Newer Creations

So with all the remodel going on my creativity has really suffered. The makeshift kitchen has been in the studio. My creative juices just don't flow very well when I am sitting in there and all I can smell is the pizza pocket that Jake just heated in the microwave.

However, I have been able to get a few things out - - - All are available in both of my Etsy Shops. My steampunk shop, which uses watch movements and Victorian style jewelry can be seen here. And my Lilikoi shop, which uses semi precious gemstones, sterling, silver and fine silver can be seen here.

First Work

I totally meant to put pictures in of the things I made while at my class. So here they are. A couple of them I used with molds and the rest I textured and then either cut them out by hand or used a cutter. I am not so sure I like the bright silver of these charms, as I am a more oxidized sort of a gal. I will wait to do this until I find the right project for these items.

This was way fun, and I am excited to explore this avenue a bit more. Stephanie, Julia (two of the ladies I met at the class) and I are going to have a play date soon so that we can create together. That is a really fine thing - inasmuch as Julia has the kiln.... niiiice. I can't wait to experiment! I have bought the new clay and have decided that I will use found objects for texture. Upcoming items soon!

Sale in the Shops!

For those of you who follow this blog and follow my Etsy shops - - - this announcement is just for you!!! This is your heads up on what will be happening this weekend. As everyone knows, this Friday is commonly referred to as Black Friday - and the Monday that follows is Cyber Monday. Black Friday is typically the heaviest buying volume in brick and mortar stores, while Monday is typically the heaviest volume of purchases on the internet. So - - - here you go - - Friday through Monday I will have a Black Friday - Cyber Monday sale in my shops. There will be a 20% discount on everything purchased. This discount will be given through a PayPal refund.

Woop Woop! Who doesn't like a sale?

My shops are right over there -------------------------------------------->
But here is a hyperlink as well:
LilikoiDesigner
HipChickeeBeads
Steamtrunkstudio


Happy Shopping!

The New Jewelry Adventure

Well, as my previous post said, I have been soooooo busy!!! It has been hard to stay above water sometimes, and other times it feels like I should just give up and sink! Wow!

But I am really excited about my new direction in jewelry. Because it is so divergent from my mainstay designs, I decided to open up a new shop on Etsy. The new shop is called SteamTrunkStudio. The shop is styled with a Victorian feel, but also employs an edgy sort of style called steampunk. Steampunk is kind of like industrial meets Victorian. Let me explain a bit more. Steampunk is reminiscent of the 19th century, and in terms of jewelry, steampunk translates into styles that are functional, but have an antiquated look. In my designs I use watch movements, pieces and parts of watches, cogs, keys, tags, and other miscellaneous bits and pieces. Don't worry, no working watch was hurt in the creation of my designs!

Here is a quick look at some of the items:

So, there you have it - this is what I have been up to in my new jewelry adventure. The items in this shop use a mix of silver plated, brass, antique gold plated and eventually some copper. It is really exciting and I hope that you will check it out!

If you are interested in purchasing something, you can use this code: LKO8 to receive a 15% discount. Mention this code in the note to seller box on Etsy and I will refund your discount through PayPal. I will also be posting an Etsy mini here on the blog!

Thanks all for your continued love and support!

Muah!

Work, School, Jewelry, Garden, Kids

What do these all have in common? They make my life BUSY!!!! Wow, between work being amazingly busy, and the economy taking its toll in every sector, it makes me worry/wonder about my job status. Then mix a little bit of a surprise with my degree and having to rush to get 6 credit hours completed before the end of August. Add to that another jewelry adventure (more to come on that in a later post.) The garden has been abounding - - tomatoes out the wazoo and did I mention green beans? Kids - well each one of my kids' birthdays hit in July, August, and September. Issues/Excitement: J'Amy and Eric are pregnant - due in February. . .woohoo!!! Ashley turning 21 - Jake turning 17 and yes, you guessed it, another traffic ticket....

Hmmmm where did the summer go?

August Special in THE SHOP

Well it is August, and I can't think of a better reason than that to run a shipping special in my Etsy shop!

