer scientist, nurse, doctor... 

If your sign is Virgo or your Ascendant is Virgo:

Leo 'I love'

Leo
July 23 - August 22
2nd Fire sign - 2nd Fixed sign - Masculine
In analogy with the Sun, his ruler, and the 5th House
Leo governs the heart and the spine, and the eyes, according to some authors.

His color is gold or orange, his stone is the diamond, his day is Sunday, his professions are actor, manager, jeweler, fashion and arts, and action (e.g. fireman)... 

If your sign is Leo or your Ascendant is Leo:

Pisces 'We serve'

Pisces
February 19 - March 20
3rd Water sign - 4th Mutable sign - Feminine
In analogy with Neptune her ruler with Jupiter, and the 12th House
Pisces governs the feet and the blood circulation.

Her color is green or purple or turquoise blue, her stone is the amethyst, her day is Thursday, her professions are seamanship and faraway travels, musician, social and emergency worker, doctor, writer and jobs in remote places... 

If your sign is Pisces or your Ascendant is Pisces:

Aquarius 'We love'

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18
3rd Air sign - 4th Fixed sign - Masculine
In analogy with Uranus, his ruler with Saturn, and the 11th House
Aquarius governs the ankles and the legs.

His color is navy blue or indigo, his stone is the sapphire, his day is Saturday, his professions are astrologer, high technologies, scientist, astronaut, psychiatrist, actor, electrician... 

If your sign is Aquarius or your Ascendant is Aquarius:

Capricorn 'We achieve'

Capricorn 
December 21 - January 19
3rd Earth sign - 4th Cardinal sign (winter solstice) - Feminine
In analogy with Saturn, her ruler, and the 10th House
Capricorn governs the knees, the bones and the skin.

Her color is black, or grey, green or brown, her stone is the jade, her day is Saturday, her professions are politician, researcher, jurist, scientist, engineer, administrator... 

If your sign is Capricorn or your Ascendant is Capricorn:

Sagittarius 'We think'

Sagittarius 
November 22 - December 20
3rd Fire sign - 3rd Mutable sign - Masculine
In analogy with Jupiter, his ruler, and the 9th House
Sagittarius governs the thighs and the liver.

His color is indigo, orange or red, his stone is the carbuncle, his day is Thursday, his professions are explorer, commercial traveler, pilot, philosopher, writer, clergyman... 

If your sign is Sagittarius or your Ascendant is Sagittarius:

Scorpio "We have"

Scorpio 
October 23 - November 21
2nd Water sign - 3rd Fixed sign - Feminine
In analogy with Pluto, her ruler with Mars, and the 8th House
Scorpio governs the sexual organs and the anus.

Her color is black or dark red, her stone is the malachite, her day is Tuesday, her professions are gynecologist, psychiatrist, detective, police, the military, stockbroker, asset manager... 

If your sign is Scorpio or your Ascendant is Scorpio:

Libra 'We are'

Libra 
September 23 - October 22
2nd Air sign - 3rd Cardinal sign (autumn equinox) - Masculine
In analogy with Venus, his ruler, and the 7th House
Libra governs the kidneys and the bladder.

His color is blue or red (not too bright), his stone is the opal, his day is Friday, his professions are in the beauty, luxury or fashion industry, musician, artistic creator, lawyer, mediator... 

If your sign is Libra or your Ascendant is Libra:

Cancer 'I feel'

Cancer
June 22 - July 22
1st Water sign - 2nd Cardinal sign (summer solstice) - Feminine
In analogy with the Moon, her ruler, and the 4th House
Cancer governs the stomach and the breast.

Her color is white or black, her stone is the moonstone, her day is Monday, her professions are catering, the hotel trade, property, antique dealer, archaeologist...

If your sign is Cancer or your Ascendant is Cancer:

Gemini 'I think'

Gemini
May 21 - June 21
1st Air sign - 1st Mutable sign - Masculine
In analogy with Mercury, his ruler, and the 3rd House
Gemini governs the arms, the lungs and the thorax.

His color is green or silver, his stone is the crystal, his day is Wednesday, his professions are journalist, lawyer, presenter, dancer, salesman, travel agent, teacher... 

If your sign is Gemini or if your Ascendant is Gemini:

Taurus 'I have'

Taurus
April 21 - May 20
1st Earth sign - 1st Fixed sign - Feminine
In analogy with Venus, her ruler, and the 2nd House 
Taurus governs the neck and the throat.

Her color is green or brown, her stone is the emerald, her day is Friday, her professions are cook, artist, estate agent, banker, singer... 

If your sign is Taurus or your Ascendant is Taurus:

Aries 'I am'

Aries 
March 21 - April 20

1st Fire sign - 1st Cardinal sign (spring equinox) - Masculine
In analogy with Mars, his ruler, and the 1st House 
Aries governs the head.

His color is red, his stone is the heliotrope, his day is Tuesday, and his professions are businessman, policeman, sportsman, surgeon... 

If your sign is Aries or your Ascendant is Aries:

Bohemian Wrap Bracelets from Blue Copper Jewelry


Flower Power!


Astrological Jewelry meets Home Depot


Why Copper is my Muse

People often ask why I work in Copper rather than the traditional gold and silver of most jewelers. The reason? I love copper because of its significance in the development of civilization, and therefore, art.

No substance has been as important to the development of civilization than metal. And of those metals, Copper was the first to be utilized, and then the first to be used to smelt, or create new, harder metals through heat and hammering.

But lets go back. Waaaaay back to the beginning...

Flower Power Resin Charms

Blue Resin Pendant with Copper Flower
Layers are great in the winter. But did you know they're also great with your accessories?

That's all you'll see in fashion magazines these days; stacks of bracelets, multiple rings, and a gazillion necklaces.

While you don't need to 'follow' the masses (I'm a huge fan of drumming to my own beat!), it's a look that can work for everyday folks and everyday living.

While the Fashionistas may wear 15 necklaces with multiple charms on each, perhaps 2-3 necklaces -of varying lengths- and only one charm per, might be a fun and simple way to follow the trends while still following your own style path.

Since I do happen to love to layer my necklaces, I thought it was time to get into the studio and make some charms. And, since it is still spring, I figured flower power charms in resin was the way to go.

If you've ever wanted a real look behind the curtain, here's a quick photo synopsis of my process...  


Hi There

I'm so happy you stopped by!


Welcome to Behind the Jewelry, your peek behind the scenes of my company Blue Copper Jewelry, and a bit of what's going on in my life.

And who am I? Interior designer by trade, jeweler by upbringing, and artist by nature, I am Vanessa Prieto. :)

With Behind the Jewelry I'll share tips and trends in fashion, the inspiration that sparked some of my jewelry designs, bits and pieces of business-y stuff that I learn and come across, and generally other random things that I find interesting enough to share... hopefully you'll find it interesting too. ;) (fingers crossed!!)