Told you...

That she'd love the box more than any other gift she got! She's too stinkin' cute! I got a new camera for Christmas and it has some fun features, so I gave her wings and a crown. She's a Fairy Princess!

Christmas is going to be soooo much fun this year...

because of this cutie petutie! I can't believe my niece is 6 months already...and she's just too darned cute. She's sitting up on her own now and she has so many more milestones ahead of her, I can't wait. She'll have so many gifts this year but I'm sure she's going to be more interested in the wrapping paper and the boxes than anything else. I remember how my kids could care less about the gifts, they just wanted the boxes...LOL It's amazing how fast they grow!

Tough Day

It's been a tough day...I'm not sure if it's exhaustion catching up to me or what. I'm just feeling a little down, so I thought that I'd come here hoping that writing it, typing it (whatever you would like to call it) might help clear my head a bit. I haven't been sleeping well at all, I've been averaging about 3-4 hours a night and that's just not cutting it. On the brighter side, I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. I mostly just have stocking stuffers left....yay! One of the gifts I got my mom is a digital picture frame. I've downloaded mostly pictures of the grandkids, but I've also added pics of the rest of the family. I hope she likes it!! Well the longer I sit here, the more tired I'm feeling so I think I'm going to go drink some chamomille and sit down with a good book and snuggle with Raven, I think that just might do the trick.

It's definately that time of year....

when everything is hectic and life is moving at mach speed! I'm enjoying this holiday season, even though I'm starting to feel a little run down but Christmas is right around the corner. I still need to make a list of everything that I've bought and all the things I still need to buy...eeek!

Here's a bracelet that I've listed this week. I used Charoite, Amethyst, purple Kiwi Jasper and sterling silver. I haven't had alot of time to make new pieces, I've been working on orders for my co-workers which has kept me away from my computer and my Etsy store *sigh*

Speaking of which, I've got to go make more snowman pendants for my co-workers, hopefully I'll have more time soon to pay attention to my blog, create and list some new pieces on Etsy, but until then I'll try to post something every other day.

A little something...

for my co-workers! I'm making these little snowman charms/pendants and a fun Holiday Bag of Magic. These turned out to be the cutest little things. I used Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver to make these little guys. I do wish I could've found some red crystal rondelles, but the green will do!

Another bracelet!

This is my newest bracelet, a simple yet eye pleasing design. It makes a great gift for someone with an August birthday, or for those of us who love the color green. To make this bracelet I used Peridot gemstones, green Pearls and Sterling Silver. Green represents wealth and abundance, Periodot helps to release "old baggage", burdens, guilt or obsessions. Pearls represent honesty, purity, wisdom and integrity.

December's Featured Etsy Artist

As some of you may remember, I have decided to do a monthly feature on a fellow Etsian. This month I have picked Recycledideas. I met the owner of this lovely and interesting shop while in the Etsy forums. I loved her store so much I wanted to feature her and she kindly agreed.



Gorilla, in the photo to your right, is my favorite item among many in her store. She's a bona fide ape made from a new pair of white tube socks. Her nose, ears and the tips of her limbs are made from some scrap madras print fabric. She's stuffed with fiberfill fuzz. Such sweetness for an affordable price of $28.00.

1) What type of products do you offer?

I offer two broad type - handmade paper and primates. I make handmade paper out of junk mail, newspaper advertising inserts, and whatever else I have hanging around that might make an interesting texture. Lately I've been adding lavender. It makes the paper smell like it too; I get a lot of mileage out of that. Even though we humans are largely visual creatures, scent remains a vital sense.

2) You obviously have a great love for primates, when or how did your interest in primates start?

That is a great question that I am often asked, and depending on how revealing I'm feeling and who is asking, I give different answers. He he. To students and professional researchers I tell them about a great book I was given before I went to graduate school: Grooming, Gossip and the Evolution of Language by Robin Dunbar. He's a psychologist and primatologist. The book inspired my dissertation research. But really, between you and me, it was this stuffed gorilla my husband-to-be had sitting on his shelf when we first met during college. The gorilla is still with us, and although he blogs, he prefers to remain unknown outside of his primate troop.

3) Your handmade paper products are wonderful what motivated you to start making them?

When I couldn't find a job after I graduated from college I spent time reading (about primates) and learning French so that I could study them one day in the wild in francophone Africa. While studying, I often kept the TV on for stimulation (I can't function if it's too quiet!) and saw a QVC advert for a paper making kit. I had no money, but the idea of making paper grabbed me, so with the help of my soon-to-be-husband I made my own kit. I still use it today.

