Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Website Update: Latest Design, February 23, 2011

Latest Design:
Royal Sapphire Garden Bracelet

Meet the latest addition to our Crystal Facets Collection. This one-of-a-kind piece is made with lampwork glass, fire polished Czech glass, and accented with Swarovski crystals. Strung on professional grade jewelry wire. Decorative metal-on-metal brushed gold toggle clasp. Heriloom quality.

Website Update: Studio Sneak Peek, February 23, 2011

Studio Sneak Peek:

Moisturizing Lavender Bath Bombs. Relaxing, soothing, moisturizing. Perfect for a relaxing soak in the tub after a long exhausting day.

These bath bombs are all natural and handpacked. Made with real lavender flowers.

We hope to have these in our Etsy store soon.

Website Update: Latest News, February 23, 2011

News: Hard At Work

New designs, new projects, upcoming events...it's been busy here at TIHB. So many new things happening and brewing that it's overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Unfortunately, we can't divulge too much here but be prepared to see new things in our horizon soon!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Our Favorite Picks: Dragonflies





Dragonfly: Odonata Epiprocta Anisoptera. An insect characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body.[1]

A bit mysterious, quiet, and a little eerie in appearance, the dragonfly has been the subject of many different forms of art throughout the passage of time. Its physical appearance draws visual interest; it is an usual looking member of the insect family. The dragonfly's elongated torso flanked with large, transparent wings and large eyes makes this creature look imbalanced but yet it travels about with ease and grace. Its attention seeking vibrant and often iridescent colors captures our interest as it flies by while hunting a tasty mosquito dinner.

By Art Matters

The dragonfly represents power and poise. This may be derived from its amazing physical skill. It has the ability to move in all six directions. Moving at a rate of 45 miles an hour, the dragonfly can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up, down and on either side. It can do this while flapping its wings 30 times a minute, while mosquitoes and houseflies need to flap their wings 600 and 1000 times a minute respectively. The dragonfly has 20 times as much power in each of its wing strokes when compared to other insects. It is no wonder why the Samurai use the dragonfly to symbolize power, agility and victory.[2]

Entomophobics, fear not. Dragonflies are harmless to humans. In fact, they are beneficial insects, preying on the insects that pester mankind such as mosquitoes and flies. They also help keep the bee and ant population in check.

Strong, agile, and helpful. Beautiful, timid, and graceful. The dragonfly is a creature that is loved, admired, and immortalized in art (a small, minuscule fraction of which has been compiled below. Enjoy!)
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By Achla

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(Excerpted from The White Company
“Clouds of insects danced and buzzed in the golden autumn light, and the air was full of the piping of the song-birds. Long, glinting dragonflies shot across the path, or hung tremulous with gauzy wings and gleaming bodies.” 
~ Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.

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(Black onyx art glass, chocolate suede cording)
By Artist Linda M. Lee


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Pond Surface

Gossamer on wind
Wings flit taking unseen paths
Dragonfly flies by

~A haiku by Taomaster Frank

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(From the album "Water of Life")
By Insight In Sound

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The Dragon-fly 

Today I saw the dragon-fly
Come from the wells where he did lie.
An inner impulse rent the veil
Of his old husk: from head to tail
Came out clear plates of sapphire mail.
He dried his wings: like gauze they grew;
Thro' crofts and pastures wet with dew
A living flash of light he flew.

In its eyes are mirrored
far-off-mountains
Dragonfly!

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

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"Dragonfly In Night: Necklace, Design No. Two"
(Rose quartz & Swarovski crystal handcrafted pendant and necklace)
By Artist Linda M. Lee


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Short Story: Dragonfly
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever. 

Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. 

So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!
~Author Unknown


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"Dragonfly In Night: Phone / Purse Pendant"
(Swarovski crystal & black onyx art glass)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

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A Dragonfly
Your delicate wings rapidly beat the air
The sleekness of your weightless body hovers
Curiously observing as though you care
Steadily searching for lifelong endeavors

Do you bring a message of a tranquil destiny?
Does your evolving maturity convey wisdom?
If I follow, will I find harmony or perplexity?
As you disappear… I am serenely lonesome
~Theresa Ann Moore


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Techie dragonfly
(8GB USB Flash Drive Pendant)

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Dragonfly, Dragonfly
Dragonfly, dragonfly,
Please don't pass me by
Wait with me a little while
Whilst I look, wonder and smile

You, my poetic inspiration
Maybe even for Da Vinci's invention
Did you teach the planes to fly?
You lovely, lovely dragonfly.

