Saltwater & Gemstone Blues... Endless Shades of Blue Beauty....

Hi Lovely Readers~

"The ocean is a symbol of freedom, beauty and finding inner strength." Marissa T.

The color of the sea and sky are the most beautiful colors in the world. I love how they change patterns and color throughout the day. Isn't nature remarkable? Sometimes, when I'm out power walking, all I need to do is look out to the sea or look up, and I feel the creative inspiration start to flow. Does that happen to you? The color of the ocean is divine and all the shades of blue make me swoon. Really. Check out this latest picture I snapped while out getting some exercise and vitamin D.

Can you spot the beautiful seal? Every now and again seals pop up around here, and it is so fun to watch them frolic. They remind me of my Labrador Retriever, Morgan, who used to swim in sea a lot (bobbing his happy head up and down in the salty sea).

The metallic glow of the healing saltwater just lifts me up and makes me think of all the gorgeous blue gemstones I want to use in my next jewelry creations.

Saltwater & sea life inspired (I call these new necklaces I made below, Mermaid Aqua Spike Necklaces. I am making a lot of different combinations with freshwater pearls, clear crystal quartz, sea foam amazonite & that lovely teal aqua spike quartz, more to come). 

The sea is not only incredibly beautiful in all its vibrant changing shades of blue, but, also very healing. Like the sea, gemstones can be very healing as well. I enjoy researching the healing elements of gemstones and have been doing so since I started making jewelry (more than 10 year ago). Quartz, which comes in many colors, (like these fashionable aqua spikes) is a very healing stone. Folklore says, quartz is associated with power, energy and clarity. 

Quartz and the Sea, what a gorgeous combination. Don't you think so?

 There are birds and sea life all around me in the Pacific North West. I found an otter in this gorgeous spot below (I am so often taken aback by the beauty all around me on this island).  The beauty, my deep fascination and love for nature keeps me endlessly inspired when I am creating my jewelry. I love sharing with you why I do what I do and how it fuels the creative fire inside of me. What fuels your fire? 

The triple gemstone necklace below is the beautiful gemstone Kyanite, which comes in all these fabulous natural shades of blue. I see the metallic blue water and the ever changing color of the ocean, in this gemstone. Kyanite comes from the Greek word meaning, Blue. According to folklore, it is said to aid in aligning all your energy fields (chakras) and is a by far, one of the most healing semi-precious gemstones on the planet. Whether you believe in the folklore, it's a fabulous gemstone to wear!

I definitely think I was a mermaid or sea creature in a past life. I love the myth of the mermaid and have always been fascinated by them. I loved playing "mermaid when I was a little girl, swimming in my parents' pool. I do not think there are too many little girls who do not want to be a mermaid or pretend to be at some point in their youth! Right! If you found me snorkeling somewhere, I may be sloshing around and daydreaming about my flippers being a tail.

I found this beautiful mermaid painting by artist, Lucy D. Ream, and had to share it with you. Isn't it stunning? As a creative artist, (trying to find my way in a brand new environment). I am in awe of the raw natural beauty all around me and it motivates me to keep plunging in, eyes wide open, as a jewelry designer & maker.

Artist, Lucy D Ream

If you have any questions on any of my jewelry pieces or want to share how the sea inspire you, I would love to hear from you. 

"Be Real. Be Kind & above all else Be Sparkly,"

Marissa T. XO

Huge Lifestyle Change? Finding Balance with Yoga and Sparkle...

Hello Beautiful Readers~

First a COUPON SURPRISE. 

{FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS, SPECIAL COUPON JUST FOR YOU! ENTER :  
BLOGINSTA16 after you purchase something in my etsy shop and receive, 10% OFF OF ANY JEWELRY ORDER! Lasts for 2 weeks!}


If you've read some of my posts, you know that I recently made a tremendous life change. For those of you that are new, I'll catch you up. I moved about 5 months ago, from the East coast (in the U.S., from the East coast, Boston, MA, literally to the very other side, to the Pacific North West Coast, Washington. An island near Canada). That is a enormous lifestyle change. My husband, Daniel and I, are still very much in transition and that is not always easy. We sold our home on the East Coast, said good bye to our old jobs, and are pursuing our passions for work. You only live once. Is that exciting? Very much so! However, all that transition and change makes it challenging for your mind, body, and soul. I believe connecting and finding balance for your mind body and soul is always a challenge. However, add enormous life changes, and it can get even harder. My answer these days is: YOGA.

