Queen of the Arts

Under the Sun Jewelry will be at the Austin Handmade Market June 13th!!!

2009-06-04T11:55:00.002-05:00

The Good Wife’s Guide

2009-06-01T08:42:00.001-05:00

This article was sent to me by a wonderful artist and a Mom that raised two children on her own. She was always an inspiration to me and was like my second “cooler” Mom.

VISIT CAROL’S SHOP ON ETSY!!!!!

Wow. When I start to get upset at my husband for being too controlling and demanding , I have to look back at how mom’s and wives were treated in the 1950’s and 60’s. They really believed this nonsense. I mean, it was even printed in a well respected magazine. I guess you can just look at the title and make your assumption, “Good Housekeeping.” Today it means something entirely different. Good housekeeping means loving your home and family enough to take care of it the way you want to. It’s about respect for each other and letting your husband be a responsible human being. You do things for him out of love, not out of duty.

please clic on the pic

to read the entire article!

Get Out of my Head You Crazy Man!

2009-05-27T18:56:00.002-05:00

I really had a desire for my husband to pick me wildflowers on his way to the grocery store Monday. I did not ask him though, because I knew that he just wouldn’t stop on the side of the road for such a silly thing -too dangerous! (He’s a total Libra)

He surprised me and made me so very happy when he brought home the most gorgeous sun-colored Gerber Daisies from the store that day! This is something that he usually does not do, so it made me think we are connected in more ways than just by marriage.

Call Agent Scully and Fox Mulder- We might just have an X-Files case on our hands!

Have you Heard About SnuggleHerd?

2009-05-22T12:43:00.001-05:00

Like most kids, my budding artists love to partake in crafty projects. I like the fact that it keeps them occupied for more than just a couple of minutes. So, I was really excited when I clicked on Beth H.’s Blog, Crafty Mishmash, and found a fun project to do with my kids! I love the fact that she designed the cute little monkey hangers herself and provided uses for them after they are done. (I use mine to remind me when I need more bananas!) LOVE IT!

I also love the fact that she linked the project to a PDF file on her own website www.snuggleherd.com, so it can be printed out very easily. I need to ask her how she does this- it is quite ingenious!

click on the picture to go to her web site-

Fun Freebie of the Month is on the right side to find the Monkey Hanger project

My girls being good and not fighting~

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Be sure to visit and Follow our Blog! http://etsyaustin.blogspot.com/

My First Love

2009-05-21T20:33:00.001-05:00

Although I make jewelry right now, my first love is drawing and painting. I find it incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. I think I might do it all day if I could. The most wonderful part is adding the color to my creations and have them come to life. I use acrylic paints because of its diversity, easy clean up and vivid colors. Drawing and painting is the closest thing to real magic that I have experienced in my lifetime.

We are all Mad Here Magnet

The March Hare 3-D Ornament

I found Happiness Today…

2009-05-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

…and it is found in a box of English biscuits.

The artwork caught my eye as I was getting my weekly Mocha Frappuccino fix at one of the many local Starbuck’s coffee joints. I was going to snap a picture of it with my cell phone’s itsy bitsy camera when I read the box: “Natural Vanilla Biscuits”. Well, I’m not a granola girl, and I’m unfortunately not drawn to many thing marked “organic” or “natural”. (I grew up on SpaghettiOs® and Lucky Charms for Pete’s Sake!) But, I decided that the box was so cute, I had to buy it.

I’m glad I did! Buttery, vanilla goodness in the shape of an adorable kitty and owl inside and the biscuits were surprisingly big! Who needs red dye 32 and high gloopy fructose anyway? Not me. The Owl and the Pussycat biscuits for me from now on. The only problem is they cost like a dollar each. Oh well, some women buy expensive shoes, I buy expensive butter cookies.

Peek a boo!

Click on the link for their web-site

http://www.artisanbiscuits.co.uk/site/index.html

but you gotta go to Starbuck’s to buy them! Those kooky English people don’t have on on-line store!

