What A Day In Atlanta!

It's no wonder why I haven't added any new items to my Etsy shop. First there was the end of the semester, then Christmas and visits with the family and today - a wonderful trip to Atlanta.

We (3 adults, 3 kiddos) began our day visiting the King Tut exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center. Words cannot describe the magnificence. Sadly, photos were not permitted so I cannot share the various artifacts of Ramses II, Akhenaten, Amenhotep III and Tutankhaman. The beauty of the gilded and solid gold jewelry, shoes and coffinettes is indescribable. The detail in each carving was exquisite artistry. The photo below depicts a statue of Ramses II found in the exhibit.

After spending a couple of hours looking through the King Tut exhibit, we made our way to the High Museum of Art to see 3 fabulous exhibits: China's Terracotta Army, Medieval & Renaissance treasures and pieces from the Louvre. Each exhibit was unique so here are a few highlights and photos...

China's Terracotta Army was the most impressive. Discovered in 1974, the first Emporer of China, Qin Shihuangdi, constructed an underground tomb complex, complete with life sized terracotta soldiers and other figures. To date, over 1000 figures have been excavated but archeologists believe there may be as many as 7000! These figures were most impressive - from the assembly line method of production, the stamping of names on pieces to ensure "quality control" & "accountability" and the details in the terracotta costumes, hair and even musculature. The faces of each soldier is unique and different - a testimony to the expertise of those constructing the clay warriors. They stood guard over the Emperor in his afterlife, for over 2000 years! Below... 2 examples of the terracotta soldiers...

We also visited the Midieval/Renaissance treasures. Lots of gorgeous pieces and the influence of the Church was evident from an ivory carved book cover (below) to an ivory and gilded diptych. I was most intrigued with the notebook of Leonardo daVinci... how incredible to see his writings!

Finally, we visited the Louvre exhibit which included vessels, paintings, sculpture and assorted carved pieces. The red chalk drawings by Michelangelo which included the "Ideal Head of a Woman" is simply beautiful and very different from what we associate with Michelangelo!

While today was a full day, we did manage to have a little fun... here's the kids playing in front of a piece of modern art...

Educational, enlightening, amazing and fun... what a day in Atlanta!!! :D

It's Been A While...

So much has happened the past few weeks - where do I begin??

First... my daughter has completed her competitive gymnastics season - she qualified for her Level 5 State Meet and placed in 2 events (Floor and Vault)!!! We are so proud of her and all of her accomplishments this season!
 

The "off-season" has begun but there's never really an off-season - the girls will continue to train and they will be performing in the local Christmas parade this week and have exhibition performances scheduled in the upcoming months as well. At least I won't have to chew my finger nails down to the nub for these events! :)

Thanksgiving has now come and gone... and yes... I took the time to reflect. There's so much I have to be thankful. My family and friends have been so amazing these past 5 months - without their love, support and prayers I would have collapsed. Of course, they are always awesome but when disaster strikes and people rally around you - it really makes you take notice! And... While shopping today... I met up with an old friend - it was so nice to catch up, hear about her latest adventures and her family. But while we talked, I also came to realize just how much of a difference she and her church made through the power of prayer. Evidently, seeing me further strengthed her belief too. Of course, I strongly believe that with God on my side, I can manage through anything - including cancer! He and all the wonderful people in my life - make me see how truly blessed I am every day. Thank you to one and all!!!

Finally... my last trip to see my Oncologist allowed me to take this beautiful picture in the hills of Tennessee...

Ribbons of Hope

I love this picture. It says it all... cancer... awareness... ribbons of hope woven together... unity.

Gotta Love Treasuries!

Are you a treasury addict? I am. And I won't make any excuses...

Treasuries are a great creative outlet. They're lots of fun to create. They are maddening because you can only choose 12 items! And they're a great way to feature Etsy sellers who are friends and talented artisans in their own right.

Every so often, I'm honored to be featured in a treasury and today is one of those days! My "Hug thread" friend LindaButterfly added me to her fabulous "ORANGE" treasury - not once but twice!!! So cool!! Linda's treasury is colorful, festive and full of Fall fun.

