MJM Jewelry Designs

Random acts of kindness...

2012-02-04T19:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes someone does something for you that affects you so deeply that saying "Thank You" simply isn't enough. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for such a heartwarming and generous act of kindness.

This is the best way I know how to show my appreciation.

Designed with much love.

To my friends, you know who you are.

My sincerest Thank You.

New Etsy listings, just in time for Valentines Day!

2012-02-02T21:28:00.000-05:00

I've been putting off so many things lately, and today was my day to catch up! I tagged all of the new jewelry pieces I made and will be delivering them to the local shops that carry my work. (Salon Odette in Middlebury, CT and Wishing Well in Sandy Hook, CT). I also caught up on my inventory of everything in stock, and even did a little bit of listing on Etsy!

"A Mermaids Tale"

This one is my favorite. I was having a hard time letting it go, but I have SO many things that I can never part with and I have to live by the rules that I teach my children. Sharing is the right thing to do!

To see the rest of the listings, visit my Etsy Shop!

Next up... Bead Soup designs!

Can't wait!

The soup possibilities are endless...

2012-01-25T16:05:00.003-05:00

I received a package in the mail yesterday from my Bead Soup partner, Pam Ferrari, and my jaw still hurts from my mouth hanging open staring at the beautiful beads she sent me!

But first, here's a little teaser of what I sent to her to create with!

Fun! Can't wait to see what she comes up with!

And as for me, I'm going to be quite busy with THESE:

I have so many ideas already!! These beads are stunning in person! I'm afraid my inside pictures don't show the true colors in the glass, and believe me, there are so many colors!

Pam, you've outdone yourself!

Gotta get busy!

Very cold, but creative day!

2012-01-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

It's so cold here. I'm absolutely chilled through. The thermometer outside said 9 degrees this morning.

Uh... NOT happy.

I bundled up the kiddo's, surprisingly they did not argue when I told them it was not even 10 degrees outside. Ran my errands this morning, and was home and ready to design by early afternoon.

I vowed to get a lot done today, design wise. Thinking about doing several earrings or some quick little bracelets or something to prepare for Valentines Day. But, as I was looking through my bead stash, I saw these...

And I had to play.

This Charm bracelet is called "Celestial Stargazers" and it will be listed on Etsy tonight or tomorrow.

I love these beads, they were made by the lovely Melissa Rediger, and I have another set to play with too... blues. Can't wait.

I'll get this listed and a couple other things in the next couple of days, then focusing on stocking The Wishing Well in Sandy Hook with Valentines Day pieces!

More to come.

Bead Soup is ON!!

2012-01-15T17:03:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited to be able to participate in this Bead Soup! This will be my second time around, and I've been looking for things to keep me motivated. This is so much fun! I've been partnered with Pam Ferrari, and I can't wait to pick out some awesome beads to share with her! She has so many beautiful things in her Etsy shop, I sat and drooled for a while already! :)

Stay tuned for updates!

New Designs listed on Etsy!

2012-01-08T18:37:00.000-05:00

Keeping my promise to list the beautiful creations I have been making on Etsy! Have a look... and remember, Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

"Animal Instinct" - Isn't this great! I love this necklace!

"Hearts Desire" - Such a funky glass charm bracelet! The colors are awesome in person!

I have a couple more pieces that will be listed tomorrow!

You can preview them on Facebook.

Have a great night!

Bring on 2012

2011-12-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so ready for a new year! I've been very busy over the past few weeks. Have lots of new designs in my collection to share with you. Most of these have been given as Christmas gifts this year.

These are a collaborated effort made for a friend. And she loved them. :)

Love these earrings. They are called Fuchsia Fusion. (Will be listed on Etsy) And the necklace below it was made for a very special person as well.

The following two designs below were made by a friend of mine who came over to keep me company (and motivated). I let him play with some of my beads to see what he would come up with and he did an awesome job! Thanks Mike!! :)

This one is called "Outer Galaxy" (To be listed on Etsy)

"Imperial Dragon" (Either Etsy or a going to a local shop, I'll keep you posted).

And of course there are some bookmarks that were requested that I made for some of the teachers presents.

There have been packages arriving, containing beautiful glass beads. I'm super motivated and will be making more jewelry in the coming weeks. Bring on 2012. I'm so ready to get back to business!

Happy New Year!

I BOUGHT BEADS!!!

2011-12-07T14:03:00.001-05:00

This year has been such an eye opener for me, in many ways. I can't apologize for my lack of sharing, well I can, but it's more productive to just pick up where I left off and go from there. I will say that I have not one regret about spending time with my kids. I feel like I would have missed out on so much, if I had to go back and make a change. Being a mom is my first job, but I have to tell you I do miss my designing!

I feel like I have this little critter on my shoulder, pinching me, trying to get me to focus and it's been there for months. Well, he must have pinched hard enough, because yesterday, I felt the itch! I sat down and bought some glass. I love Etsy, all my favorite glass artists sell there, and I can easily get my hands on what I need and get it in a hurry. I needed the fix, because I can't tell you how happy it made me to shop!

I'm even more excited to get them in my hands and no matter what, I'm not going to let them sit.

No.Matter.What.

I felt a spark when I ordered this from Jen Cameron the other day:

This is my favorite style that she makes, and I have it on my desk now. Just holding it inspires me.

But I needed more. So here's more of my shopping from yesterday:

I also got a couple things on Artfire.

I don't normally post what I purchase to design with. But seeing the pictures here is a reminder that I made a promise to these beautiful beads that they would be used to their full potential. And I made a promise to myself, to make the time to create and enjoy my passion. The next pictures I show will hopefully be of what these have been designed into.

So stay tuned. :)
It's time... to make the time to do what I love.

Some Fall Fav's...

2011-10-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

Love the Fall. The clean, crisp air. I love wearing my sweaters (with my flip flops). The colors always inspire me. Summer is gone, and this summer I spent so much time with my kids they must be sick of me. Oh I hope not. But we did so many things! New things, fun things, and the fun has just begun. Fall is here, and that means leaf peeping and pumpkins and lots of photos and memories.

Hiking was a big thing this summer! I love waterfalls, so we're still hunting for more!

Pumpkin Picking is an all time fav here. I need a recipe for pie... for sure!

Catchin' a ride to the pumpkin field!

Tree Climbing!

Skippin' Rocks!

Enjoying the sunset

Cliff-side seat... just chilling out.

This Summer was about the kids. Enjoying their time off from school, and trying new things. I'm thrilled that they had such a blast.

I have had little time to design, however, now that they are back in school, we'll save our outings for the weekends and I'll have time to play during the day.

Here are a few of the new things I've cooked up!

"Lady Buggin'" Glass Bead Bracelet

I'm loving the memory wire... Here's a new design I'm playing with. I think I love it!

For Halloween, my favorite holiday!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I have a few of these. Love how they came out!

Some pretty Fall colors

And of course, Green and Black.

This one is a bracelet.

I'm going to spread out a few of the new things among some local shops and my Etsy store.

I will be back with more photo's soon. Getting back into the groove and very excited to spend some more time doing the things I love.

Off to grab my sweater and get designing!

New Summer Jewelry!!

2011-07-28T20:49:00.000-04:00

I know that I've been a very bad blogger lately. I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. But rather than apologize, because most of you know how it is having kids at home all summer, I think I'm just going to show you what I've been up to!

I've been making a new style of ring and bracelet out of memory wire. I truly disliked the stuff when I first looked at it years ago and never tried it out. But NOW, I have become a complete addict!! I can't get enough of it! So check out what I did. Here are a few pictures of the rings I just listed a few moments ago on Etsy.

In addition to the rings, I've been making bracelets too that are flying off the shelves of the shops that I have put them in. If you are local, you can find them at The Wishing Well, in Sandy Hook CT and at Salon Odette in Middlebury, CT.

Check them out and feel free to leave comments!!

I'll be back, now that I'm on a roll!

Thanks for checking in!

I hope you're enjoying your summer!

Mom's are such special people!

2011-05-08T12:13:00.000-04:00

Aside from my own mother, who I look up to so much, I know so many wonderful women who are the best mothers! It's this opportunity that you are presented with to show unconditional love to these little people who look up to you and want to learn from you. I am so proud of who my babies have become, even at their young ages! I was showered with handmade gifts from my little ones today. My 4 year old gave me this poster with his footprint on it and a beautiful poem. Made me cry. :) My 6 year old gave me a book that he wrote about all the things he loves about me! And my very artistic 12 year old daughter made me a paper rose, SCENTED, and a coupon book of "HUGS" to use when needed!

My kids are awesome!!! I'm truly feeling the love today! :)

For my Mother, I have designed a necklace and earring set. Of course, I loved it so much I made myself one as my own mother's day gift to me!

I used one of the pink tulips in the backyard as my backdrop for the earrings. Panicked the entire time, as there was a spider nestled INSIDE the tulip leaf on the other side, so I tried not to disrupt him. I hate spiders. And there was also a big juicy fat Bumble Bee flying over my head the entire time. I just said, give me 30 seconds Mr. Bee, and this flower is all yours! LOL! Got my photo's done and ran! I hope my mom loves her gifts.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!!

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T20:03:00.000-04:00

Wow, have I been a bad blogger or what? Goodness, I haven't written a post in a while. It's just been crazy around here lately. I guess that New Year's resolution has gone by the wayside. But I have very good intentions of getting my butt in gear! I've just booked a home show in June and I have to hustle now to get myself ready. I have so many pretty beads to design with, and I'm so excited to play with them! Just need to get myself situated and just go! I sat today and made my mother a beautiful necklace and earring set. I'll have a picture to show tomorrow. She's going to just love it! I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day! I am looking forward to hanging with my mom and my sister for the afternoon. Good times! Back tomorrow with pictures of the jewels! I have some rings going to Sandy Hook too! they are really pretty!

Two more to make and they'll be on their way!

SPRING BREAK SALE!!

2011-04-16T09:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday!

The kids are on Spring Break this week coming up and in honor of the vacation for the little darlings

(even though they don't REALLY need it),

I'm having a

SPRING BREAK SALE

in my Etsy shop!

