E² - Esther Eve, Metalsmith

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-20T14:54:00.000-06:00

What a gorgeous Etsy Treasury that my Navajo Ring was featured in!!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE2MjQ5MDd8MTE2MTI3MTUxNg/winter-wonders

Newest Warrior Shield Ring Addition....

2011-11-19T15:04:00.000-06:00

Pierced, Formed, Filed, Sanded, Hammered, Oxidized, Tumbled, Loved.

Now available MADE TO ORDER in the Etsy Shop!!!

I hope everyone is staying warm and snuggly out there as the weather gets colder!

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xoxoxxx

Nothing Else Matters...

2011-11-07T12:45:00.000-06:00

I can't get enough Lissie, especially her knack for doing incredible covers.

Prepare to cry from the beauty of this one!

Of Hemoglobin, and some new Eye Candy....

2011-10-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

Hot off the bench this week!

I'm calling this one my Hemoglobin Necklace.

For any Dexter fans out there, this sort of reminds me of his blood slides!

Probably the most incredible cabochon I've had in my possession.

Pigeons Blood Agate. I am trying desperately to acquire more of this same quality!

The back is cut out because it is just as beautiful, and also because from the front this cabochon looks even more beautiful with flesh tone instead of a silver backing showing through.

Gorgeous Maury Moss Agate, in Autumn colors!

Autumn leaf pierced out of the back to reveal the gorgeous red moss, and just to play with absentmindedly while you wear it!

My signature Hammerhead Cocktail Ring, this time in Piranha Agate.

Some great little silver caviar accents on the back.

Size 6.5.

Beautifully dreamy Obsidian, revealing a silvery blueish Lunar Eclipse.

Some great silver accent balls on the back.

Size 6.25.

Sterling and 24k Gold Keum-Boo Stud Earrings.

Sized approx .30" round, and perfect for everyday wear!

All available in the Etsy Shop!

I hope that everyone has an absolutely delightful Halloween this year, filled with plenty of friends, family, candy, and good scares ;o)

xoxoxxx

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A smattering of new work....

2011-09-22T13:54:00.001-05:00

A few more Warriors Shield Rings for the shop, not quite as big as the giant knuckle ring I made last week though! A bit smaller, and one that is Navajo design inspired, and one that is more King Arthur's Knights inspired.

We just finished watching the Starz Series Camelot Season 1. Incredibly sad that they are not coming out with Season 2....I am now hopelessly addicted, and the characters they built are fantastic, especially the intricate character of Merlin.

Created this giant cross as I was inspired by the large and intricate metalworked jewelry, headgear, and cloak accents that adorned everything. Really, the costuming is excellent in that show, you could watch it just for that.

All in the Etsy Shop now!

xoxoxxx

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A desert feather and a daisy flower...

2011-09-09T14:54:00.000-05:00

Two more rings in the shop today!

In The Etsy Shop!

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xoxoxxx

Warriors Shield - Etched Brass Cross Knuckle Ring

2011-09-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

I'm so in love with this ring...am I allowed to say that without sounding like I have a super ego???

At any rate, I don't care in this instance, I'm in love with this ring.

I've been playing with the idea of creating a knuckle ring for a while, they are all the rage, but was trying to figure out a way to create it in my own style, to ensure that it is very obviously not a copycat.

It's so comfortable to wear, but it has a nice and fairly heavy weight to it.

I'm keeping this first one for myself, they are now made to order in your size!

Now, in The Etsy Shop

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xoxoxxx

Nature at it's best...

2011-09-06T18:26:00.005-05:00

A gorgeous tree shot taken while camping on Georgia this past weekend...natures beauty will never cease to amaze me, what do you think?

some new work...and off into the wilderness for the holiday weekend...

2011-09-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

Finally have some new work posted in the Etsy Shop.

Just a few small things that I've been working on, hoping to add some variety to my repitoire as well as some more affordable price points.

In a few hours we are off into the wilderness of Georgia, on a lake, camping, and having a wonderful holiday weekend with friends.

Here's to some wonderful grilling/marshmellow/campfire tunes/lake time/spider-free weekend!

All available now in the Etsy Shop!

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xoxoxxx

aromatherapy scent locket...revamped...

2011-08-31T14:45:00.000-05:00

I decided to switch up the chain on my Aromatherapy Scent Locket, and use a oxidized sterling silver plated chunky chain instead of the vintage brass chain I had used previously. The look of oxidized silver is one of my favorite things, and I feel really compliments the gorgeous tones of the copper.

Now, in the Etsy Shop

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xoxoxxx

priced to kill...

2011-08-31T11:12:00.000-05:00

Greatly reduced price on this bad gorgeous hunk o' stone necklace!

Down 25%!!!

Great deal, simply based on the quality of the stone and the current price of silver.

The reason for the price drop from the original intended price point, is due to a small, but visible, flaw in the bezel setting. I made an error when I was setting the stone, and it caused a tiny bubble in the bezel near the bottom left of the pendant. You can see it clearly in the 1st and 2nd photographs. Due to the bubble, the stone has a slight movement within the setting if you try to push it around with your finger. Despite this, the stone is set very securely, and will never fall out. Unless looked at closely, the bubble in the bezel is not highly visible. I thought about keeping this necklace for myself, but thought that the beauty of the stone and the simplicity of the setting would call to some lovely soul out there, and that they might appreciate an affordable price due to the small defect ;o)

Now up for grabs in the Etsy Shop

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xoxoxxx

Beauty Is On The Inside...

2011-08-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Recently I read an incredible book, called Swan Song. It is a post-apocalyptic thriller, and throughout the book was a fight for good vs. evil to claim the earth. Those that had good in their hearts, were horrendously deformed by the radiation for many years. Near the end of the book (spoiler alert!), the ugly masks broke apart to reveal their true beauty underneath. I don't want to give anything more away, but just wanted to share how deeply I was moved by the concept of the book, and the way it reminded me that true beauty, does indeed lie on the inside.