For the entire month each single order will be shipped domestically for $1. That is to say if you order 1 bracelet - shipping is $1. If you order 10 pairs of earrings - shipping is $1. If you order something on Monday (shipping is $1) And if you get wild and crazy and order something on Thursday, shipping will be $1. See a pattern here?

International orders will be shipped for $2, same premise as above. Wow... what a great deal!

Shells, Rocks, Glass

What do all of these have in common? The Oregon Coast! While visiting there for vacation Mom, Daddy, Mike, Shelly, J'Amy and even Maycie got into the act!!

We found some beautiful agates, shells, and gorgeous sea glass. I will be making some jewelry items of interest from this adventure. Sam, my nephew, even found some great pieces (somethin, somethin coming your way Donna!)

Wait Maycie - - your form is totally off - - your butt MUST be sticking up in the air... What is up with the squat position! I guess I should cut her some slack, after all it is her first time at the beach.... amateur....

Muah!

HipChickeeBeads!

Okay, so there was another bead show this weekend. The Gem Faire was in Salt Lake City. It was then and there that I said to myself "Cindie you have a problem." But doesn't every gal need several different types of chalcedony, amethyst, and garnet??? That is normal right? Truth be told, I have known for some time that this could be an issue. Okay, okay... Hi, my name is Cindie and I am a beadaholic. Satisfied?

So, it was at that moment when I had several hanks of beads in my hands with that crazed look on my face that I came to the realization that it really isn't a problem...it is okay - - I could just open up another Etsy shop to destash. I mean you don't always use the whole strand of those perfect little twisted step cut amethyst gems do you? And why not share the love right?

So there you have it... I still can feed my addiction (it could be waaaay worse) and also share a little somethin somethin with all of you... So my new destash shop is HipChickeeBeads - - Way Cool Beads for Way Cool People... It really is me, dontchaknow....

By the way....there is another Gem Show in a few weeks...

Slow Times at Etsy Dot Com

Wow - I was commiserating with my partner in crime, Marika, about how slow things have been on Etsy.... We think it is one or more of the reasons listed below:

1. All the floods, tornadoes, wild fires, earthquakes.
2. All the jewelry lovin folk are on vacation in Tahiti with no Internet access.
3. Gas costs are too darn high and disposable income is limited.

I know that gas costs certainly have limited many folks. In my family, my son-in-law has started using public transportation and the savings have been amazing! My brother commutes well over an hour every day - each way - and they save money by having him do the grocery shopping while he is in town instead of his wife driving the same commute to accomplish the task.

The cost of gas absolutely makes a person think about what we can do to limit our addiction to fossil fuels, which leads to other thoughts about sustainability of the planet in general. May be silly, may be a minute help to the planet, but I found a pattern for reused, re-purposed grocery bags. I am going to try it! I will update you on my environmental efforts at a later point. No, I am not ready to join Green Peace yet, or believe like Al Gore does about global warming ~ but if I can help in my little corner of the world - woo hoo!

In the meantime, I hope the jewelry lovin' folk in Tahiti come home from vacation soon!

Matchy Matchy or Not?

There was an interesting thread in the forum of Etsy the other day of whether or not people like matchy matchy jewelry or not. Some of the responses were comical! One lady said she wouldn't be caught dead having anything match, even her two earrings! While others shamefully admitted that they are matchy matchers.... Many of those in my family are matchy matchy... My mom is for sure matchy matchy ~ my sister in law is seriously matchy matchy and plans her clothing around her matchy matchy jewelry! My other sister in law likes matchy matchy too!

In the spirit of matchy matchy I have been putting together some bracelet and earrings sets for sale in my Etsy shop. One I put up yesterday and it sold immediately ~ to an old family friend *waves at Cheryl*.

Are you matchy matchy?

Sterling Silver Poll

I have added a poll asking which style of sterling silver jewelry you prefer, either oxidized or antiqued sterling, or more of a shiny bright silver.

I have had a few inquiries in my Etsy shop about listing more bright silver pieces. I think my preference is the oxidized look. But with as many questions as I am getting, I think it may not be a bad option to offer a wider variety of bright silver in my shop. What do you think? Vote now on the poll in the upper right, or leave a comment.

Thanks and Happy Memorial Day!

