Oops, I did it again!

Sorry AGAIN for the delayed postings!!! I'm so wrapped up in the "Mom" thing, it's much harder these days to post frequently.  But you haven't missed much on the jewelry front, I haven't made too much lately, though I was able to conjure up a few things around Christmas time while making some gifts and I plan to take some pics of those later today to share.  Keep on the look out!!

Hope everyone had a great Holiday!  We sure did, and it was Baby's 1st Christmas, so all the families went nuts on the gifts.  It was a great break from work for my husband too, he works so hard, this is the only time of year he actually takes off.  We had fun letting the grandparent's babysit...so nice!

Jewelry coming soon! In the mean time, little man is 14 weeks and counting today!

Long time, no post!

Sorry everyone, I've been super occupied with the wee one and haven't exactly been up to date on my blog or my shop as much as I'd like to.  Thank you to all who took advantage of the Cyber Monday discount!  Items will be shipped out momentarily and of course will be pretty packaged ready for Holiday gifting!

If you missed out on the discount, not to worry, there will be another discount code SOON! Keep checking in...

Well it's been 8 weeks since our little guy was born and things are finally getting better in the sleep department (finally!). He's more alert and is awake more  during the day.  He looooves playing with his "adventure gym" play mat, although, we can't keep in on the floor...our flat coat retriever (Ruxin) took a liking to the hanging octopus and wanted to "play" with it also.  Dogs, baby, jewelry business, and a Marine husband...never a dull moment!

Here's a recent picture of our little man on his first Thanksgiving (7 weeks old)

Bear is almost here!

It's almost time for our little man to debut!  So far, things are moving along, but my due date is Saturday Oct 1st, and if he doesn't come then, I have an induction set up for Monday Oct 3rd in the evening. 

I'm very excited!  Since he's making his way here very soon, I'm having to put all custom orders on hold at least for 4-6 weeks, or until I can get my bearings as a new Mommy.  But in the mean time I'm perfectly capable to shipping any items currently on my ETSY that are purchased since they are ready made.  So feel free to continue to shop!

I'll try to post pics once he's here, until then, here are some pics of the nursery!

Spring Has Sprung...and hopefully stays

It's getting warmer and I couldn't be happier about it!  Though we're had out reverts back to cold weather, it's mainly a sun shiny warmpth these days.  The puppies are enjoying the warmer weather, especially since I'm a lot more willing to do things outside with them.  I dispise cold weather, no thanks!

Ruxy boy and Scha-Scha girl are sittin' pretty on a warm day in the sun.  These cozy pups love to play outside and make a mess.  I'm thinking it's getting close to time for a summer haircut for my poor black doggies.

Working on new things (I promise!) now that the warmer weather has the garage a lot more toasty to work in.  I'm sending a load of new things to NY at the Joolz Gallery in Canandaigua.  Hopefully some traveling summer New Yorkers will stop in to their new location in down town Canandaigua and browse the new duds she's carrying for spring/summer!

Ruxin

 Meet out newest addition! 

He's a sweet rescue dog from the Clovis, NM Humane Society we had to have.  He's a 10 month old Flat Coated Retriever. 



We were happy to give him a loving home...and a serious bath!

Phew! Holidays are over

And I'm kinda glad too! We spent a good amount of them driving from city to city to see our families, but it was a good time.  We have a large blended mix of relatives between husband and I, so it's usually a very busy Christmas for us.  Got to finally meet his uncle and his family from up north, plus spend time with his Dad's side of the family, which we only seem to see once a year. 

Here we are at his Aunt's house in Houston on Christmas Day. 

We were able to see our friends in San Antonio, spend time with my cousins, Grandparents, and his Mom and Step Dad.  It was well worth all the traveling, plus got to see my Dad & Step mom along with meeting her son for the first time.  It was a whirl-wind kind of Christmas...glad husband had some time off form work so we could fit it all in!

In business news, I did well with wine cork sales and feel very confident going into the new year with even more awesome corks and designs and vintage/antiques findings to come.  We shall see... In the mean time I have a few I need to get back to finishing.  Now that the season of giving has ended, the decor is put away and tree is boxed up for next time, it's about that time to get serious again. 

