Friday, July 3, 2009

Help a fellow Artisan...?

This is a copy of a posting from a thread on www.artfire.com

"Larry Hamm over at Chelsea Lynn Designs on Artfire is a friend of many in the world of handmade, he is also the voice of The Crazy Train on Blockhead Radio. Larry has a fantastic wife Janet, and an 8 year old son Jacob who live with him in Lansing, NC deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Larry is a friend to everyone and just an all around swell guy. He is most definitely the “shirt off your back” kind of friend. Right now, all of Larry’s friends and Blockhead radio are teaming up to help him out in a tough time.
Larry is a disabled diabetic who currently has lost his health insurance. His medication alone monthly is over $2,000. Larry is not receiving disability, he has not been approved yet. His wife is the only source of income and she doesn’t make enough to cover his medications. Larry’s doctors have given him an outlook of only 18 months to live if he doesn’t receive a $17,000 gastric bypass surgery as soon as possible. Larry and his family need all the help from their family and friends they can get! Jacob and Janet need Larry to hang around here with them as long as he possibly can! All of his friends surely want Larry to stick around too!All of us at Blockhead Radio are gearing up for the biggest Radiothon you’ll ever be a part of! July 24th at 6pm until July 26th at 6pm, Blockhead Rod will be live on the radio for 48 hours straight raising money for our friend Larry. A silent auction of donated handmade goods will also be going up on the home page of Blockhead Radio with 100% of the proceeds going to Larry.If you would like to be a part of this wonderful event, please email DeDe Sorensen at: 48forlarry@blockheadradio.com Please donate any handmade items you can for the silent auction have your emails in with your donations by July 22nd. If you would like to donate cash for Larry’s prescriptions and surgery please visit Blockhead Radio July 24th through July 26th. There will be plenty of ways to get your donations in.Keep listening to Blockhead Radio for fantastic indie music, and how you can help Larry Hamm of Chelsea Lynn Designs. "

I ask that you take a moment and think if you are able to help Larry in any way. Whether it be a donation of something for the auction, a cash donation, purchasing from the auction, bloggins tweeting etc about this, and/or adding him and his family to your prayer/thought list. I know that he has done so much for the artisans on Artfire! Please help if you are able! Thank you for considering this worthy cause!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Our Own Trends Page! WOW!

Okay, so one person asked about a Christmas In July sale on www.artfire.com . And it has snowballed from there! ( parden the pun! ). We have had such a great response that the Artfire powers that be ( who ROCK! ) have decided on their own to give the sale its own Trend Page.

So as sellers, we need to tags our items with CIJS which stands for Christmas in July Sale. So, if you have a studio on www.artfire.com and want to join in, the sale is going to fun July 15-26th to go along with the 12 days of Christmas theme. Just post a link to your studio on what special you are running at http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?mop=modload&name=Chatterbox&file=viewtopic&topic=13437&forum=11

If you just want to shop, please go to www.artfire.com and you can key in to CIJS to search for those items. Hope to see all of you there!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Getting Ready??

Okay, so my son is getting ready to move. He is headed to Nashville TN for college. He and his girlfriend will be moving in together, both attending college in the Nashville area. I am one that likes to plan things out and know that everything is taken care of.

So back in March, we picked out the apartment. Next week, we will be contacting all of the utility companies to get ready for his move, paying deposits and getting the utilities ready to be switched to his name, etc.

Just have to get to the local u-haul place to arrange the enclosed trailer. Neither one has much to take so a trailer, his car & trunk, and my SUV should handle everything! Oh it brings back memories when I could pack everything I owned into the back of a car. LOL!

Anyway...so that is why I have not been blogging a lot lately. Getting everything ready, signing financial aid paperwork, co-signing apartment paperwork, etc etc. You know how it is!

I will post more as exciting things happen. Wait...that would be never. We are so predictable in my house it is not funny. But we like it that way!

Don't forget to swing by my studio at http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Thursday, June 25, 2009

12 Days of Christmas...In July?

That is right everyone! There are some studios at http://artfire.com that are having a Christmas in July sale. It will run from July 15th through July 26th.

