Sweet Saturday: a Beautiful, Sugary Bracelet

~Sugar and Ice, This Bracelet is So Nice!~

I made this bracelet yesterday after having the inspiration come from absolutely nowhere. Well, actually, I was watching "Marie Antoinette" with Kirsten Dunst and thought that I needed to make something girly, fun, and gorgeous!
I used rosaline pink Swarovski pearls and sterling silver beads and strung them on memory wire to get this layered effect without a lot of weight. Even better, there is no clasp to fiddle with - you just wind it on your wrist to fit you, and unwind it to take it off. It will fit almost any size due to it's Slinky-similarity and is light as a feather, yet looks like you have layered some beautiful bangles together. I think I just might need to order some more memory wire and Swarovski pearls to make a few more!
This will be for sale shortly on my Etsy store, please visit :)
My SUPER 50% OFF SALE is still on, maybe you can get you and your Valentine something sweet and affordable - or get a smart head-start on next year's Christmas shopping?
Meghann

Thankful Thursday - Hobbies are Wonderful Blessings!

So the last few weeks I have been pretty much incapacitated by pain and exhaustion due to my Fibromyalgia. However, I am not complaining as I have learned to take these times and teach myself various lessons: how to relax even if I don't think I can or should, how to find interesting, educational programming on television or the Internet, how to learn new hobbies like knitting and crocheting that don't require much more than my hands, brain, and a couch for me to stretch out on. It is times like these that, although I still get frustrated, are teaching me a lot about myself, and how much I am able to learn from my own living room. What a blessing in disguise!
I have just started learning amigurumi - the Japanese art of miniature crochet. All I need is a crochet hook, some yarn, and a great little book called, "Amigurumi World - Seriously Cute Crochet" by Ana Paula Rimoli. It is seriously cute, and seriously easy! I picked up some yarns on sale and have been experimenting for a few days now. I have made 2 bears (the first is now being chewed on by my mom's cat after I sprayed it with some catnip spray - pics to follow when my mom sends me some), and I am starting a pink elephant, lol. I am hoping to make these and sell them as cat toys with the proceeds going to animal shelters. I may also turn the smaller ones into key chains and zipper pulls, again, to sell for charity. I have some safety eyes on order so that they look a little cuter (not that sewn eyes aren't cute, but safety eyes stop me from poking myself with a sharp needle!), and each animal I make is getting better and better!
I'm not stopping the jewellery or photography, never fear, but having a new hobby is always a great way to return to your work with a fresh perspective. "A change is as good as a rest", as the saying goes, and that will certainly turn out to be true when I am able to get back to my jewellery table!
I am listing new jewellery items daily, as I had a bunch of pieces photographed at the same time, so please keep checking my Etsy store for new jewellery suitable for every budget and taste!
Meghann

Wordless Wednesday (Mostly)

New Prints!

Meghann
P.S. Check out my Etsy store and see the great items and fantastic sales! Also don't forget to enter the monthly blog contest :)

Fabulous Friday - New Rings!

~Left: Sterling and Amethyst Ring, Center: Gold and Lapis Lazuli Ring, Right: Gold and Swarovski Pearl and Crystal Ring~

I am so excited about these new rings - they are each a different version of my Lindsay Ring, named after my sister. I actually have a few more of these in different stones and metals, but I thought I'd start with these. Amethyst nuggets, Lapis Lazuli and Swarovski crystals and Swarovski Pearls are used to create beautiful, yet simple lines and accentuate any hand. They are very comfortable and look great on any finger, as their low profile and clean lines suit any shape and size of hand. These will be for sale shortly on my Etsy Store.
Don't forget to enter the January Blog Contest, where you could win a great prize.
Check out my Etsy store for beautiful, affordable items, and the SUPER 50% OFF SALE!
Meghann

