...

Back home...

2009-10-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

Back home for a little bit before the next show. 3 days at the show it was perfect weather... sunny and 76 degrees. But then... boom... it was a monsoon on Sunday. It poured and it never stopped... I mean, never! The show was pretty much a wash out... very few customers. Pack up was glorious. Rain, thunder and lots and lots of mud! Almost everyone... really everyone, got stuck, including me. The promoters had a tractor to pull everyone out but you had to wait your turn which for me was 2 hours. Many had to wait even longer. As difficult as it was for the crafters, the promoters were out in the rain all day and night, helping all of us get through the difficulties and the mud. They were wonderful. My van really needs to be washed and I hope the rain will hold off long enough tomorrow to give her a good bath. Such is the life of a crafter. You have to have a good sense of humor and not let a bad day discourage you. Now I am grateful for a dry home, a comfy bed, and a long-haired orange kitty to cuddle up beside me. :)

Namaste.

Memphis tomorrow

2009-09-29T16:37:00.003-05:00

I'm leaving early tomorrow for Memphis to set up for the Pink Palace Arts & Crafts Show. It's a great show... Thursday through Sunday. Looks like the weather is going to be great... sunny and mid-70's. Couldn't ask for better! I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and customers and showing off what I've been working on so hard for the past several months.

Come by and see me! Namaste.

On the road again...

2009-09-19T14:49:00.004-05:00

Well, I am all loaded up with the exception of a few minor last minute things and ready to leave for shows. I will be in and out the rest of the year... mostly out. But I will be keeping in touch with everything and shipping orders thanks to my trusty laptop. I have loads of new jewelry and would love for you to take a look, either at one of my shows or online. My show schedule is listed on this blog, as well as links to all my shops.

I am busy photographing new items for listings and in the coming weeks I will have a good selection of my creations in my shops. Please come by and visit.

I will even write a note occasionally from the road, letting you know where I am and what I am doing.

I love the Fall as it begins to cool off and the leaves begin to turn. Enjoy the season!

Namaste.

New shop...

2009-09-02T21:26:00.002-05:00

I have been working very hard the last few weeks making lots of jewelry for the fall shows and also making lots of new items to list on-line. I just opened a new shop... www.gemtwists.1000markets.com. Stop by and take a look.

Now I am going to concentrate on making photos of merchandise to list on one of my three stores on-line.

It's almost time to pack it up and get on the road. Check out my Fall show schedule. Email me for details... as show times and venues.

Namaste.

Ocean Jasper

2009-08-17T19:50:00.003-05:00

Today I worked mostly with Ocean Jasper... making necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, some in Sterling Silver and some 14K Gold-filled... and some with a few Swarovski crystals added in for a little extra sparkle! Ocean Jasper is a variety of colors from a deep ocean green to golds, creams, and ocassionally a little pink. Sometimes the patterns of this gemstone looks frothy just like ocean waves. It was only found within the last decade and only on the shores of Madagascar. Mixtures of green are some of my most popular gemstones.

Another workday tomorrow. Have a great evening. Namaste.

Been awhile...

2009-08-11T22:30:00.003-05:00

since I posted. Sorry. Just crazy busy making jewelry, listing on Etsy, and preparing for the Fall shows. I will soon be posting a show schedule for the fall. Today I worked mainly with Poppy Jasper... a brick red stone that sometimes has blacks, tans and creams running through it. I have also been using dalmation jasper (wonder what that looks like!), tigereye, coin pearls, carnelian, ryolite, and so many more.

Back to work in the morning making even more with all those fantastic gemstones. OMG, I love it!

Have a wonderful evening. Namaste!

Duets are definitely unique

2009-07-31T19:26:00.002-05:00

I just listed a pair of hematite duets on etsy. Duets are earrings for those of us who have two holes in our ears. They are really 2 earrings attached by a small length of chain. Since they are attached you never have to search for the tiny second hole pair that matches the pair you decide to wear. Fun! Take a look on www.gemtwists.etsy.com.

That's all for now. Namaste.

Copper is the "in" thing now

2009-07-19T19:24:00.004-05:00

Today I worked on a new line of copper and gemstone bracelet and earring sets. I was really pleased with the results. They are quite striking... may even have to have one for myself! I can't possibly have one of everything I make, so to keep one for myself means I really like it! Watch for a posting of one of these bracelets on www.gemtwists,etsy.com in the near future.

