Pantone's Color of The Year 2011 is...

Honeysuckle!

"A Color for All Seasons"

"Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it." (quote from Pantone.com)

Click here to view the Top 10 Pantone Colors for 
Women's Fashion for Spring 2011.

Merry Christmas!

I woke up this morning with 4 of my 5 cats curled up sleeping on my bed, my dog at the foot of the bed, and my sweet hubby cooking breakfast. I also woke up with a smile on my face...feeling happily blessed and SO thankful for God, my loving son & sweet daughter-in-law, family & friends that are always there for me no matter what, the new friends I made this year and connecting with family members & old school friends again. God has given me some wonderful, crazy, and a few tough experiences this past year, and I'm thankful for every one of them! 

 

Later today, some of my family is coming over for Christmas dinner, then we're gonna jump on my new red Wii and just have a good time laughing and enjoying the day. However you celebrate Christmas, I wish you a joyous and blessed day!

 

"Merry Christmas & God Bless!"

Free Gift Card to Artbeads.com!

Did you know Artbeads.com is giving away $10 gift cards? Their goal is to give away 10,000 gift cards! Is that cool or what?!

This is the perfect time to give a gift card to 10 of your family and/or friends. Not only will it put a smile on their face, but it's a great opportunity for them to check out all the great items Artbeads.com has, that is, if they don't know already. ;) Anyway, it's super easy, just click on the logo above. Only thing is... you might want to hurry...the deadline is this Wednesday, Dec. 22nd. Have fun! :D

Early Christmas Present

Craig (my hubby) and I haven't played games in forever and thought it was about time we started, so....as a Christmas gift to each other this year, we bought the red Wii. WOOT! :D

Isn't it pretty?! We're both super excited! I predict I'll be kickin Craig's booty all over the place! I also predict a few months from now, I'll probably be blogging about how obsessed Craig is with it...especially when (and if) he masters the deer hunting game he doesn't know he's getting in 7 days. ;-))

An Autumn Inspiration

A few months back, I received my `Artbeads Autumn package` of goodies (you can see them in this post)  and I would like to share with you the beautiful necklace and earrings set I created.

 I fell in love with this Antique Brass Flower Maiden Pendant from Artbeads huge selection of pendants! To me, the maiden is celebrating nature, and what better season to celebrate than Fall...my favorite! So...I decided to create my design around this lovely pendant. I'm sure the stunning maiden pendant would have been fine on it's own, but I wanted show it off a little more, so I topped the pendant with a gorgeous Antique Brass Alter Link and included an Indian Pink Crystal  Roundelle accented with shiny copper seed beads.

To give the necklace the soft vintage look I wanted, I chose round faceted Swarovski Crystal Beads in beautiful Indian Pink and Silk colors. They go so beautifully with antique brass! I finished the ends of the necklace with Antique Brass Plated 1+1 Infinity Link Chain from Artbeads collection of base metal chains. It's a very pretty delicate chain, but strong.

To somewhat mimic the curvy vines from the maiden pendant, I added Antique Brass Branches with Leaves links in a asymmetrical pattern. Artbeads has a great selection of base metal links & components. There are SO many to choose from! The same goes with their collection of clasps too! After looking and drooling over all the gorgeous clasps, I finally decided on a classic Antique Brass Hook & Eye Clasp. I love the ease of it and how perfect it goes with the flow of my vintage design!

These are the matching earrings. I used the same beautiful crystals as in the necklace and incorporated some of the chain too. They've got lots of sparkle and dangle! The earwires are my own, made with antique brass ball headpins...super easy! :) Check out Artbeads Swarovski Elements for your crystal designs. They have a fantastic selection of colors and styles!

Here's a hanging photo of the earrings. I love the way they turned out! In fact, I love the way the complete set turned out! It's exactly what I visioned...a soft vintage design celebrating the Fall season.

Thanks so much for reading about my Autumn inspired jewelry set using components from Artbeads.com!

