Counting Down...

As I poured my first cup of coffee this morning and logged onto the computer and Ebay flashes "45 Days until Christmas."  I start to count on my fingers... realizing quickly how much more coffee I'm going to need today.  WOW, only 45 days until Christmas, really?!?!

I absolutely love Christmas.  Partially because I love LOVE... so I get to spread love all over by sending cards, delivering homemade cookies, picking out or creating gifts made specially for that person, and spending time with family.  I love listening to Christmas music, and setting up our nativity set which Chris' mom handmade over 20 years ago... it's absolutely stunning!  Click on the photo of the camel to see the detail.  She used Swarovski Crystals, 14K gold overlay paint and just stunning detail.  I love putting the ornaments on the tree and reminiscing about where this one came from or whom gave me that one. 

But before I get swept away in this winter wonderland of love, I must put the finishing touches on my open house.  This coming Saturday, Nov. 13th from 10:00 - 3 I have tidied up my studio, decorated for the holidays, invited a few friends over that are also in business for themselves and we're opening the doors to help people start their holiday with lots of CHEER! 

In the past, the open houses I've done have always been at a hostess' house.  This will be the first at my own studio.  I'm very much looking forward to it and seeing some people that I didn't get to see over the summer months.  While I finalize all those last minute touches, I'm as busy as Santa's elf hoping to create warm, cozy and fun environment for all who stop by.  I'll post pictures when I've got everything set up and we're all having a grand time!

Make the most of your 45 days... spread love and cheer... and of course, share a smile!
{Hugs!}
~Dawn

P.S.  Yup, that there pendant is a wire wrapped Juls Bead original... and yes, the bead was stunning from the minute I opened the package... So if you like it, let Juls know... she just listed a whole bunch of new pieces.... including some birds!  Tweet Tweet Y'all!  :o)  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Julsbeads

Sweet Jewelry Surprise

One of the greatest joys in life for me is surprising someone with gratitude completely out of the blue.  Everybody has struggles with one thing or another in life - especially lately it seems - so if I can give someone a smile, or add a little joy to their day it completely makes my day! 

Such is the case with these adorable purple earrings.  I made 2 pairs, one to give as a surprise gift, the other to put in my store.  My friend has no idea these are coming to her.  I only wish the package had a voice recorder for when she opens the package... because girl, she is going to squeeeeeeeeel with joy. That I'm sure of!

If you haven't done something out of the blue for anybody lately, maybe this will inspire you.  My mission in life is to spread love and share smiles.  Since I took the oath of Large Hearts & Giving Spirit in an undisclosed location, a gazillion years ago... I've seen so many smiles.  And I know, smiles breed more smiles!  Woot, woot! 

I hope you give someone one of your smiles today!  Because I KNOW you've got plenty to go around!

Have a superfantastic* day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

*Superfantastic is an unlicensed trademark from my really, wonderful cousin Lexi.  It's her favorite word and just saying it puts a smile on my face.  Thanks Lexi for always making me smile!  You're a true gem sweetie!  Love ya!*

The Perfect Seed Bead Bracelet

So what do you get when you clean up - err, uh... organize your crafty area (in my case, the entire dining room).  And let me tell you, the dining gods are sending me many thanks for taking the steps to reveal what the dining room table really looks like.

I have this bag 'o beads... you know the kind.  The bag that you just toss random beads in after you finish a project because you're too 'rushed' - because I'm certainly not lazy ;) I'm just to rushed to put them away in their proper spots.  Two of these, three of these... half a dozen of those... and slowly you build up a bag 'o randomness.

Well when you 'organize' your wonderful craft area suddenly this bag 'o randomness just calls your name and says... "Use me... I'm beautiful."  And you look at that bag of beads and you reply, "Yes you are!" 

Between your artistic instruments and the beads, you let the random beads, colors & textures create the special piece of jewelry.  And this time, it created what I consider the "perfect" piece of jewelry.  A bracelet that you don't need three hands to put on, that goes with your favorite jeans and doesn't require you to lose 20 lbs for it to fit! :)  Yes, that my dears is the ultimate perfect jewelry!

Get your hands on this Wrapped Seed Bead Bracelet! You know you need it! :)

Oh Yummy - Cantaloupe!

Yummy for the eyes that is!  Yesterday I received a package of Swarovski Crystals that I had ordered and one of the shades I really wanted to see in person was Cantaloupe.  Why?  Because in my youth I was fascinated with the Hyper-color T-shirts and mood rings!!!!!

Imagine my squeal of joy when I first saw my beatiful, sparkley crystals... purple when I took them out of the package... but then.... I put them under my desk lamp and they changed to a vivid springy green!  I LOVE THEM!  It's not sunny here today or I'd go outside and take pictures (sorry, Mother Nature didn't get my memo), so you'll have to take my word for it.  In the mean time, here's a photo from Fire Mountain Gems that shows three different colors of the Cantaloupe Crystals in different lighting.  I can't wait to play!  Stay tuned for more delicious updates!

On other news, I'm putting the finishing touches on my new website.  I'm quite pleased with how it's coming along.  As my gift to you, I'll be offering a special discount to my newsletter subscribers when my website goes live!  So, if you want to receive your special invite and discount, sign up for my monthly newsletter on the right!  I promise you'll be glad you did! :)

{Hugs!}

~Dawn

Up-Cycled Beaded Jewelry Set

So many of us have pieces of jewelry laying around that we aren't wearing anymore, or they've gone out of style, or they're treasures we collected that are attached to memories.  Such is the case for these lovely strands of sea shells.

The story behind these itty bitty sea shells...

Years ago my Aunt Diane took a trip to Kauai, Hawaii.  It was a wonderful trip that she'll cherish forever.  As her momento, she brought back these lovely sea shells.  While they are the perfect souvenir, it wasn't practical to wear on a daily basis.


A short bit of time ago, Aunt Diane won my un-announced contest on a family blog we run for the 300th post.  Yes, I have a big enough family that we all contribute to a family blog to stay in touch with each other on a more regular basis.  We don't let our distance keep us a part.  So for posting our 300th post I announced Aunt Diane had won and I was going to make her a special bracelet.


But rather than making something new, Aunt Diane asked if I could "do something" with these sea shells.  I love a challenge and was tickled she asked.  So she sent me the sea shells (and some absolutely delicious homemade caramels) and gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted.


I started with the necklace and was inspired by the tropical colors of the painted abalone pendant.  Sea shells were the perfect compliment to make a special piece.  But I can't stop at a necklace... after all, I had promised her a bracelet.  So I completed the set with a 4-strand sea shell bracelet and matching earrings. 

Here's my finished products!  I'm so excited for Aunt Diane to receive her package.  As a *Bonus* this year our family Christmas has the theme "Christmas in Hawaii!"  So I'm hoping the extra sea shell bling will accessorize Aunt Diane perfectly!  Love you Auntie D!

{Hugs!}
~Dawn