Fun Friday and Work in Progress

Since it's Friday, I decided to do a fun little post. This is a site I found on Craftymoose's blog. It's called Blogthings. It has some fun little tests. I did the name test. Try it and let me know what your name means. Boy, did it ever get mine right! Here's what it said about mine:

Aimee:
You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.
You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.
You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!
You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

My favorite part is that I'm flaky and a type A personality. If they only knew!

Here's a look at my latest work in progress. It's going to be a necklace if I ever get it done. Not pretty right now but you get the general idea of what it'll be. I wanted to list it this week, but I probably won't get listed until the first part of next week. It's a necklace with an Asian inspired bird pendant.

Just another day

How are you this fine autumn morning? Well, it's not really fine. It's actually cloudy and very dreary out and more like spring than fall, but I can pretend it's a nice day.

Hope you're weekend was better than mine. It was just hell on wheels. Probably not quite that bad, but it seemed like it. Thanksgiving wasn't even what it used to be.

Who's decorated for Christmas all ready? I have this dire urge to decorate. I've had this urge for a month now. Here's the problem. Can't get to my Christmas decorations because someone took it upon himself to clean the tiny room where they are stored and hasn't finished yet. Oh, did I mention it's been three days? I went out this morning and dug some of my outdoor decorations out of his nasty old shop. I can't find the rest. He'll have to find them because I WANT to decorate!

Had a sale over the weekend so I was able to meet my monthly goals. Maybe this little bauble in the pic will push me over the top. Gotta love this necklace. Sterling silver circles and beautiful blue chalcedony beads. I just adore it, and it can be found in my shop.

Friday, Friday, Friday!

It's Friday! It's Friday! I'm doing my Friday happy dance.

Well, I have one custom order down and two more to go. Wish me luck on the next ones because they are custom his and her modern claddagh rings. They won't be too hard I hope.

Update on the heat. Still don't have any. Remind me to kick my electric company's butt.

Here it is. I said I was going to do a sterling silver oyster necklace, but I decided to do a bracelet instead. The chain got to me. I just couldn't do it. I think the bracelet turned out beautifully, and I'm glad I didn't do a bracelet. The white opal really sets the whole thing off. It can be found in my shop.

Pre-Black Friday sale this weekend! 20%Off to anyone who mentions "Blog" when checking out today through Sunday at midnight. You know you need some jewelry presents. This applies to my Ecrater site as well. The good thing about that is you can just purchase something without signing up. You just have to wait for a revised invoice. Or, if anyone wants to trade with me for some righteous presents like for an 8 yr. old, a man, my mom, my grandmother just let me know. Because seriously, I don't have a clue what to buy for these freaking people. It's ridiculous.

What I Want and a Little Rant

I have spent the last two days working on my photos because someone told me that they weren't good enough, and no, not Trunkt. I all ready know that my pieces do not match their style though they are a lovely site. I loved my pics before, but like I said last time, I've always wanted to use that fancy black background that you see in all the books. Let me know what you think of this pic. These are my Sterling and Bronze Cascading Earrings that can be found in my shop.

So, the whole pics not good enough thing made me realize as a designer who specializes in uncommon jewelry metals that I have to have everything else, i.e. pics, descriptions, style, better than everyone else because it isn't always going to be the metal that sells the product. I'm determined to have the most awesome pics, the most awesome packaging(which I'll have to show a pic of sometime), and the most awesome everything else. I have to for my business to survive. I want my business and my jewelry to be KNOWN(not yelling just emphasis). I love each and every piece I create or else I couldn't put them in my shop. I want them to be craved, wanted, and desired. Is that so much to ask for? It's a shame copper gets such a bad rap.

On a side note, I am no longer a garden serial killer. I picked my first cantaloupe from my garden yesterday, and my largest pepper is almost ready. I'll have to remember to take a pic before I eat them. lol. Can I just say how proud of myself I am? It's the little things in life...

Autumn Approaches

Where, oh where has the summer gone? I have to say that this morning I felt autumn approaching. It's in the air. I've felt it yesteday as well. You know, I'm ready for it. Bring it on. I'm definitely one of those people who likes and needs the seasonal changes. Now, I'm not ready for the whole getting up early that comes with school. Why can't they start at like 10 in the morning?

K is going to zoo camp all this week so I am using it as a kickstart to getting myself ready for the upcoming school year. It's been proven that I am not a early bird. If anything, I'm a nightowl. I work so much better at two in the morning. This whole early to bed, early to rise thing is killing my creativity. Anyway. I'm hoping to get back on a reasonable schedule so, cross my fingers, there will be blog posts everyday and listings in my shop in the morning. I prefer to list in the morning rather than at night. I guess I feel I am not working the whole day just to list something.