From today, April 16, through Saturday April 23, take 10% off your purchase up to $100, and 15% off your purchase of $100 or more! Just mention SPRINGBREAK in the comments section of your order and I'll send you a revised invoice, or refund you the difference through PayPal.

Perfect time to grab something special for Mom, Mother's Day is May 8th!!

Coming up fast! Which reminds me, I better get cracking on my mom's gift!

Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be adding new things to the shop as I make them!

March is a busy birthday month...

2011-03-15T10:25:00.000-04:00

I have many birthday's in March to celebrate. The first two are done!

My niece just turned 9, and she wanted "Auntie" jewelry for her birthday present. Naturally I was happy to design something especially for her.

Big girl jewelry.

Here's her bracelet. I love the color combo!! She asked for blue/green. I am going to have to have one of these for myself, I think! :)

And for my best friend, Ann. She loves the beach. I know this. So I wanted to make her something to remind her of her favorite place.

Here's her "Sand and Sea" cluster ring!

Here it is on her lovely hand!! Happy Birthday to my girls! :)

There's more coming!

Hope you have a great day!

Water water everywhere!!

2011-03-08T10:09:00.000-05:00

You'll have to forgive my lack of posting. I'm taking a break from dumping the shop vac as we speak!

We've had a miserable winter here in CT, and on top of all the snow we've had, we had a TON of rain over the past few days. The river by our house flooded the streets again and in addition to that, our basement. We had to break down and purchase a sump pump and that seems to be helping with the issue, but not before I had to physically suck up countless gallons of water on my own with the shop vac. Every 15 seconds I was lugging the darn thing up the stairs and dumping it outdside! I'm exhausted! And very sore. What a workout! The pump is working great, but there are remnants that I still need to get with the shop vac...boo! I'll be back on track soon! Cross your fingers for us, we're expecting more rain in the next couple of days! :(

Hope you are all dry where you are!

Rings are coming!

2011-03-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

I've had such a great response to my cluster rings, and that makes me so happy! I just got some new bases in, and will be making some cool Spring color combination's this weekend! I have some great ideas for summer ones too. One step at a time, right? ;) Photo's coming soon!

Hope you're having a great day!

Time to reveal my SOUP!!!

2011-02-26T05:00:00.054-05:00

Here's my gorgeous collection of beads that I received from Libby (Libbyleu) for the Bead Soup Party. I was so excited with the colors in the lampwork focal and the beautiful selection of extras and wanted to make something out of the ordinary. Something I wouldn't normally do. I wanted to incorporate a whole bunch of things, and I hope you like what I came up with...

Here's my finished necklace, called "Sea Anemone", thanks to my daughter for helping with the naming of it!

I was struggling with the name because it is very elaborate, so I asked my family members for assistance. I liked Sea Anemone because it really just fit, with all the little strands coming off from the center. It is a wonderful mixture of almost all of the beads that Libby sent me, in addition to some Bead caps, seed beads and silver chain that I added to hold them all together.

Libby sent me some beautiful round glass beads, African Recycled Glass, Czech glass and a beautiful Lampwork Focal bead.

Also, a really nice Silver Toggle Clasp!

I'm thrilled with how it came out and really enjoyed the challenge of getting everything in there.

It ended up being a very chunky piece, with lots to look at. I'm usually one for doing things symmetrical.

But I wanted to think outside the box and just go with what felt right for this one.

I love it!

This was a blast! I had so much fun with it, and would love to participate in the bead soup party again! It's a nice way to meet new people, work with beads that someone chooses for you, and come up with something great!

I can't wait to see what she made with what I sent her, you'll have to see her blog to check it out.

There were 210 particpants in this Bead Soup Party! HUGE!! Following is the list, so take some time to check out what everyone did with their soup! Leave some comments and let us know what you think!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

19. Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs YOU ARE HERE!!!

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux

50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa

60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix

74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka

87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

91. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things

126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry

130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.

139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter

140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse

142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog

150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta

156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux

180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos

190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious

200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique

206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

Strands, Toggles and Soup...Oh My!!

2011-02-16T10:33:00.001-05:00

Let's start with some soup, Bead soup that is!

Here's a picture of what I received from Libbyleu for the Bead Soup Party!

I love everything! The colors are right up my alley!! I have plans in mind, so you'll have to stay tuned for the big reveal on February 26th!! :) No hint's until then, rules are rules.

Now, onto my gem show finds from this past weekend. I'm in love!! Love love love! Silver is my weakness, and so are teardrop glass beads. Well, all glass beads really... but these are so fun to incorporate into my designs.

I'll let the photo's do the talking.

And last but not least, I couldn't resist this sweet little teapot and spoon toggle!

I'm looking forward to playing with all my new shiny silver finds!!

Life is GOOD!!

65 Roses

2011-02-15T13:47:00.000-05:00

I was asked a few months back by my friend Traci to design and donate a piece to a fundraiser this April for Cystic Fibrosis. I didn't know too much about the cause, so I asked for some details on it. She told me that it is represented by Red roses and that when kids say Cystic Fibrosis, it often sounds like "65 Roses". I wanted to stay true to the cause and design a piece fitting for the occasion. So I commissioned Lynn of Brilynn Beads to create some beautiful beads for me that she also donated for the cause. Here's what I came up with for the design. All together, between the bracelet and the earrings there are close to "65 Roses" in the set. I hope it raises a lot of money at the fundraiser! :)

Next up on my agenda...the Awesome Bead Soup that I received from Libbyleu!!

Will photograph and then I've got the get cracking on my design. The beads are gorgeous, pictures coming!

Stay tuned!!

Bead store outing!

2011-02-04T17:51:00.000-05:00

I did a little shopping today at my local bead store. I had so much fun looking at all the pretty shiny things in there, I really had to exercise restraint too! I came out with a bag full of goodies though, so I'll be sitting tomorrow in the snow storm designing...yes, you heard correctly, there is another storm coming. I can't wait to make the things that I pulled beads together for. I can see them all in my head! Time to get the ideas into jewelry. Photo's to follow! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry!

Lori's doing a giveaway!

2011-01-21T18:03:00.000-05:00

On my list of things to try is metal stamping. The supplies are quite costly though, so it's been put on the back burner for me. However, Lori Anderson is giving away a set of stamps...and I want to WIN!! If you want to try to win too, here's the link to her website:

http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2011/01/metal-stamp-giveaway.html

Lori, thanks for doing such an awesome giveaway! :)

Oh my...the snow is coming!!!

2011-01-11T17:37:00.001-05:00

I'm not a big fan of winter, I don't like to be cold! However, we got some snow over the weekend and when I woke up, it actually looked very pretty on the trees, untouched by the sun yet and there were no footprints to be found. It inspired me to grab my camera and go on a little scenic car ride.

This is what I found:

Isn't it just beautiful? I couldn't believe it myself. I actually enjoyed freezing my butt off to get these great shots. It also inspired me to come home and make some jewelry! In my nice warm office with the heater on! LOL!

And here's a couple of the earring pairs that will be listed on Etsy later tonight!

More designs coming as we are expecting another foot to perhaps two feet overnight tonight and tomorrow! Which means no school, and a nice comfy warm office to lock myself away in!

Stay tuned!

"Nice Party"

2011-01-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

I have so many good things that I can say about my Grandmother. So many good memories! We were fortunate enough to have her in our lives until now. She got to enjoy her 6 great-grandchildren. What a rare opportunity, and how lucky are our kids to have had a Great Grandmother that played with them and spent lots of quality time with them. Always smiling, and offering a kind word. Her contagious laugh, cheating at games because she liked to "win"...and we let her, because she played with us. She taught us to play golf in the backyard when we were kids. She spoiled us...but not rotten. She fed us candy behind our parents back...oh lets get real...she fed us candy right in front of their faces! But she fed us well. Best Italian cook there was. There was love in the food. Sat in the sand and played with the grandkids at the beach every year. She loved the beach. Loved her family, and we knew it. All of us. We knew it. What an impression she has left on me.

We lost her on Sunday. She went peacefully and comfortably.

The world was a better place with her in it. But I know she has now been reunited with my grandfather after he waited 22 years for her, and perhaps they are playing a round of golf together. I can only hope! It's a nice thought though.

Love you Gram. It's been a "Nice Party". Miss you so much.

Ringing in the new...

2010-12-31T15:10:00.004-05:00

(Photo credit goes to Quinn Dombrowski - found on Yahoo/Flickr)
I've been thinking about how much I have grown in 2010. It astounds me how many things have changed. In the beginning of the year I felt very motivated and I got a lot done. Then the summer months kept me pretty busy with the kids being home and having to entertain them. Then school started and they all went...even the little one. They are changing so rapidly before my eyes, growing into these beautiful little people that I am so proud to call my children.

I feel very blessed.

As I think about the year, there isn't too much I would have changed. I've reconnected with some old friends and made many new ones. I am lucky to have so many people in my life that all bring joy into my life. I wish I had spent more time focusing on myself. I've kind of gotten a little lost with everything going on here. Time to do a little soul searching and find myself again.

I do write New Year's Resolutions. Do you? I've done it for years. And then I reflect on what I actually got done as I write them for the next year. I think I'm half and half for last year.

So for 2011, here is what I resolve to do. Number 1 on my list for the past few years has been to lose weight. This past year, I have lost 35 pounds so not only has that resolution dropped from the top spot on my list but it's changed as well.

1. My top resolution is to be a better business person. Get myself organized and start making it a priority. I have to take time to focus on not only the design aspect but the online aspect as well. My blog has taken a back seat and I'm going to start utilizing it again. I do love it as an outlet, and a way to share things. This is something that will be done in 2011.

2. Stop and smell the roses. I have days where I feel as though I am running like a chicken with it's head cut off. It's horrible. I don't know which end is up sometimes. I have a beautiful family, and there are many things to see. I have a camera, and I'd like to use it more to capture the beauty of the world and the people in it. I've gotten away from one of my passions, photography, and I'd like to get back into it.

