one click last minute shopping

If you still need a fast and thoughtful gift, we can email you a gift certificate for any amount within minutes of purchasing.

Our gift certificates can be used towards on-line purchases or custom jewellery designs.

We're just a click away from helping you purchase thoughtful and beautiful gifts.

We can send a printable gift certificate to you, or straight to the recipient's inbox.

amazing last minute gifts at ocean phoenix designs

Are you someone who puts a lot of thought into gift giving and have just simply run out of time to find the perfect Christmas gifts this year?

We can help you out with a gift certificate from Ocean Phoenix Designs that will be sent electronically to you or the recipient of your gift the same day as purchased, or as otherwise specified by you.

Our gift certificates can be used towards the purchase of our ready made on-line jewelry, or, toward the design of a custom piece, and towards lay-away plans. Each certificate is personalized and you can chose the value amount yourself if you wish.

Let us help you take the stress out of gift giving.

garnet - january birthstone, february symbol of love

Garnet is known to strengthen the heart and help in the treatment of poor blood circulation. It strengthens memory and releases negative energy. Mystics believe that garnet brightens dark souls.

Personally, I always feel energized, calm and grounded when I wear garnets around my wrist. It's an immediate sensation that stays with me as long as I wear garnets.I have a garnet bracelet that was combined with clear quartz, which seems to boost my energy. Has anyone else had similar experiences when wearing garnets and clear quartz together?

advent at ocean phoenix designs

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here...
I've been busy decking the halls and am thoroughly enjoying the beginning of the holiday season...back to being an elf and working on those Christmas orders.

Be sure to visit the shop during our holiday sale, which ends tomorrow at midnight

luxurious gifts for her on etsy

Our yellow diamond earrings were featured in an Etsy luxury treasury yesterday.

christmas couch shopping

Curl up on the couch and enjoy some easy Christmas shopping.

We have some lovely jewelry designs that we'd love to wrap up and ship for you. Join us for our weekend Holiday Sale!

black friday sale at ocean phoenix designs

Enjoy a 10% discount on our jewelry designs and let us do the wrapping and shipping for you for FREE. Christmas shopping doesn't get much easier than that.

Come and visit us!

Ocean Phoenix Designs Jewelry on Sale Black Friday-Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the busiest shopping days of the year!

Enjoy a 10% discount on all of our jewelry designs from Black Friday (Nov26) to Cyber Monday (Nov29).

Have your purchases tastefully gift wrapped, shipped for FREE and on time for Christmas.

Happy Shopping!

winter jewelry fashion trends liquorice allsorts inspired

Here's my jewelry accessory tribute to the latest Bassett inspired fashion designs spotted by Vogue UK.

This delicious and fun, hand felted necklace will soon be available in the shop.

holiday sale at ocean phoenix designs on etsy

Don't miss our Black Friday Sale this week on November 26, 2010!

canada post holiday cut offs for free shipping at Ocean Phoenix Designs

To help make your holdiday shopping a breeze this year we have gift certificates for sale and are offering our customers free shipping and handling and gift wrapping with any Ocean Phoenix Designs purchases.

To make sure your gifts arrive in time for Christmas, please take a look at Canada Post 2010 cut off dates.

Please keep in mind that with international shipping, parcels occasionally get held up in customs, for which we unfortunately cannot be held accountable. The earlier you place your orders, the better your chances of receiving them on time.

Happy Shopping!

2010 cristmas gifts for creatives on etsy

Looking for the perfect gift for a stylish and creative woman, who loves custom designed pieces?

There's a fairly high chance you will both fall in love with our interchangeable sterling silver rings on Etsy. They're sure to satisfy the designer in her without breaking the bank. Choose from a variety of different band and Swarovski crystal colours to create your ideal gift.

The foto above shows our popular change ring with a clear band and a clear crystal. Price: 79 Dollars

Shipping and Handling are free until December 24 and so is our festive gift wrap.

ocean phoenix designs holiday party rings

I just added some fun and dramatic cocktail and gemstone cluster rings They are this season's hottest accessory.

