Week #14 - Hippos a la Swarovski

 Several years ago, we were getting ready to open Christmas presents and a family member, who was quite young at the time, pipes up and wants to play a song for us.  So, we all kinda went along with it and the song was.... "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peavey.  Somehow, that song became kinda an anthem for me.  Since then, my family has often given me different hippo items for Christmas - so while I was searching for some interesting focals for my Bead Peeps Swap N Hop partners, I found these ADORABLE little hippos. So, you KNOW I had to have them.  =)

When they came, I about spit out my drink with how FREAKIN' CUTE they are!  I wasn't sure what to do with them, so I kinda let them simmer for a while.  Last week, it hit me..... I should put them in a hoop! Brilliant!  I dug out my beading hoops and whaddya know?  They were nearly a PERFECT fit!  Nearly.  The bottoms were a little.....barren.  I quickly realized that I ordered some new Swarovski crystal mixes and fantastically enough - they were PERFECTION! 

I present to you.....Hippos a la Swarovski:

I'm pretty proud of these little guys and I can't WAIT to wear them! 

Wish YOU had a pair?  Contact me (linda at cherryOnTopDesign dot co - not .com) - I might be willing to make another pair, similar to these. =)




 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
To be sure you don’t miss out on any of my crazy adventures, you can sign up to follow my blog by email or news servers using the links in the right column of my page. You can also follow me on Facebook get updates about blog posts, my latest jewelry designs, show schedule, and other happenings!
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1 package received - 1 to go!

USPS came through for me! WOOHOO! =) My package to Malta has been RECEIVED!  SO! Time for the big reveal! Here's what *I* sent to Marica.....

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's what Marica sent ME.  There are more of the beads, just pulled a few for the sampling =)

 

And THESE little beauties!!! EEEEEKKK!

Part of her "Top Kapi" collection
You can find some like this here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/beadlovelies

Week #10 - I made it!!

This week, I stumbled upon something to new to me..... some really cool paints.  I can't paint, draw, paste, trace, sculpt or really do anything that involves hand/eye coordination (which is odd since I played violin for eons, but whatever)...so these paints have been all kinds of fun because they do all the work.  *perfection in a bottle*  SO - I present to you - my first pair of earrings - that I made....at least the danglely parts of....

I used light turquoise Swarovski crystals and orange czech shaped beads (like the fruit orange).  I'm in LOVE with the results of my new little obsession.  Can't wait to play with them and perfect my technique!

Build A Line Challenge - Blog #2 - Ever feel like you've been caught with your pants down?

Ever feel like *everything* you touch kinda turns to dust and then you realize that you need to turn that dust into SOMETHING because you committed to it? This is pretty much how I've felt every day in the last 30. I'd like to say that I just need some time to catch up, but the truth is, I feel completely overwhelmed. 

I DESPERATELY want to get my line going. In seeing the 35 notifications pop up everyday, the more I want to read, but the more I just run out of energy to read.   I feel like 50+ people is maybe waaaay too many for something like this, but that's just me. 

Beautiful pieces from B'Sues Boutique - didn't use filigree beads

So, knowing that today a blog post is due.... I set out to get to work on my pieces.  I started with the pieces I purchased from B'Sue.  The ADORABLE czech flower beads and antique copper wire....and some filigree beads.  When I ordered the beads, I should have realized that I'd need a whole lot more than 2 packages to do a necklace...BUT maybe it was ok because in trying a new medium (czech beads) I should PROBABLY start smaller.  So, the bracelet was born. =)  I LOVE how it turned out.  I ended up adding some 4mm crystal ab fire polished beads, as well, and just LOVE the end result.  I also kinda loved the 1 strand, which is something to consider - because there ARE people who would like something more dainty and sweet.  Hey - lesson learned

A dainty version

While I was working on my "line" last night, and thinking through the question "What my ARE my barriers to getting a line going?"

