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!!!

CRAVE Denver - An Urban Girl's Guide

The new CRAVE Denver guide is hitting the newsstands today and I'm featured in this book!  This book is known as the Urban Girl's Manifesto and is the most unique and stylish guidebook for Denver living. It is a celebration of women entreprenesses that showcases some of the most creative, interesting, and gutsy proprietors throughout the Front Range.

 For a limited time I will be giving this book to my customers when they make a purchase of $75 or more!  The book sells for $19.95 on the newsstands so that is an awesome bargain for you.  Also, you will find coupons in the back of the book to use at your favorite shop.  

I am excited to share this opportunity with you and can hardly wait to see what other unique women owners can be found within the pages.


Let me know what you think.  Do know that you are able to purchase the book outright on my website as well; but why not have some treasures to show for it?

Tonight is our book launch party and I will be meeting many of the other sassy ladies in the guide.  I will try to keep you posted about the night!

Stop by my website for the book Momma Goddess Treasures or to purchase some treasures to earn a free one, stop by my Etsy site.

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week - Faerytale Wings Art

You know all those little pictures in the back of books that tell you to draw a copy of the picture and send it in to go to art school??  Did you ever try it?  Well, I have and I want you to know that my picture didn't look quite right--thus my love of abstracts.  Well, let me introduce you to the Etsytwitter Team's Shop of the Week - Faerytale Wings Art - aka Lydia and Curtis Kinsey.  I doubt that Lydia did the drawing, but if she did, it matched perfectly!  Her skill with a pencil is phenomenal.  

I love to buy art for my daughters and started when they were young.  Faerytalewings has some great ACEO's in their shop that would be perfect for starter art work for your child.  And the price is right as well.  Check out the princesses starting with the newest princess on the scene:

Tiana The Princess and the Frog ACEO

My all time favorite from Sleeping Beauty:

Make it Blue Princess Aurora

Or everyone's underdog:

Cinderella

Each one of these gorgeous creations are only $5.  Now wouldn't that be great tucked in an Easter basket?  But wait, there's more . . . they are offering a special this week only.

Faerytale Wings Art is offering

15% off all items in the Etsy Shop

Use the code ETTSOTW

 

 

Vintage Creations

I have fallen in love with some vintage trinkets I've found.  I just love creating things that have either a Victorian or romantic feel about them.  I did receive some beautiful items from an estate of a recently deceased lady, Victoria, and have enjoyed thinking of ways to keep her love of pretties alive by reviving them.  This piece is the first of my creations:

 

Vintage Victoria Necklace

Next I felt the need to utilize some gorgeous antiqued gemstones in combination with antiqued brass chain, and of course, I had to include some of my hand painted silk to finished them off as bracelets.

 I loved these clear stones and utilized a pretty peacock colored silk to coordinate with it for a romantic bracelet with chains. 

 This bracelet contains some gorgeous fire opals with pretty pink gemstones with the antiqued brass chain and finished off with the rich burgundy silk bow.

And we all love pretty earrings, so I had to create some simple and elegant earrings utilizing these vintage stones.

I've included just a few of the earrings, but if you want to see more, stop by the Etsy shop.  Remember, these won't be replicated so don't wait too long.

Now I have a great little bag of rhinestone necklaces, brooches, and earrings that I picked up at an antique sale . . . what to design with these???  

Stop back often to see what I come up with for your bling pleasure!

 

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!  

Rings by Popular Demand

I have received several requests for rings.  After studying all the various ways to make wire wrapped rings and then thinking about all the different sizes involved I decided on an easier approach. 

Flower rings on adjustable bands are my latest little idea.  I made a couple dozen to take to the Vixen Holiday Fashion Show in Denver at the Grant Humphries Mansion and they were a HIT!!  I sold just about all of them.  So, I am off and running, or should I say gluing?, and these little rings are so delicate and feminine they are hard to resist. 

I'll show you a few I've made, but later you will see the BIG flower rings!!  I don't want to overwhelm you all at once!

Let me know what you think or pop over to the shop in Etsy and pick some up for yourself or gifts.

Just wait until you see the BIG flowers!!

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!!