tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17892276118414441552024-03-05T07:27:12.136-06:00Karena Bella Jewelryscroll down for the monthly give awayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-91109236767457956522011-12-04T15:28:00.001-06:002011-12-04T15:28:11.197-06:00Toot Toot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fr50i2wM9mpoDRs4XicG8WfTwZLJf_Lv-kXXdGWLpWtI5hdOTxZ00foBTndUVV3i2i-IwAy9TfpowDaMZZIgRtzur_Jk9GfSDD74MV2uNHVE952mne0grI9BSfWr3HEwqAB8gr0Gd64/s320/P1010043.JPG" width="320" /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20111204/LIFE/312040008/Handmade-in-Iowa-Check-off-your-holiday-to-do-list-etsy-style">Click to see Karena Bella Jewelry in the Des Moines Register!</a></div>
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Forgive
me...but I just wanted to toot my horn really quick. Early last week I
was contacted from a writer for the Des Moines Register (comparable to
the St Paul Pioneer Press) about including my bracelet/etsy shop in a
gift giving guide in the Sunday paper. Of course I said YES! The article
featured a handful of local Iowan etsy shops. I was honored to be
selected. It was pretty cool to see my work in the paper (in color!).
The bracelet sold right away, among some other things. Gotta love free
advertising! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-74043076379222101272011-09-10T22:45:00.002-05:002011-09-10T22:45:40.376-05:00The LagniappeI am happy to announce that Karena Bella Jewelry is now available at <a href="http://www.thelagniappe.com/">The Lagniappe</a> on the historic <a href="http://www.valleyjunction.com/">Valley Junction</a> in West Des Moines, Iowa! I am thrilled about this new opportunity. Not only to be represented in the charming Valley Junction artist community. But to be represented by such an established gallery. The Lagniappe has been serving the artist community for 22 years and offers a variety of unique and quality art. Not to mention a beautiful roof deck to relax and enjoy the charms of the season. If you are in the area, or ever find yourself in Des Moines, head on over and experience this lovely gallery! Who knows? Maybe you'll find "a little something extra"!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-54747479966101413542011-08-18T11:26:00.001-05:002011-08-18T12:34:46.614-05:00First Time for Everything<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3Pe7kKArXJpZQRjiE5Zj7CChwhnakuLWW4hr8mr_p3D0BuracMYcSj4oWmDCjF0jHSHcnxdNcPnbFUbSZjHDKxjxNvX5h2OVzKwl0cBbgW-T1BfHQVzEWtE-aI0BNGN-fH0FQ8iIPN8/s1600/P1030584.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3Pe7kKArXJpZQRjiE5Zj7CChwhnakuLWW4hr8mr_p3D0BuracMYcSj4oWmDCjF0jHSHcnxdNcPnbFUbSZjHDKxjxNvX5h2OVzKwl0cBbgW-T1BfHQVzEWtE-aI0BNGN-fH0FQ8iIPN8/s400/P1030584.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>I was only able to take one semester of metals while in college. We didn't work with faceted stones - that was considered 'advanced' level work. I have always been intimidated to work with them because of that. I FINALLY did it! And I even made my own stepped bezel from scratch for the stone as well. It was challenging and fun! I felt quite satisfied to make this ring. I wish I could say this is a diamond...but it's not. It's a 1 carat cubic zirconia. But leaves quite an impression.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6po95DYfoqUshVp3J-11FKhfCBMQ8qfv-UTvaaBFmKuxtYuQwL4jLUcYDsVJkQPXIrnCF-FYh3hO0qc4bp8NhajsAyWtkPbEFswbMYPpYjugz6Uupm7kJxzZUMd7XfwFvsvcIcR_nDQ/s1600/P1030586.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6po95DYfoqUshVp3J-11FKhfCBMQ8qfv-UTvaaBFmKuxtYuQwL4jLUcYDsVJkQPXIrnCF-FYh3hO0qc4bp8NhajsAyWtkPbEFswbMYPpYjugz6Uupm7kJxzZUMd7XfwFvsvcIcR_nDQ/s400/P1030586.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Making a hole in the band to fit the bezel was both time consuming and challenging. Thankfully it was a perfect fit. One tiny mistake and I would have had to start completely over. Silver can be unforgiving!
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEhsst-PJpwENDBXTHULfQWtL_wSqyJa_3Q0Q_QoOqbB-JgUt8LMnzKVzTTcLh55j-VYLrkopHl9vQu12movCl_o8xOjtVzjASRbXzh7_KlJPAP9iQlYDAecWKPZE435BdLzcnhc3LCc/s1600/P1030589.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEhsst-PJpwENDBXTHULfQWtL_wSqyJa_3Q0Q_QoOqbB-JgUt8LMnzKVzTTcLh55j-VYLrkopHl9vQu12movCl_o8xOjtVzjASRbXzh7_KlJPAP9iQlYDAecWKPZE435BdLzcnhc3LCc/s400/P1030589.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>The flared edges make this ring very comfortable to wear.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tq2lQZNL5UJG0fRJAit5uSliEZTO-1uTQJR1GVvhDSNYyGxILDkDfkEgxEXEQs8GUbMzQUmROuTc6_f2TVTHR_bZ-P8sN6fHZ34p9D7lgmBrgBiFAfbHemwuTIsef88aJuJpjr7QvOw/s1600/P1030590.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tq2lQZNL5UJG0fRJAit5uSliEZTO-1uTQJR1GVvhDSNYyGxILDkDfkEgxEXEQs8GUbMzQUmROuTc6_f2TVTHR_bZ-P8sN6fHZ34p9D7lgmBrgBiFAfbHemwuTIsef88aJuJpjr7QvOw/s400/P1030590.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>And it's versatile. Here I paired it with delicate gold bands for a simple look.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0uUerNU8wD2Re_IHokDCWxA6pcKyEGH-hOXJdw5DUwbS3P2dwM5kMpYuPbBX5PlH5HfZgY2J11TBB8jxbHkXBvWPpDcFFWChXa9DiRepzQvyruna5Ra6W4yY4ClcVN9BvgbkuvmNASc/s1600/P1030591.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0uUerNU8wD2Re_IHokDCWxA6pcKyEGH-hOXJdw5DUwbS3P2dwM5kMpYuPbBX5PlH5HfZgY2J11TBB8jxbHkXBvWPpDcFFWChXa9DiRepzQvyruna5Ra6W4yY4ClcVN9BvgbkuvmNASc/s400/P1030591.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>This look is quite bold...and my favorite! I've got to say, it looks so much better in person.
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39fZdqNRXhl__hHpQBRoARrbUO9OmF5ED_Sygrbh4cc6_aRo11642kdoJfgAhGRmDFCrpvq3X4g-xekYzWss1DeVVJxd4YkdwMc0VhzGXcfs5IU4IT_RsYIQQWhrTAdoZno4iMZlnAjQ/s1600/P1030593.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39fZdqNRXhl__hHpQBRoARrbUO9OmF5ED_Sygrbh4cc6_aRo11642kdoJfgAhGRmDFCrpvq3X4g-xekYzWss1DeVVJxd4YkdwMc0VhzGXcfs5IU4IT_RsYIQQWhrTAdoZno4iMZlnAjQ/s400/P1030593.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>Gotta love a good text book!
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQcfmGdmwLrHeERMHgIZGLd0mudkOgZXlZLAA0f_EeSN6HI9Gkm1_yQMzP5as_jGKLBc_wAj0oNcjfmqF5uiOdr7KkYPm7MZZXfXytVsG1bP4xF1StDaJJDCcm6Vg8HGD7ws3fbmDZRM/s1600/P1030595.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQcfmGdmwLrHeERMHgIZGLd0mudkOgZXlZLAA0f_EeSN6HI9Gkm1_yQMzP5as_jGKLBc_wAj0oNcjfmqF5uiOdr7KkYPm7MZZXfXytVsG1bP4xF1StDaJJDCcm6Vg8HGD7ws3fbmDZRM/s400/P1030595.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>I've said this before. But it never ceases to amaze me what you can do with some silver, stones, fire, hammers, and saws. I love metalsmithing!
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<br /><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-23451761065238914122011-07-19T15:59:00.002-05:002011-07-19T16:26:25.431-05:00Brand New<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNE_mlRSWR7sGfJ26VHNgEWeZ25I8o-f0xH1xiP9_UJRvqQN7xl5og1WyZjYajNKAtfLWr-Dt852ICJ_2tjfnA-TmKfCSJi7JVwzX8cJ4wY4R-uj_OTmwVippCfIH2Urgru14rxTK1hw/s1600/P1030202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNE_mlRSWR7sGfJ26VHNgEWeZ25I8o-f0xH1xiP9_UJRvqQN7xl5og1WyZjYajNKAtfLWr-Dt852ICJ_2tjfnA-TmKfCSJi7JVwzX8cJ4wY4R-uj_OTmwVippCfIH2Urgru14rxTK1hw/s400/P1030202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631177187684789042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"> I recently made a goal to make 3 new things in my studio per week, aside from the necessary things like orders or repairs. I figure even I can reach this goal. At times it can be so hard to get to work in the studio. But so far, so good. I reached my goal last week and am on track to reach it this week. Here's a look at my new creations.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64FDDUPyAC5kWnfA7qx1AVWXsoAnaiMYjyFsJHgs0hlPsLT3nZZWKYwnDipL2KX1RVqEXyXdjEkR4PPcXijScM5IumkgXHxXn_vH9C_T0bo32tl5ojrmTrSWli7_nm8KNEVcY0i54DCM/s1600/P1030173.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64FDDUPyAC5kWnfA7qx1AVWXsoAnaiMYjyFsJHgs0hlPsLT3nZZWKYwnDipL2KX1RVqEXyXdjEkR4PPcXijScM5IumkgXHxXn_vH9C_T0bo32tl5ojrmTrSWli7_nm8KNEVcY0i54DCM/s400/P1030173.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>First, it always amazes me what you can do with some silver and some tools. A couple of weeks ago I FINALLY bought a disc cutter (the peg looking thing on the left). I gotta tell ya, it has rocked my jewelry making world. I've been making these sweet little silver flowers with the discs I can now so easily cut out.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40iI9RpuA5WMMk5P7KWpeXN6yUk2GpDmgk939q__kgz-ma5Tr2JRtSFRbiI5na2-2e2iFitUESXXdP7QPlvMlYqmHmDIJWDXntie-S8pn56O1ajqRxljH_8lAVhkUlImab-PxVIQ_OM0/s1600/KB+7-19-11.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40iI9RpuA5WMMk5P7KWpeXN6yUk2GpDmgk939q__kgz-ma5Tr2JRtSFRbiI5na2-2e2iFitUESXXdP7QPlvMlYqmHmDIJWDXntie-S8pn56O1ajqRxljH_8lAVhkUlImab-PxVIQ_OM0/s400/KB+7-19-11.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>Pretty cool, huh?<br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17i5nbVzpPcRX2oZglSku5lItApoNXE5kFiN-4C-oJ23wp8want1-l7dvnlVM7wjyGLftPO1Ta0vpMsMYFvqlZxBikkd44goCtcykDyzlPAAmXoWhqxdGBf5Ndvu8MQlsXFIsCtH8tgY/s1600/KB+7-19-111.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17i5nbVzpPcRX2oZglSku5lItApoNXE5kFiN-4C-oJ23wp8want1-l7dvnlVM7wjyGLftPO1Ta0vpMsMYFvqlZxBikkd44goCtcykDyzlPAAmXoWhqxdGBf5Ndvu8MQlsXFIsCtH8tgY/s400/KB+7-19-111.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />{handmade on 7.9.11}<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These little flowers are my new obsession. The best part is that the possibilities are endless. Each one in completely unique.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12DmPBizgFhvkkQzkdPTG12jjpgnpfm4hmf4q8AeFrSsOFw0KMAysdE57glvcTp2BGW-gnWDwIIxxt91kkdgMsc-EPXD1XESkEWkzg-nF4lIq6TuqGO7fTlk_IRdR6KcRAMheg2sn6Uk/s1600/KB+7-19-112.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12DmPBizgFhvkkQzkdPTG12jjpgnpfm4hmf4q8AeFrSsOFw0KMAysdE57glvcTp2BGW-gnWDwIIxxt91kkdgMsc-EPXD1XESkEWkzg-nF4lIq6TuqGO7fTlk_IRdR6KcRAMheg2sn6Uk/s400/KB+7-19-112.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{handmade on 7.18.11}</span><br /><br />These little ladies are donning freshwater pearls (my favorite)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7F7uyCLDVPARfkyDmJz_8P0iMKw0Ybc7c0ehh4bleL_vC9N9B2GXSrgv5pxTfUKVVK2XVuHckbHQPDCI6ythHgfqU7m7JcH5JQ0bkmt_xIZsHLAy_jIUApS2jisjixDnr4mjox3vBLI/s1600/KB+7-19-113.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7F7uyCLDVPARfkyDmJz_8P0iMKw0Ybc7c0ehh4bleL_vC9N9B2GXSrgv5pxTfUKVVK2XVuHckbHQPDCI6ythHgfqU7m7JcH5JQ0bkmt_xIZsHLAy_jIUApS2jisjixDnr4mjox3vBLI/s400/KB+7-19-113.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{handmade on 7.19.11}</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I am loving this ring. I wonder if I should turn it into a stacking ring? We'll see. I can see lots of different flower designs in cuffs, dangling earrings, pendants. Maybe I'll even try a pin? Again, we'll see. Most of this jewelry is earmarked for a gallery I am hoping to get into on<a href="http://www.valleyjunction.com/"> </a><br /><a href="http://www.valleyjunction.com/">Valley Junction</a> in West Des Moines, IA. Fingers are crossed.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dJL0PXwPTnOv9cTUNQDdIjD093ukTBenOxmsPqTx1XanUKZgGBrPN58UGqmzgW3zRf8cre8GKnERyk4yOzg74-T1CeKllmsiVNYNZsGWcI879WqGRbVNbsH5dPBx6rGhi_5vSSdib_0/s1600/P1030182.JPG"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span></a> </div> </div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDw3hyphenhyphenjvzTKN7t9MjMpirtdYI-5876YNADa07MO3s-1j184-pa6x2HbfwsQM2d_FhwkEi835NKRkJ1-Kp4oytPg7Yvw_m7-IWw0hFgaEpizNL85ruBeW0XRzNNrCt51PeukjbwcUfB28/s1600/P1030206.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDw3hyphenhyphenjvzTKN7t9MjMpirtdYI-5876YNADa07MO3s-1j184-pa6x2HbfwsQM2d_FhwkEi835NKRkJ1-Kp4oytPg7Yvw_m7-IWw0hFgaEpizNL85ruBeW0XRzNNrCt51PeukjbwcUfB28/s400/P1030206.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Check these out! Maybe they don't look it, but they are GIANT freshwater pearls. I need to make more of these babies. They look amazing swaying from your ears.