Wild Woman

My New Workbench!

2012-01-17T10:40:00.001-08:00

I'm so lucky to have a lovely worktable in our house with gorgeous natural light and big windows for my bead and wire work as well as my photography and computer time. It's perfect, really, but for a couple of years now, as my interest in creating more jewelry pieces from scratch and my quiver of jewelry making tools and metal supplies has grown, all my noisy, flammable, and chemically smelly work has been set up on the end of my husband's worktable in our garage. While it's certainly better than nothing, I'm usually cold and never seem to have exactly what I want with me. Add to that, all my bits are cleaned up at the end of each session, and while I've been fortunate to have this little space, frankly it's been a pain! Projects are all over the place and it really bugs me! Over the Christmas holidays, my darling husband built me my own space in our basement with a workbench at my most comfortable height for creating and lots of light. Here's a little look -- there's a spot for everything-- tools, mandrels, torch, tumbler, stamping tools and so on... and even a little heater to keep me toasy warm! I can leave everything out when I'm in the middle of a project and make all the noise I want!

I actually think he likes my space better than his, now, and fully expect to see him set up at the end of MY bench sometime in the not too distant future!
Happy day!

Handmade Holidays

2012-01-09T16:01:00.001-08:00

My Christmas shopping experience this year was the easiest ever! It was my hope to find handmade gifts for as many friends and family members as possible...and now that everyone has received their lovelies, I can't wait to show you all what I found!

ohlittlerabbit creates the most wonderful colorful screenprinted organic cotton teatowels, veggie bags, bedding, aprons and other housewares -- they arrived perfectly wrapped in brown craft paper -- so charming, I wanted them all for myself! I'll be returning for more.

Peace sign studs in sterling silver from Michelle Chang are delicate and just right for my 'peace-sign-loving-niece'-- she's worn them everyday since Christmas!
My writer friend loved this handmade journal made by Cheri Ucci of Paperfetish Designs. The handsewn binding is of very good quality and the cover is treated with gesso, ready for her own artistic work. I love it too!
These gorgeous blue felted mittens were made by a local knitter who was a member at the Kubbyhole -- they are so warm and match my niece's winter jacket like they were made for her!

Delightful in everyway are these whimsical zipper magnets from AmaliaVersaci in cool blues and greens and warm yellows, orange and red. Opening the package was a visual treat, with each set boxed and tied with a Christmas red zipper - so lovely!
Rachel Awes awesome artwork is printed on her beautifully inspiring greeting cards and were perfect for my sister. Each was carefully wrapped in cello and the set was tied with a pretty ribbon!
Everyone loved their unique presents and it was a wonderfully enjoyable Christmas shopping experience! I know where I'll be 'headed' next November!

Christmas Dinner in Who-Ville

2012-01-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

When we built our new house, one of my dreams was to have a dining room that would accommodate EVERYONE for Christmas dinner...and this Christmas, it was so! It was our absolute pleasure to host 23 members of our family and friends for my favorite Christmas day ever! A Who-ville theme seemed perfect -- I could just see all the Who's seated at their long tables filled with fun, family, friends and fabulous food! Six different families (all related in some way by at least one member) gathered at our house and of course, everyone needed to know their proper Who name... www.grinched.com provides a great tool to help come up with these fun names -- we had Dibble-Moo-Who's and Tickle-Poo-Who's and Giggle-Boo-Who's coming out of the woodwork. I made nametags for everyone and the kids made sure everyone had their own. I also found this great lime green Grinchy tree at HomeSense and couldn't resist. My friend gave me the other funky one (I must admit, I'm a bit of a Who-Ville addict) a couple of years ago.

Red and white, stripes and dots and any wonderfully unique ornament I could find filled the tree, table and house. I even found some great red dishes in the clearance section of the grocery store and picked them up too-- LOVE them!

...and here is the crowd!

Welcome 2012!

2011-12-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:18:00.001-08:00

...wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons! See you in 2012!

o christmas tree

2011-12-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

The tree's up! and just 8 more sleeps til Santa comes!

Deck the Halls!

2011-12-06T14:01:00.001-08:00

Oh, I had fun on Sunday afternoon! It was time to begin decking our halls, so I headed to the basement storage closet with a flashlight and a glass of wine! I can't seem to resist vintage ornaments and over the years, I've collected boxes of them in all colors and sizes. Since choosing a color scheme proved more challenging than holiday decorations should be, I decided to go with a rainbow of color and stacked them in these old jars I usually keep in the kitchen. I think they look wonderful all together on this bureau in the living room. Next came my little sparkly silver and white vintage tree... with more vintage ornaments. This sweet little star came from 5gardenias on Etsy. It looks perfect atop a little white wicker table in our dining room, waiting to light the corner at Christmas dinner.

... a couple of gorgeous white poinsettias, a pair of sculptural silver reindeer, a beautiful blue and green 'stained glass' fabric star, a distressed silver metal angel and some glitter trees complete the picture. I can't wait to put up the tree this weekend!

Handmade Holidays~ Gifts for the Gardener

2011-12-01T04:13:00.001-08:00

1. Sterling Silver Ring, by PrettyThingsGalore 2. McCoy Scandia Planter, by PineandMain 3. Soap Gift Set, by HerbivoreBotanicals 4. Vintage Lace Up Rubber Boots, by OrangeTruck 5. Lady's Mantle Botancial Art Print, by amberalexander 6. Oxidized Botanical Earrings, by moiraklime 7. Fingerless Gloves, by dirtcouture

Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale at Wild Woman Jewelry

2011-11-25T04:48:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Teardrop Earrings are New at Wild Woman Jewelry

2011-11-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

... a treasure trove of jewel-tone wire wrapped earrings for the holiday season-- all silver is sterling that has been oxidized and handpolished to achieve this lovely rustic patina and to create interest and contrast from the sparkling glass teardrops! Earwires are also handcrafted. Enjoy the party season!
...Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the US!

Snow Day!

2011-11-23T06:22:00.000-08:00

Well... there is something magical about the first snow that speaks to the heart of this northern girl. In the not too distant future, you'll find me shovelling the driveway and swearing about all the snow-- but not today. Today, I'm lovin' it!

The forecast is for 10-20cm and I've cosied right in-- crackling fire, lots of wood, Christmas music playing, candles burning -- I may have my whole winter in one day!

Most years it seems such a rush to prepare for the holidays but we've had such a beautiful fall, there was lots of time to decorate outdoors and clean up the yard- I feel like a satisfied little squirrel that has lots of nuts put away for the winter.

All this snugg-iness even inspires me to bake (not one of my strengths, hehehe, but even I can pull off an apple crumble-- with double crumble, my husband's favorite!). I have two cookbooks (well, I have about 10 but only use 2), one that includes all our favorite recipes from family and friends that I've actually written out and pasted into a notebook-- this one is a treasure! The other is a book we made as a fundraiser at my old school. It is full of tried and true recipes from families and staff and I've never prepared anything from it that isn't absolutely delicious! Here's the recipe I always use - warm apple crumble for dessert tonight - YUM!

