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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

2012 Color Trends: Driftwood


This is Part Eight of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.

Introducing the color Driftwood - one of the ten Spring 2012 colors. It can be warm or cool, and is stunning paired with creams and flesh tones. 

Here's are two sets Tracy and I put together using Cocoon's fused glass Pink Confetti Cuff as a starting point.
Driftwood


Bracelet
cocoon-designs.com

Driftwood


Bracelet
cocoon-designs.com

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Deals & Steals: Spring Green

I'm sure you have noticed - Spring has sprung! In honor of the season that gives us a fresh start, we are offering an assortment of green for this week's Deals and Steals

Here we go...
Flower Burst Fused Glass Earrings
Regularly $45 - now only $20!
Just one pair available. Click here.



Green and Black Fused Glass Ring
Sterling Silver wiggle band (adjustable).
Regularly $49 - now only $30!
Just two available at this price. Click here.





Wispy Green Fused Glass Buckle
A great accent to any outfit! Your choice of brown, black or
white strap. Regularly $89 - now only $40!
Just two available at this price. Click here.

These steals are good until April 3, 2012. Free shipping too!

Please remember that each fused glass jewelry or accessory piece is handmade. If I have indicated that there is more than one available, the one you receive may not be exactly as pictured - but it will be close!


The Infinity Collection


There's just not enough to do, so we decided it was time to change things up! We've  rounded out our shapes to create a new collection we call Infinity. Never-ending, continuous forms communicate the endless depth of love, friendship, strength, courage, and wisdom.

What does infinity mean to you? The concept can be mind-boggling when you stop to think about it; but the beauty of these pieces in this new collection is explicitly simple.




The "halo" necklaces come in four sizes and hang from adjustable lengths of hand-dyed silk ribbon, soft leather, or cotton cording. 



And the best thing? They start from only $34! Check them out online, and look for the Infinity bracelets and earrings coming soon!



Monday, March 26, 2012

Monday Meditations: Runner's Way


This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Image from yourfitnesspartner.info
I don't know what I would do if I couldn't run. It is my therapy and my solace. It is the only time that I can truly be alone and really feel connected to my body and the beauty that surrounds me. I admit though, that I will catch myself getting too much into my head and trying to work out problems or thinking of new designs for my art instead of simply taking in the movement of my body and the fresh air I am breathing.

This meditation from Madonna Gauding's, The Meditation Bible, is a great reminder on how to be more in the moment when running, or doing any physical activity. For this meditation, the activity of running is used; however, you may replace "running" with any other activity you are doing, i.e. swimming, biking, gardening, walking, practicing yoga, etc.

Researchers have found that running and meditation both have a positive effec on your mood.  Runners and meditators experience the elevation of endorphins - the hormone that enhances well-being.  
 Let's Meditate
1. As you put on your running or workout clothes and shoes, focus on each task. 
2. As you begin running, meditate as you would for the Watching Your Breath meditation (except instead of sitting down your will be moving!). 
3. Now let go of your concentration on your breath and focus on the act of running. Try not to let thoughts enter your mind; when they do, simply return your focus to your running. Begin to feel your body, mind and soul functioning together as one. Continue to stay in the present moment, very much aware of everything around you.
4. When you finish your run, take off your shoes and socks and stand on the grass. Feel connected to the earth and grounded in your body. Strive to be mindful of the present moment throughout the day. 

Thursday, March 22, 2012

$30 Thursdays: Teal Shimmer Ring



Today's Deals and Steals item: Teal Shimmer Ring, regularly $49.
There is ONE only and it is our $30 deal until Saturday 3/24/12!
This little beauty is on a solid, tapered, sterling silver band, size 7.
Hurry if you want it - click here!

As always, FREE shipping for all Deals and Steals orders. :-)

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

2012 Color Trends: Sodalite


This is Part Six of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.

This week our color sets are inspired by the color Sodalite - one of the ten Spring 2012 colors (as declared by Pantone). It is a deep blue that can be a little on the serious side, but don't let that stop you from having fun! Here's the set I put together, followed by Miss Tracy's ever-so-hip slant on it...


