Glow Up complete! We're Back! Bolder! Brighter ! & Better!

Here’s the scoop! While life was getting busy, I was too distracted to work on any jewelry and my creativity was low! But that was only for a season. Now I’m back in business! First things First. Why the name change? Since I feel REFRESHED, I want my jewelry to REFLECT my RENEWED creativity, so I RENAMED it to Veronica’s Jewelry Box! Formally, Heavencent Gifts, was a great small business, it taught me a lot. I met and worked with wonderful people! The focal point of my Jewelry was two-fold. I designed coin jewelry and I wanted to support a wonderful non profit @theA21campaign, which fights against Human Trafficking.

Things have changed in the last few years . (Although, one thing that hasn’t changed is my commitment to supporting the A21 Campaign!) I’ve learned so much on my jewelry journey! Through continuing education, taking classes and going to studio labs & workshops and being under the tutelage of professional jewelers I have expanded my knowledge, skills and abilities!

Since I am inspired by whatever catches my heart! I don’t want to be confined to one design! That’s why I chose Veronica’s Jewelry Box as my new name. So join me as I open Veronica’s Jewelry Box to see what’s pieces of wearable art entice you!


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AuthorVeronica Jackson
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Summer Time ...Some-more time!!

I was riding my bike the other day, enjoying the sun on my back as I rode down the bike path. Looking at the historical monuments on one side and the Potomac River on the other.

There are a lot of cool places to see here in the DC/VA area, best seen on the bike path because on the street I feel like a slow moving target for the cars! By the way, there is a new law in Virginia stating that drivers must leave a 3 feet space between bicyclists and cars. Oh but I get off track so easily…both on my bike and in my thoughts!!

I really wanted to talk about SUMMERTIME…and how quickly it is leaving us! So with still a few days left before the leaves turn colors, the days get shorter, and we need to bundle up in sweaters, I thought I’d share a few suggestions to enjoy the rest of this sunny season!!

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  • Get Refreshed! Take another dip in the pool, lake, ocean, or simply run through the sprinklers!

  • Listen to a good song! Tune into your ipod, mp3, phone, radio, phonograph, cassette or 8 track player! Does anyone have those anymore?!

  • Get together with friends! Facebook, twitter, or any social media doesn’t count! I mean actually a face to face real live visit!

  • Enjoy an ice cream cone! Remember as a kid trying to eat it before the sun melts it all over your face and fingers?!

  • Take a trip! It could be short or long, just get in the car and keep driving until someone asks “Are we there yet?”

  • Go to a Park! Go ahead and swing, see how high you can actually go!!

  • Buy yourself something…yep just for you! Umm how about a nice piece of jewelry! See our “shop” conveniently located on this very website!!

  • Go for a ride! Bicycle or motorcycle you decide, as long as you can feel the wind breeze by you!

  • Read a good book! Pick up (or download) that book you’ve been thinking about reading, even if it is a magazine!!

  • Take in the sun! Don’t forget your spf 15 or spf 50! Just enjoy the rays…not for too long,( if you break out in a sweat you’ve taken in too much!) Breathe in the warm air for a minute then go back to your air conditioned house, car, or office!

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There you have it!   10 suggestions that are easy ways to make the most of what’s left of SUMMERTIME!

Your turn--  what do you like about your SUMMERTIME ?  Share your favorite SUMMERTIME  suggestion! Quick!  Before Autumn comes around!

Oh and thanks for stopping by!

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AuthorVeronica Jackson
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Gotta HAND it to you!

There are so many fun and inspiring quotes with the word "HAND" but this is one that inspires me:

Ecclesiastes 9:10

When I first heard Christine Caine founder of The A21 Campaign, I knew I had to get involved! Chris is such a dynamic speaker, her passion and drive motivated me to find a way to help support The A21 Campaign.

Hand created Etched Cuff, a new and different design from my signature coin pieces!

Hand created Etched Cuff, a new and different design from my signature coin pieces!