Hope your day is cosy as well! xo karon

Handmade Holidays ~ Blue Christmas Gift Guide for Her

2011-11-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

1. Sapphire Gemstone Earrings, by JarosDesigns 2. Glitter Blended Blue Fingerless Gloves, by bysweetmom 3. Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Necklace, by moonovermaize 4. Knitted Cowl, by theYarnKitchen 5. Blue Flower Wall Collage - Daisy Delight, by Arthur and Olive 6. Blue Circle Skirt, by AliceCloset

Perfect gifts for a Blue Christmas!

Black and White Christmas on Etsy's Front Page!!!

2011-11-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

...so happy to see all these lovelies on Etsy's Front Page last night! congrats everyone :)

Handmade Holidays... Deck the Halls in Red and White

2011-11-13T07:42:00.001-08:00

Last Christmas, simple red and white holiday decor made me swoon... and the obsession cntinues this season. Here are a few of my favorites- 1. Personalized Christmas Stocking by NanaMontana 2. Miniature Bird by doudoubirds 3. Believe Sign by CowCountryCreations 4. Silver Snowflake Embroidery Hoop by sometimesiswirl 5. Hanging Plate by owlcreekceramics 6. Wood Reindeer, White Christmas by SlippinSouthern 7. Folk Art Reindeer by RawBoneStudio 8. Red and White Christmas Ornament by LoveMeOrnamentals

Handmade Holidays

2011-11-10T11:05:00.001-08:00

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~ Peg Bracken
I've made a decision to do as much of my holiday shopping as possible this year supporting handmade and small businesses offering their imaginative and artistic creations. I just think it will mean more. In that spirit, I've been (and will be) creating lots of gift idea treasuries on Etsy and featuring some fabulous items for loved ones on your holiday list, right here as well. And, hopefully, find that 'just right' gift for everyone on my list too! Happy shopping~

Shutterbug ~ Gifts for the Photographer

1. Autumn Tripod Floor Lamp, by MabelDear

2. Littleput Vignet, Smile, by littleputbooks

3. Mini Holiday Gift Tags, Polaroid Series, by createdbylindy

4. Screen Printed Camera Scarf, by Rabbitapparel

5. The Photographer's Ring, by CreaShines

*********

Garden Clean Up!

2011-11-08T16:27:00.001-08:00

Have you heard the phrase "Eat the frog first"-- what else could you have to do that would be worse than that? The truth of this makes me laugh-- the energy created by doing the worst thing first and getting it out of the way is amazing! Anyway, I have been procrastinating the garden clean up for weeks and the avoidance of it has really sapped my strength so starting on Saturday, I decided to get to it and finally today, YAYYYYY! it's finished-- all the overgrown dried and dead plants are trimmed back to the ground, every bed raked and 17 wheelbarrows full of leaves and plants have been dumped in the compost pile! It was such a beautiful day (sunny and 16 degrees C) that I also started collecting some fir boughs for the window boxes on the shed and garage...here are some photos of the before and after.

BEFORE and AFTER!
The weather forecast for the rest of the week is lovely so I think we'll try to finish the outdoor holiday decorations before the snow flies... now, which frog will I eat tomorrow?

Bangle Bracelets are NEW!

2011-11-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

I've been playing with some bangle bracelet designs recently, looking for ways to personalize some of my jewelry-- for individuals, family and friends. Creating this design was a breakthrough as it will allow me to individualize the focal point of each bracelet, and keep it simple and elegant at the same time... I'm thinking birthstones, hearts, rings, etc. For the moment, I've incorporated these gorgeous hollow glass beads in rich vibrant colors, perfect for the holidays and maybe even gift giving :) These are available in the shop and stay tuned for updates as I develop the line!

Saturday morning...

2011-11-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

...this morning dawned lovely and bright. As soon as it warms up a bit, I'm heading outside to FINALLY clean up the garden. I admit, it's not my favorite 'garden chore', but all the cutting back is so much more difficult in the spring when there is new growth that must be carefully protected. Maybe I'll leave the dried hydrangea flowers to catch the snow when it falls-- they grow by the garden shed which looks so cosy in the winter with the flower box filled with pine boughs, twinkly lights and a dusting of white. I think I'll collect some boughs today as a reward for all my work in the garden and maybe take some before and after photos to motivate myself...heheheheehe...yup, it's myself I'm trying to motivate! I'll be back-- enjoy your day! xo

Happy Haunting!

2011-10-30T13:07:00.001-07:00

...have fun, be safe and happy Halloween!

...is it too early for Christmas music?

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

methinks not! I mean, really...what is it about Halloween that makes me want to hear Little Drummer Boy?

...listen

2011-10-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

...closely.

Fall Craft Show... and now I need a nap!

2011-10-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

The first annual Fredericton Fall Craft Show was held this past weekend and what a show it was! We had a fabulous time-- the mood was relaxed, friendly and cheerful, we had a HUGE crowd (the organizer did a marvelous job of promotion and getting the word 'out there') and the talent was amazing. The Capital Exhibit Center was PACKED with super creative people offering a wonderfully wide range of art and crafted pieces. I was thrilled to have a corner booth (complete with electricity) in a very high traffic spot-- practically right next to the little onsite restaurant (which, by the way, made delicious homemade food :) And, I was able to use my new banner for the first time!

A big thank you to all who stopped by to visit, have a chat and take home something sparkly!

What color should we paint our front door? dark red...

2011-09-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, we've been under construction at the cottage for just over two years... and the time has FINALLY come to paint our front door! YAYYYYY! The cottage is shingled with a black roof and we've just finished painting the whole house with a medium gray semi-transparent stain (you can see the woodgrain through it) and the trim with a beautiful, fresh and clean white. I've been back and forth about the color for the front door-- dark red or mustard yellow. Here are some lovelies available on Etsy that may sway me...can you help me decide?

1. Red and Gray Bud Vase/Weed Pot, by etcArts

2. Felt Coasters in Red and Gray Wool, by fuzzylogicfelt

3. Slate...1 Pom, by PomLove

4. Charcoal Grey Recycled Sweater Purse, by herions1

5. Picture Frames Black Red Gray, by MountainCoveAntiques

6. Just a Sparrow in the Air Cushion, by randomretail

7. 16" Designer Pillow Red Flower Charcoal Gray Linen, by JillianReneDecor

or mustard yellow?

