tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-418989824401515892024-03-13T01:46:16.729-07:00Ajax DayPersonal lifestyle blog: I am a metalsmith, happiness pursuer, kid and puppy wrangler.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.comBlogger319125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-85519542418822473862013-04-05T16:54:00.000-07:002013-04-05T16:54:03.325-07:00I have been working really hard on a new look for my blog including a logo I designed, an attached online shop, and a new domain...and now that it is finished and up and running....I hope to see you all there! I would love to hear what you think.<br />
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Here is a Sneak Peek:<br />
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I have been posting for about a month about new jewelry, the Portland Market, a visit to Silver Falls, a letter from Swaziland and more! I am having so much fun with my new look, I hope you will come on by and say hello. :)<br />
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To visit, click here:<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://tarnishedandtrue.com/">Tarnishedandtrue.com</a></span></div>
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Happy Spring Everyone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-40974986753856130362013-02-27T10:24:00.002-08:002013-02-27T10:24:33.054-08:00Help Me Celebrate!<br />
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Great accomplishment today, everyone! Tarnished & True has reached 1000 sales!! I am jumping up and down over here....and want to celebrate by saying thank you to all of my followers.<br />
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Enjoy free shipping on anything in my shop with coupon code: <span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Big1000</span>.<br />
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Thank you for all of your continued support of my work, I am so happy with this success! And....there are some big things coming in the form of a new look for Tarnished & True on the web. Stay tuned....!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-5825479909222614132013-02-18T11:35:00.002-08:002013-02-18T11:35:33.420-08:00Big Project Reveal and Process: Ancient Valkyrie Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPhDxgwYElNK40IYEPAk9Z_sjcG6ScqHDZ9kb-_XKfa0PTGgtxKboIDb570-PdDhUEJO53zq52PxtszUyAUSdNv9RiCfwaVV6brSHILsgqHiQumQzS5AdBpT-yrn6PA_kx2xgNe0DE-M/s640/CIMG0095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123745606/ancient-valkyrie-statement-necklace-in" target="_blank">Ancient Valkyrie Statement Necklace in Natural Turquoise and Sterling Silver</a></td></tr>
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This big beautiful piece of turquoise was in my collection for over a year...just waiting for inspiration to hit. <br />
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This project began as a few stones, a design idea, and just silver sheet and wire. It inspired a lot of silver details; a pierced cut out design at the back, a complex handmade foxtail chain, silver granule accents, and a hand forged fringe. By the time I finished the piece, I was almost a little sad to be through with it....making it was such a fulfilling process!<br />
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I have another beautiful piece of turquoise stone, one that I have been holding onto for myself...I think I'm ready to work on that now, and very inspired to start another handmade chain.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;">The important thing is to keep producing. All artists have that quality. You have to be tenacious.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px;">~</span></span>Mary Frank</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-85187995446895746962013-02-15T16:59:00.000-08:002013-02-15T17:00:46.332-08:00Official Love Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wish everyday was a day where we were officially supposed to show our love for the special people in our lives. Matt gave me the prettiest bouquet-full of so many different flowers! MyGirl gave me a very impressive painting that I know she spent a lot of time on. MyBoy didn't even know it was Valentine's day...but he enjoyed getting treats from me. I made Matt a card with some pretty cheeky poetry in it. Here is a sample:<br />
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"you listen to my girly soundtrack,<br />
even though you'd rather hear 'baby got back'...<br />
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sometimes I can't believe how different we are,<br />
I like sci-fi and you like the football stars...<br />
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you look down on me, but only because you're tall<br />
you would never mean to make me feel small...<br />
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sometimes, even though you hate it,<br />
you eat the veggies because I made it..."<br />
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Well, you get the idea. We made the obligatory fondue, drank a great bottle of South African wine, and sat in front of a roaring fire. I still feel loved...little V-day love hangover going on here.<br />
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I hope every one out there feels loved.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Love Is All You Need</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Is All You Need</span><br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Love Is All You Need</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Is All You Need</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Love Is All You Need</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Is All You Need</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love Is All You Need</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">-The Beatles</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-51191857668589960142013-02-10T11:04:00.001-08:002013-02-10T11:04:15.910-08:00Kombucha, Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a while since I've brewed my own Kombucha. The tricky thing about brewing the stuff is in getting the Kombucha baby (called a Scoby or <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.0625px;">symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast</span>), which you need to start the brew. In the past I have been given a start by a friend, or knew someone who knew someone...that is how these things usually go. <br />
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This time around, I found a great little shop on Etsy, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WellsofHealth?ref=pr_shop_more">Wells of Health</a>. Fast shipping, a perfect little baby Kombucha, and easy instructions got my brew going in just a few days after I decided to make Kombucha. <br />