The list of all the Studios is available at http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=modules.php?mop=modload&name=Chatterbox&file=viewtopic&topic=13437&forum=11

I know that this sign up just started so more will be added daily, hopefully every hour! So, if you have an Artfire studio, you may want to join in. We are going to do a thread posting everyday titled according to the day of the sale. For example "On the first day..." and then the studios that are participating can post items from their studios to draw in attention. Everyone is going to blog, tweet, facebook, etc. Artfire Admin has agreed to tweet it for us! How exciting is that!?! Wonderful!!

Each studio can specify their own sale. For some studios it may be a certain percent off, for some it may be a buy one get one?, some may have special items in a Christmas in July catagory. You just don't know what you are going to find.

Since most of you are crafters/artisans yourself, you know how busy you get as Christmas nears. So eliminate some of your headache by doing your Christmas shopping at the Christmas in July sale on http://artfire.com .

I will blog again and update you as more details are discussed.

Thanks!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

FYI - Great Info to Know!

First, I am sorry that I have not blogged for a while. Things have been very busy. SOn graduated from high school, had his graduation, his party, son's girlfriend & my nephew graduated the following weekend so we had that graduation to go to. Then she had a party and my nephew had 2 parties. I could go on, but that is a blog for another day. So on to the information that is Great to know...

Check out http://capturingcreativitysampler.blogspot.com/ about an opportunity to get your Artfire crafts out there and get noticed!

Also, there are some Artfire.com studios that are planning a Christmas In July Sale from July 14th through the 28th. Watch out for some great deals and some great new products! More info to come on this one as well!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Treasure Chest Hunt on Artfire

Okay...there are some studios on www.artfire.com that have signed up to do a Treasure Chest hunt. There is more information at http://www.artfiretreasurehunt.blogspot.com/ but the idea is that each studio that has signed up has a treasure chest attached to one of their items. If you purchase that item, then you get the surprise. The surprise can be different for each shop. It may be a free item that was pre-selected, it may be a buy one get one half off deal, you just won't know until you purchase the item. It will be really easy to tell if that is the item as within the listing there is a photo of the treasure chest. So if you are looking at a picture of one of my fabulous necklaces, you will see a couple of photos of the necklace and then one photo of a treasure chest. Only the item with the treasure chest has the special. 

This special runs only on Saturdays from Saturday 10 am until Saturday night Midnight EST. So...start planning your purchases now! 

Thanks! 
Sheila Hendricks

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Ninja Jenn - Toot Toot!

Jenn has some amazing pendants at her studio at http://www.artfire.com/users/NinjaJenn. She also has cuff links and rings. These are scrabble tiles that have been upcycled into some stunning jewelry. She can also customize pieces for you. She has a second studio at http://www.artfire.com/users/NinjaJenn2 for her other crafty things such as hand painted items. So please swing by her studios and check out her amazing work.

Thanks,

Sheila

http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Broom Closet is the rider today!

This is a great studio in that you just never know what is going to be there. At The Broom Closet, http://www.artfire.com/users/thebroomcloset , Paula has a great assortment of charms, jewelry pieces and other vintage pieces such as mirrors and pillboxes. She also has another studio called Picard Creative at http://www.artfire.com/users/picardcreative where she has the most adorable magnets! So stop by either studio and check out her awesome stuff.

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Check out this studio!

Chantilly Lace Designs have some stunning headbands. Check out the studio at http://www.artfire.com/users/ChantillyLace . She also have some beautiful jewelry to go with the wonderful headbands. The lace and the attention to detail is simply gorgeous. So stop by and check out her studio.

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Angela's Adornments

The crazy train rider for today is Angela's Adornments. You can check out her stuff at http://www.artfire.com/users/Angelas_Adornments . She has some gorgeous jewelry that you really need to see. The pieces are very natural with some stunning stones.

Thanks!
Sheila

http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Thursday, May 21, 2009

It is My Turn! YEAH!

I am the Crazy Train Rider today and tomorrow! So please stop by my studio at http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com and check out my jewelry. I am currently having a 25% off sale, prices already reduced for your convenience. The sale ends the end of May so shop now! I appreciate your time in stopping by my studio and if you are looking for something special, just send me an e-mail and I can design and create that special piece just for you!

Thanks!

Sheila

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Bead All About It!

Be sure to stop by the http://www.artfire.com/users/beadallaboutit studio on http://arftfire.com to check out the awesome beads and findings. There are some wonderful beads are great prices so make the Crazy Train stop and check it all out! 


