Hello, New Year

Finally, it is New Year's (eve, to be precise). It's time to reflect on what a wild ride 2008 has been and I'm so grateful for this time to reflect. The holiday rush is over, I've just gotten back from a wonderful snow-filled trip to Seattle where I saw family and friends that I've missed more than I realized. I feel very relaxed now and ready to take on the new year. But, I plan to take to take the next few days to think about the events of the last year and of this new year to come. It's a wondeful feeling to have something of a clean slate, a whole new year ahead. I'm so excited for it.

This past holiday season was a wonderful rush. 4 shows, tons of Etsy orders and wonderful, wonderful shoppers at both the Merry Mart and Last Minute Maul shows. I am so thankful for all the kind words I received and the interest in my work. I did so well this season that I am thinking about cutting back my hours at my day job. That would be a dream come true!

Have a lovely and relaxed New Year's Eve and take some time to reflect on your life right now, if you can. I wish you all the best and thank you all for being in my life.

Lucky Magazine!

Okay, I'm going to admit something. I "Google" my name about once a week to see if I'm famous yet. Today my name came up in a Lucky Magazine mention. Super holy moly!!!!! Even though it was a small mention in the online local events section, I am so elated. Since becoming a jewelry designer, it's been my dream to be featured in Lucky. Although this wasn't mentioned in the paper magazine, some editor out there did see my stuff and thought enough of it to mention it. That's enough for me. Woo, hoo!!

Anyway, if you are in Federal Hill, please do stop by the School 33 "Art Maul" this Sunday. I'll have what's left of my 2008 jewelry. I'd love to see you!

Here's the actual mention from Lucky:

Event:

Last Minute Maul

Stuck for last-minute gifts? School 33 Art Center's market on Sunday, December 21, will have more than 20 vendors selling locally crafted art and other unique presents. Look for all-natural beauty products by Biggs & Featherbelle and organic-inspired jewelry pieces from Elisa Shere.School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St., Baltimore410-396-4631Event: Sun., 10- 5 school33.org

http://www.luckymag.com/sites/cityguides/washington_dc/weeklylistings/listings_washington_dc

Louie and Santa

In order to try to get everyone in the holiday spirit, I am posting this hilarious picture of my precious pup. We took him to the Canton dog park (in the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore) a month ago or so for this picture with Santa. I don't think he was too thrilled with the experience, but we are thrilled with this photo. Adorable and funny!

Merry Mart this Weekend!

Still have some holiday shopping to do? Then shop local! This weekend presents an excellent opportunity to do so. This Sunday, December 7th is the Merry Mart craft show at The Creative Alliance at the Patterson. It's worth going to just check out the space, which houses several resident artists, a gallery and a theatre. However, there will be so many talented local crafters at Merry Mart showing their stuff. My pick? Biggs and Featherbelle, my favorite soap in the whole world! And, they are really nice too.

Here are the details:

Sunday, December 7th from 11am-5pm
3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore

See you there!

New Designs

So, I haven't been a very dedicated blogger lately and for that I apologize. Some good has come of this, as I've been having lots of fun in the studio. I've been experimenting with rivets, a coldworking technique, and it's been very rewarding. I've been adding bursts of color and vintage elements to my pieces, which makes them even more fun! I've also enjoyed adding more handmade chain into my pieces, which is great, because I LOVE making chain (I know, I'm crazy).


Riveting also gets me a little in touch with my pottery roots. I always enjoyed experimenting with surface treatments and textures and I see that coming through in my new work. Others have commented about this as well, including Baltimore Magazine (more news about that to come!).

Holiday Heap Tomorrow!

Sorry I haven't been posting very much the last week. I have been busy, busy, busy making lots of goodies for the holiday show season. Speaking of which, tomorrow is Holiday Heap! I will be showing my goodies at the B.E.S.T. (Baltimore Etsy Street Team) double table, along with some other very talented B.E.S.T. ladies including: VWStudios, Spa Therapy Works, Yummy and Co, Jill Popowich Designs and Green Star Studio. I will be selling many new styles not yet seen on Etsy.

In addition to our table, there will be 50 local and national artists selling nothing but handmade goodness. There will be a lot of talent there, so please do stop by!

Details:

Saturday, November 15th from 10am-5pm
St. John's Church in Charles Village
2640 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

Rock the Vote!

Once every four years we get the chance to have our say about who our next president is. I've always taken the responsibility of voting very seriously, especially as a woman. I think about all the women who came before me who didn't officially have a voice in our election process. But, no matter whether you are a man or woman, young or old, you should exercise your right to vote today. So what do you say? Get out there and vote!

This is what it's all about

A very nice fellow Baltimore resident contacted me earlier this week for a rush order. His lady was going out of town in a couple of days and he needed some special gifts for her. I rushed to get his order of a Sweetest Flower necklace and Big Loop earrings together and arranged to meet the next day. It was so much fun to work with a local person via Etsy! Sometimes I feel strangely alienated from the people who buy my work, since I sell most of it over the Internet.

