Tis The Season

I have gone through much heartache since my last post so I apologize once again for being such a slacker. I have lost three more of my beloved pets which really takes its toll on me but I am bouncing back and remembering all of the joy that each of them brought to my life :) I will post pictures at another time because I want to be able to see what I am typing knowing that I would tear up.

Now with the Christmas season is almost upon us things are kind of winding down so that I can breath a little. This Friday will be the beginning of Christmas break from homeschooling! And boy do I need a break. My hats off to all of you teachers out there! I just have one so I don't know how you all manage with 20+. You have my utmost respect.

I woke up this morning to find an email on my facebook that I had won a beautiful pair of earrings! I never win anything so I was ecstatic! They are beautiful as you can tell from the picture below. If you haven't already, be sure to go by "Beyond the Rockz" fan page and become a fan for your chance to get in on their giveaways. http://www.facebook.com/beyondtherockZ?ref=mf You can come by and become a fan on my Fan Page as well. http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Harmony-Jewelry-Designs-and-Wood-Crafts/31022802110?ref=ts

There is still time left to do some last minute Christmas shopping in my Etsy store or send me a custom order. Within the USA I think that if I have it in the mail by the 18th you should have your package by Christmas. http://www.beautywithin.etsy.com/

Last but not least, I want you to know what this season means to me. I know that people say that our Lord was not really born on Christmas Day but that is the reason for the season with me.

Things I have been working on

First, I told you that I would post a picture of my daughter before and after her decision to get 12" cut for Locks of Love. Here goes.

Here are some things that I have been working on this week. Some will be listed in my Etsy shop and some are spoken for but can be remade if requested.

Just received a new shipment of supplies so off to make more. Will be working at the Waxhaw Art & Chocolate from 3-5 this Sat. so come on by if you get the chance. You can get the link from my earlier post which has direction. See ya there:) Hoping everyone has a wonderful day.

Hello Everyone :) I am hoping that everyone has had a wonderful few months. I have been involved with a small shop in Waxhaw, NC (which I posted about in July) and also started doing Art Fairs in Huntersville every second Saturday of each month. The place hosting the Art Fair is called the Butter Bean Market Place and it is just the cutest little place! Please go by and check them out here http://butterbeanmarket.com/The_Butter_Bean_Village_Market.html. Be sure to come to our next Art Fair on Oct. 10th. You can find directions in the link that I posted above. We really have a great time and there are some very talented people there. Not to mention that the Butter Bean is cool too!

I have been working on some Halloween pieces which you can check out in my Etsy shop. I have an Etsy mini on the left side of my blog. I have also been working on some Autumn and Fall pieces. Here are a few that I don't have listed yet but hope to within the next few days.

If you would like a sneak preview of things before I list them on Etsy just go here and become a fan.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmony-Jewelry-Designs-and-Wood-Crafts/31022802110?ref=ts You may also follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/harmonyjewelry

Also, a few weeks ago my 9 year old daughter whose hair was down to her waist had 12" cut off for Locks of Love. I have never been more proud of her! It was her decision and she also said that her new style makes her look at least 10 years old. I will post pictures with my next blog entry.

Well, better get back to making some more jewelry. Take care and check back soon and leave me some comments and let me know what you think about my jewelry or the things I blog about. Blessings to all. ♥ ♥ ♥

Guess Who?

Yes, I have been a slacker lately! Between camp, school being out, and church events going on I have not had much time to blog so I want to thank those of you that read my blog for your patience. You are so appreciated. Ok, here goes!

Jewelry
I have been working on some jewelry to list on Etsy and some to put in this cute little shop in Waxhaw, NC. If you live near Waxhaw, please stop by sometime. Address is 101 North Church Street in Waxhaw. There is an abundance of talent in this one little place! Here are some pictures. The name of the shop is "Waxhaw Art & Chocolate
Unique handmade art and chocolate galore! Fridays and Saturdays 10-5

I also found a really cheap but lovely way to display your earrings. I have not seen this way before so hopefully it is an original by yours truly :) I had gone to Wal-Mart and picked up this thread spindle/spool holder. I then brought it home and sprayed it with gold paint and let dry. Then I loaded it with earrings and I think it turned out great! You can make your own earrings cards and it works just as well. I skipped ever other peg to that it did not look so cramped. Please let me know what you think..............



