Busy Market Days of Summer

 The last  6 weeks or so have been pretty eye-opening for me. I started doing the Merrickville Famer's Market on Saturdays to sell my jewelry and gluten free, low allergy baked goods. Of course, though I know that many people have food sensitivities, the actual number of people coming to get my gluten free goodies on a weekly basis never fails to put me in awe. Thank you to everyone who purchases my baked goods, and I hope to continue seeing you for a long time to come!
It is, of course, a huge learning curve to figure out what to bake, how much of it to make, and when to do it so everything stays fresh. Baking 16 loaves of bread, dozens of cookies, multiple focaccia, banana breads, muffins and more, while making jewelry, walking the dog and fighting the inevitable invasive weeds takes quite the time management skill set, which I seem to still be acquiring. Add to that the issue that I am still trying to recover from my adrenal and thyroid gland problems and it has been quite interesting to see myself run around like a bit of an idiot to get everything done on time for early Saturday mornings!

 That being said, though my house and yard are a bit messier than usual, I LOVE the farmer's market! Every week, getting out of the house, with fresh air and (usually) sunshine, I am so privileged to meet new people and share their stories with jewelry or gluten free foods. It is so much fun! I look forward to each and every Saturday. It is a ton of work, and anyone who has ever done farmer's markets will totally agree with me there, but it is SO worth every ounce of effort. I can't believe I had never done farmer's markets before, I've really been missing out! I am even thinking of expanding to do the Kemptville Farmer's Market on Sundays next year. Hopefully I'll have my routine down by then ;-)

The one drawback, however, is that by the time I get home, I have very little energy for things like cleaning. My office, above, is an absolute DISASTER and I am posting this photo in an effort to kick my own butt and get it cleaned so that I can show you how it is SUPPOSED to look when it is all tidy and shiny-clean :)
Here's hoping, LOL! Now I have to figure out how I'm going to get some pies into my baking list...

Low Allergy Kitchen Website is Now Live!

After getting more and more requests for a Low Allergy Kitchen website over the last few farmer's markets, I have, finally, started a website for my Low Allergy Kitchen baked goods! You can visit at: http://www.lowallergykitchen.com and see a few of the goodies I have available. The site is still under construction, so please be patient while I photograph and upload images of all the wonderful gluten free foods that I am making, and then add ingredients lists and descriptions. I'll get there eventually!
It was, to be honest, much easier than I anticipated. Brennan finally got me on his iMac and showed me the iWeb program to make websites. Seriously idiot-proof, which is perfect for me when it comes to website design. 'Course, the bottom of every page has the stupid "Made on a Mac" logo, which bugs the heck out of me, but I suppose I can't have it all for a free program that I can actually use without looking like too much of a web-tard, lol.
Right now I'm working on getting photos of my muffins, cupcakes, breads and such to add to the site, along with prices. I'm only going to be able to take orders from people in Canada (sorry international folks, but rules are rules), but I think that will be enough to be getting along with for now. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me, or stop by the Merrickville Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 9-3 to talk to me in person!
Have a great day,

Cinnamon Raisin Artisan Gluten Free Bread

Say that title three times fast! Yes, my house smells so incredibly delicious. Fresh cinnamon raisin artisan gluten free bread aromas are wafting through my house still, though I baked it last night until 11PM to try and save on electricity costs. We are on Time of Use prices now and the best time to bake is before 6AM or after 9PM, as the oven has to go up to 500F for almost an hour for these little beauties. Since I am NOT getting up at 4AM to make bread (I'm a morning person, but not THAT much of a morning person!), I need to wait until 8-9PM to start this bread. I found a really cool recipe on http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/ that I have been playing with to make egg free and taste the way I want it. After giving out little tastes at the Farmer's Market last week, and selling out of the regular artisan bread that I had made by 11AM, I think I have a winner.
Well, I thought I did.
You see, I experimented again yesterday. I added some cinnamon, some organic raisins, and a little extra organic agave nectar.
Oh holy crow, this is the best bread EVER! Even better than the classic artisan gluten free bread, hands down.
My mouth is watering just writing this, and the 3 little slices Brennan and I shared last night went down so fast we had to practically run out of the room to get away from it so that we wouldn't eat the whole 1 pound loaf in all of 3 minutes.
For anyone going to the Merrickville Farmer's Market this weekend, you're in for a treat if you want some amazing gluten free cinnamon raisin bread, 'cause I have got some of this just for you.
What could be better, you ask? Well, it is gluten free, egg free, dairy free, corn free, soy free and vegan. and tastes like heaven on a plate.
Maybe I could have another little piece....NO! I must save it for the market... but, just a little one? NO! I must save it for the market....
I think it might be a long day ;-)

Happy Father's Day!

1910 Ford Car (Sorry I don't know the model exactly)

Well, I must say, the Farmer's Market in Merrickville is going incredibly well! The jewelery is selling well and the gluten free, low allergy baked goodies are almost all selling out. It is so wonderful to be able to meet the people purchasing my goods, and so neat to see the different sights in the diverse little village of Merrickville. Take the photo above, for example. Not one, not two, but at least a handful of antique cars were spotted cruising around Merrickville yesterday. And it wasn't even the weekend for the big car show and cruise! That happens on July 11 this year. If you like cars, you had best be in Merrickville early that day.

