Our Hopeful Home: April 2010

My Ribbon Charm Necklace was Showcased!

April 30, 2010

Check out the new April 2010 Ornamentea.com Customer Showcase winners, including.....ME!!!!!yay:)

Was I excited, or what? Now, we all know that was a rhetorical question, right?! :0)

You really need to check out their shop HERE. Just click where it says "shop online" and then click on "New April 2010 Customer Showcase." The other entries are awesome! Then be sure to browse around their shop for some great jewelry supplies, tutorials and just plain ideas.

You can also follow the store owner's blogHERE. Me, I need to get going ~ I have a lot of basking to do LOL. TTFN

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe."

~ Anatole France

Share the Love ~ Bloggers Unite

April 27, 2010

This week's Featured Artisan is Peggi - Owner/Designer of Pink Clouds and Angels Jewelry!

Peggi has beautiful creations and puts a great deal of love into every piece she creates! To quote her, "I make jewelry for every woman. I give each piece I make the same attention to detail, no matter the price range. " You can find Pink Clouds and Angels Jewelry at:

Artfire shop:
http:///pinkcloudsandangels.artfire.com

Zibbet shop:
http://zibbet.com/pinkcloudsandangels

Her blog:
http://pinkcloudsandangels.blogspot.com/

Face Book Page
http://facebook.com/pages/pinkcloudsandangels/252628905116

Twitter Page
http://twitter.com/pcandangels

So check her out!

Blog Button Exchange

April 24, 2010

I'm so excited that I FINALLY got a blog button of my very own! (Sounds lame, I know. I mean, I've only been blogging here since August 2009. lol ) Drumroll please..........

The reason it took me so long to get one was, well, twofold: 1) I couldn't decide on a design/logo and 2) whenever I actually tried to create one myself all I got was a big headache. (To say that I'm graphically challenged would be an understatement.)

DA da da daaaaaaa............enter my ****Graphics Angels***. Lucky for me (SO lucky!) I found my very own graphics angels. One is a super graphics designer/blogger who deserves some props and a shout out from me ~ it's Louise at Adori Graphics. She helped me with the graphics on my button and installed it, too!(sigh of relief....) So check her out. I know you're gonna love her and her graphics talent.

Another one of my Graphics Angels is Itkupilli. I found my matching template, header and button on her site. She's a fantastic graphic designer who has free templates, headers and buttons galore. She revised my html code when I had a problem installing her free template and voila, she fixed it! She also sells very cool digital art for a fee. Check her out here.

Last but not least, for those of you interested in a BUTTON EXCHANGE, leave a comment here and we can start exchanging those buttons! It's a fun, easy way to support each other. I'll Grab Your Button If You Grab Mine! ~ hehe. And if you need instructions on how to do the exchange, let me know along with your comments and I can send you some really easy step-by-step instructions.

Let the exchange begin!

"Virtue, being a transcendent gem, is better set without much gold or ornament."

~ Francis Bacon

Business Card Extravaganza

April 23, 2010

A while back I moaned about not having my business cards yet ~ they were held up unbelievably long by the printer, but that is SO another story. Today I realized that I had promised to share them with you and I've yet to do so, so here it is.

I think this card rocks! Pink damask is one of my absolute favorites! The back is equally cool but, alas, I didn't think to take a photo of it (duh) so you'll just have to imagine it (it's done in a black background with really pretty white script writing).

Now, I know I had waxed philospohic about using the chandelier as my logo and it was on my blog header and all, but somewhere along the line I had a change of heart (hence the bird and crown on my blog instead). I still LoVe the chandelier, and I'll continue to use it graphically whenever and wherever I can. And I'll probably still use it on the cards. But I like the vintagey looking bird and crown header and template for the blog for now.

SO, do you have business cards? What do they look like and what do they say? Who do you give them to? Send me a photo and I'll share them here. Maybe we'll all learn something about marketing our handmade treasures in the process.

Notice my new blog button? I've a story about that one I'll share with you soon. For now it's time to start putting the kids to bed and then watch a movie with the man. The Matrix. A real classic, for all you Keanu Reeves fans. TTFN

"Truth is the property of no individual, but it is the treasure of all."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Earth Day!

April 22, 2010

I never really thought much about Earth Day until I had kids. I mean, they're SO into it! Always reminding me to recycle, telling me to take shorter showers (!) and overall just being pretty eco-minded about life. It's pretty cool, actually. I'm proud of them for caring about the planet. Hopefully their generation will be able to save it.

One of my goals for this year is to venture out into some green (or at least eco-minded) jewelry-making practices. I already love to use old stuff and refashion it, so I guess that's a start. I'm really looking forward to an upcoming flea market where I hope to pick up some special pieces that I can refashion. Share your ideas here about becoming eco-conscious. How do you work to save the planet?

What are your plans for this Earth Day, 2010? My son is going to see the new movie "Oceans" with his kindergarten class today ~ now that's a cool field trip! And I've already made an after school date with my kids to weed our garden plot and plant some flower bulbs. Nothing like getting your hands dirty on a beautiful Spring day......TTFN

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Do YOU Live a Charmed Life?

