tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83571844129012783212024-02-07T04:22:52.426-05:00Gifted DesignsGifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-32467501604040695712012-02-19T20:22:00.011-05:002012-02-19T22:27:35.899-05:00Easy, Inexpensive Photography Set-upSetting up for a photo session at home can be a pain in the butkiss! <br />Which window? What time? Sunlight? Cloudy? And at that point you're usually pulling your hair out and thinking that washing the dishes piling up in your sink would just be far preferable!<br /><br />Here's a very simple set-up that can help you during most daylight hours. It can even be adapted to night time shooting by adding a couple of inexpensive desk lamps and some OTT Lights. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ItD1PwBClkXd1yjqXmVDjv61hXSsD26kvpmNGJTg3DWBIxcnYyKlR_RGdRR5KPV0q5J6q4Fei1lgOgUs2Z-DfuhWVdaOW2Ne7eVl5NqoLWQVBqJ_ri6MJqVjpmZf4JDFmuTPElSd_0M/s1600/tutorial1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ItD1PwBClkXd1yjqXmVDjv61hXSsD26kvpmNGJTg3DWBIxcnYyKlR_RGdRR5KPV0q5J6q4Fei1lgOgUs2Z-DfuhWVdaOW2Ne7eVl5NqoLWQVBqJ_ri6MJqVjpmZf4JDFmuTPElSd_0M/s640/tutorial1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711024006832947362" /></a><br />This is more or less what you'll be needing. <br />- A piece of cardboard sized as you prefer. You can actually have several different sizes to use to bounce light off each other.<br />- Aluminum Foil<br />- A clamp. You can get these at any hardware store. They come in different sizes and range in price from 2$-10$<br />- Tracing Paper or Velum. As many sheets as you like depending on how much light you want to diffuse. Tracing Paper is thinner. Velum would be best if your area is particularity sunny.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E4gFyGUxEJ_zzRIM1ZlZFvHFsB21bkSTi51N4RKCgNPRb6_CvDKwPoRTBg8xiGSuANza2Fea_VvXZ1LPMu3VIA5e7aLWWyODwH0aSm0EdHEICqF-ZF7hEkddJpwvI_cikuOYfQNXgmo/s1600/tutorial2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E4gFyGUxEJ_zzRIM1ZlZFvHFsB21bkSTi51N4RKCgNPRb6_CvDKwPoRTBg8xiGSuANza2Fea_VvXZ1LPMu3VIA5e7aLWWyODwH0aSm0EdHEICqF-ZF7hEkddJpwvI_cikuOYfQNXgmo/s640/tutorial2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711024031618505618" /></a><br />A tripod of some kind is essential in getting crisp photos. Today, I used my little Joby table top tripod. What I love about this little guy is his flexibility. You can twist him about to just about any position. You still need to help keep him steady though. I would actually recommend a combination of traditional Tripod with a table top model for close-ups. The traditional tripods are often sturdier and steadier.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Bcp7nqIpr3NxFr8Yb-K9GWwdVQqDQlTZqDqFQOCpnZYBwLxzkXDqggAmUPprh3lh40pP7JBsR5nC8YPVic6plYgW11Az9LFxGjtdVPRkubVMQlHm4Pmat6Q3-Da8Q-pPkUVgYmayQJc/s1600/tutorial3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Bcp7nqIpr3NxFr8Yb-K9GWwdVQqDQlTZqDqFQOCpnZYBwLxzkXDqggAmUPprh3lh40pP7JBsR5nC8YPVic6plYgW11Az9LFxGjtdVPRkubVMQlHm4Pmat6Q3-Da8Q-pPkUVgYmayQJc/s640/tutorial3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711024041898989090" /></a><br />Take a sheet or two of Aluminum Foil and wrap it onto your piece of cardboard. Tape is a good idea to help keep it tight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiMRFjMX-gzSuvaM8IXXwI3o1wUMGn5zxCZ81KEWP91mXfJvHRxUN3biAQ2J7MIXU5M0O0jOGEm9CandhyphenhyphenvCnkcH5-wsrNxQu-kkAuMVVjF7concQnlUTytK8tsk8ZaXRfJsbMSRCY14/s1600/tutorial4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiMRFjMX-gzSuvaM8IXXwI3o1wUMGn5zxCZ81KEWP91mXfJvHRxUN3biAQ2J7MIXU5M0O0jOGEm9CandhyphenhyphenvCnkcH5-wsrNxQu-kkAuMVVjF7concQnlUTytK8tsk8ZaXRfJsbMSRCY14/s640/tutorial4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711024044630599474" /></a><br />Take the clamp and put your foil-covered cardboard into it. You can now place it wherever you need to bounce the light without it falling down on you. As you can see, I just ended up needing one sheet of tracing paper, I could have put up as much as 4 though if I really wanted to diffuse the light. <br /><br />I used my grey background, but you can use any color you like for this set-up. If you're looking for a bright white background, <a href="http://www.handmadehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/"><b>you can try this set-up</b></a>. My set-up is basically a modification of this one...:)<br /><br />A note on the table. I wasn't happy with where I was able to place my foil-covered bouncer and so I ended up dragging my dining table to the window...;) It's a good idea to be using a surface that actually surpasses the size of your photography area so you can really fine-tune your lighting. <br /><br />With this set-up and my little Canon PowerShot ELPH100HS I was able to take these shots. For editing, I just had some small color adjustments because my light was a little on the blue side. There were very little lighting and contrast adjustments.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4miLNiEHmeQ_osTGOhdQatt1OxAp5rllH2okCZUEQPnjEekX5RXYKNrR5hQGycJIo0cBaKvRQzxgX18jgdl_F6oaBcXniV6JUJRobvIkUR-3IEV6g4Q_bInsPuk-9UtRJFEOGo2gfg0/s1600/tutorial5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4miLNiEHmeQ_osTGOhdQatt1OxAp5rllH2okCZUEQPnjEekX5RXYKNrR5hQGycJIo0cBaKvRQzxgX18jgdl_F6oaBcXniV6JUJRobvIkUR-3IEV6g4Q_bInsPuk-9UtRJFEOGo2gfg0/s1000/tutorial5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711031892146005170" /></a><br />If you want to check out more awesome tutorials, you can check out my fellow <a href="http://aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/"><b>Aspiring Metalsmith</b></a> teamies' teaching skills!<br /><br />♥ VCArtisanOriginals – <a href="http://www.artisanoriginals.blogspot.com/"><b>artisanoriginals.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Sylvia Anderson – <a href="http://www.sylviaanderson.blogspot.com/"><b>sylviaanderson.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Metals Addict – <a href="http://www.metalsaddict.com/"><b>www.metalsaddict.com</b></a><br />♥ Lilian Ginebra – <a href="http://girllovesglitter.blogspot.com/"><b>girllovesglitter.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Esmeralda – <a href="http://jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com/"><b>jewelry-by-silverblueberry.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Stacy – <a href="http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com"><b>formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Mary Anne Karren – <a href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/"><b>silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com</b></a><br />♥ Pennee - <a href="http://allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/"><b>allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Jessica – <a href="http://www.abellablue.com/blog"><b>www.abellablue.com/blog</b></a><br />♥ Elizabeth Brown – <a href="http://resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com/"><b>resurrectionsilver.blogspot.com</b></a><br /><br />I hope this little setup could help...:)<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-10249844446556196632011-10-26T12:45:00.010-04:002011-10-26T13:23:35.891-04:00The Market - Wrapped, GD Packaged!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeY6gE3_FSvfaKMcAc-hBJkoQBHthbb0li62eyWixaTtdXHJE-7sn2h0MnTmdpHn8__GpMGf4eIIvyAB24J_s1hkCujycGVQpvKmkMMxE0fN3GVCeLJiHB7ahw4fk7tc6AGb52kipi8k/s640/packaging3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeY6gE3_FSvfaKMcAc-hBJkoQBHthbb0li62eyWixaTtdXHJE-7sn2h0MnTmdpHn8__GpMGf4eIIvyAB24J_s1hkCujycGVQpvKmkMMxE0fN3GVCeLJiHB7ahw4fk7tc6AGb52kipi8k/s640/packaging3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667847005112159058" /></a><br />*dusts off the screen*<br /><br />Gee, it certainly has been a good long time since I posted...almost a year! A lot has happened in that time and I will be sharing some of it with you all...:) I have pictures...;)<br /><br />I thought an excellent way of kicking this blog off again would be to show off the packaging for my goodies. The examples below are basically how I always package though there may be ribbon/tissue paper color & width variations depending on the size of the jewelry box. <br /><br />I worked very hard on my branding. I wanted something that reflected both whimsy and elegance and so my logo is both crazy and refined. The colors I chose are a pure personal reflection. Pink and Aqua are two of my fav colors...;) Along with this lovely bundle, customers also get a simple silver envelope with my business cards inside and a SECRET item! hehehehehe<br /><br />I want my customers to feel special and so I go out of my way to give them special packaging reflective of the quality of their purchase...:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5_vB4Hi-xgTUKsB6T6bVkGbY7RJZq5GT0f71Jnt8sM3G10HQV5Gf2kSfMs1hDuVyauX_2ALNMIAOIw0bJJgKIoXhkqqsKnFWdn_a-sJXv7fxVhxYkTnfSmRNmdZvpLcuHN3sdN1B8Nw/s1600/packaging1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5_vB4Hi-xgTUKsB6T6bVkGbY7RJZq5GT0f71Jnt8sM3G10HQV5Gf2kSfMs1hDuVyauX_2ALNMIAOIw0bJJgKIoXhkqqsKnFWdn_a-sJXv7fxVhxYkTnfSmRNmdZvpLcuHN3sdN1B8Nw/s640/packaging1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667846996621693618" /></a><center>All wrapped up and ready to go</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSqGfSXhSjwnBgHmD1TmAHxV-HQC66L0RG6CzoiMLsnX-JQ3bE0fB7CBSR5IJiGLElHbNBmlGSGASK0QswIY8JbfcQYX8Oavqmdr7_hIeVp8xUwR6OqRqnqWTr7cXvkjWE8eqCV7QiJA/s1600/packaging2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSqGfSXhSjwnBgHmD1TmAHxV-HQC66L0RG6CzoiMLsnX-JQ3bE0fB7CBSR5IJiGLElHbNBmlGSGASK0QswIY8JbfcQYX8Oavqmdr7_hIeVp8xUwR6OqRqnqWTr7cXvkjWE8eqCV7QiJA/s640/packaging2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667847002057053378" /></a><center>Up close</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTMENY0oJolh9AkAjVMIpnN2R_83xq8zGhwunfax9hr9G8szevjy0_NwNSvxD9OdyCBGd8ZPFOkzsol3P80m12gYSNcCD4kLmu7B_jAcyREUA6-4q0on2nsaVj3_8LOQrBClEnp3uWtI/s1600/packaging4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTMENY0oJolh9AkAjVMIpnN2R_83xq8zGhwunfax9hr9G8szevjy0_NwNSvxD9OdyCBGd8ZPFOkzsol3P80m12gYSNcCD4kLmu7B_jAcyREUA6-4q0on2nsaVj3_8LOQrBClEnp3uWtI/s640/packaging4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667847007465761746" /></a><center>Business cards</center><br />If you want to see more, you can check out my fellow <a href="http://aspiringmetalsmiths.blogspot.com/"><b>Aspiring Metalsmith</b></a> teamies' packaging solutions...:)<br /><br />♥ Beatriz Fortes – <a href="http://cjbf.blogspot.com/"><b>cjbf.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ ArtistiKat – <a href="http://artistikat-scratchingpost.blogspot.com/"><b>artistikat-scratchingpost.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Claire English – <a href="http://brightstar109.blogspot.com/view/classic"><b>brightstar109.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Mary Anne Karren – <a href="http://silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com/"><b>silverpearlmetalworks.wordpress.com</b></a><br />♥ Lisa – <a href="http://glenshire-shop.blogspot.com/"><b>glenshire-shop.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Stacy – <a href="http://www.formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com"><b>formandfunktionaccessories.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Amy Estelle – <a href="http://www.amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com/"><b>amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Morgan MetalAdornments - <a href="http://metaladornments.blogspot.com/"><b>metaladornments.blogspot.com</b></a><br />♥ Jason – <a href="http://happytortoisedesigns.blogspot.com/"><b>happytortoisedesigns.blogspot.com</b></a><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed looking!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-10985226341296940002010-11-07T21:15:00.006-05:002010-11-07T21:55:16.560-05:00It's Personal - My Second Montreal Gem Fair VisitI almost COMPLETELY forgot about the Gem Fair this year and I managed to get there this afternoon. I'm so happy I did! I found some beautiful stuff and I reconnected with a lot of awesome people...:)<br /><br />I didn't get to take photographs this year inside, but I did sneak one of my buddy Mike, a super sweet rockhound...:) There was a such a crush of people that even if I would have been allowed, I doubt I would have gotten anything else BUT people in the photographs! LOTS more people than last year, though it seemed like there were less vendors. I honestly wouldn't mind trying my luck at selling my pieces there as there were jewelry enthusiasts as well as stone and mineral lovers...:)<br /><br />So, on to what I nabbed! These are awful pictures...I'm probably gonna retake them in daylight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKSO9YVaioWjmTQoZ08XB_XDVCRHz2UvAxPC6y0ybKinchlq3BiwrbPJEqWzZvlNdvAnAubYYOdglHm1dd8V6-aUhcc9hEDsSQ1MWqEdn1frSrcfUmsvUpw7K_q66zYg3y6geYK7Z7ak/s1600/my+buddy+mike.