Treasury Feature

A big shout out and thank you to Val Vanias Art for featuring my earrings in her very pretty treasury! Please check out her Etsy Shop, she does some amazing one-of-kind artwork and jewelry.

Earring Give-a-way Winner

Chosen by random.org and the winner of my earring give-a-way is Twillypop (Sara).  She also has an Etsy shop that can be viewed here: Twillypop and her awesome blog can be read here: Twillypop Blog.  Thank you to all the others that entered!  May you all have a wonderful holiday and a joyous New Year!

These are the earrings I gave away! Made just for Twillypop!! Gold wash pink Czech glass super faceted beads paired with handmade rosy copper bead pins and hand forged sterling silver ear wires!

Earring Give-A-Way...

I'm feeling a bit generous this holiday season. Not sure why, because I'm anxious for the year to end...it hasn't been the best of years for my family or myself....way toooo many sad moments...with family and friends lost and gone forever. But...I am still grateful that I have a good life and better than some, so I take these moments, cherish them and make my best attempt to move on.  I know there are many good things to come in the future...I live each day as though it were my last, I tell those in my life how much I love them as many times as I can...for I know that in the flash of an instant they can be taken away from you.  You cannot tell someone how you feel about them after they are gone....so please take the time now to tell those that you love and care for--what your feeling are...your heart will be uplifted and it will not matter the outcome, because you put it out there...you will have a huge smile on your face! SOoooooo....on that note, my give-a-way is dedicated to my sister-in-law~~Kelly~~she was taken from my family suddenly and tragically on October 4, 2009.  She was only 37 and left behind a 4 year old and 7 year old. She was a great Mom & wife and was the kindest, most giving person that I know...will never be forgotten and always cherished.

Ok...enough mushy stuff, now on to the rules...

1. I want to put a smile on your face! I love making people happy!
2. Sign-up and follow my blog (you must follow in order to be entered)
3. Enter a comment on what you cherish, treasure or are most proud of in life? Or something that has happened to change your life for the better.
4. Pretty simple rule...huh?
5. Winner will be chosen by http://www.random.org/ on 12/23/09
6. I will read your comments and comment back but I have no control over who wins....but I do wish you all the best of luck!
7. thank you for participating!

Ahh...I feel better now...one lucky winner will receive a pair of earrings of my choice! Wishing you all a Happy Holiday! Be safe and enjoy the New Year!

Treasury Feature

A big thanks to That 70's Shoppe for featuring my necklace in her treasury: In The Red!  Beautiful items!

Black Friday - Cyber Monday ***FREE SHIPPING***

I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed on Black Friday through Cyber Monday.  Offer good until 11:59 on 11/30.......in my Etsy Shop! Get your shopping done early! Tempting preview...ENJOY! Happy shopping, hope you all get the best deals in town.

TIP--Handmade Tools

I posted before about the cost of tools for jewelry making , so I made some of my own. Like I said in my last post, I still  like to find household objects that will work for me. I had in my mind that I wanted something very sturdy and solid to make earring hoops and large soldered rings. I searched around and came up with nothing, well not really....there was always the broom stick.  But I couldn't find a variety of sizes.  So off to Home Depot I went.  I purchased four larger dowel rods in the following sizes: 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, all in hard oak.  Cost about $12!! I came home and sawed off a 9 inch piece...drilled a large hole to accomodate up to 10 gauge wire for use with wire wrapping for rings. Here's what the dowels look like:

So far they are working out great, I just put them in my bench vice and start wrapping and hammering! Here's a sneak peak at what I made, to be listed in my Etsy Shop soon!

Not bad for not using conventional tools~hope you enjoyed this post and it will be useful to you or someone you know! Have a great day!

Funny video I found on you tube

I was just browsing YouTube and came across this funny video...thought I'd share it with you all! What Cats Really Think of Us When We Are Talking To Them! LOL...I'm guilty of talking to my three cats this way...and I'm sure they think I'm nuts. Enjoy!

