It's beginning to look.....

Oh my! We are in full swing now! It's all of a sudden December and there's such a flurry of plans and activities, I can't even imagine how it will all get done. However, there's 3 craft shows left that I am participating in with my jewelry displayed, so hopefully you can come on over to at least one of these shows and maybe make your Christmas "to do" list a little smaller. Tomorrow, Saturday, December 3rd, I'll be at the Richwoods High School sale - now I hear this is the hugest, only handcrafted item sale in our area. It's from 9-3 and it's supposed to be 51 degrees out tomorrow, so take advantage of that temperature and come on out to do some shopping. Sunday, December 4, I'll be at the Riverview Grade School craft sale - this is their first year doing the sale and I can't wait to see what all the vendors have to display there. The sale runs from 1-4. Then next Sunday, December 11, there's going to be a craft/vendor sale at the Gateway Building in Peoria down on the Riverfront. I believe it's from 11-4. This is also the first year for this sale I believe, and I understand some of the Saturday morning Riverfront Market summer people will be there, so it should be great fun! Hope to see you at one of these events - hope you're enjoying the season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Preparing for Thanksgiving gatherings this week has me pretty busy, but I have been making some children's bracelets and necklaces at the request of one of my customers. I'll be kinda waiting to work on more until next week after the holiday, but will be creating jewelry in a hurry after that in preparation for the huge craft sale at Richwoods December 3 from 9-3. I have not attended the show in the past, but from everything I am hearing, it is huge and has a wonderful variety of things. It's the only show in our area that still requires everything to be handmade, so no vendors of any sort. There's approximately 260 crafters participating, so it should be worth your time. Hope you come out - see what's available - sounds like there's something for everyone!

Busy Schedule!

Last night one of my friends hosted a open house display of my jewelry at her home - it was so much fun. Everyone had a wonderful time, and got some Christmas shopping (and some for themselves) done. Next up is the Richwoods Christmas Craft Sale on December 3rd. I'm hearing that it is the hugest sale in this area. Only handcrafted items are allowed to be sold, so no extra "vendors" at this one. Then the very next day on December 4th, it's the Riverview School Christmas sale! By then you should be in full swing for purchasing Christmas presents, so come on out to one (or both) of these sales for a good time and lots of variety of items under one roof! You can always stop by the salon where my massage business is also, if you'd like to view what jewelry I currently have made. Just give me a jingle first to make sure I'm there. Happy shopping!

Christmas Bazaar!

So much fun yesterday at the First Assembly of God Christmas Bazaar. Great lunch of soup and sandwiches, lots of baked goods for sale, and fun crafty things. It was nice to see some people I hadn't seen for awhile, too. There's lots of these type bazaars and sales going on in our area between now and Christmas, so if you haven't been to one, you owe it to yourself to try to get out and find one - they're alot of fun and you can find some good, unique, one of a kind Christmas presents for your family members and friends.

New stuff!

I'm so excited! I just ordered a couple new display accessories that should be here next week. These will make it so much easier to pack and unpack, display, and transport my jewelry! I also purchased some new stones and have made some new items! Can't wait for you all to see them!

I still have a couple spots left for home open house/party type gatherings - just let me know if you are interested! Christmas is coming soon!

Christmas craft bazaar

Don't forget - First Assembly of God on Parkway in Pekin is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar this Saturday, November 12th from 9 a.m. til 2 p.m. There will be vendors, crafters, and lunch will be served. Swing on by and pick up some Christmas presents, stocking stuffers, or some treasures for yourself!

Hope to see you there!

Craft Shows

Everyone had fun yesterday at the Germantown Hills PTO Annual Christmas Craft Show. There were alot of people out and about, and this show had a large variety of vendors. Here's a couple pictures - not too great, as you all know by now my camera is like my car - on the last leg of its journey! This Saturday I'll be set up at the First Assembly of God in Pekin for their women's group annual bazaar. Come on out - do a little shopping and have lunch!

This Saturday

Just a reminder, the Germantown Hills PTO is having their annual Christmas craft show this Saturday, November 5th from 9-2 at the middle school. There will be one room full of "vendors" - i.e., Mary Kay, Partylite, Scentsy - those kinds of businesses; then there will be two rooms and a hallway with "crafters" - that's where I come in. We're people who sell only handmade items. It's bound to be fun and full of new ideas for your Christmas shopping adventure. Come on by if you get a chance.

