NEWBIE 1

If you see a set that you would like to reserve and have made to your specifications, please email me (address in my profile) ASAP. If you see something that grabs your eye and you have a vision of what you want it to look like, catch me quick! I plan on getting started on these tomorrow!

These were the ones that caught my eye in the shipping box first. I love this cobalt blue with swirls of yellow, purple, turquoise, cream and brown. I know there is a lot of color here and you would think that you wouldn't be able to wear these with much, but to me they incorporate all color tones and could wear them with anything! I might keep these, too! HEE HEE! Enjoy the rest below!

NEWBIE 2

OKAY, I think I need to look into some photography lessons! These are just beautiful in person, they are a beautiful peachy pink and a really vibrant grassy green. The two small beads have a matte (not glossy) finish, and I like that because it adds some texture to the set.

NEWBIE 3

GORGEOUS! I love these little things! They have the most beautiful colors in them. From a dusty pink to a deep eggnog cream and some smokey bluegray! I might just have to keep this set for ME! It is Christmas after all!

NEWBIE 4

These are beautiful beads, seriously almost the exact same color as the paper they are displayed on. I use the same background in every picture to try and provide a consistant look to the blog, but I may just have to photograph these again on a dark colored paper so you can appreciate the frit work in thse beads!

NEWBIE 5

This set here coordinates with the one below. These round, flattened style of bead are called lentils. I love the way this style feels on your wrist, they just kind of hug your hand! I might just have to mix up the two sets to get more bracelets out of them!

NEWBIE 6

This set is probably one of my favorites of this order. I love the "frit" look. That is what this style of spotty colorations is called, I believe. You take a hot bead and roll it in crushed (colored) glass and reheat to melt in the colors and then there are sometimes reactions... COOL, EH?

I THINK that is how it is done, unless I have been mis-informed!

NEWBIE 7

The swirls in these are a beautiful golden color with rust and cream on black. I couldn't quite get the picture to show the colors correctly on the monitor. THEN AGAIN, maybe it is my monitor!

ALMOST to the END! Keep Going!

NEWBIE 8

Do these make you think of caramels or butterscotch?? YUMMY, I almost had to lick them and roll these babies around in my mouth! These pictures just don't do the colors justice, trust me.

NEWBIE 9

Here is Numero Uno... I wanted to get some lampwork that was on the more neutral-side. So, I picked up a bunch of blacks, browns, creams and grays... However, I couldn't resist a couple that were on the colorful spectrum.

Here is a more formal set using black and white. I think I might throw in some red with these... Or maybe just keep it on the grayscale with Swarovski's Black Diamond or Crystal Satin colors. I think these are so elegant looking, what'cha think??

NEW BEADS have arrived!

Let me go grab the camera and take some pics and I will post ASAP!!!!!!

THEY are GORGEOUS!!!

The WORD is spreading!

I just realized that the keychains below weren't posted with prices. These two are $35.00 each. All sterling with some lampwork, Swarovski crystals and solid sterling key ring and chain. One gal who bought one of my keychains at the show this past weekend, showed hers to a friend... AND her friend called me! She ordered 4 keychains to be given as gifts for Christmas to the ladies in her family!

I told her why I thought it was a great gift. I was once given a keychain as a gift from a boyfriend. And although it wasn't sterling or any type of precious metal I know how I loved it and thought of him each time I used my keys. Of course I ditched it when I ditched him, but the fond memories I have using it when I was 'in love' (yeah, right!) still linger. And, honestly, if it had been made of sterling silver, I probably would have kept it. But the 'gold' had tarnished to a metal color, so I don't think KMart would have appreciated me trying to return it, do you think? HA HA!

Enjoy your night!

Getting into the Spirit!

Here is my KayLee two years ago when she was 2 at Christmas-time.

I ran across it and just had to share!

Almost the weekend, WOOHOO!

