The past year has been one of remarkable discoveries and blessings. My teaching at Shipwreck Beads has grown so you can find all kinds of classes there from gem trees to jewelry making. We have been traveling quite a bit and we are loving life.

I do have a goal and that is working and learning about essential oils. I am dedicated to teaching others about these wonderful oils and how they can benefit your health. Please check out my Sano Therapia site for more information if you are looking to move to a more natural method of health care or you are just interested in learning more.

Happy New Year, okay so I'm just a little late. Thought I would share this little heart necklace I made out of fine silver, pearls, abalone and smokey quartz. 

Would be perfect as a Valentine gift for that special someone.

I did my usual holiday making for presents last year which prevented me from doing a lot of jewelry or even art but I was able to play with all my oils to make lotion and lip balm. Lots of fun.

I've been organizing my studio ...yes it was one of my resolutions to get completed, and have been getting really frustrated with my lack of space to store things. I still have a huge bag of yarn that needs to go somewhere and I've yet to find an appropriate place.

I did start a new on-line art class with Tamara LaPorte called Life Book 2013. There is an amazing group of artists/teachers this year and I just couldn't let it pass without playing. Hopefully, I'll feel more confident soon to post some pictures of what I have learned/accomplished. 

On another note, I do have a few new classes posted on the Shipwreck Beads site so if you want to learn how to make some simple findings, a gem tree or my new hammered pendant be sure to check it out. 
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/catalog/Classes/Wire-Working-Classes/

I've finally started a new tutorial since I haven't written one for about a year. I'll show you the pictures but you'll just have to wait a bit longer for the actual instructions. The bottom middle one is different and I'm still trying to decide if I like it. If you are looking for jewelry tutorials, just click the top tab to my tutorial pag

It all started with my on-line presence for my jewelry designs several years ago and that site is still up and running with galleries and info about where to find me but now I have grown to much more than just jewelry so it is time for a change. This is ME, Dana James Designs and here you will find a little bit of everything I do for fun and to make money so that I can have more fun. You'll be able to find my jewelry designs as well as my art which takes many forms from watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, journaling and sculpture.

I welcome you to look around, check out the various links on the home page and if you are looking for tutorials, I have those as well and they will be posted soon.

Buddy says hi and he hopes you'll come back real soon.