Your Sunday Funny...

You think your Thanksgiving was wonderful, you've gotta see what Chris and I were up to!

Here's Chris:

You can only imagine how much eggnog I poured for him!!!  LOL

From our house to yours, we hope your holiday weekend has been wonderful!

Thank YOU... really, Thank You!

As our feast of greatfullness approaches, we're all readying ourselves to share love, laughter and a wonderful meal with loved ones. (Beginning as soon as I'm done with this post, I'm going to start the baking - cherry pie and Aunt Noreen's Corn Casserole!)

One of the people I am so thankful for is YOU!  Without your comments, feedback and friendship I wouldn't be the person I am today.  Everytime I get a comment on my blog, I know that someone took a little extra time to read my post and share their thoughts.  In a world where it seems we're running 90 mph and never really getting our whole "To Do" list done, the fact that you chose to spend time on my blog sharing your feedback with me is really special.  And I sincerely appreciate your efforts!

I want to share my thankfulness with you.  As my token of appreciation for your friendship and feedback, I have marked one of my favorite pieces of ALL TIME on Sale... it's only on sale through Friday.  So... if you're not going to brave the crowd at 4 a.m. have fun doing your shopping online. This piece features one of my very favorite focal beads from Juls Beads (that girl makes magic with glass!)  She named the focal Lady Godiva and I think that's the most regal, royal name on the planet.  So for you, treat yourself or to treat someone you love - here's Lady Godiva on sale!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday, cherishing all those you love, never forgetting to say "I love you!" and remembering those families that can't be together for the holidays.  For those overseas and serving our country, I send you my greatfulness for your unending selflessness.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

I'm Jonsin' for Doughnuts - anybody going to the store?

Since Thanksgiving is this coming week, and we're all preparing to stuff ourselves beyond the levels of self control, I've opted to busy my fingers writing a blog post this morning rather than throwing on some shoes and driving to the store for fresh baked sugary goodness stuffed with Bavarian Custard and frosted with delicious chocolate frosting.  Less calories AND I get to tell you how much I appreciate you reading my blog.  Tell that to my craving stomach muscle!!

This week has been spent wrapping up loose ends from my open house last weekend and getting a few custom orders done and almost out the door.  (Note to Mother Nature: Mama needs some sunshine so I can snap some photos before I let my loving creations fly out with the post.  Thank you very much!)  I've also been working at getting some pieces listed in my Artfire Store that weren't ready to go to a new home last weekend.

Since I know many of my customers right now are shopping for holiday gifts, in addition to gift boxing, I'm also offering gift wrapping.  That's one less package they need to worry about and one less paper cut they have to grumble through.  :)

One of the latest pieces I listed was created from my own shopping experience.  I love the look of bracelets, but every bracelet I try on is too big.  A 7 1/2" bracelet slides over my wrist like a dog on ice.  So I challenged myself to create a bracelet for those women with petite wrists that would be comfortable and fit perfectly.

This style is created using the herringbone stitch so it lays beautifully flat on the wrist letting you forget you are even wearing it.  I just love this pattern because it's totally flexible to ANY size you want to make it.  So it works for any woman!  Want to see more pictures, check it out here!

Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Thanks for helping me get over my craving for doughnuts!  Maybe this http://www.etsy.com/listing/61604590/portal-big-hole-donut-focal is the type of doughnut I should be jonsin' for! :)
{Hugs!}

Beaded Ornaments - Not Just for Christmas!

I've been quiet this week... not resting or sleeping... just not typing or spending much time on the computer.   
Why?

Because I've been in Bead Heaven!  Yes, I've been playing with a few styles of ornaments that I want to make available in my store.

The Inspiration
When my mom & I used to go Christmas shopping together (when I was a little girl) I relished the thought of not only the 1-on-1 time with Mom, but also going store to store, up and down the aisles finding the "perfect" ornaments for each of my siblings.  It was a tradition every year my parents got each of us a special ornament... whether it was a gold foiled golf ball (for me), or a Camaro ornament (for my brother), or a puppy or a handblown bubble, choosing from so many ornaments was always so much fun!

My favorite Christmas Ornaments and the ones that always caught my eye were either A. really delicate or B. SUPER detailed.  We would browse in the "fancy" garden centers at the artisan crafted ornaments and I'd drool over all those beads... they were just dripping for those beautiful glass balls.  They were also a gazillion $ and not something I would get as a kid.

But now... as an adult... and an artisan in my own life, I've decided that I could make something similar.  A beaded ornament that is stunning and detailed and could be passed down through the generations to become an heirloom.  I dream of a Designs by Dawn Marie beaded ornament adorning the tops of pianos, or curio cabinets or fireplace mantles hanging on beautiful ornament stands and cherished all year long!

