RockerJewlz

I miss my mom

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

I miss my mom.

I saw something funny on tv and thought how Mom would have appreciated it.
And all of a sudden I ached to be with her, talk with her, hug her, smile and laugh, laugh, laugh with her.

I'm so tired of that ache.
All this year my goal is to work at turning that ache into a smile of a memory.
I'm tired of crying over her.

I just want to laugh and smile when I think of her.
I don't know if my goal can be achieved.
I know that a year working at it might not be enough.

Will it take a lifetime?
I don't know

What I DO know is.....

I miss my mom.

Year of the Dragon

2011-12-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

So, 2012 will be the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar that is over 4,000 years old...amazing! Also amazing: tonight, on "Chopped" I saw something new to me...
Dragon Fruit!

What an insanely bizarre, yet beautiful food. You would never know that the inside and the exterior would be so completely different, yet complimentary to each other. I felt like it was a fashion statement the way the bright pink and green pod was filled with white flesh and black seeds..how Parisian!

I have no idea what it tastes like but discovered it grows from some variety of cactus...it just gets more and more interesting. Some interiors are bright pink. Wow.

This intriguing fruit reminded me that it is a good thing to
always be learning and always be curious.
You never know what you might discover.

Happy New Year

Stocking Stuffers

2011-12-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's hard to believe that a week from today is Christmas Eve. At work we have a countdown calendar...and I hate being reminded of it daily because I'm just not "on it" for gifts and prepping. BUT, the good news is I have stocking stuffers for you!

Actually, anything in my shop is small enough to be a stocking stuffer so you can't lose.

I will be so happy to move from full time holiday working hours to part time after the new year...whew! This year I haven't said Happy Holidays ONCE. No matter what religion a person believes in, the reason for the holidays IS Christmas so that's it, there's no way around it, so I say.....there really is no good reason to consider other people and that they might be offended to hear those 2 words. Why did I ever worry about it in the first place? Diversity awareness can sometimes be counter productive....so.......

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Golden & delicious

2011-11-26T10:19:00.001-08:00

My brother in law's smoked turkey was spectacular...perfectly golden and juicy alllll the way through...yum! How was yours?

Be Vogue in Leopard

2011-10-07T13:08:00.001-07:00

Autumn is here. Be stylish in leopard with a twist...cupcakes!

Who knew cupcakes could be so elegant?
Click photos for more details

Smiley Face

2011-09-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hiya! Summer is nearing its end so I thought I better greet you again and entertain you just a little. So, on the weight loss front, I definitely have NOT felt like this.....but.....

I did kind of feel like this! Got a little tired of being sooooo focused on walking, not eating too many carbs, blah, blah, blah, that I let myself have a little too much fun with my old eating habits and right about now, I'm feeling better than.....

this. I'm not sad about it, I'm kind of tired of not losing, but I know exactly what to do to get back on track and I'm not gaining, so soon, very soon, I will be back to feeling like...........

THIS!

18 lbs. and counting

2011-07-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

I'm in a bit of a lull, but I lost 18 lbs. in 6 weeks so far...now THAT's a diet!

A New Me

2011-07-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's been a while! I started a part time job as a customer service rep for a small call center a couple of days a week. So far, I really like it. A small office with a male manager and 3 other women who do NOT chit chat. Nice and quiet. The manager is the most vibrant of us all so he entertains us a bit. There is one conversation a day that involves us all and usually ends in laughter....just a couple of minutes to break up the day. No complaints here!

The other change in my life has been finding "the 17 day diet" which is really 4 cycles of 17 days each and it has revolutinized my thinking and positivity for the better. I'm hitting weight loss goals fast without sacrificing flavor or foods I like. I just started cycle 3 today and lost 17 pounds up to now. In January I started eating less carbs and on my own, lost 14 pounds over 3 months.

With this new diet, I lost 17 pounds in 34 days...SO much better. I have steady energy throughout the day and at an average of 1/2 pound a day, I am so very happy, unlike any other food plan I've tried before. So with this new cycle I pretty much eat what I want now while watching my portions more closely.

I LOVE my daily walks where I really feel a different area of my body being affected each day. I'm walking almost an hour...not because someone told me to but because I love walking more than any other exercise, and my BODY is telling me how much it needs. Okay, so it "talks" to me...what can I say?

SO, I haven't produced ANY new jewelry during this time as I change my life, but I will if you need something special. Check back for photos of my slender self one of these days.

Win some Keybling!

2011-06-03T12:56:00.001-07:00

Click the pic above and see how YOU can win this fabulous keybling by KrissyBeads
from Nicole at Gotta Have Paper!

Andrew Thornton's Thursday Giveaway

2011-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Can you believe these beads from Golem Studio are been given away??? It's true, and YOU could win!

All the details you need are on Andrew's BLOG...come on over and check it out...and good luck.

$$$ 25% SALE $$$

2011-05-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

$$$ 25% OFF everything $$$

Yep, you read that correctly. EVERY item in my shop is on sale until further notice.

I'll refund the 25% to you via Paypal.

Let's go shopping HERE!

Giveaway!

2011-05-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Copper Diem is having a giveaway...what a haul, huh? We both have a chance to win this awesome pack of goodies. Just click the photo for the details...and good luck!

Summer Lovin'

2011-05-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. By this time I hope that any dramatic, or should I say TRaumatic weather you've experienced is dwindling. It's been so crazy and now here we go, almost straight into summer weather. Doesn't that mean hurricane season somewhere? Oh my goodness.

Then I'll keep things light by showing you pretty things in chocolate and watermelon......

There HAVE been stranger pairings!

www.RockerJewlz.etsy.com

Easter Baskets

2011-04-21T12:05:00.001-07:00

Here comes Easter!
I have some fun eggy jewelry for you that is quite elegant.
The best thing about them is they aren't blatantly themed, so you can wear them any time of the year.

This is just one example of the many items I have priced at $15,
perfect for the Easter gifts to tuck into baskets.

And for those of you who love whimsy,
this piece is more traditional in pastel tones with a sweet 2 sweet bunny beads.

Go HERE for more photos.

Have a blessed Easter,

Spring Fling

2011-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm happy so many of you loved my last cupcake ring. Now I'm diving into spring.

French lampwork artist, Kathryn Greer, crafted these amazing tulip shaped beads at my request. They have such beautiful detail and also come in a pinky red.

And my Perfume Bottle earrings are available again. The leaf on the top reminds me of a perfume bottle top and they are transparent just like the fabulous focal beads. There are three different styles at the base of the earrings so that you can select what suits you most.

I hope the snow falling has stopped for those of you who received a white April blanket. The weather here in the San Francisco bay area is perfect for the 3rd day in a row, so we are enjoying it for you and rejoicing in it as rain is again on the way.

A New Cupcake Ring

2011-03-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

I love this ring so much I had to make one to keep for myself! It's the adjustable Victorian Style Cupcake Ring with Polka Dots at www.RockerJewlz.etsy.com.

So far, there are three cupcake designs available...come and see!

Don't you love my embroidered cupcake? It's one of several on a large tablecloth from my crafting buddy, Sandy. It covers my jewelry work so that my studio table looks nice and neat...when it really isn't.

Do you have sneaky coverups for YOUR work area?

StarGirl Jewelry Giveaway

2011-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

You could WIN these earrings OR their matching bracelet OR necklace!
Click the photo to go to Stargirl Jewelry's blog for details.

Andrew Thornton Pewter Charm Giveaway

2011-02-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Andrew Thornton is having a fabulous giveaway...

click the charms above for details.

Be sure to enter today!

Valentine Cupcake Earrings

2011-02-04T17:55:00.001-08:00

Last night, Lauren Z. was digging through my bead box and found 2 pairs of heart cupcake beads I'd forgotten about...glad she stopped by!

My buy one, get one 1/2 off ends tonight at midnight Pacific time, so you could get both of these for a song if you so desire. All the details and photos are HERE.

