Beads!

I just got back from the Rings and Things Bead Show! Lot's of beautiful gems, but I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more high quality stones, they only had 1 table this time. If I remember correctly the last time that I went they had quite a bit...not this time though :( I only found a few things on my long list of desired stones, and bought some that I didn't need but couldn't help myself!

Here's the list of items I purchased:

Faceted Biwa Pearls
Coin Pearls
Larvikite (aka Black Labradorite)
Labradorite
Rainbow Moonstone
Amazonite
Kyanite
Botswana Agate
Tourmalinated Quartz

The best prize was a strand of eye clean brilliantly faceted briolettes that included Smoky Quartz, Lemon Quartz, Citrine, Peridot, Swiss Blue Topaz, and Amethyst. Nummy!!

I also picked up some sterling and some misc. findings, but I was really hoping to pick up some more tools for pmc...but again for some reason they didn't have them there this time like the last. Oh well...saved me money I guess :)

Ring

I made another ring today, this one is a size 8 and I'll be listing it in my shop tomorrow. I thought about doing custom sizes, but I haven't perfected soldering, so whatever size I make will be what I list. I'm almost there though so I should be offering stackable and custom sizing in the near future.

For these rings I've used 16g half round sterling silver wire, just slightly hammering it for texture and then I do something a little extra that gives it a brushed satin finish. They're so comfortable to wear, I've worn my thumbring every day!

Fabulous Finds in the World of Etsy

I've been pretty fortunate with my experiences on Etsy, and the contacts and friends that I have made. Recently I had been searching for silver pieces to use as focals in some bracelets. I found some, saved them in my favorites, but just couldn't commit to buying them, not because they weren't beautiful, but they just weren't exactly what I had envisioned in my mind. Then one night while reading the forums I came across a fairly new seller Beadin By The Sea, so I took a quick look at Debora's shop. She makes wonderful jewelry, but also made the links that I had been looking for in fine silver no less! She pays particular attention to detail in her work and everything is done by hand...amazing! Her customer service is the best around, hands down. You should check her out if you get a chance.

The pictures you see here are the bracelets that I made using her fabulous links. The one I kept for myself is the one with swirls and a wire wrapped Labradorite briolette. The other is an organic leaf design that I've added a wire wrapped carved leaf Watermelon Tourmaline to. On the back of the link it says "Grow". I had just listed it this evening, and it's sold already!!

I normally don't shop on Etsy for my jewelry findings, because I have a tax id and can purchase items wholesale. That's all fine and dandy for commercial supplies, but when your wanting something that has that little extra touch...or something that was created from the heart...shopping at Etsy is where you'll find it. Like I said earlier, I've been very fortunate with the contacts and friends that I've made on Etsy. It's filled with so many talented artist's of all mediums, and Debora of beadinbythesea is definitely one of them.

Calypso

This is my newest addition to my Etsy store. Faceted briolette's of Peruvian Opal and Amethyst nestle together on this Sterling Silver necklace. I’ve also added an Amethyst charm at the end of the chain for that finishing touch.

Opal is one of the most powerful stones for the soul. It mends broken hearts and restores inner harmony.

Amethyst is extremely beneficial to the mind, calming or stimulating as appropriate. When you meditate, it turns thoughts away from the mundane into tranquility and deeper understanding.

For those of you who know me or who often read my Etsy listings...have noticed that I always include the metaphysical properties of the stones that I use. For me, these meanings are extremely beneficial, though I only list the emotional healings these stones can provide...they can also be used for ailments. I often wear jewelry based on how I'm feeling...more than what I'm wearing. I love it when I get a request for jewelry to help assist one's feelings, or emotional state. The emotional properties of the stones are my specialty, though I have created items for medical ailments...it is a much deeper study and understanding of the stones. All of this intrigues me, though I can't guarantee that these stones will cure one's ailments, in my own personal experience it has definitely helped.

Another thing I like to do is divinations. I love palm and tarot readings, numerology and astrology. I haven't by any means mastered these, but they are quite interesting to learn. My latest focus has been astrology and love signs...and I have been blown away by what I've learned when two signs get together, whether it be friendship, love or just a business partnership. I actually have people that I've done readings for, or who just have questions about their own Sun sign and another sign of someone they're interested in....I'm always amazed at the results...and they too are often amazed.

I'll have to do some posts of combination signs of myself and the relationships that I've had...no names of course...but just to share what I've found to be true and what I've found to be not so true.