This is one of my happy places. Here and my YOGA MAT.

Everything is still so very NEW.  With new, comes unease and excitement all at the same time. For me, and I would think for most, it is very beneficial to find things that ground you. Exercise (I've posted about my power beach walks) and yoga are my things! I did yoga on the east coast. But, not very regularly. Now, I happily practice yoga several times a week! I LOVE it! I cannot tell you how amazing yoga is for me. It's goes beyond what regular cardio exercise does for me (and I have been a gym member since I was a young girl). Do you do yoga? Do you experience this bliss? It is so much more than exercise.

For me, yoga is all about, inner strength, power, exercise, balance, breathe, core, inner work, outer work, spirit, trust, harmony, peace. So important to me that I have been creating jewelry pieces inspired by my connection and love for yoga. 

My "Om Necklace." Pewter, Hand-stamped with love. Comes with removable Pink Aquamarine and Freshwater pearl. $33

Spirit Bracelets. Yoga Inspired. (They have the big gorgeous Lemon Yellow Quartz, Aquamarine and Jasper). Jasper gemstone is said to help balance mind and body 

I just made this bracelet that I call "Serene." Part of my Yoga Inspired Jewelry Collection.
The Gemstone Agate is said to promote a sense of Calm (serene) and is a powerful emotional healer. $30

I've met many new and friendly people in this progressive and incredibly scenic place. I hope to meet many many more like minded peeps. Let me just say, it will take some time to find my groove in this special place. Finding your niche, and creating a support system, in a brand new environment, is a considerable and wonderful challenge. However, I am determined to have fun on my journey finding it. When obstacles and uncertainty get in the way, back on my yoga mat I shall go. Back to Om. Back to my breathe. Persistence and practice are words I often hear spoken by my beautiful yoga instructors. Nobody said things come easy. Believe in yourself and in your practice. 

Breathe. Be You. Be in the Moment. and above all else. Be Sparkly. 

Namaste

~Marissa T.xo
 

Happy "Tuesday Tulips" & The Benefits and Beauty of Powerwalks on the Beach.

Hello Readers~

I received the most beautiful red tulips from my husband today for no special reason. He said, "Happy Tuesday Tulips." Who doesn't love flowers from the man they love? It really put a huge smile on my face and my heart. Since moving from the East coast to our new coast, the Pacific North West (it's only been 4 months), my husband and I have been doing a lot of wonderful new things to get to know the island (all in good time). We have also tried to keep some of our everyday rituals (to create more structure in our new lives, since both our routines are completely different now). Some of our small traditions (if you will) are, simple, but, so important. One is , we often exercise together. We go for brisk power walks. (Which we did on the east coast too. We often saw the ocean there too as we lived on a peninsula in a very pretty but, very overpopulated seaside town). Now we can go for brisk power walks on many different glorious beaches (it's especially an amazing workout when you lunge through soft wet sand). You feel the burn in your legs, buttocks, and back!

My husband, Daniel, also used to give my flowers (when we lived on the east coast) for special occasions and also just because he felt like it. So, "Tuesday Tulips," reminded me of some east coast moments of joy (tradition). 

The Tulips! Nothing like fresh flowers to brighten your mood. Add a splash of beauty inside! They do something beautiful to your soul too. Don't you think?

Some of the beaches we power walk on in our new digs, "The Pacific North West." What does the sea do for you?

Do you exercise? I know it's often hard to find the time. But, do you squeeze some cardio in there, somewhere?

Do you live near the ocean? I feel blessed. Never take it for granted and well, keep pinching myself that we live here. 

 

 Daniel was off taking in the sun on a much needed break, We had been power walking for more than a hour already. Time for a selfie.

 

Power walking is so good for you. As I'm sure many of you probably now this! Let's inspire each other! Not only are you getting the benefits of a great cardio workout (brisk walking/arms moving/walking in sand) you also (at least for me, maybe for you too) get the glorious benefits for your soul & mind. Your mind becomes more clear. I become more centered (like after I do yoga/the feeling is amazing). I feel invigorated from the cool air, the brilliant & dreamy scenery, super energized from the fresh briny sea air, and uplifted from the sounds of the waves and birds. Did I mention we have eagles everywhere here? They are magnificent to see in person.

I have been very very busy creating new jewelry pieces (and working on my website. *I will be launching that soon. I'm very excited). The sea is a constant inspiration for my life and my jewelry creations. 

