BlackStar

Happy Etsyversary

2012-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Today marks my 6 year anniversary selling jewelry on Etsy. I didn't want the day to go by without mentioning it. It's been a fast 6 years! I've spent the morning thinking about all the folks that I've met along the way. Those that helped me get started. Answered my never ending stream of questions. Those that I laughed with. Cried with. Got in trouble with. Those that moved on. And those that are still around. Thank you one and all. You know who you are.

We Got Snow

2012-01-13T09:53:00.001-08:00

For a moment, I thought it was going to be a REAL snow. It came down hard and fast, big flakes blowing in the cold north wind. But when all was said and done, this is what we had. It's better than nothing.

Althea loves snow as much as me. So I grabbed the camera, the cat and headed outside. We lasted all of 15 minutes before she was ready to go back inside. She headed for cover.
Here's hoping the next snowfall tops this one.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

My New Favorite Photo Prop

2012-01-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

When my chippy bead board lost most of it's chips, I switched my photo backgrounds in my Etsy shop. I do like the handmade paper backgrounds, but sometimes they're just a little too 'clean' for me. I started gathering up photo props to liven up the show. My new favorite prop is a pair of deer antlers that I've had for a long time. I'm very pleased with the results.

Winter Decorations

2012-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over, but that doesn't mean that I take down all of our decorations. I leave some of them up, both indoors and out, to jazz up the winter landscape. I love the smell of fresh greens, so I keep fresh cut pine and spruce boughs tucked into corners around the house.

I love the winter months. It's when I get to slow down. The garden is harvested and there is zero yard work to be done. I get to concentrate on my Etsy shops and I have more time to blog and to read blogs. There's always something in the oven or on the stove top. And that's something to celebrate. Might as well have some decorations to go along with the joy.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

Love Is In The Air

2012-01-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

And it's in my Etsy jewelry shop in this section. I will be adding new heart pieces, just in time for Valentine's Day, sprinkled throughout the coming weeks. Most of the items are OOAK (one of a kind), so if you see something you like, well, you know what to do.

I get to take photos today with my new camera. WooHoo! Have a good one.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a while dear ole blog, but I've come to wish you a happy new year! We've had a wonderful holiday season and I'm sad to see it winding down. Santa brought me a new camera, so we should be seeing more of each other. We only had one camera, which went to town with John most days. When I blog, it's a spur of the moment thing. Grab the camera, shoot something and blog about it. But since there hasn't been a camera, there hasn't been many blog posts. Now, as soon as I figure out this DSLR, I'll be good to go!

Here's to a fabulous year.

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday Sale

2011-11-23T15:37:00.001-08:00

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday sale going on in my Etsy jewelry shop. 25% off all instock items. Sale ends Tuesday morning at 5:00 AM CST.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Until next time.....

Crystal Lake Never Looked So Good

2011-09-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

We finally made it up to Crystal Lake this past weekend. We hadn't been up since May. Between our schedules and the HEAT this past summer, we were unable to travel up the mountain.
This is what a man made lake or pond looks like when someone (the previous owner) lets trees grow on the dam. The roots caused the dam to leak. In the winter, the water covers the rock, which is to the right of the picture. The dam is in the background. Basically, the entire picture should be water. One day it will be.
We found a dam man that will fix the leak. It will take a lot of destruction and replanting, but hopefully we can get Crystal Lake back to it's glory.

It's really difficult for me to come back down. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll be able to go up more this fall and winter.
Oh, the bottom photo is a sandstone rock.
Until next time.....

Labor Day 2011 Sale

2011-09-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm having a Labor Day weekend sale in my jewelry shop beginning today, September 2, at 9:00 AM CST and ending on Monday night, September 5, at 11:00 PM CST. Everything is 20% off. Prices have already been changed. Many items will not be back in the shop after this, so if you've had your eye on something, now's the time to shop.

Hope y'all have a big weekend planned to usher out Summer. We'll be grilling up a storm. Considering that they're calling for rain, that may be exactly what we'll be doing!

Until next time.....

Farewell Chippy Paint

2011-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy September! The summer garden is winding down and I'm beginning to plan the fall garden. I'm looking forward to all of those fresh greens. And turnips.

On another note, there will be a big change in my jewelry shop this fall. I am retiring my chippy bead board that I use for my jewelry photo background. I just feel that I'm ready for a change. And the bead board has lost most of it's chip! Slowly but surely, I will be replacing all 200+ photos. I think I'll start with replacing only the first thumbnail. I'm planning on using handmade paper that I purchased on Etsy. Thank you dear bead board for the years of service. I will miss you. xo

Until next time.....