Here's what I came up with...because actually MAKING the line isn't a barrier for me.  Pricing, I have a decent idea of (not really for wholesale yet, but I have a good idea of how much I use in terms of beads and generally what they cost) retail pricing and what is a good price point for me to focus on.  Doing shows for 2+ years has given me some insights, at least for THIS area of the country.

So....my barriers include:

- Packaging

•  consistent packaging....for pieces that could go wholesale, for sending pieces and packaging at shows
• Where do I find said packaging?  How do I buy less than 500 or 1000 pieces at a time? 
• Coming up with a new logo and is it wise to do something with crochet fool or stick with my current branding and do something cherry-esque (I'm leaning towards a new brand as cherry is OOAK, so if I go with another brand, then I could do non-OOAK)

- Where to find clients that are wholesalers - I have no bloody idea
- How do I get my products in their hands?
- How do I set MY pieces apart as my own - which I think just the way that I approach these pieces is "maybe" enough?  Maybe not.

• Could I have a little charm that's added on to each piece that notes it's mine?  
• Maybe this is where packaging comes in.... including a story about their piece or even just signing the packaging with a personal thank you?

- I, also think, that my pieces would be great for brides and EASILY customizable to their colors or needs....but again - How do I break into that industry?  Where do I find those wholesalers.  As a side note: my first published piece....my brightly colored crocheted piece.....was a bridesmaid piece.
From where I'm sitting, these are MY biggest barriers.  What are your thoughts?

Hostess and Teacher: Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box


Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board (You are here)

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs

Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose

Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry

Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns

Dana Hickey
Wind Dancer Studios

Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam
Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements

Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up

Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design

Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

New Year - New Goals

Well here we are....2015.  Holy Canoli!  I will state for the record that the first check I wrote I used 2015...pretty impressed with myself. =)

Looking back at 2014, it was QUITE a year.  I experienced my lowest sales ever, I started a facebook group which has grown to over 1200+ after a group that I dearly loved closed down, I had a pair of earrings published, was paid for my designs for the first time, my alumni magazine published an article about me and my journey of illness which lead to jewelry, I discovered lampwork glass beads (my wallet is KILLING ME), built up a nice supply of Swarovski crystals, had a destash, had surgery to get my bionic belly battery changed, joined a company's design team, played some online games to win some FANTASTIC beads, played with some new techniques and expanded my knowledge of jewelry.  

I've got some new goals for this year - both personally and for my biz.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they will play out.  They're gonna take some work, some determination, some courage....but I'm hopeful I can do it.   Oh? You wanna know what they are?  HAHAH - No.  I'm not a big sharer of my goals.  Mostly because I hate not meeting them, then having to explain.  Ya know? 

So, for now - I'm just cranking some tunes...working on a HUGE project for my FB group - Bead Peeps.  (Right now, Fireball by Pitbull - Black Widow, Booty, Lips are Movin', Pompeii, Light 'Em Up, All About That Bass)  I'll be doing my first ever swap n hop.  THIS will be an adventure!  =)

Join me!  Come along for the ride!! 

Lessons Learned from PYOP

The last few days have been pretty rough for me.  I've not felt well, physically, which doesn't help emotionally - not to mention nearly a week of cloudy, foggy, dreary weather.  My belly has been unhappy, my shoulders murder, and frankly haven't felt like doing much of anything, beyond trying not to wish my days away.

Today, I went out with a sweet friend - we went to breakfast and then to paint your own pottery (PYOP).  Now, I fancy myself kinda an "intermediate" type PYOP'er.  I've done my fair share and frankly - I love it.  Today, I made a large bowl and put some polka dots all over it - inside and out.  Well, in the midst of choosing colors for my dots - there was another woman also looking at colors.  She turned around to ask me my opinion and noticed my necklace.  I WAS rather surprised that she noticed my necklace because it wasn't the big, in yer face type, I usually wear...it was just a simple little pendant I made of a Christmas tree.  She GUSHED over it....
Her: "May I look closer?"
Me: "Sure!"
H:  "Where did you FIND that?"
M: "I made it"
H: "REALLY!? "
M:"Yep and I sell my jewelry as well, sometimes right off my neck - it IS for sale", I giggled.
H: "Could I get 2 of those for my daughters?  Could you make them in time for Christmas?"
M: "Absolutely!"