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A few weeks later, and my brew is looking great and tasting perfect. <br />
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Benefits of drinking Kombucha are controversial, but it is full of probiotics from the yeast and bacteria, and also antioxidants from the tea used to make the brew. <br />
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I think in moderation, it is a delicious treat, and fun to grow in the kitchen.<br />
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Welcome back to my life, Kombucha!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-73761244101797531012013-02-05T22:48:00.000-08:002013-02-05T22:48:35.588-08:00The Juice Fasting Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made it through eight days of juice fasting recently. I was aiming for ten, but MyBoy got the best of me during our outing in which he was rewarded for his amazing grades. We putt putt golfed together and then went out to lunch. <br />
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My breaking point was somewhere between his sweet face wanting to share lunch with me, and my favorite dish at McMennamin's; their West African Peanut Soup. Eating is awesome.<br />
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Juicing has been a part of my life for many years. I go through phases of juicing every day for months and then a dry spell, but I always come back to it because I love fresh juice!<br />
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During my fast, I experienced a beautiful clear sense of body and mind. There were more days where I was extremely productive, and a few where I was dragging. Every day I was challenged with the temptation to break the fast, and I enjoyed enforcing my will to keep with it.<br />
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To stay focussed, I photographed many of my juice concoctions because the ingredients are so beautiful, but I also found that when I engaged in the act of photographing the food, it helped my mind and body to appreciate the sustenance it was getting....almost like giving thanks.<br />
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I also mixed my recipes up a lot to keep my body interested. I generally had success juicing almost everything, even bell peppers! I especially enjoyed juice with papaya and pineapple added to some veggies. Juicing beets is my favorite. Most of my juice recipes are at least half vegetable (or green juices). <br />
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One day ended up to be a particularly bad juice recipe day. I tried using collard greens and they are oh way too bitter (kale and spinach are much better)! Later on the same day, I made a juice with too much lemon and too much ginger. I think that was on one of my tired days....plus two very bitter faces! Another challenge for me was cooking meals for the kids that I couldn't eat...almost too tempting!<br />
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It has been a few weeks now since being off my juice fast. I have found myself not wanting dairy or meat and have changed my eating habits to accomodate. I crave juice still every morning, sometimes a make a smoothie, but every morning since the fast I have started my day with raw fruits and veggies.<br />
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Fasting can be an incredible exercise in re-evaluating habits. I noticed how much better I felt drinking most likely three times as much water as I normally do in a day. I also kicked coffee during my fast (wow, do I appreciate that cuppa now!). <br />
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Which brings me to gratitude. <br />
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Fasting brings that emotion to the front of everything. When your body is hungry, it is also that much more grateful for any sustenance it is given. It feels good to have taken a step back, appreciated the abundant availability of food which I experience every day for myself and my family, and to have made a conscious choice to go without for a while.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-75818366713878750942013-02-03T11:06:00.001-08:002013-02-03T11:06:19.058-08:00How I Made A Big Complicated Necklace & Good Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-waZZ2ntupW17FZ4oUoPSA0rHMh0_kRkuP8G3ujiUYTj2973BLFifQHPVpIUqEY9q-u-4BFoEjTpdJaMv-M5H0iMiI77YoWDwkmuYVqIbBmThlgVyrwUwMZyAKmRh_SNrGbuaVTuoI/s1600/IMG_8743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgix-waZZ2ntupW17FZ4oUoPSA0rHMh0_kRkuP8G3ujiUYTj2973BLFifQHPVpIUqEY9q-u-4BFoEjTpdJaMv-M5H0iMiI77YoWDwkmuYVqIbBmThlgVyrwUwMZyAKmRh_SNrGbuaVTuoI/s640/IMG_8743.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122489495/aedre-flowering-necklace-in-chrysoprase">Aedre Necklace in Sterling Silver and Chrysoprase</a></td></tr>
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Meet my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/122489495/aedre-flowering-necklace-in-chrysoprase">Aedre necklace</a>! I played all day yesterday finishing this big piece. What made this one so much fun was all of the designing, and detail that went into the process. Each link, every aspect was a design choice, and every bit was done by hand (except for the tiny accent chain that hangs from the clasp...making a chain that small would make me crazy, I'm sure).<br />
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In this design, I played with texture, asymmetry, and of course the sculptural element of the pendent. You can see in some of the process photos how I made the links, and how I cut the flower from sheet silver. The feel of the handmade chain is so organic, I love the irregularity of it, and how chunky and heavy it is. I added a textured and oversized "S" clasp, and a braided round link to give the chain even more artsy charm.<br />
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My confidence in the shop is growing by leaps and bounds. Part of this is because of some good business lately. I mentioned the huge wholesale order in my last post, which I finished and got great feedback about! <br />
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Happy customers make me overwhelmingly courageous when it comes to designing new work. After that sale, I made a ring in turquoise using a design that had been mulling around in my head for some time. <br />
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It was this ring:<br />
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The same day I finished this ring, I listed it up on the shop, and went to bed. The next morning...it had sold! Thrilling!<br />