Well, I hope to get you a wonderful summer recipe this week so stay tuned. Must go for now. Peace out and have a wonderfully blessed day until next time....

End of School and Beginning of Summer Chaos

With the end of May it also brought the end of school. We had awards at school. My youngest made the AB Honor Roll, woohoo!!!

Then we had Violin Recital on the last Saturday in May. This was the end of Gab's third year and so far she wants to continue playing.

Then my son took us out on the river and then to eat by boat. We had a wonderful time at T-Bones on Lake Wylie at the Buster Boy Bridge.

Next was taking my youngest to a two week camp. That was the hardest thing I have had to do in a long time! Since the first day I have been able to see photos on line and received a wonderful note from one of her cabin counselors. The three counselors I met which are in Gab's cabin all seem to really have a heart not only for the Lord but for these girls! They teach the girls biblical principals and how to apply these principals to their lives. Especially this day in time when Christianity seems to be on a decline. I have always tried to teach each of my children that everyone deserves respect regardless of their lifestyle or beliefs. God loves the person! He hates the sins. I love Jesus Christ and I believe that He died on the cross so that I and anyone else may be forgiven for their sins once they are repentive. I am responsible for my actions and my actions only. I am in no way put here to judge anyone!

Will try to post new jewelry tomorrow. Blessings and hugs to all!

Wood Burning, Pictures, Mother's Day

Running a bit behind this month, well, as usual! lol Seems like May is so busy. Trying to get ready for craft shows and festivals, helping out at the school, filling wood burn orders, etc. Since I have my new camera I have been spending some time outside. I found a photo that I had taken when we had snow back in Jan. 2009 so I blew it up, framed it and listed it on Etsy(www.beautywithin.etsy.com). It turned out so good! Here is a picture of the listing. I am also adding a picture of one of my custom orders for wood burning.

Here are a few more pictures I had taken of clouds. My daughter and I were coming home from her violin lesson and while at the stop light I noticed how beautifully white and defined the clouds were that day. I did not have my camera on me so I had to wait until I arrived home to capture the magnificents of God's work. I ran inside and grabbed my camera and went to the front yard and stood there in amazement! I think, like a lot of other people, that we stay so busy and really don't take the time to notice the beauty of things that we are blessed with on a daily basis. I have tried to make it a point to notice things now. The clouds just caught my eye that day and I could not imagine a world without the beauty of the sun and clouds in the sky.

I will close with some of my Mother's Day pictures. I am very fortunate to still have my mom, and my dad, so this day is very special since I know people that are very close and dear to me that have lost their mother. My son's girlfriend, Tiffany, is one of them. Tiffany lost her mom a few months ago so I know that this day had to be a difficult one for her. I hope that some how spending time with us lifted her just a little. I missed my oldest daughter and my grandchildren not being there though.

So Toughing and Horse Camp (girls)

Happy Saturday Everyone!! It is beautiful here in SC so it looks like we will be able to go to the horse show in Lowrys. For those of you that have girls ages 9-14, there is a wonderful camp I can recommend if your girls love horses. www.bandsfarms.com Just click on the Cowgirls Weekend Horse camp banner. I know Bonnie personally and can tell you that your child will be in the best care possible! You can also get a list of the upcoming Horse Shows. See ya there!

I was sent this video from a very dear friend and warning, get the tissues! It is so touching!
Please enjoy and have a wonderful day until next time.

Take A Peek Jewelry and Wonderful B and B!

Jewelry

As you can tell from my "mini Etsy" to the side, I have some new listings. I did a few crosses and was very pleased with the out come. My mom was having a fit over them and was telling me about how one would go with this outfit and the other would go with this other outfit I have and so on. She is so funny! Every time I make something it convenietly goes with something she owns. She is one of my best customers! lol Anyway, outside of the crosses I have also been making some flower earrings. These earrings are very light and all are on sterling silver except one which I put on 14k gold filled (this will be the first picture below). Some like the sterling and while others like the 14k gold fill so I have plenty of supplies for both. I have not posted these on Etsy yet so you get the first viewing of them. I hope to add them later today or first thing in the morning.