Marvelous Monday...well only because I had the day off!!

I was blessed to have today off...the weather was unseasonably warm for November! Temps in the high 60's, sunny and not a cloud in the sky...just perfect.  I spent the majority of  my day indoors, taking photos. I get my best shots when the sun is shining and the natural light filters in through the windows.  So, although I would have rather traversed the land today, I am so happy that I got all my jewelry photos taken.  Now the long process of uploading and listing. Will save a few for each day!  I'd love to have at least 100 items in my shop before the holiday season arrives. Here's two fresh listings for you all to enjoy!  Hoping to post my "featured facebook fan #4" in the next few days...all depends on how the day goes!

Pia: Deep purple quartz is snuggled next to a gorgeous iridescent coppery purple rondelle, the focal pendant hangs from an antiqued flower chain!

Simplistic: Vintage acrylic grey nugget bead, perfect for everyday wear, goes with everything...very simple!

Featured Facebook Fans...#3 Sister Jewelry

Whoa...I am so far behind this week, I feel like I'm paddling backwards and I'm never going to catch up!  I wanted to post this earlier this week, but totally ran out of time.  I haven't made any new designs this week because I've been so busy at my full-time job that I've been exhausted after coming home, and have had little time for anything else.  I had a "girls" day with my adorable 7 year old niece today...(who's now sleeping soundly...ahhh!) and I now have a moment to relax and get up-to-date with my blog. 

So as promised here is my featured facebook fan #3--SisterJewelry.  You can find her designs on Artfire! She is Member & Sponsor of SRAJD (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer).  Her passion is watches, necklaces and bracelets.  I've chosen a few items that I like to show off for this unique jewelry designer.

Black Onyx with two-toned watch face!  Perfect for all your wardrobe needs, very versatile.

Pink & Black lampwork beads with swarovski crystals

Please visit SisterJewelry on Artfire!  That's all for this post, ENJOY! May the rest of your weekend be joyful and happy!

Weekend Designs

Weekend designs....updating my shop, getting ready for the upcoming holiday season! More designs to come...stay tuned!  Tomorrow I plan to post my next Featured Facebook fan #3. 

Fantastic Friday...or so it should be! I'm still laughing over this one....

TGIF...I'm going to say it again TGIF!!! It's been a long week at work, busy, stressful and just down right long... The week started out pretty good and then progessed to umm let's say undesirable. By hump day (known as Wednesday for those of you who don't know that "hump day" is not derogratory....it means the middle of the week, i.e. the hump ....he he!) I had had it.  I walked out of work, got in my car, turned the key...and lo and behold..."click, click, click"...nothing. Effing car wouldn't start, not something I wanted to deal with after a long day, all I wanted to do was go to the gym, get a good workout, come home, shower, eat something and r-e-l-a-x!

Well it wasn't to be...called AAA, the tow-truck dude was rude and mean to me! Hmmpff...why?? he jumped my car, it started and he said   "does your car always die when you let off the gas"...Umm, NO!!! Him: "well you might as well drive it home."   I told him I don't think so, take it to the dealer.  His response, "not without an address." Yikes, dude can't I just give you directions???  him: "I have GPS, need an address"....umm, ok $#&*(%!!! I quickly learned how to use VZ navigator, provided the address and he was off. 

My dear friend took me to get a rental car, and as luck would have it...."NO" rental cars available.  By this time I'm ready to cry--so not like me, but I was tired and stressed.  So my friend says to the Enterprise dude (ED) "what about that truck that lady just droppped off?"  Enterprise dude "oh sure, I can give her that"  Friend: "And you'll give it to her for the price of car, since you don't have one?" ED: "sure..$50.99/ day"  Me: eyes popping out of my head, I've never driven a pick-up truck.  ED dude says I'll be fine handling it since I drive a Grand Cherokee.....yeah o.k. buddy!  So out we go to the truck, in the mean-time tow truck man, turns the corner with my car..."umm why are you turning here?" Oh I see why, you are towing another car behind you...my friend says "do you think your car will make it to the dealer or will it be sold for parts?"....LOL, I don't even care at this point, crankiness is deep within me!

So I get in the truck...now let me tell you this is a BIG A$$ TRUCK....Chevy Silverado, double cab 4 door, 4 x 4....he he!! and I can't get the thing to move.  So I saunter back into the rental joint, and meekly ask "can you back this truck out for me, please....I can't seem to get the emergency brake off" <--pathetic female. Well the Enterprise dude, has trouble too...I no longer feel like an ass.  Finally I get this big a$$ truck moving...and I finally have realized why men like to drive pick-up trucks...people get out of your way and you get what is know as "truck balls"...he he!  I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of me driving this pick-up truck all nite and it continued into the next day...I'm posting a pic here for all of you to enjoy!

Thankfully I only drove 40 miles in that truck, for a tune of $83 dollars, yee gads!! expensive rental!!...and am happily driving my own Grand Cherokee once again that cost very little to repair in comparison. Somebody is definitely on my side...but I'm still chuckling over the pick-up truck...he he!

Featured Facebook Fans...#2 BoutiqueJulie

Today's post is for my featured facebook fan #2 BoutiqueJulie.  This unique Etsy seller believes that sending a card says you care, but sending a unique handmade card says you care more.  Her cards are made of high quality materials and most of all with love....all in a non-smoking environment.  Her creations are one-of-kind and aren't re-created, so if you see something you like, you should snag it up while you can. She creates cards for all occasions: thank you, thinking of you, holidays, birthdays, frames and so much more.  Her prices are very reasonable, in fact better than your local Hallmark store...and remember one of kind and created with love. I recommend visiting her shop frequently as she is always updating with new designs. I've chosen three of my favorite designs that I want to share with all of you. 

Autumn The Season of Friendship:  Perfect for the fall season, the wonderful colors of fall are Yellow, Orange, Rust, Mustard, Coral, Green and Browns (per her webshop!). A wonderful depiction of this fall season.  I have a particular fondness for fall, basically because of the colors.  Think that's why I really like this card.  In this collection you get two cards, I think it's a great steal deal!

Merci (Thank you): What better way to say thank you than with this cute card.  I'm partial to brown kraft paper, I think it sends the message of being green and natural--something I strive to do! Hearts, flowers and a little bee comprise this adorable thank you card. It's also the perfect size 4.25 x 4.25 inches, just enough room to write your special message.

Thanksgiving Turkey Thank You: Now that Halloween is coming to pass, what's up next (oh by the way she still has Halloween cards available, why not stock up for next year?) .......Thanksgiving!!  This oh so cute thank you card is the perfect little note to give to your hostess for a fantastic Turkey Day dinner. If I had someone to buy this for, I definitely would...but unfortunately (or fortunately for my family) I do T-day dinner!  Check out the description in BoutiqueJulie's shop for this card...she makes it sound edible...YUM!

Well, that's all for this post, please visit BoutiqueJulie for many more amazing cards and frames. I wish her the best with her shop, may she be successful and make others happy with her unique designs!

Latest Creations

I so wanted to write about another of my new Facebook fans, but just don't have the mindset tonight. I plan on doing it tomorrow night! Instead I thought I would post something simple...like the home made light box I created! I had read several articles online on how to create your own and then got some great tips from GlassRiverJewel on Twitter!

I went to Walmart and purchased the following:

1. White Flat Sheet (twin)--$4.00

2. 16 x 16 inch box--$2.98

3. Poster Board--$0.98

4. 2 goose neck lamps--$7.44 (couldn't use these because I didn't have the correct size bulb...ugh) But I had previously purchased clip-on lights from Home Depot for $5.98 a piece and used them and it seemed to work out well. I have 75 watt bulbs in them.

Directions:

I cut off one set of the closure flaps and then assembled the box and sealed with packing tape. I then took a yard stick and traced a two inch boarder around three sides, and cut them out with a box cutter. Next, cut the bed sheet to 14.5 x 14.5 inches, ironed to get the wrinkles out and then taped them to each open area. Cut the poster board to just shy of 16 inches wide, taped to the back of the box (at the top) and let it curve toward the front. The poster board helps to deflect the light, and you can still used your own platforms. Turn the lights on and start snapping away.

Here's a picture of the box:

Here is the picture I took on the first try...not bad, huh?

Featured Facebook Fans...#1 Tiny Treasures

I've made a promise to my most recent Facebook fans that I would feature their shops on my blog. So that's what I am going to doing over the next few days, or however long it takes me!

I'm so happy to feature these fans and believe it's got multiple benefits:

1. Supporting and promoting other artisan shops...as I truly want us all to succeed....AND I really love checking out other's creative styles and abilities. There are so many amazing artisans that at times it's overwhelming.
2. I'm connecting with some really neat people and I love getting to know new people!
3. Hey...I'll admit it, I want more facebook fans!...can't blame me, huh?

Well now on to the good stuff. My first featured artist is Tiny Treasures, she has been part of the Etsy world since December 2008. She takes vintage jewelry and upcycles it, making new and unique jewelry, creating new memories...that simply put are like Tiny Treasures.

If you are new to the world of being "green" and aren't aware of what upcycling is, I've provided a link to wikipedia for a more in depth explanation. But basically it's taking the old and making something new-- how's that for an elementary explanation?? he he... I personally think the idea of upcycling is great, and probably should look into my own jewelry box and see what Tiny Treasures I could put to good use or pass on...

I've picked out three tiny treasures that I really like...all are available in her shop and very reasonably priced! Please visit her shop and show your support: Tiny Treasures on Etsy!

GOLD NEST: The picture says it all, no explanation needed. I love gold and silver combined together has a very classy look!

BLACK FLOWER & PEARLS: nothing says classy and elegant more so than black paired with pearls!! Every girls needs a set of pearls....

WISH: adorable and cute, perfect for everyday or as a gift for that crazy teenager in your life! The best part, she can make this necklace in other words: dream, love, live, faith, hope, angel, and luck...something for everyone!

Well that's all for this featured FB Fan and fellow Etsian...I do wish her the best and may her shop be prosperous and make others happy!

Newly Listed..

It's been a very busy weekend, cleaning house, yardwork, designing new creations and of course...updating my Etsy Shop! I'm trying to get ready for the upcoming holiday and get as many new items posted as possible. Working full-time and with everything else going on in my life, this process has been slow. I still struggle with the photography aspect. Seems I only get good photos with natural lighting. For every ten photos I take, I might get two good ones...whoa is me! I'll keep trying even though it's giving me a pain in the neck and back (literally). On that note I thought I'd share with some of the new items I've listed!

Newest Creations Now Listed In My Etsy Shop

Here's are my latest creations now listed in my Etsy Shop. I now have 43 listings and am trying to work my way up to 100! I'd like to reach my goal by mid-november. Looking for Facebook fans, click here to become a fan: DreamBelle Designs on Facebook.

There is no denying it...

Fall is definitely here...baby it's getting cold outside, the weatherman has forecasted the temps to be in the high 40's here in the East over the next few days....Brrrr!  Cloudy, rainy and dreary. The dampness will only make the temp feel even colder. When the weather turns like that I like to surround myself in warmth and comfort.  I think of hot chocolate, english tea, fleece, scarves, mittens, blankets, a roaring fire,  and a good book...and of course my cats snuggled up next to me.  I've found some great comfort items on Etsy...

Great looking beret in my favorite color green from Pixiebell. I think that Berets look great on everyone, whether you have short or long hair! I happen to have long curly hair and tend not to blow dry my hair, so I tuck my hair up into a cute Beret and off I go...keeps my curls tight and frizz free.  You can find this adorable beret at Pixiebell's Etsy Shop!

Sometimes a full glove or mitten is just too much! Fingerless mittens/ gloves are so in style for this fall, very versatile and can be worn with just about everything.  I chose this pair  of "Chunky Wrist Warmers" (that's what she calls them, luv it!) from Morava because of the neutral color.  She offers her fingerless gloves in many colors and styles at a reasonable price!  Check out this pair of Chunky wrist warmers.

What better way to celebrate fall than with a hot cup of pumpkin spice hot cocoa! The tetoncocoacompany offers a great variety of hot cocoas in flavors that are all tempting to the pallet. Imagine having a cup and curling up near the fire under a warm blanket with a good book...just pure bliss!

The finishing touch to my great Etsy finds for a cold, damp fall day is a cozy warm blanket.  Perfect fall colors in this hand knit blanket created by gem43.  Described as being soft, silky and warm...but not so much that you will get overheated.  Sounds like a couch potato/ book readers dream blanket.  It's a generous size at 76 x 84 inches, I think that's big enough to fit on a full size bed?? and definitely great for snuggling under with that special someone! 

Well that's all for my comfort finds, have a great evening...keep warm!

Fresh Listings in my Etsy Shop

I've had a horrible week, full of sadness.  Tragedy has once again hit my family, my sister-in-law passed away last sunday...unexpectedly, suddenly and tragically...she was only 37 and left behind a 4 year old and a 7 year old.  Although my heart is breaking,  my family and myself are on the road to healing.  My way of coping is to absorb myself in my jewelry making.  Here are some of the items I was able to make today, my attempt at bringing a little bit of sunshine into my life! A big thank you to all those that have loved, supported, prayed and have been there for me throughout this tragic ordeal...I am so blessed.

Antiqued Brass with goldstone and deep burgundy red ceramic beads, choker style necklace.

Deep blue sea earrings, I think you might even be able to see some fish swimming around in there...he he!

A little champagne would be wonderful tonight, unfortunately I have to work tomorrow, so these sweet babies will have to do! Champagne 'n Ice!!

Saturday Inspiration...Simply Charming!

It's a lazy day here, gloomy outside...just waiting for the rain to come.  Occasionally the sun peaks out, giving hope for a beautiful day.  But why wait for it...I've created my own sunshine with this simply charming necklace.  A little bit rustic, kind of sparkly and perfect for many outfits and occasions!  Newly listed in my Etsy Shop.

Simply Charming Necklace

Fantastic Finds on Etsy

There are so many creative individuals on Etsy....it's overwhelming and amazing! Here's a seller: "Bags by Collette" that I think has some really awesome bags...functional, attractive and can hold just about everything. She doesn't just have bags though....she has wristlets, zip bags and jewelry bags. They are all adorably cute and highly functionaly. The fabric patterns are to die for, it makes you want to buy one of each....Check them out:

One of my favorites...love the brown and aqua (maybe it's teal)...my favorite combination!

Shades of teal, green, brown, off white...jewelry bag...how cute is that??? Love it!!

OK I admit I picked these based on color...flashes of orange/ deep umber, lime green, teal, cream, and black....great looking wristlet!

Does this one need any explanation? Perfect for your ID, credit cards, extra cash or some loose change...all of her items are just waiting to be picked up...check it out!!

New Listings....

Dainty but simple...the marbled green prehnite compliments the coppery brown wire strip...great for everyday wear!

Creamy green grossular garnet hangs from oxidized handmade brass rings....surrounding a lemon yellow premium Czech glass rondelle...like a cold margarita in the summer time...yummy!

New Items in My Etsy Shop!

Two new items have been added to my Etsy Shop!

Great for everyday wear, goes with everything...love the sparkle of the golden green pyrite onion briolette. Like a mirror you can see reflections in it.

Beautiful reddish brown carnelian is paired with warm antiqued copper brown ear wires. Anywho, I still have more to add, so keep checking back... Have a great Saturday!