Steffie Gray Originals

Finally!!

2008-08-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

My life has been a little chaotic lately, but things settled down enough to get pictures of jewelry for a show and make up a display. It seems I don't really have much to say tonight, so I'll just post some pics for a change. Before I do that, I'd like to give a shout out to my friend Beth...thanks for the boxes!! :)

Have a lovely whatever...

Procrastination!!

2008-07-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

My friend and I decided that we are going to do a craft show this year. It will be the first for both of us. We have to turn in an application, take pictures of our jewelry...you know the story. So what did I do this weekend?? I redecorated not one but two bathrooms!

It was bound to happen. I bought new towels this week because I was growing weary of the old ones. With the new towels came the need for a new shower curtain, then new candles, new candle holders, new artwork... you know the drill, once you get something new, you have to keep buying until everything matches. Fortunately I was able to make the decorating happen on the cheap. With some colorful tissue paper, Mod Podge, wine glasses from wineries I have been to, and some jewelry box lids I was able to make candle holders and some wall art. I never in a million years thought I would ever decorate with decoupage...but here I am doing it!!! I did have have to purchase flowers and a vase, but they were all clearance priced. I am really quite proud of my flower arranging! I'll try to get a picture posted soon...but you know how terrible I am at getting on that...so don't look for it anytime soon!! At least I got something done in my procrastination!! I have always been a very productive procrastinator!!

Dr. Horrible!!!

2008-07-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is wonderful!! A must see. You only have until Sunday the 20th to watch!!

Ahhhh numbers!

2008-07-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am one of those freaks that loves creative stuff AND numbers. I love spreadsheets like excel. Normally I create my own spreadsheets, but when I googled to help me get info on a formula I was wanting to come up with I came up with an etsy store JJMFinance.etsy.com what a welcome site this was!! He already had the spreadsheet I was going to make! He saved me so much time and effort! I am so pleased with the Jewelry Raw Material Manager. Its fantastic!

I am currently in the process of numbering all of my beads and entering them into the spreadsheet. This is a long arduous task, but it will be so worth it when I am done!! I wish I had done something like this years ago...it wouldn't have taken so long. So, what you do is give your beads, chain, wire, whatever supplies you have a number, then when you make something, you just put the numbers in the formula and it gives you the price of the item! This is exactly what I wanted, without all the headache of actually have to create it myself.

Here are a few screen shots from JJMFinance.etsy.com Click on picture to enlarge.

He makes all kinds of spreadsheets for running your etsy business and not just for jewelry either. You can tailor them to whatever your craft may be.

Now Necklaces!

2008-07-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have never really made that many necklaces. I don't know why really...I guess because I enjoyed making bracelets so much. Well, that is not the case now!! Over the past few weeks I have been ultra inspired...in all things. I have made lots of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pendants. I even made a necklace with gold in it!! I have recently made a purchase of fine silver and brass wires so I may soon be making stuff with that as well. Of course I have a tendency to not use a new item for awhile after I first use it...so it may be awhile! Here are some recent new items on Etsy

The two are both out of my comfort zone...I am trying to make things that are different. These definitely fall into that category!

I have more items to post, but I am having problems with photography. Hopefully I'll get some more up soon!

Bobby

2008-06-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

I Tivoed the movie Bobby this morning, and I am currently watching it while deciding what to create next. I had to come comment on it, because I am only a half hour into the movie, and I just want to know who isn't in this movie!!! I don't think I have ever watched a movie with this many stars in it! Ok...that is all I wanted to say! Have a lovely Sunday.

UPDATE: After watching the movie I have just one thing to say...WOW!

Pendant Craze!

2008-06-27T15:16:00.001-07:00

I have started a new craze of late... making pendants. I go through phases, right now its the pendant phase craze...or the pendant craze phase (PPC or PCP) I shared the PMC pendant I made last week, this past week I have been making glass pendants, and today I have been making pendants out of building blocks I bought from TheLittleChickenCoop.

Aren't these blocks the coolest? Right now I am kind of limited on what I can do with them, but I'll be getting out the trusty dremel soon...I'll soon be making a lot more than pendants!

I'll get around to taking pictures to share soon!

Precious Metal Clay

2008-06-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

I finally did some work with PMC. My first couple items were little trinkets...

Not much to look at, but a good first try!

I also a made a shield shaped pendant that I listed on etsy

For more pictures of it, or to buy, click on the picture above.

Featured Etsy Blogger Alicia Mae

2008-06-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

This months Featured Etsy Blogger is Alicia Mae. She keeps herself busy by running three, yes three Etsy shops!

AliciaMaePrints.etsy.com

AliciaMae.etsy.com

randomsupplies.etsy.com

Aside from those shops she is also into Painting, woodburning, handcrafted jewelry, and home decorating! What a busy busy woman!!

My favorite items are her prints, I love nature photography. Check these out...

Alicia Mae currently has free shipping on all prints!