I created this ring as a daily reminder, to help keep me humble, and to throw vanity out the window.

This sterling silver band has beautiful and intricate scroll work on the inside, and a rough battered exterior. Most would wear the beautiful design on the outside, but in this case, it will be a reminder to those that desire it, to let your inner beauty shine.

MADE TO ORDER in your size ;o)

Now in the Etsy Shop

xoxoxxx

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And Again with the voice...

2011-08-11T23:30:00.002-05:00

A more country version of Cary Ann Hearst.

I love her dark country soul.

Hells Bells...

2011-08-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

Found a new voice to be obsessed with

Cary Ann Hearst

Mediterranean Chopped Salad - Homemade Healthy Style

2011-08-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

Super Yum!

If you are a lover of the Mediterranean Flavors, but are looking for a lighter and very low-cal and low-fat version, then this might hit the spot!

I used what ingredients I happened to have in the house that seemed like are part of the flavor profile, but there are many things that you could substitute or add to really make it special. For example, a great feta or goat cheese would be delicious instead of the parmesean, you could use an herb infused olive oil with lemon for your dressing, etc etc. Those would add a bit more fat to the dish, but it all depends on how much you are really trying to watch it. This salad gives you some healthy protein, and would be great as a post-workout meal.

Chopped Salads are fun to make too...just put all ingredients on the cutting board (except whatever you wish to leave whole for appearances, like I did with the olives and the garbanzos) and chop away all together until you have the consistency you desire.

Mediterranean Chopped Chicken Salad

Serves 2

- 8 medium-large romaine lettuce leaves

- 1 grilled chicken breast (I buy the pre-cooked fajita slices to keep it simple)

- 1 tomato

- 1/2 cucumber

- handful of fresh cilantro

- handful of fresh basil

- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts (I use the canned kind, but there are also frozen available that you can defrost)

- 1/2 cup canned garbanzos (chick peas), rinsed and dried

- 2 Tbls sliced black olives

- 1/2 raw zucchini

- parmesean cheese (to taste)

- low fat italian dressing (to taste)

- dried italian herbs (to taste)

- fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

- sprinkle of sea salt (to taste)

Place first 7 ingredients on a large cutting board, and using 1 or 2 large knives, start chopping away until everything has reached the consistency you desire!

Place chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Using a potato peeler, slice the zucchini into strips into the mixing bowl, avoiding the inner seeds. Add the remaining ingredients into the bowl, and toss.

Serve immediately!

Updates for last week...

2011-08-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

A few recent additions to the shop...really diggin the large stone necklaces lately!!!

Gorgeous Red Agate...

With my signature Copper Snakeskin Back.

Dainty Owyhee Jasper Shield Ring

Size 6 3/4

Not-so-subtle Owyhee Jasper Pendant Necklace...

Also with my signature Copper Snakeskin Backplate, and a fun cascade of tiny silver balls running down the back to amuse your fingers!

All available in The Shop

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xoxoxxx

Alexander Calder...The Challenge

2011-07-28T23:07:00.000-05:00

As part of my Etsy Metal Team, we have monthly challenges in which we can participate in for fun.

This months challenge was to create a piece of jewelry inspired by the work of Alexander Calder....an incredible genius.

This was my inspiration piece

And this was my finished product

I was sort of trying to emulate the entire photo of the inspiration. Meaning, I tried to re-create the head and shoulders of Angelica, as well as the forged neckpiece. I hope it came through!

Brass disc, Sterling Wire, Oxidized and Antiqued.

What a fun way to step outside the box and get the creative juices flowing!

xoxoxxx

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Smokin' Quartz Earrings

2011-07-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Updated design from these Smoky Quartz Earrings I created a few years ago

It's really fun to see that my technique has improved these past few years!

These are a custom order for a dear customer...

Here are the originals from 2 years ago....sorry for the bad resolution photo!

And here are the re-makes...

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xoxoxxx

back on the horse and some new stuff...

2011-06-29T20:33:00.000-05:00

I'm back in the saddle again!!! Whoooo!!!

Ok, so I've actually been back in the saddle (my workbench) for several weeks now, just haven't been able to get in the swing of things and complete a single project. Have had multiple pieces partway fabricated, but have been lacking the 'balls' so to speak, to finish them. When I've been away from my bench for a while, or I'm in a new location with a new setup, it sets my working hands in a tailspin, and I lose control of what is automatic. I finally determined that what I needed was a few simple projects to get my hands (and my insane brain) re-focused and used to the work again. For some reason, my hands are still shaking terribly....but I don't think it necessarily effected the work this time ;o)

Torched glass cab, simply stunning, I've titled this one, "Galaxy", for what I feel are obvious reasons.

Bramble Earrings out of copper and Pyrite, for what I feel are also obvious reasons.

Tourmaliated Quartz....easily stunned by the beauty and simple complexity of this stone.

Size 7.

Amethyst Sage set very simply.

All can now be found in the Etsy Shop

Now, I think I have determined that two glasses of red wine considerably help in the hand shaking department....so off to test my theory ;o)

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xoxoxxx

Sadness is a Blessing...

2011-06-07T12:44:00.001-05:00

I'm finally done moving from Texas to Florida...setting settled into my studio and geared up ready to start creating again!

Oh dear bench, how I have missed you this past month.

I should be back up and running either this week or next, so keep an eye on the shop for new pieces!

I am literally bursting with ideas and inspiration...living on the beach is a blessing and a miracle for me, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Standing in the waves of the emerald waters here, I feel giant and tiny all at the same time. Seeing driftwood float in with the tide I wonder what other country this began it's journey from, what other human being has touched this very piece, years ago?

I'm exhilarated and filled with a sad longing...something beautiful, I just can't describe.

I am a happy person, but my personality type is always geared from the more pessismestic outlook on life, my music choices reflect my inner love of sadness and heartbreak.

