Crocs...Really?......Still???

IHateCrocs.com

Croc shake anyone?

I don't think words can adequately express my feelings about Crocs any better than the photo above. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words (although I'm certain I could come up with far more than that if I had the time or the inclination). Let me just say, I hate them, they're aesthetically offensive and people should stop wearing them. Now.

Quote Of The Day

The Mall of America

Large enough to hold 32 Boeing 747s

"Shopping at the mall is for teenagers and people from Minnesota"

Design Preview: Fall 2008...

Golden Crocus Earrings
Gorgeous, Green Tourmaline

For the last few weeks I have been designing and creating tons of new pieces for the Something Blue Fall Collection...
I know what you're thinking, a little late, huh? After all, Fall is just around the corner! But circumstances beyond my control, read: toddler underfoot, have kept me from dedicating the quiet time, reflection and physical presence required to accomplish such a task. So I say, better late than never! And quite honestly, these pieces go far beyond Fall, and can definitely be worn year-round.

Petal Necklace

A single, lustrous, Keshi pearl

Here are a few examples of what's to come. You can already purchase a few of these pieces on Etsy ...just think of it as a sneak peek.

Majestic Earrings
Hand carved Fluorite

Getting to Know You...

While undertaking the daunting task of organizing my files (this hasn't been done since my daughter was born, 2+years ago!) I came across an article I tore out of the Real Simple Nov. 2005 issue. The article, titled "Getting to Know You", was written by Erik Jackson and is a kind of roadmap made up of intriguing questions, some many people would never think to ask, yet would love to know about their closest relatives.
Here is an excerpt:
The Kind of Life You Lived
• What were the best years of your life?
• What was the hardest decision you've made?
• What are the most important things in life?
• What do you consider to be your strongest character traits?
• What traits or habits do you wish you didn't have?
• Do you believe that people can change?
• Do you believe in God?
• Has life made you more cynical or more hopeful?
• What do you consider to be the most important world events of your lifetime?
• Do you think life now is harder or easier than when you were young?
• If you could do anything over in your life, what would it be, and what would you do differently?
• What are you most proud of?
• What do you hope to be remembered for?

First Treasury Feature!

My first Treasury Feature on Etsy

Luminesse Earrings

I awoke this morning to an e-mail from clearcutcrafts2007 (who, by the way, have some really beautiful, 3D butterflies in their shop) alerting me to the gorgeous treasury they featured me in.  I think, and this really is my unbiased opinion, that this treasury is definitely worthy of the Front Page on Etsy....time will tell!

What a great way to start the week!

Recharging

Big Bear Lake

I'm off to Big Bear for the weekend!  I'm making the 2 hour drive with a friend and meeting two other friends there.  The four of us will be staying in a cozy, but very roomy cabin right on the lake.  Because we are all moms of toddlers our plan is to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING while we're there...I am really looking forward to that!  The only thing work related I plan to do is sketching, if the mood strikes me.  Otherwise, sitting on the deck with a Gin & Tonic and watching the sunset is just about all I can think about.  I'll be back soon.

Weekly Feature 4: Something Blue

Because everyone needs a little "Something Blue" in their life...

Sea Blu, necklace

I think I can hear the ocean...

This week's featured artist is jewelry designer, Dawn, from Moondawn Designs.  She came to jewelry making in an interesting way and you can read all about it here in her profile on Etsy.  Dawn's designs are eclectic and delicate with a vintage feeling.  

When I asked Dawn about her creations this is what she told me:

Q: How would you describe your 'style'?

A: I like to consider my style as "nothing, but anything".  I don't really have a style but I will try anything when an idea pops into my head.  I don't like to stick to one kind of style.  My mind would get bored, and there are so many different styles to try, and create.  Why would I stick with just one?

Q: What inspires you?

A: My inspiration could come from anything I lay my eyes on.  I could catch a glimpse of a bicycle rim in the right light and come up with a great pair of earrings (uh oh...ideas are coming), or see a television show where the sand is blowing across a sand dune, and come up with a wonderful idea for a beautiful, slinky necklace.  It really is confining to be inspired by one or two things, so I don't limit myself.  It's more fun that way!

Q: How long have you been selling on Etsy?

A: I have been selling on Etsy for about 9 wonderful months now and I have loved every minute I spend on the site.

Q: What is your favorite shade of blue?

A: I love tropical shades of blue.  They remind me of the cool ocean waters and the warmth of a tropical sky.

Nanalan'

Mona

I stumbled across this delightful children's show, Nanalan' about a year ago.  Back then, my now 2+ year old daughter wasn't watching TV, but I was!  This tale of a curious 3 year old named Mona is so enchanting and creative, I couldn't take my eyes off of it.

Mona stays with her Nana during the day while her Mom is at work.  Nana is, well, a nana in every sense of the word.  She sings funny songs, reads books, tells great stories and bakes tasty treats.  Her neighbor (and love interest), Mr. Wooka is a puppeteer extraordinaire and puts on elaborate and awe inspiring puppet shows on a daily basis.  And then there's Russell, Nana's Jack Russell Terrier, who loves to accompany Mona on all of her adventures, from finding bugs to jumping on Nana's bed. One of the interesting things about this show is that they don't use a script and mostly ad-lib the dialogue. The sets are really colorful and downright adorable.  I love this show... and now that my daughter is a old enough, she loves it as well.  If you have young children they're sure to love it too!