Happy Thursday to ya! I am actually getting stuff done. After I took KayLee to pre-school, Isaac fell asleep on the way home! SO, after I dropped off the Psalm's bracelet (finally, Thanks, Diane!) I quickly put him to bed for a nap when I got home. I am about to place an order for some things I need to get some custom orders started AND hopefully FINISHED next week! I really want to wrap up all of the custom orders by end of next week so I can get into the festive mood with the kids and start decorating (NO, I haven't done it yet!) making some Christmas cookies, trying out some new recipes, etc.

That is the good thing about working for yourself. You get to work and/or play when you want, as often as you want, how you want... Keeping in mind that you have to keep the customer happy and satisfied at all times! NOT a difficult task, if you ask me, I quite enjoy putting smiles on people's faces!

I need to go get started on a 'name frame' that someone ordered this past weekend. You know the kind, a long rectangular frame that displays a first or last name constructed with paper and embellishments. This gal knew of my paper crafting and asked if I could make one like the ones displayed by another vendor/friend of mine at the craft show. SO, since I had the frames already bought I happily agreed. I so enjoy paper crafting! It is amazing to me to find what you can create with a little imagination, some decorative paper, ribbon and good ol' rubber stamps and ink! I can't wait to do this project as it brings me back to my love of paper and gives me a break from the jewelry. THEN when I do get to the next set of beads I will have my mind all refreshed and ready to go!

OH, and on that note... The nine sets of beads were sent on Monday from Florida, so they should be here any day! They might even be out in my mailbox now. I looked too soon a bit ago and didn't have any mail at all.... so I KNOW that the postman didn't get here yet. I think there has only been one day in the past 6 1/2 years I have been married that we didn't get any mail! So, check back later to see the new sets!

Final Drop Off & MORE!

I dropped off my items at This Olde House, and the owner, Karen, quickly opened a couple of boxes. I could tell she liked what she saw, so that was really nice! I then decided to finally go to the bank to deposit my money from this past weekend's show... Do you know that the bank said they "couldn't" take my change at the drive-thru? She said it takes too much time. I explained that I had three kids in the car, one of the sleeping. Didn't matter. THEN, I looked around and noticed the other two lanes empty, no one even in line behind me. I drew her attention to those facts, and she said, "I'm sorry, it is our policy." I then enlightened her that this same bank took my change two weeks ago through the drive-thru with not ever alerting me of this policy. Again, she didn't budge. So, being "not happy" I left, went to the post office and went to the bank's north-side branch intending to only deposit the checks and paper-cash. Do you know that when I got there, good ol' Enrique says, "Oh, we can take your change, that is not a problem!" I told him about the other branch saying it was against their policy and he said, "Oh, we do it all the time!"

SO, WHO do you think is wanting to kiss Enrique through the glass now? Heh Heh!! I was never so thankful to a banker ever. What type of bank can seriously expect a woman with three kids, one of them sleeping, to unload them all just to deposit $19.00 in change? It's not like I had $65.00 in change! And there weren't any pennies!!!!!!!! AGH! I don't think I will be patronizing the south-side branch anymore, and someone may just get a call to his boss to tell them how he was so customer-oriented and helpful today!

ANOTHER Delay

Hi All! That stupid monitor blowing really put me off schedule! I haven't even had time to re-string a Psalm's bracelet for drop-off as I promised! UGH! Sorry, Diane!

I have officially run out of time to get my jewels to This Olde House. I still need to get everything tagged appropriately with my Consigner's number, price tags in the bags of Christmas Card Sets, etc. SO, I need to go get the kiddo's now, we are going to do our weekly visit to McDonald's Drive-Thru (if they were good at Geri's), then I will finish up everything and go to Karen's around 3pm. Sometime before or after I pick up Eli at Kindergarten I will drop off my jewelry and other items for your shopping pleasure!

Have a SUPAH afternoon!!!!!