3. Stop yelling. I'm a yeller. Yup, I do yell a lot. It's partly out of frustration, and partly out of the sheer fact that with three kids sometimes there really is no other option. But I'd like to stop yelling. It's not who I am, and it's not who I want to be. There has to be a better way. I resolve to find it.

4. Maintain the weight loss! And keep up the good work! :)

5. And most importantly... Be HAPPY! Life is short, and I want to experience everything that I can. Live to my potential. Something I have neglected to do for many years. It's time to turn the tides, and look at life differently. It's not about "things". "Things" don't really matter. People do matter and having this realization has changed me a lot.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! I hope that you have a safe holiday and here's to a very bright, sparkly 2011!

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Next week the kids will be home from school and I plan on staying in my PJ's for the majority of the week.

Can't wait for the much needed break!

Have a safe holiday, stay warm and enjoy your families! :)

Giving Thanks

2010-11-27T18:26:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the year that I am reminded of how thankful I am for so many things in my life. Good friends, my family and all of my new customers that have made the past year such a success for me.

In the spirit of giving thanks, I am offering a holiday sale in my Etsy shop now through December 10th. Take 10% off your purchase up to $100 and 15% off your purchase over $100. Plus FREE SHIPPING! Can't beat that! Just mention GIVETHANKS in the comments section of your order and I'll send you a revised invoice, or refund the difference through PayPal. I'll be adding new things all weekend too.

Thank you to everyone who has been by my side this year, through thick and thin. I appreciate and love you all!

Getting back on track!

2010-11-19T09:35:00.001-05:00

It's been a crazy couple of months here! Wow, it feels like forever since I've written a post. I had two great holiday home shows this past weekend. I love doing them, it's a great opportunity to meet new people and spend an afternoon or evening chatting and talking about my jewelry. I love that I have gotten such a great response to it! What a wonderful feeling!

I'll be getting together some new pieces to send to Sandy Hook as well as a bunch of items that will be available for the holiday's at Hair Four You. I'll also be putting everything else that I have in my Etsy store for holiday shoppers.

Here's a peek at some of the new pieces I've been working on.

I know my kids are starting to make their Christmas lists and although they are excited for the snow...I'm not! And I know it's coming soon!

But first things first...Thanksgiving. Which is MY holiday. Can't wait to spend time with my family with a great meal and no stress! :)

Seriously riding a creative wave!!

2010-10-22T22:00:00.001-04:00

I have a lot to say, it's been so busy here lately. I've found my muse.... it feels SO good to be designing again! I have missed it so much! I'm like a kid in a candy store, I can't get enough of it right now. So without making you wait any longer, I give you a sneak peak at what I've been up to!

You can see more pictures of these pieces and a few others on my Facebook page! I will be taking more photo's tomorrow of the 12 new designs I worked on today, mostly earrings and three beautiful bracelets! I have two home shows in November, so I'm trying to stock up! Hope you all enjoy your weekend, and I'll be back with more pictures tomorrow.

It's been way too long...

2010-09-28T18:35:00.000-04:00

I didn't think I'd ever go this long without having anything to say. I've been in a mood lately, just so many things happening and I'm finding it really stressful to work my way out of the bottom of this massive pile of stuff on top of me.

First of all, thank you all for your kind words on Facebook about Niki. I have come to the conclusion, and I know that she isn't coming back. My heart hurts, and that's been really weighing on me. It's killed my desire to design anything because in some silly way...and you'll all think I'm nuts, but I don't want to have to take photo's of anything because she wont be there to sit with me. I told you that was crazy. But she really did sit with me for the past 6 years of me taking jewelry photos. More often than not. So to even think about doing that without her has been killing me. But the show must go on. And I think I'm ready... I think.

I did do something fun last week. I have a friend who asked me to give her some tips on how to use her new fancy Canon camera, and naturally I am happy to help...and of course get my hands on a hot new camera to play with! So I suggested that while she was practicing what I was teaching her, she should take pictures of me. What? Yes, you read correctly. I hate...HATE having my picture taken. That's why I'm a photographer, so I can be behind the camera. Well, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this December and I decided that it was time to create a memory. My kids will have no pictures of me when I'm older to look back on. I'm really not ever in any of them. So, Lucy and I went off to Topsmead State Park and had an absolute blast!

This one is my favorite. It's now my new FB profile and my blog photo. LOVE it! :) It's a genuine smile, I was having a good time. I really needed some time to laugh and be goofy, so this was perfect.

My other favorite:

and then there was this, which got the most comments:

LOL! Silly. But I like it! :) I did all the editing of course, played with my fun Photoshop filters and now I have something to save for my kids. This wont happen again for a while! ;)

The next photo's I show will be of what I am designing this week. I'm hopping back on the bandwagon and getting my butt in gear. I need to put the sadness behind me, and honor Niki. She wouldn't want me to be so sad. I'm sure that she knew she was very loved here and she had a wonderful 15 years with us.

I also know that she will always be with me. :)

Working for a very good cause...

2010-09-13T15:34:00.003-04:00

Last week I was asked by a very good friend to donate a piece to a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer. Naturally, I said yes before I even read any further into what it was for. But once I read through the full email, I am even more honored to have been asked to help raise money for this very worthy cause.

Here's the story:

In celebration of September’s National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, we are pleased to announce the upcoming Second Annual Volley for Molly tournament being held at Lexington High School on September 24, 2010. This event is in honor of a resilient and loving young woman who passed of this insidious disease at the young age of nineteen. Our goal is to stop this disease in its tracks!

I found out that the awareness color for Ovarian Cancer is Teal. So I pulled out my trusty bead boxes and went digging. Found a great set in Ann's box which she generously let me use. This is what I came up with.

A gorgeous set of teal lampwork glass beads, which I accented with a variety of Swarovski Crystals, hand wrapped circles and Mykonos Greek Spacers. I added a Silver Volleyball Charm as well as a Cancer Awareness Charm near the clasp.

Love how it turned out. I hope that this does well in the silent auction.

It's an honor to do my part for a good cause.

Down, Down, Down...

2010-09-12T10:15:00.000-04:00

You'll have to forgive me. I've had a bit of a setback this week. I've been in such a slump and have not been able to get myself out of it. My cat, Niki...you guys know...the one that sits with me for all of my jewelry photographs. Well, she's been missing since Sept. 6th. I'm a total wreck. She's 15, never wanders away from the house and I have not seen her, or any trace of her so I'm just beside myself. I don't want to think the worst, although with each passing day, things seem a little more bleak. We've searched everywhere in our neighborhood. I made fliers and stapled them to the telephone poles around our immediate area. I'm hoping that if someone did find her that they took her in and are taking very good care of her and loving her as much as we do.

We miss you Niki... please come home. :(

End of summer, beginning of "ME" time!

2010-08-27T19:01:00.001-04:00

Well Summer is coming to a close around here. School starts back next Thursday, and the kids and I spent some time today dividing up the school supplies and packing their backpacks. We also finished up reading lists and homework packets and I believe that they are ready to go! I'm so excited this year because my littlest baby is going off to preschool! Although I am thrilled beyond belief that I am actually going to have a couple of hours to myself while they are all out learning, I am saddened at thinking how quickly they are growing up! I remember the day my oldest was born, and that was almost 12 years ago. Where does the time go?

With all that free time I have coming up next week, I'm planning a few days of jewelry designing a week and I would LOVE to get out and walk while the summer heat ends and the crisp fall air hits! I love the fall, I love being outside in the fresh air, without all the humidity and just taking in all the beautiful sights. I'm hoping that by getting in a walk, it may inspire my creativity for the days that I choose to stay in and design!

I'm looking forward to sharing a lot more beautiful pieces with you soon! Thanks for hanging in there with me during this long Summer. We've enjoyed our family time and now I'm looking forward to getting back to business! :)

Holy Harvest Batman!

2010-08-19T12:30:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I just kill me. LOL! I only have 4 words to say about this ring...

SHUT.THE.FRONT.DOOR!!

Seriously, could you just look at this ring?

I love Rachel Zoe, and she is the accessory queen, I would like to think that she would like this too! :)

This goes along with my new room color choices, as I love the Fall. It's my favorite season. This ring is staying firmly planted on my finger, however, it will be available for custom order if anyone is interested in the color scheme. There are Burgundy, Olivine, Light Topaz, Copper, Gold and Light Olivine Swarovski Crystals in here along with some leaf charms. TO DIE FOR! LOVE LOVE LOVE this ring.

It's my favorite to date!!

I have to order some more leaf charms, but I'll be making another one like this to put up for sale later today, since I already have the colors out on the desk. I do think I have a couple other leaf charms... or maybe an Acorn...oooh, I just had a thought... :) Back later with more!

A fresh coat of paint...

2010-08-06T10:18:00.002-04:00

For me, a fresh coat of paint gives you a whole new outlook on things. We moved into our house 9 years ago and it had all Navajo White walls. Slowly we added our own personal paint choices, some lasted longer than others. The kitchen for example, has been painted at least 4 times. I keep changing my mind as to what makes me happy. And right now, I'm very pleased with the majority of the colors throughout the house. With the exception of my bedroom. It was painted once, and badly when we moved in. One of those quick rush jobs, with one coat and more attention on the trimwork so you wouldn't notice. But I notice, and so does my hubby. I'm sick of it. It's GOT to go. My bedroom flows into my office, so with the changing of the bedroom colors, I must contemplate also redoing the office.

My office space is small, but I love it. It's very cozy! I painted it a few years ago when I claimed the space as my own in a beautiful light green color called Tennessee Haze. I still love the green, but I want to punch it up a little.