It was a beautiful day in Tennessee today. Unseasonably cool... 80 degrees or so and low humidity. Quite uncharacteristic. Quite wonderful.

Namaste.

Busy weekend, busy day...

2009-07-13T20:26:00.003-05:00

I worked most of the weekend on jewelry... on Duets, my line of earrings for multiple pierced ears. I made some lovely crystal ones, as well as gemstone triangles and V's. These are unusual earrings for the more adventurous wearer. Take a look on www.gemtwists.etsy.com under my Duets section.

Today I worked on a variety of earrings and I have many more to go. I so love working with all the different gemstones with all the patterns of nature so beautifully displayed in each unique stone. Yes, I am quite tired from the day's work, but it is a good tired and I feel honored and blessed to be able to do this work.

Have a great night. Namaste.

Thusday's child has far to go

2009-07-09T20:17:00.004-05:00

I must certainly be Thursday's child... at least for now... because I definitely have far to go. I worked today on my new Christmas earrings for the upcoming season, although these could be worn all year round, and I have far to go before I am finished. I do make many pairs because the Swarovski crystal from which they are made will make these very popular. This year I am making crystal angels. All Swarovski crystal, the wings have an aurora borealis finish... makes them especially glittery and beautiful. But as I said, these angels could be worn any time of the year.

I also have made crystal Christmas tree earrings as I have for a couple of years... in clear AB (aurora borealis... especially glittery, you know), green and red.

Hope to have these finished tomorrow and them on to the next project.

Namaste.

It's really still Wednesday for me

2009-07-09T00:39:00.005-05:00

...even though this posts says Thursday. I am just finishing up my day...Wednesday... with this post. I have just started another on-line store at Art Fire. Although it is a limited store with only 10 listings, I hope it will reach yet another group of jewelry lovers. I have just listed 3 new items on Art Fire to bring my total to 10 items now displayed. You may reach that site at http://gemtwists.artfire.com/ or click on the link on this blog that says "Gemtwists at Art Fire". Tonight I listed a sky blue fancy glass bead and Swarovski crystal bracelet, a Cat charm bracelet with bright primary-colored Swarovski crystals, and a pair of classic Black Onyx and sterling silver earrings. Please come by and visit my new store.

Good night and Namaste.

Monday... Monday,,,

2009-07-06T21:40:00.003-05:00

...to the tune of that old Mama & Papas tune... Monday, Monday, so good to me. Monday morning, it was all I hoped it would be. I guess that means I got a lot done today. But it was the kind of day I got things taken care of that needed attending to, but not actual product made. Oh, well... if making jewelry was the only thing I had to do to run my small company, it would be sheer pleasure all the time. Tomorrow will be a sheer pleasure day. I have no intention of going anywhere or doing anything other than making jewelry. Yeah! It will be a fun day.

Tomorrow I plan to make "Adorables"... a part of my line of children's earrings... small, petite dangles with tiny, adorable earwires that are just right for little ears. They always come with little plastic ear clutches so they can't be lost, and while they may be worn by grown women with little ears, they are more especially for little girls. I have found some wonderful, little crystal butterflies in several colors that will make fun earrings for the special little girl in your life.

Have a wonderful evening, Namaste.

It's TGIF

2009-07-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

Today I made Christmas earrings. Yeah, Christmas in July! I made Christmas trees from Swarovski crystal like I had last year, only I did them in clear crystal, green, and red (new color for this year). I didn't finish so I will be working on them tomorrow also.

When I went to my computer to print labels for the earrings, I found I was out of two colors of ink... I never let myself run out of ink. I guess I should rephrase... I almost never run out of ink. I went to Walmart to get ink... because I am a stickler for completing a task completely, such as labeling and pricing the earrings I finished... but Walmart did not carry my ink. Small towns, you know. So I had to order ink which will take a week or so to get. Irritating. Maybe I should not be so ticky. No doubt I should not be so ticky. :)

I will be working on some new Christmas earrings soon... Angels. Although they could really be worn ear 'round.

Have a great 4th! Namaste.

Beads! Beads! Beads!