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All of this success just makes me want to make more jewelry...and meanwhile, we have ripped out all of the walls in half of the first story of our house!<br />
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Busy life as usual, but a good busy.<br />
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Until next time....who knows what will happen between now and then. *wink*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-89577896761722330692013-01-20T09:50:00.000-08:002013-01-20T09:52:44.435-08:00Wintry Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I started my juice fast, it seems like nothing but great things have been happening. <br />
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I made a new friend who invited me to her yoga class. I signed up immediately, because I've been meaning to do that for ages and apparently just needed the right reason.<br />
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A woman from Canada contacted me about my jewelry shop wanting to purchase from me wholesale! She has an adorable white washed artsy coffeshop/boutique where she wants to carry my work and she bought over 30 items! I have been loving going through my stock, getting her big order ready.<br />
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I have been feeling much more energized, and inspired. I spent a day organizing and cleaning the new house. I finally hung up all of those photos and some art I've been meaning to make time for. I think the internal cleansing is influencing how I want things on the outside too.<br />
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The last few days have been so wintry crisp, with bright sunshine...things just feel right.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-7974801895377731992013-01-16T08:58:00.000-08:002013-01-16T09:01:35.767-08:00Juicing and Being Selfish<br />
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I didn't exactly make a new year's resolution. I did vaguely talk to myself about taking better care of me. You know, that person who takes care of everyone else?? Well, I know she's been a bit neglected...</div>
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Today, I am on day three of a ten day juice fast. Yep, only juice from my trusty juicer...all...day...long. (I could really go for some pasta and marinara sauce right now.) </div>
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My main focus is to cleanse my body as a sort of transition into some lifestyle changes. Nothing drastic, just getting enough sleep, enough exercise, enough time to myself, and feeding myself three times a day. Seriously, amazed that I am raising healthy kids and pets, when I look at the way I take care of myself!</div>
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Two things I would recommend to anyone considering juicing regularly are getting a high quality juicer and a good juicing book. </div>
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I just traded my old (7 years!!) juicer in for a slow juicer (Omega brand) and the actual juice that comes out of it is incredible! It just looks like it has more vitamins in it and tastes richer too.</div>
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A good book is helpful because drinking juice all day means you need variety, and some new recipes can get you putting things you never thought could be juiced in that juicer. I found out that I really like melon juice in the morning, and that a juiced sweet pepper isn't as bad as it sounds. I'm using <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/330857.The_Complete_Book_of_Juicing">The Complete Book of Juicing</a>.</div>
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So far I am feeling great about the juice fast. I just keep telling myself that I can do this and am drinking a lot of tea.</div>
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Cheers, to my health and yours!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">Our bodies are our gardens </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">to which our wills are gardeners.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">– William Shakespeare</span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-87961004723382081872013-01-10T16:02:00.000-08:002013-01-10T16:02:40.128-08:00Wintery Beach Escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The beach is the most wonderful place...any time of year. The January wind didn't keep us from running in the sand, and collecting surf smoothed stones. <br />
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We also visited the obligatory souvenir, antique, and taffy and rock shops (I wanted to take home all of the gemstones in Lincoln City!).<br />
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After the holidays, it was so nice to get out of town, breathe some fresh salty air, and leave work behind...if only for the day....<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-81150231728700275572013-01-04T13:24:00.000-08:002013-01-04T13:24:50.179-08:00Some New Blue Lately<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD4PpfNwaDJiUaNd7eQQ6Ox6whyphenhyphenlPx7L5g-an1aJHqrBWfsORITQgHdElYT0kghSa2uNOrtpGQFIXmMnEYageKwS4FBx1ABe7VW31pgo1kNWv4XFKcAqOl41EtN1TliI9DlLiH2wx7ss/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwD4PpfNwaDJiUaNd7eQQ6Ox6whyphenhyphenlPx7L5g-an1aJHqrBWfsORITQgHdElYT0kghSa2uNOrtpGQFIXmMnEYageKwS4FBx1ABe7VW31pgo1kNWv4XFKcAqOl41EtN1TliI9DlLiH2wx7ss/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116977750/blue-sunflower-statement-ring-in">Blue Sunflower Statement Ring</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGieh4wrF_GHDvaj1gfqnxDwiEKiu0l8vkRMaxPEAKFwkIXlOUSCP2CGQWndMbBFM1bylWLhrSeWfrNlJrD_2SemmhSB8YbMlyeFrajvOmrIYmL4GyR8ejW9MgG90ExrQGgpXRaotgUxU/s1600/CIMG9907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGieh4wrF_GHDvaj1gfqnxDwiEKiu0l8vkRMaxPEAKFwkIXlOUSCP2CGQWndMbBFM1bylWLhrSeWfrNlJrD_2SemmhSB8YbMlyeFrajvOmrIYmL4GyR8ejW9MgG90ExrQGgpXRaotgUxU/s640/CIMG9907.JPG" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119369578/door-in-the-sky-earrings-in-sterling">Door in The Sky Earrings</a></td></tr>
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I will never ever get tired of working with turquoise. Never. It is just gorgeous! <br />
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These two pieces I am really fond of, because I think they reflect how much my craft has grown in the last year. My work is constantly evolving as I get more confident, and learn new tricks in my studio. I am enjoying the freedom in that, to be able to bring my designs to life.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-29538050250772290712013-01-01T13:12:00.002-08:002013-01-01T13:12:41.555-08:00My Take on the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year! <br />
