Check out Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads blog for how to enter!
Good luck!!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Laurel Moon Jewelry Giveaway
What an awesome collection and they could be yours!!!
Check out Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads blog for how to enter!
Good luck!!!
Check out Laurel Moon Jewelry and Beads blog for how to enter!
Good luck!!!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Fall Cluster Necklace - Subtle Changes
One simple change can make such a drastic change to a design.
Here is how it started. I faux lariat with a golden fall colored cluster.
Closed in the back with a simple clasp
It just didn't do it for me.
I removed the clasp from the back, added a decorative toggle to the front, added the dangles to the toggle.
From simple style to simply fabulous!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Jerry Piper Art
What is JerryPiperArt.com?
It is a glorious collection of talent, vision, color, texture and inspiration.
Who is that handsome man on Jerry Piper Art Facebook Fanpage?
That is my brother!
My brother has been a pillar of inspiration, support, encouragement, love... and the list goes on. Some of my earliest memories are of him, bringing me sketch pads and pencils and sitting with me and drawing. He always praised me for my attempts, and found merit to my work. I have always been amazed at how he 'sees' the world. How everything has a potential for beauty or to stimulate imagination.
Award after award, honor after honor has been bestowed upon him for his work, and it is easy to see why.
His talent goes beyond, 'having a flare' - He is art.
It is a glorious collection of talent, vision, color, texture and inspiration.
Who is that handsome man on Jerry Piper Art Facebook Fanpage?
That is my brother!
My brother has been a pillar of inspiration, support, encouragement, love... and the list goes on. Some of my earliest memories are of him, bringing me sketch pads and pencils and sitting with me and drawing. He always praised me for my attempts, and found merit to my work. I have always been amazed at how he 'sees' the world. How everything has a potential for beauty or to stimulate imagination.
Award after award, honor after honor has been bestowed upon him for his work, and it is easy to see why.
His talent goes beyond, 'having a flare' - He is art.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Intervention
Yup I am at that point.
What had happened was -
I was asked to make earrings for an upcoming wedding. I had to order the requested components, and thought to myself - "Self, see what else you need and just git 'er done" - So I did.
I added to the order some ear wires - wow silver has gotten expensive - I added bezel cups for more resin works - I added some chain - all the things I 'thought' I needed. While I was at it - I went to Vista Prints and ordered more business cards.
Order done, housework time. I started at my computer desk. Too many things piling up. Got it organized. (found a few business cards so I am not totally out) Feeling froggy - I moved into my studio. With my hands on my hips, I turned a circle in the room, surveyed the carnage, blinked back a few tears and set to work. I had found some stackable baskets that would be perfect for sorting, put them out on the work bend and got to sortin'.
Lo and behold - I found my strapless bra - hrm....
I found a moldy coffee cup - stashed under the shelf
I found my book I have been searching for (wanting to know how it ends)
I found a half a box of business cards....
I FOUND A PACKAGE OF EAR WIRES!!!!
I am furious with myself.
So my dearest darlings I have staged an intervention for myself with the help of my room mate. We are going in guns a'blazing and not stopping until it is done. Until this feat is completed, I will be on radio silence.
Must keep my head on straight.
Say a prayer for me, will you?
What had happened was -
I was asked to make earrings for an upcoming wedding. I had to order the requested components, and thought to myself - "Self, see what else you need and just git 'er done" - So I did.
I added to the order some ear wires - wow silver has gotten expensive - I added bezel cups for more resin works - I added some chain - all the things I 'thought' I needed. While I was at it - I went to Vista Prints and ordered more business cards.
Order done, housework time. I started at my computer desk. Too many things piling up. Got it organized. (found a few business cards so I am not totally out) Feeling froggy - I moved into my studio. With my hands on my hips, I turned a circle in the room, surveyed the carnage, blinked back a few tears and set to work. I had found some stackable baskets that would be perfect for sorting, put them out on the work bend and got to sortin'.
Lo and behold - I found my strapless bra - hrm....
I found a moldy coffee cup - stashed under the shelf
I found my book I have been searching for (wanting to know how it ends)
I found a half a box of business cards....
