earthcharms

Untitled

2011-05-08T13:57:00.001-07:00

Untitled
Originally uploaded by salyx

Now For Sale!

Iolite & Amethyst

2011-05-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Iolite & Amethyst
Originally uploaded by salyx

Now for sale!

Facebook

2010-09-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Now you can join the earthcharms Facebook group!

Get insider information about new products and sales. Be the first to know about newly listed earrings, necklaces, macrame chokers, Halloween jewelry, hair clips, fascinators, lip balm, lotion, postcards, bookmarks, and other great gifts! All handmade, all fun!

Thanks,

Kirsten

Reconnect

2009-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

I see and sense the separation everywhere. The news reporters telling us to beware of anything and everything. The fences built higher to block our neighbors out. The windows covered in iron bars, as if our homes were jails.

Women walk by me with their heads down, looking at their shoes. This subservient stance makes my heart ache. Think of all the things they miss while trying to avoid your eye contact! They have been made to fear a smile from a stranger.

Community dies while the individual is taught to sit in their fortress, strong on their own, never to ask for help or show a sign of weakness. Emotions are shoved into stomach ulcers and migraines until an act of violence purges it in one fell swoop.

You want a horror story for Halloween? Well, that horror story is called Separatism.

The truth is: it isn't more dangerous out there now than it was fifty years ago. Now we just have 24-hour news channels competing for your paranoia and the internet spreading lies and fear faster than Southern California's wildfires. The truth is: now we lock up our children with video games and microwave meals rather than allow them to ride their bikes and climb trees, then we wonder why they have diabetes and no friends. The truth is: no one wants to get involved for fear of retaliation. The truth is: when my boyfriend suffered a psychotic break and was hurling furniture at me, none of my neighbors called the police no matter how hard I screamed.

The question is: are you ready to fix this?

Step 1: Choose Positivity. Perhaps you are having a terrible day, week, month, or even year. Everyone has been there at some point in their life. Raise up your head and face everyone. Don't walk facing your shoes, or you'll suffocate your throat chakra and block your communication. Make eye contact with the people who walk by you. Smile, say "good morning", reconnect without fear.

Step 2: Be Grateful. Once a week, make a list of five things you're happy about. No "buts" allowed. "I am happy because the flowers in my garden look beautiful today." "I am glad because my car runs." "I am grateful for my ability to bake great cookies." Nothing is too mundane for this list! Rejoice in the little things that make your life worth living, and forget about the greed and mass-consumerism you've been told to embrace.

Step 3: Be Kind. Try to offer two unsolicited compliments every day. You'll find a world of wealth in the smiles you'll create.

Step 4: Question Your Anger. Most of the time our anger toward someone else is rooted in anger toward ourselves. When you find yourself angry, really probe into the reason why. Write it down and forgive yourself. We judge others so harshly without thinking about it, and it's very unhealthy. Neutralize your judgments and anger by adding an obvious statement to the end of each, like "The sky is blue." Your brain should eventually realize how useless these judgments are.

Step 5: Don't Confuse Your Wants With Your Needs. Does it really matter that your neighbor bought a new car and you can't afford to? How full must your shopping cart be before you're happy? Is that really happiness? Do you want that person in your life because you enjoy them or because they serve a purpose to you? Is a brand name really better? Is your event going to be so much bigger and better than so-and-sos event was? Why? Who are you trying to impress? What do you really need in your life? Think about it for a moment. Make a list. Okay? Now try to stop saying "need" when you mean "want". Take the pressure off yourself.

Reconnect.

It's almost here...

2009-09-07T11:07:00.001-07:00

Autumn is just around the corner. I can smell it in the cool breeze every morning, and feel it on my skin as the sun sinks down to the horizon earlier and earlier.

This time of year is always filled with promise for me: the blazing heat of summer is about to end and soon I'll be simmering huge pots of apple cider for my friends. I'll be baking pumpkin bread and ginger snaps, putting together my Halloween costume, decorating my home until it is nearly unrecognizable, harvesting the last of my summer garden's fruits, and busting out the heavy coat and scarves!

It's time for horror movie marathons with your friends! It's time to put away your nasty leaf-blower and get some exercise using the rake! It's time to relish in hearing electronic screams coming from every general store! It's time to dig through bins of pumpkins for that perfect one! Or two... or three...

Come on, Autumn, let's go have some fun.

2009-08-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Do something different. Get a little knotty at earthcharms.

The Craft Faires are here!

2009-07-17T15:23:00.001-07:00

After months of me stressing out about not finding any venues to sell in, I finally have my foot in the door. I had to take a step in bravery that I usually consider then discard: I wrote a letter to a new craft faire organizer and told her I would be a great addition whatever she was doing! She called me up and praised my boldness (she used another "b" word, actually), and sent me an enrollment package.

This Sunday, July 19th from 10am-4pm I will be selling at the Sonoma County Artisans & Crafters Faire at McDonald's Mission Plaza in Santa Rosa, CA. I have high hopes for the traffic in the area, as I know it's always busy there.

The following Sunday, July 26th I will be selling in a private community on the Russian River. I did this last year and had so much fun!

I can't wait to not only show everyone my new jewelry lines, but also unveil my bath & body products to the public for the first time. Hopefully it will motivate me to get it all online as well.

Needless to say, my products will not be available during those times.

I am very excited for Sundays!

Gemstone Show

2009-07-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

I am a rock geek. I love gemstone beads, to be sure, but to know about the mineral makes the beads so much more special. How they form, where they come from, the shapes, sizes, colors, and varieties of minerals are all so fascinating.

I was lucky enough to find out about a gem show that takes place this weekend in San Rafael. I met up with a friend there this morning around 10am and didn't leave until 2:30! A hotel that I could never afford to stay in hosted the event on their second floor. Yes, I braved the elevator. Yes, I made a fool of myself. What can I say? I just don't have the inner ear for elevation changes like that!

There had to have been 30 rooms full of brightly-lit display cases. Each case containing vast treasures. I probably looked like a silly tourist brandishing my camera at everything that sparkled, but I really don't care. I wanted to capture just a tiny fraction of the unbelievable specimens I got to see (and I touched a piece of rhodochrosite that would sell for $150,000!).

Amidst all the sparkling expensive chaos, I managed to find a strand of beads I just couldn't leave behind (neon blue apatite rondells, if you're curious). I was gingerly stroking the strands of emeralds, sapphires, and rubies but they were just a tad out of my price range! I did manage to find a small cabinet piece of wonderfully translucent green fluorite for $20 and a lovely chunk of quartz points for my sister's birthday.

If you would like to see all of my pictures, just click here to view the album.

I had a great time and will definitely go back next year!

Gluten-free attempt, Day 1

2009-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today is day 1 of me attempting to eat gluten-free for 21 days. All was going well until I picked up a loaf of gluten-free bread at Trader Joe's and it felt like I was holding a brick! Completely turned off by unappetizing brick bread, I opted for gf crackers instead (not the worst crackers I've ever had, but nothing I would look forward to buying again). I also picked up gf ginger snaps to try out (pretty good, but oddly gritty finish).

After browsing gf recipes, it became clear that in order to bake I would need potato flour, potato starch, and rice flour at the very least. I will go ahead and assume that I can find these things at Whole Foods. If not, my craving for bread and cookies may send me into psychotic fits.

Another item high on the list of things to buy is gf soy sauce. I am a CSA member, so I get a big box of fresh veggies every week. If I can't stir fry and/or saute them in soy sauce, then my recipe list will be nearly useless! I have to keep reminding myself that at least I can still use my beloved extra virgin olive oil, which I go through almost as fast as water.

Reading labels is turning into a depressing thing. The hash browns I enjoy for breakfast have wheat in them (because potatoes are just not enough, it seems), many sausages contain gluten, and my favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors have cookie bits in them!

I am not even going to touch on the restaurant factor today. I'll spare you that much whining.

It's a sad day for this pizza-loving, cookie-baking, oat-adoring bread-a-holic.

New Body Goodies

2009-05-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

Last night I made the first attempt at Skin Salvation, which is a formula for scars, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and very dry skin. It contains cocoa butter and macadamia nut oil, so it naturally smells like dessert! It's also 100% food grade, so if you really feel like tasting it you can. I did encounter a problem: I poured the mixture into two tins and in the second tin the oils separated from the solids. I cut into the salve in the first tin after it had finished setting to see if that had separated too, but it didn't. I'm thinking the mixture needs to stay pretty warm and I need to keep stirring it like a maniac while I'm pouring it. Skin Salvation is going to come in nice big (2.5" in diameter) 4oz tins. The printer labels look awful, but I don't have many other options right now. Besides, you don't need to pay for a label when the product is quality!

I also made some tubes of mandarin orange lip balm, and tart lip balm (lemon, lime, and grapefruit), and some more gentle face scrub. I cut down on the wheat germ oil in the lip balm mix so the essential oils would have more of a fighting chance to smell good. But my nose has been stuffy ever since the tree pollen levels rose at the beginning of May, so I can't really tell how well they turned out! I have samples of each at work with me today and I'm going to make other people smell them. Make, not ask. Haha.

Also ready to be photographed and put up for sale are: mud mask, tile & tub scrub, and body butter bars.

I like being a mad scientist.