Shades of Blue


Cuff jewelry
cocoon-designs.com


Sodalite Blue by tracypetrucci featuring: 



Blue ring
cocoon-designs.com

Black earrings
cocoon-designs.com









Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Tropical Wedding: Bridesmaids

While we're talking about Cockatoo (one of the Spring 2012 Color Trends) check out this idea for a tropical wedding. It's fresh, fun, and definitely transports you to that "island in the sun"!

And if you are in the market, we've got a wedding party giveaway you'll want to be a part of. Don't miss out!
Tropical Wedding


Aquamarine jewelry
cocoon-designs.com







Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday Meditations: Watching Your Breath


This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Image from tm.org
We've all heard about the importance of breath in helping to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, increase focus and improve concentration. Do you do any type of breathing exercises to help your mental or physical health?

This breathing meditation is from Madonna Gauding's, The Meditation Bible.

The practice of meditating on the breath is thousands of years old. Ancient Hindus and Buddhists meditated in this way to tame uncontrolled thinking, reduce negative thoughts and actions, and gain an understanding of spiritual truths. Basically, you meditate on your breath in order to give your mind something to hang on to when it starts to jump from one thought to another. Training your mind in this way helps you focus on one thing at a time, and develops your powers of concentration. It has a calming influence on your body and mind. Whether your interest is in spiritual development or mental and physical health, breath meditation is one of the best all-round meditation practices. 
Let's Meditate 
1. Find a quiet place at home where you will be undisturbed. You will need a cushion or a straight-backed chair. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Create soft lighting and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. 
2. Keep your back straight, your shoulders level and relaxed and your chin parallel to the floor. Lower your eyes and focus about three feet in front of you. Rest your hands gently on your knees. 
3. Breathe normally though your nose, using your abdomen rather than your chest. Check your posture and relax any part of your body that is tense. 
4. Begin counting your breath on each exhalation; when you reach ten, begin again. Thoughts will intervene and when they do, simply let them go and return to counting your breath. 
5. After ten minutes or so, end your session. Try to bring focus and concentration into you daily life.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

2012 Color Trends: Cockatoo


This is Part Five of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.

This week our color sets are inspired by the color Cockatoo - one of the ten Spring 2012 colors (as declared by Pantone). It's light, carefree, and whimsical. Here is a set I put together. Enjoy!




A set from Tracy... we even used the same bag!
Cockatoo Spring 2012


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Deals & Steals: Vanilla & Tawny Brown


Winter white or warm vanilla - you decide. This week's Deals and Steals items are from the Liquid Platinum, Solids, and Serenity collections. 

The deal will be good all week, until next Tuesday when we'll switch it out again. As always, FREE shipping for all Deals and Steals orders. :-)

The $20/$30/$40 deals are:

Vanilla Platinum earrings (Reg. $45), click here


Vanilla Shimmer necklace (reg. $49), click here


Tawny Brown Cuff (Reg. $59), click here


Good through March 20, 2012.


Saturday, March 10, 2012

Finally a purpose for corks!


I LOVE this idea from Monkey Business in Tel Aviv. Little animal parts that you attach to your cork so you can bring it to life. Sort of reminds me of the Mr. Potato Head toy I used to play with when I was young.

Choose from a monkey, deer, crow, water buffalo, bunny, or bear to bring a whole new meaning to the term "party animal"! These guys are adorable and would make a great hostess gift ($8 online) to include with a bottle of wine. I'm not sure where you can get these locally -let me know if you find them anywhere!

Cheers!




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

2012 Color Trends: Cabaret


This is Part Four of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.

This week our color sets are inspired by the bold and lively color Cabaret - one of the ten Spring 2012 colors (as declared by Pantone). You won't need any coffee this morning since this color set will definitely wake you up! And if your favorite color is pink, you'll be in heaven.

Here are two sets I put together, followed by a set put together by Tracy.

Pink Cabaret

Pink Cabaret by suzanne-balestri

And here's Tracy's take on Cabaret!

Cabaret Colored

Cabaret Colored by tracypetrucci



Are you awake now?


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Deals and Steals Change Up!

