Fabulous Friday - Contest Winners and a Blog Feature!

Well, as I said, the first two people to respond to my mini-contest would win a secret surprise:
Jennifer from GypsyMareStudios won a 5x7 of my photo, "Exquisite Beauty" for answering first!
Aaaaaand BeadedTail won a 5x7 of my photo, "Gaillardia Sunrise" for answering second!
Thanks to everyone else who tried to win also - keep checking back, I kind of like this format for giveaways, so I think I'll have to do some more like this in the future :)

Also, I was mentioned on a wonderful blog, DragonHouseofYuen! Annette did a wonderfully nice feature on my Etsy store so I do hope you'll hop on over there and check out her blog. She also makes the most amazing soft sculptures of rabbits and swans, not to mention gorgeous bags too! Check out her Etsy shop and you'll be delighted and amazed :)
That's all for now, check back soon for more interesting finds, new pieces and maybe even a surprise giveaway!

Thankful Thursday - I Won a Prize!! Plus, a Little Contest of My Own...

~The Gorgeous Pendant I Won, Hand Painted by GypsyMareStudios on Etsy~

I love horses. I always have, and I always will. I rode and competed in hunters, jumpers and equitation in my youth on as many schooling horses I could find, eventually graduating to leasing horses and showing before an injury and lack of money put that to a heart-wrenching stop.

I still love horses. LOVE THEM! I draw them when I have the time. I really should list some of my drawings; though after seeing some of the other artists on Etsy, I have to say I am rather humbled by my drawings :)

Enter GypsyMareStudios. Her art is absolutely stunning. She always finds a way to bring her art to life, to bring the soul of her subjects to bear in the most amazing ways. The light she paints is as stunning as her shadows. The first time I saw her art I fell in love. Deeply in love with her obvious passion for her art. She loves what she does and it shows - boy does it ever!

Anyway, one of her Etsy street teams, WHOA Team, was having a blog giveaway and I won one of the prizes! I actually won the stunning pendant you see above, isn't that amazing? I never win anything and this, well, this was the one thing I would win if I had to choose from all the contests I have entered.

You really must visit her Etsy Shop and her Blog. Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to spend some time poking around - It is worth every second you spend on her sites, her art is gorgeous. You will find paintings, jewelry, accessories and much, much more - and not all of her art is horses, for those who aren't particularly horse-loving folk.

Thank You so much Jennifer from GypsyMareStudios!

Now, to share the love, I am going to have a leetle contest of my own:
What is your favorite item from my shop and why? The first two people to visit my Etsy Store, and respond to this post with the link of their favorite item and why it is their favorite will each get a secret surprise!
Happy hunting ;-)

Wordful Wednesday - Look at My 'New' Blog!

~Everyone's Happy About This Change!~

Well I can't tell you how pleased I am to officially unveil my new blog look. It was up yesterday, but it was Spay Day and I wanted to devote my full attention to each in turn.
I noticed a while back that some (well most actually) of my favorite blogs had 3 columns and matched the rest of their spaces - stationery, websites, stores, etc. and I wanted that. I wanted that cohesive, professional "look at me!" kind of thing to happen. I also noticed that my 2 column blog was getting very crowded.
Enter Chica & Pumuckl Blogger Designs.
They have done blogs for most of my favorites and was the natural choice therefore, when I was looking for help. They listened to what I had to say and on the second sample, this is what I fell in love with. Very friendly, efficient and VERY good at what they do, you can't go wrong if you want a blog with that 'special something'. They are very busy (a two week wait is not uncommon) but any wait is so worth it!
I love my new blog and plan to have my website address resolve to this address also as I now have fancy links on the top linking to my Etsy store, jewellery, photography and charities that I try to help.
I hope you love my new blog as much as I do and please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Have a great day!

Happy Spay Day!!

HAPPY SPAY DAY!!

I am so excited that we are finally here - we can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of animals by simply spaying or neutering your pets. You can also help to spread the word and show your support by checking out these wonderful Etsy Sellers, below, who are taking part in the Spay Day celebrations. I am donating 25% of today's sales to the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, my local animal shelter.