Klunk getting chin scratches

2009-04-21T22:09:00.001-07:00

Klunk getting chin scratches
Originally uploaded by salyx

My cat Klunk is sick.

The vet yesterday informed me that she has a lot of fluid in her abdomen. So much, in fact, that the x-ray didn't show any of her guts. Her heart and lungs are visible... but her heart has a murmur. He told me that these are serious symptoms and recommended a cardiologist in Rohnert Park. He mentioned the possibility of congestive heart disease.

I fell apart. I honestly could not breathe. All the air was getting stuck in my throat. I was crying so hard I couldn't see straight. My baby, my best friend, my constant loving companion...

Klunk and I came home to a 90F apartment. Both miserable. I was losing my mind. I called my friend Kaci and asked if she would be willing to buy me a portable swamp cooler and I would pay her back when I could. She tried, but the local stores don't carry them. She and her husband Dave came over and bought me one online. Then they took me out to dinner, which was a saving grace because as soon as we got to the pizza place I realized I was STARVING. I also called my friend Travis and he offered to take me to the pet hospital and of course I agreed.

Today I stayed home from work. I slept in as best I could, with one hand on Klunk at all times. I used my nervous energy to clean up around the apartment, as it needed it desperately (I had to do dishes THREE TIMES to catch up). I left to run errands (GO to refill water jugs, bank to deposit checks from mom, dad's work to pick up the DVD I left at their house, the gas station because my gas light turned on, and Video Droid to drop off the late DVD). Travis was there when I got home. I fed him lunch as a thank you, then we packed Klunk up and drove to Rohnert Park. Before getting into the car, I popped half a klonopin (leftover from a panic disorder I struggled with for years). It was a good call except for the fact that I'm not used to the stuff anymore and Travis had to keep propping me up. The people at the pet hospital are REALLY nice. They all told me how much they loved Klunk because she's a patient and cuddly girl who doesn't fight. They did two sonograms and drew fluid. Klunk's heart murmur has nothing to do with the fluid build up, and is something I only should have checked on once a year. The fluid isn't a horrible color, but they aren't sure what's causing it. They are going to contact me tomorrow after doing lab work on it. I called the vet and he said the blood tests were negative for viral issues and her kidneys and liver are functioning properly.

The bills for this so far are: $1432.85 and will only climb while we look for a diagnosis and try to find treatments.

I have decided to not have a birthday party, but instead have a Craft Sale for Klunk. All I need is a venue and people willing to help me spread the word.

My state of mind is scared but pretty positive. Klunk isn't acting differently at all. She's still my crazy kitten, just now she's full of fluid possibly caused by a failing organ. I hope with all my might that it's something we'll be able to treat with pills or injections or regular draining.

Please light a candle for my Bugg Bugg. Thank you to my angels: Kaci, Mom, and Travis.

Sick Day

2009-04-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

New
Originally uploaded by salyx

I called in sick to work today. I haven't been sleeping well all week and it finally caught up with me.

Sick days mean earthcharms days...

I've made 13 new earrings! They're a full spectrum of fun gemstones and all but one are Budget-Friendly Beauties, which means they'll all sell for under $10! People have been asking for more small pairs of earrings, so here they are.

We're talking: carnelian, agate, citrine, prehnite, apatite, kyanite, amethyst, fluorite, rhodochrosite, labradorite, moonstone, and larvikite. Something for everyone!

(And yes, this means I've found my camera)

25 Albums that Made Me Me.

2009-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Music has had a huge effect on my life and my creative process. Here's a list of the 25 albums that had the biggest influence on me over the years, in no particular order.

25 albums that had a huge impact on me, and my favorite song from each:

1. Tori Amos - Little Earthquakes - Crucify
2. John Prine - Sweet Revenge - Sweet Revenge
3. Sunshine Blind - Liquid - Release
4. Nine Inch Nails - Broken - Gave Up
5. Bon Jovi - Keep the Faith - Bed of Roses
6. Live - Throwing Copper - Lightening Crashes
7. Switchblade Symphony - Serpentine Gallery - Gutter Glitter
8. Credence Clearwater Revival - Willy and the Poor Boys - The Midnight Special
9. AFI - Sing the Sorrow - Miseria Cantare (the Beginning)
10. Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers - Americano - Switchblade
11. Fiona Apple - Tidal - Shadowboxer
12. The Cruxshadows - The Mystery of the Whisper - Sympathy for Tomorrow
13. Joan Osborne - Relish - Pensacola
14. Jeff Buckley - Grace - Hallelujah
15. The Dreamside - Faerie Child - Faerie Child
16. Psychotica - Espina - Soldier of War
17. Heather Nova - Oyster - Walk This World
18. Placebo - Black Market Music - Peeping Tom
19. Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion - Judas
20. Linda Rondstadt - Greatest Hits - Long Long Time
21. Rasputina - How We Quit The Forest - The New Zero
22. Tool - Aenima - Forty Six and Two
23. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
24. The Rolling Stones - Through the Past Darkly, the Hits - Paint It, Black
25. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon - Dark Side of the Moon

O Camera, Where Art Thou?

2009-03-20T15:15:00.001-07:00

My camera has gone missing!

Since my place of residence is only 13x22 feet, it's not likely that I missed it while frantically searching for it this morning.

It isn't a great camera by any stretch of the imagination, but it's what I could afford and it does the job (most of the time). I can't even imagine where it could be (besides perhaps at my parents' house?)! That's what I get for not using it much lately, it ran away! I bet it packed up the remote and tripod and ran off with them to smite me.

Well, that hurts, camera. I'm upset that you would leave. I wanted to take a picture to brighten someone's day today, and now I cannot.

Harumph.

Remember the good times, Camera, and come back to me soon.

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

2009-03-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

My mother cursed me with sensitive skin.

I absolutely love bath and body products, but finding one I can use sometimes proves to be a strain on my patience. Mineral Oil? No thanks! Lanolin? Makes me itch. Avocado oil? I'm allergic. Shea Butter? Makes my lips peel when it's in my lip balm. I'm also highly opposed to fillers and dangerous preservatives.

It only made sense that my next venture be simple and natural body care. I want all the goodies: scrub, bath oil, lotion, lip balm... only stripped down to the basics. I want kaolin clay and apricot kernel meal. I want wheat germ oil and grapeseed oil. I want candelilla wax so my products can be vegan-friendly.

I started with the face scrub. I've been making and using my own for two months and I know it's perfect! Then I made a cooling and a warming bath soak, followed by bath oil. I'm still working on the lotion and lip balm, but they won't be too far behind!

The other project close to my heart is natural home care. In December, I stopped using store-bought, chemical-laden products to clean my house. I used to get rip-roaring headaches from housecleaning, and now I don't. I hope to share with you my tile & tub scrub, toilet cleaner & drain maintainer, and multi-purpose cleaner (which is a natural pest deterrent!).

My thought is this: If I'm not supposed to touch it or breathe it in, I don't want to clean my house with it!

I hope you're as excited about my new creative direction as I am!

You Are Important

2009-02-13T14:02:00.001-08:00

Survivor
Originally uploaded by salyx

Last night my mother told me that her friend, Joanne, had passed away. Joanne was a vibrant, loving person. She had an amazing energy around her that I really enjoyed. My mom loved her dearly.

Joanne put off getting a pap smear for eight years. She didn't seek medical attention until she had been hemmoraging for two weeks straight. She made it through a round of chemotherapy, but the cancer came back and spread so quickly. Mom was lucky enough to spend two days with Joanne right before she died. Mom told me that Joanne's legs kept moving like she was trying to get out of bed, but mom would calm her and say, "Yes, sweetie, you are going to leave... but your body isn't coming with you."

I am sharing all of this because you need to know that you are very important. If you weren't around, someone out there would miss you very much. Even if you can't afford medical insurance to cover the cost of a visit to the doctor, there are many low-cost clinics out there that can help you.

It is amazing how quickly "It's nothing" can turn into "I'm dying".

A few days ago one of my best friends contacted me, asking that I make a pair of earrings for a colleague of hers that has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. They are the earrings in the picture, and I hope they do some magic.

Warmer Weather

2009-02-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Every February in Northern California has at least two weeks of warm weather. It was January, then suddenly it feels like May. The sun, though still riding low in the sky, lights a creative fire in me that I cannot contain. This has been happening for as long as I can remember: the tingle of excitement starts down in my feet, as though Mother Earth is passing her happiness up through me. My legs want to move more, so I have to go out for walks and bike rides. My insides feel silly, and I laugh with more ease. Then it all goes to my head and I MUST create. I must clean house and bake treats and sew and color and make jewelry. My mind is spinning with creative energies! I close my eyes and I see a sea of red & pink hearts, candles, and gemstones.

This is a mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. They say this is when the animals would begin to lactate again, and people of long ago would know spring was on its way.

I guess in a way I still feel this ancient current of excitment.

The Moving Process

2009-01-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am through with the stressful part of moving (finding a new place to live), done with the strenuous part of moving (getting all the furniture moved), and am now dealing with the annoying part of moving (moving all the little things, cleaning up, just wanting to be DONE).

Needless to say, my creative process has taken a back burner to bubble wrap and packing tape. My new home is the smallest place I have ever lived, but I can afford it without a roommate. What's wonderful about it (besides the double-paned windows!) is it looks very much like an adorable artist's studio. I packed all my jewelry-making supplies into it last night, and now cannot wait to get working! I think the cozy and quiet environment will be perfect for me.

