Arwednesdays with Arwen the Wonder Dog

Wow! Mommy and her shop are featured on Indie Smiles! There is a whole article there by Linda of LindaGJ. In it there is talk about fibromyalgia as well as her beautiful jewelry.
High-5 Mommy! We hope you all have a great Wednesday.

Mommy also wants to thank everyone who came out to the Gluten free Baking Exchange cooking class last night. It was so much fun and there were so many awesome baked goods for everyone to take home. Can't wait for next week!
and Arwen

Fabulous Friday Features: Fibromyalgia

This isn't your regular post, I suppose. This isn't about another fabulous artist (though I need more, please!!!), but about a disease I fight every day. I know I sound like I complain about my fibromyalgia and honestly, I don't mean to and I apologize for bothering you with it. I am so grateful to everyone who reads and send their best wishes for my health, I can't tell you how much it means to me!
I thought I would relay this letter from www.fibrohugs.org to show you a bit about my disease. It is called, "A Letter to Normals" by Ronald J. Waller.

The Letter To Normals
Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.

I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.

You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....

Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....

Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.

I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, on the shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….

Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.

And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….

On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.

So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….

Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….

Copyright of www.fibrohugs.org Written by Ronald J. Waller


Thank you so much for reading and understanding, I hope you will join me in having a GREAT day today, and I wish all of my fellow Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Turkey Day and all the happiness that everyone can get :)

and Arwen the Fibro Companion and Wonder Dog

Arwendnesdays: Lending a Helping Paw

Hello, Arwen the Wonder Dog here again to show you how I'm helping mommy with her jewelry. She has been really sick lately with her Fibromyalgia and that means I need to be extra cute and helpful. My mom says that she is very, very sorry to have not posted for a few days, but that we are back and we are going to try to post every day again. Don't worry, mom is okay, she is just very sore and her muscles go into spasms, making it hard to do anything other than hold a book or sleep. Still, as mommy says, today is a new day and she says we are going to work on her latest beading project!

Here are the things I helped her gather this morning:
-Beading kit (tray with beading mat, scissors, needle, beading thread, beads, instructions)
-Moisturizer for dry hands (I always try and lick it off mommy's hands, but she doesn't let me!)
-LOTS of movies to stay entertained
-Healthy snacks and drinks
-Laptop and phone to stay in touch
-Binder of projects and to-do lists to keep organized
-Comfy blanket to stay warm
In truth, I only watched as mommy got all of these things, but I did the most important part: I kept the blankets nice and warm, and smiled at mommy when she was ready to sit down.

When you do your art or a craft, what preparation do you do? Do you gather any special items?

Have a great Arwendnesday!!
and Arwen

Tuesday's Treasures: Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

~My Faithful Fibro Companion, Arwen~

May 12 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, thank you for visiting! My Etsy store is donating 5% of the total sales before taxes and shipping to Fibromyalgia Awareness charities this month in honor of this day. Please visit to see some great items, and feel good for helping a great cause at the same time!
Here is some very important information about fibromyalgia:
Government Data confirms that Canadians with Fibromyalgia are very disadvantaged

The following information was extracted by the National ME/FM Action Network from the Statistics Canada datafile for the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey.
An estimated 390,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Over half were between the ages of 45 and 64. Roughly a quarter were younger than 45 and 20% were 65 years old or older. Over 80% were female.

Canadians with Fibromyalgia showed a high degree of activity limitation:
*Need help with preparing meals:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 16%, Canadians in General: 3%
*Need help with getting to appointments and running errands:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 28%, Canadians in General: 5%
*Need help – doing housework:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 35%, Canadians in General: 5%
*Need help with heavy household chores (such as spring cleaning or yard work):
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 57%, Canadians in General: 12%
*Need help with personal care:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 7%, Canadians in General: 2%
*Need help moving about inside the house:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 8%, Canadians in General: 1%

Canadians with Fibromyalgia also experienced socio-economic disadvantage:
*Permanently unable to work (ages 15-74):
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 14%, Canadians in General: 2%
*Annual personal income less than $15,000 (ages 15+):
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 43%, Canadians in General: 29%
*Food insecure:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 11%, Canadians in General: 5%
*Very weak sense of belonging to local community
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 13%, Canadians in General: 10%

There are gaps in service to Canadians with Fibromyalgia:
*Unmet health care needs over the previous 12 months:
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 26%, Canadians in General: 11%
*Unmet home care needs over the previous 12 months (ages 18+):
Canadians with Fibromyalgia: 11%, Canadians in General: 2%

