Misobel, Handmade Hooligan/Mystic

There's No Place Like OM

2011-04-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Today I found out this beautiful treasury on Etsy included my Sandalwood and Pearl wrist mala. What a great theme title! Many thanks to the curator of this thoughtful collection, BlissWorksStudio!

What's Eating You? OSHO "Meditations for Busy People"

2011-03-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Osho was asked a question regarding speediness during one of his talks. "Even when there is no need to, I often hurry when I am doing things, especially eating." His response: Something is eating you: some deep worry is inside that creates hurry; some deep tension, which does not allow you to relax. What you can do about it: "The next time you are eating something,

Mala Mala Mala

2011-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Happy to be included in this treasury today, curated with all lovely malas. I've been missing on the blog for a while but I haven't forgotten about it. Winter has taken an awful toll on my psyche, but I am working through it. I was fortunate to find a nice yoga studio to practice with recently, thanks to an old friend. I've been doing a home practice for years now, but I feel I need more

LOL Moment

2011-01-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

One of HeatherKent's beautiful handpainted pendants was on the front page of Etsy today. I went exploring in her shop and became enamored with this foxy little piece: The next thing that caught my attention, besides the photograph, was this portion of the item description:"Are you sick of being kicked out of art museums for drooling on the paintings? Become a walking work of art: Each pendant is

Smokin' Red Earrings

2010-12-09T06:25:00.000-08:00

Finally made it to a bead show near Louisville and refreshed my supply of pretty rocks! I also picked up some nice Bali silver beadcaps, too, seen here. I don't work with Czech crystal too much, but these huge sparkly grey beads really attracted me. The holidays are here and people need their sparklies.

Fox, Crow and Mistletoe

2010-11-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

What an adorable art find!Fox, Crow and Mistletoe by nativevermont I recently developed an appreciation for giclee prints, and this is a perfect example of one I would actually hang in my home. Aside from a few framed photos, I don't have any artwork. It's not that I don't love art.... I guess I just never outgrew those school days when posters and homemade collages could simply be taped to the

DIY Louisville Blog Mention

2010-11-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

I got a nice message yesterday from the folks at DIY Louisville,a new alternative craft group here in town. They mentioned my Rosewood Wrist Mala in a holiday gift guide post on their blog. Revelry Boutique is also mentioned as a local shop to find handmade gifts.That's so cool!

Lavender and Blue - Weekly Creation

2010-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

I got these awesome retro earwires from another crafty person on Etsy the other day. They are even cuter in person. I can make earwires, but it's not my favorite thing to do...most days. The large, bright blue chalk turquoise beads are perfectly accented by some wire-wrapped Amethyst rounds. The wire I used to wrap the blue beads was a lot thicker than I am used to - in order to match the

Ganesh Pendant Necklace - Weekly Creation

2010-10-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

You may recognize this pendant from a previous post. It's my personal Ganesh charm. I've worn it several ways: on a few different silver chains, hemp cord, silk cord, as a bracelet, on a juniper berry mala and once I added it to my favorite existing pearl wirework necklace. Don't ask me why I felt like changing it so many times. I just felt like it! This piece was inspired after I purchased a

Weekly Creations - More Sewing Fun

2010-10-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Vintage Velvet and Purple Bow Clutch I'm pleased with my second foldover clutch results! The chocolate velvet was from an old vintage skirt that was no longer wearable. I couldn't just throw it out, the fabric feels so soft and cozy. The pattern originally called for a button, as seen on my previous clutch, but I couldn't find a matching button in my button collection. I decided that a bow would

Etsy Discovery - 3D Stone Paintings by ShebboDesign

2010-10-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of immortalizing your pet as an adorable painted stone paperweight! I found ShebboDesign's Etsy shop by clicking on a cute ad, featuring this little guy: The pet portraits are actually pretty good! I wonder how mine would turn out of I gave him this photo of Lakshmi! ^_^

Weekly Creation - Return of the Sewing Machine

2010-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

I did it. I finally got out the sewing machine again! It's been nearly half a year since my last sewing project adventure. Thought about listing it on Etsy but I loved it too much to sell. I still use that little purse daily. This simple foldover clutch is so nice - no zippers. I love having a little "necessities bag" I can just toss a few things into and be on my way. In the past I have

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

New: "Ghost Bead" Necklaces

2010-09-21T11:08:00.000-07:00

These cedar berry beads are a Navajo tradition that I have really taken a liking to. They feel good to work with and I pretty much love anything that has a cool story behind it. See the Etsy listings for Necklace 1 and Necklace 2. I've re-opened my Etsy shop since the Grand Opening of our gallery here in Louisville, but I've been a little slow to get motivated. Making the stuff isn't what's

Giveaway WINNER Announced!