4) How did you get started in this business and what brought you to Etsy?

My husband! He received a press release from the Etsy company where he works.

5) What inspires you?

I am continually inspired by other artists and scientists. Nothing I do was my original idea. Not even my "original" dissertation research was conceived in isolation. That's why I call myself Recycled Ideas. I get inspiration from others, incubate my ideas, and then hatch my own take on them.

6) What do you enjoy most about crafting?

I love that my small hands can create something beautiful and desirable out of what is essentially garbage. Even my new line of felt monkey ornaments (called OrnaMonkeys) were once plastic bottles.

7) Finally what advice do you have for someone just starting their own Etsy shop?

Be passionate about what you make. Strive for quality craftsmanship. Photograph your items to show them in the best way possible. Write informative product descriptions. Set a price that is fair for you and your customer. Don't list all of your items at once. Participate in the forums. Market outside of etsy. And, stay positive and professional.

Another one of my favorites offered by Recycledideas. This is the Fall Foliage Sampler (2 Hearts and more), Embossed Organic Leaf Cards (set of 4) for $8.00

Look what I got today...

My dad gave me these rock specimans today! The top one is petrified wood and the bottom one is Amethyst. It's so awesome to have a dad that used to be a rock hound. I have so many great specimans including a Cathedral Rose Quartz, Garnet, Blue Chalcedony, Jade, Azurite, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Cinnabar, Citrine, Iron Pyrite, Jasper, Mahogany Obsidian, Rhyolite, Desert Rose Selenite, Tektite, and too many types of Agates to list along with a few other specimans that I'm sure that I've forgotten. All of these are cut but in raw form. He has so many more, but he's slowly giving them to me :D I love surrounding my house with all of these lovely treasures. One of these days I'll have to take a picture of each one.

I Love My Danes!

I just wanted to share a few pictures of my danes. In an earlier post I put a picture of Raven, now it's time for Kula. Here she's all sprawled out on the couch. Though she's a year old, she still has such a puppy face and is so child like. I couldn't figure out why I've never had to clip her nails until I saw her chewing on them, she's just like my kids. She is so sweet though.

Here's a picture of Luna and Kula. Kula gets along with all of the cats...she just likes to chase them but she doesn't nip at them like Raven does. In this pic Luna is sneaking up on Kula.

Here's a picture of Raven and Kula together, they love to chase the light from a Laser Pointer. They are like cats in so many ways....and when they see the pointer come out....it's on and the house is rumbling like we're having a major earthquake. The cats scatter. I don't blame them a bit, it hurts me to get stepped on by these two. But I so love these majestic animals!

Okay...now don't fall out of your chair but....

I finally made something other than earrings :D It's a bracelet...I almost didn't post it on Etsy because I kinda wanted it for myself, but I went ahead and posted it anyways. I've named it Freeform. I know...funky name...but that's exactly what it is, a bunch of Sterling Silver that I've freeformed to create the bracelet. The stones are Spiderweb Turquoise, the varying patterns in these stones are beautiful. I think the reason why I like them so much is because their not the normal color that you find with Turquoise...you know...the bright blue (which I've never been a huge fan of), it's just a deeper green/blue with black, perfect for winter.

Pictures say it all...

Isn't that the truth when your trying to sell your wares online. All the buyer has is your photos to refer to and if they don't look good, you may have just lost a sale. After months of fighting with the lighting, shells and sand, I've decided it's time for a change. I picked up some more cardstock for my origami gift boxes and business cards last night and decided to take some pictures of my jewelry with it. Voila...I took 4 photos and used those 4 pictures in an Etsy listing...all I had to do was crop it. I didn't have to adjust the contrast, focus or anything else. It was so nice. I then proceeded to take pictures of 2 other pairs of earrings...and again...first 4 pictures of each were great....sheesh what took me so long to figure this out?? So now comes the task of going through each of my listings and changing the pictures out. Tedious, repetitive work...but it needs to be done. Below are 2 of my newest listings in the Petite Line using the cardstock. Now I'm off to finish making jewelry for my coworkers.

Petite Earring Line

This is my new line of earrings for those of us who love to adorn our ears with beautiful jewelry but don't necessarily want alot of length or weight. Here are a few samples above, the longest pair in this line measure only 1" and the shortest is 3/4" from the top of the earwires. I've listed a couple in my Etsy store.

