Belle Costes NYC

The Dragon’s Lair

Belle Costes — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:21:45 +0000

Once in a while I am gifted by the universe with mystical and haunting images that alter my world, even for a few moments.
This is a sunset view taken from my island home. Can you see the dragon in the sky? It’s head is turned, looking back at it’s lair,
but it could also be interpreted as the battle have been victorious. The dragon has unleashed its power and in this destruction,
there will be redemption.
Now that summer nears an end, I can only look back and say, it was hellish! In all aspects of it. The redemption of autumn, hopefully
will be more rewarding with new projects in the works and new venues. Sometimes all that is needed is a micro shift in the wheel to
alter the flow. Like a stone thrown into the river and like the dragon’s breath of fire, the actions are the same but produce different
outcomes…

Baby it’s HOT out there!

Belle Costes — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:42:01 +0000

Wow, can it get any hotter in the city?

I was in Phoenix early in July and it was a different kind of hot there. It’s sizzling dry heat, and it’s no joke. I suffered a mild case of sun stroke from walking 2 blocks (their blocks are long, unlike ours here)!!! Needless to say, I came back with a great tan LOL!

Aside from Antique jewelry shopping in Phoenix, I also kept up with the World Cup Semi-Finals and Final. I had the feeling earlier on that team Espana
were the next World Cup champs, though I was also hoping team USA would have made it into the Semi-Finals at least. They are going to come back even stronger in 4 years, and who knows….

This month, I went back to Artists and Fleas market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Amy and Ronen were most welcoming and I have to say those two have created a great marketplace for designers and artists. I love their new spaces, and they showcase the most talented local vendors all around. Thank you Amy and Ronen!
Here is a link from their website featuring yours truly, the comeback. I will most likely be vending there for the rest of the summer and perhaps towards the fall season. So come by…

http://artistsandfleas.com/2010/07/whats-new-from-who-july-24-25.html

Flora in Bloom

Belle Costes — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:57:01 +0000

Spring is here! My favorite time of year…The city comes alive with bright faces and smiles. No more heavy coats, no more snow boots, no more pilled hat and scarves, and hoping Winter has gone to bed!

The streets are peppered with tulips and crocus flowers. The cherry blossom trees in the island are budding, and about a week from now, pink and white petals stamp Spring into our trails. I love the giant tulips around Park Avenue, and the wildflowers of the Jefferson Library Garden.

And so, my season has also arrived. I start my fairs and markets officially tomorrow March 21st, the Spring Equinox. I will be at several shows in the West Village and the East Village, the BBC and Bleecker Arts, and the St. Mark’s Church Fair. This year, I am hoping to travel outside New York City to sell my work, particularly in the Carolinas.

FLORA in Bloom is the new collection named after my daughter’s great grandmother who is of Scottish and Chilean descent. In her earlier years, she had flaming red hair, bright blue eyes and lavender lips. She is 99 years old and has recently experienced the 8.8 magnitude quake this month.What a tough cookie!

The floral components are juxtaposed with glass beads and slices of gemstones. Handpainted leather flowers float and dangle in vintage chains. The colors I chose are very much like the poster designs of Alphonse Mucha of the Art Nouveau period. Soft and muted pastel color combinations that aren’t quite the usual mix and yet it is aesthetically just right.

Be well, come and see me at the fairs and Happy Spring!

This is the one and only Flora MacDonald…

The Crocus trail…

I recycle…

Belle Costes — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:12:47 +0000

In my home recycling is key to keeping my business spend less on office supplies. I recycle inserted envelopes to pay bills and to send other correspondence, padded envelopes gets covered up to send jewelry orders, paper printed on one side gets reused for new printing on the other side, and old boxes make their way once again out there in the mail space.

