So, some of you may know that several months ago, one of the groups I was a part of (and was VERY dear to my heart) closed. It was something that needed to happen - as the leader was struggling with her health and really needed a break. When that happened, I kinda jumped into action and started a new group for all of these magnificent folks to land.
As the months have gone on, the group has grown TREMENDOUSLY! We have SUCH an awesome group of jewelry people, it just blows my mind! I was trying to come up with a way to get folks excited about the Holidays, expose them to some new artists or businesses they may not have heard of before and maybe learn something new. So, I set out to see if some folks would be willing to donate some goodies to giveaway during, what I hoped would be 12 days of Christmas. I felt guilty asking folks to give something, I felt guilty putting a dollar value on it and I felt even more fear that no one would want to do it and I'd look like a fool.
Let.Me.Tell.You - Jewelry people are A-MAZ-ING! We received over $700 in donations and have *14* days of giveaways!! Isn't that OUSTANDING?!
I have had a wonderful time seeing folks get excited and giving these goodies away. I just want to say - THANK YOU to all of them! You have absolutely HUMBLED me!
I also want to say - that an added bonus has been getting to know all of these new folks..... some more than others....but what AWE inspiring people - just....wow. =)
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
The Thankfulness Challenge
Sooooooo I'm a little late...but I love the piece and can't wait to share =)
I created this piece a few days ago and really fell in love with the colors. It reminds me of all the great things in life - fall, warmth, coziness, nature, my family (my father is an INCREDIBLE gardener) and the greatness of God's creation. These colors are all found in nature and it's a blessing to be able to celebrate them, in jewelry.
Make sure you stop by and check out all the other participants and thank you again for stopping by!
Featured Artist: Cova Cobalt of Cobalt and Copper
Your Hostess: Marybeth Rich of Forest of Jewels
Participants:
Gina Hockett of Freestyle Elements
Carolyn Lawson of Carolyn's Creations
Shaiha Williams of Shaiha's Ramblings
Lisa Knappenberger of LiRaysa Designs
Bianca Medina of Medibeads
Lee Koopman of Strega Jewellry's Blog
Mowse Doyle of Mowse Made This
Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board
I created this piece a few days ago and really fell in love with the colors. It reminds me of all the great things in life - fall, warmth, coziness, nature, my family (my father is an INCREDIBLE gardener) and the greatness of God's creation. These colors are all found in nature and it's a blessing to be able to celebrate them, in jewelry.
Make sure you stop by and check out all the other participants and thank you again for stopping by!
Featured Artist: Cova Cobalt of Cobalt and Copper
Your Hostess: Marybeth Rich of Forest of Jewels
Participants:
Gina Hockett of Freestyle Elements
Carolyn Lawson of Carolyn's Creations
Shaiha Williams of Shaiha's Ramblings
Lisa Knappenberger of LiRaysa Designs
Bianca Medina of Medibeads
Lee Koopman of Strega Jewellry's Blog
Mowse Doyle of Mowse Made This
Linda Anderson of From the Bead Board
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Ravens, Ravens, Everywhere!
I'd like to extend a warm welcome and a huge shoutout to my peeps from Anderson University! Would you mind leaving me a comment and let me know where you're from? =)
Looking for some INCREDIBLE jewelry? Perfect for Christmas gifts, Winter Formal, and all those weddings that are coming from the freshman walk!
You can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and use this discount code: raven10 for 10% off - just for being awesome!
I went to AU from 1993-1998 and met some of THE most OUTSTANDING people, I could have ever dreamed of meeting. We have continued to be friends through the years and I can tell you one thing - there is NO WAY I would be the person I am, today, without each and every one of them.
Looking for some INCREDIBLE jewelry? Perfect for Christmas gifts, Winter Formal, and all those weddings that are coming from the freshman walk!
You can find it here: http://cherryOnTopDesign.co and use this discount code: raven10 for 10% off - just for being awesome!
I went to AU from 1993-1998 and met some of THE most OUTSTANDING people, I could have ever dreamed of meeting. We have continued to be friends through the years and I can tell you one thing - there is NO WAY I would be the person I am, today, without each and every one of them.
 |
| The last time our group was together for a weddin' |
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sparkling Rocks #fail
Hello Sparkling Rocks Fans!
Sadly, our organizer, Rita, was living in a house that was much like Humpty Dumpty - it had a great fall and her landlord wouldn't send in the horses or the men - so Rita.... moved. Even more sadly, some of the Sparkling Rocks didn't make it outta the Humpty House without damage to the envelopes....so many of us haven't received them.