So off I went the other day to Lowes, to grab some paint samples. I was immediately drawn to THIS:

I love the fall, and these colors just spoke to me. But how do I incorporate them into my bedroom which has a beautiful rich dark (Eggplant) purple carpet. The color palette on the inside was nice, but didn't quite have what I was looking for. So I pulled a lot of different things. Then I went back the next day to Home Depot to scour their paint color choices. Between the two stores, I have narrowed my choices down to these:

For the walls in the bedroom we chose the Mojave Gold, which is the third one down on the far left swatch. There is one wall that carries into my office as well. For the ceiling in my bedroom we chose the Tundra color, which is the middle choice on the far right swatch. This will also be the new color on the walls in my office. And for a little accent color, I think I'm going to paint my closet door in the office in the gold and the Sun Dried Tomato color. So two colors in the bedroom which go nicely with the carpet and three in the office, because there's a wonderful dark foresty green carpet in there! I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself!!

I hope I don't hate it, but in reality I know that my tastes change so quickly that I'm sure it will be painted again in no time. :) Must be the artist in me.

Good thing my husband doesn't mind!

Deck out those digits!

2010-08-03T19:19:00.002-04:00

I'm loving the new cluster rings that I'm making, and they seem to be a huge hit! I had a whole bunch made for my show last Sunday and all but one sold, so this one will be up on Etsy later.

I've ordered more bases and some really cool crystal colors to make some more fun combo's. Look out for them in the next week or two! I've received a lot of good suggestions for color schemes that you'd like to see, so please feel free to share your input by commenting here or over on my Facebook page! I love to hear your thoughts, so keep those comments coming! I really appreciate it and all of you.

Scrambling can be fun!!

2010-07-29T09:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a really hectic week here. We had lots to do and it seems like the time just flew by! We had a family get together last Sunday and we got to see our cousins that we had not seen in a really long time. It was fun! Thank goodness for Facebook, now we can all keep in touch!

It was also nice that my Gram was able to join us. There were a few pictures that I've been wanting to take in the past few years and the timing just never worked out. We were never all together, or the kids were out playing or I forgot my camera, you get the idea. Sunday, everything just fell into place. Although there was food on the stove cooking, and guests arriving, and a flurry of activity going on in every room, I insisted on TWO MINUTES of time. It was a well spent two minutes.

My Grandmother is 87 years old, and the youngest great grandchild is 3, so this is exactly what I wanted to capture in our family Generations photo. This is our "Circle of Life". My grandmother, my mother, me, my sister, my daughter, and my nieces. There are boys in the family too, but this picture was important to me to take of just the girls. Thanks so much to my husband for allowing me to set it up and then standing above us on a chair to take it! :)

Another favorite photo of the day was this one of my grandmother and her 6 great grandchildren. I'm so glad that they will all have this memory of her as they grow up!

After the party, I turned my attention to jewelry designing to get ready for the Home show that I am doing on Sunday. Here's a few of the last minute things I designed for the show!

Both of the above bracelets are on HOLD for a customer.

And here are a few that I did yesterday of my more simpler designs without lampwork glass. I like to have a variety of things available for people who are attending a show, that are not in the market to purchase glass art.

But there was time for one more Glass piece before I gave up for the night!

Surf's Up!

There may be enough time for me to make a few more pieces before the big day, but getting ready for a show is not all about the designing. There's a lot to pull together and I have a VERY MESSY designing space right now! I have to clean that up! Which can also be fun, because when I clean, sometimes I find more fun beads to play with! :)

Sunflowers

2010-07-19T10:41:00.001-04:00

This weekend my hubby took the boys on a little overnight camping trip. So it was just me and my daughter! How fun! I wanted to do something besides sit around in the house, so we went out on Saturday night, hit a couple of stores to browse with Auntie Amy, and then went to On The Border for Mexican. On Sunday, we got up early to drive to Griswold, CT for "Sunflower's for Wishes"

WHAT A SIGHT!! Sunflowers (and Calla's) are my favorite flowers. I love everything about them. And to a Sunflower lover, this was the place to be!!

Here are a few of my favorite photo's from the day...

I played with this one in Photoshop... I LOVE this picture!! Both ways, color and Black and white!

Here's just a portion of the huge field, there was actually a whole other section on the opposite side of the road as well.

We stopped for lunch on the way home too. It was some much needed Mother Daughter bonding time. And I know I had fun! She said she did too. We'll have to do this again sometime soon! :)

And the winner is....

2010-07-14T18:09:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh, I'm so excited!! CATHY, you are the winner!

Cathy wrote: "I am inspired by my girls - they have such a huge curiosity for everything. They fascinate me!"

I couldn't agree more! My kids are truly an inspiration for me as well. They look at things with such innocence and it's amazing what creative minds that children have.

They are all little artists in their own special way!

And guess what else? It's Cathy's birthday today!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Cathy!!

Don't worry, I have your address...I will be sending out your necklace tomorrow! :)

Thanks so much to everyone for submitting some wonderful answers! I'm so honored that you took the time to comment and be part of this with me!

I hope you can take away something from everyone else's comments and find a new way to inspire yourself to create something fabulous!

Another heat wave's headed our way...

2010-07-13T20:37:00.002-04:00

Talking about the weather when you live in New England is almost inevitable. There's so much inconsistency that it makes me crazy at times! We had a heat wave last week, and it's working it's way back this week. Today we have pouring rain and thunderstorms. When it's humid outside, I like to be INSIDE with the air conditioner on. Yesterday I sat in my office with my Diet Coke, my friend Allyson (and Miss Reese, of course) and my CD player going and I HAULED on bracelets!!

I made two custom orders, here's a look at one of them made with Jenelle's FABULOUS focals!

I can get more of these beautiful focals from Jenelle too if anyone is interested in a similar style. Available for custom order, just email me!

Next are three bracelets that I made with Jena Fulcher's AWESOME beads! I decided that I could make one really funky wrapped charm bracelet or share the wealth. Each is similar but different in it's own special way. Here are some preliminary photos, to be retaken outside once the sun shines!

This one is called "Sublime Key Lime"

Here's the sister to this one "Sublime Key Lime II" (until I can think of something better)

And the last is called "Blue Hawaiian"

These will be listed up on Etsy tomorrow, once I get some outside pictures which will truly show off the sparkle in these awesome bracelets!

I'm in the mood to move on to more fall colors now... so the other bracelet that I made will be posted tomorrow because the picture is too blurry. LOL! I'm a perfectionist! Can you tell? ;) It is made with some beautiful earthy colored Kazuri Beads and Swarovski Crystals.
Last chance to enter for the giveaway!! Get those comments in and check back tomorrow night to see if you've won!

I tried something new, and you can win it!

2010-07-07T21:27:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I see things flashing by me, either on the TV or on someone walking by on the street or in the store and I think to myself..."that's really cool, I'd like to try that". Sometimes I jot it down, or draw myself a picture of the way I'd like to try to design it myself and make it my own. Sometimes I rip pictures of colors, flowers, food and fabrics out of magazines and pin them up on the inspiration board in my office. I have them organized by season. Then I refer back to them when I'm stuck for an idea. I'm constantly inspired by the things around me. Flowers, paint swatches, food, the ocean. I pull color schemes and ideas from these things, and I find myself naming my pieces after them as well.

As far as designs, I subscribe to only two magazines. Step by Step Wire, and Bead and Button. Love to flip through them and teach myself a new technique. Sometimes I go to the bookstore and look through Bead Trends and Stringing. Those are my other two favorites. There are so many different styles of jewelry and it's just so nice to see so many talented people all doing their own thing.

I can't remember exactly where I saw something similar to this design I was thinking about in my head. I have that Wig Jig thing, and I never use it. I made this with my pliers. Ideally, to make this perfect for ME, I would add some of Jenelle's Lampwork Organic Seeds to this funky wrapped design, but for this practice run I used some really pretty Jade that I picked up at the Gem Show earlier this year. Then I wrapped the top and bottom loops with seed beads (which is my new favorite thing to do).

I added a little drop charm to the bottom as well and strung it on a Steel Cable.

After I finished I reviewed it and made notes on how I can improve on it for the next time. It's not perfect but since it is really pretty, I thought that I could give it away!

Anyone think they would like to give it a good home? Here's what you have to do to enter to win it:

1. First you have to sign up to follow my Blog. I have over 400 followers on Facebook, but only 53 here so let's see if we can bump that up. (If you feel so inclined, you can also follow me on Twitter (MJMJD), and/or sign up to receive my newsletter - right here on the blog).

2. Once you sign up to follow the blog, leave me a comment on this post telling me what your main source of inspiration is. You don't have to design jewelry, but I'm sure that people take inspiration from things for all sorts of different creative outlets. Tell me what your favorite is! I'm curious if people go about it the same way that I do and I'm sure there are many more ways that people use their creative minds out there. I'd love to hear your thoughts! You all inspire me too! :)

I'll assign all the comments a number and next Wednesday, July 14th at 6pm, I'll draw a winner at random and send you this cool necklace! (Free shipping for US residents only, please!). So go ahead, start commenting! :)

A Happy Fourth!

2010-07-05T07:41:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite holiday's to celebrate. Good food, friends and FIREWORKS!! I've loved them for as long as I can remember. The big BOOM is my favorite part. I've taken some great firework pictures over the years but not this year. For the past few years, we've been enjoying my neighbors fireworks display (which he sets off in our yard). And this year, it just didn't do it for me. So next July 4th, I'm on a mission to see some good fireworks again!

But the whole day wasn't bad... we went to my sister's house to swim for the day! The kids had a BLAST!

Thanks to my sister for letting us enjoy this beautiful day poolside!

You should get in on this...

2010-06-29T10:10:00.001-04:00

I've always wanted to participate in the Bead Soup Party, and I think I will the next time around! It's such a great opportunity to meet new people and share some great beads and pieces!

Lori is giving away one of the pieces that she made with a gorgeous focal bead made by my friend Jen!

Of course I would love to win it myself, but you should definitely get in on the action!

Here's her photo and a link to her blog!

http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2010/06/jewelry-giveaway-you-know-you-want-this.html

I've been thinking of doing a little contest/giveaway myself, so this is a good push to make me think of something fun to do! Be on the lookout for that in the next couple of weeks!

A little remodeling goes a long way!

2010-06-27T09:19:00.001-04:00

So 9 years ago, we bought our lovely home. Added much love and put our own touches on it to make it ours. In our living room, my husband insisted on a nice white Berber carpet. It looked SO pretty when it went in!