Find it here - and for the record - I hand twisted that wire

As she walked out, she told me that she'd be out of town for the weekend, but will call me Monday to set everything up.  Now, I dunno if she's gonna call (I sure hope she does), but it's a lesson in a few things.
1. ALWAYS wear your jewelry!!
2. Have no shame in saying that you made it
3. Have business cards with you 24/7
4. Be prepared to sell off your neck, if needed - or keep it in your purse. =)
5. TALK to people! =)

Like I said, I dunno if I'll ever hear from her again, but what a great day for me!  Spending time with my dear friend, getting OUT of the house, having FUN, and perhaps - getting an order.  #bliss

The plate I made LAST time I went to the PYOP place =)

Help Me Get Home?

Looking for my Bead Soup Piece? =) Click here!

Hey Y'All - It's looking like I might FINALLY be making progress to get my belongings HOME!  They are currently living in Virginia, right outside of DC, while I'm living in Minnesota.  I need to raise about $700 more dollars and I'll be able to get EVERYTHING home! 

Would you help?  You can make a donation here: Go Fund Me Page or purchase some jewelry here: Cherry On Top Design.Co. I'm SO CLOSE!  Even $5 would be a HUGE help!

BIG NEWS!!

SO....a few weeks ago I posted about some *big news*.....

I'm going to be published again!!!  HOORAY!  This time, just a pair of earrings in Jewelry Stringing Magazine!  Fall 2014 issue.  VERY excited! 

"The Color of Dreams" Blog Hop!

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Several weeks ago, I signed up for a very EXCITING and CHALLENGING blog hop.  It's called "The Color of Dreams".  The organizer (Rita of Toltec Jewels) posted this on her blog: http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2014/03/the-color-of-dreams-participant-list.html and I responded!  I wanted to try to put my dreams into a piece of jewelry. 

Here was the challenge as stated by Rita: 

You may share a dream that has come true, one you are working on now, or one you hope for in the future. The one goal of the hop: we'll focus on our dreams as entirely possible, with the idea, "If we can dream it, we can achieve it." So, try creating "from the end" -- as if your dream has already come true -- using your jewelry design to do so.

My inspiration came from a BEAUTIFUL, handcrafted flower bead made by Color of Dreams Boutique.  It features the amazing pinks and purples that I just happen to LOVE!  =)

I tried to approach this challenge as a story of my jewelry career, for now...and what I dream will happen in the future.  The first bead, a long pink, glass piece symbolizes the very beginning of my jewelry making journey.  I started making pieces with these types of beads and they turned out pretty well.

From there, I moved on to learning other techniques including pearl knotting (which is my favorite thing to do, but doesn't seem to sell well so I don't do it often).  My mother loved pearls and passed that love on to me.  (It's all her fault! =) )

Next, I used a beautiful piece of crystal and brand called "Thunder Polish".  It was my first experience with crystal and I was hooked!  Until very recently, I used nearly exclusively, Thunder Polish.  I love their colors, their shapes, sizes and was the perfect price point for someone starting out and not really ready to invest in premium items.  

As I moved to the next section, I used some of my absolute favorite beads, mother of pearl shells.  I use them in so many ways, it's ridiculous!  I LOVE them!  They're INCREDIBLY versatile, unusual, come in a variety of shapes and sizes and lend themselves perfectly to nearly any application you can dream of!  I also used these beads in my 2nd piece of work that was published by BeadStyle magazine!  =)

So, next we have the pretty little lime green ball.... this piece also holds HUGE significance for me... it was a bead used in my FIRST published piece...also in BeadStyle.  When I made the necklace, I wasn't a huge fan of it.... but apparently it's pretty special because another editor asked for the same piece for her magazine. =)  Because it's already been published, I can't use it...but it REALLY changed my life.  It gave me industry validation that what I'm doing is....good.  I felt like a ROCKSTAR!

