More Than Just A Bracelet

Just a quick story about these bracelets I created for a customer in Paris...I have posted pics of them before, but here is their story:

She came to me asking if I could attach a pink and white pearl to the insides of these sterling square bangles I had on my Etsy website. She sent me the pearls she had and was specific about the attachment. Minimalistic and simple so the pearls could show through the other side when worn. But in good taste and with good reason.

These bangle sets are a gift. They hold the meaning of her (pink pearl) and her fiancee (white pearl) whom she is marring soon. One set will be hers, and the other goes to her matron of honor, who is also her Godmother. To top it off, her Godfather is the priest that is marrying them on their wedding day! Neat!

Back & Thanks!

Finally back form Chicago! It was awesome! The city was beautiful, and Lake Michigan was spectacular! The weather was cooler than I'm used to for summer time...what with being from Texas and all...but it was fun! The Chicago style deep dish & hot dogs were to die for! I think I came back with 10 extra pounds though! Pictures below of a Wende in the Windy City...

Top of the Chicago Tribune looking over Chicago River

"SUPERDAWG" drive-in with exceptional Chicago style dogs! Since 1950's this place has been a staple among Chicago's best...and Mory & Flory on the roof to watch you eat!

Took a tour of Wrigley Field too...

It was also my Birthday Tuesday! Big 2-5! AAH! I'm getting old! But thanks for all the kind B-day shout outs! I was pleased to find a package with a 24 pc. dapping set & disc cutting set for more hand tooling techniques...thanks D&B!
Not to mention a Rio Grande gift credit on my account so I can buy more silver & supplies...thanks Ma! More jewelry soon, it's been a busy summer with travel, custom orders, and getting some beach time in before it's too late, but I am trying to stay focused on my work! I promise new things soon!
Going to NY next weekend for Labor day, more adventure news to come! Maybe get some good inspiration too...

Memories For Life

As a member of the EtsyBlogger Team I will be writing a monthly blog post about a chosen group member...this month's feature is for Edi and her fabulous Etsy shop "Memories for Life Scrapbooks!"



Edi has a variety of items to keep your memories looking as cute as ever! Featuring an assortment of creative handmade photo albums with custom wording, prints, layouts, etc. Her notepads have fun patterns and designs, with an interesting twist...some of them are made out of flip flops!



Cool designs for a creative memory keeper, these items are one of a kind! Visit her shop for more info about her craft and see other items she's got. A perfectly unique way to store your precious photos!

A Few Good Artists

I recently entered this contest sponsored by House of Gems! It was easy and fast, but you gotta do it quick, deadline is Aug 15th!
_________________________________________
House of Gems is looking for Featured Artists to spotlight and promote on our website. In addition to the opportunity to present yourself as an artist, you will also generate traffic to your personal blog, Etsy store or social media profile!

Artists may also be given opportunities to test new product, receive additional discounts and be the first to be informed of new releases.

Grand Prize (1): $1000 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com
Runners Up (1):$500 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com
Consolation Prize (5)$100 Shopping Spree on HouseofGems.com

Timeline:Contest runs July 18th, 2009 thru August 15th, 2009

Submissions:
Contestants to upload a maximum of 5 original designs to the House of Gems "Featured Artist" Flickr group. www.flickr.com/groups/1138618@N24/

In addition to uploading your entry images here in the Featured Artist Flickr Group, you must also fill out the formal entry form with full contest rules and regulations here: tr.im/tcDp and share the contest on your personal blog or website.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sounds pretty good! Got to http://www.houseofgems.com/ to get more details or click on one of the links above!

Good luck!

Blog + Carnival = Blarnival!

This post regards the Etsy Bloggers ::Blog Carnival:: bi-weekly post, and OF COURSE I wanted to participate as a newbie...
_________________________________________________

TOPIC: In a few months, the holiday season will be in full swing. What are you planning for: increasing your inventory, festival hopping, networking?
__________________________________________________

But of course I am planning to get my self geared up for the holidays! It's probably my busiest time. Last year was good, but I'm hoping to do better this year. With the fall approaching...yikes! already!...I'm finishing up custom orders as of now, and moving onto a new collection of turquoise and silver inspired bracelets, rings, necklaces and more! I recently made a trip home (to "Tejas") and brought back mucho turquoise and unique stones to work with.

I went to the International Gem & Jewelry Show on June 19! One word: AMAZING! If you've never gone before, you must go! It's worth it and so inspirational! They have wholesale beads, findings, finished jewelry and even fancy diamonds to trendy cheap styles. It's the BEST and goes all over the US.

A few necklaces have already been made and posted form findings at the G & J Show, but that's beaded stuff...the metalwork aspect will come into play very soon. My Military Medallion pendants have been a big hit with my fellow Facebookers and military friends, so I plan to keep them rolling as the year goes on. I'm gearing up to possibly have a booth at the (OWC) Camp Lejeune Art Fair again this year....and this time, I'll be ready! Last year was fine, but it was also my very first "show" so I didn't know what to expect. Now, I am fully ready to take on the show with a better set up, display, organization, etc. I'm hoping to do well this year! The Art Fair will be in November, usually close to Thanksgiving, I'll post exact dates once I know more ~ My husband should be possibly coming home from Afghanistan around then so we'll have to see if I can actually make it.


As of now I am still selling items via Etsy, 1000 Markets, Artfire, as well as Joolz in Canandaigua, NY and of course through social networking with my Facebook group and some on Myspace. If you'd like to be my friend on either of those sites please feel free! Just give me a heads up on where you heard about me. I'd love to connect with other buyers/sellers of handmade goods. Connection is the key!

Newbie On Board

Proud new member of the Etsy Bloggers Team! After pending approval, and waiting about a month I have finally been approved to be apart of the Etsy Bloggers proboard and blog site. It's a great way to get new ideas, updates on new artists, new items, and much more. I hope to get more traffic through this site and get to know other Etsy sellers too...

There are some really awesome handmade items out there! Take a look at what they have to offer...

http://www.etsybloggers.blogspot.com/

New sellers are welcome to join the proboard with a few small membership requirements, but everyone can check out the blog to see what's happening with some of their favorite Etsyians...

Another Infinity Well Done...

Finished another Infinity Bracelet for a customer last week and I must say it turned out perfect! I thought I'd share some pictures or the crafted bracelet. It's a wedding "thank you" gift for a bride's dear friend. It's a perfect match for such an occasion!

This made to order bracelet is definitely worth the wait! Thanks for your order!

Sterling Silver, 8" long

Support Your Troop!

I made this Sterling medallion style pendant in honor of my husband who is currently deployed in Afghanistan. I recently bought my first hand tool alphabet (& numbers!) to play around with, so I decided to make this pendant to show support for my Marine. It's a lot smaller and dainty-er to wear rather than a large dog tag...more like a kitty tag. I'm posting this on my Etsy as a customizable item for you to display support for your service member!

Branch, Last Name, First & Middle initial are usually the standard for dog tags, as shown, but it can be made to your specifications. I'd suggest keeping the last names 9 letters or less...it gets a little crowded otherwise. Placement of the name/branch is also optional, I chose this because of the shorter last name, longer names would need to wrap across the bottom...

Wear it with other pendants, charms or alone, you could even attach it to your key chain! Whatever your use, it keeps your troop close to your heart. A supportive remembrance while they are away, or just to support them each day. Also a thoughtful gift for a wife, mother, or even retired or deceased military members. Makes a perfect sentimental reminder of the ones you love that give all they can for your freedom.

3/4" x 3/4" round