Custom Birth Announcements

As you know, I love anything custom... I just made these for a little boy who was born in October. His first name is Anderson (my last name); his Daddy's name is Josh (my eldest son's name); his sister's name is Kayleigh (I have a daughter, KayLee) AND his middle name is Lee, my Dad's middle name, hence why we capitalized KayLee's name! Isn't that too weird?? I thought I would post these announcements. I didn't make them into cards, I made them as magnets, so that the recipient would actually keep it. Most people don't know what to do with birth announcements, so since there are only 18, I imagine the people who get it will be close family and friends who wouldn't mind putting it on their fridge or file cabinet at work. I made two color schemes, didn't they turn out good? Have a super day!

Sterling Keychains!!

Here are two keychains for you to oooogle and drool over. I had to finish some birth announcements last night, so getting these posted got pushed aside. That migraine has put me off track, plus I just had my computer monitor blow, so I had to take time to find an old one, hook it up and start back up again! GEEZ what a morning and it isn't even 10AM!!!!!!!

Out with an afternoon migraine!

Hey there~Just a head's-up that I didn't make it to This Olde House today. I WILL for sure go tomorrow morning before noon. I was planning to go this afternoon, but after I picked up Eli and KayLee from their schools I had to lay down with Isaac who was taking a nap. My head was hurting something fierce and quickly turned into a mild migraine. My hubby came home just in time to give me some migraine medicine and I just got up (2 1/2 hours later) and feel somewhat better, but still slightly medicated.

Thank goodness I have a wonderful gal who watches my kids for just three hours on Wednesday mornings from 7:45am to 10:45am! That is all the free time I get, so I will make use of it tomorrow by taking my stuff to Karen's (This Olde House) and then checking with a couple of other places that may carry my jewelry. You can go check out Karen's anytime after noon tomorrow! She also has some really wonderful decor at very reasonable prices, in my opinion.

I had four people stop me in Wal-Mart and ask about 'Jasper' below. This is a normal reaction when I wear my lampwork bracelets. I gave everyone my card and told them to check me out here and also at Karen's this afternoon. I hope they read the blog and understand how I got under the weather, if they actually did decide to go to This Olde House!

I am off to finish healing my head and will hopefully take a pic of the sterling keychains when I feel back to normal. I kept one today for myself and also had compliments on it as well. All Sterling, all Swarovski, all HIGH quality lampwork; PERFECT gift for the mom-in-law or bestfriend in your life! JUST $35.00 for some major bling they will use everyday!!!

Blessings on your evening!

Jasper's Gold

Hey all! I figured I would post the bracelet I am hoping finds a new home today! I am headed to Wal-Mart, so I slipped this one on earlier to show off and hopefully sell! I normally do not wear the jewelry I intend to sell, (unless I need to double check how a pointy toggle feels when worn or something like that), but I am wearing a brown shirt with the exact same color in it as this bracelet, so I had to put it on. Everytime I put a new bracelet on, I swear I say I am going to keep it and not sell it. BUT if I did that, man would I be broke!

I will call this one 'Jasper's Gold'. Our Jasper High School colors are black and gold! It has a variety of browns, orange-yellow, amber and gold, and even a touch of gray. For as much color as it has, it actually is a very neutral bracelet that can be worn with a lot of different outfits! This one is yours for $72.00! I hope you like it!

My Apologies!

GEEZ, you know how I can ramble on.... I am so sorry for all of the long chatting in my posting lately. AND with NO pictures!! BORING! I didn't have the camera available to me for 4 days since my hubby had it with him out of town, hence no new pics. And, on that note, I haven't actually seen it return, so I sincerely hope he didn't forget to bring it home!

BUT, I just wanted to make a "POST" to tell you to keep scrolling down for pictures of bracelets that are still available, and some that are sold. If they have found a new home, they have "SOLD" added beneath their photo.

I just wanted to let you all know this, since I had a lot of people from this weekend's show take down my blog address and figured if I have any newbies logging on to lurk around I wanted you to know to SCROLLLLL DOWN!!!!