It also forces me to clean up after myself or suffer the fate of drowning in a pile of junk. ;)

Another Gem Faire, another dollar... or two or three

2009-01-07T14:32:00.001-08:00

I showed great restraint at the Gem Faire this time around (and I will be saving up for April's Faire!).

I purchased some really great focal stones: rhodonite ovals tiger eye star carnelian donuts moss agate donut mother of pearl donuts

And a few strands of beads: dark blue kyanite (who needs sapphire?) rhodochrosite rectangles fluorite medallions faceted sunstone nuggets hand carved sunstone ovals mixed stone briolettes (sadly there are some mystery stones)

Usually I come home with so much swank that I don't know what to do with myself! I'm still really happy with my new treasures, and I think I'm going to work with that tiger eye star first.

I made a pirate choker for my Aunt Ira with mother of pearl and fresh water pearls. I hope she likes it. I'm working on two other pieces for my Aunt Ronda. One I keep changing the stones... it started with kyanite and fluorite, but now I'm using apatite and smoky quartz. I hope I get it right soon!

Know what you're buying and selling: the feldspars

2008-12-31T16:33:00.001-08:00

Shimmers
Originally uploaded by salyx

I have recently seen a lot of larvikite being sold as spectrolite. I thought I would jump in here and straighten things out.

First of all, we will start with labradorite.

Labradorite (calcium sodium aluminum silicate) is a stone that doesn't look special until you see what we like to call "the flash". The surface of the stone shows off an amazing array of colors (sometimes a full spectrum). A mineral resource describes it this way, "Labradorite can produce a colorful play of light across cleavage planes and in sliced sections called labradorescence." Labradorite tends to be a dull grey/green in color until you see the flashes. Most of the flashes you see will be blue, aqua, green, yellow/gold, and orange.

Specrolite IS labradorite. It is the labradorite with the most intense colorful flashes, the highest quality mineral specimens. If you Google Image spectrolite, you'll see it's labradorite with the flash on full blast.

Now how about larvikite?

Larvikite is a feldspar like labradorite. This means it also has the flashy properties. However, larvikite is a grey and black stone with blue and white flashes. Larvikite is known by many names, including: Birds Eye Granite, Black Moonstone, Blue Norwegian Moonstone, Blue Pearl Granite, Blue Granite, Norwegian Pearl Granite, Emerald Pearl, and Pub Stone. It is not, however, a granite or a pearl by any means. It IS related to moonstone (which is also a flashy feldspar like labradorite).

Larvikite is not spectrolite! The colors of these stones are easily distinguishable.

Beautiful.

2008-12-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have been lucky enough to witness a host of beautiful things this month. Thankfully I am the type to carry my camera around with me.

Most recently I witnessed a very bright double rainbow while in a Trader Joe's parking lot. This was the second rainbow Travis and I saw that day, and we were both overjoyed!

Earlier that day I was taking pictures of his new place, and caught a lovely sweeping shot of his huge front yard with big puffy storm clouds above.

A few weekends ago I remembered to take my camera out only AFTER the jewelry party had been packed up. So I took a picture of the beautiful tree we shared a room with!

And last but not least, on December 1st I looked up at a potted datura and was stunned by the sunlight shining through this magnificent trumpet flower.

I feel very lucky to have moments like these, and they certainly influence my work. Deep blue skies, twinkling lights, intense rainbows, delicate flowers, rich green fields, and threatening storm clouds all work their way into my brain and translate through my fingers into pieces of jewelry.

It's Not Me, It's the Internet

2008-12-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

After a crash course training session at Easy Spirit, I was given a Nine West Outlet store to manage. This store was described by my district sales manager as "the red-headed step child store". It had poor numbers and a bad history of mis-managing. I took that store, washed its face, made sure it knew it was pretty, and treated it right. The numbers soared! Every quarter we averaged a 20% gain over the previous year's sales. We were the best-performing store in the district. Managers from other stores started calling me for advice, even though I was a newbie and rather young. My staff and I took every contest that came our way by the horns, winning tin after tin of goodies. Our disctric manager called me "the golden child" more than a few times during conference calls. I KNEW how to sell!

That was a few years ago. I have since left the store for jobs with schedules that allow me a social life and a tad more sanity. I started making jewelry to sell online, thinking my great selling skills would somehow help me out... but wait! An online buyer can't see my enthusiasm! I have no billboards! No corporate backing! The online malls I'm in are exponentially bigger than the mall my shoe store was in! Where did my Golden Child sales go? They're lost in a sea of digital jewelers...

Last year I wasn't terribly busy around the holidays, but I did sell 18 items online between November 1st and December 20th. This year, despite all my networking and better photographs and opening new venues, I've sold 2 and traded 2. I have to say, I started to lose faith in my product!

This past weekend really helped to open my eyes. On Saturday I spent six chilly hours selling at an odd warehouse gallery craft fair. The crowd wasn't all that big, and was an interesting mix of hippies and the artsy affluent. On Sunday I spent four warm hours selling at a jewelry party in an old Victorian, hosted by a friend's family. Again, not a huge crowd, but a nice group of chatty women talking about being budget-conscious this year. Thrifty or not, these two small crowds bought enough of my jewelry, ornaments, and postcards to pay my share of the rent this month. My faith has been renewed.

The internet is obviously not my best venue, but I will continue attempting to sell here. I think it's important for all of us to remember not to put all our eggs in one basket. Some people have a knack for selling online, and some of us are just better at getting in-person transactions.

And in case you were wondering: yes, people buying things has gotten me back into making things!
Just listed:
Blue Planet Earrings
Flash & Glow Necklace

Last Day!

2008-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

It's the last day to take 15% off your entire order!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
earthcharms.etsy.com

I have to say: I'm pretty disappointed that I haven't sold a single thing! I guess that means more for the people coming to my jewelry party on December 7th. I get to try out the Etsy and 1000 Markets vacation features and take my wares to be seen in person. I'm really excited about that and hope I can sell enough to buy a few gifts for my family!

Etsy Fest Holiday Sale

2008-11-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

***Esty Fest Holiday Sale!***

From Thursday, November 27th through Monday, December 1st (PDT), your entire order is 15% off! Either wait for a revised PayPal statement from me, or get a 15% refund after purchase.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
earthcharms

That blog post below got some attention. :)

2008-11-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm featured on the 1000 Markets Community page!

121101

2008-11-24T21:11:00.001-08:00

121101
Originally uploaded by salyx

We at earthcharms do not recommend eating Christmas lights (especially the flavorless white ones). We do, however, encourage the taking of interesting and inspired self-portraits, because you are beautiful. Yes, you are. Don't argue. Even if it takes 30-something tries sitting on your bedroom floor with your camera propped in front of a mirror so you can see what the camera sees in the reflection and trying to hit your remote control and get in place correctly (WHEW), it's still worth it to get one really nifty shot.

This picture is actually from two years ago, before I got into crafting. I've never taken a self portrait this cool since... maybe I should try. ;)

Why Macrame?

2008-11-19T15:02:00.001-08:00

My mother taught me (and my Girl Scout troup) how to do basic macrame back in 1990. I didn't use it again until May of 2007. It seems so random when you think about that 16-year gap, so what happened?

I had been making very simplistic beads-on-a-string necklaces, but it turns out that a single strand of waxed linen will fray and snap over time. I had to think of some way to reinforce it, and suddenly I recalled macrame. At first I wasn't very good. I will openly admit that. My knots were loose and uneven, just like my memory of being 10 years old. As I experimented with it, my technique improved and so did my bead-buying habits. Pretty soon, I was branching my knots out. I never looked at a book or online tutorial for this, I just make it up as I went along. I was so very proud when my first pirate choker was finished, and the response to it was universally favorable. I started adding different colored waxed linen into the mix, and after some experimentation I came up with the button-style choker.

Though I eventually did give in and start buying chain for more traditional necklace styles, I will not give up the macrame. Many of my customers love tying on their necklaces and chokers, because then they fit perfectly! I've also been told by some of my customers that they love my pieces because they have metal sensitivities that otherwise limit their jewelry options. I understand that the word "macrame" itself conjures up visions of hemp plant hangers and owls on faux wood-paneled walls with shag carpet and avocado green furniture. My macrame involves no hemp (it's too thick for my beads and I find it itchy on my skin), and I'm certainly not selling you 70s styles. This is macame for the 21st century.

Holiday Sales

2008-11-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

I've joined a group of Etsy sellers who are going to have sales starting Thanksgiving and ending the night of Cyber Monday. We're all having individual sales, and mine will be 15% your entire purchase!

Click Here for A List of Participating Merchants!

Updates

2008-11-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Current Projects:
More wine glass charms... 35 and counting!
Onyx and garnet Pirate Choker
More torso pillows

Just Finished:
Pirate choker in earth tones (pale agate and smoky quartz)
Pink tourmaline and raspberry garnet earrings (they look edible)
The organization of my beading supplies & tools (this took a LOT of work)

Keep checking back:
http://www.earthcharms.etsy.com
or
http://www.earthcharms.1000markets.com
I will be listing new items as often as I can!

Get Your Rainbow On

2008-11-07T13:59:00.001-08:00

Seven stones for seven chakras... a rainbow of positive energy!