Enjoy!

ocean phoenix designs earrings featured in an Etsy treasury

This gorgeous treasury, named "Let's snuggle up!!" makes me look forward to cozy winter evenings by the fire side.

Thanks, Motiv, for featuring our earrings!

turquoise - december birthstone that symbolizes beauty and heals the spirit

Turquoise is another very popular December birthstone (along with blue topaz, lapis lazuli and tanzanite).

This gemstone is said to help make the connection to the spirit worlds by helping to align chakras with subtle bodies and attuning the physical with the spiritual. Turquoise instills inner calm and is a healer of the spirit.

Turquoise symbolizes beauty. In the Middle Ages it was believed that it made women virtuous and loyal. It was also known to protect against harm.

The healing properties of turquoise are said to help in the treatment of throat and lung infections, hyperpepsia and general stomachaches, rheumatism and gout. It is known to alleviate pains and inflammation and has detoxifying properties.

Psychologically it calms overactive thoughts, inspires creativity and heightens intuition.

I have added vibrant blue apatite gemstones to the earrings above as apatite is said to encourage intuition during meditation and helps to overcome problems. In addition to the healing and magical properties found in these stones, the colour and texture combination is simply gorgeous.

healing properties of topaz, the "happy stone" - november/december birthstones

Topaz is a feast for the eyes that I can delight in over and over again, which is why it's found often in my designs. Topaz comes in an array of rainbow shades. Some of the most common ones are white, yellowish to orange and brownish, pink and blue. Blue inspires artistic inspiration and represents the Divine Mother, more reasons why I love to surround myself and work with it.

But topaz does more than stirring our creative juices and spoiling our eyes with its beauty. Topaz is said to carry some powerful magical and healing properties that lift the wearer's spirits and attract good things into our lives.

Topaz symbolizes joy of life and is called the stone of love and good fortune. Some say that topaz works according to the universal law of attraction and manifestation, meaning that thoughts and attention of desires and outcomes that get directed through a topaz will manifest. Apparently, negative energies cannot survive around the potent and positive emanations of topaz.

In antiquity, topaz was linked to Jupiter and considered a symbol of power and wisdom and often worn by rulers. Perhaps these are some of the reasons the royal crown of England was set with nearly five hundred topazes that came from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains).

From a healing perspective, topaz is said to stimulate the metabolism, digestion, and the sense of taste. Topaz releases physical tension, stabilizes emotions, increases motivation and confidence and makes one receptive to love from every source.

Now you know why I refer to topaz as the happy stone. The best news is that although topaz is stunningly gorgeous and fit for kings and queens, it's also very affordable. This is because topaz is found all over the globe and it is not considered to be a rare or difficult to mine mineral. So, really, everyone should have a topaz; it's readily available, affordable and just think of all that good energy we could be generating and putting out to the universe if we were all wearing our topaz jewellery :-)

I have some beautiful blue and yellow topaz specimens waiting to be transformed into new designs (yellow topaz and citrines are November birthstones and blue topaz is a December birthstone).If you're thinking of placing custom-orders for Christmas, or December birthday gifts, please place your orders soon. My calendar is filling up. Feel free to have a look at some of our ready made designs in the shop as well.

fur and quartz earrings by Ocean Phoenix Designs

Today's inspiration came from the cold weather and the repeated news I keep reading on jewelry blogs about how statement earrings are an absolute must have this winter. Well, here's an Ocean Phoenix Designs version of winter statement earrings that I'm very fond of:

These luxurious and extravagant earrings are the perfect accessories for sprucing up winter sweaters or adding some glam to formal attire.

Thanks for looking!

shed antler necklace by ocean phoenix designs

I have finished my first piece of antler jewellery. See it in the shop.

free shipping at ocean phoenix designs

In support of your holiday shopping, all regular shipping and handling fees will be free from November 01 - December 24, 2010.

For expedited shipping and insurance please contact us for a quote.

Visit the shop.

antler bracelet by ocean phoenix designs

Here's the matching bracelet to the necklace I just made. It is absolutely gorgeous and I think I might have a hard time parting with this piece, since it's one of my first.

antler jewellery by ocean phoenix designs

Five months ago, to the day, I wrote about my New York visit at ABC, which inspired me to make some antler jewellery (see June 01, Blog Post).

