All the best in the coming year...

Best Orkut Scraps

May health, happiness and prosperity be yours in 2011!

Cheers

Amethyst & Flourite!

In the last two years this is the third bracelet of this kind I've made...notice I said third... The first was to try something different with beading...while I love the results the actual process is somewhat like "work", and you know how I feel about work. I need my glasses plus a magnifying glass to make this. Seriously!!! When finished the bracelet is stunning...a bit heavy but colorful and vibrant...the first was done in greens the second was done similiar to this but with pearls included in the mix. Having said that, I've the stones, etc., (completely different combos) to make two more...won't promise when they will be done... lets say...sometime in the future! This one I made with multi colored flourite(purple, yellow, pale blue) oval stones, tiny seed beads, they are difficult to see, they are hiding in the center as they are the back bone of the bracelet and a multitude of gorgeous faceted amethyst rondelles which ranged in color from dark amethyst (my favorite) to pale amethyst verging on yellow(citrine)...if you look closely you can spot a few of the yellow... This bracelet was custom ordered as a Christmas gift...I'm hoping she loves it!!!
Enjoy your week.
Cheers

PS...these photos were taken at night with a florescent light above/behind my head...not bad! Still not great but much better than many of the others I've taken so far!!!

Argentium silver...

I've been making this type of earring for some time...I don't do the shiny finish a great deal (in all honesty they aren't as popular as the textured/hammered/brushed finish) but they certainly are pretty to look at...all smooth and shiny!!!

Being so shiny it makes for taking photos rather difficult...


I've been doing soldering and fusing for awhile...I don't have any photos of my latest pieces yet, they are coming, but here is a sample of earrings I did about a month ago... I prefer abstract and like the fact people know they are handcrafted...so I tried soldering scrap silver, and pieces I've made into scrap, onto in this case, argentium silver circles, no two will ever be exactly the same but it works...

I like the results and have made many earrings and pendants, in all kinds of shapes/sizes/designs...
Enjoy the rest of your weekend...
Cheers

Pie Crusting Pendant

I've been doing a bit of experimentation lately, trying to see what direction I going in the future...I've been doing some fusing, soldering, wire wrapping, glass pendants...trying techniques I've not considered or had the time to try before. I've decided if I don't make the time I won't grow as a designer. Which would be fine if that was the direction I chose, but I love to learn so I'm jumping in with both feet...we'll see how I make out!

In August I found this amazing tutorial by Rosamond Bain..."Pie Crusting Pendant".
I looked it over then filed the tutorial away as a "possibly in the future", I found it again a few weeks ago and thought I would see what I could come up with. The tutorial is well done, easy to read instructions, with great photos...this is a great technique tutorial while allowing for artistic interpretation, detail and design.

These two pendants are made with 26g. argentium silver sheet, with coral, and turquoise stones.


I used considerably more metal than is probably necessary and curled around the edges a great deal more as I was nervous about the stones falling out, this also prevented the stone from moving around...I know more experience in folding the metal to prevent movement is what will do the trick in securing the stone. Eventually I will try another with less metal to show the stones more and see what happens! :0) None the less, I enjoyed making the pendants...

Thanks to Rosamond Bain for the great tutorial, it was fun to see the pendant emerge from a piece of sheet silver. It also made me realize I have to think out side the box!

I've more "new" pieces to show you...coming soon!
Enjoy your day...
Cheers

Love, Noel, Joy!

I was asked to do something "Christmasy" a few weeks ago...my first thought was simple as there is so much in the way of decoration/adornment at this time of the year...this is what I decided upon. I've done "love" and "believe"as well as a few letters in copper wire but never sterling silver wire...these are fun to do...a little slow going but fun none the less!

More photos to come...I'm having a difficult time getting the light just right...as you can see from this photo!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Cheers

Centering header done!

Well that was simple...I just checked out the link my friend Mei left me and found the fix in about 10 minutes...

The link is: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/thread?tid=1048e18790c2b5fe&hl=en

Below is the actual fix for centering a header for those of you who like me need a bit of help now and then:

Design - Template Designer - Advanced - scroll down to CSS and simply type in the following...worked like a charm!

#Header1_headerimg {margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto}

Thanks Mei...I have to admit I was being lazy. I didn't want to hunt for a fix, I thought maybe someone knew enough to walk me through it! Sometimes hunting takes forever! :0)

Have a great day...
Cheers

A little bit Christmas!

I like to keep things rather simple but truth be told I couldn't figure out how to make last years background work properly...so I settled for this! I like the color but I would prefer the header to be centered. Does anyone know how to do this?

