Treasury Thursdays

I thought that today, instead of showing you all a treasury that I had made, I would show you some treasuries that my Etsy friends have made in the last week or so, that just so happen to feature yours truly ;-) Please note that you can click on any of the images above and it will take you to the item directly, for your shopping pleasure! Or, you can click on the title of the treasury (above is "It Was a Wondrous Day...") and it will take you to the treasury page, where everything is larger and easier to view.

The first treasury is one that shows the volunteers for my Etsy for Animals team on Etsy. I love the colors and how soft everything is. I'm the Yahoo administrator for this group, so I was lucky to be featured too :)

  This treasury is from a woman in my Plurk team. If you don't know what Plurk is, see the left column of the blog...just a bit lower, and check it out. It is like Twitter, but better! Joy created this treasury with items from a few of her Plurk buddies :)

This treasury was created by another fellow Etsy for Animals member, in the vein of hoping for spring (aren't we all hoping for spring at this point!). It has some really stunning paintings and prints in it...I've added a few things from this list to my wishlist for sure!

This is another treasury from an Etsy for Animals member (boy are we active, or what??). With a variety of items, ranging from dog harnesses to catnip toys to ceramic mosaic, there is something for everyone on your gift-giving lists (Mother's Day is coming up soon, you know) :) Have a great day, be sure to come back tomorrow for a fantastic featured artist you won't want to miss!

Fabulous Friday, Part 2 - The First of the Monkeys!

~From the front, what long arms you have!~

~From the side, what a cute, curly tail you have!~

This is the first of (hopefully) a few monkeys I have made. I crocheted him using grey and red yarns to make him look like a sock monkey. Although he does have a bit of a squint, my glass safety eyes arrived in the mail today so from now on I will be using those instead of sewing them with more yarn. This one is a gift to my friend Louise of Fireseed, and I am currently starting an octopus for her wonderful orange tabby Raff. I'll keep you posted!
I am still listing new items in my Etsy shop every day, and my SUPER 50% OFF SALE is still on - for a limited time! Check it out for some wonderful Valentine's gifts.
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 :)

Twisted Tuesday

So I was on my friend Louise Ingram's Website Fireseed today and she did a cool blurb on this site called Typealizer. I had to try it, and here are the results:

ESTP - The Doers

The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

Now that is just creepy ;-)
Tune in tomorrow for more cool earrings!
Meghann

Thankful Thursday - Merry Christmas!

I had to do it. She was so cute and trying to get my attention that I just HAD to try and get a photo with her in a Santa hat under the tree. It mostly worked! She is looking a little unhappy, but she is still very cute and I am Thankful that I get to share the photo with you!
I am also thankful it is Christmas (what a great coincidence that Thankful Thursday landed on Christmas!!), so that I can see my family, spend time with my husband and dog. I am thankful to all my friends and e-friends for being so great! Thank you to everyone who reads this blog, and thank you to everyone who has a blog that I read - you are great entertainment and I hope you keep on for a long time to come!
I wish you, your family, friends and paws a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year!
Merry Christmas!
Meghann

Soulful Sunday

I thought Sundays would be great for something 'Soulful', so from now on, Sundays will be "Soulful Sundays" where I talk about something meaningful.
I put my tree up the first week of December, but I've been trying almost everyday to get Arwen to prick up her ears in front of it for a good photo....this is the best I've been able to do. She always does her 'I'm so innocent and cute look' with her ears back, but if you don't know her, you'd think she was about to attack you, as with her ears back she looks a little scary. Rest assured, this is her friendly look, and she even brought her friend the crab into the photo with her! I decided to do the tree in a burgundy and gold theme, and even managed to find some gold and burgundy ribbon to make bows out of. I really miss Gandalf, who passed away this past November, and putting up the tree reminded me of his absence. I am now able to put the tree up without him trying to climb it, I can put ornaments in the lower half of the tree without knowing that I'll hear a little tinkle-bounce-bounce-bounce in the middle of the night as he would take off the ornaments (even the tied on ones) and chase them around the house, and there is a conspicuous grey patch on the non-washable tree skirt where he would lie and survey us from the depths of the bottom of the tree. All this has really reminded me as to what really matters to me for Christmas - family, friends and paws. I am so grateful to have my husband and dog here for me at home during this season, and I can't wait to see the rest of my family on Christmas day.
I hope you all have a safe, happy and thankful Christmas and New Year!
Meghann
P.S. Even more items have been added to the SALE 50PERCENT OFF Section of my Etsy store so don't forget to check it out!

Fabulous Friday!

~This bracelet will make anyone feel Fabulous!~

I have decided, in the interests of making my blog ideas easier to come up with (okay, we all realize I am creative with crafts, not words!), I am trying to have each day correspond to a theme ie: Wordless Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, Fabulous Friday, etc. Of course, not being particularly loquacious (I had to throw that in there), I am having a hard time figuring out neat alliterative words that I could use for jewellery blogging on each day. Any ideas?
Today, however, is Fabulous Friday and I thought I'd show you a piece of mine, as well as a creation from a friend of mine, Louise Ingram.
The bracelet above is something I have had the inspiration to create for a long time. I love chainmail, but I wanted to give it a girly (but not too girly) edge. I added over 80 flower shaped shell beads in various colors, with no two shells of the same color being right next to each other (ok, a little finicky, but worth it for the color scheme!). I also made wonderful earrings to match, these with the colors being mirror-imaged for beautiful continuity.