My dearest musician lady that forever will touch my heart, has hit the nail on the head with this incredible piece. She truely is a remarkable artist, I can personally attest to her pure and raw talent from when I witnessed her live a few years ago.

Lykke Li, Sadness is a Blessing

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xoxoxxx

Snakeskin, Two Ways

2011-04-27T18:01:00.001-05:00

These detailed and organic rings appeared to me in a sudden burst of creativity, and after a few days of working out the fabrication, I am so pleased with the unique results. Real, beautiful snakeskin sits underneath a clear cabochon, which is surrounded by a feminine scalloped silver bezel, and sits on top of an etched copper backplate. The etching is my signature "snakeskin" pattern, achieved by using a piece of antique lace. The twisted ring shank is sterling silver, and the back of the ring bears my makers mark.

Custom made in your size, and posted in The Etsy Shop now!!!

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xoxoxxx

Sentinel Tentacle

2011-04-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

Ok. So do you remember in Matrix 3 when the sentinels poured through the roof in zion?

Well, I'm a geek like that, and I definitely do.

I am fully aware that this does not accurately represent one of those sentinels' tentacles, but for some reason every time I look at this necklace it reminds me of them ;o)

Judge for yourself

Now available in the Etsy Shop

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xoxoxxx

RAW - Catching Up

2011-04-07T14:11:00.001-05:00

So I had my head in the sand for most of the month of March, and completed all of my RAW52 rings during the very last week.

Good news is, this is a personal challange, so no one is really watching you and thinking "gosh, that chick is so far behind!"

If you would like to find out more about the challange, follow this link http://metalriot.blogspot.com/

Here is a brief catch-up

Latin: I shall not want

Latin: Let not your heart be troubled

Latin: I am always with you

My take on my favorite Arcade Fire song: Sprawl II

(go watch the best performance of it here!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab2DDmwYVQw )

And into infinity, ring

Pink Peruvian Opal Teardrop

Until next time

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xoxoxxx

Hammerhead baby

2011-03-08T19:12:00.000-06:00

Recent custom work

I love making my hammerheads!

A remarkable specimen of Laguna Agate

And an impossibly breathtaking Botswana Agate

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xoxoxxx

Of Glorious Moonstones, and a lack of eggs.

2011-03-05T00:34:00.000-06:00

Some recent custom work...what a royal beauty.

Polish flint, with grey moonstones.

And due to a lack of eggs in the fridge...

Tofu and Spinach scramble with dill and garlic salt it is!!!

Yum.

I try to include tofu instead of meat a few times a week, and have been trying many new methods of cooking it. I've scrambled it before, but it didn't turn out as wonderful as this time.

in short:

1/2 block medium hard or hard tofu. drained, or squeezed fairly dry by hand

large handful fresh spinach

2 tablespoons chopped onion

dried (or fresh!) dill

garlic salt

pepper

fat free cooking spray

crumble tofu into saute pan on medium heat with a bit of of the cooking spray. try to let it brown lightly before stirring with a spatula. add onion and saute for a few minutes. when onion is translucent and the tofu is a light golden brown, add spinach and seasonings, and give a good stir about every 30 seconds until spinach is wilted properly.

serve as is, or with a nice piece of toast!

would be delicious in a tortilla, with some salsa!

ps.

been hard at work on some new designs involving teeth, and bone *gasp*!!!!!

hopefully they will make it to the shop very soon, still putting some finishing touches before they are ready to be let out into the world.

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xoxoxxx

Yorke is a genius.

2011-02-18T15:44:00.000-06:00

Perfection.

Digital release available for download today from their website.

Released a day early ;o)

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xoxoxxx

Fresh Rain...

2011-02-18T15:23:00.000-06:00

I ADORE my macro lens.

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xoxoxxx

RAW52 Week 7 - Lycanthropy

2011-02-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

This ring marks Week 7 in the RAW52 2011 Challenge. The thought behind this project, is to make a ring every week for the year of 2011, and to document the progress with photos of each ring. There are so many talented artists that have joined into this group, and you can find out a bit more about by following this link.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/

I am

Hungry

The Wolf.

Organic

Animalistic

Coppery

Rusticated

Oxidized

Hand Drawn

Etched

Howl

The Moon.

Made to order in your size, and can be found in The Shop today ;o)

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xoxoxxx

Sprawl II

2011-02-17T22:36:00.000-06:00

Pretty much obessed with this performance.

Perfection.

LOVE those gloves!!!

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xoxoxxx

RAW52, Week 6

2011-02-13T18:39:00.000-06:00

Ring A Week 2011, Week 6, complete.

"All Those Threes"

A gorgeous picasso jasper, set in oxidized sterling, with 4 sets of reoccurring 3's all over the ring.

Size 9 3/4

In The Shop tonight!

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xoxoxxx

b.i.l.l.i.e.h.o.l.i.d.a.y.

2011-02-11T13:01:00.001-06:00

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xoxoxxx

RAW52, Week 3 and 5

2011-02-04T17:14:00.000-06:00

So I realized that I never blogged about RAW52 week 3....

TaDa.

Recycled scraps from when I was first learning to solder.

Repurposed, Reborn, Relived.

RAW52, Week 5.

Etched brass, oxidized.

Experimenting with some very organic ideas and shapes.

This is officially phase 1.

I am absolutely loving this group and project. It's a great way to keep me moving forward, even when my studio is so cold that I had to cut the tips of the fingers off of my gloves so that I can work without my hands turning in to icicles!!!

To find out more about RAW52, go HERE.

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xoxoxxx

RAW52 #4

2011-01-30T21:08:00.000-06:00

This week, life escaped me, and left the bits and pieces of my metal love,

strewn about unfinished on my bench.

Without further ado, here below is my Ring a Week 2011 number 4.

