Meet Relly Rose ...

This is my gorgeous 3-year-old daughter. I tend to like the "in-between" moments of photography. The candid, silly pictures.
She sure was silly that day.

Picasa 3 rocks! - check out my new collage ...

I was featured in BeadStyle magazine's Blog!

I was attending my weekly farmer's market when I met a fantastic lady who completely made my day.

Her name was Jane Konkel, blog editor of Beadstyle magazine. Jane asked if I wanted to be featured in the Beadstyle Blog and of course I said yes!

I was so excited - I Googled myself one day (hehe, don't we all) and found the blog entry months later. I was very touched that Jane thought I was "the complete package"!

Thanks, Jane!

Here is the entry link, check it out!

Random personal goals for 2009 ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, I've done it. I've made the ever-dreaded NY resolutions. I always make them. I always break them. But, it helps change my life perception and do what I need to do to become a better person.

• Cook more. My husband gave me a cookbook for Christmas filled with many ethnic, healthy meals and I hope to make at least 2 a week
  
• Work out. I haven't exercised since my daughter was born. That was 3 years ago. Shame, shame, shame
• Attend more art/craft venues this year - participate in at least 2 major ones
• Stop judging/doubting my skills as a mother and be self-confident in my decisions
• Drink more water
• Listen to people - remember names (I'm horrible with names)
• Make more phone calls to family/friends - I'm an anti-phone person so it will be a challenge
• Play with my daughter more. A dirty house is a lived-in house
• Budget. I tend to comfort shop and that can be deadly. I do not need another pair of blue jeans, I have enough
• Pick up a book and actually read it instead of using it to rest my eyeglasses/water on when I go to bed
• Read" A New Earth" - Eckhart Tolle
  
• Master the art of metal/patina/oxidation
• Clean up my studio. I'm not a very organized person. I meticulously clean it up, then I mess it up all over again. I have to learn to pick up as I go
• Eat my veggies
• Help others - donate
• Recycle, reduce and reuse!
• If I have something to say I'll say it instead of worrying what other people will think

Here's to 2008 ...

2008 was an interesting year. I survived/learned ...

• Flood in my basement (4") while my husband was in Sweden on business
• My daughter's terrible two's
  
• My first craft fair which led to many more throughout the summer
• I learned to oxidize sterling which led to many experimentation's
  
• I put in insulation in our rehab house and realized I'm never going to do it again
• I've made many new friends
  
• I learned to use a torch using the old-fashioned acetylene tanks and successfully managed not to burn myself
  

New bead addiction ...

I have discovered hand-blown glass beads. They are swirly, bubbly, and so delicate. Lightweight and super fun to work with. I have gathered many different types and colors and hope to post them soon on my Etsy shop!

All time favorite Etsy shop ...

I am in love with Painted Metal, which is an Etsy shop. By far, Tammy Antoinette does a brilliant job of experimenting with patina. Take a look!

Welcome!

Once there was a waitress who dreamed of ...

creating and designing her own jewelry. Owning her own business. Working her own hours. I've always dreamt of running free. Free to be as creative as I can be.

I've been wanting to launch my own blog for some time now and have finally taken the leap. I plan to use this space to show off my new designs, favorite websites, favorite Etsy finds and just random rambling.

Stay tuned!