Shades of Victoria

A Winter Storm Is On The Way

2011-01-31T15:51:00.006-05:00

Well, it's a fact. No matter how hard we try to shrug off the winter blues and get happy, old man winter still has his say. This blog is coming to you from what for the moment is sunny Ohio, soon enough to be icy and piled high with snow. I've been in touch with family and friends and I think we are all ready to weather this storm! We have food and gallons of water, candles and batteries and gas lamps, wood for the wood burners and fireplaces and generators and other means to heat with for those that need them. For all of you...I wish you warmth, safety and a friend with a snowplow! Don't forget to charge your cell phone.

It's times like this when I am thankful that I enjoy time at home playing with my dog, making jewelry and reading books. I guess you will all find out how bad the weather was and how long it lasted by how many new pieces of jewelry you see posted in my Etsy shop this weekend. Stay safe and think warm thoughts!

Soup's On!

2011-01-29T13:17:00.004-05:00

If you follow this blog, this know that I have been focused on trying new things to chase away the winter blahs. Well, it's the very end of January and there is plenty more winter ahead for most of us so I thought I would share another idea I had and followed through on with you. =)

I enjoy cooking. I enjoy the hunt for just the right recipe. I like the preparation and Lord knows I love eating! But, I hate a messy kitchen. The only thing I hate more than a messy kitchen is being the one person who has to clean it up! That being said, I don't do a lot of old-fashion, hands on cooking ~ although my dog does appreciate it when I do! That is a story for another time.

So, I found this amazing recipe for soup! Ya, soup! I don't even like soup and I only eat chicken noodle soup when I am sick or if frozen to the bone, I may opt for chili or beef stew. But anyhow, I made soup for supper last night and my daughter and I thought it was delicious! It has stuff in it that I don't eat and it is much better for me than most things I consume so I am actually quite pleasantly surprise. You are going to be too.

Doesn't it look yummy? Here is the recipe. If you want to try it just copy and paste it to a Word document and print it out.
1 - 13 oz. Can Drained Chicken Breast, shredded
1 - 11 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes & Chiles
1 - 28 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
1 - 4 oz. Can Green Chiles
1 - 15 oz. Can Kidney Beans
1 - 15 oz. Can Black Beans
1 - 11 oz. Can Whole Kernel Corn
1 Envelope Taco Seasoning
1 Envelope Ranch Dressing Mix

Dump everything into a crock pot and heat on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

Garnish with Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Green Onions and Tortilla Chips.

That's it! Wash your cutting board and you have a clean kitchen again. My kind of meal! Now, if you try this, come back and leave me a comment so I know what you thought about the soup. This is a very easy way to try something new and shake off the winter blah's. Enjoy!

Digging out of the Winter Blahs!

2011-01-27T14:02:00.030-05:00

It's such a great feeling to be creative. It brings a smile to your face and a sense of satisfaction just to have something new to focus on. In the wintertime especially, with all the illness, the cancellations and the higher bills, it is easy to feel blah.

So, what do you have to do to get started? Well, let's see...You are inside, it sure isn't fit to be outside! Let's face it, you are bored with all the snow and the cold so let's start here. Set aside some time to commit to a new project. What will it be? I'll tell you what it doesn't have to be...it doesn't have to be you creating something for someone else to buy! When was the last time you did something just for you? We get all of our creative juices tied up in our online identity, our Etsy or Artfire shops, and suddenly it's all about the sale. Step back and take the time to come up with a project that is 'me' focused.

My Etsy shop is full of jewelry so I am not going to make myself a piece of jewelry, that would be too easy. I know how to sew - I could make a pillow for the couch.
I could buy one off of Etsy too but that wouldn't help get my creative juices flowing. Unless, I bought one from Mason Moonbeam on Etsy and then made one or two to compliment them. There ya go! Two things I love to do...shop and create. I'm warming up to this idea, how about you?

I enjoy painting, rooms, glassware, picture frames oh yes, picture frames! I have some photos I need to share and I know where I can get some awesome frames...from my friend who owns the Mishawaka Art and Frame Gallery in Indiana. Her frames rock! An added bonus. I have a road trip to plan. A 3 hour drive will get me there and of course there will be chat time and maybe a meal! After some time with friends, I'll be back on the road again with my frames in tow. My project awaits when I get home. I will simply frame up my picture of my grandson, find the perfect location and hang it up! Completed project! Wow! Just thinking about this is making me feel better!

Don't sew or paint? Do you quilt? Crochet? I know you shop! This time visit an Etsy shop to buy instructions and quilting materials try Village Quilters on Etsy.

For beautiful yarn try Erin 48 on Etsy. You will find wonderfully bright and cheery yarns to brighten your day, even if it is cold!

If you don't sell jewelry in your online shop and you enjoy dabbling in the craft from time to time there are a number of fabulous supply shops on Etsy. My project was to open a 'Creative Supply' of my own and clean out my closets in the process! Check out The Jeweled Hummingbird on Etsy and see what you find that you like to make yourself something special. But, my new supply shop no longer counts as my project because I have come full circle and as soon as I began to publish my items it became all about the sales!

So, here are some ideas I have come up with to help your creativity to blossom while you are waiting on the snow to melt and the cold winds to cease blowing. Just remember, you must promise before you buy that as soon as the materials arrive you will complete this project. Do it for you!

Miraculous Mondays!

2011-01-10T13:32:00.016-05:00

Okay, I have made a decision. It is not a New Year's Resolution, nor is it a promise. It is merely a decision to do something new, original and fun with this blog!! Right now there are 50 of my die-hard friends and followers out there that are expecting me to at least make an effort to share something interesting with them from time to time and sadly, I'm not even doing anything that often! So here we go.

I like to create jewelry pieces during the week and post them to my Etsy shop on Sundays. While I am at it I post to Facebook and to Twitter at the same time. This sometimes leads to Miraculous Mondays when I have to make the run to the Post Office over lunch to mail out a package or two. Ya!!

Remember how you used to feel when you made that sale? When you had that rush of pride that someone else found that wonderful idea that you brought into existence worthy of spending their hard earned cash on? I would like to help a new shop owner feel that rush and get noticed. Let me share with you a new Etsy shop I have found and we can all relive that feeling of being 'brand new'.