(This is 2001, before anything was done to the living room, with the exception of paint and making the double door opening behind Meghan. That was a solid wall!)

Meghan was only 4 years old when we moved in! :) She looks so tiny to me!

The above photo's were the original, beautiful white carpet. At the time, there was only 1 child and three cats. We put in the French doors to keep out the 1 child and those 3 cats, because this was going to be the "Formal" living room.

So much for that.

Fast forward 9 years... there are now three kids, and 4 cats (still two of the original, there was one in between that was killed by a speeding idiot driver outside, and now two new). That carpet was disgusting. I didn't want to even sit on it. 6 years ago I said to Clay, we should take that carpet out. His response...no way, the floor is not finished underneath, remember?

Um, yes I do remember, I took very good photo documentation of it!! But one of the older cats started to use the corner of the carpet as a liter box and so alas, the once beautiful, now gross disgusting carpet was violently ripped out of the room a couple of weeks ago and taken to it's final resting place at the dump!

The un-level and un-insulated floor underneath was taken up and repaired by the amazing hubby!

There was a fireplace here at one point (the house is 100 years old, but we never saw it) that's the remainder of the chimmney.

Now nice and level and toasty warm underneath, it's been FIXED the way it should have been a long time ago.

And then there was new...

And the finished room... I like it so much better than the original way we did it!

We have the same furniture, and some of the same pictures, but we changed the paint colors several times. I think I am finally content!!

And on the seventh day, she rested... and went for a pedicure! ;)

Don't worry, Clay is sleeping in too.

Sunflowers are by far my favorite...

2010-06-24T17:05:00.000-04:00

I love Sunflowers. Love them. We used to have them lining our fence here by the road and people would stop and admire them while driving by. They were really tall and BIG!! Then of course there were those idiots that would drive by and knock them down. We'd find the big flowers all smashed in the middle of the road. Shame on them. They aren't there anymore because we did some landscaping over there and never replanted them. I miss them.

Last week I got some beads from the lovely Melissa Rediger. I love her beads! As soon as I saw these I knew what their fate would be.

So I wrapped some loops and hammered them. Then I wrapped some Topaz, Smoky Quartz and Jonquil Swarovski Crystals around them.

Then I came back around with the seed beads and added some Sunflower Charms.

I think these are my favorite earrings that I have made in my 6 years of Jewelry Designing.

I can't wait to find another big field of sunflowers and just take pictures!

I made this pendant a couple of weeks ago and never had a chance to photograph it. I'm also having a hard time with a name. I see a little Argyle pattern in the glass, does anyone else?

I'll be working on some more stuff tonight and tomorrow. My goal of 10 pairs of earrings got sidetracked when the Sunflower pair took me over 2 hours to create! I just didn't want to let my vision down. :) More to come!

It's here, It's here!!!

2010-06-17T18:38:00.002-04:00

I could be talking about a multitude of things this week! First, Summer vacation is here! The kids celebrated their last day of school on Wednesday. HOORAY!!

They were so excited to be done for the year, and believe me...I think that I am more excited than they are!! No more running around like a maniac!

We did our errands today, and even went to the bookstore to get them each a book from their reading lists. I have some kids that are eager to get their summer packets done early. I am all for it!

And the other thing that is here, well that is now in my possession
after the bookstore run today, is the July issue of Bead Trends!!

I went over to check to see if it was out yet and there it was!! There were actually only two on the shelf, and there are usually many more copies so I'm not sure how long it's been out but one came home with ME!! :)

Here's my photo's of it that I submitted.

Whoooohoo!! I'm so excited! You can find my beautiful "Atlantic Meets Pacific" bracelet on pages 92-93. It looks gorgeous in the magazine, and it's such an honor to have had it chosen.

That's the last publication for the time being, I'll be working on some other things soon in that respect but I'm back to focusing on creating new things to share with all of you!

It's going to be a busy Summer, I can tell already. But I'm looking forward to hanging out with my kids, who both did excellent this year in school! Meghan made High Honors!! I'm so proud of both of them! They are at a great age now where they want to do fun things, so we're making our list of potential activities. Mini golf, Aquarium, Zoo, walking trails. I am even going to try to hit the track with Meg a few times a week to try to increase my walk to a jog or a slow run. She may want to try out for Track next year and so I don't think it will hurt either of us to go out there and do a little more than a fast paced walk. Wish me luck!

New things coming in the next couple of days!! The whirlwind is winding down, and so my creative brain can begin to work again! :)

Sun and Sea

2010-06-05T11:10:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful thing to wake up to on this beautiful sunny Saturday morning!

My Beach Treasures Bracelet was included in this GORGEOUS treasury on Etsy called
Sun and Sea!

Thank you so much to WhenLifeHandsULemons for including me!
I think I need a vacation now! :)

It's Tuesday?

2010-06-01T07:45:00.002-04:00

I get confused after a long weekend! I went to bed last night thinking it was Sunday, good thing I was taping my Monday night shows! Thanks to everyone who stopped by my Memorial Day Sale! I hope you enjoy your new pieces!

In the meantime, I've been cooking up some Summer fun this weekend! My stretchy rings were such a HUGE hit a couple weeks back, that I decided to branch out into Toe Rings!

I LOVE Toe Rings!

These are stretchy as well and you can wear one or stack a few!
Mix and match your colors! There's So much variety, that really anything goes!

These are Ann's lovely toes! Her feet are nice and tan and she had a pedicure! Plus it's hard to take pictures of your own toes! LOL! These are just some examples of how you can stack them up. These are ours, so don't worry, you wont receive used ones. Your Toe rings will be custom made just for you!

To see some color choices, visit my Facebook Page, and look for the "Rings" photo album!

Memorial Day Sale 2010!

2010-05-27T20:17:00.001-04:00

It's TIME FOR A SALE!!! From now until Midnight Monday, May 31, 2010 there will be a sale in my

Etsy shop!

Sale Details: From now until Midnight Monday May 31st, take 10% off your purchase up to $49.99, take 15% off your purchase of $50 - $100, and take 25% off... your purchase over $100! The more you buy the more you save!

Mention MAY2010SALE in the comments section of your order and I'll send you a revised invoice or refund the difference through PayPal!

Happy Memorial Day!

"Gems may be precious, but friendship is priceless"...

2010-05-25T18:52:00.005-04:00

The title of this post came from an unknown author, but I really loved it and it was very fitting for what I'm going to write about. Thank goodness for friends. They are the rock's that stand by you through everything, good or bad. They, like Mothers and Sisters, don't judge. They just listen and let you cry when you need to (Like yesterday, thanks Sarah, Ann and Ally!).

I've been going through a little bit of a rough patch lately. A few posts ago, I mentioned that I have a blood clot in my liver. After much testing and blood work, the doctors have finally gotten all the results in, that THANKFULLY are negative for any sort of disease. Everything is functioning as it should, however, this is a mysterious clot that had just popped up out of nowhere and it has to go before it does some more permanent damage. The treatment for it... blood thinners. Injected in my stomach, twice a day. YIKES!!! I'M.NOT.HAPPY! It hurts. And so I cry... to my friends (and my parents, and my husband, and my sister), and they all let me. Good people.

I love to make jewelry for the special people in my life... my friends and my family. It makes me happy. And there are some people who I design matching pieces for (Ann), one for her and one for me. It's fun to have "Friendship Jewelry". My sister and I have some matching things, my Mom and I have some too and this time it was Allyson's turn.

Ally and I met MANY years ago, while working for the bank. We were kind of inseparable. Then just like life changes, so do jobs, and people move away from each other, get married and have children. Sometimes it's hard to stay in touch. After 10 years, we found each other again on Facebook, and it's like we just picked up where we left off! It's awesome! She has a beautiful 5 month old baby that I just LOVE, and we spend a lot of time together. So today, in an effort to make myself feel better because I've been down in the dumps, I made us some "Friendship Jewelry". Matchy Matchy, because that's how we do it! :)

Ally's Necklace:

And mine:

I've named them "KRISTAL Paradise". Get it? It's got both of our names in it. :)

The only difference is the two beads near the clasp. I alternated them so we would know who's was who's. I used these GORGEOUS Bali Silver Toggles (To die for!!) and Catherine Ondrey Glass beads that I've had and didn't want to part with (But I don't mind sharing). There are Swarovski Crystals in Erinite and Pacific Blue Opal (My Favs), genuine Tourmaline donuts and briolettes, and green seed beads that are lined with blue (like they were made just for this). Bali Silver, of course, and a whole bunch of support from my friend who sat looking on, occasionally picking up her jaw off the ground. Then reaching down to help me with mine! LOL!

Friends...They truly are a Godsend. Thanks to all of mine who are, and who have always been there for me.

Busy listing!!

2010-05-20T20:58:00.001-04:00

It's been a busy few days of listing on Etsy! I've got at least 20 new things up in the past couple of days.

Check them out when you have a chance!

These earrings make me happy! And I can use all the extra happiness I can get!

This post is going to be short and sweet because it's Thursday night...

Grey's Anatomy Finale!!!!

Shhhhhhhh, it's on!! :)

Lot's to catch up on!

2010-05-11T11:20:00.001-04:00

Well, there has been a TON of stuff going on here. I'm getting ready for Sunday's home show. It is going to be FABULOUS!! I just know it! I had to take a brief time out though last week. Without going into too much detail, I was admitted to the hospital last week where they found a blood clot in my liver. I am now undergoing treatment to dissolve it. So I am in less pain and managing the therapy ok from home. If you can say a prayer for me that it goes away quickly, I would really appreciate it!! :)

Now, on to the happy stuff! Here's a look at the Mother's Day gifts that I made for my family.

First is the ring that my sister's husband purchased for her... she wanted pink/black. I think it's OUTSTANDING!!!

And here is the bracelet that we gave to my Mother...The colors are also so beautiful and I'll be making more of this combination soon.