Speaking of my shop, I am working on new pictures. While I love my pictures now, I have always wanted to try those pro looking pics with the black shiny background. I think I moderately have it down as you can see in the photo. In fact, that is my latest necklace- a sterling silver and pink gold-filled chainmaille piece. Isn't it pretty in the pic?! The centerpiece is a lava rock which I think just rocks(pardon the pun). It can be found in my shop.

It's here and other things

It's here! It's finally here! Today is the last day of school for K. No more getting up so early. No more having to here whining and complaining. Hooray! I thought this day would never come. It's a shame it only lasts until September.

I had a terrific weekend. How was yours? I went to some auctions and got a few things that I wanted/needed. Added a new elephant to the collection, got a table for my "sunroom" when it's finished, a new coffeetable, a whole bunch of plants for my yard, and a really beautiful crystal/glass clock that I paid next to nothing for. The topper is the absolutely gigantic potato vine that I got. I love it. It's going to look beautiful hanging in my yard.

As I said last week, I will be relisting a few things as they expire on Etsy. Today it happens to be the hammered oval chain that you see in the pic. I really like how soft yet chunky this chain is, and it is what a few of us call a booby tickler. lol. This is because if you wear a semi low-cut shirt it will drift inbetween the girls and probably get lost if you are like I am. It's a great everyday chain or could be dressed up for the evening out. That's what I like about chains. It can be found in my shop.

Creativeversary

This week was the Creativeversary for the Creative Challenge. A full year of challenges. So, I decided to revisit the first challenge that I ever posted- black and white. It was a little challenging back then and it is still challenging now. Black and white can be so elegant yet it can be tacky if not used in the right way.

Luckily, I had just the most perfect cabochon from Willow Glass. I fell in love with this cab when I first saw it and have been holding it for just the right project. From day one of the challenge, I knew what I wanted to do, but that proved easier than actually accomplishing it. With my new found skill of soldering, I created a bezel for the cab and attached it to the cuff. I added a little chain around the cab to give it a vintage look. The cuff itself has a nice texture to it. Seems I like texture more than shiny. All in all, I think I like it. lol. It looks better on than it does just sitting there. It can be found in my shop.

I didn't get to finish the ring I was talking about, but it will be finished soon so check back. I really like it, and it isn't even all together yet. Plus, I had a sudden moment of inspiration for another piece that I hope I will be able to make they way I see it. Oh, and I plan to go on a yard sale trip this weekend. Hope I find lots of interesting stuff. Check back next week for all that and more. lol.

Off to a Running Start

Yes, I am here. Yes, I am still alive! I have felt so disconnected lately.

Turns out that the residential side of DSL(at least in our area) has no idea what they are doing. The business side of DSL even said so. So, now we have business DSL, and it appears to be working well. Plus, we got it for the same price as our other DSL because it seems for 3 years we were paying for a connection that we never received. I like kickbacks! It feels good to be back on the internet.

I'm glad I had the break though because we started the remodel on my new studio space. Even with only new studs and sheathing in place, I am all ready in love and itching to move in. lol.

How do you like my new piece? This necklace was created to match my evolution earrings. I call it the Venus necklace. The three chains are soft and supple, and I love the look of them around the neck. The moonstone briolette centerpiece has the most beautiful blue flash of color. It can be found in my shop along with the matching earrings.

Boy, that post was all over the place. I do apologize. Hopefully, I will get more into the swing of things over the next couple of days.

Behind, Way Behind

Boy, am I behind this morning!

Yesterday, I spent all day doing yardwork. This is no easy task because, for one, we are way behind on cutting grass. There is a reason for this. I dread having the grass cut because I am very allergic. If I grass on my bare skin, I break out. If it is in the air, well, let's just say not a good thing. So, unfortunately, I had to be outside while the grass was cut and trimmed. Of course, I ended up with the most monstrous migraine I've had in awhile. Then this morning K had a fog delay which threw me off schedule. I haven't even written my celebrity letter today over at Jenn's blog. Today will yet again be another catch up day.

I just finished and listed these earrings. What do you think? There are SO many jewelry sellers on Etsy that it is hard to gauge what people think of my things. I designed these a couple of weeks ago but hadn't had the chance to actually make them until this week. They are created from copper squares that have been attached with copper chain. The sterling silver ring in the center was not originally planned, but while I was making them, I decided they needed a little something. I rather like them, but I won't be buying them. lol. Well, they are in my shop so stop by and check them out.

Time Consuming

I hope everyone had a good weekend and a great Monday!

I got my new modem on Friday. Surprise! and had it all hooked by Saturday so no internet problems. Yay! I cannot do without my internet. I probably would've burst from the franticness of it all. Everything is fixed(for now) so I can just pretend it was a horrible nightmare. lol.