The National ME/FM Action Network has being telling government health officials for years that:
• Fibromyalgia is a very disabling illness,
• the illness has substantial impact on people's lives
• there are significant gaps in health care delivery.
Now Canadian government data confirms what we have been saying.
Please share this important information with others. Help to make this information as widely known as possible.
About the Canadian Community Health Survey:
The Canadian Community Health Survey is a major survey designed by Canadian health authorities to identify and monitor health issues affecting Canadians aged 12 and up. There were 27,100,000 Canadians in scope for the survey. Over 130,000 Canadians were interviewed.
About the National ME/FM Action Network:
The National ME/FM Action Network is a registered charity working on behalf of Canadians with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Please visit www.mefmaction.net.

****These tables were compiled by Ms Margaret Parlor, President, National ME/FM Action Network. Ms Parlor recently retired from a 30 year public service career where she worked as a statistician, policy analyst and manager.

Excerpted from an email from:
Lydia E. Neilson, M.S.M., National ME/FM Action Network
Tel. (613) 829-6667

Thanks for reading! I hope you learned a little bit of our struggles, and many of our triumphs! We are getting recognition for our disease - more and more reputable medical clinics are now doing trials and testing and soon we may have a cure or totally effective treatment for our disease :)

Fabulous Friday - May's Charities of the Month!

First of all, thank you for your support last month, as I was able to donate money to help rescue some feedlot horses, now happily recovering at Circle L Farms, as well as donate a little bit of money to the Cancer Society in Canada!
This month I am so happy to announce the new charities of the month - yes there are 2 very special charities.
The first is the Arthritis Society of Canada - appropriate as May is Fibrolyamgia awareness month, with May 12 being Fibromyalgia Awareness day. They help people with fibromyalgia and arthritis manage their disease and live lives that are as normal as possible, as well as funding research into these debilitating diseases.
The second charity is also the EFA (Etsy for Animals) charity of the month and a good friend of mine. Epic Farms is a horse rescue and rehabilitation farm in Alabama, run by a wonderful woman (and cancer survivor!) Jennifer Crowe. They are in desperate need of help after torrential rains have washed away parts of their paddocks, flooded their tack room, and blown the roof off a few stalls in their horse barn!
5% of the total sales before taxes and shipping will go to EACH charity this month. As well, you can go to my Charity Promo Items section in my Etsy store to see items available that will donate specific dollar amounts to these charities.
I wish each of these charities the best of luck and if you would like to donate directly, you can do so through their websites:
EpicFarms.com
Arthritis.ca
Thank you for your compassion and support,

