New Photo's up!

I was backing up my computer today, and I found a few more pictures that I added to my Photography Etsy Store for sale.

I love taking pictures! Especially Macro shots of flowers! They just give you a whole new perspective on the flower itself! If you have a chance, please check them out in my Etsy Store at

Kristen Lynn Photography

More jewelry to come! I've been working on a couple of things, but as usual life takes over and because it was such a beautiful weekend, I took the time to play with the kids and take control of my house! Please check back for new designs to come this week! Hope you had a great weekend!

"Happy"...my new theme song!

The weather in CT has been rainy for the past couple of days. It's really dreary, and it makes me so sad. I know we are behind on our rainfall totals for the year and that the rain is needed, however, I just can't deal with so many days in a row with rain in the forecast. I guess I'll never live in Seattle, right?

I've been trying to put things into perspective here. There's a lot going on, I'm feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated and it seems as though every time I turn around I'm getting attitude from people. I am just getting tired of the nastiness out there. Can't people just be nice? How difficult is it?

I've found a new song that I've been listening to called "Happy", sung by Natasha Bedingfield. It's so fitting a song for me right now. I'm all over it! I'm recommending that everyone listen to it. It definitely makes me happy. The jist of it is that whatever you've got going on in your life could just be a temporary set back but the stable things in your life, and the things that we take for granted, are always there for us.

Here are the words to the Chorus of the song and I've been singing them to myself over and over again, and the smile is returning to my face:

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love. Got my friends, got the sunshine above.

Why am I making this hard on myself when there's so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy?

In the spirit of being happy, I have created this necklace. The picture stinks, I admit it. The lack of sunshine is a big fat bummer. So, before I list it up for sale on Etsy or 1000 Markets, a better photo is in order. But I thought I would share it for today and worry about the picture later.

A Chinook Ceramic focal with a beautiful dragonfly on it. I made it a pendant with some great Bali Beads and Swarovski Crystals in all my favorite greens (Chrysolite, Erinite, and Canteloupe). Then I added some pewter dragonfly charms and gave them green tails and used silver seed beads to attach them to the necklace.

Happy.

I love this necklace and because I smile every time I look at it, I think that it's going to bring some happiness your way too.

Enjoy and I'll be back tomorrow with more!

Hustle and Bustle!

I just have to say that I am TIRED! It's been such a crazy week/weekend! I hope you have all enjoyed your Memorial Day! I've been running around like crazy and although I am getting a ton of stuff done, it has not all been enjoyable! I want to play with my beads and so far have had limited time to do so. I am almost finished spring cleaning my house (no small feat with three children that I need to re-do clothes for.) Plus my own clothes, and we are rearranging toys in the boys room. It's like Christmas all over again. We bring up some from the playroom in the basement and bring some down just to rotate them. Then the ones that don't get played with get donated or tossed! It's all good!

I have taken out a few bead sets and laid them on my desk, so that I can start thinking about what I want to do with them. At least the wheels can start moving so when I do have a moment to myself I can just jump right in! I have some really pretty beads out and I can't wait to get to them! They are calling me... can you hear them?? :)

I hope you've had a chance to stop by my new shop at 1000 Markets! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Please check back this week for more designs. I will be updating both Etsy and 1000 Markets so there will be an equal amount in each place! Have a great day!

New Shop!

Good morning everyone! I will be sending out a newsletter to announce this as well, but I thought I'd start here and let you all know that I opened up a new shop in addition to my Etsy store. My new store is on 1000 Markets and you can find it by clicking the LINK here:

MJM Jewelry Designs 1000 Markets Shop.

I have decided to list different items there than I have on Etsy, so if there was something that you had your eye on in my Etsy store, check to see if I've moved it to 1000 Markets.

I know that with the economy in the state that it's in, people are spending less and less money on luxury items but there are SO many jewelry vendors on Etsy that it's really hard to stand out. I am just trying this venue out to see if I have any more success there.

Let me know your thoughts! If you have a 1000 Markets Store, how do you like it?

I'll be making more items over the next few days to re list in both places (as if I need something else to do!) so please check back!