Thanks!

Sheila

Sunday, May 17, 2009

DebvandetDesigns is the Train Rider of the day!

Check out http://www.artfire.com/users/debvandetdesigns on www.artfire.com for some very unique pieces. They have pendants, earrings, mini memo books and light switch cover plates. They are all so cute and unique! If you are looking for that something unique and different, stop by the studio and see what they have. You will be plesantly surprised!

Thanks,

Sheila
www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

Creative Haven Crazy Train Studio of the Day!

Creative Haven at http://www.artfire.com/ has some beautiful pieces of jewlery. You need to stop by http://www.artfire.com/users/creativehaven and check them out. She also has some gorgeous beads available for purchase if you are into making your own jewelry.

Each piece is so pretty and unique, they are simply gorgeous! So swing by her studio and check out her wonderful beads and jewelry!

Thanks, Sheila http://www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com/

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Their Name is Mud...Michigan Mud!

There is this great studio on www.artfire.com by the name of Michigan Mud. You can find them at http://www.artfire.com/users/MichiganMud. They have pendants, rings, and magnets made from clay. Each one is so pretty and different! Something everyone should check out. I tried working with clay. It is not my friend to say it politely! I admire those that can made that clay do anything besides sit in a lump like it did for me!

So, stop by http://www.artfire.com/users/MichiganMud and check out her pieces as such low prices! It is really cool!

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Monday, May 11, 2009

TOOT TOOT ALISUNS TOO!

Okay, so today we have Alisun on the www.Artfire.com Crazy Train! She has some great jewelry at http://www.artfire.com/users/AlisunsToo. She has an adorable bracelet that you should check out. It is the spring hearted pearl bracelet set. It is really pretty and is definitely screaming SPRING!

So, stop by her studio when you have time.

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Absolutely Amy is the Train Conductor today!

Today on the Crazy Train at www.Artfire.com, we have Absolutely Amy's studio at http://www.artfire.com/users/AbsolutelyAmy. She has some great little bags to drop your favorite soap down into. Instant wash cloth! She also has some great vintage items that you should stop by and check out!

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Suzbax in on the train to Crazy!

Stop by http://www.artfire.com/ and check out http://www.artfire.com/users/suzbax studio. She has some gorgeous jewelry listed. She has some woven pieces that are simply mind boggling. I have tried that bead weaving and just don't have the patience for it. I don't know how she can sell those pieces at those prices!

The gemstone pieces are beautiful, but those that are the spirals and the woven pieces cannot be described. You simply have to go look at them and see what I mean. Oh those weavers must have the patience of a saint!

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com/

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Prom! What a Month!

Prom...What a month! Not just a night...but a month! 


Okay...my son is very much into his punk and rockabilly music. He wears the clothes, etc. So it is not uncommon for him to be wearing plaid pants, or the black tight bondage pants, minus the long straps. These pants are the tight denim with zippers everywhere. 


So his girlfriend's parents convinced her that they needed to go to Prom. They go to separate schools so they decided to go to her Prom. I asked her what her dress looked like and what she wanted him to wear. This was done as he is a tri-color color deficient person. So he sees only black white and grey correctly. Well, her answer was "I don't care. He can wear what he wants"


So, he wanted a leopardprint faux fur. Guess what...They don't have those at rental places. So, after some research on the web, I found the exact fabric he wanted at a place in California. I made the purchase and got the fabric. Found a jacket pattern and spent the next 2 weekends and 18 hours ( give or take ) to sew him his jacket. 


She had ordered her dress on line. She had decided to go a leopard print to match him. Well, the morning of Prom it still had not arrived so she went to a local shop and bought a very elegant little black dress. So I sewed a wrap of black and leopard print from extra from his jacket for her to wear. 


So...one would think it is all over! However, graduation is in 3 weeks and now I have to get all of that organized! 


So I have decided to kind of take the next few days off from designing or creating anything! I need a break to kind of regroup and re-energize. But I am glad that I did it as they looked fantastic!


Jewelrybyjanzia is all aboard the Crazy Train!

Here is a great jewelry designer! She uses beautiful gemstones in her creations. Stop by www.artfire.com and check out Jewlery by Janzia at http://www.artfire.com/users/jewelrybyjanzia to see what all she has.

