This is Surreal

I had a banner day. I feel like I've broken through. I had an appointment to meet with a store owner in Easton, MD (where I used to live). The store is called La De Da and it is totally a store I'd shop at. She loved my work. I couldn't even believe it. Like I've said before, I'm not really a good sales person for my stuff, I just love creating. Hard to believe I used to be in retail. I think it's different when it's your work. It's so personal to me and I'm a sensitve softie on top of that. So, I'm on a "trial" run as I left some pieces on consignment. I'm really excited though. I could feel their excitement around my work and when someone feels that strongly about it, it's an easy sell. I can't even put into words how grateful I am to have someone give me an opportunity.

EDITED: All this new jewelry on this post and the post below was taken by La De Da. Hence, no longer showing in my Etsy store. :)

I'm Back... For Real

Life's been interesting but good. I joined a mom's walking group and a playgroup through meetup. It's a great website. You can find others in your area with the same interest. So the boys and I have been busy doing lots of activites. I even have a mom's night out tomorrow :)

My camera has also been missing; hence the ugly scan in the post below. I just added some of the pictures here to my etsy store.

EDITED: All this new jewelry on this post and the post above was taken by the store La De Da. Hence, no longer showing in my Etsy store. :)

I'm Back

I really can't stand when I'm away from blogging and reading the blogs I stalk. I've been busy. My husband was out town last week and is out of town again this week. This is now 11 weeks since January that he has been away. We've also been traveling back and forth to my in-laws house. The kids are getting lots of quality time with grandma and grandpa.
I've also been busy trying to market my artwork. I'm constantly taking pictures and writing copy for the website. I don't know how anyone does a website from scratch. It's a lot of work. I'm still trying to organize the craft cave and my life for that matter! I think I've finally gotten over my fear of speaking with store owners. I really just want to sell my first piece.
I have managed to make some new jewelry. Above is my new phase "funky chunky" bracelets. There are lots of components: semi-precious stones, shell, Swarovski crystals, Czech crystal, lampwork beads, and vintage beads. I could make a million of these and I probably will until I move on to my next phase.

Banner Love

I've been playing with my banner up there. I just figured out how to change it. For a few short hours I had my "lovely" homemade one that just didn't fit. I'm so computer illiterate! Briana at Benny & Roo made this one for my Etsy store and I just love it. It's so me with the pink and the flowers I wanted to use it here too. I may play around some more just to see what I can learn. I still can't get a picture to upload with my profile. Maybe I'll try that today. ;)

Tag, I'm It!

Here are 7 weirdo things about me.

1. I have scarred stories from when I was a kid. Like when I was in Kindergarten and was late to school. Well, that was the day Santa came to get our letters. I gave my letter to the teacher or assistant or someone and they told me it was too late. Dejected I brought my letter back home. Ask my sister or cousin how many times they heard that one.
2. I listen to music really LOUD in my car. If you catch me on the road I'm doing some serious dancing and singing.
3. I am a sports freak. I was a batgirl when I went to Florida State University. I'm now passing the tradition on to my kids. When Brandon was 2, he could say Go Noles. What a good, smart kid!! See #6.
4. I won a contest in high school lip synching to New Kids on the Block at the mall.
5. I've been in love with a gay man since I was 12 (George Michael) Yes, at the time I didn't know he was gay! I know, you told me so!!
6. I actually texted my husband 911 when I found out I couldn't afford tickets to the NCAA basketball regional tournament when UK was coming. And ooh, did I get in trouble for that one.
7. I LOVE lists. I have lists in my journal, lists in my planner, lists on emails, lists on the refridgerator, lists on the dry erase calendar. Ooh, and excel spreadsheets make me drool. Can you say TYPE A?

Thanks to Miz Smoochie Lips for taggin' me. I don't have anyone else to tag, cause I think everyone's already been tagged. If you haven't, comment and let me know you're doing it cause I love a good list!!

Catalog Requests

Hi Everyone!
I've got a question for you. (I should be doing laundry/packing for the weekend, but I'm procrastinating.) What catalogs do you like to receive for inspiration then cut up for collaging. Yes, I know, like I need anymore junk mail. I just LOVE catalogs (Well, not Gadget World or the Tractor Store ones).
I just ordered Nordstrom's and Hanna Anderson. I already get Anthropologie, Tracy Porter, Ballard Designs, and Brocade Home. What do you cut up??

It's True

I love Victoria magazine and it's coming back! When I go home to visit my mom, I swipe some of her old issues she has "stored for reference". Sorry Mom! Now, we all know where I get my packrattedness from. (I think I just made up a word)

New Work

I've been so excited about my little store on Etsy. Here are a few works in progress. I have found lots of new paper and I've been going to town on the 1x1 pendant collages. I need to cut some glass and solder so I can get these babies up in the store. I also just made this frame. I'm really liking it. It's collaged with "recycled" catalog paper, German foil, and my swirlie doodles. I have all these creative ideas swirling in my head that I can't keep up with them. It's kinda fun though!

EDITED: I forgot to link to Lia. The frame above was inspired by the post here. She made a beautiful frame and I had to make one too. Thank you Lia for your eye candy and for sharing with us.