Chakra Dangles on Etsy
Chakra Dangles on 1000 Markets

Coming soon: earthcharms website. I'm doing a CSS crash course first. I had no idea all my HTML was so out dated!

I try to keep politics separate from my work, but...

2008-11-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/37706prs20081105.html

The California Constitution itself sets out two ways to alter the document that sets the most basic rules about how state government works. Through the initiative process, voters can make relatively small changes to the constitution. But any measure that would change the underlying principles of the constitution must first be approved by the legislature before being submitted to the voters. That didn't happen with Proposition 8, and that's why it's invalid.

...

This would not be the first time the court has struck down an improper voter initiative. In 1990, the court stuck down an initiative that would have added a provision to the California Constitution stating that the "Constitution shall not be construed by the courts to afford greater rights to criminal defendants than those afforded by the Constitution of the United States." That measure was invalid because it improperly attempted to strip California's courts of their role as independent interpreters of the state's constitution.

Marriage used to be about breeding and pedigree and bloodlines. It used to carry on family wealth and important names and royalty. Children used to be married off before they were even born. Fathers would pay men to marry their daughters. Until 1967, some states still held the right to turn away interracial couples.

There's no reason to marriage to be about bloodlines and procreation anymore. We're not a world starving for more people, we're a world starving people because there are too many mouths to feed. Marriage should be a legal union between consenting adults who love each other, plain and simple.

Proposition 8 wasn't about protecting the definition of marriage, it was about protecting bigotry. It was about saying to a group of people, "We don't want to you have what we have because you're different than us." People have argued that they have civil unions, and we have marriage. Well, black people used to have different restrooms, schools, and entrance ways than whites. Segregation is not cool, folks, and civil unions are not the same thing as marriage.

Ask anyone who lives in Massachusetts or Connecticut if they've been sucked down into hellfire, or if all their young children are growing up gay, or if their hetero marriages have all lost their meaning. Ask them if they're even AWARE of gay marriages in their state, and you'll probably get some blank stares because you're asking crazy questions.

So I send out a snarky congratulations to the slight majority of California voters who have passed an unconstitutional proposition. I hope the legal proceedings I've linked to above go through and wipe this one off the slate. Shame on you for voting out of fear. The world needs more love in it, not bigotry.

Little Helpers...

2008-11-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

My little helper, Klunk, is behind my computer screen right now. Every now and then, she sticks a paw around and reaches for something. Since my computer desk is ALWAYS a disaster, she's 100% guaranteed to hook onto an item of some sort and then gleefully toss it off my desk. All I'm seeing are paws, claws, and whiskers.

I don't know what I would do without her.

Crafty Halloween!

2008-10-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

My sister and I made shortbread cookies two weeks ago.

It took me a while to take a picture, so not many were left... but we had fun! I didn't have any colored sugar, so I put white sugar into juice bottles I was going to recycle, added a few drops of food coloring, and then we shook them up. It worked like a charm!

My most recent crafty creation is The Torso Pillow:

I don't own a sewing machine, so I had to stitch it all by hand. My fingers still hurt! I love it, though. It makes me want to get a sewing machine so I can make them for friends. :D

It's Official!

2008-10-22T13:10:00.001-07:00

earthcharms has opened a store on 1000 Markets!

If you don't like PayPal and would rather use Amazon Checkout, 1000 Markets is the place to shop:

http://earthcharms.1000markets.com

Come see my new store and tell me what you think.

Too busy to be social...

2008-10-21T14:00:00.001-07:00

And when I say "busy", I mean "buzzing with ideas". Not only do I have strand after strand from of beads from the Gem Faire I have yet to touch (!!!), I also just recieved a strand of kunzite (yes, KUNZITE) and a strand of moss aquamarine (my new obsession) in the mail. I have not really touched them yet because I was invited to a dinner party last night. My hostess' home is more like a museum with a warm and inviting air. It is positively huge and she has paintings, sculptures, and antiques diplayed all over. I was asked to bring my jewelry collection for discussion, but ended up making a few sales! What a pleasant surprise on top of a lovely dinner in an amazing home!

Feedback you won't see on Etsy...

2008-10-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I sold two pieces to ladies in the County Recorder's Office. Both had bought them as gifts (one a custom pair of earrings, one a lovely garnet necklace). Today both of them stopped at the computer I was working at to thank me for my work. One said, "My sister in law LOVED the earrings. She put them on right away and I told her she has to wear them every day for good health!" The other said, "My niece CRIED when she saw her necklace! She took off the one she was wearing and put yours on right away."

Now that's a good way to start my day!

I just have to share...

2008-10-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy with this piece, I could just burst:

Yeeee!!! :D

Sluggish Creativity

2008-10-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Now that my bead boxes are twice the weight they used to be, I cannot seem to get much done! I've made two pairs of earrings and a jewelry set for me since the Gem Faire, and that's it! I partially blame laundry and my need for a nice hot dinner, and partially my bad shoulder and my wrist hurting like crazy. These are the times I miss my microwave, as I would have my microwavable heating pad on my shoulder and all would be well.

I am LOVING my new beads, though. I look through them and get all excited. I guess I'm really waiting for that flash... the muse... the brick to the brain... whatever you want to call it. A lot of pieces I've made have come together in my mind in one instant flash, demanding to be made into reality. Here's hoping lightening will strike soon!

Oh so giddy

2008-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so busy for me! Friday after work I went straight to the Gem Faire. I picked up a few goodies from the vendors, but mostly just drooled. I went home for an hour then headed down to Petaluma to man Frobeck's merch booth. The show was really great! I especially enjoyed the end when all three bands got on stage and sang Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". I didn't get to bed until 1:30am, which I am SO not used to. My sleep got interrupted a lot... :\

Saturday I went back to the Gem Faire with my mom. I got a lot of the strands I had left behind on Friday... and then some! There were definitely a few I would have loved to scoop up, but I just did not have the money for it. I'm now obsessed with moss aquamarine. I just LOVE the color! I couldn't afford any strands, but I found a seller who had split strands and was selling one briolette at a time. I got a pretty big one for $14 and promptly made a necklace and matching earrings with it, kyanite, and moss amethyst. It's so pretty!

Samples of the 35 strands I got:

I was pretty exhausted after all that shopping.

I didn't even sleep in on Sunday! I got up early to go with my friends to the Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. It was a beautiful day and the Academy is gorgeous. I do have a few complaints: the lines were confusing (we were in four different lines trying to get in because they're not market clearly), it was too crowded, and there was too much environmental preaching. I understand it's an important topic and I'm all over it... but I was there to see fossils and specimens, not round every corner to see huge signs like "CLIMATE IS AN ANGRY BEAST AND WE ARE POKING IT WITH STICKS!" Wow. Gotcha.

I did really enjoy the Africa display (complete with fake leopard on the tree above the crowd, waiting to drop on you and eat you), the white alligator, Claude, the aquarium (seriously cool displays, but again, too many people so it was hot and uncomfortable), and I did like the planetarium even though I'm scared of heights and it made me dizzy.

I'm on a mission...

2008-10-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

...to reduce my need for big corporations and their disposable products.

I'd like to take a moment to rave about my new reusable cloths for my Swiffer Sweeper/Wet. I purchased them from moocowmomma.etsy.com after receiving and loving the custom napkins I had ordered from her. She has quite a selection of fabrics for her reusable line, and that is one of the many reasons I'm fond of her! Her prices are terribly reasonable, her demeanor friendly, her shipping is quick, and her products are well-made.

My new sweeper and wet cloth. I have five of each!

And now I can hear you asking, "But Kirsten, how well do these work?"

Does this answer your question?

Ewwww!

Look Out, Bank Account!

2008-10-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am officially putting my savings account on notice: the Gem Faire is this weekend and I'm looking to do some damage!

High on my list of goodies to get are: headpins and eyepins in silver, gunmetal and gold, lobster claps, footage chain, kyanite beads, garnet beads, larvikite beads, prehnite beads, abalone beads, and more interesting focal beads, carved beads, and faceted beads. Oh, how I do appreciate sparkly things... ;) I would like to get a strand of something fancy as well. Nothing like the strand of AAA kyanite briolettes my mother bought in order to send me into a spiralling panic, but maybe some nice(er) tourmaline, tourmalated quartz, or iolite. I definitely want some more extra-flashy labradorite, as the pieces I've made with the strand I bought in April are so far a guaranteed sell.

I plan to go in on Friday after work to do an initial survey and buy some key pieces. Then I'll be heading to Petaluma for Frobeck's show at the Mystic Theater. They won a headlining spot during a battle of the bands, and I agreed to man their merch booth. On Saturday I'm hoping to go back with my mom (and hopefully she won't be discuraged by my inability to make anything decent with those kyanite beads she bought). I'm going to have to buy everything I want on Saturday because Sunday is my friend's birthday and she wants to go to San Francisco to celebrate.

It will be a packed weekend, and all my new beads are going to have to wait for me to get to them! Keep an eye on earthcharms for new goodies in about a week!

Giddy Dances!

2008-09-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last night my housemate bought two pairs of earrings, a Halloween necklace, and a minimalist jewelry set. She then did the Squee! Dance about it for around a half an hour, which was so cute! The money isn't going back into earthcharms, but instead into reusable products for my home. I've already purchased napkins, reusable duster heads for Swiffer Dusters, and hankees.

