Thursday, August 30, 2007
Going to see my Mom
This is a "run-by" blog! I'm heading to Maine to see my Mom, brother, grandparents, and extended family for the Labor Day weekend ahead. I thought I'd post a quick note to let those of you who swing by my little blog that I'll be back with lots of pictures next week. Have a great Labor Day weekend if you are in the US and happy weekend to those of you in other areas!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Special order request
I was so excited when I received this special order! My onyx and sterling anklet was chosen for purchase at a local shop where I sell some of my jewelry. One of the customers fell in love with it and requested a necklace, bracelet, earrings and (of all things!) a ring using the same materials.
After chatting with her to discuss preferences, my customer opted for a "Y" necklace. I suggested a sterling chain to add a bit of sparkle and to help show off the beauty of the onyx. She was thrilled with the results:
The bracelet and earrings were alot of fun to make. The bracelet was just a smaller version of the anklet she had already purchased and was pretty quick to put together. As she liked longer earrings, I added 3 small dangles to the end and, fortunately, she loved them.
The ring posed a bit more of a challenge for several reasons. First (and foremost!) I don't own a ring mandrel so sizing was a worry. Luckily, she took the same size ring as I wear so I was able to use myself to size it.
I must admit I was really pleased with the way the set turned out - and more importantly, so was my customer!
After chatting with her to discuss preferences, my customer opted for a "Y" necklace. I suggested a sterling chain to add a bit of sparkle and to help show off the beauty of the onyx. She was thrilled with the results:
The bracelet and earrings were alot of fun to make. The bracelet was just a smaller version of the anklet she had already purchased and was pretty quick to put together. As she liked longer earrings, I added 3 small dangles to the end and, fortunately, she loved them.
The ring posed a bit more of a challenge for several reasons. First (and foremost!) I don't own a ring mandrel so sizing was a worry. Luckily, she took the same size ring as I wear so I was able to use myself to size it.
I must admit I was really pleased with the way the set turned out - and more importantly, so was my customer!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Treasury post
Woohoo! This morning I was thrilled to find out that my Sunrise Earrings (beginning of second row) were part of a treasury posted by BeadsDeep. How cool!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Weekend fun
This past weekend was a much needed break from house, jewelry, gardening - you know, those things that you like to do (for the most part anyway!) but can sometimes just really start tiring you out.
My husband and I decided to go into Boston on Saturday and spend the day since we were going to a Pat Benatar concert that night on the waterfront. Yes, I am a child of the eighties and still love that music - and I love going to concerts so this was a great time for me! Of course, I forgot my camera so I don't have pics for you (I know, I know - shame on me!) but I'll do my best to give you some fun links to check out.
We started out in Faneuil Hall, also known as Quincy Market. I love wandering around this area since there is SO much to see. The weather was a bit breezy but gorgeous and street musicians and vendors were out in full force. There was a blues group that was fabulous and an acoustic guitar player that I could have listened to all day. We strolled around the marketplace and grabbed a snack (silly, I know, but I love the corn dogs there!) before deciding our next step.
Although we have walked the Freedom Trail in Boston before, we had never taken one of the trolley tours. Trolley tours are loads of fun and (for me at least) a bit more informative since the drivers give out a bit of history on the drive. Rich and I settled into one of the back seats and relaxed while our driver discussed some of the various historical sites of Boston (Boston Commons, the Granary Burial Ground, the USS Constitution, and lots more).
After our strenuous trolley tour, we decided to have a nice dinner in the waterfront area. One of my past favorite places to eat has always been Anthony's, but we decided to be daring and try out a new place and opted to go to the Chart House restaurant instead. I hesitate to say it but ... I think I've found a new favorite. The seafood was to die for (there were at least 4 different items I really wanted to try!) and Rich, who wouldn't touch seafood if it was the last item to eat on the planet, chose to check out their prime rib. Now, keep in mind that generally when a restaurant has great seafood, the non-seafood offerings generally lack flavor (to put it mildly!). Rich's prime rib was so yummy that I would actually consider it the next time we visit and my Dynamite Halibut was just that - absolutely dynamite. Definitely on our list for our next visit to the city!
To round out our day off, we hit the Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo concert at the Bank of America Pavilion. Lennon opened for them. Generally, she's a metal artist but did some terrific songs with just a keyboard and her voice. I wound up buying her acoustical CD because of her opening act. And then of course, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo took the stage. Absolutely fabulous concert! Pat's voice is as strong as ever and Neil's guitar rips are enthralling and a big part of each of the songs.
Great time, great day - nice to get away for some time together and recharge the batteries.
My husband and I decided to go into Boston on Saturday and spend the day since we were going to a Pat Benatar concert that night on the waterfront. Yes, I am a child of the eighties and still love that music - and I love going to concerts so this was a great time for me! Of course, I forgot my camera so I don't have pics for you (I know, I know - shame on me!) but I'll do my best to give you some fun links to check out.