Cheers

A Grand Success!

I would like to extend a heart felt "thank you" to those wonderful people who attended my 2nd Annual "Silver Christmas" show...you made the evening a grand success!!! Your show of appreciation makes me want to work harder, learn more!!!

I brought my camera but forgot to take photos...nothing new as I often forget! The set up was the same as last year...only the jewelry was different...of course... :0)
I will have time to put photos of my pieces up here...soon.

In the next few weeks I will be concentrating on orders but once they are done I will be setting my sights on updating my website and Etsy shop...both sorely neglected since May! I'm still trying to find a good light source here...not having much luck...but then the weather has been very gloomy which doesn't help. I find cloudy days work fine but not the dark dreary days...the pieces loose their sparkle! I'll keep at it...

I was trying to put up my Christmas background but I'm having issues so will work on it a bit later...

Enough chatting...gotta go.
Enjoy your day...
Cheers

Wednesday December 1st I'm having the 2nd Annual

"Silver Christmas"

Everyone is welcome!

My last show for 2010...

Cheers

A busy few days ahead!!!

Time passes so quickly...this weekend is the last of my "craft shows" for the 2010 season...a three day show! Very busy but a great deal of fun! For those of you in the North Bay area stop by...it is a fabulous show with amazing artisans/crafters/producers!

There is a $5.00 admission but it is good for the three days...enter the draw for an electric fireplace...perfect prize for this time of year!

I've other things in the works and I'm doing another of my own shows but not until December 1st...more about this later!

Enjoy the rest of the week...
Cheers

Don't forget!!!

Just wanted to remind you about Artbeads.com "What Inspires You?" contest!!!

For more information on the ‘What Inspires You?’ contests, please follow the below link:
http://www.artbeads.com/what-inspires-you-beading-contest.html

The ‘What Inspires You?” contest consists of two categories; Necklaces and the General Category. Each contest will have the following prizes; 1^st place winners in each category will receive a $500 Artbeads.com Gift Certificate, 2^nd place winners a $250 Artbeads.com Gift Certificate and 3^rd place winners a $100 Artbeads.com Gift Certificate.

Winners will be decided by a public vote. Voting starts Tuesday, November 23, and ends Wednesday, December 8. Winners will be announced Thursday, December 16, 2010.
Good luck to everyone!

Cheers

ArtBeads Pearls & Pantone colors!

Don't you just love pearls...they are one of my favorite beads...classy and elegant but fun when you want them to be...truly versatile! I've done a single strand of graduated pearls to a multi strand long necklace and everything in between. Take a look at what I've got this time from ArtBeads.com ...the most gorgeous multicolored strand of pearls...two actually...the colors are so vibrant!


I was sent the Pantone color report for fall 2010 and the first page shows all the exciting new colors for fall...check out them out they are definitly colors I would choose personally!

After looking through the report I chose these two strands of pearls from ArtBeads.com...while I couldn't get something close to the Lipstick Red or the Golden Glow I thought this strand was complementary to the rest of the stunning colors!!!

I also chose a sterling silver leaf link and an elegant sterling silver hook and eye clasp...these are delicate but still a nice substantial weight to them, perfect for pearls.

As soon as I saw the pearls I knew exactly what I wanted to make...something classy & elegant but fun...

Thanks Artbeads.com for for being a great place to shop! So important for someone like myself who must rely on the internet!!!

Enjoy your weekend!
Cheers


*FTC compliance disclosure* the products attributed to Artbeads.com in this post where provided as a promotional gift by Artbeads.com in relation to the blogging program. My comments pertaining to these products are my personal opinion, no compensation has been received for the comments.

Family, Friends, & Food...

Hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving weekend!
Cheers...

Artbeads.com Jewelry Contest!

Artbeads.com is having a "What inspires you" jewelry contest!

The public will vote for their favorites determining the top 3 winners in two categories, Necklaces and other Beaded Designs...

• Grand Prize winners in the necklace & beaded design categories wins $500.00 gift certificate each from Artbeads.com
• 2nd Place winners in each category wins a $250.00 gift certificate each from Artbeads.com
• 3rd Place winners in each category wins a $100.00 gift certificate each from Artbeads.com
  
  
  • 
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  • Click on the links for further information
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    I've been told "This is a contest of originality, design, and vision. All entries MUST be an original design. At least 50% of the beads and components in a submitted entry must be purchased from Artbeads.com. Participants must upload one picture of their design and one of picture of their inspiration, such as you see above in the banners. This contest is open to beaders worldwide, aged 18 and older."
    