Ahhhh...Success!

2008-06-17T23:04:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd take a moment and define success for me. It is one of my goals in 43 things...and aside from that its one of the themes for EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival. To be honest this is tough. Success, at least in the business aspect would be, at least at first making a couple hundred dollars a month. Something to sustain my beading habit. I think Success often changes it's mind. Success may want more. Success would be making something new every night (HA!) and listing it the next day. OK maybe thats a stretch...but making something new every other night could be done. I haven't been successful in this. I love to procrastinate. I really have no excuse other than my love of procrastination. I have even thought out a plan, so that I could post something new everyday. My plan is to make items (obvious) take pictures, when its sunny. Write out the description in Word or something then everyday I'd just have to take 5 whole mins to copy paste and upload photos. No big deal really. I just have to do it...like all things!

On the other hand, I am working towards it slowly. Its hard to work in this chaos I call a studio...and I have been working on cleaning it up at least 3 days a week. So I think I am slowly working towards being successful.

still working!!

2008-06-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am still working on the "studio" I have gone through all the beads and now I am working on the closet and then the desk. I haven't been working as long on the non bead parts as I did on the bead parts. I just wanted to hurry up and get to the beads! I have made a couple pieces. Both different types for me. I'll try to post a pic next time I'm here.

I never knew!!

2008-06-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

OMG! I never knew it would take this long. Just last night I finished sorting out my beads. And, I know thats not all of it...so I guess I didn't finish. I did however, finish sorting out the beads that are in bead trays. It looks so good! The top of my side desk looks a lot better. I still have a lot to go though. I guess the next thing I need to work on is the inside of my desk. If I get the inside done, I'll have more room for everything...and perhaps more room for the all important bead!! :)

Back to it again!!

2008-05-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

This time I am serious...no, really!! I haven't started making anything yet, but I have bought some beads, and I am in the tedious process of re-organizing my beads and FINALLY organizing my "studio" I have kind of let it all go to shit these past few months, and I have turned a blind eye to it. Now that I have been re-inspired, thanks to my neighbor and her new found love for beads! Unfortunately, its going to take me a long time to organize my area properly. I am not a neat person. I get distracted easily. I want to be able to dedicate this entire area to beading, and not get it all mucked up with crap! This is going to be difficult for me! My DH would be so proud if I could pull it off!! He's always on me about my messy desk! Look at this terribleness...

And that is only the half of it!! I am working at it and hopefully in about a week I'll have it all spiffed up, and I can show off my "studio"

Napkins

2008-04-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am making napkins. They are ugly! Well, the fabric isn't the greatest. I bought this fabric a few years ago when I briefly thought about quilting. So I got something cheap to try it out. I didn't get very far with it, so I had a bunch of fabric that I wasn't using. For about five years, we have been using fabric napkins instead of paper. I was only thinking that it would be good for the pocket book not having to buy paper napkins all the time...but another nice thing is that its good for the environment. I am not one of those "Green" people...I will however do something if it ends up being cheaper for me. I guess I am environmentally friendly though...I no longer use paper towels, and I have fabric bags for grocery shopping....and I do recycle. I refuse to be "Green" though. I call it being economical and saving money...or Green :)

Slacking!!!

2008-04-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I have so been slacking at posting lately!! I have been so busy with lots of projects. I finally finished my dress last week. Over the weekend I made a purse...just a simple one. I am currently working on making a cute skirt for myself...and a present for someone else. Don't want to mention the who or the what yet. I haven't made much in the jewelry realm for awhile. It seems as though I have been in a rut. I guess when I decided not to buy any more beads, it kind of put me at a complete stand still. I did force myself to make a bracelet, and a couple earrings a couple weeks ago....just for old time sake. I just can't get into it like I was. I haven't even touched my camera since before Christmas (or at least it seems that way.) I'll try to post pics of the dress and the purse when I get around to taking the pictures.

On another note...I am trying my hand at "farming" this year. I have planted Strawberries, Raspberries, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onions, Chamomile, Lavender, and Cilantro. I have also planted some Green beans from seed, but they have yet to pop out yet so not so sure about that one! I tried my hand at Basil last year, and I didn't do so well...so we'll see about this one!!

I have always wanted to be one of those self-reliant persons, that could live off the land...its just my thumb is more yellow-brown than green...but we'll see! Practice makes perfect, I suppose!

Excitement!!

2008-01-30T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!! I have always wanted to learn how to sew with a sewing machine and do all those seamstress things. Its finally going to happen!! I start classes next week! I have had a sewing machine for 10 years now...I used it for the first time, 4 years ago. I self taught myself the basics, like threading, replacing stuff, sewing in a straight line, and turning. I know nothing about how to sew from a pattern. I have bought several patterns over the years, some I even get as far as cutting out the fabric, but I just couldn't seem to do it. I know I must sound completely crazy, but I want to make those 50's housewife dresses!

The cats...