If anyone out there wants me to do a combination of signs for your own comparison, leave me a post and I'll put it up for you.

Well, I've listed a couple more pendants to the link above. It's been a slow going process, and I just haven't been really motivated to make more jewelry...what is wrong with me?! I have all of these ideas/designs in my head but today I just couldn't sit down and work with anything. So, I've written my ideas down and hopefully tomorrow my head will be in a better place to start creating some new designs.

Here's a couple pics of my "new" Spiral Collection...I tossed around a few titles...Around the World In A Day...Orbit...and many others, but none of them really clicked. I just wanted the name to be a description of the design. I normally have the easiest time with names...but for some reason this was not one of those times. I've had these pendants made since Saturday...and I finally settled on Spiral last night. It really is a sweet and simple design...I love how quickly they can be interchanged to match anything you wear.

Up and Running!

I've finally finished or at least partially finished my other blog site. I feel like I've been working at it for weeks :D I'm sure that as I learn more the site will be changing a bit, but for now I'm satisfied with what I've created.

I tried like a mad woman to add a picture to this blog that could be hyperlinked to my other blog, but after many hours of frustration...reading the helps, adding, deleting, I've settled on just adding a bit of verbiage and a link at the top of this blog. I think that I may even have some hair left on my head after that!

I've only added a couple of pendants for now, but I'm hoping to add more before the weekend is over. The jewelry that I will be selling there will be exclusive to that site only. I'm excited about this new venture and I'll keep you updated on how it's working out.

I've been asked on several occasions if I'm planning on leaving Etsy....absolutely not! I love Etsy and the community there...it is a fabulous place to sell your wares and I will not be leaving that venue any time soon. I'm just spreading my wings a bit, hoping and trying to create a business that will sustain my family and myself. Though I think that's a goal for many of us that are in the business of selling our handcrafted/handmade items.

It's 3:00 am...what am I still doing up??

I took a weeks hiatus from my day job and now it's nearing the end. It's my kids spring break and I thought what the heck...I'll take it off too :D The boys had baseball practice all week so we weren't able to go anywhere, but it's sure been nice doing things on my own schedule.

I've opened a jewelry supply shop on Etsy to try and destash my overwelming collection of baubles. I have another bead show coming up next weekend, if I'm able to make it, I should come back with some more treasures to take the place of the stones that I'm selling. Just what I need huh?? Well a girl can't have too many treasures or baubles now can they?

I've also started another blog to sell my Tree of Life pendants and possibly some other jewelry. I'll post the link when I've got everything up and running. I'm having problems getting the pics in there and adding a Paypal widget to it...but that's just because I'm just not computer savvy. I should have it figured out before the end of the weekend though.

I had my danes spayed this week...which is another reason that I took the time off. Did you know that they charge by weight....holy crow!! Well it was a wopping $500....ouch, but it needed to be done! Dogs in heat....nope....definately not my thing!!! When we got our first dane, I definately wanted to breed her...awww how cute will her puppies be, until I read all the work that goes into it, and the possibility of complications....the vet visits...yikes. I also noticed that Raven has a curveture of the spine that I didn't want to have passed down. I don't think it will cause any long term problems, but I can't guarantee it and it wasn't a chance I was willing to take with her or her puppies. So that's that...and now they can go back to being the couch hogs that they are.

I'm also really sad to say that I will have to find another home for my cat Nanni. We've had her for 5 years and within the last couple of years she totally terrorizes the other cats, so much so that they're afraid to eat or do anything if she's around. One cat is now so afraid that she won't even come upstairs. I don't really know what to do....she doesn't like to be picked up at all, she loves to be petted...but on her terms, she will sleep in your lap, again on her terms. AND if you even try to pick her up...claws are out and she's trying to find a way out. She doesn't like to go outside...it scares her...and when she's in the mood to be petted....she definately doesn't want you to stop. She's the size of a kitten, and definately has short mans disease :D All of these traits are exactly what I love about her...well other than the terrorizing part, but as you can tell, it's not going to be easy finding her a suitable home...and I can't bare the thought of what will happen if I can find her a home. Uuugghhh...I'm so sad. Well I have my fingers crossed that I will find someone who'll love her as much as I do....I'll keep you posted.

First Tree of Life Custom Order

This is a custom order for someone who saw me wearing the Hessonite Garnet Tree of Life. She requested green, gold, black Tourmaline and a square frame. I really like the earthy tones of the Tourmaline in this pendant.