Wish I Were Here

2011-07-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

sitting here

on a sunny day

or a stormy one.

it doesn't really matter what the weather does. i just need to hear the sound of the sea.

until next time.....

CIJ ~ Christmas in July Sale

2011-07-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

My CIJ sale began this morning in my jewelry shop and will run until Sunday, July 24th. Everything has been marked down 15%. I need to take some time this weekend and do some shopping myself.

Enjoy the weekend.

Until next time.....

Saturday Afternoon Cat Nap

2011-07-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

While John is busy cutting grass and I'm busy taking jewelry photos, someone is taking a Saturday afternoon cat nap. Must be nice to be able to root under the covers and take a snooze. Oh well, I'll never know. It's time to put up peaches. Have a great weekend.

Until next time.....

They Grow Up So Fast!

2011-07-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

Here's a bird's eye view of Mrs B feeding her babes.
Below: Two of the three eggs hatched. This photo was taken on June 24.

Above: July 1 and feathering out beautifully.

Below: Mother Nature rocks!

I hope I'm home with the camera when the babes leave the nest!

Until next time.....

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

We've had a week of rainy days mixed with sunshine. Our gardens are growing like crazy!
Above: Broccoli
Below: Corn and tomatoes with a layer of mulch. I started staking tomatoes. The lima beans and purple podded green beans are beginning to climb up the trellis.

Above: Squash is starting to come in. Yellow squash pictured. We also have zukes and white patty pans.
Below: Basil. Time to head to the grocery and stock up on vinegar for basil garlic vinegar. Pine nuts and Parmesan are also on the list. We freeze our pesto in ice cube trays, pop them out and store in freezer bags. Then we take out however many we need when we're ready to cook.

Above: Dill. We freeze fresh dill weed and dried dill seed.

Have a great week.

Until next time.....

Happy Bird-day

2011-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

I was outside taking garden photos, so I decided to look inside the bluebird box to see what was happening. Much to my surprise, two of the three eggs hatched. Newly hatched baby birds! I quickly closed the lid, so as not to disturb them. At this point, Mr and Mrs B are used to me poking around. Bluebirds are one of the few nesting birds that don't mind if you take a picture or ten. I'll try to take more photos as the babies grow. This shot was taken on June 20.

Enjoy the weekend.

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T05:03:00.001-07:00

Ruby

2011-06-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

Vintage ruby red vintage glass prisms and beads are front and center on the workbench. July's birthstone is the ruby, so I'm designing a few pieces with these vintage beauties. They're either in the shop or will be there soon.
Enjoy the first day of summer. Our's is a HOT one!
Until next time.....

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-17T14:02:00.001-07:00

We finally got a REAL rain! Two hours worth. That makes for one happy garden and gardener.

I hope you're getting the weather that your garden needs. Now to lay some mulch down.

Pictured from top to bottom are:

1. Garlic blossoms with bumble bee

2. Fried green tomatoes anyone?

3. Clematis

4. Tomatillo starting to climb

5. Lavender, astillbe and hydrangea

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

Settling Into The Summer Work Schedule

2011-06-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Although I've never been one for schedules or lists, in the summer I have what is the closest thing to a schedule. Early mornings, check Etsy. Then head outside to tend the gardens.

When the sun starts to bake my brain, I head indoors, shower and get to work in the studio. In the air conditioned studio. I have quite a few new pieces either in the shop or waiting in line.

Enjoy the lazy (who wrote that song?!) hazy crazy days of summer.

Until next time.....

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

These pictures were from this past week. The gardens are growing like crazy, despite the fact that we've had zero rain. I've been watering and mulching like a mad woman. I think we're in for a long, hot summer. Again.

From top to bottom we have:

Lavender

Parsley seedling with oyster shell marking. I use oyster shells to mark all of our plants in the garden.

Squash hill.

Dill and green onions.

Garlic blossom opening up.

Here's to a fantabulous week, hopefully with a splash of rain.

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

Rabbit Crossing

2011-06-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

As cute as they are, rabbits are not welcome in my garden. The food that I grow feeds us for a year. I'm learning how to rabbit proof the garden and have been pretty successful with it, so far.
Below is a photo of the chicken wire that stands between the cute little bunnies and our beans. It worked last year. Here's hoping it works this year.
The earrings will be available in my Etsy shop some time this week.
Until then.....

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2011-06-03T04:33:00.001-07:00

Above: Eggplant with a cap.
Below: Garlic beginning to flower

Above: Looking through the trellis of the half moon garden. You can see garlic, onions and eggpants. There are also a few early tomatoes, tomatillos, cukes, beets, morning glories and thyme.

