Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy 2012 Sale!

SALE! HUGE SALE! Happy New Year 2012 Sale! 

Everything is on sale! use code: HELLO2012 for a fabulous 30% off your order! Wow! Also, a fabulous offer on Gift Certificates!
All are all $5 off! If you want a gift certificate in an amount that isn't listed, just let me know and I'll create a listing just for you!

Thank you for visiting my shop! It is my mission to make sturdy, affordable, unique, modern and fashionable jewelry for women of all walks of life.
Please, take a look around, and if you have any questions, special requests or anything in between, do not hesitate to contact me.. 

Also, as a proud member of The Artisan Group, The 7th Crow has gifted handmade jewelry to stars such as Zooey Deschanel, the star of Fox's hit show, The New Girl. The 7th crow is also proud to announce that they will participate in a luxury Gift Lounge on January 13-14, 2012 hosted by GBK Productions at the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters. All attending celebrities will receive our business cards in their swag bags. This event will also be attended by over 75 media outlets. For more information on the Artisan Group, please visit: www.theartisangroup.org.

Happy Shopping!


Also you can follow me on Twitter --
@The7thCrow

I am also on Facebook --
www.facebook.com/the7thcrow

Giving is better than receiving

This Christmas season, I received a couple of custom orders for gifts from new clients.  It's always nerve racking for me to take on custom orders even though I LOVE them.  I love to work through a piece of jewelry that will truly be one of a kind - a piece that someone thought about specifically for a loved one and just needed a little help from me to get from point A to point B.  It's an amazing feeling when it works out how you both hope it will.  


Yesterday, on Christmas Day, I was lucky enough to be rewarded with a photograph of a beautiful, young girl.  A girl who loves natural stones and all creations of the earth, such as trees and the moon and her native country of India.  After talking with her Aunt, we came up with a fantastic idea for a Tree of Life pendant that would be made specifically for this amazing girl.  I researched the trees of India and found a perfect fit.  I created a tree just for her that was based off of the Cannonball Tree found in India.  Even though I was very happy with the tree, I still worried, as I always do, that she wouldn't like it, or it would be the wrong size.  Just normal jitters, I suppose.  Yesterday, I received a picture of a beautiful, smiling girl, wearing the necklace I made just for her.  She had an amazing glow on her face that brought joy to my heart and a tear to my eye.  


Later yesterday evening, after all the festivities had settled down at my house here in Dallas, my dear friend, Laura, sent me a note thanking me so much for the jewelry she had received as a Christmas gift from her mother.  She was overjoyed and clearly expressed her love and gratitude for the gift.  Now, Laura and I have been friends for several years, but I've never met her mother, nor knew her name.  It took a while, thinking about it to realize which order must have been for Laura, but I figured it out. :)  A lot of online sellers get frustrated when they have to do more than take someone's money, make a product and ship it.  But I took time to help this mother through Etsy and how it works.  Even with PayPal having issues and hurdles being thrown our way, we figured it all out and the jewelry made it to its destination in time!  And not only did it make it in time for a Christmas gift for my client's daughter, it made it in time for my dear friend to open at Christmas with her mommy.  Priceless!


Anyway, I know I've been going on for a while here, but I wanted to put some joy into the world today.  While it wasn't my personal best Christmas ever, I had a part in at least two good ones and that makes up for a lot.


Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, etc.....


XOXOXOXOXO,
Jamie

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas from The 7th Crow

I hope your holidays are filled with joy!  Love to all!  Thank you for all of my fabulous customers!


Love,
Jamie

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Another note on shipping!

Please note - While my shop will still be open and emails and convos will be answered, shipments will be on hold from December 21 thru December 26.  Any orders placed during this time (excluding custom orders) will be shipped on December 27.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Monday, December 12, 2011

6 Day Warning!

Place your orders for delivery by Christmas by 12/16!  Just a warning!  And gift certificates can be emailed all the way up to Christmas Eve!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

So Lucky to be a part of The Artisan Group!

As a proud member of The Artisan Group, The 7th Crow has gifted handmade jewelry to stars such as Zooey Deschanel, the star of Fox's hit show, The New Girl. 


The 7th Crow is also proud to announce that they will participate in a luxury Gift Lounge on January 13-14, 2012 hosted by GBK Productions at the L'Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters. All attending celebrities will receive our business cards in their swag bags. This event will also be attended by over 75 media outlets. For more information on the Artisan Group, please visit: www.theartisangroup.org.

