Up to Lately

An Anklet
This custom order was for an earthy brown gemstone anklet. I used tigerskin jasper and chrysanthemum stone finished off with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

A Gemstone Lanyard
This request was for a multi gemstone lanyard in a long 40 inch length to accommodate height. A breakaway magnetic clasp was added at the bottom by the link by request. 

In certain work environments, a breakaway clasp is important since the lanyard can get caught on something. This way is comes off easily without injury.

Resin
So I have worked with resin for the first time in my life! I had some of my photos printed up in wallet sizes to make them easier to work with.

Each was cut and sealed with packing tape.

So far I have only done 5 as an experiment to get comfortable. You can't see by the photo but some are not filled with enough resin....lesson learned! The resin is very shiny which makes the finish beautiful in person. 

I was concerned there would be an issue with air bubbles. Many use a heat torch to remove bubbles but I read somewhere that simply blowing lightly on the resin will do the trick. It did! I imagine on larger pieces a torch would be needed.

I'm not happy with the composition on this one. I was going for shabby chic.

I will be trying again with a different part of the photo. The subject is a patio umbrella base with a little rustiness. 

The project is on the back burner until I have more time to work on them when it is not super hot and humid outside! 

Thank you for stopping by! Have a creative, fun week ahead! ~Val

The Past Week

I recently made a plain strand of crystal quartz for a customer so I decided to make one for my shop too!

Crystal quartz is a powerful stone associated with spiritual development, healing and raising consciousness. It resonates with the third eye and crown chakras.

I made another custom Live Your Dream necklace featuring snowflake obsidian!

More skull lanyards were shipped out for an upcoming Monsters of Rock cruise. 

Jim made some delicious vegetarian Shepherd's pie. The "meat" is a combo of lentils and mushrooms in a delicious homemade tomato sauce. We put cheese on everything that it goes with.

I received this card for grandpa's upcoming 100th birthday this month!

The fun milestone card is from Daizy Blue Designs on Etsy.

Thank you for stopping by! It still doesn't feel like Spring yet but this weekend is supposed to warm up. Fingers crossed! ~Val

Up to Lately

I've been having some fun in the office lately.

One thing I have been wanting to add to my shop is simple gemstone pendants so the stone is the star! 

These are my first additions including riverstone, rhodonite, black onyx, fancy jasper, white howlite, turquoise howlite (dyed) and mahogany obsidian. They will come with a black cord.

This inspirational necklace was a custom order. The request was for a handstamped Live Your Dream necklace with purple incorporated into it. 

So I dangled amethyst in front of the message with sparkling sterling silver. I love the result and now feel inspired to create more necklaces like this!

I also cooked with coconut oil for the first time. We recently purchased a huge vat of organic coconut oil to use as a moisturizer but then a bloggy friend sent me this recipe from Sweet Potato Soul. It called for coconut oil! 

They are roasted with coconut oil, paprika, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Sweet and spicy!!!

Well that's it for now. Still waiting for Spring! Thank you for stopping by and have a great week. ~Val

Up to Lately

Chronicle
My television debut is going to be this Wednesday on New England Chronicle! For those of you within range, that is at 7:30pm on channel 5 (ABC). 

I should be able to access a link to the segment online after it airs so I will be sure to post it, embarrassed or not! 

The episode is playfully titled "Keep it Symbol" since it is about the Massachusetts state symbols. 

Mixing Materials
I've had some ideas in my crazy head and had a little time to play around.

I love inspirational items and of course gemstones. So pairing them makes me happy.

Strength Necklace

I finally got to use some of the polymer squiggles I made.

Bold Necklace

Courage in life is so important. I never wanted to be on tv so I really had to channel some courage in order to not pass up such a great opportunity.

Courage Necklace

No rhyme or reason here. Just some pretty stones!

Multi Stone Necklace

I also found this ring base in my stuff. No clue where it came from. So I added a cabochon of white howlite. I love the simplicity and now considering making these for my shop. A perfect complement to my earring studs!

A Custom Order

I was asked to make 10 hand stamped strong charms for a customer who will be making mitochondrial disease awareness key chains. 

Thank you for stopping by. Have a creative, fun week! ~Val

Whimsical Eyeglass Chains and Cheetah Print Goodies

Whimsical Custom Eyeglass Chains
One of my customers is a children's book illustrator. She requested a couple of fun asymmetrical eyeglass chains.

I was up for the challenge! With her overall preference of black, these are the 2 I created. Her current favorite pair of readers are red, hence the touch of color.

I love the look of the black with lots of metal. Very cool!

Cheetah Print Goodies
My niece recently celebrated the big 8. For a few years now she has had a serious love of anything cheetah print. So off to Etsy again I went for shopping!

This fun cheetah card is from Loving Expressions.

 How fun are these ears? They are from Fashion 4 Divas.

These headbands are for adults and children but can also be worn around the wrist! They are from Polka Dot Pineapple Boutique. 

Someday I would like to be proficient in resin. Until then I will enjoy others' creations! This necklace is from Le Petit Panda.

This pencil case could be used for so many things! It is from Isabella Bowtique.

My favorite is this cheetah print sock monkey! It is super adorable!!! From Girl Ice Climber.

Thank you for stopping by. Remember to shop handmade the next time you are seeking out gifts. :)  Have a great week. ~Val