2011-09-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

1. Vegan Recycled Journal in Lemon, by NaturesCubbyhole

2. Charcoal and Mustard Yellow Purse, by bymytouch

3. Mustard Felt Flower Dahlia Brooch, by HeartfeltYarnWreaths

4. Charcoal Mod Poppy Pod Original Paintings, by jenkennedydesigns

5. 12 Felted Wool Pebbles, by Smika

6. Balsam Sachets Set of 4, by bstudio

7. Potent Shawl Pin, by ThatBluCat

Finally-- a banner for my booth!

2011-09-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've been doing craft shows for several years and have always wanted a professional banner for my booth...and I finally had one made! It's first adventure is next weekend at the Fredericton Fall Craft Show at the Capital Exhibit Center here in town -- I can't wait to set everything up!

New Rustic Hammered Hoops

2011-09-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

...you know how much I love metal, especially rustic-distressed-organic-industrial metals. Wire is one of my favorite mediums to achieve this look and I've been playing with some new tools - particularly a mandrel and rawhide hammer that allow me to shape heavier gauge wire with ease. I've begun with some simple hoops using a piece of 16 gauge sterling I had on hand -- after filing and sanding one end to taper the wire, I shaped the circles using the mandrel and soft hammer - how fun! Hammering for texture and strength came next and then oxidizing and polishing for shine-- not bad for a beginner!

sunflower challenged...

2011-09-17T04:02:00.001-07:00

"The sunflower is mine, in a way."

~ Vincent van Gogh

I'm inspired by sunflowers-- their huge, bold faces turned into the sun. I've imagined in my garden, long curves of their yellow heads bobbing in the autumn sunshine and birds happily feeding on the abundance of seeds in their golden centers.

...many spring mornings have found me in my garden, planting the seeds with this vision dancing in my imagination. I can see myself cutting huge armfuls for bouquets, and walking among, towering over my head in all shades of golden yellow, cinnamon browns and warm orange reds.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. That's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller

Alas... hehehehe... I hate to admit how many sorry little patches of short, withered-looking little sunflowers I've 'grown' -- I tell myself it's the soil (yeah, that's it), but I suspect it's me! So, every autumn, I head to the flower market (several times) to get my sunflowers! This morning, they were smiling happily at me from the kitchen windowsill as I made the coffee. I couldn't resist a few photos in the Saturday morning sunshine...I didn't even plant any seeds this year! Enjoy your morning...

karon xo

I LOVE this Orange Bug!!!

2011-09-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

'feeling groovy!'...such a fabulous photo of this cute little bug-- and the color is so hip! It's everywhere I look on Etsy this week and inspired me to do a quick search for other orange beetles. Check out what I found-- I'm overwhelmed with groovy delight :)

Orange Bug, leedledee

Summer of Love, cottagelight studio

Peace Bug Color, DBrenderPhotography

Headlight, GigglingGnome

New for Autumn 2011 at Wild Woman Jewelry!

2011-09-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

"By all these lovely tokens September days are here,

With summer's best of weather

And autumn's best of cheer."

~ Helen Hunt Jackson

It's beautiful today and I can feel autumn in the air- a fresh breeze, bright sunlight and changing leaves. I've been a blog slug this summer, spending lots of time with family and friends, mostly at the lake. It's been a blast! And now, it's time to get back to work!!! I've been inspired by the ambers, reds and autmun color in the trees along the river -- here a few new pieces in the shop for fall.

Garnet Red Glass Earrings, Mercurial

Amber Glass Earrings, Amber Sky

Amber Glass Necklace, September Morn

Industrial Mod Collection~ new at Wild Woman Jewelry

2011-02-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

'Only the truth is revolutionary.'

~ Graffiti Quotes

***********

A few years ago, I saw the Broadway Musical, Rent-- I loved everything about it...the performance, the music and the amazing set! My passions for theatre, set design and an industrial esthetic were completely satisfied in this artistic endeavor and have inspired a number of my own creative undertakings-- most recently a line of jewelry featuring clean lines, rustic finishes, bits of color and repurposed materials. I hope you enjoy them!

Seduction...

2011-01-08T05:51:00.001-08:00

Pursuit and seduction are the essence...

~ Camille Paglia

Seduction...

necklace and earrings in sulty red, are new for Valentine's Day!

I love the elongated 'wild heart' shape, new from Swarovski, and the beautiful irregular faceting on these gorgeous crystals. Oxidized sterling silver adds depth and drama!

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T05:21:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all the best in 2011! Happy New Year!

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-12-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

...oh the weather outside is frightful,

and the fire is so delightful,

and if you've no place to go,

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

here is what I did today :)

hope you had a lovely day, too!

Boxing Day Extravaganza~

2010-12-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day Sale

at Wild Woman Jewelry

December 26 & 27

15% Savings Shopwide
All Items Ready to Ship
Prices Already Reduced!

merry christmas!

2010-12-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Ye Olde Candy Shoppe...

2010-11-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Inspired by an Old Fashioned Christmas and a visit to the Sweet Shop for some peppermint delights, Ye Olde Candy Shoppe earrings and necklace are new for the holiday season!

Remember, make your purchase at

Wild Woman Jewelry

between

Black Friday and Cyber Monday ~

SAVE 15% Shopwide!

It's Black Friday!

2010-11-26T05:11:00.000-08:00

Drop by Wild Woman Jewelry and check out the savings!

***Black Friday through Cyber Monday***

Save 15% Shopwide -- ALL items ready to ship!
*Prices already Reduced*

deck the halls...

2010-11-16T07:05:00.001-08:00

Some of my older

favorites are joined this year by two

new stars in blues and greens

and lots of fun pink--

let's put the carols on and

begin to trim the tree!

Blue Christmas, Handmade Beaded Wire Star

Tickled Pink, Handmade Beaded Wire Star
(10% of the proceeds from this star is donated to The American Cancer Society
through Etsy Project Embrace)

Burst, Multi-Color Handmade Beaded Wire Star

(this star is beaded on both sides!)
... perfect for your hostess for holiday parties, your child's teacher, friends or for YOURSELF!

A Christmas Carol

2010-11-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

'I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.'

~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

*******

A Christmas Carol, one of my favorite holiday stories, has inspired several new designs for the holiday season. Images of the Victorian Era-- carolers, lamplight, snowfalling, candles on the Christmas tree, songbooks, holly, delectable sweets and ringing bells as well as the more elaborate details of design from the time period have had some influence... Happy Holidays!

Lamplighter

O Tannenbaum

Carolers

Snowberry

*** Top Photo, Christmas Eve

november...