Here are some fragments of jewelry that have been repurposed into wearable pendants. I like the patinas and oxidations that usually happens with old brass, bronze or silver. I also like the rosey gold tones of vintage gold filled pieces from the 30’s particularly Krementz and Weiss jewelry. The mother of pearl pendants are from old charm bracelets that had pieces fall apart, and so the others have been reborn. Last image is a collection of Sternocera Aequisignata (Jewel Bettle wings from Thailand). I made them look like flower buds using milk glass drops and black pearls. When I told one woman what they were, she shrieked in delight, and consequently decided she had to have it.
I hope you can come by the Union Square Holiday Market starting in November 25th till December 24th. I will have a booth there. This year’s theme is “The Vintage Garden”…

Of Halos and Magic Light

Belle Costes — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:35:02 +0000

One Saturday at the Brooklyn flea, there was a strangely beautiful luminescence blanketing the market. It was the kind of light that some photographers call “magic light”, where everything is crisp and in focus and possessing an ethereal quality. I looked up at the sky and the peering sun amidst specks of grey clouds looked more like the moon, intensely bright and fluorescent, and I had to look with wide eyes to see the giant halo around it. It was intensely beautiful to see, and I told my neighbors to look but they were unfazed. Once upon a camping trip in Vermont eons ago, there was a double rainbow halo around the blazing sun. It was very surreal, with vibrant colors as if it was drawn with crayons and it felt equally surreal, I might even describe it as mystical…

A pair of tea cup saucer size earrings made in the year 2000. Life imitates art imitates life and so on…

The South Kaibab Trail

Belle Costes — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:49:15 +0000

Another long hot summer in Arizona. The dry heat sizzles and peaks at 4pm. The pavement can definitely fry some eggs.
We went on a hike at the Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail, among the many trails, this one was about a two hour trek down and a bit longer going back up. There were more experienced hikers venturing all the way down, but we stopped at the first base as we were unprepared. The trail was narrow and winding, and I experienced a few flashes of vertigo. The most important thing to do when this sets in is not to look down, and focus on the trail. Upon reaching the first base, we sat there snapping away, and a mountain squirrel came up, posed in front of Alex’s camera while he focused on the darkness blanketting parts of the canyon. It didn’t rain while we hiked, but a few minutes later in the car, a quick heavy storm descended upon us, and we decided the canyon hikes are done.

There were several donkeys along the trail, and they had come from way below, carrying sacks of cement, and tools for the canyon workers. I liked those donkeys! Next year, we will venture on the longer trails, backpacks and jugs of water in tow. Monument Valley and a camping trip in the Coconino Forest is already on my list.

The Spirit of Friendship

Belle Costes — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:24:25 +0000

Nobody sees a flower- really- it is so small it takes time-we haven’t time-and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time. –Georgia O’Keefe

This month I had the opportunity to sell at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene and Dumbo. It was a good introduction to a new kind of market that emphasizes on eco-consumerism and a sustainable workforce. Many of the vendors are young entrepreneurs and groups of families who are all quite friendly and exude the great spirit of community and friendship. It’s a very different experience from a gigantic street fair run by money driven organizers, something I won’t ever be involved in.

At the Fort Greene market one Saturday, I met these five friends. They stayed a while, trying on earrings and necklaces, and got a sense of the deep friendship they all have for each other in their encouragements and compliments, in their honesty and grace. One of them is about to get married, and I added that when one folds, the others follow like dominoes, and they laughed!Â The four girls were from out of town, and perhaps were celebrating her big day.Â They are all wearing earrings and necklaces they bought that day, and I love this beautiful snap shot of them. They have a true spirit of friendship, one that will carry them throughout their lives.

I meet many types of friends at the markets, sometimes it is a set of sisters who share a great friendship, and what better friend to have than a sister?Â Â Sometimes it is married couples who like to hear the stories of where and how I find my parts to create a one-of-a-kind piece, and there is a mutual respect and honesty in the conversations. These are worth more than gold to me…

Interpretations of June

Belle Costes — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:49:11 +0000

June was an intense month. The rain kept the city drenched and saturated, thunder and lightning bolts lit up the night skyline, quick,Â brilliant and illuminating…The fairs were all well attended despite, and it’s all good. Thank you all for stopping by.

Here are some visual interpretations of June 2009…

got sun?

hearts to sri k. pattabhi jois, antah shaucha…

cotton candy clouds

esteban kremen’s cityscapes
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if cyclists ruled the city streets…make it so, ride your bike everywhere.

the piercing sun after the rain, after yoga…

twilight sky

the foggy 59

miss eleven

behind the scenes

Bright as Yellow

Belle Costes — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:11:24 +0000

Currently reading Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, delving deep into the yoga practice with the guidance of fluid and inspiring teachers at Yogaworks.Â I am listening to a lot of The Innocence Mission, love this song Bright As Yellow and A Wave is Rolling. My little one is teaching herself to play “Let It Be” on the piano, and has taught me to play “Firefly”. Looking forward to all the fairs in June.
Some visuals below.
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The Vintage Garden

Belle Costes — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:52:27 +0000

Now that Spring is officially in bloom, I am forging ahead with the idea of an herbs garden in my dwelling. There is a nice herb farmer at Union Square and I will most likely get the staples,Thai basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and parsley.