I FOUND A PACKAGE OF EAR WIRES!!!!
I am furious with myself.
So my dearest darlings I have staged an intervention for myself with the help of my room mate. We are going in guns a'blazing and not stopping until it is done. Until this feat is completed, I will be on radio silence.
Must keep my head on straight.
Say a prayer for me, will you?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Con-nun-drum - Selling on ArtFire
I am asking for advice -
Selling on ArtFire -
I am torn.
In there past there has been a lot of quabbling over selling hand made - selling supplies - and selling commercial items 'as handmade' on ArtFire. (the latter is just plain hair-ass-ee)
I try to buy supplies from Art Fire - supporting the local small business person when I can. I have supplies to sell as well. After reading a lot of the back and forth on the community board about 'artists' vs. 'suppliers' I pulled mine down.
I pulled them thinking, I don't need to be selling supplies with my art. Let my art be distinct and the showcase of that account - I need to have a separate account for the supplies.
Now I have all of these supplies (inherited them when I bought a healing crystal/tumbled stone bizness) and where am I going to sell them?
What would you do?
Would you go ahead and add them to your ArtFire page and sell them along with your art?
Would you create a separate account to sell supplies on?
Help me Obi-Wan
You're my only hope!
Selling on ArtFire -
I am torn.
In there past there has been a lot of quabbling over selling hand made - selling supplies - and selling commercial items 'as handmade' on ArtFire. (the latter is just plain hair-ass-ee)
I try to buy supplies from Art Fire - supporting the local small business person when I can. I have supplies to sell as well. After reading a lot of the back and forth on the community board about 'artists' vs. 'suppliers' I pulled mine down.
I pulled them thinking, I don't need to be selling supplies with my art. Let my art be distinct and the showcase of that account - I need to have a separate account for the supplies.
Now I have all of these supplies (inherited them when I bought a healing crystal/tumbled stone bizness) and where am I going to sell them?
What would you do?
Would you go ahead and add them to your ArtFire page and sell them along with your art?
Would you create a separate account to sell supplies on?
Help me Obi-Wan
You're my only hope!
Friday, August 12, 2011
This and That Destash
A while back some of you may remember I tried to start up a Share you Wares concept from my blog. It didn't take off like I had hoped, well, it didn't at all - but ...
On Facebook there is a great group I have joined - This and That Destash.
It is a group of hording crafters just like myself (and you - you know who you are), who are trying to do just that - de stash some of their items.
In the group you will find pictures of items people are trying to sell, or trade for other items, along with posts for people who may be needing items that you may just have!
It is small and growing and could turn into something fun!
Here are some examples of what I have seen -
Want to join in on the fun?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I'm on Fire - Necklace
Remember these kickin' polymer clay pendants I got from my friend Davinia of Back Pocket Designs?
I got some inspiration from the heat we have been having lately to work up this design.
It has been so hot lately and the stamping on the focal looks like fire. Paired it up with the faceted red glass, and this baby sizzles!!!
Blue dyed matte finish agate beads for the cool cool pool that my friends invite me to use, the tiny swarovski crystals for the drops of dew in the morning, the green stone wear bead for the grass that is still growing despite the heat and the lack of rain, and the white stone ware bead for my legs - that never see the sun and are clear :)
What inspires you?
I got some inspiration from the heat we have been having lately to work up this design.
It has been so hot lately and the stamping on the focal looks like fire. Paired it up with the faceted red glass, and this baby sizzles!!!
Blue dyed matte finish agate beads for the cool cool pool that my friends invite me to use, the tiny swarovski crystals for the drops of dew in the morning, the green stone wear bead for the grass that is still growing despite the heat and the lack of rain, and the white stone ware bead for my legs - that never see the sun and are clear :)
What inspires you?
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jewelry For A Silent Auction
I made a set last night for a silent auction to benefit the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation.
From their Facebook page -
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a very rare cancer typically originating in the head and neck region. This malignancy has a slow - and sometimes relentless - progression with a tendency to grow along nerves. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is usually is found in the head and neck areas of the body. Being rare, there are very few treatment options available.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that usually is found in the head and neck areas of the body. Being rare, there are very few treatment options available.