2010-07-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

The day has fnally come! Thank you so much to all who entered and shared your comments. The winner of my handmade Labradorite mala is: And the winner of a custom wrist mala or bracelet is: Congratulations!!!!You'll be receiving an email from me shortly :)

Week 27! Special Gallery Owner Edition

2010-07-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a new jewelry creation this week - I've been busy planning the transformation of gift shop into art gallery! You may have seen in a previous post that my business partner Paula and I have newly leased a retail space in the heart of our favorite Louisville neighborhood. My awesome husband John has been like a machine doing the painting for us - he's had some experience painting

Week 25 and 26! Resolution Creation

2010-06-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks for joining me! This week is a double feature of creations: Coffee Bean Kelly Green EarringsCoffee beans on copper wire and antiqued sterling silver ball post earrings.I drilled and lacquered the coffee beans myself. Sacred Maha Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Tourmilated Quartz Crystal Mala This piece is breathtaking! The Tulsi beads are graduated along with 2 different sizes of Quartz crystal.

It's Official! Revelry Boutique Gallery Launching in Louisville, KY

2010-06-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

It's ours!!!!The new business owners - me and awesome partner/mastermind Paula Weyler George We got the keys to our new retail space, and it feels pretty darn good!Don't mind the hideous pink salmon color on the building's facade...that will be the first change we make, hopefully tomorrow! I'm working on releasing the Facebook fan page and website soon, hope you'll join us there :D

Update!

2010-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Lakshmi | "Lucky Lakshmi" | "Foxy Lakshmi" This past Sunday was my birthday and I completely forgot about the Resolution Creations! Shame on me. We've had our hands really full with a new dog in the house. I hope to make two pieces for this Sunday's post! Hope everyone had a nice Father's Day. I had a good visit with the parents and also saw an aunt and uncle I hadn't hung out with in a long

Blog Carnival Time! - Goals

2010-06-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

I regret missing out on last month's activities at Etsybloggers, so I am making sure to participate in a June Blog Carnival! This one is hosted at RainyDayArt's blog, and the topic is: "What are your goals? Short term, long term? It's up to you." How about both? One thing that has become a short term goal (as of today) is bonding with and training my new dog! Meet Lakshmi! She won our hearts

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

What is it? I found them in a stash of random supplies yesterday. I made these tiny little beads out of polymer clay - almost ten years ago!

Week 24! Resolution Creation

2010-06-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was up way too late last night trying to finish this one. It was just one of those days. I couldn't get much of anything done right the first time. It didn't help that just stepping outside to grab my mail was enough sweltering heat to turn me into a stumbling, mumbling grouch. Oh well - Here it is (albeit one day late!) I pretty much love it, don't you? Sea Shell Pendant Matinee

Misobel Giveaway #2 - Enter Now!

2010-06-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hooray, it's finally here! Since this is my second giveaway ever, and I am celebrating the 200 Facebook fan mark, (^_^) there will be TWO gorgeous gifts to win: #1: Labradorite and Jade Prayer MalaA 27 count mala that is one-of-a-kind and handmade by me,exclusively for this giveaway. You do not need to be of any certain faith to benefit from these prayer beads, or as some like to call them -

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Peace is Every Step - I'm in a Treasury!

2010-06-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to DreamsFactory for including mySandalwood and Pearl Wrist Malain this lovely collection ^_^ View the live treasury, enjoy, click and comment!