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4DE9uU_I6fCEPifwFozfnccycJQO4Ooaya_vwqaSTYctTGXsecYv3ttO8fHPotFTp2cv65OIFMMkUhsJ5_0s2TC2sg8NafVcFc3iIc8fSrp3xtfuuAK1qCsAW0dt-uVNCJB2Gwrwz8s/s1600/P1030210.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4DE9uU_I6fCEPifwFozfnccycJQO4Ooaya_vwqaSTYctTGXsecYv3ttO8fHPotFTp2cv65OIFMMkUhsJ5_0s2TC2sg8NafVcFc3iIc8fSrp3xtfuuAK1qCsAW0dt-uVNCJB2Gwrwz8s/s400/P1030210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This bracelet is so versatile. It's one I made a long time ago but recently re-did. It features crystal quarts, freshwater pearls and a sterling charm.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dJL0PXwPTnOv9cTUNQDdIjD093ukTBenOxmsPqTx1XanUKZgGBrPN58UGqmzgW3zRf8cre8GKnERyk4yOzg74-T1CeKllmsiVNYNZsGWcI879WqGRbVNbsH5dPBx6rGhi_5vSSdib_0/s1600/P1030182.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dJL0PXwPTnOv9cTUNQDdIjD093ukTBenOxmsPqTx1XanUKZgGBrPN58UGqmzgW3zRf8cre8GKnERyk4yOzg74-T1CeKllmsiVNYNZsGWcI879WqGRbVNbsH5dPBx6rGhi_5vSSdib_0/s400/P1030182.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{handmade on 7.18.11}</span><br />A high-dome labradorite pendant featuring handmade fine silver leaves. I'm still not sure what I want to do for a chain.<br /><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-32085580835273416222011-07-06T22:24:00.001-05:002011-07-06T22:31:25.106-05:00SALE<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL55o0xRaoD3Z_9O0W1jIu6RCaJiiUgV3E_Skd_4rozuhYZV858c2DVtiPernmi5GXmNkXmo4PBky8iMQg4OngH3RZwzDk2Z4komA60x9m5jpzbg_JkL5DAXeGOQZ7Pd1wX5NK8_qkWM/s1600/KB+6-9-11.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAL55o0xRaoD3Z_9O0W1jIu6RCaJiiUgV3E_Skd_4rozuhYZV858c2DVtiPernmi5GXmNkXmo4PBky8iMQg4OngH3RZwzDk2Z4komA60x9m5jpzbg_JkL5DAXeGOQZ7Pd1wX5NK8_qkWM/s400/KB+6-9-11.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><div style="text-align: left;">Yes. That's right. I am having a sale in my etsy shop. My first sale. I really don't know why I have not done this before. It seems like such a good idea all of a sudden. I want to start moving things through the shop more quickly. And I feel like times are hard for a lot of people. But that doesn't mean they shoudn't be able to treat them self (or someone else) to a pampering gift. You will find select items (many are brand new!) marked 25% off. So, head on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KarenaBella?ref=si_shop">my etsy shop</a> and score a great deal on some new jewelry. But do it fast, this sale won't last long!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-82217682123868891262011-06-09T16:10:00.006-05:002011-06-09T16:44:23.242-05:00NeutralsIt is such a great feeling to get new work finished and in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KarenaBella">Etsy shop</a>. The following items are listed and ready to send to a new owner {that <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> be you}!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXqRE03BrqRiH0Sekqru8F9LPW1ZEP_sN1Qi5jAXnOFnh9SVj9qh27aVVwbvBl-qMMa_tcZJ28rGkjdHDRq0RXv1ygdI5FPq8PphlnSL38nN7nd0pY6iOQ9AwpbmGWAJleF0AtkCrRbQ/s1600/P1020326.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4epElKDbe1atTp4xJVCI7xxlPwSQmN5Q7V_fUT_kYy23deSQ9xHpEUhzW2GO5IEM68rhH9UXdzTiC1wK1tarAmPdp0SMzwr4GgHbybtomsZI6bJrn4DjpKvZrOb5NblG9EMB1dkV6xKc/s1600/P1020321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4epElKDbe1atTp4xJVCI7xxlPwSQmN5Q7V_fUT_kYy23deSQ9xHpEUhzW2GO5IEM68rhH9UXdzTiC1wK1tarAmPdp0SMzwr4GgHbybtomsZI6bJrn4DjpKvZrOb5NblG9EMB1dkV6xKc/s400/P1020321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616331136521582450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{Crazy Lace Agate Necklace in Neutral}<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75690810/crazy-lace-agate-necklace-in-gray">View the listing in my shop</a></span><br /><br /></div>I tried something new with this necklace and ended up loving it! I took some silk cord and wove it into the sterling chain. It ended up being a great way to get a little color into the chain without using stones etc.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux2YIIkZjOtW2qJCzd8mFpJ_3qMKzlm_fM9XZzhh9b2WeIlRH_mgZV0SyIrybNwTIsjWfFZNDJMtIn_HgO3-Zvs-h8WJziXlvtBJgUcfBIwxXWyQN34f4F7lk6QSlMtkQOvOoOnaoZUw/s1600/P1020325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux2YIIkZjOtW2qJCzd8mFpJ_3qMKzlm_fM9XZzhh9b2WeIlRH_mgZV0SyIrybNwTIsjWfFZNDJMtIn_HgO3-Zvs-h8WJziXlvtBJgUcfBIwxXWyQN34f4F7lk6QSlMtkQOvOoOnaoZUw/s400/P1020325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616331692290347074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{Double Strand Bracelet in Neutral}<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75694880/double-strand-bracelet-in-neutral">View the listing in my shop</a></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm happy with how this bracelet turned out. It is simple and neutral, making it a versatile piece.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VXv_kAQltf46w23tyh4WookPY-KUPVbCCRgHqcPEySQFYGztmrfyA-RreFU667XPLbjI2yNIjTIOA81b2ahgcUNKPUyg4nShIG4f-uJriK04FfNOMs978tubn5avX4qn1ySZDsaSLbg/s1600/P1020338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VXv_kAQltf46w23tyh4WookPY-KUPVbCCRgHqcPEySQFYGztmrfyA-RreFU667XPLbjI2yNIjTIOA81b2ahgcUNKPUyg4nShIG4f-uJriK04FfNOMs978tubn5avX4qn1ySZDsaSLbg/s400/P1020338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616331115265141842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{Crazy Lace Agate Studs in Rose}<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75692208/crazy-lace-agate-studs-in-rose">View the listing in my shop</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">These studs are so sweet. I love the rosey hues--even though they have 'pink' they look neutral in person. A great every day earring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFbdzNzydZGNHVxMJqn3lcsPZarXl6ZfKfRiqHyOHiePaPJTacd0_qhRPwZ6M9tX4irwJPmSqCZkC3vMN6pNL-7JizXVUA6gYn89QlPOBkn_z8HiN0r9hBAp063iWvcu96gRDiXkeBhk/s1600/P1020329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFbdzNzydZGNHVxMJqn3lcsPZarXl6ZfKfRiqHyOHiePaPJTacd0_qhRPwZ6M9tX4irwJPmSqCZkC3vMN6pNL-7JizXVUA6gYn89QlPOBkn_z8HiN0r9hBAp063iWvcu96gRDiXkeBhk/s400/P1020329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616336524949978562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">{Crazy Lace Agate Ring in Gray}<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75693946/crazy-lace-agate-ring-in-gray">View the listing in my shop</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This ring was a happy accident. In this economy and with silver prices soaring you have to get creative and reuse raw materials. I won't bore you with the details, but this ring features recycled silver parts.<br /><br />I am loving the batch of neutral crazy lace agate cabs I bought a couple of gem shows ago. I think it's wise to have pieces that you can wear with everything. These are definitely those kind of pieces. I hope you enjoyed looking at them as much as I enjoyed creating them!<br /></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4epElKDbe1atTp4xJVCI7xxlPwSQmN5Q7V_fUT_kYy23deSQ9xHpEUhzW2GO5IEM68rhH9UXdzTiC1wK1tarAmPdp0SMzwr4GgHbybtomsZI6bJrn4DjpKvZrOb5NblG9EMB1dkV6xKc/s1600/P1020321.JPG"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-66717421421778417022011-05-18T19:26:00.006-05:002011-05-19T16:55:21.843-05:00Back to Work<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgqIg9O2Vy2ks9W4e9otY-gtcJOusUOt_KgjUIm0k6wvrEZaM5QThnYJE32hoUo8hvdX84SiPVbm-fsFzPLkqmjA-y7jyBU3lXsd9t8m5rc1XWWsE9IVkBUH8Z_SkzC1mFID2lVKVtzI/s1600/P1010800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgqIg9O2Vy2ks9W4e9otY-gtcJOusUOt_KgjUIm0k6wvrEZaM5QThnYJE32hoUo8hvdX84SiPVbm-fsFzPLkqmjA-y7jyBU3lXsd9t8m5rc1XWWsE9IVkBUH8Z_SkzC1mFID2lVKVtzI/s400/P1010800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608543667417634002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">"The Studio" It's a bit of a huge mess at the moment but it works for now.<br /><br /></span></div>It's been a month and we're finally getting settled in to our new home here in Iowa. I have my studio in order (aside from a few random boxes that still need to find a home) and it feels SO good to be working in there again. My creative juices are flowing and now I just wish I had more time in the day to play.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnUeXBw6mNzEYxMpgsL_90aQcXvaYdLqTIRZ6Lie_ELr8yGjj8NKVqGA1YBATx2_vHzQw2LHyjUkW2L0aksdbiJOS2PdCo100vxKHeEYQkHiKqavECCXH6q_UgFNQHss9gkQpRrUKZ9o/s1600/P1010803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnUeXBw6mNzEYxMpgsL_90aQcXvaYdLqTIRZ6Lie_ELr8yGjj8NKVqGA1YBATx2_vHzQw2LHyjUkW2L0aksdbiJOS2PdCo100vxKHeEYQkHiKqavECCXH6q_UgFNQHss9gkQpRrUKZ9o/s400/P1010803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608543267771427874" border="0" /></a>These babies are first on my list. I made the bezels for these stones shortly before this whole Iowa thing came about...they've been waiting patiently to be finished (so have I). They are intended for my etsy shop. I'll post pics when they are done.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvrpomRwefYcvScJMhmvXocOVdPuh1dlLoooG1Q2DoBTnQsjQZcEmwB2Ihdgw51gs_1rPn2bRG_EkPkqQPUE2Q56nvkU00oJn7jV81YBqZlzikOOzO4n8XdSqDnO1G07Avu14roFf58I/s1600/P1010805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvrpomRwefYcvScJMhmvXocOVdPuh1dlLoooG1Q2DoBTnQsjQZcEmwB2Ihdgw51gs_1rPn2bRG_EkPkqQPUE2Q56nvkU00oJn7jV81YBqZlzikOOzO4n8XdSqDnO1G07Avu14roFf58I/s400/P1010805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608541303382500242" border="0" /></a>*Sigh* Pearls. I {l o v e} pearls. I bought a ton of them at the last gem show and cannot wait to play with them. It's a shame that they're not draped around someone's neck or dripping from a pair of lobes. They'll get there! I never did post pictures of all the treasures I found last month at the gem show. I got to buy the 'fun' stuff this time (last time, if you remember, it was all of the necessary supplies...not fun and always expensive); namely pearls, stones, and a wide variety of cabs to set. I'll try to remember to take some pics of them.<br /><br />Well, break time is over. Time to get to work.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-85415554176873049552011-04-08T17:56:00.003-05:002011-04-08T18:40:28.769-05:00A New Adventure BeginsLife has been NUTS lately! My husband recently found a new job...in Iowa. This all happened so fast and really I should say this job found him. He'd been looking since last November and nothing had been happening. And when I say nothing I really mean n o t h i n g. Resume after resume, application after application and n o t h i n g (with the exception of a couple phone interviews, so maybe 'nothing' isn't completely true). Then one day a few weeks ago he received an email from a nice man at a bank in Iowa which was followed by a phone interview...then a family trip down including an entire day of interviews, lunch and a tour of the town he'd potentially be working in. Within a week he had the job (!!!). It's quite a big promotion and is EXACTLY what he was looking for. So yay! But in the past 3-1/2 weeks we've been to Iowa twice, come to terms with the fact that we're moving there (away from family and everyone we know), and begun packing. Needless to say I am tired (keep in mind we have a 4 month old!).<br /><br />Unfortunately, my business will take a little hit from this move. I am leaving behind lots of customers and one of the galleries I have been in (who has a strict 'local only' policy). Big bummer there. They have been a big money maker for Karena Bella. But my husband kindly reminded me that when God shuts a door, He opens a window. It's exciting to think about a whole new market to tap in to.<br /><br />So, what's on the bench? Hmmm...a batch of half finished work for etsy...a PILE of jewelry for the gallery (sigh...this used to be galler<span style="font-style: italic;">ies</span>) waiting for tags and waiting to be delivered. Oh, tags. You have been the bane of my existence as of late. Hours upon hours of designing...changing my mind...coming up with better ideas...and redesigning. I am finally getting there though. I think.