We're changing up our weekly Deals and Steals! Instead of having a $20 deal on Tuesday, a $30 deal on Thursday and a $40 deal on Friday, we will be announcing 3 items at once, one at each price level, good for the entire week.


The announcement will be made each Tuesday on my blog, and reminders via facebook and Twitter will be made throughout the week. So instead of getting only 24 hours to get your act together to take advantage of a deal you don't want to miss, you'll have a week! But, don't procrastinate because many times only one of each offering will be available. As always, FREE shipping for all Deals and Steals orders. :-)


So let's start it off right. For this week, the $20/$30/$40 deals are:

Coral on Olive Earrings (Reg. $45), click here


Vanilla Olive Necklace (reg. $49), click here



Olive Flower Burst Ring (Reg. $55), click here


Happy Deals and Steals week!


Monday, March 5, 2012

Monday Meditations: Peace On Earth

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Courtesy of freedigitialphotos.com
I know I am not alone here when I say that the amount of bad news being delivered over the media 24 hours a day is overwhelming and disheartening. I have found that my Piscean tendencies make it difficult sometimes to filter out the negativity and not feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and in my heart.


Here is a mediation from Madonna Gauding's book, The Meditation Bible, that helps lessen fear and anxiety, promotes personal and world peace, and empowers us when feeling otherwise powerless amidst the strife and conflict that dominates our world. 


Here is what she writes:
Television and the Internet provide us with 24-hour, instantaneous news. Often that news is about violence, war, and conflict of all kinds. It is easy to feel hopeless and powerless, or to bury our feelings only to have them manifest in sleepless nights or other stress-related problems. Try this meditation when you are aware that conflicts are causing you stress, whether in your personal life or half-way around the world. 
Let's Meditate
1. Find a quiet place at home or outdoors. Sit in any way you find comfortable. Breathe deeply for a few minutes.
2. Think about a particular conflict that affects you. Try not to take sides, favoring one warring group over another. Acknowledge that both the aggressor and those transgressed upon are suffering. 
3. Generate the desire for all beings involved to hear their anger and pain. Include yourself in this wish. Visualize a sacred being - God, Buddha, Krishna, the Virgin Mary or your higher power. Imagine a cooling and healing white light emanating from that being to you, filling your body and calming any anger or fear you may feel.
4. From your heart, send out light to those at war.Visualize that they have ended their conflict and are beginning to live in peace. End your meditation session when you feel ready. 
We can all do our part to create more peace in the world by starting with ourselves. 


Saturday, March 3, 2012

Celebrate Aquamarine


This is Part Four of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.




To celebrate March babies (I'm one!) - here's a collection of some Cocoon designs in March's gemstone color Aquamarine.


Here are some cool things about the gemstone Aquamarine that you may not have known:
Aquamarine
  • is the “stone of courage”
  • helps people learn quickly and be prepared
  • helps in achieving higher levels of consciousness and thinking more clearly
  • brings order, tolerance and moderation
  • was traditionally worn by sailors to protect them from the water and against storms
  • in medieval Europe, was beleived to re-awaken love in a marriage and to make soldiers invincible in battle
  • was believed by the Greeks to absorb the energy of young love and was considered the best gift for a groom to give his bride after consumnating their marriage
  • was popular among European royalty to wear aquamarine as an antidote to poison
  • was used by Ancient Romans to treat ailments of the stomach, liver, and throat
And the fun's not over yet! Here's Tracy's set created with all kinds of fabulous items in this gorgeous color:

You can read more about Aquamarine at www.shopgemstones.com

Friday, March 2, 2012

$40 Fridays: Wonky Bowls


Get ready for some Spring entertaining with these super fun,
sorta retro Wonky Bowls! Regularly $24 each,
get 2 for only $40
by clicking here for today's Deals and Steals.
Plus you get free shipping!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

$30 Thursdays: Pet Paw Necklace

Are you an animal lover? This adorable handmade necklace has a pink
paw print carefully placed between two layers of glass.
An adjustable gunmetal chain finishes if off. It's the Thursday
Deals and Steals - regularly $45, click here to make it yours today for
only $30
Plus you get free shipping!