Sunday, November 30, 2008

Boxers, Snow and Faith

I awoke this morning to complete and utter silence. A rarity in a house with two boxers and hardwood floors! I quickly realized that Daisy and Max were snuggled up, keeping each other warm. It was snowing lightly and my whimpy boxers wanted nothing to do with the cold, wet flakes drifting around the backyard.

I LOVE SNOW! I love to spend the day cocooned and cozy in the house. I love the way snow insulates and muffles sounds. I love to wear warm wool socks and sweats all day. I LOVE SNOW!
With the quiet snowy morning, I gave myself permission to sit in the recliner all morning and work on art. I designed a card to include with my prayer bracelets. I titled it "Faith" and pray those that receive the prayer bracelets and card are blessed by them both.
I will be working on two additional prayer bracelet designs today. I am very focused on creating my jewelry and getting each piece posted on my etsy shop - check it out at: CreateJoy.etsy.com

It has stopped snowing, but I think I will indulge in another cup of coffee and snuggle up with a couple of warm boxers a little longer





Blessings to you ~ Create Joy!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Thanksgiving Survived!


Well, I survived Thanksgiving!
Cooking the holiday meal for my family is truly a joy ... seriously ... however by the end of the day, I am ready for the family to go home so I can crash in front of the TV and just 'veg out'.
I have used my week of vacation to create some new pieces and got them posted on my Etsy shop -- check it out! http://CreateJoy.etsy.com . I have been busy, busy, busy. I am very pleased with the new pieces - including this little jewel -- "Strawberry Bling". The faceted quartz remind me of strawberries -- just starting to ripen. The sterling beads give it a very 'rich' look and it is just fun to wear!
Now, I am working on some new designs for my "Prayer Bracelets". I have just a basic design listed on the Etsy shop -- but have some great ideas I need to make. I really love the "Prayer Bracelet" basic design - the beautiful Swarovski Crystals really make it even more special to wear.
My mom has arthritis in her hands and I am designing several bracelets that are stretch - so my clients do not have to fumble with a clasp. So many of the stretch bracelets are quiet simply 'cheap' looking - so it is very important that my designs still have the high quality stones and metals and look just as 'rich' as a bracelet with a clasp.
Well -- better get back to the design desk so I can get these ideas out of my head and onto paper.
Blessings to you all ~~

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Etsy!


I've taken another step to launching Shamrock 3.17 - I just listed my first items for sell on Etsy.com. While I am still working on getting Shamrock317.com operational, Etsy is an awesome resource for those designing and creating handcrafted art.

I decided to feature a gorgeous (if I say so myself) turquoise and silver necklace. Definitely a 'statement piece', this necklace is a good example of my style. The turquoise is a muted green-blue, a color that will blend and compliment instead of shock. While the nuggets are large, they make a good setting for a fabulous hand crafted Hill Tribe Silver Orchid pendant -- wow!
Unfortunately "Shamrock 317" was not an available user name -- so I created my shop under the name "Create Joy". Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Jill, a gifted artist in her own right, was kind enough to build the first page of Shamrock317.com. Check it out! Now that the foundation is built, I am ready to hunker down and build the remaining pages. I am a fairly intelligent individual and will attempt to conquer the website over the next few days.


In the mean time, check out my jewelry on Etsy.com -- Create Joy!