Lazy Summer Contemplations

So I'm almost recovered from my oral surgery. I think I have a pudding hangover, but that's not so bad in comparison to the problems I COULD have!

Anyway, I've been reflecting on my shops now that it's the peak of summer, and it's pretty much downtime for me. I've retaken some pictures, I'm in the process of listing new items. (Almost up to 300!!) I'm very happy with the branding in my AuntieDis shop, and I even have a new brochure that was made by the fabulous clemartdesign! That shop is ready to rock and roll for the holiday season. I just am unsure about my AuntiesCardShop. For the longest time I've wanted to combine both of these shops into one, I mean it sure would be easier to promote just one, but for some reason I just can't do it. I try to list paper products in my AuntieDis shop, but something always stops me at the last moment. Something makes me think it would be too crowded. I'm not necessarily unhappy with the branding in that shop. It fits my theme, both shops seem to go very well together, but something is "off". I've been trying very hard lately to equally promote both shops, I've even been scheduling which days to promote which shop, so I'm sure to be fair to each. I've been creating new products, not always daily, but a few times a week. I just don't know what it is! I can't put my finger on it, and it's making me nuts! If you have any suggestions for me, please clue me in!

What are you doing in the down time of summer? Are you prepping for fall sales? Or are you spending time with family and friends? What's your secret summer plans? Share!

Dragonfly in the Vineyard.....Something New...

Today I wasn't feeling very creative. It rained here for the last two days, the economy is going down the crapper with the gas prices, and quite frankly, this whole summer vacation thing with kids being home 24/7 is getting on my nerves. I'm pretty sure that someone isn't going to survive the summer...and it just may be ME! There have been several instances that I've been ready to duct tape the three children in this house together and find a pool to throw them into. I'm quite sure my 8 year old hasn't shut his pie hole ONCE since he's been home, and it's gotten to the point where I'm sending them outside in shifts..you know that whole "two's company but three is a crowd" thing.

So anyway, I have digressed (pardon me, I'm on the brink of insanity here)....back to the not feeling very creative.....Finally at about 4 PM, the creative juices started flowing a bit and I made this beautiful bracelet. Despite the fact that it was ready to thunderstorm outside, I couldn't hold off on taking a picture, so I went outside and braved the thunder and lightning and took pictures. I'll have to take better ones tomorrow.

I was sitting there thinking about what I could do to create something that wasn't quite so pricey for those that still wanted a little treat for themselves, or needed a gift for someone else. I decided to try using copper wire, since it's less pricey and still looks fabulous! I hammered the clasp myself, and used once continuous piece of copper wire otherwise. I used mostly Czech glass beads, with a lampwork focal bead and two Swarovski crystals. All in all, I think it came out lovely!

What are you doing to lower costs lately, and pass on savings to your customers?

Dreams of Hawaii

I went to Hawaii once, a long, long time ago when I was in the Marine Corps. I wish I could go back as a tourist and take my time exploring. It was so green and beautiful, with lots of interesting wildlife, and gorgeous fish. Today it was cold and windy, and while I was making this necklace, I was thinking about Hawaii. It's made with Czech glass beads in a beautiful deep green color, Cherry Quartz (which is just a fancy name for pink glass) and Swarovski crystals. I added a freshwater coin pearl for a little pizazz, and made the clasp myself. I won't be sad if this baby doesn't sell. I wouldn't mind keeping it for myself! :)




I even made a dainty pair of Freshwater coin pearl earrings to match. Ever since I learned to form my own ear wires, I'm liking making earrings a lot more! :)

Something New

So today, I tried something new. Here's the result....

Very simple, but it's the first time I've worked with copper. I like the looks of it, AND I like to work with it. It's very user friendly. And I also made my own clasp! Another first for me. The stone pendant is simple, and it's got a great mix of glass beads, Swarovski crystals, and lampwork beads.

So what new things are you experimenting with? Give a shout out and let a sista know!

Random Musings

It's been a while since I posted. I was busy getting ready for the big spring craft show...that wasn't. It was horrible. Sadly, I think the state of the economy is going to prevent shows from being very lucrative this spring. They may pick up in the fall, as people buy for the holidays, or they may not. Who knows?

Hubby and I have been writing our plan for world domination, one candle at a time...Yankee Candle, watch out, I'm coming for you! LOL In the mean time, he has ordered quite a bit of screen printing equipment, and we're off to the races! :) It should be fun. We've spent the last week reorganizing our basement so we both fit down there, and I do think much fun will be had by all! :)

In the mean time, I have been working a bit on some things with my favorite medium (lampwork), as shown by the photos above. Actually, the ring, my husband picked out. He said "Make this bead on this wire" and I did it just for him. And it is good!