A Black Bear and a Beautiful Gem!

Two good stories, but which to tell you first? Well let's start at the beginning. You know how when you see something that takes your breath away you know you just have to have it? Well, I was in the bead store the other day (Thursday) and as soon as I walked in the door I saw them. The seed beads. Ugh, you know how much I hate them. But I'm getting more used to using them because they are just so pretty in certain designs. Anyway, I saw a tube of this color mixture. I just knew what I wanted to do. So they came home with me. I pulled out this awesome glass Sand Dollar made by Jenelle of SFD (I used it's mate in a previous post in another killer bracelet!). I sat down and made one of my kitchen sink bracelets, but added the sand dollar bead to the middle and hand wrapped each seed bead one at a time into this beautiful gem colored masterpiece! There were a few silver heishi spacers thrown in the mix here and there too to give it some shine, but these colors together just blew me away! There were a few little spaces that needed to be filled in so I went back to the bead store to buy more seed beads (I now own 5 tubes of that combination!) and it's all filled in nicely now.

On to the bear... I was sitting on my sidewalk this morning taking pictures of this beautiful bracelet and my neighbor was walking over to talk to me. On her way over she very calmly said to me, "Kristen, there's a bear behind you". I kind of turned my head, as anyone would if someone told you that, and when I turned back to say to her "Are you kidding me", I did a double take! THERE WAS A BEAR! A BLACK BEAR!! By the time I had turned my head the second time around, it was running into my other neighbor's backyard. Mind you, we live on the corner of a pretty busy street. We are not supposed to have bears in Bristol! Holy cow! I grabbed my cat immediately and threw her in the house, she was keeping me company basking in the sun while I was taking pictures. She is still in the house now. No way she's going out that way! :)

We called animal control and they said they were aware of it, but couldn't catch it. The elementary school called and said that they were keeping all the kids inside for recess today due to a black bear sighting (too bad, it's a beautiful day!). I'll say there's a bear sighting, he was less than 50 feet away from me. I hate to think what would have happened if my neighbor did not come to talk to me. I hear bears are afraid of people, but if this bear was in my backyard, then there was something wrong to begin with.

The beautiful Gem... "Beach Treasures" will be posted on Etsy tonight! Enjoy!

Oh my my!

I had fun last night! YAY! I sat with all my bead trays surrounding me and went to town on a few pieces. First let me say that I'm not happy with my pictures today. I had only one sunny spot to take these photo's and they are all a little too bright for me! But you do what you must! Here's the rundown, and I'm happy to say that two of these are already sold! This first bracelet was a custom order. I've named it

"Black Bean & Avocado...with a Margarita on the side!"

Just fits doesn't it? :) Love it!

This one features glass beads made by my awesome friend, the lovely Carey of Sassy Stoppers! There's a ton of silver in here, green pearls, Swarovski Crystals in Light Olivine, Jet Black and Crystal AB. It's finished with a Huge Hill Tribe Silver Toggle.

"Blue Lagoon"

Glass cones made by Carey! Bali Bead Caps, Aqua and Indian Sapphire Swarovski Crystals and Bali daisy Spacers.

This pair of earrings is *SOLD* (To my neighbor, who came over while I was photographing them and claimed them immediately to wear to a benefit tonight!) Don't worry, I have more cones! Will make another pair later on.

"Pink Blush"

This glass focal was made by a local glass artist. It's phenomenal! The colors, design and shape are all just so beautiful together. There's Pale pink, light and dark brown and swirls of silver. I used some really cool silver bangle tubes that came directly from Thailand and a Bali silver toggle clasp. This will be going up on Etsy tonight!

"Sand Dunes by the Bay"

These are one of my favorite sets of glass beads made by the one and only Melissa Rediger. They are a creamy sandy colored base with swirls of various metallic blues and browns throughout. I accented these with scroll rectangles and briolettes, Pamada beads, Swarovski Crystals in Smoked Topaz, Indian Sapphire, Sand Opal, Crystal Golden Shadow and Indigo Blue and it's finished with a Bali Toggle Clasp. Also going up on Etsy later tonight.