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKSO9YVaioWjmTQoZ08XB_XDVCRHz2UvAxPC6y0ybKinchlq3BiwrbPJEqWzZvlNdvAnAubYYOdglHm1dd8V6-aUhcc9hEDsSQ1MWqEdn1frSrcfUmsvUpw7K_q66zYg3y6geYK7Z7ak/s640/my+buddy+mike.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536997262536407506" /></a><center>This is my buddy Mike, I got the following three pieces from him</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1_eypt-Dk5XvYMXyONlIkPkGQLcIkikXh0xmK4EM02NFtDXolniLMB1vzwY1StbiXTJ7VELA95YsYK_n2CQJ_jt8grdgdk-F7-r_9fWY1iOKymHhlYqUBoqy_646dkHTyNtMs-bnDf8/s1600/amethyst.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1_eypt-Dk5XvYMXyONlIkPkGQLcIkikXh0xmK4EM02NFtDXolniLMB1vzwY1StbiXTJ7VELA95YsYK_n2CQJ_jt8grdgdk-F7-r_9fWY1iOKymHhlYqUBoqy_646dkHTyNtMs-bnDf8/s640/amethyst.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536996744586170754" /></a><center>A really pretty piece of amethyst that Mike handed over, I will probably make a pendant out of it...:)</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QopaMQ9GuJ-MnpV57_TnXGNLoQ0W5B-THCOg8t6gWZLdIDdbpgMZi8w9-YgYutdc4FaIze1nDI5lLyWzfqVid53zcajk3-Wt9qUETHpwc-kVTzHzSmbeQCEfCbBYSEwSuTW3HB1UHPQ/s1600/eudyalite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QopaMQ9GuJ-MnpV57_TnXGNLoQ0W5B-THCOg8t6gWZLdIDdbpgMZi8w9-YgYutdc4FaIze1nDI5lLyWzfqVid53zcajk3-Wt9qUETHpwc-kVTzHzSmbeQCEfCbBYSEwSuTW3HB1UHPQ/s640/eudyalite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536996758300018962" /></a><center>This little beauty was hiding amongst some of Mike's slabs he had behind the counter...I had to have it and I'll probably keep it as is as a mineral specimen. I have a special place in my heart for Eudyalite.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DSm1b52Q591toZ5Jjf1NPs63d4Cpe_S8lmwtLFB3pYF0tuOeu8cKXn-2j8VKLV7ynT6ep_xn1X_YM0lSkXDeiSRLc46dQ63ua1Zb-7BpMslhtMHInbPberDvG4gtw5Ou5nSIi67kes4/s1600/picture+jasper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DSm1b52Q591toZ5Jjf1NPs63d4Cpe_S8lmwtLFB3pYF0tuOeu8cKXn-2j8VKLV7ynT6ep_xn1X_YM0lSkXDeiSRLc46dQ63ua1Zb-7BpMslhtMHInbPberDvG4gtw5Ou5nSIi67kes4/s640/picture+jasper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536997255864878706" /></a><center>This stunner was just sitting there looking pretty and I fell in love. It's a Picture Jasper the size of my palm. I bought this one for myself...;)</center><br />Mike always has fascinating stuff and he's a great hugger! You should have seen the MASSIVE 200lbs rock he had at the back and he had some beautiful petrified logs. I shoulda taken a pic of that rock...it was HUGE!<br /><br />And now for beads...:D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1BhF00x8EMunoc2Z04CeCIlviZSwVqs6dPo-NwnyzrwDbAnQeFh3VMDBnljvPGp5UNad6jEoMtNM7adJHQODaMvg065TDeLZdYtO5gF6kWp7FPMlLLu0-301b0K1OpN1KL13pP6YlBk/s1600/moonstone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1BhF00x8EMunoc2Z04CeCIlviZSwVqs6dPo-NwnyzrwDbAnQeFh3VMDBnljvPGp5UNad6jEoMtNM7adJHQODaMvg065TDeLZdYtO5gF6kWp7FPMlLLu0-301b0K1OpN1KL13pP6YlBk/s640/moonstone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536996759989720114" /></a><center>I've been looking for small rondelles of moonstone for a while and I got these at a very good price. They are not the flashiest, but they still have good color and clarity. They are not faceted and are considered pillows.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzXlphJchuKkq00dTlctPztE57VeMqnj6Zxd214-_sCIdXRONhedfZsX7i_bteuIv1e8LD-tkGyTGrW4n4AmEjAu0CCVTwuyIQ4Pzhqm8A8CDzpeKCs7OykQkL7KsUPwmIdav8aUHKSk/s1600/ryolite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzXlphJchuKkq00dTlctPztE57VeMqnj6Zxd214-_sCIdXRONhedfZsX7i_bteuIv1e8LD-tkGyTGrW4n4AmEjAu0CCVTwuyIQ4Pzhqm8A8CDzpeKCs7OykQkL7KsUPwmIdav8aUHKSk/s640/ryolite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536997263585425826" /></a><center>Also known as Rainforest Jasper, this is Ryolite. I just loved the shape and color of these. They'd look great with copper although I have a marquis-shaped chain in sterling that would also be fab with these.</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmRtIy30_MOO4MlW_W8rrj-QXagqXyku9l8U_beckxBgbUuR1RpaiLgtAEZjjysi2lPm6yVg0CJrifwXNO5JoFTVbvExJers-A082qLVBoTTMZDKXHRfp_L69QcQpPvEYXThz1LBhz60/s1600/dendric+agate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmRtIy30_MOO4MlW_W8rrj-QXagqXyku9l8U_beckxBgbUuR1RpaiLgtAEZjjysi2lPm6yVg0CJrifwXNO5JoFTVbvExJers-A082qLVBoTTMZDKXHRfp_L69QcQpPvEYXThz1LBhz60/s640/dendric+agate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536996748458551378" /></a><center>Are these not just gorgeous? They are Dendrite Agates. They are the size of my thumb! I saw them and fell in love....weirdly enough, they haven't spoken to me yet beyond telling me I think they're gorgeous...*lol* But a design...or two or three...will come!</center><br />Last but not least, my first mineral purchase...:D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySQssp7eJ5blq0CdC54SoBkjKYzpw5W34ihGELbz8WpDRU4Y2pfDpasqEEKeMeDRBzANhTdM0TURAQeDAIaUNm33GGFGno78QGf-DCHlalNwGwyePWcjOx_bsI5RZij4MDYItpyDYiys/s1600/amazonite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySQssp7eJ5blq0CdC54SoBkjKYzpw5W34ihGELbz8WpDRU4Y2pfDpasqEEKeMeDRBzANhTdM0TURAQeDAIaUNm33GGFGno78QGf-DCHlalNwGwyePWcjOx_bsI5RZij4MDYItpyDYiys/s640/amazonite.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536996740180340530" /></a><center>This is Amazonite taken from Lac St-Jean in Quebec, Canada. Amazonite is my favorite stone and I saw TONS of specimens at the fair. So many were beautiful, but none tempted me from my promise not to buy minerals...until this little guy. Why was it so irresistible? Well, Canadian Amazonite is the quiet variety. It's similar in look to Russian Amazonite with white striations, but it's MUCH, MUCH paler. Most have just a blush of aqua color. Very soft and quite lovely in it's own way though the brighter varieties are far more popular these days. This particular specimen is quite rich in color...there are even some areas that are almost as bright as the Colorado variety of Amazonite. On top of that, this piece has gorgeous golden Pyrite crystals on it. I didn't see any other specimens with nearly so many...the few I saw that did have some only had tiny spots. And so this beauty came home with me and will get a nice display box along with the Eudyalite as soon as I have a shelf to put them on...:D</center><br />I left so much stuff behind that I just drooled over. Gorgeous raspberry-colored Garnet beads in hexagon shape and some small, lovely, flashy Labradorite smooth freeforms. If I would have been more confident in my faceted gem knowledge, I'd probably have taken home some of those too! There was an Indian dealer who was super nice selling some of the most gorgeous beads I've ever seen. He had this 16" strand of enormous Rose Quartz that was out of this world. Not a single inclusion to be seen with the naked eye, and so clear you could see right through them...1500$ for the strand...O_o OUCH! But I was convinced they were worth that price! He had some beautiful sapphire brios and other just beautiful things, Kunzite and stunning Smokey Quartz and colored Moonstones and Labradorite and the list goes on an on and I'd be surprised if he had anything less than 50$ a strand...:D<br /><br />And that was my trip this year...I can't wait for next year! <br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-45923241347394421352010-11-06T13:04:00.004-04:002010-11-06T13:36:57.508-04:00It's Personal - My baby turns 16!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULwm84EyOPb17LWq3b2HrCUkRxM_zT6uEydQXvn0zv-SY4ufjJd3Wo6LoJJ85kc1M3FyjyfYir6A_q7oKkZO07ACsSF74pK81BMtAjmO_bfM3wahbwbQz8qPt-TrZZ7Uwy2ZF1ZTAaUk/s1600/Kaleeka.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULwm84EyOPb17LWq3b2HrCUkRxM_zT6uEydQXvn0zv-SY4ufjJd3Wo6LoJJ85kc1M3FyjyfYir6A_q7oKkZO07ACsSF74pK81BMtAjmO_bfM3wahbwbQz8qPt-TrZZ7Uwy2ZF1ZTAaUk/s640/Kaleeka.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536486782988765234" /></a><center>Kaleeka checking out her new buddies August & Jessica on their first day with us.</center><br />On November 3rd, 16 years ago, I was witness to a beautiful thing.<br /><br />My sister's beautiful, TINY, blue tortie kitty, Puce, went into her very first labor. My sister rushed to my mom's house to tell us about it. I ran downstairs as fast as I could, of course, but my mom being my mom and not the most fond of kitties took her time. <br /><br />I was there to watch first Junior, then Storm and finally Kaleeka come out into a world. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAq9B-L7P2FRjFy-u6LwaBgWHV4nIpELfh28t9kT0VTn1mjP5W-4ieYlRA5JgQcIBpGvBwHt2g-p3_4HC9sxG1H2IhG8fGgpRMjcWoB0U-BVlVqMptzmdyvunVeqtNQ6GGJ0mDZWXgtw/s1600/kaleeka+small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAq9B-L7P2FRjFy-u6LwaBgWHV4nIpELfh28t9kT0VTn1mjP5W-4ieYlRA5JgQcIBpGvBwHt2g-p3_4HC9sxG1H2IhG8fGgpRMjcWoB0U-BVlVqMptzmdyvunVeqtNQ6GGJ0mDZWXgtw/s640/kaleeka+small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459213808080818" /></a><center>Kalee being a model...:)</center><br />There were no issues with Junior and Storm, both were quite big and Puce was able to get them out of their birth sacs and get them all cleaned up. Kalee was an other issue. We're not sure why but it took her much longer to release Kalee and by the time the tiny kitten emerged, she was so exhausted that we had to step in to save the runt...definitely the runt! Eric and I reached in and gently removed the membrane around her and cleaned her up. We cleared her tiny mouth and nose of the mucus and waited for her to take her first breath.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_QIX2A4XIjv5MuX1o7mx9frodqHfvK8fQldQiV2FaDcFw7jh29BeHo33jak-9vd-vgiQyn29-3FTxmYOIFusw-mCFd3pt5Ag7DwoSxTFFTvXzGsdzsVelLRnnjGiRQtXYbj9hiEN9-Y/s1600/sunning.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_QIX2A4XIjv5MuX1o7mx9frodqHfvK8fQldQiV2FaDcFw7jh29BeHo33jak-9vd-vgiQyn29-3FTxmYOIFusw-mCFd3pt5Ag7DwoSxTFFTvXzGsdzsVelLRnnjGiRQtXYbj9hiEN9-Y/s640/sunning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536461048490126242" /></a><center>It's relaxing time...</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHniwJwnAHWiy7Z0Lcf9AWv7UrM9BZAMb3kKYYOW0_Hzxo7C20iFvgloPpXdp38ckF-RRmXi8xhv4hfcf1tc-CoM5Ck8B1pXplxRu_QLlMZADsPpNDiuCLHtYFMXC8dMhTaSHOSabW72c/s1600/more+sunning.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHniwJwnAHWiy7Z0Lcf9AWv7UrM9BZAMb3kKYYOW0_Hzxo7C20iFvgloPpXdp38ckF-RRmXi8xhv4hfcf1tc-CoM5Ck8B1pXplxRu_QLlMZADsPpNDiuCLHtYFMXC8dMhTaSHOSabW72c/s640/more+sunning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536461041781600978" /></a><center>...again!</center><br />It didn't come. Eric and I panicked and in a moment of genius, Eric picked up the delicate coin-sized baby, put her head gently in his mouth and breathed into her nose.<br />She suddenly gave a great gulp and let out one heck of a howl for one so tiny.<br /><br />My mom arrived just before Kalee came into the world and so was there throughout the whole drama of Kalee's first breath. EVERYONE in the room was crying in joy to see her breathing and seemingly healthy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnkj99LR8fx1DVYZvEMkc3a-iafJo3EUAr1DMpajOaOS2oDv5eHu5wo12UwYPArRf6Z79eHwSXzAOPLK8K2dC3jyaqFXuYiDzdNYnPZ5M1hchmLizTMWuH20s5lgBlK8k0_cF9Tvj7eo/s1600/awww+kalee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnkj99LR8fx1DVYZvEMkc3a-iafJo3EUAr1DMpajOaOS2oDv5eHu5wo12UwYPArRf6Z79eHwSXzAOPLK8K2dC3jyaqFXuYiDzdNYnPZ5M1hchmLizTMWuH20s5lgBlK8k0_cF9Tvj7eo/s640/awww+kalee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459209284720482" /></a><center>She always cuddles up to Tobee...:D</center><br />Alas, our happiness lasted only about three weeks. Suddenly Puce refused to let her drink from her. She was half the size of her brother and sister and there was no way she'd have survived on her own. I was drafted to be her nanny seeing as I had the time to help wean her.<br /><br />We took 3 weeks to slowly wean her to solid food going from mostly milk pablum, to mostly pablum to soft kitten food to hard kitten food. I flew by the seat of my pants as I had no clue! I tried to ignore it, but I fell in love with this tiny, needy little girl. She would follow me around the house, sleep with me in bed, cuddle, play and do her best just to be around me. Knowing I could never have her because my mom doesn't like kitties, I did my best (obviously not good enough) to remain aloof thinking I was doing this so someone else could have her. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1vHUleLnD8fFfBaNF4rTLBQ0IqGJchX4j1I_-lTEHUlTZwRJS8PYYPIkj_f_WmPWdZTlQv9oZxIOf-2J6pEHRmBwb8EsWNy3cvmddMV_8teb0TyDZqgmo71h5pbvUVXHZ9obrdCCPLk/s1600/relaxing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1vHUleLnD8fFfBaNF4rTLBQ0IqGJchX4j1I_-lTEHUlTZwRJS8PYYPIkj_f_WmPWdZTlQv9oZxIOf-2J6pEHRmBwb8EsWNy3cvmddMV_8teb0TyDZqgmo71h5pbvUVXHZ9obrdCCPLk/s640/relaxing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459189989049186" /></a><center>Did you say treats????</center><br />By mid-December, she was basically weaned, but she was still very small and so my mom said it was OK to keep fostering her until she was big enough to be offered up for adoption. Look at her, do you honestly think it would have taken a long time for someone to gobble her up? Ok, maybe I'm biased...:D <br /><br />Come New Years, she was almost at a normal kitten weight and she was finally roly-poly. I started to detach even more because I knew her time with me was over and she'd be going to her new home. And then she was still with us all the way until January 9th, my birthday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3E60nyX0WgvI4G80WZ7ZygOeXq1tysU5zNefiJ6yFI5snZcyJFDYpg3p8qINUsjjjPyaQBZd4VMXDCT2qnZqPz_W4f_a3NChzfBbFI9GsFbpRS7dWzFf4Ne6gPZpjsuPck3kWyML1T0/s1600/the+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3E60nyX0WgvI4G80WZ7ZygOeXq1tysU5zNefiJ6yFI5snZcyJFDYpg3p8qINUsjjjPyaQBZd4VMXDCT2qnZqPz_W4f_a3NChzfBbFI9GsFbpRS7dWzFf4Ne6gPZpjsuPck3kWyML1T0/s640/the+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459938222928690" /></a><center>BWAHAHAHAHA!</center><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u0-fwuLPaak?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u0-fwuLPaak?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><center>And the laughter continues...:D Pardon my voice!</center><br />That's when my mom did the unthinkable. <br /><br />She told me Kalee was mine to keep, that we would finally call her something other than kitty. I thought my mom was joking! Little did I know that a bond was created when my mom watched her be born. For the first time my mom liked a cat. Not just liked but loved. And she hide it from me. She had planned on giving Kalee to me from the moment I started weaning her. My mom calls on Kalee's birthday to talk to her every single year since I moved out...:D Isn't she adorable??? :D:D:D<br /><br />We spent hours brainstorming a name for her. We wanted something that played with her beautiful calico coloring and so we came up with Kaleeka. Mind you, we have a bunch of nick-names for her too...;) Kalee-kalee, Miss Priss, Puty-tuty and Brat to name a few...:D She was the only calico kitty out of three litters by Puce. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIapxmnl2-iNgVePt18jCTovdCL65H-nSFurZjPbdl5ku4vlCY31HLs9vJNSXep5XsORmA7d1KluYIfp257ix3waAN-CoryIf3yeRIo2fJIj4MU1T_UYcrEo-urid_cuEHwGARNOO89o/s1600/firstdayin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIapxmnl2-iNgVePt18jCTovdCL65H-nSFurZjPbdl5ku4vlCY31HLs9vJNSXep5XsORmA7d1KluYIfp257ix3waAN-CoryIf3yeRIo2fJIj4MU1T_UYcrEo-urid_cuEHwGARNOO89o/s640/firstdayin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459928614853858" /></a><center>I walked into this in my bedroom in our new apartment.</center><br />I truly, deeply believe that the bond we have is a result of me being so closely connected to her in her kittenhood. She has a dog's personality. She's friendly, affectionate, loud, boisterous, demanding, a true drama-queen. We have such closely meshed personalities that it's scary sometimes. She's also incredibly communicative. It's often difficult to know what a cat wants when they are sitting there meowing at you but Kalee has quite a few tones and levels to tell you what she wants and she'll even lead you to it to make sure she gets her point across. Feed me, clean my litter, let me in the tub, water please, cuddle please, sleep time please, I'm pissed at you, enough with the grooming, and you're moving me why?...all these have different sounds and so I almost always know what she wants. Of course there are moments where I just think she wants to piss me off...;) She is LOUD and I think that's because she was the runt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtaHfJZxLjn62ctVuLlb9LiNewwqH7uyISUc96r2NG_aBzdUlof6SDWgBnX9yUYcnx8BAFUnDCstLyUwIfhXl7pLb8LyyWoNgb1OFMpHq_SNnQpbiwgiCFw4t5sco4YpX1j0uIQL06Ow/s1600/cuddles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtaHfJZxLjn62ctVuLlb9LiNewwqH7uyISUc96r2NG_aBzdUlof6SDWgBnX9yUYcnx8BAFUnDCstLyUwIfhXl7pLb8LyyWoNgb1OFMpHq_SNnQpbiwgiCFw4t5sco4YpX1j0uIQL06Ow/s640/cuddles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536459175082785250" /></a><center>I had forgotten something on my way to work so I came back to get it and found them like this...awww</center><br />Well, runt....that honestly didn't last very long. She VERY quickly grew. At one point, she tipped the scale at a whopping 19.6lbs. She was definitely overweight, but not as much as one would think seeing as she's larger than your average female. In fact, the vet said she had the bone structure sizing of a large tom! Not that I'm surprised, her daddy was a HUGE boy. He's one of the biggest cats I've ever encountered and he didn't have an ounce of fat on him.<br /><br />Kalee has just turned 16 and she's doing wonderfully...:) She's arthritic, but it doesn't stop her from jumping on the couch or bed to be where I am. I also helped her lose the weight she needed to lose to help her move around better and she's at a healthy 14.2lbs. <br /><br />None of my girls are active and so my solution to make them move around was to use these treat balls that get batted around as feed balls during the day. They get their night feeding in a regular bowl so the rolling won't disturb the neighbors at night.<br /><br />I'm so very blessed to have had the opportunity to raise and love this special kitty. She truly loves me without reservation and conditions and she's a constant source of drama and amusement.<br /><br /><center><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/s3jiWt8W9vk/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s3jiWt8W9vk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s3jiWt8W9vk?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></center><center>Kalee being her cute self</center><br />What more could one want in a special friend? <br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-57861016072270082742010-11-06T11:36:00.005-04:002010-11-06T12:11:52.872-04:00Hidden Treasures - Citronella & Blueberry Punch<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFumEBvaQafyyJNO97IyEeZHINOTMSc3lmXez6CDH9RZhoh7v7VMASlrvZdWM9JENzJbxeh27HCQXt_GxWyubLVR4GExSfHKg6M_nlNy0-gWM9aFqs-uOXt8SjsyBCWRoJ6SuccXNWt0/s1600/Nonteam+Oct29-10-citronella+and+blueberry+punch+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFumEBvaQafyyJNO97IyEeZHINOTMSc3lmXez6CDH9RZhoh7v7VMASlrvZdWM9JENzJbxeh27HCQXt_GxWyubLVR4GExSfHKg6M_nlNy0-gWM9aFqs-uOXt8SjsyBCWRoJ6SuccXNWt0/s640/Nonteam+Oct29-10-citronella+and+blueberry+punch+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536468364338064530" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ccaff8f507d8eefbae4006f/citronella-and-blueberry-punch?index=2"><b>Citronella and Blueberry Punch</b></a></center><br />Another Nonteam Challenge, this was conceived to highlight the beautiful filigree objects that abound on Etsy as well as focus on the color of Citrine, November's Stone...:) It used RogueButterly's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59686166/kashmir-gypsy-filagree-dangle-earrings?ref=pr_shop"><b>beautiful and vibrant gypsy filigree earrings</b></a> as a starting point...:) I wanted bright color, contrast and elegance and I think I got it...:)<br /><br />Interested in finding out more about the Nonteam Challenge? Check out <a href="http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/"><b>this blog</b></a>.<br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG2ZOBqEccYYUrL2EXCEq1BNM_Zn47GuGHlI9XdOiE0v04U-f_2u2cJvEziKyEVhnsU8fkFcz-jfpjT5MKcxBi843BcMrU0aNZvnevcbhh3ovuo54CLoqXcnXdsdTMKP7mGgtMy04Mq0/s1600/Nonteam+Oct30-10-honeymoon+in+blue+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG2ZOBqEccYYUrL2EXCEq1BNM_Zn47GuGHlI9XdOiE0v04U-f_2u2cJvEziKyEVhnsU8fkFcz-jfpjT5MKcxBi843BcMrU0aNZvnevcbhh3ovuo54CLoqXcnXdsdTMKP7mGgtMy04Mq0/s640/Nonteam+Oct30-10-honeymoon+in+blue+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536468366602798754" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ccc47e4cb2a8eefb2ea0fbd/honeymoon-in-blue?index=0"><b>Honeymoon in Blue</b></a></center><br />This is so refreshing and pretty. I was really happy to be included in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TreasuredDetails"><b>TreasuredDetails'</b></a> collection...:)<br /><br />I actually didn't forget to make a treasury this week. Work has been very busy and I have been busy preparing for a few things that I'll be talking about in an announcement this week...:) So my own treasuries are on hold and I'm doing my best to get the Nonteam treasuries up as well though I may need to forgo a few!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-89379537477203873042010-10-30T18:08:00.004-04:002010-10-30T18:43:20.087-04:00Hidden Treasures - Say it ain't so!<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ-GECHp2fUqLl6tToFgs18Ms90qWbc8deRnTOR87eaQ3Yj2UrqvABRn4f4jNJDx5sYUO0tOKuBiSD208rnzXbqckwy8IrrjFFoIf6FIPU_v4dlPi9ElOzdiCuqDt82h7q_pl_F_Mj74/s1600/Nonteam+Oct21-10-say+it+ain%27t+so+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ-GECHp2fUqLl6tToFgs18Ms90qWbc8deRnTOR87eaQ3Yj2UrqvABRn4f4jNJDx5sYUO0tOKuBiSD208rnzXbqckwy8IrrjFFoIf6FIPU_v4dlPi9ElOzdiCuqDt82h7q_pl_F_Mj74/s640/Nonteam+Oct21-10-say+it+ain%27t+so+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533971286732824626" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cc079deb4676d91a63df47d/say-it-aint-so?index=3"><b>Say it ain't so!</b></a></center><br />This is my second entry for the Nonteam Challenge...:) It used FlutterbyeNotes' <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59121853/blanks-notes-and-stickers-set-fill-in?ref=tre-4cc079deb4676d91a63df47d-1"><b>super playful blank cards</b></a> as a starting point...:) Playful was what I wanted for this and I also wanted to make a little bit of a statement about how we perceive our own abilities with speech and how we use them.<br /><br />Interested in finding out more about the Nonteam Challenge? Check out <a href="http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/"><b>this blog</b></a>.<br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtd4DDeg-WbkIILRvbfyq9FupHAuAib2hb4fts91Gznmb-6KPTLCzHtMs4xnekZ97PaRLgVEbIVBeISEudJ1xgvqoZUg4UQ9A_4xZKPwZ65yq6GOszvYJHGy2JgwyQf23pUCDzdW_9nw/s1600/Nonteam+Oct21-10-thank+you+curators+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtd4DDeg-WbkIILRvbfyq9FupHAuAib2hb4fts91Gznmb-6KPTLCzHtMs4xnekZ97PaRLgVEbIVBeISEudJ1xgvqoZUg4UQ9A_4xZKPwZ65yq6GOszvYJHGy2JgwyQf23pUCDzdW_9nw/s640/Nonteam+Oct21-10-thank+you+curators+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533971291932172738" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cbe2304bb946d91cc1b67f5/thank-you-curators?index=1"><b>Thank you Curators</b></a></center><br />Isn't this just wonderfully soft and serene? A gorgeous thank you for sure. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AwakenJournaling"><b>AwakenJournaling</b></a> chose to thank the curators of the treasuries she liked best by making her own treasury for us...:) I'm so glad she enjoyed my collection! Thank you!<br /><br />I completely forgot to do my own treasury this week! So stay tuned for next week's...:) Thanks for looking!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-48172967036940724492010-10-19T12:49:00.004-04:002010-10-19T13:23:32.960-04:00Hidden Treasures - Nonteam Challenge!<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xXFYdB4jBhL3k8nhzwabLgrEed1VuUwlBaRoy4Rp-WrwfNDIccTSulV_ZdvlsfqhLcyO3sBwTPbxJMwAIXUBvoo7Sw2JzKoNeNmx4zAnvXhqjcAewL4_KfNIXJnYjyMlQVy-1UQu5mI/s1600/Oct19-10-hot+pink+tamales+with+olives+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xXFYdB4jBhL3k8nhzwabLgrEed1VuUwlBaRoy4Rp-WrwfNDIccTSulV_ZdvlsfqhLcyO3sBwTPbxJMwAIXUBvoo7Sw2JzKoNeNmx4zAnvXhqjcAewL4_KfNIXJnYjyMlQVy-1UQu5mI/s640/Oct19-10-hot+pink+tamales+with+olives+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529800666241564130" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cbd9626fa3d8eefb45ff928/hot-pink-tamale-with-olives?index=0"><b>Hot Pink Tamale with Olives</b></a></center><br />The weather has been absolutely dreary and so I wanted to brighten things up. I haven't used hot pink in a while and so I took flight! Enjoy this spicy little collection...:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGwLebsAg6LyWXqnA8qTJj7fY7sS4uDHJCpl7ZIDiWVob9bipaxaeM9wmDChnnh2zhG3lzyZXKuHWy-E96Br9LDMpAM96zsvBomu6tZU1FhUNBXt0jlal6loaZqYDlNCUjVZv07HAngU/s1600/Nonteam+Oct14-10-the+key+is+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGwLebsAg6LyWXqnA8qTJj7fY7sS4uDHJCpl7ZIDiWVob9bipaxaeM9wmDChnnh2zhG3lzyZXKuHWy-E96Br9LDMpAM96zsvBomu6tZU1FhUNBXt0jlal6loaZqYDlNCUjVZv07HAngU/s640/Nonteam+Oct14-10-the+key+is+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529800630469527730" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb741a18c616d91b7c41e33/the-key-is?index=1"><b>The Key is...