Please Welcome Little Lovely Locks! I just love the beautiful colors in these pretty hair pieces. This little shop just opened December 30th, 2010. What fun to shop a new shop and look at pictures of an adorable baby too!

What's Happening Now

2010-11-07T13:46:00.004-05:00

I have been busy lately working on the jewelry for a wedding. Now, after countless hours of working with tiny little pearls and crystals I am finally back to creating for my own shop! Some of you have noticed that things there were getting sparse so I am filling it back up in time for the Christmas shopping season! Thanks for your patience.

A friend and I are also hosting a craft show in about a month. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and now I have the opportunity so I am jumping at the chance! She has the showroom and has donated it to be filled with crafters and their wares on December 4th. I am very excited at the fantastic response I have had from area crafters that I never even knew existed. It has made me realize that there are so many more of us out there that have a skill or craft that no one knows about! It's really kind of sad to see that go to waste.

So, I apologize ahead for not posting for a few weeks as I work on pulling this all together. But, I will post pics from the show to share with you about this time next month!! Nothing makes you feel like Christmas like a good Christmas Craft Show. Wish us luck!

Why Not Try Something You Haven't Done in Years?

2010-10-20T15:43:00.007-04:00

When I was younger I used to spend a lot of time drawing and painting. As I grew older I got away from that and my attention turned more to crochet and making jewelry, you know, those 'adult' fun things. Well, too much of anything can get boring, even if it's a good thing! I could feel the urge coming on to expand my horizons once again and with enough beads to open a bead shop, enough flowers to open a flower shop and enough scrapbooking supplies to open a studio, I knew for certain that I did NOT want exploring this new urge to result in additional tucker totes to add to my never ending supply! After giving it some thought I decided I hadn't played around with any paints in awhile so why not dig out that tote and do something with that.

You know what? Paints dry up! And you can't make anything with dried up paints! So, off to Hobby Lobby I go to restock my paint supply. You do realize that restocking is not the same as starting an entirely new hobby, right? Well, it's not, because I still had the paintbrushes from before, so it's just restocking.

Wow! They have a lot of new colors since the last time I went paint shopping. They have new cool things to paint on too! So, I spent a bunch of money and came home with a bunch of stuff to paint and the new paints. Now if you follow me on Facebook you have already seen the end result but if not, I will post it here so you can see it too. I have a few larger boxes to finish but the smaller ones were done in an afternoon.

Sometimes it just feels good to go back to your roots, so to speak. I found it effectively got rid of my 'artists block' and having fun and creating something different just left me feeling good! So, what were you doing about 4 years ago that you might like to try your hand at again?

My Wonderful Florida Vacation at Disney

2010-06-26T11:43:00.009-04:00

Some of you already know that my daughter, my grandson and I went to Orlando on vacation a couple of weeks ago. It was so incredibly hot there that I am surprised that we had any fun at all being outside (the heat index was 109 degrees our 2nd day there). We had a wonderful time dashing from shaded spot to air conditioned buildings time and time again. For me, the most enjoyable part of the Disney parks was the parades and the shows. I am sure my grandson would argue that the rides were much more fun!
Zach has been a Buzz Lightyear since he was old enough to watch cartoons. It was a special treat for him to get his picture taken with his 'childhood hero' ~ now that he is all grown up! One thing is for certain, Disney can take you back to your childhood in a heartbeat!
We went shopping at Downtown Disney and spent a lot of time checking out the Lego store and it's displays.

When we returned to the resort we beat the heat in one of the pools or eat at The Port Royale. We had a wonderful time!

When it was time to return to Ohio the only thing that got me on the plane was the fact that my daughter and grandson were leaving with or without me! My heart still belongs in Florida with the sun, sand, and surf. I loved it when I lived there and I miss it still but I know I would miss my family even more.

The Handmade Movement Sneakers Support the Gulf Clean-up Effort

2010-06-25T17:19:00.007-04:00

Monday, June 21st, The Handmade Movement Sneakers did something they rarely do. They sneaked into an Etsy shop that wasn't newly established nor was it low on sales. What it was though, was a shop created as a charity to support the clean up effort in the Gulf. Though rarely done, the Sneakers will occasionally show their support to shops of this kind during a Sneak Attack. The Gulf clean up effort is so important to all of us. So, the Sneakers attacked and the shop's sales climbed! It was fantastic to be a part of this group effort to make a difference.

This photo and the article that goes with it can be found at: This Is What An Oil Soaked Ocean Wave Looks Like

I am writing this for those of you who missed the Sneak Attack or were unaware that there was a Shop where countless Etsians have donated their items to the cause. If you want to help out and show support for the clean up effort it isn't too late. The Sneak Attack may be over but the clean up has only just begun and will continue for years.

You can donate to Help The Gulf Coast or you can support the effort by making a purchase from the shop. 100% of the purchase price goes to the clean up effort. Shipping is FREE so spend those dollars for a good cause!

I Have Joined Another Great Group!

2010-06-18T17:55:00.004-04:00

I have to say that I am so very happy with my life online right now! I am surrounded daily by my Sneaker friends on Facebook, Twitter and always in the Etsy Forum Thead ~ and really, if you haven't found us there you should because this group is a hoot! They are all such a great group of people that no matter how down I feel it doesn't last long around them.

There was just one thing that was a problem for me. Promoting my Etsy shop! I have read the articles online and bought the books, read the Etsy recommendations and talked and talked some more to people about promoting my shop. It all seems so time consuming and so difficult. Just way too much like work and didn't I just leave work? And then I was invited to join a group on Facebook and suddenly I am feeling like this just might be doable!

I recently joined the 'It's Better Handmade Group'. Now this is not the same kind of group as I have had exposure to before. This group is composed of a tremendous number of artists on Etsy, Artfire and other venues that want to promote their wares. The great thing is, they want to promote your wares too! Here is how it works - briefly. you join the group and select an item from your shop you would like to promote. You copy the link for that item and paste it on the wall of the 'It's Better Handmade Group'. You then copy the link of an item that was previously posted from another artists shop and paste it on your Facebook wall. That's it! Your job is done and you are off to play in the Etsy Forum! Easy huh? Another member or two or ten will come along and snag your thread and post it to her Facebook wall and so on. Literally thousands of people are going to see your item. Later in the day you can do it again with a new item and someone new will snag it and so on. Is this not ingenious?