2008-01-22T14:57:00.001-08:00

One thing I have been doing I have been doing a lot of is spoiling my kitties! My youngest, a boy, loves little mice, so one day when I was sewing I thought I should try making a mouse for him out of my scraps...he loves them!! What a great way for me to use the extras, plus I don't have to buy them anymore! As for my darling girl, she loves to sleep all day...so I thought I'd make her a new cat bed. She loves it! Maybe now she'll stay away from my new blanket!!

Bizzy Bee...

2008-01-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have been terribly busy lately!! I guess because of all of my new resolutions!! I have kind of stuck a new one in there...I have been a little more eco-friendly lately as well. Mostly for the the saving money aspect and not because I think I am going to save the world! What have I done? I think its pretty major...at least in this house! I stopped using paper towels! Thats not to say that I don't have any paper towels...we just stopped using them. We bought a whole bunch before Christmas - you know, one of those ultra big packs...so we still have some for now. What am I using as a replacement? Those cheap-o wash cloths you buy from dollar stores, rags, and cloth diapers for big messes. So far all I have used are the wash cloths, we haven't had any big messes yet, like cat puke...so we'll have to see how that works. I have to say I love the wash cloths, their great...they last longer, and they were cheap!

I am also in the process of of switching to cloth feminine pads I have purchased some, but I have also been making some. I am having a custom order made from honeybeehill Here is a pic of some of her work...

She sells jewelry, and tea and other stuff too. I had LOTS of questions and she was very helpful.

As I said earlier, I am also making some as well. I have been hand sewing them, as I am not very good with the machine...and I didn't feel like dragging it out. I may still drag it out though...I am most likely going to need a lot more! There are all kinds of free patterns out there. So far, at least as far as hand sewing goes, I like this one. I also like this one. Which is the same thing, only longer. This is a great site with a lot of great info on fabrics, where to buy, how to make, other reusable options, and the whys of it all. Actually the biggest reason, aside from the obvious cost savings, and eco thing...is comfort!! They are so much more comfortable!!

Enough of that rant! Updates on the resolutions I have lost a little more than 3 pounds so far, I haven't bought any beads, but I did buy fabric for the pads, but I did use gift cards plus a little more. I am still working on the time thing...I have gotten better, but obviously not too much better, otherwise I would have posted before now!

I haven't been making jewelry lately, mostly because I am on my sewing spree. Aside from pads, I have made a couple monsters, some eye pillows, and overall just kind of playing around. I did finally finish my scarf, and felted it. I am also working on decorating some canvas bags for when I go to the grocery store. So basically, I have been doing everything but jewelry making!

I will try not to stay away for so long in the future. I need to get back to my once a week thing again!!

Happy New Years!!!

2007-12-31T15:35:00.000-08:00

Its not quite the New Year yet, but I thought I'd drop a line real quick to say Happy New Years!! I am going to share my resolutions too...so I can be held more accountable for them! I have three major ones...

Lose 50 pounds - I could probably stand to lose more, but I wanted to give myself a reasonable amount to lose in a year. I think this is more than reasonable. If I get to this goal earlier, I will set another one! I am going to reach this goal by doing Weight Watchers Online.
Don't buy beads or crafting materials unless its from money earned from sales. This is a difficult one. I am seriously addicted to buying beads. I need to get a handle on it and myself. I need to use what I have currently. I need to focus more of my time on crafting with what I have and trying to sell what I craft. I think I just established how I'll reach this goal...so I don't have to get into that.
Organize my time better. This is actually several little goals all wrapped into one. I hate clutter, and if you were to look at my desk and my crafting area, you would never know it. Its very overwhelming...so one of the small goals is to declutter and get rid of "stuff" There is a lot of "stuff" we have, and its just taking up space. I have two options for getting rid of it. Either online through, ebay or something like it...Or I could bless others with it. Recently I have just been doing a lot of giving away. I gave away my polymer clay stuff, I gave away my candle making stuff. I gave a way a lot of household items to the Goodwill. It is easier and faster to give away. Its probably what I'll do with most of my stuff. I also want to be able to do several thing in one day. I am not very good at managing time right now...I seem to take too long on one thing. I will organize a daily calendar for myself and treat everything I do like its my job.

That is all I can come up with right now. If I come up with more ways of achieving these, I'll let you know! I would love to hear your New Year's Resolutions or ideas on how I can achieve mine. Or Both! Have a wonderful 2008! Be safe!!

I haven't dropped off...

2007-12-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth! I have just been so busy getting ready for Christmas, and family visiting. I have nothing to share, really...not this time. Although, as I am sitting here thinking, I did post a new bracelet on Monday.

Its called Autumn Memories

I haven't made any jewelry lately, aside from earrings. Oh, wait...I did make a sweet little bracelet for a very little girl. She's about 8 months, I believe. It was for my hairdresser's daughter. I don't know why, but I am terrible at taking pictures of gifts I have made. It was really cute. After I wrapped everything up, I realized I didn't take a single photo!! Oh well!! I had just never made children's jewelry before, and it would have been nice to have in my collection.