Happy SuperBowl Weekend,

New Beginnings

2011-02-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

I just posted 2 more "Beginnings" bracelets and will be posting more in Garnet and Amber. This was the very first piece of jewelry I made to sell, thus the name. My sis and I attended the wonderful Sonoma glass bead show and she selected her own beads for the bracelet.

Then we returned to her house in Napa and played and adjusted and altered and played some more with the beads for quite a while before achieving the appropriate balance of color, size and scale.

I just love this style as it looks good in any color and is elegant, yet casual at the same time so it works with fashion from jeans & a tee to your little black dress.

You can see more photos and details HERE.

Oh and you have through tomorrow to take advantage of my huge 50% off sale on Cupcake & Heart jewelry!

Twisted Baby Bead Contest

2011-02-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Libby, a fellow fan of Kerry Bogert, bead artist extrordinaire, is having a fabulous contest where you could win some of her beads she's using in bead projects from Kerry's book, Totally Twisted. Click the top photo to get the details.

Final Heart to destash

2011-01-31T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here is the final lampwork heart bead added to the destash on Etsy. It can be yours at 50% if you get one other item...see the details by clicking the photo and reading the announcement.

Pretty Polly

2011-01-29T11:24:00.001-08:00

Such a sweet set...comes with matching bow earrings. Part of the 50% off sale going on through Friday.

Another Sale Goodie

2011-01-27T10:30:00.001-08:00

Another possible item for you to grab in my Valentine's Day buy One Cupcake and/or Heart piece of jewelry and get another of equal or lesser value at
50% off sale
through Friday, February 4th.

Don't miss out!

Some SweetHeart Sets 50% OFF

2011-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Two additions to my "Valentine's Day Buy One Get One 50% OFF Sale"

through Friday, February 4th.

50% OFF Sale

2011-01-24T19:11:00.001-08:00

BOGO!!! That means "buy one, get one".

My Valentine's Day Special

(through Friday, February 4th midnight, PST)

Buy any one piece of Cupcake and/or Heart jewelry listed in my shop and get a second piece of Cupcake and/or Heart jewelry of equal or lesser value at
HALF OFF!

Yep, 50% off the second piece....you just can't go wrong at http://rockerjewlz.etsy.com

Perhaps one for you and another for a very special valentine???

The Heart of Organization

2011-01-14T15:47:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year! I never make resolutions in January because it's like dieting...it just doesn't hold up. But I did find an interesting situation in that my brain just feels the need to declutter my house in a big way but like when you eat an elephant....(I don't know anyone that would actually DO that) but if they did, it's supposed to be done one bite at a time. (EARRINGS ABOVE ARE SOLD)

So, starting with shredding unnecessary papers from 2 filing cabinets, I am decluttering and reorganizing drawers which means I can then clear shelves which means I can then display items the way I want to instead of agonizing over finding a place to stuff them instead.

My other big goal is to repurpose stuff. For instance, I have an ugly industrial looking bottle of Amway's AMAZING L.O.C. cleaner next to my beautiful bottle filled with blue dishwashing liquid. Being on a tight budget, I repurposed my very cool Blu Italy sparkling water bottle as the L.O.C. container. So now I have 2 pretty blue bottles at my kitchen sink....check!

Believe it or not, part of my reorg is to empty my bead boxes of what I haven't used in at least a year...and would you believe the lampwork glass hearts above are only SOME of what I'm destashing? They are awesome and I didn't know at purchase time that I wouldn't feel like making jewelry in 2011 but am having more fun destashing. Over the next few days I will be listing more than a dozen spectacular beads, including these, in time for your jewelry designs for Valentine's Day.

Have fun shopping HERE. And I hope I've inspired SOMEone to find a little extra space in their place.

And Now for Something Completely Different

2010-12-30T18:48:00.001-08:00

I saw this film over the holiday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely, touching, and simple, I highly recommend it. It's in limited release so it is playing in some big theatres but in many places it's only in the theatres that normally show your foreign or art films.

Find it, watch it, love it. I sure did. I can't recall the last time an audience applauded at the end of a film, like they did for this one.

Cupcake Christmas Tree

2010-12-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

I just love my Cupcake Christmas tree this year...nothing but cupcake ornaments and icicle ornaments...and LOTS of lights! Last year I had such a tough time even finding cupcake styles I liked, so this year I shopped online in October and bought 3 sets of completely different looks and sizes totaling just over 20 cupcakes.

We have a small condo, for which we get a 5 foot tree that is placed on top of a trunk, so believe it or not, with the 3 strands of clear mini lights and 3 strands of colored minis and dozens of icicles, just a couple dozen cupcakes in 3 different sizes really turned out to be enough. Now, I think double that would be perfect, but it's not a naked tree at all. I like it. I really like it.

I'd love to hear about your tree(s), especially themed ones.

Yesterday was my final day of shopping and I got all my stocking stuffers at one store so I was very happy!

I wish you a very Merry Christmas for those of you who celebrate it and Happy Holidays to everyone else.

More and More

2010-12-17T12:13:00.001-08:00

And the hits just keep on coming! I listed these three Cupcake Heart pendants today.

This yellow pendant has a matching ring!

The blue pendant will soon have a matching ring as well. Tick tock, the Christmas clock.

Parisian Nights Duo

2010-12-16T20:22:00.001-08:00

What do you think of this duo? You can have a cupcake pendant with a darling heart on the back so that it looks good on both sides.

And there is a matching ring if you want to have the total look. Or you can do a solo deal. Whatever works best for you is what I've got.

I tell ya, these rings I'm making are wonderful. I am sensitive to silver plating and can't wear it...makes my skin itch. That's why I love this nickel-free silver coated pewter. I can wear my ring all day in total comfort...thank goodness! See more selections HERE.

Christmas is coming...are you ready?

New Cupcake Line

2010-12-08T17:30:00.001-08:00

Well hallelujah and hip hip hooray! The flat backed cupcake beads I've been BLABBING about for MONTHS are finally jewelry pieces! I'm showing you rings today that have a Victorian design on them that are just marvelous. They are adjustable, so you just can't go wrong with these. Only $15 HERE.

I mean, how cute are these? Rather elegant, I think. Can cute and elegant be contained in one product? How about a cute cupcake on an elegant silver ring base...yeah, that'll work!

I also have some of the beads in pendant form and I have loads more color combos coming in the next 2 weeks so that you'll have time to order them AND have them reach you before Christmas.

So, I'll see you in the shop and back here for pendant photos.

And HOW awesome is this snow falling across my blog page??? It's a new FREE service from www.Blogamation.com, the gals who created www.thecutestblogontheblock.com that I use for that cupcake wallpaper you see on the sides of the posts....sweet!

You can even make requests that everyone can use if your idea is accepted. It is so much fun to create with them...and WAY easy too. I hope you give it a shot.

Happy Holidays,

The Cupcake Flower

2010-12-02T14:48:00.001-08:00

The Cupcake Flower bracelet is back and oh so sweet for girls or women. More details HERE.

CheckerBoard Cupcakes

2010-11-23T13:41:00.001-08:00

Can you believe this...a checkerboard cupcake! Those are actually black dots, but when the artist pressed in the "liner" grooves, it slightly squared the dots...and I love it!

And, good old Target had cupcake tissue paper in the dollar bins today! I've never seen this before so I was very happy but had to hold back from buying a ton of it since I use tissue paper about once a year. The pack has 15 sheets, 5 each of purple, white and cupcake. Wish they would have made the white a pink...I mean, how many people even WANT white tissue paper these days when there are such cool choices out there?

I hope you're not going too crazy over holiday prep. We are lucky enough to be going to my sister's home in Napa and she and her husband and father-in-law love making the turkey dinner for others, so I guess I might just be washing dishes this time around.

