Spring Break and Blogging Friends!

 

 

 

It's Spring Break this week for my son. We're usually in California walking along the beach in San Clemente, listening to the loud 'booms' coming from Camp Pendleton, taking in the waves, letting the salty air kiss our skin and enjoying fresh seafood.

 

 

 

This year we elected to have one of those 'stay-cations' every one talks about. Business wise (not my jewelry hobby/business but our Indoor Air Quality company the hubby owns) things are keeping us busy, so it was hard to justify stepping away (he never steps away and is always doing data review every single day for our associates) from some of the IAQ investigations that were coming our way this week.  Then there was the fact that my birthday is Friday and then Easter is Sunday and we usually spend that with family in another town here in AZ.

 

 

 

 

Plans got changed up a bit (having family in the Military, we're used to that!) and now "Easter" isn't going to be where it usually is and several members of the family are away seeing their kiddos and grand babies. And then, my boys said they would really like to go camping in the desert this week/weekend - and I thought that sounded nice, too - so that's what we're doing. 

 

 

 

 

Arizona's lovely in March - usually not too hot, not too cold - perfect weather!  We're hoping for some of that as we head out and enjoy the ruggedness of the desert and the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets our state is known for.

 

 

Arizona Sunset - Photo by Paul Hindman

 

While I'm away, I wanted to share with you a new Etsy shop set up by one of my blogging friends - Lynda Carson.

 

Lynda's one talented jewelry artists and her blog, Fresh Baked Designs, has been on my 'must read' list for quite awhile now.

 

I love how she regularly shares her creative process and shows her readers her 'adventures' in designing.  Lynda's opened an Etsy shop because everyone was asking where to get pieces of her jewelry and although she has designs in some actual boutiques/shops near where she lives, there was nowhere online for people to purchase her wonderful creations.  

 

Teal Leaf Bracelt by Fresh Baked Jewelry Designs on Etsy

 

 

I hope you'll hop on over to Lynda's Etsy Shop - which is called FreshBakedJewelry (because FreshBakedDesigns was taken!) - and see what she has to offer. 

Her jewelry is just wonderful!

 

Red Tin Botanitcal Earrings by Lynda Carson on Etsy

 

 

If you stop by Lynda's blog, Fresh Baked Designs, this week, you'll see she's got quite a nice give-a-way going on for those of you who pass along her info via twitter, FB or other social media outlets.

 

Kyanite Drop Earrings by Fresh Baked Jewelry on Etsy

 

 

I hope you're all enjoying your week and for those of you who are getting more of that icky weather with snow and the like when it's supposed to be Spring,....well, I feel for you, I truly do, and I hope you get  some "Spring" coming your way soon!!

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Enjoying the Desert in Spring!

 

 

 

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life - Week 12: Observe the Curve

For Week 12 of

Focusing on Life: 52 Photos,

Sally's prompt was:

 

 

Observe the Curve

 

"In life, as in art, the beautiful moves in curves."

~Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

 

"We move, live and love in curves. Arms, legs and bodies curve to propel us into the life around us. Branches of trees curve to embrace the breeze. Letters curve and form words. Curves can keep things apart, hold things together or create a path. This week take a moment to focus on all the different kinds of curves that surround you everyday?

 

And there were indeed curves that surround me every day.

 

From the earring wires I create each day,

 

 

 

 

to the pottery dish sitting on my desk that was

skillfully crafted by my friend Kathy,

 

 

 

 

To the shadows of light that are cast,

 

 

Hand Carved Lucet by Gordon Wayne Baldock

 

 

 

On the perfect curves of the hand carved Lucets my brother so lovingly made for me.

 

 

Hand Carved Lucets by Gordon Wayne Baldock

 

 

 

Each week these challenges open up my mind, helping to slow the pace so I can

Observe the Curves of Life!

 

 

Hand carved Lucet by Gordon Wayne Baldock
 

 

 

Please join the other participants over at

The Studio Sublime

and see what Curves they have Observed!

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Observing the Curves!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

***Side Note***

Since people were curious as to what a Lucet (Knitting Fork) is and what it's used for, I thought I'd point you in the direction of
Rad Megan who sells them on Etsy.