2010-11-01T04:21:00.001-07:00

I always enjoy the clean stark palette of November after the riotous color of fall!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

boo!

snowflakes, hearts, leaves...and a Saturday afternoon

2010-10-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sophie, my 9 year old niece, spent last Saturday at our house-- the sun was shining, autumn was in the air and it was a perfect afternoon to spend creating! We spent a couple of hours drawing and designing projects-- hers to be completed in playdough and mine in precious metal clay. We chatted about winter and the approaching holidays (which we are all going to spend at the lake!), stories and words. Here are some of my creations that began on that lovely afternoon...xo

grow, fine silver leaf pendant

joy, fine silver star pendant

listen, fine silver heart pendant

and, wild woman, fine silver pendant

Early Holiday Specials at Wild Woman Jewelry

2010-10-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Shop Early for Holiday Specials this weekend at Wild Woman Jewelry! Save 10% shopwide (and on shipping too) from Saturday, October 9 to midnight on Monday, October 11!!! Don't wait-- drop by today!

misty morning

2010-09-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

The sunrise was beautiful this morning~ with wispy mist rising on the lake. The buoy for the sailing club floats peacefully-- it won't be long before someone takes it out for the season. I think the final races were last Saturday.
The opposite shoreline was almost entirely shrouded in the mist-- it looks like a solitary island in the middle of the lake...such a gorgeous morning!

laugh... Etsy Project Embrace Treasury Challenge

2010-09-21T18:45:00.001-07:00

After a long dry spell in the treasury making world, I can't seem to stop myself this week! I've had a blast creating collections (two, so far with another in the works) for the current Etsy Project Embrace Team Treasury Challenge --the theme is Laugh.

Drop by and check out these fun and fabulous shops...and then go HERE to see all the entries!

...there was frost on the pumpkin!

2010-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower.

~ Albert Camus

*****

First Frost by judemcconkey

***

With cooler mornings and shorter days, my thoughts have turned

to autumn...I was browsing on Etsy today and was inspired by these wonderful images...

***

Before the Melt by exposedartandphoto

***
Pumpkins by ebonypaws

...which inspired my first treasury in a long time...

Happy Autumn!

And the WINNER is....

2010-09-07T10:51:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Ribasus (also known as Elizabeth of Foret on Etsy!), winner of the Countdown to 1000 Sales Thank You Give Away~ her ballot was drawn from 84 entries in total! Your new earrings will be on their way this week!

*****

A huge thank you to everyone who played and to all my valued and much appreciated customers and friends!

New Gemmies at Wild Woman Jewelry

2010-09-06T09:37:00.001-07:00

This week's mail brought a treasure trove of beautiful gemstones! The approaching holiday season always inspires me to create elegantly luxurious pieces, sparkling for parties or the perfect gift for that special someone!

*****

Here's what I've been up to this week~
Dance Bracelet (above)

Angel Earrings~ Periwinkle Chalcedony, Amethyst and Iolite

Water's Edge Earrings~ Chalcedony, Aquamarine

Northern Lights~ Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Quartz...

Nan Dean's Crabapple Jelly

2010-09-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

There's a wild crabapple tree growing on the beach at the lake. It's at least 23 years old because that's how long ago it was that I tugged a root out of it's rocky home and transplanted it in our front yard- that tree is over 20 feet tall this year! Both trees are profuse with fragrant blooms in the spring and are home for birds, chipmunks and little brown squirrels that rely on its flowers, fruit and insect population- these inhabitants and their hijinks provide us with hours of hilarious entertainment year round.

I was walking by the tree on the beach last weekend and couldn't help but notice it was covered with large unblemished red apples~ more than I've ever seen before...I actually stopped to have a look at them. My sister-in-law came up behind me and commented on them as well- we both thought it seemed such a shame to let them drop and rot. She had a handwritten recipe for apple jelly from my husband's grandmother and we decided to make a batch on the weekend.

Sunday morning dawned sunny and bright and after shooing the kids to the beach, we set to work. We heated and sterlized the little jam jars ( my favorites are the stubby ones!) My nephews climbed the trees and picked the apples for us the night before--not counting the ones they bowled with or threw at each other, we ended up with two large bags full! We estimated about 6 pounds of apples- wash, cut off the stems and chop- didn't even have to remove the seeds. How easy is that?

Look at the sliced apples-- just like a sand dollar in the center and simply beautiful!

We boiled the apples with some water until they were soft and then strained them with cheesecloth and a strainer. It didn't seem possible we'd get 6 cups of juice from the mixture which seemed rather thick...and, the recipe specifically stated not to squish the apples-- but it would have taken all day for the juice to drip out so we encouraged a bit. We added a couple of ripe strawberries and a teaspoon of cranberry juice for color, the sugar and pectin, and boiled the whole mixture for just a few minutes until it thickened.

Next, we poured it into the little jars and left them to seal. It was a full morning's 'work' for 8 jars of jelly, but totally worth it, don't you think?

YUM!!!

sunset sail...

2010-08-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

...we were having a late dinner with family on our deck at the lake as the sun was setting last evening when this beautiful boat sailed by... it was so pretty I ran for my camera!

ahhhhhhh...it's still summer!

Countdown to 1000 Sales 'Thank You' Give Away!

2010-08-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's just a number... but for me, in my Etsy shop, it has more than a bit of magic!

With the 1000th sale approaching, it's time to celebrate and say THANK YOU to all my fabulous customers and online friends! I'm very excited and grateful to all who have purchased pieces, dropped by, sent notes and supported me and my shop!

To show my appreciation and to mark the occasion, I am hosting a give away~ you can WIN a pair of Monet's Garden Earrings!

How to Enter to Win:

(no purchase is necessary...)

1. The new owner of each item purchased from my shop, Wild Woman Jewelry on Etsy from #981 up to and including item #1000 will have their name entered three (3) times.

2. Follow this blog and let me know in the comments below to be entered one time.

3. Comment below and leave your email for contact to be entered one time.

4. Tweet this contest and let me know below to be entered one time.

5. Sign up for Wild Woman Newsletter (here on this blog) and let me know below to be entered one time.

6. Post this giveaway on your blog and link it to this post (don't forget to let me know!) to be entered one time.

Contest will be closed with my 1000th sale. A draw will be made from all entries and the winner will be notified promptly.

Thanks again to everyone and good luck!

xo karon

Joe's Diner

2010-07-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a retro-mod kinda girl (today, anyway). What little amount of time I've devoted to creating designs in the last few weeks has resulted in several new pieces with a definite trend.

On an early July vacation in Maine, I visited the sweetest little vintage shops. The back room in the old house where one of them was located had been entirely 'decorated' with displays of 50's finds~ chome legged tables, vinyl chairs, colorful tableware and a wonderful collection of dial telephones in turquoise, red and other mod colors. I must say, my squeal of delight at the sight of them brought my husband running (I've been known to knock over entire displays poking among the bits and he was coming to my rescue...)

but, I digress... these phones and that time period are the inspiration for this latest 'bunch' of turquoise and reds. Enjoy!

Vespa Necklace

Joe's Diner

What's blooming today?

2010-07-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

Early July is my favorite time in the garden~ everything is still fresh, full of fabulous color and simply gorgeous! Enjoy!