Now generally speaking I tend to question things that are just too darn simple but I really can't see a way for this not to work. I have been doing my part to promote using this site all week and I have seen dramatic increases in the amount of hits to my site so something is happening. Perhaps you would like to give it a try. The great thing is, you are really under no obligation whatsoever. It is expected that if you post an item you will also promote but beyond that you are good to go.

Today is Friday and the group celebrates Orange Friday. This morning I received a convo that one of the members had visited my shop and selected an orange item of her liking and used it in a treasury. You can't beat that! I feel totally blessed!

Here is the treasury...

What's All The Excitement About?

2010-06-15T08:22:00.004-04:00

There are some major changes in the works over at The Handmade Movement website. Etsy shop owners take notice!

The Handmade Movement has long been known for their Sneak Attacks on unsuspecting Etsy shop owners who have recently opened or have only a few sales. Helping to get these new shops noticed and boosting their sales has been the goal of a group of Etsians calling themselves 'Sneakers'.

Along the way The Handmade Movement has also sponsored The Handmade Giveaway whereby every couple of weeks an item donated by an Etsy shop owner is given away. No games here, all you have to do is sign up and you could get the lucky prize!

So with all this going on who has time to do anything new? Well, take a look at the site. Each Sneak Attack has a Sponsor or two. Each S.A. Sponsor combs the new shops and selects the ones to be 'attacked'. Usually there are 4 to 6 shops a week falling 'victim' to an attack from The Handmade Movement Sneakers. Now these sponsors are being recognized for their efforts in a little write-up on the site. What a great way to say thank you for helping out others!

The shops being 'attacked' are getting a little extra coverage too. You can find out more about the artists and the shops by checking out The Handmade Movement site. Being a 'victim' of a Sneak Attack can really get you noticed! Watch your shop visits increase and your sales climb as people become aware that you have a new business.

What about the Handmade Giveaway? Etsy shop owners can put their shop in the 'Spotlight' by donating an item to the Giveaway. The Etsy shop and it's owner will be front page news on The Handmade Movement site with a bio and pictures. The item they have donated will appear in the Giveaway and be promoted on Facebook and Twitter as well as on various paid advertising sites. You can find more information on how to donate or sign up for the Giveaway by checking on The Handmade Movement website.

These are just a few of the changes being made. What would you like to see? The Handmade Movement is about promoting the people and the shops on Etsy. Any Etsy shop owner can participate in the Sneak Attacks or the Giveaways. Check the website for a link to the thread in the Etsy Forum where you can take part in the Sneak Attack day banter any Monday or Thursday. Too shy to speak up in the forum? Just hang out with us for awhile until you get comfortable. We will make you feel at home soon enough! Want to know who won the Giveaway? It will be announced in the forum on alternating Thursday evenings at 6:00pm.

Keep watching The Handmade Movement Website for more and more changes to take place. We are just getting started!

A Surprise for Stockannette!

2010-02-19T08:19:00.010-05:00

All of you who read my blog know that I am a proud member of the Etsy S.N.E.A.K. Team (Sneakers Notorious on Etsy for Attacking with Kindness) http://www.handmademovement.com. Behind the scenes are a fabulous group of very caring and generous and frequently very ornery people who call themselves Sneakers. Stockannette is a Sneaker and this blog is a surprise for her!

A little about Stockannette and her Etsy Shop...By day I have an office job, and by night, I am part of an Indianapolis-based knit graffiti crew called the Yarnburners. This is where the name 'Stockannette' came from. There is a stitch in knitting called "stockinette." Since my name is Annette and I knit every day, Stockannette became my alias, or "tag name" (and then the name of my Etsy shop)! Take a look at some of terrific items in Stockannette's Etsy shop.

How cute! If you absolutely have to have this before someone else nabs it click this link: Stockannette's Pom Pom Hat

Stockannette, better known as 'Stock' by her fellow team mates, had my name for the Secret Santa exchange we had this year and she lived up to our team name! She was really sneaky! It took me forever to figure out that she was my Secret Santa. I think Stock's fun-loving and generous personality shows in her creations. Look at this Think Pink Wool Scarflette - Breast Cancer Awareness - Donation.

From the item description: $10 will be donated to the American Cancer Society. I hope the name will remind the buyer or recipient to spread the word, fight, get checked, and encourage family and friends to do the same.

My Aunt Eldena, who has had cancer twice, triumphantly walks the Survivors’ Lap in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Forest Grove, Oregon every year, and lights a luminaria for my father (her brother-in-law), as well. 50% of the price of the Think Pink Scarflette will be donated to Aunt Eldena’s relay team for 2010.

This is my orignal design, and this scarflette is one of a kind (OOAK).

There is always something new to look at when you visit Stockannette on Etsy so why not take a look? You can get to know Stockannette better by following her tweets on Twitter. Click here: Stock's Tweets. Or become her Fan on Facebook. click here: Stock's Fan Page

But I have to show you this hat before I close. I love it! You can buy it here!

Stockannette has a wonderful blog you will want to visit. Take a look! Stock's Blog.

So What Have You Been Up to Lately?

2010-02-06T18:19:00.006-05:00

It has been awhile since I took the time to sit down and write in my blog. My apologies to my followers for my lack of diligence. However, I haven't been idle! My daughter started her own Etsy shop and it took right off. She has outsold me already and I won't lie to you ~ I am so pleased for her!

For years we have poured over page after page of our JoAnn Fabric ads that arrive every two weeks in our mailbox, jumped in the car and headed for the nearest store. I don't know that we have ever left empty handed! With my passion for floral design and jewelry making and Melissa's desire to own a piece of every quiltable fabric in the store, we always seem to leave with a variety of things to add to our growing stash at home. Eventually we would rush to Wal-Mart and buy up the totes that were on sale to store all our goodies. All the while the cycle has continued...more goodies and more totes. Soon we needed more closet space!

Enter Etsy. The perfect way to put our goodies to use and make money to buy even more! I took the plunge first and as I mentioned my daughter has now joined me. With her husband cheering her on (because we all know that husbands don't understand our need to buy craft supplies) she has opened Village Quilters. Some of her fabrics are almost pretty enough to make be dig out my sewing machine and go buy a new pattern to make something, but I know that eventually that too would lead to the need for additional totes to store my fabrics. Instead I will just shop Etsy and buy the items I like from one of you!