The designs are simply classic and so beautiful! She has a great selection of bracelets so stop by and check out something for Mother's Day!

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Janelson Arts is the Crazy Train Today!

Janelson Arts has some beautiful lampwork beads. Stop by her studio on www.artfire.com at
http://www.artfire.com/users/janelsonarts to see what I mean. Not only does she have some wonderful lampwork beads, but she also has regular beads as well as jewelry she made from those gorgeous lampwork beads.

So, take a moment and go browse through her studio. You never know when you are going to stumble across that perfect bead!

Thanks,

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Friday, May 1, 2009

LaDeDa Creations - Groovy Baby!

For things that remind you of the "good old days" when things were groovy, check out http://www.artfire.com/users/LaDeDaCreations for some great items. She has jewelry, hemp bracelets, ring holders, just about everything but the good old lava lamps. Those were the days! 

She does have some wonderful pendants, bracelets, and if you want to create your own work or art, she has the pendants that are sold individually. 

So, the next time you are just chilling out and wanting something to do, check out LaDeDa Creations! 

Thanks, 

Sheila

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The wonderful World of CatFluff!

Check out the most wonderful bags at http://www.artfire.com/users/catfluff. The bags are recycled out of other items so you will feel great knowing that you have purchased “green”. There are sacks for wine bottles, bigger totes, all kinds of goodies. So stop by the wonderful world of CatFluff!

 

Thanks,

Sheila

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=15526

Monday, April 27, 2009

Bijoux is on the Crazy Train Today!

Bijoux Designs is a wonderful shop with a great variety of items. Great for Mother’s Day as well. She has jewelry,bookmarks, pot holders, such a gorgeous variety. You really need to stop by her artfire studio at  http://www.artfire.com/users/bijouxdesignsforyou and check it out. There is something for everyone at this stunning studio!


Thanks, 

Sheila

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=15526

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Creative Cove Jewelry Designs

Creative Cove is an artisan on www.artfire.com . Pleas stop by her site and check out the gorgeous jewelry that she has at http://www.artfire.com/users/CreativeCoveJewelryDesigns. I love the multi-strand necklaces that she has. They are simply beautiful!

So, when thinking about something wonderful for your mother for Mother's Day, something made with all the love and caring that you would do, stop by her studio on artfire as well as many other caring artisans for wonderful gifts for mom.

Thanks!

Sheila
http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Crazy Train Rides Again! TOOT TOOT!

The tribal jewelry on Wooley Creek site http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=24292. She has the most gorgeous tribal jewelry. It is simply stunning! Wooley is the Crazy Train person today and tomorrow. So please stop by and check about the magnificent items on her site. You won't be disappointed!

Thanks !

Sheila

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Silver River Jewelry

This studio http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=210 which is Silver River Jewelry has some gorgeous pieces! The rings are so pretty. I have tried to make those and don't have the patience or something. I just can't get them to turn out. I admire anyone who can get those right and not looking like mine which resembles a kindergarten project!

Anyway...stop by and check out the wonderful pieces on Artfire!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Great Bath Goodies!

Check out this site http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=15526 which is Ambient Lights! Unbelievable bath stuff at this site. So please stop by and check it out!


Thanks! 

Sheila

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Shine Your Hiney

The Crazy Train studio of the next two days is Patti at http://www.artfire.com/users/ShineYourHineySoap . She has some wonderful handmade soaps and lotions. She has a soap that looks like a strawberry ice cream cone http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/6370_product_361750084_thumb_large.jpgas well as a chocolate version. These soaps look so real it is amazing! So please swing by her studio and check them out. Remember Mother's Day is coming up so these would make awesome purchases for your mother to pamper herself with!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sheila
http://www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Friday, April 17, 2009

DJ Store Room - Check it Out!

Please stop by DJ Storeroom on artfire. She has lovely little zippered pouches in the cutest fabrics for spring! They even have a tutorial if you want to be so adventurous as to sew one for yourself! Here is the website http://www.artfire.com/users/djstoreroom so be sure to stop by. Her stuff is so cute!

Thanks!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

AF SNEAKERS ROCK!

