Friday, November 19, 2010

International Gem & Jewelry Show

Last weekend was the International Gem & Jewelry Show in Denver.  I so look forward to these shows, which are held semi-annually.  That gives a girl some time to use up her stock and earn a little more money for the big trek to Denver.

This show is held in a HUGE place in Denver and I cannot stress enough about the large array of goodies made readily available to the gem junkie in all of us.  Sparkles abound throughout this arena and I feel like a kid in a candy store.  I have to touch everything and pick them up and twirl them in the light to watch the pretty colors change before my eyes.

My husband goes with me and he hauls my stashes out to the car when they get too heavy.  I could not make it without him and his muscle!  He even acts like he enjoys seeing all the bling--he is a good faker anyway.

So now I'm home and still stashing goodies, but I'm already creating with my new treasures.  I am ready for the holiday season and will be making plenty of gifts for the online shoppers to peruse.

Here is a sample of my first creation:

Black Onyx & Pink Magnesite with focal Bling!

Now that is a statement necklace if I have ever seen one.  Imagine the possibilities!!  But I'm also making some daily use items such as these earrings:
Florentine Flower Earrings 
 And I'm always thinking of the holiday festivities so I had to create some holiday earrings:
Green Pearls with Crystals

Keep your eyes open for the newest items that I will be posting daily in my Etsy shop. 

Get your holiday shopping finished early and remember FREE shipping with orders over $75!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

October Bride

I love to make pretty things for the brides and their wedding party.  So often, though, I don't get to see the finished product in action.  I made six sets of the Tara Necklace in Bronze and they ended up so lovely.  
Getting ready to ship! 
 I believe her wedding was on the ever popular 10/10/10 date and she chose espresso dresses and these bronze sets.  

I received a picture of the beautiful bride with her fair maidens surrounding her.  What a treat to see the final culmination of all her choices.
Jess and her bridesmaids


The bouquets, the dresses, and the jewelry all tie together so well for an Autumn celebration!  Thanks for sharing your day with us, Jess!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Jade has Overwhelmed me . . .

I bought some New Jade pieces recently and was pleasantly surprised at the versatility of this gorgeous stone.  I just keep picking it up to create again and again.  I guess I should have picked up a little more of it.  Let's see what you think of it.

I have some hand painted silk that matched it so well that I just started weaving and twisting and look what came out of this venture.
I love the warmth and richness of these colors.
Then I decided I needed some earrings to go with this and they have turned out so nice that I think they will become a staple for the discerning woman even if she doesn't pick up the necklace.
New Jade Earrings

Well, the antique brass looked so nice with the jade I wondered what they would look like with copper; oh, and some nice sesame jasper, and well, just have a look at this one.
Asymmetrical Necklace
 I loved how this turned out.  The dark brown jasper pieces are heart shaped and I've added a little lariat effect on the bottom of the front.  I do adore jangles on things.  Also added just a little sparkle and copper wire wrap for finalize the look.  This one isn't posted yet, but will be soon. 

I found this information about Jade:  "Jade is an ancient stone that has historically been used to attract love.

Jade can be used to bring money into your life. Jade strengthens your mental faculties and assists in clear reasoning.

Jade is also a protective stone, guarding against accidents and misfortune."


Now, I'm getting the itch for chains and crystals and lots of BLING!!!   

Monday, November 8, 2010

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week - Aquarian Bath

Cory Trusty of Aquarian Bath is the Etsy Twitter Team shop of the week!  Congrats to Cory!!  I love her shop and drift in there regularly to stock up on goodies. 

As the name implies, she makes and carries a wide array of bath products, but I love the other items she carries.  For example, I use an eye pillow at night to sleep.  I hate having lights wake me or keep me awake and I love the aroma from the pillows.  I ordered a great eye pillow from her shop and she will even make them in different colors if you have a preference.  Check this one out:
Eye Pillow with Organic Lavender & Organic Flax

Also, check out the great neck wrap for those days that you have strained or tensed a little too much.
Microwavable Lavender Flax Neck Wrap

 I believe the fact that she grows most of her own herbs is important so you know she is accurate when she says 'organic' on her labels.  She even sells seeds on her website so you, too, are able to grow your own herbs.  She has three kinds of basil seeds available, but I am drawn to this one.
Thai Basil Seeds
 Among her many and unique items I have found I absolutely LOVE her solid perfumes.  A tiny bit goes a long way and they last forever.  You don't have to smell like everyone else when you order your own unique perfume from Cory.  I have tried this one and found it to be unique.
Jasmine Sambac Perfume
 I forgot to close it one day and left it sitting on the counter in my bathroom and found it to be a rather lovely room freshener as well.