April 21, 2010

After all the charm bracelet brouhaha I've written about on this blog you'd think that I would have written about my most favorite charm bracelet eVeR ~ the one given to me by my husband upon the birth of our first child. Compared to the ones I make now it's pretty plain Jane (what, no pearls?) But I wouldn't have it any other way. The beauty of some charm bracelets lies in their simplicity. Like this one.

Each 14-carat gold charm symbolizes a memorable event in our lives together ~~

Our first baby

Our honeymoon in Ireland

Our second baby

Our vacation (sans-kids) to San Francisco

Our first dog, Molly

Our (yes) third baby

Our first trip to Disneyland

With any luck, after a few more years together (but, alas, NO more babies!), I will have amassed an even greater treasure trove of charms that will hang from this special bracelet. I can't wait to see what's in store.

So what's YOUR favorite charm bracelet? Share it with me and I'll post it here. And let us know how YOU live a charmed life. TTFN

"Whatever you are, be a good one."

~Abraham Lincoln

So How Do I Become A Follower of your Blog?

April 19, 2010

Okay, I decided to tackle this question because I've had so many friends and family members ask me! I'll try and make it as simple as possible without leaving anything out.

From the home page of my blog (you're on it now) you're going to click on the icon in the right hand column of the page that says "Follow with Google Friends Connect." (You'll have to scroll down my page a bit to find this. It's just above the thumbnail photos of my followers.) Once you click on it, it will take you to a new window.

You will then be instructed to to "Sign in using an account you've already created" and they list a few accounts you can choose from to use: Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, Netlog or OpenID. If you already have one of these accounts, click on it. A new window will open. Click "Agree." Another window will open and give you the choice to follow either publicly (yay!) or privately. Click on whichever of these options you choose. Finally, click on "Follow this Blog." And you're done.

If you DON'T have one of these accounts already created (Google, Twitter, Yahoo, etc.), there's an option that says "Don't have any of these? CREATE A NEW GOOGLE ACCOUNT." Click on this.

This will bring you into a new window which asks you for your e-mail address and also asks you to choose a password. Do this, and then list your birthday and click on "I accept the terms of service" at the bottom of the page.

This will bring you to another window which gives you the option to follow publicly (yay! I want to know you're out there!) or privately. Just click on whatever option you want. Then, finally, click on "Follow this Blog" and you're done!

I know it seems like a pain but it's really not that bad if you follow the steps I've listed above. So go on and become a follower of my blog or any other Blogger (blogspot) blog of your choosing ~ and make a blogger's day :0)

Charm Bracelet Diva's April Magazines Jewelry Picks

April 16, 2010

InStyle Magazine featured the only noteworthy (in my book) bauble this month, fromLoyale Clothing They're an eco-conscious clothing company who call themselves "eco chic" and claim to be using "sustainable" elements in their clothing and jewelry. InStyle mentioned one of Loyale's necklaces on its What's Now Fashionably Green page.

The "upcycled" Natalie Necklace, $368.00

Pricey, for sure. I guess it depends on how much this necklace made of 100% reclaimed gold chain and vintage chandelier crystals (crafted in New York City by Rachel Dooley of Gemma Redux) is worth to you.

According to their website, it's named after actress Natalie Portman, described as a stunning and stylish "eco-pioneer." Upcycled is defined as the process of converting waste materials into new products of better quality or a higher environmental value. Get 'em while they're hot ~ only 10 available!

All I know is I LIKE! I also like the fact that it's probably pretty easy to replicate with fairly everyday materials (although probably not eco-chic!) Anyone out there game for a Loyale-inspired necklace challenge? Better yet, any takers for a tutorial? I'm adding it to my long wish list. If you beat me to it (odds are you will) share it with me and I'll post it here! TTFN

Going, Going, Gone!

April 15, 2010

I've been busy lately with lots of stuff, most recently with a bracelet I created to donate for the end-of-year auction at my son's school.

I call it The Simple Life. It's my first auction so stay tuned to see what happens. Do you ever participate in fundraisers as a way of getting your name out there? I'd be interested in hearing your experience.

Fun stuff ~ I'll be participating in my first honest-to-goodness GIVEAWAY in a few weeks. I'm so excited! It should really bring traffic to my blog and Etsy site. Plus I can help another blogger (the sponsor of the giveaway, if you will) hopefully increase her readership base as well. I will pass along more details soooooon!!! In the meantime, TTFN.

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."

~ Shakespeare

New Take on the Tassel Necklace ~ Rhinestones and Lockets!

April 13, 2010

I truly don't know what it is about tassel necklaces that calls to me but I do love them. What, obsessed? Your word, not mine. Anyway, here's a glimpse of my latest:

tassel (tas'l) n. [ ME. < OFr., a knob, a knot,button} 1. orig., a clasp or fibula 2. an ornamental tuft of threads, cords, etc. of equal length, hanging loosely from a knob or from the knot by which they are tied together. -seled or -selled, sel*ing or sel*ling to ornament with tassels ~ Webster's New World Dictionary Second College Edition (1980). Okay, so it's a really old dictionary...........

