I did it

I finally did it! After over a week of making things that were horrible or not making anything at all, I finally made something that resembled what I had planned for it to look like it.

Believe me, creative block is a force to be reckoned with. I know that the key is to work through it, but sometimes, that doesn't even work. Nothing over the last week turned out even remotely the way it was supposed to. Most of it was a mangled, deformed mess. I thought I had pushed my way through "the block" with making a list and following it, but that turned out to be not the case.

Then, oh glorious, then I came up with this idea. I stared and stared at my copper sheet and my sterling wire. I was determined to get this idea to work. It took me literally forever to get that little, itty bitty piece of copper to bend the way I wanted. It took twice as long to get the sterling silver wire to bend and hold that little, itty bitty piece of copper, but it finally came together. My calla lily ring was born.

I am quite excited about it, in case you couldn't tell. I love the finish I applied to it. The ring itself is very elegant but fun. I have to admit I am quite proud of myself. It can be found in my shop along with my other pieces before "the block". Don't forget I am having the contest for two $50 gift certificates. The first drawing is quickly approaching!

Conclusions and Challenges

I went shopping yesterday. Yes, I did. There was one outfit that I promised K I would let her go back and get. Of course, I couldn't leave the store without getting myself something. We browsed and shopped. K ended up getting her skirt she wanted and a matching shirt. Plus, she got a pair of cargo style pants that she's been wanting. The great thing about these pants is that she can also wear them in the summer as shorts because they unzip just below the knee. As for me, I decided I was not leaving that store until I found at least one pair of pants that I could wear in public. Yes, most of my pants are not suitable for public viewing. Boy, I didn't know that was going to be such a job. We wandered up and down the aisles for I don't know how long. I tried on I don't know how many pants. Finally, I believe after an hour, I found 2 pairs of pants that I really liked. One is a pair of jeans, and the other is a pair of really nice black casual dress pants. Love them! But... I have come to the conclusion that I need to lose weight.


Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not that overweight. In fact, with my height, I'm not even big. I can pack a lot of weight on this 5'10" frame. I am also reasonably comfortable with my body. But.... I want to be thinner. For myself. I don't like having to wear the size of pants that I do. It doesn't help that I have large, child-bearing hips, but I could still get into a size that appeals to me. So, I am determined that I'm going to get on a routine. It's not even the weight I want to lose. I mostly want to lose the inches. I used to be an exercise fanatic. I know I will never be the size I was, but I want to be slightly smaller than I am now. We'll see how it goes.




Well, I finally finished my Creative Challenge piece for this week. This week's challenge was to use the spring color chart which you can find here. I chose to use the color cappucino, but I have plans to use more of the colors in other designs. The cappucino color is a lovely jaguar or panther smoky quartz. I accented with sterling silver filigree, and I'm not sure how I like it. It's just one of those pieces where I'm just not sure. I may or may not list it in my shop. You should check out the color chart. It's a great thing to use for inspiration. It also helps to keep a lot of color in your designs. I just adore playing with it. Until next time!

Two Contests and a Necklace

I hope everyone made it through Monday with no problems.

The necklace pictured is my entry into the lovely Victoria's, of beads4you fame, winter beading challenge. The challenge is to take a bunch of beads, approximately 36" worth, and create something from them. This is just the first of my pieces. As soon as I saw the focal beads, I knew what I wanted to do, and I think it turned out very well. I even learned a new chainmaille weave for this project. I think it's very sexy. In fact, that's what I named it! It is currently available for purchase in my shop.

Now on to what I really want to talk about. My contest. I've decided to have my own contest. Here's the deal. Purchase anything in my shop and be entered to win one of two $50 gift certificates. For each item you purchase, you will receive one entry into the drawing. The first drawing will take place on Valentine's Day, and the second will be on March 1st. You can see all the details in my shop profile. How exciting is that?! I wonder who will win.

The Showcase

It's oh so cold here at Jewel Street Designs so I'm working on a brand new surprise for you for next week!

Until then, sit back and shop for Valentine's Day. Today I'm on the showcase on etsy. Boy, is it tough to pick 6 items for the Showcase. Not only do you have to pick 6 things that you think are the best, you need to pick 6 things that will make people click on them and visit your shop. Since I have done this before, I didn't want to pick the same things I had previously. I have another Valentine's showcase next week so I get to pick all over again.

This ring is in the Showcase. It's one of the gemstones I bought in my shopping spree. I'm addicted to these flowers. I have a ruby one all ready listed in my shop. I also have two Chrysoberyl and two Sodalite flowers waiting to be made. I only used 1 piece of copper wire to construct this ring. I accented the flower with a couple of wire "leaves". I really love the look this provides- antique yet modern. Plus, how many others will have this ring?

Creative Challenge

I have finally finished another Creative Challenge piece. This week's challenge was to create something that was inspired by a location in your town whether it be your backyard, a store, a park, or whatever.

I love doing the challenges even if I do create them. It ensures that I will create at least one piece a week. Plus, it makes me think outside of the box. Everyone who participates is absolutely wonderful. I adore each and everyone of them. It gives me a reason to look forward to Mondays, and we all know we need one.

My piece this week is a bracelet(and no, I don't always so bracelets) inspired by a river not too far from my house and a little storefront in the center of my town. I secretly dream that this precious little store, formerly a hotel, will be mine one day. I seriously doubt it every will be at the exorbitant costs that brick and mortars are going for in my teeny little town. Anyway. The aluminium rings and the aluminium rectangles were inspired by this store. They have a feel of art deco as does my dream store. The garnet, iolite, and prehnite rondelles are inspired by the colors that surround the river I go by everyday. I am seriously contemplating creating a necklace to match I love it that much. I will be listing this bracelet in just a little in my shop.

Why don't you lovely readers try this challenge? or let me see the places that inspire you in your daily life.

Shopping Jewel Street Designs

Don't forget Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Do I have the item for you! I have a little gift pack that is ready to give when it shows up at your door. It comes with a signature heart and chain bracelet, your choice of gift boxes, gift wrapping, and a handmade tag. So, you have no excuse to forget this year. Everything is done for you.

If you don't particularly care for that, my whole shop is great for gift shopping. I always have free gift wrapping available. The only thing you need to do is request it in the comments section during checkout. I also have jewelry for those fashion forward men in your lives. Perhaps my tree sculpture or my sawblade shelves if you aren't looking for a jewelry gift. Don't let it get too late. There is only 3 weeks before February 14th arrives.

Valentine's Showcase

Etsy has their Valentine Showcase up now through February 14th. It's a great way to find gifts for that special someone on your list. Up there is the banner for the showcase. If you click on Showcase #1, it will take you to gifts for guys. If you click on Showcase #2, it will take you to gifts for girls. The banner is on the homepage so it is very easy to find. I would've made it so if you click on the banner it would take you right to the showcase, but I'm not that talented with html. So, my link to the Etsy homepage will have to do. Start your shopping now for Valentine's Day so you don't forget. You will be able to find anything from clothes to jewelry to bags and purses. I think I even saw some boob soap the last time I looked so you never know what you might find.

Remember I told you I went on a gemstone shopping spree over the weekend. Well, the first of my adventures has arrived. Isn't it beautiful?! I love this rose quartz carved flower. It is such a delightful delicate pink, and the flower is so well carved. I decide to wrap this flower in copper wire, and I'm glad I did so. It gives it such an antique yet modern feel. I call it my Morning Glory ring. Did you know that it is believed that rose quartz allows you to communicate with your spiritual guides and that it is the best stone for opening the 4th chakra? It is also believed that if you put a rough piece of rose quartz under your pillow it will keep the nightmares away.