Last night I was not feeling my best. So when I got home, my hubby talked me into going out to eat so that he would not have to cook. LOL! He even agreed to drive both ways so that I would not have to. When we got back home, I did sign on the computer and spent about ½ hour on the internet. I saw that they were having an ambush at 8 pm CST which is 9pm my time. I thought I will sign on and see who it is and see what it is all about. However, I was not feeling well and decided to go to bed.

Imagine my surprise when I signed into Artfire this morning and had 29 e-mails. I thought something was wrong. Then I saw that I had 13 sales! Those AF SNEAKERS had ambushed ME! I almost cried! The only reason I did not was that I was at work! And I had to try REALLY hard not to!

Some made purchases, some tweeted, some blogged, some posted threads. You are so wonderful in my book! Words simply cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for all those AF Sneakers and associates! I do appreciate what you did for me! I try to be a positive person and knew that sales would come. I just needed to be patient as I had posted several times when people were posting about 0 sales. I would always say 0 but waiting patiently. This just goes to show everyone that patience does pay off. And HOW!

I promise that I will be making purchases in the next few days and sharing the wealth, so to speak. Again…Thank you so much! I do appreciate it greatly! It made my day!

AF SNEAKERS ROCK!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Great Work!

You really need to check out the awesome jewelry, wine stoppers, and ceiling fan pulls, just to name a few at http://www.artfire.com/users/AccessoriesByGottjoy.She has some really cool pens as well! The wine stoppers are really amazing and I had not seem any like this. So please, stop by the wonderful studio and check them out!

Thanks!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Wonderful Jewelry

Check out the wonderful shop of Alisun's on Artfire. I love her earrings! She has such gorgeous pieces, that you will definitely find something that you will fall in love with. Whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, there is something for everyone.

So please stop by her studio at http://www.alisuns.artfire.com as right now she is having a sale!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Magnet Heaven!

Everyone should check out this site! http://www.artfire.com/users/picardcreative We all have those magnets that are so true in life! Those crazy little sayings or the pictures of things that we enjoy! You need to check out this site because there are some wonderful magnets, and some that will make you laugh hysterically. We all need a laugh and this is the perfect way to have it there, ready and waiting for whenever it is needed!

Wonderful work and funny insight!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Wonderful Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Please check out The Jewlery Shop on Artfire.com at http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=20593 . Amy does this business with family members. And it shows! Their pieces remind me of heirloom quality vintage pieces. You know that type of quality pieces that you just can't walk into chain jewelry stores and find. Their workmanship shows in their awesome pieces! So if you have a little time, and you are looking for that perfect piece, check out The Jewlery Shop on Artfire.com.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Beret Mania!

There is this great Artisan Lindsey on artfire.com that makes this awesome tiny berets! You so need to check them out at
http://www.artfire.com/users/CaterpillarPeacock

The berets are small, about 4-4 1/2 inches but there are some wonderful little things. She crochets them and they are adorable. She is also now making some wonderful felt flowers if that is more along your lines.

So check out Lindsey's wonderful hats and see what you think!

Friday, April 3, 2009

I so need these!

Here is the deal! My hands are always cold but I hate to have my fingers covered. I know I can't complain. But in high school when I was in the band, we would cut the finger tips out of our gloves so that our hands would be warms but still be able to feel the keys on the instruments.

Fast forward about 10 years and the place I worked at was always cold. The area I sat in always had a draft. We would sit with blankets around our laps to keep work ( while 10 foot way they were sweating like you would not believe ). I started cutting the fingers out of cheap gloves so that I could keep my hands work but still be able to type. But, the gloves eventually rip, snag, fray, etc from the cutting.

How I would have loved to have had these gloves!

http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/3096_product_302174018_thumb_large.jpg
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=162621

( Sorry the link is not working! UGH !) But these are some gorgeous gloves that are made without the finger tips by a wonderful person at Pixie Pirate Crew on Artfire. So please, stop by their site and stroll through. There are wonderful hats, scarves, gloves, all kinds of things.

I know that is some areas it is starting into Spring, but it is never too late to prepare for next winter. Please take a look as there is some great stuff there! Thanks!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Egg Hunt!

Artfire.com has started an Easter Egg Hunt. As you are scrolling through the shops, you will find Easter Eggs with letters or spaces. You collect the eggs to spell out something. This is a contest that is open to EVERYONE! So please, connect to http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/ for more details. Then...hop on over to www.artfire.com and start your hunt. The Hunt Is On!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Making Progress!