Shipping Deadlines for Christmas

Christmas Shipping Deadline: December 16 - Orders placed by this date will arrive in time for Christmas!


Unfortunately, i cannot guarantee delivery by Christmas for my international buyers, but if you are interested in an order, I am happy to look at all options to see what type of delivery times we are looking at.  

Gift Certificates Now Available (and get $5 free)

Having trouble deciding what to get for that certain someone? Or do you think they would enjoy a custom piece, but you want to let them work out the details with me? Problem is solved! I now offer gift certificates! You can find them in $25, $50, $75, and $100 values! (If you prefer another amount, just let me know via convo and I'll create a listing for you!)

Gift certificates are only redeemable in my Etsy shop (www.Etsy.com/The7thCrow). 

If only a portion of the gift certificate is used,the remainder of the gift certificate may be put toward a future purchase. If, however, a purchase exceeds the value of the gift certificate, the redeemer of the gift certificate will be sent a revised PayPal invoice.

Gift certificates are currently available in a pdf file e-mailed to the address of your choice. A print copy can be mailed to a specified address if requested.

A pdf copy of your gift certificate will be e-mailed to your requested address within 24 hours of purchase.

To redeem your gift certificate, Go to my Etsy shop and select the items you would like to purchase with your gift certificate. If you would prefer to put the gift certificate toward a custom order, please start a convo with me, and once we have all the details worked out, I will create a custom listing for you. At checkout, be sure you choose the 'Other' payment option. In the Message to Seller section, please type in the numerical code that will be in clearly marked on the gift certificate. I will send you a convo to confirm your order.

For other denominations follow these links:

$50 - http://www.etsy.com/listing/87699489/gift-certificate-50-dollars
$75 - http://www.etsy.com/listing/87699613/gift-certificate-75-dollars
$100 - http://www.etsy.com/listing/87699660/gift-certificate-100-dollars

Monday, October 24, 2011

Tree of Life


I love making these trees.  Each tree is so unique.  Given the same supplies, my creation would be drasticly different from the wire wrapper sitting next to me.  There is so  much room for creativity.  


You can even make them as personal and meaningful as you wish.  This tree of life pendant is named after my mother since she is my reason for life. My favorite colors are showcased in this pendant using fresh water pearls and fire polished crystals. The crystals are an amazing, shimmering, deep green and the pearls are both natural white and others are died a vibrant purple.

Big or small.  Beaded or simply metal.  The possibilities are endless!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Introducing: Create Your Perfect Hoop Earrings with The 7th Crow!

Design, Create, Build your perfect pair of hoops! These are the earrings every girl needs! Simple, elegant, lightweight! Great for grab and go earrings! 


These simple hoops are hand forged using your choice of sterling silver, silver filled (with copper), gold brass, or copper jewelry grade wire.  They are hammered for strength and beauty.  Size is also your choice.  Whether you want a dainty 1" pair, a bold 3" pair or anything in between, I can create what you need.  I am happy to accept custom orders as well!  Teardrop shaped hoops are also an option in the shop.




How does Build Your Own Hoops work?

1.  First, pick your hoop shape, 
size and color.  (If you want a basic, everyday wear, extremely lightweight pair of hoops, you can just stop here!)  

2.  Then, should you want to jazz up a basic pair of hoops, chose any add-on options as found in additional listings that you might want.  I am currently offering oxidization or antique finishes, wire crochet detailing, or a spiral wrapped detail.  Have fun with this step!  Mix and match metals and finishes if you want something unique!
3.  The price of the simple hoops is as listed, and each add on listing will add to the final price of the hoops (which will be totaled in your shopping cart).
4.  Since "Build Your Own Hoops" are custom made to order, please allow up to 3 business days for your creation to be completed and shipped.
5.  Finally, have fun! Mix and match colors and add ons! This is your way to have your favorite every hoops exactly how you want them! Search no more!




If you decide you want more than one pair, let me know prior to purchase, and I'll create a custom listing for you!


Ready to shop?  Click HERE!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Silver vs. Gold vs. Other Metals

So, it's all over the news how expensive real gold is now.  It's really shocking, actually.  Sterling silver isn't cheap either, but it's still affordable generally.  There are several "other" metals out there like brass, copper, and many more.  I am just curious to know from  you all, what you prefer for your jewelry.  Does the metal matter to you?  Are you more of an "only silver" person?  Or an "only sterling" person?  My mother, for example, is allergic to all metals but real gold.  