And I hope you are happy with what you have. None of us have everything we want. No matter what level we are financially, there is always something more to desire, so my goal is to enjoy what I have right NOW....and dream about and worked towards the rest.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Golden Hollows

2010-11-18T12:12:00.001-08:00

Each day this week I'm listing holiday earrings. Can you believe the amazing swirls of color in these first two pair??? The large beads are hollow and it's amazing they can be so strong. Kind of like how the arches of a building or bridge actually increases their strength. Just unbelievable. Above is Golden Amethyst Hollows.

I've had these beads for so long, I can't recall who made them and I am so sorry about that. Perhaps she will see this post and let us know! I call this pair Egyptian Blue Hollows.

I also will list a couple of simple and elegant pairs, like these Emerald Crystal Drops.

Behind the Times

2010-11-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. Well, I'm behind my schedule of finishing pieces I've been teasing you with, so I thought I'd show you goodies I'll be posting this week on my Etsy site.

First up is this pair of earrings featuring wonderful pumpkin beads I call "punks". The glass used is Red Roof Tile which produced a deep, smoky orange for something different than your usual orange. I just love this color, especially with the grey-green tendrils that are on all sides of these plump beads.

Then, to continue the holiday theme, I have a SnowGent and SnowLady in necklace form. Their little mufflers are so cute and go all the way around their necks!

There's been much going on around here that has pulled me away from my studio and now it is November, so I HAVE to get back on track. The plan is to post some destash holiday charms in sterling silver in my MomsArt shop and to finish that new line of cupcakes I KEEP talking about!!!

Stick with me, it'll be worth it,

Music & Snowflakes

2010-10-23T12:48:00.001-07:00

Here are the beads I promised to show you...music beads with sheet music lines that are thinner than any stringer work I've ever seen on a bead! The artist is Saskia McKenzie-Fisher and she's not only talented but very sweet as well. She made other sets in a pale pink glass and also in blue. I am so excited to get these into a bracelet. My husband said I just have to keep them for myself since they are so spectacular. I'm waiting for a few more of those small rosette rounds and once I get them and assemble the bracelet I'll show you pictures.

Here is the Pink Snowflake bracelet I completed this week that is all pink and white glass with a beautiful Rose Swarovski crystal and sterling silver tab style clasp. The dangling bead is a fabulous scrolled egg shape that is a star all by itself.

On my next blog post, I'll show you the final music note bracelet and (fingers crossed) the beginning of the new cupcake jewelry line I mentioned in the past.

Until then,

Pink Beauties for October

2010-10-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...October, breast cancer awareness month. I love seeing all the pink items when I'm out shopping that shows just how much awareness there IS! As I watched the Philadelphia Eagles football team burn the SF 49ers butts, I couldn't figure out why the Eagles, a team that wears green and white, had a few players wearing really cool two toned PINK football shoes! Then I noticed their gloves were pink and then I saw the pink awareness ribbon on the team helmets and thought, wow, how awesome is it that we live in a time when men are willing to dress in pink. I just love that. I found out later they also had pink caps and had pink ribbons on the footballs.

So I thought it would be a good time for me to remind you of the pink beauties I have for you. These are just 2 of the many items I carry in pink....all year long. It's my favorite color of glass bead to buy and just WAIT until you see the awesome pink in the beads I bought last night...they blow my mind.

So be sure to do your part for cancer awareness this month....just about any item you might need could possibly be available in pink so that proceeds can fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. So, dig around before you buy. I remember last year at Target they had pink vacuum cleaners!

I'll see you soon with some awesome beads,

Fresh Face Beauty Tip

2010-10-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here is my beauty tip for today: if you have less than 5 minutes to 'put on your face' these are the steps & products I've found the best to look refreshed....

1. IF you need foundation & concealer, put it on.

2. Use your blusher for ALL your color...cheeks, lips and under the brow bone. Don't freak out...if it's a good color for your cheeks, it's the right color for your entire face. Really...try it!

3. If you need eyebrow pencil, put it on.

4. Dab clear or tinted gloss over the color on your lips.

5. And finally, apply at least one coat of mascara.

These steps won't make you look made up, but simply clean and fresh and in 5 minutes or less, no matter what your age.

Chicken & Soup

2010-10-05T15:01:00.001-07:00

Yummy yummy...after the streak of hot weather, it was a blessing to enjoy our favorite soup from Trader Joe's frozen section...French Onion. Each box has 2 servings that are shrink wrapped. I used to place each serving in my one cup casserole bowls. When cooked, it fills the cup perfectly but there IS some spillage onto the foil covered pan beneath it.

Recently, my husband brought home these nice big blue coffee mugs and they are now the perfect bowl as there is no spillage while cooking. Look how wonderfully golden the cheesy top turns out....yum!

We had one day last week where time flew and I had nothing thawed for dinner. My husband suggested getting something quick at KFC...which is a rare place to visit for me. But I acquiesced and tried the chicken pot pie for the first time and man oh man, was that perfect crust ever beautiful and crispy. I don't EVEN want to know how much butter must have been in there!

I guess I've needed a looooong break from jewelry. I just have not felt motivated at all. Don't know if it's the ever changing weather or what, but I've got all the materials I need for the completely new line of cupcake jewelry that I have hinted at so I hope when next I blog I'll have some ready for you.

Now go get some soup!

Beads, Movies and Niles

2010-09-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

I had lots of visitors here this week. My dad and stepmom stayed in San Francisco to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary so I drove them to and from the BART train station so they wouldn't have to pay insane parking charges in the city.

Then my baby brother stayed with me for 3 nights. He spent one day in the city and 2 with me...and BOTH of those days we checked out the Niles district of Fremont (California). Gosh, what a wonderful tiny spot on the map it is...but packed with siteseeing opportunities.

I've visited often because my favorite bead shop is there. Normally, that's my only stop, but I had to park in a different location recently and discovered The Nile Cafe. A fun, sort of divey place in an old building with a completely unique menu and amazing art all over the walls and ceiling. I turned my husband onto it the following weekend so that we could enjoy breakfast under the canopy out front that covers the pink upholstered bistro chairs and mosaic topped tables. Ah, the capuccino was beautifully frothy.

Knowing my brother would be visiting I knew I had to take him there but didn't know much about that part of town so I got online and learned that a silent movie company had planted itself in the area in 1912 and 2 years later signed on Charlie Chaplin as their star. Two years after THAT, Chaplin wanted waaaaay too much money and the big movie companies were coming into play and crushed this tiny one, so it closed down.

I'm very impressed that for only a 4 year period of history, this town held onto it and built upon it. Niles only has one long street with shops mainly on one side and maybe half of them are antique shops. The other fun finds were Tyme for Tea shop where you can have afternoon tea at beautifully draped tables under chandeliers....Balloons to Go-Go, filled with more costumes and masks than I've ever seen and the best surprise of all, Corrie Glass...a lampwork studio and shop!

I talked with Wayne Corrie about his upcoming lampwork class and said I didn't want to learn how to torch beads but after 3 years working with lampwork beads I still haven't seen a torch in action unless it was in a video...he graciously offered to let me watch his class from the other side of the protective glass next month...woohoo! I particularly liked his rectangular beads as that is not a very common shape.

Last but not least, was the only market in town, Mr. Mikey's Country Store which has every snack you might want along with a small fresh produce section, fresh deli and YUMMY homemade tamales...fresh daily, slurp!

Bro and I had fun walking the streets behind main street where dozens of old homes are located...and not a one of them is modern (well, there IS one, but only one). Every home looks the way it probably did when built...only paint jobs are fresh and I'm sure the interiors are modernized, but there must be some deal a homeowner has to agree upon so that no modern remodeling is performed on the exterior other than paint.

This provides a feeling of being completely away from modern life and immersed in an era that you'd have thought no longer exists....very clever. We discovered a small park way in the back of the homes...very private, not large, and completely shaded...the perfect spot for me to visit again soon with my sketch book...very inspirational.

If you are in the east bay area, and anywhere near Fremont, I highly recommend that if you want to disappear for a few hours, that you do it in Niles!

