Designs by Elena Marie

October 12, 2010

New Sterling Silver Earwires

I decided to make some new earwires this past weekend. Most of my earrings are made with purchased earwires, but it is easy to make my own and create different styles and sizes. I also just finised a new pair of earrings using a pair of these earwires. I will post a picture of the new earrings when I get a chance to photograph them.

Here are the new earwires:

October 09, 2010

It’s Time for Halloween Decorations!

I recently decorated my fireplace mantel with Halloween/Fall decorations. I have a candelabra on my fireplace mantel, and I try to add decorations to the candles. There are only so many places I can decorate my house, since I have a cat that will try to eat just about anything. I am limited to the fireplace mantel, and the walls and doors.

I made a list of holiday decorating tips for those of you with four-legged mischief-makers (actually, this would apply to the two-legged kind, too)!

1. Make sure that any decorations that can become a choking hazard are safely out of reach. If you are decorating a fireplace mantel for instance, and you have a cat that can jump up to it, try placing larger items at the ends of the mantel.

2. If you have any decorative candle holders sitting out, make sure the candles are not left unattended while lit.

3. If you have un-used wall space, you can attach metal or wood wall art. If you don’t want to create new nail holes, you can remove an existing piece of wall art and use the nail that is already there.

4. You can attach holiday decals to windows and doors. These are nice because they can be re-used.

5. You can add fake cobwebs to the edges of hanging picture frames. Add some tiny plastic spiders to the webs, or just sit them on top of the frame.

6. Replace your regular light bulbs with black lights.

October 06, 2010

New Moonstone Earrings

I have been in the mood to make earrings with light-colored gems and pearls lately. Jewelry made with light and clear beads is always a challenge to photograph, but I think I am getting better at it. Here is my latest creation, using Moonstone briolettes and thin-gauged sterling silver:

October 04, 2010

A Trip to Beautiful Crater Lake

If you ever want to visit a lake that is such a deep and beautiful shade of blue, look no further than Crater Lake in Oregon. My husband and I took a drive down there this past Saturday. It was the first time either of us have been there.

Of course, I had to bring the camera...

Ok this is not a picture of Crater Lake, but there were tons of cute little chipmunks scurrying all over the place. I managed to get one to come right up to me when I called out to it (does that make me a "chipmunk whisperer")?

September 23, 2010

New Earrings

I recently finished creating and photographing two new pairs of earrings. I guess I am on a pearl trip, since I find myself using them a lot lately.

September 16, 2010

A new Etsy Treasury - Deep in the Forest

I have been thinking about making a new treasury, and I finally did one this morning. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and recently went on a camping trip. The campground was surrounded by moss-covered trees and lush vegetation. This was my inspiration for this treasury. Enjoy!