Fabulous Friday

~So Sleepy!~

Today's Fabulous Friday is brought to you by... SLEEP! Yes, glorious, wonderful, restful sleep. I've been so go-go-go the last month that I almost forgot I could sleep (well, that and the Fibromyalgia causes insomnia so it was a double-whammy!). Today we slept. Had lunch. Napped. Had dinner. Sat on the couch and watched TV. Went to bed early (or I will go to bed early - we haven't hit that yet). The dog was knackered. Pure tuckered out by Christmas at my parents' house yesterday. All that attention and turkey from grandmom sure got to her! I don't normally allow 'human food' to e given to my animals, but plain turkey and plain veggies are ok, and grandmom knows this so every few minutes I'd hear, "Shhhh don't tell your mom!" and then I'd hear Arwen munching and licking her lips. Lucky dog! Eating is hard work so she sure needed her naps today :)
We had a great Christmas. sure, the gifts were great (fabulous actually!), with me getting some great books and DVD's, plus a fabulous gift certificate to my favorite gardening store, but it was seeing family again and visiting, catching up and laughing. My mom also does a fabulous table spread with lots of veggies and fruits, cheeses and homemade crackers, and dinner is always divine with her stuffing and turkey so tender you don't ever need a knife. More veggies, followed by the yummy shortbread and fudge that I made ended the evening wonderfully. All in all, it was a FABULOUS Christmas and I am exhausted!

Reminders: the SUPER 50% off sale is still on and more items have been added to the sale!
Also, there are only a few more days to enter the December Monthly Blog contest. It is free to enter and you could win a great prize!
That's all for now, I'm going to have a FABULOUS rest!
Meghann

Sweet Saturday - the FIRST of Many!

This is the first of many 'Sweet Saturday' posts where I will stop talking about myself (thank goodness) and post about other people's work I find pretty, sweet and and cute - you know, stuff that warms your heart :-)
The hats above are from Loopy4Ewe, a seller on Etsy and a fellow member of the Capital Crafters Etsy Street Team. Recently, my sister in law had a baby and my husband and I wanted to get something nice for her and the baby. Although I can crochet, I wasn't too confident in my abilities to make a hat look like a hat, so we dropped by Loopy4Ewe's Etsy shop as I had heard that she was selling hats all over the place. Needless to say her shop has many delightful things, and I could have spent all my money (as well as my husband's!) in there. We decided, however, on her custom flapper hats. They are beautiful, affordable and come in many colors. We got one for my sister in law, and a matching one for the baby and all I can say is WOW! They were finished quickly, were shipped even faster, and looked just like the photos on the website, it was AMAZING! They both loved their gifts, by the way, and wear their new matching hats everywhere together, so thank you Loopy4Ewe, you made gift-giving so easy and stylish!

In other news, I have more items listed in the 50% off section of my Etsy Store (like these sterling silver earrings for just $10!!), so go check it out! There are lots of great deals to be had :-)
That's all for now!
Meghann

New Earwires!

~New Earwires!~

I had a really cool request a little while ago - a client wanted to have really cool ear wires for her jewellery creations. She had the idea for them, based on a few other designs, but wanted them in sterling silver, and wanted them bigger than the average decorative earwires (most of them being tiny, and rather wimpy in my humble opinion). These are a few of the fantastic results! I'll be listing these and many more soon, as well as more items in my SUPER 50% OFF SALE. Keep checking the Etsy store for more cool, affordable things!
Meghann

~Another Beautiful Custom Necklace~

Here is another beautiful creation, custom made for a very special friend. She is giving it as a Christmas present, so she will have to remain nameless, but I have to say that this was one bear of a necklace to make, being my first 'woven' piece ever. It did, however, turn out beautifully and I am thinking of ways to make others for sale on my Etsy shop. They won't be quite as ornate though, as this one took many, many hours, lol. This was made using Czech glass seed beads, Czech glass druk (round) beads, tumbled Turquoise nuggets and a turquoise round donut pendant....GORGEOUS!
Of course my SUPER 50% off Sale is still going...and there is still time to have it delivered before Christmas (some areas may need additional postage, so contact me if you are unsure). Of course, at these prices, you can easily afford to get yourself some gifts, and even get a head start on next year's Christmas shopping (remember how you always say you're going to do that???).
Check out my Etsy Store for more items added to the 50% off section daily!
And don't forget to enter the December contest of the month to win a great prize!
Meghann

Sale-ing a Sale-ing a Sale-ing We Shall Go!

The Buy 2 Get One Free Sale in my Etsy store is still going very well, a few people have taken advantage of the wonderful deals in my shop and have some beautiful, handmade jewellery to give as Christmas presents!
I wanted to give you more, though, so if you purchase over $100 worth of items, after discounts, you'll get a free surprise! All jewellery does, of course, come in a handmade gift box so it is ready for gift-giving - you don't even have to wrap it! I can even send the item directly to the recipient if you would like.
Plus, you don't have the line ups, crabby clerks, and grabby shoppers to contend with (and don't even get me started on the parking!)
Happy shopping, and don't forget to enter the free monthly blog contest to win great prizes ;-)
Meghann

Time to Think of next Month...