Please pray for Rita as I know this has been VERY difficult on her and her family but they ARE safe - just had to move with little warning.
So, while I don't have "the" sparkling rock....here's a different sparkling rock =)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209667104/pink-passion-silvery-earrings-handmade
Sadly, our organizer, Rita, was living in a house that was much like Humpty Dumpty - it had a great fall and her landlord wouldn't send in the horses or the men - so Rita.... moved. Even more sadly, some of the Sparkling Rocks didn't make it outta the Humpty House without damage to the envelopes....so many of us haven't received them.
Please pray for Rita as I know this has been VERY difficult on her and her family but they ARE safe - just had to move with little warning.
So, while I don't have "the" sparkling rock....here's a different sparkling rock =)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/209667104/pink-passion-silvery-earrings-handmade
Friday, October 31, 2014
OctoberFest Post
While a smidge late - I am a part of the http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/ OctoberFest!
I've decided to share a simple recipe.......one of my favorites and perhaps some would call it a "hack".
For an OUTSTANDING cake - take any cake mix and add a can of pumpkin to it....that's it - bake per directions.....
=)
DELICIOUS and SUPER easy!
And this is one of my all time favorite photos....from October. =) One of my favorite things to do in the fall is go apple picking. While out, I saw this GORGEOUS butterfly feasting on this awful apple. I was taking photos of the butterfly and *never* saw the bee who came later to feast, as well. It reminds me of the beauty that can come from rottenness and the beauty that comes from my own life, and my own rottenness. Quite a gift to see both sides of the coin.
I've decided to share a simple recipe.......one of my favorites and perhaps some would call it a "hack".
For an OUTSTANDING cake - take any cake mix and add a can of pumpkin to it....that's it - bake per directions.....
=)
DELICIOUS and SUPER easy!
And this is one of my all time favorite photos....from October. =) One of my favorite things to do in the fall is go apple picking. While out, I saw this GORGEOUS butterfly feasting on this awful apple. I was taking photos of the butterfly and *never* saw the bee who came later to feast, as well. It reminds me of the beauty that can come from rottenness and the beauty that comes from my own life, and my own rottenness. Quite a gift to see both sides of the coin.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Ladies and Gentlemen.....I present to you.....
The 2014 Fall Issue of Creative Spark Magazine, published by ZnetShows!
ZnetShows is THE online source for Wholesale Beads, Tiara Chinese Crystal beads, Glass Pearls, Cultured Sea Glass and Base Metal!
As a member of their design team, I have a few quotes in this quarters publishing....CHECK.IT.OUT!
ZnetShows is THE online source for Wholesale Beads, Tiara Chinese Crystal beads, Glass Pearls, Cultured Sea Glass and Base Metal!
As a member of their design team, I have a few quotes in this quarters publishing....CHECK.IT.OUT!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Ever have one of those times when...
you feel like you have SOMETHING to say - but no idea WHAT?! That's kinda been me this last week. I feel like there are things that need to come out, but for some reason are stuck in my "what the freak is THAT" folder of my brain.
This has been a tough season for me. I feel like every show I've gone to this year, has been a complete and utter flop. This last show was a 2 day show - Sat 9-4 and Sun 10-2 - my first sale came at 3:45 on Saturday. Sunday, I sold 2 pairs of earrings. I've NEVER been so discouraged with my jewelry. The show before that - was the same way. (Granted, it was an outdoor-ish show and it rained, so MANY of the people stayed away)
It's clear I have talent - if I didn't....I wouldn't have had 3 pieces published and be on the design team for a bead company. So, what's the problem? My stuff is unique.... all the other vendors tell me so (good or bad, who knows).... it's fairly priced....and yet nothing is selling. I.just.don't.get.it. It really hurts my heart. Every piece I make, is a piece of me..... so what is missing?
Just a tough time in Linda land =(
It's clear I have talent - if I didn't....I wouldn't have had 3 pieces published and be on the design team for a bead company. So, what's the problem? My stuff is unique.... all the other vendors tell me so (good or bad, who knows).... it's fairly priced....and yet nothing is selling. I.just.don't.get.it. It really hurts my heart. Every piece I make, is a piece of me..... so what is missing?