I am cutting this short today... (Not that short!!) I still have lots of stuff to do!! Including going to the market to get groceries for our Christmas dinner! I probably won't be back until after the holiday...so I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!!! Merry Christmas! Happy Boxing Day! I hope to have something in here before the New Year...so I won't mention that yet!!

Excuses Excuses!

2007-12-07T21:42:00.001-08:00

I have been sick this week. Thats it...that is my excuse for not posting. I made some cute bracelets last weekend, and then I got sick. I have pretty much been taking it easy or sleeping all week. It sucks. I am better now, and I have lots to do! First...Props...I haven't done this in quite awhile, so long in fact I am not sure what needs to be done. Sadly, I am going with the most recent first!

Tamarasherbes Talk about wonderful!! First, you couldn't deal with a more delightful person than Tamara. She is great, I had all kinds of questions for her, and she answered every single one. She is very nice and helpful. I haven't tried everything I have gotten from her, some are gifts, that is if I can part with them. Last month she had a drawing, and the person that won, got all kinds of free goodies from her. I WON!! I am so spoiled now!! I am keeping most of my goodies, but since I dipped into the gift pile, I am replenishing with some of my freebies. I can't really go into detail about the wonderful stuff I got now, just in case those family members are reading. I will say that I got the Happy Hippy Herbal Tea in the gift basket and its wonderful!

The tea is the only thing I have tried so far that isn't going to someone else as a gift, so I really can't comment on other things I have tried. I can say however, that I am looking very forward to trying both the Herbal Bath Tea and the Hair Therapy and Hair Rinse. I also have to send out a big thanks to Trinket Tree for blogging about her store.

Wow...I really went on and on about that...now everything else will pale in comparison. Of course I cannot talk about gifts...and most of them are being specially made, so they're not here yet anyway!

Ok, now in no particular order the following....

I got these beautiful boro beads from Dhea of Javabead way back in October. I have yet to make anything with them. This is so typical of me. I buy beads, especially lampwork, hold on to them for months and months, and then create. I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I am a bit of a bead hoard. Oh...the picture...

Aren't they beautiful? I can't wait to use them! I say that...but we all know it will be a long time before I do that!

One last prop...
I saw this ornament, and I just HAD to have it! This is from doodlebugfinery She has a few similar ornaments listed. This little guy is great! DH doesn't like him, but too bad, I do! He's lavender filled, and he smells wonderful!

This was meant to be a short post...but then I decided, lets do props...I guess I am also in a babble mood. So one last thing before I sign out.

My latest addition to my store. I call it Inspired Its got to be one of my favorite bracelets I have made to date. Of course, I don't know about other artists, but for me, favorites are always changing. Favorite colors, favorite gemstones, favorite T-Shirt...the list can go on and on. I am pretty sure I have a new favorite something almost every week.

Hopefully I haven't gone on and on too much!

BHV Bazaar and Preview Sale

2007-11-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know about the BHV Bazaar. Everyone participating in the Bead Hive Bazaar is having a sale. In my store, everything is 15% off. Sale runs 11/30 through 12/3. I am also having a preview sale. Just put in message to seller, PREVIEW, for today, or BAZAAR for the duration of the sale, and I will send a revised invoice.

I finished a beautiful lariat this week. It measures 60" . Its fabulous garnet and amazonite. Its so luxurious. I love it! Its nicely textured with varied cuts and sizes of garnets.

Busted Rump!

2007-11-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

I just busted my rump off to get a whole bunch of new stuff listed! I am not burnt out or anything!! I found a system that works well for me. If I had taken more pictures...or for that matter had more stuff to take pictures of, I would probably still list more things. I don't want to take it too far though!! I don't want to risk burning out! Again!

I am trying new things with my photography now. It seems to be getting easier, or quicker anyway. The hardest or longest part for me was the editing...but now that I actually know how to take a picture (kinda) it really doesn't take that long! The great mysterious tip?!? I actually got it off the etsy site, from storque...its the white balance. Point your camera at a white piece of paper, and adjust the white balance to match. How simple is that? It saves so much time! Most of the time its just a matter of cropping!! Gotta love that!

Well here are a couple things I listed today...

This is one of the wreath ornaments I made. This is the first one I made, and probably my favorite. I just love the color combo. Its striking!

This is part of my Neil Diamond Collection This one is called Yesterday's Songs. I have 5 songs or bracelets in this collection. All named for some of my favorite Neil Diamond songs. I know its weird that I love Neil Diamond...but my parents liked him...and for some reason it stuck with me!

Last picture...this is Carnival! One of my festive bright bracelets. Totally out of character for me, but I am trying to break out of the mold I made for myself, and expand my horizons.

Tomorrow the Christmas decorations go up...so I probably won't list anything tomorrow...but I hope to get some pictures taken and get some more up by Sunday. We'll see how it goes!