Well, I got a new banner and avatar! I will have to update this page to reflect the new stuff! I love them. Dawn at LifesMomentsCaptured on Artfire is wonderful to work with! I can't say enough awesome things about her. If you are looking for a banner or avatar, contact Dawn! YEAH!

Also, the progress on my new design style lines I think is coming along. I have to tweak some things but I am making progress which is a good thing! I am hoping to get some more things done this week including a DIY lightbox. I hate to have to wait until the sun shines to take photos. So, I will give it a shot!

I will give some more details on my new line when I have some pieces completed which hopefully with be on Sunday! If not this week, then definitely the next weekend as my hubby goes back to nights after almost 7 years! But we are looking at the positive in that he still has his jobs and with all this economic turmoil, we are very thankful! We will take nights!

I have a couple of pieces that I need to complete for commissioned pieces that I am suppose to deliver this weekend. So I have to get busy on those tonight and tomorrow. Then I will also have Thursday to finish everything. I also have some sewing to get done for my son. Sewing some patches on a flannel jacket for him. It shouldn't take long but I have to rethread the machine since the thread that I have keeps breaking. I needed to buy something stronger.

I think that is enough to keep me busy this week! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you stop by again soon! please also visit my site at SheDesignsJewelry.artfire.com.

Friday, March 27, 2009

New Banner, Avatar & More

Sorry that I have not posted anything for a few days. I have been busy! Whew!! I pulled out some beads from my stash that I have had for a while. And ended up with a stunning piece ( sorry, I think it is Gorgeous! ) and that one piece made a light bulb go on in my head. It was the AH-HA moment. I have decided to go with a clean classic design from now one. When I get this piece photographed and posted on Artfire, you will understand what I mean. I really like it and it is something that I would buy myself. So using this as a recipe if you will, I am going to re-vamp my design style.

On top of that, I am working on a line of "different" pieces. It will still fit into the clean and simple idea, but it is different. When I get some of those pieces done, I will also post some photos so you can see. These would appeal to a completely different crowd than my other pieces.

Then, I decided to get a banner and avatar for my artfire studio. So I have been working with a lovely lady, Dawn at Lifes Moments Captured on Artfire, about that today. I think she was wonderful and I can't say enough about her. She took my basic thoughts and turned in to something wonderful! When I would ask her to change something several times, she never thought I was being picky. Hopefully, I will be able to get it downloaded this weekend and you all can give me your thoughts.

So, that is about it for now! I am going to go try a few things for that new "different" line and see how it goes! Thanks for stopping by and visit me at http://www.SheDesignsJewelry.artfire.com .

Monday, March 23, 2009

Still thinking about revamp etc?

Yesterday some wonderful people gave me some great feed back on Artfire.com about my site and jewelry. Mostly I need to get some more angles on my photos. And to try to identify a style and stick with it. There was a great blog that I think Pirate Pixie Crew posted a link to that really go me to thinking. So here is what I am going to do:

1. Get a banner soon. I just don't want to pick the first one that I like. I want to think about it and make sure it is really me. ( I hope to make a purchase by week's end ).

2. Think of a great tag line. I have one in mind but I still want to let it work for a few days. I will have to decide by the time I purchase my banner so this gives me a deadline.

3. Dawn on Beading Daily suggested that I have a classic clean line style. Which I think is a fair statement but I know that I am eclectic. So my style make be "Eclectic". Still working in this one.

4. I have thought about doing a few pieces as a collection so that those pieces are cohesive. But not that each collection has to be cohesive with the other. If that makes any sense?

I have a line working in my head and I ordered some of the pieces that I need. As soon as I get those pieces, I will be working on a few things. I figure that I can wear a piece or two myself for a while to make sure that it is comfortable and durable. This is something I have seen very little of so it is works, YEAH! I may have found a little touched market.

So thanks for your comments on my revamping, redesigning. I will keep you posted! Be sure to stop by http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Revamp...Resdesign...

I have recently been thinking that I need to rethink my designing process. This would be in the hopes of making myself unique in some way to the market. I have a few ideas and have ordered some supplies to try out a few pieces. However, I am thinking that I need to come up with some "design lines'. You know like the fashion industry does for the spring, summer, fall and winter collections, something like that. So I have wrote down some ideas.