Well, finished that time consuming piece I was discussing on Friday. It turned out just the way I planned, though, now I'm not sure if I like the plan. I like most of it, but there is that one bead I'm not sure if I shouldn've used. I love to use the chain I make, but while I am making the chain, I wonder why I make chain at all. It is so time consuming and, in all actuality, a little boring. But, I really do love it when it is done. This piece just seemed to go on forever. I believe it is because I only had beads on one side to break up the monotony, and yes, the beads are only supposed to be on one side. lol. It is an assymetrical necklace with these really pretty blue and green lampwork beads that my daughter picked out. There are 5 beads though I couldn't get a good pic with all the beads in it. It is a good lenght too even without the dangles- about 18-20". Anyway, it can be found in my shop in just a little while.

Oh, just so you know. I want to go see that movie 28 Days Later. I loved the first one so I hope this one is just as good.

Solitary

So sorry I have been gone so long. I hate when "real" life gets in the way. Why can't I just be left alone in my little room with only Etsy and my jewelry? lol.

Well, I'm on time for the Creative Challenge this week. Yay! This week's challenge was to create something using your favorite card game as inspiration. I know this is similar to the board game challenge so it is a good thing that we have changed a few regulars since then. This bracelet(the one in the picture) is my contribution. It was inspired by the Solitaire game. I could sit for hours on end playing solitaire, and I don't cheat- I swear. I don't even cheat on my computer version. Anyway, this charm-style bracelet is encircled by mini copper "diamonds" and has been highly polished and has been finished with a dainty figure 8 clasp. I really enjoy this piece, but then again, I love pieces with movement. With the clasp, it measures 7.25" long. It is available in my shop.

Get this. The Crest Street Team(the one for Maryland, Virginia, and DC) has been invited to do a trunk show at the EtsyLabs. How very exciting! Plus, I'm on the list, which was first come first serve so you don't think I'm extra special or anything) to go. Yay! I'm kind of curious to see what the labs are like. I've never done a trunk show before or actually been anywhere without someone I know. I hope I don't chicken out. lol. It should be interesting to say the least. No travel plans have been discussed as of yet so I have no idea how this will work. Knowing me and my luck, I will be on my own to get there since the rest of the team all lives on the western shore which is approximately 2-3 hours away. I will get there. Oh, yes, I will get there. Now I'm off to raise money for my trip by selling my little heart out and painting my mom's room. See you tomorrow!

My Ramblings

I have no idea what to write about today so forgive me if this gets a little rambly.

Home Improvement Roundup will continue next week as I have kind of gotten of my schedule. Plus, I have these lovely new earrings to show you. I made the match to my ring I showed you yesterday. I'm afraid that they will be a little hefty for most people, but the first ones should always be how I saw them to be. I will, of course, be offering to make a smaller pair if need be. I think they are just perfect. I held them up to my ears, and other than elbows sticking out of my head, they looked great. Just how I imagined them to be. They will be available in my shop later today.

I have decided to do a jewelry grant contest. Because of this, I have to create a business plan and a new line. I figure even if I don't actually do/win the grant contest I will at least have the business plan. It should be interesting. I have not written a paper like that since high school. I don't even know if I remember how. Plus, having to come up with at least 5 coherent new pieces will be a challenge or maybe that will be the least of the challenge. Either way, wish me luck!
Oh, and don't forget to stop by and wish Stilettoheights good luck as she is going to a show at the "zombie mall" this weekend.

Back in the Swing of Things

I'll be glad when the weeks turn easier and longer in the summer.

Well, the evil car, Christine, did it to me again. I rolled the window down the other day to enjoy the warmness, and the window refused to go back up. That is all fine and dandy if it doesn't rain, and you don't have anywhere to go. Of course it was supposed to, and I did. Boy, was that a pain in the behind to fix. I know why it did it. I had cleaned it out earlier that morning. It's my firm belief that this luxury car really wants to be a hillbilly car. It's the only thing that makes sense.

How do you like my new ring design? I am rather fascinated by it. It's very simple but it looks fantastic. I created it from copper sheet that was given my special finish, kind of like the KFC secret recipe. It really gave it a high gloss shine. I then added a tiny chain to the front of the ring that stops shy of where it would be touched by other fingers so it is extremely comfortable to wear. I'm thinking of doing a matching pair of earrings for it. This and many other things can be found in my shop.

Oh, and I have a new banner for Etsy so I may be redesigning my blog. We shall have to see.

Etsyversary!

It's my Etsyversary today! One full year on Etsy selling my jewelry full time. Thanks to all the friends I've made that help me through the slow times, and thank you to all the people who think my jewelry is worthy enough of being bought.

While things, if you really think about it, have not changed much on Etsy, I would like to think I have evolved a little. I've found a niche for myself, I guess. In the very least, I am certainly enjoying making the designs I make, and love each and every piece. I enjoy "going to work", and seriously, isn't that the best part of it all?!