Speaking of gardening, The Vintage Garden is a small collection of horticultural interpretations in vintage brass, oxidized bronze, bone, mother of pearl and painted wood. There are enameled, painted, carved, etched vintage pieces dating back to the late 50’s to early 80’s. I take time to compose each piece of jewelry with the careful balance of color and motif, and much like tending to a garden, it takes time to nourish a vision…

Happy Spring!

The Green Thumb

Belle Costes — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:10:02 +0000

Did you ever grow a tree from seed? My home has at least three types of trees: Chirimoya ( a South American fruit), Lychee (mostly grown in China) and avocado ( the ones from Haas) all grown from seeds. There are 3 Chirimoya trees all growing in one pot, as well as three avocado trees in separate pots, and one lychee. Recently, my daughter has ventured into her own botanical journey. She has grown 8 “tickle me” plants (native to the Philippines) but most likely thriving in most rainforest regions. This type of weed humored childhood treks, interestingly enough, she found it at Urban Outfitters at the marked down section, and decided to grow it for several weeks. It took that long for the first set of leaves to sprout, and it is these leaves that produce this
tickle me” effect. By brushing or touching the leaves, they then close like venus fly traps, only faster and not as voracious. The leaves open up again in a few minutes, making them organic toys to play with everyday. Yet another childhood memory springing back to life, now so close but that home is so far away.

homegrown “tickle me” plant

9 is the great number of change

shadows in the first state

virginia’s sunset

Time Traveler

Belle Costes — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:37:39 +0000

February was an adventure this year. Another birthday cake from Blackhound Bakery, this time a triple chocolate mousse and raspberry chocolate mini cakes. Before the cake of course, there was a dinner at Momofuku Noodle Bar that did not disappoint though my little one did make a face eating her chicken buns. Kids don’t know food until they are in their 30’s when their pallets have travelled the world.

My gardenia plant again blossomed with five heavenly gardenias. It seems to only bloom in the winter and always in February. There is a language unspoken perhaps, and it goes with the saying “what you give care to, will care back”.

This winter has been harsh and has not allowed me to sell outdoors. I took advantage of this downtime to visit museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art had an exhibition on Alexander Calder’s Jewelry. His work in the early 30’s was mainly gifts made for his wife Louisa Calder (who shares the same birthday with me) and for close friends and family. Elegant tiaras spiral away, anthropomorphic mobil earrings and enormous collar necklaces and weaved cuffs…a sense of whimsy and fantasy fused with roots and culture. Dr. Seuss must’ve been a friend. These wearable art pieces evoke organic melodies of simplicity. There is a photograph of Calder working in his studio, amidst the brass wires, large hammers and anvils, and he is just there, a humbled man striking and pounding away.

I also made trips to the Ancient Mayan and Aztec Gold collection and found a pair of earrings that could have easily been made by Calder, except by an artisan thousands of years before. Two walls away were the South East Asian collection of tribal jewelry which I have seen in many visits but never fail to move me, and take me home. I know these materials and the techniques, the carving, the rope weaving and crocheting.

The other exhibits were Gothic Glamour and Seduction at the Fashion Institute Museum. The collection of Modern Gothic jewelry was fantastic! Earrings made of bird claws with cascades of South Sea Pearls and raven wings suspended in chain as a brooch. There were Victorian Mourning dresses along with the costumes worn by the cast of Dracula eerily displayed in a subdued light and with a coffin to punctuate!

And lastly, I have been crocheting and knitting many things this winter. I made my daughter and niece two yellow hats, a turquoise crocheted scarf and several leaf and floral crocheted pendants. DECOLLETE is the new line, mixing soft fibers with metal chains and earth’s rocks….