Thoughts on Having My 3-Year 'Fibro'versary

~My Faithful Fibro Companion, Arwen~

Today is the three year anniversary of when I first got sick with Fibromyalgia. I didn't know it at the time, however. I went to bed the night before a little more tired than usual, thinking I might be coming down with a cold, but happy that the next day I was off work and would be able to sleep in, work out, tidy the house, and work on my photography. That fateful morning I woke up and felt like I had run face-first into a brick wall: my entire body hurt - bones, joints, skin, hair, nails, everything. My head felt foggy, like lead in a bucket of water, I just couldn't think or make sense of anything. I was definitely coming down with something, probably the flu. I rested and went back to work the day after, thinking I felt pretty horrible, but I needed the money.
I collapsed at work, began shaking uncontrollably and ended up in the emergency room with doctors scratching their heads not knowing what was wrong. After almost 2 years of going through test after test after test, not knowing if I had cancer, ectopic pregnancies, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, allergies (YES I do), asthma (I always have, but not bad), and many more terrifying things, (including mental illness and wondering if I was, in fact, going crazy...I wasn't) I finally had an answer: Fibromyalgia. I hurt all the time, I'm exhausted all the time, I feel weak, get dizzy, get grumpy (who wouldn't when you don't sleep and hurt??), and many more not-so-fun (!) things, and there is no cure. I've tried over $1500 of medications in the last year alone that have done nothing but make me very, very ill. I've lost friends, jobs, had to stop going to school for accounting, which I loved, and had to give up many other very enjoyable pastimes.
Why do I bring up all of this yuckiness, you ask? I'll tell you.
I have learned so much in these last three years, grown so much, that I have to share.
1. I have learned that being sick is very frustrating and annoying, but not the end of the world. I don't have cancer, AIDS, Ebola, or many much worse diseases that kill. I will not die, despite saying on occasion that I would like to after the pain gets really, really bad. I will not die. That is important.
2. I have learned that real friends are the ones who keep calling and understand when you don't always call them back. They don't just call when they need something. They understand that you are sick but still care about them. That is wonderful.
3. I have learned that not everyone believes in fibromyalgia, many people think that because I look 'normal' (minus the huge bags under my eyes from lack of sleep and my hobbling around in pain), I must be fine and am therefore faking it. I am not faking it. I am very, very sick, but if they don't want to understand after my educating them politely, I am not going to take it personally, or try to make them understand. Life is too short and important to waste it on people who don't/won't bother to understand. You can't see diabetes....are they 'faking' it?
4. A good husband, family and good friends are so vital, even if you don't always see eye-to-eye or meet face-to-face every day. Support is so crucial. A kind word, email, or very gentle hug can make all the difference between bottomless depression and feeling like there is hope
5. Everyone has problems, and we need to LISTEN. If you see someone and ask "How are you?" Mean it. Listen to their answer. If they just say "Fine," they are not 'fine', and something has to be going on. In this day and age of electronic impersonality we lose contact with important human connections. Reconnect. Care. You'll be surprised how much it means to you and the other person.
6. A happy dog's wagging tail, or a cat on your lap can melt away almost every bad thing for a while. Animals are instant stress relievers and the more stressed you are, the more attention you need to pay to your dog, cat, fish, rat, etc. They really do help. Plus, they like the attention - wouldn't you?
7. Distractions are great. Hobbies are essential no matter how healthy or busy you are. Teach yourself to knit, crochet, paint, make tables, anything you like to do. It is also a great stress reliever, and you never know, you might find something you are really passionate about.
8. Talking or blogging is so great. You can vent, cry, laugh, say almost anything and you'll feel better. And you meet really cool people, often sharing your experiences.
Thank you for joining me on this reflective day. I hope it makes an impression on you - it certainly has on me.
My love and positive thoughts to you all, I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous future :)
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

Thankful Thursday: Baby It's FREEZING Outside!

~Almost Finished!~

~Front~

~Back~

Having blogged about fibromyalgia and it's inherent all-weather-but especially-cold-weather crappiness before, I'll spare you the repeat on it. As it is Thankful Thursday, I wanted to thank all my e-friends for their support when I am feeling so crappy - your kind words and notes on my blogs make me feel so much better :)
I am also infinitely thankful for my husband, who is very understanding when the laundry is left on the dining room table for a few days when I can't do much, and my dog, who on my bad days won't leave my side.
All that being said, this last cold snap has pretty much stopped my jewellery making as I have been so sore and tired that all I can do is sit on the couch. Enter my new favorite hobby - knitting and crocheting!
Brennan mentioned he wanted a new scarf and was actually going out to buy one when I said, "No honey, why buy one that everyone else has when I, your loving wife and partner, can make you one from scratch that will be yours and be unique!". He was mostly convinced (or I chose to take it that he was convinced, lol) after looking, no doubt, at my shining face, and agreed with hesitation, so long as it was 'cool'.
He had just gotten a new black wool pea coat (and it looks so fabulous on him, and NO that is not just because I am biased!), and wanted a scarf to contrast with it, while not making him look like a clown. Knowing he looks great in burgundy, I suggested that and he agreed. We looked through a couple of books to see if he liked any patterns and he chose one with more enthusiasm than I thought he would be able to muster for a scarf :)
I started this lace knit scarf on Sunday, having never knit lace or a full anything before. After a rough start, ripping out everything too many times to count (hours of hat because, apparently, I can't count properly), I finally got the hang of it, and now, after being confined to the couch for 4 days and hating to be inactive, I have only a few more inches to go! It's not perfect, but I think that is the charm of it (I reversed one line of purls/knits, so there is a raised line halfway on the smooth side, but as it is in what will be the exact middle of the scarf, it will probably look intentional - I LOVE those mistakes!). The stitch is called the faggot lace knit stitch (not telling hubby that for obvious reasons), and I got the pattern from "Knitting for Dummies". While I HATE the title of these books (I am not a 'Dummy', nor do I appreciate being called one), they really do make learning things you perceive to be difficult a lot easier.

Up next will be Amigurumi animals, hopefully to sell to raise money for animal charities. I'll let you know when that is up and running. If this cold snap continues, I'll probably have a small zoo of them by next week :s
Happy Thankful Thursday, and Thank You for Reading!
Meghann
P.S. Don't forget to check out my Etsy store for new items, and items on sale! Also, the January Blog contest is still going strong so please enter if you haven't already :)

New Charity Section in the Etsy Store!

