Foxy G's "GO RED for WOMEN"

February is National Heart Month. The Go Red for Women movement celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
She was kind enough to share my Luscious Red Silk Wedding Hair Flower as a red example!

Speaking of wearing Red...I think these will be awesome choices as well!
Hand Knit Ravishing in Red Shawl Wrap - All Proceeds Go to Charity
Can't beat wearing a gorgeous shawl AND having your proceeds donated to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation in Chicago, Illinois.

Hand Knit Ladies Fashion Red Hot and Ruffled Scarf


For the complete article please visit: Foxy G's Article Go Red for Women

Pee-Wee Gets An iPad

I thought this was HILARIOUS with all the BUZZ about the iPad coming out!

Pee-wee Gets An iPad! from Pee-wee Herman

SHOP OF THE WEEK: WellspringCreations

Welcome to the SHOP OF THE WEEK: WellspringCreations.
This is a wonderful shop filled with wire wrapped delights! Judy, owner and designer mixes a stunning collection of rare, unusual, and interesting stones; making rings, earrings, bracelets/cuffs, anklets, and pendants/necklaces.
Here is a clip from her Bio:

"From a lifetime of needlework, I discovered my passion when I found wire. There is great satisfaction in combining a stone and its perfect wire-wrapped setting. It's synergy: the sum is greater than the two parts."

"She would like all of our readers to know that "I find unusual stones; sometimes beads (with a drilled hole) or cabochons (a flattened, polished stone with no hole). Many of my finds come from only one mine in the whole world! I consider the stone and how best to wrap it so that the stone is secure and the setting shows off the stone, rather than overwhelms it. I prefer using natural stones and high quality wire, mostly sterling silver, but often work with fine (nearly pure) silver, copper, and 14K gold filled wire. Since I put a lot of time and consideration into each piece, I prefer the components to be high quality, so they last well. I try to make every piece an heirloom."" (Etsy Twitter Team article)
Here are a couple of my favorite pieces I wanted to share!
The gorgeous design and craftsmanship of this piece is to die for!!!
Crystal Symphony - Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Gold and Crystal Cuff Bracelet

The color of this Sodalite is beautiful!
Rich Blue Sodalite Heart in a Basket Handcrafted Woven Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace


Judy is offering a free handcrafted gift with any purchase from my Etsy shop during the week of January 25-31, 2010.


Use code: SOTW in the comments at checkout.


To learn more about Judy and Wellspring Creations please follow the links below:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WSCreations
Etsy Shop: http://www.wellspringcreations.etsy.com/
Facebook: http://www.artist.to/WellspringCreations
Blog: http://www.wellspringcreations.blogspot.com/

Etsy Wedding Team HELPS HAITI!

As a PROUD Member of The Etsy Wedding Team I wanted to share starting today, January 29 2010 - February 12 2010, members of the Etsy Wedding Team are holding a fund raiser to help the people of Haiti recover from the earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince earlier this month. 100% of the money you spend (minus the Etsy and PayPal transaction fees) will be donated to The American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.

Coco from http://handmadenews.org wrote an awesome article about this event.
For the entire article please visit Help Artists Help Haitians on HANDMADENEWS
If you have the time, blog about this event, tweet it, facebook it, do whatever you can to help us get the word out, we would really appreciate it!
Here's a little clip:

"Kim, of Glitzy Events and leader of the Etsy Wedding Team since August of 2008, initiated the idea for this fund raiser. When asked how it came about, she said, "After seeing the devastation that happened in Haiti it really hurt my heart. I knew that I would make a personal donation to the cause, but, with 80 plus members on the Etsy Wedding Team, I knew that if we could all come together we could really do something special."

Early last week, Kim sent an email out to the team's members outlining the project and the response was overwhelmingly positive, despite the fact that this is "wedding season"--the busiest time of the year for artists who supply beautiful handmade items like wedding invitations, candles for the ceremony, table decorations for the reception, favors for the guests, and jewelry for the bridal party. Kim then created a Google Document to facilitate sign-ups, and in just 10 days, over 50 items including shipping, were generously donated to the cause."