Have a look in Linda's Etsy shop - she carries so many beautiful cards, ACEO's and photographs! I have lots of favorites, but here's an example of one of her photos!!

Thanks again Linda!

Need A Little Pick Me Up??

Need a little pick me up? Well this treasury should do just about do it! Look at all the bright, vibrant and gorgeous items!!! This list was created by my friend Sarah of GenuineArticle and her treasuries are always beautiful so have a look at this one before it expires Tuesday, 10/28.

I also want to thank Sarah for including me with all these talented Etsy artists - I'm honored to be included! Check out Sarah's Etsy shop too - she's such an amazing jewelry artist too!!!

In One, Made One

Yeppp, it's treasury time. :D Lately, I never seem to be near the computer when the blue box appears so imagine my delight when my timing was perfect this afternoon! I managed to secure a "yummy" treasury entitled "I HAD A CHOCOLATE CRAVING." I didn't have any chocolate around, but these pieces are really delicious to the eye!!

Another stroke of good luck came last night when I found out I was featured in a treasury as well. Jennifer of MerkabaJewelry curated a treasury entitled "BEAUTY" and her selections are beautiful indeed!! Have a look at her treasury (but hurry, it ends tonight!) and her shop! Thank you Jennifer. :) Treasuries - is there a support group for this addiction? ha!

It's About TIME...

The past weeks have been hectic at best. But as this week winds down and I look back, I realize how blessed I am. My cancer surgery last week is nothing but a memory! The final pathology reports are in and while my doctor did remove more cancer, he feels he got it all and that's great news. We'll just monitor things and if it returns, we'll deal with it. But I feel good - even with the slurred speech. So... Mr. Policeman, please don't pull me over, I promise I am NOT drunk!!

I am trying to get back to "normal" things and of course Etsy's treasuries are part of that plan! Here's the treasury scoop...

First, I'm featured in Amanda's "Tickle Me Pink Please!" treasury. She's such a sweetie and wonderful Etsy friend!! Please visit her shop, Wildlifer78 - it rocks!!!

While Amanda was creating her "Pink" treasury, I was curating one of my own "Come On... Don't FALL For This" and you might be able to guess... it's about...

FALL!! I love this season and all that it brings - beautiful colors, Thanksgiving, relief from summer heat and of course, football!!!!

Check out both treasuries while you can and join in on the Etsy fun!!! :D

Feeling LUCKY and being THANKFUL...

There are days when I don't feel very lucky, afterall sometimes things just don't work out like you had hoped. There are days when the windshield wipers break while it's raining, a gallon of milk spills all over the floor or you have a load of laundry in the washer but there's no detergent. Yep, life happens and sometimes it just kinda stinks.

But I suppose if wallowing in one's own self-pity isn't an option then looking at what's right and being thankful to be lucky is the best option of all. So... here's why I feel LUCKY and am very THANKFUL...

• THANKFUL to have the sweetest and most loving daughter in the world...
• THANKFUL my Mom never gave up on me...
• THANKFUL to have a husband who is supportive and caring during one of the most difficult times in my life...
• LUCKY to have found friends who accept me and all my warts...
• THANKFUL to have grown up with the right lessons in my life...
• THANKFUL that the Lord forgives...
• LUCKY to have 5 black cats who all have awesome purr boxes...
• THANKFUL for my job that most days isn't "just a job"...
• LUCKY to have students who care - about important things - not just what they are going to do on a Saturday night...
• THANKFUL for having family who are always around, love me and are just a click away...
• THANKFUL for my health - it really could be worse...
• THANKFUL and LUCKY TO HAVE YET ANOTHER DAY...
• LUCKY to have been born in the United States of America...
• THANKFUL to know the difference between right and wrong...
• THANKFUL to have the chance to express myself without fear...
• LUCKY and THANKFUL to live to see another day...

When life gives you lemons - you can THANKFULLY make lemonade and be thrilled for a little LUCK as well! :D

Buckeye Treasury for a Bulldawg???

