Be Happy!

What is 'happiness' to you... a cupcake? Flowers? Starry night? A rainbow?
Well, now it's a book that has created a movement... Delivering Happiness.

When trying to come up with a 'universal' phrase for this bangle charm, "BE HAPPY" popped into my head. I find the two simple words a comfort, an inspiration and personal mantra in this crazy, mixed-up world. I read the book some time ago, and with some imperceptible shifts in my own thinking, I've come to appreciate, and am trying to apply, some of the lessons learned in my life, day-to-day. Checkout the web link, get the book, browse the blog (click on the title of this post to get there), join the movement and maybe even order your own bangle from our new made-to-order gallery, AGJ Elements. Cupcakes available ;) Mahalo! ~alohabc

Copper, Brass, Silver... Magic!

Exploring new media, it looks like AGJ is heading in a 'Western' direction with our Western Whimsy Heart Pendant. After a heavy patina on textured copper emerged, I envisioned memories of tooled leather belts and wallets from my '60's upbringing watching Roy Rogers & Dale Evans and all the other westerns on TV! We'll be blazing new trails (Literally, I got a new torch!) and offering new, one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces with elements created in mixed metals. Think wild, wild west with a touch of 'steam-punk.'
Note that AGJ Elements will also offer a bit of the 'Far East' with themes of nature, the seasons in stone settings and stampings. Pictured here is our AGJ Seasons, Spring Pendant. Calibrated semi-precious gemstones are being searched out and collected to offer your choice of settings. Of course, you will choose your own stampings (unless your initials happen to be AGJ) and shapes/metals/textures may be mixed & matched to your specifications. Stay tuned for more designs and finishes for our AGJ Elements offferings. Click on the title of this post to see more photos. Mahalo! ~alohabc

Aloha 2012! Year of the Water Dragon

I don't really know what happened to 2011, it whizzed by so fast. I'm determined to slow down, take note and enjoy this new year!!! So far, so good. The holiday decorations were put away before the homeowner association sent a letter. Spring seedlings are potted up, already beginning to sprout. New techniques in jewelry-making, playing with fire, melting and melding, there's a learning-curve before I post something here.
Meanwhile, a friend tossed out a new challenge, more crafting than creating, to feature a miniature ukulele for musicians and their fans. Makes me want to hum "Over the Rainbow." Hope you like it! ~alohabc

Aloha Summer!

A Beautiful Varie...

Curated By: ByBonnie

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

Tea Lover to Tea Lover SOS: Japan Disaster Relief

This post is going to be short and bittersweet:

Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations is searching for all their customers affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, in order to bring aid to their families. They are asking for our help.

Please click the image or title of this post for more information, video and instructions on how to help Tea Lovers and others in Japan. Mahalo! ~alohabc

New Year, New Look!

At AGJ you'll find a sleek new banner logo, serene color theme, streamlined page navigation and free shipping, for an entirely 'user-friendly' shopping experience. Our new line of signature packaging offers a clear selection and an elegant gift wrapping, always free with every jewelry order.

Some things haven't changed, you'll find this trio of genuine Venetian Murano glass earrings by AGJ available only at Illumination: Venetian Night-A Masquerade Ball. This will be the 4th year AGJ has donated jewelry for auction to benefit Assets School, and the 2nd time award-winning actors Tony Shalhoub and Brooke Adams will be guest hosts of the gala event. Celebrity chefs will also be serving dinner for the evening, Friday, March 4, 2011, at the Hawaii Convention Center. Click on the title to this post for more information on Assets School, the event and to purchase tickets. ~alohabc

Back to School

"Back to School"... a simple jewelry forum challenge declared on or about July 20th, plenty of time, yes?!? We would strut our stuff by Labor Day. Since then, the only thing that would cross my mind is pencils, backpacks and books. Down to the wire, literally and figuratively, school colors became the focus when I spotted a pair of CZ briolettes on the corner of my desk last night. The emerald green with a bit of white from Swarovski® crystals and a hint of a wave in sterling silver is my homage to all our university students heading to classes in Manoa. Click on the title of this post for schedules, news and features on UH Athletics for this school year. Go Warriors! ~alohabc

Yum... Yum Cha!