A new bracelet (below) I made of many delicious sea turquoise colored gemstones. Available in my etsy shop now. I call it "Hope Bracelet." The gemstone I used the most of in it, is Amazonite. It is an amazing gemstone because it comes in a variety of green and blue shades...it is also said to be the "hope stone."  Folklore says it inspires confidence and hope. Also said to be the gemstone of courage and said to be named after Amazon women warriors. Only $44 US. Natural lavender/blue druzy crystal and ocean jasper, and amazonite. Fancy Sterling silver beads and heart shaped toggle. Special details and a meaningful piece for your jewelry collection.

*You get to be the first to find out about this new promotion starting now! I ship world world, (see etsy listings. but, It applies to Europe, U.S., Mexico, and Canada) . If you buy more than one item from my shop (so 2 or more), You receive FREE shipping from me.* 

Offer lasts through May 2015* I credit you the shipping costs after purchase. It can be a wonderful savings! More promotions coming soon. Bloggers and Instagram followers, and Pinners are likely to hear first!  Different promotions will be listed in different social media platforms.  

Happy Exercising, Jewelry shopping , flower buying! Or you can be the someone special and treat yourself. Or pick some fresh flowers for your flat, out in the garden! 

Smell the flowers, Smell the fresh air. Get that heart rate up. Shop some bling with amazing values , handmade with special care and gorgeous gemstones . Oh yes, and above all else. Be sparkly. ~Marissa T. xo

More on Driving across the country (U.S.A.) and how that inspired me..

Hello Blog World~

Wanted to blog more on my huge road trip from the East  coast to the Pacific North West. If you read my first blog (thank you)...my life has changed dramatically and it's all very exciting. My husband and I (and our dog, our furry baby, Chocolate labrador, Morgan) drove across the country last Nov. 2014. 
New Changes. New Life. New Careers goals. It's a challenge to move somewhere where you don't have any family, any support system in place. But, we did it before, so, it's not new to us (We both moved from California to Boston, MA, U.S.)! We'll make it work again! But even better this time! I am closer to family. Most of them are on the West coast. We've moved to a new coast, The Pacific North West! We want to follow our passions. (We were definitely over Massachusetts. Over our jobs there. Over the horrible weather. Over it). Our lives are still very much in transition as I'm sure it will be for sometime. This is not always easy. But, I'm learning to adapt. Although it's been a life challenge, it's helped me grow as a person and learn more about myself and for that I am infinitely grateful.  For those of you who don't particularly thrive on huge changes or need stability in your life (like me), may be able to relate. Would love to find other women out there who have done this several times in there life (like me). Let's inspire each other. 

A Selfie on the road. Kiss.

You only get one life. Follow your dreams/follow your passions. That is what we are doing! SO, I was running my own business. I created and implemented my own curriculum, that I used to teach Spanish to children. I did that for almost 10 years. It was time for change. I've always been creating jewelry...(have always had LOVE and PASSION for jewelry and fashion. But, jewelry creating is #1). So, I'm focusing all my energies on my first love. Jewelry design, making, creating and selling! (Doing all forms of social media/and now blogging. Designing a website. Coming this spring).
 Re-launching my etsy shop and have amazing promotions going on! *Big Spring one: Spend $39 and you get a FREE gift! (I design a surprise pair of earrings for you. A value of up to $25). A lot of my jewelry pieces at seriously awesome promotion prices! If you love jewelry! I invite you to check out my shop! Exciting jewelry ideas were on my mind on the drive across the United States. But, most of the time, it was just so wonderful to be in the moment,  enjoy the scenery, drink it all in. Enjoy the peace. Enjoy the special little moments with Daniel (my husband) and Morgan. It was wonderful to be on the open road and see so much open land in this country. Driving through Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota, I remember, had incredible lasting impressions of beauty & tranquility for me. I am always inspired by nature when creating jewelry. So much of this experience has influenced many of my designs. I am often inspired by fashion and artists. But, also, nature, the wonders of it, animal life, and travel (I've done a lot of amazing travel too/something to blog about in the future) inspires me to no end when creating jewelry pieces! I realize I've only just begun in the blog world and I hope to gain followers to inspire, and who inspire me (& jewelry shoppers). We all have so many stories to tell and so much inspiration to give. A shout out to all women bloggers out there: I look forward to meeting you in the blog world. I really do. 

Montana Sunset.