 

I participate with Artbeads.com blogging community, as an Artbeads Design Partner, therefore, I receive products free of charge in return for honest reviews. I have not been paid for my endorsement, as it pertains to the products received. Thank you.

Shipping Special for Cyber Monday

FREE Priority Shipping for U.S. orders from  

Brenda's Jewelry Box!

When?.... Now through Cyber Monday, Nov. 29th, at midnight (pacific coast time.)

Includes every item in my shop, even my 

"Clearance Bin Section!"

Happy Cyber Shopping!

Let it Snow!

We are getting dumped on in the Northwest! At least the northeastern side of the state. And it's cold! Single digits for the next few days.

This is only part of my backyard! Snapped this photo this morning while it was lightly snowing. And no...that is not a real squirrel on the tree. lol!

We're gonna have to dust these babies off and have some fun around the neighborhood! ;-D YEEHAW!!

Vintage Earrings Giveaway Winner!

 

Congratulations to Laura! WOOT!! :-D
She wins my Vintage Brass Earrings Giveaway! 

(true random generator result #15)

 Start stalking your mailman soon Laura...your earrings PLUS an extra lil gift will soon be in the mail. Enjoy and thanks again to everyone that entered my giveaway!

Earrings Giveaway has ended...

Just a lil note to let you know my vintage earrings giveaway is now over. A winner will be chosen using www.random.org. The winner will have 24 hours to confirm my email. And...if all goes smooth, I will announce the lucky winner of the earrings (and an extra secret gift) on Monday, Nov. 22nd. Many thanks to everyone that entered! I really enjoyed reading all your great comments. :)

Vintage Brass Teardrop Earrings Giveaway

It's nearing the end of 2010, and I thought it would be fun to have a jewelry giveaway. I really enjoyed making these earrings. There's just something about taking a piece of wire and forging it into something beautiful...I can't get enough of it! :-P

Okay...onto these lovely vintage inspired earrings that YOU could win! They are 3.25" long and have lots of dangle to them. They are designed with antique brass wire that has been shaped, wire-wrapped and hammered into a delightful scrolling teardrop shape. The bead drops are gorgeous olive-green czech glass beads cut with many facets and accented with golden basket beadcaps & smooth peach moonstone gems. The earring ensemble attaches to antique brass earwires (handmade by me) with antique brass chain.

This giveaway will run 6 days beginning today, Nov. 15th to Saturday, Nov. 20th. It is open to the U.S. & Canada.  The steps to enter are as follows:

Mandatory Entry: Counts as 1 Entry - Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win the earrings. (ie: maybe you like the design or you want to give them as a gift.) Please post your email address with your comment so that I can contact you if you win. Post your email this way; johnsmith (at) hotmail (dot) com.

Optional Entries: 

1. For 3 Entries: Tweet this giveaway once a day and post (3) separate comments each day with the link to your tweet in at least one of your comments. 

2. For 4 Entries: Mention this giveaway on facebook once a day and post (4) separate comments each day with the link to your facebook message in at least one of your comments. 

3. For 5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway on your personal blog, then post (5) separate comments including your blog post link in at least one of your comments. 

4. For 10 Entries: Purchase an item from my shop, then post (10) separate comments tealling me you bought an item. 

If you participate in all or some of the optional entries, please remember to post all the separate comments so that all your entries get counted. A winner will be chosen using the `true random number generator` at random.org Sunday morning, Nov. 21st. This next step is very important! The winner must confirm my email announcement within 24 hours of receiving it. If not, I will have to choose another winner using the same procedure above. I'm hoping to announce the lucky winner on Monday, Nov. 22nd. 

"Have fun & Good Luck!"
psst...the winner will receive an extra gift along with the earrings. ;-)

And the coupon winners are...

Carapace & Brandy!! YAY! :-D

Carapace has won the exclusive 20% off coupon for an item at Ashlyn Design!

Brandy has won the exclusive 30% Off Coupon towards a jewelry item in my etsy shop!

