A Reminder and A Change On The Horizon

Just wanted to send a little reminder,...

I'm having a Summer Sale over in my Etsy store this week.

Click HERE to Go Shopping Now!

 

 

20% off your total order upon check out with
coupon code JULY20 -  good until July 19th.

 

 

We've got family coming to Arizona this week and we're having a brother/sister reunion this weekend through the end of July. 

 

I'm really looking forward to some great quality family time and I'm super excited to see all my Great Nieces and Great Nephews - they're growing up so fast!

 

After I return from 'Family Time' I'll be changing things up in my Etsy store just a bit.

 

 

All the finished jewelry will be for sale as normal, but my ear wires and components will be changing to a 'Monthly Shop Update' as far as listings and availability are concerned.

 

 Because I do so many custom orders for ear wires and things of this nature, it's been challenging to keep certain findings in stock or to regularly stock new jewelry designs to my store, which in turn has caused me to fall behind on things that need attention in both my business and personal life.  

 

 

So to remedy this, I'll be putting up listings for specific styles of ear wires and specific amounts of ear wires and findings each month, I'll make the announcement that they're over in the store and then, when they sell out, they're gone until the next month when I re-stock. 

 

 

Every month I'll announce the 'Shop Updates' on my social networking sites each time I have a new batch of findings listed so people will know they're in stock.

This should keep me on a more organized schedule, make shipping a couple of days faster and allow more clients to try various styles of ear wires and other findings.

A win-win for every one.

 

 

I'll be sending out an announcement about my first shop update sometime the 1st week of August here on the blog, over in my Etsy store and over on Facebook as well, so be watching for that.

 

 

And if you have any questions, you can message me on Etsy, over on Facebook or email me at Shel@asicj.com as always!

 

Thanks for continuing to follow along and for your patronage over in my Etsy shop - I truly do appreciate it and I think these changes will be better for everyone!

 

Have a great week!!
 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Happy Summer!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus On Life: Week 28 - Pretty Patterns

For Week 28 of the 

Focusing On Life: 52 Photos

Challenge hosted by Sally over at

The Studio Sublime, our prompt was:

 

Pretty Patterns

 

 

 

Sally told us to "Get the camera out and explore your surroundings! Focus! And find some Pretty Patterns!"

 

 

 

 

I immediately saw patterns all around me.

 

 

The shell that sits on my desk has a really cool pattern

 

Mother Nature LOVES patterns,...and she does them so well.

 

I love the little 5-point star inside this tiny blossom on my bougainvillea.
Not to mention the lovely pattern on the bright pink petals.

 

Don't you think?

 

 

Butterfly Patterns.  Wish I could have gotten a shot w/her wings open!

 

 

Now hop on over to The Studio Sublime and see what Pretty Patterns every one else was able to capture this week!

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Pretty Patterns!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

 

Black and White Jewelry Challenge Reveal!

It's time for the
Black and White Jewelry Design Challenge
hosted by the ever-so-talented Sally Russick with
The Studio Sublime!

Those of you who know me or have followed my blog for awhile know that I LOVE Black and White Jewelry!

You can check out my post here that I did when I got back from Italy last fall with mention of the B/W trends to come and see a couple of other pieces I've done in Black and White here, too!

When Sally, who's also the host of the fantastic
Focusing on Life: 52 Photos
weekly photography challenge I participate in each week, sent out a call to participate in her Black and White Jewelry Design Challenge, I signed up in a heartbeat! 

Here's what Sally's instructions were for us:

The Challenge:

  Design a piece of jewelry that uses only black and white in the design. 
It can be elaborate or minimalist but only in black and white.

Exceptions To The Rules:

1.  wire, metal or chain in silver, copper, brass, bronze, white or black can be used.

2.  crystal or crystal AB color beads can also be used to ACCENT the piece.

 

 

I kept it pretty simple, but this is what crept out of my mind and through my hands.

 

 

I was in a "60's Mod Mood" designing these black and white hoops and ovals
that I created using sterling silver wire and black and white seed beads.
They're fun,...and they feel good on.
 

 

I'm not sure why I enjoy Black and White Jewelry so much.

 

Maybe because it's 'safe', as I call it.

 

It goes with everything, you can't really go wrong, color-wise, using black and white.

 

Or maybe it's the mystery of black, the purity of white, and the contrast of the two.

 

 

I did a bit of 'hand-crocheting' with
white freshwater cultured pearls, faceted clear quartz
crystals and moonstones on some Black C-Lon Cord.

 

 

It catches your eye.

 

It's dramatic.  It's got flair.

 

It's just pretty!