</b></a></center><br />I've recently chosen to participate in a really, really cool treasury concept called the Nonteam Challenge. The premise is to build a treasury around one common item. The first Challenge has netted about 125 treasuries! I want to include this along with my weekly treaury building...:)<br /><br />Interested in finding out more? Check out <a href="http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/"><b>this blog post</b></a>. This week's item was <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57508232/leather-writing-journal-with-antique?ref=tre-4cb741a18c616d91b7c41e33-1"><b>Awakenjournaling's gorgeous leather key journal</b></a>.<br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNPCTSqDM_pr2v3JEeZrc_e1mrYEJiWkLngJqNxIkcAL_yRUEMA_bM5S8X9L4TITxv4BZKi6KIAySspqLmbVvL9LGsHSio07pIUgZq82rTa9kWRhN_ocloLpM3GAzCPd25Ha8XgaHI9s/s1600/Oct10-10-art+deco+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNPCTSqDM_pr2v3JEeZrc_e1mrYEJiWkLngJqNxIkcAL_yRUEMA_bM5S8X9L4TITxv4BZKi6KIAySspqLmbVvL9LGsHSio07pIUgZq82rTa9kWRhN_ocloLpM3GAzCPd25Ha8XgaHI9s/s640/Oct10-10-art+deco+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529808753538458978" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cb28584b3b06d9177da06af/art-deco?index=1"><b>Art Deco</b></a></center><br />Talk about a gorgeous and funky collection! I love the geometric emphasis in here. Gorgeous color too! Thanks to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitkingdesigns"><b>kitkingdesigns</b></a> for including me in this wonderful collection!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGSEJea6AxSsXn0DysZjF-4zp-YJHiG7N9cq_mr19vcoqpg5frHrer7ncwkKoxduIX9EEs-CHRPRHO18L1lsLIOenECA0-dLS8aO-OxkpNUrRwUZK87V0I6F_y-t9cyfQUsvoO9DQe8/s1600/Nonteam+Oct19-10-cozy+weekend+ar+the+lake+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHGSEJea6AxSsXn0DysZjF-4zp-YJHiG7N9cq_mr19vcoqpg5frHrer7ncwkKoxduIX9EEs-CHRPRHO18L1lsLIOenECA0-dLS8aO-OxkpNUrRwUZK87V0I6F_y-t9cyfQUsvoO9DQe8/s640/Nonteam+Oct19-10-cozy+weekend+ar+the+lake+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529800647047659346" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cbbb8ef56068eef9b6bd26b/cozy-weekend-at-the-lake?index=0"><b>Cozy Weekend at the Lake</b></a></center><br />I am really honored that out of all the participating Nonteam challengers, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WickedDarling"><b>WickedDarling</b></a> chose one of my pieces to be in her group of 16. It's a beautiful, rich curation and my earrings look fabulous in it!<br /><br />If you comment on my weekly treasury (first one posted above!), you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Thank for looking!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-86870211286031387952010-10-12T18:01:00.003-04:002010-10-12T18:12:46.521-04:00Announcemnets - And the Winner is.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSEmczA_34muOZvYRWg318kEWEKlVKPREHJ0NzuKT-QWlgOxlqbqdsIMcUuIFBkv7tM92YJQ8b_CIvF3emVgid5tBIVGhR4QrPWhocPRL22aOXoARuiJ7evzXXGjuG3_Wmdbn93wtTPg/s1600/banner+870+bees+185.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSEmczA_34muOZvYRWg318kEWEKlVKPREHJ0NzuKT-QWlgOxlqbqdsIMcUuIFBkv7tM92YJQ8b_CIvF3emVgid5tBIVGhR4QrPWhocPRL22aOXoARuiJ7evzXXGjuG3_Wmdbn93wtTPg/s640/banner+870+bees+185.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524307482614672658" /></a><br />As many of you know, the lovely Nicole of <a href="http://lillyella.blogspot.com"><b>Lillyella</b></a> was kind enough to use me for one of her Spotlight featurees last week!<br /><br />I got to talk a little bit about myself and I got to do a Giveaway for one of my pieces (shown below. Don't worry, I'm not wearing the earrings; it's a print!) or a gift certificate worth 20$!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c6YY44uipMLBb-eSLqx5zi5-zg_jfDRWLJsMuoNTI0qHieT_OCOn6s76zWFV8Jc5AWbA4tjSHQhOhPrY_gypaPEtWQjGdyYZ_15i-WPCL7Qw95Yklf3XkSy2q3QNAk0K0vhWn5SMAtI/s1600/black+flash+earrings+prize.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c6YY44uipMLBb-eSLqx5zi5-zg_jfDRWLJsMuoNTI0qHieT_OCOn6s76zWFV8Jc5AWbA4tjSHQhOhPrY_gypaPEtWQjGdyYZ_15i-WPCL7Qw95Yklf3XkSy2q3QNAk0K0vhWn5SMAtI/s800/black+flash+earrings+prize.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527283891575372290" /></a><br />Well, we have a winner!<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04265498953764906864"><b>JESSELYN A.</b></a><br /><br />Congrats to you Jesselyn! You have already left me some sweet comments on my FB page which made me feel better. I hope you enjoy accompanying me on my journey and I can't wait to get to know you better!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-10985528783763172942010-10-06T17:57:00.004-04:002010-10-06T18:09:02.160-04:00Hidden Treasures - Chain Mesh<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-T6CobAB_1S8HDIpK1ETXKCvOAW62-NXAla9qyMCe4ikaKxJZcgpXDBgPTtQ_vCmBoEfwXp6ksNkyKubTgPkjZFZOo1IB8yLO8u8F7D6sjjfJIG67Vi0I71frjYt5UtgvoY6xFNNma0/s1600/Oct6-10+chain+mesh+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-T6CobAB_1S8HDIpK1ETXKCvOAW62-NXAla9qyMCe4ikaKxJZcgpXDBgPTtQ_vCmBoEfwXp6ksNkyKubTgPkjZFZOo1IB8yLO8u8F7D6sjjfJIG67Vi0I71frjYt5UtgvoY6xFNNma0/s640/Oct6-10+chain+mesh+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525056040347001522" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cacb6ccb8ee8eef2ad034ec/chain-mesh?index=0"><b>Chain Mesh</b></a></center><br />This collection was inspired by my two friends Stephanie and Julie who both make beautiful chainmaille jewelry. Both are featured in the listing as DoskasDeisgns and LunargentWorkshop. <br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RTCwajvSpK36LxxCWt1I8boR4ne-HXpnhA4o77tWlAtJ4W6KBF0dLNYeISE5bHQq0vQOOVT9zO3pkNSUfTZ2AFd2oH5ZAW7ZMiovbb4e1R7_xpNeiBZ46IAlOiMS6UdsOoqGpRlx2fM/s1600/Oct1-10+feline+fun+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RTCwajvSpK36LxxCWt1I8boR4ne-HXpnhA4o77tWlAtJ4W6KBF0dLNYeISE5bHQq0vQOOVT9zO3pkNSUfTZ2AFd2oH5ZAW7ZMiovbb4e1R7_xpNeiBZ46IAlOiMS6UdsOoqGpRlx2fM/s640/Oct1-10+feline+fun+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525056047827077138" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca65774868d6d910719644f/feline-fun?index=3"><b>Feline Fun!</b></a></center><br />Meeeoooooww! This is a gorgeous collection full of warm yellow tones created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Art2ArtColorado"><b>Art2ArtColorado</b></a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGlRkIM-i3g7MTXMf_BpD-AsdUa6GyXWXLIHOuwLEnxWyMqpnr0VusCObg0afQliMmr3KeEBSPT2mwvlHhwCokgrN9NQJRNI9CpjMxqhHxEdn4Tzj7Eoex2LQVyRiu_Zqp4c1EX3l5aA/s1600/Oct2-10+october+rains+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGlRkIM-i3g7MTXMf_BpD-AsdUa6GyXWXLIHOuwLEnxWyMqpnr0VusCObg0afQliMmr3KeEBSPT2mwvlHhwCokgrN9NQJRNI9CpjMxqhHxEdn4Tzj7Eoex2LQVyRiu_Zqp4c1EX3l5aA/s640/Oct2-10+october+rains+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525056045882224978" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca74f2363448eef17c8b0c7/october-rains?index=1"><b>October Rains</b></a></center><br />Cool and elegant and fresh all in one. This makes me anticipate the coming rains and snows...:) Created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TickledPinkKnits"><b>TickledPinkKnits</b></a>.<br /><br />If you comment on the treasury, you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-81811808230806386862010-10-04T17:34:00.003-04:002010-10-04T17:38:45.968-04:00Announcemnets - Gifted Designs featured on Lillyella!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSEmczA_34muOZvYRWg318kEWEKlVKPREHJ0NzuKT-QWlgOxlqbqdsIMcUuIFBkv7tM92YJQ8b_CIvF3emVgid5tBIVGhR4QrPWhocPRL22aOXoARuiJ7evzXXGjuG3_Wmdbn93wtTPg/s1600/banner+870+bees+185.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSEmczA_34muOZvYRWg318kEWEKlVKPREHJ0NzuKT-QWlgOxlqbqdsIMcUuIFBkv7tM92YJQ8b_CIvF3emVgid5tBIVGhR4QrPWhocPRL22aOXoARuiJ7evzXXGjuG3_Wmdbn93wtTPg/s640/banner+870+bees+185.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524307482614672658" /></a><br />The lovely Nicole of <a href="http://lillyella.blogspot.com"><b>Lillyella</b></a> has been kind enough to use me for one of her Spotlight featurees!<br /><br />I cannot tell you how exciting this is for me...:D<br /><br />Lillyella is my favorite blog and to be on it in this way is a huge honor for me. Nicole is a huge source of inspiration in everything that she so creatively does.<br /><br />Please show support by checking out the feature <a href="http://lillyella.blogspot.com/2010/10/spotlight-gifted-designs.html"><b>HERE</b></a>. <br /><br />You'll notice I'm doing a Giveaway to compliment the interview and so feel free to participate. Good luck to those of you who do! <br /><br />I'm sick as a dog and I don't care. This feature has me on Cloud 9!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-79232963713531002722010-09-29T20:24:00.002-04:002010-09-29T20:36:13.450-04:00Hidden Treasures - Golden Glow<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwxN3vOCCntRc7C6hvQYdGvyGEuSKy6nxAJYf80bwwZr3HKEZAc4Ng3TQKOCaI8OWdYj3XRuJThFeajqHvLFmGOifXMcmgHRno6p0qxdYmGaam3ZID27xclYsGHdZNbQc-owIv00WWuk/s1600/Sept29-10+golden+glow+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwxN3vOCCntRc7C6hvQYdGvyGEuSKy6nxAJYf80bwwZr3HKEZAc4Ng3TQKOCaI8OWdYj3XRuJThFeajqHvLFmGOifXMcmgHRno6p0qxdYmGaam3ZID27xclYsGHdZNbQc-owIv00WWuk/s640/Sept29-10+golden+glow+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522496529446919746" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca3cda329de6d91a25a9227/golden-glow"><b>Golden Glow</b></a></center><br />This elegant, warm and welcoming treasury was inspired by Sue's necklace, holding it's place as first in the listing...:) <br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ILAdNDN3TLc7h1d020a7_nSQGRMwSe-s8Gv3LBkghVvj9mtmJg1CeaP2PVaJaGuuvKNfxMG3a53GCt4k9G2p0zfc5_7HnUkEH_eXGyNItkcYb-0TtK8qJlTRquvArsDxz-DyqHIM-Y/s1600/Setp25-10+smile+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ILAdNDN3TLc7h1d020a7_nSQGRMwSe-s8Gv3LBkghVvj9mtmJg1CeaP2PVaJaGuuvKNfxMG3a53GCt4k9G2p0zfc5_7HnUkEH_eXGyNItkcYb-0TtK8qJlTRquvArsDxz-DyqHIM-Y/s640/Setp25-10+smile+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522496534290383426" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9d214fdabe8eefc9d47d17/smile?index=1"><b>Smile!</b></a></center><br />Just how FUN is this collection by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlourishBathBody"><b>FlourishBathBody</b></a>? She managed to capture my personality with this one. I definitely smile a lot and yellow, green, aqua, orange and pink are some of my fav colors!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM1Z1YdjyqyKvi3R8Zhu3T_UEf5yW7t-UFCJwGEhKENTCj77CG1TzManplphWXtWMMgSbRnU-SEuw54pB5iM3f8epX7Ia88unqEZkQj0G_pVh2ttP4TvGf2YW1KzXkXe_h1OoHCCA_JU/s1600/Sept29-10+possibilities+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNM1Z1YdjyqyKvi3R8Zhu3T_UEf5yW7t-UFCJwGEhKENTCj77CG1TzManplphWXtWMMgSbRnU-SEuw54pB5iM3f8epX7Ia88unqEZkQj0G_pVh2ttP4TvGf2YW1KzXkXe_h1OoHCCA_JU/s640/Sept29-10+possibilities+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522496536865967058" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9d214fdabe8eefc9d47d17/smile?index=1"><b>Smile!</b></a></center><br />What I love about this collection by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CherubimArts"><b>CherubimArts</b></a> is that she made it both soft and bright. Some of the items looks as delicate as whispers while some explode with vibrancy. Something magical is in the air, perhaps?<br /><br />If you comment on the treasury, you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-17358433776430432382010-09-28T08:37:00.004-04:002010-09-28T08:54:55.692-04:00Mini Marvels - Bellabijoujewellery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YprfDz_iLZM-jFg2sMX6J0GkfUXyNzpmy5klkqr68sckEibIPxTvAwQcYq9r4xhyphenhyphenesSlOvQfEPE6gVaYbBLDya7xSaySwSx35ZtNW8L5lDZ4TOYSmAKTSsmLHfXD6D-ukx8Y4EYXr5w/s1600/bellabijou+banner.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YprfDz_iLZM-jFg2sMX6J0GkfUXyNzpmy5klkqr68sckEibIPxTvAwQcYq9r4xhyphenhyphenesSlOvQfEPE6gVaYbBLDya7xSaySwSx35ZtNW8L5lDZ4TOYSmAKTSsmLHfXD6D-ukx8Y4EYXr5w/s640/bellabijou+banner.