Below: The blue rose continues to bloom like crazy! White rose growing in the background on the trellis.

And finally, some of the tomatoes right before they got transplanted into the garden.

I need to get out there and work before it starts to get hot. We've been having unseasonably hot temps in the high 90s.

Until next time.....

Moving Day

2011-05-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

We have a couple of bluebird boxes in the back. We also have a bluebird feeder that I bought several years ago, thinking it would be cool to feed bluebirds since they don't eat at regular bird feeders. That's it, in the foreground. We bought the feed and put it out but the bluebirds never came to eat. But they do seem to like to use it as a house. Why not? Great view with an awesome fixed glass window.
Yesterday, a couple decided to move in. I tried to get a few shots of them without freaking them out too much. I didn't want them to leave.
Today I had to till the round bed and transplant peppers. The nest sits in the middle of the round bed.
Below: Mr B staking his claim.

Above: Mr B checking out the progress from the south door.

Below: Mrs B with a mouthful of pine needles. They both build the nest.

Below: I think that's Mr B inside the box, adding to the nest. They finished the nest. I finished transplanting peppers. I'm heading outdoors to water them in. Bluebirds are not shy birds and tolerate being around humans. Hope they get used to me fast because I'll be knocking on the door when the eggs are laid and again when they hatch.

Until next time.....

Memorial Day Sale

2011-05-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

15% in my Etsy jewelry shop this weekend until Monday night. See shop for details. For those of you with a long weekend, have fun.

Until next time.....

Going Fishin'

2011-05-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

John's got fishing on the brain. He's been talking about it for weeks now. He even went shopping for new gear. Note: this guy hates to shop. So now he's got a pile of new colored things with odd names.

He got out his two tackle boxes from when he was a kid. I almost died! All of those beautiful vintage lures were staring me in the face and all I could think of was getting my hands on them to repurpose those beauties into jewelry.

There's a whole new school of fish in my Etsy shop. Hopefully soon, I'll be adding some vintage lure jewelry.

Until next time.....

Dire Wolf

2011-05-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dire Wolf
Written by Robert Hunter
Performed by the Grateful Dead

In the timbers to fennario, the wolves are running round,
The winter was so hard and cold, froze ten feet neath the ground.
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me. please, don't murder me.

I sat down to my supper, twas a bottle of red whisky,
I said my prayers and went to bed, that's the last they saw of me.
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me. please, don't murder me.

When I awoke, the dire wolf, six hundred pounds of sin,
Was grinning at my window, all I said was come on in.
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me. please, don't murder me.

The wolf came in, I got my cards, we sat down for a game.
I cut my deck to the queen of spades, but the cards were all the same.
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me. please, don't murder me.

In the backwash of fennario, the black and bloody mire,
The dire wolf collects his dues, while the boys sing round the fire.
Don't murder me, I beg of you, don't murder me. please, don't murder me.
No, no, no don't murder me. I beg of you,
Don't murder me. please, don't murder me.

*****

I grew up listening to the Dead. I was fortunate to see them in the early 70's in small venues in my town when I was in high school. There ain't nothin' like a live Dead show. :)

I will have several pairs of the Dire Wolf earrings in my shop, but in very limited supply.

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Crystal Lake On May Day

2011-05-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

We spent the weekend up at Crystal Lake, mowing our fields. The lake was the fullest I've ever seen it! No wonder, with all the rain we've been having. Water was running over the spillway. Several trees were down from the storm that we had last week. Frogs were singing at night and birds were singing in the morning. It doesn't get any better than that.
Pictured:
1. Bluebird nest
2. Part of the lake, taken from the tent
3. Close up of the 'kitchen'
4. The bog. It sits back in the woods, near the house site. It dries up in the summer.
5. Fire for food, warmth and light.
6. LED nightlights.

Until next time.....

Danny's Hole

2011-04-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

In the 80's, we used to go deep sea fishing in Murrells Inlet, SC. One day I decided to stay home. And I'm glad that I did. John came home early that day. He didn't have any fish.
Seems that one of the guys that paid to fish decided to swim instead. Yeah, you read that right. We're talking about fishing out in the Gulf Stream, hours from shore. John looked up and saw this man do a perfect swan dive off the rail. He quickly started to swim away from the boat.
The captain immediately cut the anchor so they could pull up to him, but Danny kept swimming in the opposite direction. Finally one of the mates dove in after him. They finally coaxed him into the boat, where they quickly duct taped him so he wouldn't hurt himself, someone else OR dive back in. It was a long ride back to shore.
The fishing spot where they cut the anchor is now called Danny's Hole. I will never look at an anchor again without thinking about this story.
There are several pieces of anchor jewelry in my Etsy shop. They can be found here.
Until next time.....