Stop by Cory's shop to check out her other goodies.  I know you will find some lovely gift items to help you stock up for the holidays.  

She has a special running for her Shop of the Week, she will include a package of seeds of your choice with each purchase.  Mention "Etsytwitter Team SOTW" in notes to seller and let her know which seeds.


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Momma Goddess Trunk Show

My cousin, Cindy Baker, offered to have a trunk show for me in her home in Kingman, Kansas.  She has two sisters, Julie and Zella; as well as a sister-in-law, Connie; not counting her daughter, Brittney, and her niece, Clara; and all of them sent invitations to their friends for this trunk show.  A total of 90 people were invited.  Wow!!  

We made the drive from Greeley, Colorado to Kingman, Kansas; which is about 9 hours of drive time.  My mom and husband with our three dogs have become great travelers!  Anyway, here's a few pictures of the setup in her awesome home.





Those Kansas ladies came ready to shop!  We had a steady crowd and I met the most wonderful people.  

Cindy was an awesome hostess, preparing soups and snacks for the visitors, and kept us hydrated throughout the day.

All in all, it was one of the best experiences I have had and I want to thank Cindy again for the successful first trunk show for Momma Goddess Treasures!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

I'm BACK!!!

I know it has been awhile since my last post.  If you know me personally, then you know I went through an ordeal this summer with my dad.  My dad had cancer in his jaw and opted to have it surgically removed.  So, being the loyal daughter that I am, I went to Oklahoma to be there for the surgery scheduled for June 1st.

Never in my wildest dreams did I realize I would be gone from home for four months.  Nor did I fathom the undesirable ending of this long ordeal that my dad went through trying to add some time to his life.  Unfortunately, he lost the battle, but he gave it a valiant effort and I am so glad that I was able to be there with him during this period. 

My brother and my mother were there every step of the way as well.  Needless to say, their RV felt like it was 'shrinking' the longer the three of us were in it.

The three of us survived the endless summer and dad is no longer dealing with pain, but rather wrapped in the arms of our Lord.

With that said, I am now back to getting items ready for the holidays and I am staying busy!  I will try to be a more loyal blogger and keep you posted.  I have so much to show you!!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week - Yarn Coture

Check out the specials offered by Yarn Coture as the Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week.

I spent a little time perusing her shop and found some really interesting items.  First, check out these really great Retro Victorian Knit Cuffs.  Awesome gift for those teens or tweens this year for the holidays.



Thinking along the lines of holiday gifts, I also found some superb Mini Spa Washcloths in Pink and White.  They are great for breast cancer awareness or perhaps a gift for that friend who sells Mary Kay products.  Wouldn't it be great to have a spa party and give these as gifts??





Last, but not least, check out these sweet and feminine Deluxe Sponge and Washcloth set.  Now imagine these in a basket with a bar of homemade soap and some sweet smelling bath salts; then tie it all up with a frilly bow and you have an unforgettable gift.



 I know it is a little early for the holidays, but get your ideas going early and don't miss out on these fantastic specials!!