Look what I got in the mail....

I recently did a trade with recycledideas , a fellow seller on Etsy. I can't say enough about everything I received. Everything that you see in the picture above is Eco-Friendly which is so awesome. In the upper left hand corner is a beautifully colored pencil holder which I'm going to use for my rulers and extra jewelry tools. The upper right hand corner is a handmade box with a picture window top filled with varying colors of mini handmade cards. In the bottom of the picture there are 3 handmade cards embossed with various types of leaves along with envelopes. Oh my...I was so excited to see what she had sent me, and you can ask my family about all the ooo's and awww's that I kept saying over and over again. I think it was driving them nuts...but it truly felt like Christmas when I opened the box filled with such wonderful handmade items. On another note recycledideas is going to be my December Featured Artist so check back for that. If you get a chance check out her store, if you have a friend or family member who loves Eco-Friendly products...this is your one stop shop! You will thoroughly be impressed with her craftsmanship and her eye for detail.

It didn't take long...

before I made another pair of earrings. Actually I've made a few more, but I haven't taken photos of them yet. So here are the pair that I have photographed, they will be available in my Etsy Store Saturday afternoon. I haven't figured out a title/name for them yet, but am pleased with the simplicity of the design. I have to admit that I've really had a lot of fun making my own earwires and findings. I have yet to use my new torch, I have to buy some pickling to use on the sterling silver. I'm also going to purchase some solder to use with ss as well, then the fun is going to begin!

Just Wanted To Wish Everyone A.....

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with the beauty of the season and the joy of sharing it with your loved ones!

Okay...I finally made....

Something other than earrings! Well okay, I'll be honest...the heart charm started out as a pair of earrings but I didn't like how one of them turned out...so voila...you have a necklace. These are a pretty almost steel colored pearls with a hint of lilac. I've strung the heart and pearls on an 18" sterling silver curved link chain with a lobster claw clasp. If your interested this will be available in my Etsy Store Tuesday afternoon. I just thought I would post something different than earrings tonight.

I've been spending entirely too much time on the internet. I'm in need of some beauty sleep, and my house has been neglected. Between, etsy, blogging, youcraft.org, talentdatabase, flickr, indiepublic and etsylove, I'm worn out. One thing that I won't get tired of is making new pieces, and between all of the self advertising I'm also coming up with new ideas for new pieces.

This is the face of Raven my Great Dane, who at the moment is feeling neglected as well, so I'm off to give her alot of love before she paws me to death or mushes me while I sleep. I never thought that a King bed would be too small....but she is a bed hog! Ohh and just so you know, I have two Danes....Kula sleeps with Brandon because there's not enough room on my bed with Raven :D One of these days I'll have to post pics of all the animals I have, two Danes, and 3 cats, I know, I must be crazy!

Earrings...earrings and more earrings

I'm not sure what my facination is here lately with earrings, but that seems to be what I keep making. So here are my newest listings. The first pair is named Abyss. It's made with Spiderweb Turquoise, Onyx and sterling silver.

The second pair is named Flowing. The design reminds me of the ebb and flow of the oceans tide. I've hammered the design for a brushed finish. The earrwires on both earrings are also handforged by me.

Maybe I'll work on some pendants to post. I've got some great Blue Lace Agate that would look nice wire wrapped....hmmm....yup that's what's next then.

My week so far....

It's been a couple of days since I've posted anything. The grove of trees in front of my house is no longer there, torn down to build houses. It has been horribly sad around here. I can't hardly stand to look out my window let alone walk outside. What once felt protected and secluded now feels exposed and unsafe.

Onto a brighter subject...It's been a busy week planning for the Thanksgiving get together. Two dinners this year because of everyones work schedule. I can feel a turkey burn-out coming on!

The pictures in this post are the newest items in my store. I've sold two more pieces and one of them was because a very nice fellow Etsian featured me in her blog. She is going to be my Decembers Featured Artist of the Month, so be sure and check back for that. Business has been good, and I'm definately looking forward to the upcoming holidays. Ohh and I've also been accepted into SRAJD (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer), I can't wait until it's posted so I can start using the logo.

My mom is very excited about a gift she bought me...she wants to tell me, but I keep stopping her and that is sooo unlike me. I always want to know what my gifts are! I'm just excited to buy gifts for my niece, Abi. She'll be 6 months old and should be alittle more active....I love the baby stage!

Here's my two newest listings...