Mother's Day in My Etsy Shop

I ran a Mother's Day special in my Etsy shop. You had to read about the rules here in my blog and then put a note about your mom in the message to seller box. The response was huge! One of the requirements was that the sale had to be over $15 in order to qualify for the discount. I had many people who just wanted to share about their mom and put comments in anyway... It was so nice! Several people were grateful to talk about how they felt about their mom...

Here is a sampling of what some folks wrote...

Mother's Day Thought: I am 48 years old, but I still sorely miss my mom(my). She's been gone now for over 15 years and, on the one hand, it seems like eons since she was here. On the other, I still remember her stroking my hair when I would hug her just like it was yesterday (and my mom stood 3" shorter than me!) Of all things, this is the absolute, strongest memory I think of when thinking of my mom and Mother's Day. I miss her so...

Hi. Here is a little note about Mother's Day. This is only my second Mother's Day and my first where my son is old enough to actually give hugs - the best present ever! As a mom, I finally get why my mom has always told me "You're my whole heart." I know my mom would be content with just a hug too - but garnets are her birthstone and I couldn't resist! Moms take the cake!

Hi! I know my order isn't enough to qualify for your Mother's Day discount, but I wanted to leave my thoughts about my mom anyway, if that's okay. :o) My mother is my best friend. I hear so many of the women around me, some of my friends even, complain about their mothers, and I feel so blessed to have this wonderful woman as my mother. Of course she's imperfect. Of course she has made mistakes. But that only means that she has experience to help me in my life. She knows what life is about and she loves me enough to be there to guide me when I need it. She loves my children just as she loves me and it gives me such joy to see her interact with them and be able to watch them grow. I love her so much.

I have great memories of my Mom :) She always had time for me, and taught me about antiques & plants.

My Mom is what motherhood is all about, she is 93 years old and still worries about all seven of her children, now ranging in age 46-65. She has been an inspiration to all who know her and love her.

Wow - - Thanks everyone for sharing!

Marjorie Jean - - My Mom

My mom, who I am named after, and my granddaughter is named after, is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She is unique on many levels. She is complex on many levels. She is beautiful on every level.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I wanted to give you a little bit of insight into how I feel about my mom and bullet point some of her greatest qualities:

She is organized beyond belief
She can pull some sort of a baked good out of the freezer at any time
She has beautiful skin and she always smells good
She is always color coordinated
She has amazing faith
She is methodical
She has a tender, loving way with elderly people
She has a great memory
She has been a faithful and loving wife for 50 years
She is a chronic list maker
She is a great cook and likes to use a recipe
She loves my jewelry (was that a plug to my website? Shamefully, yes.)
She has the same friends that she has had since she was a young married woman

Growing up, my mom and I had a rough go of it. I can remember some pretty tough times as a teenager. They mostly centered around my quick tongue, my messy room (who cares – it was MY room), and the constant barrage of chores. I gasped at the thought of being like my mom when I “got old.” As I look back, I did have a disrespectful tone, my room was always a mess, and I begrudgingly and with constant reminding completed my tasks. I sure thought I had it all dialed in when I was a teenager, but you know what? I would have made a terrible mom. Thank goodness I had such a great role model! Thank goodness there was Marjorie Jean.

I once sent my mom a Thinking of You card, that pictured a Mother and Daughter on the front of the card. The daughter was dressed in stylish white capris, a turquoise tank top, strappy little sandals, a beautiful chain necklace with a pearl accent (another shameless plug) and a cute little haircut. Standing next to her was her mother dressed in white long pants, a turquoise tank top with a matching long sleeved sweater with pearl buttons, some sensible shoes, a strand of pearls, and an Up-do from the hairdresser. The caption read:
No matter what she (insert your name here) did, she was slowly turning into her mother.

You know what? I can’t wait to turn into my mother.

I love you Mom!

Revolution Money Exchange

Revolution Money Exchange is a new payment processing service similar to PayPal. As the service is new, they are busily trying to attract users. Anyone who signs up for an RME account by May 15th will receive a $25 credit that can be used with any vendor who accepts RME payments.

I am now accepting RME in my Etsy shop, and am offering a great deal to anyone who pays for a purchase from my shop by RME by May 31st: you will receive free shipping. This is a great chance to purchase any of my jewelry you’ve had an eye on with no money out of your pocket!