I have one of her knitting forks.
I got it to use when I travel because I don't want to lose or harm the ones my brother custom made for me.

Rad Megan also has a blog and a you tube video where you can read about them, see the necklace tutorial she has posted using them and watch the video where she shows two different methods of
braiding cord with them.

Here's the Link:

http://radmegan.blogspot.com/2012/06/knitting-fork-summer-necklace.html

The You Tube Video is about 
half way down on her post.

Enjoy!!

Cheers,
~Shel~

It's Just Madness!

Hey There Gang!

 

I'm having a "March Madness Sale" over in my MiShel Designs Etsy Store.

 

 

 

Enter Coupon Code MARCH20 and get

20% OFF your TOTAL ORDER

from now through March 31st.

 

 

 

Have a great week everyone!

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Madness in March!!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

 

Etsy Shop Update

I hope every one's have a great St. Patrick's Day. 

 

Are you wearing some GREEN today?

 

I'm wearing this Celtic Knot Macrame Bracelet today.

 

 

Celtic knot bracelet - it's 'greener' than it looks! ;-)

 

 

 

Also, I'm finally getting some more things listed over

in my Etsy Shop.

 

 

 

 

What are you doing today?

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and New Things!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus On Life: 52 Photos - Week 11

This week's prompt from Sally over at

The Studio Sublime was: 

 

The Possibilities Are Endless!
 

 

 

 

"There are many things around us that hold so many possibilities; a child's face, a seed of a flower, the tools pictured above. (trust me, she had a picture of her tools!!) This week pay attention to your surroundings and your daily activities and show us what holds endless possibilities for you."

 

And she included this quote:

 

“In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility." ~Victoria Moran
 

 

And so I thought, and I thought,.....what to photograph?

 

There's Endless Possibilities in so many things! 

 

My tools, beads and supplies have possibilities that are endless indeed - deliciously so.

 

What about my books?

Books contain knowledge and with knowledge the possibilities are unimaginably endless.

 

Colors?

With colors the possibilities are delightfully endless.

 

Nature?  Flowers - endlessly, beautiful flowers?

 

More Door Porn?

I mean seriously, the possibilities really ARE endless

as far as doors go (just sayin').

 

I thought of so many things.

 

But, what to photograph?

 

 

Yep,...it's just a point-n-click!

 

And then, looking through my lens,...

the possibilities truly are endless. Infinitely so!

 

I know what you're thinking:

"She only posted ONE photo this week?!"

Yep, it only took 11 weeks!

Didn't see that one comin', did ya?!

LOL!!  

 

Hop on over to The Studio Sublime today

and see the Endless Possibilities

everyone else has captured!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Endless Possibilities to Photograph!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Black and White! And All Those Other Colors,.....

When I returned from Rome last September I mentioned all the fabulous Black and White fashion I saw in the shop windows over there and how excited I was to see it!

(You can see my post about it here)

 

    

 

I even created these Black and White bracelets as a sort of "Tribute" (if you will) to the Trending Fashion scenes I drooled over while in Italy.

 

 

 

Well, it's still a happenin' combo - Black and White - especially this spring!

 

 

 

I'm not sure why I love Black and White (and Clear - love Clear Crystals and Stones!!) so much.

Maybe it's the endless possibilities that go along with this color scheme. Or the way it's so bold, yet unoffensive (Sorry, but yes, some colors, arranged boldly in strange combos can be almost offensive to look at!)

Recently I created more of the Black and White style combo that I like, only this design has more of a Romantic, Bohemian look and feel. Not so bold or "Art Deco" looking, but rather soft, casual and fun.

 

 

Black, white, grey/gray, clear - yes, these are my 'go to' colors. And blue. Every shade of blue.  I mean, what's not to love about blue, right?! Oh, and browns,.....(Geeze, I'm boring!)

I tend to pick colors that are safe. Safe for me. Meaning, no matter what I create using them, they're bound to look some what appealing. It's kind of like my favorite blanket or sweater I wrap around myself,...they're comfortable, safe and predictable.