Week 23! Resolution Creations

2010-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

My personal goal for 2010: make something new each week. Anything! Thanks for joining me. This week's featured work of jewelry is really a treasure - I think it's one of the largest pieces I've ever done, and it feels like it belongs in a museum! Antique Tibetan Yak Bone Beads and Rudraksha Seed Necklace The yak bone beads are very old. They are used in malas (prayer beads.)This piece also

"Critter Love" - My Latest Treasury

2010-06-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Look, it's my 6th curated treasury on Etsy!Since my last treasury, "Tattoo Me, Tattoo You," Etsy has implemented a new wing of treasuries called Treasury East. What's different about Treasury East is that collections are bigger - 16 items, up from 12, and you don't have to wait in line to create one! From what I can tell, they don't have an expiration date, either. That's pretty nifty. Maybe you

My First Blog Interview!

2010-06-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune to be interviewed and featured in The Jewelry Box's blog this weekend! Brenda makes and sells a jewelry line of her own, and she also enjoys promoting other artists from the online community MyCraftCorner. I have held one great interview here in my own blog so far, but this was my first time being asked the questions! I was nervous about my responses, but I think I did ok!

Week 22! Resolution Creation

2010-05-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, welcome back! This week I've been trying to motivate myself to create. Slowly but surely, I seem to be making progress!It helps that I made a New Year's resolution this year to make something new at least once a week and feature it here in my blog. :) Antiqued Labradorite Dangle Earrings View this item on Etsy

Our Old VW Bus is a Celebrity

2010-05-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

My husband and I built a 1972 Bus from the ground up, several years ago. It gave us some good times, but there were also many frustrations with the thing. Its current owner is actually the person we bought the original shell and engine from! This week I spotted our old grey friend in an ad on the back of a local publication, the LEO Weekly. I don't know who the nerd is, though. Dot Fox is a

May Resolution Creations Extravaganza (Weeks 18-21!)

2010-05-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've been making stuff, I promise! There's a lot going in in my life right now...AND I just got back from vacation. ^_^ There'll be more about that in future posts but right now let's get to the pretties! If you're a new reader, my Resolution Creation is a weekly feature here. I made a New Year's resolution to make something new every week in 2010. I've fallen behind this month so here's one

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Update on the Weekly Creations Series

2010-05-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hi! I wanted to check in because I haven't been around for a little while. Normally on Sundays I post my Resolution Creation - something I have made as a part of my New Year's Resolution for 2010. I was very busy and regretted missing last Sunday's post. I won't be posting one today either, but there's a good reason! I'm enjoying some much-needed time off with my husband in Colorado. This is me

Miracles, Big and Small

2010-05-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

I once heard the Dalai Lama describe a miracle as something unexpected. On this Mother's Day I just wanted to pause and give thanks for a miracle in my life... Spending more time with Mom - (This awesome photo my dad took is from the 70s) - has been rewarding, and healing for both our hearts. I've always loved her. I just wasn't able to allow myself to become very close.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ring Around the Rosey Treasury - I'm Featured!

2010-05-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hooray, Ruthie at roseworksjewelry made this cool treasury full of rings and featured my Chrysoprase Mint Julep Ring! View the live treasury in all its glory at Etsy ^_^ Thanks for stopping in. Have a wonderful day!

Week 17! Resolution Creation

2010-05-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well the Kentucky Derby has come and gone. I spent most of the day with my mother. We had lunch, did a little grocery shopping, and ended up watching the big race on TV. I've never been one to attend all the Derby festivities, but I do enjoy how happy the town seems to get over a few horses running around in circles for 2 minutes out of the year. I then spent a very relaxing evening at home with

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Birthday Talk - Etsy Blog Carnival

2010-04-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time of month again - Etsyblogger Carnival! The EtsyBlogger Street Team has bi-weekly blog carnivals hosted at a member's blog. The host gets to choose the theme. We can choose to do one or both carnivals per month, but I can only manage one so far! This carnival's host is Joey & Aleethea And the topic I chose: "4/23 is my birthday!! Tell us your birthday and what astrological sign

Cherry Polka Dots Treasury - I'm Featured!