Anyway, my new Baltimore friend actually took pictures of the gift recipient with the jewelry on and sent them to me (see above). How cool is that? That really, really made my day. And, I think the pieces she received look great on her. This is truly what it's all about.

Beards!

With Halloween coming in just a couple of days, my mind is on costumes and dressing up. I love dressing up and thinking of dressing up. I own several wigs and have a box of random "dress-up" clothing acquired over the years.

Then today, I discovered this genious on Etsy. Erin, mastermind behind I Made You A Beard handmakes these super cool beards (see image). I'm kicking myself that I didn't discover her last week, as there is no way I'd be able to get one of these in time for Halloween. There is something so genious about yarn and felt beads. They are like super cool dress-up props for adults! Oh, well, maybe next year.

Indie Fixx: Indie Love

Sometimes when I'm hanging out, having a healthy dinner of salad and beer (one must balance), I like to check out all my favorite blogs just to see what's happening in the world of indie design. One of my new/old favorite indie design blogs is Indie Fixx. Actually, it's one of the first indie blogs I ever stumbled upon and it really has come a long way. Jen Wallace, the brainchild of the operation, has taken the site to a new level. There are too many cool features to mention. BUT, I will mention one that will benefit you personally.

Until November 14th, Indie Fixx is having a killer giveaway. I mean killer. Just look at all this great stuff! I'm crazy about all the goodies, but especially love the black handbag by Becky Oh! All you need to do to win is leave a comment here and you will be entered to win. Can you imagine what you would do with all this great stuff? If you do win, please, please let me know.

Holiday Art "Maul" at School 33

More good news, everyone. I was invited to participate a really cool craft show in December. This show is a last minute gift buying opportunity , taking place on Sunday, December 21 - the first day of Hannukah and just days before Christmas. All participants are selling handmade craft and artwork no bigger than a fruitcake and must cost under $100. I love the whole concept of this show: affordable, local, handmade and small. Perfection!

Poor Louie!

Normally I try not to write about topics that are strictly personal. This time I just can't help it. I am so, so bummed out because my darling Louie has been very ill. He's normally a very spunky guy, but after receiving a Lyme Disease vaccination this weekend he became very sick. He couldn't keep food down, and had no energy. Eventually, he couldn't even get out of bed. That's when we knew something was very wrong.

So, yesterday, about 24 hours after the vaccination we took the little guy to the emergency clinic. Turns out it's a good thing we brought him in. He was so dehydrated that they had to keep him there overnight! Also, he may have Addison's disease - which is a disease of the adrenal gland. We're going to find out the results of his test shortly. Anyhoo, I get to pick him up at 5pm today. I can't wait! Our house feels so empty without him. A house without critters is not the house for me.

Here's hoping for a quick recovery!

Weekend Sale: 20% off Earrings

"Some Girls Like Post Earrings "

Ahh, the weekend - Here at last!!! To celebrate, I am having a special sale just for those of you who are kind enough to visit my humble blog. Starting today, and through the weekend all earring in my shop are 20% off. There are lots of different choices, so have fun shopping!

• To take advantage of this special sale, please mention my blog in the notes to seller when checking out. The discount will be refunded via Paypal.
  

Holiday Heap!

Good news today! B.E.S.T., the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, has been accepted to the Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap show. They put on fantastic shows, chock full of talent and wonderful shoppers. CCCM has been gracious enough to offer us two 6' tables. That's a lot of craft! Dandelion Blu, Jill Popowich Designs (my BFF), Van Wagoner Studios, Yummy and Co, Spa Therapy Works, Greenstarstudio and I will be representing the B.E.S.T. group. This event will take place on Saturday, November 15th. More details to come!

Favorite Etsy Shop: Ellaina Boutique

One of my favorite things about Etsy is finding new designers that I would never have been exposed to otherwise. One designer I've discovered recently is Ellaina Boutique - I have fallen head over heels for her designs. Sue Bradbury, the creator of the Ellaina Boutique line handmakes simple, but elegant knit dresses, tops, skirts and other lovely items that have the most charming little details. I really want one of everything from her shop!

I've been eyeing this dress for a while...

This top combines some of my favorite colors, so sweet.

Weekend Sale: 20% off Riveted Jewelry

Riveting Flower

Starting today and through the entire weekend you can enjoy 20% off my new riveted jewelry series. I've been having too much fun with this cold working technique, it's a different experience to create jewelry without my trusty torch. I've also been having fun with the combination of different metals and vintage materials.

• To take advantage of this sale, simply place your chosen item in the Etsy checkout cart and mention my blog in the notes to seller. The 20% discount will be refunded through paypal.
  

Riveting Bracelet

Harmony

Sweetest Flower

Guess who? Contest!

The first person to guess who the cutie male member of Etsy admin is (pictured above) will win a free pair of sterling silver "Oh So Medium Teardrops" from my shop - worth $28. Fun!