Looking at that above photo got me thinking about Father's Day as well. My dad loves cars. I think he dreams about them when he isn't fixing or racing them. When I saw this car and another park right in front of my Market tent, I knew I had to get a few shots.

I think these antique cars are alot like fathers in a way. They may not always be flashy, brand new and full of the latest techno-wizardry, but if you take cherish them, love them, they give you love and happiness back for many, many years (and maybe even teach you a few things about cars somewhere in there).

Here's to all of the great dads out there. We love and thank you for being you.

Sorry I'm Late, It's Been a Busy Few Weeks!

Some of My Farmer's Market Gear

Wow, 2 weeks went by in a flash! Sorry about that, I've been a busy little bee. I've started working some mornings at a veggie farm down the road from me to earn a little extra $$ and to help out my friend who has a TON of planting to do. We've had a really wet early spring so most farmers are just getting things planted now. Last week we planted a ton of tomato, basil, melons, red and white cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sunberries, ground cherries, peas, beans, carrots, beets ad probably a few things I'm forgetting. she starts all of her seeds herself and they have been taking over her entire house! What is more amazing is that although I am only there for a few hours at a time, I'll be exhausted and SO ready for a shower and a nap, and yet, she keeps going for HOURS at a time, I mean, this woman should replace the Energizer bunny, it is incredible. I'll try to take some photos to show you the progress of the farm.

Goodies in the Fridge, Ready to Go!

In other news, Arwen the Wonder Dog and I have been doing obedience once per week for the last month or so. I really can't believe the changes in that short amount of time. Arwen has always been a great, friendly dog, but she's had her issues (as we all do, I'm sure). The four or five classes we've had have been just amazing and she is really quite a star (Though I knew that all along!). Arwen is now so much better behaved when people come to the door, she hardly even barks now, except for a few barks to let us know there is someone in the driveway. She isn't pulling me into ditches or across the dirt roads when we go for walks now either. The biggest thing so far? The instructor and my veggie farm friend, Kathy, brought their dogs last week for socialization. Initially Arwen was a real pain, but, knowing that she is really lacking in the social bits, she calmed down remarkably fast and went about her obedience as if very little else was happening. Amazing! We're doing another class this morning with the other dogs and I know she'll be good.

Breads, and Scones, and Cookies, Oh My!

And of course, what has been keeping me the busiest is doing the Merrickville Farmer's Market each Saturday. Initially I was only going to sell my jewelry, but after telling a few people that I eat gluten free, egg free, corn free, etc., etc., I was convinced that I needed to add my GF baking in the mix too. I've been busy baking, packaging and coming up with labels, ingredient lists and displays. Busy Busy!

The first weekend was two weeks ago and went very well, especially as it is a very small market (only 5 vendors) and no one knew that I would be there. I am very lucky to be sharing my tent with Louise of Fireseed. She makes amazing glass beads that are featured in a few of my pieces. She's ducking behind her display in the above photo, silly Louise!

Here's my table from the first week. This past weekend I toned down the jewelry a bit (I think there was too much for people to look at the first week) and added more gluten free vegan goodies, with sample plates for people to try things before the commit the money to a full bag of cookies. GF baking is SO much more expensive, though I am going to be getting my flours in bulk soon to cut costs. This past week went even better than the first! I sold a bit more jewelry and the gluten free vegan goodies just about flew off the table (And not only due to wind, people LOVE my goodies!). For this coming weekend I am working on some crusty breads, oh my gosh, there are some in the oven now and they smell SOOOO good!
Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately, I'll try to correct that this week!
Have a great Monday!

and Arwen the Wonder Dog

Farmers Market in Merrickville Starts Saturday!

I am so excited! This Saturday, June 4, will be the first day of the Merrickville Farmer's Market! I will be sharing a tent with Louise of Fireseed. We are in a great location, right beside the Main Street Restaurant, across from the Blockhouse and we'll be there each Saturday from 9AM until the afternoon - pretty much we figure we'll be there until the customers stop coming :)

Not only am I selling my fantastic jewelry, but I'll also be selling some delicious Gluten Free, Low Allergy bakes goodies! I made the "mistake" of telling some of the other market goers that I bake gluten free. Let's just say that was all it took for them to pounce on me and tell me I had to sell it at the market! So far I am planning on selling my Maple Peanut Chocolate Fudge with Sea Salt, Oatmeal cookies (made with certified GF oats, some with GF chocolate chips, some with organic raisins), Chocolate Chip cookies, Peanut Butter cookies (some plain, some with GF chocolate chips), as well as my Famous Apple Cranberry Chocolate Bundt mini-cakes, and hopefully some bread as well. I'll also be happy to take custom orders :)

In other news, the photo above shows a custom necklace that I just finished today. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but wow, the client has such good taste, and it turned out beautifully! I used about 100 shell beads attached with headpins to a simple chain mail chain to make a bib-style necklace. Then I used silver plated chain and a hand crafted sterling silver clasp to finish it. In total, it is about 18 inches long, but wears like a 17 inch necklace due to the bulk at the bib part. Heavy and gorgeous, I also have enough beads to make another similar one... any takers?? It won't be exactly the same, but that is the great thing about one of a kind, you will never see the exact thing on someone else!