After The Storm

2011-04-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Two full days of strong storms, here in TN. Today, the sun came out. What a wild ride!
Until next time.....

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day from my garden to yours.

Until next time.....

Happiness is.....

2011-04-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Spring!

Until next time.....

Tax Weekend Sale

2011-04-16T04:21:00.000-07:00

I've decided to have a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend. 15% off until Sunday night at midnight, CST. Sale applies to all instock items. Hope to see you there.

Until next time.....

Cat Sun Glasses

2011-04-15T08:51:00.001-07:00

Do they make such a thing? Althea needs them! Doubt she'd wear them, but she sure does need them. Look at those squinty eyes. It's the time of year when I go sun glass shopping. I didn't get a new pair last year and I need one desperately. Maybe I should keep an eye out for cool cat glasses. Until next time.....

New Jewelry

2011-04-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

I've been adding quite a bit of new jewelry to my Etsy shop. Here's a sample. Some of it hasn't been listed yet, so check back or convo me if you see something you're interested in.

Until next time.....

Removing Odors From Vintage and Other Pieces

2011-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

If you buy vintage things, sooner or later you're going to receive a package that smells like cigarettes and/or perfume. I recently received two in one week. Yuk! I tried my usual remedies and neither worked. I got online and Google came to the rescue. Thought I'd pass my findings on here.

One of the orders had porous beads in it, so I didn't feel comfortable using vinegar on them. The other was old brass and I was afraid the vinegar would clean the brass. Didn't want that to happen! So, I didn't even attempt to try the vinegar. I took a one quart yogurt container, put the bone beads in and covered with baking soda. Left it for a few days. When I opened it, the odor was still there.

Next, I tried coffee. I put the beads in a yogurt container lid and set them on a bed of coffee beans in a plastic container with a lid. Left it a few days. That didn't work either.

With Google's info, I put my beads back in a new yogurt container and covered them with clean cat litter. After a day the odor was gone! Worked with the brass too.

Until next time.....

25% Off All Bullet Jewelry Today Only

2011-04-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

25% off all of my bullet jewelry today, April 8th. The sale pieces can be found here.

Enjoy your weekend.

Until next time.....

April Fools Day Sale

2011-04-01T05:27:00.001-07:00

April Fools Day sale in my Etsy jewelry shop today. 15% off. Until next time.....

How To: My Adventures With Lace

2011-03-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I purchased some vintage lace with the idea of making a few pennant style necklaces. When I got the lace, I realized that it wasn't going to work because the lace was so wonderfully soft and wouldn't hang right. What to do? What to do? I convo'd around on Etsy and started a thread in the forums asking questions about lace. Between the information I received from some lovely folks (thank you!) and my days of experimenting, I came up with results that were perfect.

Here's how I did it: I used Aleene's Fabric Stiffener & Draping Liquid. I diluted it by 50% with water in a small bowl. I put the lace in. Squished it around, with rubber gloves on. Squeezed out the excess. Set it on plastic wrap and formed it into the shape I wanted, blotting with paper towels, making sure that no holes still had liquid in it. I used a tooth pick to shape the tiny areas. When it was dry, I rinsed it in hot water. It felt a bit rough for my liking. (The directions didn't say to do this.) Blotted it with paper towels and set on plastic to dry. When it was dry, it was stiff, but not scratchy rough to the touch.

I have the necklaces for sale in my shop. One is natural creamy white. The other is tea dyed.

For directions on dyeing with black tea, go here.

Until next time.....

How To: Tea-Dyed Bone Beads

2011-03-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

I recently took out my stash of bone beads. I've had many of them since I started making jewelry, which would make them vintage according to Etsy's 20 year law! I wanted to dye some of them with tea to give them an antiqued, rustic look. Where to go to find out the info?

I remember a while back reading something on Lisa's blog. Sure enough, I found what I was looking for. A convo or two later with this fab woman and I was good to go.

Here's how I did it, in case anyone else is interested.

I put two tea bags (black tea) in a one quart size yogurt container.

Pour in one cup boiling water

Add beads

Leave overnite

Take out. Rinse. Dry. Use.

The pictures of the deer pendants give you a good idea of the before and after. I like the tea stained one best. John likes the white, natural one. They are both available in my Etsy shop in a limted number.

Until next time.....

And Then I Said.....

2011-03-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

The weather is all over the map around here. Last weekend it was pure summer. This weekend, I have the heat on. Too early to garden, but not too early to start seeds and nourish them. I'll be glad when we're eating fresh veggies again!