Many other Etsy artists and crafters are accepting Revolution Money Exchange payments as well. Here is a list of some of them. To earn your $25 RME credit that can be redeemed at any of the shops below, follow the link below and sign up by May 15th. After signing up, just click “my account” and click “accept” to receive the $25 credit.

Shops that accept RME by category

JEWELRY ONLY
http://ccsynopticvisions.etsy.com/
http://designgal.etsy.com/
http://mermaidinacan.etsy.com/
http://designsbycher.etsy.com/
http://wickdpissajewelry.etsy.com/
http://harmonymetals.etsy.com/
http://homegrowngems.etsy.com/
http://strangelittlebird.etsy.com/
http://penelopeandanastasia.etsy.com/
http://earthdream.etsy.com/
http://brooklynthings.etsy.com/
http://tangokdesign.etsy.com/
http://alexandrasjewelry.etsy.com/
http://catrocks.etsy.com/
http://nayadesigns.etsy.com/
http://liviastreasures.etsy.com/
http://modadesigns.etsy.com/
http://journeyinjewellery.etsy.com/
http://odds.etsy.com/
http://theebonswan.etsy.com/
http://bschrag.etsy.com/
http://jemsbyjbandcompany.etsy.com/
http://broadwaybeads.etsy.com/
http://lovecactus.etsy.com/
http://thebeadedlily.etsy.com/
http://skincandy.etsy.com/
http://sparxsdesigns.etsy.com/
http://cozysister.etsy.com/
http://lavalleygirly.etsy.com/
http://metamorph.etsy.com/
http://weepingwillowyone.etsy.com/
http://crystalimpressions.etsy.com/
http://glassgrrlstudios.etsy.com/
http://soloartworks.etsy.com/
http://lilikoidesigner.etsy.com/
http://andromedadesigns.etsy.com/
http://suzyqjenn.etsy.com/
http://www.kgarnerdesigns.etsy.com/
twistthis22501.etsy.com
http://sidewingcreations.etsy.com/
http://jewelsofluxury.etsy.com/
http://michelletherese.etsy.com/
http://gailavira.etsy.com/
http://www.vandiva.etsy.com/
http://malves1009.etsy.com/
http://gailavira.etsy.com/
http://www.kzoretic.etsy.com/
http://aminyitray.etsy.com/
http://mountainshadow.etsy.com/
http://www.raevyn77.etsy.com/
http://plutostar.etsy.com/
http://emtsgirlfriend.etsy.com/
http://ambrosianbeads.etsy.com/
http://distinque.etsy.com/
http://pawandclawdesigns.etsy.com/
alorinna.etsy.com
http://ingasgems.etsy.com/
http://www.bethsingleton.etsy.com/
http://luckylibra.etsy.com/
http://www.jeannesjewels.etsy.com/
http://desireedesigns.etsy.com/
http://auryndesign.etsy.com/
http://flourishjewelry.etsy.com/
http://mrsm.etsy.com/
http://struckmyfancy.etsy.com/
http://caprichos.etsy.com/
http://jewelrybytiti.etsy.com/
http://seagoddess.etsy.com/
http://www.gemsbyjules.etsy.com/
http://jewelstreet.etsy.com/
http://gemmabeads.etsy.com
http://ekioart.etsy.com
creationsbycat.etsy.com
http://pearlbythesea.etsy.com