These beads by Louise Ingram of Fireseed are absolutely fabulous in every way. She makes these delightful lamp work glass beads, known as "Monkees" in her workshop in Merrickville. She is almost entirely self-taught, which makes these adorable beads even more fabulous. She also makes the most wonderful cake testers, available on her ArtFire Store, as well as having an Etsy shop, and a few other things going on as well. You can see her website for more details. I have made quite a few pieces with her beads as main components and I have to say that these beads are worth every penny, making my creations come alive with beauty and uniqueness. If you want something Fabulous for a gift or special creation, check out Louise Ingram, the "Glass Queen" as I have now decided to call her :-)
I have more items listed in the SALE 50 PERCENT OFF section of my shop, I do hope you'll check it out, there are lots of GREAT deals! Even items that aren't on sale are always well priced so please check out my Etsy shop for more beautiful, unique items.
Also, don't forget the monthly Contest, ending soon!
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

Inspiration, Perspiration, Genius!

~The New Sterling Silver and Lamp Work Glass Bracelet~

I finally got around to making the first piece of jewellery with the custom beads my new friend Louise Ingram (of Fireseed fame) made for me last month. This was the fantastic result after a few hours of finger cramping labor - and I love it! It is absolutely a dream to wear as it hugs your wrist and isn't too large and flashy, nor is it small and unnoticeable.
I took about 3 feet of sterling silver wire and hand wrapped 3 strands together, stringing the lamp work glass beads with sterling silver round beads on the middle strand. I took the outside wires and formed them around the center beads so that the wires would follow the contours and sort of cradle the beads, while still allowing them to spin when not being worn. I then lightly hammered the exposed wires to give them a flat, hammered finish. The great thing I love about this bracelet is that the clasp is actually a part of the bracelet itself - not an added piece. I took the long wire ends and formed them into an asymmetrical hook and eye clasp to go with the asymmetrical coloring of the focal bead. Gorgeous!
I will be listing this bracelet on my Etsy Store later on today so get it while you can - this bracelet is one of a kind and won't last long!
Happy shopping!
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

Check This Out!

~A New Bracelet I Call My "Impressionist Lampwork Bracelet"~

I am so fortunate to have just met the wonderful lampwork bead maker Louise Ingram who lives near me (see her Etsy page and her Website). She made me some gorgeous beads earlier this month (they are still waiting for just the right silver beads to be assembled into something fantastic) and we had talked back and forth about doing some trades so I could get beads and she could get jewellery findings made by me. I am so lucky that she came over yesterday, as she brought her "unique design" beads (beads that turned out differently from her original intentions) to show me. The beads in the bracelet above were actually in this pile and I couldn't believe my luck when I found enough of them to make this gorgeous bracelet! We had a lovely afternoon chatting about beading ideas, she got some ear wires made by me and I got a whack-load of gorgeous glass goodies! I'll keep you posted on the other fantastic creations I make with these beads. Visit her website for even more incredible creations!
I created this bracelet by combining these beads (I think they look like an impressionist painting - Monet eat your heart out! If he could have made glass beads this was what he would have created!) with beautiful clear Swarovski crystals, gold plate beads and jump rings, gold filled beads and lobster clasp. I finished it off with a dangle of one of the beads I had left over (you can't just leave the little guy homeless) for a little extra sparkle. This is just stunning and ONE OF A KIND!!! Get it while you can! I'll be listing this little gem on my Etsy store today, so check it out - www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com The 20% off sale still applies!!
Also check out a new section soon to come where I'll be selling hand crafted findings and beads that I haven't used in a little bit but are still fabulous to use.
That's all for now, see you later!
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

Beautiful Bracelet for a Beautiful Person

~My Best Friend's New Bracelet~

My best friend Stephanie came over last night and had an idea - she wanted a bracelet. But not just any bracelet, a beautiful, red, chunky, multi strand bracelet that she could wear to an upcoming party. We played around with some beads, and this is what we came up with. I love having Stephanie over - we always design such cool stuff because she has such incredible taste and is always up with the styles. This bracelet is made with Czech glass rectangle and fire polish beads, Czech glass seed beads, silver plated beads, reducers and spacers, and a sterling silver lobster clasp. I love this bracelet so much, I got on my suppliers' websites and ordered more supplies to make a few of these in different colour schemes! When the supplies do arrive, I'll have these made in a jiffy (I may have to keep one though, lol). Keep checking back here and on the Etsy site, I'll let you know when they are available - you'll have to act fast, because these will go fast.
As always, I have more jewellery posted on the Etsy site, so be sure to check it out for some really good deals!
Take care, happy drooling over my jewellery,
Meghann