Which leads to the flower bead....it fits so perfectly with the way this last year has been.... a year of excitement, opening myself up to new opportunities, learning new things, building my business, meeting people and blooming into the person I believe God made me to be. 

The next bead is called a "Divine Rock", which fits perfectly in to my story.  I truly believe that God has given me this gift.  He has used the good and bad (notice the matte section which is somewhat fractured in the middle) in my life, including chronic illness, to turn my ashes into beauty for myself and others.  It symbolizes the fact that prior to 4 years ago - I had NO IDEA I had a lick of talent in designing jewelry.  I give ALL the credit to God for this.  I'm SOOOO excited to see where He's 

going to take this!

AND FINALLY - I used Swarovski pearls in blackberry and gold.  I went with Swarovski because one of my dreams is to become a Swarovski Ambassasdor.  I have NO IDEA how to go about this....but it's a dream!  I would just LOVE to be known as someone who is an expert and does fantastic work with their beauties!  I chose the purple (not just because of the flower) but also because it represents royalty, innovation and creativity.  The gold, because it represents opulence, success, generosity, wisdom and knowledge - all attributes of Swarovski Ambassadors =).   OH!  And if you're an Ambassador and could pass some info on...that'd be AMAZING! =)

I CANNOT WAIT to see what my future holds, but I know who holds it.... and I know I'm excited about the ride!

Check out my other friends here:

Honorary Guest and Featured Artist: Patricia Handschuh
Patricia's blog:              The Color of Dreams        
Patricias Etsy:               The Color of Dreams
Hostess: Toltec Jewels   Jewel School Friends

Kay Thomerson            KayzKreationz
Audrey Belanger           Toki No Hourousha

Alicia Marinache           All the Pretty Things
Terry Carter                 TappingFlamingo
Lori Schneider              Bead Addict
Jenny Kyrlach              Wonder and Whimsy
Asri Wahyuingsih          Asri's Beadwork
Dini Bruinsma               Angaza by Changes
Karla Morgan               Texas Pepper Jams
Debbie Rasmussen        A Little of This, A Little of That
Veralynne Malone          Designed by Vera
Kathy Stemke               Vintage Memories Jewelry Design
Mowse Doyle               Mowse Made This
Heather Richter             Desert Jewelry Designs
Lori Poppe                   Adventures in Creativity with LorilliJean

Jayne Capps                Mama's Got To Doodle

Andrea Glick                Zenith Jade Creations
Kathleen Breeding         99 Bottles of Beads on the Wall
Becky Pancake             Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Karin Martinez              Fairies Market
Miranda Ackerley          Mirandack

Penny Houghton           Smelly Nelly
Carolyn Lawson           Carolyn's Creations
Chris Eisenberg            Wanderware
Christie Murrow          Charis Designs Jewelry
Monique Urquhart        A Half-Baked Notion
Eve Shelby                  Raindrop Creations Jewelry by Evelyn
Cryss Thain                 Here Bead Dragons
Jasvanti Patel               Jewelry By Jasvanti
Nan Smith                   NanMade Handmade Jewelry
Sue Kennedy               SueBeads
Jean Yates                   Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Debbie Rogers             Debbies Treasures
Marybeth Rich             A Few Words From Within the Pines
Shirley Moore              Beads and Bread
Shaia Williams             Shaiha's Ramblings
Kathy Lindemer           Bay Moon Design
Linda Anderson           From the Bead Board
Judy Turner               Silver Rains
Gloria Allen                Gloria Allen Designs
Regina Wood              Ginas-Design
Robin Reed                Artistry HCBD
Mary Goovars            MLH Jewelry Designs  (please visit after Wednesday, April 9)
Marlene Cupo             Amazing Designs
CJ Bauschka              4 His Glory Creations
Robin Showstack        The Crazy Bead Hoarder
Cynthia O'Toole          Sparkles and Sweets

Jael Thorp                 Jael's Art Jewels

Renetha Stanziano       Lamplight Crafts

Something new!