Yep... it's hard to believe that a loyal and true Georgia Bulldog is in a Ohio State Buckeye treasury! A pair of my earrings made it into SignatureSterling's "Scarlet and Gray - All The Way" treasury! You see Sue (SignatureSterling) and I have an agreement... she cheers for my Georgia Bulldawgs and I cheer for OSU - as long as they aren't playing each other!! LOL! I think that's a pretty good arrangement, don't you? We are in different conferences afterall...

And while I hope both our teams do well this year, I hope we never have to meet up against one another! And even though I'm a Bulldawg, THANKS to Sue for thinking I fit right in with all those Buckeyes!! :)

Sue's treasury expires Saturday evening - so have a look before it's too late! And while you're at it, stop in and visit her shop too. She has all sorts of beautiful items including Ohio State baubles!

Share the Blog Love!

Etsy is a really neat selling venue... I enjoy the diversity of products and many talented artists. Every now and then you run across folks who are fun, talented and just all-around nice - that would be the case with Amanda, AKA Wildlifer78!

Amanda and I both belong to an Etsy group, the "BeadHive" and found we have many things in common. Not only do we share the love of jewelry design and beads (massive amounts of beads too!) but we share a deep commitment to our college teams - she's a LSU girl and it's UGA for me! Though our teams are rivals a few times a year, it's still fun to cheer for the other!! How do you like her Georgia Bulldog set she made for me!!! :)

I also want to mention that Amanda chose to have me in her artist feature this week!!! Wow!!! I am honored!!!! Her glowing blog piece was so kind and sweet - THANK YOU AMANDA!!! Let me pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. :)

So if you have the chance... check out Amanda's blog and most importantly go visit her shop on Etsy - you'll be glad you did, her work is amazing!!!

The Last Lecture - Professor Randy Pausch

With great sadness and surprise, I learned tonight that Professor Randy Pausch passed away from pancreatic cancer on Friday July 25. I didn't know him personally, but was unbelievably touched by a series of reports on ABC News about him and his views on living and life.

I really don't remember the date I saw the original story on his "Last Lecture." I should have been grading papers but was incredibly drawn to him and what he had to say. So I put down my red pen and just stared at the TV, hanging on every word. I was blown away.

His lecture was filled with stories, memories, lessons and metaphor. While the lecture was intended for his children, people across the world found inspiration. There are 2 things Professor Pausch said that have stuck with me all these many months...

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand" - as I come to terms with my own very recent diagnosis with cancer, only now do I fully understand what he meant. I will not ask 'why me?' and shake my fist in anger - why allow those negatives to dictate a life that can and should be rich with love, laughter and yes, even lessons. We do indeed have a choice in how we play our hand...

"The brickwalls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things." The "brickwalls" quote was so powerful, I immediately made a sign and posted it in my classroom so I would remember... Many of my students read it and gently nodded as they realized what it really meant. I will keep that quote on my wall as a reminder, not only for it's true intent but that it came from a man who had a very special message for the millions of us who were willing to listen.

God speed Professor Randy Pausch - your lessons will live on and in your memory.

Treasury of Trees

I love trees... in spring and summer they are welcoming and inviting and in winter they remind us of what wonders lie ahead once their dormancy is over... This treasury by SmokeyLady54 celebrates TREES of all sorts! Let's celebrate them!!!

Thank you SmokeyLady54 - your treasury is awesome and inspiring and I appreciate you including my tree in this beautiful list!!

Have a look at all of our trees... this list expires Wednesday night!

Inspirational Treasury

The blue box popped up again this morning and this time I was ready with an inspirational theme. Entitled "WORDS to LIVE by" I think it is a gentle reminder of what's really important in our lives...

Check out my treasury... it's active until early Sunday morning! Enjoy!! :)

BeadNest Designs and "The Giveaway"

Blog giveaways can be so much fun! And I am thrilled to be the "21st Etsy Giveaway" on the blog site "The Giveaway" authored by Katie at BabyLyons Designs (Katie's shop is fantastic - so go have a look!!).



Because my life has drastically changed in the past week, one of the prizes really has some philosophical significance and the other... well, I hope it just makes you smile! For the 1st winner, they will receive my hammered, textured & antiqued copper pendant "Carpe Diem" necklace; the 2nd winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to be used in my Etsy shop.

Please read all the "Rules To Enter" and join in on the fun! And... "Carpe Diem!"