In 2005 Marnie Kaufman, an ACC survivor, founded the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation to help raise money for Research in this disease. The ACCRF is affiliated with several universities and hospitals throughout the United States. Since it's founding in 2005, the foundation has raised over 2 million dollars through grassroots fundraising. With the help of this funding there are clinical trials going on now for Chemotherapy Treatments. We hope these trials will help ACC patients live longer, healthier lives.
In 2009, Kim Schmidlin started the ACCRF-NC Chapter in honor of her sister Kellie Godwin Hinshaw, a 2001 & 2007 ACC SURVIVOR. The 1st Annual ACCRF 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Run raised over $20,000 and had 177 registered runners. The 2010 event proved to be even more successful, which raised over $34,000 for the cause and had over 377 registered runners. The 2nd Annual ACCRF run also brought 10 ACC Survivors together from all across the United States.
The North Carolina ACCRF is hosting the 3rd Event on August 27, 2011. This is a family Friendly event! Please make plans to bring your family out and come and Run or Walk in this special event.
**The Race Will be held August 27, 2011 at Campbell University.
Not interested in running or walking...we are also looking for volunteers to help with collecting sponsorships and to help the day of the race. If you are interested please contact us at accrf5krun@gmail.com.
You can also make donations to the foundation at www.accrf5krun.com!
Please help us to make this a profitable event!
The colors for the foundation are burgundy and ivory. I chose these dyed matte finished agate, with vintage lucite accents. Agate seemed to be a good fit for the piece because it is noted in the metaphysical world to be a good protective energy stone, especially for children, and very calming and soothing. It is also said to help strengthen the body's connection to the earth. It is reported to mystically give courage, energy, strength, and dispels fears, all of which increase self-confidence. It is said to lessen feelings of envy by grounding the emotions. Agate is also used in crystal emotional healing for resolving bitterness and resentments. It is also called and believed to be a stone of harmony. These two factors makes it a stone that's said to help improve and harmonize relationships. Also, by bringing the elements of one's being into harmony it greatly enhances healing.
I love this cuff - must make more
And a little pair of earrings to complete the set.
This has me thinking about doing something out side the box of how I have set up my business. I don't duplicate, I want everyone to have their own piece of art. Re thinking some of it, I am going to create a few designs that will be dedicated to an 'Awareness' section of my site. These designs will vary in color - to reflect the awareness color that is associated with that cause. All of the items that are sold in the awareness category, 50% of the proceeds will go to that charity for more research.
Just my way to give back
From their Facebook page -
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a very rare cancer typically originating in the head and neck region. This malignancy has a slow - and sometimes relentless - progression with a tendency to grow along nerves. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is usually is found in the head and neck areas of the body. Being rare, there are very few treatment options available.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that usually is found in the head and neck areas of the body. Being rare, there are very few treatment options available.
In 2005 Marnie Kaufman, an ACC survivor, founded the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation to help raise money for Research in this disease. The ACCRF is affiliated with several universities and hospitals throughout the United States. Since it's founding in 2005, the foundation has raised over 2 million dollars through grassroots fundraising. With the help of this funding there are clinical trials going on now for Chemotherapy Treatments. We hope these trials will help ACC patients live longer, healthier lives.
In 2009, Kim Schmidlin started the ACCRF-NC Chapter in honor of her sister Kellie Godwin Hinshaw, a 2001 & 2007 ACC SURVIVOR. The 1st Annual ACCRF 5k Run and 1 Mile Fun Run raised over $20,000 and had 177 registered runners. The 2010 event proved to be even more successful, which raised over $34,000 for the cause and had over 377 registered runners. The 2nd Annual ACCRF run also brought 10 ACC Survivors together from all across the United States.
The North Carolina ACCRF is hosting the 3rd Event on August 27, 2011. This is a family Friendly event! Please make plans to bring your family out and come and Run or Walk in this special event.
**The Race Will be held August 27, 2011 at Campbell University.
Not interested in running or walking...we are also looking for volunteers to help with collecting sponsorships and to help the day of the race. If you are interested please contact us at accrf5krun@gmail.com.