1. Nancy - NanjoDogz.etsy.com - 20% to Illinois Doberman Rescue
2. Jen - DragonRags.etsy.com + jlynnpro.etsy.com - Free Shipping
3. Heather - aktie9.etsy.com - 50% of all sales on Spay day to the EFA charity of the month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
4. El - elephantdance.etsy.com - 100% donations of profits to paws-saipan.org
5. Michele - mvegan5.etsy.com - 25% of shop sales to the EFA Charity of the Month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
6. Marjorie - WHSKR.etsy.com - giving 50% of my sales
7. Meghann - littlestudiojewels.etsy.com - 25% of the total sales to the Lanark Animal Welfare Society
8. Holly - silverrosedesigns.etsy.com - free shipping, and 50% of shop sales to German Shepherd Rescue of New England.
9. Eva - alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com - 25% of proceeds divided equally to HSUS & SCGR Rescue plus Free Shipping
10. Linda - AllAboutCats.etsy.com - Free Shipping
11. Lynn - LolaLynn.etsy.com - 10% to the EFA charity of the month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation), 10% to Sophia the dog for her heart surgery and Free Shipping
12. Emily - punkybunny300.etsy.com
13. Heather A. - creaturecomfort.etsy.com - Free Shipping and 10% to the EFA Charity of the Month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
14. Kim - veganessa.etsy.com + midnightrabbits.etsy.com - Free shipping on that day and 50% of anything sold will be donated to: friendsoftheanimals.co.uk/neuter.htm
15. Kylie - silentlotus.etsy.com - 20% off all purchases, with proceeds being split between the HSUS and a local Pittsburgh animal organization
16. Cynthia - kittyanydots.etsy.com
17. Bonnie - wovendreams.etsy.com - 10% off on dog leashes, plus many items 100% donation to Dance with the Bunnies Rabbit Rescue
18. Julie - jbirkemeierphoto.etsy.com - Free Shipping
19. Lynn - aguavino.etsy.com - donate 20% off ALL sales that day to Pigs Peace Sanctuary
20. Ashley - NYCrochet.etsy.com - Free Shipping
21. Christina - KnittyKrissy.etsy.com
22. Cari - LoveLuca.etsy.com - 50% to an animal charity
23. Ginger - BarkingDogBlankets.etsy.com - 100% of the proceeds on the small blanket sale to spay day
24. Wei - WeiOpenSecret.etsy.com - Free Shipping
25. Gina - claynfiber.etsy.com - Free Shipping for orders of $40 or more and donate 100% of the proceeds to HSUS.
26. Akire - Lacewood.etsy.com - Free Shipping on most items $20 or more, and 10% of *ALL* sales on Spay Day will go to Little Miracles Rabbit Rescue
27. Rebecca - beckynot.etsy.com - Free Shipping
28. Ann - AnnRan.etsy.com - donate 25% of any of my reproduction prints (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532445&section_id=5316177 ) or earrings (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532445&section_id=5306725 ) sold on Spay Day to one of my favorite local critter charities. Some of my listings already specify a charity - for those listings I'll donate to that charity. For the listings that don't specify a charity, I'll pick one.
29. Maria - pocketfulofsunshine.etsy.com - 100% of all sales from my "DT" Collection and 25% of all sales from the rest of my shop will be donated to the Florida Boxer Rescue
30. Karen - TheFaerieCupboard.etsy.com - 50% of total sales on Spay day will go to Patriot Siberian Husky Rescue
31. Nita - ApacheMoon.etsy.com - Donate 50% of proceeds on two items (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9681161 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15483972)
32. Shari - CiaoHound.etsy.com + PetsJubilee.etsy.com - 20% Discount
33. Stephanie - LuLusPhotography.etsy.com
34. Renee - BelleSirota.etsy.com - 20% of sales will go to the EFA charity of the month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
35. Gena - Dogonwear.etsy.com - 100% to spay day
36. Annette - dragonhouseofyuen.etsy.com - 20% from every Baby Hare sold will be Donated to The Rabbit and Guinea Pig Welfare in Rugby, UK to help spay their incoming rescued bunnies
Thanks so much for your support!


P.S. I'm working on making my blog fully functional and to try and get all the links working - thanks for your patience!

A Treasury (or Three) for Spay Day!

Click on any of the images or Etsy user names to go to the treasury or Etsy user!
~My Treasury for Spay Day~

When I got up this morning after barely 3 hours of sleep (thank you Fibromyalgia), I thought I would do a blog post and then check Etsy to see how soon the Treasuries were going to open. Imagine my surprise when I only had to wait 20 minutes to get one! I had a great time looking at many delightful goodies for sale and then I was able to get this treasury in honor of Spay Day, which is tomorrow (Feb. 24, 2009)!! My treasury is the one above.
Then I found out that another EFA member, Peylu had gotten not one, but TWO treasuries in honor of Spay day, and had put me in the one below, featuring my "Celtic-Style Non-Tarnish Copper Spiral Ring - LARGE" in the top center square! Isn't that wonderful?

