Bridget's Daughter's Birthday

What do you get a sixteen year old with a vivid imagination?  One who is an avid reader??  One who is compassionate and empathetic to other people's trials and tribulations?  One of my favorite shop model's birthday was fast approaching and my mind was filled with ideas, but what would SHE like??  It actually has been awhile since I was sixteen, but I know some of the fun of the birthday is the element of surprise.  So, with that in mind, I made a decision.  A Harry Potter Potion's box--what else?!?!?

Clutching my precious bottles and treasures in hand I went to my friend's studio (Kathy Kaberline of KK Originals) for some fun in creating.  If I can't think of something, trust me, she can.  We took a couple days off from our usual art work to get to work on this latest project.  Wow!  Did we have FUN!!!  Okay, so I have discovered it really doesn't matter what your age may be, we still like to paint and get our hands dirty.

We both donned our aprons (just to make us feel a little grown up) and we got started.  We set out the bare little wood box and studied it.  I had an idea in my head about how I wanted the end result so we discussed the possibilities and went to work.  Now, you need to understand that it is ALWAYS best to try these new and creative things in Kathy's studio because she has always been an avid crafter and collector--so, her studio is like being locked up over night in Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  Whatever you need, she has, trust me.

I really should have taken pictures along the way to show our progress, but my hands were way too dirty to actually touch my camera.  So, you can hear about it, but not see it.  Sorry!

We sprayed all kinds of colors and all types of sparkle on this plain little wooden box.  Then we let it dry while we crumpled paper, then painted it, then dried it, then ironed it, and voila! a cover was born.  I did use the computer to make the labels so I would have the original Harry Potter print to make it more realistic.

But really, we couldn't just use plain paper for our labels--so we tore our labels out in some fun shapes, then we distressed them, sprayed them, sparkled them, and smudged them to create an old and worn look.

Getting packed to ship

Here's a little sample of the bottles and how they looked when I packed them for shipping.  I tried to stick little pieces of cardboard between them so they wouldn't break en-route. 

The finished box:

The green paint on the top was still wet when I added a little salt to make it disperse the way it did.  I thought it looked like a dragon when finished.  The little lizard next to it has a little dragon's egg under his chin.

The inside of the box:

This is the lid with Hedwig's feather and some pictures of the gang in potion's class, as well as, Hermione making the famous polyjuice potion in the girl's bathroom.

We crumbled paper, then pressed it, then painted it, then; well, you get the picture; to make her a journal for her potion recipes or for notes in class. 

Then we stamped and sprayed the inside pages to finish it off.

I think it turned out cute and it sounds like she liked it.  Here's a partial shot of the finished product.  Didn't really take enough time for pictures because I wanted to get it shipped to her in time for her birthday.

Did you see Scabbers??  He snuck into the box to hide.

Happy 16th Birthday to Bridget's daughter!!!  

Bridesmaids for Fall

I just finished another order for a little bride planning to be married in Key West later this Fall.  She has selected some beautiful pieces that I would like to share with you.

She is having a persimmon strapless dress for each bridesmaid and selected these necklaces for them to wear.  Brown, tan, and ivory colored glass pearls all mixed with various crystals in tan and copper colors create a lovely blend of warm colors.  The earrings are always included for free with the purchase of a selection of bridesmaid jewelry.

I love her choices and wanted to share this with you.  She will send us a finished picture of the big day!  Personally, I believe I should actually head to Florida and visit Key West to ensure all jewelry is worn correctly, don't you???

Happy Spring!! UWIB Bloghop!

Spring Butterfly from JMJ Creations

Red Trees from Beegrl

It is March and it is Spring!!  We all love Spring, don't we??  Well, it is finally here and the bulbs are up, blooming, and filling the air with fragrance.  The trees are budding out and soon all will be green.  As we drove farther south toward Oklahoma we noticed the trees were fuller and lusher the closer we got to my Mom's house.  The Red-bud trees were all in bloom and the countryside was interspersed with the gorgeous green leaves and the bright reddish-pink flowers.  The farther south we drove we found some of the white dogwoods were even in bloom.  I can hardly wait for the drive home because I know even more will be blooming.