A beautiful creamy feather, once owned by one of the fat ducks floating about contendly on the Concho River this weekend. I'm not sure if they are aware of losing it, but unfortunately my antics of jumping about on the shore of the river yelling for the owner, accomplished nothing but some odd sqwaking in my general direction. So I turned it into my ring for the week, since I realized while I was living my life this week I had run out of time to meet my personal deadline.

Here's to greater dreams of rings to be made this week, out of metal.

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xoxoxxx

In the land of grey...

2011-01-21T12:37:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful and moving video.

Excellent way to start my day in the freezing cold studio.

Lykke Li - Untitled from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

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xoxoxxx

RAW52 - Week 2

2011-01-14T14:32:00.000-06:00

Week 2 out of 52 - DONE

Ring A Week 2011

Gorgeous translucent Rose Quartz

Set in a simple scalloped bezel...

Looks fantastic on a middle finger...

Nice wide band, feels marvelous on your hand...

Heavily oxidized and rusticated...

I left the oxidization beneath the stone so it would reveal the darkness through it.

A gorgous dark beauty, this lovely cocktail ring has been officially dubbed "The Dark Rose"

A perfect size 8

Available in The Shop at 3:00pm CST

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xoxoxxx

RAW52 - Week 1

2011-01-07T17:51:00.000-06:00

So 52 rings, for the year of 2011.

I am part of a wonderful group of talented metalsmiths, all participating in the Ring A Week 2011 Challenge (RAW2011)!

Last year, many participated in a RING A DAY....wow. I wanted to join in, but knew I could never make a complete piece of jewelry every day due to my schedule. So this year when I heard about the RAW, I knew that this was actually feasable for me to accomplish.

I will be blogging about my progress, but you can find the official blog HERE

So without further ado, I present my RAW52, Week 1

I have brought back my popular Hammerhead Series

This one has a lovely Laguna Saginite

Oxidized and rusticated to perfection

Tumbled for brillance

In a glorious size 8

Available this evening for purchase in my Etsy Store!

the aftermath and destruction..

2010-12-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this picture.

Destruction after a delicious Christmas meal at Rudys BBQ with the fam.

On a personal note, I had baby backs and marbled brisket, with creamed corn and peach cobbler.

Plenty of Shiner Bock to wash it all down.

Worst BBQ in Texas.

NOT.

Wishing everyone the most incredible Christmas, ever.

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xoxoxxx

Homage to those lost...

2010-12-16T19:23:00.001-06:00

This past Saturday, Joseph and I helped to lay thousands of wreaths on a portion of the 93,000 graves at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetary. We were volunteering for Wreaths Across America where simoultanously hundreds of thousands of volunteers at cemetaries all over the country were placing donated wreaths on the graves of veterans, and those who gave their lives serving our country. They do this every year, and there is probably a location near you. I cannot tell you how moving this experience was, walking amongst the thousands of white gravestones, remembering the wars and battles of the past, and understanding just how much these people and their families sacrificed. If you are unable to physically help place wreaths, you can also contribute wreaths for the cause.

Check them out in November 2011 if you are interested!

Corona Corona, My Corona...

2010-12-16T17:42:00.001-06:00

What a perfect afternoon break after a trip to the post office sending yet another round of shiny beauties off to their new owners. Cool outside, but perfect in the sun.

Oh, I should have taken a pic of the best fried pickle spears I've ever had...but they were so hot and delicious they didn't last long enough.

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xoxoxxx

The usual....

2010-12-14T22:44:00.000-06:00

Just a few of the many that have been flying out of my workroom lately...gosh I am grateful for the huge influx of Christmas orders, last minute though they may be!

Huge hugs and kisses to all of my customers, you are truely appreciated, and I love you all to death.

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xoxoxxx

Bright Side of the Moon...

2010-12-10T15:27:00.001-06:00

SOLD!!!

Thank you Miss Sara!

Now, in the EtsyShop

Scrumptious White/Translucent Agate with a giant shimmering and sparkling druzy canyon.

Whopper of a cocktail ring!

Size 8, I wonder what lovely person's finger this one was meant for?

Do you see the inspiration?!?

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xoxoxxx

EtsyMetal Secret Santa 2010 Work...

2010-12-10T11:02:00.000-06:00

My fabricated piece for a particular giftee

Royal Imperial Jasper, 24k gold Keum-Boo, Heavily Oxidized and given my signature "battered and scarred" finish.

Can be work like this

Or like this

I sure hope they like it!

I can't wait to get my Secret Santa present in the mail....I sure won't be able to wait until Christmas Day to open it....will most likely be torn open at the mailbox.

Now I'm off to my bench to work on the multitude of last minute holiday orders.

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xoxoxxx

And I wished for guidance...

2010-12-09T16:05:00.001-06:00

Nervous in the Light of Dawn.

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xoxoxxx

Oh how I love my precious...

2010-12-09T11:35:00.001-06:00

My loyal companion, nestled between my computer desk and my jewelers bench.

It's beginning to get chilly, so the organge glow you see is from a heat lamp for her that she's addicted to!

A happy kitty is a happy momma ;o)

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xoxoxxx

Be still my soul...

2010-12-08T12:18:00.000-06:00

God I love December in Texas.

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xoxoxxx

Delicious Butternut Squash Coconut and Lemongrass Soup

2010-12-07T20:49:00.001-06:00

Butternut Squash Coconut and Lmongrass Soup

Ideas combined from several delicious recipes, tweaked some new ingredients, and made it into my own!

1 large yellow onion
2 tablespoons oil
6 crushed cloves of garlic
1 red chilli (or 2 serranos), finely chopped and deseeded (If you don't like medium spicy leave these out). (If you're unsure of how spicy the soup will be and don't like a lot of heat, touch a piece of cut up fresh chili to your tongue, and if it's mildly-medium spicy, you will be fine adding it to the soup. If it burns your tongue, only add 1/2 the chili, and de-seed it as well.)
2 inner stalks of lemongrass, bruised
1 Tablespoon of roughly chopped fresh ginger
1 large butternut squash, peeled and roughly chopped
Enough stock either chicken or veggie to almost cover squash on pan you will be using (For me it took about 3 cups)
1 pho packet (Optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor) (Usually found at the Asian Market, and are used as an easy flavoring for making the traditional Pho soup.)
1 x 14 oz can of LITE coconut milk (if you don't care about the fat, then use regular ;o))
1 bunch of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 bunch of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Carmelize the onions in the olive oil for about 20-30 minutes, until glistening and medium brown. Add the garlic, chilli, lemongrass and ginger and saute for about a minute.