Alice in Gold Chains

2009-05-16T12:53:00.001-05:00

I finished my lovely little necklace with the help of so many of my Etsy friends who commented on which “look” they liked best. You can see the thread at http://queenofthearts.blogspot.com/2009/05/need-your-help-on-necklace-design.html.

I am happy the way it turned out, although I am still having trouble taking pictures of my jewelry. I am using a new SunPak mini studio light box my Mother so generously gave me for Christmas. It is frustrating! I am using a small, but powerful little digital camera I have owned for several years. The charge lasts for an aggravating 60 minutes and their are so many buttons and controls to learn, my artistic right-sided brain is spinning! It is a trial and error type of situation, and it is making me very tired. I need to go take my vitamins and espresso shots!

Click on the Alice picture above to purchase this beautiful necklace and mention that you saw it on this blog and receive FREE SHIPPING and a FREE GIFT!

The New Artful Blogger is Here!

2009-05-14T17:44:00.001-05:00

I’m so excited to announce that the 2009 Summer issue of Somerset Studio’s Artful Blogging is here! It is such an inspiring magazine and only comes at 4 times a year. It is full of luscious eye candy and helpful tips on blogging by the artist’s that actually do it every day! As you can tell, I really enjoy it. I get mine at Barnes & Noble. It costs $14.99, but I use my discount card to get 10% off. It’s worth it! click on the pic to get more info

A Gift for a Lovely Mommy

2009-05-13T18:23:00.001-05:00

I was thrilled when my brother asked me to make a gift for his wife Shaun for Mother’s Day. She does not wear much jewelry, but her favorite piece was a choker she used to wear quite frequently. My brother Karl sent me some photos of her wearing the necklace, but it was hard to see the details. I tried to make her something simple using semi-precious stones. Amazonite and Amethyst look really stunning together and is said to negate negative energy (Amazonite) and promotes spiritual wisdom (Amethyst)-something you could use living with my brother! Hee-hee!

A Little Help From My “Virtual” Friends

2009-05-11T20:47:00.002-05:00

Everybody has something they think they are really good at. When they find out they are not so great at it, it comes a as a little shock to the ego. That happened to me today. It started with an innocent question about my shop on Etsy. I posted a sad little tale about how anemic my sales have been. I asked, no pleaded, for advice from my fellow Etsians on the Community Forum and got loads of advice; some were really nice, but most were things that I could improve upon or change. (Whoa, that was a major run-on sentence!) Boy, do I have a lot of changing’ to do!

This was my post:

I got 46 posts, the most I’ve ever gotten with a post on Etsy. Most people had to say:

1. My banner kind of sucks.

2. My photos are too dark, too busy and pretty much suck.

3. My announcement is too long and again sucks.

4. Stop whining and be patient! Example-“hi..if you thought you'd open a shop here and folks would be flocking to you to buy then it's a sad realization to face....any business is tough and takes time to get yourself out there and seen, let alone sell. to have sold as many as you have in the short time you've been here is a good thing...whether that's good enough for you or not is another thing” – JuJutoo Wow. She tells it like it is!

I guess because I graduated with an Associates degree in Photography and Graphic Arts, this criticism hurts a little more than usual. I thought I was really good at it. But come to think of it, that was like over 10 years ago and I did not have much commercial photography training. So, I’m going to give myself a break on this one and just take their suggestions to heart and work really hard to improve my shop! Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is a small web-based jewelry business!

I do want to thank all of my “virtual” friends for the encouraging words and constructive criticism. There are so many creative, wonderful people out there that are truly inspiring!

Words are too distracting in background. Picture is “shrunk to fit”, making it too small.

I actually like this one, but again, background is distracting.

Too dark perhaps, uninteresting angle? Again shrunk to fit, making it too small

“Your banner isn't the best. Maybe find an etsian to help you out on that”

How Insulting!

Need your Help on Necklace Design

2009-05-10T13:41:00.002-05:00

I am working on a new necklace that I need a little help with. All you artistic people (and not so artistic people) please give me your opinion!