<br /><br />I will soon be packing up my studio (yet again). I should be back at it in a few weeks (hopefully). One really good thing about this move is there will be very little distraction considering that we are leaving everyone and everything we know. I can see myself spending lots of time in the studio! That will be heavenly : )<br />Later!<br /><br />p.s. Since I have no jewelry pics to post here is a cute one of Evelyn...*sigh* I love this little girl!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHuzdQtn3wW6RJjnYM74kjt81whaYYEtWb36PuehFgfQGbXM5yqQmZC7m2JShaBzdcCwo4c8R7PobkRf_OKYj-pgMqblsJYB4tTwvS4Iatn_Aeh-GTkH2CzYy7aPfHXdhKsIjjUvox14/s1600/P1000495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHuzdQtn3wW6RJjnYM74kjt81whaYYEtWb36PuehFgfQGbXM5yqQmZC7m2JShaBzdcCwo4c8R7PobkRf_OKYj-pgMqblsJYB4tTwvS4Iatn_Aeh-GTkH2CzYy7aPfHXdhKsIjjUvox14/s320/P1000495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593361684298976242" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-546358901518595812011-03-09T12:28:00.006-06:002011-03-09T13:06:38.686-06:00It's About TimeI am so happy to have new work to post. I feel like it's been a really long time. I suppose it has been! The following is a mix of jewelry I've made for the galleries, my etsy shop, and a couple things I made for myself. Enjoy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB4YRJJygmnsJCohg7ONX1xjrlbUqRh6g-f6zcJ02YXIlVPEh0vEyaUm9iCcHX34fHar5btuJVpN44hbnkIR9hdlch87BwUfmNF6X2qE4N1Aix6fAFb2b9vtEWPezyY911OX8V7mhZSQ/s1600/P1000705.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCo5NSKp5_E02Q10hlMQ8ysCPFKBEqXv_a-9yrF85UG1epsxKfgPxPplvxobIgJQ0dEykR3162ToRhDBzZC5YElG4jnEhr0Yl3cba5Ud8Fj8xp6TzAB7sZcVeSm9BKEuwi7fPZ2g4QNE/s1600/P1000728.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCo5NSKp5_E02Q10hlMQ8ysCPFKBEqXv_a-9yrF85UG1epsxKfgPxPplvxobIgJQ0dEykR3162ToRhDBzZC5YElG4jnEhr0Yl3cba5Ud8Fj8xp6TzAB7sZcVeSm9BKEuwi7fPZ2g4QNE/s320/P1000728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582149564594410850" border="0" /></a><br />I made the "Evelyn" necklace shortly after she was born. I was aching to make my 'momma' necklace my entire pregnancy. But that's hard to do when you don't know the gender of the baby. I gotta tell ya...this was a difficult necklace to make. Any little mistake in the stamping led me to re-melting down the gold, re-hammering it back out flat, re-polishing it...etc. I probably did this 4 times before I got it right. When it comes to jewelry, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. That fact makes my life difficult sometimes! Ugh. The moldovite necklace is something I made to layer with the Evelyn necklace. I LOVE moldovite. It is the most stunning shade of green (love). I bought 4 stones about 2 years and have not been able to part with them. I also made a pearl pendant to layer with Evelyn but I forgot to take a photo of it. Anyway...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT882hZ6_vSuRozR_RkMzyehYqHFPyDvdikTRoyz1wT158toPRgX2w2udJPnZi-rEp04wHDf5MOIk-s5e3_UUpIGU7mBGIunZxiI1D0kTEDGD3KtdZCTufX8iEDCm9SPp6DqX7PsYyP4c/s1600/P1000731.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT882hZ6_vSuRozR_RkMzyehYqHFPyDvdikTRoyz1wT158toPRgX2w2udJPnZi-rEp04wHDf5MOIk-s5e3_UUpIGU7mBGIunZxiI1D0kTEDGD3KtdZCTufX8iEDCm9SPp6DqX7PsYyP4c/s320/P1000731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582149558895733058" border="0" /></a>Vessuvianite and variegated green amethyst.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEauwF1I4fjdEpBuQV1WHJaTYFeaTnxIrXrfoNV2OXQFMduhiLBW0Lf-bGMfR2eIKsDTJR5xpAKArYCwp_U4u86PMnB3L44eqsXhKoKEcPwbBjK2u8a_DHC5Q4soGSaFfHbf9bo1WVOI/s1600/P1000723.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEauwF1I4fjdEpBuQV1WHJaTYFeaTnxIrXrfoNV2OXQFMduhiLBW0Lf-bGMfR2eIKsDTJR5xpAKArYCwp_U4u86PMnB3L44eqsXhKoKEcPwbBjK2u8a_DHC5Q4soGSaFfHbf9bo1WVOI/s320/P1000723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582149553620554850" border="0" /></a>Crazy lace agate (this stone is AMAZING in person).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oVtOQSwMrP05UWplqWEqjgM1abtnym002Hh8UzKqVU98WsPxInlVxUsDIHToTLTb1kcfOrWD7B7E8KH95UYu86cgjp0Y9Cn1qzpxUKujbI6jCe6hvLjGNC-N3e07SljvKFMkijhY_jY/s1600/P1000721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6oVtOQSwMrP05UWplqWEqjgM1abtnym002Hh8UzKqVU98WsPxInlVxUsDIHToTLTb1kcfOrWD7B7E8KH95UYu86cgjp0Y9Cn1qzpxUKujbI6jCe6hvLjGNC-N3e07SljvKFMkijhY_jY/s320/P1000721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582149547588435874" border="0" /></a>The most beautiful green/gold freshwater pearls knotted on matching green silk.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EOeO9R4l0RK_di_06p17uVBiK6IJjSJqTskxSREO8UhUDwxy9hSHOiuWHGLx5gJSBXBlfCn7GgkES7AM7XOocHNqLJwAeTYVaRR4AjLPA5i_dHMtBWnXXWC2Q2C2xi_OBVYD1gzoED4/s1600/P1000720.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EOeO9R4l0RK_di_06p17uVBiK6IJjSJqTskxSREO8UhUDwxy9hSHOiuWHGLx5gJSBXBlfCn7GgkES7AM7XOocHNqLJwAeTYVaRR4AjLPA5i_dHMtBWnXXWC2Q2C2xi_OBVYD1gzoED4/s320/P1000720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582149544547605394" border="0" /></a>Chalcedony<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB4YRJJygmnsJCohg7ONX1xjrlbUqRh6g-f6zcJ02YXIlVPEh0vEyaUm9iCcHX34fHar5btuJVpN44hbnkIR9hdlch87BwUfmNF6X2qE4N1Aix6fAFb2b9vtEWPezyY911OX8V7mhZSQ/s1600/P1000705.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB4YRJJygmnsJCohg7ONX1xjrlbUqRh6g-f6zcJ02YXIlVPEh0vEyaUm9iCcHX34fHar5btuJVpN44hbnkIR9hdlch87BwUfmNF6X2qE4N1Aix6fAFb2b9vtEWPezyY911OX8V7mhZSQ/s320/P1000705.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582150798578565090" border="0" /></a>Earrings to match<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7UvpTDyXEUa6YORa5QlQfyrSl76wC-yEtP6dP3QL_NbFk1ckUcy-k1RSe2vV8Cjr8sIytDzE0NCG4W3kG34UgeSN22lcj5kYSLyA_7cK-BvBX_UG44wcq7dsSTcg6g_lcx6zCJVMiQ4/s1600/P1000711.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7UvpTDyXEUa6YORa5QlQfyrSl76wC-yEtP6dP3QL_NbFk1ckUcy-k1RSe2vV8Cjr8sIytDzE0NCG4W3kG34UgeSN22lcj5kYSLyA_7cK-BvBX_UG44wcq7dsSTcg6g_lcx6zCJVMiQ4/s320/P1000711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582150818306285426" border="0" /></a>Pearl studs...love these!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCaMVDNs-6n8sanA4RUg4_XwWr5bPQHICSlA6DgyOD3MjGmbqWSl5lFWZjgeO7VlpPT2F2iNuyOLuIirqj98B1LrtiEBFgu2Y1t1c6djfxL-L64ZHO4TW-6vvxE-q8TICS2lF_ZJkui4/s1600/P1000708.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCaMVDNs-6n8sanA4RUg4_XwWr5bPQHICSlA6DgyOD3MjGmbqWSl5lFWZjgeO7VlpPT2F2iNuyOLuIirqj98B1LrtiEBFgu2Y1t1c6djfxL-L64ZHO4TW-6vvxE-q8TICS2lF_ZJkui4/s320/P1000708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582150815806802882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Little rustic hoops<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0xIHOWoh9LpjOiJmxMdHM-Hbttg3J9EFKmNJEjLJ2XP0YywFupfQwFVmp-jvlF_UkQAC1XZfBX96sngHmZfsYeKDyW8siIe1XwpPTrQZB00MgCXZY221-bHoCVAq1FovoEt6S8iNpNQ/s1600/P1000713.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0xIHOWoh9LpjOiJmxMdHM-Hbttg3J9EFKmNJEjLJ2XP0YywFupfQwFVmp-jvlF_UkQAC1XZfBX96sngHmZfsYeKDyW8siIe1XwpPTrQZB00MgCXZY221-bHoCVAq1FovoEt6S8iNpNQ/s320/P1000713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582150804014714306" border="0" /></a>Mmmmm, paisley and pearls. Does life get any better?!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0cf9wE4qzfwPjObTu-EBOrgCRQnTzDSUzNfOtH0Zf42oMOY49uoEfqW4ICBH50SD_HlS-iPWcM6mIhhyphenhyphengpCW1cVw1csNpuSyE-VBbe_HohL-GPDhbQahEh6oN8AzmLkYXzaO0bpkkQs/s1600/P1000712.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0cf9wE4qzfwPjObTu-EBOrgCRQnTzDSUzNfOtH0Zf42oMOY49uoEfqW4ICBH50SD_HlS-iPWcM6mIhhyphenhyphengpCW1cVw1csNpuSyE-VBbe_HohL-GPDhbQahEh6oN8AzmLkYXzaO0bpkkQs/s320/P1000712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582150806280466722" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">An authentic 100+ year old Indian charm (called "Patri").<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9T4w9LEiud_hmqOpOyN3tLwZuUUcGLvBnoWHLu9IN8nemogYYIXELOBgr1rg76LA8_HQsP9SEvH1e_atqNF-4HUsnUWkWDu8AOKgEHpyJmJ31W-UPUb3Mc9ZlT2hTTCd44Z_6-Qb2dg/s1600/P1000706.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9T4w9LEiud_hmqOpOyN3tLwZuUUcGLvBnoWHLu9IN8nemogYYIXELOBgr1rg76LA8_HQsP9SEvH1e_atqNF-4HUsnUWkWDu8AOKgEHpyJmJ31W-UPUb3Mc9ZlT2hTTCd44Z_6-Qb2dg/s320/P1000706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582151744998033794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Silvery-aqua freshwater pearls<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YBCVbzkpgdqhvrwuvngd9p2y6F9_QsaIwsVA_basWwrDrbgBH37pUjMD4187653Ply2tdwzImcLT0RvhcXyjahhy99QbM9O6rXQoKEIBQUby7Nqr0vqCqTYhoy5ETbAZCMU4GoTIUiE/s1600/P1000715.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YBCVbzkpgdqhvrwuvngd9p2y6F9_QsaIwsVA_basWwrDrbgBH37pUjMD4187653Ply2tdwzImcLT0RvhcXyjahhy99QbM9O6rXQoKEIBQUby7Nqr0vqCqTYhoy5ETbAZCMU4GoTIUiE/s320/P1000715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582151746406829554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love this color combination of pearls...it's fresh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT6wiar4HLwaLKTZZrr4WfBHUvbGdiIE_Yk12q7sweC7I-oI6xw25RE1oH_8xcIwY4TB1YGUwUtr3pCmygC_8Br1m3E_PZYKLwKmwuxvIJ-TFSh3BnbhPgwOOccq9JmM2fYcPEd18zpQ/s1600/P1000716.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT6wiar4HLwaLKTZZrr4WfBHUvbGdiIE_Yk12q7sweC7I-oI6xw25RE1oH_8xcIwY4TB1YGUwUtr3pCmygC_8Br1m3E_PZYKLwKmwuxvIJ-TFSh3BnbhPgwOOccq9JmM2fYcPEd18zpQ/s320/P1000716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582151753838985490" border="0" /></a>And some bracelets to match!<br /></div><br />There you have it. New jewelry. Now I need to attack my next project, new tags for the gallery jewelry. I have no ideas so far. Hmph.<br /><br />Other than that--life continues to be good. Take care ; )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-23850948406285774682011-01-28T16:27:00.003-06:002011-01-28T16:41:44.202-06:00A New Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj2x4opIpld8Lt9soIKXk12CiTTJ2Gv9zWtrRegBdnquUov8hw2cH9_WmCk183nSo1Q6HVMbWCqV-y8micbgSzzTaTLsqvDABaa5SXBPRFguYgrGx49MMWduhCYXQE3_iM0a-OkK-3eI/s1600/tutu1-finished.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoj2x4opIpld8Lt9soIKXk12CiTTJ2Gv9zWtrRegBdnquUov8hw2cH9_WmCk183nSo1Q6HVMbWCqV-y8micbgSzzTaTLsqvDABaa5SXBPRFguYgrGx49MMWduhCYXQE3_iM0a-OkK-3eI/s320/tutu1-finished.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567367397501780786" border="0" /></a><br />Nearly 8 weeks have passed since the birth of my sweet, little girl. In some ways it feels like it's been a lot longer than that--for example, it feels like it's been a lot longer than that since a decent nights sleep! At the same time, part of me wishes time would slow in passing. Evelyn has out grown all of her newborn clothes, diapers, and even the need to be swaddled. My heart broke a little while cleaning out her drawers, putting the teeny-tiny newborn clothes away to make room for the 0-3 size.<br /><br />This new life as a mother has been beyond rewarding. Even though it comes with it's challenges the blessings have been abundant. Things I struggled with for what seems like forever are starting to come easy to me (time management being a big one!). Every little smirk and smile fill my heart with joy. Every diaper, feeding, bath...every opportunity to serve my little one makes me love her more.<br /><br />I have had some time to play around in the studio here and there the past 7 weeks. I FINALLY got to make my 'momma' necklace : ) My camera is currently full to the brim with pictures of Evelyn so I have yet to photograph some of my new work. Hopefully that will happen soon. I think February will be a fresh start in the studio. I am anxious to re-open my shop and get some new jewelry to the galleries (which is actually in progress...yay!). My husband will be my new assistant. That is he will be in charge (feedings and all) while I work in my studio a few nights a week. I cannot wait to get started!