Since my last post I've received 4 orders, each one takes 2 days to make because I have a day job I can only work on them during the evenings. So as of right now I'm focusing on my store, and the pendants, then I'll make more pendants to post for sale here.

I love the creative outlet jewelry making offers!

Wire Wrapping

I've been trying my hand at making Tree of Life pendants after seeing one while browsing the internet . After making my first one I realized that one of my Etsy street team members also makes and sells them, so out of respect for her I won't be offering mine for sale in my store. I've made a couple without stone chips which is what's most commonly seen. I've never really cared for them, I'm not sure if it's because of the chips, but I really just like the organic look of the wire alone.

Last night I made a few sterling silver frames for the pendants, a tear drop, square and a rectangular one. Tonight I wanted to work with the tear drop frame and decided to add stones. I don't have any chips other than turquoise...so I used some of my small faceted Hessonite and Rhodolite Garnet rondelles. I'm really pleased with the results and I think I'll have a hard time parting with this one. I know I've said that before, but everything about this pendant screams, "Keep Me!!" LOL

After I've made a few more I may list them here on my blog for purchase. So stay tuned!

Not enough time in the day!

I can't believe that it's been 10 days since I've posted anything on my blog. I've changed shifts temporarily so by the time I get off work and finish everything else it's time to go to bed....this shift change has really messed me up though...it's going to be hard to switch back to a morning shift.

I've listed a few things since my last post so I'm just going to scatter the pics around this post, feel free to click on them to look at their listing on Etsy.

Illness has ran the gamut in my house for the last two weeks, it's been a vicious circle! I thought I was over it, felt great one day then the next it was in my chest...uuuggghhh! I had stopped taking Umcka too thinking I was all better. If you haven't heard of Umcka it's a homeopathic remedy, containing African Geranium, purified water, and vegetable glycerin. It's saved me on many occasions...except for this one :( It works alot like Airborne and other over the counter items like that, but at least I can pronounce the ingredients in this one!!

I love my weekends!

Tomorrow is my last day off...so, so sad. I have enjoyed my weekend, I drank some of my Kiona Late Harvest White Riesling with some wonderful friends. I made new jewelry and I did some much needed revamping of pictures for some of my Etsy listings. Life is good right now...and I'm going to bask in it.

I have some of the most fabulous friends a girl could ever ask for. Some of my friends live near me, some I've met online and have had the pleasure to meet "in real life", and others are online friends that I may never meet. Nevertheless, each one of them has made their mark on my heart, and I'm thankful for each and every one of them.

A little whimsical...

is just what I needed to make. I wanted to make something fun, something that was feminine. I've had these large Amazonite stones and hadn't really known what to make with them, they're large so earrings were out, so this is what I came up with. The Amazonite is paired with two rectangular Smithsonite stones and two Peruvian Opals. Each stone was chosen to compliment the Amazonite's natural inclusions and colors. I made each link using Sterling Silver wire that I've hammered for a brushed finish.

I have two more large Amazonite stones, one I think I'll keep for myself and the other is a little different than the one featured in the bracelet here. It' has these rich caramels and reds in it, that matches some Mookaite stones that I have. I'll have to play with it tomorrow and see what I can create.

It's the weekend....finally!!

Wow I thought this week would never end....sheesh. Have you ever had weeks like that?? I seem to have them often :D I can't wait until the weekends because that's when I can really just relax and create as I wish, instead of the normal weekday rush after the day job.

It looks like I may be vending this year at FaerieWorlds in Eugene, so I need to really figure out what I want to sell. I know that last year there was a definite lack of Goddess jewelry. Everywhere I went there was a ton of Fairy gems (of course...and which I bought), but I don't remember seeing anything with a Goddess. So that may be what I'll focus on, and I'll take some of my meditation beads as well.

I've listed two new pairs of earrings today. The pair pictured above is Sterling Silver oval hoops that have been hammered for strength and a brushed finish. They're accented by Karen Hill Tribe Silver spiral charms. The pair on the right has black Tourmaline gemstones dropping from hand forged sterling silver loops and earwires.

Abi Anklets

I've just listed them! The bells arrived today, so I was able to list them before my meeting tonight. My niece Abi has been wearing hers since she was a just a few months old. They are so cute, and are absolutely adorable on her little ankles, especially when she has booties on. I've been thinking that I need to buy some plain bells for baby boys. That's next on my list. I'm just excited to bring a new product to my Etsy shop!