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Pupu O’Ewa (Pearly Shells)

Belle Costes — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:42:22 +0000

“Pupu O’Ewa” or “Pearly Shells” is a song written by Arthur Lyman over 100 years ago, and it was oneÂ the songs we danced the hula to back in the Girl Scout days in the Philippines. Ahh, if I recall those performances at the tournaments were indeed the highlights of my childhood. We made all of our costumes, grass skirts from palm leaves, Sampaguita and orchid leis, and linen blouses dyed in yellows and reds. The hula is a beautiful language of dance, every gesture is full of meaning and interpretation. That was my Lilo moment, age 8, missing my parents who were at the other side of the world. Needless to say, “Pearly Shells” will always be a song to dance the hula and cherish.

This latest collection is my homage to my dance, the Pupu O’Ewa has Mother of Pearl and Abalone shell discs, and lustrous cultured and freshwater pearls merge with gemstones, gold filled wire and various colors of leather cord. This is a line that I continually develop throughout time with passion. You can take the girl away from the ocean, but you can’t take the ocean away from the girl…

One-of-a-kindness

Belle Costes — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:55:11 +0000

Happy New Year!

I would like to thank those who visited my store at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market this month.

The Resurrection Vintage line was well appreciated particularly amongst those who like vintage fashion.

Creating these pieces from vintage costume jewelry for a one-of-a-kind feel is both rewarding and eco-conscious

and it will be a permanent line in my work.

The mini store display was built in 2 days, with the teal blue paint, the yellow field flowers and Monarch butterfly,

the Camellia prints, the giant pink rose from Susan, the Art Deco print of Josephine Baker, and the jewel-like antique

dresser knobs. People who stopped by complimented on the store’s look and feel, and the promoters, Urban Space

Management took pictures for their website.

It was amazing to envision a feeling, or a sense of style and to actually bring it to life.

There are no limitations in creativity.

Wishing all a most joyful new year, a toast to 2009 forÂ new beginnings, new adventures and new insights.

See you all soon, and be well and happy.

Belle

Glimmer of Hope

Belle Costes — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:57:35 +0000

That is my mantra for November, the glimmer of hope for a better world. There is much to be thankful for not just during Thanksgiving, but for every dawning of a new morning. Give thanks for a clean slate to write one’s story, to make one’s mark, to contribute and to be part of the solution, for there are many problems and we are all in it together.

I give thanks for the chance to share my visions in this art form and to be able to sustain a modest and independent living through the appreciation of all. May we all have the strength and courage to support all the trailblazers of the new paradigm…

Sprinkles of Magic

Belle Costes — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:22:20 +0000

As this month draws to a close, great anticipation fills the air. What will people’s choices bring, what promises will be kept, what resolutions will be implemented to get us all out of the fear and uncertainty?

Faith is what keeps me going. When rock bottom hits, there is no other way but up, once again. Striking a fine balance and sprinkling a bit of magic in our day to day, and there is always room for magic.

Here is my magic for the last two Sundays at the market…the bright sun brought a beautiful red dragonfly to my table. It lingered there throughout the day, at times returning with a snack, and watched it basking in the sun. When customers came they hardly noticed it, until I would point it out and one woman said, “please take care of it for us…” How profound, this request to take care of a fragile world, metaphorically speaking…for what would a world be without care?

Red dragonfly came again the following Sunday, and it perched itself on my poster, embracing the letter B. There was a certain magic that day. The sun was bright once again, the crisp autumn air felt like being in a vast open space, and people were nostalgic and cheerful. It had a sense of renewed energy, a new beginning…

A sweet beautiful woman came with her two children and gave me compliments, and after picking several pieces, she found the longest strand of vintage pearls studded with two 1920’s rhinestone brooches, quickly tried it on and said she loved it! The necklace must have been part of her magic of the day, and it will be cherished…thank you, Catherine Zeta-Jones for visiting…

Find your magic to cherish…

Opulence

Belle Costes — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:40:08 +0000

Loosely translated as abundance, or characterized by fullness and vitality.

In these times of uncertainty, a bit of opulence in our daily lives can take us a long way. A splash of color and vibrance elevates the spirit, and radiates to all like the sun peering out on a grey day.

Inspired by theÂ costume jewelry of Miriam Haskell, Marcel Boucher and TrifariÂ from the 1930’s to 1950’s, this collection has vibrant colors of foiled glass cut in unusual geometric patterns, glittery vintage chains layered and linked for depth and vibrance, floral motif enameled bangles, vintage glass pearls with Swarovski chandelier cut crystals shimmer in brilliance….jewels of fantasy.