I was all giddy myself, as I was decorating for Halloween. Pictures of my Spookified apartment will be up for show soon, I promise. :)

Just Ten More

2008-09-28T12:55:00.001-07:00

I have 190 sales, so I'm just ten off from 200! What a nice milestone for me... I hope to get those ten sales in October.

I've listed three new items today:
Vintage Amethyst earrings
Black Ice - quartz jewelry set
Water Sapphires - iolite earrings

An now I'm going to put together food for the dinner party I'm hosting tonight.

More earrings? I'm trying.

2008-09-27T22:41:00.001-07:00

I buzzed through six new pairs of earrings yesterday. It's really too hot to do much else (cleaning house has caused me to sweat out all my toxins and them some), so it's time to create, create, create. I've become a little torn about WHAT to create, though. It seems to me I should have a billion pairs of earrings available at all times, but lately my inspiration has pointed me elsewhere. I have to follow inspiration, of course, but marketing is also pretty important.

The Gem Faire will be here in two weeks and I have one word for you: kyanite.
Headpins, eyepins, footage chain, apatite, and focal pieces are also on the list of "must get or die trying". I've planned out my attack for that weekend, starting with trying to get off work at 4 instead of 5 on Friday so I can scope the place out and pick up a few goodies. I am going to do some serious damage. I can't wait!

No love!

2008-09-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm going to take this moment to showcase my items that have no hearts. The poor things are lonely!

Crystal Clear - sodalite and quartz necklace

Passionately Pink - tourmaline earrings

EEEEEEEK - carnelian, onyx, and spider earrings

Soaring - seraphinite and kyanite earrings

Root Beer Float - smoky quartz and shell earrings

Someone explain heavy bass to me...

2008-09-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

There is a car stopped nearby my work with the bass so high, it's causing the windows to rattle. Would someone explain the appeal to me? It has to be painful to the listener, it causes hearing damage, and a law should be passed allowing other to throw rocks at the bass-offenders rather than just dirty looks. I personally NEVER stop and think, "Wow, I am so impressed with that person, their bass is so much more powerful than mine!" So I don't get it. Is the breastbone-shattering and intestinal-rupturing boom actually pleasurable to some people, or are they really thinking, "Ha, I make everyone around me suffer and that makes me happy!"?

On to brighter subjects...

After a week of being baked in Mother Nature's oven (any temp above 90F is completely unacceptable to me), we are finally being blessed with overcast mornings and sunny-yet-cool afternoons. There's even some light drizzle, but the kind that makes you have to go through the carwash (not enough rain to wash the car, but enough to cluster the dirt on your windshield together into nasty splotches). I am loving the weather and have been taking lots of walks.

I haven't been making a lot of jewerly lately. My right wrist is bothering me a lot (it's currently wrapped in an ace bandage), probably due to the amount of typing I do at my Mundane Job. The typing has been lighter this week. For some reason, almost no one is losing their house right now, which is wonderful! I've been typing out hundreds of trustee sales and notices of default (usually in the 20s for each every day, but sometimes as many as 45 each), but this week the numbers have been minimal to none. I can only hope this means things are looking up for homeowners.

Don't worry about the lack of new jewerly in earthcharms. My mojo is likely to pick up a LOT after the Gem Faire in mid October! There will definitely be some new Halloween and tourmaline pieces listed before then. Mmmm... tourmaline!

Postcards!

2008-09-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

earthcharms is pleased to present a completely new line:

POSTCARDS!

Each card is a print of a photograph I took, printed professionally on glossy cardstock.

We love new stuff!

2008-08-23T18:19:00.001-07:00

I'm back in creative swing! I finally snagged some time to photograph the new items that were feeling quite neglected, and now a selection of them are up for your purchasing pleasure!

For the Halloween Collection:

Midnight Ride - larvikite, hematite and witch charm earrings

Trick - lava rock, agate and hematite necklace

Happy Jack - seraphinite and jack o lantern charm earrings

For the Minimalist Collection:

Lavender Amethyst Minimalist set

Blue Pools - fluorite earrings

Moss Agate Minimalist set

Updates

2008-08-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

I had an incredible time selling jewelry on August 9 in Oddfellows Park. It's a private community on the Russian River, and it really is just stunning. Our sales tables were set up in a circle of redwoods! I got to explore the community a bit. It boasts cabins, campsites, amazing houses built on the sides of steep hills, a stage, a malt shop, and a real-live phone booth! The community bulletin board was full of activities for the weeks ahead. Just about everyone we met was friendly and polite. It was very pleasant!

I have since been working on my Halloween Collection and my Minimalist Collection. Both have a bunch of new items to be photographed and listed, so keep an eye out! I re-did my earthcharms sections to reflect a more professional angle, while keeping it playful to reflect me. ;)

Running With Scissors

2008-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the first craft fair to feature eartcharms, and I was so pleased to be there! I have been living in Sonoma County for three years and this is the first time I got to see the inside of the Phoenix Theatre! Foot traffic was low, but my spirits were high. I made enough to walk away with cash in my pocket and all expenses covered, so no complaints here. :) I also learned a few good tips:
-Vendors who ignore customers don't make sales.
-Always try out your chair with your table before going to the venue (I looked REALLY short).
-Make stuff while you're sitting there because a lot of people will assume your creations are not hand made. Weird, but true.
-Bring a fan.

Pictures from the even can be found in my Summer 2008 folder, just scroll to the bottom. :)

Red Head

2008-07-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

So, for all the fans of the mature content listings on earthcharms, here's Red Head Penis Earrings! Ah, cute little dangly bits for your ears. I've also made pairs in: black, pink, blue, and green, all soon to be listed.

Here Come the Bridesmaids!

2008-07-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, exciting news: I was contacted about making five pairs of earrings for a bridal party. That just makes me feel so... real. I'm sure that doesn't make much sense, but it's the best word I can throw out there. I hope they send me a picture!

Tomorrow is Running With Scissors. I am trying so hard not to get my expectations up because it's a first-time fair and we didn't get our promotional postcards until last Saturday (too late for me to do much with them, sadly). I am fighting off a cold that really wants to be bronchitis, but I think I'm winning. I made a magic elixir last night that I may have to patent and market to the masses. My throat stopped hurting, my head stopped hurting, my nose cleared up, AND it tastes good! Who knew?

Oh my oh my...

2008-07-16T12:03:00.001-07:00

There are so many projects rushing around my head that I'm having difficulty sorting through them and picking one to work on!

Here's a set that proves how good it is to be a butterfly:
Flight - moonstone, kyanite, and lepidolite jewelry set

Here's my first experimentation with gold toned metal:
Matters of the Heart - rose quartz and prehnite necklace
I think it turned out quite lovely!

I'm currently working on more cute little penis earrings. After over 3,000 views and 24 hearts, the pink pair finally sold! Keep an eye out for black, blue, green, red, more pink, and the ever-so-confusing black with grey spots. That must be an indication of some kind of tropical disease...

;)

So exciting!

2008-07-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Running with Scissors craft fair is the weekend after next!

I have sorted through all my merchandise and yesterday spent hours arranging it and making sure everything was priced. Whew! I'm also trying to get an inventory count. I have:
77 pairs of earrings
24 necklaces
11 pirate chokers
20 chokers
8 bookmarks
5 keychains
4 wire webs
3 wire stars
and a partridge in a pear tree? No? No, not really, but a good amount of mini stud earrings for low-end buyers. :)

My goal is to have 100 pairs of earrings, 25 necklaces, and 15 bookmarks before the craft fair. I think it's do-able!

Craft Fair

2008-07-08T21:36:00.001-07:00

Craft Fair
Originally uploaded by salyx

I'm so excited: here's the postcard for my very first craft fair!

Escape!

2008-06-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I suddenly felt like I should be in a tent instead of a room, so I called my friend and he and I decided to run off on a last-minute camping trip. None of our plans turned out, which ended up being perfect because we had an amazing time with being random!

Friday, we got to see an incredible solstice sunset:

On Saturday, we found a campsite and then went to a nearby beach:

We hiked a trail up on the cliffs that gave way to huge stone slabs:

Sunday we packed up camp and set out to see tide pools. The tide was too high, but the place was neat anyway:

You can see all the incredible pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/salyxwoodbine/AmazingWeekend/

10 Days

2008-06-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

Ten days have passed since my last entry, and I now have all my new shiny findings in my hot little hands! I've managed to make two necklaces and three pairs of earrings, all the while maintaining a pretty decent social life, working full time, battling a stomach flu, moving out my old roommate, and moving a new one in.

It's been a hectic June!

I recieved an invitation to a craft fair in Petaluma that I am definitely going to participate in. I've never done a fair before, and I think this one will be perfect: it's new, it's small, it's local, it's affordable! I'm already covering my planner with lists of things to bring and things to buy. If anyone knows of a good source for UV bulb flashlights (to check authenticity on bills and licenses), please let me know. I'm also going back and forth bewtween getting a lock box for money or wearing my apron and using the pocket. I'm just not sure which would make me feel better.

I am going to set up a mock display table soon. I have some fairly decent displays for necklaces and a wire CD rack for earrings, but I need something to put my stud earrings on/in, and something to properly show off my bookmarks. Another thing I'm lacking is a banner/sign! My printer at home doesn't work... should I make up something by hand? Suddenly I'm recalling my middle school science project displays, and I'm thinking that may be a terrible idea. :\

I don't want to pressure myself or anything, but my inventory level definitely needs a good boost before I put my wares out in the public eye. I don't want to strain my hands and wrists too much, so maybe I should set a realistic schedule for creating. Too bad the muse knows no schedule!