Then I saw her next treasury and was impressed again by all of the wonderful people trying to make a difference in the lives of millions of pets:
And THEN, lo and behold I got an email from fellow Capital Crafter member PhoebeandMe, informing me that I am in ANOTHER treasury! It never rains but it pours, I am happy as a pig in mud!! She featured my "Under Tulips and Trees" photo (top left) which was so nice of her!
I hope you will visit all of these treasuries and Etsy artists and help support Spay Day 2009!
Happy Shopping ;-)
Meghann

1 More Day 'Til Spay Day!

Well tomorrow is Spay Day and I really hope you join me in supporting all of the artists trying to help out our local shelters. I notified the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) that I am trying to raise money for them and they responded saying they really appreciate and need donations as the pet population is absolutely soaring. They are having a hard time keeping up with the strays coming in and really need our help! Visit their website here for information on them and to donate directly: http://www.lanarkanimals.ca/index.asp
Thanks for your help! I also have a number of items in my Etsy Shop that will donate a specific dollar amount of the sale to LAWS so please check it out. You will be helping a great cause and getting great items at the same time :)
Take care, have a 'furry' good day!
Meghann
P.S. I am so excited - my blog is nearly done and I can't wait to show you the new professional goodness! Tune in tomorrow for more Spay Day, and maybe a new look!!!

Sweet Saturday - I Got a Thank-You!

I received a wonderful thank you in the mail today - postcards from CrazyBliss! I LOVE her artwork - her cats are so whimsical and happy, they always make me feel happy. Imagine my surprise when I got these as a thank you! Wow! Apparently the postcards will be a new item in her shop soon, so check out her CrazyBliss Etsy Shop to see all of her cool items, guaranteed to make you smile no matter what kind of day you are having!
Meghann

Fabulous Friday!! I Got a Surprise Package!!

~The Best Surprise Package EVER!!~

A few weeks ago my new friend Jen, from Epic Farms in Alabama, and I decided to do a trade: she was eyeing a few pieces of my jewellery and I was very interested in some of her die cuts and tags. I've been wanting to have some nice tags to include with my packages when people order from me so I can include another heartfelt, hand written 'Thank You" and Jen's descriptions of her new tags sounded absolutely scrumptious! She also informed me that she had "a little bit of yarn" that she wasn't going to be using and that she would gladly give to me so that I could make some more amigurumi dolls to sell for charity. I was thrilled! I waited.....and waited.....(Okay it was only about 5 days to come allllll the way up here!) and finally it came! My little package from my new friend....except that this wasn't the little package I was expecting - it was a veritable treasure chest full of goodies! It was HUGE! (see above) She included a wonderful thank you letter for my donation to her farm in December:

And an absolute TON of beautiful yarns in all sorts of shades, even a sparkly one that I had seen in a store and loved but didn't have the money for (Jen didn't even know that but included it anyway!!). She suggested I make a cute little kitty out of it and call it "Sparkles the Cat" - I love that idea! Check out all the yarn! I am so excited!!
Then she included her tags - take a look at these, they have to be the most beautiful tags in the world, and most of them are 2 layered!! I told her to get these on her WYSIWIGS Etsy Shop to sell as they are SO gorgeous and the paper quality is stunning - not too thick and not too thin with the two layers. AND these ones even have ribbon! One tag even had a little cut out flower on the reverse with a little rhinestone carefully glued on (I got the reverse side in the photo - it's the Easter egg looking one)
Finally, she even included a magnet and a photo of one of her equine residents (and my favorite) Shadow. He is one of her rescue horses at her Epic Farms and needs a yellow security blanket! Isn't that adorable? These pictures are so wonderfully cute:
What an amazing day! I have to say I almost cried with happines - it's not every day you get to meet someone with such a large heart as Jen's.
Now I just hope she likes the jewelry I sent her....maybe I should send some more... :)
You really should check out her shops, Epic Farms and WYSIWIGS, she does amazing paper folding pieces, drawings, you-name-it, she has something beautiful (and affordable!) for everyone. You can also see her farm's website, Epicfarms.com to see more horses and read all about her farm.
Have a great weekend everyone! I'm off to list more items in my Etsy shop - some REALLY cool necklaces, and I've re-done many of my older photos to show the jewelry there more clearly, I hope you like it!
Meghann

Fantastic Friday....Er....Thursday Night!