Speaking of evolution, that was the theme of this week's challenge. The idea was created by Haikubird, and I never even thought about it being my Etsyversary. The theme of how we have evolved as crafters/designers/artists or whatever you want to call ourselves really worked well for me this week. The first picture you see is one of my earlier pieces from Etsy. I apologize for how small it is. It was the only I could find. The second pic is of my latest piece for the challenge. I reworked the first piece to create the second to show who I am now. Even the pic shows that. I changed the simple garnet bracelet, with which I was never happy, to this pair of earrings. I hammered the copper discs and created the copper chain dangles(such a pain!) for the small garnet discs and a pair of flashy moonstone briolettes. These earrings are how I would've used the garnets now. I hope you can see and enjoy the evolution. These earrings can be found in my shop. Remember today is the last day of my sale! Just mention anniversary at checkout to receive 25% off.

Oh, my gosh! I think a bird just flew down my chimney right this very minute while I am sitting here and typing this! I'm not kidding.

TGIF

Hooray! It's the weekend. I will definitely be sleeping in tomorrow.

Wednesday did not turn out as horrible as it had started out to be. I am a home improvement junkie so when I heard of a new home improvement store in my area I just had to go check it out. The Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Outlet is fantastic! The only thing better would be a jewelry supply outlet or a fabulous and chic clothes outlet, but you go with what you got. I had a ball. Plus, everything you buy has been donated so all of the proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity. I found the most delicious aqua blue paint. I had to buy it even though I have no idea where I'm going to use. It is just the most delightful color. If you need to do some home improvement, see if you have a Habitat for Humanity Outlet Center in your area and check it out!

Well, for once, I finished my Creative Challenge piece before the next one was out. This week's challenge was to create something using the color of lime from the spring color chart. I decided to use some lime-colored glass beads I had lying around and paired them with aqua-colored glass beads. They have been wrapped with sterling silver and added to sterling silver links that I of course handcrafted. I like the way it turned out. It's very simple and summery. Plus, since it is a plain chain, it could be worn to dress up an outfit or with a pair of jeans. Snazzy, if I say so myself. It will be listed in my shop shortly.

Yesterday, I was EBSQ's Art of the Day feature. Yay! Well, I should say that my Lava Decadence Cuff was the feature of the day. That was pretty cool. I have only been a member over there for a couple of months so I don't know how prestigious this is, but it's fun. Plus, my cuff sold within hours, and I have some interest in me making more of them. I should see if willowglass can help me with that.

Oh, I almost forgot. Today is the start of the Destash Bash on Etsy. Lots of people have joined up to get rid of their stash so they can create a new stash. I'm one of them. So head on over and search for Destash Bash.

Let Them Eat Cake!

I am actually so very glad that this weekend is over.

I finished my Creative Challenge piece from last week just under the wire. This week's challenge was to create something for a museum exhibit and to photograph it for the catalogue. I admit. I cheated a little but it was perfect for the challenge, and it forced me to finish it. This chainmaille piece is called Captured and features copper washers, hand-formed copper and sterling silver links. It is a double chain necklace which just adds to the elegance and oh, so long. 24" to be exact. Love it! I think I did pretty well on my photos as well. Captured can be found in my shop.

This is my birthday week so I will keep you abreast of any presents I might receive. I'm supposed to go Wednesday to a family party. Cake good, family bad. It should be interesting to say the least. I'll try to restrain myself from throwing cake.

Having Breakfast at Tiffany's

I hope everyone's weekend went well, and you are not snowed in. Mine was fairly typical. We did take K to an auction where you get to throw money when you are the winning bidder. We even let her bid. I was quite proud of her. She picked out the things she wanted and got them. She never swayed or varied in her wants. And, when it was time to get the lots, she had no problem throwing away the things she didn't want. She loved it. I think she was a little proud of herself as well. Then on Sunday, of course, it snowed for a little while. I'm not talking just any kind of snow. These snowflakes were the size of snack plates or saucers if you will. They were the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen. I wish I had thought of getting a picture. Now today I have to get the evil car tagged and titled. I wish I didn't. I hate that car. It's going to be a long day.

I am getting slightly caught up on my work. I finished the bracelet you see in the picture over the weekend. It wasn't hard to make. Just a long process of cutting rings then fitting them together and adding a clasp. There is just over 400 sterling silver rings in this chainmaille piece. Plus, I added some aquamarine faceted ovals for a touch of elegance. I really like how it turned out, and it really did name itsself. It wanted to be called "When eating breakfast at Tiffany's...". I don't usually choose such long names, but this one deserved it. You will be able to find this one in my shop later today unless you decide you need it then let me know and I'll put it on sooner for you. Until next time.

Just so you know, I'm sitting in my office, really the room formerly known as the dining room, writing this in the dark waiting to get my daughter ready for school.
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