Gemstone Destash

2010-09-14T23:45:00.001-07:00

Hi All. I want to be sure you know about my bead destash in my MomsArt shop. You'll find red and green aventurine (red pictured above) along with lots of other bead varieties.I love these yellow acrylic flower beads but I just never ended up using them...now YOU can!

And I've not heard of it since, but even liked the name of these stones..."bronzia". They have a very subtle gold flecking against deep brown stone. Beautiful...I DID use these, just not all of them.

So, come on over and shop for destash gemstones along with destash silver beads and clasps. You never know what you'll find there.

Bead Giveaway

2010-09-10T07:55:00.001-07:00

Here is a great giveaway from Laura Sparling...a batch of her "lonelies" beads! Click the photo to enter the contest which ends September 18 (7.00pm (UK time) Good luck!

Anniversary

2010-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

I'm in between vacations...leaving again for tomorrow. My in-laws are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. So for now I'll leave you with these yummy floating cupcakes with the promise of goodies in the next couple of weeks.

On Vacation

2010-09-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation over the Labor Day holiday and will be back to ship your orders on September 8th. I'm off to Napa, a house in the country overlooking a small vineyard and will be in the pool as often as possible....ahhhhhh.

When I return I'll take photos of the materials being used in my new line of cupcake jewelry.....you're gonna love it!

Pink with Dark Chocolate Cupcake

2010-08-31T13:14:00.001-07:00

Oh so yummy, pink on dark chocolate in a zipper pull...nice. I have to be careful and branch out and away from so much pink for cupcakes but I love it so.

I have the best surprises coming soon in completely new, never seen before cupcake products from RockerJewlz! I'm excited that I can keep making new items for you, like these pulls. A lot of the beads in the new line will still be mostly combinations of in pink as my last group focusing heavily on that color. That way, those of you who want more color variety shall have it!

I'm awaiting a whole slew of the beads, so I'll let you know when I'm getting close to releasing the new line!

**Update: this beauty sold the day it was listed..woohoo!"

Fluffalicious Cupcakes

2010-08-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. Sorry I've been mia lately, but I've been busy working my little cupcake world so it's all good...now I have to tell YOU about it. So, how sweet is this cupcake truck? Literally! Fluffalicious debuted last week delivering fresh baked cupcakes to zillions of locations in the Albany (Colonie), New York area. You can stay posted via her Twitter account: @fluffycaketruck.

Tina found my cupcakes via Facebook and just had to have a signature cupcake bead...which my friend Lezlie happily torched from lampwork glass. Look at the big cupcake on Tina's truck...now it's a cupcake bead in a necklace! One of her fans even ordered the bead as a cell phone charm on a pink cord.

And now you can have one too since this Fluffalicious Signature Cupcake Bead is now available exclusively with RockerJewlz as a necklace, charm, zipper pull or cell phone charm.

In other news, I have components on their way to me for an entirely new style of cupcake bracelet...and I have polka dot cupcake jewelry on the way as well! So stick close as I'll be posting them soon.

Our little heat wave is gone from the San Francisco bay area now and we are do for a cold wet day tomorrow and then back to summer perfection. A bit of a roller coaster ride!

Thanks for sticking with me in my long absences between posts!

Don't Hide your Hoodie!

2010-08-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

More Cupcake zipper pulls have just been added to my SHOP. They are so beautiful...just a nice big cupcake that is easy to grab and pull your hoodies, bags and purses.

I have a bunch of options, so let me know the custom color you need and I'll send you photos of what I've got in stock.

Ohhhhhh, a blue one! All is well here, nice weather which is always appreciated. I'm finishing up a custom bracelet so I'll have photos of it as soon as it's completed. I also added some photos to Flickr.

Custom Work

2010-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hi...it's been a while, I know! I'm just finishing up some custom orders this week, so for now, I'll leave you with some pretty autumn beads and jewelry I've got in the shop. Enjoy!

Cupcake Stuff

2010-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Good old Target had this wonderful cupcake folder with a matching notebook in the back to school section...in my favorite mix of pink, black & white...just couldn't pass it up!

And look what I got on eBay! A neon sign etched with "cupcake" and a cupcake image. It only shows up as black for photo contrast. It really is clear plexiglass. I love the soft blue light that glows in front of me as I sit at my computer.

Fun goodies! Did you find any cupcake goodies this week? Please include links!

Hey, Punkin

2010-08-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Mmmm, hmmmm. It's pumpkin time. And in the bead world that means getting ready NOW for Halloween and Autumn.

So as part of my destash, I've added lampwork beads crafted by the hands of independent U.S. artisans.

This week I've got several styles of amazing pumpkins, a fabulous witch hat and coming up later, acorns...yep, in glass! Everything you need to make yummy items with elegant novelty beads....slurp!

Silvery Moments

2010-07-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've been loading my MomsArt shop with tons of sterling silver beads. I've been busier than I have been in a long time and I love it, although, now that I am really working as opposed to listing here and then, I have to remind myself to take breaks or I get pooped!

I've got cones, spacers, headpins and bead caps. It's a great mix, if I do say so myself, and digging through the ones I haven't seen in a long time has helped me fine tune what I think I would REALLY use with the way I design jewelry these days as opposed to (like when I first started) buying anything just because it is gorgeous.

Can you imagine what I am keeping if I'm not using components like you see here??? This is such a great cache, it's like I get to shop all over again while I thin out my bins!

Most of the silver is sterling from Bali, but I just started poking around in my Karen Hill Tribe stash from Thailand which has a higher concentrate of silver. I'm able to set fantastic pricing because I've had these beads for a few years and they were purchased just before silver prices began to increase sharply.

I hope you come and see the great items, even if you aren't a buyer, but just to enjoy it as eye candy and to put a little zip in your day!

My Very Own Button

2010-07-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yippee, my very own blog button! Thanks to Lyndzi at The Cutest Blog on the Block. I sent her my request of colors and text and then she sent some samples. We went back and forth about 3 times fine tuning it and I just love it!

You can easily get your own, too. Plus they create banners, backgrounds, whatever you need to make your blog and website look fabulous.

I am really looking forward to popping this little box all over the internet...I'm sure you'll see it in your online travels!

Mad Men are Back

2010-07-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah, Mad Men is back this Sunday! I need my Don Draper fix. Of course it would help if they produced more than just 13 episodes. The angrier Draper gets, the more I like him...oh yes. Anyone care to join me?

On the jewelry front, all polymer clay earrings are on sale. There are 3 cupcake designs and one pair with cherries, perfect gifts for you or your cupcake lovin' dear ones, and remember, they come gift boxed in cupcake themed packaging that will make you smile. Click HERE to shop.

Cupcake Skins

2010-07-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

My new phone skin! Cool, huh? I made it online and received it in less than a week from VSkins. It's a peel and stick deal and was super easy to design.

I just copied this photo Catherine Steele sent me when she handcrafted this fabulous set of glass cupcake beads. I used it for the front and back of my phone.

Then I added the top color and "RockerJewlz" and voila! It was really fun to play with the photo placement, font and solid color choice. I could have had all cupcakes or just a solid color with my name or anything else I wanted. I had total control of everything, just like when I design my business cards and postcards on VistaPrint.com.

I wonder, though, how well these will stay on, but the cash was a gift from my mom-in-law so I'm not losing if it turns out this sucks.

So....can you hear me now?

Whew!

2010-07-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Charlene Thornton hand crafted these fabulous polka dot lampwork glass hearts. In fact, I made a pair for myself as well as a pair for YOU. I'm wearing mine right now. They are wonderfully lightweight and the perfect size to cause people to come up and say "are those hearts???" I've requested that she transform this pattern into cupcake beads so I'll have those to show you in a bit.

My other friend, Lezlie Belanger, is also making her version of this pattern into cupcakes so it will be fun to see how the two artists differ.