Well last night's jewellery-making class was an absolute blast! We made a version of this ring and everyone was able to complete it while having fun, laughing and talking up a storm!
I want to thank The Bead Store for having me teach, and everyone who came out to take the class last night - you made it a wonderfully memorable evening!
Next up is another project that I still have to work on, but rest assured, it'll be fun too!
Visit The Bead Store website for store location, hours and class calendar.
Until Next Time!
Meghann

Thoughtful Thursday - Helping Others Makes Me Feel Good!

~Gift Wrapped and Ready to Go!~

I got an email yesterday from a woman overseas who wanted to purchase some of my jewellery for her mother who lives near me; her mother's birthday is next week and she wanted to get something local and handmade and my shop fit the bill (especially as I donate money from my sales to charities, and they both appreciate that). During this email conversation I found out that, unfortunately like myself, her mother has fibromyalgia and daughter unfortunately has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, another debilitating and difficult disease. I offered to give her a free gift card and write "Happy Birthday Mom" in calligraphy so that it would look more like a gift and she wouldn't have to worry about a separate card arriving after the gift if she had to mail it from overseas. I then sent her a photo of what the package would look like (above) to make sure she would like it. It turns out that she was thrilled! She informed me that she had told her mom not to expect anything too nice for her birthday as she hadn't been able to purchase or mail anything due to her being so ill with her CFS. Now she knew her mom would be getting a nice package for her birthday!
I can't tell you how much it made my day to make her happy. I always wrap my items like the ones above, and it only took a few minutes to make an extra card to go with it, but she was so appreciative that it made me think of how little things done for others can not only make them happy, but the person who does the nice deed also.
Is there anything nice that you could do for someone today? Hold the door for someone whose arms are full of groceries? Pick up a book that someone has dropped? Tell someone (honestly, of course) that their hair/outfit/shoes look nice to cheer them up?
It's amazing how good a little act of kindness will make you feel...and you never know, they may repeat the favor to someone else, who may repeat that favor to another person, and before you know it, we are all nice, happy people! A little idealist, perhaps, but I don't think it is totally out of reach :)
Meghann

Spay Day 2009 - Join in and Help Your Community!

~Help to Support Spay Day by Shopping in the Stores Listed Below~

On February 24, 2009 join the online Etsy community in supporting Spay Day - a day to promote the spaying and neutering of pets to control the animal population, particularly the stray and abandoned animal populations. Listed below are shops on Etsy that will be donating to their local animal organizations to aid in this effort. I strongly encourage you to join in - not only will you be helping out, but these sellers have some fantastic items at even better prices!
Meghann

PARTICIPATION LIST WITH SPECIAL
(In order member joined the special)

