Sunday, January 31, 2010

Silly, Random and totally useless information...

Yesterday was a long day. I decided to head up to Newburyport, MA with my mother to enjoy the COLD but sunny day. We stopped in at Sisters We Three to see what jewelry they selected to have out for the month and to my pleasant surprise I had two of my gorgeous pieces in the front store window! Catching all the sunlight, showing off their true beauty! 
The ride for us is three hours up, and three hours back. So we wandered a bit through the boutiques and then went to the Grog for lunch. We eat there everytime we go. The food is so awesome, and I get the same dish each time. We start off with a huge bowl of muscles for an appetizer... they are smothered in a very rich garlic and butter sauce. Yum. Then I get the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito. It's so simple, but so delicious! I can only eat half because the darn thing is HUGE, so I took the other half home and ate it for dinner before anyone else even knew it was there.My mom always gets the same thing too and unfortunately they were out of her favorite Chocolate Mousse for dessert...that was the only downfall. But it was a nice long lunch with my mom and great atmosphere, food and conversation. 

On the way home, we stopped for gas and grabbed a tea from the rest stop. I only use sugar in my tea, but my mom adds creamer. Here's the funny thing. I was complaining that my tea was SO hot and she said her's was fine, because she put "Mini Moo's" in it. 
Oh my god, I thought I was going to drive off the road I was laughing so hard. I said that I would have to blog about it and see if anyone else heard of that?? She's been my mother for 39 years and I've never heard her call it a "Mini Moo" in my life! It was a riot!!! 
Ok, so I ask you...
 
What do YOU call these little packets that you add to your coffee/tea? I'm very curious now to see what other names are out there that I have not heard!! 
Let's hear them...

Thursday, January 28, 2010

I'm so behind...but catching up FAST!

I know, I know... the whole Twilight rage has come and gone and I'm so behind the times! I borrowed Twilight (the book) from Ann about 8 months ago. I had every intention of reading it right away. But as you know, with three kids, a husband, a house and two businesses to run...who has time to read? So I finally picked up the book last Friday night. I was done with it by Sunday. HAD TO GET NEW MOON, immediately. I couldn't wait to borrow a copy from the numerous people that I'm sure already have it so I ran out and bought it on Monday. I read the first 100 pages that night. I have been trying desperately to get this new bracelet done that I'm working on too, so I did that Tuesday until my fingers hurt so bad I had to put it down. I rested my fingers last night as well, and so after dinner I marched myself upstairs at 6:30pm and read until Midnight, 500 pages later...New Moon...DONE!
Eclipse, please!
Guess I'm going out to get that one tonight! I promise to work on that bracelet some more too. I am determined to get it done to show you!
Have a great Thursday!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I'm confused...Is that the SUN I see out there?

It's been a couple of really dark days here, and this morning there were snowflakes. EEEEK!! But now, the sun is shining! Crazy day! I took full advantage of the beautiful light coming in my window to photograph the jewelry I made over the weekend. Just like I promised! ;)
Here we go:
Lady Buggin' was made with these awesome glass beads I found from Serena. They totally caught my eye, especially since I still have a couple of stray Lady Bugs flying around my bedroom. I don't have the heart to put them outside, they have obviously found a nice warm place to be this winter so who am I to change their fate? Although, I DO wish that they wouldn't be so feisty at night while I'm trying to sleep! :)

 
 
Next up is "Mossy Falls". I love Melissa's Bent Beads, and I have had this one in my secret stash for a while. I decided it was time to share. Plus, I finally found the perfect color green Swarovski Crystal to go with it!


 
And finally, a new woven bracelet that I made in my favorite colors, Green and Purple! I'm calling this combo "Orchid" because that's what they remind me of! This will be added to the list of color combination's available! I'm taking orders for these bracelets currently, and if you don't see the color scheme you like, just ask! I'm open for anything!


 
Look for these to be listed on Etsy tonight!
More to come, as I got in some more beads yesterday! I love them! Can't wait to show you! Have a great Wednesday!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Monday's over...

The long weekend is done, and I worked on a few new things! I finished way to late tonight to photograph, even inside because there is no window light to speak of right now. Pitch.Black. Oh how I long for those Summer days when the kids would still be outside playing now at 6:15pm. But nope, it's dark out and I'm ready for bed! Photo's to come tomorrow! :) I hope you all had a great weekend!

Friday, January 15, 2010

My contribution to Valentines Day!

I don't know what it is about Valentines Day, but it is probably my least favorite holiday! :) However, that does not prevent me from LOVING these three pieces of jewelry that I designed for the occassion.
I don't do a lot of themed jewelry but I had to make something to celebrate the day! Especially when there is gift giving involved! What lady wouldn't want one of these?