*******

~ sweet honeysuckle blooms by Esmerelda's house (she's our garden fairy!)

~pretty pale pink dahlias in the porch window boxes

~ deep pink Asiatic lilies that are at least 15 years old- I transplanted them this spring and thought they may need a year to recover, but, here they are!

~ wild orange daylilies are throughout my garden

~ the snow-on-the-mountain is past blooming, but I love the seed head left behind!

~ old fashioned pale yellow single hollyhocks, the perfect flower for a cottage garden

~ Brown-eyed Susans sew themselves everywhere!

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate Canada's 143rd Birthday with these talented Canadian Artists!

***

Have a wonderful holiday!

Canada Day Wool Acorns by SewnNatural

Little Flared Dress by JRoseAtelier

Blossom Ring by saralagace

KnitKnot Bag by EveldasNeverland

Cowboy Booties by TwentySecondStreet

*** Click here or on the Canadian Flag above to visit my Happy Canada Day treasury featuring these and many other Canadian artists.

A Summer Wedding

2010-06-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

*****

Tiger lilies...

an early summer wedding...

SIX bridesmaids...

*****

A few weeks ago, I received a note from the sweetest bride asking if I would design and create the wedding jewelry for her beautiful bridesmaids. She sent me photos of her sister and closest friends, with arms linked and laughing, clearly a gaggle of gorgeous girls!

It's been my pleasure to create pieces for weddings in the past, but this was the largest wedding party I've worked with~ each piece had to be similar yet suited to each bridesmaid~ an honor and a challenge to be sure. It had to be right!

After lots of notes and photos back and forth, consideration of her wedding style, colors and theme, descriptions of the bridesmaids' personalities and taste (the bride hoped they would be able to wear them after the wedding as well), we arrived at six variations of a similar design.

I mixed metals, finishes, earring length and detail to appeal to each girl and then created the bracelets with dangles that matched each pair of earrings.

I had such fun packaging everything for each bridesmaid~ and I received word this morning they have all arrived safely in plenty of time for the big day! The bride has been an absolute pleasure to work with~ I hope her wedding is everything she wishes it to be!

At the moment, I can't believe I didn't photograph all the finished pieces together but here is a sampling of the designs...I had alot of fun too!

The Garden Path...

2010-06-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

A quiet spot in a wee woodsy corner of the garden~

I've neglected almost all my 'normal' online activities for a few weeks now (including my poor blog) and been up to my nose in the garden...have a look!

views of the main garden and shed...I love seeing the lake in the distance!
We had an huge oak tree that had to be cut down a couple of years ago (we counted 122 rings in the trunk!) which left a huge spot in the yard that got full sun~ well of course I couldn't resist and a new garden was born. Most of the plants were moved from several older beds that were all overgrown...lots of them needed to be divided and honestly, I had just walked right on by for more summers than I care to remember. They've established themselves and filled in nicely in just it's second year! And the flower boxes are overflowing~ I love it!

~ June ~

2010-06-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.

~ James Russell Lowell

*****

...flips flops, popsicles, watermelon, lemonade, sandy beaches, swimming to the raft, roses, long sunny days, buzzing bees and lazy afternoons in the hammock~ just around the corner!

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

2010-05-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

...a fun retro tribute to the graduate!

(check out the treasury that included these lovely items and several more)

8x8 Aqua Corono fine art photo print by abcdimages

Vintage Mod Blue Glass Ashtray by BootsNGus

The Mrs. Robinson Lace Jacket by averymaydesign

Mid Century Shot Glasses by HausProud

Simon and Garfunkel- Bookends record clock by RecordTime

Top Item~ Vintage White Two Strand Necklace by vintagous

What's blooming today?

2010-05-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mary Mary quite contrary

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells

And pretty maids all in a row.

*****

It's great to be back in my garden! With the building of our new cottage and plans for changes in the yard, it suffered from much neglect last summer. Overgrown and wildly out of control, I was not that motivated to do anything~ now, with the trucks and equipment pretty much gone, I've been right into it for more than a week. After hours of raking, weeding, cutting, tying up, edging beds, adding compost, moving and rescuing, digging and planting
(and worth every ounce of effort), my garden is beautiful and ready for summer!

A few years ago, I went to an auction in a village close to town~ it was at an old farmhouse on a winding country road. Alongside the barn was a huge patch of solomon's seal that I fell instantly in love with...I started my own patch under the flower boxes on our garage wall. They are blooming today!

Sweet forget-me-nots...enough this year to be considered a 'wave' of little blue and yellow flowers!

My lilacs are about 12 years old and are finally what I'd call a hedge! I remember a beautiful row of lilacs dripping over the fence from our neighbor's yard when I was a child...I'd cut some for a sweet smelling bouquet. This bouquet from my bushes is sitting in the morning sunshine on my kitchen counter. I'll be planting some more along the wall of the new cottage along with an old fashioned hydrangea vine as soon as the bed is dug~ can't wait!

A friend and I visit a beautiful garden early each summer~ it's owner is an amazingly inspiring gardener. She told me about a plant called sweet cicely, with little seedpods that taste like licorice. Last year I got a piece of her huge plant. It survived the winter and has spouted fern like leaves and wee feathery white flowers~ so pretty!

sweet cicely

...and last but not least, bleeding hearts in pink and white~ just gorgeous!

*****

The weekend forecast is sunny and warm so today, I'll be planting some of my flower boxes...heading for the garden shed NOW!

thanks for stopping by...karon

thinking of planting some tea roses...

2010-05-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

and I just love the vintage-y mood of these beautiful creations!

Have you met Angelique?

2010-05-13T05:19:00.001-07:00

Angelique moved in last week. I'd been looking for a model for my jewelry, she applied and got the job. She's new to Canada, needed a place to live~ I decided she could stay right here. Frankly, I wasn't up for any driving when I needed her here, and she doesn't eat much.

What I didn't expect was how scared I am of her....I mean, she looks so 'knowing'...ALL the time. I come in the house after being out for awhile (groceries, post office, that kind of thing) and there she is at the kitchen table, looking at me. Really, the first time she startled me so, I dug into my purse for my phone to dial 911 to report an intruder~ I'm sure she smiled.

My husband is totally freaked out by her and has stated in no uncertain terms she should be kept in a closet...I'm thinking I may put her on his night table after he goes to sleep- hehehe.

She may need her own apartment after all.

Golden Plum

2010-05-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

Come check out these delicious creations!

Just figuring out the scoop on Treasury East~ I know for sure that I love being able to show all 16 items! Enjoy!

Beach Woman

2010-05-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

In my never ending search for beautiful beads, I stumbled across Alisha White's beautiful Etsy shop~ she is the artist behind these gorgeous hollow glass beads. I knew they were perfect for some new pieces in my beach woman collection...and here they are!