Which side of the necklace do you like better?

the right side with the black beads and red crystals or

the left side with the gold chain and black and red crystals as hanging accents?

Please post your comment so I can finish this necklace and list it on Etsy for all you Alice fans!

Happy MiMi Day

2009-05-10T12:45:00.002-05:00

This is quite embarrassing of me, but for a good cause! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there! And remember: your never too old to get your butt wet!

New Necklace New Design

2009-05-07T14:47:00.001-05:00

How much do I love this necklace? Let me just count the ways.

1. Vintage black beads from the 1960’s.

2. Yellow and black color combo (a hot trend right now)

3. New fresh, design

4. It sparkles and shines

5. It has a lovely Swarovski crystal in the middle of the rose.

6.It makes any outfit look SPECTACULAR!

It’s on sale at my Etsy store right now with Free Shipping!!! It’s perfect for Mother’s Day so don’t delay!

Fun Times in Austin, Texas

2009-04-25T21:05:00.001-05:00

Today we went to the Austin Art Alliance Fine Art Fair in beautiful downtown Austin. It was such a lovely day, not too hot, a little windy and no rain! Mia and Josie and my husband came, making it a fun family outing. Thom even got involved in the crafting fun!

I went exploring while the “kids” played!

This place was colorful!

I met many wonderful artists at the show, including jewelry artists, fine artists, and pottery makers. My absolute favorite fine artist was Mary Alayne Thomas. She does these wonderful mixed media pieces in which she uses a technique called encaustic. (It is certainly a great deal of work- click on the word to see a slideshow of how to do it!) I also saw a great deal of art nouveau influence in her work which I am drawn to also.

click on pic to go to her web site

My favorite jewelry artist was a man who worked with polymer clay in his designs. I do not usually like clay jewelry but his pieces were incredibly unique and beautiful! His prices were very reasonable for the amount of work that looked like went into each piece. I especially liked his “lantern” drop necklaces. It is on my Mother’s Day gift wish list! His name is pretty crazy, but he really is an amazing artist-Wiwat Kamolpornwijit Oh, No! It’s looks like he does not have an on-line shop. If I want that necklace, I better go back tomorrow! YIKES!

Some other artists I enjoyed:

www.fineartoncanvas.com Tanya Doskova

www.rachaeladamiak.com jewelry design, Austin, Tx

www.fourfootedart.com Yvonne Miller: fine art with an animal twist

www.SilvieGoldmark.com beautiful & unique salt and pepper shakers

www.avanzare.com Kristian Rangel: amazing dream-like etchings

Here are more pictures of our outing to explore!

View Full Album

Wildflower Walk

2009-04-24T20:30:00.020-05:00

The Boobie Tree!

One of the most important books in my life right now is the "Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. It has showed me how to unblock myself to creative inspiration and nurture my inner artist. It is such an inspirational and life-changing book. I am so glad I discovered it.
(finally, it's been out forever!)

One of the exercises that is very important to participate in, if you wish to "unblock", is The Artist Date. I have not been going on my artist's dates recently and it was putting me in a funk.

After going on a walk a couple evenings ago, I noticed how beautiful the wildflowers were around my neighborhood and along the walking trail behind my house. The next morning I took my big-ass camera with me and took some really nice shots. Here they are, I hope you enjoy them!

Red Poppy

(my favorite!)

False Dayflower

Thelesperma

Phacelia

Antelope Horn

(blooms look like little stars when closed)

Facebook & Manners

2009-04-21T16:39:00.003-05:00

Just a few rules for you Facebook fans! See the whole article here. Enjoy!

Getting Crafty with Tampons

2009-04-21T15:23:00.017-05:00

O.K. so I am having an issue with selling my jewelry on Etsy- I'm not getting any sales! So, I thought I should diversify, think of other products I can make and sale on Etsy and at craft shows. (craft shows are being inundated with jewelry designers also, and it's hard to get into a show right now!)