I hope those 9 new bead sets come in tomorrow! The mailman is like Santa to me! So, keep checking to see the new ones, they are just AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a SUPAH evening! (I am going to see if I can spot the camera so I can get it charged up to take pictures of the new sets BEFORE they get made into jewelry when they come in!)

23rd Psalm Bracelet

Hi Everyone! I am busy today finishing up some custom birth announcements. I love custom-anything, you know. You want it, I will make it! HA HA! I really enjoy having an assortment of hobbies, it keeps it interesting!

I am going to post an item that I have in inventory. It isn't my typical Artistic Lampwork type of bracelet, but something that you may like to have for yourself or to give at Christmas. I have about 6 in inventory and don't want to keep them all for myself, so NOW is the time to sell them with the gift-giving season upon us! Email me if you would like one!

NOW, this one pictured below is actually MINE and has a toggle clasp; however, the ones I have in stock have a nice-sized lobster claw clasp instead. The style with the lobster clasp is $35.00. If you would rather have a toggle-style bracelet made I can do that as well, it is just $4.00 more. I do not claim to have designed this bracelet on my own. I have CASEd it (Copy And Share Everywhere) and sell it for a lesser price. I do know of other's that are selling the same "23rd Psalm type" of bracelet and theirs may be cheaper in price, but they are also cheaper in quality, as well.

I use only the finest Bali silver and sterling beads and toggles. NOTHING cheap-o in my style of bracelets, as you can see below. And, I might add that I found this in a catalog priced at $45.00, not including shipping and tax. SO, I have priced mine appropriate to the materials involved, as well as the time it takes to assemble, package and sell. I just want you to be mindful of what you purchase in sterling. Sterling itself isn't all that expensive. What makes my jewelry more on the pricey side is the lampwork involved. I have purchased lampwork from $3.00 a bead to $45.00 for, YES, JUST ONE, bead.

If you haven't seen it before, it is pretty self-explanatory. This bracelet is made of all sterling and Swarovski crystals. There are 10 different colored 8mm crystals that symbolize a part of the 23rd Psalm; as follows...

The LORD is my Shepherd (white); I shall not be in want. He maketh me to lie down in green (green)pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters(blue). He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the path of righteousness (clear) for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death(black), I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff (brown)they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil (yellow), my cup (purple) runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy (pink)shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord (gold)forever.

HOME!

Hey gang, I just got home from the show with Josh, who stuck it out with me again. We unloaded and are taking a load off! Man, I need a nap! I am glad to have the shows over in a way, so I can begin to enjoy the holidays. I came across some wonderfully awesome recipes that I am going to try. Does Praline Pumpkin Cheesecake sound good? It is half-cheesecake on bottom, pumpkin pie on top and toffee (Heath bar crumbled) crunch on top, drizzled in hot fudge sauce! YIKERS! JUST PUT IT ON MY THIGHS NOW! HA HA!

I am going to get back into the swing of things and start some traditions with my kids that my mom used to do with us; like making sugar cookies and decorating them, making some ornaments, stuff like that. I think that is how I came across my crafty/artsy talent as a young girl.

On a business-note... I will be taking my jewelry and some other items to 'This Olde House' on 9th & Newton Sts. this week; and will also be confirming a couple of other places that are interested in my jewels as well. SO, if that pans out, I will let you know where else you can find my goodies. And, as always, if you would like an email when a new item is posted available for sale, just email me your address and I will get you on my mailing list. I will not spam you with other info, nor will I email you when I post a note like this one. You will just be "alerted", if you will, when a new item is up for sale. This may be one time a day to one time a month, depending on the season or when I find some beads I just have to buy and share with you all! My email address is on the left in my profile!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the day and a HUGE THANKS to everyone who came out and saw me this weekend and bought some of my crafts and jewelry!

Last Day of the Show!!