"Hands"

"Hands"

I have always enjoyed making things by HAND and loved creating unique pieces of art with lots of mediums! I have tried my HAND at sewing, painting, quilting, decoupage, beading, and even basket weaving! 

 

 I also have traveled alot! What does that have to do with anything? Well, since I visited so many places, I ended up with lots of coins from many countres. Why not use what I had on Hand! So I put together jewelry with coins and began selling the pieces which allowed me to give to The A21 Campaign!

 

Let me introduce you to The A21 Campaign, please take a moment and watch this. Then you'll know why I am supporting this worthy cause!

You know, it's not about the jewelry ..it's about the one...the one you can help! Just lend a HAND! Check out www.thea21campaign.org to find out what you can do!

helping hands

Now you know what inspired me to start up HeavenCent Gifts...I'm HANDing it off to you..what inspires you & are you ready to lend a Hand?!

Thanks for stopping by!

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AuthorVeronica Jackson
Categoriesblogs, writings, worth reading, thoughts, just for you
Tagshands, lending, giving, charities, fighting human trafficking, TheA21 campaign, jewelry, cuffs, etching, volunteer, donations
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"Tooling" Around!

Just a quick note about tools!

Have you ever heard the phrase  “You’re such a tool” ?  Well, it’s not a compliment!

…it commonly means you’re being used and don’t even know it!

A few of my tools!

A few of my tools!

 Whether or not my tools realize I’m using them doesn’t really matter, what matters is, that I know how to use them!!   As I work creating jewelry I am learning more about tools!  In fact I have just as much fun using gizmos and gadgets as I do creating my pieces!!

Most of my tools are made for specific purposes, but every now and then my imagination and/or need gets the best of me and I use what I have to get the job done!!   Take the rolling pin….you may think it’s purpose is to roll out perfect dough,  or possibly use it like Daisy Duck when she tries to make a point!! 

But if you’re a designer who thinks outside the box, a rolling pin is perfect for forming bracelet cuffs!

What about Cuttle Fish bone-- think it’s only for feeding the birds?

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Silver Ruby Ring from Cuttlebone cast

Silver Ruby Ring from Cuttlebone cast

Nope!   It makes the perfect mold for casting unique pieces with a natural design!

 I won’t tell you how I use coconut shells or hydrogen proxide!

Just” tools of the trade”!

So I ask you “What are your tools of the trade?” 

What do you use to create something beautiful?

It could be as simple as your smile! Use what you have!  The perfect tool of the trade!

Thanks for stopping by!

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AuthorVeronica Jackson
Tagstools, gadgets, gizmos, pliers, wire cutters, cutters, files, jewelry, tools of the trade, handtools, drills & bits, hardware, crafts, cuttlebone, rings, rolling pins
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It's a process..

Isn't it funny how you start with one idea and end up with something totally different!  That happens to me so many times that I know my initial idea is only that-- an idea! The outcome is so much better! 

creativity quote

I've been taking a wonderful Metal & Silver Smithing class with the idea of getting better at my soldering skills.  Like I said it was only an idea...then  I was introduced to Etching!! 

My creations!

My creations!

I put down my torch and put on my gloves! I love this ! There is a method to my madness and timing to this technique!  It's not  a quick process! You start with your designs, there's alot of transfering from  paper then to metals. Then comes working with yucky etching solvent (rubber gloves will be your favorite piece of clothing or you'll end up with a jeweler's manicure, which means you'll have gnarly fingernails and dried up hands! ) Next is cleaning, sanding, filing, shaping and powder coating & more cleaning and finally more filing !  I have tried to find short cuts but I have learned there is joy in the journey!

Transferring designs

Transferring designs

Ready for powder coating

Ready for powder coating

Finished cuffs, with powder coating and without

Finished cuffs, with powder coating and without

With each step I can see glimpses of what's to come...a unique piece of art!  Well worth all the time, work and energy !  So whatever journey you're on remember "It's a Process and You Are Well Worth All The Time, Work and Energy As You too, Become a Unique Piece of Art!