 

 

Black and White - Czech glass beads, pearls and a rustic pewter cross
knotted on black Irish waxed linen.

 

 

Thanks Sally for creating a blog hop that has flair and drama!  It's been a blast creating Black and White Jewelry!

 

Now, hop along down the list of participants below and check out all the Black and White jewelry they have created for this challenge - I'm sure it'll be an  eye-pleaser!

 

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Creating in Black and White!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

 

 

 

List of Participants:

 

Sally Russick

Monique Urquhart

Patti Vanderbloemen

Veralynne Malone

Duane Clark

D Lynne Bowland

Michelle Buettner

Pam Sears

Therese Frank

Dawn Doucette

Nicole Rennell

Cynthia Machata

Alice Peterson

Carolyn Lawson

Evelyn Shelby

Ailsa Cordner

Michelle Escano

Mischelle Fanucchi

Jess Green

Adrienne Berry

Lynsey Brooks

Kashmira Patel

Ann Schroeder

Marlene Cupo

Susan F.

Susan Kennedy

Kathy Lindemer

Paula Kramer

Lisa Johnson

Sandi Volpe

Donna Bradley

Karin Slaton

Jasvanti Patel

Stefanie Teufel

Liz Engriser

Christine Altmiller

 

 

 

 

Focus on Life: Week 27 - Textures

It's week 27 of the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos challenge and Sally from The Studio Sublime gave us the prompt:  Textures.

 

"We touch a lot of stuff through out the day.  Ever notice how many different textures your fingertips feel?  Probably not.  Unless you're purposely feeling something for its texture we really don't pay attention. This week focus on how things feel, and then snap a picture of that texture!"

 

 

Texture from the 'moss' on the rock wall inside the kitchen at the cabin



 

 

I'm up at my sis's cabin hanging with my family for the 4th of July weekend and there's tons of textures around here - really cool textures, too!

 

 



Close-up of the tree that Logan and Mike helped cut down

 

Logan cutting up the tree that was too close to the
cabin and had to be cut down
 

 

Now, hop on over to the Studio Sublime and catch a glimpse of all the wonderful textures every one else has captured this week!




And, then here's some texture from Italy,....you know I couldn't resist!

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Texture Happy!

Cheers,

~Shel~


**I'm having trouble with the internet up here at my sis's cabin, so I'll be sure to comment and visit everyone's blogs this week after we return!! **Sorry about that**
 

Happy Independence Day!

 

 

 

To all those who are currently serving or have served our country, thank you for the sacrifices that you and your family make each day. You allow us to live with a freedom that so many across the globe only dream of.

 

 

 

To all my family and friends (yes, you!) here in the United States, may you have a safe, happy and fun filled

Independence Day Weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Honoring our Independence!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Our sympathies and prayers go out to all the families and friends of the 19 Firefighters who lost their lives in the Yarnell Hill fire this past Sunday, June 30, 2013.  Words cannot express our sadness.

 

To our friends who live in Yarnell, we're so very happy you are okay and will continue to keep you and your friends and neighbors in our prayers as well. Yarnell is a beautiful little place and our hearts ache for those who have experienced the loss of their homes and property.  

 

To all the brave men and women who are putting their lives on the line each day to fight this fire and all the other fires here in our state - you have our sincere gratitude and we pray for your safety.

 

 

 

 

If you would like to help or show your support for these fire fighter's families or families of any fallen firefighter in our country, please visit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at www.firehero.org

 

 

 

Focus on Life: 52 Photos - Week 26: Your Choice!

"Whoa-oh, we're halfway there,...Whoa-oh,....Livin' on a Prayer!"

 

The words to this Bon Jovi song have been going through my head all week.

 

So appropriate too, considering we're halfway through the year at week 26 with the Focus on Life: 52 Photos weekly photo challenge with Sally over at The Studio Sublime! 

 

Wow,...times flies, eh?!

 

For week 26 of the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos challenge, Sally's prompt was this:

 

Your Choice!  This week you get to choose. Pick your own prompt! 

 

Wow,...the possibilities truly are endless with this one, are they not?

 

I chose to snap a pic of my son next to this metal statue in this little town not too far from my sis's cabin. 

 

Despite the fact that the "Masked Rider" (pictured here with out his helmet) pretty much hates having his picture taken, he thought this statue was really cool - considering the subject matter.

 

 

 

 

He said, "That's how I feel when I'm on my bike, Mom.  Riding fast, hair on fire, having the time of my life!  This is exactly how it is!" 

 

"What?!! You ride 'hair on fire' fast?" 

 

"Yep, I sure do!"

 

"With your helmet on, right?'