Supply Sunday

2008-06-08T13:01:00.001-07:00

Today is one of those days that feels sluggish to me, like I'm trying to move through honey. Last night I had a dream that I was a Buffy-like character, about to battle with some nasty men whose weakness was water. Needless to say, I had a rather restless sleep!

I just bought a bunch of antiqued silver and pewter charms and connectors from Etsy supply sellers. For the record: I never had a problem with supplies being sold on Etsy. I love that I can buy a few charms at a time with no minimum purchase required. The problem I had was being drowned out by supplies in the search engine. Now that Etsy has fixed up the problem by splitting the search categories and making Handmade Items the default, I'm a happy seller!

I'm listing today, but I'm not sure if I'm going to make anything or not. My creation process got very chaotic last night again, and I ended up with nothing.

Meanwhile, here are two newbies that need love:

Lock and Key - rose quartz and amethyst jewelry set

Pub Stone Posts - larvikite earrings

Eventually, I will shower and get dressed as I need to go out and buy food. For now I'm just enjoying the peace and quiet.

Real Health Care

2008-06-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dear US Citizens,

Our women's health clinics are in trouble. You may think that this has no impact on you, but you are wrong. Without easy access to preventative care and birth control, uninsured women may become seriously ill, or become pregnant with no means to care for the baby. This puts even more stress on an already-stressed governmental aid system.

The clinic I attend is in Northern California. For about a year and a half, the women at this clinic have been providing me with pap tests, std screenings, and free birth control. They are very gentle, kind, and easy to talk to. They are much more understanding than any doctor I have ever been to, and are more than happy to answer my questions and provide me with any literature they have on the subjects I approach them with. Not only that, but everyone remembers my name!

The State of California has cut their funding, and funding for facilities like them state-wide. Without their care, I would be hundreds of dollars in debt right now. They shouldn't have to beg each patient for a donation!

I recently made a donation of handmade jewelry to my clinic for them to raffle off. The approximate retail value of the donation is $100. I encourage you to help out a local clinic. Go in and ask them what you can do to ease their financial stress. Remember: donations are tax write-offs.

What I Donated:

Hope Jewelry Set

Femme Power Jewelry Set

Courage Earrings

Tidal Wave Earrings

Angels In Green Earrings

2008-06-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

I've been pleasantly surprised this last week with sales! April and May were both so slow (only three sales in May), but I understand... I can't afford to buy lots of extra goodies when it costs me $45 to fill up my gas tank. I do know that we all need a treat now and then, and I hope people keep choosing me as their supplier of a little fun. ;)

Meanwhile, let's get celestial...

Earth

Sun

Moon

Hurray!

2008-05-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today I had my first-ever almost immediate sale! I listed a really striking necklace and earrings set, and a half hour later it had sold!

I must list more pieces that use very gemmy and flashy labradorite slabs I bought at the last Gem Faire. They enchant everyone who sees them. :D

Back and Forth

2008-05-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed the sudden disappearance of my last blogged item! Well, some people suggested that perhaps I should not sell pieces made with the vintage beads before consulting with the gift-giver. He gave me the go ahead to sell, but not until after I gave into temptation and wore the malachite set myself. I'll make another one for sale, I promise.

In the meantime, here are two more pieces made with vintage beads:

It's Love - rose quartz and quartz necklace and earrings

Nightshade - amethyst and prehnite earrings

And get an eyeful of these:

She Sells Sea Shells - abalone, apatite, and kyanite earrings

They make me want to drive out to the coast and stay there!

First one!

2008-05-19T20:13:00.001-07:00

Here's the first item listed made with the vintage beads I was given for my birthday:

Malachite necklace and earrings

I am very happy with how it turned out! It was so difficult to figure out how to price this piece. I'll never have those beads again, as almost all the malachite strands I see for sale these days are a lot lighter/milky. I just hope someone will love it as much as I do. :)

Weekend Creativity!

2008-05-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

After suffering from a major creative block, I have finally had a break through! I went to see my parents and took all my beads with me (yes, it was a heavy load). I made a necklace for myself, one for a friend of my mom's, and two necklace & earring sets for sale. For the first time, I have made jewelry with bigger beads. I received an amazing birthday present this year, which included the beads in this picture:

These are all beads from the 70s and 80s, and a lot of them are cuts and colors I just don't see these days. The malachite is super dark Arizona malachite, which in no longer mined. I was amazed to be given these pieces from a large collection, and am determined to make jewelry out of them that will blow the mind!

Speaking of my birthday, 28 is wonderful and don't let anyone tell you differently. I loved being 27... there is this level of understanding I have now that I didn't have at 26. It might sound ridiculous of me to say that, but it is absolutely the truth. Last summer, my mind did this shift that brought on a whole new calm and peace into my mind.

That peace is reflecting in my work. Check out these iolite and blue chalcedony earrings and this prehnite and onyx necklace & earrings set. I couldn't be more proud!

Tomorrow I have the day to myself, and I hope to photograph my new creations, and just maybe I'll be inspired enough to make something amazing!

Process is stumbling

2008-05-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

I had a nice full weekend pretty much to myself, so I figured it would be perfect for making more pieces.

Unfortunately, I sat down with my very full bead boxes, looked over my new beautiful chains, opened my packs of findings... and did pretty much nothing! I started with these lovely faceted citrine coins, but became frustrated because absolutely nothing goes well with them! Smoky quartz? Too dusty. Carnelian? Too ketchup & mustard. I put together a few links and then took them apart.

The smoky quartz intrigued me, though. I dropped the golden citrine and went for brown instead. Only the chain I was working with just did not compliment the shapes of the stones well, so I took that project apart.

Finally I settled on an oval link chain with faceted smoky quartz coins and a seraphinite coins. To add a playful touch, I hung a few 6mm smoky rounds from the links. It looks pretty good: earthy and sparkly.

Unfortunately, that's ALL I accomplished this weekend! I set up to take photographs of my new(er) pieces today, and my battery was low. By the time it finished charging, the sun had moved too high to get well-lit shots.

Ah well, here's to the near future. May it hold many creative opportunities!

Iolite

2008-05-02T22:34:00.001-07:00

Iolite
Originally uploaded by salyx

Long time, no type!

2008-05-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Dear world,

I really do apologize for my disappearance! My new job requires me from 8 - 5 and involves hours upon hours of typing. Hence upon my return home I really want to do anything but sit at the computer!

Last weekend I attended all three days of Gem Faire! How could I miss it? Here are the new beautiful strands of beads I have to play with:

I had a huge draw to apatite and moonstone (three strands of each!), and I wonder if perhaps something is telling me to spend time at the beach soon. I happily have no plans for tomorrow, so hopefully a lot of beautiful pieces will be created and listed!

All things earthcharms are not totally lost in the mean time. I did manage to list four new items yesterday. :)

Noooo!

2008-04-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

I finally got into a Treasury! I shared the link with friends and asked them to start clicking. Then I got busy listing some new items...

And the Etsy servers go down. OF COURSE!

*sigh* I am thwarted.

Last night I attempted to kill my wrists. I made a necklace with 77 beads, and matching earrings with 13 each. This is my first extravagant endeavor. I randomly ended up in an Etsy store where the seller buys strands of nice briollettes, strings them randomly all bunched together, and sells them for hundreds of dollars. My personal opinion is thus: what a waste of perfectly good beads! So I told myself to make my own mess of beads and I like the outcome. Pictures to come.

Lab Experiment

2008-03-30T12:59:00.003-07:00

Lab Experiment
Originally uploaded by salyx

Mmmm... a lab experiment! At least it won't turn on you and devour your brains.

Vampire

2008-03-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

Vampire
Originally uploaded by salyx

They want to suck your blood!

I know it's not the season for spooks, but embrace your dark side anyway. ;)

Widow's Web

2008-03-30T12:48:00.001-07:00

Widow's Web
Originally uploaded by salyx

Going a little darker with my work, this is the Widow's Web.

2008-03-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone who checks out this necklace says, "Ohhh, sexy!". It's a long Y drop with India cut labradorite. Super blue flashes!

The black flashy arfvedsonite (it's going to be a big hit someday, I swear) looks so amazing with aqua apatite! The whole feel of these earrings is very festive.

Bubbling Over is my fist piece that looks like wedding jewelry. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome!

I have seven of the twelve Zodiac Earrings listed so far.
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra

The First Monday

2008-03-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, after months and months of threatening it, my work finally laid me off for good. I am absolutely devastated because I really enjoyed being there. The setting was gorgeous, and most of my coworkers were hilariously twisted. Today is a sad day: the first day I should have been at work and am not.

This does free up a lot of time for earthcharms (to look on the bright side). I'm putting up pictures of new inventory on my flickr account right now:
http://flickr.com/photos/80954354@N00/

My Zodiac jewelry project is underway. I have made all the earrings except Pisces (they just keep escaping me), and so far Aries - Cancer are listed. I might start making a few necklaces here and there as well. I am undecided on them matching the earrings or not.