Wicked Kitty - but oh so cute!

2007-11-21T22:44:00.000-08:00

I discovered that my evil cat chewed through the cord that connects the camera to the computer. No wonder it didn't work!! Its all fixed now, and I uploaded several photos and have posted 2 bracelets and 1 ornament on etsy. Anyway...since its late and the night before Thanksgiving, I am going to keep this short. I just wanted to share what I have posted...especially those darn ornaments!!

And here is one of my favorite bracelets...mainly because of the kissy beads...
Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me

and Here's Lookin' at You

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving! Goodnight!

Ornaments...and disaster!!

2007-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Not really disaster so much as disappointment. I have several ornaments I have finished, and taken pictures of. Now it seems that I can't get the pictures I took to load up on my computer. I am going to have to get a new cord, I believe. Hopefully I'll have some time tomorrow to get it. I had had them done and pictures taken by Friday evening...and that is the reason I have posted anything here recently. At least I am keeping up with the once a week promise I made myself!

Friday night, after the disappointment, I tried making another ornament, but just couldn't get into it. I bought some really cool handmade cards from TagYourIt These are not the cards...I didn't want to show them in case someone who will be receiving them reads this.

So, the cards I got were absolutely wonderful, but I had 8. It was either going to be too many or too few. I don't know what is with me this year...I don't send cards for anything...just not a card person. I thought, I'll send a few out to special people, you know family. Then I had a couple extra cards, so I thought, I could send these people and these people some cards. Then it was, well, if I send them a card I would have to send a card to 4 other people, and my list grew! I went back to etsy to see if I could find some different cards I liked as much as these...but then I decided I could just make the extras. After all, I do have this paper obsession...So, I have been making cards most of the weekend. I am really getting into it too! It seems the more I make the better I get at it. I remember the first cards I made a couple years ago (not counting the ones I made in grade school!!) those first ones were pretty crappy compared to these!

I am supposed to be working on a garnet lariat and some napkin rings...not that their for anyone, its just that these are the current projects for The Bead Hive. I haven't been doing them. I am not very good at being "forced" to work in a specific area. This is why I have been pretty much undecided on whether I would do custom orders for people. That has got to be so difficult! I think most of us creative types are free spirited when it comes to creating things. Sometimes I can sit down to make something specific, like say those ornaments I made last week. I sat down with an idea in my head, and thinking about the ones I showed pictures of in the last post...started to create and although I ended up with ornaments, they weren't what I originally had in mind. I do this all the time with everything I make. I am sure others are the same way. Even when I try to repeat the same thing, its never the same. Like with the ornaments, I made several, each one looks different...different colors etc....and they all look nice IMHO, but its the first one I made that is my favorite. This is usually always the case for me. Even with cooking! I am not very good at following a recipe, I just go with the flow! Does anyone else feel this way about creating? Its not just me, right?

It was actually simple!

2007-11-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am starting to get back on track jewelry and bead wise. Last night I worked on my Banner and avatar for my store...and can you believe it? They turned out, their clear, and it was actually simple! I just changed them to be more on the Christmas theme...especially the avatar. I figure I'll just change the beads each holiday to whatever is representative for that time...pinks and reds for Valentines day...etc...

I came so close to taking photos today of some copper jewelry I made...but instead I opted for the bead store. I needed some garnet beads and I am wanting to make some ornaments. I found several tuts for making wire ornaments...but I think I am going to opt for some free form.

These are some great ornaments by trinkettree

Love all the colors she used!

Here is another one I liked by women

Look at all these, by DesignsByBari they are interesting...

I love her idea of funky wreaths!

I had to buy some artistic wire and plain silver tone wire today. I have use sterling in the past, and it darkens pretty quickly, and you don't really want to have to clean all your ornaments every year! I think I'll see what I can come up with!

Burnt Out!!

2007-11-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

It happened...I was afraid it would, and it did!! I got burnt out after doing those earrings, not the making part, but the posting part. I am wiped out...and haven't really been to Etsy in a couple days! I haven't been making jewelry either. I have a couple jewelry projects going right now...but I haven't touched them. I just haven't been in the mood.

I have been doing some crochet though...I am in the process right now of making myself a scarf. Its a pain in the butt! I am making an extra long scarf. I think went its done, I may felt that one as well...not sure yet! After that, I may make a hat, purse or blanket...depending on the mood. Hopefully I'll get back to making jewelry soon. Guess I just need a break!!

I did it...and the did some more!!

2007-11-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

Well, it took all day, but I did it!! I got them all listed!! I could have gotten them all done at one sitting...but by today, I was so sick of listing these things, that I just did one here and there...but did it!! And just to make myself feel better, I listed a bracelet too!

I just had to list something other than those earrings! I've got some other bracelets ready...I just have to take pictures...hopefully I'll get those taken and up in the next couple days...but it may not be until next week...I have a bead show to go to this weekend, plus some friends are in town. We'll see!