Stay brilliant and true. Welcome the Autumn in hopeful spirits…

Arizona summer

Belle Costes — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:23:49 +0000

Here I am in Avondale, Arizona….it’s so hot, the sun burns the skin in this dry heat. Thank goodness for my Mom’s pool, we all cool off and it’s alright. A day trip to Sedona’s scenic red rock canyons was refreshing to the senses, with the cool mountains and high altitude air. There is the Snoopy Rock that really does resemble good ol’ Snoopy lying on his back with his yellow bird pal perched on his nose. America the beautiful!

The Grand Canyon awaits, meanwhile there is the Armadillo Antiques mall, where we spent a good 3 hours. I came back home with bags of goodies, costume jewelry and parts to create more pieces for the Resurrection Vintage line. It was great fun to rummage in those ziploc bags, to find unique pieces as they are all intact. There was jewelry or trinkets for everyone at home, and a treasure for me was the rhinestone studded hummingbird pin, reminds me of the hummingbirds that come and go in the yard. Here is a pair of earrings from the current line….

and finally, an RV trip to the Grand Canyon and nearby towns of Flagstaff and Jerome.

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The Ionian Sea and the Acropolis

Belle Costes — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:02:07 +0000

I fell in love with the Ionian sea, with its turquoise and emerald waters, egg shape pebble beaches and high elevation mountains. Kefalonia is the largest and most mountainous of the Ionian islands, dominated by the bulk of Mount Ainos which reaches a height of 1627 meters above sea level and its ranges form the backbone of the island. Coast along dramatic cliffs and quaint ports of Poros, Fiskardo and Sami, with daily ferries within islands of Ithaca, Corfu and Zakynthos.

The most visited beach in Kefalonia is Mirtos beach, and the girls willingly posed for a collection of ideas for a new series of necklaces in the works. Here in Mirtos, the chalk white pebbles range from 8mm to actual egg size. On a brief walk, I picked up one that was near perfect, and quickly realized that they were all made this way, in varying sizes. The salt in the sea is heavy, and quickly dries up on the skin, but the ocean feels amazing. I particularly liked the beaches off the beaten path, the ones you can pull off the road and just jump in, unbelievably clear and calm for snorkeling and floating about.
There are two caves not to miss in this island, Drogarati and Melissani caves.
The coast line tabernas had such delicious food, with Greek salad like I never tasted with robust red tomatoes, fresh feta cheese and local olive oil (probably made by the owners), one of us had this seafood stew, bursting with thyme and fresh shrimp and clams, and could not get enough of tzatziki on everything. We had a family dinner at the home of our in laws and their kitchen was a separate house among the acres of cypress and olive trees, everything they made were grown and harvested including the yellow wine made with peach, citrus and honey. The locals greeted us in good spirits, with smiles and “yassas” and “parakalos” and “efharistos” and “kalimera” are all fine and we hope we added our own good spirits to their island culture.
A couple of days in Athens were spent at the Acropolis, with its restoration lasting now for over 30 years, much of the Parthenon is covered in steel beams, but truly a site to see and be in. Majestic ruins in the Athens night sky, narrow paved streets of the Plaka, the handmade gladiator sandals I had to have along with the Minoan calendar earrings and Athena’s sacred bird, the owl, symbol of wisdom ring now sits on my finger to remind me of Athens.

Enjoy the view!

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9 days in Greece

Belle Costes — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:31:59 +0000

Yassas! Greetings from Kefalonia, Greece!

9 days in the Ionian Islands bestowed a beautiful cross cultural wedding of Joem and Cristina, my brother and sister-in-law.
The wedding ceremony of the Greek Orthodox Church consists of two parts, the service of Betrothal and the Sacrament of Marriage. The repetition of each act three times to symbolize and to invoke the mystical presence of the Holy Trinity in the exchanges of rings, the wedding crowns (stefana) followed by a reading of the Epistle and the Gospel depicting the marriage at Cana of Galilee which was attended by Christ and the drinking of the “common cup” of life. The priest then leads the Bride and Groom in a circle around the table on which are placed the Gospel and the Cross and at the conclusion of the ceremonial walk, the priest removes the crowns and beseeches God to grant the newlyweds a fruitful and happy life together, and the lifting of the Gospel and separates their joined hands reminding them that only God can separate the couple from one another. At the end of their walk, the wedding party showers them with rice and flower petals and kisses. The reception was held at Poros in the town square with the sea breeze and sunset view, and where the feasting, drinking and dancing lasted till dawn…Efharisto!!!