The other picture I wanted to upload just wasn't working so you get the idea from this one how pretty it is. Looks lovely...Like my mom! :)

2010-05-04T11:03:00.002-04:00

I've been working away over here, so I've been a little quiet! Did some photo's of my Niece's communion on Sunday. She's adorable!! Being her Godmother made it even more special for me to capture these memories for her.

And I've been working on getting things made for the jewelry show on May 16th.

I also had to work on a custom order for Mother's Day for my friend Ali. I bought myself a beautiful ring for Mother's Day from the one and only Rickie Voges, and I had it on Sunday. It was a big hit, so I pulled out my ring bases that I've had in my stash for a while and decided to give it a try!

Here it is!

That's it for now! I'll be making more pieces later on, because it's "Keep me Company Tuesday", so look for more pictures tonight! :)

On a roll with rings...

2010-04-29T20:22:00.000-04:00

I took a whole bunch of pictures of the rings I made today, but as I was walking back into the house, the growing Sedum plants caught my eye. What a perfect little resting spot for my glass beauties!

To read a little more about them visit my Facebook page and "Like" me if you'd be so kind! :)

I've got more new things coming before the weekend, so be on the lookout!

It's Thursday night... you know what that means!!

Me + Grey's + Beads = One Happy Girl!

RINGS!

2010-04-28T12:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I mentioned that I made a ring, right? Well here it is!!

Michele made this bead a few years ago, along with an identical twin. My sister currently owns the other one and her ring is wire wrapped. This one will be mine because I was just practicing and it's not perfect.

However, I LOVE how it came out! The colors in it were hard to get a focus on because they are so light and wispy, so I had to focus on the wood chip! But you get the idea.

The good thing about this new style is that before when I made a wire wrapped ring, it was whatever size it came out as (ring mandrel or not). Sometimes they don't cooperate. Plus everyone's finger size is different! So it was difficult to make rings for shows and for sale because I hated cutting wire to size it, especially if it was a good wrap! You guys that make rings know what I mean. It's wasteful!

So this style is made on stretchy wire! I don't do much with that but I love the versatility of being able to wear it on more than one finger without having to have it sized!! HOORAY!!!

I found a whole bunch of beads I'm going to make into this style ring later today, so look for more to come and those will be for SALE! :)

A dainty little piece for my dainty little niece!

2010-04-27T20:40:00.000-04:00

A few years ago, I had some large holed lampwork glass beads specially designed for the "little" girls in my life. They incorporated their favorite colors - Orange for Meg and Pink for Kailin. Keira was only an infant at the time, but she has one too...after all she is one of the girls! They wear these beads on special occassions on their silver chains and they all love them! Now that Keira is almost 4 years old she is able to enjoy hers as much as the big kids!

Kailin is making her 1st Communion this Sunday. I made her a beautiful white Crystal and Cat's eye bracelet with a Celtic Cross charm hanging from it. She will wear it with her dress, that she is borrowing from my daughter. Another thing we can pass down from oldest to youngest! So I wanted to make Kai a special gift to go with her necklace bead. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and here are the results. I made this dainty little piece for my dainty little niece:

I hope she loves it!

I also redesigned a good friends bracelet that she bought from me a couple of years ago. She makes me laugh, because she likes to try different styles but she LOVES these beads. I can't really blame her, they are gorgeous! So I redesign it for her from time to time. I hope she likes what I did this time!

And... guess what else I did tonight???? I made a RING! Oh yeah, it's been a while since I have made rings only because there are certain beads I like to use and I didn't think I had any... so I went digging in my secret stash and found a few! Photo's of the one I made will follow tomorrow, because it got dark by the time I finished it! Something to look forward to, right? Have a great night!

My bad...

2010-04-27T09:48:00.001-04:00

It's been a hectic weekend to say the least. I've been so depressed about the lack of photo's I have to show, because it's been...oh wait, I'll give you one guess... RAINING for three days!! Gosh, do I vent about anything more than the weather? :) I don't think so. It's a topic everyone can talk about and honestly, until the sun is shining until 9pm in the dead of summer, I wont be happy with the weather.

Anyway, I feel bad about a photoless post, so I'll show you what I DID photograph this weekend.

I was asked to photograph my favorite little nuggets baptism on Sunday. Isn't she an angel?

I just love her to pieces!

Here's a couple of my other favorite photo's of the day. Daddy's little girl.
LOVE these.

And of course we can't forget about mom. But I have to see which picture she'd let me post of her alone, you know how girls are with their pictures... I'm that way! I hate pictures of me. LOL!

I know this one is safe!

I have my friend coming to keep me company again today so I can bead... so I promise to have some new pieces up and ready to show by later tonight! If the rain doesn't stop, I'll photograph them tomorrow.

Hope you are all staying dry and enjoying your Tuesday!

A productive day makes me HAPPY!!

2010-04-20T20:10:00.000-04:00

I had such a nice day today! My friend Ally usually comes over on Tuesday's for a visit and she loves to keep me company while I create jewelry. It's nice for me because I can actually get something done! With the hectic schedule I have chauffeuring everyone around, it's nice to have some quality time with a good friend and my BEADS!! Since it's school vacation week, I also had the pleasure of my sister's company today! It was 60 something degrees outside so my three kids, my sister's three kids and Ally's three (with the exception of the baby) were all outside enjoying the beautiful weather, playing badminton, volleyball and soccer in the backyard.

So this is what I got accomplished today:

"Atlantis"

And matching earrings:

Then there is the "Sweet Tea Rose" double strand bracelet made with a few of those pretty little flowers I picked up at the Gem Show last weekend.

Here's a Silver Lotus Pendant that I attached a glass drop to, and strung it on a Steel cable choker.

And several pairs of earrings:

"Feeling Lucky?"

"A Little Rain Must Fall"

"Tide Pools"

and "Goin' Fishin'"

Oh, and I almost forgot about my "Sunken Treasure" bracelet! I pulled these beads out of my secret stash, and I'm having a hard time letting them go! They were made by Catherine Ondrey, and as many of you know, she no longer makes glass beads. I'm devastated over it! But this bracelet is so worth sharing!

So I'd say I was pretty busy today, wouldn't you? :)

More to come, as I am feeling the overwhelming urge to keep this ball rolling!

Have a great night!

2010-04-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

I was so thrilled to be featured in Etsy's new Treasury East! My Melons bracelet was picked along with some fabulous other designers work. Have a look!

Melons Bracelet in Treasury East

Thanks so much to Okbuyer for picking my bracelet!

And so it begins...

2010-04-15T11:10:00.000-04:00

The designing process, where I struggle to choose what to do first! I have a home show coming up in the middle of the month of May, and although I have a ton of jewelry made, I always feel pressured to make as much as I possibly can before the show comes. There's not only the designing, but the photographing, tagging, inventorying, and listing. It's a lot of work. But don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining! I actually love it! It gives me such pleasure to be able to create new things on a weekly basis. It gives me a chance to play with my glass stash, and mix it up with my silver and crystal stash. I have to say, it's a wonderful outlet for me. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And with that, I'll show you what I made the other day!

"Bermuda Blue"

With matching earrings:

"Glowing Lanterns"

"Man on the Moon"

"Perfect Harmony"

Still thinking of a name for these...I'm stumped.

Below we have "Geranium"

And "Violet Skies"

And now for the bracelet that I will be adding to my brochure, but I just can't decide which photograph to select... Would you like to help me? Let me know your favorite...I'd appreciate it!!

From the top down, they are #1-8. Leave a comment if you would, with your favorite.

I'll be making some more jewelry today, and for the next few weeks, however I am going to hold off on listing on Etsy for a bit, just so I can prepare for the show. It's just easier to keep track of things this way. If I have the time I may list a piece or two, just so you wont forget about me, but as always, you can contact me if you see something here on the blog and want first dibs! Just email me and I'll send you the price if you are interested. Ok, I'm off to do some housework, and then my creative side gets a chance to play this afternoon. Have a great Thursday!

Gem Show's RULE!!!

2010-04-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

The mere fact that I get a day out of the house to surround myself by shiny beautiful beads should be enough. But once I year I let myself go crazy and I stock up on my favorite staples, mainly Silver Toggles and Beads and a few pieces of glass from a couple of my favorite local glass artists. Here's a look at what I got today, and those of you who purchase Silver know that I spend a small fortune today. But believe me, it's WORTH it! Here's a photo of my whole stash. I'm in Heaven!! Really, I am!

And some close up's:These little glass flowers are my new addiction... Can you tell? I bought a TON of them!

And here's the Toggle Parade...

I just can't believe all the good finds I got... man, I'm exhausted!! Buying beads is hard work. But it's such a good feeling to know that I have hand selected each and every one of these pieces that go into the beautiful creations that I design for all of you. Gives me the warm fuzzies!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Look for some new pieces with my fun new finds to come soon!

A warm sunny day, FINALLY!

2010-04-07T19:17:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day outside today! Perfect for photographing what I made the other day! Here's a peak!

Black pair I believe is SOLD at this point! Will let you know if that changes.

And this is my new favorite bracelet called "Hawaiian Lei"!

I love it!

It was definitely a Tropical themed design session. I love these beads! I'll have to see if I can snag some more soon! I hope you'll check out my Facebook Fan page for more photo's! And don't forget to become a fan!:

www.facebook.com/mjmjewelrydesigns

More to come tomorrow! Plus look for Etsy listings as well either tonight or tomorrow morning.

New New New!!!

2010-04-06T22:06:00.002-04:00

Yes, new jewelry will be coming tomorrow! :)

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

Off for a fun day with my family... but here's what my friend will be wearing to her Easter celebration! She custom ordered these the other day and I got them done in the nick of time!

I also had the the time to photograph her beautiful little daughter in her Easter outfits. How can you resist this little bunny?

Happy Easter!! Have a wonderful, peaceful day.

A fine time was had by all!

2010-04-02T20:37:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!!

2010-04-02T17:41:00.000-04:00

The sun is out, the house is slowly getting pulled back together after our water fiasco and it's a holiday weekend. How can you beat that? We'll be coloring Easter eggs tonight with the kids and that is always an adventure! I wonder who's hands will absorb the most color this year? My little ones don't like to use the spoons to lift the eggs out, they are not coordinated enough, so they just pick them up with their hand and they end up being more colorful than the eggs! But it's all a lot of fun and great memories for them. Sorry for the lack of jewelry posts here the past week, it's been a very different and difficult kind of week here.