I have to go watch Grey's now!!

I got featured!!

2007-10-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, I am back already...but bearing good news...at least it is to me! I got featured on a website for indie stores! Wickedly Chic I am in the Daily Ditties Section for Oct. 31st...My Pop earrings were the featured piece.

I have been really good tonight, and listing lots of earrings...but I am still not done. I'll have to finish up tomorrow.

Yeah Me!!

2007-10-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

I finished all the photographs...cropping and everything...and I have gotten some of them posted...and I'll probably get some more done tonight...but I don't think I'll be completely done with the Christmas stuff by the end of the day...but I'll have it all up by tomorrow for sure! I can't believe I did it!! My eyes are about to go cross from all the computer stuff...so I am keeping this short...just thought I'd share a few things...

These are pictures of the collar I made. I call it a collar, because I didn't know what else to call it...and it essentially acts as one...you decide.

This is a picture of it before I felted it

This is a picture of the button I made for it...its a big button...like the size of my thumb (no ruler handy...unusual for me)

This is the completed piece...cute huh?

And here is a group picture of all the Christmas themed earrings...at least all of the colors...not ALL of them...they won't all fit in the same container!! I just thought the picture was bright and cherry! Which seems to be the theme of my jewelry lately...hopefully in the next few days or so I can get those up. Anyway...the picture...

off to vacuum...fun!! :)

Slacker

2007-10-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have been a slacker these past couple days...at least when it comes to the computer...dh got a newer computer all set up for me about a week and a half ago...have a backed up my other stuff so that I can just use the one computer? NO! To my defense I have been very busy with other stuff!

I finally got around to posting some Christmas themed stuff. I hope to have it all done by the first...that means getting it all done between tonight and tomorrow night...somehow I don't see that happening...just taking the photos takes a long time!! I am doubtful I will get them all taken and posted. I do have other things I have to do!

These earrings are quite cute...they are the perfect length and size.

I finished another crochet piece tonight...this one I am quite proud of!! Its wool, so I felted it. I made a large button for it...and I think its FABULOUS!!! Especially considering its only the second piece I have ever made! I was wondering why I didn't start crocheting sooner!! I may have to start making other things too...or more of these...I don't know what you call them...uh...collars? This one is more of a collar than a cowl...since it button closes instead of a circle piece.

I have lots to do...

Caramel apples

2007-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

I just saw this picture and I had to share this yumminess I saw that on MSN a minute ago...and I knew I had to share it with someone! I haven't had a caramel apple in years, but those look very good! For the recipe, click on the picture. Guess I should try to get something done today...whether its making jewelry or taking pictures of it...I need to get to it!!

The Christmas Rush!!

2007-10-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

DH made fun of me in his own subtle way last night, as I was sitting on the floor making my Christmas stuff...he said, "Getting ready for the Christmas rush?" I knew he was being a butt...but I just said yes and continued working. Maybe its just hopeful thinking...but I would like to get something sold before the end of the year...and these have got to work! They are cute, simple, and very inexpensive! And, hopefully I have colors for everyones taste... and outfit!!

I have a new goal for my store...I would like to get to a point where I am listing something new everyday. That is a tall order...so I will take it one day at a time - so to speak. If I could just get to a point where I am taking pictures once a week, then getting them ready the next day...I think I could do it. Its just heading down that path and establishing that habit...It take 21 days to form a habit you know...and I am only taking the pictures once a week...does that mean it will take 21 weeks to stick??

Shopping trip...

2007-10-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

I recently got back from a Christmas shopping trip. The one and only one I'll do. I bought lots of stuff for holiday sales (thanks to a great tip from my brother)...but thats it once they run out...they run out and no more. I don't usually make multiples of one thing...mostly because I get bored with it...but also because its nice to know you have a one of a kind piece and no one will have one that is exactly the same. either tonight or tomorrow I will start making these limited edition pieces... Since they are not one of a kind pieces, they will be very reasonably priced.

I am still on an earring kick for some reason...yesterday afternoon I designed several pieces. I haven't made them yet...but over the next week or so I will finish them. They are all made out of vintage beads...and they are all red black and white. Or a combo of those colors.

Yesterday or the day before that, I listed a bracelet and earring set. I struggled with the thought of listing it. I really really love the bracelet. Problem is, its a bit snug on my wrist and hard for me to put on my self since it is so small for me. I know that I could add to the bracelet to make it longer, but I already put a patina on the piece, and although I could put a patina on the newly added part, it wouldn't have all been done at the same time...and it would somehow bother me...so, its going to be sold...or at least I hope its going to be sold! :)

The pinks are so lush and delicious they really pop against the patinated silver. Ok, nuff of my drooling and admiring!! Shouldn't do that over my own work!!