2009-07-02T21:59:00.003-05:00

I have spent most of the day sorting and putting away beads and supplies I have purchased to make jewelry for the fall shows. It's like I'm on a high. I draw energy from the colors and the patterns and as I would imagine it is with anything addictive, I am now exhausted! A little more sorting tomorrow and I will be ready to get down to business... making jewelry, that is.

I have been listing at least one new item a day on Etsy and the inventory on the site is increasing every day. But there is always something new to put on the site because my show inventory is so large.

Have a great day tomorrow. Namaste.

More Organizing

2009-06-29T18:04:00.004-05:00

I finished organizing my workspace today... at least for the present. Then I began woking on "Adorables". Adorables are my line of children's earrings. Called adorables because of the adorable little ear wires I use, they are for little girls of all ages. They are more for children, but may be worn by ladies of all ages, usually smaller ladies. But be forewarned... the ear wires are small for small ear lobes. The earrings are small, petite and come in a variety of designs and colors... from a single gemstone bead or crystal to pearls to other little dangles. I also have a few 4mm and 6mm studs in several gemstones. Today I worked on a series of tiny flower charms in silver and gold that have a colored crystal center. Very affordable, Adorables range from $4.95 to $9.95.

I also listed a new earring on http://www.gemtwists.etsy.com/ of a very unique stone... tree agate. Tree agate is a dark, forest green... speckles and striations... on a white background. This pair, teamed with a square, spiral sterling silver charm, is a One-of-a-Kind pair. Remember each gemstone is completely unique within itself, so each earring is a little different... not an identical match. That is what makes nature such a miracle!

Enjoy your evening. Namaste.

I cleaned today, but...

2009-06-28T20:04:00.002-05:00

it wasn't cleaning in the normal sense. I cleaned and organized my work table to prepare for my eminent and lengthy jewelry manufacturing. But, believe it or not I didn't quite finish! Who could imagine I could make such a mess? In my defense there are zillions of tiny pieces involved. I have high expectations that this will make my work go easier and quicker. I only wonder how long it will take me to mess it up again? :)

Namaste.

A day off

2009-06-26T23:55:00.003-05:00

I took the day off today to go to a craft show... a sort of busman's holiday. It was fun although brutally hot. It was a first time show, which are usually not the best, but I was impressed with the quality of work exhibited. It was at the Reinassance Center in Dickson, TN... which is, by the way, a wonderful place. The center offers classes that range from performing arts, to visual arts of all kinds, to computer classes, and much, much more. They have a planetarium, a gallery with changing exhibits, theater productions and even a dinner theatre.

There were artists from a wide area... even a few I have done shows with before. They were all very brave to face that kind of heat. I used to do many outdoor shows, but simply can't endure that kind of heat anymore. After an hour and a half of walking around in 95 degree heat I was absolutely drained. I feel for the artist as it is a 3 day show!

After the show my friends and I had lunch at a cute "girlie" restaurant, The Front Porch, that had a wonderful bread basket and a daily lunch special. I opted for the Cobb Salad, which was delish, and lots of iced tea.

It was a nice day out, but back to work tomorrow.

Namaste.

Quick sale

2009-06-24T19:25:00.002-05:00

The mother of pearl earrings I listed yesterday are gone today. They really went fast. I just listed a lovely pair of earrings... turquoise colored Swarovski crystal chandeliers. I have a pair of these myself and I love wearing them. Check back often for new listings. I try to list at least one new item per day.

Soon... in just a few days... I will be reving up the factory to make mountains of jewelry for the fall shows. :) FYI... the factory manager and all the employess, including sales and marketing departments are me and only me.

Namaste.

Gosh, it's hot!

2009-06-23T19:43:00.002-05:00

I was out running errands today and was exhausted from the heat by the time I got home. But why do I complain? This is normal weather for summer in Tennessee. It will be like this until October and may even get worse. I just try to remember how cold I was this winter. No spring or fall here. Just very hot and very cold.

I just listed a fun, casual pair of Mother of Pearl earrings on my etsy store. They are really perfect to wear with any color!

My new website, www.selfhypnosisforyou.com is up and running. I have one more page to add, but everything is operational. If you are looking for a calm, relaxing recording to help you sleep... check it out. I will be talking more in the future about the benefits of hypnosis.

Wishes for a great day tomorrow.

Namaste.