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Luminous Petals

Belle Costes — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:58:53 +0000

“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.”
–Georgia O’Keeffe

These flowers grow around our surroundings in Roosevelt Island, and not knowing the type of flower, I instantly named them Luminous Petals. Their color is not quite a pink, nor a purple nor white, but rather diaphanous and intriguing. The chartreuse colored spots seem to float on the petals due to their luminousity. It is of “a certain beauty”…
I am very much like Georgia O’Keeffe, and in childhood days I was always adorning myself with flowers. There were yellow and orange hibiscus flowers in my hair, black flower seeds in my bellybutton, and there were these red petals that resembled polished finger nails and we would pretend we were the wicked witch from the Snow White story.

Stop and look at the flowers around you, it is a universe for the moment…

May Fairs in fair weather…ahh, summer come soon

Belle Costes — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:08:57 +0000

Ladies, thank you all for coming by the fairs in the West Village on May 17th and 18th!
The beautiful day on Saturday brought out the LREI moms whom I see on a daily basis. They all went home with a piece of jewelry labored with love. Afterwards, Mandy invited me for a Margarita at the their sweet home just across the way from my booth. A well needed time after a bustling day. Sunday, the steady flow of wonderful people was an inspiration, and by 2PM the rain had started, but it didn’t stop anyone from coming by. For the last 3 years, this fair gets the drizzle, but the sun shines again after half hour, and so it has become the tradition to wait it out. Thank you for the most patient ones who stood out there with me…

Here are some current images of the beautiful ones. Resurrection Vintage has been a success, and most requested at the fairs and markets. See you at the events!

Resurrection Vintage

Belle Costes — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:14:17 +0000

These last few months I have been focused on creating this new collection aptly named RESURRECTION VINTAGE. It is a concoction of vintage jewelry that I have amassed over time, and now have taken them all apart to create new jewelry. Vintage jewelry from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, are made into earrings and necklaces and although combined with bright gemstones, still retain their antiqueness but speak a new language.

I love the flower themes from these eras, just visually rich in texture and boldness, such as the large flower enamels, and the filigrees on the earrings are just lovely!

There is something beautiful about recycling these pieces in a time of excessiveness. We should already use what is available and at the same time help reduce harm to our environment. So this is my “green” way.
We all should own something that has been handed down, be it from our families or friends. My grandmother left me her rose gold with old mine cut diamond earrings, jewelry that I have worn on my wedding day and will again wear for my brother’s wedding inÂ Greece.Â It is a way to bring in my grandmother’s presence in these special moments.

Happy Spring!

Girls Night Out in Boston

Belle Costes — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:07:22 +0000

March is one of those unpredictable months. It is midway between winter and spring, and the weather lately has been neurotic. Sometimes I wonder if this causes New Yorkers to be slightly on that edge. It’s all relative, the environment, the economy, oh let me not go there, it’s a global thing, it’s a human race thing…

On a more lighter note, I am traveling to Boston to have tea, no, not just tea, but to showcase my work at this venue called Shecky’s Girls Night Out. I have no idea what Boston girls are like but I am hoping they will like my jewelry. That would be lovely. See link below.

http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/boston/spring2008/hotpicks.asp?rf=

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

In Winter’s Bloom

Belle Costes — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:50:18 +0000

Winter slowly fades, the sun warms the soul…
February is a strange and unique time for me and this year is quite profound. It has been a visual journey this month, and what more to express these sentiments than with my camera.

For my birthday, my gardenia plant blossomed three times, and I love gardenias. Their scent takes me to an ethereal place, one of comfort and introspection.Â The cake my family brought to the dinner table was Raspberry Chocolate from the sweet Blackhound Bakery in the East Village, and I love their cakes. Made with love, just taste it, you’ll understand.Â The following night, there was a total lunar eclipse. One should look up to the sky everyday, no matter how fast the city moves. The Southern exposure from the island that day was one spectacular sunset with the midtown east skyline carefully drawn out. Illumination. Stillness.
Last Sunday, the bright sun baked my jewelry into hotcakes. A “biscuit” hammered pair of earrings went home to London, and “Lady” on a lucky horseshoe became Amanda’s favorite necklace, as she said “I totally get the meaning of this!” Yes, indeed, Miss lady luck!Â Take care, good people. A better world awaits us in 2008!
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Is jewelry a work of art?

