You may want to read this...(if you're fast)

So, I was doing my daily bloggy thing the other day and went to visit my bloggy pal, Jenn's, blog. It was full of bloggy goodness but this bloggy goodness was extra special. She told a tale of happening upon her gal pal's blog to find a Pay it Forward post. Yay! What does all this mean? This means that Jenn got a special Pay it Forward gift which in turn means I get a special Pay it Forward gift.



Now let's see how many of you are paying attention today. Because I got a gift from Jenn, I'm going to pay it forward in this post. I'm going to give my first 4 commentors a special handmade lovely from me. Not going to tell you what it is, but you'll get something nice. Here's the catch. If you want something from me, you have to agree to continue the Pay it Forward train on your blog. Just make sure I can get up with you so I can get you your handmade goodie.

For those of you not into Valentine's Day or just want to enter a giveaway, there is a fantastic giveaway going on at the oh so talented blog of Totus Mel. It's a Friday the 13th giveaway. She's giving away a Death's Head Moth magnet and numbered Aceo from Paynesgrey. Look how great these are!



Run over there and get in on the action. Then check out Totusmel's work because she is seriously one talented lady. I would wear one of her tatted masks everyday if I could.

I've got the I wants

Have I mentioned that birthday is next week? Yes, indeed it is. And, even at 28, I love it.

I am such a child when it comes to my birthday. Not that I want a party. I want presents. I want to make lists and get the things I want. When I was a child I hated going to birthday parties because I hated other people getting all the presents. I love giving presents now, but I want some too. My family either doesn't know me well or just doesn't listen. I'm opting for a little of both. Because, every year I get a bunch of stuff that I won't wear or won't use. It really is depressing. Last year, I did get something I wanted-money, but of course, my washing machine died. So, guess what I did with it?! I really do love my birthday no matter how old I get. I wake up and think, Yay! It's my birthday. Love it! So, this year I have made a birthday wish list. Feel free to buy anything and everything off the list for me for my birthday. I told you I was such a child. The things pictured today are the top three things on my list. Aren't they gorgeous?

Birthday Wish List
1. Floral Decorative Nature Design shortsleeve T by ahpeele
2. Birds and Swirls Aqua Shirred Cap Sleeve T by muttsywonder
3. Dragonfly Pattern Flying Solo Top by circularaccessories
4. Geisha in Blossom Rain Baby Rib Cami by polymer
5. A Coral Room Wearable Art Corset Belt by gifling
6. Pretty much anything from jenclaire
7. Lady Charm Pits by aliceofkansas
8. Grey Rondue Purse by christysquilts
9. Val and her dog by Craftymoose
10. Mummies Boy Art Doll by TheDevilsWallpaper

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!

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.