Add the sliced butternut squash and saute on medium-low heat for about five minutes, being careful not to let the garlic in the pan burn.

Add the stock, season lightly with salt and pepper, and add pho packet. Bring up to low simmer and simmer for about 30 mnutes.

Remove the lemongrass and about 1/2 of the ginger pieces.

Whizz the solid parts in a food processor or blender (you may have to do this in batches) with 3/4 of the coconut milk, and add the stock in until you have the thickness and consistancy you desire.

Return to the rinsed out saucepan.

Reheat if necessary, check the seasoning.

Pour into serving bowls, and add a handful of chopped fresh spinach and stir until well wilted.

Drizzle a teaspoon of remaining coconut milk into each serving bowl, and top with roughly chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!

Would be delicious with some brown rice stirred in for a more substantial meal.

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xoxoxxx

nameless...

2010-12-07T00:27:00.000-06:00

There is lightening in her eyes, and thunder in her soul;

I ask everyday that I be granted the power to create in physical form, the beauty that is in my head.

25% off Entire Etsy Shop for Black Friday!!!

2010-11-26T13:12:00.000-06:00

Yup, thats right folks.

25% off EVERYTHING in shop.

This offer is actually good from Black Friday, until midnight on the last day of November (Tuesday, the 30th).

To take advantage of the sale, simply follow checkout as normal in the shop, and the discount will be applied at checkout.

Follow this link to take you directly to the shop ;o)

My Etsy Shop

Happy Shopping!

1460 days...

2010-11-23T18:11:00.000-06:00

All dressed up for our 4 yr. wedding anniversary (or 1460 days together)...love you Hubby!!!

wonderful blog post...featuring me!

2010-11-21T18:30:00.000-06:00

http://maryhaverfield.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-friend-eve.html

Many thanks to a sweet friend Mary Haverfield for doing such an incredible interview of me on her blog! Mary is an extremely talented artist, and has worked on and published many beautiful childrens books. You can see some samples of her work at her website HERE.

a few new old ones...

2010-11-19T22:38:00.000-06:00

.........................................

Rainforest Jasper with a sweet clear druzy pocket!

Size 8 ;o)

Hammered and Oxidized Arrowhead dangles...swinging for some fun flirty action!

And some tiny copper triangles...perfect for everyday wear.

All posted in The Etsy Shop right now ;o)

xoxoxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

simple.

2010-11-19T16:24:00.000-06:00

Daily Studio Muse...

tiny old pots and tiny old plants...

2010-11-18T17:03:00.000-06:00

Out my kitchen window...

I love tiny plants, especially succulunts. There is something about being given a clipping from a friends plant that they've had for years, and hearing the story of who gave them the clipping years ago, and so on and so forth.

My tiny little plant here, is a clipping from another that has lived and has marvelous stories to tell from ages past!

I also love tiny old bowls and pots found in vintage stores.

This one is a favorite...a cute once-a-creamer, with dripping brown glaze, now up-cycled to a precious mini-pot for my succulunt clippings.

new beauty...

2010-11-18T16:49:00.003-06:00

Custom piece for a lovely lady from Finland using her incredible Ocean Jasper cab ;o)

back in the saddle...somewhat figuratively speaking...

2010-11-15T21:53:00.000-06:00

I've been gone from my bench for a while now, I've been traveling for some part-time work related business, and working several days a week as a personal assistant. It's hard to turn down money when it's offered, so even though my goal is to completely focus on my jewelry, it is nice to acutally put some money in the bank.

Here is a custom order I just finished for a lovely couple.

Wedding Rings, Rainbow Moonstone and Champagne Quartz.

Back in the saddle again baby ;o>

it's the way that we rock when we're doing our thang...

2010-10-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

daily muse....takin it old skool.

last chance sally....

2010-10-14T18:58:00.000-05:00

I'm offering 20% off of everything in The Shop.

Wow.

OMG.

Ends TONIGHT at midnight (Thursday October 14th)

...........................................xoxoxxx........................................

dearest Hubby...

2010-10-12T23:36:00.001-05:00

God Bless our Troops.

pull out your wishlists...

2010-10-07T23:15:00.001-05:00

Because the HUGE blowout EtsyMetal Team sale begins NOW!!!!!

To honor my wonderful Teams 4th anniversary, I am participating in a team-wide sale during the month of October.

For my shop specifically, I'm offering 20% off of everything.

Wow.

OMG.

Begins at midnight TONIGHT (Thursday, October 7th) and ends midnight on Thursday October 14th.

20% will be refunded via paypal within 1 business day after purchase is made.

I'm so excited to be a part of this wonderfully talented team.

Go visit the blog to see additional details, and all the other shops that are offering sales.

Did I forget to mention, there are 4 GIVEAWAYS??!!??

http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/10/etsymetals-4th-anniversary-giveaways.html

EtsyMetal's 4th Anniversary!!! - Giveaways and Sales!!!

2010-10-01T11:51:00.000-05:00

My incredibly talented EtsyMetal Team is hosting an incredible giveaway throughout the month of October, to celebrate their 4 year anniversary! There are dozens of fantastically talented team members whose shops are having huge sales throughout the month as well.

Follow this link for all the juicy details, and how to get entered into the giveaway

http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/10/etsymetals-4th-anniversary-giveaways.html

leopard of panar - brass cuff...