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Last night was spent playing Bingo with prizes (thus the mustachios), watching Brave, and then shooting poppers into the night, banging pots and pans, and sipping bubblies. Pretty great little family party.<br />
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And onto talk of the new year...I am a little concerned with all of the unlucky friday the 2013th coming up...anyone else worried about that?<br />
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And resolutions...hmmmmm...<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">“It is important to expect nothing, to take </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;">every experience, including the negative ones,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #ea9999; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;"> as merely steps on the path, and to proceed.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">― </span>Ram Dass</span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-63968002677860841362012-12-28T21:25:00.001-08:002012-12-28T21:26:33.807-08:00Christmas Recap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Christmas was certainly complete with: Wonder Woman legos, pumpkin pie, puppies, thoughtful gifts, a Christmas morning fire, and I even wore a Christmas outfit! There was a lot of relaxing throughout the day with good friends while the kiddos learned how to use their new Kindles....still need to install that parental control, but am letting them have at it while they can. ;)<br />
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I am feeling fully recharged and ready to jump back into work, and routine. <br />
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Hope the holidays brought light and love to you all as well!<br />
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<3 p="p"><br />
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<br />
<br /><!--3--></3>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-82463676303170414062012-12-24T13:53:00.001-08:002012-12-24T13:53:19.912-08:00Merry Merry, Everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Love, Bella</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-44147289340140169712012-12-22T12:20:00.000-08:002012-12-22T12:20:06.771-08:00Christmas In The Shop<br />
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Looking back on the last two months is a blur! I felt like a Christmas elf, working away on special gifts for so many <i>many</i> people. I couldn't have ever predicted how busy I would be this year. Compared to last year I think I was 6 times busier!</div>
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A big thank you to all of my wonderful customers!</div>
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I couldn't have done it without my three helpers and two fuzzy distractions. Mygirl and Myboy helped by cutting jewelry cards, printing shipping labels, rinsing and tarnishing rings, making meals, cleaning, and just generally being awesome kids. Matt was incredible about keeping up with the box making even with the insane demand (as of today, he will have made nearly 200 boxes since november began!!). And, of course, the puppies were always under foot keeping me company as I worked. Tarnished & True is definitely a small family run business!</div>
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Now that the holiday rush has come to a close, I am settling into my own holiday fun; getting my gifts ready, sending off cards, and enjoying the kids home for winter break. </div>
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And....I cannot wait for Christmas! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-59618671690347106492012-12-15T21:33:00.000-08:002012-12-15T21:44:17.917-08:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season! I have been lost in a sea of jewelry making and christmas orders in my shop.<br />
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Through all of the good in my world, I am also feeling a deep sadness over what happened in Connecticut.<br />
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There are no words.<br />
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This rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah by K.D. Lang is beautiful. I listened to it and my thoughts went to the parents who will be missing little ones this year...<br />
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.....so in contrast to my silly holiday pet photo, I dedicate this song to those suffering and hope that everyone can take a moment to send love that way.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H9bIP8fqwOI" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-25707229151662697282012-12-02T22:10:00.000-08:002012-12-02T22:10:40.576-08:00Giving Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb7JRyFyyJmBapQsgZsEzMfkHinmw6xUTfDkmGZZFQ-IQhnLeXaSZVQBchJylnKfM6ik8RmmpN5mw-ckLW0Sm57TrG6D5NeyPVdinzyjUwDchx5w7ywuIVk9WJlZTMuyCRKqfq2A0G3U/s1600/Photo-0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb7JRyFyyJmBapQsgZsEzMfkHinmw6xUTfDkmGZZFQ-IQhnLeXaSZVQBchJylnKfM6ik8RmmpN5mw-ckLW0Sm57TrG6D5NeyPVdinzyjUwDchx5w7ywuIVk9WJlZTMuyCRKqfq2A0G3U/s640/Photo-0254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I lived in South Africa, in 2006, I couldn't believe how beautiful everything was there....crystal blue water, white sand beaches, red rocky terrain, and so much sky! We stayed in a little coastal town called Muizenburg where whales swam in the ocean and I could see them spouting out of our kitchen window in August.</div>
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All of that beauty contrasted so intensely with the massive poverty that was also a part of the landscape. Only a mile from our house it began. A shanty town made of makeshift tin huts stacked up like cards along the road, and stretched forever.</div>
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My naive bleeding heart handed out coins to every little local hand that reached my way. I bought trinkets, baskets, dolls, wooden spoons and even ice creams from a constant pool of desperate vendors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGMhRK4kiUkuvTeKkjJb4qKqzgqGW6nzu70j63W3Xd2UU28FcxjS8je8I2Ifz4ZNFwutW2Z_vsPdyj1Tv88s4kPF4sytR_QlewUejWQd3WHanxGIz70NPKh9Zi1hJ7bxu-lfGUpkzWjU/s1600/CIMG1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGMhRK4kiUkuvTeKkjJb4qKqzgqGW6nzu70j63W3Xd2UU28FcxjS8je8I2Ifz4ZNFwutW2Z_vsPdyj1Tv88s4kPF4sytR_QlewUejWQd3WHanxGIz70NPKh9Zi1hJ7bxu-lfGUpkzWjU/s640/CIMG1572.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I believe that seeing poverty first hand changed me, and the way I see the world.</div>