More to come! I'm having fun and I pulled out a few more sets of cool beads to work with later on! Please check back and enjoy the sunshine today! :)

Having fun with my kids!

Well it's been a busy week to say the least! The school year is winding down, and so all of the events happen this month to show off how hard the kids have been working. We attended Meghan's school concert on Tuesday evening. She is in the Orff portion of the band and also in the chorus. She's so cute! This video was taken from almost the back row of the auditorium with my little digital camera! Pretty good! We have to sit in the back because between my little kids and my three nieces and newphews we need to stay towards the exits in case we need to escape with a child that is not cooperating! Her gymnastics exhibition is coming up in a couple of weeks. Then school will be out for the summer! I, personally can't wait for a break! It will be so nice to wake up in the morning and go for a walk, or go to the park, make some jewelry or just hang out and watch cartoons (the kids, not me)! Mornings here are very hectic, and I for one am so excited to have them to myself again!

Here's a picture of Jack that I took the other day while he was waiting for his bus. He'll be in Kindergarten in September, and going to the school that Meg is in now (she'll be leaving it to head off to middle school - where does the time go?) So there's no bus for Jack next fall, more driving for me! He's so adorable! I'm a lucky lady! He's wearing his favorite shirt! Go Red Sox! :)Well you know what today is... THURSDAY! I always love posting on Thursday, because I usually have some cool pictures of new jewelry to post on Friday! It's the season finale of Grey's Anatomy tonight. Whatever will I do with myself? I guess I'll have to find somethings else to watch so I can continue my Thursday night mad beading sessions! So stay tuned for some pictures tomorrow, I'll be hard at work creating some wonderful things tonight! Have a great day!

Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Just a quick post this morning as we are on our way out on this beautiful day!

To my Mother, my sister, all my dear friends, their mother's, sisters, Godmother's, Grandmother's, and all of the other very wonderful mothers out there, count your blessings today.

I hope you have a day filled with love, laughter and happiness! Enjoy!

:)

One more thank you...

One more thank you gift to give after my long week. This one is for my mom! The nurse, the one who looks out for you in the hospital, the one that drives you there, and puts in her two cents. The one who HOOKS YOU UP with a good anesthesiologist and makes sure that everyone knows what's what. The one who sits in the waiting room, waiting... the whole time.

The one that takes you home, and rubs your feet and cooks for you. The one who takes your children for the weekend, without a second thought so that you can rest.

My mom.

She's awesome.

She deserves a treat, don't you think?

Another Ceramic pendant from Mellisa of Chinook Jewelry, handpicked just for my mom because she loves hummingbirds. Green Garnet stones and silver. Next batch I make will be for sale, I promise. But I had to say thank you, and this is the best way I know how.

Love you mom, and thanks for everything.

A Big Thank You!

It appears that it's been a blue bead kind of day! Almost everything I made today had some blue in it. This first necklace has the "surprise" elements in it that I was mentioning the other day. They are gorgeous ceramic pendants made by Mellisa at Chinook Jewelry. I absolutely love them. I found her website and was immediately hooked on her pendants. I ordered a bunch of them, and I think they will be added to the list of my addictions. They are all so different and beautiful and they feel so soft when you hold them. Killer!

This necklace I made for Ann Marie, as a thank you gift. She stayed overnight in the hospital with me, and catered to my every need. We spent a sleepless night dealing with all the crap that goes on when your room is directly across from the nurses station and you have an uncooperative roommate. I don't think we even slept for more than 10-15 minutes at a clip, and worse yet, she slept in the chair at my bedside. I guess that's what best friends are for, right? Well anyway, thank you Ann for being my best friend and this one is for you. :)

"Tranquil"

Focal bead made by Jenelle at SFD; blue glass bead set made by Deb Rosely.

Sunshine and Jewelry!

It's a beautiful Saturday, and I'm feeling SO much better today! I even took a shower, put makeup on (I was VERY pale) and sat and made these pieces this morning so I could get my newsletter out. I love every single piece!