2010-04-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Heather at heatherkingdesigns made this cool treasury and featured my Red Coral Drops earrings! I've been very lucky...all the treasuries I've been selected for have been gorgeous.Not all of them turn out so impressive. You can just tell when someone has spent the time it takes to make a collection worthy of the Etsy front page, and Heather does, every time! View the live treasury here and give

Week 16! Resolution Creations

2010-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! I have a few things to cover in today's post so let's get the excitement started with my new creation of the week. For those of you just joining me, I have made a new year's resolution to create something new for the blog once a week. You can view past features by going to the "Weekly Creations" page! This week I had my hands full, finishing up the bag I started on for last week's

Saraswati Jewels' Yoga Mom Gift Ideas - I'm Featured!

2010-04-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Mother's Day! The talented Lauren at Saraswati Jewels has lovingly compiled a collection of handmade gift finds for that special mom/yogini in your life. I am absolutely thrilled my little Rudraksha seed earrings were included! Click the photo to view the whole post at Lauren's gorgeous blog :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Click for larger view

Week 15 Resolution Creation (Part 1)

2010-04-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

I finally got out my old sewing machine, Husky! It's been years since I've done any sewing and boy, did I miss it. I had hoped to have this project done yesterday to make the weekly goal... as you can see, it's not quite finished yet: What is it???I don't even know!Ok, I confess. I do have a handbag that I'm trying to replicate, and some materials I have thrown together, but I am just making

Featured EtsyBlogger: Magdelene Jewels

2010-04-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, every month the EtsyBlogger Street Team features an outstanding member's Etsy shop and blog! Today's spotlight is fixed on Pam from Magdalene Jewels. She actually has two shops you can visit! Here are some of Pam's original creations I liked from MagdaleneJewels: Be sure to also check out her other shop MagdaleneKnits for a selection of crocheted and knitted items,

Science and Culture? = Fun Etsy Shop!

2010-04-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

I just received my latest Etsy order...some geeky goodness from scientific culture! I had been admiring Kate's adorable mustache kittens for some time. And just look at the precious teapot bookmarkie that came as a gift!

(Belated) Week 14! Resolution Creations

2010-04-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Another week gone by! I can't believe how time is flying. Things have been a little hard for me lately. I am having a difficult time shedding the winter blues. Also, my daily life has sort of been disrupted by the theft of one of our bicycles, the three wheeler that I carted the laundry and groceries around with. *SAD FACE* It's doubly sad because I was just getting over the theft of my

Cool Artist Interview: Brad Collins

2010-04-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'll be just browsing around on the Internet, minding my own business when - *WHAM!* - I see an artist's work that moves me in some way, and then I get the urge to tell all my friends about it. This is how I found Brad, the subject of today's interview! After spotting an illustration thrown onto the page, via Etsy chat room, I checked out his profile and had a feeling we'd get along

Box O' Markers

2010-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were curious... this is where I reach when it's time to write a little thank you note to my customers. It's a shoe box... which I've had for over 10 years...with tons of markers and odds and ends in it... One of these days I might actually organize all this stuff. My favorite markers are the ones with brush tips (Le Plume.) The calligraphy tip I need more practice with. The

Week 13! Resolution Creations

2010-04-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

One of my goals in 2010: Create something new to feature in my blog every week. This week, inspiration struck me last night after having a glance at the how-to section of a wirework book. I only had two of these bright red beads from an Etsy purchase. The teardrop shape seemed to be the perfect way to use them as focal beads. Cherry Red Vintage Glass and Pearl Teardrop EarringsThese are the

I am Toast of the Town! - Thanks Lilly Bug Boutique

2010-04-04T15:15:00.001-07:00

I placed a custom order from lillybugboutique's adorable Etsy shop recently... Do you like my toaster pin? I saw it originally as a magnet and requested to have one made as a pin. It's currently adorning my favorite little old corduroy purse and makes me smile. I loved eating plain toast when I was a kid! (^_^) "Behold, the Toaster Bling!" It's hard for me to remember where I met all of

Week 12! Resolution Creations

2010-03-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

One of my goals in 2010: Create something new and feature it in my blog on a weekly basis. So far I haven't skipped a beat! This week's creation I am particularly proud of because the inspiration hit me out of nowhere the other night. The entire day I didn't even touch anything related to creativity. And then I found myself reaching for a few beads while watching some random tv show. Before I