Ladies, be sure to check your email soon for your coupon info.

"Congratulations Carapace & Brandy
and many thanks to all for playing!"

psst....mark your calendars, my jewelry giveaway event starts tomorrow. ;-)

Guest Blogger Feature & Special Coupon Giveaway "Ashlyn Design"

 Hi everyone! I'd like to introduce to you a very talented and new friend of mine, Lori at Ashlyn Design. Lori and I became online friends through Etsy's current Bootcamp challenge. One of the tasks of the challenge was to find a mutual etsy seller to brainstorm ideas, inspire and support....a `bootcamp buddy.` I decided to go for it and participate in the challenge, when Lori contacted me to be buddys. Well, after reading about her and learning about her amazing talent, I couldn't refuse! So now, I have a new friendship that I think will last much longer than the bootcamp challenge. ;) I'd like to share a little about her with you, so without further ado...meet my friend & buddy, Lori.

If you and I met… say at a bead show, "wink-wink," what would you tell me about yourself?

Hi! My name is Lori Bergmann and I’m so glad to meet you! (shaking hands and winking back). I’m a bit of a “Renaissance” artist because I love to dabble with a variety of artistic mediums and techniques—you name it and I’ve probably tried it or am planning on it someday! I’ve been an artist all my life and after college, spent a good chunk of time as a graphic designer and then worked as a full-time freelance scrapbook and paper crafts designer and writer for magazines and company consultant for about 10 years. But I’m currently obsessed with making my own glass beads (lampworking) and incorporating them into my jewelry designs. I moved to Washington about 4 years ago and am enjoying living here with my wonderfully supportive hubby, two slightly hormone-unbalanced teenage daughters (most people say that’s normal, right?), and two hairy dogs that like to shed and drool on anything that breathes. (Okay, enough about me—let’s go check out some more booths together!!)

From Lori's `Sparkle Series` ~ Silver & Gold Sparkle Spheres

How did you get started making your beautiful lampwork beads?

About 5 years ago, I was attending an annual trade show for the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) and saw a company offering “make-and-take” fused glass pendants and also had someone demonstrating how to make glass beads on a small torch. I was immediately smitten, as I’ve always loved watching glass blowers at work and there’s just something about how light shines through glass that is totally mesmerizing to me. I took one of their basic bead making workshops later that year, bought my kiln, and started collecting other supplies and tools. But I was still busy doing other freelance design work and then we moved, so I didn’t set everything up and get serious about it until about 2 years ago. I learned mainly on my own, by playing and experimenting, reading every book on lampworking I could get my hands on, watching You Tube videos, and joining a great online community called Lampworkers Etc. (www.lampworketc.com).

Your muse is calling you, beckoning you to create...where do you get your ideas and your inspiration from?

I get most of my inspiration by things found in nature, because I feel that God is the greatest artist of them all and looking around, seeing all the amazing colors, patterns, and textures in the world never fails to sweep me into a creative mood. But the graphic designer in me also loves clean lines and geometrics, so I often combine the two ideas into my work. I’m always on the look out for inspiration in anything I see—whether it’s a texture from a home decor magazine, a color combo from a Target store ad, a vintage doodad from an antique shop, or native patterns seen during my travels.  I like to keep my eyes and ears open, and constantly jot down ideas and sketches in a small notebook to reference later when I’m in the mood to work on them.

From Lori's `Twilight Series` ~ Twilight Marquis

What drives your passion to create?

I think I’m one of those people who was born needing to do creative things—in one form or another—or I just don’t feel fulfilled inside. I love working with my hands, interpreting my thoughts and feelings into something tangible and unique that no one else in the world has.

Name an artist or designer (past or present) that you would love to meet and why?

I would love to meet Leonardo Da Vinci. Not only because I’m a big Renaissance fan and adore all things Italian, but I think his personality fits mine in that we both love artistic and mechanical/graphic design, as well as enjoy a variety of other intellectual pursuits. I would love to pick his brain, watch him at work, and learn more about the person who left behind such a legacy of amazing art and ideas that were light years ahead of his time.