Please take a minute and visit http://EtsyWedTeam.etsy.com to view all of the wonderful items that our team members have donated to help raise money for the people for Haiti.
There is a wonderful selection of Wedding and NON-Wedding items to choose from.

I can confidently say, "WE ALL THANK YOU!"

Sharing another Custom Design.

I wanted to preface this post by saying this was almost starting to turn into a nightmare.
Now, with this said, let me explain.
When I first started talking to my client she was interested in basically finding a vintage brooch and adding asymmetrical organic jeweled branches like on a few of my other pieces she liked. The thing was, we initially wanted to match the blue in the Bridal color palette which looked more of a Swarovski crystal Montana blue. For those that do not know what color it is it's like a smokey, soft, murky, blue/black. Basically, a dark muted midnight bluish color. Well, 90% of all the gorgeous vintage items I found...(looking for almost 2 months) were always bright sapphire, light sapphire, aquamarine and cobalt. The last thing I wanted is to use any of these and have it look too "teal" or "blue blue" for the bridal colors. I was getting stressed out because I just couldn't find anything to meet the color scheme and stay within budget. Anyone that has enjoyed vintage items knows they can get VERY Pricey for nice items! We had been touching base all this time and I always felt so bad not having found anything! So, finally we talked and I explained how much trouble I was having finding what we wanted and suggested the option to use a clear rhinestone center piece and still accent the branches with the Montana. She loved the idea and I got started!
Here is the final design.
I have to say I am in LOVE with it.
As a designer, sometimes something I create after a long haul and determination I can't help but to feel extremely satisfied with the final piece.
I think it came out very glamorous and still has a vintage inspired vibe.

Siren's Laughter

I am in love with one of my latest designs.
Bridal Hair Flower Accessory Sirens Laughter



I just love the whole process of making my designs from scratch. From treating and dying the materials to cutting all the individual petals and then pressing, curling and shaping them. it gives me even more satisfaction to see the finished piece! I really wish I was able to capture the beauty of the center piece. The airy organic fluid twinkle and shine is kinda lost in my photos. It is SO much more gorgeous in person. This is part of my new Spring 2010 collection!
I know! They're coming!!!!!

New Copyrighted Items FINALLY Ready to List!

So anyone that has followed my blog for a while knows ALL about the nightmare I have had with people "knocking Off" my work. It got so bad that I was having trouble sleeping and was having some serious health issues occur due to the stress of it all.
Anyway, because of the cost I need to save up and then I submit items to the Library of Congress to get my designs copyrighted. It takes a while for me to save the money and to also just wait to get my certificate back from them showing the legitimacy of it all.
:P

So of course I STILL have a ton of items I actually created early last year that I haven't listed because I am waiting to get them copyrighted. In all honestly, most of these were actually made for New Years of 2009...so like September-October 2008! I KNOW! I KNOW! LAGGING!
It's been a Stressful time the last few years!
Plus, I just had other items to copyright before these...I keep saying maybe I should start playing the Lotto!
LOL!!!!

I just wanted to share a few of my newly copyrighted pieces that I'll be listing within the next month.
What is interesting to me is that you can tell by these photographs that they are taken in an older style and I have since totally changed the lighting, backgrounds and such since these were made over a year ago!









*observation*
I just noticed the different dates on the photos...I totally thought I was going to get them listed AT LEAST by last year!
LOL!

A Twist on Valentine's Day Flowers!

So how about a cute twist on Valentine's Day flowers?

Here are a few I thought would be delightful alternatives that can be enjoyed over and over because they will never wilt!

Pink Camellia Hair Accessory Classic Pinky

Hair Flower Pin little Scarlet Rose

Romance In Pink Silk Wedding Hair Flower With Freshwater Pearls and Swarovski Crystals

Bridal Hair Flower Crimson Lorraine

Fuchsia Hair Flower Sultry

Beautiful Weather in Winter

I just found these wonderful pictures over at Smashing Pics.
A selection of 24 pictures from around the world.
To see all 24 please visit Smashing Pics.
This is one of my favorites: Black Forest, Germany, Dec 14. AP / Winfried Rothermel

Moulin Rouge

Still one of my FAVORITES!