Featured EtsyBlogger: DizzyDragonflies

2010-03-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

This month's featured EtsyBlogger member is Vicki from DizzyDragonflies! Visit Vicki's wonderful Etsy shopdizzydragonflies for hand-spun and hand-dyed yarnsand handknitted items. Here are a few of my personal picks: "Stormy Skies" "Rays of Light" "Orchid" Vicki also has a cool blog at http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/, where you can find knitting patterns and all kinds of info about

EtsyBloggers Team Treasury

2010-03-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

My Pearls in a Pod ring has been featured in a treasury today! Sarah from SweetSallysSoaps has put together this wonderful collection of items from Etsybloggers Street Team members' shops. Please take a moment to check out the live treasury and give the items some clicks!

New Spring Hairdo!

2010-03-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Yay! I love having short hair. It just puts a little more spring in my step during the warmer months. Kim at Kaleidoscope Salon, who just happens to be celebrating her 20th year of hairstyling this Spring, gave me a cool cut even though I wasn't sure what I wanted. Kim is great. I can't imagine going to anyone else. I was 14 the first time she dyed my hair! Back then, if you wanted something

Misobel's First Charity Auction Contribution

2010-03-23T20:47:00.001-07:00

I didn't blog about this earlier but I was thrilled to be invited to participate in my first charity event as an auction donor recently. I was probably beaming about it on Facebook at one point, because it is a local Derby-related event hosted by Churchill Downs' "Millionaire's Row." The charity, Wellspring, needs funds for its housing and clinical support services for mentally ill adults in the

Week 11! Resolution Creations

2010-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

I made a bunch of rings yesterday! I have not had a chance to oxidize and polish like I had hoped to do today. It was rainy and I was feeling like taking a break. What I'm sharing with you today is my favorite outcome of yesterday's efforts. I haven't even named it yet. I'm taking suggestions! Untitled Week 11 Ring I Made as Part of My 2010 Resolutions So these are the "before" pictures.

Tattoo Me, Tattoo You

2010-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

I mentioned on my Facebook page the other day that I've been watching the show L.A. Ink. It's a reality show on TLC that revolves around a tattoo shop in Hollywood and the people that work there. I don't care much for some of the vapid drama that happens, but the show does have its good qualities: The creative process from client's ideas/reference photos > artist's sketch > making the stencil >

Giveaway WINNER Announced!

2010-03-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank you all for the great response I got for my very first giveaway. I'm so appreciative that you took the time to offer your opinions and feedback. In all, there were 39 entries! :D I randomized everyone's names on a list, then I had a random fan pick a number. (Thanks Kendra!) It's been a loooong month for me, waiting and waiting and waiting to send some handmade goodness out

I Designed New Business Cards!

2010-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

I didn't like the last design enough, so I decided to make some new cards that match the banner I have in my Etsy shop. I've had some graphic growing pains with the shop ... sigh. I am working on a landing page for my website right now. I'll let you know when it's finished! What do you think of the business card? It's a lot simpler than the previous design. I left off my name and phone number

Me in a Mini-Feature!

2010-03-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Em from BanjoBaySoaps wrote up a very kind mini-feature about my shop at her blog, GrassRootsArtists! She makes delectable handmade soaps, among other things. I covet these Sandalwood Musk soap bars! Em's also addicted to telling the world about artists she finds. Her blog has featured many very cute items. I love her enthusiasm for sharing finds that make her day. It's an honor for my work to be

A Hometown Hero in SPIN Magazine This Month

2010-03-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you check out the March 2010 edition of Spin Magazine,you'll catch an interview with this man - It's Todd Brashear!!Photo courtesy of Dan Lubbers We all know him here in Louisville, KY as the dude who owns Wild and Woolly - only the coolest little video store in existence, with rare and hard-to-find gems being their specialty. SPIN interviewed Todd as part of a "Where are they now?" feature.

Week 10! Resolution Creations

2010-03-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Where has the day gone? Turning our clocks forward for Daylight Savings has me a little disoriented...what's with me, it's just an hour, geez! I feel like dinner time is drawing near when actually, it's closer to bedtime. I'm lucky to have remembered to do this week's Resolution Creation. For you new readers, I made a New Year's resolution to create something - it can be anything as long as I

Tangled Up In Blue - My new treasury is cool.