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942605197597330" /></a><br />It's Mini-Marvel time!<br /><br />As many know, I have started on the path to learning how to metalsmith. I have been privileged to have the opportunity to meet some AMAZINGLY talented artisans from whom I have learned a great deal and been inspired to aim high and never give up! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellabijoujewellery"><b>Bellabijoujewellery</b></a> is one of those who inspired me to push my limits and aim for the sky...:)<br /><br />I asked her to share a little about her journey:<br /><br /><i>I am one of those people who has a ridiculous memory. I can remember lyrics to almost every song I have ever heard. I can remember what I wore to the first day of school when I was 5. I can tell you what song was playing the first time I danced a slow dance at a school dance. I can remember saying I was going to be an artist from as far back as preschool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkZPdyVW57cdmO-LqnT1cd7u0Y2raI5cTl__e8ELcBaMMEbQQE-IqJYSKCaGgxo0FWgT6EnVJFQU0T-1suEzQvMv01YzcL793emTYocQ8LIL98yMODXpxmt_IpuKmHqC9lnN87uLp_kI/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkZPdyVW57cdmO-LqnT1cd7u0Y2raI5cTl__e8ELcBaMMEbQQE-IqJYSKCaGgxo0FWgT6EnVJFQU0T-1suEzQvMv01YzcL793emTYocQ8LIL98yMODXpxmt_IpuKmHqC9lnN87uLp_kI/s400/3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942597263498050" /></a><br />Born and raised in Vancouver BC, my parents always encouraged my "crafty" side. Birthday and Christmas presents were always craft and art related - whether it was a paint easel, a sewing machine, or a pottery wheel ( yes, I was the only kid I knew that had a pottery wheel - mind you it was meant for kids and never worked quite right...). My mother ran her own small business, and my Dad was, is and always will be the ultimate build it guy. From houses, to boats, to cars and motorcycles - if you asked Dad to build it, he would. Its no wonder to me now how I grew up to be an entrepreneur with the "I think I can make that" mindset.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ8Uu51E97dOMvL8zHmAxY6O6yhUuCuEir2QdsBtN3Ipo2tz1MYg3NxiDUV6QIJVkLMXWBcAKIVzR_IBgQFRgxhGK5hn_LX6y0ZfgvVO3bBKXyUptxMj5vWlE1R54c_kNsY3sbLNIelM/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ8Uu51E97dOMvL8zHmAxY6O6yhUuCuEir2QdsBtN3Ipo2tz1MYg3NxiDUV6QIJVkLMXWBcAKIVzR_IBgQFRgxhGK5hn_LX6y0ZfgvVO3bBKXyUptxMj5vWlE1R54c_kNsY3sbLNIelM/s400/2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942588530118258" /></a><br />I didn't however choose to channel my artistic tendencies into metalsmithing right away. I was at a turning point in my personal life when I decided that the beaded jewellery I was already making and selling just wasn't doing it for me. Some say that is the best time to throw caution to the wind and try something new - and it was the best thing I have done in my adult life. A few months later brought a new place to live, with a new boyfriend (I really wanna say soulmate but am trying not to get too corny here) and support system, and my first set of jewellers tools.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAwIsM_QEptCoJUB6YL0POcBvWozkxL8HEsSDIY7dCJxkRZktklCZCewSoep9L1CL3Adjtt_oBSqU9hSVeI4R83q0zp3TjESOCbtubEvwgrKMA8tPNNikKQwoRWk55CXh9G6Sx74ncWo/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAwIsM_QEptCoJUB6YL0POcBvWozkxL8HEsSDIY7dCJxkRZktklCZCewSoep9L1CL3Adjtt_oBSqU9hSVeI4R83q0zp3TjESOCbtubEvwgrKMA8tPNNikKQwoRWk55CXh9G6Sx74ncWo/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521942579546164290" /></a><br />From there I grew - as a person and an artist on a mission. I was going to teach myself as much as I can retain ( remember that memory thing? I think this is where it is finally coming in handy!) I am proud to say I am self taught by trial and error. I feel it proves my perseverance and passion for what I do. Each time I discover a new tool ( or better yet, and old tool), each time I light that torch, each time I put the final touches on a piece of jewellery, then stand back and look at it, I fall in love with metalsmithing a little bit more, and it reminds me that this is what I am meant to do!</i><br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5352191, 'shop','thumbnail',2,5).renderIframe();</script></center><center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(10605278, 'shop','thumbnail',1,5).renderIframe();</script></center>I hope you enjoyed sharing in Bella's positivity and beautiful talent! I do every day!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-51897744173670063042010-09-26T10:52:00.002-04:002010-09-26T11:09:27.817-04:00Sunday Showcase - Autumn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s1600/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s425/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632208656737090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiIwzdbojTWvNMcgYv-Q35ZUrPQRVsK0A9n94s24puGZNC-04RexS4ZvCUsMNQgcXxCFEqe2fSqr1-YhA2XPSIswmi8Z2uCk8n20hAeWBfHQAQVJCVMyBi1ju0RMNIoL_B7bYm2p7hGw/s1600/SS-autumn-sept26-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiIwzdbojTWvNMcgYv-Q35ZUrPQRVsK0A9n94s24puGZNC-04RexS4ZvCUsMNQgcXxCFEqe2fSqr1-YhA2XPSIswmi8Z2uCk8n20hAeWBfHQAQVJCVMyBi1ju0RMNIoL_B7bYm2p7hGw/s640/SS-autumn-sept26-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521236115344987138" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47603835/leopardskin-jasper-and-sterling-silver"><b>1.kitkingdesigns</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53906118/love-orange-tea-dish"><b>2.glazedearth</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53500697/autumnal-subtlety-handspun-art-yarn-with"><b>3.WeirdAndTwisted</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40264274/red-agate-necklace"><b>4.BijiBijoux</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52561295/retro-printed-gold-orange-black-white"><b>5.louloututu</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/28987945/lanterns-8x10-photo-print"><b>6.heroicbeer</b></a></center><br />Each Sunday Showcase features one item from six wonderful shops based on a predetermined theme. <br /><br />OMG! You guys gave me SUCH a challenge this week. I agonized over 2 HOURS putting this together because I was given such GREAT stuff to work with. Gorgeous, gorgeous items, gang! Thank you SO much for making this hard for me!<br /><br />Want to have a chance to be selected for a Sunday Showcase? It's really simple!<br /><br /><center><b>♥ Check out the current Sunday Showcase thread running in Promos on Etsy to find out the theme for the following week</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment in the thread if you feel you meet the criteria (or if you want to bump it up for others...;)</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment on this post and tell me which of the six items is your favorite and why. <u>Don't forget to post your shop URL so I know who is who!</u></b></center><center><b>♥ <u>ONLY SHOPS WHO COMMENT IN BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED!</u></b></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6631790"><b>Here's the current thread!</b></a></center><br />That's all there is to it! Simple, right? <br /><br />I cannot stress enough the importance of leaving your shop URL and posting in both locations! I see BEAUTIFUL things that end up left by the wayside because those criteria are not followed! Links to your items are fine, but not at the expense of your shop url as they don't tell me right away who you are.<br /><br />The thread will be open for participation until the Friday of the given week. <br /><br />All items will be tweeted on my Twitter page and the link to this blog entry posted on my Facebook Fan Page.<br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/gifted_designs">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/gifteddesigns">Facebook</a><br /><br />Please feel free to follow me/fan me to keep up with my Features and all I have to offer!<br /><br />All types of artisan crafts, vintage & supplies are up for consideration (unless stated in the Theme section in the Forum thread) so don't be shy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-73246736966451058722010-09-21T21:30:00.004-04:002010-09-21T21:35:10.671-04:00Hidden Treasures - No you're not seeing double! There are TWO this week!<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHbAfU130CdJmSSi1d0M4xA7iJ3q6Be3ZWa1qUlkHu2CLOWtIeC-lYp8R06i7OYp2rBZ4TZFQnRU5KQyIzY26vgWk-BfHbsh1yrD2rDnZu5scz695gXICQZ1npoADizp3DJf6eGHLgbA/s1600/Sept21-10+last+call+for+summer+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHbAfU130CdJmSSi1d0M4xA7iJ3q6Be3ZWa1qUlkHu2CLOWtIeC-lYp8R06i7OYp2rBZ4TZFQnRU5KQyIzY26vgWk-BfHbsh1yrD2rDnZu5scz695gXICQZ1npoADizp3DJf6eGHLgbA/s640/Sept21-10+last+call+for+summer+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519544644010728178" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9954a1305f8eef381d33b3/last-call-for-summer"><b>Last call for Summer...</b></a></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44P8oMDZN5aISj-RgffHqHLsGYVe7fDxiAwNqZCRwRxah8zObs9biE6IvNxKubTor9bCXpzFqophMOOOhfpL3JF-F2gH1OnmI_dCWCRNAObAm3GBjtYC4J1Vu3jZgvSMFpo5enw7bSBI/s1600/Sept21-10+heralding+the+fall+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44P8oMDZN5aISj-RgffHqHLsGYVe7fDxiAwNqZCRwRxah8zObs9biE6IvNxKubTor9bCXpzFqophMOOOhfpL3JF-F2gH1OnmI_dCWCRNAObAm3GBjtYC4J1Vu3jZgvSMFpo5enw7bSBI/s640/Sept21-10+heralding+the+fall+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519544637026720626" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c9956de305f8eef0fd733b3/heralding-the-fall"><b>...Heralding the Fall</b></a></center><br />I couldn't choose between the two and this is the result...:) All these sellers were kind enough to comment on previous treasuries of mine!<br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br />None to report as far as I know!<br /><br />If you comment on the treasury, you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-66358099039389537042010-09-19T16:38:00.003-04:002010-09-19T16:56:34.792-04:00Sunday Showcase - September Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s1600/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s425/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632208656737090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvM6O2acSXh-kYJxIEIm-5nWEdvQxTw2MfQpgTeZfOGlxlj7yPPDIo-IFpT8Vs9HD6redlqH-zh8n0fc3t_j-H5P2igINwwgaX8POqk3JPedEzz1BQgVWYSJJyNEiDHgw9tQSX4CvEVM/s1600/SS-september+blues-sept19-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvM6O2acSXh-kYJxIEIm-5nWEdvQxTw2MfQpgTeZfOGlxlj7yPPDIo-IFpT8Vs9HD6redlqH-zh8n0fc3t_j-H5P2igINwwgaX8POqk3JPedEzz1BQgVWYSJJyNEiDHgw9tQSX4CvEVM/s640/SS-september+blues-sept19-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518727144636248002" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54873789/sterling-and-gold-accented-lapis"><b>1.AlexSharDesigns</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56330756/night-sky-sterling-silver-fine-silver"><b>2.Scrollworkdesigns</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55689185/mariners-sea-salt-handmade-cold-process"><b>3.LifeSoapSimple</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48745291/34-36-blue-dress-with-purple-ooak"><b>4.marysmenagerie</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33966563/sterling-silver-ring-with-lapis"><b>5.TheSilverLakeStudio</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50831330/mohair-bulky-irish-crochet-necklace-on"><b>6.topaz08</b></a></center><br />Each Sunday Showcase features one item from six wonderful shops based on a predetermined theme. <br /><br />Aren't these items just gorgeous?! I'm so happy with my choices this week!<br /><br />Want to have a chance to be selected for a Sunday Showcase? It's really simple!<br /><br /><center><b>♥ Check out the current Sunday Showcase thread running in Promos on Etsy to find out the theme for the following week</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment in the thread if you feel you meet the criteria (or if you want to bump it up for others...;)</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment on this post and tell me which of the six items is your favorite and why. <u>Don't forget to post your shop URL so I know who is who!</u></b></center><center><b>♥ <u>ONLY SHOPS WHO COMMENT IN BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED!</u></b></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6631790"><b>Here's the current thread!</b></a></center><br />That's all there is to it! Simple, right? <br /><br />I cannot stress enough the importance of leaving your shop URL and posting in both locations! I see BEAUTIFUL things that end up left by the wayside because those criteria are not followed! Links to your items are fine, but not at the expense of your shop url as they don't tell me right away who you are.