This year I want to totally expand the sales in my business, and get motivated to get out there and promote and spread the BWSILVER name.  I can't give up!  Plus I also want to possibly find a part time job that will help my skills and gain experience in the business side of things.  Or even graphics? Something that I can use as a tool to help me be a successful business owner. 

 Or find a Genie and an accountant maybe?

What are your plans/endeavors/ideas/thoughts for the new year?  I can't believe it already 2011!  That's weird to type...

Orders! Orders! Orders!

Did I mention Christmas was here...almost literally now! 10 Days! The orders have been keeping me busy, can't complain really, but it's fun and satisfying to know the sales are pouring in.  I've got some outstanding findings to make more wine corks with, and some really awesome knobs I got at Anthropologie (love that store!). 

Expect more great things, but in the mean time I am finally finished with a pair of custom designed wedding bands.  A his and hers "serendipity" style band made to represent the two hearts (or lines in this case) that become one.  I think they turned out great!

I also got the hankering for some stone setting...made this pendant with Hematite and Sterling Silver. Almost reminds me of the Mexico style jewelry we used to see when we made our yearly trip across the border...(not anymore though, too dangerous!)

I love this ring! Saw a similar technique and had to try it.  It's a moon crater inspired look, and really cool ring to wear!  (Some of the steel shot from the tumbler got lodged inside and I can;t get it out...dang!)

Easter, Ribs & Beer...

This months first Blog Carni-val is hosted by etsybloggers own Rainy Day Art! Check out http://www.rainydayart.etsy.com/ and blog http://rainydayart.blogspot.com/ !

"Easter is April 4, what family traditions do you do for Easter?"

--------------

It's actually very simple, we eat, drink and are merry for the celebration of Easter! Although this year James and I are in NC so we didn't get to celebrate accordingly with friends and family. But I've included photos from Easter 2007 in San Antonio, TX. I was still in college then, our nephew was just a little 4 month old, and we have since added a few more family members, but it was a fun time and great memories. Nothing like celebrating the rising again of Christ like meat and beer! (We actually go to church first now)

My sister- in-law Melissa and brother-in-law Patrick (my husbands' twin) and his young son Ayden.

James in the kitchen with his Mom, Pam. Looks like some food prep is happening...

Me and our baby girl Schatz...I don't think she likes being held...

My husband James was always the designated "smoker" making sure the ribs and brisket have the proper treatment for maximum tastiness! Their step dad Fran buys butt loads of beer, food, and more food for us to eat. When you have 5 kids home from college for the weekend, things get eaten to say the least...plus they bring their friends over, so it's usually a mad house...you should be there for Christmas or Thanksgiving!

Hawaii Oh Myii

Blog Carnival for Feb 26th: Etsy Bloggers Street Team:

---------------------------------------

A gorgeous paradise only one could imagine until you get there. It's a dream come true, a tropical getaway that everyone should visit at least once. In June 2008 my husband and I went to Oahu/Waikiki for our honeymooning. We made sure to visit the greats: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanama Bay, Waikiki beach, Dole Plantation, and of course the Marine Corps Base. It was definitely a blast as well as the greatest vacation I'd ever been on. Everything about the island was amazing...expensive, but amazing for sure. I'm glad we saved for this trip, it was well worth it!

With our rental car and laminated maps in hand we set out to explore the food, the fun and the sites this great place had to offer. Much to our surprise, the sand was a large rocky grain so it wasn't too comfortable to walk on. But once you were in the water snorkeling, it really didn't matter. The shopping was glorious, the gas was expensive and the food was phenomenal for the most part. We even enjoyed a delicious and educational afternoon at the Dole plantation indulging in pineapple flavored everything and learned about our favorite fruit!

I'd go back in a second! Especially to try out the SPAM, Eggs and Rice platter at McDonald's...Mmmmmmm!

Blog Carnival for January!!

For Etsy Bloggers Street Team January blog Carnival!

**What's your favorite Winter time activity?**

---------------

I must start by mentioning that I'm not a fan of the cold weather, and I do love to stay inside on a chilly day! Living on the NC coast gets it's share of rain, snow, and cold weather for many more days of the year than Texas...I miss the warm January's there...but, I try to keep busy inside as I love the warmth of a snugly blanket and hot cocoa!