We started out in Faneuil Hall, also known as Quincy Market. I love wandering around this area since there is SO much to see. The weather was a bit breezy but gorgeous and street musicians and vendors were out in full force. There was a blues group that was fabulous and an acoustic guitar player that I could have listened to all day. We strolled around the marketplace and grabbed a snack (silly, I know, but I love the corn dogs there!) before deciding our next step.
Although we have walked the Freedom Trail in Boston before, we had never taken one of the trolley tours. Trolley tours are loads of fun and (for me at least) a bit more informative since the drivers give out a bit of history on the drive. Rich and I settled into one of the back seats and relaxed while our driver discussed some of the various historical sites of Boston (Boston Commons, the Granary Burial Ground, the USS Constitution, and lots more).
After our strenuous trolley tour, we decided to have a nice dinner in the waterfront area. One of my past favorite places to eat has always been Anthony's, but we decided to be daring and try out a new place and opted to go to the Chart House restaurant instead. I hesitate to say it but ... I think I've found a new favorite. The seafood was to die for (there were at least 4 different items I really wanted to try!) and Rich, who wouldn't touch seafood if it was the last item to eat on the planet, chose to check out their prime rib. Now, keep in mind that generally when a restaurant has great seafood, the non-seafood offerings generally lack flavor (to put it mildly!). Rich's prime rib was so yummy that I would actually consider it the next time we visit and my Dynamite Halibut was just that - absolutely dynamite. Definitely on our list for our next visit to the city!
To round out our day off, we hit the Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo concert at the Bank of America Pavilion. Lennon opened for them. Generally, she's a metal artist but did some terrific songs with just a keyboard and her voice. I wound up buying her acoustical CD because of her opening act. And then of course, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo took the stage. Absolutely fabulous concert! Pat's voice is as strong as ever and Neil's guitar rips are enthralling and a big part of each of the songs.
Great time, great day - nice to get away for some time together and recharge the batteries.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Quick update
I can't believe how quickly this week has flown by! So much to do! But the weekend is looking to be a bit more relaxing. My hubby and I are going to Boston for the day on Saturday for some much needed couple time. I'm looking forward to it so much!
In the meantime, just to keep you updated, here are some of the latest postings to my store. As you can see, I've been experimenting again. I'll let you determine the results!
Lots and lots of new earrings - ice cream cones (yummy!), candy swirl earrings (OK, must have food on the brain) and rain drops. So many ideas .... so little time!
In the meantime, just to keep you updated, here are some of the latest postings to my store. As you can see, I've been experimenting again. I'll let you determine the results!
Lots and lots of new earrings - ice cream cones (yummy!), candy swirl earrings (OK, must have food on the brain) and rain drops. So many ideas .... so little time!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
NH Street Team highlight
It's been a busy, busy week - time sure flies when you've got list a mile long and no time to get everything done! I've missed my blog and look forward to catching up with all of my blogging friends within the next couple of days.
In the meantime, the NH Street Team blog posted up my profile this week as the seller spotlight. I love reading about other sellers and how they got started (and it's a really fun way to shop as well!) - it's amazing how much I've learned from the Etsy community. If you get a chance, check out the NH blog - I promise we really are a fun group! Melanie, from Bags by Melanie, is our official blog rep and does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to updating the NH blog.
And how is your week going?
In the meantime, the NH Street Team blog posted up my profile this week as the seller spotlight. I love reading about other sellers and how they got started (and it's a really fun way to shop as well!) - it's amazing how much I've learned from the Etsy community. If you get a chance, check out the NH blog - I promise we really are a fun group! Melanie, from Bags by Melanie, is our official blog rep and does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to updating the NH blog.
And how is your week going?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Treasury hunting
I woke up this morning to an email from the wonderful beadedeyefairy - she had kindly featured my Cool Tone Earrings in her treasury! How cool is it to wake up to that kind of surprise?
And ... my Cinnamon Sprinkle Earrings recently posted to my Etsy shop
Monday, August 6, 2007
Recent additions
As promised, I have a couple of more additions to my "Simplicity" line of jewelry. I love funky and unusual stones and the ocean jasper stone definitely falls into that category for me. The colors and texture really do remind me of barnacles clinging to ocean stones - just love it! And in this case, I opted to use a brown leather cord with a sterling clasp to highlight the earthiness of the stone.
Pietersite is also one of my all-time favorite stones. The last gem show I attended I just couldn't seem to stay away from this unusual beauty - the swirls of gray-blue, purply-pink and cream in this lovely stone just kept calling to me until I caved in and bought a couple of pendants in different shapes. A sterling silver chain lets the stone take center stage.
I hope you like my latest additions!
** Click on picture for more information or to purchase **
Pietersite is also one of my all-time favorite stones. The last gem show I attended I just couldn't seem to stay away from this unusual beauty - the swirls of gray-blue, purply-pink and cream in this lovely stone just kept calling to me until I caved in and bought a couple of pendants in different shapes. A sterling silver chain lets the stone take center stage.
I hope you like my latest additions!
** Click on picture for more information or to purchase **
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