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In Africa, when you hand out money to the people on the street, they buy food. You won't see them blowing any handouts on booze or cigarrettes. In Africa, there aren't soup kitchens or welfare, or entry level minimum wage jobs.</div>
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I met a couple who had an adopted little boy. He had dysentery when they took him in. His mother had died the day after she had traveled all the way from the middle of Africa to be united with her husband. He had relocated to find work to provide for his family. One day the man came up to this couple and begged them to take care of his little boy...and miraculously they did.</div>
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One day, I got lost driving around, and I found myself driving through a shanty town outside of Cape Town. I was scared. I had never seen anything like it. The housing looked more like garbage than a place someone could live. I passed a body covered in a blanket, with people just walking by like it was nothing.</div>
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There were hardly any jobs, men would sit on the curb all morning hoping to be picked up for manual labor.</div>
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Grocery stores all had metal shopping carts because the plastic ones would be stolen for fueling fires. </div>
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I never got used to the poverty.</div>
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It is overwhelming to even begin to think about how many people in the world need so much. It seems impossible to be able to help at all, but I have wanted to do something for a long time.</div>
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Lately I have realized that I have everything in the world I could ever need or want. My children are healthy, my business is successful, and I am living my dream.</div>
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I realized it was time to give back and so yesterday, I sponsored a child.</div>
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Her name is Tembuso, and she lives in Swaziland. She is 5 years old. MyGirl and MyBoy sat next to me as we set up the sponsorship and I was so proud to see tears in their eyes. They remember our time in South Africa too.<br />
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I know I can't save the entire world...but maybe I can help one little girl, and her community.<br />
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For more info on child sponsorship, visit World Vision, <a href="http://www.worldvision.org/?lpos=top_drp_HomeButton">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-91323766125050062652012-11-28T21:40:00.002-08:002012-11-28T21:40:49.432-08:00A Few New Things Just in Time For the Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116363737/arctic-december-ring-in-natural">Arctic December Ring /// Size 7.5</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116364107/love-is-golden-heart-posts-in-sterling?ref=v1_other_1">Love is Golden Heart Posts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oOjTMzqd6GEasTHQFN_2GSvAJJPgLzy2TmXcLfb1niwRmsn5DKU-ZVx6QQKVSRpICx-XvuvF2j2KFfhnmWl56F6POlfbAAOGgwx3y3cSe72Vz9-VuQ_WenBf4AysAVLZ1d6a-G2uysQ/s1600/CIMG9816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oOjTMzqd6GEasTHQFN_2GSvAJJPgLzy2TmXcLfb1niwRmsn5DKU-ZVx6QQKVSRpICx-XvuvF2j2KFfhnmWl56F6POlfbAAOGgwx3y3cSe72Vz9-VuQ_WenBf4AysAVLZ1d6a-G2uysQ/s640/CIMG9816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116573162/design-your-own-personalized-sterling">Design Your Own Sterling Silver Personalized Band</a></td></tr>
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As if the season weren't keeping me busy enough! I added a few new things! It must be that just being in the shop so much lately is keeping me inspired!<br />
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I can't take full credit for those cute golden heart post earrings. A customer special ordered the pair, inspired by a different design in my shop. As you know, I love listening to my customers, they come up with the best ideas sometimes!<br />
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I also finally got around to making a prototype of and photographing a personalized band that is wide enough to hold horizontal lettering and much more substantial than its daintier, and best selling cousin...which you can see <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88480636/design-your-own-personalized-sterling">here</a> if you are curious. Again inspired by the customer and so very very many emails asking if stamping can be horizontal and not vertical, which it is in my original personalized band. <br />
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I think the first band speaks for itself, a labor of love, and inspired by my infatuation with all stones turquoise, and an artsy design. I live for the free time to create those kinds of pieces and love it when they find the perfect home.<br />
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The christmas lights are up...wrapped high around the tall cedar trees that line our drive, and dangling from the roof line. The christmas spirit is here!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-82788643719552907082012-11-25T16:37:00.001-08:002012-11-25T16:37:55.234-08:00Thanksgiving Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Leading up to Thanksgiving it was all work around here and no play...the shop has been keeping me crazy busy with a record 63 sales this month so far. I just looked at the orders and counted 131 single rings...oh wow.<br />
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So all week I looked forward to Thanksgiving Day. Not only is it my favorite holiday, but I had planned not to do any shop business all day...and I didn't. (Okay, I answered a few emails, but that's it, I promise!)<br />
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Playing in the kitchen never feels like work to me, and cooking is something Matt and I really enjoy doing together. I loved watching my kids prepping and chopping veggies, ripping bread for stuffing, and brushing olive oil on bread for the crostinis. <br />
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We cooked and cooked until we were starving, and sat down to play some rumikube and have our first course, while the oven was busy cooking the main dishes. On Thanksgiving, board games are a must!<br />
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On the menu for appetizers we had crostinis, some with salmon, dill and cream cheese, and some with fig jam and blue cheese. We also made stuffed mushrooms and sweet potato fries. Yum!<br />