The first is a pair of Funky Geometrix Earrings and the second is the Wave of Love Ruby gemstone pendant and chain. I really enjoyed making both of these because of the design work with the silver. I hope you enjoy them too.

Orbs...

.....is the name of my newly listed earrings. I told you I wouldn't be able to make these without adding stones to them...sheesh I'm so predictable ;-) The stones are faceted Blue Quartz on wishbone earwires. I made the earwires by hammering them, so the stones stay in place and to harden the sterling silver wire.

Colors Of The Ocean In Jewelry

These were some of my first listings on Etsy. I decided tonight to revamp them and retake the pictures. I love the colors in both of these pieces because they remind me so much of the tropical waters in Hawaii. The blue and green colors are just as soothing to me as listening to the ocean. Though they are more "summer" colors...but why not brighten up the dark days of fall and winter by adding just touch of summer to your wardrobe.

I've relisted the earrings and the necklace in my store.

I'm going to be making some simple hoops and wishbones to sell probably without stones, we'll see though....seems like I can't make anything without adding a piece of nature's beauty to it!

Wishful Thoughts.....

Are the name of my new earrings. I just bought these faceted Smokey Quartz stones yesterday, and I couldn't wait to work with them. I also bought some new Labradorite stones so watch for new pieces!

If you're looking for Christmas presents or Yule gifts be sure to check out Etsy, you'll find a gift for everyone, even the person that's impossible to shop for...we all have one of those!

Featured Etsy Jewelry Designer

I want to introduce a fellow Etsy Jewelry Designer and Artist. Her name is Toni and her store is ToniDesigns. I met Toni in the forums on Etsy, and I have admired her work since I became an Etsy member. We have become fast friends and I can't thank her enough for the support she has given me. Toni has graciously allowed me to ask her a few questions to post in my blog, you can read more about Toni and admire her beautiful jewels below. Be sure to check out her store to see all of the wonderful gems you can adorn yourself or a loved one with.


Shi: Hi Toni, thank you for doing this interview. Can you tell me and the other readers out there alittle bit about yourself and what led you to make jewelry?

Toni: My background is in theatre. Acting primarily. As an adult I briefly spent time writing spec scripts for television sitcoms. I tried my hand at Screenwriting and if I couldn't be designing jewelry that's what I'd like to be doing full time. In fact, I hope some day to be living near the Pacific Ocean which among other things, would make the logistics of pursuing a screenwriting career a whole lot easier. :-) Jewelry was a funny accident. I'd purchased a beaded ring while on vacation in a coastal town in Michigan. For years, everywhere I went, the glittering tiny, silver beads attracted admirers. It became my mission to find a way to make these rings for all of the nice women who'd admired mine. Like any artist, I came up with my own "improved" version of the ring and began selling them in boutiques around Chicago. But rings weren't enough, so I moved on to earrings, bracelets, necklaces, working with wire, metals, etc. I'm still experimenting and loving every moment.

Shi: Where do you get inspiration for your jewelry creations?

Toni: My inspiration comes from my absolute favorite things in the world: My two amazing sons, Gregory and Grant. The beautiful Pacific Ocean. My boyfriend, John. And of course, all of the beautiful women friends I have in my life. I love adorning them with my experiments. Every woman who purchases a piece from me, motivates me all over again.

Shi: Thank you again Toni for allowing me to feature you in my blog. You're jewelry is absolutely stunning and I wish you great success on Etsy!

Toni: My heartfelt thanks to Shi for featuring my work. Her creativity, her imagery and generous spirit are an inspiration to all. I look forward to each new piece she creates. I confess. I am... a Shi fan.

~It's the Holiday Season, say it with love and buy handmade. Buying handmade means your buying an item that was made from the heart, and you're supporting an artist who loves what they do.

It's All In The Packaging...

I've just started making my own gift boxes using heavy textured paper that's acid and lignin free. This includes a handmade box, tissue paper, an organza bag, tea and of course some beautiful baubles. When you purchase my jewelry this is how it will come packaged to you! ~Enjoy

My Dream Home!!

I'm a huge Brian Froud fan, actually the whole Froud family is so very talented. I go to the FaerieWorlds Festival every year, which is put on by the Frouds, Woodland, and Imaginosis. That being said....if I ever win the lottery I'm going to purchase this house. It's a beautiful cottage in England with murals from many artists including Brian Froud. It's my dream....and let me tell you, this is one dream that I hope comes true!