Breeze Earrings

Message in a Bottle Earrings

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

A flower from my garden for you~ have a wonderful day!

Sunday at the Market

2010-05-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday dawned sunny and bright, a perfect day for a Mother's Day Craft Show~ except most everyone wanted to enjoy the sunshine and were decidedly not in the mood for shopping, even for their mother! It was the perfect promise of long hot summer days to come...oh, well...we had a fun day chatting among ourselves and I had time to make several pair of earrings!

There were a few interested shoppers and Dune Earrings proved to be a popular pair (must have been all that sunshine and call of the beach:)

I am always so inspired and interested when I see photos of people's displays and workspaces that I thought I might share a few of mine. My fondness for vintage 'junk' and a rustic casual look are evident in these fantastic old wooden crates, a tiny window shutter from the 60's, a white milk glass pitcher, vintage cut glass doorpulls and lots of burlap. I love creating my displays using these character filled pieces. My husband has been the handy dandy builder of my earring racks and the great stand alone barnboard piece in the corner. Anything that doesn't match, I paint green. Add some fresh flowers and great lighting and presto....ready to go!

*****

So, at the moment, it's all in a heap in the basement. Yes, I can hear it calling...but I just started a great book and I'm sure there are new beads in the mail today...

My Garden Journals

2010-04-26T05:25:00.001-07:00

With our early spring and all the recent lovely weather, I've been spending more time in my garden. Everything seems to be budding and blooming earlier than most years and I've found myself going back to some of my old garden journals, checking dates and blooming times from past seasons. I have fallen in love with these old journals again, the story of my garden, summers at the lake and the unfolding of each season...

For many years I searched for the perfect garden journal~ and I found may lovely ones, full of pockets and pretty pictures and pages labelled with what to record...I was never able to 'fit' my garden or myself into those books. Finally (although it was so obvious, I'm not sure how I missed it!) I bought a blank book with a textured cover and beautiful paper on which I wanted to write and draw and plan and dream...

They also contain the stories of summers at the cottage~ reading, relaxing and family times...

...and hundreds of photographs and captions...

...dried garden flowers and notes from Esmerelda, our garden fairy...

...and yes, it turns out everything is early~ by about three weeks~ I hope it doesn't snow in August!

Fiesta~ Summer Party Perfect

2010-04-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

New this week at Wild Woman Jewelry!!!

Summer party perfect Fiesta Earrings are sundress ready in bright, cheerful colors~ margarita, anyone?

Wisteria

2010-04-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Twelve years ago, I bought a sweet little wisteria vine just hanging with blossoms. I planted it in my garden and over the years, it has grown over our front porch shading our wicker rockers and providing a nesting home for a family of robins that return every spring. I have pruned and fussed and cut it back and let it grow, fertilized and left it alone...with nary another bloom. HELP!

Mother's Day Specials at Wild Woman Jewelry

2010-04-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

For your Gardening Mom!

Apple Blossom Earrings

Herb Garden Bracelet

Splash! Earrings

Celebrate Mother's Day and enjoy 15% Savings at Wild Woman Jewelry ~

(LAST DAY!!!)

Mother's Day Specials at Wild Woman Jewelry

2010-04-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

For Your Elegant Mom...

Monet's Garden, Lampwork Glass Earrings

By the Sea, Gemstone Earrings

Bouquet, Gemstone Earrings

Enjoy 15% savings on ENTIRE orders and shipping this weekend ONLY
(Friday through Sunday)
at
Wild Woman Jewelry!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Specials at Wild Woman Jewelry

2010-04-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

For Your FUNKY Mom!

Sliders Earrings, Geo

bloomers pendant ~ Feerie too

Flower Child Earrings

Enjoy 15% Savings on ENTIRE Orders and Shipping this weekend ONLY at

Wild Woman Jewelry!

(Friday, April 16 to Sunday, April 18)

*Savings will be refunded to your Paypal account or contact me prior to purchase and I will reserve and adjust your listings!

Happy Mother's Day!

The Forgotten Path...

2010-04-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

' In the middle of the journey of our life, I found myself within a dark forest, where the straight path was lost.'

~Dante

*********

I've been experimenting recently, using different metals, finishes and moods in my jewelry - while I still LOVE color, I am also drawn to a more rustic, simpler esthetic. The dark metals, uneven edges and open yet hidden spaces in these gorgeous antiqued copper floral etched beads reminded me of overgrown paths in an abandoned garden...and how sometimes, losing the straight path is the best possible thing that could happen.

Spring has Sprung!

2010-04-11T11:58:00.001-07:00

There are flowers blooming all over my cottage garden~ welcome Spring!

Earlier than they've ever been (due to our mild winter and warm early spring, I'm sure) these tiny blooms are the first to show their pretty faces. Minature daffodils and white crocus sway in the gentle breeze...the blue pink mix of Bethlehem Sage are the decendants of a plant I moved from my grandmother's garden over 15 years ago - I love them! And that purple one...it was a gift from a friend and neither of us have any idea what kind of plant it is - it's stem is woody, it profusely blooms hundreds of tiny lilac purple flowers before it leafs out, and the fragrance is absolutely heavenly! Do you know what it might be?

On Friday, I raked and tidied my little garden in town, freeing the patches of purple and white crocuses and wee white starflowers - I'm sure I heard them giggle as they warmed in the sun! My cottage garden is calling for some attention - all those neglected fall chores returning to haunt me. I can't wait to get at it!

Spring at the Market!

2010-04-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

Join us at the Boyce Farmer's Market for our second annual Spring Mother's Day Show!

Find the perfect gift for Mom and see new Spring Designs ~

See you there!

Tiki Torches, the new Pink Flamingo?

2010-03-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

Well, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country (or the desire to decorate, nest and make anyplace 'our own') out of the girl!

We've been enjoying our little yard and view and all the sunshine, when yesterday, it became glaringly apparent that what out little yard lacked, big time, was tiki torches...yes, the Hawaiin equivalent of the perfect pink flamingo. I have a certain fondness for those kitchy pink birds...

'Time for a trip to town!' I announced to my ever patient husband (the lure of fish and chips for lunch at a little open air stand may have helped my case...)

Anyhow, off we went - how hard could it be to find a place to purchase tiki torches...I mean, you know, this is Hawaii...without going into all the details, hubby needed sustenance and we stopped for those fish and chips.

As luck would have it, we passed by a Lowe's store and I KNEW the sought after tiki's would be found within! YES! I was able to carry four (hubby insisted that was a sufficient quantity and as many as we would be able to get in the back of the rental car), he grabbed the giant bottle of oil and we were off! I'd like to add here that they have very pointy ends (for sticking in the gound, of course) but it was windy when we came out of Lowe's and I have the cuts on my shins to prove it - what a girl will do in the name of lawn decor...