Until next time, have a great day!

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

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

We're a Favorite!!

~Looks Like This Really IS a Hit! Find It, and Others, At My Etsy Store~

I LOVE these rings - simple, uncluttered, they really let the stones (or other beads) shine. Apparently, El from IndieSmiles.com agrees! She wrote a truly wonderful review of my Carnelian Simple Ring on her website, check it out HERE! I am so honored, her site is great so make sure you visit it!!
In other great news, I finished one display yesterday, and I am almost finished the other two smaller ones. Now I just need to finish putting prices on my jewellery - eek, that's a HUGE task!
Well I must fly, I have lots to do still!
Don't forget to enter this month's contest - the end of the month is fast approaching :-)
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

Go Ape for Monkees!

~The Monkees Want to Hang Out With You!~

My friend Louise came over today to drop off some beads for me to make into creations for her upcoming show and showed me some beads that she wanted turned into a brooch. These Monkee beads spoke to me immediately and I thought of some great leaf beads with a blue tint that are great with the blue eyes of the Monkees. She said that she wanted them to be sort of 'hanging' and this just worked perfectly - I was actually able to make it while she watched! Using sterling silver wire I strung the Monkees, leafs beads and sterling silver round beads and made this beautiful brooch - what a great advertisement for Fireseed!
Meghann

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Stone Donut

~Front of Pendant~

~Back of Pendant~

Here is a beautiful pendant that I am excited to be teaching people to make at The Bead Store in Kemptville on November 6. I used sterling silver wire and hand formed it into a 'cage' to hold the stone donut. Then I created a wrapped loop with the center wire, and used the outer wires to make a decorative, yet functional spiral cage for the top of the bead. Gorgeous! Check out The bead Store's Website for details!
Meghann

Custom Rings are In!

~Custom Sterling Silver, Carnelian and Rose Quartz Cluster Ring~

This is a ring I made today for a client in the USA. She requested a cluster ring, similar to my carnelian and glass bead ring, but with rose quartz, as she wanted the healing properties of the two stones together. I confess I am naive when it comes to stones and healing properties, but I have to admit it sure looks amazing! I used a single carnelian barrel bead, 20 rose quartz beads, and 5 feet of sterling silver wire to make this confection of perfection. It took a while, but it was so worth the end result. I am incredibly pleased with how it turned out, and I know this is easily my favorite ring so far.
If you like it, I can create something similar for you, all you have to do is ask! Visit my Etsy store to see more like this.
Have a great day!
Meghann

Ring Ring!

I LOVE these rings. This ring is made with 14karat gold filled wire with a beautiful ruby Swarovski crystal wrapped on top. It is a delicate-looking ring with big impact. I can make it in sterling silver or in other sizes should you require it.
This ring and much more is for sale on my Etsy Store, so check them out!
Meghann

Cha Cha in the Garden

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

A Little Bit of Sparkle

~....Love It!!~

I made this using one of the lamp work glass pendants that Louise Ingram of Fireseed made for me last month and wow do I ever love it! She made the pendant and four spacer beads with her wonderful lamp work glass skills, adding silver in them to give them a beautiful organic look. This is so pretty that I wanted to keep it for myself, but, alas, it must go to a home that will love it and let it see lots of people so it can be admired as it should be. I found some beautiful striated jasper stones to go with the pendant and spaced them with sterling silver beads to bring out the silver in the pendant. A sterling silver toggle clasp finishes the necklace off with style. This is One of A Kind so get it while it lasts! It is now for sale on my Etsy Jewellery Store.....okay.....GO!
;-)
Meghann

Fall Cards are Fabulous!

~A New Card Set Just For Fall~

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

Fall for Fall....Again!

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

Time for Photographs Already!

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

Interchangeable Lamp Work Glass Earrings

~14Karat Gold Filled Wire, Gold Plate Beads, and Lamp Work Glass Beads~

In my quest for new, exciting, unique earrings, I consulted my new partner-in-crime, Louise Ingram of Fireseed. She's making a lot of the beads I am using in my new creations, and has some great ideas on what to do with them. She loves my Arrow Leaf Earrings, but thought that we could make them a bit more curved at the top so that we could slip beads on and off at will, making them truly interchangeable.
Just like my arrow leaf earrings, I hammer the bottom of the wire, but then I add a gold plate bead on the bottom, then a lamp work glass bead, and then top it off with another gold plate bead for symmetry. To change them, just slide the beads over the top and replace with another bead - too easy and beautiful! I'll be listing these shortly on my Etsy Store, so be sure to check them out there!
More to come soon! Be sure to enter my monthly blog contest!
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