It's been forEVER since I worked with Lezlie's translucent pink cupcake beads I like to call Pink Lemonade, because, believe me, that pink glass looks exACTly like lemonade! It's good to have them in the SHOP again.

And lastly, Bindy Lambell's fabulous chocolate pink cupcakes are also back in STOCK. They have SUCH personality and always uplift me when I see them. Those pinks against the chocolate...wow. They just make me smile.

Busy Day

2010-07-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Busy day today, listing my destash beads, caps and clasps. I'm not aiming to make any profit, but just to get back what I paid for them. Since that was several years ago, it means the silver prices were much lower then, so you are getting some really good deals.

Come on over and shop with me HERE.

Fresh Ideas

2010-07-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is the view I have while blogging in my sister's office in her Napa home. Ahhhh.

And this vineyard is what I see looking in another direction. Can you stand it??? Her place is surrounded by vineyards, but she owns none of them...we get to enjoy them without breaking our backs, working in them.

It's no wonder my creativity has been inspired in such a place. It's just me and husband here for the weekend, each mostly doing our own thing whether it is swimming in the pool, watching a movie or listening to music.

This home is about twice the size of our condo so we love to spread out while here. It's amazing what floats through my brain as I float on the pool!

Today's news is that I'm dreaming up a fresh idea for RockerJewlz designs that is very new and way beyond what I've been doing. It's amazing that a bitty blob of cake with some frosting and decorations on it could inspire me to think in so

many new ways.

I can barely stand keeping it a secret...which makes it even more exciting as it rolls around in my head, ever evolving towards its completion. Say prayers for me, or chant, or howl at the moon...whatever method you use to send positive thoughts my way is appreciated no matter what the form!

To be continued...

Cupcakes for Cancer

2010-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/cupcakesforcancer

There is an awesome teen and her mom who created a group called Cupcakes for Cancer, born from the girl's own experience with chemotherapy. They hold lots of fabulous cupcake events with many sweet girls baking cupcakes that are then sold for only a buck with all proceeds going to specific kids or organizations in need. They have raised thousands of cupcake dollars in a very short time and made it real easy for anyone to join the cause by getting a starter kit for your own fun cupcake events.

You have to come and see the photos with all their cheerful smiles and wonderful cupcake t-shirts and aprons and cupcake stands. Just click on this word: MYSPACE to check it out.

Silver Destash

2010-07-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ah, silver, wonderful silver. I have plenty of drawers full of it. I'm not using it like I planned, so I'm listing them in my silver SHOP on Etsy.

I decided I might as well pass them on to someone who will actually USE them so it was quite fun selecting the ones I really couldn't part with as they inspired me to work with them again.

Can you believe the beads in these photos are what I'm NOT keeping? Imagine the ones you'll see in my jewelry! I bought these 2-3 years ago when silver was quite a bit less expensive, so these sets are really good deals. You can see more photos and details HERE.

Bead Soup Prize

2010-07-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

I won this pair of earrings during the latest Bead Soup Party. I love the colors. They were handcrafted by Regina Santerre. Yum yum.

So, about the felting project I mentioned in a previous post. I know exactly the shape I want to make, but my hands can't be in hot water right now. Every once in a while, they get kind of...well..."fried" from hot water exposure so I'm giving them a rest. But I can tell you I keep staring at the wool in the great colors I got and I practically salivate!

I have another story for you about some new cupcake jewelry items I will share in my next post.

If I don't "see" you before the weekend, Happy Fourth of July. I usually just enjoy the fireworks of my neighbors since my son goes out with friends and my husband is usually asleep! Where will YOU be to celebrate?

Pull & Wool

2010-06-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

I love the soft greens and pinks in this cupcake bead by Palm Tree Queen. The size is great too so you get a nice little handful of cupcake to use on your hoodies, purses, tote bags, etc. I have 2 others, one in chocolate and one in caramel.

You can see the details HERE. Other than that is hot here like anywhere else, but I keep thanking mother nature for NO big bugs and humidity that is nothing like it is in the southern states! Finally, after 4 ridiculous "March summers" as I call them, we didn't get summer heat until....gee....SUMMER!

Good ole California.

I just got some wool and am trying my hand at felting...wet & needle. I'm very excited about the wool in parisian colors of pink, black & white. My first shape test will be hearts and I'll be sure to show you my progress.

Cupcake Charm Bracelet

2010-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy. It's a simple charm bracelet but the chain is tiny open hearts! The handcrafted glass cupcake by Candice Mathewson is a nice weight that keeps the little silver charms on top of your wrist. You can see more details and photos HERE.

I will have some tiny cupcake surprises for you next week. They are completed and I am just waiting for a client to swing by and make her selections before I know what I will have left for YOU!

Happy Friday!

Cupcake Zipper Pulls Part 2

2010-06-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

Cupcake zipper pulls are ready! I have this caramel one, another chocolatey one and one in pink, but my 4 1/2 year old nephew is visiting today so I only have time to post this one...you can see more pics and details HERE.

Silver Beads

2010-06-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've had an Etsy shop for my paper crafts for a while now called MomsArt. Stock hasn't been moving the way I'd like. I've also had boxes of unused silver beads for even longer so I'm switching from paper crafts to selling my destash of silver.

The best part is that I bought these when silver was still quite low, so every purchase is a really good deal! I hope you come visit my shop, just click HERE.

Giveaway of All Giveaways

2010-06-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

You have GOT to see this insanely wonderful giveaway from Denise Yezbak Moore! She hasn't decided if one winner will get the 7 1/2 POUNDS of beads or if she will split it up between several winners. Go to her BLOG to see pictures of the beads in the individual color categories...wow!

Get over there quick as the announcement is this Saturday, June 26th.

The Life of a Cupcake

2010-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Since I do not make glass beads, little glass cupcakes never fail to amaze me. I am forever searching glass artists that impress me with a fresh new and unique cupcake "topping" so that I can provide you with one of a kind jewelry. What I am wondering today is how many of you know what goes into making one of these beads?

I still have never seen a bead made live & in person but have watched videos of it. A metal rod that ends up making the hole in the finished product is coated with "release" making the bead easily removable at the end of the baking process. Then in front of a small but extremely hot table top torch, the artist begins to heat glass and wind it around the rod. Now, these artists have to think in reverse because they have to begin with the base or "innards" and work outward to the final design.

That alone makes my head hurt.

They also have to think chemically in order to know when the flame is ready to accept another color of glass, how long to hold the glass in the flame, when to add "sprinkles", etc. Once the bead is "done" the colors can look completely different when hot than when they are cool. This cooling process is called "annealing".

The kiln (oven) is over 900 degrees fahrenheit...(I think the torches are something like 1200 degrees but I'm not sure) when the bead is placed there and in order to strengthen the hunk of glass AND prevent fractures, the kiln must cool down ever so slowly over the course of many hours. This is why artists often work at night: one, because of the heat of the torch building up in the room it can be work that is too hot in the daytime hours and two, the kiln is ready to open when they wake up the next day.

So just imagine how excited they must be when they open the kiln and see unexpected colors OR see exactly what they hoped they had made! It can be a bit of a crap shoot sometimes.

Now, the beads at this point still have to have their kind of chalky looking coating cleaned off and checked for imperfections making the experience even more exciting to see the bead kind of come alive before the artist's eyes.

Oh to be rewarded with such amazing cupcakes! Now do you see why I am endlessly fascinated by these little works of art? Sheesh!

Cupcake Zipper Pulls

2010-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Zipper pulls are your next surprise! These are nice big cupcakes about 18mm high and much fuller in the cake portion than other cupcake beads in my studio. I just love this size because it gives you a nice hunk of gorgeous glass to hold on to when zipping your hoodie, purse and tote bags.

I have a whole bunch of these beautiful beads, so if you need a particular color scheme, EMAIL me and I'll see what I've got in that color range and send you photos. I haven't listed these in my shop yet. These 2 will go into the display case of a cupcake shop. I'll let you know when I've got some in my own online SHOP.