JEWELRY AND MORE
http://knotartwa.etsy.com/
http://karinscreations.etsy.com/
http://charmingelements.etsy.com/
http://devancarol.etsy.com/
http://silverliningdesigns6.etsy.com/
http://satindollco.etsy.com/
http://relishdress.etsy.com/
http://uniquecharm.etsy.com/
http://designsbykat619.etsy.com/
http://kayraffla.etsy.com/
http://moreglitterplease.etsy.com/
http://knitandpearl.etsy.com/
http://designsbytracey.etsy.com/
http://blueladystudios.etsy.com/
http://seahorsedesigns.etsy.com/
http://chendric.etsy.com/
http://rlscreations.etsy.com/
http://rockngemsjewelry.etsy.com/
http://bozack80.etsy.com/
http://beatgirl77.etsy.com/
http://idyllhands.etsy.com/
http://aimeedars.etsy.com/
http://gooseontheloose.etsy.com/
http://juliajae.etsy.com/
http://collettestreasures.etsy.com/
http://www.lling2303.etsy.com/
http://caprichos.etsy.com/moribadesign.etsy.com
http://adornmentsbykarla.etsy.com/
http://sweetwolf.etsy.com/
http://beinspireddesigns.etsy.com/
http://awood616.etsy.com/
http://www.alianadesigns.etsy.com/
http://luckygirltrading.etsy.com/
http://foret.etsy.com/
http://bellesirota.etsy.com
http://rhisbitsandbeads.etsy.com
http://flurrsprite.etsy.com

FABRIC GOODS
http://sygnetcreations.etsy.com/
http://www.diamondmeenuh.etsy.com/
http://www.ablemabel.etsy.com/
http://quayandco.etsy.com/
http://maram.etsy.com/
http://kristinalaw.etsy.com/
http://MindysEmbroidery.etsy.com
http://MelodysUnchained.etsy.com


KNITTING & CROCHET
http://heatherknitz.etsy.com/
http://froghollowfarm.etsy.com/
http://ladylazarusplath.etsy.com/
plenox.etsy.com
http://mayraecrochetnknit.etsy.com/
http://djeffries.etsy.com/
http://boutiquepinkdesigns.etsy.com/
http://knotbygranma.etsy.com/
fairyfelts.etsy.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES (NON-JEWELRY)
http://electricbluebird.etsy.com/
http://stellalunadesigns.etsy.com/
http://oceanavesilks.etsy.com/
http://cathysewnsew.etsy.com/
http://fabricfun.etsy.com/
http://picklehead.etsy.com/
http://fringies.etsy.com/
http://sheilascrafts.etsy.com/
http://callidora.etsy.com/
http://suenosdejmi.etsy.com/
http://jenniferjoycreative.etsy.com/
http://salmonstreetstudio.etsy.com/
http://yodamoon.etsy.com/
http://faewoodcreations.etsy.com/
reneesfashions.etsy.com
http://www.auntifranni.etsy.com/
http://wwww.tackyhandmade.etsy.com

BAGS & PURSES ONLY
http://yinsouciant.etsy.com/
http://jillyd.etsy.com/
http://areleldesigns.etsy.com/
http://threadbeaur.etsy.com/
sewpink.etsy.com
sonya.etsy.com


BABY & KIDS
http://hullabalooboutique.etsy.com/
http://sewfinebabyboutique.etsy.com/
http://jumpupanddown.etsy.com/
http://buddhabellybaby.etsy.com/
http://pumpkinlights.etsy.com/
http://weebeaks.etsy.com/
http://gracefulbabies.etsy.com/
http://mozabebidesigns.etsy.com/
http://ambercripe.etsy.com/
http://bethontheweb.etsy.com/
http://thefleeciestbaby.etsy.com/
http://handmadebaby.etsy.com/
http://babymoon.etsy.com/
http://justtoocute.etsy.com/
http://thecrochetedbaby.etsy.com/
http://monkeysnugglesdiaper.etsy.com/
http://koltons.etsy.com/
http://mylittle.etsy.com/
http://sobrightdesigns.etsy.com/
http://myfairybabies.etsy.com/
http://turtleturtle.etsy.com/
babypeasandcarrots.etsy.com
http://www.nuxiemade.etsy.com/
babaialainn.etsy.com
byrdieclothing.etsy.com
http://pumpkinlights.etsy.com/
http://bumblebeebaby.etsy.com/
http://babysmiles.etsy.com/
http://beckaboo.etsy.com/
http://fraybabybibsandmore.etsy.com/
http://bugeater.etsy.com/
http://spoiledbabydesign.etsy.com
www.lalas.etsy.com
http://heydooney.etsy.com
sweetpeababy.etsy.com