I had a totally SUPAH day yesterday at the Armory's Arts & Craft Show! I got to spend the entire day with my eldest, Josh, who is 17 1/2. I think it is so funny that he doesn't mind (and actually wants) to do craft shows with me, but then at other times he doesn't want to be seen with me picking him up at church or something like that.... He's so cute!

I had a wonderful number of sales and a bunch of people took my card to place custom orders or to call later. AND I got to spread the word about the beauty of lampwork! I love it so much! The attention to detail, the color combinations and the talent that goes into each bead just fascinates me!

After today, Karen Seufert who owns This Olde House on Newton Street, here in Jasper, will be displaying (and hopefully selling!!) my jewelry. Of course, I will not stop making cards and other PAPERRRR crafts; you know how I get bored! So, I will just switch from jewelry to cards to crochet to whatever tickles my fancy at the moment. Someone asked me the other day if I was ADHD! HA HA! NO, I just have always been VERY crafty and been creative since childhood. I get it from my mother, she makes quilts now, but in the past did stained glass and cross-stitch mostly.

Well, I will have to post again later. I need to go get my mojo mosey-ing to the show now. I have nine more sets of beads still in the process of coming to be set into jewelry, mostly earrings and bracelets. Necklaces don't seem to sell much, so I tend to stay away from those. BUT I enjoy making them if someone asks! So, you need to check back and get a glimpse of the new lampwork beads coming soon. They are an even different style of lampwork that I have posted (down) below; and they are mostly in browns, blacks, and neutral tones. SO they could go with just about any outfit! Have a SUPAH Sunday today and I hope you all come out to see me at the show!!

Gobble Gobble....

IS ALL I DID YESTERDAY! I just love pumpkin pie with whipped cream! My hubby and I took the three little ones (Josh went to his Grandma's on his Dad's side - I am re-married for those new readers out there!) to his mom and dad's for Thanksgiving. He stayed up there with the kids to visit, but since I have the art/craft show this weekend, it was a short trip for me. We got to his mom's about 12:30pm and I returned home about 12 hours later! Now that doesn't sound bad until you realize that his mom and dad live 3 1/2 hours away in northern Indiana!! But the food was worth the drive alone! Gobble Gobble!!!!

SO, needless to say, I am pooped. Josh and I got set up for this weekend's show out at the Armory today. I have tons of room since it looks like people around me cancelled. This gave me the ability to add an additional table and spread everything out! It makes everything look nicer I think, with the jewels not being so squished together. I am looking forward to it, but then again I can't wait for it to be over so I can start getting into the Christmas spirit with less stress and more play-time with the kids!

I made some new goodies today.... a couple of necklaces, some watches and some totally AWESOME (with a capital A) keychains. The keychains are even sterling silver! They are a steal. I didn't realize that the keychain itself was so expensive until I pulled the invoice. I should add on another 6-9 just for the keychain, I was way off in my guessing on that one! OH WELL, I am too lazy to pull them out and re-price now, I need to go to bed!!

I would post a keychain but my honey has the camera with him up north! The show tomorrow is 10-5pm, by the way! I will post a pic of one Sunday evening UNLESS they all sell by then! You better come see them before they are gone! Sunday's show is 10-4pm. I hope to see you all there!!

Happy Thanksgiving! ONE MORE!

Here is a final beauty for you! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Honestly this photo doesn't show the different colors of purple as the bracelet actually showcases! There is a lavender, a plum and almost an eggplant color, with some blue undertones. I am going to take time off from the computer to get the final details done for the upcoming craft show this weekend. Email me if you need anything! OH, and on that note, this one is $76.00; HOWEVER, the first person to email me (address on left side bar in my profile) with request to purchase it, can have it for $65.00 just for Thanksgiving Day. After that it goes back to $76.00. Priority mail outside of Dubois County, Indiana, is $5.00.

Enjoy your day today!

Okay, TWO MORE!

I couldn't resist posting these two. Notice the different style of lampwork? Each lampwork artist has their own sense of style and composition. One day I love contemporary/abstract, then again sometimes I feel frilly and need florals! I hope you enjoy these!