New Stuff, New Treasury, More Fun!

Long overdue post... I have 3 new items listed this week, the first are some great hoops "Bermuda Vacation" - they're big and bold and beautiful blue!

The other 2 pieces have a vintage flair to them. The first is "Vintage Rose" and it is made with glass flowers, sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and unique sterling silver hand-formed earwires.

The 2nd piece entitled "Sweet Antique" is made with Swarovski Pearls and antiqued brass accents. So romantic and feminine, I love 'em!

My "Stand By Me" treasury expires Monday afternoon so have a look before it's too late. It's a great theme for all of us who make a living standing up! Enjoy

See SPOT!

I've been feeling a little "under the weather" this week so when the Etsy treasury box appeared earlier this afternoon, I knew I had to create a treasury that would make me smile! So the "See SPOT, See SPOT have Fun" list was born! Lots of bright color and fun dots and spots - who could go wrong with that?! This list runs through Tuesday night so have a look at these fun items too!

I would also like to thank Jessi of JessiJewels - she featured me in one of her treasuries earlier this week too but I never managed to make it here to post a link. She has a great shop so have a look at her beautiful items!

Another milestone... I reached 400 hearts this week! Now that really makes me smile and I'm thankful to all those Etsians who took the time to look at my shop and heart me!! :D

Treasuries Rock!

Another surprise - my "Dewberry" earrings have been included in a fantastic treasury entitled "Pink Panties." I must admit the title got my attention and I had no idea what to expect... I knew I didn't have any panties in my shop... But once I saw the treasury - well it was all about PINK and I also learned that there's a drink called "Pink Panties!" That just goes to show, you can learn something every day. :) Many many THANKS to PromosInASnap who curated a treasury filled with beautiful pink items. Check out the treasury and Promos shop - she really has some great promotional items for small businesses!


By the way... Treasuries rock!!! :D

Treasury Madness!

As we begin the holiday weekend... let's not forget the reason for the holiday! Freedom isn't free... So with that in mind let me wish everyone a HAPPY 4th OF JULY! Celebrate and enjoy!

Now... It's no secret... I love treasuries. It's just too much fun curating them and the search for perfect elements is like an old fashioned savenger hunt! My next treasury is ready to go... now if that infamous "blue box" would pop up for me - all would be right in treasuryland!

As I cruised through the newest list of 600+ treasuries tonight, I was pleasantly surprised - one of my pieces was featured in a list by LaurasJewellery!! Thank you for including me in your gorgeous treasury! Hurry hurry and have a look, her "Black Black Black - Flowery Earrings" list expires Saturday evening.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=54358

The Front Page... Again!

Oh my my... I can't believe my latest "Out On A Limb" treasury made Etsy's front page! This is the second treasury I've curated that found its way there however... both times it hit while I was sleeping! I believe I will have to forego sleep from now on - this is enough justification don't you think! :D

I would like to thank Sarah Jane of the Genuine Article (she was featured in the treasury) for getting a screen shot and sending it on to me. Otherwise, I could only imagine how the treasury really looked out front!

Treasuries are entirely too much fun to construct... I already have ideas for 2 more so I'll be stalking the treasuries soon... very soon... bwahahahahahahaha!

IT'S GREAT TO BE...

A GEORGIA BULLDOG! We are 1 of 8 teams who've made it to the College World Series! After facing elimination in the loser's bracket of the regional tournament, this team fought back and are now on our way to Omaha!! Goooooo Dawgs! Sic 'em!! Looks like we have a little hurricane to tame! Having sat through 7 baseball games in the past week at Foley Field - in the worst heat too (today was 101 degrees!) I must admit, I'm not getting much jewelry made these days. With what little energy I've had left... I managed to complete 3 custom items but that's it. Maybe I need to create a baseball piece... Hmmmm...

Until then, here's my "Sunflower Symphony" necklace. At least it has a summer theme and baseball players are known as the 'boys of summer.' LOL!

The RIO GRANDE!

Today has been an eventful day! The NCAA Men's Baseball tournament is in full swing here and while my team (Georgia Bulldogs) lost yesterday we won today and live to see another day of play. We are in the "loser's bracket" - yuk - but hopefully we'll pull it out tomorrow. We have to win 2 games so make it into the Monday night game! Goooo DAWGS!