I find myself drawn to the older styles, more vintage. Someone suggested steampunk but when I read about steampunk, I am not sure that I am that either. So I am going to be doing some reseach at different styles or techniques to see if I can identify with something.

Have any of you done through this whole process? If so, I would love to hear from you so please send me a note. If you would like to look at my studio and give me your opinion, please visit me at http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com . Thanks!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Wonderful Weather!

Here in Indiana we have had the most beautiful perfect weather! There is nothing to complain about! I have been so wanting to get my beads out and work on something, anything, but unfortunately real life has been calling. So I have been busy doing tons of other things ( I won't bore you with the listing of laundry, cooking, dishes, etc, etc ). However, tonight, I think that I may be pulling out some beads and working on a few things.

I have a piece for a finished piece swap that I need to work on. On Beading Daily some of us swapped names and we are doing a completed piece swap. I have to have it done and in the mail by May 15th. That seems so far away, but time can slip by so quickly! It has been just over a month since we switched names! UGH! I have a picture in my mind of what I want the piece to look like but finding just the right beads has been the issue. At first is was the focal beads. I found those! But the beads to go with it right now are the problem. I know that when I see the right beads, they will stand out and scream at me "HELLO, HERE WE ARE! ". So until I hear the yell, the search goes on!

So hopefully tomorrow, I will be able to post all the wonderful things that I was able to do tonight!

http://shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Make sure that you wear your green!

I also haven't blogged for a few days as nothing really has been going on. Last night, the weather was so nice that we took our St. Bernard for a walk to the local Dairy Queen which is about 5-6 blocks away. He LOVES an ice cream cone. He is well known at this walk up Dairy Queen and the wonderful employees always fix his cone and hand it out right away. You see...he stands with his head resting on the outside counter waiting patiently! Do I need to describe his huge, sad looking eyes?

Once they hand out his cone, I take him over to the grass where he proceeds to lick and bite at the ice cream until he gets a brain freeze. Yes! You can tell it as he will close his mouth and give a little shudder. Then he starts back in again. We have to make him take the cone in about 3-4 bites. He would like to eat it in one but I make him be patient.

By the time his cone is gone, and I have wiped him clean ( yes we take a hand towel with us ), our ice cream is ready and we start the walk home. The entire time he keeps stopping and looking at us as if to say " You aren't sharing!". Usually by the time we walk back, we are done with ours and he gets the left overs.

He is so spoiled that he knows that if we turn left out of our driveway, he is going to Dairy Queen! No...not spoiled at all!

We do this about once a week until the weather gets too hot for him...or too cold for us. Once it gets too hot for him, we will add trips into Petco and then either McDonalds or Dairy Queen depending on what we want. He prefers his hamburgers without pickles. He will spit them out immediately!

Anyway...that is how we spent out evening last night. We all enjoyed it. Soon we will be lighting fires in our fire pit. Our dog loves that as well as he will lay by our feet and wait for any dropped or unwanted toasted marshmallows!

Did I mention that our dog is spoiled? Anyway...thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out my artfire studio at www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com !

Sunday, March 15, 2009

New Listings

This morning I went out in the sunshine and managed to get some more pictures of my jewelry. I have been working on getting those pieces loaded to my artfire studio. So please take a look at http://www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com and see what you think!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Use the Muse Entry Submitted

Well, finally with some sunshine, I was able to get pictures of my Use The Muse entry. I wrote the description and off the e-mail went. I was glad that the sun finally decided to shine for a few hours so that I could snap the picture. Although, I am sure that the neighbors that I was crazy. I went outside in a loose top that has the elastic around the top so that you can wear it on or off the shoulders. So I have the necklace on, top pulled low so as to not get in the picture. Then I have a mirror in one hand so that I can check that the necklace is laying just so, and the camera in the other hand. I would snap a picture and look at it on the display. Adjust and snap the next. Actually, I did pretty go and only took about 10 photos. Of those about 5 were usable although I really only needed one. I was losing the afternoon sun and just kept clicking to be safe. I am sure someone across the street was shaking their head thinking "Yes, she has definitely lost it now!"