Belle Costes — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:40:46 +0000

Quite simply, yes, it is. Jewelry making is another medium to express one’s aesthetics, one’s vision and interpretations.

I am always grateful for the people who express their admiration in comments such as Jessica’s, “I wanted to let you know that I am IN LOVE with both pieces and have been wearing them non-stop since Christmas!! You do such lovely work and I adore each piece he’s chosen so far. Thank you very much for making wonderful and wearable art!”

Jewelry is in itself a fine art and as such has an unparalleled advantage over all other mediums in that it adorns the body. A necklace can have asymmetry and yet captures intrigue and wonderment, and my work as of late reflect these ideas. Look out for the mis-matched earrings and broken bracelets. Once you see them, you will understand that Jewelry is truly an exceptional work of art….

Here’s to a new year of creating…

Giving thanks…

Belle Costes — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:43:34 +0000

Greetings all, and hoping this holiday season is going “swimmingly” or rather smoothly.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the folks who took the time to select unique pieces for their special ones. “A treasure” from Tom, “Always…” from Marco, Lanikai turquoise pendant from Aaron, “three:thirty-seven:twelve” from Jon and Michelle, “Swimmingly…” from Sarah, “Simplify” and “Live simply” from Lindsay, “Rare” and “La Belle Vie” from Cindy.Â Thank you for your support and appreciation of this series. It’s been great fun to make words fly high and inspire.

Be merry and well, and welcome the New Year with openness within…
Belle

Riding big waves…

Belle Costes — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:09:34 +0000

Greetings all…Holidays are upon us indeed. Time for family and friends, sharing and giving, reflecting on years together or apart. It is also a closing of another year in our lives. It is a time for “riding big waves” so to speak. This year I have big plans. As I walk the streets of New York City, I feel more inclined to belong there in my little atelier, a welcoming kiosk, a cozy place to unwind, and I will offer you a seat at my bench as I hand craft your own piece of adornment. This is my long time dream, and it will come to fruition sometime soon.

Wishing all Happy Holidays and Sundays at Green flea is where you will find me till the snowy weather comes. There are two school Craft Fairs in Brooklyn this month, Brooklyn Friends Craft Fair on December 1st, and PS 321 on December 8th. See events page for more info.

Stay warm and ride big waves…

What makes it distinctly my word…

Belle Costes — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:41:36 +0000

I am speaking about a resurrection of earlier pieces I’ve stashed away called “Words of Wisdom”, which are handstamped and handcut sterling silver tabs in words of wit and folly. That was about 7 years ago, and fast forward to October 2007, I’ve remade them into the pounded slivers of gold filled and sterling silver with shapes of leaves, circles, ovals, sticks, and the notorious lucky horse shoe shape. Here they are, MY WORD…

What would make it distinctly your own words will ultimately be my ability to handstamp letters into a shape of choice, with your own wit and folly, or inspirational message to your loved ones. They will make dandy gifts indeed. So please don’t hesitate to ask at the market, or via email…be well!

Celestina in the sky

Belle Costes — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:32:54 +0000

Fall is here, yay! Time for change once again, a fresh start, a new page, a turning over a new leaf as the saying goes…

I also have a new line currently being shown at the fairs and markets. Introducing “CELESTINA”, named after my sweet grandma whom I miss dearly. CELESTINA is a representation of the celestial skies and its constellations with gemstones cut in obscure shapes and colors that sparkle. Labradorite and Moonstone gems are framed in gold filled wire, quartz crystal and agate rings are delicately wrapped around the finger with balanced simplicity.

Lanikai Lei

Belle Costes — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:14:45 +0000

Aloha my friends,

I am currently spending time with family in Kailua, the Windward side of Oahu in Hawaii. Days are spent beach bumming, boogie boarding (not quite ready for surfing), hiking and making leis…Nights are spent looking up at the blanket of stars and the waxing moon, sipping wine out in the lanai with the cool breeze, storytelling with my siblings.