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The stuffing, ham, and sweet potatoes came out delicious. It was just so nice to sit down around our table together in our new house and enjoy the feast.<br />
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Then with full bellies we sat around the fire.<br />
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Now it is back to work, I expect the next few weeks to be quite a rush....and that Christmas day will be another welcome vacation day for me when it arrives!<br />
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Giving thanks this year for holidays, and relaxation.<br />
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Cheers, friends! Stay cozy.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-34771510729878935572012-11-19T22:09:00.001-08:002012-11-20T08:32:54.828-08:00Two New Pieces & A Peek at The Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115064889/stormy-seas-shield-ring-in-sterling">Stormy Seas Shield Ring</a></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">in sterling silver and natural turquoise</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1N1UhP8S8lrlWz7-HGXKTk89Mt8DSm7G6f0ZlRTQBIFL-CYiHt9zYxc2tC6odcwKq2e7vfu4PTI5cdoykXu2dLti51olv8MhnuSirUCXht7vE3Xfb1BfFH_apiv7ZVjpmvQFBW5p7T4/s1600/IMG_7816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1N1UhP8S8lrlWz7-HGXKTk89Mt8DSm7G6f0ZlRTQBIFL-CYiHt9zYxc2tC6odcwKq2e7vfu4PTI5cdoykXu2dLti51olv8MhnuSirUCXht7vE3Xfb1BfFH_apiv7ZVjpmvQFBW5p7T4/s640/IMG_7816.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114727936/luna-ring-in-sterling-silver-and-natural">Luna Ring</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">in sterling silver, natural turquoise, and yellow turquoise</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4g_C0EELeS-bcKHODcv6dNSMVh79i4dkJ2oBgaF7TjXFL_EBK5WdCGXQt34oUtlBGiyIGdVdpg36Adws4fjCqKXEi2yrgD9tRlgXTMbYYvrAuCwVd8JlQsRCAx4X-JmGQ19MKkI-KBE/s1600/IMG_7796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4g_C0EELeS-bcKHODcv6dNSMVh79i4dkJ2oBgaF7TjXFL_EBK5WdCGXQt34oUtlBGiyIGdVdpg36Adws4fjCqKXEi2yrgD9tRlgXTMbYYvrAuCwVd8JlQsRCAx4X-JmGQ19MKkI-KBE/s640/IMG_7796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yEQAvsyLPYC380HonhBZ14XyM91NAIzOkbfrE4uHRasmWvrBsBdF1kAdGgugkbG1qdMVxUt4I1L_Ll9_TeC8G-r4B7A7jb3x1QS4Fb904vkHDyeb3WhlRztxdrNn8zotYNXlfqSj498/s1600/Recently+Updated40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yEQAvsyLPYC380HonhBZ14XyM91NAIzOkbfrE4uHRasmWvrBsBdF1kAdGgugkbG1qdMVxUt4I1L_Ll9_TeC8G-r4B7A7jb3x1QS4Fb904vkHDyeb3WhlRztxdrNn8zotYNXlfqSj498/s640/Recently+Updated40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a few new big pieces I have been working on...I love them both very much. <span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Click on the links above the photos to find them in my shop.)</span><br />
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I have found that the familiarity of contour, shape, and line...those friends that I made so long ago; sketching, painting, doodling, attending art school, cutting hair, sewing scraps of fabric together...find themselves comfortably working once again, beside me at my bench, as I work as a metalsmith. <br />
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Every piece starts as a line drawing. I see it in three dimensions. I draw a pattern. I etch its idea into the metal. <br />
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I cut, solder, and file away at the work until it is the vision I could have painted on paper..the moment I knew just what I was going to create.<br />
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I love the creating.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">ground.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #999999;">~Rumi</span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-10272497893112747522012-11-17T11:38:00.000-08:002012-11-17T11:38:45.433-08:00My very Duchamp Moment in Photography<br />
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I have always loved photography, I took it in junior high and college. The dark room is a magical place, chemical smells and images appearing out of nowhere....I could spend hours in a dark room. </div>
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I'm actually not that great a photographer, but I love taking pictures, and sometimes I get a really great opportunity and grab the shot.</div>
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If I could turn our whole house into one giant art studio, I would! One room would be a darkroom, another a painting studio, my metalsmithing shop still there, and a room for practicing music on the guitar and maybe I'd even get out the flute again...and I would just work my way from room to room as the inspiration took me. </div>
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One minute a painter, the next a photographer...following the muse around the house.</div>
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Since that is a pretty wild dream, and I probably won't ever get around to having a darkroom, I have become pretty content with Instagram shots, and photographing my jewelry in our bathroom where the huge skylight provides some nice natural lighting.</div>
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A couple of weeks ago, Matt and I were out driving around and I looked over to see this brigade of toilets just sitting there in a parking lot! I really couldn't contain myself...Matt parked the car for me so I could get out and take some photos. </div>
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Who doesn't love a photo of a bunch of toilets? They make me laugh. A lot.</div>
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I think Duchamp would be a little happy with the result....especially if I would have had a sharpie on me to add a little graffiti to one. </div>
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Darn, there's always next time.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-48969036706291038962012-11-14T14:39:00.003-08:002012-11-14T14:39:59.748-08:00A Secret Project Revealed & Friendship Can Happen Over the Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSInfd0P1w5WcC9Sx7VfXGBLJsQrRDnJ8qclEHgqB1OZd-VQxRlvYLYxOQWLjnE5z05eJe0v_c5n07BadhBkbBbuufTw3AxEA5gxsO8xDXZhLdIj_lj_BVZQTHhX-Y_DYAM2FLkinqRSE/s1600/2012-11-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSInfd0P1w5WcC9Sx7VfXGBLJsQrRDnJ8qclEHgqB1OZd-VQxRlvYLYxOQWLjnE5z05eJe0v_c5n07BadhBkbBbuufTw3AxEA5gxsO8xDXZhLdIj_lj_BVZQTHhX-Y_DYAM2FLkinqRSE/s640/2012-11-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVlF_NfgMQhiu2gdDRcoor3nI3AMo0-OGV3WtKVjIjBwdwh3gQRQtk73HSgrrtonXyZmhDAkKb4RgSVx0QWTgcnnh5rH3FLyzW_kbk_s1Q-CqBlTFqgb6XIQWm-FwEMa6Jm_J3IpP0_c/s1600/gallery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVlF_NfgMQhiu2gdDRcoor3nI3AMo0-OGV3WtKVjIjBwdwh3gQRQtk73HSgrrtonXyZmhDAkKb4RgSVx0QWTgcnnh5rH3FLyzW_kbk_s1Q-CqBlTFqgb6XIQWm-FwEMa6Jm_J3IpP0_c/s640/gallery.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was killing me not to post about this big project! But, I had to keep it a secret...because the friend who would be wearing it is my blog sister, and I didn't want to spoil the surprise.<br />