~Want to Learn to Make This? You Can - Thursday January 15, 2009!~

Well the first class I taught at The Bead Store in Kemptville was a huge hit. The pendant was finished by the end of the class and the participants got to wear them home! They loved the project and now have some new techniques to add to their repertoire. I had so much fun, so a big thank you to all who came out!
The next project is the one you see above. This is a beautiful nested ring with sterling silver wire and Czech glass beads surrounding a beautiful focal stone, in this case a carnelian melon. This will be taught by me at The Bead Store in Kemptville on Thursday, January 15 from 7PM to 9PM. It will be lots of fun, so I really encourage you to come out and try it. It is a great way to get out of the house and escape those January doldrums, plus it is an affordable project and you'll have a beautiful ring to give away (or keep!) by the end of the class. Check out their website for details: www.rideau-art-beads.com
The SUPER SALE is still going strong in my Etsy Store, so check it out as there are lots of great affordable gift ideas and there is still time to get it mailed to you (or directly to the recipient) before Christmas. See the sale here: www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com :)
Also, don't forget to enter the December blog contest to try and win a wonderful prize! Everyone is eligible, so enter and tell your friends too - you never know...you just might win!
Meghann

It Keeps Getting Better!

WOO! I have decided to increase my gifts to you, my friends, by upping the ante on this phenomenal sale in my Little Studio Photography and Jewellery Etsy Store!

Starting right now, buy one item, get a second item of equal or lesser value for 50%off!!!

This cannot be combined with another offer (previous specials, sale items or custom items). If you have any questions, please let me know!
Enjoy ;-)
Meghann

SALE SALE SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO!!

Just in time for the gift-giving season (and perfect for those trying to save a bit of money in these tighter financial times), I am trying to make room for my new creations, which means......

A HUGE SALE!!! Buy anything from my Little Studio Photography and Jewellery Etsy store and get a second item for 25% off!

Hurry - once these beautiful pieces are gone, that is it!

The nitty-gritty:
Second item must be of equal or lesser value. This is not available on custom orders at this time, and cannot be combined with another offer. The discount does not apply to shipping or taxes (if applicable). I will refund the difference after payment has been received. Shipping times may be slightly delayed due to higher sales volumes.
Don't forget to enter the contest of the month here on this blog.
Enjoy!!
Meghann

Cha Cha in the Garden

I took this flower in my neighbor's front yard a few years ago and I am still caught by the way the flowers seem to dance in the photograph. That combined with the vibrant color reminds me of the flowing skirts women wear dancing the cha-cha.
This is now available for sale on my Etsy Store in a 5x7 print.
I hope you enjoy it!
Meghann

Fall Cards are Fabulous!

~A New Card Set Just For Fall~

I just had to share this new card set with you! Here is a selection of 4 photos from right around the corner in fall and late summer. The high-quality laser printed and sealed images are about 4x5, and then mounted on thick card stock. The cards are about 4-1/4x5-1/4 inches and come with matching white envelopes. They are the perfect size for gift-giving, thank-you's and invitations! I am also able to make a custom set of all 1 or 2 images of your choice, and I am also able to print these as larger photographs - just ask!
These will be available for sale on my Etsy Store, as well as other card sets so hurry to check them out!
Thanks for stopping by,
Meghann

Fall for Fall....Again!

I love this photograph. It is just so warm and full of fall feelings. The tractor actually still works, despite being almost a hundred years old, and here it stands, stoic, solid, waiting for winter to come and go so it can get back to work!
This will be available for sale on my Etsy Store starting today. It will initially be available in 5x7, however, if you wish, I am more than happy to make it in other sizes.
Have a great day!
Meghann

Time for Photographs Already!