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aCwkx54dyJmj4cnVh47vc-ceLCDHvNX4FK3I2sKWuiykY9no_jH_uLDIPObusBsxVvmj5eil-n8ufDWQXTfo1LPZ73y2bcuKOkVo7PPLMVrVAWDOGijdNFz_xxTXgHMoHbTMZ3jczpk/s1600/IMG_5117-1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aCwkx54dyJmj4cnVh47vc-ceLCDHvNX4FK3I2sKWuiykY9no_jH_uLDIPObusBsxVvmj5eil-n8ufDWQXTfo1LPZ73y2bcuKOkVo7PPLMVrVAWDOGijdNFz_xxTXgHMoHbTMZ3jczpk/s320/IMG_5117-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567367390634484210" border="0" /></a><br />Love and Hugs!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-14529657686055223992010-12-12T20:28:00.003-06:002010-12-12T20:38:30.305-06:00It's a Girl!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI6Ats7WjQmgI9gMHAky9QvpO-3MU9_9NbkTf_qMBdso-TAjEh8fH3XHPZggoT2r0TDdW4bXYXmcDvwJZiNpS8-mWGJMIGrjqapLZ4uysKA6_FmSbfh53N3ypeFthy5iy3KK6gLRpmYg/s1600/P1010025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI6Ats7WjQmgI9gMHAky9QvpO-3MU9_9NbkTf_qMBdso-TAjEh8fH3XHPZggoT2r0TDdW4bXYXmcDvwJZiNpS8-mWGJMIGrjqapLZ4uysKA6_FmSbfh53N3ypeFthy5iy3KK6gLRpmYg/s320/P1010025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549988597391666962" border="0" /></a><br />Evelyn Grace Armstrong was born Tuesday, December 7th at 8:55pm. She weighed 7lbs 3oz and measured 20" long. The labor and delivery were 'text book' (according to the nurses)--everything went just as I hoped and prayed it would. We have been blessed with a perfect, healthy little girl and words cannot express my gratitude!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9QIIgDVQPdNKt1_6-HLpsy0DBO8ObA_R-P-6a00X00ZQLJ4WSMzjXFeH9-wxxBBhRbFV0vLp_E5_ccJJUKOIFPAXq_09VDSTMwNxQLACu-VB_DQiTATq46Np3gfJaguKK7_OVlQ32aE/s1600/P1010008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9QIIgDVQPdNKt1_6-HLpsy0DBO8ObA_R-P-6a00X00ZQLJ4WSMzjXFeH9-wxxBBhRbFV0vLp_E5_ccJJUKOIFPAXq_09VDSTMwNxQLACu-VB_DQiTATq46Np3gfJaguKK7_OVlQ32aE/s320/P1010008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549988592182546738" border="0" /></a><br />Evie and I locking eyes for the first time--she is so beautiful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUX4_XWUsAfjT-T1mYKR-oxYPBR8lSy7CY6ahzz9bOaRXlFwFuo0AwS-6vN7VAgaBJ2Cm8raYJn6OiG9hwHBCnoF2_V00DC3-2QIIyBnoXxQ3w_yx_-bmzyDTKUBM8EQhJX24UyzuOSQ/s1600/P1010023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUX4_XWUsAfjT-T1mYKR-oxYPBR8lSy7CY6ahzz9bOaRXlFwFuo0AwS-6vN7VAgaBJ2Cm8raYJn6OiG9hwHBCnoF2_V00DC3-2QIIyBnoXxQ3w_yx_-bmzyDTKUBM8EQhJX24UyzuOSQ/s320/P1010023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549988583340065202" border="0" /></a><br />She already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. Have you ever scene such a look of love?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAsguDXgY2r4JvEcXFPdgUZ37fCg6nPZdzgr21uqCO34DNHa-Rs0A_TO4EuFAprx-0SV1YgZ57B-KELnRStZE2L4oi25bxeFPG5_2vE1T4CgIHVmQ59G7qBW-YWLDUsOuIesk8v40zPA/s1600/Self+soother.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAsguDXgY2r4JvEcXFPdgUZ37fCg6nPZdzgr21uqCO34DNHa-Rs0A_TO4EuFAprx-0SV1YgZ57B-KELnRStZE2L4oi25bxeFPG5_2vE1T4CgIHVmQ59G7qBW-YWLDUsOuIesk8v40zPA/s320/Self+soother.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549988574668465906" border="0" /></a><br />She ALWAYS has her little hands on her face and every now and then she gets her thumb in her mouth. It's so dang cute to watch her suck her little thumb.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNFH7gpUUiAJDPtjCN8-gQwzdgJZHAt6wDGjYhm9vhNVb0amuHPvE6JtTEQT7XzUChkfBzmNdCBu_GbvS5E56diDhTwuMvLxM8uL5QxiPb3J5uBcYDzdt5k4dpV5qEVSUfPPXrhFUYgc/s1600/At+last+we+meet.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNFH7gpUUiAJDPtjCN8-gQwzdgJZHAt6wDGjYhm9vhNVb0amuHPvE6JtTEQT7XzUChkfBzmNdCBu_GbvS5E56diDhTwuMvLxM8uL5QxiPb3J5uBcYDzdt5k4dpV5qEVSUfPPXrhFUYgc/s320/At+last+we+meet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549988573837077602" border="0" /></a><br />Amos is so interested in her and shows very cautious interest. We've noticed his protective instincts have doubled since we've brought her home. He is already very sweet with her.<br /><br />So now we're just trying to get adjusted to life with a baby here at home. So far things are going well. But the last 5 days are starting to catch up with us and we're pretty tired today. I'll continue to be in touch but it might be spotty (much like it has been the past 9 months!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-72256180305963221172010-12-06T16:37:00.004-06:002010-12-06T17:00:08.293-06:00His and HersA friend/customer commissioned me to make her and her boyfriend a 'his and hers' necklace set for Christmas. It was such a fun and challenging project because I had never made anything for a man before. After doing some research on etsy (of course) I found there are some really awesome designs out there for men. I just might bust into that market one of these days. Enjoy the pictures (and ignore the reflections in the stones...there was no way around it!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvbklTc0NIqUNNhLxXcB7fNkafX-tCxZWkjJDtlAOduuyrTxxQmG_2Z1_K_Av_TxRNN0wZT3KAnQB3qCMZMNLHW7stR5WumoWEsuNtsBfUsG0GG8bufPsFjTTfBKcglriZsQ6kJfk9YI/s1600/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvbklTc0NIqUNNhLxXcB7fNkafX-tCxZWkjJDtlAOduuyrTxxQmG_2Z1_K_Av_TxRNN0wZT3KAnQB3qCMZMNLHW7stR5WumoWEsuNtsBfUsG0GG8bufPsFjTTfBKcglriZsQ6kJfk9YI/s320/P1010010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702579175922706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hers & His<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We chose to use onyx as the stone because it </span>represents constancy, steadfastness, permanence, & courage (among many other things).<br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifomwqohST1PkHq_J_zMJdVUT0ZkiM-wayIKJLeukR-v5hYV11Q_BGPLlLuvNU5D1K5gkdks1bg6NF3eGjTuJIjX4GqMMB6S8GyPbHgaWpWc9PACZ2qfe0b9eUTacheMWqbrvCO2zhgsc/s1600/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifomwqohST1PkHq_J_zMJdVUT0ZkiM-wayIKJLeukR-v5hYV11Q_BGPLlLuvNU5D1K5gkdks1bg6NF3eGjTuJIjX4GqMMB6S8GyPbHgaWpWc9PACZ2qfe0b9eUTacheMWqbrvCO2zhgsc/s320/P1010001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702565798420482" border="0" /></a><br />Debbie--this one is yours. It features a 25mm onyx stone set in a very feminine setting with a 18" textured chain (that matches the wire detail around the stone).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ivi0IFqCOysBFK0Erf9s_qUVCEEit0UvytCzVG8PqHMLWj8nII2OWvJaO8it8-Qb-P22U9p0a1erNvCXe76xj3C4SsbtP8CHRJq9CGU6XthVj0Y9Y1C2mObzReFKkCsB1m0WEm2lsXk/s1600/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ivi0IFqCOysBFK0Erf9s_qUVCEEit0UvytCzVG8PqHMLWj8nII2OWvJaO8it8-Qb-P22U9p0a1erNvCXe76xj3C4SsbtP8CHRJq9CGU6XthVj0Y9Y1C2mObzReFKkCsB1m0WEm2lsXk/s320/P1010003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702559258716162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsDaw1kzrz6zd3ODf0Z_SWONlvvFXIzKqBdqW_0NdN-TMN1c4mrlgtbP2yIXeiKFYpcj4Hb5Olay3oDMtPcwPgulFqYb8xdUNWVe-GqG9h6SEnuY2y42KhFsrz3qsHggz2vSzmoFi78c/s1600/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsDaw1kzrz6zd3ODf0Z_SWONlvvFXIzKqBdqW_0NdN-TMN1c4mrlgtbP2yIXeiKFYpcj4Hb5Olay3oDMtPcwPgulFqYb8xdUNWVe-GqG9h6SEnuY2y42KhFsrz3qsHggz2vSzmoFi78c/s320/P1010004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702549509872930" border="0" /></a><br />And here is Phil's. I *hope* the setting is masculine enough. This is also a 25mm stone and is on a 3mm thick natural leather cord that measures 20".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ6SZ-1gr3i2vbxHuC3l6z8oTl7MZu97XLQydaY-_RsGxnGO-83dW5d6VCJaIrQ-kVtEprltJkzWlnojfbboCVw7YvPc8-ms3-Xs-QJ3BtDFYP4JPQV23G6IiQAxV6T31gB4LYlh_joA/s1600/P1010007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ6SZ-1gr3i2vbxHuC3l6z8oTl7MZu97XLQydaY-_RsGxnGO-83dW5d6VCJaIrQ-kVtEprltJkzWlnojfbboCVw7YvPc8-ms3-Xs-QJ3BtDFYP4JPQV23G6IiQAxV6T31gB4LYlh_joA/s320/P1010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702539819290818" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP81dCcV_B1hvkAKWqvy_sQpMdywYra7JeKLXp_DshCQK1bJ7oGnTCN2zqYw_ks0yiTYEqSkQbDdUXoqmHPnh2PYw5-MjJa-KHl7Bnj6hDElG8Vv7uXhtRa5da-4TtcMpeTVuqqrWw6E/s1600/P1010011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP81dCcV_B1hvkAKWqvy_sQpMdywYra7JeKLXp_DshCQK1bJ7oGnTCN2zqYw_ks0yiTYEqSkQbDdUXoqmHPnh2PYw5-MjJa-KHl7Bnj6hDElG8Vv7uXhtRa5da-4TtcMpeTVuqqrWw6E/s320/P1010011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547702729067768578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">"love of my life"<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let me know what you think! I hope you love them. I'll send them with Mike Wednesday wrapped and ready to go : ) Thanks Debbie!</span><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-65266197835707384652010-12-06T15:24:00.003-06:002010-12-15T16:15:09.281-06:00New WorkI finally took some pictures of recently finished projects. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXv3osQKUNGITVVrMd3qlD95NMg95Mahdw3WIpFAF6wzZf4wGLQCG-PeNsmKDsJ_dF2QUH90uXWUo78fAPHccG39kUL3iisoz8gOyuUfA-gnTgCTYdDhyVqHvi2_mZxqm5Fjc5j_dhVQ/s1600/P1010016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXv3osQKUNGITVVrMd3qlD95NMg95Mahdw3WIpFAF6wzZf4wGLQCG-PeNsmKDsJ_dF2QUH90uXWUo78fAPHccG39kUL3iisoz8gOyuUfA-gnTgCTYdDhyVqHvi2_mZxqm5Fjc5j_dhVQ/s320/P1010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547684078281794690" border="0" /></a><br />Labradorite. One of my favorite stones, e v e r. This is a particularly beautiful stone. I put it in a very simple setting to not distract from the stone itself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQZFaH5WwFtwnx4rVhO_-UELKdT2toBcAaqfjwo1w3IrK-P3sAOBdCmVEWPbyKfpNx_21SpSGUJ9TKRprwRemr5KjI4XK5FdBJCI8DxPQQZhrB4k3A2Ex45o-PafTVinc8mFGh4AhWQI/s1600/P1010015.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQZFaH5WwFtwnx4rVhO_-UELKdT2toBcAaqfjwo1w3IrK-P3sAOBdCmVEWPbyKfpNx_21SpSGUJ9TKRprwRemr5KjI4XK5FdBJCI8DxPQQZhrB4k3A2Ex45o-PafTVinc8mFGh4AhWQI/s320/P1010015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547684072422545698" border="0" /></a><br />This stone has such beautiful 'flash' (aka labradoresence)...blues, grays, greens, golds. Lovely!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuRknS01yvw9xdBef17oF-ZXZGvwrElFjPH_j5cY9s57U6kkvoouoA0NRLHLyY1i8FKvULIFob23qXlZzPViWBjplX0gEHDivmOLeQWVnD5HmPejTXL90H1kq7n0zrJe28OHfLc6HcHQ/s1600/P1010018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuRknS01yvw9xdBef17oF-ZXZGvwrElFjPH_j5cY9s57U6kkvoouoA0NRLHLyY1i8FKvULIFob23qXlZzPViWBjplX0gEHDivmOLeQWVnD5HmPejTXL90H1kq7n0zrJe28OHfLc6HcHQ/s320/P1010018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547684067808101122" border="0" /></a><br />This necklace features a 100 year old Indian charm, called a Patri. The stones are varigated blend of green amethyst (another personal favorite) knotted on thick, brown silk. I used soft deerskin suede for the bail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdVLBApcJxNtjbxlkkZlzHpsXpjKSxKUdK9FUxwpWMwbPiXq1R85_l3fX7cfFzORLuB3L5Rzu1QFHmY1J5TuZoLK7GmAos3fOT6YZT-rsSpXhO6j7xxHIrPQRmNzb4l88ZcVZtMIyhAI/s1600/P1010023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdVLBApcJxNtjbxlkkZlzHpsXpjKSxKUdK9FUxwpWMwbPiXq1R85_l3fX7cfFzORLuB3L5Rzu1QFHmY1J5TuZoLK7GmAos3fOT6YZT-rsSpXhO6j7xxHIrPQRmNzb4l88ZcVZtMIyhAI/s320/P1010023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547684058861047522" border="0" /></a>Diamonds, anyone? I used some of the raw diamond beads I bought at the last gem show in this necklace. My new trick--using silver 'drop' beads layered on a sterling hoop for a lovely rustic effect. Here's a pendant and earrings to match.<br /><br />Other than that my studio time has been taken up with custom orders and some odds and ends repairs. I am feeling a huge relief having just finished up the last of my custom orders (which will appear in another entry today)--the baby can come any day it wants now! We're going to be 38 weeks this week so I am REALLY hoping the baby will decide to come soon. We shall see ; )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-8649931918395427252010-10-22T16:34:00.004-05:002010-10-22T17:03:42.140-05:00"Okay...it's time to slow it down."