Birds & Bees from Paperquick

So what does Spring mean to us??  I know I think of the blooms from the early bulbs peeking their little noses out of the dead leaves and grass.  I love the return of the robins, watching them choose their birdhouse in my backyard for their nesting. 

Easter Eggs from Crazy for Collars

I like to start putting out the bunnies and eggs with Easter in mind.  And of course, we all start thinking about spring cleaning!  What is it about this time of year that actually makes us non-cleaners want to wash the windows and clean out the cabinets?? 

So, if we must clean and organize, then so be it; but where to begin, the all important question.  You know there are many websites out there willing to help us de-clutter or organize our homes or workplaces.  I absolutely love the Fly Lady!  She has easy and step-by-step techniques for keeping things orderly.  Her technique is through coaching and many people need that.  Check her out at Flylady.net for some daily ideas. 

Then there is the list method and I love the List Plan It site.  She has many types of lists, including Spring Cleaning lists; ways to de-clutter your kitchen; and even recipes for making your own natural cleaners.  Pick up some hand painted bottles for those home made cleaners.

Bottles from Momma Goddess

  
I personally like the 'sit and think about it' method.  I enjoy sitting in my studio working on my latest creation and thinking about where I should start when I finish.  It really suits me, but it isn't for everyone.  Okay, if we must clean, then let's use cute handmade items.  So, while you do the blog hop, please watch for some great handmade ideas from the Unique Women in Business Etsy team.  Then hop back here and give me some ideas.  

Now let's do a little blog hopping throughout the Unique Women in Business realm to see what is on their minds for Spring.  Stop back to let me know what Spring means to you.  I love comments!


Here's the list for this month:

Rita Wetzel                  http://RitasCreativeNest.com

Jenn Nolda                 http://brynnsbeautifulbows.blogspot.com

Ann Rinkenberger http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com

Robin Koehler                 http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com

Linda Reynolds                 http://bellalindadesigns.net

Audrey Fetterhoff         http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com

Birgitte Hendricks http://SewDanish.blogspot.com

Wendy Kelly                 http://blog.vintageday.com

Janet Bocciardi                 http://www.honeyfromthebee.com

Linda Stranger                 http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com

Karen Terry/McDuffie http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com

Judy Woodley                 http://wellspringcreations.blogspot.com

Trudy Miller                 http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com/

Cory Trusty                 http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com

Nancy Pace                 http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com

Lois Stifel                         http://foxygknits.com

Jenn Brockman                 http://alexshares.com

Also, here are the links to the UWIB blog and the UWIB ETSY Team

Link to UWIB ETSY Team - http://www.etsy.com/teams/6263/unique-women-in-business-uwib
Link to UWIB Blog - http://uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com/

And the Winner is . . . Japip!

Thanks for all the comments and hopping you did for the Think Green blog hop from Unique Women i Business!!  

We had tons of fun putting it on for you! Keep an eye open for more of these, we will try to have one a month on various themes.

I did go to random.org and Japip won the earrings.  I will ship those out on Monday!!  Hopefully, she will have them in plenty of time for St. Patrick's day! 

Enjoy!!

Something Green - UWIB Blog Hop!! Join in!!

Nowadays when you hear the words 'something green' you are immediately drawn to the ecosystem that we have ignored for so many years.  Let's try to be more 'green' by recycling, carry our own bags into the store, carpool to work or play, buy a Smart car; the list is long and every little bit helps.


But what about St. Patrick's Day at this time of year??  Don't we think green when that date starts to role around?  Wear green, drink green beer, celebrate the Irish in any way we know how.  What is St. Patrick's Day all about anyway?


St. Patrick's Day is on March 17th because it is believed to be the day the saint died.  Before his death, he is said to have brought the Christian religion to Ireland.  "Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide" (www.st-patricks-day.com).


Regardless of the reason you 'think green' let's see what we find to help you along those lines via handmade avenues on Etsy presented by those Unique Women in Business team members.  First, I found a adorable dog collar:

Crazy for Collars offers this piece of Green!

 Let's go straight from our beloved pet to that precious little baby or grandbaby:

Fashion Touch does wonders with green yarn.

What about for ourselves:

AudreyGardenLady can twist beads & wire like crazy!

Or a gift for Mom/Sis/BFF:

LMCreations can cut fabric to fit!