BABY & KIDS HAIR ACCESSORIES
http://punkynmunky.etsy.com/
http://bowsbyamber.etsy.com/
http://jtatmusic.etsy.com/
http://love2sparkle.etsy.com/
http://sugarbuggirls.etsy.com/
http://cutesieclips.etsy.com/
http://jesscreations.etsy.com/
http://ashliesbowtique.etsy.com/
http://happygrandma402905.etsy.com/
http://twincurls.etsy.com/
http://buttonsinbows.etsy.com/
http://kaylaj777.etsy.com/
http://chloescuties.etsy.com/
http://vickiesuniquebows.etsy.com



BABY & KIDS TOYS
http://zparkleys.etsy.com/
http://zadyball.etsy.com/
http://flakyfriends.etsy.com/
http://brightsidea.etsy.com/
http://www.morumoto.etsy.com/
http://mfcrafts.etsy.com/
littleplasticgirlies.etsy.com

FOR PETS
http://ohanacanine.etsy.com/
http://doggiewearz.etsy.com/

EDIBLE YUMMY STUFF
http://asugaraffair.etsy.com/
http://steelcitybakery.etsy.com/
http://doubledippedsweets.etsy.com/
http://thesweetspot.etsy.com/


BATH, BODY, & CANDLES
http://crazytimescandles.etsy.com/
http://thescentedwick.etsy.com/
http://countrycandlesnsoaps.etsy.com/
http://socaligirl.etsy.com/
http://sageanddaisy.etsy.com/
http://serenityfields.etsy.com/
http://danesmommy.etsy.com/
http://valhallasoap.etsy.com/
http://chunkybuttcandles.etsy.com/

BATH & BODY ONLY
http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com/
http://dennisanderson.etsy.com/
http://southernvtsoap.etsy.com/
http://sleepycathollow.etsy.com/
http://eastcoasttropics.etsy.com/
http://longwinterfarm.etsy.com/
http://beautifulskin.etsy.com/
http://theivorymagnolia.etsy.com/
http://kallia.etsy.com/
http://fairycat.etsy.com/
http://whystlestop.etsy.com/
http://jbsoaps.etsy.com/
http://aspenspa.etsy.com/
http://morganstreet.etsy.com/
http://southernvtsoap.etsy.com/
http://tamarasherbes.etsy.com/
http://mineralmakeup.etsy.com/
http://cozymoments.etsy.com/
Blue House Soaps
http://pegasussoaps.etsy.com/




A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHIN, SOMETHIN
http://queengabby.etsy.com/
http://backwoodsophisticate.etsy.com/
http://creationsbywhitney.etsy.com/
http://allaboutthebuttons.etsy.com/
http://bigblueeyes.etsy.com/
http://collectiveelements.etsy.com/
http://bibliophile1.etsy.com/
http://fortheloveofcrafts.etsy.com/
http://weebeeuniquesbyjulie.etsy.com/
http://tackyhandmade.etsy.com/
http://faeryspellcreations.etsy.com/
http://crazyartdolls.etsy.com/
http://mfcrafts.etsy.com/
http://laungnome.etsy.com/
http://juliepersons.etsy.com/
http://glassgrrl.etsy.com/
http://scribblenation.etsy.com/
http://dippylulu.etsy.com/
http://creations4causes.etsy.com/
http://thinkingmama.etsy.com/
http://scottieacres.etsy.com/
http://lauraslefthookk.etsy.com/
http://steampunkbb.etsy.com/
http://elainebis.etsy.com/
http://scarletbeautiful.etsy.com/
http://sallyscreations.etsy.com/
http://www.craftscottage.etsy.com/
http://melsdolls.etsy.com/
http://cherryvalentino.etsy.com/
whismyhollow.etsy.com
http://firstandfranklin.etsy.com/
http://paynesgrey.etsy.com/
http://friedokra.etsy.com/
http://taytoechip.etsy.com/
Studiologo.etsy.com
http://memebevscreations.etsy.com/
http://moonlightsally.etsy.com/
hkexpressions.etsy.com
http://dlkdesigns.etsy.com/
http://bitytmoose.etsy.com/
PinkPenguinStar.etsy.com
http://kristinalaw.etsy.com/
http://hippyklippyklopshop.etsy.com
Myheart2.etsy.com
http://buddhabops.etsy.com
http://bakasartysta.etsy.com
http://soandsewcrafty.etsy.com
www.bubbarye.etsy.com
MadeByLaura.etsy.com