Enough said! I would like to introduce you to my daughter Melissa and to her Etsy shop Village Quilters. Please visit and if you have space in a tote in your closet or just need the right fabric to finish your project you may well find it here.

The Words You Want to Hear...You're the WINNER!

2009-11-17T08:51:00.008-05:00

One thing I have found since opening my shop on Etsy is that my fellow artisans are a gifted bunch who love to give of themselves. What is more fun than hosting a Handmade Giveaway of your own special items?

Recently I came across a blog that caught my eye first because of the title '30 Is The New 20 Something' which was great news! Secondly because the site was just plain cute! I had to check it out further and guess what I found, a giveaway! Well, I consider myself to be a reasonably lucky person but my name has never been the one drawn as the lucky winner, so I have gotten out of the habit of signing up. However, that doesn't keep me from admiring the offered items. This time I found myself looking at this cute little sparkling penguin holding a bunch of pretty balloons on the front of a birthday card. How cute! It couldn't hurt to try one more time, right? So I tweeted and Facebooked and followed and did everything I was supposed to do knowing the whole time that I wouldn't win but that little penguin was just so darn cute!

Last Wednesday I got an email and in the subject line it said 'Winner of the Greeting Card Giveaway'. And I thought, well that's nice of Ashley to let everyone who signed up know who won. Usually you just never hear anything and it comes as no surprise that you aren't the winner. When I clicked on the email I had to read it twice - I Had Won! How could that be? That never happens to me!

By now you are probably thinking 'Okay so you won, big deal'. Well it is a big deal. Not only did I win but I won something handmade. Something that another person took special pride in making and there is not another one like it in the entire world. That is what makes my prize so special.

Today, a friend of mine had a birthday and she received a birthday card with a sparkling little penguin holding a bunch of multi-colored sparkling balloons. She loved the card and realized right away that it was handmade. That made it even more special to her!

What a nice thing to do, to give away the things you make to make someone's day. Thanks Ashley, for your generousity and thanks to Ashley's mom for doing the special video where the winner was drawn. You can visit Ashley's blog, 30 is the New 20 Something by clicking this link.

Paying it Forward

2009-10-20T11:08:00.010-04:00

Can I interest you in an act of kindness? Since becoming a part of the 'Handmade Community' the one thing that stands out to me the most is the generosity of the people. I am always surprised at the number of people in this group of artists that will welcome you to join their group, willingly share their hard earned knowledge and experience and will give away items they have created with their own hands to people they don't know in the name of 'paying it forward'.

I am struck by how generous we all can be when race, economic status, education and personal appearance never come into play. In this community I know so many people, some I talk to daily and some occasionally but most of them I have never seen. I can identify them by their abilities or by their avatar but not by their face and yet I call them friends. For all the negative things that can be said for socializing on the internet the 'Handmade Community' seems to have set it's own norms. One thing that remains consistent throughout is the sincere desire to be kind to each other, offering praise, encouragement and assistance to your fellow artist. Even in situations were we compete for recognition, the loser has praise for the winner. How wonderful the world would be if only this tradition were carried on 'in the real world'!

The practice of 'paying it forward' is second nature to many of us in the 'Handmade Community'. As the Holidays approach, let's be mindful to practice this generosity in our daily lives away from the computer. This year especially with so many people struggling financially let's remember to 'pay it forward' any way we can. So what do you say? Can I interest you in an act of kindness?

Souly Barb: Where funky meets traditional

2009-09-22T19:38:00.009-04:00

One evening while checking out Facebook I came across the most unique and totally fun item. I just had to get a better look. What was it you ask? A Tea Cozy! Oh yes. But not just any tea cozy. A funky, fuzzy little number with a Mohawk!! I was in love! I spent an hour just checking out the eye candy in the cutest Etsy shop called Souly Barb. Before I knew it I was posting my favorites to Facebook and 'hearting' everything I liked. Finally I just gave up and 'hearted' the shop! You see, I am not over it yet because today I am introducing you to Souly Barb.

You have to go no further than Barb's shop banner on Etsy to know that you are in for a treat. Who doesn't love brightly colored fuzzy things after all?

Meet Barb, the artist who creates these wonderfully fun and imaginative tea cozies. Barb obviously has a creative soul. She says for as long as she can remember she has dreamed of owning her own store. "Etsy has made my dream come true." says Barb. And what all will we find in her Etsy store? Lets take a look...

I should tell you that you may not find all of these are available at this very moment in Barb's shop because I am a customer as well as an admirer! However, Barb does take custom orders and will create a design that is uniquely you. "I started making teapot cozies about a year and half ago." Barb says. "I was designing and making purses at the time. One day I was having tea with my neighbor and I took a few purses with me to show her. She took one of them and put it up to the teapot and said 'wouldn't this look great as a teapot cozy?' I agreed and she was the first one to receive one. I made her a cozy to match her kitchen and she was so excited. She loved it. I've been going crazy ever since designing and creating these cozy little things to keep our tea hot." What a treat! Tea cozies are not the only item you'll find while exploring Souly Barb.

How about a mug cozy to help ward off that fall chill? Oh yes, you can request mug cozies to match your tea cozy. And customize your tea cozy to compliment your kitchen colors. How divine! But there is more. I mentioned I shopped for an hour. Well look what else I found!

With Christmas closer than I want to think about, wouldn't these make darling gifts for a young lady? This multicolored beanie is the prettiest blend of colors I have seen. Rivaled only by the beauty of the fuzzy little tea cozy that caught my eye in the first place.

So take a few moments out of your day. Sit down with a cup of tea and browse through Souly Barb. Can you just imagine your own fuzzy little teapot keeping your tea all warm and toasty while you browse? Plan ahead for those snowy days in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa all wrapped up in a pretty little mug cozy. I can't wait to get mine!

The Handmade Movement Weekly Giveaway has Begun!!

2009-09-06T12:33:00.004-04:00

What an exciting time for everyone involved in The Handmade Movement, home of the Sneak Attacks! Over the past year The Handmade Movement has made a name for itself sponsoring Sneak Attacks on unsuspecting Etsians, sometimes striking as many as three Etsy shops in one night to the utter delight of the shop owner who watches in amazement as their sales climb. Now a new element has been added in the form a Weekly Handmade Giveaway. The Handmade Movement continues to promote artists and their shops by making this giveaway open to everyone - not just shop owners. Promoting handmade is what it is all about and what a great way to do it!

