Latest Jewelry Pieces
Current mood: inspired
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Hi everyone,

I recently completed some new jewelry pieces and thought I'd share them with you.  Each piece is currently available through the TAAS Gallery in Old Fort, North Carolina and can be purchased online via their web site - www.taasg.com.   Please let me know what you think of these pieces.  Thanks!

(1)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Cat's Eye glass beads and Sterling Silver beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(2)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Hematite and Howlite gemstone beads and glass beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(3)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Jet and Hematite gemstone beads and glass beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(4)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Moonstone gemstone beads, fossil beads, and glass beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(5) Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Rose Quartz gemstone beads and Cat's Eye Glass beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(6)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Rose Quartz gemstone beads and Cat's Eye glass beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

(7)  Sterling Silver Necklace featuring Garnet, Howlite, and Jet gemstone beads, Sterling Silver beads, and a Sodalite gemstone and Sterling Silver pendant

  Click here to see a larger picture

(8)  Sterling Silver Earrings featuring Garnet and Howlite gemstone beads and Sterling Silver beads

  Click here to see a larger picture

If you are interested in having a custom jewelry piece created just for you, please let me know as we are always available for commissions.  Jewelry makes a wonderful gift for youself or a loved one and can fit just about any budget.  Our earrings typically run approximately $15.95 plus shipping, our bracelets typically run about $19.95 to $22.95 plus shipping and our necklaces typically run about $25.96 to $28.95 plus shipping.  We'd love to create a piece for you and look forward to hearing from you! 

Thanks!

Brian

8:37 PM - 3 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Interesting CAM Conference in Asheville, NC
Current mood: focused
Category: Life

Hi All,

The Mountain Area Health Education Center is sponsoring a unique Complementary and Alternative Medicine Conference on July 11, 2008 in Asheville, North Carolina that I thought might be of interest to those of you local to my area. It will feature national and local speakers, all of whom are considered experts in their field, with topics of interest to physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, mental health professionals, and other interested health professionals and CAM practitioners. A description of the conference is below.

Title: Partnering Western Medicine and CAM: An Evidence-Based Approach to
Healing

Date: July 11, 2008

City/State: Asheville, North Carolina

Address: Mountain Area Health Education Center
501 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Registration Cost: $129; pre-registration preferred (see link)

Credit details: Various health care continuing education credits are being offered such as CEU, CNE, various mental health credits, AMA credits, etc.

Description:

Health consumers and health providers alike have increased their interest and utilization of complementary and alternative therapies over the past three decades. Today, many of these healing practices are being integrated into mainstream western medicine. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA), the conference will open with a keynote address by Patrick Hanaway, MD. Dr. Hanaway will discuss current research studies and explore some of the limitations associated with these efforts. The morning will conclude with a more in-depth discussion of four CAM modalities and the evidence that supports their therapeutic benefit.

Following a lunch presentation that compares a variety of indigenous healing practices (including Native American, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine), participants will have an opportunity to select the experiential session of their choice. A second concurrent session will provide participants with the chance to hear an overview of CAM modalities used in one of three clinical areas (obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, and pain management).

The conference will conclude with a plenary session with Bridget Bongaard, MD. Dr. Bongaard, a board-certified internist who is the Director of Integrative Medicine for Northeast Medical Center, will discuss strategies for implementing and integrating complementary therapies into practice.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

· Describe current CAM research, what is being funded, and how CAM therapies are moving from the fringe to the mainstream in the American health care arena;
· Review evidence based approaches in acupuncture, meditation, movement/tai chi, and healing touch and their application in healthcare settings;
· Describe similarities and differences among Native American, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine;
· Experience a selected choice of one of the following CAM Modalities: acupuncture, meditation/mindfulness, movement/Tai Chi, or Healing Touch;
· Identify benefits of CAM modalities in a selected practice setting;

· Identify practical strategies to integrate complimentary and alternative therapies into practice settings.

Website link for more information (copy and paste into your browser): http://www.mahec.net/calendar/detail.aspx?eid=1634061&parentID=0

You can view a PDF of the conference brochure once you visit the link in question. It will provide greater details about speakers, topics, etc.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Brian

12:01 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Latest Drawing
Current mood: chipper
Category: Art and Photography

Hi all - just thought I’d share my latest wacky drawing with you.  Don’t laugh - we all have warped minds at times :-)

   "

4:13 PM - 5 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Healing Energy and Prayers Needed
Current mood: calm
Category: Friends

Hi everyone!

