Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
It was a Christmas Dinner Luau!
Everyone knows I love a good dinner party -- especially if I get to do the decorating. Christmas day here in New Brunswick dawned sunny and bright (and just a tad cooler than in the Hawaiian Islands!). It was a perfect day for our Christmas Dinner Luau for 20.
I spent part of the weekend before digging about in my stash of decorating bits and pieces, searching the supermarket for whole pineapples and papaya and hacking fronds from my tropical house plants. A sale at a local department store yielded garlands of white silk poinsettias, two dozen flower leis, palm tree foil confetti and some citrus-y hued ornaments. I even found a Tiki balloon on a stake and planted him in a flower pot in the corner. The finishing touch was my set of 8 tropical leaf plates that I received as a gift a few years ago. The number and variety of plates in our house is a long-standing joke around here -- my husband often asking if I'm expecting 50 for dinner :) My philosophy is you never know when you'll need 8 tropical leaf plates and clearly, I have been proven right!
My niece greeted everyone with a flower lei and a welcoming Aloha! She and her brothers were very excited -- Santa brought them a trip to visit Maui in March so their gifts from us followed a perfectly tropical theme as well - 'coupons' for boogie boards and dinner with their aunt and uncle while they are on the island. We were grateful for a wonderful dinner and especially having everyone together -- A good time was had by all!
Mele Kalikimaka!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Seeing RED! Holiday Preview...
I am lovin' all shades of red for this holiday season - drop by and find a festive lovely for your seasonal celebrations or that special someone on your gift list!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
One Person's Trash...
So, this week I've had a million things to do, many of which have been those boring, mundane everyday type things that build up (since I tend to avoid them as long as possible), and just wait for you to trip over them or you know, starve to death, before you take action. In the middle of one of these chores (aka 'For the love all that is holy, clean your workbench'), I came across some good size scraps of copper sheet metal left over from some star ornaments I made awhile ago. Well, I think I must have blacked out or something (I'm sure it was a reaction to the cleaning or maybe a flash of inspiration) because suddenly I was cutting, filing, hammering, polishing and torching like a madwoman! I guess it's true -- one person's trash is another person's treasure... 13 pairs of earrings were the result! Now, back to that list...
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Let's get Personal!
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| 2012 Star Ornament |
Over the last several months a number of customers have made inquiries about personalizing some of the pieces in my shop -- most frequently, wondering about adding the date or an initial or a special word to my beaded holiday ornaments. I had been thinking of offering some custom add ons and ways to personalize gift giving for the coming holiday season and so I got to work! Handstamping metal bits are a wonderful opportunity to create that meaningful touch and I've had fun experimenting. My first offering is a custom date or intial stamp for the ornaments (or any other item from my shop!). Of course you know, once I get started, the options are endless -- here's what is available so far!
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| Stamped Monogram and Message Bangles |
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| Sterling Silver Monogram Charm |
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| Gemstone Bangles with Monogram Charm |
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| Sterling Silver Monogram and Birthstone Necklaces |
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| Swarovski Crystal Custom Birthstones |
Friday, October 12, 2012
Think Pink with Team Sweet 16
1. Pink Red Earrings by TNTees
2. Pale Pink Felt Banner Garland by CouturebyAyca
3. Pink Silk Leaf Brooch by Joliejye
4. London Fog Trench Dress by DOTTO
5. Bloom where you are planted by hairbrainedschemes
6. Pink Pendant Necklace by theBeadAerie
7. Pink and White Circle Napkins by toocutecustomcrafts
Monday, October 8, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Squiggle Bookmarks!
I've been making these funky Squiggle Bookmarks for a few years now, previously only available at local shows and in our seasonal shop. I love playing with the wire to make these mod shapes and then I hammer them to help them hold their squiggles and spirals, ready for lots of use! Recently I found a supplier for these fabulous hip colors of aluminum wire -- I could barely contain myself until I had time to create -- oh my, I LOVE these colors! And, I'm offering them in sets of three in my Etsy shop for this holiday season-- come on by and check them out!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
one fine October morning...
After a wet and dreary last few days, this morning dawned crisp, clear and with autumn perfection! This view is the reason we moved outside the city! Yesterday I made a post office run (now 15 minutes each way :), and noticed the fall color is really beginning...brilliant reds and oranges on the maple trees and yellow on the birches - life is good!
I had a visitor today - a beautiful large piliated woodpecker usually drops by in the autumn to gorge on the dark blue berries on my virginia creeper. He had his fill today -- isn't he gorgeous?!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Fredericton Fall Craft Show was a huge success!
It was a mild rainy weekend, perfect weather for Fredericton's Fall Craft Show, held at the Capital Exhibit Center this past weekend. The show was expanded to three days this year giving plenty of time for the lovers of handmade to visit and indulge themselves!
Friday and Saturday were like old home week! It was wonderful to see and chat with friends, family and many loyal local customers who dropped by the show.
It was also great to catch up with several of my 'maker' friends that I haven't seen since last season and meet some new artisans too (hi Donna!). Wishing everyone a fabulous and busy holiday crafting season~
Many thanks to the those who began their holiday shopping or indulged themselves with one of my creations and also to the organizers for their hardwork and dedication to the handmade community right here in my hometown!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
For Christmas, Deep in the Heart of Texas!
A lovely customer became the happy owner of one of my little Christmas Trees a few weeks ago and decided they are the perfect holiday gifts for several of her friends! Yesterday, I finished her custom order for five more and today, they are on their way to Christmas, deep in the heart of Texas! I hope they love them!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I have plans for today!
Yesterday, I received my latest order of gorgeous sparkly gemstones, my fingers are twitching and I have the whole morning in front of me! New Gemmies on their way to the shop - yay!