I do have a lot of time to work in the studio this time of year. Enjoying it while I can. I've been listing new things regularly in my shop.

I think the cat's got my tongue.

Until next time.....

'Round The Yard

2011-03-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

^Grandmother's tulip tree is in full bloom. This is a treat for the eyes; the first tree to blossom.
The following are some of my MIL's outdoor sculptures.

Side one

Side two

Enjoy the sights around you. And don't forget to turn your clocks ahead tonight. Yay Spring!

Until next time.....

Here Comes Spring!

2011-02-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

A Sudden Warm Up.....

2011-02-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

and we headed up to Crystal Lake. It was fabulous. Warm during the day. Comfortable at night; especially with the campfire. We cut and stacked firewood from some trees that we downed last fall.
It's so nice to camp this time of year. NO BUGS!
But alas, we're back. I love it up there. Every time we leave, I leave a piece of my heart behind. See the heart in the woodpile?

I've a busy week ahead. Broccoli and cabbage seeds need to be started. I have orders to fill in my Etsy shop. Better get a move on.
Until next time.....

New Jewels

2011-02-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

Winter's winding down, here in mid TN. I see the tips of our daffodils beginning to poke through the soil. This is the last week of freedom for me. Starting next week, it's back to work. Trees need trimming. Seeds need sowing. Garden beds need cleaning up. Trellises need to be constructed. And the list will grow until we once again put the garden to bed next fall. I am ready!

I've been listing new jewels in the shop. Here's a sample of what's new. Some pieces haven't been listed yet.

Until next time.....

Superbowl 2011

2011-02-06T05:33:00.000-08:00

I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop for the Superbowl widows. Might as well enjoy some retail therapy if you're not going to be watching the game. I'm trying the Etsy coupon code out. Enter superbowl2011 at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Enjoy.

Until next time.....

Snow Ball Bush

2011-01-27T09:59:00.001-08:00

At least for now the Blue Hydrangea can pretend.

Until next time.....

New Necklaces

2011-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

More new necklaces, either in the shop now or soon to be listed.

Until next time.....

New Jewelry

2011-01-20T08:30:00.001-08:00

Sitting here waiting on another snow storm. It's been a wonderful winter thus far. I do love snow!

I've been busy making new jewelry pieces for my Etsy shop and have been adding new items on a regular basis. There is a section in my shop with heart jewelry, for those of you that look for hearts this time of year.

I'm enjoying my time away from the computer. It's amazing how much I can get done in a fraction of the time. Makes for a happy camper. Now, where's that snow?
Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Snow Day!

2011-01-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Key To My Happiness

2011-01-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Do you make resolutions for the new year? Everybody has been talking about theirs. I don't make them. But since everyone keeps asking me, I decided upon an answer.

Drum roll please.....

My resolution is to work smarter, not harder. Five years ago, I opened my Etsy shop, not knowing WTF I was doing. I was a newb with a capital N. I learned everything from scratch. So many incredible folks helped me along the way. To those of you that are still around, I say thank you!

But I'm burning out. Seriously! It is not something I enjoy doing every day and I think it's starting to show. So for the new year, I'm giving myself a gift. The gift to work smarter and not harder. That means spending less time online, while still getting done what I feel needs to be done in order to make my Etsy shop work. It's the key to my happiness.

Happy New Year!

Until next time......whenever that may be. :)

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

From our home to yours.

May this year be filled with peace, happiness

Health and prosperity.

~Katie and Althea

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Present

2010-12-27T07:36:00.001-08:00

We woke up to a white Christmas! The first one in 17 years. And when it was all said and done, we had 2" of snow in Tennessee. What more can an ex Yank ask for?
Hope your holidays were filled with magic.
Until next time.....

See You Next Year

2010-12-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

I’m taking time off to enjoy the holiday season. I will have limited access to my shop, but will be keeping an eye on everything and will be answering convos asap.
While I’m gone, enjoy 15% off and complimentary shipping. All orders will ship December 30,2010.
May you have a holiday filled with peace and joy.
Season’s Greetings from Tennessee.
See you in 2011.
Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T03:51:00.000-08:00

Deck The Halls ~ Etsy Style

2010-12-06T04:14:00.000-08:00

I started a flickr group so we can post our holiday decorations. Here's the group description:

A group for Etsy sellers and buyers to post photos of their holiday decorations, both indoors and out. Baked goods, candy, other homemade treats, gift wrapping also welcome.
Please do NOT post items that are for sale in your shop. They will be removed.

Come on over and join!

Until next time.....