I'm going back up to make more now, I'm on a roll! The music is cranking, the sun is shining and I'm so pumped up! If I get more done before the sun goes down I'll post them but if not they will be up tomorrow. I am going on a date with my husband tonight. It's been a long time! ha ha With three kids, we don't have a lot of time to spend together alone. Since my parents graciously took the kids this weekend so I could rest up and recuperate from the surgery, I am taking full advantage of the quiet time. Although, my music is so loud right now, but at least it's MY music! Back to work, you all have a great day and check back later for more!

"Back in Black...and Blue"

Glass beads made by Jenelle of SFD

"She Sells Sea Shells"

Glass Beads made by Jenelle of SFD

"Waves"

Glass beads made by Melissa Rediger

"Lilac Dreams"

Taking it slow...

Good afternoon all! I have been away from the house and blog for a few days having surgery. Nothing to be alarmed about, all is well! I am home now and resting up! I will be updating again, and having more things to show you very soon. I got in my "surprise" pieces while I was away and so this weekend, when I am not feeling so sluggish, I'll be sitting and creating! Anesthesia knocks the heck out of you, doesn't it? My parents took the kids after school today for the weekend so I have the place to myself... well the hubby will be here and the 4 cats, but there will be no screaming, yelling, crying, etc... what there will be is lots of sleeping, and creating! That's about all I can do for a few weeks anyway. No lifting. But I can lift beads and crystals, and silver and put them together! :) That's a bonus! Hang tight, I'll be putting stuff up over the next couple of days! Thanks for your patience! :)

More beautiful weather!

I'm so glad that my sinus' are starting to clear out! I've been in bed with ice on my head for the entire weekend. Too bad, it was beautiful outside too! I think the allergies got the best of me and knocked me out! So, I laid low and now I am feeling a bit better. The kids are at school, Matt is outside playing in the sandbox (with the big umbrella over him sheltering his fair little blonde head from the sun!) and I'm folding laundry and listening to the soft hum of the air conditioner! Thank goodness for air conditioners! I love the beautiful weather, but the trees budding and all the flowers are affecting me so badly this year. Being able to sleep at night with the cool air is really helping me feel better too. I'm sure my electric bill is going to be sky high (it's early to have the A/C's running) but I guess when you have allergies, you do what you must to be healthy, right?

I have a project half started on my desk, I'm going to try to get to it tonight to finish it up to show to you tomorrow. It's supposed to be 90 degrees here tomorrow, so I'm going to try to get all the laundry done today so the dryer wont have to run at all and add to that heat! Have a great afternoon!

New background...

Well I LOVE IT! Not sure what the rest of you will think, but I'd really love some feedback! My husband likes it, but I'm not sure if he is saying that because he really does, or if he is afraid to sleep on the couch tonight! ha ha Just kidding! PLEASE BE HONEST! I loved my blog before, thought it was quite classy... so if you think that was better then I'll go back!

Thanks so much to Lynn (Brilynn) for directing me to Cristi's Creations! She has some really beautiful ways to enhance your blog by giving it a background! All she asks in return is for a comment on her blog and a link on yours, so Cristi - Thank you so much for making such nice backgrounds and letting people use them free of charge. Nice!

Let me know what you all think of this new design of mine. Keep in mind, I have a three column blog, so some of the words on either side column may be hard to read if it lands on part of the pattern. I've changed all the font colors to black and you can read away if you just scroll! It's the pictures that are important and you can see those just fine!

It's a Sunny Day!

I have that song stuck in my head, it's from one of the kids cartoon networks and boy was that the truth today. What a beautiful sunny day out! The kids have been digging in the sandboxes all day and running around the yard. I finally got them in the tub and in their jammies. I hope they sleep well tonight! My allergies have been affecting me today, and so I'm just going to take an antihistamine and hopefully I'LL sleep tonight!

I ordered some awesome new items today. I mentioned yesterday that I was working on something new and some of them will be in the mail on their way to me on Monday, so I'll share as soon as they come in! I can't wait to create things with these... I think it will be a new addiction! I promise, I'll share hopefully by the end of next week! I hope you enjoy the rest of your day! :)