New Designs

Take a look at some of the designs I've just finished. Currently I'm working on vintage style earrings and necklaces for an upcoming jewelry sale. I look forward to sharing the designs in the near future...

Love TJMaxx!

For years now I've found little treasures for my house at TJMaxx. I'm not consistent going into this store but it never fails me when I make a visit. Here is a great jewelry display stand I bought for $20 bucks. I went back a couple days later to find 2 more but of course they were all gone. Lesson learned!

Before and After

So now that we're settling into our new smaller living space I was able to get my work space organized...where I create... Here is the before:




This is the after:




Can I get on with it now? I really need to work on some designs but getting organized and taking inventory of everything has really burned me out! I know all of this is key to the creative process....I read it and hear it everywhere, "Organize first so you are free to create"!

Some Custom Designs

So even though I haven't had an opportunity to add some of my designs to my Etsy store yet I have been keeping busy with a few custom designs. First, I was able to alter a beautiful crystal necklace for a friends mother and make some matching earrings to go with it. Being the mother of the bride meant she was going to be photographed a lot. Thankfully, she loved the earrings and the photos of the wedding came out wonderful...I'll post those soon!

Second, I had a friend the was very sad after her favorite swallow necklace broke. She bought the necklace from me when I was a sales rep for another jewelry company so luckily it wasn't one I designed! That had me sweating! Anyhow, she wore that necklace all the time and it finally broke and was laid to rest. I tried to find a replacement for her but it's no longer being made. I told I'd take a shot at designing my own version of a swallow necklace with some better quality materials. Once again I'm happy to say I have another happy customer! I'll be sure to post a picture of this one also once i catch her wearing it at church!

Etsy Store Launch

I finally feel comfortable starting to add some of my designs to my Etsy Store. I should have a few pieces in the store by end of April after getting them photographed adequately!

Check out chestofgems.etsy.com early May 2010. I'll be sure to put out an alert on my blog once it's open!

Happy New Year

The end of 2009 provided me some time to create...but really no time to sell. I have some chronic health problems (no whining or complaining from me) which prevented my efforts to do more with my time.

I am actually perfectly fine with what I accomplished because it gives me more time to prepare and create for art shows in the new year. I plan to attend the Art and Soul Retreat in Las Vegas, NV this February. I'm super excited to be taking a class by Lisa Kause. Learning to paint and draw has always been an interest but I never had the opportunity....this is especially cool because I love Lisa's work and her whimsical colorful style!

Now I'm off to refinish a buffet for my kitchen so that I can unpack the last of my moving boxes which include all my china and serving dishes. Then off to re-arrange my master to make room for an art nook for me to use for my creations. With one less room in our new condo I've had to get creative....