This one looks "beachy" to me. All the turquoise and tan browns.... Mmm... I can't wait until SUMMER and it isn't even officially winter yet!
Love is in the details... Did you notice the purple colored dots that divide the large lampwork beads in half? OR how I alternated the Swarovksi's on each side? You need to see this one in person to appreciate the depth of the color and clarity. Lovin' it!!

InTRodUcINg NEWBIES!!!!

Here are some new bracelets for you. They are able to be seen at the Jasper Armory this Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 10-4pm! If you need directions, email me! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

This is a sister of Kathie's Awesome Amber. They came from the same French lampwork artist! I took the set and made them into two bracelets and a couple pairs of earrings! This one is yours for $72.00!

SOLD!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS, SANDY!!!!!!!!

This bracelet is just beautiful! If you are familiar with Swarovski crystal colors, I used the Erinite color on this one. It matched the lampwork PERFECT with a capital P! I love the softness of the blue-green color! This one is $63.00 and has a co-ordinating "TWIN" sister (below). AND since these have black incorporated in them, they can be winter bracelets as well! These would be perfect to give to a friend or sister and ALSO keep one for yourself to match!

SOLD, THANKS, AURETTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Which would you keep? Which would you give to your best friend or mom or sister? This one is just $57.00! ALL STERLING, ALL Swarovski, ALL HIGH QUALITY that I am proud to put my name on!

Coming SOON!

I am working on getting to the camera and pulling out all of the newbies for picture-taking time. I will post some new items tonight! I PROMISE!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is a brief post to say I hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends whereever you are tomorrow! I will be out of town, I HOPE. I have a few things to do for this weekend's show, but should be able to get things done in order to ENJOY the trip to my in-laws. IF I don't get it all done today, I just might be celebrating Thanksgiving alone. Can you hear the violins playing?? HA HA!

I finished up the remaining bracelets with toggles but didn't whip out the camera. After I get all of the little stupid things finished (like paperwork, cleaning) I will be sure to take a pic or two or ten and will share with you the newbies! I love the new purple/plum/lilac one! It is FUN FUN FUN!

I made two more of the rainbow bracelets (pictured below) and gave them to my daughter's two preschool teachers yesterday. They just looooooooved them and kept oooo'ing and ahhhh'ing! I am still wearing mine and haven't taken it off since yesterday!! I still love it!

Well, I better go so I can enjoy the day OFF tomorrow! See you soon with some new items!

JUST Swarovski

I have a bling of a bracelet to share! I was lucky to have found the camera, I think Eli and KayLee were using it as treasure on a treasure hunt last night. I LOVE IT! It is not for sale, it is MINE! Hee Hee! I had a small piece of wire that was too long to trash and too small for a bracelet with toggles, which takes more wire, so I made myself this wonderful RAINBOW of a bracelet. I am lucky to have a really skinny wrist so I salvaged the wire and it was the perfect length for me. NO TWO crystals are the same color and the silver beads are itty bitty, but boy does it have a MAJOR BLING factor! What is funny is that I had even more colors that I couldn't fit on, so I might just have to make another one! I think I am going to wear this baby everyday, I LOVE it that much! If ya want one, I could make one similar but not exact. (ONLY $18.00!!) The crystals will most likely be different colors here and there, plus that makes it a one-of-a-kind item, you know!?! I have since added my signature charm and another dangle with more purple, but am too lazy to take it off and retake the pic. Maybe if I find some energy I will set up for a re-take and then also take some additional pics of the new ones I have done since last week. SO CHECK BACK!

NEW EDIT 12/18 : This is a SUPAH bracelet that goes with EVERYTHING! I am making these for all ages... and are perfect for any occassion. If you are unsure of the measurement you need, simply add 1" to 1 1/2" to the wrist measurement. 1" for a snug fit, 1 1/2" for a loose fit.