Sweet Notions: Rethink • Restore • Reclaim

Great Necklace, Special Story

This is the newest owner of a what has been a very special item to Sweet Notions, the coral necklace pictured. Being Jewish herself, she was most appreciative to know about its origins. {image_1}

The Story: The necklace was given to me last year by my friend Lonia Winchester, who is close to 90. She is a Holocaust survivor who worked in the resistance movement against the Nazis in Poland--able to pass for a gentile because of her blue eyes and blond hair and therefore move among the Nazis undetected. She wrote a memoir about her life, "The Truth About Eyes," that she self-published, but I just found two copies on Amazon. Here is their review: "This is the story of a seemingly unremarkable girl who turned out to be a remarkable woman, who led not one but two heroic lives, very different from each other but having in common an uncommon instinct for survival."
 
I first met Lonia when she was just starting to write the memoir and showed up in a writing workshop I was teaching. She was over 80 at the time!  Since then, we've maintained a friendship through phone calls and letters, and I visited her every time I was in New York, a few times each year. Last year she gave me the necklace along with a bracelet. She couldn't remember how she acquired them, but had them for many years. I kept the bracelet as a memento, but am passing along the necklace to this wonderful organization, whose work I know would please Lonia. As of this writing, she recently entered a nursing home, very weak and failing.

Lucy-- Dallas, Texas

How To Care For Your Pearls

Fine cultured pearls should last for many years, even generations--- but only if they're properly cared for. We just found some informative tips on Luxist, which spoke with someone who knows the "how to's" of caring for pearls probably better than anyone else, Tiffany & Co.

Cultured pearls should be kept free of perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration and dirt, advises Tiffany & Co. Acid and akali substances can be harmful to pearls, including chemicals found in perfumes, skincare products, hair products and even perspiration due to the salt content. On the other hand, the body's natural oils (apart from heavy perspiration) are actually beneficial for pearls and keeps them from drying out. The issues are the same for colored pearls.

Tiffany & Co. advises pearl owners to follow the old adage "pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off". Avoid getting your pearls wet and don't wear them when bathing.

If your pearls are soiled, clean them by gently wiping the pearls with a slightly damp cloth. Do not use a chemical-based cleaner on them, as they can become damaged.

Do not store your pearls with other pieces of jewelry, as they can be easily scratched. Separate the pearls from other items by keeping them in a soft bag or wrap them in a cloth before storing them.

Tiffany & Co. cultured pearls are strung on pure silk with knots between each cultured pearl. Over time, the silk will stretch, weaken and become soiled. If you wear your cultured pearls regularly, Tiffany's advises having the pearls professionally cleaned and restrung annually. This will prevent the strand from breaking.

{image_1}Sweet Notions has received several beautiful strands of pearls, many of which with equally beautiful stories that came along with them. We've had the pleasure of passing along these gorgeous works of nature at many of our Sweet Notions Boutique Events.

Amelies—Thank You For A Successful Event Everyone

What a great event! Thanks to everyone who came out to see us yesterday.

{image_1} {image_2} We heard some unique and exciting stories of people doing some amazing things in and around Charlotte to help bring positive change to the world; we enjoyed sharing our vision for Sweet Notions and hearing yours.

{image_3} {image_4} In addition, we had loads of opportunity to share our plans for the upcoming Design Camps in 2010, which just made me even more excited about rolling them out soon!

We've been invited back to Amelies next year and are already looking forward to it! Thanks to Amelie's French Bakery and everyone who helped make this a big success. See you again in 2010 Charlotte!

Design Gathering

We are ramping up for the Design Camps to begin rolling out in late Spring of 2010. In order to do that we are mobilizing designers to help us create designs and templates to teach the women in the Design Camps. In order to do that Sweet Notions is hosting a series of events/ retreats.

So.... Sweet Notions is hosting 24 Hours of Craft January 8-9th at Malshanger House in Basingstoke, UK in January.
If you are interested in attending this gathering please contact shannon@sweetnotions.org