    Sounds like fun...take a few minutes to check it out...you know you want to!!!
    Cheers
    

Almost everything copper!

I bet you thought I forgot...yes & no, kind of, not really, you get the picture!!!

Here are the gorgeous copper components from Artbeads.com I received the end of April...I can't believe it has been that long...gotta love that company for their patience!

It took awhile bit I've finally finished the necklace...I started wire wrapping the turquoise rice beads to the circles probably back in June, but put it away when I moved and there it sat until last Friday...only took a short while to complete!

As you see below...I started with the three 32mm copper plated pewter circle links, I wire wrapped turquoise rice beads I had in my stash, to the links...then wire wrapped the gorgeous double star, attached the square & oval links spacing them with the same turquoise rice beads...then attached everything to the copper plated metal chain...this is really nice sturdy chain, I was very pleased with it. All the copper pieces are good quality, with a substantial feel to them, you won't be disappointed!

The necklace that emerged is not what I had in mind...things often happen that way, I went with the idea regardless!

I've used everything but one each, of the square and oval links and the three pretty stoneware beads...I also have some of the chain left...I'm going to make a second necklace with what is left...soon!!!

Thank you to Artbeads.com for allowing me the time I needed to take this summer!!!

Enjoy your week...
Cheers

PS...I'm still trying to find the "right" spot to take my photos!!!

*FTC compliance disclosure* the products attributed to Artbeads.com in this post where provided as a promotional gift by Artbeads.com in relation to the blogging program. My comments pertaining to these products are my personal opinion, no compensation has been received for the comments.

What everyone has been waiting for...

Blogmania has arrived!!!

The event of the season is now, click around to see what is up for grabs...you will find an amazing collection of some of the most creative, uniquely interesting items you will find anywhere, anything you can imagine or dream of!

"My Favorite Things" charm bracelet...

• sterling silver chain, completely adjustable so it will fit anyone who receives it as long as I receive and accurate wrist measurement.
• sterling silver toggle
• the sterling silver charms are...xxxooo, whales tail, sail boat, sun glasses, four leaf clover, Florida charm, starfish, (of course) butterfly, shell, sun, VIP, ribbon, and a peace sign...as well I love both turquoise and sponge coral so I've added those to add color...

Dawn has worked hard and has increased the "My Favorite Things" group prize value to $500.00 + category.

To enter to win you must leave a comment on the Blogmania post on Designs by Dawn Marie's blog

Do take a few extra minutes to visit all the members of our team who worked hard to create a wonderful item for this event!

Designs by Dawn Marie

Butterfly Fondant Cakes & Desserts
Juls Beads
Purple Vine Design
Second Surf
SLM Petersen

Hop around and enter to win fabulous prizes, find wonderful new blogs to follow, make great new friends but above all have a good time!

Cheers

Back just in time for Blogmania!!!

Hello everyone...it has been a while!

As you know I've moved into a rental house and I'm renovating my new home...as was expected it is a painfully slow process, which is why we are renting. For the last 34 years we renovated while living in the house, and I'm talking major renovations over the years..I'm too old and just not in the mood to do that again!

I have to tell you about something very important...last spring I was very excited to sign up for "Blogmania", one of 175 blogs to participate in this twice yearly, two day blog hopping give away ...once my house sold... surprise, surprise... I knew I wouldn't be able to spend the time required on "Blogmania" so I stepped down from my spot and joined my wonderful friend Dawn's (from Designs by Dawn Marie) Blogmania group..."My Favorite Things" .

Through Dawn's hard work she has increased the "My Favorite Things" group prize value to $500.00 + category so mark midnight, EST, September 15th through to 11:59 EST September 16th on your calendar. Hop around and enter to win fabulous prizes, find wonderful new blogs to follow, make great friends but above all have a good time doing it!

The team "My Favorite Things" partners are:

Designs by Dawn Marie
Purple Vine Design
second surf
SLM Petersen
Butterfly Fondant Cakes and Deserts
Julsbeads

I will of course have a new post up at midnight EST, on September 15th with "My Favorite Things" give away...stop by and check it out!

I've missed all my blogging friends a great deal but unfortunately I don't expect to be around as often as before, I will post when I can...

Enjoy the coming week...
Cheers

Moving.....

I may be absent from the blogging world for the next week or so as I'm moving today!!!!!
I will return when I've things under control... :0)

In the mean time...how about a walk down memory lane...

2007

2007

2008

2008
2009

2009

2009

2010

2010

2010
2010

Cheers

Gotta love sterling silver!

Need I say more???

I'm a Blogmania partner!!!