What can we look forward to from you and your work in 2011...any big plans or events?

I always seem to have at least a hundred different design ideas swirling around in my head at any given time, so I couldn’t even begin to guess which ones will fight their way out over this coming year? LOL But I definitely plan on working more often with metal clay and combining it with my glass beads. I’ve also been planning to do animal portraits and/or sculpture work for quite a while now, so I think you’ll be seeing some of those soon! I have an article scheduled to come out with Bead Unique magazine and am hoping to do more published work throughout the year. 

Lori makes the cutest acorn beads, and I just had to share my newest favorite, `Ivory Swirl Acorn Bead.` For all you Autumn lovers out there, this is a must have for your Fall designs!

This is just a small taste of Lori's gorgeous art glass beads. To see more of her beautiful designs, visit her etsy shop @ Ashlyn Design. But don't go yet! Lori has donated an exclusive 20% off discount coupon towards any 1 item in her etsy shop for one very lucky reader who will be chosen in a random drawing by me this Sunday, Nov. 14th. Also visit Lori's blog to view my interview as well and enter for your chance to win an exclusive 30% off discount coupon towards 1 item in my etsy shop too. :)

To enter the drawing for Lori's fabulous coupon, just leave a comment here on my blog.

**For 3 more (optional) opportunities to win:
(1) Help spread the word about my and Lori’s etsy shops and our special coupon drawings on your own blog.
(2) “like” Lori's Facebook page.
(3) Follow Lori's blog.

**Please add a separate comment for each of of the above tasks and include a link back to your site, along with your email address so I can contact you if you’re the winner. Good luck!

**Drawing will be held this Sunday, Nov. 14th, so make sure to get your entries in before Sunday. 

Thanks to Lori for giving us a sneak preview into her crafty world! 

It's Raining & All I Wanna Do Is....

Sleep!

This is my pretty girl, aka: my shadow & protector, `Joy.`

She enjoys her cat naps, especially when it comes to Sundays and rain...she's nappin all day.

lalala...I can't see you! lalala...I can't see you! lalala,,,

Ah ha!....got my eyes covered, maybe she'll stop snappin my picture now.

Wake me when it's time to eat.

ahhh...the life of a pampered & loved cat! ;)

What Inspires You Contest

Artbeads.com is having their very first "What Inspires You Contest!" 

It's so cool, because it gives artists the chance to not only show off their amazing talent, but to let everyone see their inspiration behind it. Artbeads wants to include everyone, so they have divided the contest into 2 categories; "Necklaces" and "Other Beaded Designs." You have until November 22nd to get your entries in, so click here for all the details OR click on the photo above. Have fun and good luck!

Ahh...Roses in October

About three weeks ago, I found out I was one of the lucky winners of a "5 prize giveaway" on The Curious Pug.  And yesterday...I received my prize!!  It took a few weeks because it came all the way from Ireland.  I don't think I've ever received anything from that far away, but let me tell you, it was well worth the wait! 

I won this stunning print from Photography by Brideen.   Brideen is a professional photographer, and her photos are fabulous!  I'm SO happy, and I feel very fortunate to have won a piece of her lovely work.  The colors are so vibrant, and the print is so clear that you feel like reaching out to touch and smell the beautiful roses!

Now, I'm going shopping for the perfect frame because this beauty is going to brighten my studio! ;-D  There's nothing like receiving roses in Autumn!

"Thank you so much to Brideen and to Alycia at The Curious Pug."  See more of Brideen's wonderful work at Photography by Brideen, and check out what's new at The Curious Pug.

A Friend is Having a Sale!

Recently, I've had the pleasure of making a new friend who is a very talented artist, Lori @ Ashlyn Design.  Lori is celebrating her 1 year anniversary as a seller on etsy by having an Anniversary Sale that includes 10% off everything in her etsy shop.  She makes the most beautiful beads and creates gorgeous finished jewelry as well! 