Members of the S.N.E.A.K. Team (of which I am proudly one), invite everyone to join us for the Sneak Attacks, currently happening on Monday and Thursday nights. Learn more about the Sneak Attacks and The Handmade Giveaway by visiting The Handemade Movement website or clicking on the Giveaway picture in my sidebar. Be sure to join the S.N.E.A.K. Team in the Etsy Forum for a great time before during and after the attacks. See you there!

A Treasure Forever on Etsy

2009-08-29T11:38:00.021-04:00

Meet Holly, The artist behind A Treasure Forever on Etsy.com. I met Holly through Facebook and I have become an admirer of her work. I have one piece in particular to share with you that Holly has created that is my favorite. It was a difficult choice because she has such a variety of designs in her shop that I could see myself wearing several pieces. That being said. Here is my personal pick and I will tell you a little more about Holly.

This is the Dreamy Nights Purple Filigree Victorian Fringe Charm Necklace and Earring Set by Holly I absolutely love this set! Description: If you love the look of Victorian era jewelry, and the color purple, then take a look at this necklace and earring set I made just for you.
The focal piece is a lovely intricate filifree pendant with a lovely purple rhinestone in the center, with smaller rhinestones dotting the pendant.
Going up and around are a wealth of dangles, with the most gorgeous purple glass pearls, more Swarovski crystals than I can count, glass, brass, leaves, and more. The Swarovski crystal dangle earrings hang 1 1/2", not including the french hooks.

Let's find out more about this artist. Holly started exploring her 'artistic side' since her retirement from the work world and she says that she has yet to find an artistic style to call her own. As i browse through Holly's vast selection of designs in her Etsy shop I found beautiful pieces in a variety of 'styles' which makes her shop just that much more interesting.

I love these earrings. Cranberry Champagne Gold Boro Glass Swarovski Earrings Description: Here's that pair of earrings you'll just have to make room for on the earring rack, as it's the perfect pair to go from the boardroom to the boardwalk (wow, I sound SO Madison Avenue-ish. Really, these are such a special pair of boro glass pieces - deep inside are shades of cranberry red, overlaid with champagne swirls, all encased in clear glass - positively mesmerizing, and the effect is subtle and muted. I've paired champagne Swarovski rondelles, with facets that sparkle like diamonds.

This Rocks in the River Lampwork and Bali Gold Necklace by Holly necklace was another hit with me. Description: Glorious colors await you in the depths of these amazing lampwork beads. While they appear predominantly green, flecks of blue, gold, and copper give them a mesmerizing appearance.
Strung with gold Bali style beads and glass beads in a wide array of shapes, this necklace is a choker length of 16", with another 2+" for the beads.

How about something vintage? Vintage Ceramic Blue Floral Trinity Bracelet by Holly has the look you want. Description: I found the most wonderful vintage bracelet, made from aged ceramic floral motif beads. I took apart and remade it into 2 new bracelets...this first one has 3 curved tubes, with intricately delightful floral motifs. Crystal faceted glass Czech beads, gold glass pearls and Bali gold saucers have been added in complimenting colors.
After I made it, it struck me as having a "Trinity" theme, which I found particularly meaningful.

Charm bracelets are so...Charming! This one is truly beautiful and again, another favorite of mine. This is the Pink Passionflower Lavish Lampwork Crystal and Bali Silver Bracelet by Holly. What a delicate beauty! Description: This lavish lampwork bracelet is made with an abundance of PINK, Bali silver, crystals, pearls and glass beads in glorious shapes, sizes and colors.
The lovely floral lampwork beads have a pink core, with a clear covering of glass, and darling pink petaled flowers trailing across the surface. I've encased them in Bali silver bead caps of a leaf design, and to compliment them, I created and added dangles made of only the finest materials, that playfully splash in etween each lampwork bead, in colors of many shades of pink, white, silver, and a whisper of green: genuine pink quartz; Swarovski crystals in shades of rose, olivine, and large crystal Aurora Borealis flashing iridescent bicones; pink and white pearls; opaline; glass beads in many shapes, and many ornate Bali silver beads. The finishing touch is a wonderful grape leaf and vine Bali silver toggle clasp. Many hours went into the creation of this One-Of-A-Kind bracelet. You're guaranteed to be the only woman in the world with these artisan created pieces!

I could go on and on about what I found in Holly's shop that I loved but a better idea is for you to visit her shop and see everything she has to offer for yourself! One thing I know for certain, we all stand to benefit from Holly's beautiful creations while she strives to find her 'style'.

Visit A Treasure Forever and browse through Holly's designs. While you are there be sure to read her profile and visit her other Etsy shop, Painted Pets. If you love your pet you won't want to miss this!

eSMArts Team Splash of Color

2009-08-14T09:29:00.006-04:00

eSMArts Team Splash of Color

Amber Citrine and Copper Handcrafted Necklace by: UnicornGem1994
All of the work you see here was done by hand, by me. Nothing was purchased and added other than the natural amber and natural citrine gemstones. I wire wrapped this necklace using three different gauges of natural copper wire that is coated so it will not discolor. The necklace measures a little more than 18" in length, the pendant portion is detachable and measures 2 1/2 inches in width and length. 18 pieces of natural amber encrust the entire pendant portion of this necklace. There are four large faceted citrine stones scattered in the design. There are additional amber stones in the necklace portion as well.

Alpbach Schachtel--Heirloom Quality Hand Painted Shaker Style Wood Box by: ByCoco
The floated transparent color with opaque stroke work over a natural wood background is an example of traditional Austrian Alpbach style bauernmalerei (folk art painting), which typically shows off stained wood grain areas with a very stylized ornamental design. The colors used are beautiful muted earth tones including a rich burgundy, slate blue, autumn gold, and nutty brown. The textured dot flowers represent the Edelweiss flower. Lots of detailing with a liner brush is also typical of this regional style, which is prevalent in the Tirol Mountains of Austria between Salzburg and Innsbruck.