2010-03-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

My fourth and latest collection of Etsy goodness.Click the photo to view the live treasury before it expires!Enjoy and comment (^_^)

A Gift! Thank You, Tina :)

2010-03-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

I got a pleasant surprise in the mail yesterday from Tina, who runs the shop Johnny's Sister. She sent me this to thank me for featuring one of her items in a special treasury I made, my second ever! How very kind! The "Spare Change" necklace or wrist wrap is made from vintage coins and hand-dyed, hand-sewn silk cord. It's beautiful! The silk cord is one of my favorite colors. Thank you!!!

Alleviate Athritis With Nutrition- Etsy Blog Carnival

2010-03-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

As a part of the EtsyBloggers Team, I participate monthly in a "blog carnival," hosted at a different member's blog for each carnival. Our entries have to adhere to a theme, given by the host. It's great fun to see what the Etsy blog world is up to! Of the two options, this is the theme I chose: March is National Nutrition Month, National Irish American Heritage Month & National Women's

Mint - I'm in a Treasury!

2010-03-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

Recently my Silver and Sea Green Mist Necklace was featured in this minty fresh collection made by heatherkingdesigns. I was so thrilled, as this is only the third time I've been in a treasury that was not my own! I want to kick myself for thinking that I had already blogged about it. I somehow remember making the post, but alas, the phantom blog post is nowhere to be found. So here it is, better

Week 9! Resolution Creations - and a Special Sneak Peek

2010-03-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

The first week of March is over and the promise of Spring is looming ever so close! It was a sunny day and perfect 51 degrees here in Louisville. I couldn't have asked for a better day in the studio. We had the window open for fresh air while I oxidized and painstakingly polished several bracelets and the first of my new rings! My wrists and hands are numb and aching, but it was worth it. The

Inspiration Avenue Challenge: Cool Head, Warm Heart Bracelet

2010-03-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I was invited to participate in something fun! The theme: "Change the World" I like to work with gemstones, semiprecious stones and other natural beads. It's not just because of their beauty. Many of these materials from the earth possess powerful qualities that can uplift and heal a person. I made this creative challenge a personal quest. After I did some reading to refresh

Week 8! Resolution Creations

2010-03-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

Apologies! Ummm, I think the short month of February may have messed me up and made this post a little late. Well, here's the deal: I have not been feeling very creative. I have had a rough time ever since I became sick and recovered from the flu. I still have not heard back from Facebook about getting my hacked account back and that has been a little bit of a bummer, too. :( I really need to get

Look up! New pages are now under construction

2010-03-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am expanding my blog and I am pretty excited about it :D As you probably know, Blogger has added a new feature called Pages. I'm still new at all of this so I'm not certain about the blog sections I'll include. I'm sure it will be fun experimenting as I find the time! The first two sections are for organizational purposes: Resolution Creations is an index of all my weekly creations made as

Beautiful Women - Featured in Another Treasury!

2010-03-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the lovely Andrea at sacredsuds for including my bracelet in this beautiful collection. :) View the live gallerybefore it expires on March 6th!

Devotional Space: See my latest Etsy treasury!!!

2010-03-02T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is my third collection of lovely items for your viewing pleasure. Look at all the lovely items in the live galleryClick and comment before it expires on March 5th! What do you think?

Touchable Treasury

2010-02-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

//HUGE sigh of relief! I have access to my hacked Google account again, after a frightening 60 hours without it. I may write about that whole experience later, but right now I'd like to bring attention to my latest treasury! Aren't they lovely? Congrats to Mauk, whose cute Sassy Little Wallet sold today :D Please enjoy the live version before Monday morning, March 1st: View the live gallery -

Week 7! Resolution Creations

2010-02-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Faceted Peridot Prosperity Bracelet on Hemp This bracelet is one of a kind, and it was a joy to create! I had been holding on to these beautiful lime green Peridot beads for a few years, waiting for just the right opportunity or inspiration to come along. Every time I went to reach for them, they didn't quite fit the design I was working on for one reason or another. So they waited and waited.

