Prepping for Etsy shop

I am getting excited because I'm getting close to opening my Etsy shop.  Whew!  There are so many little things to do, not the least of which is taking good photos.  I still need improvement on my photos but I am least getting the colors true and have better light.  It's time to get past this stage so I can get back in the studio to create.  Sound familiar to anyone? 

So for now, check out the bracelet on the left with my moss green, ivory and sienna lampwork beads and sterling silver beads and clasp.  On the right is leather cord necklace with my lime, aqua and coral lampwork beads wirewrapped and attached to the sterling silver clasp.

 

 

Announcing:

Another giveaway is in the works, this time by Sharon at Livewire Jewelry.  Check it out at http://livewirejewelry.blogspot.com/2011/02/thankful-giveaway.html.  These beautiful earrings will be given away on March 4th so hurry over and check out the ways to enter.

 Thanks for stopping by.

Carol

Metal Stamp Giveaway!

Wouldn't you like to win this set of metal stamps?  Check out Andrew Thornton's blog, http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/2011/02/thursday-giveaway_24.html for details.
This week, one lucky winner will take home a set of NEW ImpressArt metal letter stamps courtesy of PJ Tool & Supply. The metal stamps are precision cut from carbon steel and come in a convenient plastic carrying case. Up for grabs is the uppercase Wonderland stamp set. These artist-designed stamps are whimsical with an air of fantasy and Art Nouveau elegance! (The set has a $70 retail value!)



Andrew gives you several chances to win.  So give it a chance, you just might be the one.  And don't forget to check out the P J Tool and Supply site, http://www.pjtool.com/metal-jewelry-stamps.aspx .

Carol

ART BEAD SCENE WINNER

This week's winner is Carol of Dillman's Dallies!  This is the announcement I saw on Art Bead Scene when I got back from a weekend with the grandkids and started my blog hop.  A big thank you to Shannon LeVart of missficklemedia.com.  Her mom conceived the idea, and her dad helped with construction, for a "Washed Up" series of display items for Shannon to use at shows.  They are made from driftwood and reclaimed copper.  Shannon now has them for sale in her store.  You can read more about these at http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/studio-saturday-with-shannon-levart.html.

The item I won is this fabulous earring tree and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival.  Notice at the top there is a place to put a price card or picture.  Thank you Shannon for this generous giveaway and thanks to your mom and dad for this great idea!

Carol

Project Completed

As promised, here are the pictures of the billfold to match the purse I posted last week.  First, this is the outside closed with a velco tab.

On the inside, there are six card slots on each side (in the light green print) and a bill slot behind each.

Also there are two pockets in the center, one zippered and one with a velcro flap (in the dark print).

I mentioned that I made this set by request from a friend but I have a similar set for myself.  I change out my purse occasionally but I use the billfold daily and I love it.  My billfold becomes a file cabinet holding receipts and all the cards one carries these days.  This billfold actually organizes it all and holds up to all the use.

Carol

Giveaway by Andrew Thornton!

Hop on over to Andrew Thornton's blog, http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/, to see this great giveaway of pewter beads and findings from Green Girl Studio!  All you have to do is leave a comment on his post.



Good luck!

Carol

Thinking about Spring

I have been busy this week finishing the matching billfold for the purse I posted on Sunday.  I hope to have that done by tomorrow.  Stand by for pictures.

It has been so warm here this week, in the 50s and 60s, that I am spoiled.  I am soooo ready for spring.  Since that is not really going to happen for a few more weeks, the next best thing is a bright multi-color bracelet. 

I make my own lampwork beads and then design the jewelry around them.  So far I have only made the jewelry for family and sold some items to friends.  This year I want to stretch myself.

 

I am working on opening an Etsy shop and this bracelet will be there with a few others.  I am still working on the quality of my photos.  I found when taking pictures of the purse that pictures taken outside look better due to the natural light.  Since outside is not always possible, I need to figure out how to get more light in my photo tent.  The two small spots and an overhead light are not enough. 

Thanks for visiting and keep watching for new things to come.

Carol

Sunny Sunday

It is such a beautiful and sunny day here in Virginia and I just have to share a project that I finished this week. I made a purse similar to this one for myself.  When I carried mine, I received a custom order for this one.  So yes, it is already sold. (Yea!)  It is made with three coordinating fabrics and the shoulder straps are long enough to fit over a coat.

  The bag features custom-sized pockets around the interior to accommodate a calendar, checkbook, glasses, and even pens.  Also inside is a hook for keys.  There are outside pockets - one on the front and one on the back - that I find ideal for my cell phone and sunglasses.  The bag closes with a button closure and there are ties on each side of the purse that allow for expansion.

I love having all the pockets to organize my purse which saves a lot of time searching for things.  The next part of this project is making the billfold to match.  When I finish it, I will try to remember to share the pictures here with you.  Thanks for visiting my blog today. 

 

Carol