My darn psychologist- it's all her fault. She thought it would be such a great idea for me to sale my own jewelry so I would get out of my deep, dark funk I was in for say... 10 years. It has helped but now I'm just dealing with rejection and that is as depressing as ever. Thanks bone-head pychologist- she will remain nameless at this point. I love her though, really.

Anyway, to get to the point, I thought I should start making new and "fresh" products to sale on-line and at shows. Would they let me in if I were to sale..... tampon holders? I thought that would be a great idea. How many women in the world use tampons? How many tampons have been wasted because of the tampons falling out of their wrapper into a purse and getting gum stuck to the string? I found this on Etsy and thought this was the Roll's Royce of tampon holders:

click on the pic to go to listing

Wow! How can I top that? I don't even sew. So screw it. I think I'll make some "Tampon Rockets" with my kids instead.

This is real people-I'm not making this up.

Click on the pic to see complete "How To"!

2009-04-20T23:12:00.004-05:00

I just saw this crazy necklace on Etsy. It is featured on the front page because it definitely desires to be noticed! How much do you think it weighs? OUCH!

New Necklace and Earring Set "Among the Wildflowers"

2009-04-20T10:24:00.018-05:00

I finished a necklace and a pair of earrings that I happen to love. I used some romantic- style bead caps on the drop earrings that I had never used before. I pay a little extra for the quality of the chain (it is gold-filled) but it really makes the earrings shine! I hate gold-plated chain-it just looks cheap to me!

My husband was helping me take pictures of my jewelry yesterday and when he was taking a picture of this one which I call' "Among the Wildflowers" , he said "I don't like this one".

At first, I was a little upset and offended, but then I thought; with my husbands taste, that's actually a good sign!

They will be up for sale at my Etsy shop tomorrow-perfect for Mother's Day!

Rainbow Bright is Baaaack!

2009-04-17T16:14:00.016-05:00

If you are my age, which I will be so brave as to tell you is 35, you will know who this little girl is. She comes from Rainbow Land and rides on a beautiful white horse with a rainbow mane. She makes sure all the colors stay in our world with help from her friends the "color kids". How nice of her!

The other day I saw the real life Rainbow Bright! I found her playing in my back yard trying to bring color back to this area. The rainy days have made Central Texas quite gray! I had to snap some quick pictures before she ran off back to Rainbow Land!

I decided to bring her inside and keep her!

I took the Handmade Pledge!

2009-04-16T11:06:00.004-05:00

Click on the Pic to take it too!

I got a Treasury on Etsy!

2009-04-15T09:37:00.015-05:00

Most artist's who sell on Etsy know what a "Treasury" is. If you are not an Etsyian, it is just a group of items for sale on Etsy you pick out that you like. It can be items of the same color, or the same theme. You should not pick out items from your own store! It does help to promote your fellow artist friends or just your favorite artists you have met on Etsy. It is sure to help out with the number of views they get and maybe even help with some sales!

"MEOW MIX"

click on the pic

New Necklace Set and Frustrations

2009-04-11T18:16:00.009-05:00

I love my new necklaces! They just make me so happy with their bright lime greens and luscious reds.
That color combination is so "yummy" to me. Maybe it reminds me of fresh, crisp apples or beautiful Poppies in a field of soft green grass.

Click on a Pic

Happy Keester!

2009-04-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

Time, Goal Setting & Other Artistic Shortcomings

2009-04-08T10:06:00.019-05:00

O.K. so really the White Rabbit is the one that is totally worried about the time, but I took some artistic liberties with this one!

What's up with artists and time management? I just can't seem to get a handle on this time thing. It seems like no matter how much time I have in a day to get stuff done, it is never enough. Why am I always struggling?

I think I have not gotten a handle on running my own business yet. I am a stay-at-home Mom with only a certain amount of time each day to spend on creating, advertising, and Etsy-ing! It seems like instead of working on business, I end up doing monotonous chores like laundry and sweeping. But these things have to get done, right? Why can't I just be a slob and not care how my house looks? Because I'm a perfectionist. I just can't create when my environment looks like crap.