Wire Wrapped Aventurine Stone by: ImagesByJer
This is a blue stone with a touch of green. It reminds me of the water just at the edge of the surf in a tropical place!
Some interesting things about this stone:
Aventurine is a translucent to opaque variety of microcrystalline quartz. It contains small inclusions of shiny minerals which give the stone a sparkling effect known as aventurescence. Inclusions of mica will give a silverish sheen, while inclusions of hematite give a reddish or grayish sparkle.

Where The Wolf Ran by: KickingBear
Waya Tsunstanunyi (Where the wolf ran, in Cherokee)
This is the first in a series of Cherokee story bowls where I take the stories of an oral tradition heritage and try to make them into a visual piece of history.

This gourd bowl measures 21 inches around with a diameter of 7 inches.
The opening is 5 inches in diameter with a height of 4 1/2 inches. It is decorated with blue beads and copper cones with Bluebird feathers. It tells the Cherokee story of how the Milky Way was made.

Egyptian Flower Princess by: JewelryElegance
Vivid colors and a Unique Multimedia Beaded Mask

The design was create on a mache base, with each bead individually glued in place. The design background is composed of 11/0 champagne seed beads to create the face, with plum delicas creating the vibrant lips. More delicas were incorporated into the design to accent the eyes and her tears. Vibrant purple, hot pink, orange, green, and blue bugle beads compose the flowers petals, with fire polished beads creating the flower centers. The headpiece is constructed of 12 gauge and 14 gauge gold Parawire coils, the front of the headpiece band features Viking Knitting and gold bugle beads.

Ruby Red Marble Magnets by: WashWhenDirty
Spice up your kitchen or office with these glass marble magnets.

Oversized marble magnets - approx. 1 1/4" in diameter.

The magnets are super strong, however all fridges are built differently.
They may or may not adhere to your fridge depending on the surface or build of your fridge.

High Priestess by: SandTCreations
Command attention and respect when you wear this necklace! This is truly dazzling; only a confident self assured woman will wear this, I'm sure. Don't be bullied around or stuck in the back, make everyone take notice and heed your message.

Beautiful red glass beads, of various sizes, are the backdrop for the stunning gold coins, cast in ancient shapes of money. This necklace measures 18 inches with a 3 inch extender so you can put this on with a dress or under a suit! Come on, you don't have to be a drama queen to wear a dramatic piece of jewelry!

Medallion Pendant in Fuschia by: Studio618
The pendant has two hoops of garnet beads framing around a coin shaped fuschia jade. A wire coiled bail at the top and silver beads at the bottom garnish the piece.

This pendant is approximately 1-3/8" x almost 1", and comes with an 18" long sterling bead chain. All sterling used has an antique patina with polished highlights.

A unique hand formed pendant.

Pretty in Pink Cross by: AdagioBeadcrafters
Pretty pink glass pearls and cloisonne beads in lovely shades of rose combine with lead free pewter beads and cross in this necklace.

Silver plated chain and toggle clasp complete the design, which is 18 inches in length.

Diane Geisel,The Artist behind My Gemstone Box

2009-07-05T14:24:00.031-04:00

Today I am spotlighting the designs of Diane Geisel, the artist behind My Gemstone Box. Diane is the Social Marketing Director for eSMArts Team. The Etsy Social Marketing Arts Guild (eSMArts Guild) is a global collaborative of mixed media artisans intent on further understanding and applying eCommerce advertising and promotion techniques. She is also the Editor for the Jewelry Collecting channel at BellaOnline. Diane has obviously made a commitment to promoting handmade items and has designed beautiful jewelry of her own showcased in her shop UnicornGem1994 on Etsy.com Some of my favorite pieces are spotlighted below.

Chalcedony Shades of Aqua Necklace. This silver tone necklace is chock full of different size, shape, and finish beads in lovely aqua colors. Swarovski aqua crystals are mixed with clear faceted aqua glass beads, pearlized aqua beads and a ceramic cenerpiece of glazed aqua and copper. The faceted teardrop gemstones on the ends of necklace are sea blue quartz. All are wrapped up in silver wire.

Cherry Flame Quartz Egyptian Facets Bracelet This piece features a large Brazilian cherry flame quartz gem surrounded by lovely copper... in three colors~gold, silver and natural. The wire design is called Egyptian mystery and has been used in jewelry for centuries. The gems used for accents on this piece are round faceted cherry quartz and Opalite faceted rondelles.

London Blue Topaz in Blue Ice Necklace Diane said about this piece: One of my favorite jewelry making magazines is "Step by Step Wire Jewelry". In the September volume, I fell in love with this necklace called the Scroll gate chain. I had to give it a try. I made this necklace from hammered 22 gauge silver wire, wrapped with 32 gauge wire and a lovely 23 ct. Ice blue topaz as the focal. When the sunlight hits this topaz you will understand immediately why I named it "Blue Ice".

There are plenty more stunning pieces to delight you in Diane's Etsy shop so please take a moment to vist, you will be glad you did. To find out more about Diane and see more of her jewelry you can visit her blog My Gemstone Box. For a real treat view Diane's video of her latest styles on YouTube!

I've Been TAGGED!!

2009-06-25T19:40:00.019-04:00

I've been tagged by Jennifer Bernard Swiderski the artist of Wisdom Path Art! Thanks Jenn!! I have never been tagged before and have never even heard of it but it sounds like fun so I'm game.

If you find your work showcased below check your email and you will find that I have Tagged YOU too! But first...Kudos to you Jenn, for tagging me! To find out more about Jenn and view her amazing art click the link below. :D

Click Here to Visit WisdomPathArt

Click Here to Visit AlwaysWiredBeadLady

Click Here to Visit AprilsOriginals

Click Here to Visit ElektraJewelry

Click Here to Visit MichiganHemp

Click Here to Visit PepperCorns2

Click Here to Visit iWunder

Click Here to Visit cjgrand

Click Here to Visit kittredgecandles

The 2 rules of tagging are: (this is what you do)
1. respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replacing my answers with yours, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention,
add one more question of your own (don't feel obliged as it's quite long already!)
2.Tag eight other people (and, let them know, of course!)

Ok, so here goes :

What is your current obsession? Making jewelry for my boutique on Etsy and my new studio on Artfire, Jeweled Hummingbird.

What is your greatest achievement? Raising my daughter to be the kind of person I can respect and admire.