So my entry is done and gone. So the deadline is Monday and the winner is to be announced about one week later. Once the winner is announced, then I will post pictures. That is one of the rules, that you cannot post pictures until the contest is over.

I can't wait for the next one to start!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Designing New Pieces

On Beading Daily, some of us decided to do a finished piece swap. Although we all make jewelry, some do weaving, some do stringing, and everyone creates differently. So I finally found the focal beads that spoke to me and I have been working out the actual design. It has been taking a while to say the least. I am still not happy with the smaller components of the necklace but I think that the overall thought is there. Now just the fine tuning so to speak.

Once I have finished the piece and the swap actually happens in May, I will post pictures of the piece that I did as well as the piece that I receive. I can't wait!

On Artfire, some of us have decided to do a pendant swap. This way we can get a new piece without spending any actual money, other than the shipping. Just like the finished piece swap, it allows us to trade products without any out of pocket. I would recommend others giving it a try. You might be surprised by what you get!

Anyway...don't forget to check out Artfire.com. Some of the artisans are doing our own stimulus called the Artfire Stimulus Package. These are items that have basically been put on sale to try to help others afford wonderful handmade items. Visit www.artfire.com and search for Artfire Stimulus or AFTP.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Use the Muse

Through Beading Daily, Scarlett announced her "Use the Muse" contest. This was a kit that you purchased that included beads and findings. There would be one item that you had to use, "The Muse". The rules were that you had to use the muse but that is the only piece that you had to use. You had to make a wearable piece of art. You could not disclose what the Muse piece was. You cannot publish pictures of your piece until the contest closes. Once you have created your piece, you have to submit two photos with a description of no more than 100 words. A winner will be selected.

This will be an ongoing contest. I did this because I had been in a rut and felt I needed something to get me out of it. So, I purchased my kit. As soon as I saw the kit and the "Muse" I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Amazingly, it went together very easily and I think turned out very nicely! I am quite happy with it.

The finished piece is ours to do with what we want. I think this may be something that I keep. I don't know that I want to sell this one yet. Once the contest deadline has passed and we are allowed, I will post pictures of my piece to get your ideas.

This really helped to get me out of my rut! Now if I just had a little more time in the day to get some of my designs from paper into reality! Maybe soon things will calm down a little and I can get back to designing!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Finally back home!

Well, we finally made it back tonight from our son's college visit. He will be moving in August and we went down to apartment hunt. Well, we have narrowed it down to two and probably have the decision made. We just want to think on it a day or two before we start all of the application process with all those fees!

So after a sleepless night in a hotel ( too much noise ) and a five hour drive back home, this posting will be short. I do apologize! I will post more tomorrow and get back on the jewelry track!

Friday, March 6, 2009

College Visit

Early this morning we are leaving to go on a college visit with our son. This is a huge thing for us. Neither my husband or I went to college, but our son will be going. He will be 4 1/2 hours away in August so this is a big step. He is our only child so we will be empty nesters very soon. However, we are very excited for him and support him all the way.

Since his girlfriend has also decided to go to college in the same town, we will also be looking for an apartment. That is the main reason for this visit so that we can look at some apartments, take some pictures, and then come home and think about it.

So I will not be creating any actual jewelry this weekend, however I am taking a notepad for some sketching and notes.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Hello!

Hello! I am new to the whole blogging thing, so please be patient with me. You will probably learn way more about me and what I am doing then you really wanted to know. So feel free to let me know when I have shared too much!

I work full time, am married, have one son who is 18 and a senior in high school. I also started designing and making jewelry in the summer of 2007. It started as a fund raiser for my sister who does a mission trip every year. However, by the time I stopped making stretch bracelets for her, I was addicted to making the jewelry.

Currently, I do simple stringing. I have tried wire work but find that I get easily frustrated. So I am always looking for other projects to try.

I spend my time on the internet on either Beading Daily or on Artfire.com. Beading Daily is a great source of information and friendship! Even if you are not into the whole beading thing, it does make for some hysterically funny reading at times. There are some wonderful people on that site!

Also, Artfire.com is a new place that I have listed some of my jewelry. You can find me at http://www.shedesignsjewelry.artfire.com/ . Please take a look and let me know what you think. I appreciate the constructive criticism! Have a great day and I hope you'll come back to visit often!