Let's think about really going 'Green' with this double duty tote--made from an upcycled tee into a great tote with a SHAMROCK on it!!  Talk about Green!

Rita's Creations serve double duty with Green!

Now I would like to introduce you to some other UWIB team members that are blogging "Think Green" and give you a chance to see what those witty women think when they hear the term.  Check them out, leave a comment and tell them I sent you!! 


After you check them out come back here and leave me a comment telling me which one you think hit on the same meaning you have when you Think Green.  I will send one of you a cute pair of green shamrock earrings as a gift.  (I will use Random.org to draw the winner.) 


The prize: 

Momma Goddess Think Green prize

Okay, here's the list:  Happy Green Hunting!!!

UWIB ETSY Team - http://www.etsy.com/teams/6263/unique-women-in-business-uwib
UWIB Blog - http://uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com/

Participants

Karen Terry-McDuffie   –  http://www.jmjcreations.blogspot.com
Robin Koehler   –  http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com
Linda Reynolds   –  http://bellalindadesigns.net/
Birgitte Hendricks  -  http://SewDanish.blogspot.com
Judy Woodley  -  http://www.WellspringCreations.blogspot.com
Rita Wetzel  -  http://ritascreativenest.com
Audrey F  -  http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com
Robin Maria Pedrero   –  http://www.pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com
Ann Rinkenberger   –  http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com
Trudy Miller   –  http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com
Cory Trusty   –  http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com
Cory Trusty   –  http://delicateadornments.blogspot.com
Nancy Pace   –  http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com
Wendy Kelly   –  http://blog.vintageday.com/

Don't forget to comment, and remember 
Think GREEN!!!

Project Maddie is Underway!!!

Here's a little background about Project Maddie written by Maddie's momma, Brie:

PROJECT MADDIE - Save a Kitty - Maddie Plays Peek-A-Boo 4x6 Glossy Photograph

From Beegrl88

This photo is of my adorable rescued (off the streets) kitty named Maddie. The proceeds of this photo benefit Project Maddie (see below). This photo will be printed on 4x6 glossy archival paper. One side has a tab for easy handling, to avoid fingerprints, which can be easily removed when ready for a frame. The photograph will be mailed with a scrap cardboard piece and bubblewrap for protection. This photo can also be printed on an 8x10 glossy piece of archival paper - convo me for a custom listing. Take a piece of cuddly Maddie with you, knowing that you're contributing to keeping her safe, sound, and happy. It will arrive unmatted, unframed, and signed by me.

There are several listings on Etsy dedicated to this project. The wonderful women of the Unique Women in Business Team have selflessly donated items to the cause. Search "Project Maddie" on Etsy.

Project Maddie is about raising funds so I can properly take care of her. I'm at risk for losing my housing and, thus, her. Maddie has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined, and I do not want to lose her.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
– Hellen Keller


ABOUT MADDIE:
Maddie was rescued on Sept 1st, 2010 from the grounds of Linfield College. She was underweight and close to emaciated, but in otherwise good health. She already had her 6 month teeth so her estimated birth month is March. The original plan was to admit her to the local no-kill animal shelter because my roommate didn't want to keep her and my future is so uncertain that I didn't want to, either. When I found out the shelter was full, and being uncertain when they wouldn't be, I was in tears thinking about figuring out how to give her up. I had gotten attached (despite my best efforts) and found through self-discovery that I need the company of an animal. I needed her as much as she needed me. So, throwing caution to the wind and determined the uncertain future wouldn't stop me, I decided to keep her. My roommate and I got her spayed and tested, then I started her first rounds of shots a couple weeks later. I bought her boatloads of cat toys (because I would *never* want her to getbored :P), food, flea medicine, litter and box, etc. I was already living paycheck to paycheck, but sacrificing for her was worth it. I cut down on my expenses - buying less food for myself and buying less supplies for my business - and started only buying the necessities. Between her first and second vet visits, about a month apart, she gained almost two pounds.

I came back after the holidays to find I was starting the new year without a roommate (I do want to emphasize here that it was not roommate problems, thank goodness). While I respect the reasons for her decision (who doesn't want a place of their own?), my financial situation has drastically changed. My budget has doubled (I went from barely operating on $600 a month to now needing $1200); I was barely making ends meet before so now I am at risk for losing my housing and losing Maddie. Maddie is due for another round of shots. I haven't been able to take her in because I can't afford them.