My version is not the epitome of the definition, but rather it's a different take on a classic.

There's a large rhinestone and pearl-studded orb, three small rhinestone-studded orbs and one orb locket with an antique brass finish. I love the eclectic mix of colorful gems and the dulled brass finish. Kind of like your favorite worn-out jeans.

Things have been hectic here, with LiFe really getting in the way of blogging as well as jewelry making. Next up tomorrow is another one of my signature charm bracelets that I can't (and probably won't) stop making. Color-wise, I've been drawn to gray, pink and brown. Any suggestions for another color combination that would work with my really chunky pearl, bead and charm bracelets? Do tell.

Time for time with my man. Oh, and making peanut butter sandwiches for tomorrow's lunches (he-he) among other things. TTFN

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

~ Helen Keller

Under Construction (again)

April 8, 2010

Spring has sprung! And many changes come along with that for all of us ~ not the least of which (for me ) is my blog makeover. Yay!

So please excuse the mess while I redesign the place where I share my stuff. I'd like it to be somewhat of a reflection of me, and who I am. Hopefully when I'm done it'll be just that. And I hope it stays that way for a LONG time ~ cause I find this blogging engineering, for lack of a better word, pretty time consuming and sometimes pretty frustrating, too!

I'm just sayin'.........time to bake some cookies, perhaps?

Hope your weekend is filled with sweets. TTFN

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks."

~ Hamlet Act 3, scene 2, 222–230

Little Lovelies Freshwater Pearl Bracelet

April 7, 2010

Well, I promised a delicate and feminine bracelet, so here goes:

Yes, it's quite a departure from my usual "substantial" charm bracelets! But it has two of my favorite things ~ pearls and (understated) bling! I fell in love with these rhinestone studded balls the moment I saw them.

I just loved adding them as dangling charms at the end of the bracelet. Does anyone else love these gem-studded balls like I do? How have you used them? I'd love to hear your ideas.

I've already used a few of them in some of my other designs and I can't seem to get enough of them. They come in all colors and sizes. I found these at http://Beadbuddies.net. http://Shipwreckedbeads.com also has a nice selection. (Sorry ~ I only just learned how to enter html code so that I can reference another website by name without actually typing in the web address and you can just click on the name and off you go! Unfortunately I don't have time to mess around with code right now! I'll admit that it sure does LOOK prettier, but alas, the beauty will have to wait.)

You may also have noticed that I've created more blog "buttons" in draft to promote my blog. See sidebar....Anyway, I keep changing my mind as to what I want it look like and what I want it to say. I'm also having trouble just creating the darn thing from scratch. Any other blog button war stories or helpful hints you'd like to share? Your insight would be greatly appreciated! (I'm not sayin' that I'd give you my first born or anything but......who knows :) )

Time to catch up on tivo'd stuff with the hubs. Popcorn anyone? TTFN

"The strength of a man's virtue must not be measured by his effort, but by his ordinary life."

~ Pascal

Cha Cha Cha! Charm Bracelet

April 6, 2010

I am SO LoVin' this spring weather ~ I can take pictures of my jewelry outside and the photos come out (usually) great! I couldn't wait to share my latest charm bracelet:

I think I even topped myself with this one ~ talk about loading it on! There are charms and lockets and beads and pearls.......my favorite is the silver filigree locket in the front of this photo. I named it the "Cha Cha Cha!" bracelet because they'll hear you cha-cha-cha-ing well before they see you!

Even though it looks heavy, it's not at all. It's quite comfortable to wear. I guess it's clear that even though I'll make some traditional charm bracelets now and again, the bulk of my stuff will probably be like the Cha Cha Cha! bracelet. And I'm all right with that...........of course right after I say that I have to say that tomorrow's post will be about a bracelet that's a departure of sorts for me. It's just the opposite of a chunky, jingly bracelet. It's very delicate and feminine, perfect for spring!

Anyway, time to put the kids to bed and work on some more bracelets! TTFN

"True worth is in being, not seeming ~

In doing, each day that goes by,

Some little good~

not in dreaming

of great things to do bye and bye."

~ Alice Cary

Sundance-inspired Boho Nights Dangle Earrings

April 5, 2010

And yet ANOTHER Sundance catalog-inspired creation! Honestly, I can’t help myself. I see it, I want it and I try to recreate it. Hence my Boho Nights dangle earrings. (And it didn’t hurt that I already had the hammered brass coins that make the earrings, well, the earrings :0).

Here’s Sundance’s “Fragment Earrings:”

And here’s my Boho Nights Dangle Earrings:

I improvised and used two bead dangles (one pearl, one glass) versus their three gem dangles, and silver earwires versus their gold, but otherwise I think I got the same effect, no? The earrings are approximately 1 ½” long and sparkle beautifully in the sunlight!

I hope everyone had a happy and joyous Easter! Me and mine, well, we awoke to Easter baskets and an egg hunt filled with surprises. Church followed, and the girls sang in the choir which made it even more special :). So after spring break and Easter holiday, it looks like it’s back to the real word. For now, anyway. TTFN