We arrived back at the house and my darling hubby set them up...I could hardly wait until dusk. As we lit them and they flickered in the twilight, it felt like a perfect Maui Moment...

now, how to get them into my suitcase ~

...first sunset

2010-03-08T20:40:00.001-08:00

Hawaii Bound!

2010-03-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

...so, I've been a good girl and tolerated the winter with a modicum of good humor (yes, I admit, it's been an especially mild one) and I've waited patiently for vacation time ( I didn't start packing until 2 weeks ago, hehehe...) and after months of dangling all manner of flowers, colorful bits, sunny treasuries and spring creations in front of myself, our vacation is finally here - we leave early (really early) Saturday morning! We've rented a little spot for a few weeks of sunshine, palm trees and tropical breezes - lots of relaxing and hopefully some inspiration for new creations when we return.

In the spirit of tropical vacations, here a few essentials for YOURS! Enjoy and aloha!

1. I Need a Vacation Crochet Rafia Hat by WillowCreekSparrow

2. Vintage Moai Tiki Mug by VintageHawaii

3. Vintage Olive Green Wheary Luggage by moxiethrift

4. Hawaii Souvenir Plate by rachiesplace

5. Tote Roll Up - Beach Comber by efran

6. Pineapple by iamwoman

7. Tangerine Strapless Top by ishkabibblesdesigns

SleepOver Saturday

2010-02-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love a sleepover? Especially when you're eight, are staying with your aunt and uncle who dote on you and get to be the 'only' kid for 24 hours...my niece Sophie slept over on Saturday night and we had a blast. I filled the pantry with her favorites - Smarties, chocolate milk, cashews and raspberries - and she arrived with all our usual entertainment - facepaint, a notebook for writing stories and several bags of beads for jewely making. We fit it all in, including her basketball game, a neighborhood walk, watching some Olympics on TV (she would like to be in the Olympics someday, and win a medal in either curling or singing...yes, singing:) and facepainting her uncle while he slept on Sunday morning. That sent us into hysterical giggles!

Here is the pair of earrings she made for me - what a sweetie!

TransCanadaEtsyTeam February Challenge - Snow!

2010-02-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

This month the Trans Canada Etsy Team is hosting a new challenge for it's members ~ make something inspired by our great Canadian winters and all that snow!

Anyone who knows me (or has even read one recent post here on my blog) will be aware that I have mixed feelings about winter - especially a long cold one. This winter has been especially mild with a minumum of snow in our neck of the woods which is definitely my kinda winter!

Snow Bound Earrings reflect my contariness - lovely pristine whites and grays combined with a feeling of being bound by the cold and snow!

Voting begins on the evening of Tuesday, February 23 HERE, on the team blog! Drop by and pick YOUR favorite!

Sunshine Award!

2010-02-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world. The 'rules' are to post the award on your blog and then pass the award on to 12 other bloggers. Link the nominees within your post. Let them know they've received the award by commenting on a post. Then, lastly, share the love and link to the person from whom you've received the award.

What a lovely surprise to find I had received the Sunshine Award from the lovely Wychbury!

Thanks ladies!

...and here are my nominations ( the first 6, anyway!)

1. Rough Magic Creations - Mollie's happy generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor is evident in all she does! She reaches out and touches everyone with delightful 'downeast' charm!

2. Ginny's Blog - Ginny's venture into the land of blogging has been a leap into the unkown - I admire her determination to 'learn' the ropes and her easy way.

3. A Cottage in the Woods - Zuzu's magic is inescapable when you open the gate of her absolutely gorgeous, inspiring blog - I could live there!

4. Knee Deep Studio - Rebecca shares her unique paintings, music and amazing photography of her mountain home - beautifully inspiring!

5. Suzula Sez - Suz's new blog features many wonderful creations as well as some of my favorite vintage finds! Suz also shares lovely bits about her family (furry members too!) and home!

6. Cat Ludwig Studio - Cat is simply one of my favorite photographers and I love to visit and be inspired by her talent!

Hope you enjoy and are inspired as well!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T03:58:00.000-08:00

Love to a Stranger

2010-02-12T05:07:00.000-08:00

Love to a Stranger Treasury Challenge

Join the challenge...between Feb.12 and 14, nab a treasury and call it 'Love to a Stranger'. All 16 squares should be shops you've never included in a treasury (they don't have to be brand new shops - just new to you). PipingHotPapers inspired this idea last year and it's ON again! See what new shops you can discover and pass it on...here's mine!

'A great photograph is...'

2010-02-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

'A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels

about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety.'

~Ansel Adams

*****

These artists are among my favorite photographers and have fully captured that essence.

*****

Pink Dahlia Still Life by NatureMandalas

a good egg by GabrielleKai

Glass Teapot by theeye

Fairway Balloons by urbandesign

Solitude by CatLudwigStudio

Always vogue by ajawin

Gemmies for Spring!

2010-02-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

Spring Fever washes over me sometime in December...and usually, doing something that involves color, pretty happy color as an antidote, lifts my spirits and carries me through! Here is what the doctor ordered this week!

First Crocus - Orchid Purple Chalcedony

Lemonade Earrings - Pale Lemon Yellow Chalcedony topped with ruby,

sapphire, citrine and other lovely little gems!

Bouquet Earrings - Crystal Quartz with a bouquet of flower colored gemstones

Ballerina Earrings - Aqua Chalcedony Diamond Briolettes wearing tutus of fluorite in watery shades of blue and green

Love my new Moo cards!

2010-02-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

My new Moo cards arrrived this week - I love them! All the photos have been updated with happy bright colors for spring and summer. I'm so excited to send them out with my orders! Moo is a fabulous company - great communication and customer service, wonderful products (including recycled choices) and speedy delivery - a real pleasure to work with!

*****

I think I have almost as much fun packaging my jewelry as I do making it. This photo shows a sample - orange and pink are a favorite color combination of mine and I'm always on the hunt for ribbons to match!

I love you more than cake...

2010-01-28T05:53:00.001-08:00

'You can't have your cake and eat it too."

~Proverbs

....well, I ask you then, what is the point of cake??? I was browsing Etsy this morning and stumbled upon this card! It reminded me of my eight year old niece, Sophie, who I love more than cake - although I'm pretty sure SHE would pick the cake!. We share a habit of scraping off any frosting first, revealing the luscious moist cake underneath (and offering the cast off frosting to her waiting brothers) - delicious!

Anyway... I decided to dig a little deeper in my search and found these delightful cake related items - clearly, Sophie and I are not the only ones who want to have their cake and to eat it too ~ Enjoy!

I love you more than cupcakes pendant - cathywalters

Cherry Blossom Cupcake Stand - whitneysmith

Antique Cake Tin - satisfind

Miniature Cake with Strawberries and Orange Slices - sleepingdogstore

Marti Gras Favor Cake - favorcakes

Top Photo - Red Cut-Out 'I love you more than cake' card - Storeyshop

a little romance...and a breath of spring!