Anyway, I just wanted to take a quick poll to see what you all think.  Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.  :)


Thank you!  

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Newsletter!

Click the link to the right to join my mailing list for my newsletter!  It is my plan to send out a monthly newsletter offering special offers, new items, news, etc.


Also, please take my poll!


I promise to NEVER sell you information or spam you in any way.  The information will only be used to send out my monthly newsletter.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Good Husband = Repaired Camera

Hip Hip Horray!!!  My camera is back in business!  I have close to 20 new pieces to photograph and list.  Stay tuned.................................

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ode to Coffee (National Coffee Day)

Dear Coffee,

In honor of National Coffee Day, I'd like to say thank you.  Thank you for helping me graduate from college.  Thank you for keeping me gainfully employed for so many years.  Thank you for making it possible for me to keep the hours of a new mom (and a second time mom) for the last 4 years.  And finally, thank you for the amazing and nostalgic feeling that comes with the aroma of you that drifts through my house in the morning.  

Coffee --  I salute you!
With all the gratitude in my heart,

Jamie





Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Thank You Facebook!

The 7th Crow's Facebook page got its 102nd fan today!  Yay!  Thank you for all of the continued support!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

RIP Camera... :(

My camera isn't working!  Argh!  What great timing!  I have several new pieces to photograph.  This is such a bummer!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Starting to prepare for the Golden Globes Swag Bags!

The bead market was in Dallas this past weekend, and I went two days in a row!  I am just so excited about joining in on the celebrity swag bags with The Artisan Group and all of the amazing and talented artists in the group!  

I hope to have some amazing pieces to feature on my business cards.  Of course, the pieces will also be available in my shop.  Stay tuned! 

I am lucky enough to have my dear friend Suzanne Sawyer to take some spectacular product pictures for me.  Be sure to check out Suzanne's work HERE!  And next time you make it to Houston, Texas, set an appointment!  You will NOT be disappointed.  

Anyway, as I was saying, it's getting very exciting starting to prepare for this HUGE event! Stay tuned for more updates!




Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hello, Fire. I'm Jamie.

I have entered the world of soldering.  I am having a blast.  I hope this doesn't count as "playing with fire" because as a kid, my mom always told me that "if you play with fire, you'll wet the bed".  

Here is a little sneak peek of what I've been up to.  I hope to have these listed in my Etsy shop very soon!



The Artisan Group

I am so happy to be a part of The Artisan Group!  For those of you who don't know what this group is or what they are about, here is a little blurb from their website:

"The Artisan Group, an exclusive close-knit community of talented artisans, collectively provides a lovely sampling of handcrafted products to celebrities and members of the press at major award show luxury Gift Lounges leading up to The Academy Awards*, The Golden Globes*, and The Primetime Emmys*. Most celebrities even pose for a professional photo with our artisan's products!

     Members of The Artisan Group showcase a broad spectrum of specialties, including handcrafted jewelry; spa and bath products; designer stationery and paper goods; crocheted apparel; children’s tutus, apparel and toys; ceramics; purses and totes; hand-poured candles; book binding and journals; illustrations and paintings; hand-dyed scarves; fine art photography; hair accessories; pet apparel and toys; and woodworking products.
The Artisan Group also offers members guidance in the areas of sales, marketing, social media, and public relations. Our representatives are experienced and have represented many artists at Hollywood's top Gift Lounges in the past, yielding fantastic results."
I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group!  Communication is open.  Advice is plentiful.  Celebration is shared.  Every single person I have come in contact with has been wonderful.  
I can see glimpses of the future and it seems so bright.  The first stop is the Golden Globes early next year.....  

Thursday, August 4, 2011

And the winner is...........................

First of all, I want to thank all of you who entered and who referred others to enter.  It means so much to me to have the support and encouragement, so THANK YOU!


Secondly, I really enjoyed all of your stories.  Some were happy, some were sad, but they all had such significance that they are worth sharing with the world.  Thank you for opening up to me and giving truly heartfelt comments.

And now, without further delay, the winner is:




I guess it really does pay off to have your hubby do things for you, huh, Regan!  :)  You guys are awesome!


So, thanks again for all of the entries.  Once I reach 100 fans on Facebook, I'll do another giveaway.


~Jamie


Mike - Please contact me at the7thcrow@gmail.com and we'll set up details for your winnings.



Saturday, July 30, 2011

Jewelry Giveaway!

Do you like free stuff?  Do you like free jewelry?  Do you know someone who likes free stuff?  Especially free jewelry?  Then have I got the contest for you!!!
What does the winner receive?  
A pair of Czech glass wire wrapped hoop earrings!

