Labradorite Earrings

I have these small labradorite brioletts that I have been using in my latest earring creations. Here are my latest pair of earrings using these briolettes. I did something new with these earrings...I threaded the wire into a tiny spacer bead and placed the bead in the center. I think the antiqued look of the spacer bead looks nice with the labradorite!

Week Four - Gift Ideas for Geeks

Here is my week four gift list, a little late! I will have another one in a few days.

RECYCLED CIRCUIT BOARD Funky Feline CAT DESK CLOCK

by Three Ring Circuits on Artfire

Motherboard Clutch Bag - Computer Geek Chic

by Funky Chic Designs on Artfire

Micro Circuits On My Sleeves - hi-tech glass cuff links

by Big Helmet Head on Artfire

Silver Hoop Earrings with Circuit Board Charm

by Violets new Vintage on Artfire

Happy 'Day After Thanksgiving'!

Happy Black Friday! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with plenty of leftovers. My husband and I went out to dinner last night. I believe it was the first time I have been out to dinner on Thanksgiving. I was surprised by how many people were at the restaurant. We started our meal with bowls of clam chowder soup, followed by turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and veggies. By the time the pumpkin pie came around, my stomach hurt! We ended up bringing home three boxes of leftovers!

To celebrate Black Friday/Cyber Monday, I am having a 10% off sale on all my jewelry. Actually, I decided to have the sale through the rest of the year.

My Weekend in Review - Adventures in Beer Making

This past weekend was coooold! It was 28 degrees outside on Sunday morning. And when the temperature gets low, my husband gets excited. No, he's not excited about the prospect of snow; for him, it means it's beer-brewing time! He started brewing his own beer about three years ago (even though he is not a big beer drinker), and the type of beer he brews depends on the weather. Since it's cold, he is making a lager.

Now home brewing is something that takes two people, since it involves lifting a heavy brewpot among other things. My husband uses an outdoor propane cooker to heat the ingredients, so that means we get to stand outside in the cold. So lucky me, I get to stand outside in the cold AND clean up the invariable kitchen mess that comes with beer making. Luckily we finished up outside before it started to rain!

As for me, I am excited at the prospect of snow.

Week Three - Green/Recycled Gift Ideas

In my third installment of my gift series, I decided to include recycled and/or reusable products. I've been toying with the idea of making a product out of recycled items, but I can never come up with something clever enough. Don't you hate it when you consider yourself creative and clever, but not enough?

Funky Junq Recycled Aluminum Soda Pop Can Art

By Funky Recycling on ArtFire

Oven Best Recycled Baking Pan Outlet Cover

By Tin Can Sally on ArtFire

Recycled Jewelry Charm Bracelet

By Wear Wolfs on ArtFire

Reusablen EcoStuffers Lunch Snack Bag

By Sedilu Green on ArtFire 



Photos of my New Earrings

Well it's windy and rainy here this afternoon, so I thought it would be a good time to finally take pictures of my new earrings. I listed the pearl earrings in my Etsy store a little while ago. I have been using these tiny pearls a lot lately.

More Earwires, and Quick Peek at New Earrings

I wrote about silver prices not long ago, and checking the price of silver has become an almost daily obsession of mine. I realized that I am almost out of sterling silver earwires, so I have been making more of my own. Now if I could only get myself motivated to actually make some new earrings, I will finally feel like I am accomplishing something! I do have one new pair, but I made it a few weeks ago. I took a quick picture of the pair while I was photographing the earwires. The earrings consist of many small, white pearls and I always find that a challenge to photograph.

My ArtFire Collection, 'For the Dogs'

I made my very first ArtFire collection a little while ago. The inspiration for this collection comes from the pet gift guide that I posted about last week. As I was looking for items to add, I came across so many yummy looking dog treats and I realized that it's getting harder and harder to distinguish between human and dog treats!

Anyway, here is my collection. Please keep the droll to a minimum.

For the Dogs

Curated By: DesignsbyElen...

ArtFire.com

 

 

Week Two - Gift Ideas For Cold Weather

This is the second installment of my gift series, and this time I choose items for those who live in cold climates. Enjoy!

Powder Baby Sky Blue Handknit Scarf - Pastel and Exquisitely Beautiful

By CricketsHandknits on Artfire

The slacker beanie hat in denim blue

By missindie on Artfire

Fingerless Mittens Purple and Pink with Fringe

By Jonis Crochet Creations on Artfire

 

Popcorn Cozy Afgan and pillow

By knitbabylady on Artfire

The Weakening Dollar

As anyone that works with precious metals knows, prices are through the roof. When I read that the Federal Reserve plans to buy back $600 billion in U.S. Treasuries in an attempt to stimulate the economy, I also found out what this might do to the U.S. dollar. I’ve been watching silver prices increase for awhile now, but the last couple of days have been insane – a rise of almost $3 dollars to a total of just under $27 an ounce.

I’m sure we will see an increase in the use of non-precious metals in jewelry, among other things. I am glad I don’t need any sterling silver wire, for now.

Here’s a BusinessWeek article on the rising price of Gold, along with other metals:
Gold-rises-to-record

Week One - Gift Ideas for Pet Lovers

I’ve decided to feature gift ideas from the beginning of November through the second week of December. The items will be picked from ArtFire Studios, and each week will have a different theme.

This week I decided to feature gifts for pet lovers. Two of these products are for pets, and two are for the people who love them!

Kitty and Fishbowl Glow in the Dark Ornament

by BAKidagain on ArtFire

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Adjustable Dog Collar - Candy Canes

by Gerty Designs on ArtFire

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Designer Dog Vest, Snood and Legwarmers in faux shearling and fleece

by Spolied Bratzwear on Artfire

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Cat Porcelain Ornament

by The Magic Sleigh on Artfire