Back to normal next week for sure!

We'll miss you Travis...

2010-04-01T12:01:00.002-04:00

Travis, you were a good dog.
My Mom will be lost without you.
I hope your heart is all healed up and you are running again...even though our hearts are breaking now.

We'll miss you Trav!

The Sun's OUT, but the water is still IN!

2010-04-01T10:17:00.000-04:00

Going on day Three of removing water from the basement. And yes, it's still coming in. More slowly now, but definitely still coming. I'm so sick of it. But in the end, this will force us to look into taking better care of our home, cleaning the gutters every fall, making sure that we can do everything in our power to prevent this from happening again. We need to dig a trench around the foundation, to fix the outside and seal the walls on the inside so that we can do some renovations. My house is a mess. But my office is clean for once!! So maybe I will take refuge up there later on and just lose myself in my beads. Keep the positive thoughts coming my way!! They along with the sunshine are keeping my happiness level going upward, which is the RIGHT direction for a change! :)

Does anyone have an Ark I can borrow?

2010-03-31T05:23:00.000-04:00

This rain has certainly caused it's damage this week. We've gotten so much that our basement is taking it on and let me tell you, I am not happy! We're off to buy a Sump Pump as soon as Home Depot opens, but in the meantime we are just shop vac'ing it up, and it's taking forever. Unfortunately, the water is still coming in too... this will be my life for the next couple of days, I'm afraid. Although the hubby is doing the majority of the work (I can't lift those heavy buckets). But I'll be on clean up once the water is out. Another less than fun project.

Mother Nature, please... we need some sunshine over here! At least to dry out our spirits. It's been a long night, with no end in sight.

Update!

2010-03-29T19:38:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update to tell you that I've named the pink/brown bracelet "Cherry Blossom" and it is listed up on Etsy right now! Along with "Mojito", and "Raspberry Lime Sorbet".

On a happy note, my "Rainforest" bracelet has Sold and will be on it's way to a new happy home in the morning! Thanks Bonnie!

Have a great night everyone!

Be back tomorrow with more good stuff! :)

Favorite Color Combo's!

2010-03-27T18:42:00.004-04:00

I had time to make some new jewelry the other day. Used some of my favorite color combination's too!

Take a look:

Brown and Pink

I still have yet to name this one. It deserves a REALLY good name. I'm usually good at coming up with them but I'm stumped. Someone suggested Tea for Two, but I'm on the fence about it... I'll take suggestions!!

Green/Blue (specifically Indian Sapphire, as it is one of my FAVORITE Swarovski Crystal Colors)

"Rainforest"

Green and Blue again, but BOLDER this time.. remember what I said about

Navy? :)

"Mojito"

Purple/Green (Raspberry to be exact!)

"Raspberry Lime Sorbet"

Green/Blue AGAIN! I was on a roll...

Still no name yet for these handwrapped glass bead earrings!

Blue/Brown (Navy... of course!)

"Night Sky"

Beautiful dark blue with flecks of browns that look like little stars and things floating around in the night sky.

This is one picture of each item, if you would like to see different views you can see the rest of the photo's on my Facebook Fan Page!

www.facebook.com/mjmjewelrydesigns

Don't forget to "Become A Fan"!

See you there! :)

Etsy listing's coming this weekend for these and some others as well.

Mailing List

2010-03-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

Are you on my mailing list?

I'm getting ready to send out a newsletter and you won't want to miss out!

A very productive day!

2010-03-25T21:23:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how much I got done today, considering the amount of sleep that I got last night. One of my kids was up and I only got a few hours. Not to mention that I spent the evening in agonizing pain after the workout I attempted to do with my husband. The "AB Ripper" is ridiculous! LOL! It's SO HARD! Oh my god, I can't even walk today... my legs are so sore, my abs hurt so much and my back is killing me. But no pain, no gain right? ;)

New jewelry is coming! Not boutique jewelry, NEW jewelry!! I made 5 bracelets today...one of which is a very intense charm bracelet. In addition, I made 2 pairs of earrings. I'll photo tomorrow and post the pics up! It's Thursday night, so I am writing this quickly during a Grey's commercial so I'm off.. Have a great night!

My clock grew wings...

2010-03-22T19:32:00.001-04:00

I can't believe how fast I let the day get away from me!! Time really does fly, whether you are having fun or not. Today was a catch up on my cleaning day since I didn't do much of that over the weekend, opting for enjoying the warm sunshine while it lasted. I will be working on those Etsy listing's tonight with some new jewelry.

Oh, and I got some beads in today... Seriously? I had to pick my jaw up from the ground. They were a completely unexpected find, I went on the recommendation of Kelly from Silver Parrot and grabbed some disks and a focal from this shop on Etsy. I'll give the info tomorrow when I take my own photo of the stash I got (simply because that would require me opening an entirely new window to look it up and I am on a roll).

I love disks, I love NAVY blue... not all blues compare, but there is something about Navy blue that makes me weak in the knees, and I love shiny things. This pile of beads I got is a good mix of everything I love.

I promise a picture tomorrow! I hope you had a good Monday! Dancing with the Stars is on tonight... maybe I'll watch while I list... I have it set to record in case I get carried away on the computer. :)

A little Spring Cleaning...

2010-03-20T19:45:00.000-04:00

Changing things up a bit! I sometimes get very bored with looking at the same things every day. Which is why I am so addicted to Lampwork Glass beads, because every SINGLE one of them is different. I never get bored with them. But other things, not so much. I tire of seeing the same colors and pictures. Which is why for the past few days I have been working on changing things again here on my Blog, in addition to my Etsy store banner and my business cards. It took me a long time to find just the right piece of jewelry when I switched from my original business card design two years ago. Now, I have so many favorites that I wish I could just print each one differently to have a variety. Now that's not very cost effective, however, changing your blog background and banner is easy! And free, since I design them myself.

Here's my new layout:

When I change the business cards, I also have to change my earring cards, post cards and banners, brochures, posters, etc.

I wont do them all at once, I'll use up my supply (which is rapidly dwindling) and then reorder. But I am happy with the new look. It's Springy, happy and represents who I am as a designer. I hope you like it!

Have a great weekend!

Monday will be the day for new Etsy Listings!

2010-03-20T11:51:00.000-04:00

The weather has been so nice this week....I think Monday is going to start the downward spiral again. Temps will be up, but there is rain in the forecast. I can't possibly tie myself to this computer when there is SUNSHINE outside! Please bear with me, and enjoy your weekend...I plan to! :)

Happy Shamrock Day!

2010-03-17T20:24:00.000-04:00

I love St. Patrick's Day! It's a great day to celebrate the Irish! I broke out my green sweater, and the kids all wore green to school with their flashing buttons! I think everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day!

The other day I mentioned that I was taking my jewelry out of Newburyport, and sometimes you just know when the decisions you make are the right ones. I already have a bracelet and earring set on reserve that came out of that shop, just from briefly posting photo's of them. It just wasn't the right venue for me. The jewelry was not being seen. I hope that now that more eyes will be on it, it will be enjoyed rather than sitting in a drawer somewhere.

Here's a preview of what will be listed in Etsy this week:

I have so many more pieces, but I have to find photo's of the rest of them. I have some beautiful bangle bracelets, and a couple of handmade chain necklaces with lampwork glass beads. Tons of earrings. It's just crazy the amount of jewelry. This will keep me busy for a while!

To see the other photo's of these pieces, visit my Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/mjmjewelrydesigns

And don't forget to sign up to become a fan while you're there!

More pictures coming tomorrow.

Enjoy your St. Patricks Day!

Road Trip!

2010-03-13T06:52:00.000-05:00

I wish the sun was out, but it's not. It's pouring rain and that will make this 3 hour drive even longer today. Ann and I are headed up to Newburyport. I have decided to take my jewelry out of the Boutique up there. There are several reasons, but the main one is that it's too far away for me to get there on a regular basis. I have a lot, let me restate that...A LOT of jewelry up there. Unfortunately, I'll be coming home with it as it didn't sell. They are very nice people and they have a beautiful shop but I think that they have way too much jewelry for sale. They have some beautiful artwork, paintings and such but the majority of it is jewelry. And although it is all different, it's very overwhelming and my pieces are just not selling enough. I've had some really pretty ones go, but all in all I am taking home quite a bit of inventory that I really thought, based on what they told me, would have sold by now. So, I will have some beautiful new things listed on Etsy throughout the week next week and I hope you'll stop by and look around! Have a great Saturday!

What a beautiful day!

2010-03-07T18:33:00.000-05:00

It was 56 degrees here today! I put on my flip flops, went outside with the kids and got them situated in the backyard playing. Then Clay and I vacuumed out all of our cars, washed and waxed them and they are SO shiny now! It was the perfect Spring day! I hope it lasts, I really needed this! I even opened up the windows in the house and let in some fresh air. I'm sure I'll have to do a ladybug roundup later on, because we are infested with them over here, but it was so worth it to have that nice breeze going through the house.

I did not do much in the way of designing today, because I've been cooped up for too long but tomorrow is another day. I enjoyed the OUTDOORS today.

I hope you were able to enjoy your day, and I hope it was sunny where you are!

By the way.. Emerald Isle is SOLD. :) I knew that wouldn't take long!

Emerald Isle is up!

2010-03-04T12:28:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: 3-6-10
The sun was shining today! With the exception of the top one, I have replaced the photo's with the ones I like better! Just look at that SPARKLE!! What a difference!

I have not had an opportunity to retake photo's of this gorgeous bracelet due to the fact that it snowed all day yesterday. We are expecting lots of sunshine this weekend so I will replace these pictures then. However, in an effort to give people time to shop for one of my favorite holiday's, St. Patty's Day, I have just listed this bracelet on Etsy! Click the link to be brought right to the listing.