GIVEAWAY! Tiger's Eye and Turquoise Earrings

2010-02-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Win a pair of my handmade earrings! Hand-balled sterling silver wire | Tiger's eye | faceted Turquoise | Sterling Bali beads | Sterling silver French earwires | $18 retail value in my Etsy shop! Tigereye is a stone often used for protection, clarity in thinking, personal empowerment, integrity, willpower, courage and grace. It is the Dalai Lama's favorite stone! To Enter the Giveaway: You

Scarlet the Squirrel Dines in Luxury in Winter

2010-02-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

I have developed a bond with this little squirrel. After leaving a plate at the foot of one of her trees for some time now, she seems to recognize me from a distance and rarely runs away when I approach with a camera. Yesterday morning we awoke to more snow, and it was still coming down at a pretty good pace. I peered out my second story window, down at the top of the tree I suspected was the

Finally! I snagged an Etsy Treasury

2010-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for spring! How about you??? I had a marvelous time putting together my very first treasury. I had a theme in mind way before I was able to actually pounce on an open treasury spot, and I didn't really think any of my shop items would have fit the theme. That's OK, I'll feature one of my own next time. :) It must have taken me a good hour or so to search for these! You can view the

Week 6! Resolution Creations

2010-02-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

The goal in 2010: Make something, anything, at least once a week and feature it here on the blog.Every item featured so far has been listed in my Etsy shop but today's item is special and it's all mine! hehe Amazonite and Hemp Necklace I've had a love for hemp macrame since I was in the 8th grade. I could make pretty intricate designs, with the help of a pattern book, of course. I became

Featured EtsyBlogger: TilT Creations

2010-02-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

This month's featured EtsyBlogger has two great shops that you can visit. The first is TilT Creations, a fun and colorful operation by a stay at home mother of 2 boys. She offers handmade handbags, wristlets, backpacks and more. Here are just a few of the sewn creations you can find at her shop: The second shop is Tilt Too, where you can browse a selection of destash fabrics and sewing

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

Heart Health Month Recipe - Etsy Blog Carnival

2010-02-10T13:38:00.000-08:00

For February's Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival, I'd like to share a few things I've learned and a recipe in honor of heart health. Did you know that you can decrease your chances of a fatal heart attack by 40% if you eat as little as one serving of oily fish a week? Tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines and herrings are all considered oily fish. Garlic may reduce high cholesterol and blood

Week 5! Resolution Creations

2010-02-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the last day of week 5 and I had almost forgotten about my weekly goal to create something new. This week's inspiration came from a cool chick I know named Sarah. The last time I saw her she asked if I had any black pearls, because she had been looking but never found any she liked. I thought I had some black pearls around. When I went digging I just found dark peacock pearls, close

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T16:26:00.001-08:00

Jewelry Picks Treasury: I've Been Featured!

2010-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the curator of this lovely collection, okbuyer! I was thrilled to login to Etsy today and find out one of my items was featured in my second treasury ever :) You can click here to view the live gallery before it expires!Happy February to you~

Super Food Photo: Red Quinoa Soup

2010-01-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

Made this for dinner last night and the colors looked so pretty I had to snap a photo! This soup has many of my favorite things in it: Basmati rice, ghee (clarified butter,) bell peppers, carrots, kelp and cilantro. Two new things we tried last night were the red quinoa and a dash of shelled hempseeds I spotted at the health food store. They were out of regular quinoa and I had never seen red

Week 4! Resolution Creations

2010-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Rudraksha Seed and Pearl Sterling Silver Post Earrings It must have been divine inspiration! I found myself happily twisting these together without even thinking about it. So there it is, my fourth Resolution Creation! I really love them. Have you ever made something and loved it so much you just couldn't stop looking at it? That has been happening a lot to me lately. =) My favorite part about

Etsy Feedback - I got some!

2010-01-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

OK, so maybe this isn't a big deal to some of you, but to someone like me...who has only 13 Etsy sales under her belt...this is very encouraging! I received some wonderful feedback from a new customer, even after some issues that happened with Paypal's refund service. She was so patient and gracious with me about it, I will be forever grateful! "I LOVE this necklace; it is a one of a kind

Valentine's on the Mind

2010-01-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

I made these cute little earrings the other day and I couldn't stop smiling every time I looked at them! (sun) <--any Skype chatters out there? I had not intended to make anything in particular with Valentine's Day in mind, but I there was a pack of alphabet beads in my random bead stash...and the little hearts in them caught my eye as I was scanning supplies for random inspiration. The

Resolution Creations: Week 3!