Cool Idea on a Hot Day

2010-06-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Still getting used to the new blogger features..ugh...but here I am so it's not so bad. It is incredibly hot here in the east bay of San Francisco today. The very rare Santa Ana winds are blowing hard. This is air that blows hot from east to west whereas most winds blow in from the ocean...west to east. The Santa Ana canyon is in the desert wayyyy south of me down in the lower third of California, but we still call these winds Santa Ana's.

Here is my cool tip for this hot day that I got from some magazine. After trying several methods to keep fresh basil...well...fresh, I finally found the right one. Wrapping in paper towel and then into the grocery store plastic bag didn't work....standing the clipped ends in water in the fridge didn't work.

But this totally works! Just keep the basil in the bag from the store but trap air inside before you tie it off. That's IT! And it works so well that the photos I'm showing you is basil that is over a week old...usually by this time there is some blackening but look how FRESH that is! Amazing and so easy AND it worked on my parsley and cilantro as well.

The ONLY negative? Finding a darned location in my fridge for this big air filled bag...dang! That wasn't so easy but it was worth moving other goodies around so that I could have my bruschetta several days after buying the basil...

Yum yum.

Another Cupcake Post

2010-06-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, Blogger decided to change their format without any notice so I don't know how this post is going to look when I'm finished...irritating and strange. Well, here is another surprise for you...2 more styles of polymer cupcake beads in a post earring.

I just love these little guys for their incredible detail, color and lightweight quality. The colors on my monitor are spot on, so on that first photo, you should be seeing a lovely baby blue bead with 2 toned frosting and chocolate cake portion and outline.

You can see more details HERE. Now, I have yet another completely new cupcake item that I won't even get to until next week or the week after, but I guarantee it is fun and completely different than what I've had before.

So for now, have a great weekend and do something cupcake related to make it even better!

Cupcake Posts & Shipping Price Reduction

2010-06-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, gang, here is the first cupcake surprise...sweet little post style earrings in polymer clay. How sweet are they? See more details HERE.

I am in awe of the artist because this work is done in a cane style. Although it looks hand painted, each amazing detail is one more layer of clay wrapped by another layer of clay...and another...and another until the final result is achieved. It's like wearing a little work of art! I can't imagine having the patience it must require.

These are especially nice because they are light as air and just perfect for women AND girls. I'm providing the standard sterling silver back as well as a soft rubber disc back for extra added comfort. I hope these were worth the wait...and there are more styles coming so stay tuned.

I just lowered my shipping prices. You'll no longer see the insurance included in my shipping, but orders to U.S. addresses will still include delivery confirmation. This takes the price down to $2.00...SOooo much better than before.

More Cherries on Top

2010-06-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

I just listed this Cherry on Top Cupcake necklace is my SHOP so you now have a choice of this more traditional mauve tone of cake or the light pink color. I will see you in just a day or two with the little cupcake surprises I've been talking about!

Working Away

2010-06-08T09:22:00.001-07:00

I know I promised clay roses last week but my whole schedule got pushed back, so I'm working away, just not as quickly as I'd hoped! I also have to visit my cupcake jewelry display in a cupcake shop in San Jose, so that's a whole morning gone right there since it's a good 40 mile round trip.

So stick with me and I promise pretty goods by next week at the latest....grrrrrrr.

I am a Winner

2010-06-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

I just found out I won these polymer clay beads crafted by the hands of Heather Pyle. I found the contest one day when I was visiting my usual suspects for fresh blogs and this was one of the new ones to which I was led. I like that the colors are a mix of sunrise AND sunset, all in one bead. I'm excited to get them!

Cherry on Tops are back

2010-06-03T21:08:00.001-07:00

Scrump-diliumptious Cherry on Tops are back in the SHOP. You can get matching necklace and earrings and I will make a bracelet on request.

Smaller Clay Roses

2010-06-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

I was challenged with a custom request to make smaller clay roses than I did on my first try in February (with that blue rose above which is about 18mm). The new ones are 11mm in my custom mix of yellow and white to produce this cream color...gosh, it was so much fun!

I figured out more of an assembly line method for preparing the "petal" layers so that wrapping them around each other was much faster. I also used a headpin instead of my ice pick that was perfect for the large flower but NOT these itty bitty guys!

So, you'll be seeing more roses in my clay shop as this week my goal is to put at least 3 more colors THERE.

I'm still working on my 2 cupcake surprise items that will be a new line for RockerJewlz, so I'll show those to you in a week or so. One is in clay and the other is in a new style of lampwork cupcake tops. This is a good week to be creating from home since more rain is on its way.

I had a great 4 day holiday and hope you did too.

Memories

2010-05-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all military personnel past & present for
providing us with the safety and opportunity
to choose our own lifestyle here in America.

We remember you.

Dark Chocolate Cappuccino

2010-05-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

Well well, once again, I present a whole new idea in cupcake decorations. Lezlie decided to do something different when I asked for hearts on top of cupcake bead icing and I like it! The chocolate cake is extra dark and difficult to photograph as it looks black if I'm not careful with the lighting.

Don't these hearts look airbrushed? They remind me of the designs coffee barristas design on top of cappuccino foam. I can imagine these in most any color. Let me know if you'd like a particular combination. See more details & photos HERE.

And I will have something ELSE for you next week that is completely new in my shop. Lower prices in a fabulous polymer clay cupcake surprise. See you then, and...

Happy Friday!

Chocolate Pink Rosebud Cupcake

2010-05-27T14:48:00.001-07:00

I just received this yummy Chocolate Rosebud Cupcake bead today. It is a play on my other beads by the same artisan you've seen that usually have pink sprinkles. I like that you now have a choice between the two styles but you get your chocolate one way or another!

For the moment, I only have one of these. More are on order but I don't expect them until mid to late June. So if this is for you, snag it HERE now.

I have another chocolate surprise for you on the next post so I'll see you then!

Tasty Memories

2010-05-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some pink and red cupcake beads, both topped with matching hearts along with a pair of black cherry topped cupcake beads that are on their way to my studio. I challenged the artisan to put something other than the usual sprinkles on top and I like how these turned out. Send me an EMAIL if you want to reserve any or all of them.

Other than that, I boldly prepared my mother's lasagna recipe last night. I say boldly because I feared it wouldn't taste like hers. She is no longer here so I couldn't ask questions if I needed to! The recipe is so old that when she says "parmesan cheese" in the recipe, she means the canned kind we used in the 60's!!! Not the lovely, fluffly parm we get these days from "microplaning" it from a pricey block of Reggiano. I had to call my dad to verify if on that one ingredient Mom splurged beyond our very tight family budget.

ME: "Hi Dad. I know Mom only fixed lasagna for special occasions like all of us kids' wedding rehearsals...now, I know she used the 'canned' parmesan the year round but did she still do it on the cheap for this special lasagna?".

DAD: "She was cheap."

BOTH OF US: hahahaha

BABY BROTHER: "Sis, I can't believe you think she'd do it any way OTHER than cheap!"

Hee hee...I had a moment whilst the dish was baking away where I feared that if it tasted different then the memories surrounding it might be affected in some mysterious way. Since she cooked it so rarely, would those fun and loud rehearsal dinner memories shrink in intensity? More importantly, if it didn't taste the same, would I lose a part of my Mom in some way because I couldn't recreate this dish? Goofy, I know, but these were the weird thoughts bouncing off the walls of my crazy brain.

The good news is that it tastes JUST like Mom's. Whew...and with nearly every bite I feel I'm connecting with her and with the wonderful memories like.... the luscious anticipation at every rehearsal dinner, knowing how that fabulous lasagna was going to taste the same EVERY time along with the fresh loaves of challah (holl-uh) bread that always accompanied it (haven't attempted THAT recipe yet) and.....feeling the joy of looking down that loooooong table to "drink" in the 25-30 family members that were talking and laughing....and most likely feeling the very same joy I did.