This past friday the lovely ladies of B.E.S.T. (baltimore etsy street team) had the extreme honor of going for a drink with a very charming and dapper member of the Etsy admin at Rocket to Venus in Hampden. It was great fun, we got to hear some interesting Etsy tidbits, talk about the VP debate (which had happened the night before) and giggle - alot. Plus, look how adorable we all look in this picture, clearly we were having a good time.

Good Morning, Sunshine

Look what I woke up to today! Oh, beautiful day!!

Favorite Etsy Shop: Silvia66

As the days become cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, I crave nice warm accessories. One of my favorite Etsy shops is Italian designer Silvia66. She creates wonderfully original scarves, capelets, neckwarmers and more. Luxiourous materials are used such as Merino and Wool and Mohair, with interesting embellishments like buttons and handknit flowers. Best of all, it's all made in Italy, which makes it even more special for me. I don't really need to find an excuse to splurge on one of her creations!

Green Idea: Giving new life to a takeout container

This year, like many people, I've been making an extra effort to be conscious of what I consume and what I put in the landfill. Going beyond simply putting plastic water bottles in the recycling bin, I've been reducing consumption by bringing my own bags to the store and doing my best to not purchase items that cause any extra waste. However, with our busy schedules sometimes it seems impossible to keep all random plastic items out of our lives.

Last night, exhausted after a busy week, I picked up some takeout. Guess what came with it? This enormous plastic container. After careful cosideration, I decided that this would be perfect for planting seeds or starts. So, I cleaned out the container and poked holes for drainage in each of the sections. If it wasn't fall, I would have planted some new seeds or starts to put outside. A use in winter could be an indoor herb garden for your kitchen. I feel so happy that this container turned out to be so useful!

Alexander Calder, Metalsmith

bracelet c.1948

I'm finally visiting Philadelphia next weekend for the first time as an adult. When I first moved back to the east coast last year I was so excited to visit Philly, New York, Boston and more, but somehow never got around to it - until now. While excitedly planning my trip, I starting researching local museums and current exhibits. Imagine my surprise when I discovered this amazing Alexander Calder jewelry exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Alexander Calder's jewelry appears to be just as modern, yet simple, and kinetic as his sculptures. I love the raw and ornamental qualities of his pieces. Although his pieces were not designed to be worn everyday, they have a nice pared-down quality to them. I can't wait to see his jewelry in person.

Wednesday Sale: Necklaces

new design: "sweet little flower"

I love to wear necklaces, and therefore, I love to make necklaces. I've added some new styles in the last month, with many more to come. In an effort to share my excitement with you I am offering 15% off all necklaces in my shop just for today - Wednesday.

Please include the necklace of your choice when you checkout, mention my blog in the "message to seller" box and the discount will be refunded to your Paypal account. If paying by check, I will send a revised invoice.

Happy Shopping!

Farm Fresh Spaghetti Squash

I love to cook, but I don't always like following recipes (okay, I hardly ever follow a recipe). Garlic, olive oil and herbs from my garden are my friends. The selection of fresh vegetables at the farmer's market can be limiting here in Maryland, but there are some things you can count on, like squash in the fall. Last Sunday I stopped by my local roadside farmstand and picked up some goodies, including this spaghetti squash.

Last night, I decided it was time to cook my first squash of the season. The squash cooking coincided with my sage plant going crazy, so I decided I wanted to do something with sauteed garlic and sage. I put about 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, and sauteed 3 large garlic cloves for a few minutes. I then added lots of minced sage (at least a dozen sage leaves) and cooked for a couple more minutes. Finally I mixed it in to the cooked and scooped spaghetti squash, along with a small pat of butter and some grated Pecorino and sprinkled some sea salt. For a final touch, I sprinkled more cut sage and a hearty sprinkling Pecorino on the squash - once it had been plated. It turned out to be so delicious, but so simple. My favorite kind of dish.

Favorite Etsy Shop: Lemon Ball

This past Saturday was my husband's birthday, and like most guys, he is so hard to buy things for. Lucky for me, Etsy seller Lemon Ball makes exquisite handmade baseballs. They have a rich, antique look and feel, which makes sense since they are based on a early 19th century design. These collectibles are made and stitched by hand by baseball enthusiast, Paul Cunningham. They not only look good on a shelf, but they are fun to play catch with. We love this baseball so much, we're thinking about buying more as holiday gifts.

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog! I am excited to have a place to share my new design ideas, special discounts on my jewelry (just for you!), favorite etsy sellers, favorite blogs/sites, cooking and green living ideas, happenings in and around Baltimore and more. In honor of my blog launch, I am offering 10% off any purchases from my shop to anyone who leaves a comment.

One thing you may not know about me, I am a hardcore urban person who has recently moved to the country to a property 20 miles north of downtown Baltimore. I was fed up with having my tires slashed, and other assorted crime incidents. Although I miss the vibrancy of city life, I am very much enjoying the tranquility of the country. We are living in a 300 year old guest cottage on a 23 acre property. My creativity has been strong since we've moved here, so perhaps I made the right choice. I sort of look at my time here as a sabbatical from the city.