Another installment of "Whys It So Expensive".....

Something I'm quite excited to share is that I'm working on playing with some new types of beads (to me).  I've embarked on an adventure to use more hand crafted beads.  I've found some AMAZING artists and I can't wait to share these new pieces!  So, this brings me to my next reason why hand crafted jewelry often has higher prices.

See, when a designer purchases a bunch of beads they can buy from a whole smorgasbord of different places.  There are bead warehouses, local bead stores, big box craft stores, craigslist, ebay, independent websites, other designers, shows, garage sales.....you get the idea.  Just as with most things - prices vary and are all over the map.  Which can make it difficult to figure out an average price of the mass produced beads.

Hand crafted beads are a whole different story.  Rarely will you see someone who has made the exact same bead and comparing their prices to someone else is very, very tough.  But despite that - it's worth the expense to expand horizons to try something new.  It's been so very exciting to see other people's vision come through their work.  The only bummer is that these types of beads can be quite expensive.    So choosing those beads, wisely, is important.  Even more important to to understand that these beads are handcrafted and one of a kind.... just as I make my pieces one of a kind - so do bead artists.

Generally, I like to keep the prices of my pieces reasonable (under $100) but sometimes with these amazing beads it's not possible.  BUT you can also know that you're getting some AMAZING products!  Here are some examples:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RachelArt-Red-Yellow-Orange-Spiral-Lampwork-Glass-Disc-Beads-Handmade-/141163596235

$45 starting price











http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRIZASDESIGNS-Handmade-glass-lampwork-bead-REF-LB0382-SRA-/171214725801?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27dd3162a9

$75 starting price











http://www.ebay.com/itm/handmade-glass-lampwork-beads-Amethyst-Gold-XXL-Glass-Focal-by-Radiantmind-/130971998888?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7e8a1aa8

 $54 starting price











Obviously these pieces are GORGEOUS and require some extra love and care.  But aren't they AMAZING?!!?!?!? =)

So...why's it so expensive

This weekend, I have a rare Saturday off.  I don't have a show and it feels kinda nice. =)  I'll be sad when my bank account looks the same on Sunday, as it does today, but I could use some forced rest and frankly, God closed all the doors for shows this weekend - so I'm gonna enjoy it.

Something that's been on my mind, as of late, has been.....pricing.  Some folks look at my pieces and say "WOW! SO cheap!" others say "Yeah, not THAT cute" so I wanted to take a little time and explain "Why so much".

First, some education - when I started making jewelry - one thing I had to learn was the language.  Much like other hobbies, be it a sport or craft, you need to learn the words to make yourself, at least, SOUND like you know what you're talking about.  More importantly, when you don't MAKE something - you don't really care about what's inside - you just see that it's "hot" or it's "not". 

One of the largest reasons my jewelry is priced where it is (and I believe it's priced very competitively AND fairly - I do need to eat, buy medicine and of course, new beads) is because of the materials that I choose to use.  One of the most expensive things being wire.  Now, you may be thinking "Wait...hold up!  I don't have WIRE in my necklace - it's all beaded and pretty...ain't no wire here!" - well - actually - look between the beads...what's holding them in place?  It may be wire, or thread or some other fiber.  If you've purchased from http://CherryOnTopDesign.Co - nearly all of my pieces have wire somewhere in them...either strung on wire or held together by wire.  That wire is VERY important - without it - you have no necklace!

As with many pieces and parts, there are different "grades" of wire...good, better, best.  Personally, I choose to use the "best" wire because not only does it create a stronger piece, but it ensures that one day it's pretty unlikely that  your beads will fall off your neck and fall to the floor like little ping pong balls flittering in every direction known to man.  I like "best" wire because as a consumer, I want to know that YOU (designer or in this case, I) have thought of me (or this case - you the customer) and thought highly enough of me to "use the very best".  The truth is - in every single piece of jewelry I make...I try to think of YOU, what is easy (magnetic clasps on bracelets, toggle clasps on necklaces, ear nuts on earrings)  and what drives me insane as a consumer.  I guess I'm trying to fix the wrongs, as I see it, in the jewelry industry (one piece at a time!).  Er something like that.