Thank you Mom...thank you.

Dream Beads

2010-05-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you I had dreamed of beads a couple of nights in a row in THIS post? Well, these are the beads that started it all. I dreamt one night of this color combination...aqua, white & black. The NEXT DAY I happened to visit Jena Fulcher's site and these beads had just been posted that day! I just couldn't believe and knew that I had to buy them.

What's funny is that when I sat down to play with them, adding black beads made these look to heavy....cream beads took away the spotlight and this green is so unique I had no other green to match them or enhance them properly.

So, completely befuddled, I even tried Kerry Bogert's method of blending colors in THIS post and got a little lost. So for now, I've set these beads aside and will try Kerry's method again in the future. Meanwhile I am just amazed by the simplicity of these beads and the fact that just adding those black strips completely changed them and turned them into little life preserver beads. Hmmmm, now there is something to build on: a nautical theme.

Lost in Fruity Goodness

2010-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Man, I had the best berries today...strawberries, and super plump raspberries and blackberries that were huge. I also got more watermelon beads, but this time, instead of cupcakes, they are in a bicone shape and just marvelous. Nikki from Bastille Bleu is the glass artisan and aren't they sweet!

My first attempt at working with them is to see how they mix with my watermelon cupcake beads from Candice Mathewson in a bracelet...can you say "slurp?" I'll let you know how they turn out.

And now for the finale of "Lost"...I'm not giving anything away here because I know some of you still need to watch it. I have to say that it satisfied me enough to make me smile amidst all the sweet tears it also produced. I am raving mad, though, that two important lines were completely incomprehensible! Kate and Juliet both made a one line statement that I couldn't understand no matter how many times I replayed it. Kate said something to Desmond and Juliet to Sawyer and I am completely in the dark on both...can anyone clarify? Kate's was super important, I know that for certain based on Desmond's question.

For the first time ever, Jack cried and Jack smiled and I've been waiting to see both for a long time...ahhhhh, vulnerability in Jack...gee, what a concept. And wasn't it lovely to see everyone CLEAN for a good portion of the show??? heehee.

Homage

2010-05-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

My mom loved giraffes. I saw an elegance in my mom that she probably didn't see. I think that is why this particular animal was attractive to her as it is elegance personified, except perhaps during its awkward water drinking position. Otherwise, its movements are fluid and beautiful, and appear to be in slow motion.

I came across this bead set and knew I just had to have it so that I could wear it in jewelry that would remind me of mom. The color orange is definitely NOT a color that looks good on me but Mom was a "winter" as far as color groups go, which means her skin tone and hair color could accept ANY color. She looked good in ANY color and the one that fascinated me the most....because very few people could get away with wearing it, like Mom.............was orange. So now you know this set was meant for me.

The one point Mom always looked for in art pieces of giraffes was that if it didn't have eyelashes it wasn't a true depiction as a giraffe's eyelashes are quite spectacular and make for a very important personality point for this animal...and you'll notice there are no eyelashes on the little murrini giraffe in the focal bead.

But, considering that bit of murrini is smaller than the tip of your pinky finger and has THAT much detail, I think Mom would have forgiven the artist, Zachary Jorgensen, in this one case.

I blended the matching beads with chunky Bali silver and black lampwork beads on a Greek leather cord, and finished it with a fabulous heart clasp for another show of love for Mom. It's heavy enough so that I always feel it when wearing it, reminding me the entire time that Mom is with me in a way and I love the fact that the focal bead is big enough to get a nice firm hold and rub it when I want to enjoy memories of Mom.

My wonderful, tough, stoic, sassy, graceful Mom.

I miss you, Mom. I love you, Mom, and I hold you just a little nearer to me when I wear this necklace.

Fairy Bells

2010-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's fairy time. These beads are actually hollow but so strong and therefore, quite a paradox. It's incredible how the light flows through them especially with their layered "ribs". And the color is so pretty mixed with the pink flower up top and sea foam green leaves. They instantly made me feel like I was in a whimsical grassy fairy garden setting with fat fairy mushrooms and fireflies flitting about while fairies rested inside large dew dropped leaves after a furious session of creating fairy dust. Ahhhhh...

More details and pics HERE.

I've been so obsessed with cupcakes lately it feels good to talk about something else!

So, in that vein, what would you like to know about me?

Minnie & the Barrymores

2010-05-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

I listed another glamourous Minnie pendant. Did you know that the phrase "Glamour Girl" came to be because of Ethel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore's great aunt? I just watched "The Barrymore's" recently and learned that she was the first actor ever that stirred the media to track her every move which we now refer to as "paparazzi" (in Italian, that translates to mosquito...which we then understand to mean "pest").

I only knew of her as an old woman in film, but her heart was not there at ALL...it was the theatre, the stage that enthralled her. And look how beautiful she was. I was also completely unaware that her father, mother AND grandmother had all performed on the stage as well. I'd never even heard of her father, Maurice, before...and up until my thirties, I was an acting buff and proud of the trivia I knew of this institution! Surprise, surprise.

Cupcake in Black & White

2010-05-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, Everyone. I found a new supplier of cupcakes in lampwork glass. This artisan creates a fuller cupcake portion so you have nearly double the glass found in the smaller cupcakes in my shop. So if you want to make a big statement, this is the size for you! First off, a crisp, clean black & white bead with fabulous ruffled edges that look like ribbon. Sitting on a little Czech glass bead, flanked by clear Swarovski crystals and suspended from a marvelous Bali sterling heart bail, this cupcake is really pretty. You can read more details and see more photos HERE.

And now for the wild and wonderful. (I'm really putting myself "out there" by showing you this piece, so please be kind!) I took another black & white cupcake and pulled out some spectacular large beads I have in the same colors. I was just in a mood to see what I could do with these larger cupcakes beyond the usual fare, so I grabbed some wire and just played. I normally don't play with beads. I typically work when I have an idea, but this time I made myself sit down and just handle the beads and dig through the box until something inspired me.

And oh, did these beads inspire me! I really like how this little cupcake tower turned out. It's big and bold and some will say crazy, I'm sure, but I like it and that's what counts. Lesson: I learned that I could have used a thicker gauge of wire to keep the tower in better alignment, but I think if I wrap some coiled wire over the existing wire I can overcome that situation.

Watermelon Cupcakes

2010-05-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

Can you BELIEVE these fruity cupcakes??? Absolutely spectacular! And just WAIT until you hear the story behind them...

I have had a crazy 2 weeks in the bead world. A couple of weeks ago I had a dream of a very specific color combination...not the bead shapes themselves, but just how pretty the color combo would be. The NEXT day one of my favorite bead artists just happened to list a set in those very colors! Well, you know I had to order them, right?

Then that night I dreamt about watermelon colors. A favorite artist of mine, Cathy, makes pretty beads in that theme so the next morning I contacted her about the possibility of putting them into a cupcake shape. I left her thinking about it.

Later that evening I was going through Facebook to find bead artists to add as friends and I sent a request to Cathy's sister, also a glass artist, of whom I was aware but had not dealt with before.

Well, when "Sis" contacted me to say that she would add me, she told me that she had spoken to Cathy earlier and Cathy mentioned the watermelon cupcake idea. Sis just about flipped out when she told Cathy that that very day she had been attempting to put a watermelon theme into a cupcake shaped bead. Wowie zowie!

Sis sent me photos and we talked about other color combinations and boom, zang, whiz, here we are with spectacular jewelry featuring these very unique beads. I love the wet look in the icing...if I am correct, that is Rubino glass over pink to give it that effect.

I have other combinations of these colors as well and am playing with a bracelet idea. If that doesn't pan out, I will release more earring pairs for you.

You can see more details and photos HERE. And remember, if you can dream it, it might just become reality!

Pink Snow Leopard Cupcakes

2010-05-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

Yowza! Can you believe it? Leopard cupcakes in pink! I just had to have these when I saw them. I have a set like this in animal print colors in my SHOP but in pink????