 

"Of course. I'm not stupid!"

 

"How do you know your hair's on fire?"

 

"Trust me!"

 

 

(!!!!!!! - insert 'Mom Stress' here - !!!!!!!)

 

 

So, on the eve of my 'Baby's' 16th birthday, I thought this was the appropriate photo to post this week.

 

Here's to you sweet boy!

 

I hope you have a Fantastic, 'Hair on Fire' kind of Birthday!!

 

Now it's time to hop on over to the Studio Sublime and see what every one else captured with their prompt of ????? Your Choice!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Sweet 16!!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focusing On Life: 52 Photos - Week 25

This week's prompt for Sally over at The Studio Sublime is unquestionably the hardest one yet - for me, anyway!

 

Sally's prompt for Week 25 of Focusing on Life: 52 Photos was to complete this sentence:

 

"You are,......."

 

We were instructed to "give yourself the positive reinforcement you deserve. Take a moment to think about who YOU are, what makes you a wonderful person."

 

This is such a great prompt, but boy did it have me stumped!

 

Lately I've been thinking, mostly because my son keeps reminding me, that the time he has left at home with us before he graduates high school and goes 'off into the world' is very limited. It's something like 750 some odd days,....he's got it counted out to the day he turns 18, which will be a month after he graduates high school. 

 

 I keep ignoring the number because I don't want to think about not having him at home all the time.

 

He's unsure exactly what it is that he wants to do when he 'grows up'. He has wanted to be in the Military (a Marine to be specific) since he was just a tiny thing and could barely say the word. He would play 'army' all the time and he's watched the military and history channels so much that even I can tell you what type of ammo goes with what type of gun or what missile what tank or aircraft is armed with and for which war or operation we've used it in. 

 

He's now mentioning college; saying maybe it would be better (pay wise, etc.) to enter the Marines after college, even though he's unclear on what he wants to get a degree in.

 

We don't push him hard in either direction (maybe that's not such a good thing at times), but instead tell him to follow his heart and his dreams, to reach inside and find who he is and do what he needs to do for himself - not for anyone else.  We're there for him and talk to him about planning for his future, even though it scares the daylights out of both Mike and me, knowing so many of the things he's going to face out in 'the real world'.

 

But, you have to let them go.

Let them be who they're going to be.

 

 

 

 

 

You always wonder if you're giving your children the guidance they need. The guidance they want. The guidance they deserve. You wonder if you've done all the basic things like teach them good manners, show them how to clean their rooms/bathrooms, do their laundry, cook (Logan does all but the cooking thing - he still likes Mom to do that!), keep track of their money and be wise with their purchases, be considerate of others, be respectful. And the list goes on,.....

 

This week's prompt had me complete stumped until last night when we were sitting at dinner with some friends up here in the mountains (where we spend as much time each summer as we can) and the conversation between myself and my friend Mary went something like this:

 

Shelly:  So Mary, are you ready to get rid of your 'extra' child? Is Logan ever going to come home or are you adopting him? (he's spent every night over at Mary's - which is just about a mile down the road - w/her kids since we arrived this past Tuesday )

 

Mary: (as she laughs at my comment) Oh, Shelly, I just have to tell you how wonderful it is to have Logan with us. He's such a joy.  Out of all the kids, when I tell them to do work for me out at the barn or around the house, he's the first one to get up and get the other kids doing what I've told them - it's working out really good!  And, he's always polite and he helps keep the sibling jabs and quarrels down to a minimum too. Which has been really nice lately - trust me! 

 

So, as we were all getting up to leave Tal Wi Wi Lodge (yes, it really is called Tal Wi Wi - you can follow the link, here!) Logan walks over and puts his arm around my shoulder and hugs me and says;

 

"Mama, I love you. Thanks for ordering us guys our food when we went back to the cabin to pick up Dad.  My onion rings were great! Oh, and I'm riding with Phillip and Will cause I'm staying at Mary's again tonight, okay?"

 

And right there I thought, "You are,....a good Mom!" 

 

At least I felt like a good Mama, with his arm around me and his cute face with that silly little grin looking down upon me!

 

 

 

 

I was in Mama heaven! 

 

I'm soooo gonna miss my 'baby' in two more years.

Or 738 days,...to be exact.

 

 

 

Please take some time to hop on over to The Studio Sublime and see what everyone else 'got to snappin' for this week's prompt!

 

And, thank you Sally. Each week of this photo challenge is an exploration of the world around me,...not to mention an exploration of me personally!  It's an incredible journey and I'm glad I'm along for the ride!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Being a Good Mom!

Cheers,

~Shel~