Thanks to the kind donation made by some friends,and some help with perfect cuts, I was able to experiment with shed white tail antlers this weekend.

I'm still not completely finished, but here is a shot of a work in progress that I am absolutely in love with and will soon have for sale on the website.

I had so much fun working with this natural medium and have placed some orders with hunters who have agreed to gather some shed antlers for me next year.

Deer shed their antlers during January and February each year, so if you know where they roam, you may be lucky to find some.

I have learned that antlers are also a rich source of calcium for other wildlife (ants, mice, coyotes etc)and that they get eaten fairly quickly. So, I will most certainly not start mass producing antler jewellery, but I'm sure the occasional set of antlers won't be missed by the critters and I told the hunters only to collect if they see lots in the fields and bushes.

I'm so lucky to live in a place where I have deer wandering through my garden every day. Maybe this year one will leave me a present as a thanks for being allowed to have family feasts in my flower beds all year round (I very rarely scare them away and get a kick out of their visits for the most part). It would seem like a fair trade to me. I wish I could negotiate with them...I'd even consider planting a few yummy tulips (their favourites) in exchange for some horns :-)

inukshuk charm necklaces by ocean phoenix designs on etsy

These cute little guys have been very popular online (I just sold another one today) and have received lots of media mentions over the course of this year:

*Trend Hunter Magazine
*The Beading Gem's Journal
*Inventor Spot

This makes for a perfect West Coast gift or souvenir from BC, Canada and it's under $50.

Have a look at the designs.

white pearls with quartz gemstones by ocean phoenix designs

I just created a beautiful long white pearl necklace with faceted quartz gemstones, mother of pearl and Swarovski crystal beads in support of the BC Cancer Foundation's annual Jingle Mingle Cocktail Party and Silent Auction at the Empress Hotel in Victoria on December 01, 2010.

It should be a fabulous time with some amazing donations from other local designers and businesses. It's fun to get into the warm holiday spirit of giving and gifting already.

More information about this fundraising event

healing properties of coral

Ancient Egyptians added coral to tombs to ward off evil spirits. They believed that each piece contained a drop of divine blood and that it would protect them.

To this day, people use coral to protect themselves against negative energy and to preserve their energy levels.

Coral is often recommend for menopausal women and young children as it is said to prevent osteoporosis and promote healthy bone formation.

In accordance with its red colour, coral is also recommended to treat blood and circulation disorders.

Psychologically, it said that coral strengthens love and the need for partnership and that it makes the wearer immune to envy and resentment.

healing properties of citrines

This golden, sunny gem is said to correspond with the solar plexus and other parts directly linked to it, which helps to stimulate the metabolic processes of the liver, stomach, duodenum.

It is also is known to have a detoxifying effect and a positive influence on the metabolism.

Citrine has a a beneficial influence on the nervous system, improves concentration, and combats stress and depression.

It sounds like the perfect gemstone to help ward off those dreaded winter blahs.

The 56.50 CT caged citrine used here, is massive in size and luster and will soon be for sale in the shop with matching earrings. It is a pear checker board cut beauty that I am having a hard time parting with.

taking the stress out of holiday shopping at Ocean Phoenix Designs

Holiday Shopping has never been easier.
Not sure what to get for that special someone?

This year you can enjoy stress free shopping with Gift Certificates that are available for any amount. They can be used towards the purchase of Ocean Phoenix Designs jewellery creations, or towards the custom design of a piece of jewellery.

If you prefer to present your gift in person, shipping will be free from November 1. until December 24. And of course, every purchase will be tastefully gift wrapped.

custom designs for christmas

The orders are starting to pour in...Don't wait too long if you would like to present someone special with a custom piece of jewelry this Christmas. Be sure to place your order soon. Custom designs require time for purchasing the right materials and sometimes multiple rounds of mock-up designs.