Custom Rings

I'm now offering custom sized rings in my Etsy Store! I made this one using an oval Garnet and 18 gauge sterling silver wire. I used a diamond file to make sure the ends of the wire wouldn't catch on clothing or scratch the skin. I just made one for myself because I liked how it turned out...and it's my birthstone. I really like the look of the birds nest ring but there's already a few people selling them on Etsy so I thought I would do this instead. To me it has a real organic free form look, and I'm pleased at how comfortable it is on the finger.

Happy Solstice!!

And what a wonderful Solstice it is! I just found out some wonderful news...a local boutique is going to carry my jewelry on consignment *does the happy dance* I'm so excited. The owner is wonderful...I love just chatting with her when I visit her store. I made her a Goddess pendant for a Solstice gift today and also made a gift for Lori (the Labradorite bracelet in an earlier post and Labradorite earrings). I had just recently started thinking about doing consignment, and her store was the first that came to mind, the vibe in her store is great, so tonight I emailed her and asked her, and she said YES!!

On another note...I did make a Goddess charm (talked about it in an earlier post). It was like I had a dream about them. I drew the design at my parents house, showed my dad, he tweeked it a little...it looked so familiar and I was worried that it was something that I've seen before. I've searched and searched through thousands of pages looking for this design...and nothing. I showed my friend Lori tonight and she said she's never seen anything like it either. So now I'm really psyched and I'm going to copyright it before I make anything using the design. It's been hard to create any new jewelry because I've been "obsessed" with this charm. It's calling to be made into earrings...necklace...accent on a bracelet, so many things. I worry so much about putting them out before copyrighting them because of all the "copying" that goes on at Etsy and other venues...*sigh* On one hand you're honored that someone likes your piece so much they're copying it, on the other hand it hurts because it's "you're baby".

Anywhoey...well that's my fabulous news for the day! Happy Solstice...have a safe one!

A Great Place For Your Web Design Needs

I just wanted to mention a friend of mine. If you look to your right you’ll see that I’ve added a business where you can get your web and graphic designs done by Deon at Impact Design & Images . I’ve known the owner of this business for 10 years. He’s very professional, and does exceptional work. He’s also a photographer so if you happen to be in PA, and need some photos done drop him a line. I can talk him up until the sun rises, but I’m kind of partial because he’s very near and dear to me, so I would like to suggest that you go to his site and check out his “Testimonials”. I can tell you there’s nothing but praise for his professionalism, his customer service and the knowledge that he has for creating a successful website for your business. Also, be sure to check out the other businesses that he’s created web pages for.

Deon, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help, suggestions and for being such a wonderful friend. I look forward to working with you in the near future to create my own web page for my jewelry business.

Aquamarine and Amethyst Pendant

I just made this tonight by hammering 18 gauge sterling silver wire. I'm thinking this pendant would look nice on a silk cord too. I really like the way it turned out. I'll be listing this tomorrow on Etsy. Hmm...maybe I'll make some matching earrings too. I haven't listed the Labradorite bracelet yet, I'm thinking I might tweek it a bit, we'll see. Anywhoey, I'm off to work on some Goddess Charms.

Here's the Bracelet

This is the bracelet I was talking about in my earlier post. I seem to be able to get more of the color flashes when I use paper under them instead of the sand that I normally photograph my pieces on. I had a picture that showed flash in almost every stone but it was too blurry. So tomorrow I'll have to retake some pictures before I post it for sale on Etsy.

Well I've still got my cough but I at least feel like I'm among the living. My son's car is making alot of noise so it sounds like I'm going to be dumping alot of cash into getting that fixed :( It's so odd because he baby's his car and we pretty much call him "Driving Miss Daisy" because he drives soooo damn slow. My other son on the other hand is just like his grandfather and thinks he's Mario Andretti.....grrrr I'm seeing flashing lights, an expensive piece of paper and an after school job for him in the near future...lol

Have I mentioned that I have twin 16 year old boys??...Well I should say 16 going on 30 or maybe to be more accurate 16 going on 2. And they're Leo's to boot (I'm an Aquarius)....holy hanna...if you know anything about Astrology then you know that Leo's are Aquarius' polar opposites. The God's or Goddesses (whichever you choose) thought it would be pretty funny to put me...the only Aquarius and surround me with Leo's...my father and my twins...so needless to say my life is never boring...or uneventful because we always have something to argue about on a daily basis! *uughh* Even though I bitch about it or sometimes think it's unfair....secretly I cherish every moment I have with them. They're juniors in high school and college is just around the corner....and I'm getting a very small taste of the empty nest syndrome since they've gotten their drivers licenses...I can't imagine what it will be like the day when I won't hear them arguing as they come through the door...or see that shit eatin' grin they get when they're pushing my buttons...and the worst...when I walk by their rooms and see their empty beds. Makes me tear up every time I think about it......