SO - next time you're at a craft show and see a piece of jewelry for $5, ask them about their materials...why they chose it...why they choose not to use higher grade materials and let me know what they say. 

Don't get me wrong - $5 jewelry can be good...and trust me....I bought it for YEARS!  I can only imagine how much money I spent on jewelry before making it myself...but remember this...

Life is too short to wear crappy jewelry. =)

=(

The last few days have been some tough ones.  I've been weepy, more nauseated than usual, and generally down.  Today, we learned that my father has a somewhat aggressive auto-immune disorder, that if not treated quickly, can result in blindness. 

There was a shooting at the Washington Navy Yard....a place I nearly took a job.  Thankfully, none of my 'people' were injured or killed.  Praising God for that.

Today, is the 16 year anniversary of my mother's death.  She had cancer - unknown origin - with it spreading to her liver and lungs.  Approx 11:15 a.m. she passed peacefully, in to the arms of Jesus and the Angels who were there to bring her home.  I felt the presence of the angels.  I felt the warmth of their presence in the room and specifically over her.  Something I'd never experienced before or since - thankfully. 

It's been an emotionally draining time....glad I finally figured out what was happening in my spirit.  I love her so much and wish she were here - so so so so so much.

See you soon, Mommy!

Uhhh- WHOA! That's HUGE!

SO..here I am again with some very EXCITING NEWS!

Our local newspaper came out in July to interview me about my jewelry and my story.  After the pieces were published in BeadStyle, I sent an email to our local press and they were interested in the story.  SO...August 25 my piece was published!  Check it out!  They did SUCH a great job and I'm SO proud to be able to share my story with thousands of people!

Here's the official link:
http://www.sctimes.com/article/20130825/BUSINESS01/308240026

August....

Hrmm..it's amazing how our lives can quickly go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and not even know how you got there.  The last several weeks have been SUCH a roller coaster for me.  I've had my first pieces of jewelry published, I was interviewed by our local newspaper, I boarded a plane to DC, couldn't fix my cars a/c, couldn't get access to cash, had a pretty rough meeting and left feeling defeated.  I know it will get better...but tonight...I just want to cry.  I think that's allowed.

It's that feeling of not being able to 'catch a break'.  I'm tired of being bullied by people who think that it's a-ok to bully others.  I'm tired of grown adults - bold face lying.  I'm tired of poor choices and just not know what to do between the worse or worser choice.  Most important I'm tired of not being able to deal with basic things in life.  I feel so lost and alone.

It's been 1 year since moving back to Minnesota.  I have exactly 1 more friend than I did before I moved.  When will things finally look up?  All my things are STILL sitting in storage, in VIRGINIA....1000+ miles away.  I desperately want to get my things home - how do you raise money when you have none?

Just.so.sad.tonight.  Will be ok - just alot on my mind and really sad.

On the other hand....this is the 2nd piece that made it in to the September issue of Bead Style

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/157217096/multi-color-shell-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/157976476/bright-cheery-custom-bib-style-necklace

Exciting News!!!

I'VE BEEN PUBLISHED!!  My very first piece that I ever sent in to be published, was picked up and published in the September 2013 BeadStyle Magazine!!

I made this piece a few years ago, when I was pretty young in my jewelry making.  I found this strand of adorable glass beads - for $1/strand.  I wanted to make a bubble style necklace, but being that I didn't have or really know where to find, the prefab pieces - I set out to make my version of the necklace.  THIS is what came out. 

