For Florence

This is Florence. She was my sweet Mother-in-law, and she passed away December 20th, 2009. She was in the hospital for 3 months before her body just couldn't take anymore infection and pain. She gave it a good fight though. She was like a Mother to me, and since she had never had a daughter (she had 5 sons!), she would tell me that I was the daughter she never got to have. Her and I had a special relationship, and I will miss everything about her....I already do.

When I'm faced with troubled times or a tragedy, I usually dive into doing something to keep my mind busy. I guess we've all got our own ways of coping. And for me....it's making jewelry, and believe me, I've made more than my usual amount this past month! I used to make earrings for Florence every Christmas and on her birthday. I know that she knew she was getting earrings every time, but in her own sweet little way, she was always so surprised. And would show them off to everyone she came in contact with. I have a lot of good and happy memories of her. I'm very sad that she is gone, but at the same time, I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. I know life must go on, but it will be hard without our daily talks and laughs and "I love you's." But I will carry her in my heart always and never forget how she so unselfishly stepped in and took her role as a loving Mother to me...something I needed so badly. And I thank God for giving me the beautiful gift of Florence.


"I love you Mom!"

Twilight

I don't usually post about movies, but I just finished watching "Twilight" and I have to say, I really liked it!! I know, I know, I'm a lil late seeing it, okay.....A LOT late! I have no excuse either. Last week, I was loading movies into my Netflix queue, and I came across the movie. So, I thought, "what the heck?, I want to see what all the buzz is about." If I like it, I like it, and if I don't, then I don't. Well, I have to admit  that it really intrigued me. I found myself so involved in it, that I didn't even pay attention to Craig talking to me. He does that quite often when we watch a movie.....don't ask me why, cause I have no idea. After ten years of marriage, you learn to zone them out when needed. LOL Anyway, I just had to hop on here and post about the movie. I now understand all the fuss, and I must say, for an old married woman, I couldn't take my eyes off of Edward! ooola..la!! ;)
Now that I'm hooked, I've got to see "New Moon!"

New bracelet designs

Over the holidays, I made some different bracelet designs. I love making all jewelry pieces, but lately, I'm really into making bracelets. Don't know why... I just go with the voices in my head! LOL  Anywho, this is one of my newest. I call it, "Rocker Chic." That was the first thing I thought after making it. Maybe it's because of the Prehnite nuggets or the Sterling chains. Either way, I'm loving this design!

I made another bracelet with the same chain design made with Turquoise rectangles & Black Onyx. It's called, "Moody Blues" and you can see it here in my etsy shop.

Sophia . Earrings

These lovely earrings are on their way to a new home! I don't mean to boast....but I love getting a sale! I've been making & selling my handmade jewelry for 3 years now, and I still get a lil giddy with every sale. It's a great feeling to know that someone is walking around wearing my jewelry. Well...it would be their jewelry now...but I'm sure you jewelry makers out there know what I mean. :D

"Sophia . Earrings" adorn a blend of Nephrite Jade Marquise & deep red/orange Jasper gems suspended from Spanish style Antique Copper filigree. They are accented with Antique Brass and beaded on Antique Copper ball head pins. I hope Sophia's new owner enjoys them as much as I enjoyed making them. If you like this design and want a pair of your own...contact me through my etsy shop. I love custom orders!

I Won!!!

Yay!! I'm one of 3 winners of the "Cream Perfume Company" giveaway from Broken Teepee's blog! I love lotions and perfumes, so I'm really happy to have won! The Cream Perfume Company's products are all natural. This is what they say; "Additionally, our perfumed body moisturizers are 100% vegan, wheat and gluten free, contain no glycol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, synthetic additives or synthetic fragrances."

Since my skin is dry, especially now that it's winter, I chose their "Coconut Body Moisturizer." As well as Body Lotions, they have Solid Fragrances too. Each fragrance comes in it's own lil nut, and their products are very economically priced. 

Many thanks to Patty for the opportunity to win and the Cream Perfume Company!

Check out Patty's etsy shops: Broken Teepee Designs, Happy Goat's Soap, and destashables.

The holidays are here...

and so are lots and lots of handmade holiday-themed jewelry out there! I've made a few myself, but haven't managed to get all my photos completed yet. I sure hope Santa brings me a new and much better camera! As long as it's a Cannon and has an awesome zoom, I'll be a happy camper.

Here is one of my holiday bracelets, "Peppermint Candy." I wanted mix it up and have the whole piece be the focal, so I ended up with this pretty design and used silver coil stars (which I have way too many of) for one side and red shell pearls for the other. To see more of my bracelet, click here. And to see a couple more holiday pieces, go to my etsy shop.

If you are looking for gorgeous handmade jewelry gifts, check out the Artisan Beaders Street team here. 

Happy Christmas Shopping!

My Beads Are On Their Way!

I'm so excited! My Artbeads order was shipped today! I can't wait to show you the beautiful silver and glass beads I ordered....so...here's a sneek peek at one of the pieces. It is a "Czech Glass Turquoise/Gaspeite Mix w/ Picasso Grooved Rectangle." I love the colors, and the grooved textures make it that much more interesting.

Click HERE to see all the Czech Glass Grooved Rectangles from Artbeads. And stay tuned to see how I use this gorgeous bead in a bracelet design very soon. :)

Check out my 40% Off Clearance Sale at my Etsy Shop! Ends 12/31/09

And subscribe to my newsletter right here on my blog for even more savings.