I want to introduce you to something new and very special in my Etsy Store: I now have a Charity Promo Items section devoted to items donating a dollar amount to a specific charity! I will still be donating 10% of the total sales of all other items to the Charity of the Month, but this way I will be able to donate money to different charities at once and be able to give them more than a few cents at a time :)
I have items that will donate money to Fibromyalgia Awareness charities, as well as items donating money to last month's Charity of the Month, Epic Farms in Alabama.
I do hope you'll check out the store and help support these valuable causes. And while you're there, don't forget to check out the SUPER 50% OFF SALE! These items are going fast so hurry!
Also, don't forget to enter the January contest of the month to try and win a beautiful prize - see the post from January 3 for details.
See you tomorrow!
Meghann

....And We're Back!

~One of the Pieces I Made for Fireseed~

Well, let me start by saying I am so, so SO sorry for the long space between posts! I have been very busy - I started a new medication for my fibromyalgia a few weeks ago that I am now coming off (long story), and have been busy battling the side effects, plus I was honored to have Louise Ingram from Fireseed ask me to make some jewellery with her amazing beads for a show she just did this past weekend. I am now making new displays for a jewellery party I am doing this Saturday, so my time has been pretty much fully occupied!
I have lots of new pieces I want to make, I simply need the time to make them. Never fear, however, there is always next week!
Don't forget to enter this month's contest to try and win a beautiful ring!!
See you tomorrow,
Meghann

Broach the Subject of....Brooches!

~These Earrings Will Shortly Be Available on Fireseed's Etsy Store~

~Brooch Number 1~

~Brooch Number 2~

I haven't made brooches in a while and a few people who shall remain nameless (MOM!!) have been giving me grief over it. So, armed with a few of Fireseed's beautiful beads, some gold wire and Swarovski crystals, I went to work. These are the beautiful results! I love doing freestyle brooches, though I do have some more ideas for Celtic-styled and less freestyle pieces. Now that I've made these - one will be going on My Etsy Store, and one will be going on Fireseed's Etsy Store as these are collaborative pieces - I think I really should make some more. Now I just need more beautiful beads...*ahem*.... calling Louise!! ;)
That is all for now, I may be less active over the Thanksgiving weekend, so stay safe, have fun, and be thankful! We are all so blessed!
Meghann

New Jewellery and a Blog Mention!

~Some New, Botanically-Inspired Earrings~

As usual it's been a busy week, though I am in another flare-up with my fibromyalgia, so I'm busy, but slow. I made these new leaf-inspired earrings that you see above, as well as a few other items in the last few days. I will be updating my website to show all the wonderful goodies I have on my Etsy store, and hopefully make a few more items today that I've been meaning to for a while. Of course, I still need to get into my gardens for some much needed weeding as well, so I may not get all that much jewellery made, lol.
The best part of today? Well, a fellow Estian of mine, and a new friend, has blogged about me in the best way! Julie Schuler of My Good Babushka on Etsy, and Mrs. Schuler's Blog has written a post about myself, my charitable donations, and my jewellery! Thank You Julie! She also does beautiful art, and is starting to give some of her sales to charity, so good for you Julie, keep up the beautiful work!
I also wanted to mention that I have added a new feature to all of my blogs: the follower feature. This is how I can see who (and how many) are reading my blogs, and it is a great way to find people interested in the same things you are. So if you read this blog, sign up as a follower on the right!
Thanks for visiting, we'll see you tomorrow!
Meghann

Falling For Fall Leaves

~Another Fall-Inspired Necklace~

I was inspired for this piece while on a walk with my dog. We live in a forested area and right now all the leaves are in various states of changing and falling. It is absolutely gorgeous, especially when the sun hits the canopy at just the right angle, bathing everything in golden autumnal light. Just such an occurrence happened earlier this week during my walk and even the dog seemed intrigued. The leaves all changed from yellows, reds, oranges and greens to luminescent variations of themselves. I immediately thought of this piece and knew I had to make it as soon as I got home. Unfortunately, this was at the beginning of our walk and I knew that I couldn't disappoint the dog, so we walked our walk, and then upon returning home I began to create.
I took 14karat gold filled wire, sterling silver wire, and non tarnish copper wire and formed various leaf shapes - a maple in gold, a birch in silver and an oak in copper. I then hammered each leaf to get it to lay flat and have texture. Then I suspended them from 14karat gold filled chain and added a green tree agate bead, amber nugget, and small garnet bead for added color and texture. This is a larger piece - great for the plunging neckline of an evening dress, or just a nice tank top. It is for sale on my Etsy store now, so check it out by clicking the link to the right.
Everything is still 20% off until the end of September so get it while you can!
Take care,
Meghann