Monday morning

2009-06-22T09:17:00.003-05:00

Well... it's monday morning and time to get back to it! I have been away for a week plus. Now I really have to hit it. It takes some time to check email, check my websites and attend to my blog. Just a quick look this morning and then off to do some errands and get some staples at the grocery... eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, salad stuff. Later it will be back home for other work and then perhaps I can get back to the blog, twitter, etc. Have a great day.

Sunday is a rest day

2009-06-14T19:58:00.002-05:00

I am visiting my son and his wife. We just hung out today. I made them dinner. Two of Drew's favorotes... salmon croquettes with tartar sauce and Macaroni and Chesse... the REAL baked ooey, gooey kind. I also made italian spinach. He really liked it. It's fun to cook when you have someone to cook for.

Jen... Drew's wife... is having surgery tuesday. She broke her ankle in three places. Ouch! I am extending my stay a couple of days so I can be here until her mother gets here thursday evening. She is in alot of pain. I wish I could take it away.

Just checking in. Namaste.

It's done...

2009-06-10T16:54:00.002-05:00

Although I have one more page to add to the website I have finally published my new site. Please check it out at www.selfhypnosisforyou.com. You may read all about hypnosis there and learn that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You may order recordings there which may be used in the privacy of your own home or contact me for other services.

I have also just listed a wonderful Gold and silver combination necklace and earring set on www.gemtwists.etsy.com. Mixing gold and silver is all the rage now and is perfect to go with everything you wear. No more trying to decide which you should wear. Go with both!

There are lots of other unique and wonderful handcrafted jewelry items on my site. Everything from necklaces, pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings to children's jewelry. Please check it out.

As I write this I have my long-haired orange tabby cat cuddled up next to me. He is my constant and devoted companion. What would we ever do without our pets?

Have a wonderful evening. Namaste.

It's been a couple of days...

2009-06-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. I suppose I have been just really busy and too tired to blog at night. Still working on my new web site. I know it would not take me so long if I didn't get sidetracked on other things. I really want to get it published before I go on my little trip. I am going to visit my son.

Mondays are always busy and tomorrow will be no exception. I hope I can stay home... no errands... and work all day.

This is short but maybe I will have something more interesting to talk about tomorrow...

Namaste

It's mind bloggling!

2009-06-03T19:29:00.003-05:00

No, in case you think it is a mistake... I did mean "bloggling"... a play on words as such. To explain, let me say I have been tooling around looking at others' blogs and it is definitely mind boggling. Many are so complicated and professional. They must spend a lot of time on them. It makes me wonder what else they have to do each day. It looks as if not much. I am very impressed and doubt that I will ever reach that level of expertise. I just don't think I have the time I am sure it takes..

Here's the review you've all been waiting for... ha, all you hundreds of folk... :) I finished "The Shack". I did really like it although I cried through much of it. It touched some really sore spots, as it came very close to home on some subjects. Much of it was surprising to read, as it was suppose to be God talking... some beliefs and opinions you were not taught in church... but, most of it is consistent with my beliefs... which some people would say are not the norm. Many of the concepts I try to live each day, but it is often a challenge. It is generally a quick read. I give it a thumbs up if you want to think a little.

Just working today on many things, I suppose not finishing up any one thing. It will be a glorious day when all the work culminates and everything is finished at once. Then, just think of all the new projects I can start!

Have a calm, peaceful, joyous evening. Namaste.

Another busy day

2009-06-01T21:17:00.002-05:00

Well, I was up early today... at least for me. I started working early and still am. I wrote jewelry item descriptions all day and now am way ahead of the game. I have photos and descriptions for lots of items just ready to list and now all I have to do is list an item a day. Yeah! Tomorrow I must get back to my other project... my new web site.

Drew, my son, sent me a plane ticket to come see him and his wife next week. I will just be gone a week. It will be wonderful to see him. I haven't seen them since Christmas... way to long. Leo will have to visit "the kitty spa". :) He doesn't like it too much, but I'm sure he will survive somehow.

I have read about half of "The Shack". I am reserving my opinion until I am finished. I hope to stop soon and try to read a little more.

Short and sweet this time. Have a great night. Namaste.

Just another work day...