2010-09-30T18:44:00.000-05:00

A glamorously large hand pierced and formed brass cuff, with hand etched leopard print on the exterior, and the interior that bears my makers mark E², is hammered smooth for a comfortable feel against your skin. The gorgeous leopard pattern was the result of a piece of lace that I transferred the design onto the brass, and chemically etched around the design it left. Oxidized for color and effect, sanded and polished to achieve a high shine, and lastly, hand buffed with a protective wax finish to protect the oxidization of the piece for years to come.

The Leopard of Panar...gorgeously ferocious in it's day, thought to have killed over 400 people in Northern India until he himself, was hunted down by a conservationalist and naturalist in 1910, to save the lives of those remaining in the nearby tribes.

in The Shop now 'p)

..............................xoxoxxx.............................

if i had a chance love...

2010-09-30T15:11:00.001-05:00

daily muse.

working on a brass leopard print etched fat brass cuff.

it's totally BA.

thats short for Bad-Ass, if you didn't know already. (dane cook)

and the landslide brought me down...

2010-09-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

What began as a horrible disaster, has become one of my favorite new pieces!

This piece began with my intentions of soldering a little pyramid of the tiny silver balls, but turned into a horrible mess when my hand shook, and my soldering pick swept the whole pile over right when they were at the perfect temperature to connect properly. It was actually quite beautiful in a way, this little mini landslide of molten red-hot silver balls, cascading off of the perfect pyramid I had painsakingly stacked. After quenching my mess, and taking a second look, it really began to look planned this way, sort of a controlled chaos...so I went with it, and now I plan on trying to repeat it again!

"I took my love and I took it down

I climbed a mountain and I turned around

And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills

Well, the landslide brought me down."

available in The Shop now ;o)

.................................xoxoxxx...............................

Kayan Lahwi Stackers - Feathered...

2010-09-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

I'm obsessed with mini stacking rings, and wanted to put an Esther Eve spin on the trend. A stand-out, gorgeous set of 10 stacking rings, with an 11th in the middle bearing a feathered charm. Each ring is seperate, so they can be worn spread out over several fingers, stacked on one, with or without the feather charm...the combinations are yours to play with. The feather charm is soldered permenantly onto the ring, yet it will still dangle and move with you, drawing attention and admiration.

The Kayan Lahwi tribe from Myanmar, are the group of women that wear the stacked brass coils around their neck, as one of their ancient tradions still employed. They are purely for beautification purposes, as elongated and slender necks compared to the men, render them more attractive. Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that these rings are not extremely detrimental to the womens bone structure and health, and many have removed them even after 40 years of wear, and have been in excellent condition and health after several days of neck muscle strengthening and adjustment.

I'm reminded of...

"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them."
- David Hume

made to order in your size...

in The Shop now ;o)

military and leopard...combination for the not-so-faint-of-heart...

2010-09-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

this is a piece for those that love to make statements...something that is a bit out of the ordinary, yet still familiar. a piece that combines two very in and trending fashion statements...military + animal print.

a duo of hand pierced and formed brass dogtags, with hand etched leopard print on both sides. the gorgeous leopard pattern was the result of a piece of lace that I transferred to the brass, and chemically etched around the design it left. oxidized for color and effect, and hand buffed with a protective wax finish to protect the pieces for years to come. not one two dogtags will be alike! these two tags hang from a sterling silver ball chain, keeping the theme true to military style for this Fall/Winter 2010 Season.

this piece was actually the result of my EtsyMetal Teams Project Runway Challenge, and I fell in love with it so much I felt I had to offer it on my site! follow this link to see the results for this weeks and others on the blog. I love these fun challenges! http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/09/project-runway-season-8-episode-5-there.html

in The Shop now!

da tada dada!!! coming soon...

2010-09-25T17:06:00.000-05:00

my latest concept...mini stackers, with charms!

will be in the shop early next week, once I've photographed properly ;o)

3 little blessings de jour...

2010-09-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

in The Shop now!

ring size 9.25

ring size 8.25

chohua jasper tomahawk necklace

2010-09-21T22:11:00.001-05:00

Chohua Jasper...the feeling that touches me when I gaze at this stone...

is filled with visions of great wide open plains...

hand stitched leather fringe headdresses...

meticulously and intricately beaded medicine bags and neck pouches...

fresh feathers adorning almost everything, uniting the richness and vitality of nature and the circle of life...

great, powerful weapons, welded by men with great prowess.

yes, chohua jasper is the perfect stone for me to channel my inner native american, whose culture has fascinated me ever since I can remember. I used to stick feathers in my hair and holler chants around a pretend fire cooking dandelion medicine soup when I was a child. I was given a indian seed-bead loom at the age of 7, and feaverishly wove necklaces and bracelets until my fingers fell off.

yes, the second I laid eyes on this gorgeous grey stone with bleeding crimson splashes, I knew exactly what it was going to become.

in The Shop now ;o)

a little preview...

2010-09-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

coming tomorrow to the shop!

we used to wait...

2010-09-17T18:49:00.000-05:00

for an incredible experience with this song, you must go here

lunchtime healthy deliciousness...

2010-09-15T14:51:00.001-05:00

fat free homemade lunch!

tatziki with tomatoes, red onion and feta cheese crumbles, on a bed of wild field greens and iceburg (for some extra crunch), and gluten free rice crackers. made with fat free greek yogurt and fat free feta cheese crumbles.

why am i not writing a cookbook?

this is all i wanna feel tonight...

2010-09-15T00:34:00.002-05:00

prophet 60091...

2010-09-14T11:11:00.002-05:00

daily muse.

feeling fresh and light andcrunchy...

2010-09-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

so after a week/weekend of eating a lot of crap, I'm feeling like super duper healthy, to cleanse me out, and get back onto my usual routine of healthy eating.

whipped these up for my mother-in-law and I today for lunch...made up the recipe on the fly, and they turned out totally delicious ;o)

tuna lettuce wraps:

low fat mayo/dill/pepper in the tuna, topped with green onions, shredded carrot, diced yellow bell pepper and goat cheese crumbles.

ares and phobos and deimos, oh and a custom...