Deck The Halls

2010-12-05T07:28:00.001-08:00

Deck the halls with things from Etsy
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

A sampling of some of the decorations from teamdiscovery and undiscovered shops. At least half of these shops have less than 20 sales. Click on the collage to begin shopping.
Happy Holidays~
Until next time.....

Ice Storm

2010-12-03T07:01:00.001-08:00

No, we didn't have an ice storm in Tennessee. The landscape is sugared with an icy layer that looks beautiful in the morning sun.

Ice Storm is the name of my new necklace. You can find it in my Etsy shop.

Stay warm.

Until next time.....

Stars

2010-12-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

I love stars. Real ones. Fabricated ones. I've collected them for years now. They pop up everywhere around here, both indoors and out.
Check out these stars that I found while making a treasury this morning. Click on the collage. It will take you to the treasury itself.
Until next time.....

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T03:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving. From our house to yours~

Until next time.....

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-23T03:18:00.000-08:00

In my Etsy jewelry shop!

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday Sale, running from 11/23 – 11/30. 15% off, plus Complimentary Worldwide Holiday Shipping. All prices have already been reduced! I'll be adding new jewelry daily. Hope to see you there.

Happy Holidays from Tennessee.

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

New Pine Cone Necklace

2010-11-13T08:39:00.001-08:00

I love pine cones! We have several different trees on our property that produce cones. I gather them up for winter decorating; both indoors and out.

When I came across these vintage Lucite pine cones, I had to have them! Vintage AND pine cones. Score!

This is the second necklace listed in my shop. Same as the other one, but with a vintage black enameled chain. I will have several for sale. I will also be keeping one for me. :)

Until next time.....

New Jewels

2010-11-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

New jewelry either in or soon to be in my Etsy shop.

Stop on by. Free shipping until December 31, 2010.

Until next time.....

Testing...Testing

2010-11-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm experimenting with the site 'Etsy on Sale' to see how it works. I want to have a sale during the holiday season and thought I'd have a practice run, since I haven't used the site before.

I'm offering 10% off of my entire jewelry shop on Etsy, today until midnight CST. Prices are already reduced. And I didn't have to sit for hours hand editing!

Stop on by. If I don't see you today, keep an eye out on my blog for future holiday sales and events. Free worldwide shipping continues until December 31, 2010.

Until next time.....

I Know What Cats Want

2010-11-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

Brought to you by Althea. Click on the collage to take you to the treasury where you can start your holiday shopping.
Meow~

New Jewelry

2010-10-26T08:42:00.001-07:00

I've been busy in the studio and stocking my Etsy shop for the holiday season. Someone reminded me that it's 60 days away. Eep!

I'm offering free worldwide shipping in my jewelry shop until the end of 2010.

Acorns

2010-10-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

New acorn earrings in my shop.

Don't forget, I'm offering free worldwide shipping throughout the holidays!

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2010-10-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

oo) What you want
(oo) Baby, I got it
(oo) What you need
(oo) Do you know I got it?
(oo) All I'm askin'
(oo) Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home
(just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)

I ain't gonna do you wrong while you're gone
Ain't gonna do you wrong (oo) 'cause I don't wanna (oo)
All I'm askin' (oo)
Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)
Baby (just a little bit) when you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

I'm about to give you all of my money
And all I'm askin' in return, honey
Is to give me my propers
When you get home (just a, just a, just a, just a)
Yeah baby (just a, just a, just a, just a)
When you get home (just a little bit)
Yeah (just a little bit)

Ooo, your kisses (oo)
Sweeter than honey (oo)
And guess what? (oo)
So is my money (oo)
All I want you to do (oo) for me
Is give it to me when you get home (re, re, re ,re)
Yeah baby (re, re, re ,re)
Give it to me (respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now (just a little bit)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)
I get tired (just a little bit)
Keep on tryin' (just a little bit)
You're runnin' out of foolin' (just a little bit)
And I ain't lyin' (just a little bit)
(re, re, re, re) 'spect
When you come home (re, re, re ,re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone (just a little bit)
I got to have (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)

~Thank you Aretha! Now, I'm going to go crank up Aretha Franklin and make jewelry.

Until next time.....

Welcome To Tennessee

2010-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last May a pair of whistling swans stopped off at the pond down the road for a few days during their migration. Well the other day, they returned! They are so cool. I've never seen them before.

Such beautiful birds! Enjoy your stay and rest up for your flight.

Until next time.....

Black is the Night

2010-10-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, I awoke with the treasury bug. Coffee in hand, I sat down and put together a treasury with some of my faves, some of my friends and some of my team mates. Yesterday evening I received a convo from a friend that my treasury was on the front page!

I was so excited for everyone. Congrats y'all! I couldn't have done it without you. Click on the treasury to get a bird's eye view.