Where's the bling? Two pictures below. A new necklace I just listed (the turquoise and teal/blue fluorite one) & a new one I just made (the dreamy druzy)! I am crazy wild about Turquoise. (all things related to the ocean and all shades of blue...LOVE!!!!). I also adore Druzy! The druzy one will be a special listing (I have a few in shop) , where you get both necklaces for the price of one! Yes! The gorgeous sea blue agate druzy will range between $38-$44. and you get the other smaller azure blue druzy in the picture, for FREE. They look fabulous together. Or wear separately! Thanks for looking! Be well. Be fashionable. Be in the moment. Be sparkly. ~Marissa T

Morgan on the road. Love.

My husband, Daniel. On the road.

On the road. Soaking up the beauty.

Turquoise Glam Necklace.

Dreamy Blue Druzy Duo. Get both for the price of one.

Why I'm starting a blog! Hello from a Jewelry Artisan living on an island in the Pacific North West. U.S.

 

Hello Blog World!  My name is Marissa T.

Before I jump into the main reason I started this blog (My Passion for jewellery design and the jewellery I make & sell). I'd love to give future customers (& jewelry lovers) a glimpse into my life and what has brought me to blogging (& all forms of social media) at this time in my life.

I'm a very visual person. So here are some pictures of me and my husband to start off.

Me and Daniel.

Me. In Washington.

I'm a self taught independent jewelry artisan from California. Why am I starting a blog? I'm a jewelry designer and creator. Did I say that already. Very excited about it all. I'm a independent jewelry artisan who's been making jewelry for about 10 years now. I have an extensive background in teaching language to adults and children (I taught Spanish to children for the last 10 years). With that said, I now have the opportunity to focus all my energies on making and selling my jewelry online (& retail/local as well)! Very thrilled! A little scary! Of course. Starting anything new is. Speaking of new! My life has changed so much in the last year! I moved, another HUGE change in life again, across the United States! Back to the West Coast (United States). But, am on a new coast, with my husband, and furry baby (our 14 year old chocolate Labrador), the Pacific North West! (practically in Canada). Starting brand new lives! Getting dizzy! I know the feeling.

I'm from California (I went to university in a coastal town about 2 hours from Los Angeles-California). Then I moved to the East Coast (Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.) and lived there quite some time. By far, the best part about the East Coast, marrying my awesome husband, buying our first home and starting our married lives together. He's my soulmate and I am a hopeless romantic. A lot of my jewelry is inspired by love. 

Well, for a ton of wonderful reasons (that also made for one of toughest years of our married lives), we decided to quit our jobs, follow our passions (work wise) sell our home (sigh), and move to a new coast. So here we are, on the tip of the Pacific North West, on a island! Surrounded by the best thing of all. The SEA! That is where I have always gotten the most inspiration for my jewelry designs.

We drove (Nov. 2015) across the this HUGE country (you realize just how BIG it really is, when you literally drive the full length of it) from the tip of the East Coast, Massachusetts, to our island in Washington. It was a crazy and beautiful adventure! Something to keep blogging about! We drove mainly for our dog, Morgan! (What we wouldn't do for our dogs, am I right!?) We knew a million things could go wrong and I think I've aged 5 years in the last year! But, we found our luck was starting to turn... The drive (which we did in about 8 or 9 days) couldn't have gone better and our dog couldn't have done any better! Can't tell you what a HUGE relief that was for us. All that newness (dog friendly motel after motel and TONS of hours in a mini van) for our dog... Well, he could've kept us up all night, every night, or gotten carsick, or other things.. But, to our amazement, he was an angel & all went so well! Smooth sailing (as we say in America)!
Here's Morgan. Somewhere in the gorgeous state of Montana (on our drive across the US). He's extremely sweet, fun and very spoiled.

Morgan in Montana

Let's get back to the bling (I'll write more later about our journey across the United States)!!
Here's a sample of something I just made. Inspired by the sea and our happy island. Filled with Turquoise colored gemstones and one big pink heart shaped chalcedony. I use many metals and mainly genuine semi-precious & precious gemstones! I love this necklace!

Will be in my shop soon: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OceanHue

 I'm signing off for now. Must take a break and go for big power walk. Need Fresh air! Need to move! Thanks for joining me. I have so much to add. It's still a blog-in-progress! Thanks for reading. Look forward to meeting many bloggers!  

See you soon. 

Love, Marissa T.

You can find my shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OceanHue

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