Just a tough time in Linda land =(
Monday, September 1, 2014
Leaf it to me to screw up
Several months ago, a sweet friend, Moriah from BluMudd put the call out for some folks to use some of her BEAUTIFUL pieces, create something, send 1 photo to her by Sept 1 and she'll put those pieces up for a public vote and the winner receives at $50 gift card to her store. Who am I to not participate in something so fun and challenging? SO, I jumped in. Little did I know what kinda challenge this would be. Oh MY! This is the color combo I received. Gorgeous, right?
I struggled. I struggled and did I mention that I struggled? I just was so..... overwhelmed. Anything I put with the leaf just looked......eh. I tried this shape, that shape, this color, that color, this texture or that texture....just nothing I used looked....good.
I started to be resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to LOVE my piece and decided I just needed to do *something*. I started with some seed beads, some copper, attached this and that.... and finally it hit me! A CUFF! I could make a CUFF! Wait....I don't have any skinny gold wire. CURSES!
Digging ensued....I looked here there and everywhere when I realized that I DO have some skinny wire..... A few months ago, I joined one of those monthly box services where you pay an amount and they send you something special....there are boxes of makeup, skin products, baby products, and CRAFTS! I had signed up for the crafts one and they sent me a project which I didn't really like, BUT the pieces that they sent included a GOLD CUFF and GOLD WIRE! WOOHOOOO!
I put the leaf in the center of the cuff and attached it with some fine gold wire. I added some adorable miyuki seed beads for some texture and to bring a little pop to the rest of the piece.
So, here we have it..... Branch Berries
VOTE HERE!
After a few more iterations, I added some green mesh while I didn't submit it for my final design, I REALLY like the pop that the green adds. I could have re-submitted but felt like I'd already sent my image, so it was too late. Let me know which you prefer?
I struggled. I struggled and did I mention that I struggled? I just was so..... overwhelmed. Anything I put with the leaf just looked......eh. I tried this shape, that shape, this color, that color, this texture or that texture....just nothing I used looked....good.
I started to be resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to LOVE my piece and decided I just needed to do *something*. I started with some seed beads, some copper, attached this and that.... and finally it hit me! A CUFF! I could make a CUFF! Wait....I don't have any skinny gold wire. CURSES!
Digging ensued....I looked here there and everywhere when I realized that I DO have some skinny wire..... A few months ago, I joined one of those monthly box services where you pay an amount and they send you something special....there are boxes of makeup, skin products, baby products, and CRAFTS! I had signed up for the crafts one and they sent me a project which I didn't really like, BUT the pieces that they sent included a GOLD CUFF and GOLD WIRE! WOOHOOOO!
I put the leaf in the center of the cuff and attached it with some fine gold wire. I added some adorable miyuki seed beads for some texture and to bring a little pop to the rest of the piece.
So, here we have it..... Branch Berries
VOTE HERE!
After a few more iterations, I added some green mesh while I didn't submit it for my final design, I REALLY like the pop that the green adds. I could have re-submitted but felt like I'd already sent my image, so it was too late. Let me know which you prefer?
Saturday, August 2, 2014
GO Green for Choosy Chicks and Gastroparesis!
Choosy Chicks..... we love chicklets....especially ones from SUEBEADS! Check it OUT!
A few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in another challenge called "Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets " and we were all sent a GORGEOUS chicklet bead hand crafted by Sue Kennedy of SueBeads. I was sent the adorable and lovely earthy green color (the GORGEOUS bead in the middle). It's made of glass and has an adorable little flower imprinted on both sides.
I'm not a huge fan of green, but was quite excited to see how I rose to the challenge, yet again (I really DO have favorite colors, I promise!). =) I made this sweet little bracelet with Sue's little bead in the center and I found some incredibly beautiful Unicorne beads that matched nearly exactly! I was SO EXCITED to be able to use those Unicorne beads because sometimes it's tough to use handcrafted beads, when I'm making pieces for resale, because they can be tough price points - BUT since I'm keeping this gem for ME, MYSELF AND I - I went big! =) I also used some precious blue pearls and some sagey green bumpy pearls.
One other detail worth noting - I used copper accents. Typically, I use silvers but the silvers just made the piece so..... pale...and it felt like all the details in the beads were lost.....so copper it was! I LOVE it! I'm proud of this little piece and so glad it's MINE MINE MINE!
One other thing worth noting: Green is the color of choice for Gastroparesis awareness. I have suffered with gastroparesis for 11 years, after a botched gall bladder surgery. It causes me to feel nausea and pain 24/7 and causes chronic vomiting (imagine the flu - every.single.day.of.your.life). Gastroparesis is the reason that I'm disabled and have been able to pursue making jewelry in the last several years. While this season of life has been devastating, it's been something I would NEVER choose, but am thankful that in the horridness of life.....beauty has come from these ashes. So, I'm THANKFUL for the green and a beautiful way to display my support on "Go Green for Gastroparesis Fridays".