I have a new item up for sale entitled "Rio Grande" - if you like things BIG then this necklace is for you! It has a presence and will certainly spark some conversation!


Check out "BeadNest Designs" on Etsy! :)

New Listing of Enchanted Purple

It seems like it's been forever since I listed something new. Things have been so hectic with my daughter's birthday and the ending of the school year, I just haven't had the chance to create. But with all of that behind me, I'm back in the studio and ready to go! Yeah!! The first new item would have to be made with my most favorite color - purple!! I love the sparkle of these faceted cubic zirconia beads and the shine of the silver.

They are dainty and feminine with a new look for the earwires! Check them out!! :)

ETSY Front Page!

One of the things I really love about ETSY are their treasuries!! They're lots of fun to create and I'm always inspired by all the amazing artists and their beautiful creations!

A bonus of creating treasuries is to be chosen for Etsy's front page and... well... my treasury was on their front page last night!! Yeah!!! I was so excited and now I'm ready to create another treasury... as soon as that blue box pops up again! :)

Here's the full page view but... not very clear so the other shot includes and up close and personal look at some of the BOLD and BEAUTIFUL pieces of my treasury. BTW, that was the title! :D

HANDMADE at Nourish!

I love this photo! Hip, trendy and really cool - the storefront window of a unique new boutique in Athens called "NOURISH." It features handmade items from artists all over the country - jewelry, purses, clothing, pottery, paintings and more!

If you are in the Athens area, join us this Friday, 4-8pm for "First Friday." Two artists will be featured and have new items available. Stop by, say hi and see all the beautiful items made by so many talented artists!!

There's nothing better than...

There's no better feeling than to have a bride choose your jewelry! Meet Meredith and her BeadNest earrings...

I'm honored to have brides choose my jewelry to wear on their special day. If you are interested in a custom piece, please contact me and we'll make your dream a reality! (Photos by Jethro Acosta)

MONTH OF THE YEAR SALE!

Every month I have a "Month of the Year" sale. So... how this sale works... I choose an item and it's listed in my Etsy store for the same amount as that month of the year. Since this is April - the 4th month - this month's item is just $4.00! Now you may be thinking... how long will I keep the item listed at it's sale price? Well... this is part of the fun - it's a secret, a gamble, take a chance - you just never know when it will return to its normal retain price!

This month, the sale item is a pair of deep green hand-painted ceramic beads with a southwestern flair and accented with Bali silver and Swarovski crystal - all wrapped with sterling silver wire and dangling from sterling silver earwires.



Check out this fun sale!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10821903 :D

WOW... I am SO excited!!

I thought Sunday would turn out to be just another day. Boy, was I wrong!!

Within a couple of days I met the neatest lady who was nurturing a spectacular idea - an artisan boutique. I'm so excited to officially announce that my jewelry has become part of "NOURISH." My pieces will be included with so many other amazing artists who specialize in a variety of media. It's an honor to share the space with them.

Check out the "Nourish" blog and if you're in the Athens area please stop by and check us out! The grand opening is tomorrow night so it should be a fantastic day!! :)

The Blog Begins...

Well... I've finally done it! I've organized my blog and am ready to go! Yikes!!

I originally decided to devote this space to my jewelry but there are too many other things to discuss beginning with this post.

We love gymnastics in my house. It's exciting, competitive and just plain hard to do! Since my daughter competes we really enjoy watching the Gym Dogs from the University of Georgia. Their skills are the best in the land - really! They're the reining National Champs!! Last night we had the opportunity to watch them compete against 6 other teams from the Southeastern Conference and our Gym Dogs won!! Gooooo Dawgs, Sic 'em!! Their team score was 197.350 and the 2nd place teams scored 197.325 (Universities of Florida & Alabama tied for second). Talk about winning by the skin of their teeth! WOW!! It was the most exciting meet we've ever watched, lots of nail biting moments including the 30 minute wait to find out who won.

We wish UGA the best and lots of great practices in the next few weeks as they work towards winning their 4th consecutive National Championship in April!