<br /><br />The thread will be open for participation until the Friday of the given week. <br /><br />All items will be tweeted on my Twitter page and the link to this blog entry posted on my Facebook Fan Page.<br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/gifted_designs">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/gifteddesigns">Facebook</a><br /><br />Please feel free to follow me/fan me to keep up with my Features and all I have to offer!<br /><br />All types of artisan crafts, vintage & supplies are up for consideration (unless stated in the Theme section in the Forum thread) so don't be shy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-15637489306592466552010-09-14T21:25:00.005-04:002010-09-14T22:51:51.120-04:00Hidden Treasures - Ruffled Feathers<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyA4KnBkjQgkdxheb5xtL2Q1no199xXWJqaXIABrIn8MDwjsWjOkXHh14neCpPUIub-w0VnOELqhr64KPLA0aU6uiQ9T1NJ4He96V8gCUBQnx2oX_jEjKuOuZxZNtO8rsowQ8ddEPxZk/s1600/Sept11-10+ruffled+feathers+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtyA4KnBkjQgkdxheb5xtL2Q1no199xXWJqaXIABrIn8MDwjsWjOkXHh14neCpPUIub-w0VnOELqhr64KPLA0aU6uiQ9T1NJ4He96V8gCUBQnx2oX_jEjKuOuZxZNtO8rsowQ8ddEPxZk/s640/Sept11-10+ruffled+feathers+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946187048694114" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8c3a90a5dd8eefa06b1f8d/ruffled-feathers?index=5"><b>Ruffled Feathers</b></a></center><br />I was gazing with longing at all the pretty, feminine blouses that have been appearing in all the stores and decided to see what Etsy had to offer. I wasn't disappointed! <br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhyLfYdu594Fkn1kaDhkXtGFUHs1KrbCEGE8QUkr3X-1fZlSmxIuNsIFJqCHKc2_gh9Kvn33WGXlnem1UF-Pxbsf6xU_L4bicKG0DvK-cRWS-aSXhZBr5b2JWe_alVPn0Vh97jP7aOco/s1600/Sept8-10+green+with+envy+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhyLfYdu594Fkn1kaDhkXtGFUHs1KrbCEGE8QUkr3X-1fZlSmxIuNsIFJqCHKc2_gh9Kvn33WGXlnem1UF-Pxbsf6xU_L4bicKG0DvK-cRWS-aSXhZBr5b2JWe_alVPn0Vh97jP7aOco/s640/Sept8-10+green+with+envy+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946196247840114" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c87d9f822ac6d91f9a43cb0/green-with-envy?index=2"><b>Green With Envy</b></a></center><br />Nothing says fresh like bright green and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrissilynn2"><b>chrissilynn2</b></a> certainly delivered. I'm coveting that Garnet so bad I can feel it through the screen!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nF33paa5F30eLZQEWUw7txfYtSdWuB_WkUvbTo8FI7mDI3fVdMIrZTFA0Ya9Ig4pI1Jq19YduOBsY4821VKSHT2neiin_VtBmCexgIwBT8hyphenhyphen_9VOrJ75DgGoWKySxKTNVb2MCGNQMRE/s1600/Sept11-10+elegant+accessories+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nF33paa5F30eLZQEWUw7txfYtSdWuB_WkUvbTo8FI7mDI3fVdMIrZTFA0Ya9Ig4pI1Jq19YduOBsY4821VKSHT2neiin_VtBmCexgIwBT8hyphenhyphen_9VOrJ75DgGoWKySxKTNVb2MCGNQMRE/s640/Sept11-10+elegant+accessories+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946197196599538" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8b0ff631d98eef4988bc37/elegant-accessories?index=1"><b>Elegant Accessories</b></a></center><br />A great collection filled with lovely items created by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/magnumrx"><b>magnumrx</b></a>. I certainly agree that any of these pieces would be great for an elegant evening out.<br /><br />If you comment on the treasury, you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-70891168594591983742010-09-12T13:04:00.005-04:002010-09-12T13:19:34.071-04:00Sunday Showcase - Relaxation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s1600/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s425/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632208656737090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBmjD-Cx2K1oKm_XIxIEKkYKrfqZre6RzjJDtXhaJIJh37qhUYcWcQ7Or1QmSg9-6LgsB-wKIZvjrChE8tHUyrKeZgXChVtLQB4saboDGlrSbyaJcQUDDa3R_X7jgT_e_5wRP9VRyU_4/s1600/SS-relaxation-sept12-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBmjD-Cx2K1oKm_XIxIEKkYKrfqZre6RzjJDtXhaJIJh37qhUYcWcQ7Or1QmSg9-6LgsB-wKIZvjrChE8tHUyrKeZgXChVtLQB4saboDGlrSbyaJcQUDDa3R_X7jgT_e_5wRP9VRyU_4/s640/SS-relaxation-sept12-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516074279900567666" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55433249/citrine-sterling-silver-earrings-from"><b>1.pixestreasurechest</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49501446/help-support-the-gulf-coast-sleeping"><b>2.squid21r</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/45167346/shui-handbound-classic-notebookjournal"><b>3.veterok</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50448875/wooden-fantasy-bracelet"><b>4.TheMayFlower</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54519834/golden-leaves-cream-freshwater-pearls"><b>5.shinyfantasy</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31099378/beach-photo-cards"><b>6.NewCreatioNZ</b></a></center><br />Each Sunday Showcase features one item from six wonderful shops based on a predetermined theme. <br /><br />I didn't have as many participants this time and I was surprised there were no bath & beauty selections. Either way, I like to think I made a lovely collection which expresses the theme of soft relaxation...:) Because I did not get enough participants, I supplemented the listing with one shop that was kind enough to take interest in my feature even though they thought they wouldn't have anything of interest to me for the theme...;)<br /><br />Want to have a chance to be selected for a Sunday Showcase? It's really simple!<br /><br /><center><b>♥ Check out the current Sunday Showcase thread running in Promos on Etsy to find out the theme for the following week</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment in the thread if you feel you meet the criteria (or if you want to bump it up for others...;)</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment on this post and tell me which of the six items is your favorite and why. <u>Don't forget to post your shop URL so I know who is who!</u></b></center><center><b>♥ <u>ONLY SHOPS WHO COMMENT IN BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED!</u></b></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6625602"><b>Here's the current thread!</b></a></center><br />That's all there is to it! Simple, right? <br /><br />I cannot stress enough the importance of leaving your shop URL and posting in both locations! I see BEAUTIFUL things that end up left by the wayside because those criteria are not followed! Links to your items are fine, but not at the expense of your shop url as they don't tell me right away who you are.<br /><br />The thread will be open for participation until the Friday of the given week. <br /><br />All items will be tweeted on my Twitter page and the link to this blog entry posted on my Facebook Fan Page.<br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/gifted_designs">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/gifteddesigns">Facebook</a><br /><br />Please feel free to follow me/fan me/ to keep up with my Features and all I have to offer!<br /><br />All types of artisan crafts, vintage & supplies are up for consideration (unless stated in the Theme section in the Forum thread) so don't be shy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-56960241389509322862010-09-11T13:14:00.006-04:002010-09-12T12:21:11.292-04:00The Market - New items for you!I was rather prolific this week and posted 4 new pieces for your enjoyment...seeing as my goal per week is 3 newly listed, I think I did pretty good!<br /><br />Now, on to the show!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaotkiPydOcp23B62Rc53EgV7Q2o3nv8ae4KKdPj3hlcR51abaVzT2LaI441UvCuNdJBVEDhWGJwN4uLb0c-mOoQk7B5Z1keIJAykKpV-pBRS6zxU501Liixj0QWpBLlkk3Drm8z1UOuY/s1600/enterprise+necklace+group.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaotkiPydOcp23B62Rc53EgV7Q2o3nv8ae4KKdPj3hlcR51abaVzT2LaI441UvCuNdJBVEDhWGJwN4uLb0c-mOoQk7B5Z1keIJAykKpV-pBRS6zxU501Liixj0QWpBLlkk3Drm8z1UOuY/s640/enterprise+necklace+group.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515707048752046562" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55999678/necklace-repurposed-vintage-antique"><b>Enterprise Necklace</b></a></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKiXbSnjmeiSFBT9tI4O7Qjy-cW_lTraYqZJN-4L8CXAZA0nSUn-ME4BeoXhPtLyqE7wx3DGuUZgnRXMB7Y2BoBKTJnZJCTkePIkpOBtv3urlNobRymtd6E5rm4CeZehMi3KOC-j68oM/s1600/enterprise+earrings+group.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKiXbSnjmeiSFBT9tI4O7Qjy-cW_lTraYqZJN-4L8CXAZA0nSUn-ME4BeoXhPtLyqE7wx3DGuUZgnRXMB7Y2BoBKTJnZJCTkePIkpOBtv3urlNobRymtd6E5rm4CeZehMi3KOC-j68oM/s640/enterprise+earrings+group.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515707019987307538" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56002182/earrings-teal-czech-glass-beads-and"><b>Enterprise Earrings</b></a></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JF-GjciVlRd-4FFYIW0TciVE90leXvmD1tRdkZVWjrfKGzVeT-DQ3Lapvmf1SB_bDLsNo15YJ8WGZa4n-15iIN2-WYlqCcuT6UqbXBQjQjppv3CUMDJQebhyfmgbY9dPW3TMwK2qhew/s1600/azzuri+necklace+group.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JF-GjciVlRd-4FFYIW0TciVE90leXvmD1tRdkZVWjrfKGzVeT-DQ3Lapvmf1SB_bDLsNo15YJ8WGZa4n-15iIN2-WYlqCcuT6UqbXBQjQjppv3CUMDJQebhyfmgbY9dPW3TMwK2qhew/s640/azzuri+necklace+group.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515706985546813122" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56047499/necklace-lapis-lazuli-sticks-pyrite"><b>Azzuri Necklace</b></a></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvdRT-uDeerq31QBZKM5HW1o1bjTtIgQJD7CCkiIdWvyIVUuBrjaUSNHDMgPhV7zwi26fKPqkFqWvDOUUMOutC3sA3Bt8UPTXayRPoI4A3DQmvIOiFqToqVJk9sqT1NsUmHQSDIkNCSY/s1600/mare+mystique+necklace+group.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvdRT-uDeerq31QBZKM5HW1o1bjTtIgQJD7CCkiIdWvyIVUuBrjaUSNHDMgPhV7zwi26fKPqkFqWvDOUUMOutC3sA3Bt8UPTXayRPoI4A3DQmvIOiFqToqVJk9sqT1NsUmHQSDIkNCSY/s640/mare+mystique+necklace+group.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515706948562619682" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56080493/necklace-turquoise-heishi-beads-and"><b>Mare Mystique Necklace</b></a></center><br /><br />So my question for you this week is if you like the way I have displayed the pieces this week, or if you would prefer to see individual pictures the way I did <a href="http://gifteddesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/artists-exposed-treaury-and-new-items.html"><b>here</b></a>. I'm always struggling with length versus imagery and I'd love to know your opinions! <br /><br />Next week, I'll be listing stand-alone earrings...;)<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-46298017770927686792010-08-25T13:32:00.006-04:002010-09-12T12:21:48.561-04:00Hidden Treasures - Bluebells in Autumn<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZQ4Kz57sEZ_DOKVA59JiAxQEHlZtBMKLtd4iWDoTQugZe2-UkSI1OGb2NIYXZM3y5x-dlJqt36P6R5K0SZ2A6G9B4pRrTHVAyj4laZQJq2ZA7y0KOl3s3NtHkjt60X0NUBTRDc7jp3Y/s1600/Aug25-10-blueberries+in+autumn+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZQ4Kz57sEZ_DOKVA59JiAxQEHlZtBMKLtd4iWDoTQugZe2-UkSI1OGb2NIYXZM3y5x-dlJqt36P6R5K0SZ2A6G9B4pRrTHVAyj4laZQJq2ZA7y0KOl3s3NtHkjt60X0NUBTRDc7jp3Y/s640/Aug25-10-blueberries+in+autumn+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509401823856930258" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c7550ee344a8eefdef8edf4/bluebells-in-autumn"><b>Bluebells in Autumn</b></a></center><br />I must have been thinking of the leaves turning and the cool, crisp, vibrant blue skied mornings when I went searching through my favorites...:) I also found some lovely items from some of the people who commented last week! Who knows, you could be on next week if you comment...;)<br /><br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-1544631690378542722010-08-17T08:37:00.006-04:002010-08-20T18:02:41.643-04:00Hidden Treasures - Feline Fun!<center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6xhcqznBOWnZNMxl0QAr-KQY-_Jv_I_dn8_UKVLLNkow47cQBz3PlHVYCzDATKXmm1ahvX8bMsoAFowdncgtOEPI0k-UHuT_FxPGGvWtRLzcDpl7xO9-2CIjx9h1AVTds88gD310gj8/s1600/Aug17-10-feline+fun+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 385px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6xhcqznBOWnZNMxl0QAr-KQY-_Jv_I_dn8_UKVLLNkow47cQBz3PlHVYCzDATKXmm1ahvX8bMsoAFowdncgtOEPI0k-UHuT_FxPGGvWtRLzcDpl7xO9-2CIjx9h1AVTds88gD310gj8/s400/Aug17-10-feline+fun+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506361538888158418" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6a8221c7c26d919ec1d84f/feline-fun-who-can-resist-that-face"><b>Feline Fun!