2010-01-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

I was mailing packages the other day and was stopped in my tracks at the floral counter by these amazing tulips - they are a hopeful breath of spring and a wee bit of romance as well! I just had to photograph them in the early morning light - hope you enjoy their loveliness as well!

bad hair day...

2010-01-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

have I mentioned I need a haircut?

Flower Child Earrings

2010-01-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

I've been having fun this week...if I can't get to my flowers outside, I'll make a garden in the house!

Top 10 Things to Get Organized

2010-01-05T03:49:00.000-08:00

At the best of times, I've been accused of being a bit of a neat-freak ... I like things tidy and organized and if they're not, I like them behind a closet door. January brings out the Abominable Neat Monster in me. It begins as a tiny thought, "I'll just clean up the house after Christmas" and builds to a rising crescendo of open drawers and closets and cupboards and finally, everything in the kitchen in the middle of the floor surrounded by garbage bags and boxes for Goodwill. Really, it's a sickness!

*****

Here, in no particular order, are the Top 10 Things I'd like to organize once and for all...

1. My husbands socks (yeah, I know, none of my business...)

2. Our pantry - do we need 5 jars of paprika? I've never used paprika...how about 4 bottles of cooking oil with barely a drop in them...pretty sure they're rancid too.

3. The drawer by the phone, which contains about 3 years worth of wine corks that I'm sure I'll need for something ...maybe I'll send them to Cat at uncorked....

4. The beach bag of old slippers and flipflops on the floor in my closet, the ones I'm saving for a catastrophic cold feet emergency and the 20 or so trips to the beach that will require the wearing of mismatched footwear.

5. The stacks of home decorating magazines under my bed dating back to 2001 - 'nuff said.

6. The cupboard in the laundry room (hard hat recommended when opening the doors) where several years of half full sunscreen tubes, leather protector and Shout reside and there is no longer room for, you know, actual laundry detergent.

7. The basement shelves containing all the decorations from Christmases past - really, I am over the pink bows for the tree...

8. The linen closet upstairs, home of 612 plastic grocery bags, ready to line the bathroom garbage can until 2047.

9. The three boxes of assorted mugs sitting on the floor in the basement - they've been there since the spree of 2008....but who wants them?????

10. The pile of boxes sitting in the garage at the lake, all nicely packed from the old cottage....I can hear them calling me - but that's a job for SPRING FEVER!!!!

*****

Here are some lovely organizational helpers from some fabulous shops on Etsy - happy organizing!

Burlap Wall Pockets...Paris, France - by funkyshique

Violet Floral Magnet Board - by Polarity

Coat Rack, Vintage Hardware - by andrewsreclaimed

Retro Wooden Box Organizer - by OldNewAgain

Top Photo - Industrial Chic Metal Wire Basket by oldcrowfarm

Happy New Year Wishes...

2010-01-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

May 2010 be the year all your wishes come true!

Happy New Year!!!

2010 Happy Dance! and it made Etsy's Front page too!

2009-12-28T12:25:00.001-08:00

Time for a little new year color - may yours be as happy and bright!

Happy Christmas, friends!

2009-12-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice

2009-12-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

'O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?'

~Percy Bysshe Shelley

There are many people who love winter - but I am not one of them! At first, I appreciate the silence, the magic of the first snowfall, the clean white landscape, the cosiness of a warm fire...but before long, by late November and December especially, as I watch the sun rise later and set earlier and feel the early darkness and the cold - by 5pm, I want a quilt and a puffy pillow and a nap. It seems the day is over and I haven't eaten dinner yet!

And then, the winter solstice arrives - and with it, the knowing that nature has swung around that darkest corner and the light of SPRING is a beacon once again. Yes!

New at Wild Woman Jewelry!

2009-12-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

The Christmas rush seems to have slowed down resulting in time to create a few new designs and new editions of a few older ones! Even before the holidays are over, my thoughts turn to lighter colors and dare I say it, SPRING! The light was perfect and sent me rushing for my camera ~ what a FUN morning! Enjoy!

martini earrings

simplify earrings in sunny tangerine

splash earrings

sliders earrings

zigzag earrings

3 french hens?

2009-12-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

...like everyone who celebrates the holidays, I've been a busy little bee the past couple of weeks - shopping, wrapping, mailing, decorating and a little partying (more about that soon!) ...thankfully, all the preparation is becoming celebration time and I'm in the holiday spirit today! Enjoy these wonderful Etsy artists and I hope you are beginning your celebrating time as well! Happy holidays, everyone!

And the WINNER IS...

2009-12-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

to QuiddityOcean,

winner of a pair of Ruby Holiday Lantern earrings in my 2nd Etsy-versary draw! QuiddityOcean is a valued customer in my Etsy shop~ a big thank you to all who entered and played!

Sin City Here We Come!

2009-12-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

Viva Las Vegas!

~the lights, the action, the SPECTACLE!!!

We're heading west tomorrow for a few days in Sin City - my husband has a conference to attend and I'm tagging along for a little holiday, a couple of shows and a shopping expedition! Just a few details to take care of today - shovel the driveway (yup, it snowed last night), pack, prep and mail orders, brunch with my husband's family, a tree lighting celebration at our cottage later this afternoon...details, details...see ya soon!

2nd Etsy-versary Celebration and Blog Give-Away!

2009-12-05T05:42:00.001-08:00

Last chance to enter this weekend!

Draw will take place Monday, December 7!!!

Customers in my Etsy shop will have their name automatically entered once for each item purchased before midnight December 6...see below for other ways to enter!

How to win - names will be entered once for each of the following:

1. Follow my blog.

2. Leave a comment on this post.

3. Blog about this giveaway and link to this post.

4. Tweet about this giveaway.

Let me know if you've done these things so I can enter your name for each. Good Luck!

12 Days of Christmas - TransCanadaEtsyTeam Christmas GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-11-28T10:25:00.000-08:00

The TransCanada Etsy Team's 12 Days of Christmas holiday promotion runs from November 25 to December 6. Enter today to win a prize pack valued at over $350.00!!! Click on the photos to find out how to be the BIG WINNER!!! (and enjoy some fabulous holiday memories, traditions and recipes from team members!)

Participating Shops

chicki

lapaperie

transcanada team shop

inkyspider

kootsac

lotuspaperie

mythicalmatters

tangente

pixel8ed

Enthral

Loopy4Ewe

FiveForty

OffTheHooks

PrairiePeasant

PrairieThreads

RJCharms

Rikrak

MyHandboundBooks

CleanBright

StringMeAlong

Intuibead

minouette

SeaGlassDesigns

PaisleyBaby

WildWomanJewelry

GOOD LUCK!