Thanks for stopping by!

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AuthorVeronica Jackson
Tagsbracelets, etchings, journeys, process, jewelry, creativity, painting, copper, silver, bronze, soldering, unique, art, gifts, cuffs
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These are a few of my favorite things...la la la

Just wondering why I get so excited when I have Trunk Shows at Heather's Boutique. Then it dawned on me, it's because her place is filled with treasures! Everywhere I look there is something I want ...so what better way to entice you to visit but to rewrite an old favorite! So read this to the tune of The Sound of Music's "These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"!

Bright smiling faces, warm friendly voices,

Beautiful gifts, lots & lots of great choices

Personal presents with ribbons & strings

These are a few of my favorite things!

When you walk in

You’ll be welcomed

If you’re feeling sad…

then simply remember these favorite things

At Heather’s there’s fun to be had !!

 Saturday May 17th be sure

to visit Heather’s

HeavenCent will be there

with oodles of treasures!

Necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and rings

These are a few of my favorite things!

When you walk in

You’ll be welcomed

If you’re feeling sad…

then simply remember these favorite things

At Heather’s there’s fun to be had !!

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Hope to see you this Saturday May 17th,  10-5 at Heather's 721 Caroline St Downtown Fredericksburg.          **Thanks for stopping by**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AuthorVeronica Jackson
TagsHeather's, boutique, Trunk shows, fashion, jewelry, gifts, Sound of Music, These are my favorite things, treasures, The A21 Campaign, Fredericksburg, spring, necklaces, cufflinks, sing a longs
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Refreshing Website!

It seems like most people start things at the beginning of the year. You know, New Year’s Resolutions, New Goals, New Routines, New Begininngs etc. Well, I can’t put myself in that box! One reason is, I can’t think of a New Year’s Resolution exactly on New Year’s day!  And the second reason,  my timing isn’t always at the beginning of the year, or month, or week! I just can’t be tied down…ok maybe I have commitment issues or am just a procrastinator!!

procratination quote

All that to say, I have made a change! I do have Goals and with help from MAXIVY I completed one to check off my list! Yep our website has been updated!! Refreshed! Remodeled! Renewed! It has been on my mind, my heart and my list of “To Do’s”. Well I did it and love it ! I hope you do too! Please check out my 2 favorite pages “About Us” & “ Shop” which shows what I am passionate about... supporting The A21 Campaign, and designing and creating jewelry!

So as I continue to meet my goals, I am motivated to do what the above sign says:

Create* New designs

Imagine* Great things ahead

Challenge* Myself!

How about you..what will you Create, Imagine, Challenge?!

Thanks for stopping by!

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AuthorAdmin
Tagswebsite, new, changes, refresh, necklaces, procrastination, jewelry, MAXIVY, gifts, contest, sterling silver, crystal balls, The A21 Campaign, Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball
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Diamond in the Rough!

I 'm in DC quite a bit but seldom take the time to enjoy all the Smithsonian Museums. So recently I visited the Natural History Museum and found myself following the "Bling"
                           The Hope Diamond!!  
 Next thing you know I was surrounded with beautiful gems!
 Rubies, Emeralds, & Sapphires "Oh My!" As Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz would say! 
 Yes, I did see  her ruby slippers  too! 

  Most of the brillant gemstones began as natural stone!  Pictured are  a few colorful  Quartz  Exhibits.
                 

    Inspired by what I saw, I purchased stands of Quartz and created some new designs!  
                

                             
      Below is a variety of my finished creations!  It's amazing to see what began as a piece of stone, become a unique piece of wearable art!                             

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  Moral of the story...
Next time you think of judging someone,
 don't think of what they are but of what they can be!

 

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AuthorAdmin
TagsWashington DC, Gems, sapphire, ruby, Hope Diamond, Emeralds, Quartz, Crystal, Bling, Wizard of OZ, jewelry, wearable art, earrings, semi precious stones, necklaces, bracelets, exhibits, Dorothy 's ruby slippers
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