Sample:  
What do you have to do?   
Simply leave a comment on this blog post telling me briefly about your favorite memory regarding jewelry, and you will be entered into the drawing. Pass this on to your friends and family, and if they mention your name in their comment, then not only are they entered to win, but you'll be entered again!  The more people you share with, the more times you are entered into the drawing.  **Note:  You don't have to be a part of their shared memory.  They can just note that you referred them somewhere in the comment.
It is as simple as that!  
* All entries must be received by noon on Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
* The winner will be announced on Thursday, August 4, 2011 after noon.
* The giveaway is for a pair of hand crafted, wire wrapped hoop earrings in silver toned wire.  The hoops will be hand wrapped with Czech glass beads.
* If I do not receive contact (via the7thcrow@gmail.com) from the winner telling me where to send the prize within 48 hours of the announcement, another winner will be chosen.
* The winner(s) will be chosen at random.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Bead Market, New Listings

Sunday I went to  The Bead Market in Ft. Worth, Texas.  I try to go to any markets that come near me here in Dallas.  This was the biggest score I've ever made at a market!  I have been swimming in my new loot for days now and the new creations are pouring out of me now.  So, if you like stones, get ready for a lot of new items that will be listed in the coming weeks.  I've got some amazing Agate, Quartz, Jasper, Lava, and much more!

Here are a few new listings:
Black and White and Silver, Oh My!

Turquoise Jasper Briolette


Purple Agate Drops

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Jewelry Pricing





Good morning everyone!  Hope you all are well and enjoying your day so far.


I've been thinking about one of the most difficult parts of running your own creative business.  At least it is very difficult for me.  That topic is pricing.  I keep going over and over all the different ways suggested to price my items when it hit me!  I should ask you guys!


So, let me give you a little run down on my thinking when it comes to my jewelry overall.  I have always bought fun and trendy jewelry at different random places.  After a while, though, I got so tired of having to constantly repair them after a loop was pulled open on a night out or a piece fell off.  The less than par construction was driving me crazy and led me to further examine my "problem" pieces to see how I could make them better.  This was when I found the confidence that was deep within me.  I thought, "I could make this necklace.  And I could do it better than "so-and-so" did".  And so this journey began...  


Now, while doing this, I still did not have a huge account for expensive jewelry, especially the more trendy types of things.  I mean, after all, if I spend all my money on myself, who would spoil my kids?  What I ultimately decided was that I wanted to reach an audience of people like me.  Not necessarily  stay at home moms.  Not necessarily moms.  I wanted to reach anyone who felt like I did.  I was tired of wasting money on something I could not trust would survive a night at the bar or even a day at the mall playing with the kids.  


So, with all that said, here are a few questions I'd love to discuss with you all: 


What price range would you be willing to spend for a piece of jewelry that you can trust?  That isn't sterling silver or real gold?  Jewelry that is fun, glamorous, trendy, etc. but that you know will last through tugs and tangles.  What is your favorite type of jewelry to wear?  Earrings?  Necklaces?  Big?  Dainty?  Bracelets?  What was the last jewelry item you bought?  What trend do you love right now?


Please, post a comment and let's discuss!  Hope everyone has a great day!




(Note:  This is no guarantee that my jewelry is bulletproof.  Not life long guarantee here.  There are none of those in life, really, are there?)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

These are a few of my favorite things

Hello out there!  I hope this blog finds you all well.  


Today I was surfing through all of my favorite shops on Etsy - inspired by the talent and beauty created by some of the fantastic jewelry artisans out there.  For as long as I have had my shop on Etsy, I have always gone back to these shops over and over again.  For some, I am drawn to the amazing colors.  Others draw me in with the glamour.  Or I am fascinated by the patience given to the pieces, both in creating them and in designing them.  This morning, I decided that it was time that I show respect to my TOP 5 FAVORITE SHOPS!


In no particular order..................


Number 1


Made by Sunflowerhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/madebysunflower

As I look through this shop, I probably click on every single item to see it closer.  The detail and precision is never ending.  The pieces are mainly wire work with few beads or gemstones.  In my eyes, this is a very amazing feat!  I give serious praise to someone who can work the wire the way she does.  


Not only will you find actual jewelry in this shop, but tutorials are also offered.  This is a fantastic offering for those who want to expand their craft.  