Now, I have to be honest....this piece was just ok, in my eyes.  I didn't really wear it but kept it around because it was cute and something I thought was a good learning experience.  It was a pretty deary day and a galpal and I stopped at the Post Office to mail some packages out.  While there, a woman who worked there saw my necklace and just raved about it.  My friend immediately said 'She has other stuff in her purse'...which I did. SO, I finished my business with the PO and walked back to her to give her a biz card, when she walked us over to another coworker who loved jewelry, too.  This necklace started a beautiful friendship with these women - it also got me thinking that maybe this was a better piece than I thought. 

On a whim, I decided the week before Thanksgiving to send a photo of this piece in to BeadStyle to see if they may be interested.  Within a week, I had an answer and it was YES!  I FREAKED! =)

Fast Slow Forward to June when I receive an email telling me that MY piece will be the first piece featured in a BRAND NEW SECTION of the magazine!  *I* would set the bar!!  EEEEKKKK!

I don't know what will come of this, but what I DO know is to NEVER discount your own work.  Had I not pulled this little piece out on a rainy day - it might not have given me exposure on a world wide scale and even more importantly - put me on the radar in jewelry world.  SO excited to see where this goes!

Dry Desert Land

I've been kinda in a funk lately....feeling dry, parched and in the desert.  I'm struggling with inspiration, I'm struggling with my health and I'm struggling to get my feelings conveyed in the way that makes sense....just struggling.  I thought writing might help me process some of these things, but I'm not even sure what to say beyond that I just don't feel 'right'....whatever that means. 

I do know that I've been struggling socially and that is never a good thing, in my world.  I continue to feel unknown here - people are asking if I'm back for a visit...and I say 'I've been here since August'.  Nearly a YEAR! 

I think I'm kinda lost right now....looking for direction...looking for the place to look next....waiting for the chapter to be turned in to what is next.  and frankly...I see nothing.  No change. No brightness of exciting things to come. No idea at all.

This time last year, my life was in complete chaos.  My great roommates were moving out, I was getting ready to move out - finding movers - finding a place to live with a girl who was so neurotic that she wouldn't sign a credit check form and finally (June 27th-ish) I decided to come home for 'a few months' - which has now turned into permanent.  I feel so lost - it brings thoughts of a marathon runner running their race, minding their business and knowing that a hydration station is coming up...but not being able to find your team....because they aren't there. 

Chronic illness is difficult and strips you of so many things that you can't control - and frankly - those are the worst. 

I'll get through this, one moment at a time....just really struggling

I SOLD It!

Yep - that's right - I sold one of the pieces (the one below) I made for the No-Show!  SO excited that despite the stinko situation, I was true to myself and true to the beautiful pieces that I make. 

I went to a show this weekend, it was pretty d-e-d...however a very sweet woman came to my table (I was tucked away from the main rooms) and she fell in LOVE with this necklace!  I felt like a SuperStar!  It just reminded me that regardless of how discouraged I feel, God has given me this talent.

The other thing I'm reminded of is that OTHER PEOPLE LIKE MY STUFF! Ok, some of you are like 'Duh!  That's why you're selling, right?' - well kinda - but the truth is - I sell so I can feed my beading habit.  =)  The whole process just reminded how important it is to remember that this woman (No-Show) liked my jewelry that I had made just for fun - not because I was trying to make something specifically for a wedding.  It also reminded me of how fragile my feelings toward my work can be so easily be broken. 

I  realized that I pour so much of ME into each piece I make.  Every time I make something - a piece of me goes with it.  That's either really COOL to think or really CREEPY. =)

You are an Obsession....Your my obsession...

Pearls.  It's true.  I can admit it.  Pearls are my obsession.  Why?  They're beautiful.  They're classic. They NEVER go out of style.  Did I mention they are beautiful?

I've got a show tomorrow and this last week I took out all my pieces to decide where to put what (after removing Christmas-y pieces) and it was like a sea of pearls!  (HAHA!  A SEA of Pearls!)  I didn't realize how many pieces I had made with them in it...matte pearls, big pearls, little pearls, colored pearls, white pearls... Pearls! Pearls! Pearls!  Could be worse I guess...could be poo!