I realized something this morning: my business is "Little Studio Photography and Jewellery", and yet, I haven't posted about my photographs in, oh, I don't know how long!
I have some framed photos on my Etsy store, but I haven't listed any prints for sale - until now!!
Here is one of my all-time favorites: my "Backlit Bleeding Hearts". I took this several years ago, and I still love it more every time I see it. This particular version is in 5x7, though I will have several 4x6's to list, and I can always have a large size custom printed if you ask me. I think it looks best in 11x14 in a 16x20 frame - the impact is just too stunning. However, in the interests of keeping things easily mailed, and less expensive, these smaller prints are still just as beautiful. Great for framing to fill that empty spot in your wall, and a wonderful, inexpensive gift, these are going to go quickly so get them while you can! Obviously, the actual print does not have white borders or the copyright notice on it - but I had to mention it. :-)
Don't forget about my October Blog Contest! Sign up now and you might win a pair of earrings! See the top post for details!
Enjoy!
Meghann

Our Charity of the Month is a Winner!

~The Bracelet with the Brooch in the Center~

Well, as I posted in an earlier post from this month, the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is the Charity of the Month. Instead of getting 10% of the total sales, I am donating a framed photo, as well as this beautiful bracelet and brooch set. The lamp work glass beads were made by glass artist Louise Ingram of Fireseed, and I put the pieces together with 14karat gold filled wire and findings, Swarovski crystals, and gold plated beads and jump rings. This piece will be part of the sanctuary's fund raising auction in November. For more information, visit their website: http://www.rideauwildlife.org/home.
I hope you like this piece, and keep checking back for more beautiful, affordable items for sale on my Etsy Store!
Don't forget about our contest - see the main blog page for details.
Meghann

Last Day to Save 20% In My Store!!

~Don't Miss Out On The Savings!~

Well, I can't believe we are on the last day of September, but there it is- and along with it is the last day of the sale for Etsy for Animals Birthday Bash! This is the LAST DAY to get 20% off everything in my Etsy store. All you have to do is use the coupon code "LITT" in the 'Notes to Seller' when you check out.
It's that simple so don't miss out!

I've got lots of goodies for you at all price ranges - how about getting your holiday shopping done early??
Go to my store here: www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com
PLUS - Check back soon for a contest to win free goodies!
Meghann

It's Watching....

~The Eye is Upon You!~

When I saw these beads in a pile by my friend and Fireseed.etsy.com artist Louise Ingram, I immediately knew I had to step outside the box a bit and make something cool. With Halloween coming up, this is a perfect bead, but no matter the time of year, this is a one of a kind bracelet for a one of a kind person! I took a large black based focal bead with a blue eye and surrounded it with 2 smaller red based eye beads, and then used two yellow beads afterwards. One yellow bead has an eye, the other does not. To finish the bracelet, I used a sterling silver lobster clasp, silver plate jump rings and a slumped red eye bead. I can't get these exact beads again, which is what I love about working with a local artist. The pieces I create with Louise's beads will never be recreated, and best of all, these pieces are still affordable!!
This piece will soon be available on the Etsy store - click the Etsy box to the right to check out all my wonderful (and affordable!) goodies. Remember, the sale only lasts until the end of this month - time is running out so hurry to my Etsy store, and use the coupon code "LITT" in the 'notes to seller' to get your 20% off!
Have fun!
Meghann

With Colder Weather Comes...Fall Jewellery!

~Gold, Autumn Stone, Carnelian and African Wood Necklace~

It is getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and new inspiration seems to come from every glance outside. Chunky jewellery is in, and I made this necklace just in time it seems! I took a beautiful faceted autumn stone drop pendant (yes, autumn stone is its real name!) and I caged it in 14karat gold filled wire, adding small scroll details on both sides of the pendant. I love this stone because of the wonderful colour striations in it - here a sandy brown, there a bit of cream, and a dark chocolate mahogany streak for added oomph. Then I strung it from a necklace dripping with autumn red carnelian stones, gold plated beads and dark brown African wood round beads. I then finished it off with a 14karat gold filled toggle clasp. This has all of fall's most beautiful colours in all of its rich looking glory! It's also affordable - and one of a kind! I used my last African wood round beads on this necklace, which I'm a bit sad by, as they are so versatile, but that just means I'll have to go shopping for more! This piece is for sale on my Etsy store, as are a few other goodies not mentioned here. And, until the end of the month, all my items are 20% off when you use the coupon code "LITT" in the notes to seller when you purchase!! Take advantage now and get a head start on your holiday shopping, saving money and time all at once!
Keep checking here, I'll be posting more often to keep you in the loop!
Meghann