I need your help :-)  Most of you don’t know this but in my spare time, I am an assistant coach for my daughter’s softball team.  This is my first year doing something like this but I love working with kids and sports is something I know so it was a good way to get involved.  We have a great group of kids and I love working them.  Unfortunately, sports can sometimes be dangerous, and last week one of our girls found that out in a very personal way.  We were practicing sliding, which most of the girls had never done, and one of our players ended up getting injured on her first slide.  You can imagine what’s coming next....

She ended up suffering a twisting break in her fibula and tibula and also breaking her ankle.  All from the slide.  No one saw exactly what happened but I can guess that her cleats probably got caught in the dirt and the forward momentum of her body, plus her body mass, kept going forward, over her leg, breaking it.  We spent an agonizing half hour on the field with her until the paramedics were able to load her in the ambulance and take her to the hospital.  I work right next to the hospital and was able to visit her twice on Friday (seeing her once; she was in surgery the 2nd time) and went again today.  She had surgery on her leg and ankle to insert rods, plates, and screws - it was a mess inside her leg so all of that was needed to speed her healing.  She is heavily medicated but they’ve begun to wean her from the morphine onto regular pain killers and had her up and moving with a walker today.  She is in good spirits but of course wants out of that hospital in a bad way :-)  

She is resiliant and has a heart of gold so I know she’ll recover from this in due time but I figured it can’t hurt to help her recovery along.  So, if you’re like me, and believe in the power of prayer and healing energy, then please, please, find a few moments in your day to send some to her.  And if you don’t believe in that sort of thing, which is totally fine, than please just keep her in your thoughts periodically as I also believe that positive thoughts help also :-)   Thanks!!!

Brian

3:53 PM - 10 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

Fun Blog Game
Current mood: cold
Category: Games

My friend Tanya did this in her blog and I thought it was cute so am replicating it here....

Type your name in my blog comments.
Once you do that, this is what I'll do for you...

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you which song or movie you remind me of.
3. I'll pick a flavor of jello to wrestle you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
(if possible... if not, I'll say something that only makes sense to me.)
5. I'll tell you my first memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wondered about you.
8. If you play, you MUST post this on yours. You MUST

9:33 PM - 12 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

Latest Drawing
Current mood: happy
Category: Art and Photography

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd share my latest drawing with you.  As you may or may not know, I used to love drawing when I was younger but stopped doing it many many years ago.  I recently picked up a pad and colored pencils again and this is the 2nd drawing I've done since them....It's no Picasso - art for me is therapeutic and I worry not about how it looks in the end.  Just thought I'd share it with you.

   Click here for a bigger picture

Brian

9:26 PM - 4 Comments - 5 Kudos - Add Comment

New Sections added to TAAS Gallery
Current mood: happy
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Folks,

The Applachian Artisan Gallery in Old Fort, North Carolina has created two new sections for writers and musicians (www.taasg.com).  To be eligible to join these sections, you must be located within a 200 mile radius of the gallery.  Information from the gallery is below.

Two NEW Artisan Sections in TAAS-Gallery

We are creating two new special sections in The Appalachian Artisan Society Gallery for local writers and musicians. If you have published a book or several books or produced a packaged CD or several CDs and live with-in our demographic area of acceptance you will want to participate in this great program. The cost to get in is minimal, just an annual membership fee of $50.00 with that fee you will get the opportunity to sell and market your product. TAAS-Gallery has one of the best artisan marketing programs ever developed. Winning praise from its members as a true marketing tool that launches the artists into a global selling platform while maintaining the local presence. With each membership account you get: listed on our Artisan Members Page Listed on our special section page (Local books or Local Music) Have your own webpage which includes: Biography or information Ecommerce shopping cart Login to your account and see all sales transactions Reciprocal web link (if you have a website) Sell your product in the special section in TAAS-Gallery situated in the heart of a revitalizing downtown mountain community, Old Fort.

All sales will be assessed @ just 30%. This is 20% below the typical wholesale to retail pricing that the typical retail outlets would require. Both of these programs will be more successful with a large participation of specialty members. Our goal is to work with at least 25 new members for each group. We begin our search for new members for these two sections in January 2008 with an anticipated section unveiling the first week of March. Have a question? Call us: 828-668-1070, email us: dheldman@taasg.com or come and visit. Read our Frequently Asked Questions to gain more incite about our program designed to market your special artisan talent.