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The story of this jewelry starts way back before my Etsy shop, my jewelry studio, and even living in Oregon....it began as a sketch, an idea, a project that I wanted to get to some day...but didn't at the time have any idea how that would happen. <br />
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During that same time I started blogging...and I met Chandra, of <a href="http://www.astylishlittlelady.com/">A Stylish Little Lady</a>. I can't remember how I stumbled across her blog? But we were fast friends! Actually thinking about it, I can hardly believe we have known of each other for so long...maybe two years!?!<br />
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Following Chandra's blog, I began to know her style, fell in love with her dog, drooled over some very good food posts, and eventually found her planning her wedding...<br />
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All the while, she was here at my blog cheering me on when I designed a new piece, or set up shop, even putting some of my jewelry on her christmas list last year.<br />
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So when Chandra came to me to design her bridal jewelry, I was thrilled. I was excited, nervous, inspired...but I knew immediately just what I wanted to make for her. <br />
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It just felt right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAWROBbPCgxg-y_HjmkKamu0CnJRZeeSWS5nauPbdR_4_fbfXvTVkV3stsmueNBtRtedi0-2LxFVlVVBnpH6VEa1ws9dBkMGiazLAxsan1hM9sDbY7gseogyZrh2BC73PNgQ3nn32egs/s1600/IMG_5480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAWROBbPCgxg-y_HjmkKamu0CnJRZeeSWS5nauPbdR_4_fbfXvTVkV3stsmueNBtRtedi0-2LxFVlVVBnpH6VEa1ws9dBkMGiazLAxsan1hM9sDbY7gseogyZrh2BC73PNgQ3nn32egs/s400/IMG_5480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Over only a few emails and photographed sketches, we discussed the necklace design and birthstones...and then Chandra gave me free reign with the project.<br />
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I didn't send her another picture. <br />
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I just went to work.<br />
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I have always believed that metal and stones hold a person's energy. When I create jewelry in my shop, I always make sure to create with good intentions, and positive energy. With this project, even when the process could have become frustrating, or I was working on a particularly tricky part (soldering tiny jump rings, or filing and sanding contour to the branches...), everything went smoothly. </div>
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The necklace turned out exactly how I had envisioned it! It is hard not to think that way back when I originally designed it, that somehow it was for Chandra even then...</div>
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Matt made an especially big box for the jewelry to fit in, and I mailed it off. I can tell you, I was holding my breath for that package to arrive, and to hear what kind of review my work would receive on the other end!</div>
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It is one thing to work on a commissioned piece for someone, but knowing I was designing something for the most important day of my friend's life...her wedding...added an extra bit of intensity. </div>
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Having a lot of experience with commissioned work in all different art mediums (murals, prints, illustration...once I was even hired to paint a logo on a sailboat), I know things can get tricky....but there was not one hitch when it came to this project. </div>
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While her jewelry was in transit, Chandra emailed me...she forgot that she needed some silver post earrings as well to wear on her big day. Just our luck, as a surprise, I had added a pair of silver posts to her package! </div>
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She loved everything. </div>
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And I loved making everything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngI0wkYiYA7cJqeaBkiwv9ZN5TbLbnUGZREtTjOBQvZBQBxbtswYLaz8tnTGULaBqBl9HBENsJFP4BxmjRMYrBweJYafmJJTEEjHAHubG5Y9dEnd-CgrpUK-GuipsTvLAtqlI8NCF_3A/s1600/IMG_7725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngI0wkYiYA7cJqeaBkiwv9ZN5TbLbnUGZREtTjOBQvZBQBxbtswYLaz8tnTGULaBqBl9HBENsJFP4BxmjRMYrBweJYafmJJTEEjHAHubG5Y9dEnd-CgrpUK-GuipsTvLAtqlI8NCF_3A/s640/IMG_7725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wedding is in a few short days, and I will be sending beautiful thoughts that way...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-222037815542674022012-11-08T09:42:00.002-08:002012-11-08T09:46:13.286-08:00Artist Feature//The Ninetynine DraftCurrently in *love* with this project between two friends, a poet and an illustrator. They have set out to complete ninetynine works between them which they post on <a href="http://followgram.me/theninetyninedraft">instagram</a> and on their <a href="http://theninetyninedraft.tumblr.com/">blog</a>. Or you can follow their <a href="https://twitter.com/ninetyninedraft">tweets</a> for updates as well.<br />
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I love watching each piece take shape as they post their process...and this one is my favorite!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSPGPSE6vxyLksxlTLSf82y6BTTAmGZhnURvrNkhHnk4OC_07vdqteDWlwgsccb3La40MVJHtk844ehPcqGP9DqFDAQQd9F9eDpNNWNj4ml25uXxi9byUOb233SU6uV-BDSQHatUnX2k/s1600/31805915352.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSPGPSE6vxyLksxlTLSf82y6BTTAmGZhnURvrNkhHnk4OC_07vdqteDWlwgsccb3La40MVJHtk844ehPcqGP9DqFDAQQd9F9eDpNNWNj4ml25uXxi9byUOb233SU6uV-BDSQHatUnX2k/s1600/31805915352.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I ordered a 5x7 print off of their website. How cool is that?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAW-Pyj_gzmOzPZ5PLKLItUTB4a9lwUpS0pMXdoMgEmdwNozPXaa_z0TCMo_d5PqlALenCeorGKk79ECAl2OmX9-X9eBacaqaguXogH59zUyK2aEYlqRiahNhtlaF6J5mv67kP9vA8k/s1600/IMG_7581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAW-Pyj_gzmOzPZ5PLKLItUTB4a9lwUpS0pMXdoMgEmdwNozPXaa_z0TCMo_d5PqlALenCeorGKk79ECAl2OmX9-X9eBacaqaguXogH59zUyK2aEYlqRiahNhtlaF6J5mv67kP9vA8k/s320/IMG_7581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few other of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82KYSZfkZPfrRaoaFgMu17pmJs-lFfZ6zDjbQAFWMA9f_sMlA18dA5gh-m9lMNCNuT8Y5XNZFsZCmJ4sgHRUwkvCIxa9LnzG4MkWGi4Ydkzrqe0GEAXn7yNARAQEzEr6uyFZzP1qITc0/s1600/29550779015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82KYSZfkZPfrRaoaFgMu17pmJs-lFfZ6zDjbQAFWMA9f_sMlA18dA5gh-m9lMNCNuT8Y5XNZFsZCmJ4sgHRUwkvCIxa9LnzG4MkWGi4Ydkzrqe0GEAXn7yNARAQEzEr6uyFZzP1qITc0/s1600/29550779015.