Contact Angela to start your custom piece

250 508-7667
angela@oceanphoenixdesigns.com
www.oceanphoenixdesigns.com

eat pray love inspired necklace by ocean phoenix designs

While watching the movie, the jewelry designer in me just wanted to tug at Julia Robert's rudraksha beads and straighten out the limp and crooked tassel that was hanging lifelessly from her neck. Even though I knew it wasn't meant to be a fashion accessory and that the prayer beads adorned her neck for other higher and spiritually meaningful reasons and purposes, I just couldn't help thinking that rudraksha beads could look far more attractive than that and that a prayer necklace could serve the dual purpose of being a chic, fashion statement necklace, while still providing spiritual and prayer support.

I decided then, that I would create that unique and chic, spiritual necklace that came with a tassel that wasn't limp, but instead had lots of life in it.

I cut my own personal string of prayer beads (gulp) and added some dark, blood red, faceted Chinese glass beads and some faceted citrine rondelles and then strung them all up in random order. The beads are fabulously gorgeous together and just as functional and "grippy" for counting as before because of the faceted shape of the beads.

I used long, red coral branches to mimic the bright red colour of the traditional meditation necklace tassel and to give it some weight. The head of the tassel is a hammered silver ball with a fringe of faceted coral rondelles underneath. All of the coral branches dangle, move gracefully and individually and create a soft and pleasant jingle sound when I move, reminding me that I'm wearing a very special piece with each "cling".

The healing and spiritual properties of this necklace have a very soothing and calming effect on me and I don't want to take it off anymore :-)

I will blog about these properties in future separate blogs.
This was a fun and fulfilling project. I look forward to creating many more unique and sparkly prayer bead necklaces in the future.

wholesale starterkit for OPD Rings

Our rings are now available for wholesale. Please have a look at our starter package. For more information on pricing, please send us an email at angela@oceanphoenixdesigns.com

Make a photo album

fall jewellery trends

I just sold another cluster ring and have been receiving many custom orders for big, bold colourful gem cluster rings. This definitely is a fall trend that is being talked about on other blogs as well:

According to Harper's Bazaar, here's the specific jewelry list for the fall:

Long, swinging pendant necklaces, silver cuffs and bangles, gold link designs, shoulder-grazing earrings, sophisticated cluster studs and gemmy cocktail rings in sunset colors. Plus, “buy” pendant charms, “keep” heavy metal such as hefty cuffs and “store” bib necklaces, the editors of Harper’s Bazaar advise.

Don't miss out on this fun fall jewelry trend. Start thinking about Christmas gifts for your custom orders now.

signature rings on sale for the month of september

Save 20% during our September Ring Sale

Was $85.00 Now $68.00!

my bracelet was featured on an Etsy treasury today

An Etsy treasury named Indian Summer features one of my recently listed pieces: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c86260011386d916b6892f7/indian-summer

custom fashion designs

I tried my first pair of Levi's demi-curve jeans on this weekend while visiting my daughter in Vancouver. Levis now has three different curve sizes; slight, demi and bold curves to help with a custom butt fit, which helps avoid gaps in the back and muffin tops on the sides. With these variations in size, Levi's can almost custom fit every butt (80% of all women will fit into one of the three sub-sizes), which is pretty impressive. The new jeans line is called Curve ID and is based on shape and size.



Just like a perfect pairs of jeans, custom fit jewellery to match any neck line, width, torso length, wrist and finger size etc makes perfect sense to me as well. We do not fit into cookie cutter molds and it's good to know that we don't have to settle or make due. I love to custom design pieces for my clients just as much as I love my new jeans. All of our designs can be custom fit.

Beach Glass Creations

Customize a picture collage

august is all about the beach glass designs

I have been enjoying the summer sun and long walks at the beach have inspired me to design some new beach glass creations.

All of these pieces can be bought either on-line through my website, or at Adore Jewellery in Victoria, or Elements Gallery in Coombs.

I have also just received the request to design a 50th birthday gift for a friend.
She wants to use her sister's own beach glass collection and for me to design a piece using her treasures from the beach...can't wait to get started on that one.

Wags to Whiskers dinner and auction

I just created this brown and black bracelet as my contribution to the Wags to Whiskers Dinner & Auction at the Westin Bear Mountain on October 16th. It is made of smokey quartz in varying shades of brown and black onyx and pearls.