These "Gilded Violet Lampwork Spacer Beads" are one of my favorite sets! I just love the vibrant colors, and for those who know me well, know that purple is my favorite color! ;-)

Isn't this focal bead stunning?! It's called, "Lilac Watercolor Roses," and it's made entirely out of glass.

psst...it's on sale too!

This very pretty and adorable "Silver Scroll Acorn" bead is another one of my favorites!  The metallic scroll work is amazing!  This would be perfect for a Fall designed jewelry piece.

See more of Lori's fabulous creations at her etsy shop and remember, everything is on sale! 

October 23rd - 26th. 

Happy drooling and shopping! ;-D

Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp

Okay...I meant to do this last week, but I got sick with a mild case of the flu.  But.....I'm on the road to wellness and feeling much better.   I saw my doctor today and got a flu shot too, so that should really help.  Now...onto the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp.  It's a cool idea for etsy sellers to band together and help each other with the upcoming holiday season.  I know I could really use a push in the right direction, so I decided to participate.  Etsy sends you a newsletter each week with helpful resources and checklists.  And...there's a weekly forum thread where sellers check in with what they're doing, how they're doing, what they need help with and so on.  If need be, you can reach out to another etsy seller that has common interests in regards to what you make and sell...like a boot camp buddy to kick around promo ideas, holiday packaging tips, and to overall help and support each other throughout the holiday selling madness.  

The 1st step is to post the following holiday boot camp pledge.  So here I go...a lil late, but I'm on track.

"I, Brenda S., pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere! "

I've already got the next step completed....a boot camp buddy! :-)  Her name is Lori, and she's super sweet!  We even live in the same state!  I'm so glad she contacted me, cause I know we're going to kick boot camp booty!! ;)  You can see Lori's gorgeous lampwork beads and jewelry at Ashlyn Designs.  Well...I'm off to go put another check mark on my check list.  Thanks for reading!

BIG Giveaway

I saw this fabulous giveaway on The Curious Pug's blog, and it's BIG!

 Ten generous bloggers, including `The Curious Pug`, have each contributed a wonderful prize for the giveaway. How cool is that?! There's going to be 10 very lucky winners, so you better hurry and get your entry in. The BIG giveaway ends at midnight October 8th (pst.)  Click on the links and/or the photo above to go straight to the giveaway. Have fun & Good luck! :)

Autumn Creating with Artbeads

I recently received my order from Artbeads.  I'm so excited! WOOT! :D  From the components above, I'll be creating a vintage style Autumn necklace & earring ensemble.

One of the things I love about Artbeads.com is that you can always find the perfect element for your project. They have a mass selection of pendants.  This stunning antique brass pendant caught my eye right away!  She is called the "Flower Maiden," and to me, she looks as if she is celebrating nature, which is what I want to reflect in my jewelry set.  The arbor frame is embellished with leafy stems surrounding the maiden while she dances on top of a lotus flower with a flowing scarf in her right hand.  I love everything about it....the flowing curvy shape, the vintage look, and the gorgeous antique brass finish!

This is a very pretty Antique Brass Alter Link.  The beautiful golden-brass finish on it is amazing!  With its' flower & leaf embellishments, it's going to fit perfectly in my necklace design! 

 

These lovely Antique Brass Branch & Leaves Links are just that....absolutely lovely!  The intricate details really make the leaves stand out.  They will connect to Antique Brass 1+1 Infinity Link Chain.  I've worked with this chain before, and it's one of my favorites. It's sturdy and you can do a lot with it.  Check out more of Artbeads chains in their Wire & Chain Section.  Artbeads has lots of jewelry links too, and in all shapes, colors & sizes to choose from.  It's so nice to find exactly what you want for a project.  I love that! :)

These beauties are Antique Brass Filigree Bell Flowers.  Aren't they pretty!?  They are part of Artbeads Steampunk Collection.  The teardrop shape is just what I was looking for, along with the vintage flair I want.  Plus, the design possibilities with these are endless!