Before, I was wanting to save up for a cat furniture tree, but now that seems to be a distant dream. Being an indoor cat, I'm always afraid of her getting bored or not getting enough exercise. I was hoping she could have something to rip up and down and around. Now, my biggest goal is just to make rent so I can keep her.

She means the world to me. I've sacrificed a lot to keep her. And I'm ok with that, don't get me wrong. I'll sacrifice more - she's my baby. I've been pounding the pavement for jobs and expanding my business. I'm not above trying everything I can. However, I'm not one to ask for help so this has been a big step for me letting you all know what's going on. I really appreciate the support - it's hard for me to admit I can't do everything myself.

To see more about the Project Maddie journey, visit http://artist.to/bkdsignature 

 

More about Maddie tomorrow!  

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!! 

 

 

UWIB Promotion has Started

I belong to a group of entrepreneurs called Unique Women in Business.  We support each other and educate each other.  The women are located all over the world as well as the United States.

As a method to allow more people to have a glimpse into our various shops we have started an exceptional promotion which involves adding a little treasure from some of the UWIB shops when we ship out an order.  The promotion items are so adorable and fun that I wanted to let you know about some of the shops involved in this venture.

Our organizer for this promo is from BKD Signature with some great little 'face scrubbies' for you to sample.

Her shop is having a HUGE Etsyversary Sale with 30% off many items.  Here is a sampling of just one of her sale pendants.

I love the colors in this glorious pendant and can envision it with a black ribbon tied up close choker style.

The price is right at $5.60 . . . just think of the possibilities!

Next up is Kristen Stein Fine Arts with a compact little note pad which is purse tuck-able AND a piece of her artwork reduced in size and placed in a metal framed pendant.  Wow!  That's a treasure to hang on to.  I personally have a piece of her work and it is a wonderful addition to my art collection.


Watch closely for her work on some of your favorite shows on TV.  This one is "Spirit of Autumn Fire" and my personal favorite.  As seen on SyFy Channel's Warehouse 13.

You can grab this one up for a mere $32.00 and I don't know where you will find a better value for your walls!!

Check out her shop for more of her items.  Watch for her name in many art venues -- Kristen Stein Fine Arts.

 
Ohhhhh, now let's wander off into the world of Magick!!
 
One of our newest members is Deborah's Candle Magick and she has given some great little tins with her pure soy candles inside.  The smells emanating from this batch is astonishing.  I can imagine how luxurious you will feel with one of these on your candle warmer, a nice hot cup of tea and a huge book to relax you.

 

Deborah offers many unique and interesting items and I found these "Witches Brew" candles in her shop for 

2 for $20 and each one burns 55-60 HOURS!!  

That calculates out to 16 cents an hour for a yummy atmosphere.

KLE Designs has included great little hair pins with a decorative attachment.  Her shop has a great variety of treasures for you to peruse. One of my favorites is the "Cake and Pie Server" with the blue glass beads and copper wire wrapping for only $20.  Imagine using this at your next special function!    She also has an antique tomato server that is truly a find for you collectors.

Aquarian Bath has included some delicious slices of her handmade soaps and some of them smell good enough to eat!!

I have some of her "Bay Rum" lip balm and it is wonderful!  She carries it in her shop for $3.50 and comes in a size that is much larger than the brand name balms you buy at the store.  Give her a shop a visit.

 

Design Knit Fun has included some very stylish wrist adornments that she made specifically for this little promo.  A great variety of colors and textures abound in this grab bag of fun! 

Check out her shop for a variety of hand knit specialties.  I found this appropriately named red "Valentine Cowl" that will add some unique interest to your wardrobe for only $20.  Just look at the myriad of colors within this red yarn!   

Wabi Brook Studio has included some handy little magnets with varying images of some beloved animals that will comfort the soul when you pick up that grocery list--or maybe remind you to purchase some pet food perhaps.  Either way, they are cute and will make you smile! She is truly an artist as the  ACEO testifies and it is available for $4.00.  Now who does this little West Highland Terrier remind you of . . . 