ART, PAINTING, ACEO
http://arttherapy.etsy.com/
http://superimposium.etsy.com/
http://glassdiary.etsy.com/
http://whatseatingyin.etsy.com/
http://sunraven0.etsy.com/
http://dragonfairies.etsy.com/
http://apdesignz.etsy.com/
http://redmoonarts.etsy.com/
http://thegildedpomegranate.etsy.com/
http://dribsndrabs.etsy.com/
http://whimsypics.etsy.com/
http://agdesigins.etsy.com/
http://imagesbyaileen.etsy.com/
http://huckleberryarts.etsy.com/
http://anteris.etsy.com/
http://tinyartbyjmullin.etsy.com/
http://dippylulu.etsy.com/
http://areyouanartist.etsy.com/
http://giftsetc.etsy.com/
http://www.zephi.etsy.com/
http://butterflychic.etsy.com/
http://lisasshop.etsy.com/
http://heidiherrerastudio.etsy.com/
http://shellvergel.etsy.com/
http://littlethings1.etsy.com/
http://www.sarah1974.etsy.com/
http://livefunky.etsy.com/
http://thecreatorspalette.etsy.com/
http://www.rwgraphics.etsy.com/
lifeisart.etsy.com
http://goodbloom.etsy.com

PAPER GOODS, CARDS
http://beautifulgreetings.etsy.com/
http://thisoldhenhouse.etsy.com/
http://caprichosdepapel.etsy.com/
http://sarahridgley.etsy.com/
http://www.craftygeezerette.etsy.com/
http://caprichosdepapel.etsy.com/
http://ragqueen.etsy.com/
http://pamperedponytails.etsy.com/
http://quirkynberkeley.etsy.com


PHOTOGRAPHY
http://bigviews.etsy.com/
http://parallaxphoto.etsy.com/
http://lindentreephotograph.etsy.com/
http://eileenpattersonphoto.etsy.com/
http://jacqleenbleu.etsy.com/
http://scarletbeautiful2.etsy.com/
heidiherrerastudio.etsy.com
http://specularity.etsy.com/
http://elbfoto.etsy.com/
http://blackbird72.etsy.com

CERAMICS, GLASS, & FIBER ARTS
http://joliefairemedieval.etsy.com/
http://pattymara.etsy.com/
http://gphigirl.etsy.com/
http://ozarkgypsyart.etsy.com/
http://spawnofflame.etsy.com/
http://rjknight.etsy.com/
http://drewjaeger.etsy.com/
http://cornucopias.etsy.com/




WOOD CRAFTS
http://smilemoon.etsy.com/
simplesignsforyou.etsy.com

VINTAGE (NON-HANDMADE)
http://calicovintage.etsy.com/
http://vintageprints.etsy.com/
http://tackybackintime.etsy.com/
http://marcellasexcess.etsy.com/
http://goofingoff.etsy.com/
http://phoenixartsupplies.etsy.com/
http://hildalama.etsy.com/
http://classicvintage.etsy.com/
http://bianco.etsy.com/
http://lorenzstudio.etsy.com/
http://retrothreads.etsy.com/
http://seagoddessjewelry.etsy.com/

BOOKS, ACCESSORIES, AND ZINES
http://brainscan.etsy.com/
http://alteredgirl.etsy.com/
http://beadz4bookwormz.etsy.com/
http://ialuna.etsy.com/
http://www.nanassewingroom.etsy.com/


GEEKERY
http://buildersstudio.etsy.com/
http://cyberindustries.etsy.com/
http://mojotrashion.etsy.com/


PATTERNS
http://sandritocat.etsy.com/
http://woohoocrossstitch.etsy.com/
http://daisytoad.etsy.com/
Myheartandsew.Etsy.com