<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Do you remember that from high school dances? You'd be dancing to some crazy, fast song with a group of your friends and then all of a sudden the DJ would say "...it's time to slow it down..." and the lamest slow song would come on. The atmosphere in the room changed as everyone either scurried off the floor to avoid the embarrassment of not having someone to dance with or, if you were one of the lucky ones, you'd start scanning the crowd for your date. Okay--that's totally random, but that's what this post is all about!<br /><br />Well...it's time to slow it down here in the Armstrong household and in Karena Bella studio. Since I started feeling less nauseous and more motivated at around 5 months I decided that I'd get as much done as possible both at work and in the studio up until the baby comes. Here we are at 31 weeks and my body just can't keep up. We've learned that I just can't handle the stress of "getting as much done as possible" anymore. So I've cut back (per doctor's suggestion). I notified the galleries that what they have is it until early spring. I've notified people at church that I'm cutting back on my responsibilities there. And well, work is work. But it's so part time that it shouldn't be much of a problem. However, we did decide that I will be done December 16th. I will then be a stay-at-home-mom and run my jewelry business on the side. We're going to take it one day at a time and just go from there. I've got to say it feels good to eliminate stress. But now I don't quite know what to do with myself. I suppose rest and enjoy these last couple months of pre-parenthood freedom.<br /><br /> <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3KEbnitfnSHcYjPm9TwUM06AvCmfFCaH6uH2w2vYdD_gCA40BJGj4e73523MEttLmvSNc4R5wwRXQAzFORsvaTkf8bcJGht3Y82R3i9x-8WOVH3J45s_W_iMKQD1rnQALdl47b8PjCE/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3KEbnitfnSHcYjPm9TwUM06AvCmfFCaH6uH2w2vYdD_gCA40BJGj4e73523MEttLmvSNc4R5wwRXQAzFORsvaTkf8bcJGht3Y82R3i9x-8WOVH3J45s_W_iMKQD1rnQALdl47b8PjCE/s320/IMG_3745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530988083480950034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's a recent family photo taken by my sister while visiting her in the Chicago area. I'll try really hard not to mention that I look like crap! Oops. We were going to be in the car all day so I didn't do much with myself. But as always, my husband and dog are adorable : )</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglStFSCUos7jwnHdJtw-Nw96iWDSxcnGKcNIboHDlTjRz1QAGCakuzv5LDx2cAUx2q2vTa-ud1aG5EEuzoTbKivnyOBMI9nEbqAwcpN0fuZtPn2TpDPPwKYB_oQ2s4-K8Md9zCjySOl2Y/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglStFSCUos7jwnHdJtw-Nw96iWDSxcnGKcNIboHDlTjRz1QAGCakuzv5LDx2cAUx2q2vTa-ud1aG5EEuzoTbKivnyOBMI9nEbqAwcpN0fuZtPn2TpDPPwKYB_oQ2s4-K8Md9zCjySOl2Y/s320/IMG_3742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530988089568808770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Battle of the Bumps! I think I win this one. (I love my baby bump by the way : )<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Well anyway. I suppose that's it for now. I have some new work to take pictures of...hopefully that'll happen soon. And I also hope that I'll find the motivation to play around in the studio. As much as I was looking forward to my Holiday line for the galleries, it's such a relief not having that deadline looming over head. I do plan to still work...just for fun (which is the best ever!). Catch ya later!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-28725380629577216242010-10-15T14:44:00.004-05:002010-10-15T15:15:59.318-05:00The Loot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZvw4Dbs0KhpPi7VDQ7l2qBPLyVVY0UVrHWUL7yLeZ-khuof0xoR9eHb0SvfRR85FbTE4j6tt8aj_mkk8L6VM9itMnboRDfH-r76wzNnMK-HFxMmvAHwBWiIHe9N7gJMuQozG3a9-Qvs/s1600/P1010016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZvw4Dbs0KhpPi7VDQ7l2qBPLyVVY0UVrHWUL7yLeZ-khuof0xoR9eHb0SvfRR85FbTE4j6tt8aj_mkk8L6VM9itMnboRDfH-r76wzNnMK-HFxMmvAHwBWiIHe9N7gJMuQozG3a9-Qvs/s320/P1010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528361670179670098" border="0" /></a><br />The gem show came and went. I've got to say that there have been better shows--not that there wasn't some gorgeous stuff! There is always that. However, being low on funds, being 7 months pregnant, tired, and bumping in to everything (people...tables...displays...people--it's always jam packed) I was hard pressed to find the energy and excitement I usually have at the show. I wouldn't have survived it if it had not been for my incredible husband who carried my heavy bag and waited in long check-out lines so I could continue to shop. He's the best!<br /><br />This show I had to focus on the necessary items that aren't much fun to buy but you have to have (findings, chain, etc). I did score on some beautiful crazy lace agate cabs (pictured above), a strand of rough diamonds, and a few other fun finds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYSt4YcBCrvrv2l6bkWHVrvjgj44qIm7yZoHv1jZ1AHXRaA6QdHVfZaUh45MDkxRDCJzhvW_zl93NHSlNV38RgG7-6wFrilM8RNOdns_xtl0vvgShxEXdwDn2jhBWCWxJm3Rvk-LhOXA/s1600/P1010015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYSt4YcBCrvrv2l6bkWHVrvjgj44qIm7yZoHv1jZ1AHXRaA6QdHVfZaUh45MDkxRDCJzhvW_zl93NHSlNV38RgG7-6wFrilM8RNOdns_xtl0vvgShxEXdwDn2jhBWCWxJm3Rvk-LhOXA/s320/P1010015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528361665727651730" border="0" /></a><br />Diamonds!!! Not your typical faceted and polished diamonds--but diamonds nonetheless. For Christmas Mike bought me 5 sets of these tiny rough diamond beads and I love them. I made myself a little something special with them but wished I had more to make stuff to sell. I found a great deal on an entire 17.5" strand in lovely silvery tones. In the middle of the diamonds is a sapphire, green zircon, and amethyst--my husbands, the baby's, and my birthstones. This was my special purchase. I am going to make a stacking mother's ring with them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu6Kj0aAF8XO5ggwYeioewi6dnanJN-Ur_VR6Xn8T1ODECnK68sqY3N6Q2crA_f4r3WjB0yF_j6yoHwpeePF6CUCqiH4f108SW06m9vYVl7ZFLiQXxZt3pdQtDlvbpFOrLbGrvKE_9c4/s1600/P1010018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXu6Kj0aAF8XO5ggwYeioewi6dnanJN-Ur_VR6Xn8T1ODECnK68sqY3N6Q2crA_f4r3WjB0yF_j6yoHwpeePF6CUCqiH4f108SW06m9vYVl7ZFLiQXxZt3pdQtDlvbpFOrLbGrvKE_9c4/s320/P1010018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528361654496303698" border="0" /></a><br />I love, love, love these silver "drop" beads. I bought some at the last show and use them all the time. They are heavy, organically shaped, and add the perfect rustic touch to my designs. I just had to get some more.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qefqd4BrXp_XSEnP5tyA0Qk6XoDoOGqC5b-Z-BIDI6Q4QDCj4hfvLS_nvul0DTfhVvoNXgFX8o86a_jWxj0DTftnN06RxLk7oy6LQAmk0u11qmpmHsc5N4eVy-ahnjY_yVLTIbbWEmc/s1600/P1010019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qefqd4BrXp_XSEnP5tyA0Qk6XoDoOGqC5b-Z-BIDI6Q4QDCj4hfvLS_nvul0DTfhVvoNXgFX8o86a_jWxj0DTftnN06RxLk7oy6LQAmk0u11qmpmHsc5N4eVy-ahnjY_yVLTIbbWEmc/s320/P1010019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528361637004328514" border="0" /> </a><br />The "necessary and not so fun to buy" stuff. This is always the most expensive stuff too. Some chain, crimp ends, attach rings, and head pins. As I was putting all of this away I realized I already had 600 of the same head pins (a few years supply for me) in my silver supply stash and could have saved nearly $20 on a length of chain by buying it online. I felt really stupid. I usually have a list of what-I-don't-need-at-the-gem-show and do research beforehand to see what the things I do need are going for online. I didn't do that this time. I'll blame it on my "baby brain".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdcVDlR3_HcYdyxfdmrN0vyh81GQ4aZo8QqIUm-nqlfrcZOQDkwBydNG-MZUG5h8d3qHPsmreAvzUXHhaIhpnFdAxwzV6BMBZuDwdNP6yjxuEEwB46oBOhM6sxWNELmQ9tBfrdnob898/s1600/P1010017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdcVDlR3_HcYdyxfdmrN0vyh81GQ4aZo8QqIUm-nqlfrcZOQDkwBydNG-MZUG5h8d3qHPsmreAvzUXHhaIhpnFdAxwzV6BMBZuDwdNP6yjxuEEwB46oBOhM6sxWNELmQ9tBfrdnob898/s320/P1010017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528361633728748082" border="0" /></a><br />And last, but not least, a couple strands of frosted glass beads. I admit I settled for these. I wanted ancient Roman glass but it's REALLY expensive. This was the best I could find that was similar. I kinda wish I'd have not bought them. I have no idea what to do with these??? Oh well, they were cheap.<br /><br />Well, that's all folks. You'd never believe it if I told you how much all of this cost. It sure doesn't look like much. The next show will be more fun. I'm starting to save for it now and I won't be pregnant (but I'll have to find a sitter!). Later--Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-3512524991866027642010-09-25T18:35:00.002-05:002010-09-25T18:39:31.295-05:00Eeeeeeeeeeekkkkkkkk!The gem show is tomorrow!!!!!!! I'm giddy with anticipation. I love thinking about all of the treasures I will find. Gosh--I don't think I'll sleep much tonight. I'll post pics of my loot next week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-52208358031466859482010-09-17T18:56:00.010-05:002010-09-17T20:03:21.248-05:00The Process<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8BWeEsFBhrIoSsGRKhHawvT-R-lSwqrZQ1pdb4In5Z9M-20fFNyHHMuYqJZ0T58p9SpvfAbMYfH6UAASXNCH1F9rl_ghKAJc_voeUefplKhYzWVhi5UfNz19VVKpzk6yKMaBN_3llDk/s1600/P1010049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8BWeEsFBhrIoSsGRKhHawvT-R-lSwqrZQ1pdb4In5Z9M-20fFNyHHMuYqJZ0T58p9SpvfAbMYfH6UAASXNCH1F9rl_ghKAJc_voeUefplKhYzWVhi5UfNz19VVKpzk6yKMaBN_3llDk/s320/P1010049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518038827357674610" border="0" /></a><br />In college I majored in Art with an emphasis in ceramics. I recall one day being elbow deep in muck mixing a batch of clay with a classmate. Mixing clay is both a time consuming and physically laborious process. My mixing partner, although known for her obnoxiously exuberant zest for life, was a very kind girl. She chattered on about how much she loved mixing clay; how much she loved every step of the process of ceramics. Mixing, wedging, throwing, hand-building, firing, glazing, firing again... I can't say I felt the same way. I<span style="font-style: italic;"> liked</span> the process, but I realized I lacked the passion that she and many of my other classmates had for it. I rarely felt compelled to stay in the studio later than necessary. I did the projects required and played around some, but didn't seem to 'live' there like the others. My last semester I needed an additional studio class and was able to get into metalsmithing. Within the first week I realized I could relate to my classmate--I was passionately in love with every single step of the metalsmithing process. I lived in the studio trying to create as much as I could in the short 4+ months I would have access not only to the tools but knowledge of a phenomenal professor. I knew this was what I wanted to do. I thought I'd share with you the process I love. Like ceramics, it is time consuming and physically laborious. But I find joy in every step. Click on the pictures for more detail. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9kJl68_AtuMkJMKovoRiZ6sTCgUnqawDWq5on_Uf2j3sCIxTln29Z4XDo8-H8GNlqr1b2CERxBqG_tD7FCXd7JnaqCcPSxw1KbeQIgIjI8FObCI51Xy7As4WVhF2W1fpEYYgD4FwSdA/s1600/The+Process.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9kJl68_AtuMkJMKovoRiZ6sTCgUnqawDWq5on_Uf2j3sCIxTln29Z4XDo8-H8GNlqr1b2CERxBqG_tD7FCXd7JnaqCcPSxw1KbeQIgIjI8FObCI51Xy7As4WVhF2W1fpEYYgD4FwSdA/s320/The+Process.