</b></a></center><br />My cats were clowning around and just being adorable little poo-poo heads (said with utmost affection) and they completely inspired me to check out what else was adorable, fun and cute on Etsy. <br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgH70XMLvQIRnkAX-Vee11rvZeoxRWAYke8_wzWGrxWKWf4i8H3HAZpw9OlC82gJN1i9qXQCym6EIpjilWHbgMiEyAS9w89vqfSUxR7-zriMxx1FqKaonB9nN6aBK2mCeQlSXffkjWk/s1600/Aug13-10+lovely+august+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSgH70XMLvQIRnkAX-Vee11rvZeoxRWAYke8_wzWGrxWKWf4i8H3HAZpw9OlC82gJN1i9qXQCym6EIpjilWHbgMiEyAS9w89vqfSUxR7-zriMxx1FqKaonB9nN6aBK2mCeQlSXffkjWk/s400/Aug13-10+lovely+august+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507615794857970098" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c655ff68bf46d91d9be121e/lovely-august"><b>Lovely August</b></a></center><br />I loved this fresh collection by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dancingintherains"><b>dancingintherains</b></a>. Green is one of my fav colors and this one made me want to go outside and play in the grass...:)<br /><br />If you comment on the treasury, you get the chance to be in next week's Hidden Treasures!<br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-55894949124148032352010-08-16T20:24:00.004-04:002010-08-16T20:37:52.022-04:00Mini Marvels - VickiDianeDesigns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R8n58rfDqRYxZzVFwU0va_87nR_XCi-0uPeQvFeJ5E_XFYWrpM6DazyNKZ1AFxlV6lSQRRpeRM8p1m74V57jjLgkJa3pHIgmwEJnZpITewolJ3mQJhLAgsXIKbtbnm6ayjU3kQylIYU/s1600/vickidianedesigns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 67px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R8n58rfDqRYxZzVFwU0va_87nR_XCi-0uPeQvFeJ5E_XFYWrpM6DazyNKZ1AFxlV6lSQRRpeRM8p1m74V57jjLgkJa3pHIgmwEJnZpITewolJ3mQJhLAgsXIKbtbnm6ayjU3kQylIYU/s400/vickidianedesigns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506168816435922690" /></a><br />It's Mini-Marvel time!<br /><br />As an admirer of those who do for others, I could not help instantly being respectful of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VickiDianeDesigns"><b>VickiDianeDesigns</b></a>...:) She's vibrant, generous and full of life and it comes through in everything she does so passionately. <br /><br />I asked her to share a little about what makes life grand for her:<br /><br /><i>I'm in LOVE with life , colour music and art.<br />My creations are Bold, Vibrant, Sexy Funique and ALIVE. ( Hopefully as you read -- like me! )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h2c8s5mica-FWJaGoARDR0bzhYFcvZ6pjs9M-Avy_521lCxrLRczo5N_AHbhToLP8kev-D6vlDgWVN4Uw3FBAr47CxjF8MjJu6eO9XHvw0A7c0WhP10z-fDbDtEs91oYS055BWQ90bc/s1600/vicki2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 368px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h2c8s5mica-FWJaGoARDR0bzhYFcvZ6pjs9M-Avy_521lCxrLRczo5N_AHbhToLP8kev-D6vlDgWVN4Uw3FBAr47CxjF8MjJu6eO9XHvw0A7c0WhP10z-fDbDtEs91oYS055BWQ90bc/s400/vicki2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506170863033649170" /></a><br />I'm from London UK , where I left at 19 and travelled the world singing the blues and playing the piano. I came from a very theatrical and artistic background. My father being a film director and mum was a nurse but a fabulous pianist. I took up music and acting at an early age and spent a short time at drama school later.<br />My hobbies now are much the same...music (always LOUD while I'm working )...art, which I've been working at in some shape or form for over 20 years now...painting , fashion and jewelry...(and sport- when I can fit it in if I have any puff left ! )<br />I am lucky enough now to live between beautiful Southern Spain, Andalucia and the UK....guess which I like most ?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MuTu5HAvux0W8kQKSvps76JDob0Elqea8FHbNHzBRojyE71XJ5oYXU9Qp9nlOng6IDL6G8ljQ7jseYqXLx0zk1DYlcw2_yv_SNFHofPXsqZ-3FPsl2TCMddNTgPMoVthxhJsxh0BjT0/s1600/vicki3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MuTu5HAvux0W8kQKSvps76JDob0Elqea8FHbNHzBRojyE71XJ5oYXU9Qp9nlOng6IDL6G8ljQ7jseYqXLx0zk1DYlcw2_yv_SNFHofPXsqZ-3FPsl2TCMddNTgPMoVthxhJsxh0BjT0/s400/vicki3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506170871866865698" /></a><br />Regarding my designs, I've a HUGE passion for animal print, which I must have picked up on my travels , and also for vibrant rich, exotic and Mediterranean inspired colours, having spent many a moon relaxing on foreign sands and enjoying the amazing stunning sunsets !<br />I spend FAR too much time on Etsy and Facebook promoting other people (and occasionally myself ;) and love it !<br />As long as I can get to the gym or play tennis occasionally then I don't feel too guilty. I started a series of Etsy Treasury's nearly 2 and a half year years ago called **Artists Exposed * where I feature the artists from behind their shops and this has proved overwhelmingly successful and had people queuing up for a feature.<br />Now the format has changed and I have a non- stop rotation going on where there are as I write- well over 3000 views and over 4000 clicks already. I've kept it running since the end of April and it just proves that folk are nearly as nosy as me LOL !!! (I've only 750,000 artists to get through now :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJyImElaDp7hmfB4ODhimdaPWG-8ZY8mOdW7x1Wo8X0t180T9iqH_ArY1b8a2PyI-P6lj7rxYbnMr-4DZkeI71HEQr2lLrLvwsXTj-FKkxepO-N3s8jMY2r3tPS00skYMIlaDqUDuRUk/s1600/vicki1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJyImElaDp7hmfB4ODhimdaPWG-8ZY8mOdW7x1Wo8X0t180T9iqH_ArY1b8a2PyI-P6lj7rxYbnMr-4DZkeI71HEQr2lLrLvwsXTj-FKkxepO-N3s8jMY2r3tPS00skYMIlaDqUDuRUk/s400/vicki1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506170859189797746" /></a><br />My designing gives me GREAT pleasure and doing this for you has been such fun. Thank you Shannon x</i><br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(85923, 'shop','thumbnail',2,5).renderIframe();</script></center>I hope you enjoyed her generosity, rara-avis spirit and playful work like I do!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-18963129419615197112010-08-15T09:39:00.011-04:002010-09-12T12:25:47.471-04:00Sunday Showcase - Summer Splash<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s1600/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsNqy5Y11DMES9PoLyNQZHM4Z9Ij4cmPSopI1Nf1fHGydTCtb_P9las4O0FykQWocRcAwhhZR1y4dKECrCdXY2s9T7kcaAVa4HlixCTqIDfM41Xd2b5G5NKDvho1_K44Ub97FZBOxkgM/s425/sunday+showcase+banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632208656737090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXezqR4q4g7of0eVQ-8S_5Iejm_3ksvTJ__th4xRtq9brVXafB8mPrdwI7vJCfvkSV_cJJfX5EZ9XHvs1hOKttSuO8nZ12HhycLyQg71QUAzU_uuV7UpPh9Od5a84t_8zPkUfzMvl3F2c/s1600/SS-summer+splash-aug15-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXezqR4q4g7of0eVQ-8S_5Iejm_3ksvTJ__th4xRtq9brVXafB8mPrdwI7vJCfvkSV_cJJfX5EZ9XHvs1hOKttSuO8nZ12HhycLyQg71QUAzU_uuV7UpPh9Od5a84t_8zPkUfzMvl3F2c/s640/SS-summer+splash-aug15-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505632210685023794" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49927990/blazing-crush-handstamped-personalized"><b>1.yourcharmedlife</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51373295/tote-bag-handmade-orange-polka-dots"><b>2.WhatItSeams</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49017658/flora-crochet-coaster-duo-by-loophole"><b>3.SixSkeins</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50111046/sale-hand-embroidery-3-inch-hoop"><b>4.merriweathercouncil</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50357181/original-pop-art-8x10-print-just-swim"><b>5.LoveMeAmberLee</b></a></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51087618/oversized-retro-red-rose-fascinator"><b>6.rtisan</b></a></center><br />After many months of hiatus, Sunday Showcase is back! *tosses confetti*<br /><br />Each Sunday Showcase features one item from six wonderful shops based on a predetermined theme. <br /><br />I had serious trouble picking a selection this time around. I had 4 different compositions that I had to choose from! Thank you SO much to everyone who participated for making this a challenge and for providing me with GORGEOUS items! <br /><br />Want to have a chance to be selected for a Sunday Showcase? It's really simple!<br /><br /><center><b>♥ Check out the current Sunday Showcase thread running in Promos on Etsy to find out the theme for the following week</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment in the thread if you feel you meet the criteria (or if you want to bump it up for others...;)</b></center><center><b>♥ Comment on this post and tell me which of the six items is your favorite and why. <u>Don't forget to post your shop URL so I know who is who!</u></b></center><center><b>♥ <u>ONLY SHOPS WHO COMMENT IN BOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED!</u></b></center><br /><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6601628"><b>Here's the current thread!</b></a></center><br />That's all there is to it! Simple, right? <br /><br />I cannot stress enough the importance of leaving your shop URL and posting in both locations! I see BEAUTIFUL things that end up left by the wayside because those criteria are not followed! Links to your items are fine, but not at the expense of your shop url as they don't tell me right away who you are.<br /><br />The thread will be open for participation until the Friday of the given week. <br /><br />All items will be tweeted on my Twitter page and the link to this blog entry posted on my Facebook Fan Page.<br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/gifted_designs">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://facebook.com/gifteddesigns">Facebook</a><br /><br />Please feel free to follow me/fan me/ to keep up with my Features and all I have to offer!<br /><br />All types of artisan crafts, vintage & supplies are up for consideration (unless stated in the Theme section) so don't be shy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-2573457322440996042010-08-10T18:59:00.007-04:002010-08-10T19:50:25.940-04:00Hidden Treasures - Sunset LightsWelcome to the new format for Treasuries! Before, I used to separate treasuries into the ones I made, mine, and the ones you all made, yours. Now I will be putting them all into one post once a week starting with my weekly Treasury at the top of the post. I'm hoping to have treasuries by you to post every week as well, but it may happen that I won't depending on how well I kept up with my new item postings...;)<br /><br /><center><b><u>MINE</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNoLDDiaU6f4EHZd4hUN__PruURflusH40BldkiT-z80Mon0LcVqEi1G6U-Q55ETn0MSSE8qx6pFH6MHe_0IHAzdYXGbTYCscGo6nkr67VdIrIijvaQP9sC69Y3FydF6RvAm2hr2oQ_4/s1600/August10-10+sunset+lights+treasury+east.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 385px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNoLDDiaU6f4EHZd4hUN__PruURflusH40BldkiT-z80Mon0LcVqEi1G6U-Q55ETn0MSSE8qx6pFH6MHe_0IHAzdYXGbTYCscGo6nkr67VdIrIijvaQP9sC69Y3FydF6RvAm2hr2oQ_4/s400/August10-10+sunset+lights+treasury+east.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503921461627535410" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c61d0f0347c6d91ae84fa18/sunset-lights"><b>Sunset Lights</b></a></center><br />A treasury inspired by the lovely sunsets I've been seeing from my balcony at home. It's amazing how much the setting sun colors the sky. Like God decided to take out His watercolors and dance across the sky...:)<br /><br />It's possible that there are a few treasuries that I am in that I have not yet shared. I'll be sure to double-check and if I am correct, I'll update the Yours section in this post.<br /><br />UPDATE!<br />I knew I'd missed at least one!<br /><br /><center><b><u>YOURS</u></b></center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqhxr24wI7rveNDmgvxAE42EVIpceZ-VuIvoeRXTXUIWrSBNBk9nnf_mZ1kI3aCT6OMP9tTk-RWTvjpJ73nLK9vizlxXVx9wx4Ko-IXRrCkP5S3KiUzIDnWFCtoFBohcAswyz-hUYoLs/s1600/July26-10+cerulean+blue+treasury.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqhxr24wI7rveNDmgvxAE42EVIpceZ-VuIvoeRXTXUIWrSBNBk9nnf_mZ1kI3aCT6OMP9tTk-RWTvjpJ73nLK9vizlxXVx9wx4Ko-IXRrCkP5S3KiUzIDnWFCtoFBohcAswyz-hUYoLs/s400/July26-10+cerulean+blue+treasury.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503932068303675554" /></a><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c46b509afa68eef69149231/cerulean-electric-blue-persian-blue-air?index=2"><b>Cerulean? Electric blue? Persian blue? Air force blue?</b></a></center><br />Definitely all of the above in this one! The vibrant blues were just really fun. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mammamiaeme"><b>Mammamiaeme</b></a> is really sweet to have included me in this!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-52231505056802751732010-08-09T15:13:00.004-04:002010-08-09T15:27:12.577-04:00Mini Marvels - Bomobob<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKy_6PguK-odc97Il8-n7Gf7RZaHAM_Ra59kbZ2DlJe3LFupnLQwSVa6pXd0IzgrZ6yIi0QAEgwTsUKz1V9-PepgWYuajSLPT3UmiA3JydWvTv_bHFWHIt3WGN_cXZo2RdvcQvY_pvho/s1600/bomobob+banner.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 67px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKy_6PguK-odc97Il8-n7Gf7RZaHAM_Ra59kbZ2DlJe3LFupnLQwSVa6pXd0IzgrZ6yIi0QAEgwTsUKz1V9-PepgWYuajSLPT3UmiA3JydWvTv_bHFWHIt3WGN_cXZo2RdvcQvY_pvho/s400/bomobob+banner.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503491182915356290" border="0" /></a><br />It's Mini-Marvel time once again! Nothing like starting fresh with some amazing artisans!<br /><br />I've always loved photography and I was pleased to come across the work of a fellow Montrealer. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bomobob"><b>Bomobob</b></a> has been around the block some and is a well known photographic entity in our fair city...:) Not only is he a talented gent, he's also a hilarious one and I have been privileged to get to know him.<br /><br />I asked him to give us a little perspective on what makes him tick:<br /><br /><i>Somewhere there’s a photo of me at the age of about 5 or 6, at Upper Canada Village. In it, I have a 127 camera hanging from my wrist on a strap. It may be a Kodak Brownie, but I seem to recall it may have been green, which would probably mean it was an Imperial. I know that photo is around here somewhere, because it was always hanging in the stairway when I was growing up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRu5PyXh9tPL9dKKrofd1YfHEvz3X45rZ-48TAk-caLiUc5bwPgXg9J1cSQxP6WIrHpOlOtiA-FVQoWimrP6cQnMnPRqegulMQBpbXQkxYFmbdBDCd6QrJi8lubtgnjIZW4Uh1Me7DNU/s1600/il_fullxfull.149129310.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRu5PyXh9tPL9dKKrofd1YfHEvz3X45rZ-48TAk-caLiUc5bwPgXg9J1cSQxP6WIrHpOlOtiA-FVQoWimrP6cQnMnPRqegulMQBpbXQkxYFmbdBDCd6QrJi8lubtgnjIZW4Uh1Me7DNU/s400/il_fullxfull.149129310.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503491196282466786" border="0" /></a><br />I guess that’s when it began. I was always fascinated by the idea of being able to freeze single moments in time and save them to look at over and over. Not just people, but places, events. Sure, that’s what photography is all about, but I caught the bug early on.<br /><br />The local supermarket used to give out bonus stamps, and you’d stick them into booklets until you had enough to trade them in for something from their catalog. For me, it was Kodak Instamatic X-15, which I still use regularly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj9-CJ3b_NIIfFqcdo4pC56CIvEEziV-WWLtruJWf8m1RphzM075Fb2ckVXsXIrN6deugnTekyu8U7GBTqPrZBYIxHzMQNR26I_IB4f99EtubjuOQf8JbT4T_HXc7cLEJjSFIQ3yTF-I/s1600/bob3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj9-CJ3b_NIIfFqcdo4pC56CIvEEziV-WWLtruJWf8m1RphzM075Fb2ckVXsXIrN6deugnTekyu8U7GBTqPrZBYIxHzMQNR26I_IB4f99EtubjuOQf8JbT4T_HXc7cLEJjSFIQ3yTF-I/s400/bob3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503491217647162242" border="0" /></a><br />I sometimes feel like I’m still back in that era, as most of my 60 or so cameras are from that period. I like the bad optics, the vignetting, the false colour…what’s referred to now as “vintage look”. And yes, I’m obsessed with carnivals, as they also take one back to a time of innocence and false colour and faded memories.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Bv1BNGq7PSCUUqg-TiPDBstoeHeMb4ho2Th6y2misbgbPFhmatXsxPVJlVdXUXcGIQ8TwOqLI0RvbdADGmQ-CF20XiBGwW5xKQ26lOv2iCd2qkUVtfs9mOfqtvb5TS4SQUpDUcjlJw/s1600/il_fullxfull.158652859.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6Bv1BNGq7PSCUUqg-TiPDBstoeHeMb4ho2Th6y2misbgbPFhmatXsxPVJlVdXUXcGIQ8TwOqLI0RvbdADGmQ-CF20XiBGwW5xKQ26lOv2iCd2qkUVtfs9mOfqtvb5TS4SQUpDUcjlJw/s400/il_fullxfull.158652859.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503492637682870962" border="0" /></a><br />I tend not to travel light when it comes to cameras. There’s almost always one old twin-lens reflex camera for doing TTV photography, a Polaroid, a Holga, an Instamatic, and usually any one of a number of small 35mm rangefinders, along with either a film or digital SLR. And a tripod.</i><br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.etsy.com/etsy_mini.js"></script><script type="text/javascript">new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(5737288, 'shop','thumbnail',2,5).renderIframe();</script></center>I hope you enjoy his gorgeous photography as much as I do. I have a calendar at home which I LOVE flipping through...:)<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8357184412901278321.post-84751097683623145262010-08-07T10:11:00.004-04:002010-08-07T16:55:33.953-04:00I haven't disappeared...:)Hello everyone. Be prepared for a LONNNNNG post. I hope you'll find it worth reading!<br /><br />As many of you know, it's been a few months since I last posted on my blog. This isn't because I lost interest. It was more because I was trying to figure out what exactly to do with myself and where I would go while doing it. <br /><br />I've been very much considering Etsy and if I want to continue to sell there. The reasons for this is because Etsy has been having issue with both visibility and seller tools and in delivering on the things they've been talking about. Despite these issues, I have decided to continue selling on Etsy for now but I have also chosen to diversify as well. <br /><br /><u><b>CARGOH.com</b></u><br /><br />I recently discovered this beautifully designed venue, <a href="http://cargoh.com"><b>Cargoh</b></a>. It's BRAND NEW and in Beta and so it's got bugs and the poor admins have had a huge influx of Etsy sellers and are scrambling to keep up with us all...:) I am hopefully that this market will end up being an interesting competitor for Etsy. It's one of the few sites that doesn't just deliver on content and customer service, but on design as well. I've already set up my shop and I'm going to be listing some things as soon as the photos are ready to list...:) What's cool about it is a buyer doesn't have to sign up to purchase from it and my Twitter and Facebook page are linked right there for quick and easy following. The images are also super big and you can put up more than just 5 of them.<br /><br />Here's my shop: <a href="http://www.cargoh.com/store/gifted-designs"><b>http://www.cargoh.com/store/gifted-designs</b></a><br /><br />Tell me what you think of it...:D<br /><br /><u><b>WHERE I WANT TO TAKE THIS BLOG</b></u><br /><br />My blog is also something I've been giving a lot of consideration to. I wanted to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with it and where I wanted to go. I decided that I want this blog to be a mix of self-promotion and promotion of others. I was doing that in the past, but I was only really promoting my jewelry. Very little of MYSELF was here. I feel it's important for people to know ME, not just my jewelry and artistic endeavors. <br /><br />I took a good chunk of time to just right down some of the things I want to do whenever an idea would pop in my head and here's what I've got for you.<br /><br /><b>WHAT'S SHA UP TO? (personal side)</b><br /><br />-<b>Monthly Giveaway:</b> I will be giving away an item with a 20-40$ value. Each month will be a different item. This is not your typical giveaway. People will be participating to enter and then a voting system will be in place once entries are given. The total time spent to run the giveaway will be two weeks, one week for entries and one week for vote. The winner will be whoever has the most votes. The inspiration for this is from the lovely <a href="http://lillyella.blogspot.com/"><b>Lillyella</b></a>, someone who inspires me in HUGE ways...:) I'll be going in further detail when I host my first one! I would be starting this on the 15th of every month.<br /><br />-<b>It's Personal:</b> Once a week, I will highlight something I have been doing. It could be a recipe I tried, artwork I'm working on, jewelry I'm working on, sharing some new supplies I received, a tutorial to make something, sharing my thoughts on books I'm reading, sharing photographs of things that happened (be prepared for kittie pictures or vids!) or just thoughts and observations for the week. I really want to personally connect with you and I think one day a week devoted to that is a good thing...:) I was thinking this could be on Thursdays.<br /><br />-<b>Gemstone Spotlight:</b> This is a segment I started with my <a href="http://gifteddesigns.blogspot.com/2009/11/gemstone-spotlight-november-09.html"><b>Amazonite column</b></a>. I LOVE stones, I always have...even before jewelry was ever a thought and I am looking forward to sharing my favorites with you once a month. I'm hoping that people will also share with me and bring forth suggestions for the following month. Amazonite, BTW, is my favorite stone, thus why I started with it...;)<br /><br /><b>PROMOTING MY SHOP</b><br /><br />-<b>The Market:</b> Anything new listed in shop during the week would be showcased and talked about. I'm hoping to list 2-3 pieces a week and so I would talk about those pieces and I would show them off too...;) I do a sneak peak 3 days before on Facebook so if you follow me in both places, you'll know before others what's coming! If a piece sells before I can post it, I will still talk about it here...:) I will be posting this on Fridays.<br /><br />-<b>Announcements:</b> If I have special news concerning my shop, news such as the Black Friday Event I participated in last year or perhaps craft fairs I'm attending, or features I may be in, I will be announcing them, if I can, on Saturdays before the events occur. If the event or feature happen before, I will make a post about them ASAP.<br /><br /><b>PROMOTING OTHERS</b><br /><br />-<b>Mini Marvels:</b> I will definitely continue to promote individual shops and people that I love or have a wonderful connection with. These people could be on Etsy, on Artfire, on Cargoh or be actual stores with an on-line presence. As with the other examples, sellers will be asked to write a short blurb about whatever they would like. Links to their stores will be provided. This is a weekly post on Mondays. I'm open to suggestions for this as well!<br /><br />-<b>Sunday Showcase:</b> I will also definitely be continuing the showcase! I have FAR too much fun making these! Six shops are featured based on a predetermined theme posted the week before. This is a weekly post on Sundays. <br /><br />-<b>Style Exchange:</b> This is inspired by <a href="http://lillyella.blogspot.com/2010/07/style-swap-anabelle-dress.html"><b>Lillyella's Style Swap</b></a>. I wanted a way to showcase my fellow EtsyQ teammates and so I think this would be a great way to do it. I would basically choose one of their items and place them in two different situations. This could either be decorative or fashion in nature depending on the teammate! This will either be a bi-monthly or monthly segment on Wednesdays.<br /><br />-<b>Treasuries:</b> Though my love affair with Treasuries has cooled a little, I still make them and people still include me in them for which I am eternally grateful...:) As the treasuries function in a different way now, I have considered showcasing them in a different way. Instead of separating treasuries into 'yours' and 'mine'. I was thinking more of making this a specific column weekly. I would feature the one treasury I made for the week as well as anyone else who included me in a treasury that week. This would do two things, A) Encourage me to make a new treasury every week and B)Localize them in one day rather then spreading them out. Tuesdays would be a good day for this...:) I may make this a bi-monthly column. I have not decided yet.<br /><br />So all this basically makes my blog half about me and half about others. I think that's a great balance.<br /><br />I would greatly love your opinions and I hope this was worth the read for you all. I really want to push myself to run my business more efficiently and in a much more planned manner. I think this will definitely help me get going with that! I would LOVE to hear any suggestions you all may have. Please feel free to share them!<br /><br />I want to take the time to thank you all for being around and being patient with me. I hope this blog will become something you truly love to check out and read!<br />♥Gifted Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01972599105406385581noreply@blogger.com0