Garnet, Smoky Quartz, London Blue Topaz, Tourmaline, Citrine, Peridot, Amethyst, Mystic Blue Quartz, Aqua and Burnt Orange Chalcedony -- all sparkling loveliness!
Stay tuned!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
SOLD!
Well, we're nearly done ~ packing, cleaning, tossing, donating and most importantly, keeping the house spotless for showings! The movers are coming tomorrow and then the unpacking begins! I'm glad to be moving on but feel a little sad too. We bought the lot before we were married, when it was just a spot in a field, with the dream to build our first house. It was home for over 15 years and we've loved the location, the gorgeous view of the river and valley and the wonderful light throughout. I'll miss those...thank you, house. Our new place at the lake has been home for almost 2 years and frankly, we haven't spent much time here since -- so, it's definitely time. I wish the new owners, a young couple with a baby, many years of happiness in their new home...and on with new adventures! xoWednesday, September 5, 2012
Happy Haunting from Team Sweet 16!
Check out these (and other - click here to see them all!) spook-tacular handmade and vintage items in celebration of Halloween from Etsy's Team Sweet Sixteen!
Shown here ~
1. Halloween Bat Necklace from Lillyandlulu
2. Bat Halloween Garland from CoutureByAyca
3. Halloween Cat Glitter Kitties from wishdaisy
4. True Blood Inspired Dead Sea Bathsalts from SymbolicImports
5. Halloween Boo! Flour Sack Towel from AppleWhite
6. Vintage Wood Shelf from NifticVintage
boo!
Monday, September 3, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
~ Please Be Seated ~
I was surfing around Etsy yesterday and began 'collecting' these wonderfully photographed Mid-Century Modern home decor items -- I think they are fabulous! Of course, a treasury resulted and here it is... if you have a minute, just click on the photo and drop by to say hi and check out these amazing shops!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Back to School Bracelets!
You can take the girl out of the classroom but you can't take the teacher out of the girl!
Enjoy these fun bracelets for Back to School!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
...that time of year
When I was teaching, August brought all the things I needed to do for back to school into my dreams. I'd lay awake at night with plans for my classroom, kids and school going around and around in my mind! These days, August brings my 'to do' list for the holiday season front and center and I MUST write it all down and get it out of my head or I won't sleep a wink until I do!
So, in no particular order, here goes:
1. Shipping and Packaging
* Order shipping supplies - jewelry boxes, shipping boxes, bubblewrap, envelopes, tissue paper, ribbon, business cards and customs forms
* Prep shipping area - precut bubblewrap, ribbon, tissue
* Begin to prepare holiday themed Thank You notes
* Gather and prepare gift wrapping - boxes, paper, ribbon, gift tags
* Find out Canada Post's shipping deadlines for the holiday season and post in my shop. Add to Message to Buyer for completed purchases.
2. Shop
* Change banner and avi to holiday theme
* Update shop sections
* Update shop announcement, policies, profile
* List all holiday items including new pieces, gift sets, ornaments and holiday themed items
* Stay on top of all paperwork
3. Inventory
* Stock up on raw materials - make a list of what I need and order by September 1
* Pre-make as many pieces as possible
* Photograph all new pieces
* Tag all items
* Create new pieces for the holiday season.
4. Promotions
* Plan and prepare all holiday promotions
* Prepare monthly newsletters for September to December
* Keep blog up to date
* Keep FanPage up to date
* Stay active on my team and community and make some fabulous treasuries!
5. Local Events - Prepare inventory and booth for each of the following:
* Fredericton Fall Craft Show - October
* Christmas at the Market - November
* Christmas in the Village in Gagetown - November
* The Kubbyhole - October to December
6. Personal
* Gift shopping - make list
* Gift wrapping, mail away gifts by November 30
* Holiday decorating - boughs and lights outside, tree and inside decorations
* Plan Christmas dinner and invite guests
soooooo-- lots to do but I feel so much better! what's on your list?
karon xo
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Long Dangle Statement Earrings are NEW!
Cheerful Colorfall Earrings have been popular at the shop this summer...made with whimsically shaped dyed shell beads that I've linked with sterling silver, they are a rainbow fashion statement! They've been so enjoyed, I decided to offer them at Wild Woman online too! Now, in warm autumn hues of gold and brown, this design is also available in Tiger's Eye semi-prescious stones and 14k-20k goldfill and soon to come, Amethyst!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Back to School....Sweet16 Style
Have some Back to School fun with these fabulous creations from my favorite team!
1. Color Your World Vintage Oil Pastels from becaruns
2. Read a Good Book Linocut Print from RetroModernArt
3. Legs in the Book Bookmark from MyBookmark
4. Back to School Marbles Metallic Fine Art Photo from SylviaCPhotography
5. Colorful Pencils Photography from jpgphotography
6. Back to School Poster, No Sniffing Glue from sweetharvey
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wild Child Rings are NEW!
In recent months, my niece, Sophie, has become increasingly interested in jewelry making and design. She's created some pretty wire wrapped beach glass pendant necklaces and loves to make earrings as gifts for our family and friends! She also an aspiring entrepreneur. The other day she was playing with some wire and made a fun and funky ring using some cool and colorful beads from her stash. I thought it was fabulous and that perhaps others would too! We made a deal {she gets a cut :)} and here we go -- Wild Child rings are inspired by her original design, made by me and are now available at Wild Woman Jewelry! We hope you like them! 
Wild Child rings are individually made with tarnish resistant silver coated heavy gauge copper wire, carefully selected fun and whimsical glass and lucite beads, and finished with playful spirals. Each ring is uniquely one-of-a-kind!
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