One of my favorite techniques that you will see in this shop, is the way the wire sometimes emerges from a piece.  And it is done in such a delicate way!  It gives a piece, whether it is earrings or a pendant, that third dimension.  Made By Sunflower's jewelry is "out of this world'!  
Zellis Necklace Onyx





Number 2 


Bella Jewels II http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellajewelsII

Immediately, when you look through Bella Jewels, you will notice the bright, vibrant colors of the gems.  After that initial awe from the jewels, you will see the art of the wire.  The perfection of the wrapping and shaping and forming, OH MY!  Bella Jewels has a huge selection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets.  While my initial reaction was that I would need a fancy dress or a special night out on the town to wear anything from this shop, I quickly changed my mind realizing that the jewelry is much more versatile than I originally thought.  I can still see pieces on a red carpet somewhere though!  


While some pieces showcase a plethora of jewel sizes, shapes and colors, others are more selective in the shine.  This does not really matter though.  You want to know why?  Because each piece is just as glam as the next!


As the shop banner states, Bella Jewels has been creating glamour since 1986.  Let us just say, she has it perfected.


City Girl Steps Outpulsing Carnelian




Number 3 


Surf and Sandhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/surfandsand

At the bottom of my Etsy homepage, Etsy recommends items to me based on my favorites.  Also, when I navigate to my Activity page, Etsy notifies me of new listings by shops I have marked as a favorite.  When Surf and Sand lists a new item or I see an item recommended to me, I can always spot a piece from this shop.  There is a signature of sorts to all items in this amazing shop.  Actually, there are several signatures.  Whether it is the bold, striking, and adventurous colors and color combinations or the unique accents on the pieces, I always know there is another amazing piece in this shop to daydream about.  


The use of color is probably what impresses me the most about the jewelry in this shop.  I strive to have the eye to bring such amazing combinations to life.  Whether it is a cluster of garnet hung in perfect order to appear as a bunch of grapes or a totally rock star hot pink and black, you can definitely find that perfect piece here!


Yellow Chalcedony and Colorful Gemstone




Number 4


Mosaic Design http://www.etsy.com/shop/mosaicdesign

For those who know me personally, this stuff is right up my alley.  The more ornate, the better!  The richer the colors, the better!  When you can offer up the same amazement in a delicate pair of earrings as you can a statement necklace, I am sold!  Mosaic Design has me sold.


First of all, I love the avatar picture.  I love to look at the pieces and be able to see, in my mind at the same time, the artist.  Knowing whose fingers are calloused.  Knowing who put the love, time and patience into each piece.  This was the first shop I came across and  was completely wowed by.  I showed my husband, my friends, and my family this shop.  


Enough about me.  This is about Mosaic Design!  My first impression was Bollywood.  The rich colors, the gold (she also uses other metals), and the larger than life presence.  As I have said about other shops in this blog post, whether a piece is primarily gems or only metals, the detail and precision is clear. The art is clear.

Bollywood Earrings



Number 5


Two Tightly Wound http://www.etsy.com/shop/twotightlywound

My top three words for this shop:  MODERN, ELEGANT, GLAMOROUS


This shop is run by a duo of women who are clearly full of talent both in the designing of amazing jewelry, but also in the craftsmanship.  There are some shops on Etsy where there are hundreds of items listed in each shop.  This shop is not like that.  But, that does not matter at all.  You want to know why?  Because as you look at each piece listed, you can see the hours that must have ticked away as each piece of brilliance was created.  


The shop name is perfect as well.  These two artisans must be tightly wound together as a team to create such a cohesive collection.  Also, the wire wrapping with the amazing crystals and gemstones is wound just right as well.  


Ballerinas




So, whether you are a jewelry fanatic like me or just a lover of art, travel on over to Etsy and check out these amazing shops.  And be prepared for your socks to be knocked off!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Wire Crochet

Well, we know I love wire.  And not to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm pretty darn good at it.

