Getting back on track

I'm trying to get back on track with my daily routine. Working my part time hours, and creating jewelry on the other days. But boy, have I been lazy since Christmas. I think I worked so hard producing and preparing, and doing those last few shows before Christmas, that I almost burned myself out! I have finally finished photographing all my jewelry and have slowly been adding new items to my Etsy shop, day by day. But have I finished a new piece, no way! Well, not entirely true. I have been working on a chunky necklace of copper tube beads and lampwork beads for a while now. The necklace is finished, but it turns out that I will be doing a matching bracelet as well. I just can't seem to finish it.
I made my warm lemon cake too. It didn't turn out quite as I hoped.

Recipe compliments of Kraft.com; you can find it here.
Now, look what I got for Christmas: a new (small) work bench and vise!

It's just big enough for the kind of work I use it for, and I needed a new vise, since I broke my cheap other one that I had fold forming cuffs. My creating space is growing!
And I got these cool weight bags for my tent.

They are heavy duty, like tire rubber material, that you can fill with sand, or water to secure your canopy, like this:

All stuff that I asked hubby to get me for Christmas. Real romantic, I know.

Here's just a couple of new things I've listed in my shop.
Long, curved, copper earrings


Round copper disc earrings


There will be lots of new things, changes, news, very soon, and into the new year.
Happy New Years everyone and stay safe!

Merry Christmas

My favorite modern Christmas song

Around the house

I had a lazy (much needed) weekend.Relaxing and eating! I wanted to make a warm lemon pudding cake today, but forgot to pick up the lemon pudding at the store, and no way am I going out today just for that. Maybe I'll make it later this week. I did manage to color my hair (finally), and have been reading and catching up on the blogs that I follow.
I got an email this morning, that I did not get into a show that I was hoping for in February. A little disappointed, but oh well, keep on trying! I do have a show scheduled for March, more details to follow.

My boys


Finally, I got around to posting some new listings in my Etsy shop. These 3 are available.
Silver dangle earrings. stamped hoop. glass beads.


Industrial style earrings


Copper disc earrings. Large. with jade and peridot.


That's before the camera battery gave out. I can't believe how long these (don't) last! I should get a back up. Waiting for the battery to charge. I have lots more jewelry to photograph and list.

More treasuries

Over the past couple of weeks, I've found myself in 2 more treasuries.
The first one,created by Lee Brownlee

I just love the earthy colors!

And this other one, created by Patsofclay

Where is my item you ask? Well, it was these earrings

that have been relocated to a local gallery for sale.
That's all for today. I must work on photographing many items to add to my Etsy shop!

Show Round up

It was quite a busy and tiring weekend. My first show in Sarasota was great. It took an hour and a half to drive to, but I enjoyed the drive. A fun indoor show! I enjoyed it and it was busy from the time they opened the doors. Here is the only photo I got to take as people were setting up.


There were many other artists and crafter friends, that I've worked other shows with there also.

Sunday's show in Safety Harbor was not as good. But, average I would say. I was outdoor, so we needed to set up the tent and all. This was the second year I did this show. Shared a booth with my friend Carol, who does seed bead weaving, so the day wasn't too boring, since I had a friend to talk to.
Monday, I rested my sore back. Now I'm going to a local gallery and bring in new things, then I'm off to photograph the remaining jewelry and add to my Etsy shop on line.
Stay tuned!

Two exciting shows

I'll be at two shows this weekend. First, a fun and funky show in Sarasota. Atomic Holiday Bazaar on Saturday.
And on Sunday, I'll be in Safety Harbor, for the Kiwanis Club annual arts and crafts show.
A very busy weekend for me! Hope to see some friends this weekend!

The Christmas Note~A novel by Donna VanLiere

A delightfully warm read about 2 neighbors and how their worlds collide. Gretchen, the new neighbor, who moves next door to Melissa, she tries to befriend Melissa, whom seems not very friendly at all.
Gretchen has two small children, and if a husband, we do not know in the early stages of the story. Melissa, we don’t know much about, except she’s always working, and when she comes home she hurries to shut the garage door behind her.
The story leads the reader, from chapter to chapter from the point of view of each of the two main characters, giving the reader introspective into each character’s thoughts and feelings.
We learn about Gretchen’s new life, in a new town, where she is close to her mother’s home. We also learn about Melissa, her struggles, personal issues, and just why she doesn’t want to get close to other people.
A tragedy unites the two, and they find themselves getting closer and closer. The story is set during the holiday season, which just adds appeal for the reader. I am not one who usually reads novels, but I did enjoy this one. I would recommend it for family members and friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday's show

It's always a good show at the Studio@620. Chatted with some old friends and some new. Had some repeat customers; always a good thing. I changed up my display a bit, and added a display to hold my cuff bracelets. I like the look. I think I finally have a display I'm pleased with.

My table from end to end.


New display for cuffs


My neighbor across the way


LTC pet shop (my mom bought her cats 2 beds)


I didn't take too many photos this year; I get so involved in selling, once customers start to come in. Stop back for my previews of shows I'll be doing this weekend.

Come one, come all

This Saturday, in St. Petersburg; come out to this quaint art studio, where a variety of crafters and artists (including me) will present their work.
There will be a live pianist. Lunch will be available.
You can go to the Studio @620 for more info.
I've got some new cuffs ready for new homes!