1. Nancy - NanjoDogz.etsy.com - 20% to Illinois Doberman Rescue
2. Jen - DragonRags.etsy.com + jlynnpro.etsy.com - Free Shipping
3. Heather - aktie9.etsy.com - 50% of all sales on Spay day to the EFA charity
of the month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
4. El - elephantdance.etsy.com - 100% donations of profits to paws-saipan.org
5. Michele - mvegan5.etsy.com - 25% of shop sales to the EFA Charity of the
Month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
6. Marjorie - WHSKR.etsy.com - giving 50% of my sales
7. Meghann - littlestudiojewels.etsy.com - 25% of the total sales to the Lanark
Animal Welfare Society
8. Holly - silverrosedesigns.etsy.com - free shipping, and 50% of shop sales to
German Shepherd Rescue of New England.
9. Eva - alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com - 25% of proceeds divided equally to HSUS &
SCGR Rescue plus Free Shipping
10. Linda - AllAboutCats.etsy.com - Free Shipping
11. Lynn - LolaLynn.etsy.com - 10% to the EFA charity of the month (Rainbow
Connection Animal Foundation), 10% to Sophia the dog for her heart surgery and Free
Shipping
12. Emily - punkybunny300.etsy.com
13. Heather A. - creaturecomfort.etsy.com - Free Shipping and 10% to the EFA
Charity of the Month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
14. Kim - veganessa.etsy.com + midnightrabbits.etsy.com - Free shipping on that
day and 50% of anything sold will be donated to: friendsoftheanimals.co.uk/neuter.htm
15. Kylie - silentlotus.etsy.com - 20% off all purchases, with proceeds being
split between the HSUS and a local Pittsburgh animal organization
16. Cynthia - kittyanydots.etsy.com
17. Bonnie - wovendreams.etsy.com - 10% off on dog leashes, plus many items 100%
donation to Dance with the Bunnies Rabbit Rescue
18. Julie - jbirkemeierphoto.etsy.com - Free Shipping
19. Lynn - aguavino.etsy.com - donate 20% off ALL sales that day to Pigs Peace Sanctuary
20. Ashley - NYCrochet.etsy.com - Free Shipping
21. Christina - KnittyKrissy.etsy.com
22. Cari - LoveLuca.etsy.com - 50% to an animal charity
23. Ginger - BarkingDogBlankets.etsy.com - 100% of the proceeds on the small
blanket sale to spay day
24. Wei - WeiOpenSecret.etsy.com - Free Shipping
25. Gina - claynfiber.etsy.com - Free Shipping for orders of $40 or more and
donate 100% of the proceeds to HSUS.
26. Akire - Lacewood.etsy.com
27. Rebecca - beckynot.etsy.com - Free Shipping
28. Ann - AnnRan.etsy.com - donate 25% of any of my reproduction prints (
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532445&section_id=5316177 ) or earrings (
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532445&section_id=5306725 ) sold on Spay
Day to one of my favorite local critter charities. Some of my listings already
specify a charity - for those listings I'll donate to that charity. For the listings that
don't specify a charity, I'll pick one.
29. Maria - pocketfulofsunshine.etsy.com - 100% of all sales from my "DT"
Collection and 25% of all sales from the rest of my shop will be donated to the Florida Boxer
Rescue
30. Karen - TheFaerieCupboard.etsy.com - 50% of total sales on Spay day will go
to Patriot Siberian Husky Rescue
31. Nita - ApacheMoon.etsy.com - Donate 50% of proceeds on two items
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9681161 and
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15483972)
32. Shari - CiaoHound.etsy.com + PetsJubilee.etsy.com - 20% Discount
33. Stephanie - LuLusPhotography.etsy.com
34. Renee - BelleSirota.etsy.com - 20% of sales will go to the EFA charity of
the month (Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation)
35. Gena - Dogonwear.etsy.com - 100% to spay day

I was hooked into trying this test after a fellow blogger, The FanTail, tried it as well. Try to take the test - I dare you, it's hilarious, and for me at least, quite accurate! I got rated as a Border collie - incredibly funny as Arwen is part Border Collie!
Easy, lighthearted fun, give it a try! Click on the image above to go to the site :)
Meghann

A Wee Addendum.....

I guess my last post came out a little more negative than I imagined it would....
I have had a very rough time these last few years, but I don't want to sound like I am miserable all the time: I don't like being sick, but I don't regret all of the valuable things I have learned through this illness.
I appreciate everything I have been given as a result of this illness: I have been given a greater perspective on the joys of life in general and appreciate everything I have all the more for it.
I hate being sick, but I LOVE my life.
I love my family, my friends, my dog and my wonderful bloggy followers who put up with my ranting :)
Thank you for reading, and have a great day!
Meghann

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

...And I Give Up....

After fighting with my blog for almost the entire weekend (thus the non posting up until now), trying to save myself some money trying to do things myself, I have decided that I DEFINITELY need someone to do my blog for me - it just isn't worth my time getting frustrated and having to redo everything over and over again. I ended up blowing away the widgets three different times, and despite saving the code of my original blog so that I would (in theory, at least) be able to restore the old blog, I have had to put the widgets in manually and they still aren't all working correctly. I apologize for the new ugliness, and I promise it should be temporary!
I have contacted a very nice person who does these sorts of things and hopefully in a few weeks I will have a pretty, easy-to-read- 3 column blog. Now I am off to pay attention to my morose-looking dog (see above) and to try and find out if I still have a husband....I thought I saw him...he was around here earlier....
Meghann

Hiccups and Groans and Trip-ups

It's ok, you are not losing your mind...I am trying to convert my blog into a 3 column blog by myself to save some money and it is causing some widgets to get deleted and other things to just seem a little odd....
Pardon the interruption, I'll have things back to some semblance of normal as soon as I can!
Thanks for your patience...
Meghann

Fabulous Friday - I've Got Project Wonderful!