Until next time.....

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Etsy Project Embrace's treasury challenge that is going on right now is for breast cancer awareness. This morning I sat down and put together my trej for the challenge. You can view it by clicking on the beautiful cuff embroidered by our team leader Waterrose.
I would LOVE to get this treasury on the front page of Etsy. Please stop by if you have a moment. All of the items are from members of EPE. Feel free to leave a comment. I'll heart you forever~

In my shop this month, 50% of the proceeds from the listings in my EPE section will be donated to the American Cancer Society through Etsy Project Embrace. Click on the necklace below. It will take you to that section.

Breast cancer doesn't have to kill anymore.

Until next time.....

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

2010-10-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
~Paul Simon

We spent the weekend on top of the mountain at Crystal Lake. Camping out under the stars. Cool weather. Wind blowing through the trees. But this time the wind was different. It was an Autumn wind. Chestnut oak acorns fell from the trees. Believe me, you don't want to get hit with one of those! They are about 2" long.
I sat out at night, staring at the stars. The Milky Way swept across the sky above us. I didn't want to come back down. Never do. It clears the cobwebs of my mind. I love it up there. Being surrounded by trees. And darkness. Like going home to old friends.
Until next time.....

Complimentary Worldwide Shipping Begins Today

2010-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Complimentary worldwide holiday shipping begins today, October 1 and runs until December 31 in my Etsy jewelry shop.

I can not believe that it's that time of the year again! I'm not complaining. I love autumn and fall and all that it has to bring.

Hope to see you there~

Until next time.....

Autumn

2010-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well according to the calender, autumn is officially here. But by looking at the thermometer, it would be hard to tell. We almost broke a record yesterday. It was 95*. Not the kind of record I care to break.

It's very dry around here. We haven't had any of the rain that came through middle TN and the stress is starting to show. The garden soil is dry as a bone. Trees are losing leaves before they even change color. They say that we're going to get rain and cooler weather next week. Let's hope they're right.

I can't wait until we can head up to the mountain and enjoy camping in the crisp autumn air. I'm bringing my hammock so I can tie it to the trees and watch the leaves fall.

I dragged out some pictures from past years of our trees at Crystal Lake to remind me what lies ahead.....somewhere in the near future.

Until next time.....

New Necklaces

2010-09-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

New necklaces in my Etsy shop, with more to come.

Until next time.....

Black is Black

2010-09-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year to start bringing back the black clothes and accessories. I love to wear black, but ever since we adopted Althea, it is almost impossible to leave the house without white cat fur somewhere on me. I don't want to go out looking like the crazy cat lady, which I am not. Seems like by now, I should own stock in pet hair rollers.

I've been stocking my bead shop with black beads and have listed some new black jewels in my jewelry shop. Just in time for Halloween; one of my fave times of the year.

Until next time.....

Pumpkin Latte

2010-09-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago when I was hanging in Etc, on the Etsy forums, some folks were talking about Pumpkin Latte from Starbucks. It sounded good! I love everything pumpkin. I had no desire to go to Starbucks to try one. Never been there. Why start now? So I hit the internet to see what I could find. I did find several recipes, got the gist of it and came up with this. Give it a try. It's easy and oh so good!

3 heaping tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 Tablespoons vanilla syrup*
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**
1 cup milk - works with any kind of milk
1-2 shots espresso
-In small saucepan, stir puree into milk. add vanilla syrup* and spice. heat gently and stir occasionally just until steaming and foam begins to appear. If you like it sweeter, you can add more vanilla syrup.
Pour into tall mug and pour espresso over it.
Top with whip cream and dash of spice.

*Vanilla syrup:
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
-Bring water,sugar and salt to boil on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.
Boil until mixture becomes thick and syrupy. It took about 10 minutes when I did this.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Cool.
Store in frig.
~I didn't make the whole recipe. I may have made 1/4 of it. I read that it stores in the frig for a couple of weeks. You might want to google 'vanilla syrup' or 'sugar syrup' to see what you find out.

**I make my own pumpkin pie spice and keep it on hand. We love cinnamon, so I'm pretty heavy on it. Adjust to taste:
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
a little under 1/4 teaspoon cloves
a little under 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Until next time.....

Autumn Jewels

2010-09-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Just a sample of some of the new jewelry being listed in my Etsy shop. My shop's landscape is changing just like the landscape in TN. Here the leaves are starting to turn color and fall. Ironweed and Fall Asters are among the flowers that are in bloom. And when the sky is blue, it is really blue. I'm enjoying every minute of it. As a matter of fact, I'm heading outdoors to work in the gardens.

