And the winner is ...

Smilesandsunshine - the winner of my earrings from the Etsy Bloggers Treasure Hunt! Congrats - your earrings have been shipped!

On a different note, I have decided to move forward with learning a new jewelry skill, in keeping with my resolutions for 2008. Today I placed an order for a tumbler and some basic tools so that I can learn how to make my own jewelry components. I love the look of handmade earwires (especially those that have been hammered down a bit and oxidized), as well as the unique clasps that I see out there while shopping online.

While I know the tools are considered an investment, I must admit that I was a little freaked out when pressing the "Place your order" now button. Even using moderately priced items, the bill was a bit more than I expected. However, the expense will *hopefully* be outweighed by the fact that I will never run out of earwires again! Since I was in the ordering mode, I also decided to splurge and purchased some sterling wire in various gauges (obviously some of this is for the upcoming earwire project) so I could play around with some designs that have been sifting through my head for some time now. Now comes the hard part - waiting for everything to arrive! In the meantime, some copper colored craft wire has been purchased so I can experiment with different shapes.

As soon as the goodies arrive, I'll post a picture so that all those interested can take a look. Hope I didn't forget anything important!

Just a reminder

The Etsy Bloggers Street Team's Treasure Hunt begins tonight at midnight. If you like to peruse various shops and would like to get a free item just for shopping around (which we know you LOVE to do anyway!), this is the event for you! Details can be found in the Etsy forum post for the treasure hunt.

And it would be remiss of me not to post some new items that I have in my store - hope you enjoy!

" Misty Glade"
Sesame jasper, prehinite

and sterling silver
<-----

"Fall Feelings"
Autumn jasper with
sterling silver accents
----->

Cloudy Skies Necklace

I was wandering through one of my favorite little bead shops and discovered these delicious denim lapis beads. Now, what to make with them?

Floating along a serene blue sky on fluffy white clouds ...

Spotlight on ... Bags by Melanie

Let me start off by saying ... wow! there are lots and lots of talented bag sellers on Etsy. So why pick Bags by Melanie to spotlight?

I met Melanie at one of my craft fairs that I attended last fall. As a fellow New Hampshire crafter, we started chatting about trying to start our own small business while still taking care of our families and living life in general. She impressed me with her knowledge of fabrics, the various style choices she offered and most of all the obvious careful attention to detail on each of her bags. Patterns are not required (all of her bags are made freeform) so you will never find another bag quite like the one you buy from her - each one is unique! You can request any size or color combination, strap length, or even closure - your final accessory is limited only to your imagination and needs. And, to top it all off, quality does NOT suffer with all of the options - each bag is double stitched with patterns beautifully meeting at the seams. You can even get a personalized bag!

Melanie is also talented when it comes to special orders. She has made aprons for craft shows or gardening (I have one - pockets made to fit all of the items I normally carry - it's perfect!), small jewelry bags, gorgeous cosmetic sets, matching wallets, and coin pouches. As a nonsewer, it fascinates me that someone can create such beautiful items without even referring to a pattern!



So, if you're in the market for a truly unique bag for yourself or to give as a gift, check out Bags by Melanie - you won't be disappointed!

EtsyBloggers Treasure Hunt

The EtsyBloggers Street Team is putting together a sure-to-chase the January blues away Treasure Hunt!

When? Saturday, January 19th
Who can play? All Etsy members members - both buyers and sellers -are welcome to join in the fun!

For more details (or if you would like to partipate), check out the forum post about this fun event. The more participants, the merrier!

Resolutions? Not sure about this ...

Yes, I know - New Year is the time for so many resolutions to be put into place. Good intentions, things I want to accomplish, and activities I'd like to do with the upcoming fresh start. Hmmmm ... I haven't always been so good with the whole resolution thing. Although to focus on the positive, I did manage to work a few into last year (got my jewelry business of to a good start, read more books, and started this blog) but soooo many things left to do. Who knows, this year may be MY year!

So, the resolution "thing" - here goes (maybe sharing it with you will inspire me to actually hold myself accountable for these things!)

1. Learn metalsmithing - I absolutely LOVE the idea of creating an original piece of jewelry out of a plain sheet of silver or making a beautiful ring from a gorgeous gemstone and some wire. Oh, the possibilities!
2. Make more time for friends. Go to lunch or dinner, or walk around the lake, or just pick up the phone more. I have some truly fabulous people in my life and am blessed - I need to take advantage of having them be a part of my existence!
3. Be healthier in my living style. I would love to lose weight (wouldn't most of us?) but I'm hoping this will be a natural extension of just being healthier and feeling better. More fruits and veggies, regular exercise instead of the occasional exercise video, and less take-out.

I've limited this to 3 to keep it manageable (not that I don't need to do many more than that but 3 will suffice for now). Do you have any resolutions for 2008?

Happy New Year!

Well, 2008 has finally arrived. Being the major party animal that I am, I fell asleep at about 11:50 and woke up at 12:02 - missing the ringing in of the New Year by two whole minutes!

Following our tradition, my husband and I spent a quiet eve at home watching movies and eating Chinese food. Shrek 3 was on the movie list - quite cute and funny although Shrek 2 is still my favorite in that group. I just love the tongue-in-cheek humor that it portrays and it always gets a chuckle out of me. And isn't that what life should be about? Humor in little places in life.

New Years Day found us relaxing around the house with it snowing outside. While I am the first to admit I like a winter wonderland, I am getting a bit tired of shoveling the white stuff. However, it still is better than dealing with hurricanes and tornadoes so I'll count my blessings! Homemade lasagne for dinner and then outside to clear the driveway and burn off some of those pasta calories.

Best wishes to everyone for the upcoming year - may it be all that you wish it to be!