As of now it's cold here, but I'm definitely staying busy with jewelry orders and trends developments. I haven't made too much lately as I'm trying to get some of my stock sold before I indulge into more jewelry designs...a draw back of the January season no less...Christmas is over!

So I'm keeping busy with getting the house organized and fixed up nice to get ready to put it on the market. And there are lots of unorganized closets, shelves and storage that I have forgot about...and the garage definitely can use some cleaning love. It's a great time of year to re-vamp your organization, clean, and rearrange! I like the idea of cleanliness in the summertime and spring, but I'd much rather be outside than indoors cleaning when the weather is nice again!

The custom orders keep me busy so I'm glad about that, I don't have kids, just my Schatz dog and she sheds like it's already summer so I'm definitely keeping myself busy with all the vacuuming! Plus with all the cleanliness that's going on, I'll be ahead of the curve by the time allergy season hits!

Is it May yet?....

If I had my way I'd be taking advantage of the season and get to a place where I can snowboard!!!!! It's so fun! A trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains or West Virginia might need to be in order! That's the one part of the snow that I do enjoy!

Long Time No Lone Star...State!

Excited! We are heading back to the home front for the holidays! The eyes of Texas are upon us!

I will have all of my ready made jewelry there for you last minute shoppers, but custom orders will be on hold until I return on Jan 3rd. I will be able to do minor adjustments, but no much soldering. We have a craaaazy busy schedule to maintain while we see James' family and my family so we will be bouncing between Houston & San Antonio a lot, plus a day trip to Austin.

It will be crazy, but it will be great! I haven't been home since July...minus the Round Top trip to Dallas in September. And James hasn't been home since Christmas last year!!! Amazing! He's so excited to see everyone!

And Schatz will be in tow...

My Love

He's coming home finally! After 6 months in Afghanistan, my baby will be in my arms on Wednesday! I couldn't be happier to have him home! Thank you for all that you have done for this great country. You are truly a great American!

I guess I need to start getting the house cleaned and stock up on beer.......!!!!!

Hurry home James!

Round Top, Warrenton...and More-nton

A Texas trip fit for the antiquey-est of antiquers and the crafty-est of crafters! If you've never been to the bi-annual Antique Fair of Fairs...you must go! It's known as "Round Top" after the city it originated in, and has spread across the hill country of central Texas...in the middle of Austin-Dallas-Houston triangle. Vendors and dealers of all ages form all over the country (and globe) bring all their findings, art, junk, antiques, collectibles, and more to the Texas countryside for a 10 day long show of just about anything you can imagine! Literally!

Workin the Warrenton Fields

Creepy dolls heads...seriously you never know what you'll see

Deer Bottle Tree...$85, don't you need one of these?

Enjoying someones attempt to attract people into their booth...too bad we just used them for their "head cut-out" for a photo op!

I went with my Dad and Barbara, and luckily they have a house nearby in New Ulm, TX, so it was only a 20 minute ride to get our daily fix of milling through other people's stuff....and "dead" people's stuff too. We found some great deals, and some not so much...like way overpriced furniture, boots, jars, collectibles...but then there were DEFINITELY deals to be had. We learned who would cut you a deal based on their booth, their looks, and their age...it was kind of tricky, but we managed to get some great prices and met some interesting folks.

Dad's place in New Ulm, TX

Some Random Stuff...

Boot Quest!

We mainly were in Warrenton, TX which is about 3 miles or less form the main Round Top, then hit other small towns too like Marburger, Carmine, Fayetville and La Bahia, TX. Needless to say we shopped ourselves to death, and spent a good chunk of change. I found some pretty cool findings for home decor, beads for jewelry making, and and mannequin torso for jewelry display! Plus, after many days of questing for the perfect boots, I finally found the most excellent pair! Vintage 1960's custom hand made boots! And then later on, found another pair...for a deal I couldn't refuse...$20! It was the steal-deal of the century!...for snakeskin & leather boots!

______________________________

I recommend going to the Spring 2010 show. (it's usually around end of March - early April) For tons of info about the shows, dealers, maps, places to stay, food, and fun, go to http://www.antiqueweekend.com/indexmain.html to get all the deets! Don't miss out! I will definitely be going back again!

**A post of my found items will follow....it gets crowded when I put too many pics on one blog posting!**