Until next time.....

When I Grow Up

2010-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

When I grow up, I want to be Althea! This is what I see while I'm working. She follows me around most of the time, like a dog, and sleeps at my feet. Her life hasn't always been this good, but I know for a fact that it has been since we adopted her several years ago.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time.....

Falling.....

2010-09-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! Summer slowly starts coming to an end and Autumn begins to awaken. It's my favorite time of the year. After a long hot summer, I get to sit back and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of my labor. Cinnamon infused desserts start to fill our home with added warmth.

I have more time for my online shops. I've had fun making a few Halloween themed earrings. You can see them in my Etsy shop. Just click on the collage above. They are all OOAK.
I've been stocking my deStash shop with autumn colored beads too. I've really been into skull beads this year. I mean, I've always been into skulls (Dead Head), but this year I've been searching for them and adding them to my stash. I am parting with a few though. You can find them in my shop. Just click on the collage below.

It's 6:15 PM. It's been raining today, so the sky is grey. It's fairly dark outside. Althea is curled up in the corner, sound asleep and snoring with a smile on her face. We're both waiting for Papa John to get home. He doesn't know it, but tomorrow I'm baking him a pie with some of last years pumpkin that I put up. I can't wait to smell the cinnamon.

Until next time.....

Shining Stars

2010-09-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

This time of year, the vining flowers really shine. When most flowers are played out, my morning glories, clematis, cypress vine and cardinal climbers explode onto the scene. They escape their trellises and attach themselves to anything that they can reach. Vines gone wild! I love it. And so do the birds and the bees.

Enjoy these last flowering days of the season.

Until next time.....

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-08T05:16:00.001-07:00

Where was my camera?

2010-09-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip up to Crystal Lake this past weekend. It was so nice to be back on the mountain, camping out under the stars. I could easily stay up there and never come back down.

I had several 'where is my camera when I need it' moments.

When we took the tarp off of the woodpile, we found a beautiful copperhead napping. She was about two feet long. Maybe I can get a shot of her next time.

I was sitting next to the water and a butterfly landed on my arm. Blue/orange/black wings inches from my eyes. With the sun out, the shadow the butterfly made was amazing. It would have made a great 'Shadow Shot Sunday'.

A scorpion lives in the stones of our fire pit. We saw him, but alas.....no camera.

Back down from the mountain, I went out to the garden to cut some basil. Something waddled out from under the basil. It was a young dove. I sat down and started talking to it. It turned and came closer, scratched around in the dirt and made itself comfortable. Three feet from me. You guessed it. The camera was in the house.

I can't complain. I do capture some wonderful surprises. The top photo is John walking on top of the dam.

Bottom collage: hot peppers, cardinal climber, autumn clematis in full bloom

Until next time.....

End of Summer Sale

2010-09-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to this weekend and to saying goodbye to Summer. The weather promises to be beautiful!

I added a sale section to my Etsy jewelry shop. Stop on by and see if there's something that you've hearted, or should I say 'favorited'? Who knows, you may even find a gift or two for someone on your holiday shopping list.

Have a great weekend!

Until next time.....

Signs of Autumn

2010-09-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Remember me? I've been MIA for a while now. Sometimes life gets in the way and the blog goes on the back burner. But, Fall is in the air and I should have more time to blog once again.

I'm typing with 9 fingers. Yesterday, while drilling through bullet shell casings, the drill slipped and well, I'll save the details. Good news is that I had a small bit in at the time and I didn't drill all the way through my finger.

I've got lots of news to tell, but will save that for another day.

I'm so glad that Autumn is making her appearance once again. It's been a long, hot Summer.

Some signs of Autumn in my neck of the woods:

Cool mornings

Double digit temperatures

Foggy mornings

Open windows

Blue jays are back

Peppers are ripening

Summer garden is winding down

Garden is tilled and ready to plant the Fall garden

We will be able to go camping again!

Autumn banners in my Etsy shops

Fall colored beads in my deStash shop

Autumn themed jewelry in my jewelry shop

Labor Day weekend

So, what are the signs of Autumn surrounding you?

Until next time.....

Sunday's Peace

2010-08-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Harvesting tomatoes~

Urban Eyes

2010-08-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I'm a Nashville cat~

Until next time.....

.....and it stoned me

2010-08-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

A few pieces that are or will be available online.

Don't you just love Van Morrison~

Until next time.....

To Dance With The White.....

2010-07-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Cat.
Part 3. Last of the cat trilogy.
It’s dedicated to #1. On this day, several years ago, she left us to cross over the Rainbow Bridge~
xoxo Click on the photo to take you to the treasury.

Until next time.....