2010-09-10T20:14:00.000-05:00

in the Etsy Shop right now ;o)

Ares and Deimos - Ailette Cocktail Ring

Size 7

Ares and Phobos - Ailette Cocktail Ring

Size 6

custom for Miss Julie ;o)

'Circle of Life - Cocktail Ring'

my goodies...

2010-09-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

should be done and posted in the EtsyShop later on this afternoon!

cuz i'm a freak bitch babe...

2010-09-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

evening muse.

the trick is to keep breathing...

2010-09-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

daily muse.

linner...

2010-09-03T16:18:00.002-05:00

my lunch/dinner, half of it fresh from the garden ;o)

in the studio working hard today, watching the much needed rain come down, grateful for the deluge, and the raise it did for my spirits.

forgot to eat today up until now, so making a combo meal out of it.

cucumber/tomato/wild onion/fresh basil/capers/avacado

splash rice vinegar/evoo/salt/fresh ground pepper

organic and fresh meal, that envigorates me with it's wholesomness, and makes me smile ;o)

i will scatter on the floor...

2010-09-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

daily muse

have always had a quiet obsession with portishead.

beth is an impossibly moving lyricist, the combined melodic efforts with her voice never cease to amaze me to tears.

this song is beautiful, in a quiet and dark way.

EMPR Challenge - Season 8 epi 5

2010-09-03T15:21:00.001-05:00

finished with my piece for this week.

I conceived this concept from the beginning and wanted to run with it more to create a more elaborate piece...but have run out of time.

I choose Military (concept) + Leopard (textile).

my husband is in the Air Force, and I love playing with his dog tags.

choosing the military concept for this challenge hit very close to home for me.

brass military dog tags, hand-drawn leopard print etching, silver ball chain.

six seven times...

2010-09-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

daily muse

all the gold, and the guns...

2010-09-01T13:12:00.002-05:00

daily muse.

EtsyMetal Challenges...

2010-09-01T12:08:00.001-05:00

check out my fantastic team at the Etsy Metal Blog for the beautiful pieces created for two recent challenges!

Etsy Metal Monthly Challenge - August

Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge - Season 8 Episode 4

i want to hold the hand inside you...

2010-08-30T15:25:00.000-05:00

Nix and Hydra - Satellite Necklace 001

2010-08-30T13:01:00.001-05:00

Two Souls

Floating through and into eternity

Adrift in the deep darkness

At the edge of the galaxy

United as one with their beautiful god

Tied forever in perpetual oblivion

Peaceful and calm

Reliant on laws of gravity

Alive only if for the other

Glimmering onwards, forever.

Wouldn't it be impressive to think of when we leave this earth, if we could be placed in the heavens alongside our best friend and lover, or true mate, to float through and into eternity?

Nix and Hydra, the two moons of Pluto, at the end of our galaxy, mysterious and quiet. They live on the edge of darkness, and protect their mysterious Pluto god. Content only for the other, happy with the certainity of forever together.

A fine silver bezel is set around the tiny druzy and lemon quartz stones, and the piece has a sterling silver backing, which bears my makers mark. The 18" sterling chain is ended with a dainty bullet magnet clasp. The entire piece is oxidized and antiqued for color and effect, then treated with a polished wax protectant finish to preserve the color for years to come.

Now in the Etsy Shop!

EtsyMetal Project Runway Challange - Season 8 Epi 4

2010-08-28T18:08:00.000-05:00

"La vierge, le vivace et le bel aujourd'hui

Va-t-il nous dechirer avec un coup d'aile ivre

Ce lac dur oublie que hante sous le givre

La transparente glacier des vols qui n'ont pas fui!

Un cygne d'autrefois se souvient que c'est lui

Magnifique mais qui sans espoir se delivre

Pour n'avoir pas chante la region ou vivre

Quand du sterile hiver a resplendi l'ennui.

Tout son col secouera cette blanche agonie

Par l'espace infligee a l'oiseau qui nie,

Mais non l'horreur du sol ou le plumage est pris.

Fantome qu'a ce lieu son pur eclat assigne,

Il s'immobilise au songe froid de mepris

Que vet parmi l'exil inutile le Cygne."

"Will the virginal, strong and handsome today

Tear for us with a drunken flap of his wing

This hard forgotten lake which the transparent glacier

Of flights unknown haunts under the frost!

A swan of former times remembers that it is he

Magnificent but who without hope gives himself up

For not having sung of the region where he should have been

When the boredom of sterile winter was resplendent.

All his neck will shake off this white death-agony

Inflicted by space on the bird which denies space

But not the horror of the earth where his wings are caught.

Phantom whom his pure brilliance assigns to this place,

He becomes immobile in the cold dream of scorn

Which the Swan puts on his useless exile."

this necklace began because of my EtsyMetal Teams Project Runway Challenge, where each week we watch the newest episode, and create a piece based on the challange within the show!

this past week was a very inspiring episode, where infamous Milliner Phillip Treacy was the guest judge, and brought some of his delicious hats that the contestants had to create an outfit to compliment.

our Etsymetal Teams project was essentially the same idea, to create a piece of jewelry to compliment whichever hat you choose.

this particular hat called out to me while I watched the episode, and I knew immediately what I wanted to create with metal and stone.

it had this interesting and modern version of an Art Nouveau style, and I wanted my piece to reflect that in a less obvious manner.

as it began to take shape beneath my fingers, I was reminded of the shape of a elegant swan neck, and sought out the Mallarme poem that I've long thought was so beautiful.

emancipate yourself from mental slavery...

2010-08-27T04:19:00.000-05:00

pushed upwards out of the underworld...