And last, but not least, I chose these gorgeous "Indian Pink" and "Silk" faceted round and faceted roundelle Swarovski Crystal beads.  It took me a while to decide on these two colors, because I can look at Artbeads Swarovski Crystal Elements all day long!  They have so many beautiful colors and styles of crystals to choose from.  In my dreams, I have at least one...or two of each color and of each shape!  lol!  But for now...at least until I win the lotto, "wink",  I'm very happy and in awe over the colors I chose!  The Indian Pink is so vibrant, and the Silk is a magnificent color!  Designing with these two colors is a first for me, and I'm very satisfied with how beautifully they pair together, especially with the Antique Brass.  Each crystal color compliments the other.  I love the cut of the facets on both styles of the crystals too.  Each one catches the light from all directions giving off a stunning sparkly light show!  I'll be closing my necklace with an Antique Brass Hook & Eye Clasp.  When choosing the clasp, I didn't want to take away from the front focal of the necklace, but at the same time, I wanted something stylish that would blend well with my design.  I love the wide variety of clasps that Artbeads offers!  I can't wait to get started on my jewelry set!  In fact, I think I'll start on it right now.  Stay tuned!  :-))

"Thanks for reading & Happy Creating!"

I participate with Artbeads.com blogging community, as an Artbeads Design Partner, therefore, I receive products free of charge in return for honest reviews. I have not been paid for my endorsement, as it pertains to the products received. Thank you.

A Lil Giveaway Reminder

Hello and Happy Wednesday! 

My Review/Earrings Giveaway is still going on. 

271 entries so far! 

The earrings are designed with gorgeous champagne crystals accented with vermeil daisies & brass bead caps and topped with round turquoise gemstones suspended from a brass wire scroll design. For your chance to win these beauties, 

go to Giveaway Blogdom.  

Only 3 days left!

~Ends Saturday, September 18th~ 

"Thanks to everyone who has entered so far!"

Good friends

 "Friends are kisses blown to us by angels"

I had a friend do something so nice for me today, and it got me thinking.....where would we be without friends? Friends enter our lives...they can stay for a short while or for a lifetime. Each one plays a part in your path of life. They respect you, love you, laugh with you, cry with you, comfort you, party with you, go through the motions with you, tell you the truth about that dress making you look fat, share with you, listen to you, praise you, give you strength, remind you that you can do anything, be there for you in good & bad times, and support you. Friends are like family and for some of us, friends are our family! I don't know where I would be without the friends I have today. And the same goes for friends in the past that have come and gone. Each one has played an important role in my life. I cherish all my friends, past & present. They mean the world to me!

Review & Giveaway

Hey everyone! Long time...no post. Sorry I've been neglecting my blogging. I've been super busy, but it's a very good kind of busy! I've been having the best days and making lots of new jewelry and other creations. Things are going great for me, and I hope they are for you too. Now...about my review. Brandy, a super sweet gal I met recently, gave me the wonderful opportunity to be featured on her blog, "Giveaway Blogdom." 

I'm SO excited! I'm even more excited to be giving away a pair of earrings too! The giveaway ends on Saturday, Sept. 18th, so you have plenty of time to enter. Just head over to Giveaway Blogdom for all the details. Many many thanks to Brandy! 

 "Have a great holiday weekend!"

Happy B-Day to my brother!

Today, August 11th, my brother, Robert (tall good looking guy in photo) would have turned 52. He died last May 19th, 2009. Unfortunately...I didn't find out till 10 days later...and....from someone I have no respect for. I'll never forget that day and how awful it was. I remember talking to a woman from the local newspaper and her mailing me his obituary that was submitted by a funeral home. I couldn't belive there was no funeral and no obituary submitted by his other half. But now when I think bout it....it really doesn't surprise me. 