The inspiration came from my love for my own cat, Tigger. She is a brown and black tabby and has been the source of smiles and happiness in our family for the last 12 years. I hope this bracelet will have a similar effect on the recipient. It was made with love and appreciation for my pet and came from the heart. My daughter drafted a poem to go with it:

For a lover of animals and stylish things,
A mother of pawed ones, scaled ones or wings,
Is this bracelet in cat tones, inspired by my own.

Smokey quartz, onyx and pearl,
Pieces inspired by my tabby's fur.
A Wags to Whiskers reminder to wear,
Depicting the love for creatures we share.
Caring for animals with the GVAC,
This piece comes to you from my heart with glee.


For more information about the Wags To Whiskers Event,or to purchase your tickets, please visit www.animalcrusaders.ca

elements gallery in coombs

My jewellery is now being sold in Emily Carrie's beautiful shop in Coombs where the goats live on the roof.

She sells Vancouver Island handmade jewellery and artwork

healing yoga necklaces

I had the great privilege to design matching mother-daughter healing Yoga Necklaces for a client last week.

His wish was to bring together a selection of healing gemstones and to have a matching design for both pieces that included one stone that was cut in half and attached to each necklace. So, I designed a Mama and a Baby necklace (one was slightly larger and longer than the other).

He also wanted a description of the healing properties of each gemstone that I included. I took pictures of each gem and with the help of talented freelance writer, Bianca Bartz (http://www.biancabartz.com/), who brought life to each component with her rhyming descriptions, I managed to design a sparkling recipe for healing.

Here's a sample of her creative poetry:

A customized Yoga Necklace made just for you,
In natural shades like purple and blue.
The necklaces were made to match one another,
With one agate halved, for daughter and mother.

Sparkling Topaz in a shade of London Blue
Will aid your digestion and bring joy to you.
It will help drive out tension, boost relaxation,
It's a rock to guide you in self-realization.

Working with Bianca was a joy. Together, we created some one-of-a-kind magical jewellery designs that we plan on continuing to co-design in the future.

Thanks, Bianca!

antler inspired necklace

I saw this beautiful necklace in NYC at ABC and was determined to gather some antlers during my last weekend stay in Banff and create my own version of antler jewellery. What I learned though was that the wild life in Banff around the Banff Springs Hotel is so dense that the second an antler hits the ground it is eaten by ants, mice and coyotes as they are a rich soure of calcium for all these critters. Also, I was in a national park and not allowed to gather antlers from the ground (that would have been considered poaching). So much for my plans...

I was lucky though...I met some friends who have a box of antlers in their garage and they have ever so kindly agreed to ship some of them out to me. Lucky am I!!!

back from vacation

NYC was so inspiring!

St Thomas had the most jewellery stores I have ever seen in one small spot. Needless to say, I have sooo many new design ideas that I can't wait to translate.

Stay tuned...

vacation time

The day has finally arrived...I'm leaving on a cruise today (San Juan - New York).

I'll be able to see some fantastic jewellery both on board and once I hit NYC of course and I already know I'll be overflowing with new design ideas by the time I get back.

I have my trusty sketchbook with me and will capture as many ideas as I can. I'm already excited about translating those into gold and silver creations.

break-up jewellery

My good friend and neighbour, Sheenagh, dropped off a fantastic piece of beach glass for me the other day, which reads: "Not to be"

I immediately thought of designing a break-up piece. Perhaps a gift to self, perhaps a gift from the one leaving the relationship as a good-bye...

Today I read this article.

It makes me think I'm on to a great idea. Can't wait to get started on that piece, but it will have to wait until after my vacation.

counting down the days to my cruise

6 more day and there is still so much left to do...produce some more pieces for Adore Jewellery, post some pieces to the website and then I'd like to create a few new pieces for myself to take along that will match my new cruise attire.

I've managed to complete one set of earrings that I'm in love with and wanted to show off...

Sterling silver hoops with freshwater pearls, blue sponge coral, Swarovski crystals and large fancy cut aquamarine briolettes.