Still in the Mood...

Still in the Mood for Valentine's Day Goodies!
Look at these?!!!
They are just darn CUTE!
Momiji or Kokeshi Doll Flat Cards - Set of 6

I love the light and airy lace texture of this design. Super feminine and perfect for a colorful accent around your neck.
Flamingo Crocheted Lace Skinny Scarf, ten feet long

I'm never disappointed with this designer! How sumptuous and classic is this necklace?!
Valentines day Fire opal red Faceted Cubic Zirconia Heart

More Handmade Love! Really!
Roses Are Red handmade Valentine's Day cardt


So MANY PRETTY items!
I'm sure I will find MORE to share!
Check back soon!

SHOP OF THE WEEK: SweetwaterGifts

Welcome to the Shop of the Week
SweetwaterGifts.
I love the variety of materials she uses in her designs. They create such wonderful texture and color.
Here is a little tidbit from her announcement page:
"I offer distinctive pieces of exceptional quality and value for men and women with a wide array of price points from everyday wear to special occasion. I take pride in providing special pieces with meticulous workmanship."
I especially love her mens designs as they are understated yet very stylish and masculine.
This one is my favorite. I can absolutely see any of my male friends enjoying this piece!
Men's Anthony Bone Bracelet


She creates wonderful styles from casual to dressy. You can pretty much find anything for all occasions!
These will be perfect for Spring and Summer!
...suddenly I want Chinese Food...gotta LOVE the name!
Sweet and Spicy Opal and Aventurine Earrings


Just to top it all off are these gorgeous Smokey Quartz, Amazonite and Sterling Silver earrings!
I think the name says it all!
Simply Stunning Gemstone Earrings


"Wendy admits that "I love to work with metal wire (sterling, copper, brass) and love the sparkle and unique qualities found in glass, stone, and semi-precious beads. I choose materials of quality and pride myself on representing my materials and jewelry with integrity. I purchase my materials in small quantities, so I sell limited production or one of a kind pieces.""

From January 18th-24th Wendy is offering the following discount in her shop:

FREE US SHIPPING on all items in her Etsy shop
- PLUS a 10% discount on purchases totaling $50 or more* ·
Discount will be refunded to PayPal after payment or you may convo her before payment for a revised invoice. Texas residents - applicable purchase of $50 is calculated before sales tax. International shipping is not included in applicable minimum purchase and discount does not apply to shipping.


Oooh!
Definitely take advantage of her Free Shipping AND 10% Discount on orders over $50.00.


*Photos courtesy of SweetwaterGifts

Have you seen these?!

More pretty and fun items I found that I think fit nicely in the valentine's Day mode..

Nothing like hand made cards for your special friends and family! You can make your own special Holiday Stationary here! Such a cute design.
Circle Circle Heart Valentines Printable Stationery


With the weather still cripsy cold I thought these make a great gift!...Even for yourself! LOL! I just LOVE the color!
Fingerless Gloves in Garnet Cranberry Crimson Red Arm Warmers


Super cute for any time of year...OH! And these are ON SALE!
Pink Flair Earrings



More great ideas in the next post!

Valentine's Day Ideas

Ah, yes... it's going to be that time of year again...
All pink, girly and sweet...OR is it?!
Maybe Hot and SEXY?!
:P

Here are a few items I think would be a great little treat from my shop!
I have a whole section dedicated to the them so definitely check it out!
Let's start out with some sizzling sexy earrings!
Ruby Evening Long Chandelier Style Elegant Golden Earrings

You can always go a little more Retro Sex Kitten with this piece:
Retro Inspired Hair Flower and Veil Sassy Ruby


On the Sweeter side...
Pink Oriental Lucite Rose Necklace

My personal favorite design...these are truly SO PRETTY and Ultra feminine on. I ALWAYS got compliments on the earrings I made for myself like these!
Chandelier Earrings In Sweet Pink


I'll be sharing some great finds in my next post by other great designers so check back!!!!