Awakened by ascending jet blasts on their way to a Memorial Day airshow over the harbor, followed by car alarms and neighborhood dogs barking from the commotion, there was little to do this morning but contemplate what to do next. A trip to the hardware store, quick caffeine fix and then a lightbulb went on... a restaurant in the shopping center now serves dim sum! Golden Lion Chinese Kitchen in Aiea, is grounded in local and Hong Kong style favorites, yet they've kept up with the times... bubble tea drinks for the afterschool crowd, a busy take-out business for working families, retirees and singles and now, "dim sum all day." Since Eastern Garden near Pearlridge closed their doors several years ago, dim sum or yum cha is something our central and leeward friends have been missing for some time. With reluctant husband in-tow this morning and the prospect of feeding the hungry boyz (still) asleep at home, we went all out today and brought home a feast. As you can see in this detail, the 'local favorites,' half moon, steamed manapua and pork hash have the lighter looks of the upscale establishments, yet we found the assortment to be stuffed full with whole shrimps, seafood chunks, and extras like shiitake mushrooms and fresh vegetables (local watercress, chives and spinach) that add texture and a flavor boost to even the classics. The owner told us the pork hash is their most popular specialty, "not like other places." Not knowing our exchange at the restaurant, #2son declared, "The siu mai is really good and the mochi rice has lots of meat in it." While balancing local preferences with classic ethnic recipes is a tricky business in Hawai`i, there seems to be more hits than misses at Golden Lion. They've had the staying-power that other storefronts in the area have not. Click on the title of this post for more information. ~alohabc

I Break for Cupcakes

It isn't often that most residents, including myself, actually hit the pavement in Waikiki. The Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk is one of those rare exceptions. It isn't your typical athletic marathon or triathlon that goes on in this health-conscious state, but a fun, family & friends event with entertainment, food, drink and encouragement all along the way. This year's event was held yesterday, and I'm very sorry not to have posted beforehand to encourage more support for the benefactors of this charity event. However, consider this an advance invitation to be prepared for next year's 33rd Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk! This year on the route there were breakfast pastries, giant fresh strawberries, lots and lots of ice cold water, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, live Hawaiian music, crunchy granola, chilled watermelon, kiddie bouncers, rainbow shave ice, bubble machines, heavenly coconut cake, local radio station DJ's, frozen juices & pops, paper fans, mist showers, (have I missed anything?!?) oh, and red velvet cupcakes! If you were one of the thousands to get all the checkpoint stamps, there was a bento lunch waiting for you at the finish line. Waikiki hotel caterers and businesses provided all the yummy treats and refreshments.

The Visitor Industry Charity Walk is a great way to support a long list of worthy causes and local non-profit organizations, while team-building with your coworkers, reuniting with friends and bonding with family members. It's not too early to put on those walking shoes and launch your conditioning program for next year's walk. Click on the title of this post and bookmark the event's website for future reference. Hope to see you there in 2011! ~alohabc

Art By Us!

New toys, new venue! ArtByUs.com is a 'virtual' art gallery and auction site, with one-of-a-kind (aka OOAK) pieces created by known and unknown artists. You are buying original and limited edition works directly from the artists. AGJ Word Play, is my latest ArtByUs submission. These copper bits were hand stamped, formed and given a vintage patina to draw out the calligraphy image against a mirror-polished background. 14kt gold filled accents for a contrasting finishing touch. I'm loving this new opportunity to use my hammers, and just wait 'til you see what else can be done with a few steel stamps and finishing tools! Simply click on the title of this post to reach the ArtByUs page to discover the translation and for more information. ~alohabc