2010-08-26T16:49:00.000-05:00

as part of my EtsyMetal team, I partook in the August challenge of creating something that was inspired by Ancient Jewelry.

this is what I was inspired by:

and

they are heart scarabs from Ancient Egypt, so beautiful and full of ritual and meaning. they believed that the young sun god Khepri, pushed the sun god Ra, upwards out of the underworld and into the sky each morning. this is much like the way a dung beetle pushes the ball of dung with the youngs eggs laid in it, resembling new life coming out of the ball, or the sun. Understandably, Khepri had the head of a scarab beetle, and that is where all of the lore comes from.

scarabs were also used to aid one on their journey into the afterlife, and were heavily adorned on tombs and hung around the mummy necks to protect them.

it was from these thoughts that I was inspired to create my piece.

I used a trilobite fossil to represent the scarab, and etched into a brass tablet my hand drawn representation of some of the heiroglyphs from the heart scarab.

I'm quite obsessed with how this came out, and can't wait for my fresh supply of trilobites to arrive so that I can begin experiementing with other ideas in my brain!!!

my heart as open as the sky...

2010-08-25T12:45:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say that today, I am grateful to be alive.

my temperment and personality have always been the more pessismistic type in regards to my own well being and daily life, it's something I work on, but has always been sort of a joke with anyone who knows me. I can turn it on or off, of course I'm a ton of fun to hang out with at parties and the such, I'm not trying to say I'm 'Debbie Downer'. it's just really when I'm on my own, living my own life that I can be a downer on myself.

the Hubby and I have gone through some incredible changes over the past 6 months...Hubby joining the Air Force, selling or giving away most of our possessions and putting everything we own in a 10'x15' storage facility, quitting a well paying job I've had for over 4 years and throwing myself full time into trying to make a business out of my metalsmithing jewelry skills, going through a short sale on our home, relocating permenantly out of the city and friends I've known for most of my life, living with my mother-in-law while Hubby is in training (shes actually quite wonderful, unlike most mother-in-laws!)....I could go on, but this is a pretty good summery.

what I'm trying to say, is that for one of the first times in my life, in spite of all these life changing things that have occured in the span of a few months, I'm genuinely and absolutely happy!

maybe it was the realization that you are only truely happy and satisfied when you let go of everything that has kept you in your 'safe zone', or maybe it was a little bit of blind faith in my Hubby and myself that we are taking a huge step in our lives together to make both of our lives more enjoyable and create a incredible future for ourselves...I really can't pinpoint one of these things, so it must be a little bit of all of them.

at any rate,

life is right in any case, my heart as open as the sky.

photo you see above is the "Christ of the Abyss", South Keys, Florida

I didn't even know that beautiful statue existed until 4am today when I was randomly browsing the internet.

my lungs love the air i breathe...

2010-08-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

i spend a little time outside everyday, soaking up the beauty, smells, and gorgeous peace.

what an incredible specimen!

the Texas Hill Country is filled with lovely things such as this Spanish Moss.

it grows in trees, and falls off in beautiful perfect little clumps like this, just so that I can pick it up and add it to my daily 'Nature Bowl' on my workbench.

there's theives among us...

2010-08-22T00:55:00.001-05:00

inspired by wonderful Maggie today, I decided to go on my own search for a fresh Zooey fix, and this is what I came up with.

do enjoy.

friday workshop muse....

2010-08-20T11:12:00.001-05:00

Lissie.

*sigh*

so, forgive me for asking...

2010-08-19T23:09:00.002-05:00

but how am I supposed to get ANYTHING done with THIS thing in my way and all over my stuff?

her name is Louise...and I SUPPOSE that I can SOMEHOW make do with her here.

*GRIN*

can I get a WOOT WOOT...

2010-08-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

Etsy Shop is finally re-opened!!!

Pieces are slowly being re-added throughout the duration of the day...

Working furiously in my studio so many brand spankin new pieces spawned from brand spankin new ideas and sketches will soon make their way into the shop as well ;o)

rekindling the fire...

2010-08-15T21:35:00.000-05:00

so it's finally happening...I'M GOING TO BE A FULL TIME METALSMITH!!!

beginning tomorrow, I will be completely and fully, self-employed, doing something I absolutely adore.

I must thank my incredible Airman Hubby, because without his faith and belief in me, I wouldn't be able to do this.

money will be tight, times will be tough, and necessity may call me to get a part time job beginning in a month or so...but I would wash windows or clean toilets if it means that I would be free to create, and hammer, and torch, and solder, and LIVE THE ARTISTS DREAM!!!

ok, thats a BIG maybe on the cleaning of the toilets. I dont' want to get ahead of myself here, but I suppose if it came down to that, I would clean toilets a few days a week to allow the rest of the time for me to try to get my jewelry business off the ground.

Anyone have any dirty toilets in the San Antonio or San Angelo area?

YOU will soon see some big changes...Etsy shop re-opening this week, lots of new pieces posted very soon, blog re-vamping, much more action EVERYWHERE.

I'm in it, fully immersed, and I'm IN LOVE!!!

exquisite...

2010-05-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

another custom one, for Lindz ;o)

navajo honor...

2010-05-10T21:57:00.000-05:00

Navajo Pendant - Styled for Jennifer's Maid of Honor ;o)

latest custom work...

2010-04-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

Ruby in Zoisite - Spring Renewal Pendant

Sterling E² Signature Earrings

piercing this darkness inside me...

2010-04-15T15:44:00.003-05:00

today was my revelation.

it truely DOES pay off to be patient.

it is wholly worthwhile to qwell one's pride when it's understood that the only way to have peace, is to let it go.

i was rewarded today with a definite sign, there was no question about it.

my patience paid off, mere moments after resigning and letting go of an internal struggle i've been having for over two weeks.

a beam of light has shown me through this darkness.

a lesson i already knew deep in my heart, has been proven faithful to me.

my angry heart, rebuked and conquered by faith and the understanding that i am not in control.

thank you God for showing me this path today!

images curtesy of http://www.elenakalisphoto.com/# and http://kayceeus.deviantart.com/