Originally I signed up for "Blogmania" by myself...but after careful consideration I decided I couldn't possibly do the promotion of the event justice as my plate is very full for the next couple of months. I mentioned to a good blogging friend, I was going to step down from Blogmania so someone else who had the time to spend promoting the extravaganza could have the spot...only a limited number of bloggers are accepted for this two date event which takes place September 15th & 16th...

My good blogging friend Dawn Marie Doucette, asked me if I would like to join her "Team Favorite Things". I decided this was a good fit for me this time around!!! Using Dawn's words she is an "artsy jewelry designer" among other things...a very talented lady :0)

The next member if the team is Kelly Jo Guastello from Purple Vine Design, Kelly Jo makes very cool greeting cards & mini notes, check out her blog & Esty shop...

This will be a spectacular event...as of right now there will be over $300.00 + in prizes to give away from Team Favorites, and I know Dawn is looking for more participants for this event! The more artisans involved the more prizes given away.

Dawn's latest post and information regarding how to becoming a member of"Team Favorite Things" of can be found on her blog!

Thank you Dawn for including me in such a great event!!!
Cheers

Artbeads.com Share the Savings Discount!

Our good friends at Artbeads.com sent sent me a savings discount code today...



I'm happy to be able to share the savings with you...
Save %10 on future purchases effective until July 31st, 2010...
Share the Savings Discount code is:

SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0125

Have fun shopping!!!

Cheers

Crazy Buzy!!!

As the title says I've been "crazy busy" & I will be for the next couple of months as I'm moving!

The first Market day went well....hot, sunny, great entertainment & a good crowd for a long weekend, fun was had by all! The only negative was I had a necklace stolen!!! I didn't get any photos last week...I actually forgot!

Yesterday was another wonderful Market day, two warm sunny Market days in a row, so perfect. Our yearly Pancake Festival was very well received, we had huge crowds of people at the Market yesterday. Unfortunately I had another necklace stolen and another vendor had her cash box stolen($500.00)...I was not happy last week, but this Saturday I was down right angry!!!! We contacted the police but we don't hold any hope in anything being returned or the perpetrators being caught...having said that the Police department needs to be aware...we plan on checking into what we can do about having a police presence at the Market once or twice during the day!

On a happier note here are a few photos I managed to take yesterday...

In the booth next to me was an occasional vendor, a great lady by the name of Claudette Jesso, (not in the photo)...she makes fabulous bags from upholstery fabric, some with a bit of bling for added character...you can see the fellow holding up two! :0) Claudette also makes wonderful baby quilts and cute long eared bunnies!

Checking out some of the gorgeous potted plants available at the Market!

If you look very carefully, depending on how good your eyes are...:0) there is a sign on the left hand side, hanging from the blue tent which says "Pancakes $1.00"...there was a long line most of the Market day with people waiting to enjoying tasty pancakes drizzled with delicious Mathews Maple Syrup... a heartfelt thank you to the folks from Mathews Maple Syrup a local producer & one of our vendors for making the pancakes & supplying the syrup! Well done!!!

I didn't get photos of the Buskers, but they are somewhere in the sea of people above!!! A young fellow by the name of Aidan entertained us with his violin skills first thing followed by the Celtic sounds of Stack of Barley...I enjoy the festive feel the Buskers bring to the Market!

All things considered it was truly a great day!!! Looking forward to next Saturday...

Cheers

Count down is on...

This Saturday May 22nd, is the opening of the North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market!!! I felt the excitement when I spoke with a few of the 33 vendors who are busy preparing for the big day...I know the customers are anticipating! Won't be long now...we will have, limited vegetables, plants, herbs, potted flowers, baking, health & beauty products, jams & jellies, weaving & knitting, eco-friendly products, jewelry, cards, maple syrup, honey, meat, wood crafts, flower arrangements, candles...all manner of unique hand made goods!!!

Beginning May 22nd, the Market will be open very Saturday 8:30am to 1:00pm, RAIN or SHINE until October 9th, at the McIntyre Street parking lot between City Hall and TD Canada Trust on Main Street.

Don't forget...when you buy drinks or snacks from the North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market Booth you will be helping to make the possibility of a permanent home a reality as all the proceeds go towards this endeavor!

Local resident Derek Morin, (musician/singer) will be at the Market to entertain on opening day...Derek recently produced his first DC!

These two photos were from the June 1st, 2009, North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market!

There is even a "Market Season Opens" page on Facebook...take a look!!!

Stop by & say hello, we would love to have you visit us...there is so much to see as we begin a new North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market season!

Cheers