2010-01-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I will be featuring at least one item I created on a weekly basis. I got lucky again this week and received a special request! I just finished handpolishing and photographing these and I must say I am rather pleased with how they turned out. Carnelian and Fall Leaf Dangle Earrings Update on my other 2010 resolutions: I'm actually still keeping up with the workouts and yoga. I have been

10 Foods You Should Consider Trying

2010-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

I found this great list of foods you should try in the new year if you haven't already. This is kind of along my line of thinking recently, since I have decided to cut out a lot of meat from my diet. It's going to be a challenge. I have never really liked taking supplements so this list is a good reminder that there are plenty of natural sources for protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

At this moment... (Giveaways!)

2010-01-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

I am stringing a beautiful piece for my very first Facebook Fan giveaway :) :) I'd be gushing about how gorgeous it is right now, but I was working on it last night and messed up at the very end! So now I am re-stringing, with a few improvements upon the original design. I wanted to celebrate the upcoming milestone of 100 Facebook fans with a truly special piece of art. I'm keeping photos of the

Resolution Creations: Week 2: Teal Paua Shell Sterling Silver Earrings

2010-01-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

Side View Progress Here we are, it's another week in the year 2010. One of my New Year's resolutions was to create something at least once a week - anything! I have been lacking in inspiration recently, but these little shell cuties turned out to be very fun! My mind seems to be everywhere lately...I have been missing my sewing machine. I took a step towards sewing again when I went to the

Featured EtsyBlogger: Nico Designs

2010-01-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

January's Etsy Blogger of the month is Nico Designs! She's got an interesting blog that covers a variety of topics, including: what's going on in her life, recipes and crafty tutorials, like how to make these adorable custom baby leggings out of regular adult knee socks: At the Nico Designs shop you'll find handmade, eco-friendly items like tote bags, handbags, baby shoes and it looks like she

Resolution Creations: Week 1: Ocean Blue Elegance Post Earrings

2010-01-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

My first resolution for 2010 was to create something at least once a week. Anything. This week I was lacking in motivation or inspiration - great start to the new year, right? LOL I was drawing a blank until I got a nice note from an Etsy customer. She said she loved the earrings she bought, and asked if I could make a pair similar to some that were already listed. Having made only 8 sales out

Resolutions - Etsy Blog Carnival

2010-01-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

This is my first EtsyBloggers Team Blog Carnival Post. :) The topics were: 1) Now that 2009 has come to a close, what will you remember most about last year? 2) Now that 2010 is here, what do you have planned/look forward to/hope to accomplish this year? There's nothing like the end of a decade to make you ponder the choices you are making in life. I cannot believe how quickly time is flying by

Etsy Favorites Roundup

2009-12-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

I needed some pretty things to look at this morning while I prepare for one of the more boring jobs I have agreed to do in a long time: transcribing. :^| So I thought I would revisit some of the items on my favorites list at Etsy. I would love to go crazy and put every item into my virtual shopping cart! - but then I wouldn't have money to pay the dentist bill that came today. Sometimes I wish

Beautiful Blogger Award

2009-12-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

OHMIGOSH, I was given this Beautiful Blogger Award by the lovely and talented Magpie Night! She is a new friend I've made since joining the Etsy Bloggers Street Team. She's a blogger, crafter, mom, and she supposedly talks about food a lot. Definitely OK by me! I absolutely adore her logo. One of my favorite items in her shop is this Maneki Neko embroidery: A heartfelt Thank You to Maggie

Prayer Flag Scarf

2009-12-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

It has been at least a year since I have done any serious crochet. And normally when I do crochet it is round items like bags or tams. So it was a little challenge to make this scarf, but I like it very much. For some reason, crocheting flat items, I try to confuse myself when it's time to turn around and crochet the next row. The phrase "stuck on stupid" comes to mind, lol. Don't worry, I'll be

You Have to Love...

2009-12-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

when your special someone manages to pick you flowers in December... in 30-something degree weather...