His passing left a huge hole in my heart. There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought of him and missed him. Lately, I've been flooded with so many memories of him and out of nowhere, a song that I wouldn't normally think of will come into my head, and I'll start humming it. Call me crazy...but I believe it's Robert letting me know that he's okay, he loves me, and the hurt we caused each other is forgiven. He loved music, and he knows how much I love it too. He loved football too! He could tell you anything & everything about it.....knew every quarterback name from way back when to all the statistics about the players. I could sit and listen to him for hours...in fact, I did! lol! I'll always remember those kind of good times.

 

Robert & James (my son) in 1990...much much happier days.

I love and miss you SO much Robert. Until we see each other again....all my love to you broski. ♥♥♥

and....happy birthday.

You think you know beads?

It just so happens that Artbeads.com recently launched their "Bead IQ Trivia Sweepstakes." It's a fun quiz to test your knowledge about jewelry and beads AND there's a fantabulous prize package valued at $250 for the winner!! How cool is that?! Read all about it on Artbeads.com's Newspage, along with current sales and weekly specials. If you go to the top right of the page, you can sign up for their newsletter and get some pretty cool "subscriber only" offers. ;) To test your bead IQ and get your chance to be the lucky bead genius winner, just click the following pic or any of the links provided in this post. Good luck!

NOTE: opps...silly me, the Sweepstakes ends at 9am (PT) on September 16, 2010.

August Birthday Month Sale

It's August 2nd, and it's my birthday!

I have to admit, I don't like getting older. In a perfect world, I would stay young forever! But...I would rather be thirty something than say...in my twenties. The twenties were hard for me. I was busy raising my son on my own, although I did find time to do a lil partying, but we won't go there. lol!:D

Anyway...since it's my b-day month, I've decided to have a sale! I've made a special section in my shop titled, "AUGUST BIRTHDAY MONTH SALE". You can also click here if you like. All of the jewelry pieces on sale are marked down 50 to 70% off.

This bracelet, "Summer Meadow", is only $13.50. That's just over 50% off the original price.

 This necklace, "Surf -n- Sand", is just $16.00. A great bargain from the original price of $35!

The ribbon is soft blue silk with porcelain beads, and sterling silver accents.

Anyway...you get the idea. I hope you will find something you love at a price you can't resist. Feel free to pass my sale event around to family & friends.

I just found out I'm in this lovely treasury! WOOT! Thanks Ronny! A great way to start my B-Day!

Happy August everyone & Happy Shopping!

Happy Friday!

Sorry I've been neglecting my blog.....my muse has literally moved in with me, and I've been designing lots of new jewelry pieces, plus...I'm super excited about a new project I'm working on! I'm juggling quite a few tasks this month, but that's okay...cause that's how I like it. :D 

I received a convo yesterday from Anne @ Made for Me by Oaklie that my Pink Champagne necklace is going to be featured on her Great Finds page starting tomorrow! This will be my 2nd time to be featured. SO exciting!! Anne chooses a variety of handmade items and features them every Saturday to help promote fellow artisans. Is that cool or what?!  There is also a poll, and the winner receives a free ad by My Helping Hands Graphic Design and ad placement on all of Anne's sites. Also a free listing at The Gift Shop Handmade Directory. It's fantastic exposure, and I'm so happy for the experience and the chance to win!

My Christmas in July sale is still going on. Only 8 days left to save with my sweet shipping discounts.  Check out my shop for all the details. Have a wonderful Friday and a fantabulous weekend! :)

Save with Artbeads.com

Recently, I received a nice little surprise in my mailbox from Artbeads. A Swarovski Sizing Guide, which will come in very handy, and a lovely purple Artbeads pen. Now...how did they know my favorite color is purple?! lol! I also received an exclusive savings discount code that I am happily sharing with all of you today. You can save 10% on future purchases with the code effective until July 31st. How cool is that? Here's the code, SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0125. Just insert the code in the appropriate box when you get to the checkout page. Easy peasy!  Click here to start shopping. Enjoy! :)

Christmas in July Sale?