Okay...enough of that...too depressing for me to talk about. So on that sad note, I'm going to head to bed...walk by their rooms...and take in every detail as I watch them sleep. ~Nite

Labradorite Earrings

Here are my newest pair of Labradorite earrings. They flash blue, green and gold...I just wish I could've caught those flashes of colors when taking the pictures. *sigh* I've also made a bracelet, that I'll post tomorrow on Etsy as a "made to order". I've specifically put certain Labradorite stones aside just for the bracelet orders. I'll have to post a picture of the bracelet later tonight.

Well I have a work meeting *fun...fun*...gotta run!

Lepidocrosite in Quartz Pendant

This is my new pendant that I was also talking about, I'm definately making myself this soon. I just love the colors and sparkle in the stone.

The cough is worse today, and I feel totally wiped, but I'm getting ideas for some new pieces, so I'm off to create.

Sacred Circle Goddess Earrings

Here's the pendant I was talking about last night. I revamped them alittle though by hammering the circles....for some reason they just looked like they were missing something. So I just added some texture then relisted them on Etsy.

Still feeling...

like death warmed over...but I actually got alittle creative today. I made a pendant to match the Lepidocrosite in Quartz earrings and I've made some hoop earrings which I've named Sacred Circle Goddess, I love them, but I think I'm going to hammer the hoops. I really like the look of hammered silver, it just adds a bit of character.

Well the pendants that I sent off were not what they were looking for...they wanted actual stones that they could add their vintage style to...unfortunately I don't do vintage and I only have finished pieces done in precious metals. I don't know why I don't work with copper or brass, and I'm not sure if I ever will. The finished pieces with those other metals look nice, just not my style. The wierd thing is about 5 years ago, I wouldn't wear sterling silver...let alone plated or any other metal, I would only wear gold and it had to be at least 14kt. It also needed to be a nice piece with diamonds or just the gold alone...nothing else....sheesh. Now I have all of this gold, and I don't wear a bit of it...other than some white gold hoops my mom bought for me a few years ago. Hey now that I'm thinking about it, I think those hoops were the last gifted jewelry that I've received since I've been making jewelry....hey...that just ain't right! I'm gonna have to do something about that...hehe....nah

There is a plus side to making your own jewelry....any outfit I get all I have to do is make something to go with it. If I see a celebrity on tv or someone around town wearing some earrings, necklace, or a bracelet...then I go home and try to make something similar. And here's the funny part...like if I buy a jewerly magazine, or bead magazine....I'll say,"Oh, I'm going to make that!", but when I actually sit down to do it...some other creation always comes out of it. I don't know if it's something within me that won't let me make an identical piece or if it's the stones themselves....oooooo....I like the thought of the stones deciding where they want to go.

Well I've blabbed enough for the night...I'm off to OD on some Nyquil and disappearing into dreamland!

Uugghh

I've been sick for the last few days...head cold, now it's moved to my chest *yuck* During one of the times that I was awake yesterday, I tried making a pair of earrings.....after a few tries I thought I had it...once I started stringing the Tourmaline the metal backing(this was my 3rd pair as the others kept breaking) decided to break...again. Sooo...I turned off my light, and crawled back in bed. I've decided that I'm not going to attempt making anything until I feel better. Which will hopefully be soon.

On a more positive note...I'm anxiously awaiting my approval to join the SRAJD (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer) Organization. I think the next application processing is going to be at the end of the month. Though I'm not sure if my app got in before the cut off.

I've also submitted some of my pendants to another company for possible publishing. So maybe we'll hear something from that :)

New Earrings

These earrings will be available in my store http://shijewels.etsy.com/

The pair on the left are Sterling Silver earrings with Lepidocrosite in Quartz. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome this stone is. The reflective colors in the Lepidocrosite is really like looking at a pool of confetti gathered at the points of the Quartz with some stray flashes of color throughout the stone.

The pair on the right are Sterling Silver earrings that are hand forged and textured by me. The faceted Amethyst briolettes dance in the center of the circle.

How adorable is she.....

This is my niece Abi...and she just turned 4 months old on the 12th. I love her nose, it looks just like mine :D Isn't she's just the cutest!