"EMERALD ISLE"

I will get some better photographs and replace these in the next couple of days but if you trust me... it's really beautiful in person! The Green is gorgeous, the glass beads sparkle in the sunlight and even though it's really pretty just the way it is, there is something special about natural lighting that draws me into the spectacular beauty of the glass beads. You know what I mean.

OK, have a wonderful Thursday! I am off to work!

I need more daylight!

2010-03-02T17:59:00.000-05:00

Time got away from me today as I was visiting with a friend and working at the same time. I love designing with company! It makes the time go by faster and it's like my hands just do their thing!

I was not able to photograph the beautiful bracelet I made before the sun went down and my pictures are not the best with the artificial lighting. Even with a daylight bulb, I find that the tint is a little too blue for my taste. I can correct that but the lack of sparkle in the glass just makes me hate them. Can you tell I hate indoor photography? I'll find any excuse to get the glass into the sunlight where it show's off it's true beauty!

Anyway, I have to retake them tomorrow but I thought I would give you a sneak peak of

"EMERALD ISLE"...

The full bracelet in all it's glory will be shown tomorrow and listed on Etsy!

I also made these earrings for my friend who loved the ones I made the other day. She can't wear the heavy but loved the cascading crystals so I made her these...

I love these Bali Silver beads I got and they were the perfect addition to the Black and White color scheme I used. She wanted to be able to wear them with anything, and she left here with them in her ears and her sweats on! LOL! I guess that means she was happy! :)

More photo's tomorrow~

Signs of Spring

2010-03-02T10:14:00.002-05:00

I'm so looking forward to it, that maybe I'm hallucinating! I can feel the sun today. It's actually supposed to be in the low 40's...can you believe that I'm actually excited about that?

It's the little things. And the opposite of little is big, and that's what I was thinking the other day when I made these...

I have been hearing that the look for this year is BIG, BOLD, and CHUNKY.

I believe these fit the bill.

I got the lampwork glass beads from Jenelle, and used some beautiful silver scrolled cones to accent the top, while adding a cascade of Swarovski Crystals below.

These suckers are heavier than I normally would do for an earring, and would not suit everyone, but if you can handle a heavy, long flowing dangling earring...then these are for you! I know there are some of you out there, like me, who can carry the long look!

More to come! Enjoy your Tuesday!

Oh by the way...

2010-02-28T20:39:00.001-05:00

Trying to give people easier access to when I update the Etsy shop. If you want to keep up to date, subscribe to my RSS Feed:

http://www.etsy.com/rss_shop.php?user_id=5134204

That will keep you in the loop!

There are many new things to come in the next couple of weeks so you wont want to miss out!

A whirlwind weekend!

2010-02-28T18:25:00.000-05:00

There was so much to be done this weekend, and I think I have managed to do most of it. And the good news is that I took some time today to clean my office. It was a disaster area!! I had gotten in some new things, silver and glass and all sorts of cool goodies! I had beads everywhere... no grasp of what my mind wanted to do first. So the best thing to do at that point, is just clean up and start fresh. So that is what I did this afternoon! I cleaned, dusted, put all my glass beads away, all my new silver pieces have a new home safe and sound and I even had time to make a pair of earrings!

It's dark out now, so I'll have to photograph tomorrow morning. I'll post the pics as soon as I can. I think I may even have some time to keep going after dinner! I hope you all got some things on your "to-do" list done this weekend. I'm feeling really good about going into a new week tomorrow. No where to go but up!

Have a great Sunday!

Tapping my fingers...still waiting!!!

2010-02-22T18:06:00.001-05:00

What am I waiting for? For the UPS man, of course!! I can't stand that he is not here yet. It's 6pm, and I'm starting to wind down the day. I missed him on Friday, as I had to attend a wake and instead of leaving my goodies for me to play with over the weekend, I came home to find a sticker on the door.

Man, that really DISPLEASES me! :)

So I sit, tapping my fingers on the desk... peering out the window almost hopeless at this point. Where is he?? Why can't the things that should have been delivered THREE days ago come first thing in the morning to make up for lost time?

*sigh*

I know he'll be here, but I want my stuff. I have things to do!

I have been fighting this head cold for 2 weeks now... it's now a chest cold. I feel lousy, so I hope you'll all bear with me for just a little while longer! I have new pieces in my mind, I just need to see that big brown truck pull up outside so I can play!

Have a great night everyone, and cross your fingers that he comes soon or there will be one very unhappy camper on my corner.
UPDATE: He arrived at 6:20pm! That's a big sigh of relief and now I wear a smile on my face!

29 Degrees? Bring it....

2010-02-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

It's all good, I'm thinking a little more tropical... like maybe about tropical flowers, perhaps?

When Clay and I got married, we got this beautiful Hibiscus Tree. We had it for about 10 years. The two little tree trunks wrapped around each other and grew together and then grew "up". It was very tall, close to 7 feet at one point. We had it in our living room every winter, and put it outside in the springtime. It had these beautiful orange flowers on it, and they smelled really nice. The bad news is it died two years ago, we are not sure what happened. But it got some kind of "bug" on it and it didn't stand a chance. I'm actually surprised we had it for as long as we did, living in cold CT and being relocated inside and out twice a year.

I put together this color scheme which reminds me of the colors that were found in our beautiful Hibiscus tree! My hubby loves this one!

I hope you do too!

Powdered Almond colored Swarovski Pearls. Crystal "Chili Pepper" and Smoked Topaz Swarovski Crystals. Opaque Green Seed beads to simulate the leaves and orange seed beads for side accents.

This will be going up on Etsy later tonight or tomorrow morning.

This color scheme will be added to the list of choices that can be custom ordered!

If you have another color scheme in mind, please share it! I'm always looking to try new ones!

Have a great Saturday!

I was dreaming of the beach...

2010-02-09T19:19:00.001-05:00

Really, this weather has GOT to go!

I'm ready for spring to be here. But alas, we are expecting a Winter Storm tomorrow! Gosh O' Golly, What FUN that will be! Oh Joy, I can't wait for the messy commute, the 10-16" of snow we should be getting, the kids out of school and whining about how bored they are... I seriously cannot wait for all that fun, snowy goodness!

Can you tell I'm being sarcastic? LOL! I really am not looking forward to it at all, but I know some people have it worse! I was talking to Carey today, and she already got 30 " over the weekend in MD and is expecting another foot or so tonight she said! Nope, I don't envy her there! I'll take our 10-16" and LIKE it!

Anyway, I digress...

I got these beads about a month ago from Catalina Glass. I was in love with them and I couldn't wait until summertime to make this. I figure I'm ahead of the game now, right?

I absolutely wish that I was laying on the beach somewhere warm, minus this wretched head cold that has got me sniffling and sneezing all day!

Doesn't this just make you want to make reservations and go jump on a plane? I know I do!

Hopefully this will "Warm" up your day!

More to come tomorrow!

And then it just hit me...and I was down for the count!

2010-02-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Yep, I managed to stay healthy until February! The hubby and I had a kidless night on Saturday, as the kids went to spend the night at Grandma's. We went out for dinner, had some great mexican food and as soon as I finished I felt lousy. Sore throat, chills. I really didn't even want to drive home! But I got home, took a hot shower and went to bed immediately. When I woke up on Sunday morning, it was like I had transformed overnight into someone else. I had a pounding headache, sinus' so stuffed up that I couldn't breathe at ALL, and my voice was gone. Felt like I had needles in my throat. Ugh. I was sick.

Stayed in bed all day yesterday and I'm up only for a little bit today to help get the kids ready for school and to write down "Specifically" what medicine I want and then I'm going right back to my bed. If I don't write it down specifically, the hubby, as kind as he is to go and get it for me, he will get something else, or the generic brand or who knows what. Good intentions, but right now just give me the stuff that I ask for because I know it works! :)

Hope you all have a great day! I do have a photo to share, but I'll save it for tomorrow. I can hardly hold my head up anymore!

Is it Thursday already?

2010-02-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

Wow, this week is really flying by! Well in some eventful news this week, I've had a design accepted to the July issue of Bead Trends Magazine! So not only will I be in May, but you can look for me in July too! How exciting is that? I'm thrilled and honored to have been selected.

I just got in a whole bunch of new beads from Jenelle, and I ordered some really beautiful beads from Melissa. She had posted up a few sets in a new style and I bought two of them! LOL! I couldn't help myself, they were so pretty! So be on the lookout for some funky new things to come with those.

I've been working on a couple of custom requests recently so that is the reason for the lack of new designs being posted right now. But in an effort to keep things interesting, I am offering

20% off any purchase over $50 in my Etsy Store!!

There are so many beautiful pieces in there that really are looking for good homes. This is one of the highest percentages off that I offer and I don't do it often, so be sure to get your favorite piece before it's gone. Also, if it's a gift let me know, and I can wrap it for you!

That being said, I'm off to get ready for Thursday night TV... what? Seriously????

Like I've never said THAT before! Have a great night!

Pay It Forward

2010-02-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

I took this from Jenelle, who is ALWAYS doing nice things for people. I thought it was a wonderful idea and I wanted to do it too!

THE RULES:

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me. (It will be a surprise but I promise to make it something fun)

2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift that you send to your Three Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenter's on this post, you can still play along. Start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

Silly, Random and totally useless information...

2010-01-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

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...

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

2010-01-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

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!

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

2010-01-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

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's over...

2010-01-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

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!

My contribution to Valentines Day!

2010-01-15T16:03:00.003-05:00

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!

Sometimes it's all Black and White...

2010-01-12T10:36:00.002-05:00

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!

I'm getting happier!

2010-01-10T14:11:00.007-05:00

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

"Proud As A Peacock"

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!

Romance That Never Dies Treasury!

2010-01-09T16:20:00.001-05:00

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

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=105070

Thanks Jen, you're the best!

They are great for Valentines Day!

It's a working weekend!

2010-01-08T20:03:00.000-05:00

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!

Getting off to a great start!

2010-01-05T10:54:00.000-05:00

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! :)

New Listings Today!

2010-01-04T14:48:00.002-05:00

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!