I am so proud to announce that I am now on Project Wonderful! You can advertise yourself on my blog for not very much money (not that I'm cheap, but...) and be part of a cool online community. I don't have any ads yet, but I hope that will change soon :)
In other news, my SUPER 50% OFF SALE is coming to an end so if there is something you like, grab it now before it is over!
I also have lots of new photographs and jewellery items on my Etsy Store at great prices, so if you missed out on your Valentine's favorites, grab a cup of coffee, sit down and have a gander at my shop :)
Also a big thank you to everyone who has been dropping (clicking) on my Entrecard! I am trying to reciprocate as much as possible if you have a blog. Click the link to the right for some cool blogs.
I'm now realizing I may need to get a new blog layout - one of those fancy-dancy 3 column ones...maybe if I make a few sales I can afford to have someone do it for me....Any suggestions?
That's all for now, tune in tomorrow for a cool heart-warming announcement.
Meghann

Thoughtful Thursday - Or, What I'd Like for an Etsy Valentine's Day

Mini Top Hat from LastWear, Pinup Dress from MissBrache, Sexy Black Heels from ShoeMissy

Celtic Journal from ArtisanGraham, Jewellery Box from FLGardenGal, Pink Chalice from BudandLucysKid

I've had my eye on these items for a while......and if I had the money I'd have them all...and a few more! These items are fantastic, as are the sellers, so please feel free to click on the images to go to that seller's Etsy Store.
Also, I am featured in a fantastic treasury, see it here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=39190
Enjoy :)
Meghann

Holy Cuteness: What a wonderful world...

I love Louis Armstrong and this video puts a very cute cat and fawn to "what a wonderful world" I cried. It was worth it. Click on the link below to see the video - and have a few tissues handy!
Holy Cuteness: What a wonderful world...

Posted using ShareThis

Meghann

Monday Madness - I have Entrecard!

So I am not entirely sure what I'm doing, but I now have Entrecard on all my blogs :)
Apparently when people click on the ads, they can see new and exciting blogs that I myself have approved for viewing on my blog. Pretty cool, huh? Then, when people click, I get credits which I can then use to advertise on other people's blogs to gain exposure for myself. Isn't that neat? I encourage you, therefore to click on the 'drop' button and see some new blogs - you never know, you just might make new friends!
Meghann

January Contest Winner!

I can't believe that it is February 7 already! Not just that, but I forgot to announce the contest winner for January - eek!
Without further ado........The winner of the January Contest is........

Annette F. Tait!!
Congratulations!

Please contact me with your mailing address and I will mail you your beautiful prize....a 5x7 of my Backlit Bleeding Hearts print. I hope you like it!

Sweet Saturday - I've Received a Blog Award!

I had a sweet surprise today - fellow feline blogger extraordinaire Mishkat has given me a blog award! I have been following her blog for a few months and I must say that I eagerly await her next posts as her cats and her art are gorgeous. Imagine my surprise when she gave me the "Love Ya" award! Here are the details:

“LOVE YA” award winner! These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who can choose eight more and include this text into the body of their award.

Isn't that awesome?? I'm so honored!!

The eight blogs I will happily pass this on to are: Fireseed, BeadedTail, CrazyBliss, HighOnCraft, Loopy4Ewe, Mrs.Schuler'sBlog, Pigatopia, DameNamedRedd

I look forward to reading each of these blogs and I hope you will too!

Meghann

Fabulous Friday Part 2 - A Treasury to Warm You!

I was just in time again to capture this treasury! Check it out: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=38172 there are some really great items from EFA, CAST and Capital Crafters in here at really great prices, so be sure to visit them by clicking on the individual images to see their shops.
Enjoy!
Meghann

Fabulous Friday - I'm on a Fabulous Blog!

Well I must say that after having a VERY bad night last night (a bad asthma attack that lasted 2 hours in the middle of the night), I woke up to a fabulous morning: one of my rings is featured on amazing blogger Beaded Tail's blog! Every Friday she does a feature of beautiful items starting with a particular letter. Today's letter was 'F' and she featured my FibroAware 14karat Gold Filled Wire and Swarovski Crystal Wrapped Ring alongside some very, very beautiful items from other sellers. Thank you so much Beaded Tail, you started off my weekend very well!!
In other news, I have more photographs for sale on my Etsy site, and more to come. Please keep checking back for more great items, and new photos on already listed items :)
Meghann