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036803832855362" border="0" /></a><br />Every piece is born out of raw material--sheets of metal and spools of wire. After selecting the stones to be set the raw material is fitted and cut for each stone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKp2FlmQqr6Tu3Q2VXa91PDbaGxuJunX33f4ulFw3KBkXlepDbpFSjYaJRxOlqfxlD39sBivG47aVYF8-Mhhy93bNQ7BzfhcY6ps_jHOx4eQvT0j7FTjXhKG5J0XvYkvOAdQ0bqmM6Lk/s1600/The+Process1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKp2FlmQqr6Tu3Q2VXa91PDbaGxuJunX33f4ulFw3KBkXlepDbpFSjYaJRxOlqfxlD39sBivG47aVYF8-Mhhy93bNQ7BzfhcY6ps_jHOx4eQvT0j7FTjXhKG5J0XvYkvOAdQ0bqmM6Lk/s320/The+Process1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036678120656658" border="0" /></a><br />Once everything fits perfectly (this process can take hours to complete) the pieces are put together with fire, flux, and solder. Each joint is soldered together and cleaned in a heated acid solution called "pickle". Soldering, when done correctly, is a fast process but comes with it's own challenges and problem solving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9nhoWSW2JlPZwAZxik1enbtJmZOSsUxE6CZfBoTWst8lj-6NW6cPabVT96yLPVaoZF-tY39qXzzzELqinthnAOrM4rEYEkg6N49Tjkqy_2vC7yrnSFjpjsW4OSSq7iRNuEfX87_m2aI/s1600/The+Process2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9nhoWSW2JlPZwAZxik1enbtJmZOSsUxE6CZfBoTWst8lj-6NW6cPabVT96yLPVaoZF-tY39qXzzzELqinthnAOrM4rEYEkg6N49Tjkqy_2vC7yrnSFjpjsW4OSSq7iRNuEfX87_m2aI/s320/The+Process2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036675212699186" border="0" /></a><br />Embellishing the setting is one of the best parts. Precision and a tight fit are the keys to a well embellished piece. I enjoy using 'fancy' silver wires and recycling scrap by melting it into little balls to embellish my pieces.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo7ocGmG0NDsp1h91Ja5YDbVNyobBI-7ueUmPkyVdxROwre8FMH7r-GnTGj9RivtaWdQ68zm0MFDbxxdxEhMCk-DDw1HocWtsdr7ms-s3TA3VBky2iAmKeQKcXVVFeyIlwkDO98Q_YFc/s1600/The+Process3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo7ocGmG0NDsp1h91Ja5YDbVNyobBI-7ueUmPkyVdxROwre8FMH7r-GnTGj9RivtaWdQ68zm0MFDbxxdxEhMCk-DDw1HocWtsdr7ms-s3TA3VBky2iAmKeQKcXVVFeyIlwkDO98Q_YFc/s320/The+Process3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036663690774274" border="0" /></a><br />After the bezel is embellished it is made into what it's meant to be--rings, pendants, cuffs, etc. Here I have illustrated creating ring shanks-measuring and sawing the silver, annealing (heating it to make it more pliable), shaping/filing it, and soldering it together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxZyt0Hpbf990NebFUs2vPU7MxPgnTn1lHg15vI7r0WQs-1QGtLpovvRYrX_uAoJfOpAeNwWTIOBRCPjAhKEI5HGiS1wVcw-yFUc0TfTNRvnUulRzq7hwstuEd0RRGTLegTc0BKmGT90/s1600/The+Process4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxZyt0Hpbf990NebFUs2vPU7MxPgnTn1lHg15vI7r0WQs-1QGtLpovvRYrX_uAoJfOpAeNwWTIOBRCPjAhKEI5HGiS1wVcw-yFUc0TfTNRvnUulRzq7hwstuEd0RRGTLegTc0BKmGT90/s320/The+Process4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036660470651346" border="0" /></a> Once the ring is soldered together it must be reshaped using a ring stretcher to make it round. Then it must be filed and sanded to clean it up and remove all scratches in the metal. Once it's shaped to fit the ring it is carefully placed onto the bezel and soldered on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmLwq76Aj0X_ZFqeNs5fmU4iIh-1ETYdA4eB7Mjcex7I4gm-G2RleF6exsTYFCCiJ42I5hDo0kNlPgKQX8k_cspZijJMY3G0tH_w0NlZSXmXVA0XZE-uFJl09692yWxmPdQv8c4RpdM4/s1600/The+Process5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmLwq76Aj0X_ZFqeNs5fmU4iIh-1ETYdA4eB7Mjcex7I4gm-G2RleF6exsTYFCCiJ42I5hDo0kNlPgKQX8k_cspZijJMY3G0tH_w0NlZSXmXVA0XZE-uFJl09692yWxmPdQv8c4RpdM4/s320/The+Process5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036651363310642" border="0" /></a><br />Hours and hours (and hours and hours) after the start, construction is complete! I almost always oxidize my pieces to add depth and enhance texture. This is where the pieces are blackened (top right). Using a special cleaning pad I remove a lot of the blackness so the silver shines through (bottom right)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNeW0QZAoYdxDz9THAZUiRYQb6BrCFvxK0xjqNo5QxPl3WlRIdIsA0GPurUC-PXZ2tRbUvlMuIfXQgMvugJXw2O0rCpcPlOuwRerBTDt55jumEqvTKGJ_tTtH2fX8MILAi3IxwUppsvs/s1600/The+Process6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNeW0QZAoYdxDz9THAZUiRYQb6BrCFvxK0xjqNo5QxPl3WlRIdIsA0GPurUC-PXZ2tRbUvlMuIfXQgMvugJXw2O0rCpcPlOuwRerBTDt55jumEqvTKGJ_tTtH2fX8MILAi3IxwUppsvs/s320/The+Process6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036267343314514" border="0" /></a><br />Next comes finishing the setting by either tumbling (my preference) or polishing by hand. I use a mix of stainless steel "shot" and a burnishing compound to tumble my pieces. This smooths and polishes for me and takes hours off the finishing process. Tumbling takes 30 min to an hour.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDWmsfxcgtvGcbxysnavdZyyl0MV1kOlb4xgRu43WqdAumTNctLHRWWMIVACUxdnW759fx7MMm3vUui6_h_zPuSinqJ8I8trD_k0j4jKIagPfn1m9nuxIWine5ZJgRJU62EZ_NKvkfKU/s1600/The+Process7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDWmsfxcgtvGcbxysnavdZyyl0MV1kOlb4xgRu43WqdAumTNctLHRWWMIVACUxdnW759fx7MMm3vUui6_h_zPuSinqJ8I8trD_k0j4jKIagPfn1m9nuxIWine5ZJgRJU62EZ_NKvkfKU/s320/The+Process7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036256011987458" border="0" /></a><br />And now the best part of the entire process! Opening up the tumbler and pulling out the finished, super shiny settings, popping the stones into place, and setting them. "Setting" means pushing the rim of the bezel tightly over the stone using a bezel roller and burnisher (although there are other ways to set stones). If the bezels fit the stone just right this process doesn't take very long. However, if the bezels don't fit perfectly this is one of the most frustrating processes EVER! And Voila! The piece is finished and ready to enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbjuYFmCn39BsyCBkPyG6gMTnXFZDTbJM3yL84wGuk66rtdvFUXvyKOFHVFm7pzTV7JrWfHMeamAeOgXuh66OGuojU8tSnUU3-BqPCxdHKQJ7XmzdVyherIqPMieLWpVkADvmaGjRKII/s1600/P1010053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbjuYFmCn39BsyCBkPyG6gMTnXFZDTbJM3yL84wGuk66rtdvFUXvyKOFHVFm7pzTV7JrWfHMeamAeOgXuh66OGuojU8tSnUU3-BqPCxdHKQJ7XmzdVyherIqPMieLWpVkADvmaGjRKII/s320/P1010053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036251766201378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w5dgzq_au176VN9aLqE7wYBPjJPPoj-8d2Qe6WhyDarSDzWOYZRlh8QVY1C5zPRMnLUI3SVeEFdOpSu_V0duXXMqoGzAY0z-ezDzR9-4Zbc6668Sb4jDUsMyoasGyONzaTSaB9YC744/s1600/P1010052.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w5dgzq_au176VN9aLqE7wYBPjJPPoj-8d2Qe6WhyDarSDzWOYZRlh8QVY1C5zPRMnLUI3SVeEFdOpSu_V0duXXMqoGzAY0z-ezDzR9-4Zbc6668Sb4jDUsMyoasGyONzaTSaB9YC744/s320/P1010052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036250621960674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszK0NWf7zQdKO4pORzghh3hyn1oe-uAJqICST5b5sfTPIt-u_42O1qgtWGvPIEPqeId2en-TpVPUmOpCEVzyAAVR-oyfZXWzforGyChvuMrjeCHIDGYqM7NikTjIIcCK7UqdjWVRHHrs/s1600/P1010044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszK0NWf7zQdKO4pORzghh3hyn1oe-uAJqICST5b5sfTPIt-u_42O1qgtWGvPIEPqeId2en-TpVPUmOpCEVzyAAVR-oyfZXWzforGyChvuMrjeCHIDGYqM7NikTjIIcCK7UqdjWVRHHrs/s320/P1010044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518036238316807426" border="0" /></a><br />I hope this was interesting--or at least gave you a greater appreciation for that handmade piece of jewelry you love. Peace.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-58146258632481845592010-09-13T15:38:00.006-05:002010-09-13T16:39:47.676-05:00Finally, Finally, and Finally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUz3AWk2DQpKnZaJRHe20im2DSlmZHTwgr3hqNMoYJdJTLS6sDcjAdD856-TE2_qCeY8rTVINR3lq23PmbGV4T5WpZgGch1vaSBrZIwWr4lmGvO-_DNQs94oobAr-YtQYFWUGq1cx1e4/s1600/P1010016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUz3AWk2DQpKnZaJRHe20im2DSlmZHTwgr3hqNMoYJdJTLS6sDcjAdD856-TE2_qCeY8rTVINR3lq23PmbGV4T5WpZgGch1vaSBrZIwWr4lmGvO-_DNQs94oobAr-YtQYFWUGq1cx1e4/s320/P1010016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516501832038643074" border="0" /></a><br />Not only am I <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">finally</span> blogging again, but I have new work to show you too! It's crunch time. I have goals to deliver a large batch of new jewelry to each of the galleries by the end of the month. After that I'll be right back at it to have substantial deliveries for Holiday. Gotta get the galleries stocked before the baby comes in December!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-vhekvkb5mnrS-ZXzoK3-7xtWUJDRm3QioMd3Q-GMhaIWmhaNglomkuVClLYG3Wwe7chHRrCKHZ7inenUA51D8IWSd04W1bUtkixojNaHUDpBaBQll2pphqGYVVQ2nqeCiBGqjz54rk/s1600/P1010014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-vhekvkb5mnrS-ZXzoK3-7xtWUJDRm3QioMd3Q-GMhaIWmhaNglomkuVClLYG3Wwe7chHRrCKHZ7inenUA51D8IWSd04W1bUtkixojNaHUDpBaBQll2pphqGYVVQ2nqeCiBGqjz54rk/s320/P1010014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516515200065111794" border="0" /></a><br />I absolutely adore paisley (I'd totally name my baby Paisley if it's a girl...but Mike vetoed that one). I've had this paisley design for a couple of years now and <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">finally</span> made myself something with it. It has be come my go-to necklace. It's great by itself but perfect for layering as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxj_56xxckPHtjtoNTAFfIm1yjd4rP2usFZRjaOQ3O7qFqCGQ3t_gqf0gwe_ec3l3Nc81P8DytPIXFJbkpnZZ_JSgxIhirCuvDpT3Crlb5kiE-jnCiulKiOGAjNf5xQ4ma7oBpmdqnEY/s1600/P1010020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxj_56xxckPHtjtoNTAFfIm1yjd4rP2usFZRjaOQ3O7qFqCGQ3t_gqf0gwe_ec3l3Nc81P8DytPIXFJbkpnZZ_JSgxIhirCuvDpT3Crlb5kiE-jnCiulKiOGAjNf5xQ4ma7oBpmdqnEY/s320/P1010020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516514572005608786" border="0" /></a><br />Blue kyanite and organic silver. I LOVE these earrings! I have a couple pairs sitting on my work desk and I just stare at them, try them on, and stare at them some more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi3LlSICRz0za_UFUmme4rxDf_ZlPFeA4HSl-QlQBMvzB81GefuZDfZd5R9VCvHO1MX5_OIngLGQLDLRSp_-7sDdkcoCz3TStFYSqpBZPkeNG8qmMnc7B2NPtYDjJxXlYe2aWOs82I50/s1600/P1010030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi3LlSICRz0za_UFUmme4rxDf_ZlPFeA4HSl-QlQBMvzB81GefuZDfZd5R9VCvHO1MX5_OIngLGQLDLRSp_-7sDdkcoCz3TStFYSqpBZPkeNG8qmMnc7B2NPtYDjJxXlYe2aWOs82I50/s320/P1010030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516500796310028930" border="0" /></a><br />I've been slowly collecting these 100 year old (at least) silver Indian "Patri" (charms) over the past several gem shows. I love the symbols, shapes, and texture on these little charms. One time I had the vendor, who goes to India to collect these treasures herself, write down what some of the symbols stand for. Unfortunately I can't read the vendor's handwriting so I can't tell you the specific names. Many of them are warriors (above) but there are several with temples and gods as well. I <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">finally</span> got around to using some in my designs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP1U-h3tZpJbOfHBWFP9SBJ7p_HBJwSGq5UBgok5NuA_SnE-rUqQBZQeC6lq6oV_v66DlxDZUOPPIp1Wz6LsvE5HeQk2_tmxZErYMQoMDg6YRzOuGIsHCOXONxv3Wbe39Pex5qLjHefE/s1600/P1010027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP1U-h3tZpJbOfHBWFP9SBJ7p_HBJwSGq5UBgok5NuA_SnE-rUqQBZQeC6lq6oV_v66DlxDZUOPPIp1Wz6LsvE5HeQk2_tmxZErYMQoMDg6YRzOuGIsHCOXONxv3Wbe39Pex5qLjHefE/s320/P1010027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516500789973793586" border="0" /></a><br />A few years ago I bought a tool called The Bead Knotter. It is supposed to quicken and perfect the process of knotting pearls/stones. It's a complicated looking tool and definitely not obvious how to use it. It took me 2-1/2 years to <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">finally</span> take the initiative to learn how it works. Now I am addicted to knotting things. It's so fun and simple (once you get the hang of it!). I love my Bead Knotter tool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaS7rgMRKGFv21S8yfiYN0iPGRZyk9Bvftt3_dor5tog87edV20EYP9GtSDooeszxOhckL2265eH2I-gJ_zeiyE_oRRR47X2F0v0oJnGcKqIBNGvN5M8Pbgb9AIWtP0s2vrfSWyAyGso/s1600/P1010022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaS7rgMRKGFv21S8yfiYN0iPGRZyk9Bvftt3_dor5tog87edV20EYP9GtSDooeszxOhckL2265eH2I-gJ_zeiyE_oRRR47X2F0v0oJnGcKqIBNGvN5M8Pbgb9AIWtP0s2vrfSWyAyGso/s320/P1010022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516500787154896066" border="0" /></a><br />Peruvian opal--I worship thee! I have loved the look of Peruvian opals for a looong time. I <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">finally </span>bought a strand at the last gem show but have been very stingy with them...more like hoarding them for myself. I'll have to look for more at this next gem show (already at the end of the month!!! Yay!) so I can share.