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!