Generation Gems discounts!
November 29, 2008
Just a couple more days to get free shipping from Generation Gems! Use coupon code holidayship for free shipping on orders through December 1. OR, you can get 10% off your total order by entering code Save10 (also through December 1).
I absolutely love Generation Gems engraved name beads – so many possibilities for “brag” bracelets and jewelry! My strung bracelet, using Swarovski pearls in a neutral cream color, bali beads and hematite, goes well with almost everything. And my newest brag (yes, that’s my dog’s name and his birthday is engraved on the back!) is made from an onyx bead with chainmaille that I’ve oxidized using LOS.
What a great gift idea for the holiday season…Mom, Grandmother, even Dad would love a “brag” bracelet or necklace with the names and birthdates of children and grandchildren!!
Read my review of Generation Gems – their customer service is the best, shipping is fast, and you’ll be in love with their products as well!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27, 2008
Today we think about the things we’re thankful for…hopefully we think about them daily and don’t take them for granted. 
I’m thankful that our family has our health, jobs, insurance, more than adequate basic things like shelter and food, and the means to get around without having to worry.
I’m thankful to have some talent and the ability to share it.
I’m thankful to have friends across the world who are caring and willing to lend a hand or offer a shoulder when things get tough.
Of course there are the not so serious things too…
- I’m thankful that it’s not snowing yet (hubby works road maintenance and has to plow when it does).
- I’m thankful for all the beads, rocks, metal and tools I hoard in my studio.
- I’m thankful for the batch of lefse I made yesterday that will be lucky to make it to the end of the day.
- I’m thankful for my dingo doggie who loves unconditionally (okay, not so silly…)
- I’m thankful for my dial up connection which keeps me from shopping on the internet 24×7.
Have a happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. And eat a slice of turkey for me. 
ARTitudes Gallery a success!
November 24, 2008
I wanted to post some pictures of our gallery…unfortunately, my camera was packed after everything had been torn down, because I really wanted to show the transformation! But here are some shots of the 2008 Holiday Gallery – thanks to Speedway Properties for allowing us to use the space free of charge!
Looking toward the back of the gallery from the entrance.
Here’s the hallway off to the right.
When the building was a hair salon, they had this “bar” set up, it’s up a couple of steps and makes a very nice display. I won’t go into the rumors about what they actually used the bar for….
Here’s another angle of the area leading up to the “bar”. The paintings on the wall were perfectly set off by the deep orange paint…we were lucky with this building, not having to do too much “redecorating” to make it presentable!
The area that we used opened up into another open warehouse…we took advantage of the space by adding an extension to the gallery. Two E-Z Up tents, lots of lights, and wreaths on the grates made the extra area look like it was just another “room” in the gallery.
The Holiday ARTitudes show donates a generous percent of all sales to a local charity. This year, ARTitudes partnered with The Arc of Lincoln. We ask the organization to set up a table/display that tells about their work – here is The Arc’s display, located just inside the front door of the gallery.
Additionally, we set up a “donation” table…all artists are asked to donate one item and 100% of the proceeds from these sales are donated to the charity. Here’s a shot of our donation table, just inside the front entrance.
Finally, shameless self-promotion. Here’s a shot of my display. Lots of lights, lots of mirrors, some variances in height. I like the way it turned out! And Terri Huss’s photography above my display looks terrific, don’t you think?
The gallery was my last “official” show of the year – maybe a couple of private showings before Christmas, but nothing big planned. ARTitudes Holiday Gallery is traditionally held the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, look for us next year!!!
Fun Color Challenge, Holiday Galleries, What’s Next!
November 23, 2008
Thanks to the folks at Boston Handmade for turning me on to the x-rite color hue test. In this test, you re-arrange the color chips in hue order, then click on “submit” to see what your score is. I scored 15 (0 is the best you can get). Nice little time waster that’s actually a bit of brain food!
Speaking of Boston Handmade, the Etsy Street Team is setting up a holiday gallery in downtown Boston…visit it if you have a chance! My extremely talented friend Nancy McCallum (nancyrosetta jewelry) is part of this group and I wish them the best of luck this holiday season!!
The ARTitiudes holiday gallery is winding down – our last day for sales is today, 12:00 – 5:00. I love being a part of this group – it’s hard work, but the gallery is so incredible! I did get some good pictures yesterday, but forgot to bring my camera home from Lincoln. I promise to post pictures soon! Yesterday I even got to be on TV (twice) – some local Lincoln news programs sent out camera crews to check us out. I’m not too fond of going on camera, but drew the short straw, LOL.
After today, shows are over for me for the fall. I’m looking forward to holiday get-togethers and relaxing…and Ornament Thursday will kick back in – fabulous holiday ornament projects every week beginning December 4! Stay tuned for more.
Friday Fun!
November 7, 2008
Early holiday gift to myself is more time…for the last several years, I’ve managed to save enough vacation time from my day job to take off one day a week during December. This year, I somehow finagled it so I began working 4-day weeks in November!
Of course, jewelry making is at the top of my list – two more shows to go this year (one tomorrow, one in two weeks), some commissioned pieces that have been ordered, and a to-do list that seems to grow over night.
Today I’m taking out my little torch. Have some fusing and soldering projects that I’ll work on. This week I’ve been building inventory for the shows – earrings and rings that are priced less than $20…great stocking stuffers and impulse items.
Here’s an idea for a cute earring and pendant set that I hope goes over well. I made these in several colors using Swarovski crystals. The earrings use 6mm bicones on a simple dangle, and the matching pendant uses a 4mm bicone. I used a 14g fine silver ring that I fused for the ring in the pendant, but you could use a jump ring – just make sure the join is closed well!
Happy Friday…off to fire up that torch!