8:48 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Recent Sales at TAAS Gallery
Current mood: happy
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Hi everyone,

I'd thought I'd take a few moments and share with everyone some of the recent Blue Mountain Designs sales that occurred at The Applachian Artisan Gallery in Old Fort, North Carolina.  The following items recently sold at the gallery.

(1)  A hand sewn children's blanket

  Click here to see a bigger picture of it

(2)  A hand created sterling silver and gemstone bracelet made of multiple gemstone beads and chips as well as glass beads.

  Click here for a bigger picture

(3)  A hand created pair of earrings made of sterling silver, gemstone beads and chips, and glass beads

  Click here for a bigger picture

(4)  A hand painted whimsical rock

   Click here for a bigger picture


Blue Mountain Designs specializes in jewelry featuring gemstone beads and chips (as well as glass and findings), painted rocks, and polymer clay creations.  We also work in other art mediums.  We'd love the opportunity to create something special for you!

8:34 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Updated Information on TAAS Gallery in Old Fort, NC
Current mood: tired
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Folks,
 
The Appalachian Artisan Society Gallery (TAAS Gallery), located in Old Fort, North Carolina, has some exciting changes they want to let you know about! 

UPDATE:

(1)  They have just expanded into an adjoining building and added another 1500 SQ FT retail space to their existing gallery. The new section is dedicated to providing Fine Art with an enhanced display space & clutter free shopping experience.  Spaces are still available for artists!   Also, with the addition of this new area, some existing fine art work has moved from the first gallery section, freeing up space there for additional artist/crafters!
 
(2)  Effective immediately - they are expanding their acceptance radius to 200 miles from the gallery so that they can increase their pool of artists and crafters and continue to bring the best products to customers.  With the recent expansion of the Fine Arts gallery, they currently have over 40 spots to fill (recent vendor additions have placed their current vendor number at 60 - they 40 more slots to go to fill their 100 slots!!!)
 
(3)  The gallery has NOW launched it e-commerce/online store!  This new feature to the gallery's web site is a state-of-the-art internet store that features all gallery products that have pictures in their artisan/crafter inventory.  The inventory/tracking system already used by the gallery is superb and the new online store has a simple, elegant, and efficient design that will be a great boost to sales for gallery members.  Members can now sell their products world-wide!!!!
 
(4)  Also, coming this fall, the Catawba Vale Coffee Shop will open up for business.  It will be located in the TAAS-Fine Art building and will serve coffee and may also serve other beverages and light snacks.  This new feature will encourage shoppers to stay and browse longer than they normally would - a great feature for artisan/crafters!
 
(5)  Lastly, TAAS Gallery has been approved as a North Carolina
E-Procurement Vendor.  All gallery items are available for purchase using the NC E-procurement system.  This feature exposes all gallery members to the purchasing power of the state Government and may help open doors to corporate/large business sales also!
 
The TAAS Gallery is a wonderful gallery in Old Fort, NC.  They believe strongly in supporting their gallery members and providing a rewarding shopping experience for their customers.   From all the features mentioned above, to advertising (print and TV) and other support, the Gallery is a great home for local artisans/crafters.  If you haven't visited the Gallery in person, please do so.  Feel free to visit them online also - their website is www.taasg.com.  All local artisan/crafters within the 200 mile acceptance radius should consider becoming a member of the Gallery.  Their rates are low and their support is fantastic!!   We hope to see you there :o)
 
Brian and Gina Collier
Blue Mountain Designs
Members of The Appalachian Artisan Society Gallery (TAAS Gallery)

8:51 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Old Fort NC TAAS Gallery Online Store is now OPEN!!
Current mood: creative
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Great news everyone!

The Appalachian Artisan Society Gallery in Old Fort, North Carolina has launched their online shop! This shop adds an awesome feature to the gallery, allowing gallery members to sell their gallery items globally via the internet with all transactions going through the Gallery website.

Now you can order Blue Mountain Designs gallery items directly from the internet!!!! Who could ask for more :o)

To access the online shop directly, copy and paste this link to your browser:

http://www.taasg.com/shop/

You can also access the shop via the main TAAS Gallery website URL:

http://www.taasg.com

Have fun shopping!!

Brian and Gina
Blue Mountain Designs

1:39 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment