Etsy Craft Party June 18!!!!

This first caught my attention, and I thought... Yeah, ok, so it's crafting. I do this stuff at home. It's how I relax, decompress, chill out.

Then I realized- this is getting other crafty minds together, making new friends and art. This is good, this is really good! I have the chance to meet other local artists... Make some new friends... Inspiration comes in all forms- and now I'm really excited! And... It's Etsy's Birthday!

So what I've done is created a Meetup Group page where you can RSVP easily. Simply click "I'm Interested" and there you go! You're signed up! You can also click "Leave a Comment" to make suggestions which are more than welcome!! You don't have to be an Etsy member to join in the fun.

I'm thinking that we don't all have to work on one craft project- although it's certainly a possibility. If we don't, bring a work in progress, or one to start, try something new- the possibilities are endless! Let's all see what we work on- we may find a new hobby from what another crafter is working on!

I've scheduled the Meetup for 11 am so that us artists will have the entire afternoon to "play". Along with our crafts, I'm thinking we can bring snacks or lunches, and start with introductions to each other. After that, we can get busy. I have to find some places that would possibly let us use space, depending on how many of us sign up and attend- but I'm sure I can come up with something. (again- if you're a local, and you have an idea- let me know!)

If attending might be a problem because you have children, by all means- bring them as well. I'd hate for a fellow crafter to not be able to come to this because you can't find a sitter or can't leave the kiddos alone. So a craft project to keep them busy too- I think this has the potential to be a really fun and entertaining event!

Snacks, chit chat, smiles, crafting awaits!

Glass

The Underwater Ocean Earrings- one more set available once I get more supplies!

I've decided over the past few days, I must start using glass in my jewelry.

Now, I admit it.... I've been sort of a snob. Nothing but the best. And to me, that's Swarovski. It glitters, it sparkles, it's delightful in so many different designs. There are so many different crystal styles, shapes and components to use- it's mind boggling. They're sexy, they're sweet, they're bold... Anything you want them to be- you can design it.

A lot of jewelry designers incorporate these crystals into their own designs- so often it's difficult to come up with designs that are completely original. I don't steal designs from other artists- but I do like to borrow concepts and incorporate them in to mine. And I hope that some people that come across my own designs do the same... Just don't steal please!

As much as the crystal sparkles and shines- I'm now discovering the beauty of glass. Namely, lampworked beads. I never, ever, ever dreamed that they could be so absolutely stunning! I mean- I'm used to going to (and I hate it) Wal Mart and remembering seeing the strands of "beads" they sell there. Cheap metal, cheap cut glass, just... Nothing you can really turn into quality jewelry. Michael's Crafts is similar- albeit a bit better quality- and I actually do find some fun beads in there from time to time. The problem still remains is that the beads aren't always uniform... And they still look cheap. But not *always*. Cheap jewelry drives me batty. It's great for a costume party or dress up with little girls- but the look I'm aiming for here is classy. Refined. Unique.

My inspiration as of recently has been due to Pandora bracelets. There are so many ladies that now have the bracelets- myself included- and the beads that go along with them. My favorites, of course, are the array of glass rounds that are floated on the bracelets. But- that's not quite my angle. I don't want to use wide beads- as stringing them on headpins will make them slide right off. My solution?

Fellow Etsians!

So many different beads... Whirls, swirls, rainbows and flowers. Iridescent colors, dichroic glass, stripes, patterns... The combination of different looks to be created are limitless!

Here are just a few of the beads I'm peeking at at the moment...

This beautiful bead below is from Red Side Designs shop. I love flowers encased in glass beads- it's such an understated simplicity that it's hard to resist. I'd turn this one in to a beautiful pendant on a necklace.

I love whirls and swirls. Blue is a favorite color of mine- I have blue eyes, and anything that sets them off I'm a fan of. Typically- if I wear blue toned jewelry- it does the trick! These beautiful borosilicate beads are made in BBGlassArt's shop.

And of course, I've gotta go fun and funky. I fell in LOVE with these unique beads! They remind me of an anemone- just not in the ocean! These would become a necklace/earring set. Perhaps even one as a charm on a bracelet- why limit imagination!? These are from Sock Monkey's shop!

Last, but certainly not least, a wonderful shop was suggested to me on my Facebook page by a fellow artist. The shop is Radiant Mind, and there are SO many beads there that I want to buy right up immediately...... I have to restrain myself! Look at this gorgeous set and the colors used... I can't wait to get started... And to show off some of my new works!

So there it is... I'm strictly supporting fellow Etsians for my lampwork glass beading needs!

The Circle of Friends

Award!

Thank you so very much to The Pine Cone Teacup for nominating me!! I'm so excited! I haven't been awarded anything for having my blog thusfar- and frankly, I'm honored! I know I don't post as often as I'd like- there are only so many hours in the day to take care of things. So my March resolution is to post at least once a week. Minimum. And I count on you all to hold me to that!

The conditions for accepting this blog award are simple.... I list 5 things I like...

And then I name 5 bloggers I want to know more about!

Ready... Set.... Go!

1. I love my family! My two wonderful parents, still together after 31 years! My awesome genius (in most cases!) brother, and my two kind hearted and sweet sisters. Being the oldest of the four of us, it's been quite the journey to watch my siblings grow up into wonderful people. And as for my parents- well, I just can't say how much I love them, and how thankful that I belong to them! Of course, I love the various pets we have as well- most of all, my sweetheart Peeps. (who, by the way, is absolutely fantastic and recovering well!)

2. I love New England- it's where I grew up, and it's true what they say... If you're born and raised there, you always feel the tug to "go back home". And... There's nothing quite like a beautiful beach with sparkling blue water... Except for the New England coastline, especially up in Maine. The gunmetal gray water (albeit a bit chilly) with a clear blue sky is absolutely breathtaking!

3. I love to work on cars. Get down, dirty, and feel accomplished once the problem is fixed. I know how to change my own oil, replace brakes, unstick emergency brake lines, know where to stick the jack under my truck so it won't ruin anything, replace headers, radiators and mufflers. Didn't think a sparkly girly-girl would actually be interested in that stuff, huh?!

4. I love to garden. There's something about tilling, fertilizing, planting, and spending hours weeding out a garden bed to have a work of art for the spring and summer that all your friends compliment you on. However, since I'm in an apartment, a green leafed plant from Ikea, bamboo shoots and a Money Tree are my "garden" and wall art for now!

5. I love... Link Love! Coined by Michele from By Your Side, it's a wonderful way to find new artists, talent... And most importantly friends! From fanning Facebook pages, hearting Etsy shops, following blogs, Twitter, and other various outlets (like Artfire, Folksy, Wordpress, etc...) we not only find like minded people that craft similar items to what we do, but meet new people in the process. Hooray for Link Love!

And now... Drumroll please....

My 5 blogger picks to pass this award along to:

1. Joyce from Happy Cloud Moments

2. Amy from Ponder and Stitch

3. Deb from Zur Designs

4. Kristin from Madrin Designs

5. Samantha from Nest Blossoms

There you have it!

Check out shops and let's Link Love too!