It's about time....

to post again. I wanted to let my friends new venture on Cafe Press to be the headline for awhile. I've listed a few new items in my Etsy shop, earrings and meditation/prayer beads. The pictures of my newest items are scattered through out this post. Feel free to click on the pictures, it'll take you to the listing on Etsy.

A new item that I'll be listing is affectionately called Abi's Safety Anklets, named after my niece Abi. They are made of sterling silver with fine silver bells. I've made them adjustable so you can widen them as your baby grows. They're a bangle style instead of a link chain. I made a pair for a baby shower this last weekend and they went over really well. I'll probably start listing them later this week. I'll post pictures when I do.

I received an email for the ad in the catalog that will be coming out this spring, made some changes, then made the final approval. I think the only thing I'm not really happy with is my logo, didn't even realize that it was kinda funkified until it was too late, ohh well, I'm still satisfied with its entirety. I can't believe that I've been on Etsy for 5 months now, amazing how time flies when you're having fun!! I've joined a street team, and they are a group of wonderful people. A few of us are actually meeting up at FaerieWorlds in Eugene this year! I'm so thankful I decided not to sell on Ebay anymore, the fees have recently sky rocketed. I can't imagine trying to make a living selling there now. Especially after experiencing the family atmosphere that Etsy offers.

Baseball season is quickly approaching, and I've been busy with my boys trying to get all the equipment they want ordered. Just a note to parents who want to get their kids into baseball...it's EXPENSIVE!! For bats alone you're looking at $250-$300 per bat and I have to buy 2. One of my kids is a catcher so there's another $300 on a new hockey mask helmet and gear. Then you have the cleats, mits, batting gloves, undergarments, and of course their uniforms, then lets not forget the fees to play. With all of the leagues and tournaments it easily reaches $2000 a season. Aye!! BUT...they love it, and I mean really love it, and I love watching them. I don't like all the drama that goes along with small town sports, but just seeing their faces when they've made that catch, or a hit that wins the game or even that out at home plate, their expression of achievement makes it all worth it. I'm even proud of them when the game doesn't go the way they want, because they never give up, they never say it can't happen and at the end of that lost game they pat eachother on the back. As you can tell I'm proud of my kids, I'm proud of their grades (one's a 4.0 and the other is a 3.75) , the way they treat others, and I look forward to what the future brings for them.

Great Scot Productions

My friend Hawk has just opened his store on Cafe Press. He sells a variety of items including magnets, post cards, greeting cards, t-shirts (men, women and jr's), baby onesies and even men's boxers. Every piece showcases his artwork.

I first met Hawk on Tribe.net, then later had the pleasure of meeting him at the FaerieWorlds Festival. He used to be an animator for childrens educational games, but has since been dedicating himself to his artwork. He uses various mediums and in my opinion has mastered them all. He's a pleasure to be around, bringing smiles and laughter to all that encounter him. I'm excited for his new venture on Cafe Press and confident that he'll succeed in any venture he chooses.

Mmmm....nummy!

I love ginger snap cookies. I've got an icky stomach and a headache today so my friend brought me some tea and ginger snaps. She's such a sweetie! I've sold the Spiral Bone Goddess meditation beads so I only have one set left in my store. I'm thinking I need to make more. For now here on my newest listings.

The first one is a Sterling Silver necklace with a Turquoise Goddess as the focus surrounded by Aquamarine, Topaz and Pearls.

The second is a pair of earrings with scroll style earwires. Creamy blue Chalcedony and Pearls drop from the handforged earwires.

It's been awhile....

since I've loved my blog, so I thought I'd do so! Life has been busy, between the day job, family and Etsy there doesn't seem to be alot of time left in the day. I'm not complaining though, I love doing what I do. Okay...not so much the day job...but I do love my family and of course Etsy. I've listed a few new items all available in my Etsy store . The first picture is a pair of Amethyst and Pearl earrings and the second is a bracelet that I've titled Goddess of the Sea.

I really enjoy making the meditation/prayer beads. Here's a couple of my newest ones that I've added to my store. The first set is Earth Goddess. The Goddess is made of wood and I've added, Red and Gold Tiger Eye, Mookaite Jasper, Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver. The second is the Green Goddess. This one features a Raku Goddess, Fluorite, Quartz, Turquoise and Hematite.

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.

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