RESIN UPDATE:
I managed to add some more of the mold layers to the molds I've been working on...and then finally they were good enough to check out. They are now ready for testing! They turned out fantastic...but I won't really know until after I make some resin beads with it. I thought I would start out simple and just put some color in the resin and pour...none of this pouring in with other beads business...I'll just wait to see how that turns out then get creative. Hopefully the new casting will work out better. The last casting only one piece ended up not being sticky...that was the ugliest one with the plastic turquoise beads in it. (see pics below) I'll put some pictures up later of my the molds I made...got to take the pictures first. Hopefully I'll get to do some casting tonight...

Don't you hate it when...

2007-10-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when you find something on the internet...and then you can't find it again? I don't even remember how I found it...but a few days ago, I was looking up tips or something on jewelry made with ribbon...I found this great tutorial on how to thread a bead on ribbon...I wanted to share it with everyone, because it was so wonderful...and now I can't find the feakin' site!! I don't know who it was, what they were selling or anything!! I usually try to bookmark things like that...but I guess because of the simplicity, I didn't think I needed to! Pooh! I guess...if I find the time, I can make up one. It was pretty simple...but mine wouldn't be as well done as hers. We'll see...I'll have to be pretty motivated to do it...I'll continue to try to find it...but it may be next to impossible!

Sharing...

2007-10-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some of the tips I found for non-crocheters to use while attempting to crochet...I found two that helped a lot!

Red Shoe Ramblings: How To Crochet A Scarf-Like Object While Amazing and Mystifying Your Friends: The DebR Method

Single Crochet on You Tube

These helped a lot...and surprisingly (or maybe not) "The DebR Method" helped a lot!! :)

As Promised...although, late!

2007-10-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

I finished my crochet project, and its not too bad! Aside from the horrible yarn I used, I didn't do that bad of a job...for my first time. Its not perfect...or even close to it. It works, though!
Here's a cute pic of my cat wearing it...

Doesn't she look thrilled? Well, the cats like laying on it anyway...but I don't think you'll catch them wearing it too often.

The resin beads didn't turn out too well...they mostly dried...but they are just a tad bit sticky...maybe they'll dry better in a few days!

]
They have to dry before I can clean them, and make them look better...but this may be as good as it gets...but not bad for a first try. Next time I'll try to be more precise!

Speaking of next time...I started making molds for the next batch of resin beads...

Looks pretty gross right now. They are latex molds. First I made some polymer clay pieces shaped in the way I would like some resin pieces...then baked that...then started the mold building process...you paint on this stuff called mold builder, and you have to wait for each layer to try before you can put another layer on. Looks like I need about 10 layers...and I am about 1/2 way done. I hope the molds work out...as long as it is taking!

Here are some etsyians that sell resin beads...

These are very cool! by princessvivi

by LeeLoo Studio

These are just your average beads...

I would most like to do stuff like princessvivi...but that will probably take time to get to that point...but its cool stuff. I probably won't even do the resin bead thing for very long....just a month or two...then I'll be so over it. Especially as long as this whole process takes!!

I think thats it for tonight!

Making Messes...

2007-10-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Or at least that is what DH calls everything creative I do. I have several projects going on right now. Last night I was working on making resin beads, which I have never done before, and probably won't no if they turned out for a couple days...they have to set. This was my first batch, so they probably won't turn out...but hey you never know!

I am also crocheting right now...there are several reasons for this. First, I saw this piece in Etsy I wanted it....but since I can't really buy anything new right now...I thought why not just crochet something. Keep in mind that I haven't crocheted anything since my grandmother taught me when I was around 8 years old. So I don't remember much. I can chain, and I can single crochet...and that is pretty much what I am doing. I am not following a pattern and it certainly isn't going to be pretty! I somehow managed to find the ugliest yarn I could find! I wanted something thick, and soft...but it also has that eyelash stuff on it...which is good because it does cover up all my bloopers. I am just hoping that by the time I am done it will be kind of shaped like that. I'll take a picture of the ugly beast when I am done! The yarn is hideous! I swear!

Oh, my other reason for crocheting is, I have been experimenting in ribbon lately on jewelry. I bought a skein of ribbon yarn for the experiment and it had a pattern for a scarf or something with it. I threw the pattern away...but it did make me think about crocheting.

I don't think that crocheting is something I will stick with. I am doing it just to prove to myself that I can. Plus every fall I pick up a hobby for the fall and maybe into the winter...and do that for awhile. Jewelry has been the only thing I ever picked up and didn't let go over when the winter was over. There are several other things I would like to experiment with this season...I have had this jar of plaster of paris for many years, I'd say at least 10...and I only ever made one thing out of it. I'd like to use that so I can get rid of it. If I make anything, I'll post it, no matter how horrible it is. I'll even post the resin beads that probably won't turn out.

Earring OD

2007-10-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

OMG!! One would think that all I ever make is earrings...but that is not the case at all...in fact I rarely ever make earrings, I was just on a kick last week! As you can see, I listed two pairs last night, and then three more today! I am so proud! I promise the next couple things I list will not be earrings! Although, that is not to say there won't be a set mixed in there somewhere!