Kaci, the owner of Laia's Baubles (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5315165), and I are working on a new Etsy store project. If you're comfortable with embracing your dark side, I think you'll like it! I have ordered supplies for our new project and cannot wait to dig into them!

In other good news, freedom from the corporate world means freedom of hair color:

Laia's Baubles

2008-03-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

You absolutely must check out my friend's Etsy store: LaiaBaubles.etsy.com

It's a Love Gator!

:D

It's my Etsyversary!

2008-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today marks one year of earthcharms!

In a year I have: sold 133 items, gained 149 positive feedbacks, and earned 391 admirers (let's cut that down by 1/3 to take out the Look At Me! hearts). My skill level has gone from dinky to pretty good, and I hope to someday make it to amazing! I have sold to people all over the United States and to Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

It has been a pretty exciting year. Thank you to everyone who has been involved!

Love,

Kirsten

2008-02-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

How can I describe what's been happening with earthcharms lately?
"Hooray!" comes to mind! People seem to really be enjoying the simple earrings line, which allows you to pick three pairs of little one-bead earrings. They are perfect for the younger crowd, for people with strict work dress codes, and for the minimalists out there. They don't weigh down your ears, so if you are prone to headaches or unwanted lobe-stretching, they are a great option!
Large Simple Earrings - $18 for three pairs
Medium Simple Earrings - $15.50 for three pairs
Small Simple Earrings - $13 for three pairs

The Pirate Choker revolution is also heating up. No need to be a pirate to enjoy these! They are great for people with metal allergies, or anyone who just wants a really unique piece of jewelry. I have recieved a lot of emails from customers letting me know that when they wear their choker, they get tons of compliments. What better compliment could I get?
Dark Butterfly is my current favorite.

And to add a little bit of comedy to this post:

I was happily photographing new bookmarks for my store, and my typical book, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, was just too big. I grabbed a book with just the right look/size for what I wanted, and snapped all the pictures.

Then I realized I had grabbed a book about Rock N Roll's history of being crazy, and the page I had turned to was all the early occurrences of the word "fuck" in recordings.

Now I have to take all the pictures again. *slaps forehead*

Necklaces

2008-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

(For the record, Klunk is NOT good at typing or editing photos. She has been tossed from the computer desk five times in the last half hour)

Even though my sad lack of headpins keeps me from making more necklaces, I do have some gorgeous ones already in stock. I branched out into chain necklaces a few months ago when I was informed that my waxed linen supplier was going to be leaving! That and I wanted to have silver chain necklaces for myself. I saw a design on Etsy that I really liked, but realized I could make myself four necklaces for the price of one already made. Granted, getting used to working with chain links was a total pain for my eyes and wrists, but I have found it to be worth it!

This one is a seraphinite and pewter Celtic knot piece. It's for sale here. There are also matching earrings here. I'm selling them for a really good price given the rising value of seraphinite.

This one I lovingly refer to as "The Squid". My sister's first reaction was, "Oh wow, it's so elegant and organic!" I couldn't have said it better myself! It is for sale here.

I even indulged in some sterling silver chain. I clustered some tasty looking citrine beads on this one and Tangerines was born!

On the simpler side, here is a nice smoky quartz piece. It isn't listed yet, but keep an eye out! It also has some nice matching earrings.

And finally, here is a purple fluorite and amethyst necklace. I was going to put up a whole bunch of heart-themed pieces like this before Valentine's Day, but then remembered that my holiday themed jewelry doesn't sell very well! So this one is also not listed yet. If you're interested, let me know.

Nooooo!

2008-02-16T16:36:00.001-08:00

Major earthcharms emergency! I HAVE NO HEADPINS LEFT!!!

*cries*

Next time the Gem Faire is here I am going to buy at least six baggies of them. Actually, I should go for ten since it will be here April 25 - 27 and won't return until October.

I am taking a mental inventory of my custom orders, and most to call for headpins. Michael's is barely carrying anything I need anymore, and Beads! is gone... so I'm hoping Legendary Beads will have some at a reasonable price.

I finally finished the prayer beads a nice young woman requested ages ago. I gave up on the knots between (due to the nylon cord slipping so badly), straight strung the beads, and they actually look BETTER that way. It figures that I would get myself all frustrated by trying to make things too complicated.

I should work on the last piece Mom requested (moonstone and amethyst necklace), but my wrists are already feeling funky.

My waxed linen stash is low, and with Beads! gone I have nowhere to get more... so chokers are out of the question.

BLAH! I've hit a wall! I guess it's time to clean the kitchen floor.

Listing Spree

2008-01-28T22:08:00.001-08:00

I've been putting a lot of effort into earthcharms in the last few weeks.

I have taken over 150 photographs and edited them all in an effort to properly present you with my new merchandise.

I have accepted a handfull of custom orders, all of which test my creativity and widen my horizons.

And last but not least, I have gone on a listing spree, starting last Saturday!

This is not to be missed...

Tourmaline Earrings

I Love Iolite

Pirates go purple!

Jumbo kidney wires: my new favorite toy.

Pink and black, baby...

Ward off pinching this March 17th.

It's like a heat wave!

There's more listed and much more to come. I have a drawer full of gorgeous earrings just waiting to be unleashed on the public!
For a sneak peek at what's to come, check out my earthcharms Flikr set.

Long time, no see!

2008-01-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

Dear blog,

I have to offer my apologies for not being around nearly enough lately! The holidays were very busy at my day job, and the long nights offered me no light with which to properly photograph my new goodies.

But now! Well, work has calmed down, I'm not working nearly enough hours to pay my bills, but I am capturing the beauty that is... NEW EARTHCHARMS SPARKLIES!

(Yes, they really are that exciting).

Take, for instance, these gorgeous Morning Glory earrings. They were hearted by someone as soon as they were listed!

Sale link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8972508

Or how about this new idea I'm playing with, where you choose your own three small pairs of earrings?

Sale link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9026891

And if you're curious about earthcharms' new line of necklaces, here's the first one up for sale!

Sale link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8972306

To see more newly-and-soon-to-be listed items, check out earthcharms on Flickr.

2007 Recap

2007-12-29T22:40:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Walked out on a job, telling the upper management to go screw themselves. :D

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make them. If I want to do something new, I do it when it feels right.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Mister Three Spot Eliot. :(

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A good, steady job.

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
February 28th... when I locked the door to my store and didn't go back.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Kicked klonopin and discovered my inner coping method I didn't know I had.

9. What was your biggest failure?
----

10. Did you suffer any illness or injury?
Besides the UTI and the nasty withdrawals? Nothing unusual.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I actually didn't buy all that much. Beads, maybe?

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Uh... everyone for getting up everyday and doing what has to be done.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
--not for a public forum.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Housing.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Gem Faire, Halloween, hosting Thanksgiving.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
I guess anything off CexCells.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier... SO MUCH happier!
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter, I need one more pair of bigger pants before I'll relax. ;)
iii. richer or poorer? Definitely poorer. January is going to be a squish.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Randomly running around and noticing things. It seems that no matter where I go, there are SO many things I missed last time I was there!

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinate.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
23rd with Spencer and everyone in existence. 24th and 25th at my Grandma's. 31st and 1st in San Jose with Dad's side of the family.

21. Did you send out Christmas cards this year?
I skipped it, and no one cared! My family is terrible with this stuff.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Not quite, then it was over. Over before it started.

23. How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
My Name is Earl is the show most likely to make me laugh for a half hour straight. :)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
----

26. What was the best book you read?
Lamb. It was more like a love affair than reading a book.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Emilie Autumn. Rowr.

28. What did you want and get?
A wood cutting board because my sister rocks! A Trader Joe's gift card because my Grandma rocks! A pinata for my birthday because Norah rocks!

29. What did you want and not get?
A new computer, but quitting my job meant putting that off. Now because Anthony has the hookup, I get to have a new computer while I'm a lot more financially rocky, but it's okay.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I only saw two or three, so Enchanted.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I got "kidnapped" by my friends to Norah's place for a cute little party with fun games and whacking a pinata! I was 27 and ecstatic.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A better hourly wage? Not spending late July/early August with sweats and nausea and cramps and fatigue and elevated heart rate because of that stupid medication?

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Pretty much the same as last year. Differences involve mineral makeup (SO much better), and wearing what my work required (all black, slacks).

34. What kept you sane?
My camera, my cat (and she kept me insane as well), beads.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I have no celebrity crush! *checks pulse* I have NO idea what's going on with me.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health "care".

37. Who did you miss?
Danyelle, my extended family.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I really didn't meet anyone new this year except coworkers.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
I actually can stop time and look at things from outside. I can be the calm one of the bunch who says, "As soon as someone wants to tell me what I can do to help, I'll start working on making this situation better." I have that inside me, and I'll use it from now on.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Let the world call them crow's feet... baby, we can call them laugh lines!"
-Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers

Featured Artist: Signature Sterling

2007-12-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Signature Sterling Etsy Store
Signature Sterling Blog

Signature Sterling has bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and items for Ohio State fans made with genuine silver, Swarovski crystals/pearls, lampwork beads, Czech glass, and semiprecious stones.

Gotta Love New Stuff!

2007-12-01T17:16:00.001-08:00

Beads! had some new waxed linen for me: hot pink, blood red, teal, and grey. I love them!