Getting ready for the season!

We're getting all geared up for the season of giving that's right around the corner! Home parties are being booked, craft shows are scheduled, and some prices are discounted - all just to help you with your upcoming Christmas shopping! Stop by the salon where my massage business is located and check it all out or call me to coordinate a time to get together.

Couple more holiday craft shows

I'll be at:

Richwoods High School, Saturday, December 3

Riverview School, East Peoria, Sunday December 4

Hope to get to see you at some of these shows where you can buy jewelry and lots of other cool craft/vendor items!

Upcoming Opportunities

Upcoming shows:

Saturday, November 5th - Germantown Hills PTO Craft Sale, Germantown Hills, IL

Saturday, November 12th - 1st Assembly of God Bazaar, Pekin, IL

In addition, I'm currently booking home parties, so contact me if interested!

A few new pics

Make sure to book your holiday party now! Christmas will be here before you know it!

FAQs!

Christmas is coming up quickly (or should I say the planning for Christmas!) and several of you have asked me for information regarding my jewelry and your purchasing of Christmas presents. Let me answer a few frequently asked (at least so far) questions for you.

I am available for home type parties - it's simple, really. I bring all the jewelry I currently have available, people stop by, have a couple snacks, visit, laugh, try on some jewelry, purchase what they want, pay and go home. No forms, no games, no giving me any information - just cash and carry! How much easier could Christmas shopping be?

Yes, you can request a certain type of piece of jewelry - i.e., "can you make earrings to go with this necklace?" or "can you make this bracelet a little smaller". The answer is, I'll do the best I can. Sometimes I purchase beads (especially stones) and all I have is all I have - I can try, but not promise that I can get you what you want - but I will try.

These are "one of a kind pieces" - no two are exactly the same so, while, I can make you something similar to what your friend bought from me, they won't be exactly the same - stones are just different.

Can I "gift wrap"? I can! For just a little extra, I can put your selection in a box and wrap it or in a pretty little pouch type holder. Again, with the easiness!

That's all I can think of for now - if you have a question, please let me know.

Jewelry!

Heart pendants to put on your own chain. Also hearts with pinbacks to put on your scarf, jacket, or shirt.

"Charm pins" with beads and/or wrapped hearts for your scarf, jacket, or shirt.

An example of one style of glasses/badge holders. Hang your readers, sunglasses or i.d. badge for work on this stylish necklace.

Earrings - post, lever back or wire hooks. Lots of stones, colors to choose from.

"Strands". Beads on elastic that can be worn singly or in multiples as a necklace, bracelet, or an anklet.

Sets of matching necklace, earrings, bracelet. Some with pendants.

Sets of matching necklace, earrings, bracelet. Some without pendants.

Bracelets - some on elastic, some with toggles or hooks.

More necklaces.

More necklaces.

More necklaces.

Necklaces and bracelets.

"Strands" of gemstone beads on elastic that can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, or anklets.

I'm kinda trying to re-arrange this blog, since it didn't really work well to do it the individual way. I have realized that the products get made and purchased too quickly to try to post individual pictures, descriptions, etc., so instead I'm going to try posting these "group" type pictures with some information to give you an idea of what I have available and then people can contact me to see individual pieces or order or whatever. Hopefully I will be able to keep this blog up to date a little better with this way - we'll see. Please feel free to let me know what you think!

Finished!

Just finally finished a huge order which took me (and several helpers) about 4-5 weeks! Whew! It was therapeutic, fun, and a little frustrating at times. Nevertheless, I loved it and was thrilled to have the extra work and hopefully some exposure. Here's a sneak peek of these items - they're for a fundraiser for Family Core (used to be called Counselling and Family Services). My cousin, Karen works there, and they are a non profit foster care/adoption agency (I think that's what they do in a nutshell!). Anyway, they ordered strands (you know - the stretchy, you can wear as a necklace, anklet, or bracelet thingys?) in several different school colors and will be selling them. If you would like to purchase one (or some) you can contact Karen at 676-2400 or watch for them to be sold in connection with Morton, Richwoods, Notre Dame, Pekin, Manual, Peoria Christian, or Peoria Heights schools. If you're looking for a different school color, contact me at 208-8960. Thanks for your patience with me in developing this blog. I'm kinda contemplating changing the format some, so I can keep it better up to date. Look for that soon, and, as always, if you're interested in seeing some jewelry, it is displayed in my shop or you can host a jewelry open house or party and receive some nice incentives for doing so. Remember, Christmas is only 132 days away!