YarnCoture is offering
Free Worldwide Shipping on SELECTED items
Free Shipping on EVERYTHING shipped within the U.S. and Canada
20% off on all Basketweave Knit Scarves and
20% off on all Amazing Chunky Skinny Scarves
~~~~~~~
Check out yarncoture through these venues!
Etsy: http://www.yarncoture.etsy.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yarncoture
Blog: http://www.yarncoture.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HandKnitsbyYarncoture

..and how about her latest Fall Collection video?!


Monday, July 26, 2010

Bella Bead Jewelry is the Shop of the Week

I am now part of the Etsy Twitter Team and as part of this team we each feature the current Shop of the Week in our blog.  I am excited to be part of this team and even more excited to introduce you to some new Etsy shops.

Check out Bella Bead Jewelry on Etsy this week.  She is offering 15% off for the week of July 26th.
Sinner or Saint?

















 
Bella Bead Jewelry makes gorgeous lampwork beads as well as precious metal clay charms.  This double sided charm shows the dichotomy between sinner and saint.  Imagine using this in one of your pieces to create a necklace or bracelet with a certain style.

Created by proprietor, Linda Lawrence, of Bella Bead Jewelry.  Her art and the Etsy shop in which she sells it, are only one of the creative sides to her life. During the day, Linda is an art teacher in a local elementary school and, as she puts it, she "plays with fire by night!"

Linda also creates finished jewelry with her beads and charms that will thrill you with the richness of her talent.  Check out her shop, her blog and follow her on Twitter!  You will be glad you did.

Gorgeous creation using fine silver and lampwork beads.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Last Week for Christmas in July Sale!!

This is the last week for my Christmas in July sale!  I wanted to give you a little reminder.  There are some great prices in that category.  Some $5 earrings are available.  All orders over $25 will receive FREE shipping!  I love free, don't you?


 They aren't all just Holiday earrings, but I'm trying to get you in the mood first!
$5 pair --- don't wait too long!











I love to have all my holiday shopping finished early so I am able to just relax and enjoy the holidays when they arrive.  Now, I don't have them wrapped, but at least I use the sales all year to get the purchasing part out of the way.  


Make a list of gifts you need to have for the holidays; then start buying a few a month and soon you will be well under way.  


Then all you will need to worry about will be what cookie and candy recipes you will want to try.


Browse Etsy for the christmasinjuly or cij tags and you will discover a world of hand crafted gifts for this year.

Happy Shopping!! 
 



 

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Christmas in July Sale!

I am offering a selection of Holiday earrings in my Etsy shop at reduced prices for the month of July!!  Check back regularly for any new added earrings--there will even be some $5 pairs listed.

Get started with your Holiday shopping early!  
Don't be left out in the COLD!!!

Friday, July 9, 2010

The Big Day!!!

We made it all the way to the big day!  Here's a few shots to show how it all came together.

Beautiful day in the mountains with pretty maids all in a row.

Lovely shot of bridesmaid in the limo!


Smile for the camera!

It is truly a rewarding experience to see how your hard work ends up on the special day!!





Thursday, May 27, 2010

What's a Leg Without a Garter?

The final touch for any wedding is the garter for the lovely leg of the bride.  There will be plenty of fun at the reception when it comes time to remove said garter and throw it to the crowd.  Some grooms are shy and will gently remove the garter with their hands, trying to be as gentlemanly as possible; while others will use their teeth to grasp and remove the lovingly worn garter.  Either way, it was fun to make some garters for the upcoming nuptials.  My creations thus far:





Okay, those are her three choices for this wedding.  She will be wearing her white gown with grape heels, I love her style!!


And finally, one to throw!  The brides are now wanting to hang on to the keepsake garter so they request a second one to throw.  A little smaller so her leg isn't completely full as she walks down the aisle.

Have we forgotten anything?  Oh, surely so, but it won't be missed if we did.  Perhaps after the big event we will have pictures to show the items in action!

Remember, if you are planning an upcoming wedding, get started choosing items as soon as possible.  I am always available to make custom jewelry, hair accessories, and garters.  Every bride should feel like a Goddess!!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Did Someone Say Hair Bling??

One of the important little decisions a bride must make is how to wear her hair.  She wants to look absolutely stunning for the day and be able to move  and have fun as well.  Should she wear it up?  Should she wear it down?  How will the veil fit?  Will there be a veil?  What about the reception--after the veil comes off??  So many questions to answer.  Most brides will meet with the hair dresser far in advance of the big day for a trial run.  Some take their veil, some show up with nothing, and others will appear with a handful of bling to be utilized in some manner.

I have had several orders for the big day bling.   Here are a couple items from two different brides:


Sparkles and Pearls on hair pins to be scattered throughout her hair.