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Eqd79PC-AFdKsqhg-P9VuH-Em4n98A9Utkl4ILZ9wYqPyoL3sC_w29hIwnDDJD4d2CHBj4sPcEYH1COyEBlF_bq5Ftpto4qhzxOR2lJmYcPP9R-Ea2PcGojdlf5nycA4Oz6NyR1ahvs/s1600/30061929913.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Eqd79PC-AFdKsqhg-P9VuH-Em4n98A9Utkl4ILZ9wYqPyoL3sC_w29hIwnDDJD4d2CHBj4sPcEYH1COyEBlF_bq5Ftpto4qhzxOR2lJmYcPP9R-Ea2PcGojdlf5nycA4Oz6NyR1ahvs/s1600/30061929913.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NlcixCF_UQ-iu6RFPVRD-hI_FgsWSQ5cVMA0FJSEajssy_74sPvulxDRmtA3xnX6tuuy5cr5BjBMXdZVacy7LQ2SikQVncAwFlC0tCK4PxsKnLEbU9Y6Z3qgoBB1c-7wQGlb-cUeI9o/s1600/32562081562.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NlcixCF_UQ-iu6RFPVRD-hI_FgsWSQ5cVMA0FJSEajssy_74sPvulxDRmtA3xnX6tuuy5cr5BjBMXdZVacy7LQ2SikQVncAwFlC0tCK4PxsKnLEbU9Y6Z3qgoBB1c-7wQGlb-cUeI9o/s1600/32562081562.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I wish this art was a giant mural on my wall...I love it that much. :) I will just have to keep buying prints.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-67214623455492754132012-11-07T19:15:00.001-08:002012-11-07T19:15:37.671-08:00New Pretties & The Beauty of a Handmade Nation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPic0V5g6B5RIkM-ruRdhsBW4-is-YqTrIZH2DYjJDj8zr3qjzNMhO5g0GPFCpAiPqrIcPDzKe5AnMN6yMi8TvKXtc_8Xa_Fml9b6F1OpqlfmjyyqD25T4qrJ9kP_6smBHXNsZ9SYoqRM/s1600/Recently+Updated37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPic0V5g6B5RIkM-ruRdhsBW4-is-YqTrIZH2DYjJDj8zr3qjzNMhO5g0GPFCpAiPqrIcPDzKe5AnMN6yMi8TvKXtc_8Xa_Fml9b6F1OpqlfmjyyqD25T4qrJ9kP_6smBHXNsZ9SYoqRM/s640/Recently+Updated37.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwfjssk-erxgTs8ySv2YnwXgaVhZ0XMg0Ova-shOkwQcS6zheI6xAV1CVGAsR7QNa2vcrDykYmXFs2gmq1u46WEw35KqMmzeQ2FnlwVTkBnqWJqYOuQepaGzeTsgIiUePOOsN3hK-YrE/s1600/Recently+Updated38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwfjssk-erxgTs8ySv2YnwXgaVhZ0XMg0Ova-shOkwQcS6zheI6xAV1CVGAsR7QNa2vcrDykYmXFs2gmq1u46WEw35KqMmzeQ2FnlwVTkBnqWJqYOuQepaGzeTsgIiUePOOsN3hK-YrE/s640/Recently+Updated38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114232599/turquoise-ring-in-sterling-silver-ready">Turquoise Droplet Ring in Sterling Silver</a><br />
2. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114332486/candy-ring-in-sterling-silver-and-pink">Candy Ring in Sterling Silver and Pink Opal</a><br />
3. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114360241/candy-ring-in-sterling-silver-and-lapis">Candy Ring in Sterling Silver and Lapis Lazuli</a><br />
4. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114234105/sterling-silver-post-earrings-triad">Sterling Silver Post Earrings: Triad</a><br />
5. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113363699/turquoise-droplet-earrings-in-sterling">Turquoise Droplet Earrings in Sterling Silver </a><br />
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I have been so absorbed in jewelry making lately, kicking out new designs to start off the holiday season. It has begun! Already people are coming to my shop for christmas gifts...this is going to be a busy few months!<br />
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This year, I am planning to do a fair amount of my own christmas shopping from handmade shops on Etsy as well as from the usual local shops in town. As my shop continues to get bigger and bigger, I see how the concept of a handmade nation is catching on. New faces are turning to Etsy every day, trusting their purchase with the little shop, rather than turning to the old familiar massive chain department stores.<br />
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It is a beautiful thing to be able to make a living as an artist. <br />
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Do you shop handmade?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00008892775707318435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41898982440151589.post-61552467489101329462012-11-03T11:15:00.001-07:002012-11-03T11:15:17.752-07:00Oh Pumpkin Seeds, How Delicious You Are & A Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJxlaE44I_RN9fru4jK1H6jn8olHEK6YlAhI6OjJf01kWorPxQHL1mTFInR53mbAAB_55gfwsfhaNc6JE41KmgbMpjNsD7PqVZSq8aliuLLw9fkpMXkzvri1N0ydYPQi1VWP6VTijqvU/s1600/IMG_7619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJxlaE44I_RN9fru4jK1H6jn8olHEK6YlAhI6OjJf01kWorPxQHL1mTFInR53mbAAB_55gfwsfhaNc6JE41KmgbMpjNsD7PqVZSq8aliuLLw9fkpMXkzvri1N0ydYPQi1VWP6VTijqvU/s640/IMG_7619.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still have some leftover seeds from pumpkin carving and need a great recipe? I tried a new tactic this year, agave nectar making its first appearance in our anual pumpkin seed roasting routine.<br />
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::YUM::<br />
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First things first, we enjoyed a little trip to a local veggie stand for our pumpkins, locally sourced is always better, and in this case more fun! They had a mini corn maze, cider, and candy for the kids...not to mention some gorgeous pumpkins! We picked out some big guys for carving jack-o-lanterns and some little guys for just plain lanterns (used for ambiance at our halloween party).<br />
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After the carving came the roasting, and this year those seeds came out perfect!<br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Recipe:</span><br />
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Pumpkin seeds (I also roasted some giant spaghetti squash seeds as well which were equally yum)<br />
Olive oil<br />
Agave Nectar<br />
Tamari<br />
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So easy to make. Just clean all the pumpkin guts from the seeds, and lay them out in a pan about 2 to 3 seeds thick. Pour olive oil generously coating the seeds, and then add the tamari and agave nectar to taste (about equal amounts of each for a perfect salty sweet flavor).<br />
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Bake on low, 250 degrees until seeds are beautifully browned and somewhat crispy. They will continue to be sticky and messy even when fully cooked.<br />
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Healthy, festive, and super easy! I have been putting them in the kid's school lunches for a healthy autumn treat.<br />
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::Enjoy::<br />
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