Craft Show

This jewelry making and selling is definitely a hobby gone wild - I am thoroughly enjoying it and I'm very thankful for it's entrance into my already busy life! I'm still planning to get better organized on here, but in the meantime, wanted to let you all know that I'm setting up a booth at the Morton Field Shopping Center this Saturday, August 6, 2011. From 10-4 they are having a jewelry/craft sale and a barbecue cook off. Weather's supposed to be a little nicer, and no rain. Come on out and see what's happening and see some of my jewelry in person. It's all one of a kind, cash and carry - see it, like it, try it on, buy it. Our new motto is this: purchase the jewelry you like, then go buy clothes to go with it, instead of the other way around. After all, your jewelry lasts longer than your clothes anyway! Hope to see you Saturday!

Jewelry/Craft Show

It's amazing how busy one person can be - that's my way of saying, so sorry I haven't finished this blog yet. But what I wanted to tell you is that there is going to be a jewelry/craft sale at the Morton Field Shopping Center, next Saturday, August 6th from 10-4 and I will be there set up with a display of my jewelry for sale. There will be food, lots of vendors and hopefully nice weather! Come on out and see what's there - it would be a great time to start purchasing Christmas items. Remember everything is "one of a kind", so if you see something you like, you should purchase it - several people have already said, "oh darn - I wanted to get that - I shouldn't have waited, now it's sold!"

Hope to see you in Morton on the 6th!

Wow!

Wow is right! This adventure has turned out to be much more fun, time consuming, and exciting than I first anticipated! I'm really enjoying making new things and looking for new outlets to get those new things into the hands (and on the necks, wrists, etc., etc.) of the people who also love them, but wow! It's taking some time! I apologize once again that this blog is behind - I am making a concentrated effort to get some more pictures on here and get the things off here that are sold. Your best bet right now for looking at the jewelry I currently have is to call me, come by my massage business location (where the jewelry is displayed), or maybe have a party in your home. Those are going really well and are quite fun. There's none of the traditional stuff that a home selling party brings to mind - no forms to fill out, no games played (unless you want to plan that!), no ordering, and most fun of all - no duplicates. Each piece is a one of a kind creation - don't even thing about asking me to remember that necklace you bought at the Turkey Festival - lol! Anyway, it's all just "cash and carry". See something you like, buy it, take it home. If you want to schedule a party, just get ahold of me! I've been working on making 2 different styles of pins with stone hearts and beads and some things for boys. I've added some strands made out of wooden beads and some shells that the male population likes and are wearing! New things are being created everyday, so check with me often. Soon there will be a couple of Christmas/winter decoration ideas available - it will be that time before we know it!

Work in Progress!

Sorry everyone, I haven't had a chance to finish taking pictures of my jewelry and get them posted on here! You can always come by my shop (call me first to make sure I'm there) and see the jewelry or book a home party for your friends and family to come by your place, see what they like, purchase it and make it their own! Remember, with handmade jewelry, no two pieces are exactly alike! Another opportunity to see my jewelry is this Saturday, July 2nd at the Peoria Riverfront Market. I visited there last Saturday and it was wonderful - food, pottery, homemade soaps, wood carvings, yard ornaments, etc., etc., etc. I'll have a table set up there this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon - come on down and check it out!

Keep coming back to this blog site - I promise I'll get those pictures taken soon!

Eyeglass/Badge holders

SORRY - MOST OF THESE ARE SOLD HOWEVER I'VE MADE NEW ONES TO REPLACE THEM. I'LL TAKE PICTURES OF THEM TO PUT ON HERE, BUT THESE WILL GIVE YOU A GENERAL IDEA OF HOW THEY LOOK UNTIL THEN!