I can see you poised and still
On the leaf, and thus until
Blazes the kind summer sun
Until coldest winter has begun.

Branch,pond, flower and breeze,
Wait a while with me now please;
We shared the silence, but now
You've flown onto another bough.
~Rani Turton

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By CNI Designs


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Dragonfly; For I Follow
Your colors glisten, promoting your beauty
Your wings; prosperous and gentle, alike
I want to catch, capture, hold onto; forever
I seek you day and night, always by your side
Heart stills with your absence
~ Gregory Reed


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Tiffany Dragonfly Auto Stick Umbrella
By Galleria

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Silent Noon
Your hands lie open in the long fresh grass,
The finger-points look through like rosy blooms:
Your eyes smile peace. The pasture gleams and glooms
'Neath billowing skies that scatter and amass.
All round our nest, far as the eye can pass,
Are golden kingcup-fields with silver edge
Where the cow-parsley skirts the hawthorn-hedge.
'Tis visible silence, still as the hour-glass.

Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragon-fly
Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky:
So this wing'd hour is dropt to us from above.
Oh! clasp we to our hearts, for deathless dower,
This close-companioned inarticulate hour
When twofold silence was the song of love.
~ Dante Gabriel Rossetti

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By Primal Elements

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  1. ^ Wikipedia.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonfly
  2. ^Dragonfly-Site.com http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Learning Life: Why Does TIHB Blog?

(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
New to the world of blogging? Read blogs but never understood the real concept of it? According to Wikipedia, a blog is "a blend of the term web log," and is "usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video…..Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic."

Orchid Upclose
(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
Just about everyone seems to blog these days. Some use it as a way to vent. Others write with the hopes of beginning a new lucrative blogging career. Some people use it to privately journal daily life. With all of these blogs out in cyberspace, why does The Iridescent Hummingbird need to blog? To understand that, one needs to understand the essence of The Iridescent Hummingbird.

The Iridescent Hummingbird is a group of multi-medium artisans with an insatiable passion to create art in any form. We believe that art is an essential part of life. Art is everywhere; some easily seen, others need to be coaxed out of the shadows. Painting produces art. Jewelry making produces art. Cooking produces art. Music produces art. Perfuming produces art. Writing produces art. Organizing a closet produces art. If it affects the senses, emotions, and intellect, then we believe it is art.

Shadowed Heaven
(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
So why does TIHB blog? To share our thoughts, ideas, and passions. It is another creative avenue for us. We blog about what captures our attention and about what moves us. We  want to inspire others to look and approach life in new ways. We want people to see that not everything is as it seems and to take nothing for granted.







“To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.” ~Gandhi




“Everyone is gifted but some people never open their package.”

Orchid in Glass 
(Fine Art Prints & Posters) 
By Artist Linda M. Lee


“The secret of life is in art.” ~Oscar Wilde
Up Above the World So High
(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee


“Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” 
~George Bernard Shaw
Sunset Allure III
(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

“All art requires courage.” ~Anne Tucker 
Awaiting Sunset
(Fine Art Prints & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

“True art is characterized by 
an irresistible urge in the creative artist.” ~Albert Einstein
Pillows to Heaven
(Fine Art Prints & Photos)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Our Favorite Picks: Caribbean Rescue

"Sunset Allure"
(Fine Art Print & Posters)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
When it begins to feel like old man winter has over stayed his welcome, does your mind begin to daydream of warmer places? Do you imagine sugary white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and coconut trees swaying in the gentle breeze? Do you long for sweet warm tropical air hugging your body while the bright beautiful sunshine kisses your soul? I do. Oh, how I dearly do.

Unfortunately, budgets and busy schedules seldom allow most of us to escape the wrath of winter's cold. The occasional days of near-spring temperatures seem like a tease when the temps dip back down to the bottom of the thermometer. Frustrated? Moi aussi, mon ami. Moi aussi.