I just love them. Now my only dilemna is do I keep them in my own jewelry box or list them for some other lucky cupcake lover. I'm not kidding, I am having a hard time. Maybe I just need to order more so I won't be the only person blessed with these. Hmmm....

Just a little peek...

2010-05-11T10:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, I might have got you scratching your heads yesterday when I mentioned fruity cupcakes. Or maybe you expected ones you've seen before with a tiny set of strawberries or cluster of grapes where you usually have sprinkles.

But NO, my friend, not even close! You will marvel at the story surrounding these sweet bits of glassy fruit...which I will tell when I return near the end of the week with the finished product. Ahh, yes, you can count on story time then.

Fruity Cupcakes

2010-05-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

I kid you not...I have fruity cupcakes for you this week. I can hardly wait to show you, but I JUST got the beads today! I'll be back as SOON as I can with them.

Cupcake Overload

2010-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Cupcake overload...that's a GOOD thing, right? In this case it is for sure. I just received a hefty batch of cupcake beads from a glass artist I recently discovered. I was particularly drawn to her stringer work you see in most of the ruffles. It adds a wonderful dimension I don't often see.

Here are a couple of close-ups for you. I got a lot more than you see here and these are bigguns, ladies & gents. You are looking at about double the glass you've seen in my past cupcake jewelry so these will all become pendants for necklaces.

Let me know if you want any of these shown here and I'll create a listing for you in my Etsy SHOP.

Hey, all you contest winners, I mailed your goodie treats today so keep an eye out!

Happy Friday to you,

Casino Chic

2010-05-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yay, a non cupcake item! I'm sure you are just as happy to see something fresh and new.

I was awed by these beads and just had to have them. I've seen beads with dots, but these raised dots add a marvelous depth, especially the transparent red ones. These made a spectacular bracelet. Can you imagine blowing other casino goers minds with this piece? Or wearing it with a red, white or little black dress at a Vegas show?

What I like most is the dark red glass. It's not a primary red...it's deep with almost a brownish tone that keeps it deep rather than bright. A nice chunky piece that is a blast to wear. More details and photos are HERE.

Pink Ice Glitz

2010-05-04T17:12:00.001-07:00

Talk about one of a kind...you just have to read the details of this amazing Italian Lace ribbon which is a wire that is woven to be as soft as a fabric ribbon...amazing what you can do with it. Read more HERE.

It can be worked into curly goodness or be stick straight.

Pretty ritzy, eh? Imagine this beauty around your lovely neck...ahhhhhh, the hit of the party for sure. I've got some fruity goodness in the cupcake bead world to announce soon...SO hard to keep it quiet!

Fresh Rosebuds in Chocolate

2010-05-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Okay fans, more cupcakes for you, but this time in chocolate,
and with FOUR rosebuds on top instead of 2.....weeeee!

I SCORED contact with a U.S. glass artisan who made some very special cupcake beads for me. I'm so excited to share them with you! They should be here in about a week. This artisan uses design details that I've not had in my shop before. I found her just at the right time where she had a weekend to handcraft some fresh beads for me. I selected the ones I wanted today and man was THAT ever fun!

Are you a Cupcake Contest Goody winner?
I made the announcement last night
and still need to hear from
Tylerpants, the 3rd place winner!

Tylerpants...where aaarrrrre you????

Fresh Cupcakes AND Contest Winners

2010-05-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, nothing like fresh baked cupcakes, even if they are inedible. These 2 new listings that will appear in my SHOP later today.

And now for the three big Cupcake Goody Contest winners! Grand prize winner is...Tamara B. who said,

"So hard to pick one favorite....... but I really love your Pink Lemonade Cupcake Lampwork Necklace. It reminds me of the sweet innocence we all have inside no matter how old we get. My mother use to bake cupcakes for my birthday every year, decorated just like this cupcake design and bring them up to school for a class party. Needless to say that was so many years ago but I still remember her walking in the classroom and those beautiful cupcakes."

Awww, my sister does this now for her little boy and she loves doing it too. Congratulations, Tamara. Look for your email from me requesting your street address.

And you do that too, Nikki of Bastille Bleu beads! You are the second prize winner......and Tylerpants is the third lucky winner. Check your emails, ladies, because I want to send you your fun goodies.

***UPDATE on May 3rd: All winners have responded...thank you ladies!***

And thank you to everyone for your comments. I wanted to know what and why certain jewelry affects you and your moods. This helps me know what beads to look for in the future to keep you happy and entertained. I also learned that with this big goal, I stayed busy all week which is not always the case. Now I know I need to set more goals!

Be watching for the next contest and a few new items NON cupcake related,

Final contest day

2010-05-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Time is running out...you have until midnight tonight Pacific time
to have a chance at being one of three winners in the
Cupcake Goody Contest!

Winners announced tomorrow afternoon.

Cupcakes Gone Wild

2010-04-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday. I realized today that I've been so busy this week with my Cupcake Contest that I've just been pumping out updates here and not really talking to you much....and I know how you like it when I talk. So first, I will say that wowie zowie, isn't this bangle bracelet wild? I've had those transparent discs for a long time and their color is so unique that I've been waiting to mix them with just the right beads...and these are it! I had fun with the wire wrapping which I don't often do. The details and more pics can be found HERE.

I've made more jewelry this week than usual and it's been motivating, even if it is all cupcake related. I mean, there are millions of bead styles out there, but I still keep coming back to being the most amazed by cupcakes. And oh my gosh, wait until you see the ones that are coming to my studio!

I found a "new" glass artist...new for me, anyway. She only posts new beads a couple of times a month and when looking through her website gallery I saw cupcake beads unlike any I'd seen before. They have different detail than I'm used to and was awed by them. I emailed her letting her know my love of cupcake beads and her particular style and she said she was making some this weekend, and what colors would I like to see her work with!

Yep, she's giving me first dibs on them and I consider myself very lucky. Even I don't know what they are going to look like yet but I know they'll be awesome. My color requests and her glass work...it's going to be a great mix, I just know it. There is nothing more exciting than collaboration.

So, in other news around here, baby house finches are chirping like crazy when they are hungry...and WHEN are they NOT hungry! Man, the are the most insistent shortly after sunrise. For a tiny bird they sure make themselves known in the neighborhood.

Okay, was that enough chatter from me? I hope so. Tomorrow is the last day for contest entries so if you haven't done all you can, remember you can have at least a dozen of them for yourself!

Cupcake Glamour

2010-04-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Oh man did this bracelet ever turn out yummy! I just listed it in the SHOP so you can see more photos & details there. I have a necklace and earrings that will be listed later today in the shop as well so stop by and check them out.

You still have three more days to enter the Cupcake Goody Contest!

Wednesday's Batch of Contest Cupcakes

2010-04-28T12:53:00.001-07:00

Hi contest fans. Be sure you check out my Cupcake Goody Contest for this week. I'm releasing at least one fresh cupcake jewelry item each day this week which might help you be one of three winners.

This incredibly delicately colored lavender glass is pretty amazing. With its white icing and matching rosebuds I am in awe how pretty these turned out as earrings. Below is another pair with really cool plum colored glass that has this hint of chocolate that makes the color very unique. You can see how when it was used in a much thinner application as the "sprinkles" that is when the chocolate brown color is more noticeable. Come see more details & photos in my SHOP.

I'll see you tomorrow with more goodies...and as always, good luck to you.

Cupcake Contest & Fresh Batch

2010-04-27T14:00:00.001-07:00

You saw my previous post for the Cupcake Goody Contest, right? Be sure to check it out so you can be one of 3 winners! Each day this week I am releasing one more cupcake jewelry item and announcing it here so be sure to keep coming back.

See more details on these scrumptious "Evening in Paris" rosebud cupcakes in my SHOP.

See you tomorrow, and good luck on the contest!