I am a very theme oriented person...I love themes...theme parties, holidays with themes...I even celebrate flag day, whereas most people don't even know when flag day is! Its June 14th by the way. One would think that because I am theme oriented that I would make theme jewelry, you know like santa clauses or easter eggs or something of that nature. I don't really...although last year I did use some small tree ornaments to make into earrings...so I guess that is a theme...but other than that I just don't do theme jewelry.

Well, I am trying to step out and do new things. This year I made this stunning and unique pair of earrings. They are spiderweb and spider earring. IMHO these are very cool. The spider is kind of creepy, and the webs are different, just like snowflakes.

Last post I tried to give some props for a couple three people, but there were some technical issues, and most of my props didn't make the post, so I just deleted the whole freakin' props portion to save it for later. Its later now...so here we go...

In the order I received them...

I got a sublime bead set from fellow Bead Hiver Melissa Vess this past week these are some pretty freakin' cool beads, and very well priced. This is the first time I bought from her, but it certainly won't be the last!

On the organizing front...I got these wonderful little boxes from JudyTacynDesigns on a PIF plus shipping. These are great little boxes. She is running a PIF for these now, and it looks like she runs them often....you get over 20 of these and postage is a small price to pay for these wonderfully delicious boxes.

Another bead...but not just another bead!! The most awesome bead ever!! Well, ever in my collection! I have always wanted a Sarah Moran of Z-Beads bead. Her style is all her own. I have seen nothing like hers before. She has a gift and an eye for this. When I got my bead, I had to keep peeking at it, even after I stored it away! Isn't cool? Just nod your head like I can see you...you don't want people to think you are crazy by actually talking to the monitor!

Thats it for props this week. I say this week...but I don't know how often I am going to do props. Originally I was thinking every week. But that would mean that I would have to buy and receive new beads every week. Although that would be nice, the money would have to come from somewhere...and it sure as heckfire ain't comin' from me! I'll just dole out props as often as I deem necessary.

Organizing...uh

2007-10-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't be called the most organized person in the world...or on the block. This is what I have been trying to do this past weekend. When I am on Etsy or ebay or whatever and looking at other people's jewelry, I realized an important thing. I should give credit to the lampwork artist. I hate it when I am looking at a piece, and I love the lampwork in it, but they don't tell me who the artist is. I went through all my lampwork, and labeled it with who made it, and all that jazz...I also discovered that I have WAY too many beads!! I need to start posting some stuff on Etsy soon, or I am going to run out of room to live, and DH wouldn't be too thrilled about that!

A few weeks ago I was at a lampwork bead show, it was wonderful...I was buying beads from someone, and they asked me what I was going to do with such and such beads...I said, "I don't know, I am a bead hoarder" She smiled and said we make the best customers! I admit it! I am a hoarder and I am not ashamed! Although, I do have to stop...at least for a bit...I do need room.

I have almost come to the decision to stop with polymer clay, I don't work with it that often and its taking up space where more beads could go. I'll probably be getting rid of my stuff soon. I have been thinking about it on and off for almost a year now, and its about time I do something about it! I mean, come on...a YEAR??? Thats a bit long, don't you think? Its not like I can't change my mind and buy new a couple years from now! Ok, I just convinced myself! That will be a project for tomorrow...that and I need to list at least two things tomorrow!

New Earrings

2007-10-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

My second day, and already posting, aren't you so proud? Actually I thought that since I just started this blog, I should go ahead and add some pics and stuff now...then I can go to more of a weekly thing. I finished up three earrings yesterday and posted them to my store yesterday and today. Below are the pics...

www.steffiegray.etsy.com

Baby Back

2007-10-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

Red Dwarf

2007-10-09T09:29:00.002-07:00

Triangulation

2007-10-09T09:11:00.001-07:00

Introduction

2007-10-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! I thought maybe I would tell a bit about myself... I have been crafting and creating for years. As long as I can remember I have been making something. I first started making jewelry about 21 years ago, I made friendship bracelets all the time. I stopped making them for a few years and finally when I was around 18 I started making necklaces with my best friend...I still have those pieces...they aren't of the highest quality...but they are a great memory. About a year or so later someone told me about polymer clay and I started working with that some....and although I didn 't start making beads with it until years later...I did discover a lot about the medium. In 2003 I got into making purses for myself and for friends and I embellished them with beads...this really got me into beads, and from there my passion grew. I love beads and I love making jewelry. Its a wonderful creative process for me, and learning and creating new techniques every time I sit down. I enjoy making beads, designing jewelry and wire working.

I will try my best to keep up with this blog...I am not very good at keeping up with ongoing stuff...the only thing I have been really good with keeping up with is jewelry making. I am always making and creating, and reinventing my creative style. Hopefully I will at least be able to post once a week...lets keep our fingers crossed!!