Thankful Thursday - Giving Back and the New Charity of the Month

In these tough economic times, I really find I am grateful for the little things: I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and, though I don't make a lot of money in my business, I am able to give back to my community by donating a portion of all my sales to charities. This month I was able to symbolically adopt a polar bear with the help of the National Wildlife Federation. I don't actually own a polar bear, but the money donated goes to help preserve their habitat and increase awareness of their plight.
I mean this when I say, from the bottom of my heart, I Thank You for your purchases. You are helping to make a difference in the lives of people and animals everywhere! Plus, you get nice stuff - everyone wins!
The next Charity of the Month is the Arthritis Society in Canada. They help people with arthritis, as well as people like myself, with Fibromyalgia. 10% of the total sales before taxes and shipping in February (of regular items not associated with other charities) will be donated to this charity.
Animal lovers, never fear! In my Charity Promo Items Section of my Etsy store I have many items that donate to animal welfare charities.
Here's hoping this month is as great as the last - I have lots of new jewellery and photography items, so please keep checking back!

I'm in a Treasury!

I was 'Treasury Surfing' this morning and found that I had been put in a Treasury! My Aine Sterling Silver Earrings, pictured above are featured in a delightful treasury here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=41783
Please click on the links to see the earrings and the treasury. Don't forget to click and comment!
Thanks,
Meghann

Wordless Wednesday, or, the Benefits of Good Photography

It speaks for itself.
Before:

After:

After:

Meghann

Treasured Tuesday - I'm Featured on the EFA Blog!

What a great way to start off the morning! I awoke to find my contest entry featured on the Etsy for Animals blog. This month's contest theme is 'Love is in the Air' and I thought my Celtic Heart Earrings would be perfect! Please check out their blog and vote for me :)
I'll be back later with more info on last month's Blog Giveaway Winner so don't go away!
Meghann

Melodious Monday - Another Tiara

~Crystal Queen Tiara front~

~Crystal Queen Tiara top~

~Crystal Queen Tiara closeup~

Today has been a melodious Monday for sure! I woke up with energy for once in a blue moon! I am sore as usual, but I have energy, WOO! I got some housework done and then made this stunner of a tiara. I used a silver plate tiara base and Czech glass fire polish beads in 'crystal' then I used 6mm and 4mm Swarovski Crystal pearls in 'natural white' I attached them with over 5 feet of sterling silver wire. Not bad for a little over an hour! This is just beautiful - not too big and flashy, not too small to get lost in an up do. Just perfect for that Queen-in-the-making!
I hope the bridal store in Toronto likes this one, what do you think?
Meghann

Soulful Sunday - Oh the Tiaras You'll Wear!

~Fabled Forest Tiara front~

~Fabled Forest Tiara Flower Closeup~

~Fabled Forest Tiara Front, High View~

I had a request from a bridal store near Toronto to make a few examples of tiaras that they might be able to sell, and after they emailed me some idea pictures, I got to work today. I love making tiaras, I just forget how much I love it as I never make them! This was the result of a little over 2 hours of hard work - my "Fabled Forest Tiara". It is very feminine and delicate-looking, perfect for a wedding, prom, or even a communion - you could cut the ends of the tiara base with thick cutters and gently sand the ends to fit a child. It can be worn as a tiara or a headband, which is why I left the ends bare. The attachments are adjustable depending on how you wear it, just gently move and slightly bend the attachments to the desired positions to stand them up or lay them flatter. I would recommend that you be gentle though, as if they are moved to much they may become brittle, like all metal wire.
I used a gold plate tiara base, 8mm and 4 mm Swarovski crystal Pearls in natural white, 6 mm Czech fire polish glass beads in 'crystal' and Czech glass leaf beads. I also used Czech glass bell flower beads, which are out of production and very limited. I hand wired all components with over 15 feet of 14karat gold filled wire. The I have enough beads to make 3 more of these tiaras, though I need to get more large Swarovski pearls, which is fine as can get those fairly quickly from my suppliers. The small flowers have smaller Czech glass natural pink (not dyed) seed beads in them. I can also make this in other colors of beads and pearls, or in silver or copper if you would like. Silver and copper would be slightly less expensive.
I put it on and immediately thought that I have to come up with the money for my wedding this fall no matter what - and then make a version of this for myself to wear!
I hope the store likes it, but if not, I'll sell it on my Etsy store....or maybe just secret it away for those days when I need a little pick-me-up ;-)
Hope you like it...and here's a question...how much do you think it is worth?
Meghann