Birthed out of my desire to not appear aged, yet still needing help in not losing my reading glasses, these handy little trendy, stylish holders emerged. Clip your work badge or student id in the hole, fold and slip your glasses or sunglasses in the hole, or just wear as a necklace - the choice is yours! Some like to wear them longer, some prefer the trendier, shorter look - there's a variety of colors and lengths - take your pick!

$12 each

Blue with silver. App. 25". Silver lobster clasp.

Pink with black glasses. Silver clasp. App. 21 1/2". Silver clasp.

Pastel beads with silver oval beads. App. 26 1/2". Silver lobster clasp.

Red, white, silver. App. 23". Silver barrel clasp.

Gold beads with gold. App. 21 1/2". Gold lobster clasp.

Gold with silver. App. 24". Silver lobster clasp.

Pastel colored beads with silver hearts. App. 23 1/2". Silver lobster clasp.

Green and yellow with silver. App. 19". Silver lobster clasp.

SORRY - SOLD!

Blue with decorative glass beads. App. 21 1/2". Silver. Lobster clasp.

A few necklaces

Lampwork bead pendant with metallic colored beads and hematite beads. App. 20" Silver flower toggle. #0042. . . . .$28

Hematite (see posts below). Lampwork bead made locally in Bloomington, Illinois.

SORRY - SOLD!

Malachite is good for endurance, physical balance, eyesight and detoxing. Good for pancreas, pituitary gland, blood, heart, spleen, teeth and immune system. Encourages restful sleep. Helps asthma, arthritis, inflammation, swelling, rheumatism, and torn muscles. Brings calm and emotional balance. Helps depression.

Chain necklace with purple glass beads. App. 23".

#0050. . . . .$15

Some sets

Sweetwater agate with black beads. Necklace, bracelet with silver toggles.

Earrings with silver hooks.

#0056 Necklace. Approx. 23". . . . . .$25

#0024 Bracelet. Approx. 8" . . . . . . .$13

#0058 Earrings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10

#0059 All 3 pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43

Agate strengthens the heart, gives courage, harmonizes the heart, throat & solar plexus. Detoxifies your system, reduces temperatures, gives balance, vitality & joy. Used for upset stomach, lung ailments, depression & lethargy. Some use it for grounding & balance, strength, protection & support. Believed to bring the wearer happiness, wealth, health & long life. Increases your ability to ward off self induced anger & inner bitterness.

Picture jasper set. Silver toggles, silver hook earrings.

#0052 Necklace. Rectangle pendant. Approx. 21 1/2" . . . .$32

#0025 Bracelet. Approx. 8 1/4". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15

#0053 Earrings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10

#0055 All 3 pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$52

Allows you to see the bigger picture. Good for setting up your own business. Good for the immune system, kidneys, and skin. Good for creative visualization. Releases deep and hidden grief and fear.

Fluorite set. Bracelet with silver toggle. Earrings with silver hooks.

SORRY! NECKLACE IS SOLD!

#0011 Bracelet. Approx. 8". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12

#0010 Earrings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10

Good for focusing the mind, especially to deal with complex issues. Good for the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Helps protect against disease and maintain health.

SORRY - SOLD!

Labradorite.

Necklace is approx. 19", oval beads, silver round spacers,

decorative leaf toggle that can be hooked in front or back.

#0002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35

Earrings have silver hooks. #0003. . . . . . . . . . . .$10

Purchased as set #0004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42

Labradorite is good for mental sharpness, inspiration, intuition, and originality. Aids scientific analysis. Good for digestion and the eyes. Stabilizes and enhances the flow of energy. Helps wth insecurity, anxiety, and stress.

A few more bracelets

Orange gemstone stretch bracelet. #0014. . . . . . . .$10

SORRY - SOLD!

Soapstone bracelet with silver toggle. Approximately 7".

#0034. . . . . .$15

Glass bead with silver spacer beads stretch bracelet.

#0029. . . . .$10

Purple flower jade with purple Czech glass beads.

Silver toggle.

Approximately 7 1/4". #0033. . . . . $15

Bracelets

SORRY - SOLD!

Carnelian bracelet with silver toggle. Approximately 8".

#0015. . . . .$10

Carnelian assists in getting the mind out of mental ruts & back on track for success. Bolsters ambition & drive & reminds the wearer of future goals, becoming a powerful tool in major decision making. Many hold it dear as a stone with the ability to protect the individual, bolster confidence, & generally enhance & expand the experiences of life.