AUGH. How many days left until spring? No, real spring. You know -- the kind where you know you can leave the house without a jacket. The kind where taking a deep breath fills your nose with the lovely fragrance of sweet spring flowers. The kind that energizes you into immediately planning the next outdoor activity. The kind that brings back songbirds during the day and crickets at night. *sigh* Yeah, that kind.

For most of us, there's still a long ways to go. So now what? What do we do until then? Daydreaming can only take you so far. Well, as the saying goes "If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed will go to the mountain." Why not bring a bit of the Caribbean to you? Right here. Right now.


(Tropical Waves of Paradise)
By Renewing Vibrations 
Soothing, Tranquil Bath
Let the sounds sweep you away. Whip up your favorite tropical drink (piña colada, Bahama mama, yellow bird, etc. Go to The Bahamas Islands for a list of simple recipes.) Draw a warm luxurious bath and light tropical or ocean scented candles. Play tropical music or sounds of the beach. Turn off the lights. Step into your bath. Sip your delicious drink. Close your eyes and enjoy the moment of escape. Smile.

Dishes with an airy tropical feel
(Square, Bamboo Leaf)
By Corelle
Food For More Than Just Thought
Let your taste buds transport you to another place. Find authentic Caribbean recipes and gather the ingredients to create a little feast. Caribbean Pot offers a collection of various Caribbean recipes. El Boricua is a "bilingual, cultural publication for Puerto Ricans" and offers delightful tidbits of information and mouthwatering recipes. Prepare appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks.

(Música + Alma + Sexo)

Fiesta the Caribbean Way
Who doesn't love a good party? Use the winter blahs as a good reason to throw a tropical themed party. Make it a pot luck and ask your guests to each bring a Caribbean dish. Create invitations that look like plane tickets or boarding passes. In your main party room, cover a wall with a tropical photo mural. Pour a bit of sand (available at your hardware store) into short glasses and add a votive candle in each glass. Scatter pretty seashells on tables. Use raffia instead of streamers. Give away small bottles of Bacardi, sunglasses, shell necklaces, little containers of lotions, lipglosses, or floral hair clips as party favors. Hot dance music is a must! Everyone must dance and have a good time.

(Caribbean Waters Collection's Bracelet Design No. One)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
Wear It, Work It, Own It
Try adding a bit of Caribbean flare to your wardrobe. Use bright, beautiful colors representative of the islands to accent your outfits. This is a great time of year to break out of the cold mundane colors. Pairing with dark denim jeans and an understated simple top, tropical inspired jewelry will make a chic island statement. Manicures and pedicures finished with a brilliant Caribbean blue-green catches the eye. Use a touch of bronzer to give yourself a sunkissed glow.

Feel the energy. Stand up straight. Walk tall. Smile. Sparkle like the glistening Caribbean Sea. Make island time your time.

*Proceeds from the sale of the silver Bois De Tau Candle (pictured below) benefit the Ricky Martin Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates "the well being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health."

(Crush Collection's Caribbean Love Earrings)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

"Ocean"
(Nail Glam Nail Polish)
By Pop Beauty

"Beach Bum Blu"
(Nail Colour)
By Essie
"Clambake"
(Nail Colour)
By Essie
"Turquoise and Caicos"
(Nail Colour)
By Essie
"Jamaica Me Crazy"
(Nail Colour)
By Essie
Music to set the mood
(Tropical Healing)
By Pecker featuring Quatro Locos


(Caribbean Waters Collection's Phone/Purse Pendant)
By Artist Linda M. Lee

Artisn glass, crystal, and calcite gemstone earrings
(Caribbean Waters Collection's Earrings Design No. Two)
By Artist Linda M. Lee
(Bird of Paradise live plant)
(Bois De Tau for The Ricky Martin Foundation)
By Alexa Rodulfo
(Sale proceeds benefit the RM Foundation. Learn more here.)


Monday, February 14, 2011

Learning Life: Happy Valentine's Day!

In honor of this celebratory day of love, here are a few of our favorite romantic jewelry creations and quotes about love.

White Daisy Earrings 
“Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her."
“The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.” ~William Somerset Maugham
Pink Flower Garden
“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”
“One of the hardest things in life is watching the person you love, love someone else.”
“If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.”
The Rose Garden Phone Charm
“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.” ~James Earl Jones
“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”
“Every man is afraid of something. That's how you know he's in love with you; when he is afraid of losing you.”
“There are four questions of value in life... What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for, and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love.”