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMnccemLZ2hsphpbYjKsjnzPum7hnM_Laa6gdMXT64eJVUAxjmj_En6oW6E3E-8QovMI3VwF0VOl5t2ASmn0nXTGXMTDkw98U5RxxT-geB72BzJEyiWn4_5mGaYbcAwCo8CEcBw-LxM4/s1600/P1010007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMnccemLZ2hsphpbYjKsjnzPum7hnM_Laa6gdMXT64eJVUAxjmj_En6oW6E3E-8QovMI3VwF0VOl5t2ASmn0nXTGXMTDkw98U5RxxT-geB72BzJEyiWn4_5mGaYbcAwCo8CEcBw-LxM4/s320/P1010007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516500777758076898" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a glimpse of what's on the bench. Among other things I have a batch of 4 turquoise and one crazy lace agate I've been working on setting. I'm still filing down and shaping the bezels but hope to have a few of these beauties all done at the end of the week.<br /><br />So there you go. That's whats new in the studio. As far as life in the Armstrong household...well that's been bit crazy. We're busy, busy, busy preparing for the baby to come (we're 26 weeks this week already...oiy!). We've been working a lot as well. I have so much to look forward to--Mike's birthday and the gem show come at the end of the month. We're taking our annual trip down to Chicago to visit my sister and her family in early October. And before you know it we'll be eating some Thanksgiving Turkey, setting up our Christmas tree, and having a baby. Life is great!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-25474624775835507292010-08-12T10:28:00.003-05:002010-08-12T10:49:55.245-05:00Adjustments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtYEq1l0JW-HxlKw3c95UAu2ufNo7tJKn3FPWiVH6009eiqB60NINH4j6eLcgiVbmu2QzKaKTdrkP19GHEYnwQQfxy8oBdBZIuXUl3N7Jxytl6wGOq-TMKfJMbuLN9LcXFNH9cIXtQT4/s1600/Photo0238-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtYEq1l0JW-HxlKw3c95UAu2ufNo7tJKn3FPWiVH6009eiqB60NINH4j6eLcgiVbmu2QzKaKTdrkP19GHEYnwQQfxy8oBdBZIuXUl3N7Jxytl6wGOq-TMKfJMbuLN9LcXFNH9cIXtQT4/s320/Photo0238-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504545909351292146" border="0" /></a>To say that my life has been turned up-side-down by this pregnancy would be an understatement! I am over-joyed to be carrying this sweet little baby and am grateful beyond expression that things are (mostly) uncomplicated. It seems to me though, that I am being prepared for that big shift in priority and responsibility. Having 6 sisters (who are all moms) and many young-mom friends I have heard over and over again how having a child changes EVERYTHING about your life. I used to get tired of hearing "just wait until you're a mom", all the time. I knew that someday I would understand if the time ever came that we would have a baby. Well, already at only 21 weeks pregnant I am starting to get what they were talking about. In so many ways you lose control--control over your body, time, energy level, and motivation. For example, the other day I strained some uterine muscles JUST by taking a walk! I've been in bed for almost 2 days trying to recover. I've not been able to go to work or work in the studio. But unless I want further complications this is what I have to do. It's really inconvenient when there is a running list of jewelry orders, a messy bedroom, and groceries to shop for.<br /><br />Enough of that! Things have been wonderful! Even though I am in uncharted territory I am very happy and unbelievably excited to have this baby. We'll adjust and adapt and life will go on and be even better than before. <br /><br />In my last post I promised pictures of new work. Well, there has been lots of new work. However I was in a rush to get it to the gallery and didn't leave time to take adequate pictures. The pics I took were in horridly bad lighting and really just for a frame of reference. They are not going to make it to the blog. In the next couple of days I'll be at it again and leave more time for photography. I apologize for being MIA. I have no hope of life returning to what it was 21 weeks ago. All I can ask is for patience and understanding as I adapt and adjust : )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-87897384225392430362010-07-01T14:07:00.003-05:002010-07-01T14:21:45.787-05:00Big Dog = Productivity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRGz0L6_C89T5aqmv8FUCgheFasqtt4KdtsyoYEGsMsSYeUSPGf_Ml0XxVRfk258zG29LkJD_7KfmR6mT-yef8Pf8SocIJ30hlreINlQs4ppnvD_ih3TDEk_NOkPsBdaTy23k9x9_Jkw/s1600/Photo0197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRGz0L6_C89T5aqmv8FUCgheFasqtt4KdtsyoYEGsMsSYeUSPGf_Ml0XxVRfk258zG29LkJD_7KfmR6mT-yef8Pf8SocIJ30hlreINlQs4ppnvD_ih3TDEk_NOkPsBdaTy23k9x9_Jkw/s320/Photo0197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489016824182882162" border="0" /></a>You all know our boxer Amos. Well Amos turned 1 this past Sunday (Happy Birthday bud!) and he received a big doggy bed for his birthday (as well as a GIANT bone). When I work in the studio Amos loves to sleep on the floor next to where I am working. As sweet as this is, he is 85+ lbs and takes up my entire studio floor (it's a small studio) making it nearly impossible to go from desk to bench. His new bed has provided me with un-for-seen solutions to some problems. One being that it allows me to control where he sleeps...in this case the only space his bed fits is wedged in the door. Which leads me to the second solution; since he is wedged in the door it makes it very difficult for me to get out of here...meaning I'm trapped in and forced to be productive. So there you go! If you have problems being productive in the studio go get yourself a big dog and even bigger dog bed and stick him in your doorway. Dogs sleep for hours and hours, you'll be set!<br /><br />Just a thought : )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-414641442762112112010-06-29T16:59:00.003-05:002010-06-29T17:04:44.503-05:00Bragging Rights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrwlW2dn9sb3kFC8zQPenUqU8QhRXdx3Lidqf8JbRGWGtXcAZe2fBzlKT-Ar9C6qLxq1HgdEvK3LgknFI0cTvIXx7HmXnKYypfiQS-XS4xq6BeDzVNRSWqUT5sD2Fis15bCMl5IIEThw/s1600/obama-necklace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrwlW2dn9sb3kFC8zQPenUqU8QhRXdx3Lidqf8JbRGWGtXcAZe2fBzlKT-Ar9C6qLxq1HgdEvK3LgknFI0cTvIXx7HmXnKYypfiQS-XS4xq6BeDzVNRSWqUT5sD2Fis15bCMl5IIEThw/s320/obama-necklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488318757493013170" border="0" /></a>My jewelry was in the Oval Office!!! After my hair appointment today my stylist whipped out this picture to show me. The woman on the far right (note her lovely hair style!) was her bff from high school. Her and her sister met Obama in May and her friend was wearing my Rustic Hoop necklace! It's kind of a silly thing to get excited about...but it made me smile : )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-87233200306450462092010-06-22T17:36:00.006-05:002010-06-22T18:25:34.722-05:00Camping Highlights<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLyJRxS7aEWkiZnN6EeKQ_OsPLXNjcoIynXPftuQgzsrhvHbVZVdG1s2SvpER8N_Jd1OdIpsf0rorQ5N3Kfi3Xknqp8rN07O-yRg6vNSlVytDYQIaokolxbpRdB6e3A4A58ZnK12B5IE/s1600/P1010059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLyJRxS7aEWkiZnN6EeKQ_OsPLXNjcoIynXPftuQgzsrhvHbVZVdG1s2SvpER8N_Jd1OdIpsf0rorQ5N3Kfi3Xknqp8rN07O-yRg6vNSlVytDYQIaokolxbpRdB6e3A4A58ZnK12B5IE/s320/P1010059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485735083164421186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Amos posing on a trail </span><br /></div><br />We had a great time camping this past weekend. I am sorry to say my pictures don't go in order of event, but I've uploaded them...that's a big step for me!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzdbpLMOzk1deBOEL_BFvhtd0L_JF8On87JYidM23Pn7XXInVwAUW674O4ZdZg3hyo4HNfK7uJ4M_oiHbnpEaMqvXmKBfOlLSq8IDELZ1duSymT6XMMouQGcQizYu79RJmmB_lK8bYpI/s1600/P1010061.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzdbpLMOzk1deBOEL_BFvhtd0L_JF8On87JYidM23Pn7XXInVwAUW674O4ZdZg3hyo4HNfK7uJ4M_oiHbnpEaMqvXmKBfOlLSq8IDELZ1duSymT6XMMouQGcQizYu79RJmmB_lK8bYpI/s320/P1010061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485735075980765314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hiking Sunday--beautiful exposed root system<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnff284kNxolLYRGaLe_6EVO28fIruH-SrhBzufhS5jsJV4huJ7trfWL-02j6oXfp0DD9NkKvLtc_PFM4420Ui_qBU0Ig-Vy4znPbJdO1QhkqaGUGA6JIf1DCEUoJzAYuGNTLaUe0sTfY/s1600/P1010054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnff284kNxolLYRGaLe_6EVO28fIruH-SrhBzufhS5jsJV4huJ7trfWL-02j6oXfp0DD9NkKvLtc_PFM4420Ui_qBU0Ig-Vy4znPbJdO1QhkqaGUGA6JIf1DCEUoJzAYuGNTLaUe0sTfY/s320/P1010054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485735066489117522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hiking Sunday--I love mossy rocks!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocDG_GaoqTf0ocLorEROvQtLp_-em3xZY-86SXVmm_1185Xhv_iB0vIyHvqm9-TaOx8jDJDrOwYm_hg8VZhXrzJ7_BInKHVuh2qber1vp_fy6sMirLi7ScpZhj84-fRVmM0HXkQAi4s4/s1600/P1010043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocDG_GaoqTf0ocLorEROvQtLp_-em3xZY-86SXVmm_1185Xhv_iB0vIyHvqm9-TaOx8jDJDrOwYm_hg8VZhXrzJ7_BInKHVuh2qber1vp_fy6sMirLi7ScpZhj84-fRVmM0HXkQAi4s4/s320/P1010043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485735060635987202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Amos--'dog' tired after our nearly 5 mile hike Saturday</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMVJGHJNBqFDXsqqz9-RSgoKKqYiTn0IbC9F3XcBdwhSAzJL4bKqH60HpZtxVly0UBMoutQTn-E7vinVMD26j6EsWxx_3qiz804kIJwSKMo3Z3ndJwbfbsdPHYL-q0XS9OpaAaQtw7rw/s1600/P1010025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMVJGHJNBqFDXsqqz9-RSgoKKqYiTn0IbC9F3XcBdwhSAzJL4bKqH60HpZtxVly0UBMoutQTn-E7vinVMD26j6EsWxx_3qiz804kIJwSKMo3Z3ndJwbfbsdPHYL-q0XS9OpaAaQtw7rw/s320/P1010025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485733826910940850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Me & Amos hiking Saturday</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7_Xi1RnzOynzXXn6eBdDsTcDAyNLW3hFfEmThx2-E_RKVDDBnMlCpaNDmjr59ldZ6jl4nyF9ZOFFzzA1x9ADWH1YBFa7njeu9D48pkVh5XBqSA6JbB-uSiPZ9K28rl3tI6oYiFhiJTA/s1600/P1010033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7_Xi1RnzOynzXXn6eBdDsTcDAyNLW3hFfEmThx2-E_RKVDDBnMlCpaNDmjr59ldZ6jl4nyF9ZOFFzzA1x9ADWH1YBFa7njeu9D48pkVh5XBqSA6JbB-uSiPZ9K28rl3tI6oYiFhiJTA/s320/P1010033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485733815697180466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike & Amos on many of the creek crossings on our hike Saturday</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQIm0xkvui0baL_Ly02tYdGg2Fv6P2AjahuGvLPNM1aChVycc23vgHd3VHSl4HqT4MN_9IkrB9MXbkmtYy_6ST9-iKBosLgzn5xDqD1pNKoK_74uoFxQZLQgfSVFM42WmSdb8y4lJ52Y/s1600/P1010035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQIm0xkvui0baL_Ly02tYdGg2Fv6P2AjahuGvLPNM1aChVycc23vgHd3VHSl4HqT4MN_9IkrB9MXbkmtYy_6ST9-iKBosLgzn5xDqD1pNKoK_74uoFxQZLQgfSVFM42WmSdb8y4lJ52Y/s320/P1010035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485733812797487122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Scenery from hike Saturday</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl-qGtehkOBVBTlYZHLxgIsj5IZVB13bEidq6Xxp6CYdh0tOUpfA_EiwLOuc_f2UJudqndWmzAnuslEuuFbBM73geymcOdZ6xUUIeLjU2HAeiupbZWbHXIkkwOpRXGatPuzV7PCehZoc/s1600/P1010040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl-qGtehkOBVBTlYZHLxgIsj5IZVB13bEidq6Xxp6CYdh0tOUpfA_EiwLOuc_f2UJudqndWmzAnuslEuuFbBM73geymcOdZ6xUUIeLjU2HAeiupbZWbHXIkkwOpRXGatPuzV7PCehZoc/s320/P1010040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485733804340423602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Amos playing in the creek on our hike