What? Christmas is 5 months away! Exactly...which is why July is the perfect month to get a head start on some Christmas shopping .... and enjoy getting a discount on shipping fees too. I probably sound like one of those quirky car salesmen I used to see way back in ancient times on TV. LOL :D

But seriously, I thought I would join the masses on etsy and offer some sweet shipping deals for my Christmas in July sale. Free shipping for U.S.A.! Only $1 shipping to Canada AND only $1.50 shipping to any other country. Sound good? My listings are already updated to reflect these shipping deals, so there will be no waiting for a revised invoice, no special sale code to enter AND there are no shipping fees for multiple items. Wait! I already don't charge shipping fees for buying multiple items! lol!

While I'm at it, I might as well show off my newest pair of earrings, "Mystic." They are made with gorgeous Tanzanite bi-cones & crystals. The facets on the bi-cones catch the lights so beautifully! Just listed them for sale today!

Have a happy Saturday and please feel free to spread the news about my sweet Christmas in July Sale!

View my "Starry Nights" earrings in this pretty treasury.

Thanks for reading & Happy Creating!

Reach For "The Sky" Great Finds Feature

I received a surprise message that made my day!  My "Peace" earrings were chosen to be featured on Made For Me by Oaklie's "Reach For "The Sky" Great Finds" this week!

 

There is a poll on the page to vote for your favorite out of 18 artisans featured. The winner receives a free ad and an ad placement on "On Fire For Handmade." Pretty cool, huh?! Now I'm not asking to vote for me, although it would be nice....if you feel like sharing some love and voting, please vote for who you like the best, what item catches your eye or tickles your fancy. I'm just really happy that my earrings were noticed and to be participating with so many talented folks. Click here to vote and have a wonderful day!

Thanks for reading & Happy Creating!

Wow..Twice in one year...

my jewelry has been published in Bead Trends Magazine!

This is the photo of my "Pink Champagne" necklace currently featured in this month's (July) issue of Bead Trends. I scanned it, so please forgive the blurriness. I designed the necklace with Swarovski Components from Artbeads, and it was part of Artbeads "Design Partner" blogging too.

I fell in love with the Rose Silver Filigree Flower! It is set with genuine rose Austrian crystals.To make it really stand out, I made a wire design with Argentium Silver wire using my wig jig and my hammer & anvil.

This is the 2nd photo in the magazine. I wanted to use a special clasp, so I made the "S" clasp with my wig jig too. That thing really comes in handy! And I have to say....not too shabby for my first try at making an "S" clasp. ;) I wrapped tiny glass seed beads to one side of it to give it some bling.

Here is another view of my necklace. It is listed in my my etsy shop, and if you want to learn more about it, just click on any of the photos. 

I have to say that I'm SO thankful to Bead Trends for choosing to feature my jewelry. When my brother Robert, God rest his soul, and I would go grocery shopping, we would always take some time afterwards to check out the magazine section. Being new to jewelry making back then, of course I always grabbed the first beading magazine I found. I would "ohhh" and "ahhh" over all the gorgeous jewelry pieces (still do), and Robert would always say, "Sis, your jewelry should be in those magazines." I would shrug my shoulders and tell him "I don't know about that, but maybe one day bro...." He would nod his head and tell me "you will be." I wish he was here to see me now and to see that it's happened three times so far. He would know that he was right, and I'd like to think he would be proud of his lil sis. If it's meant to be, I'll be looking forward to a fourth publication. 

If you want to submit your creations to Bead Trends, check out their "Submissions" page. They  have a call out right now for January 2011, and the creations are not just limited to jewelry. They also have submissions for cards and scrapbooking with their "Scrapbook Trends" magazine. So, why not give it a shot? You never know until you try!

"Thanks for reading & Happy Creating!"