I am working on my website to get my jewelry listed on pages rather than the webstore since my limit is 30 items. I do have some vintage pins that I have/will list in the webstore. That is why I have been making sure to list most everything on Etsy for the time being. http://www.harmonyjewelrydesign.com/ will have all of my jewelry soon. :)

The B&B (Bread and Breakfast)

I had been invited to be a part of "Southern Porch & Garden Party" put on by the Arts Council of Chester County. I was located at An Inn on York Street. When I arrived to set up I was amazed at the size of the yard! The front yard had a brick and iron fence with a gate entrance. Once you entered you drive down a paved driveway which will take you to a small parking area.

I went in to find out where I was to set up and I know my chin had to have hit the floor when I walked in the front door! I saw this beautiful entry way that was absolutely breathtaking. I was then greeted by this gentleman named Mark. He went out on the front porch to show me where I would need to set up. During our set up I met his wife Sandie. She brought my mom and I something to drink and chatted with us for a few minutes. We then toured this most remarkable and beautiful home. I have attached a link so that you can see a slideshow get a glimpse of what beauty we were graced with. They did their own decorating! http://www.flickr.com/photos/harmonyjewelrydesign/sets/72157617600198829/show/

We spoke with Mark and Sandie finding out where they were from, how they came to end up in such a small town as Chester, SC & about the decor of their home. This couple is from England and have such a beautiful British accent. When they were looking for a home in the US they were wanting a place that had all four seasons. They had heard about this house being for sale and felt the Chester, SC was such a nice southern town with a relaxed and slower pace. It didn't hurt that there are golf courses nearby. Once they decided to make their home into a Bed and Breakfast they wanted to make this an opportunity to attract golfer couples to our area. They have "Unique Golf Holidays" which they will book and arrange to your liking. There are more than 20 golf courses within 35 minutes of this Inn. You will be able to golf and when finished arrive here to be pampered. There are four large en-suite guest rooms with each one having its own name. The Ernest Hemmingway Suite, Mark Twain Suite, Noel Coward Suite and Oscar Wilde Suite all beautifully furnished, air-conditioned, equipped with a plasma DVD televisions and comes with cotton robes and slippers!

If you would like more information about this historical Inn you may go to their website at http://www.innonyorkstreet.com/ or email them at info@innonyorkstreet.com.

On This Fine Wednesday!

Good morning to all of my readers and followers. I have been reading everyone else's blogs and neglected my own in the process. I was able to get a background done, (which took me a whole day) with a more pleasing, springy ombeonce. There is so much to learn about blogging! If any of you out there have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Yesterday I was featured in http://www.gemsbyjerri.blogspot.com/ Go by and check it out and learn a little bit more about me.

Jewelry

I have two pair of earrings that I have made and have listed on Etsy. I usually list them here first but did things backwards this time! If you know me then you also know that I sometimes do things backwards. lol Well here goes.

I had some Rose Gold filled wire sitting around and decided that I could use it for Spring. These earrings are what I came up with which are very light and colorful. The links are enclosed with a hammered texture. They are accented with Swarovski crystals which are green and pink. I love these two colors together. The ear wires are also handmade and accented with a Swarovski crystal. I have twisted the ear wires to help prevent slippage in the ear. I love long and/or big earrings and these cuties hang about 3 1/2"

Turquoise is one of my favorite stones! I guess I can attribute it to being born in New Mexico.

The individually wrapped each stone and then strategically attached them to a sterling silver chain. The ear wires were handmade by me. I twisted the sterling silver wire (to help prevent slippage) then formed it to a design that I find elegant and accented it with a sterling silver bead. They have a drop of approx. 2 1/2"

I just received my shipment of AAA gemstones and can't wait to make some pieces from them! I would like to know from my readers if you prefer sets to be (earrings and a bracelet) or (earrings and a necklace) or (a bracelet and a necklace)? Your input would be so appreciated.






Wishing everyone a Happy Wednesday!