Ahhhh, to dream!  It's what keeps the bounce in our step and the inspiration in our creativity!
What are some of your favorite holiday memories?  I'd love to hear!

Have a wonderful afternoon!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

Open House in Review!

What a wonderful experience I had this weekend for my Holiday Open House.  I spent the last week or two cleaning and prepping my studio and decorating for the holidays.  All the invitations were sent out (I have to say paper invitations in the mail increase your success rate by 10,000% seriously!)

Saturday proved to be cold, windy and raining - BUT - it didn't affect the turn out!  People were to so happy and ready to celebrate and share in the festivities.  We sipped on Hot Sangria.... which was delicious, sampled some Tastefully Simple dips, bread and desserts and feasted on homemade cookies generously baked by my mom.  Thanks Mom!

In addition to my custom designed jewelry, my dear friend Angela was displaying and sampling her Mary Kay products.  The Tastefully Simple was demonstrated by another local business woman Roberta Pollak (FYI I'm closing out my party this week, so if you need to restock your Bacon Bacon or Garlic Garlic - or any other T.S. products, let me know and I'd be happy to put your order in for you).

Finally I had my good friend Stacy Petersen sent up some of her amazing crafts.  Stacy sent ornaments, bookmarks, fabric baskets, brag books... it was like Christmas for me just opening the box!  I put up a great display of all of her crafts and was able to have her here in spirit with me!  People just loved the variety and I think I can speak for all of us that we were all very pleased with the end result.

Angela and I - bff's since we were 14! ♥

The results of the open house were amazing!  It exceeded my expectations and made me even more excited to spread Christmas cheer this holiday season! (For more photos, click this link to my Facebook photo album http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=567622&id=10150114260055133&ref=mf ) And now, I'm headed back to the studio to tidy up and work on some custom orders from over the weekend!  Hope you all have a TERRIFIC week!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S.  If you're wondering where the photos are with all the people... ummm, yeah, I was flapping my jaw and socializing so much I forgot to get the camera out... nice, right?  Silly me...

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

Christmas Gift Giving!

Making a list, and checking it twice... gonna find out who's naughty or nice... and I'm sure you've been very NICE all year, right?  I know you want to be on my Christmas list!  This year for the holidays our goal in gift giving is to support our communities.  The gifts we are looking for are either handcrafted or made by a small business owner.  One of the most fun places to shop that really allows you to see all sorts of artisans and creative work is on Artfire.  You'll find a whole host of gift ideas, at reasonable prices.  The best part is that you know you're helping a family, a community and keeping our country going!

I was recently featured in a collection of great gift ideas on Artfire.  The curator of the collection put together a whole host of ideas that would be perfect and there are various price points to appeal to everybody's budgets.  Have a look-see for yourself!

Great Jewelry gif...

Curated By: lunarskies

Craft Supplies

This post is part of the Holiday Open House Series with the Blogmania 2011 Dream Team.  If you'd like to participate for a chance to win over $2,000 in prizes.... take a look at this!

 

<a border="0" href="http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/ginaparkerblinky.gif" /> </a> All you need to do is write a post about the holidays and how it pertains to your business, entertaining, family meals, traditions and how you celebrate.

Then, Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post (post must include our giveaway button in it)  in the link up below  for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* - all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!!  Click HERE to see the prize list!

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post. Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted. Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible (remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on winning post.  Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com   in order to claim the prize package.  If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.

Get your Jingle Bells On!

It's November and the holiday season is OFFICIALLY upon us!  As many people are planning holiday gatherings, others are planning their holiday outfits!  Holiday parties at the office are often big doin's and people like to don their fancy duds and let loose.

For me, as a jewelry artisan, holidays mean sparkle, pearls, glitz and glamour!  This year's winter color seems to be PURPLE from many articles I've read and trends I've been watching online!  That's good news for purple lovers (like me) because purple comes in Swarovski crystals, dyed pearls and artistic wire for creating wire crochet pieces.  What's your holiday outfit going to look like?

As part of the Blogmania 2011 Dream Team, we're hosting an open house from Nov. 1st - Nov. 10th. If you'd like to participate, you're welcome to share your tips and ideas on Holiday entertaining!  All you need to do is write a post about holiday entertaining or how your business prepares for the holidays.  (You can enter once per day.)

Then, Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post (post must include our giveaway button in it)  in the link up below  for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* - all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!!  Click HERE to see the prize list!

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post. Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted. Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible (remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on winning post.  Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com   in order to claim the prize package.  If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.