Coffee or Tea? Well, that depends on when you ask! I drink both...iced in summer and hot in winter.

What's for dinner? Tonight was pizza. Not very original huh?

What have you just made? I just finished a ruby lampwork necklace that I love!

What are you listening to right now? Boney James, Smooth Jazz, Ride CD.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Hmmm, strawberry cheesecake.

What do you think of the person who tagged you? I think Jenn is gifted, talented and very spiritual.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Snorkeling off the island of St. Croix. (Can I have more than an hour please?)

What’s your favorite quote (for now)? I really don't do quotes.

What is your favorite colour? Purple!!

What is your dream job? One where I travel all over the world and make loads of money doing it.

Do you admire any one’s style? Style? No! I have respect for people who are real and honest.

Describe your personal style? lol I'm not sure how to answer that! I am me, what you see is what you get! Oh, that could be my favorite saying I guess!

What are you going to do after this? I have to email eight people and let them know what I'm doing! lol

What is your favorite fruit? Kiwi, but I like all types of fruit.

What inspires you? Life! Everything inspires me!

Your favorite book? I love books in general and really don't have a favorite. I can always find time to read.

Do you collect something? I collect antiques, books and jewelry I guess. I have more books than anything.

What are you most proud of? My family is very important to me and I am very proud of them.

OK, by now no one is reading anymore so I am going to stop. If you want to know more you can Tweet me and get an answer! Great job for answering everything Jenn!

So....if you received an email and saw your creation posted above, you are up next...Good Luck! Don't let me down now. I can't wait to read your blog!

Meet Rosella, The Artist Behind Painted Memories by Rosella

2009-06-03T19:41:00.011-04:00

I met Rosella in the Sneak Attack forum while we were all anxiously awaiting 7:00pm to find out what shops we would be 'attacking'. I have always enjoyed checking out the shops of my fellow 'Sneakers' while we wait and I happened into Rosella's shop. I found the most beautiful fine art note cards and shop promo stickers that could be custom ordered with your shop avitar. I was impressed with Rosella's work and so pleased with my purchase that I wanted to share her story with you and she kindly agreed to answer a few questions for me.

Rosella, how did you get started on Etsy?
I got started on Etsy after I took an iWeb course at the Apple Store (I have a Mac). One of the instructors there told me about it and I looked into it and decided what a great idea. I set up my website but it really hasn't generated sales like I thought it would and Etsy gave such a broad exposure, I wanted to try it. I signed up May 15, 2008.

What is your favorite item to create and why?
My favorite items to create right now are the Shop Promo Stickers. I really enjoy coming up with designs for the shops. Sometimes I get really carried away and give them too many options to choose from! It's lots of fun and I've made lots of new friends.

Do you have plans to start any new projects we can let people know about?
I haven't really got any particular plans for new projects, usually they just happen, like the stickers. Deirdre from Parasox came up with the idea and between her and Karen of Runs with Scissors, they were born. Over the past year I have gotten a terrific piece of computer equipment that I want to experiment more with. It's a Wacom Cintiq Tablet, which is a touch screen monitor that I can draw directly on and in combination with Corel Painter X, I can paint. Examples of this technique are shown in my cards; "Yep His Tractor's Sexy, Hot Summer Day and all of the Golf Course cards. I think it's harder to do than actual painting!
I've been busy with designing stickers and being on the SA forums way too much (they are so addicting and such a nice bunch of people), that I haven't gotten back to painting anything new. LOL

Thanks Rosella for taking the time to chat with me and for the beautiful works of art you have created for us to enjoy. Please visit Painted Memories by Rosella by clicking a link below.

Painted Memories By Rosella on Etsy
Painted Memories by Rosella on Artfire

A new Desire

2009-06-02T20:50:00.003-04:00

Lately, for some unknown reason, I have become intrigued by pieces of jewelry that have very large or unusual focal points. I have no idea when or why this change has come about but I have decided to 'go with it' and see what I can find and then create something new and different with it. So, over the weekend I set out to see what was available and came home with some totally different pieces than what I normally would have. I have spent the last couple of days creating new pieces of jewelry out of what seems to be a new flare for the more pronounced jewelry. What do you think?

My Weekend Project

2009-05-17T19:13:00.008-04:00

Thursday night I sold a bracelet from my Etsy shop that I absolutely loved. There is always that element of excitement when you get a sale and this time was no different except that the bracelet was the first of it's kind that I had ever made and I thought it was the prettiest piece I had made so far. I was a little sad to put it in the mail. Oddly, when I told my mom that my Wild Flower Garden bracelet had sold she reacted the same way I did. She was happy for the sale but sad that the bracelet was sold. So, Friday night I decided to make another 'new and (if possible) improved' bracelet. There is nothing like giving yourself a challenge!

Tonight, yes it is Sunday night, I have finished and posted my new creation to my Etsy shop. I am pleased with it and I think I have achieved my goal.

Meet my Favorite Source of Entertainment!

2009-05-12T13:19:00.006-04:00

This is Sheena, my trusted and loyal housemate. I would say that she doesn't talk back - but she does, she doesn't make demands - but she does, I don't have to cook for her - but I do, so...it's almost like living with another person around. But there is no person that would greet me at the door every night with a full body wiggle from head to toe and their tongue hanging out. Which I guess I could say is a good thing!

Lately the local news channel has been running spots showing families dropping off their pets at shelters because there just isn't enough money to feed them or because the family has lost their home and can't take their pets to a rented apartment. This breaks my heart. I cannot imagine losing everything, and then being forced to give up a member of the family as well. Hence the reasons for this blog.

The Animal Shelter in the county that you live in, or a nearby county is taking in these pets that no longer have a home. Just like the people who were forced to give them away, the pets have lost their home and family. Please don't forget that those shelters cannot stay open without funds to keep them operational. Many of them would happily accept a bag of dog food you have a coupon for, so rather than throw it away why not make a donation?

Secondly, if you have a space to rent why not allow an uprooted family to keep their pet? I know that is asking a lot and many people do not care for property that is not theirs like they would their own but right now - after losing everything - allowing a family to keep their beloved dog or cat would mean so much to them that you probably would never have to worry about it. Just think about what it would mean to you to be given that gift.

I could go on but I have said all I need to. Just some food for thought, From Sheena and I.