 

Even with multiples,...I'm still being 'safe' with my use of color

 

I'm working on being conscious of adding more colors to my designs this year and trying colors that are different and new for me.  It's a bit more difficult than I thought it would be, especially considering that I LOVE bright colors - specifically in flowers, nature and certain types of art work.

 

 

 

 

 

Do you find yourself drawn to certain colors more than others? Do you wear certain colors more or design with certain colors over and over? 

 

Ah yes, these have all my 'go to' colors in them!
 

 

Do you follow the Pantone Colors each season and use them as a guide or do you just let your heart tell you what to choose?

My heart loves deep, dark red and bright pink.  Okay, so I have designed with those colors before,...because they do go fabulously with my 'safe' colors.

Brandi Hussey's starting a new blog called "Oh The Color". I credit Brandi as one of the folks who've helped me branch out a bit and not be so afraid to design with more colors. She's also one of the reasons my photos are getting better. 

 

 

 

You can see why, here.

You should really go over and check out her new blog.  I believe it goes live on Monday, but until then, she's got some awesome (as always!) photos and equally as awesome colors up to drool over!

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Dreaming in Color!

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

 

It's That Time Again,...

For More Door Porn!

 

Click to Enlarge!

 

 

Sorry. I Just Couldn't Resist!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Drooling Over Doors!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life: 52 Photos - Week 10 - All Wrapped Up!

For Week 10 of Focusing on Life: 52 Photos

 

 

 

Sally's prompt was "All Wrapped Up"

 

Here's what she said:

As a Verb

1. To arrange or fold (something) about as cover or protection.

2. To cover, envelop, or encase, as by folding or coiling something about

3. To enclose, especially in paper, and fasten: wrap a package; wrapped up the peelings.

4. To clasp, fold, or coil about something

5. To move (text that will not fit on a line) automatically to the following line.

6. To envelop and obscure.

7. To surround or involve in a specified quality or atmosphere: The plan was wrapped in secrecy.

8. To engross.

9. To put on warm clothing. Usually used with up.

10. To conclude filming.

As a Noun

1. A garment to be wrapped or folded about a person, especially an outer garment such as a robe, cloak, shawl, or coat.

2. A blanket.

3. A wrapping or wrapper.

4. A flatbread, such as a tortilla or lavash, rolled around a filling.

5. The completion of filming on a movie.

 

Are you all wrapped up in warmth or are you diving into a dessert that is all wrapped up in yummy goodness? You have a prompt that has many different meanings, grab the camera and show us how you are interpreting "all wrapped up"!

 

I truly love these challenges each week!

 

They cause me to "Wrap by Brain" around things

I normally wouldn't.  They make me aware.

 

As I went about my week, I realized there's a lot of

"Wrapping" going on in my life!

 

There was the wire-wrapped jewelry I created this week.

There's the blanket I 'wrap' up in each night as I sit with my hubby and son and there were the yummy burritos we 'wrapped up' and ate one night. 

 

There were findings/accessories projects that I 'wrapped up' (finished) and then 'wrapped up' (literally) and shipped off this week.

 

Then, I spent several hours "All Wrapped Up" experimenting with some pics in Photoshop Elements,.....

 

 Yep, that pretty much "Wraps it up"!



 

 

You should "Wrap Up" what you're doing right now

and go see what the other challenge participants

have "All Wrapped Up" for the week!

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Happy Wrapping!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

*To all of you who have left such wonderful comments on these posts each week, I cannot begin to express how much your words mean to me.
Thank you!!

 

Hang Ups

I finally got some jewelry pics taken and sized and was able to put a few new things up over in my

Etsy Store yesterday.

 

 

 

I swear, it's like pulling teeth to get me to do this.  I do love to take the pictures, edit them and all that good stuff, so I'm not sure what my hang up is as far as putting up new listings.

 

Sometimes it's because the new things I have are possibly for a boutique, or they're going to a client, or lately it's because I've sent pics in to a bead magazine and am waiting to hear back.

 

 

 

But more so than not, it's usually just because I either haven't gotten anything new to list, or the pics aren't taken and edited yet.

 

What do you get 'hung up' on with your art and your business?

 

Hop on over to my Etsy store to see the rest!

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Listings!

Cheers,

~Shel~