Liquid Platinum and Glass - A Smooth Concoction

"Bartender, I'll have a fused glass and liquid platinum cocktail, please!" That sounds like a drink that would slip very smoothly down your throat, doesn't it? Just wait til you see it draped around your neck, hanging from your ear, or wrapped around your wrist!

Yes, I've been playing with a new material...platinum...in the liquid form. It's sleek and oh, so becoming! Whether it's layered between the glass or applied on top, it adds a whole new dimension to my designs. Between the layers it's subtle and a little elusive - just hinting at the energy it carries. On top of the glass it boldly catches the light and

The Surfing Madonna

If you live in North County (Coastal) San Diego you have undoubtedly heard about the controversial Surfing Madonna glass mosaic that mysteriously appeared in April under the railroad bridge at Vulcan and Encinitas Blvd. No one knew where it came from or who created it. It was like one of those miraculous events that no one could explain. Clad in rubber booties with a serene smile on her face and hands clasped in prayer, Our Lady of Guadalupe rides a wave next to the words "Save The Ocean".

Artists Alley

[caption id="attachment_1005" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Artists' Alley at OB Street Fair"][/caption]

I love this time of year - school's out, beach is in, and street fairs abound!

This year marks the 32nd annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off.  What is so great about this fair is they have an entire section called "Artists' Alley" dedicated to 100% handcrafted art for sale. Nothing from China, nothing mass - produced, just 100% ART!!

Why Cuff Links are HOT! (and we're giving a set away...)

What I love about this "day and age" is that men are becoming so much more bold in expressing themselves with their fashion accessories. They realize that fedoras and cool belt buckles aren't just for actors and artists, they're for the man of substance and style.

Cuff links fall right into that category so beautifully. Although they used to be associated just with weddings and formal occasions, men are now wearing them with the increasingly popular casual dress shirt and jeans. COCOON's new line of cuff links add a pop of color to this type of casual ensemble,

Change My Name?

[caption id="attachment_899" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Stay in my cocoon?"][/caption]

The other night someone asked me a question that rocked my world.

A very successful men's shoe designer and his artist/businesswoman wife are new friends of my husband and mine. Before going to dinner at the wonderful Parioli in Solana Beach, they came by the house because they were interested in seeing my work and I wanted to get their feedback.

[caption id="attachment_537" align="alignright" width="135" caption="........or should I brand 'Suzanne Balestri Designs'?"][/caption]

We had a great discussion on my art and my inspirations and where I wanted to go with it. They loved my work and felt that there was no reason that a Nordstroms (through which he has sold his shoes) or similar wouldn't carry it.  There was one caveat for him though and it came in the form of this question:

"Why aren't you using your real name as your brand?"