Now, let's bring in the topic of the day.  Wire Crochet.  We already went into the wire part of it.  Now let's cover the crochet part.  My grandmother and my great grandmother were avid crocheters.  Mostly these days you seem to see knitters.  There is just something about that crochet needle for me though.  I have seen and cherished many crocheted masterpieces over the years all created by my maternal grandmother.  I have a table cloth that was given to me as a wedding gift from my Nanny (my mother's mother).  She sat in the house that my parents live in now and worked her little, frail fingers to the bone making that tablecloth.  She made it especially for me, just as she had done for many other women in my family.  To bring more meaning to this story and this event in my life, you must know that all of these one of a kind, gently created with REAL love tablecloths, were given as gifts for a bride at her wedding....from her grandmother.
Well, my grandmother, Vera Jeanette Henegar, passed away in February 1999 from lung cancer.  It was extremely unexpected and and happened quickly.  I always wished for a tablecloth of my own, but also knew it wasn't a possibility.  I loved her so much and wanted to have that one special gift that symbolized both the love between me and my dear grandmother as well as the newer yet forever love between my husband and I. I guess I accepted the fact that I wouldn't get one a little easier since I knew Nanny would never know my husband since at that point in my life, I didn't even know him.  And then I went through the emotions of guilt that it was my fault for partying too much or not dating seriously early enough.  Maybe if I hadn't screwed around so much, I'd have had a husband in time for me to get a tablecloth.  I guess all these selfish thoughts were just part of the mourning process following the loss of my grandmother.  And the extreme sadness of my mother following the loss of her mother.  All things I just couldn't imagine.

Now let's cheer things up a bit.  So, I did find that prince.  We got engaged.  We got married.  Somewhere between the last two, I had a bridal shower where I was given the gift of all gifts.  A tablecloth.  A tablecloth made by my Nanny.  Specifically for me.

Needless to say, when my mother handed me the gift 6 years later, I lost it.  One of the most amazing and significant moments in my life.


So, I went to the chapel.  I got married.  Had the honeymoon and the babies.  I was given my Nanny's crochet needles by my mother.  I was determined to learn to crochet.  Two words:  Miserable Failure.  I just don't have the logic, or something to pull that off.  I was disappointed.  I had planned to make baby blankets for my kids and my friends kids and anyone else open to the idea. 


So years pass, babies turn to toddlers, newlyweds turn to parents.  Mom decides to try her hand at jewelry design.  She really digs it.  Has a lot of fun.  Learns a wire lace technique that uses the crochet hook to create, although very basically.  Still the favorite thing I've ever seen done and done right.  I feature this technique in my Etsy shop.  Here's a link if you are interested in seeing it:


My collection using this technique is named Juliet.  Juliet was the name I would have given my little girl had I had one.  I didn't, so the name is given to my new feminine love, my jewelry, and more specifically, my jewelry using the crochet needle that was indirectly put on a pedestal in my youth by a very brave, honest, hardworking and such a spitfire of a woman.

Nanny, had you met my boys, you would have fallen in love immediately.  But I know that you see them from where you are.  I hope I'm loving them and caring for them in a way that you would be proud of.

Moral of the story?  Not really a moral, I guess, but more likely why I started this blog post in the first place...  I am taking a wire crochet this week.  Maybe all I ever needed was an updated material and a teacher.  As for a teacher, I should have asked Nanny earlier.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

How It All Began

Thank you for stopping by!  I am new to blogging, but hope to deliver some resourceful information, personal tidbits, humor and more.  While this blog is named for my jewelry business, I plan for the blog to be more all encompassing than just jewelry talk. 


But for now, here's how it all started.  The jewelry part, that is...

My friend and I decided it would be fun to take a basic jewelry making class.  We signed up, had a nice lunch at La Madeline, and headed to class.  I was about 6 weeks pregnant with my second child and morning (aka afternoon) sickness had kicked in a few days earlier.  I warned my friend that I may need to leave the class a time or two, so she needed to take good notes.  My warning proved true, but we made it through the class and immediately went shopping for tools, beads and supplies.  

I started using the VERY basic techniques and making super basic jewelry right away.  As basic as it was, it was so much fun and a much needed escape from my daily life as a stay at home mom.  As much as I loved being with my son, talking to a 2 year old all day was not enough to keep my brain fueled.  

The continued practice and creating lasted a couple of weeks when the pregnancy proved to be a very trying experience.  Somehow a connection was made between my brain and the jewelry that the memories of the sickness were triggered just by looking at anything related to my new found craft. 

Needless to say, that was the end of my jewelry making for a while.  Once I finally had my healthy and beautiful new baby boy my family was complete.  Once past all the post pregnancy and new baby craziness, one day I came across a pair of earrings I'd made the year before.  I didn't get an immediate feeling of nausea, so I decided to start playing around with my things again.  It was THE BEST THING I COULD HAVE DONE!  


Since then, I've been an obsessed bead shopper and wire wrapper.  I've taken a couple more classes and read a zillion books on the subject.  Last November, for my birthday, I decided to open my own Etsy shop.  I am loving everything about it.