I did receive an article from Etsy the other day about this exact thing. It was first intended for Christmas planning for sellers, but I think it is a really great resource all year round.

http://team.etsy.com/timemanagement.pdf

Another thing I want to do is set goals for the month of April, just like my new fellow blogger "Crafty Mishmash" did in her post: Well, I've finally done it!

My Goals for April:

Finish 4 necklaces and 3 bracelets.
Finish taking pictures of completed projects & list on Etsy
Sign up for 4 craft fairs this Summer & get accepted to at least 2 of them
Treat my husband better
Finish one jewelry box
Blog at least 3x weekly
Don't die from exhaustion

I'll keep everyone posted on how #7 goes!

From the Heart Necklaces

2009-04-05T21:57:00.048-05:00

From the Heart Necklace Collection

Taking pictures, uploading them to Etsy, listing them, and pricing them can take a huge chunk of time. When do I have time to actually create? I have two kids at home, a house to clean, doctor's appointments to make, dinner to make. (O.K. that last one is really stretching it.)
I am frustrated with not being able to make more jewelry! Let alone, start a line of hand painted jewelry boxes, magnets, greeting cards, art prints, socks, the list goes on and on!
I am just happy at this point that I have uploaded two new necklaces to Etsy. They are from my collection: From the Heart. I found these wonderful Pewter heart charms at a Georgetown shop called, The Escape. I turned them into necklaces with a message. Some have stones and some have crystals. These further express the message conveyed in the pendant. I'm putting a couple for sale each day this coming week at my Etsy site!

Special Days

2009-03-31T12:51:00.034-05:00

Tuesdays & Thursdays are Josie & my "special days". Mia is at school and Josie gets me all to herself. A couple of weeks ago, before the "big surgery", I decided to take her on an artist Date with me. (She was asleep so this was allowed). I looked for rocks that appealed to me and while I did this she woke up and decided to help! We painted them when we got home.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way,would be so proud!

Josie's Project

Mommy's Project

A Snapshot in Time

2009-03-28T21:59:00.013-05:00

My daughter Mia is almost 7 years old. 7 years old! She is so beautiful with her toothy smile and unruly blond hair with the perfect ringlets spiraling down like waves. She is fiercely independent but still needs her Mommy (sometimes) to lightly tickle her arm while she falls asleep. I wish the most wonderful life for her and I will love her always.

We went into a little photo booth at the mall and Mia really went crazy. I remember a couple of pictures I had taken with my Dad at around her age. The pictures are very special to me since he passed away when I was a teenager.

A quick snapshot in time.

Those sweet moments pass so quickly.

Savor each one.

Don't Drink & Draw

2009-03-26T22:40:00.004-05:00

Don't take pain medication and work on jewelry either!

not bad for being doped up! :)

This is a new parrot pendant necklace I am working on. Fun colors that make you feel like you are vacationing in the Caribbean with a big-ass fruity drink by your side. My Momma likes it, so should you. It will be on sale at My Etsy Store soon!

The Houston Zoo

2009-03-26T13:00:00.001-05:00

This Guy Means Business

2009-03-26T11:21:00.013-05:00

Before all this crazy medical stuff went down, we went to the Houston zoo with the family. The most impressive animal I witnessed there, (I have been to many zoos and have lost most of my wonderment) was this crazy looking baboon monkey ape- like animal. After looking much closer at the sign staring me in the face, I learned this most spectacular creature is called a Mandrill and it lives in Africa. How fascinating. It has the strangest back-side I have ever seen. It is red and purple and it looks like a face, with the tail in place of a nose! I read that this helps them to be seen in the bushes and dense vegetation in Africa. I definitely wouldn't miss him!

Who Needs One of Those Anyway?

2009-03-23T21:59:00.008-05:00

Who needs a gallbladder anyway?