Small delicate comb with crystals and pearls for a delicate touch.



One chose the larger comb to fasten to the top of her veil.



While one chose a comb with feathers attached to give her a touch of drama!

Each bride has a different and unique vision for her special day and I'm only too happy to help them achieve that perfect vision.

Tomorrow we will check out some wedding garters!!  Stay tuned.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Adorable Flower Girls in Every Wedding

Yes, we all have heard the horror stories of the flower girls in many weddings, but we continue to have them because they are so darn cute!!  The wedding I'm working on at the present is no different.  They have selected an adorable little flower girl to be part of that 'oh, so special day.'   So, tasked with the idea that she, too, needs some bling for the wedding, they sent me a picture of her dress (with her in it, of course).
Here she is in all her glory!  They will have flowers for her hair, but her interest was in the sparkles she saw all around her.  So we made sure she would sparkle as well.

                                         
I made her a delicate little necklace with teardrop crystals in the front and a nice stretchy bracelet with crystals to match the bridesmaid necklaces.  Now, I hope she will be able to stop looking at her sparkles long enough to throw some flower petals down as she meanders down the aisle.  

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bridesmaid Decisions

Choosing your wedding colors may be the easiest part.  Brides usually have a favorite color that they have always known they would use for their special day.

Then she must choose the perfect dress or dresses to please all of her bridesmaids; a style that can be used again and not just hang in the closet to create another nightmare movie about bridesmaids' dresses.  One piece that needs to be decided early is the jewelry to match this perfect dress.  Now, not all bridesmaids are created equal and many have a mind of their own.  One wants the traditional pearls, one says absolutely no pearls, and the others may also have something in mind, but they just don't know what that perfect piece really is.  That is where I come in.  Trying to please both the bride and the bridesmaids.

My latest venture into the world of pleasing bridesmaids has been accomplished with something, I hope, will please everyone.  Crystals!!




I always say, "when in doubt, sparkle!"

These crystal necklaces have a combination of crystal sizes and accents colors, in addition to awesome crystal spacers and sparkle balls.   These should be a perfect compliment to the strapless eggplant satin dresses.  Still dressy without overdoing it.  Just a short choker length and sweet little dangle earrings and we have it made!!

Tomorrow, let's look at the flower girl!  

Monday, May 17, 2010

Busy with Wedding Treasures


I have been so busy making wedding treasures that I have neglected my blog, and that is just not acceptable!!  I will be a little more faithful starting today!

Here's a little view of the necklace I just created for the Mother of the Groom.  I can't wait for her to see it, I think she will love it!  She sent me pictures of her dress and this is what I've created to go with it.






It sparkles and shimmers just the right amount so as not to outdo our lovely bride, but this mother will definitely make a statement!  I hope to share some of the pictures of the day with you when all the festivities are over.

The center stone is a "Swarovski Elements divine rock crystal fancy stone was developed in collaboration with Versace, a famous Italian design house. The divine rock highlights the precision-cut beauty of organically shaped crystals. A combination of matte and sparkling facets in an asymmetrical shape. The fancy stone has a flat, mirrored back for added light reflection"  and it finishes the piece so well.

Let me know what you think.  Tomorrow I will show you the bridesmaid's jewels!!  

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Feedback from customers is GOOD!

I love interaction with my customers, like most people I especially enjoy positive feedback.  Recently, one of my customers requested some special 'ear pins' made for her daughter.  I had already been working on something similar, so I quickly finished them and sent her pictures.  She purchased them for her daughter and later returned to buy a pair for her niece.  Her daughter claims, 'she was the coolest girl in school,' and who wouldn't love that??

I have since sold more pairs with a little variation.  Today one of my customers sent me a picture of these unique earrings and I want to share it with you.  I now call them Ear Vines since they vine up your ears like a plant.

Here's my model Debbie Anderson (cute little ear, isn't it??):




I have them on my Etsy site with different crystals and some with just plain silver beads, as requested by Bridget for her daughter.  Contact me if you want a different color or style and I'll do my best to please you.









Bridget's feedback: "This is the second pair of these fabulous Ear Pins I have purchased from this wonderful shop. The Ear Pins arrived quickly and beautifully packaged. The workmanship is exquisite and the design is fun and unusual. This is a great shop with wonderful customer service and I will definitely return soon."

I love trying new things and when it pleases the customer, it doubles the enjoyment.  Give these little 'ear pins/vines' a try--you will love them.