Oh, and what about me? Momma Goddess Treasures --  I made some little ribbon bookmarks to introduce people to my shop.  They were fun to make and I hope the customers who receive them will get some use and enjoyment out of them.

At least as much fun as I did making them.

So, that's the promotion from Unique Women in Business this month; each purchase you make from one of the above mentioned shops will have a cute little surprise tucked into the box.  What a great idea for our women to get their names into more prospective customer's hands.  I hope you benefit from this promo!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday

There are sales galore right now to get you to spend that hard earned cash you have been hoarding.  The holidays are upon us and it is getting close to gift giving time!  What are you going to do????  Well, there are many opportunities for you to purchase some creative and unusual gifts without leaving your home.  Heck, you can sit in those bunny slippers and shop in comfort.

Both of my websites are offering FREE SHIPPING from now until midnight November 30th.  So do take advantage of that little savings.  I've been posting new items to the Etsy website like crazy!  Check it out: www.mommagoddess.etsy.com  or the regular website has a few items that aren't jewelry related; check under gifts, you will find a plethora of inexpensive items to save the day.  www.mommagoddesstreasures.com

For example: cute little holiday holders to place on wine bottles, or little signs of encouragement, or perhaps a wind chime, birdhouse, or plant stake.  Come on--give it a little view and you may be surprised.

Besides my shop, many other Etsians are offering some great sales:

Checkerboard Mini Cup Cards 12 pcs

$3 - Now that a good deal.  What a nice gift for that co-worker or Red Hat lady you know.

Check out her site at www.paperquick.etsy.com

Or what about:

Pick 2 Soaps Your Choice-Gift Set with Wooden Soap Dish

$13 and FREE Shipping this weekend

You can pick the soap smells and her soaps are FANTASTIC!!

Check out her site:  www.soaprehab.etsy.com

Etsy has so much to offer and you can rest assured that everything you receive is hand made with love.  Isn't that what the holidays are all about??

Search for UWIB or SSIS products for that extra special touch!!

 

 

A Few More Sneak Peeks

Here's a few more sneak peeks of new items from the last craft show. They will be on the site by Black Friday!!!


Golden metal swirl earrings with crystals and metal work on the bottom.

Gorgeous Sorta flowering Lampwork beads made into earrings with wire work and wrap.  Shades of purple to fit the regal season.

  Asymmetrical necklace with lampwork beads, picture jasper, 

green turquoise, and a spectacular pendant.  This one has a hand made toggle clasp and matching earrings.

Wait until you see this dazzling necklace!

Chandelier crystals surround a huge crystal pendant.

Keep watching the websites: www.mommagoddess.etsy.com or www.mommagoddesstreasures.com for these and many other new items.

Also, remember that all shipping is FREE starting on Black Friday, November 27 through November 30.  This will be the time to purchase your holiday gifts!!

Snow Day!!

We have SNOW!!! It is a lovely white day. The snow started last night and has continued all day. Just soft and peaceful flakes drifting down the entire day. Our little dogs had great fun playing in it and would run back in to warm up on Momma's lap. Lucy is a little black yorkie-poo and she was covered with the snow. Now, Ellie is an elegant little white poodle and a little more mature. She is a little lady and tried not to get so wet. When the squirrels stuck their little heads out to tease the dogs, we had a little frenzy in the snow, but for the most part it was out and back in to warm up.

Cold and snowy weather made it a perfect day for a crockpot full of stew. The house smells yummy and we didn't have to leave for any reason. That was the nice part.

Now if I would have to go out in this I have found a wonderful little addition to my wardrobe that I don't think I can live without. Picture this on a snowy day:
This is called Butterscotch Ripple Knitted Wrap in Sweet Caramel, Creamy and Chocolate Brown and is a creation of Fashion Touch, an especially nice Etsy shop. Be sure you browse her shop before it gets too cold in your area! She is a member of Unique Women in Business and will treat you well! Tell her I sent you!

In the meantime, stay warm and enjoy a little comfort food! Okay back to my studio . . . many treasures to create.

Learning new jewelry techniques!

The last two days I've spent in classes learning new jewelry making techniques. I am so excited to share these new methods with everyone. I will get to work and start posting some new treasures. I've been coiling and wrapping, now all kind of new ideas are swirling around in my brain!!!