I found out a couple of weeks ago that I have gallstones. Gallstones! I couldn't believe it! Aren't old or overweight people supposed to get those funky things? I was just getting a little gas after I ate which was more uncomfortable than anything else. I asked my doctor about it thinking I might be allergic to dairy or vegetables or my husband or something! But, she had me get an ultasound that proved that gallstones were the culprit of my embarrasing gas problem.

Unfortunately, there is no way to suck those darn things out without them coming back and I have heard many horror stories about passing a stone. "It's worse than childbirth!"
"You can turn yellow!" O.K. I'll just have the surgery. Come to find out, you don't really need one of those organs anyway.

So my surgery is tomorrow and I can't eat anything after midnight. So, Josie and I went to Barnes & Nobles and pigged out on Godiva chocolate and chocolate milk. Take that you pesky gallbladder!

Hopefully the world's largest gallstone is not for sale, it's only for the artist print!
http://www.m/useumofwonde r.com/Art/Banner5.htm

2009-03-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

I saw a fun little movie last night, "Penelope". The art direction was really inspiring. Lots of reds and bright greens. Her wardrobe was fantastic and her bedroom would be any artist's dream room! Check it out for a little artistic inspiration and also because it is a sweet, funny fairy tale. My 7 year old daughter also enjoyed it and it teaching a wonderful lesson: accept yourself the way you are and everything else will be, well....beautiful.

Spring Fever!

2009-03-19T12:57:00.013-05:00

Spring had finally arrived to Round Rock, Texas. Then we got a cold front and it rained buckets. Now it's blue skies and happy Popscicle smailes all over again. Let Spring Fever begin!!

2009-03-17T10:51:00.016-05:00

I had a very productive week last week and yesterday (despite the girls being off for Spring break)! I was able to complete two new jewelry pieces and also take pictures. Wow! Doubling up on the caffeine is really working!

My "Butterfly Postage" multi strand necklace uses a new technique that allows the butterfly to "pop up". It is sealed multiple times so it is sturdy and water resistant. The frame is is brushed gold metal and the clasp is brass. Little turquoise beads dangle from gold-filled rings around the multi-colored seed beads. I really love this one!

"Butterfly Postage" will be for sale at my Etsy shop on Thursday the 19th.

My Little Secret

2009-03-16T20:50:00.002-05:00

How do I get so much done during a day; Making jewelry, maintaining a blog, keeping up with a jewelry business, keeping the house clean (somewhat), keeping the kids happy (most of the time)?

I stopped watching TV during the day.

Big Secret revealed.

The Sam Bass Cemetary & What I Found There

2009-03-16T10:45:00.003-05:00

2009-03-15T15:28:00.007-05:00

I admit it. I'm a scrapbooking dropout. I am not happy about it, but I am not ashamed. I also do not think that I am alone. I enjoy so much the documenting of my life and my family. I just need a place to put it all down, organize it, write it down, display pictures. Scrapbooking was costing me a small fortune. Imagine the monthly cost of adhesives, stickers, paper,ink, ribbon, etc. I know, because I lived it for many years. I was addicted to the scrapbooking lifestyle.

This blog now allows me to have a scrapbook and journal on-line. I mostly wanted to start a blog to document my creative ventures (which there are many!) and promote my new jewelry business. Also, to share aspects of my life with my family and friends. I am doing this blog for myself, to nurture my inner artist who is screaming to be heard every day. If others enjoy it, then wonderful. I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Take the leap. Just do it. You are worth it!

What the Heck is a Blog and Why I Went There

2009-03-08T23:26:00.003-05:00

O.K. So I'm a little slow, a little behind if you will. I had no idea what a "blog" was until I finally asked my husband a couple of months ago. I was not embarrassed. This is how I learn things. After making fun of me for being so out of touch, he told me the word "blog" is short for weblog. Kind of like Star Trek's "Captains log, Stardate blah, blah, blah...." Except I'm not wearing a fancy, futuristic gold pants-suit.
I also got inspired by a wonderful magazine I recently found called Artistic Blogging by Sommerset.

I devour that magazine every time they put one out!
So I decided to jump right in!