 
"The Key To My Heart" Necklace is made with various Silver pieces and chain made by Cathy Dailey. I handwrapped each section with Lampwork glass beads made by Serena and Swarovski Crystals. I added a Bali Silver toggle right in the front for easy access!


 
"The Key To My Heart" Bracelet is made with more Silver components and chain made by Cathy Dailey, Serena's glass beads and a Bali Toggle.

Earrings as well! These can be purchased to wear all together or separately! Each will be listed on Etsy later tonight. If you want them all, grab them quick! :) These are all one of a kind and can not be duplicated!
More to come this weekend! I have to restock Sandy Hook and so I'll be making that my focus for the next couple of days!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sometimes it's all Black and White...

And who can complain about that when you have this?

Black and White Swarovski Pearls and Crystals and a ton of seed beads! Bali Toggle!


Front and Back View!

This bracelet was a custom order, and I love how it came out! I can do this Black and White so many ways, but I tried alternating the colors for this particular bracelet. I wonder which way I should try it next?
So many choices!
 More to come tomorrow! Have a great Tuesday!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

I'm getting happier!

I have been searching high and low for a place to do my photography indoors. The winters here are freakin' brutal! I know, I know, it could be worse... however, when you are in a business where your photography matters to the overall outcome the product you are selling then the cold weather definitely hinders that aspect. I've been complaining to myself about it for months. (And here, but hey, I need an outlet too!)
So as a photographer, I try different things. I love the summer months, where I can photograph the jewelry outside, in the beautiful sunlight. I have my rock in the backyard that I prop things up on and of course my earring stand, and I'm happy with that. But now, I can't use my rock...it's covered with snow. So until Summer comes around again, I must make due.

I've tried freezing outside, and sometimes it's ok, but the shadows are TERRIBLE! I can't stand it! Most people wouldn't even notice, but I do...and I am a perfectionist. I've had this idea in my head for a long time, so last night I was out with a friend and we went to Home Depot. I kept thinking..."What if I bring the rock INSIDE?" I bought myself a beautiful piece of Sandstone and it's in my office, right in front of the window. The sun was just starting to reach the room that I was in, so next time I'll have to make sure that it's a little more even, but for the first go around, I thought it was ok. It's all about the beads anyway!!
Let's get the consensus on these photo's...because I LOVE THEM! I'm almost happy! LOL! Can you believe that?? A little more tweaking and I should be good to go!
I present you with my design from yesterday. I am calling it

 
 
I bought these two sets of beads from Jena Fulcher. Gosh, I love her beads!!! The colors are also so vivid and her beads are just gorgeous. Very well made and very much my style!
I added my usual menagerie of silver spacers and wire wrapped to the music yesterday!



 
This will be listed up on Etsy later today!
Back to work! Have a great Sunday!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Romance That Never Dies Treasury!

My AWESOME friend Jen of Glass Addictions picked my Firelight earrings for this treasury on Etsy today!

Thanks Jen, you're the best!
They are great for Valentines Day!

Friday, January 8, 2010

It's a working weekend!

I have the whole day tomorrow all planned out. I hope that it gets a little warmer because I seriously am so sick of freezing here! I'll be working on a few new pieces... I am almost giddy because I can't wait until they are done! I'll try to get pictures posted as well. I hope you all have a great night, I'm going to turn in early so I can get an early start tomorrow. The creative brain needs to rest!
More to come!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Getting off to a great start!

I made myself a promise that I would get all of the random pieces that I had left from the shows listed up on Etsy right after the New Year. I have so far been great at keeping my promises! There are 20 new pieces that I've added since January 2, 2010! Awesome! Great accomplishment. Now I get to make some more.
Here's a preview:


 
 
 
 
Many more in the store! Head on over and check them out!
I tried the indoor photography, because seriously, it was only 15 degrees yesterday. Brrrrr!!!
So indoors it was, and I spent MUCH time editing these. They are definitely lacking that "POP" of color that the sunshine usually provides, but I don't think they are that bad...what do you think?

I'm going to sit and create some more things this week, so stay tuned for that! Now, about that cold weather... it's already January, right? Spring is right around the corner! :)

Monday, January 4, 2010

New Listings Today!

I have some great new pieces listed in the Etsy Shop that I posted yesterday! It's so cold outside and I'm really not happy about having to go out there to photograph the new pieces I had planned on posting today, so I'm going to try to figure something out and get them done inside.
Be sure to check back later tonight to see what's been added!
Hope you are all staying warm!

Sand Fibers Giveaway

You have to check out this great giveaway on Sand Fibers Blog!
Such beautiful pieces and creative thought!
I wish I had half of the patience needed to create such beauties!