2009-05-31T17:46:00.002-05:00

It's Sunday, but just another workday for me. I worked on writing jewelry descriptions for etsy listings most of the day. I had some "help." Leo insisted on laying on top of my desk, ocassionally batting at earrings and laying on the mouse. It's a good thing he is so cute. When he looks up at me with those big green eyes, I can't be mad or irritated at him. I've listed my one-a-day listing in etsy and scheduled all my tweets for the evening. It's about time for some dinner. I may make a big salad with some shrimp in it. No doubt I will have to share shrimp with Leo. I may go back and write a few more descriptions... or maybe read. I did start reading "The Shack". We will see. The jury is still out... So far it has been pretty hard to read. It's about loss and I know what that is all about. It would be nice to find something new and interesting on TV tonight, but that probably won"t happen.

Have a nice night and a wonderful Monday. Namaste

It's hot!

2009-05-30T20:29:00.003-05:00

Well... it is finally summer. After a cool spring, it is offically hot. I love the inbetween weather of spring and fall, although we have little but very cold and very hot here.

I worked on the computer all day. Working on my new website. It's coming along and I hope to have it published soon. It's looking good and I hope it will get the word around.

I listed a pretty little pair of red jasper and black onyx earrings on etsy. I won't be tweeting as much tonight as usual because the tweet later site is down for maintenance. I"ll be back on when they are.

I also talked to my son, Drew, and his lovely wife, Jen, and two very good friends... Brooxie and Patsy. It was a pleasant surprise to hear from Patsy, especially on the weekend. She is usually occupied with her large family on the weekends. Drew just got back from San Diego and was glad to be home.

I don't lead a very exciting life, but I am never bored. My interest are varied. There is certainly nothing on TV tonight so I think I'll start a new book that I borrowed from Brooxie... "The Shack." I first heard about it from my friend, Sue, but I discounted it, thinking it wasn't my cup of tea. But several of my other friends said it was good, so I'll give it a try. Review upcoming.

Good evening. Namaste.

Hooray!

2009-05-29T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hooray! Hooray! Thanks to my sister I was able to get my etsy mini... a few photos from my website... on this blog. I also posted a photo of my VIP (Very Important Pet), Leo Kitty. She also took the photo of Leo several years ago.

Well, the weekend is here and I have nothing planned but work. Still working on my other website. I hope to have it published sometime next week.

Short and sweet today. Have a great weekend!

Long Day

2009-05-27T23:57:00.003-05:00

It's midnight and I am about to call it a day. I was up early today and at work earlier than usual... working on my new website. I wrote alot of the content for the site and that took quite a while. I'm using yahoo's web builder tools and I have a few questions, so I think I will have to call to get the answers. I would prefer talking to a real person. Had several orders from etsy today... all rings, so I made them and packed them up to mail tomorrow. Had to relist some things on etsy and make a new listing. Then I set up updates on twitter to run this afternoon and evening. Then I checked online for the best price for some office supplies I need. In the middle of this I took the time to make myself a wonderful salad with shimp added to it. I also talked to my son who is in San Diego on business. It helps me to write all this down, because it helps me to realize I really did get some work done even though it isn't completed work. I have made my to do list for tomorrow. I would never get anything accomplished if I didn't make a list... nor could I sleep for thinking of all I had to do and worrying that I might forget something. The day was cluttered with several bad thunderstorms and more are forecasted for tomorrow. Well... another early day tomorrow. Good night.

A New Day

2009-05-26T10:39:00.002-05:00

Well it is tuesday morning after the holiday weekend and a time to start fresh. I had a quiet weekend because I have no family close by. I did go to see "Angels & Demons" Saturday with a friend. Loved it. Of course, it could not be as complicated as the book. But even though it was 2-1/2 hours I didn't think of the time. It was action packed and fast moving.

I actually cooked a little yesterday... just for myself... which is unusual. Made meatball burgers. Actually cooked one for myself and froze the rest. Also fixed some yellow squash and onions. Yum!

Today... oh, today! It isn't early as I am not an early riser. But after a shower, I have to go to the PO to mail orders I received from etsy. And then back home to work on a website to promote my self-hypnosis cds and my group hypnosis sites.

If anyone is listening have a wonderful day full of love, laughter and light.

Experiment

2009-05-21T23:38:00.002-05:00

It is very late Thursday night... actually almost Friday. I am not sure why I am doing this. I'm not sure that I am even going to tell anyone about this endeavor. We shall see...