I also showcased my jewelry in the Hawaii Handcrafters Alliance at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki one weekend, and was thrilled to have seen a surprise performance of Jack Johnson for the annual Ukelele festival in this same venue. A few native Hawaiians came by and said “You do nice work here!” in their Pidgin tongue, and one woman came over who was a Brooklyn native and instantly was drawn to the Love Knot lariat with Lapis drop. Also, this is a picture of Margarita, who visits the island every year and she made my day with her humor and enthusiasm. She is wearing the circle and oval lariat in gold filled. So you see, the Hawaiian islands are not so far away in fact, despite being tiny archipelagos in the great Pacific ocean.

Some images of the pieces made in Kailua, and the plumeria lei from my sister’s tree and Lanikai, their local beach!

Mahalo!

Girls Night Out

Belle Costes — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:13:29 +0000

I would like to thank all the girls who came out to Shecky’s events…I must say it was a new venue for my work. The crowds seem enthusiastic to be there, and some have been coming for years. There was 80’s music on Saturday day, and by night time it felt like we were in a dance club. Needless to say this was the idea. Drinks just kept floating around, and I think most had a blast!
Competition was evident, but in the end, the ladies knew exactly what they wanted, bar none! The Loveknot lariat was a hit, and so was the Convertible opera necklace. The ladies loved this idea of its adjustability, and also the playfullness of it.
The Monogrammed Initials were also coveted, a reminiscent of Laverne and Shirley days. The 1970’s single solid initial was also a favorite, with girls posing as rap stars as they tried it on. Ha ha, that was very funny. Another woman said, “I couldn’t stop thinking about this “K” and I have to have it!”

Well, I am off to the beautiful islands of Hawaii this July. There is a little time for vacation, a few days trek to Mount Kilauea and hanging out with my family in Oahu. I will be back with a fresh set of ideas for the fall, so look out!

Have a great summer, beautiful ladies! Cheers!

Belle

Summer and the City

Belle Costes — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:37:52 +0000

First off, I would like to THANK all those lovely ladies who came to my booth at the BBC Crafts event and Bleecker Street Crafts on May 19th and 20th. You made my days…
It was a great weekend despite the intermittent rain. Luckily I was under a nice canopy of three trees.

The Love Knot lariat was the most coveted necklace that I sold out of the gold filled. It was fun to demonstrate its multi-facetedness in ways to wear it, and the choice of stone drops of faceted crystal, amethyst, labradorite, moonstone and chalcedony.

I will be going to Brooklyn the next two Sundays, 7th Heaven in Park Slope and Smith Street in BoCoCa.

Stop on by and come see the latest pieces for your summer in the city…. Ciao bellas!

Just Because…

Belle Costes — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:21:56 +0000

Great ideas come very late in the morning for me. That’s usually when things at home settle down. The city is on low frequency. The reflection of the skyscrapers on the river outside my window is serene and beautiful.

This is when “Just Because…” earrings came to me. “Just because…” you feel like…you want to… you can… you are… a fun, fearless creature of beauty…

These are a pair of non indentical earrings because of the juxtapositions of the curving lines and where the stones end up, nobody knows… It was such fun to make these and last Saturday, two pairs went home with an architect, and a gentle woman searching for that special ruby necklace and found the only one I had called “tiny lucky ruby”. There’sÂ a picture of her wearing both “just because” and “tiny lucky” on the collections page.
See you all at the Spring fairs!

Spring is en route!

Belle Costes — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 01:09:30 +0000

I am awaiting the Spring weather, arenâ€™t we all city dwellers? Weâ€™ve been inside too long. Bright sun and sweet breezes mean being outdoors and laughing with friends, and of course, walking about the city, having brunches, dropping in on galleries and shopping around. The city is a shopperâ€™s mecca, as we know it, and if you happen to be around any of these events (Craft shows, Street Fairs, Sheckyâ€™s Girls Night and Flea markets) I will be participating in, kindly say hello.

Iâ€™ve been chasing the sun lately, and when the day is right, I take the opportunity to show and sell. Last Wednesday I worked at Barnard College and the most sought after pieces were the Vintage charm(s) necklaces. See more of them on the TRINKETS page, and there will be some at the events as well.

I am still working on the online shop for this new website, so please if you would like to inquire on anything here, just shoot me an email at belle@bcnyc.com

Happy Spring!

Belle