You can see the new colors in this listing, which is a set of Sixteen Drink Charms:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8193567

I also ventured into a new realm with a silver chain necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8193063
It's silver plated. I have Sterling silver chain, but it isn't cooperating.

And finally, here's a pair of earrings using the kidney wires I just got:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8193277

I personally love all three items, but I'd like to know what YOU think! :)

Featured Artist: Mommy and Me Boutique

2007-11-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Me Boutique offers a fun variety of baby items, aprons, blankets, doll clothes, and offers monogramming and other accessories.

I'd love an apron like this!

This Californian's designs are cute and practical, which is a great pairing in my opinion! Besides, I like Californians... I'm not biased. ;)

Bip & Burp cloth for a future rock star.

Items are made in a smoke and pet free environment, so no worries about funky smells! Most items are also machine washable.

Also visit The Mommy and Me Boutique Blog.

Featured Artist: Giftbearer

2007-11-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Giftbearer, the starting fire behind the 90 features in 90 days program, is here on my blog!

The artist, Pippit, creates jewelry inspired by indigenous designs. She is quite the creative force as well! Her profile boasts that she also works with acrylics, watercolor, drawing, and clay sculpture. She is featured at quite a few galleries as well.

This silver ring has a stunning apple green chrysoprase cabochon incorporated into it:

There are also earrings in a separate listing that match!

Here are some simply elegant silver spiral earrings with purple jade beads:

She titles them "Saturn Spiral Earrings", which is just perfect!

Featured Artist: BackWoods Creations

2007-11-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

BackWoods Creations makes these incredibly quirky fabric animals. If you saw these at a craft fair booth, you would DEFINITELY come in for a closer look!

The curator's sense of humor and love of animals really shines through in her descriptions. Even if you find yourself more bemused than enamoured of her designs, you warm up to them quickly after reading about all the love that goes into them!

She also features these neat bracelet or anklet cuffs that remind me of upholstered chair in antique stores. They're gorgeous!

Some of her items feature a 10% donation to a charity for animals upon sale. This is a seller with a very big heart!

New!

2007-11-22T21:20:00.001-08:00

Just in time for that crazy holiday shopping...

Eight stunning new items from earthcharms!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
earthcharms

Give them something amazing this year: buy handmade!

Featured Artist: Lazy Cat Gifts

2007-11-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

Lazy Cat Gifts greets you with a banner that contains a very familiar sight for cat owners: that "please don't take a picture of me while I'm napping" face!

Lazy Cat is a collective of three women: Kelly, Allison, and Stacia. They combine their powers to offer you knitted goods, jewelry, and pet supplies. They credit their grandmothers for teaching them crafts.

I personally love that the picture of this scarf makes it look like a sea anemone:

Quite a few of their pieces are nylon or acrylic, so those of us with wool allergies can indulge! Their scarves also have neat shapes and patterns to them I haven't seen in other places.

Let's not forget the jewelry! This particular piece screamed "Wedding!" to me, even before I saw that the fourth picture in the listing had it on a bridesmaid. I prefer it with the cat, though:

The jewelry is heavy on beads and wires, wrapping around and making a lovely vine garden look.

Also visit their blog!

Featured Artist: Ulixis Crafts

2007-11-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ulixis Crafts is currently offering free giftwrapping for the holidays!

This store is full of adorable button jewelry. Have I mentioned I have a soft spot for buttons? My mom had this big cookie tin full of them, and my sister and I loved digging though them! Aaaaand back to the artist...

The words "cute" and "fun" definitely come to mind.

The artist, Amanda, is currently studying/practicing some medical things that I cannot pronounce. It's so interesting how diverse the sellers on Etsy are!

She doesn't just make button jewelry, she also has some lovely beaded jewelry sets, and cute little notebooks:

Also visit:
Her Blog
Her Website

Featured Artist: Vanessa Kimball, Sincerely Yours

2007-11-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Vanessa Kimball of Sincerely Yours makes cards, tags, and Etsy banners.

It's the season for cards, so her store is full of winter holiday cheer!

She allows you to contact her and specify how many of each card you would like, which is a wonderful feature! Her eye is definitely on the details and good customer service.

She works as a graphic designer and spends way too much time on the computer. Too bad for her, but good for those of us who love handmade cards!

Also visit:
Her Blog
Ekcetera Productions

Give Me Some Feedback!

2007-11-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

I just photographed 11 new chokers and 12 new pairs of earrings. I would love to know what catches your eye!
What colors? styles? stones? why?

Check them out:
http://flickr.com/photos/80954354@N00/
http://flickr.com/photos/80954354@N00/page2/

Answer here or leave comments on flickr.

Thank you so much!

Featured Seller: Personal Treasures

2007-11-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

PersonalTreasures.etsy.com
personaltreasures.blogspot.com

Phyllis Mufson uses silver, gold, gems, and pearls to create glowing, chunky-yet-elegant jewelry:

Hailing from Philadelphia, Phyllis works as a career coach, and definitely knows how to get things done!

Something she loves to look at every day is her 23 story bead condo... I'm not quite sure what that is, but I think I would love it as well!

What we get to see is a great attention to detail, and fine jewelry anyone would be proud to own.

Get it while you can!

2007-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Love earthcharms?
Have something in mind but haven't purchased it yet?

Most of my inventory will be taken down to be shown (and hopefully sold) at a jewelry party THIS WEDNESDAY! Tuesday night it's all going into edit mode, and there's no promise it will come back!

Buy what you love now while it's still around!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
earthcharms

Adornments By BJ

2007-11-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

ADORNMENTSBYBJ.etsy.com
http://bjadornments.blogspot.com

BJ dazzles you with colors. This purple piece really caught my eye:

She also has an eye for incredible shapes. Her jewelry sets are something to behold. If you have a custom order, she's more than willing to help you out. Her feedback is immaculate, so there's nothing to fear!

She's working toward getting a studio to make stained glass in, so maybe you should stop by and give her a sale or two!

This post is about.... ME!

2007-11-08T08:32:00.001-08:00

Things have been awfully quiet in the earthcharms world.

Three good things have happened:
I finally got an order
I finally got a custom order
I finally got some pieces so I can make a custom order that has been on hold for a month

The really cool thing about the order I got was how she found me. She was browsing Coffin Color's feedback and saw my customer appreciation picture I had left for them, liked my lipstick, then peeked at my store!

The new items I'm making aren't being listed much due to the light situation. The sun sets by 4:30 nowadays, and I'm usually at work! I made a light box, but am in need of brighter lights for it. The pictures come out dark, with the colors muted. I promise to do everything in my power to fix this problem soon!

A reminder for Holiday Shoppers:
I cannot guarantee service by USPS. You can purchase insurance at additional cost if you send me a conversation before buying. To put the odds on your side, please make your holiday purchases before December 10th. Because there is no seller protection for unconfirmed PayPal addresses, I will only be sending packages to your address so please think ahead! Further store policies are stated in my profile. Thank you! :D

Tiffany Teske

2007-11-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

http://TiffanyTeske.etsy.com
http://www.oldesage.com/

Tiffany is one of those crazy Canadians who does spiffy things like teach digital workshops in Mexico. How does one get gigs like that? :D

Her art involves the manipulation of photos she has taken. They appear aged, wrinkled, dark, maybe a bit creepy, antiqued... They all have a beautifully textured appearance.

She's had quite the college career, and is now living with a husband and daughter (and obvious enjoying not commuting to school anymore!).

She has studied ballet, creative writing, photography, and almost got into nursing... but thank goodness for the photography world, she has stuck with art!

Sparkly Strandz

2007-11-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/

Sparkly's curator started crochet at the tender age of 5, how cool is that? I know when I learned at age 10, it was the perfect way to get me to sit still during class. ;) She gained a love of beads in college. Her store has a variety of items that reflect both loves (some at the same time!).

Where is Friendswood anyway? Well, wherever it is, I see they love pretty things there.

This piece is so funky, you just have to love it:

Lost Mitten

2007-11-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Oh no, oh no, oh no!
lostmitten.etsy.com is gonna take all my money away from me!

Okay, let me back up a bit and breathe.

I tend to love geekery stores. My sister kept me infected throughout our childhood with lovely things like Nintendo. And now I see this:

...and I really just have to buy it as a gift. I mean, how could I not? The fact that it's made with Perler Beads so it looks pixelated just like the old game makes me giggle to no end.

This store is filled with many other goodies. Knit items, buttons, journals, brooches, coasters... a geek just can't go wrong.

And a geek with cold fingers can always buy these:

Lovely shop, Lauren! I'm going to have a difficult time deciding which items to buy!

Alternate Bliss Studio

2007-11-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

alternatebliss.etsy.com
alternatebliss.blogspot.com

Alternate Bliss has a warm, earthy tone. The art and jewelry all feel very natural and organic.

The jewelry offered is usually fine silver charms with semi precious stone accents. They come in an adorable little box with a ribbon. Are you thinking holiday gifts? I am!

Personality Plus Boutique

2007-11-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

AdrienneN.etsy.com
www.personalityplusboutique.blogspot.com

Personality Plus Boutique offers custom embroidered items with cuteness to spare!

What I personally love is this busy mother of four shows you just what styles, fonts, shapes, and colors are available for each listing. I like having my options visual! Currently available are totes, t shirts, towels, and blankets. Some have a Christian message, if that's something you are looking for.

She uses lovely colors and adorable designs!