SORRY - SOLD!

Black glass flower bead bracelet. Approximately 8 1/4".

#0016. . . . . . . . . . .$15

Hematite & zebra jasper bracelet with pendant. Silver toggle.

Approximately 7 3/4". #0017. . . . . . . . $15

Hematite brings strength, love, courage and personal magnetism. It's good for mental processes, thoughts, memory, dexterity and working with numbers. It's good for the spleen, blood and vertebrae. Helps anemia, backache, broken bones, blood clots, travel sickness and jet lag.

Zebra jasper brings compassion. Good for teeth and gums, helps dry skin, muscle spasms, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies. Gives access to stamina and endurance.

Aventurine and jade stretch bracelet. #0018. . . . . .$10

Aventurine is a very positive stone of prosperity. Promotes compassion & empathy. Enhances creativity & positive thinking. Healer of the heart & soul. Surrounds the user in a blanket of love. Protects your heart, lungs & adrenals. Balances your blood pressure & stimulates metabolism. Relieves migraine headaches & soothes the eyes.

Jade is good for emotional balance, and confidence. Helps negativity. Aids in problem solving. Brings balance, modesty, courage, wisdom and compassion. Good for the skin, hair, bones, heart, immune system, gallbladder and kidneys.

Czech glass transparent multi color flat oval bead bracelet with silver spacers and toggle. Approximately 7 3/4".

#0020. . . . . .$12

Howlite/hematite bracelet with silver toggle.

Approximately 7 3/4". #0019. . . . . . . . . $15

Howlite is good for calm communication, discernment, memory, study, and action. Helps you to reach your goals. Combats selfishness. Good for the teeth, bones, immune system and circulation. Helps stress and anger.

Hematite (see above).

Tiger's eye bracelet with gold lobster clasp.

Approximately 7 3/4". #0021. . . . .$15

Encourages stability and beauty. Brings peacefulness and clarity to confusion. Balances yin-yang energies and both hemispheres of the brain. Assists in rounding, helping with depression and making one more optimistic. Has been used to stimulate wealth and the ability to maintain it. Used to strengthen the alignment of the spinal column & facilitates the mending of broken bones.

Purple flower jade with purple fluorite. Silver toggle. Approximately 8 1/4". #0022. . . . . . . . . . .$13

Jade (see above)

Purple fluorite is good for communication and new lessons. Good for bones and bone marrow. Helps most dis-ease on a deeper spiritual level.

SORRY! SOLD!

Sweetwater agate/black beaded bracelet with silver toggle. Approximately 8". #0024. . . . . . . . . . . .$13

Agate strengthens the heart, gives courage, harmonizes the heart, throat & solar plexus. Detoxifies your system, reduces temperatures, gives balance, vitality & joy. Used for upset stomach, lung ailments, depression & lethargy. Some use it for grounding & balance, strength, protection & support. Believed to bring the wearer happiness, wealth, health & long life. Increases your ability to ward off self induced anger & inner bitterness.

Picture jasper bracelet with silver toggle.

Approximately 8 1/4". #0025. . . . . . . .$15

Allows you to see the bigger picture. Good for setting up your own business. Good for the immune system, kidneys, and skin. Good for creative visualization. Releases deep and hidden grief and fear.

Aventurine with silver heart spacers and silver toggle. Approximately 9 1/4". #0026. . . . . . . . . . $15

Aventurine (see above).

Black striated agate bracelet with silver toggle.

Approximately 7 1/2". #0027. . . . . . . . . . $12

Agate (see above)

Blue lace agate/hematite bracelet with silver toggle.

Approximately 7 3/4". #0028. . . . . . . . . .$15

A wonderful healing stone. Its soft energy is cooling & calming, bringing peace of mind. Gently dissolves the old pattern of repression & encourages new modes of expression. Aids shyness, validates personal truth & allows ease of self-expression. Use this stone to learn acceptance of yourself & others. Aids in communication, soothes emotions.

Hematite (see above).

SORRY - SOLD!

Blue lace agate (see above).

Black striated agate with silver toggle. Approximately 8". #0031. . . . . . .. $10

Agate (see above).

Hematite stretch bracelet. #0032. . . . . . .$6.00

Hematite (see above).