SUPPLIES
http://knotartoverstok.etsy.com/
http://allthingsbeaded.etsy.com/
http://beadsupplies.etsy.com/
http://sweetside.etsy.com/
http://blueladybeads.etsy.com/
http://justjaynes.etsy.com/
http://alexandrascloset.etsy.com/
http://simonrocks.etsy.com/
http://theswansnest.etsy.com/
http://misseileen.etsy.com/
http://phoenixartsupplies.etsy.com/
http://jewel.etsy.com/
http://thebeadingtree.etsy.com/
http://theivyleaf.etsy.com/
http://pholk.etsy.com/
http://cheapboutique.etsy.com/
http://strictlywholesale.etsy.com/
http://rosemarybeads.etsy.com/
http://modified.etsy.com/
http://mamabearsdestash.etsy.com/
http://onebuttonatatime.etsy.com/
http://crafttopia.etsy.com/
http://destashbash.etsy.com/
http://krazykatedesigns.etsy.com/
http://entangles.etsy.com/
http://fourtailslampwork.etsy.com/
http://aileenfairycat.etsy.com/
http://luxury.etsy.com/http://www.studiostash.etsy.com/
http://snappish.etsy.com/
http://secondtreasures.etsy.com/
http://mountainshadowdesign.etsy.com/
http://ultratrixie.etsy.com/
http://thecatseyesupplies.etsy.com/
http://theluckypickle.etsy.com/
http://forettwo.etsy.com/
http://orchidpottery.etsy.com/
http://thefabricobsession.etsy.com
http://partypoofers.etsy.com

Mother's Day in My Etsy Shop

I will be running a special in my Etsy shop in honor of Mother’s Day. It is kind of simple really. For any purchase over $15, I will apply a 15% discount (which will be given via a PayPal refund at the time of shipping). This sale will end Sunday, May 11. In order to receive the discount, upon checkout, in the Message to Seller box, I want you to tell me a special thought about what Mother’s Day means to you. Maybe it will be about why your mom is special, could be about someone who has been like a mom to you. You get the idea… I think it is important to recognize moms and their contributions to our lives. If your comments are not about your mom, then it can be someone of the like. It also gives you the opportunity to be a bit introspective and think of really good reasons why your mom is important/loved, and also the opportunity, if only for a moment to live in gratitude.

I will write more about my Mom as Mother's Day approaches. But if I were buying something in my shop from me.... my message to seller would say something like:

There has never been a time in my life when my Mother hasn't loved or supported me. She has stuck by me - thick and thin. She is the best example of what pure motherhood is all about.

Bead Sisters!

As many of you probably know, my dear friend Marika and I both have a shop on Etsy. Marika's shop is Lilikoidesign and mine is Lilikoidesigner. We both get emails often wondering if our shops are the same ~ and alas, we are not. I tell everyone who asks that we are "bead sisters" but that our shops are separate and distinct.

This weekend Marika and I were able to meet in Denver and go to a bead show! This is a picture of us at the show - - we closed the place down! I look like I closed the place down, and Marika looks fresh as a spring daisy!

We saw so many cool things and bought just about as many! Look for new items in both of our shops from the adventure!

Sneak Peek

So here is a little sneak peak at what will be coming soon to my Etsy shop. I have been dying to take a metalsmithing class ~ and I just may do that soon. But in the meantime, I contacted Gemmafactrix, another Etsy member whose work I really respect, to find out what books she might suggest for a beginner. She supplied me with the titles of a couple of books she highly recommended. I purchased them and have learned a few new techniques! I was reading in Gemma's website that she is beginning to teach individual classes - - one on one. Holy Cow! What I wouldn't do to have a lesson from Brooke! Alas... Ohio is a long way away from Utah....

I made these earrings with a bit of elbow grease and hammering. (Thanks Dad for the new steel!)

xo

Cindie

Utah Dream Center

I have long since been one who fights and champions for the underdog. That hasn't always served me well, but this year's Superbowl it worked huh? But this year I decided that I would be donating 10% of all of the earnings from my Etsy shop to the Utah Dream Center. What an amazing organization. I have been aware of them for a couple of years now and have donated those things that I normally would have sent to the Salvation Army. Please take some time to read about them.

It feels good to give back. It feels good to strive toward living in a state of gratitude. It is important to me to understand all that I have been blessed with ~ a great family, a home to live in, a good job, and great friends. I believe it is encumbant upon me to take active steps in making my world a better place to be. The Utah Dream Center provides such a great opportunity for me to do this!

Thanks!