Letting Go of Stress

2009-05-05T07:59:00.005-04:00

I found this little gem on The Modern Goddess Online website and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it with you. I know that none of us have any stress in our lives (lol) but I think you will enjoy this too.

*****

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, How heavy is this glass of water?

Answers called out ranged from 8oz. To 20oz.

The lecturer replied, The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance.

In each case it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.

He continued, and that’s the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.

So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don’t carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you’ve rested.

Life is short. Enjoy!

And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
* If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
* Never buy a car you can’t push.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Springtime in Ohio

2009-04-28T07:44:00.011-04:00

Well time has certainly gotten away from me! Here in northwestern Ohio we have had four days straight of sunshine and temperatures in the 80's! Sadly, that will end today with rain and it is getting cooler as I write this. That is okay though, all my bushes and flowers that have popped up this past week need a drink.

A few years ago I planted two hybrid hollyhocks in my backyard hoping they would grow and multiply. I was told that they are not as common in this area anymore so I kept my fingers crossed. Well, I have hollyhocks everywhere! And they are stunning! This is what I had last year and they have multiplied again and again. I am so excited to see what they will be like this year.

Congratulations to Theresa Cole of Michigan Hemp for winning Blockhead Radio's Artisan Challenge! Thanks to all who voted and supported her!

Visit my boutique on Etsy I have lots of new items and a Mother's Day Special Sale going on now!

Don't Forget to Vote for Michigan Hemp!

2009-04-20T13:51:00.001-04:00

Blockhead Radio's Artisan Challenge is featuring an artist this week that I have joined on many a 'Sneak Attack'. Theresa Cole of Etsy's Michigan Hemp has a beautiful Hemp Purse in the Challenge that is a must see! So visit Blockhead Radio and give Theresa your vote, then visit her store for more glorious finds.

Don't forget, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday you want to visit the Handmade Movement website before the Sneak Attack. Click the button on the right side of this page or the link below. Once there click the link to the forum and join all of us who are waiting to add another 'victim' to our list.

http://michiganhemp.etsy.com
http://blockheadradiolive.com/cba
http://www.handmademovement.com
http://shadesofvictoria.etsy.com

It's a Beautiful Day!

2009-04-18T12:03:00.000-04:00

Today is a beautiful day here in Northwestern Ohio. The temperature is about to hit 70+, the birds are searching the lawn for seeds and insects and my dog, Sheena, is basking in the sun. I plan to join her outside soon but I am fulfilling a promise to myself that I would take care of business first - then I can enjoy the remainder of the day.

Since I last wrote I have taken part in four Sneak Attacks! Yep, I haven't missed one yet. I was right, I am totally addicted and enjoying it ever so much. Lately the 'victims' have been charities so it makes it even more worthwhile to participate. If you haven't yet joined in the fun please give it a try. And, on the topic of helping others...

The eSMArts Team (etsy Social Marketing Artisans)that I have recently joined has a store on Etsy that the team members contribute to in an effort to help others in need. We do not support a specific charity but we are hoping to make a difference in the life or lives of those who need help. Please visit out team shop from time to time and see if there isn't something there that might enrich your life while helping out someone else. I have a link posted at the end of today's blog. Also, all the team member's shops are listed in the right hand column and they are clickable links to their stores if you are in the mood to browse!

I have also added a few new items to my Etsy store this morning and have several more that I need to add. Funny, I can find the time to make the jewelry but can't seem to get it listed! Maybe that is because my passion is in making the designs I create and once created I want to do it again and again. lol

I had a wonderful, enjoyable Easter with my family and trust all of you did as well. Right now Spring is beckoning me to come out and enjoy the day so, I am out of here!!

http://esmarts.etsy.com
http://shadesofvictoria.etsy.com

Sneak Attack!

2009-04-09T08:12:00.001-04:00

Last night at 7:00pm on the nose I participated in my first 'Sneak Attack" on two shops on Etsy.com. What a BLAST!! I am totally addicted! I found out about The Handmade Movement right here on byhand.me while I was browsing through. Three days ago I had no idea that any of these sites or events even existed. I can't tell you how much fun it has been to explore and become involved, even in such a small way, in promoting someone's handmade items. I checked out the Forum on Etsy last night and found a 'Sneak Attack' thread and joined a group of other artisans anxiously waiting for the clock to strike 7:00pm so we could all descend on our unexpecting 'victims'. If you haven't tried this, it is a must ~ but be warned, once will not be enough!! As we bought our items we all came back and posted links so others could see what treasures we had purchased. This was still going on at 9:30pm! I can see that I am going to have to keep a tight hand on my wallet with a 'Sneak Attack' happening every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! lol

http://shadesofvictoria.blogspot.com
http://www.shadesofvictoria.etsy.com
http://www.handmademovement.com/

Brand new to byhand.me!

2009-04-08T08:45:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I am brand new to byhand.me and I am having a blast just looking around. I have no experience with blogging so I am going to give this a try and see how it goes. All of the artisians on this site have amazing creations and this has really been an eye opening experience for me. It is like a whole new world has been opened up for me to play in! I have checked into some of the contests and they are going to be such fun. I look forward to seeing what all everyone has to offer.

I recently opened a jewelry boutique on Etsy and want to invite you to check it out. All the items are designed and created by me with some special thoughts in mind. I have used nickel-free chains and earwires whenever possible and have sized my designes larger to fit those of us who have 'bigger bones'. Of course everything can be customized. I have a lot more to list so keep checking back to see what is new. www.shadesofvictoria.etsy.com

Shades of Victoria

2009-04-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

My name is Sheree and I just recently opened my online jewelry boutique on Etsy.com. I have found jewelry making to be very therapeutic for me and I really enjoy coming up with new designs and creating something beautiful a few hours later ~ okay, sometimes it is quite a bit more hours than that! Now, I have some of my items in my boutique to share with others who appreciate the value of things handmade. I have a lot more pieces to add but I am now torn between the desire to create new jewelry, the desire to promote my shop online and the desire to blog! Such is life! Who could complain though because it is wonderful to have options.

So, I would like to invite you to visit my boutique and see if perhaps something that struck my fancy enough for me to create touches you and causes you to desire to own it. Then we will both benefit and the cycle will continue.

www.shadesofvictoria.etsy.com