New Dangle Earrings

~Gold, Amber and Garnet Drop Earrings~

The fall's symphony of colors are out in full force here in my forest and I can't help but be inspired by them; the reds, golds and oranges are so rich, warm and inviting. I created these drop earrings by hand forming 14karat gold filled wire into oval shapes and hammering them flat. I then hung amber chips and small garnet beads from the center of each drop. So pretty!
I'm also working on new interchangeable earrings so watch out for those! They are so handy - like having many pairs of earrings in one!
I'm off to create more goodies for you - back tomorrow with more!
Meghann

Lots of New FibroAware Jewellery!

EarringsBraceletNecklaceRing
~All of the Beautiful New FibroAware Jewellery~

So yes, I've been busy! Etsy teams and making jewellery and birthdays and so much more, I am surprised I haven't been absent on the blogger front for longer. That being said, I am so excited to show you my new additions to my FibroAware line of jewellery. This line is made to shed light on those suffering from Fibromyalgia, as I myself do every day. Many are unable to work outside their homes (myself included), and some are unable to work at all. This line is devoted to pledging 10% of the total sales before taxes to charities that help those with Fibromyalgia. Not only is it a good cause, this jewellery is gorgeous too! These newest items are made from sterling silver wire and amethyst, or other purple beads, as purple is the colour for fibromyalgia awareness. The earrings are made from dark amethyst bead drops, and Czech glass fire polish beads in "crystal" for the center of the earrings. I used the crystal to represent the tears that we sometimes shed, and the fibromyalgia purple amethyst to represent the community of fibromyalgia sufferers and supporters rallying around. The newest bracelet and necklace are made from two types of amethyst - light and dark in such beautiful, contrasting shades, it makes you wonder that something can come in so many different, and beautiful, colours. The light shade is almost a drop-style of bead in that it is quite long in relation to its width, and you are able to carefully spin them so that it can look very sleek with the beads facing one direction, or edgy with them facing different directions. The dark shade is a great contrast. The sterling silver beads make the whole thing really pop! The ring is made from sterling silver wire, hand coiled into a Celtic style of ring with small amethyst nuggets nestled between two Swarovski clear Crystal bicones. Very sparkly and pretty, this is made to be on your thumb, but I can make similar ones to fit your fingers.
All of these (and more to come!) are available on my Etsy store at: www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com - Don't forget that between September 15-30 Etsy for Animals is having their birthday bash and you will bet 20% off everything in our participating stores with the coupon code "LITT"! Start your holiday shopping then and you will have it out of the way in good time, supporting local artists - and saving money while you're at it.
I hope you visit and thank you!
Meghann

Tell Time in Style!

~Super-Cool Sterling Silver Celtic Spiral Watch~

I bought some watch faces a while back and had absolutely NO idea what to make of them. they are simple, and I wanted to make them pop. I see all these watches with beaded bands, and can't help but think I'd break all the little beads with one fell swoop of my hand (as I often seem to do). Into my head the other day comes the idea to do something Celtic and make it of wire. So spirals of wire it had to be, but how to make it pop? And how to make sure it goes with everything? Black and crystal of course! Black firepolish glass beads and Swarovski crystals are inserted into the spiral links to make it that much more special. And, can you believe it, there are almost 3 FEET of wire in this baby!! I LOOOVE it! It's feminine with a bit of an edge. It goes with everything, and it is AFFORDABLE!!! $37.95, AMAZING!!
This will soon be for sale on my Etsy store at http://www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com
I hope you check it out!
That's all for now, I have more jewellery to create!!
Meghann