Saturday</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDEabVhO64IoDO9YeyQvehfpzDiv3cb0rqgI3_iT9_-KptIHOOwhaHcGrgeNlgGeUTPtjbnvTBHFZT0CrXH-Z5YlGLgnc7nvL-_5fw0oynZ8wGwFuV6fFREIOo5LLwgaVj36peZnSM9c/s1600/P1010038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDEabVhO64IoDO9YeyQvehfpzDiv3cb0rqgI3_iT9_-KptIHOOwhaHcGrgeNlgGeUTPtjbnvTBHFZT0CrXH-Z5YlGLgnc7nvL-_5fw0oynZ8wGwFuV6fFREIOo5LLwgaVj36peZnSM9c/s320/P1010038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485733796674816274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">He loved the water which surprised us since he's usually such a chicken about it</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPzJzf2RPKciM6f8PNVPy4-_4KnhxTrwVSnfbygGKuhCRwgVQ04Ecc9LNaYgcMxSxTGhR7_4kqG-Shpz3OARRw2Y3ceub6ebqG5pjsWzlolAfpA8_WaMbpfspKpJWsffp28gR0pJed-s/s1600/P1010012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPzJzf2RPKciM6f8PNVPy4-_4KnhxTrwVSnfbygGKuhCRwgVQ04Ecc9LNaYgcMxSxTGhR7_4kqG-Shpz3OARRw2Y3ceub6ebqG5pjsWzlolAfpA8_WaMbpfspKpJWsffp28gR0pJed-s/s320/P1010012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731991463504962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">You have to drive across the creek to get to the camping area of the park</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT55UKTGIevcEFa6X9ERk3BerqI2lxWb3xwroriRClVjsTlmC2-H1dYgnrBde_TOevm73woTHdLk7NuAK4gKpP16czB69VvvIZkTtwT_DIZYUnC8hXgLxWoucvDOmDXASmmTO6Bwq0-c/s1600/P1010010+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT55UKTGIevcEFa6X9ERk3BerqI2lxWb3xwroriRClVjsTlmC2-H1dYgnrBde_TOevm73woTHdLk7NuAK4gKpP16czB69VvvIZkTtwT_DIZYUnC8hXgLxWoucvDOmDXASmmTO6Bwq0-c/s320/P1010010+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731982724263522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Home away from home</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2k5h_n02jDMzsWMArs6RyNQx5621Adgu1GNndUYY8wOaIt0edThHLLVXDn4w1Ysf4O4muZKR8O2S9-VzuFCqub-x6n7Mj0OOM2Cav-76dVH9WN5gRFBAqDi6Giv5XUgvXeenarzUfks/s1600/P1010008+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2k5h_n02jDMzsWMArs6RyNQx5621Adgu1GNndUYY8wOaIt0edThHLLVXDn4w1Ysf4O4muZKR8O2S9-VzuFCqub-x6n7Mj0OOM2Cav-76dVH9WN5gRFBAqDi6Giv5XUgvXeenarzUfks/s320/P1010008+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731978698718674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">We had a huge & private site compared to all the others we saw</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwK-5Q_Ikkde8Z1YN-wzcSJM0iht4vgRNmchAhNE-HOgliNQNsXDsuwRZeCIEBBSjcj_Hx9rcPFW36KDr8TxWlL7Ivn3DB4CAjpqwpsD4W9ExXMKjrJYTfbyOx2YBDZYILyARoTaJ34M/s1600/P1010002+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwK-5Q_Ikkde8Z1YN-wzcSJM0iht4vgRNmchAhNE-HOgliNQNsXDsuwRZeCIEBBSjcj_Hx9rcPFW36KDr8TxWlL7Ivn3DB4CAjpqwpsD4W9ExXMKjrJYTfbyOx2YBDZYILyARoTaJ34M/s320/P1010002+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731971260873250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Our site--part II</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5t_dEG8UomEmS4_hcYgsTYEgKjj_FAt6xRFBsxy7_C__7imX4ynAxRkiWbq8DsXpy5JMml93Wm2mGtyX2kqUKLVc7wNRXWoy2VYs8HdJMZD-FGbvPcbZh4BHVynlKWZvQ_tchZjGdSg/s1600/P1010044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5t_dEG8UomEmS4_hcYgsTYEgKjj_FAt6xRFBsxy7_C__7imX4ynAxRkiWbq8DsXpy5JMml93Wm2mGtyX2kqUKLVc7wNRXWoy2VYs8HdJMZD-FGbvPcbZh4BHVynlKWZvQ_tchZjGdSg/s320/P1010044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485731960089905650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">LOVE campfires!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Again, we had a great time. We got to do a lot of hiking, cooking over the fire, and take in some beautiful scenery. Everything was damp, lush, and mossy which I love. The creek is spring fed and crystal clear. Amos loved running in and out of the creek, it was hilarious to watch him. He did very well for his first camping trip which made us very happy since we love to camp. It was interesting to camp while pregnant...between food aversions (still...grrrrr), constantly needing to go potty, and a (brand new) air bed that wouldn't stay inflated I was exhausted by the time we left. But it was still fun : ) And we have every intention on going again in just a few short weeks time.<br /><br />Tonight I am constructing a list of daily goals to reach in the studio (i.e. 6/23--3 pairs of rustic pearl studs, one laguna agate ring, one set of stacking rings; 6/24--3 prs Rustic Victorian earrings, one Rustic Victorian pendant, one Rustic Victorian ring...and so on). My list is going to be both long and challenging. But I HAVE to start preparing for December and the arrival of our little one. So from here on out, every afternoon possible I am going to be nose-to-the-grind-stone working in the studio. I can't wait! Expect to see LOTS of new jewelry in the very near future.<br /><br />Have a great night!<br /><br />P.S. Did I mention that I got into another gallery in Bayfield, WI??? Well, I did! I am so excited and cannot wait to finally make the trip up there and deliver jewelry. Check it out <a href="http://stonesthrowbayfield.com/">Stones Throw Gallery</a><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-56753530149999682642010-06-18T09:18:00.004-05:002010-06-18T09:40:54.484-05:00Custom Anklet & Camping<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylVvyiLEzVa6Ki6JyWQEM5x8c83uLpIK2da76IkEgMUBsm9_7kqdLj8smWOrPMPyyuON1eK18aLJnZFWwWzEbwzmp-UHDwXfLVPIFeUy3RAv9Cz24D5ew8y_nmwIERMdEw29-a2NAjlk/s1600/P1010001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylVvyiLEzVa6Ki6JyWQEM5x8c83uLpIK2da76IkEgMUBsm9_7kqdLj8smWOrPMPyyuON1eK18aLJnZFWwWzEbwzmp-UHDwXfLVPIFeUy3RAv9Cz24D5ew8y_nmwIERMdEw29-a2NAjlk/s320/P1010001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484118231437827282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Textured side</span><br /><br /></div>A long-time favorite customer/friend of Karena Bella commissioned me to create a very meaningful anklet for a graduation gift. As usual, my charms are reversible with a texture on one side and the word/phrase on the other.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupufS4YwOpzsvo2PTfV1kUjiqxQAYfBbm4jrL5v4MUcV_rLXexZwKP69zbm-Q9TC7xzVZgMOZwRtA95Kb4Tr3pnMZUHsq9Tz7TeL8ylhg_kTLXlPU16kk-IuQu6g9xjn8QBl3r8w1B8g/s1600/P1010002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupufS4YwOpzsvo2PTfV1kUjiqxQAYfBbm4jrL5v4MUcV_rLXexZwKP69zbm-Q9TC7xzVZgMOZwRtA95Kb4Tr3pnMZUHsq9Tz7TeL8ylhg_kTLXlPU16kk-IuQu6g9xjn8QBl3r8w1B8g/s320/P1010002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484118227400417490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Texture & clasp detail</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdx3pcVyhMsZuHiAWAOVhvgKNyZc8MvQuWof81OclA6NsPIn1x57obGCV7OQg0y7NcmykYxwY8vXjC3s_oRZfgwtfT_5SgSWISqM3fa8uhK71a2nsM5zrOlXsNJicPM8Ud__cxBm5sjU/s1600/P1010003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdx3pcVyhMsZuHiAWAOVhvgKNyZc8MvQuWof81OclA6NsPIn1x57obGCV7OQg0y7NcmykYxwY8vXjC3s_oRZfgwtfT_5SgSWISqM3fa8uhK71a2nsM5zrOlXsNJicPM8Ud__cxBm5sjU/s320/P1010003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484118214392123282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Faith--Hope--Dream</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Deb--the chain is sturdy yet not-too-chunky. It measures 8" with a 1" extender so it is adjustable up to 9" total, as discussed. I decided to go with just the 3 pearls, anything more looked like too much. It is simple and she should be able to wear it with everything. I hope you love it! Email me if you have any questions about it. Otherwise it will be in the mail this morning.<br /><br />It should be a very fun weekend! My husband, dog and I are taking our first camping trip of the season! This is our first time camping with Amos (who I just discovered was trying to eat my bottle of travel shave gel...). He is going to LOVE it! He loves going on nature walks--the place we're going has beautiful trails and we camp right on a creek! I don't anticipate him barking at the wild life since boxers aren't a hunting breed. When ever he sees a squirrel or bunny in the back yard he just studies them for a while trying to decide if it's a moving toy! And they're gone before he can test any of his theories. I am a little concerned, though, about how well we'll sleep sharing a tent with a snoring/tooting dog.<br /><br />I've got a long list to complete before 1:30pm. My husband said he'd leave without me if I wasn't ready : ) Gotta run--have a great weekend!<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-34346412931841539432010-06-14T14:03:00.003-05:002010-06-14T14:13:39.727-05:00Green Light, Go!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXFoHsHWahupco9899AtyD39Fs_BnxIYs-TH2DPJ43HOkRdb7PKZd3T_hQYelWK_C4eRMZp_HDEEINnnQNMhwDoHp7vpeP52tsbuAStV_G0zbroMIUaB-_QOAx9h7vAiMxGrTJNRwtv4/s1600/P1010036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXFoHsHWahupco9899AtyD39Fs_BnxIYs-TH2DPJ43HOkRdb7PKZd3T_hQYelWK_C4eRMZp_HDEEINnnQNMhwDoHp7vpeP52tsbuAStV_G0zbroMIUaB-_QOAx9h7vAiMxGrTJNRwtv4/s320/P1010036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482707480817597298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I just love this ring!</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Crazy lace agate & sterling</span><br /><br /></div>I have great news! We were able to have another ultrasound last week and the baby is doing very well! We got to hear and see the heartbeat AND watch the baby wiggling and hopping around. I can't even begin to express how happy and relieved I have been. Now I get to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.<br /><br />Some other great news is that I brought in the msds info on all of the questionable chemicals I use in the studio and the doctor assured me that with a few simple precautions working in the studio should be fine. So I am getting back to it! I find that lengthy breaks refresh my creativity and am newly inspired. I'll keep you updated with my new work.<br /><br />Take care--Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1789227611841444155.post-57240187024967088042010-06-08T16:11:00.005-05:002010-06-08T16:24:50.075-05:00Buisness Cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshU3Uu9v2dohrSXEBOWxEBnmSt4me5fwftrYfqv88KhIPFIg_lp1vzSFJkqnMdUlg1ddElCXheCZvePKkvX4sQSNXGvvSCrgxiKp-SqYPMa14g9nV9keB5W3c_RCHQye1hyphenhyphenAmIPXZKPc/s1600/new+card-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshU3Uu9v2dohrSXEBOWxEBnmSt4me5fwftrYfqv88KhIPFIg_lp1vzSFJkqnMdUlg1ddElCXheCZvePKkvX4sQSNXGvvSCrgxiKp-SqYPMa14g9nV9keB5W3c_RCHQye1hyphenhyphenAmIPXZKPc/s320/new+card-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480513693623711074" border="0" /></a>Hi Everyone! I apologize for another long delay between posts. As far as I know (and feel) everything is still going well with the pregnancy. We have another appt. tomorrow so hopefully we'll get to hear the heartbeat. I continue to feel apprehensive about working in the studio with so many toxic chemicals - I am bringing all of the information I have about each chemical in question to the doc tomorrow. Hopefully he'll put my mind to rest about whether there would be any harm to the baby by working with them and I'll be able to get back to it. I am really starting to miss the process!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLEZXU56xta_4rdsLbwjCDo_ieK5GcMrs0ha0ZzEV8W-OFrZQa6_WwzTvjBdLy_vVy6twESEN0a7okLT37Ik6kyXgzl0ERAOdaOFXOhC6uWGq5e0zLyav8h1UTt1gBE_sppnf06kO3DM/s1600/new+card-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLEZXU56xta_4rdsLbwjCDo_ieK5GcMrs0ha0ZzEV8W-OFrZQa6_WwzTvjBdLy_vVy6twESEN0a7okLT37Ik6kyXgzl0ERAOdaOFXOhC6uWGq5e0zLyav8h1UTt1gBE_sppnf06kO3DM/s320/new+card-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480513687199000274" border="0" /></a>In the meantime I have been playing around with photography and my graphics program just to do something business related. I was going to have my new cards made but since I haven't been working with metals lately I have had the time to work on it myself. It's been so much fun! So far I am happy with the results--but it's a work in progress.<br /><br />Take care -Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2