Getting excited...

a small preview of what's in the shop

customer feedback

It is known that feedback is the food of champions. Feedback is the fast track to getting better and stronger with the support of others.

I'd like to provide a space on this blog for customers to leave their feedback for my jewellery designs and for their experience of working with me and my service.

I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks in advance for taking the time.

my rings are featured on ThisNext and another blog

It's always a thrill to hear that others like what I'm designing and making.
My rings are receiving more and more attention, which is wonderful.

I was advised by via Twitter today that the rings had been featured on ThisNext.

Thanks to Ally, they were also featured on her blog.

Thanks for the plugs, Ally. I really appreaciate it!

Our Inukshuk Charms are on SALE

Even though the 2010 games are over, our Inukshuk charms are still very popular souvenirs. Have a look
http://bit.ly/cJRZVs

Mother's Day Gift Guide

One of my pieces is featured in the Indie Spotting Mother's Day Gift Guide!
http://bit.ly/co0vgc

Ocean Phoenix Designs Signature Rings

Digital collage generated with Smilebox

Create a free collage

another creative mother's day gift - create a book

Here is something I want to give a try...creating my own book through Blurb.com
http://www.blurb.com/utm_source=Emailoffer&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&utm_campaign


My sister and I took my mom on an amazing trip to the North Sea in Germany last year.
We had an absolute blast and took tons of photos...enough to fill several books.

I think she would love to have a book that captured all of those wonderful memories.

Has anyone had any experience making books on Blurb? I'd love to hear from you.

staying balanced

With only two weeks left before my vacation, I'm finding myself stretched to stay on top of work and life...mother's day orders need to be filled, daily tweets need to be read and made, blog space needs to be filled, website needs to be updated, the garden needs work (annuals have to be planted before we leave), taxes need to be completed and filed, vistors are coming, our daughter is moving back home for a while. Have I mentioned the long list of day-to-day demands?...The list seems endless and ever expanding.

I have learned that the best way to stay on top of growing demands and stressful times is to start my mornings grounded in meditation and physical exercise, even if this means getting up a little earlier than usual. Starting the day with a focus on my "Self" not only grounds me, but I feel like I have a luxuriously rich and full life that includes time for my sanity and wellbeing.

On that note...I wish everyone ohm, peace and a productively harmonious day with lots of love and joy in each moment.

custom rings for creative moms with flair

Have a mom with lots of creative flair? Looking for a special gift for your mom that won't break the bank?

Our rings come with custom fit bands in 15 different colours and 9 different Swarovski crystals.

The center stone is interchangeable, meaning mom can design her ring to go with any outfit, using any beads, pearls and stones of her choice. Her imagination is the only limit...

Let your mom have fun with her jewelry design ideas. You can't go wrong with a gift as versatile as our ring.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43089866

yoga necklaces

I would love to hear your thoughts on my yoga necklaces.

mothers and daughters

As a mom, I'll never stop caring and looking out for my girls. Since they don't live with me anymore, I now have to keep coming up with new and creative ways to protect them from a distance while they're gone.

I gave both of my daughters necklaces for Christmas that are adorned with a variety of protective and healing gemstones. I call them Yoga Necklaces. They have become very popular and I have received many custom orders since. The girls love their necklaces and wear them almost daily...they are their favourite pieces from me (and mom has made them many as you can imagine) because they are not only gorgeous, but they also carry lots of meaning, love and care.

I have just completed another yoga necklace for mother's day that comes with a customized letter and describes the healing and magical properties of each stone that was selected for the recipient.

This design makes an ideal mum's day gift from one or multiple members of the family...a strand of custom picked gemstones from each child, dad gets to buy the chain and pendant....and voila, mom has a meaningful, timeless and beautiful piece of jewellery from everyone to cherish and love forever that can be added on to over the years as well!

There's still time to place custom orders.

my first post

Here I am, completely new to on-line sales and marketing, social media and blogging...

I do hope that I will learn to love sharing my thoughts on this blog about my inspiration, my joy of being creative, designing things that make others feel happy and beautiful and that my clients and customers will in turn share their thoughts and feedback with me.

I'm looking forward to turning my focus to Mother's Day next and have some great ideas to share.