You can also make donations to the foundation at www.accrf5krun.com!
Please help us to make this a profitable event!
The colors for the foundation are burgundy and ivory. I chose these dyed matte finished agate, with vintage lucite accents. Agate seemed to be a good fit for the piece because it is noted in the metaphysical world to be a good protective energy stone, especially for children, and very calming and soothing. It is also said to help strengthen the body's connection to the earth. It is reported to mystically give courage, energy, strength, and dispels fears, all of which increase self-confidence. It is said to lessen feelings of envy by grounding the emotions. Agate is also used in crystal emotional healing for resolving bitterness and resentments. It is also called and believed to be a stone of harmony. These two factors makes it a stone that's said to help improve and harmonize relationships. Also, by bringing the elements of one's being into harmony it greatly enhances healing.
I love this cuff - must make more
And a little pair of earrings to complete the set.
This has me thinking about doing something out side the box of how I have set up my business. I don't duplicate, I want everyone to have their own piece of art. Re thinking some of it, I am going to create a few designs that will be dedicated to an 'Awareness' section of my site. These designs will vary in color - to reflect the awareness color that is associated with that cause. All of the items that are sold in the awareness category, 50% of the proceeds will go to that charity for more research.
Just my way to give back
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What's in the post? I have cool friends!
Came home Monday nite to a package in the post -
My friend Jenny from Sweden sent me a surprise! Tea called "Mums Bum" in reply to a blog post a bout my about my butt falling :) and some chocolate wafers!!!! The poor wafers couldn't handle the heat and had melted. They are in the freezer at the moment waiting for my tummy!
She included one of her own tea strainers, in case I didn't have one - so sweet!!! (I didn't have one - now I do!)
That tea is MARVELOUS!
The internet is a wonderful thing! I have good friends all over the world. Some I will never meet face to face, but I that isn't a requirement any more to kindle lasting friendships.
My friend Jenny from Sweden sent me a surprise! Tea called "Mums Bum" in reply to a blog post a bout my about my butt falling :) and some chocolate wafers!!!! The poor wafers couldn't handle the heat and had melted. They are in the freezer at the moment waiting for my tummy!
She included one of her own tea strainers, in case I didn't have one - so sweet!!! (I didn't have one - now I do!)
That tea is MARVELOUS!
The internet is a wonderful thing! I have good friends all over the world. Some I will never meet face to face, but I that isn't a requirement any more to kindle lasting friendships.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
ArtBeads - Under the Sea Challenge!
Taken from ArtBeads Blog - Good luck!!!
Get ready to test your sea smarts with our latest contest! In our Under the Sea Challenge, you’ll be asked trivia questions about some of our favorite sea creatures. Once you complete the challenge, enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a fabulous “Under the Sea Challenge” prize package that includes a collection of our newest Unicorne Beads, freshwater pearl strands and an Artbeads gift card—all this valued at $200. Show off your aquatic knowledge and have fun with the trivia!
This contest runs from Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 12:01AM PT until Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:59PM PT. Winner will be announced the next day, September 1, 2011. Look for our announcement on Facebook and the Blog for Beaders. Let’s get started on your aquatic adventure by taking the quiz! Be sure to read the full contest rules.
Please note: The trivia test is not a requirement to enter the sweepstakes, but have a little fun with the Under the Sea Challenge and see how salty dog savvy you are!
Get ready to test your sea smarts with our latest contest! In our Under the Sea Challenge, you’ll be asked trivia questions about some of our favorite sea creatures. Once you complete the challenge, enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a fabulous “Under the Sea Challenge” prize package that includes a collection of our newest Unicorne Beads, freshwater pearl strands and an Artbeads gift card—all this valued at $200. Show off your aquatic knowledge and have fun with the trivia!
This contest runs from Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 12:01AM PT until Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:59PM PT. Winner will be announced the next day, September 1, 2011. Look for our announcement on Facebook and the Blog for Beaders. Let’s get started on your aquatic adventure by taking the quiz! Be sure to read the full contest rules.
Please note: The trivia test is not a requirement to enter the sweepstakes, but have a little fun with the Under the Sea Challenge and see how salty dog savvy you are!