Celtic-Style Hammered Copper Necklace and Earrings

~Necklace and Earrings Together~

~'Dagger' Drop Bead Detail~

~Spiral Clasp Detail~

This last week has been really something. I am now officially teaching some wire working jewellery classes at The Bead Store in Kemptville starting in September, I've been working on several jewellery projects at once, I've been cleaning and gardening, taking photos for a friend, and I've been really sick with my Fibromyalgia flareups.
The piece above was originally going to be a mock-up for a Fibromyalgia Awareness jewellery set, but after making a few heart-shaped links, it took on a life of its own (as so often happens with art) and I was inspired to change a few things and make the necklace in its entirety. I then had to make matching earrings for it (of course!). Over 7 feet of copper wire was hand-wrapped and hammered into 21 Celtic-style hearts that are connected with silver-plated jump rings. 7 'jet' Czech glass 'dagger' beads are suspended from the bottoms of select hearts for extra style and substance. A sterling silver spiral clasp is the perfect accent, and also hammered to match the copper wire's hammered finish. An additional 2 hearts are suspended from sterling silver ear wires, with an additional 2 Czech glass 'dagger' beads in turn suspended from the bottom of the hearts. This necklace is lighter than air, despite it's appearance.
I'm now working on a similar-but-different piece in 14karat gold-filled wire with amethyst beads for a necklace, with matching earrings and a different take on the piece for a similarly-styled bracelet. I'll do a similar set in sterling silver when I'm done. I'll have them all for sale, but I might just keep some for myself - they are that gorgeous!
I'll keep you updated on the progress of the new pieces. Check the web links to the right of the page to go to The Bead Store's website and check them out!
Stay adorned, and until next time,
Meghann

Fibromyalgia Awareness Jewellery 3

~Fibromyalgia Awareness Jewellery~
~Sterling Silver, Amethyst, Swarovski Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace~

I think what I love about this jewellery is that people don't necessarily know right away that it is a piece of awareness jewellery, or what illness in particular it is bringing awareness to. The great thing is that it encourages conversation. People will ask what the piece is about, and you get to tell them, and explain the illness. It is a great way to start a conversation and educate people on the disease. I think that is very positive. I am sick, but I have great jewellery because of it - there is a silver lining to every cloud!
I LOVE this necklace! Its made of sterling silver beads, a custom sterling silver clasp, real amethyst nuggets and smooth amethyst chips, as well as Swarovski crystal pearls and Swarovski crystals. I wanted this to look good with a pair of your favourite jeans, or a fancy evening dress.
I love how it starts out as a simple necklace and then transforms with a beautiful multi-drop pendant with more amethysts, crystals, and sterling silver beads swinging and catching every bit of light. A beautiful sterling silver awareness charm is suspended from the center dangle.
The necklace is about 16 inches long, with the 3 inch dangle.
This is a beautiful, sparkly piece that will make you feel special and make any occasion even more special!
This will be available for sale on the website shortly at www.littlestudio.ca
I'll have more jewellery soon - this line has really inspired me!
Take care,
Meghann

Fibromyalgia Awareness Jewellery 2

~Fibromyalgia Awareness Jewellery~
~Sterling Silver and Amethyst Earrings~

Here are the matching earrings to the bracelet - which I made custom for the client who has purchased the bracelet and these earrings already! These are also one-of-a-kind. I'm trying to get more amethyst nuggets to try and make similar ones - though even if I tried, the hand-wrapped wire means that I'll never make 2 identical. I like that. I like being able to give people the chance to own something that no-one else has. They may have something similar, but never the same - makes you feel special!
I'll be making more jewellery soon, including a line of interchangeable earrings with Fibromyalgia Awareness pieces in those too.
Next post: the necklace, and boy will you want to see that!
Take care,
Meghann

Fibromyalgia Awareness Jewellery

~Fibromyalgia Awareness Bracelet~
~Amethyst, Sterling Silver, and Swarovski Crystal Bracelet~

I've finally finished the first piece of jewellery in a series of Fibromyalgia Awareness jewellery items! It is a one-of-a-kind bracelet made with Amethyst, sterling silver wire and Swarovski Crystals, and is absolutely gorgeous. The awareness colour for Fibromyalgia is purple so I used amethyst. The beads are smooth, tumbled nuggets about 1cm in length, and are wrapped with nearly 3 1/2 feet of sterling silver wire, symbolizing the control we aim to have over the disease. The Swarovski crystals are about 6mm wide and when light flows through them, it creates a rainbow of colours, symbolizing the light that shines from within each sufferer. I will be making more items, but this is the first, and is very special, especially as it is the only on eof its kind. This bracelet is available for sale on the website at www.littlestudio.ca Just follow the links to the bracelets page.
All of the Fibromyalgia awareness items will have 10% of the price of each item going towards charities that help those with Fibromyalgia, such as the Canadian Arthritis Society, instead of the regular charity of the month.
I will be making more items as I can, as well as putting together tutorials for teaching you how to make your own beautiful jewellery pieces! Keep checking back for more information.
Take care, happy adornment!
Meghann