Bloggy Goodness for the Upcoming Holidays

Is it really Monday again? And so we begin again the constant circle of days and events. It is rather chilly here this morning even for October. I refuse to turn on the heat though. Maybe next month.

On to my bloggy goodness for the holidays. Did you say it's a little early for Christmas? Technically, I think there is right around 65 days until Christmas. It's the holiday you know is coming yet always sneeks up on you. So, I have two bloggy holiday events to tell you about in case you may want to participate.

In fact, you may have seen the buttons on my sidebar. (You know. The one you're supposed to be checking everyday :) They are both holiday related swaps and sponsored by two different blogs.

The first is the Ornament Exchange sponsored by Pampering Beki. I love this one. I think it's such an interesting idea. The swap is with Ornaments. You can either buy one or handmake one. Doesn't matter, and they don't have to be two expensive either-$10. I love ornaments so this is perfect for me. It reminds me of when I was a kid. My mom would get me a new ornament every year. So, head on over and sign up to join. It's really easy because there is a Mr. Linky. Hurry though, because signups end October 25th.

My second bloggy goodness to tell you about is Kori's Secret Santa Shindig. I actually found this one the day of the blogathon. It's been awhile since I've done a gift swap, and I really do love them. Seriously, who doesn't love to get a gift?! This is fun because it can be anything. She will send you a list of likes and dislikes even allergies and you can go from there. I think this one will be fun for me because it will definitely be a surprise. I can't peek. Plus, it will probably be the only present I get I will like. Am I really that hard to shop for?! Signups don't end until next week so you have a little bit of time. Just when you head over there make sure you let her know I(aimee/jewelstreet) sent you.

These swaps are a great way to meet your blogging buddies and make new ones. I know a lot of you out there are some crafty individuals so you could make something for presents. Don't lie. I've seen the craftiness. Click on each of the pics if you want a quick straight to the swap. Well, I'm off for today. Lots of new things to make and a house to clean. Oh, Monday... Why must you come every week?!

Blog Envy

I know you know what I'm talking about. When you go read someone else's blog, and you're just like "God, why don't I write like that?" or "why is my life so boring that I don't have anything to write about?"

Okay. Well, maybe that last one was mine, but you still get the picture. We all have those blogs we want to be like- the ones that can write, the ones that always have fascinating things to post about, the ones that get all the visitors. I basically start thinking about what I'm going to post from the time I write my last blog. I never have anything interesting to say, and if I do, it never comes out in such a way as to be interesting. So, generally, I sit here with the sun glaring in my eyes from the sunrise contemplating what to write every morning. As you can imagine, that never goes well.

Why do I do it then? You know, because I just plain like it. I like writing my blog even if it's boring and no one wants to read it except my online buddies who feel the need to read it because I comment on theirs. It's good exercise especially since I'm almost a recluse and don't get much outside contact. This at least keeps my mind fresh and from me becoming completely shut off to the rest of the world. Maybe someday I will have something interesting to write, and for once, it will actually come off as interesting. But for now, I only write about blog envy and my newest piece in my shop.

My eternal flower ring that you see in the picture. (Like how I pulled that one off, huh?) Just listed it last night. I really like it, although, I might try another one with an extra row of petals. It's a sterling silver band ring with a sterling silver flower accent. I added a really clear and beautiful carnelian cabochon for accent. I like the carnelian in there, and it's just enough color. It can be found in my shop.

New Blogger and a Challenge

So, I fully apologize for not writing yesterday. I fully intended to write a nice long piece, but I had a doctor's appointment(blech!) where I had to get a shot. So now my leg is swollen at the spot, I have a big red bruise, and it hurts. Gotta love modern medicine.

Anyway, I finished, finally, my Creative Challenge last week. Hooray! Took me long enough what with the biggest birthday in the history of 8 year olds. I'm quite pleased with the turnout though. The challenge last week was to combine the spring color of cappucino with some other color from the spring color chart. I think I may have cheated, but hey, I'm the creator of the challenges. I'm allowed to cheat a little. I used faceted chalcedonys for the color. Love chalcedony. It just has the warmest tones no matter what color you get. I accented the chalcedonys with sterling silver filigree, of course, made by me. I did something a little different this time and finished the ends by balling them with my torch. It looks really great. Have I told you how much filigree is a pain even though I love it? Technically, I guess mine isn't filigree, but it's my version of filigree. Guess what I called it? Filigree Fandango. I have no idea where that name came from, but there it is. If you would like to see Filigree Fandango in its natural setting, it can be found in my shop. You can also view other challenge pieces on Flickr.

Today I want everyone to say hello to Craftymoose. She is a friend from Etsy and a new blogger. Just started her blog yesterday so please head on over and give her a warm welcome. She does amazing things with beads. I'm quite envious actually. You can check out her Etsy shop here.