Princess Collection Bracelet
“It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone - but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.”
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
“Love is saying 'I feel differently' instead of 'You're wrong.'”
“True Love burns the brightest, But the brightest flames leave the deepest scars.”
Amethyst & Swarovski Ring
“We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved.”
“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.”
“It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let the person know how you feel.”
“No man is worth your tears, but once you find one that is, he won't make you cry.”
Calcite & Crystal Butterfly Bookmark
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” ~Robert Heinlein
“Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” ~Franklin P. Jones
“Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of room at both ends.”
“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.” ~Lao Tzu
“Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense.” ~Mark Overby
Lampwork & Ice Glass Earrings
“People love others not for who they are but for how they make them feel.”
“Love isn't finding a perfect person. It's seeing an imperfect person perfectly.”
“To love someone is nothing, to be loved by someone is something, but to be loved by the one you love is everything.”
“Love is the harmony of two souls singing together.”
Lampwork Glass Earrings
“We came together underneath the stars above. What started out as liking soon developed into love. I sense a certain something that, in my heart, felt so true that I knew I waited all my life to fall in love with you.”
“Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you're close in heart.”
“Pure love is a willingness to give without a thought of receiving anything in return.”
“Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you.'”
“Love is just a word, a label; real love is unexplainable.”
"Intertwined" Earrings
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” ~Edgar Allan Poe
“May the love hidden deep inside your heart find the love waiting in your dreams. May the laughter that you find in your tomorrow wipe away the pain you find in your yesterdays.”
“The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.”

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Our Favorite Picks: Cats -- Man's Other Best Friend?

Cool bed for cool cats
(Thermo Kitty Fashion Splash, Red)
By K&H
Canines have been up against some heavy competition for the title of Man's Best Friend. Super cute hamsters, strong gallant horses, budget friendly goldflsh, soft fluffy rabbits, communicative parrots, playful sweet ferrets...the list goes on. Each animal has its own special quality that draws us to them but most cat owners would agree that the felines are the primary ones that give canines a run for their money when it comes to trying to take the animal world's coveted title of Man's Best Friend.

What is it about cats? Why do we love them so? Old cliches have taught us that dogs and cats are adversaries due to their bipolar qualities: Dogs = loyal, affectionate, dependent, rambunctious, and protective; Cats = independent, standoffish, lazy, finicky, and intolerant. Therefore, man's best friend shall always be dogs? These generalizations are untrue.

A study conducted by feline charity Cats Protection was featured in an article published by PR Newswire. It found that cats are the UK's favorite pet.
"Increased urban living and modern lifestyles mean that those looking for a pet are now choosing a cat over a dog. Only seven per cent named dogs as a person's best friend, compared to 37% naming the cat. Reasons for liking cats include: 
  • Affection: 57% of respondents said they were affectionate. 
  • Independence: 49% of respondents preferred their independence. 
  • Cleanliness: 46% liked cats' cleanliness.
  • Exercise: 27% liked not having to walk a cat.
  • Low maintenance: 24% said cats were low maintenance."
(For further information on this study, visit http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=84564)

It would be safe to assume that man's best friend really just depends on the man (or woman.) Dog, cat, rabbit, snake...which ever creature is apart of your life, the important thing is to give them love, a clean place to live, healthy food, and regular visits to the vet.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~Gandhi

A way to a cat's heart?
(Hearts & Swirls Designer Bowl)
By Petmate


Kitty tummy yummies
(Pit'r Pat Breath Treats, Liver Flavor)
By Chomp


Kitty techie game
(Hologram Laser Pet Toy with 5 different images)



Euphoria!
(Xtreme Catnip)


Healthy & yummy!
(No Grain Cat Treats)
By Now!

A toy for more than just hangin' around
(Hang-A-Round Catnip Toy)
By PurrSuasions



Whip it, whip it good!
(Wiggle Wand)
By PurrSuasions

We don't need no stinkin' stuffin'
(Exotic Bird Cat Toy)
By Skinneeez


I wuv my Wubba
(Wubba Pig Cat Toy)
By Kong