THANK YOU, Toltec Jewels and SueBeads - SUCH an INCREDIBLE opportunity and chance to stretch myself - AGAIN! =)
Linda Anderson http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html
A few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in another challenge called "Choosy Chicks Choose Chicklets " and we were all sent a GORGEOUS chicklet bead hand crafted by Sue Kennedy of SueBeads. I was sent the adorable and lovely earthy green color (the GORGEOUS bead in the middle). It's made of glass and has an adorable little flower imprinted on both sides.
I'm not a huge fan of green, but was quite excited to see how I rose to the challenge, yet again (I really DO have favorite colors, I promise!). =) I made this sweet little bracelet with Sue's little bead in the center and I found some incredibly beautiful Unicorne beads that matched nearly exactly! I was SO EXCITED to be able to use those Unicorne beads because sometimes it's tough to use handcrafted beads, when I'm making pieces for resale, because they can be tough price points - BUT since I'm keeping this gem for ME, MYSELF AND I - I went big! =) I also used some precious blue pearls and some sagey green bumpy pearls.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
One other detail worth noting - I used copper accents. Typically, I use silvers but the silvers just made the piece so..... pale...and it felt like all the details in the beads were lost.....so copper it was! I LOVE it! I'm proud of this little piece and so glad it's MINE MINE MINE!
 | |
| Click to enlarge |
One other thing worth noting: Green is the color of choice for Gastroparesis awareness. I have suffered with gastroparesis for 11 years, after a botched gall bladder surgery. It causes me to feel nausea and pain 24/7 and causes chronic vomiting (imagine the flu - every.single.day.of.your.life). Gastroparesis is the reason that I'm disabled and have been able to pursue making jewelry in the last several years. While this season of life has been devastating, it's been something I would NEVER choose, but am thankful that in the horridness of life.....beauty has come from these ashes. So, I'm THANKFUL for the green and a beautiful way to display my support on "Go Green for Gastroparesis Fridays".
THANK YOU, Toltec Jewels and SueBeads - SUCH an INCREDIBLE opportunity and chance to stretch myself - AGAIN! =)
ARTISTS:
Guest of Honor & Featured Artist: Susan Kennedy
Sue Kennedy's blogs: SueBeads...A Beady Girl's blog
Sue Kennedy's website SueBeads
SueBeads Art Beads SueBeads
Hostess:
Toltec Jewels http://www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Artists:
Linda Anderson http://fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Reno http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com/
Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/
Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com
Marybeth Rich http://forestofjewels.blogspot.com
Jael Thorp http://jaelsjewels.blogspot.com/
Melissa Trudinger http://Beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Andrea Glick http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Nan Smith http://wirednan.blogspot.com
Blanca Medina www.peru-medesigns.com
Shai Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com
Carolyn Lawson http://Carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Rana Wilson http://Ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com
Robin Reed http://willowdragon.blogspot.com
Robin Showstack http://heartsdesiresjewelryforyou.blogspot.com/
Sheila Prosterman http://catswithbeads.blogspot.com
Karla Morgan http://Texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Kari Asbury http://hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Kelly Rodgers https://www.facebook.com/BeadinBlackBlue
Jayne Capps https://mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com/
Mischelle Andrade Fanucchi https://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Heather Richter http://desertjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
Chris Eisenberg www.wanderware.blogspot.com
Kathleen Breeding http://www.zibbet.com/99BottlesofBeadsontheWall
Linda Landig http://lindalandig.wordpress.com
Crystal Thain http://beaddragons.blogspot.com/
Cheri Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Heather d-Entremont http://frugalmadougall.wordpress.com/
Dini Bruinsma http://angazabychanges.blogspot.com/
Lori Schneider http://www.beadaddicted.blogspot.com/
Tammy Adams http://www.paisleylizard.com/blog.html
Melinda Orr http://bandanagirl.indiemade.com/blog
Lennis Carrier http://windbent.wordpress.com/
Cynthia Machata http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Hodges http://thewhisperingseas.blogspot.com
Debbie Rasmussen http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com/
Tanya McGuire http://tanyamcguire.blogspot.com/
Charlie Jacka http://clay-space.com/blog/
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/
Jasvanti Patel http://jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
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