Caly's Day at the Beach

Dauphin Island Festival to Oil Spill

2010-05-04T12:34:00.007-05:00

I spent this last weekend at one of my favorite shows of the year...The Dauphin Island Art Show. It's a mini-getaway weekend for me. I get to spend some time on a beautiful island with my friend Lisa in her home on the Island. This Festival with it's gorgeous island weather was overshadowed by the coming oil slick that threatens their Coastline as well as our own here in Biloxi. It weighed on the minds of everyone who lives there and those who frequent the Island.

The Gulf of Mexico waters sustain so much for us here. We have tourism, fishing, seafood and definitely not least all, the wildlife we are a habitat for. The total damages won't even be known for a long time to come.

I have been watching with horror the events of the past 10 days. I can't believe we can't even shut this thing down and as it grows, the damage it will do to everything in it's path. It breaks my heart to even contemplate the loss.

On the bright side, residents of all the Coastal States are stepping up to volunteer to help with the clean-up, including me. I have signed up at oilspillvolunteers.com as well as Audubon Pascagoula River Center. I am hoping my background will make a valuable volunteer, but I will do whatever is asked of me to help.

I hope this opens eyes to the fact that we need to find a better energy source. The oil companies have us by the throat because we let them. We all need to be more proactive with pushing a better way, be it wind turbines, natural gas or solar energy. I don't believe that the tragedy in the Gulf should have been a "risk" worth taking.

I will be offering a percentage of my sales to a recovery effort yet to be determined. I will keep you informed in the next day or so when I decide how to proceed.

Studio Clean Up - Final Day

2010-01-18T14:34:00.003-06:00

Here we are...the last day, yeah right...! Tomorrow, I tackle the file cabinets. Nothing fun to see there...lol...! I'll be shredding for weeks..!

Photo 1 is the laser printer in the corner. I decided to turn it and make it more accessible. I really like the change...!

Here is the over view of the computer desk and printer all cleaned up as well as a view of the entire studio. Look how much room I have reclaimed over the last few days....! I am so glad I decided to tackle this project. I want to thank Cat Therien again for prompting this organization frenzy...! It will be so much fun to create in this space again...! Thanks for coming along...!

Before and After. If you look real close...you can see my dog Max in the left photo and Elvira in the right. This new set up will make it soo much easier to step around them...lol.

Spring Studio Cleaning Day 3

2010-01-17T10:35:00.006-06:00

Here is what I am tackling today. This is probably the hardest day. I have to put all my little pieces and parts back into their containers and make my desks usable again. I try to do this task about once every 6 weeks or or..or it gets very unwieldy.
I have 2 desks on either side of the black chair so I can turn from one desk to the other. I used to use the first desk for my polymer work, but I end up using it more than the one facing the wall.

I ended up moving that entire table from the side of the desk underneath the "big" table. That opened up a ton of space in my studio as well as let me keep all my polymer clay "stuff" all in one place. I love the new look...! I will post that photo tomorrow.
The last photo is part of what I am tackling tomorrow. The corner printer table and my computer desk..yikes..! Thanks for coming along...!

Spring Cleaning Part 2

2010-01-16T11:22:00.001-06:00

Ok...Spring Cleaning Day 2...! I tackled my bookcases...! What a mess..! I have ceramic stuff and pieces of glass and other stuff that doesn't belong.

Here is the shelf and table (that was covered in boxes the day before) I have my polymer clay oven and pasta maker set up on the table. I realize that the shelf doesn't "look" organized, but it is. I have my polymer clay canes and pieces on the top shelf in the plastic containers. I still have my fused glass "stuff" on the middle two shelves.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture of this bookcase. You can see how much room I reclaimed with it's clean-up. This last photo is what I am tackling next. My jewelry tables. The computer desk and printer desk will be tackled another day...!

Studio Spring Cleaning

2010-01-15T10:36:00.002-06:00

I was inspired by a fellow artisan Cat Therien who in the process of doing a Studio Cleanup. Cat is a very talented polymer clay. She is an inspiration to me with that as well...! Cat is on day 3 of her studio clean up. I tackled my closet area yesterday. The first photo is the closet. I have an awesome storage closet. It has all these shelves and open space on the right. This photo is taken after I had taken all the boxes off the top shelf and cleaned out the right side to some degree, so you don't really get the full filthy effect..lol.

These are all the boxes that came off the top shelf of the closet as well as some fabric that has been there forever. Don't ask my why I keep alllll these boxes. I guess I think that someday, I will need them all. This table held my light box up to now. I wanted to reclaim some of that space for my polymer clay, fused glass work, and eventually my earth clay. I have a tray of glass pieces below the table as well as 25lb box of earth clay.

This is how the closet looked after I finished the clean up. I have all my jewelry boxes and bags on the top shelf. All my packing materials is organized on the second shelf to the bottom as well as some of the things I need for my shows. I will show a photo of the closet after the clean up is over. Some of the book case "stuff" has found its way back into the closet, but it is still organized.

All non-jewelry related crafts put away in plastic containers. Things in those containers...markers, paints, inks, more paints.

This is how the light box is set up on the right side of the closet.

Can it be...?? Getting Ready for Valentine's Day Already..?

2010-01-09T17:34:00.004-06:00

Can it be...? I was thinking the other day that I really need to start to get ready for Valentine's Day. Of course, I do have a time crunch. I will be out of commission for about a week at the end of the month. I have to have surgery on my wrist and won't be making jewelry for a couple of weeks...what ever am I going to do..??? Probably go stir crazy....lol...! Hence the early start to the Holiday.
These little beauties will be available in my Artfire studio very shortly. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

Happy 2010..!!

2010-01-01T15:00:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone...! Yikes, it's been another couple of months since my last post. When I started my blog, I wanted to make weekly posts...that didn't quite happen. My best intentions didn't come to pass...kind of like what happens with most New Year's resolutions...we make them on January 1 and by January 15th....March 15th...maybe we make it a bit longer...but most times, we fall short of what it is we want to change. It maybe isn't because our desire to keep up changes, but life and job change and disrupt our routine and it gets harder to adjust.
2009 was a difficult year for a lot of people in the US and even around the world. We've seen huge economic changes that have altered the way we live and the way we view our lives and what's important and necessary in them.
Hurricane Katrina was another life altering point for me. I was out of work for 3 months and we were dealing with cleaning up our Coast and our own back yards. It was shortly there after that I realized that I wanted to turn my love for jewelry and jewelry making into something more. It has been one heck of a ride....one that is not over, by any means. I have come a long way in how I do business and how I make jewelry. I have made huge mistakes in business along the way and made great strides. 2009 was a huge test for my business. I am still standing.
I hope 2010 brings everyone lots of love, health and joy. I hope we all find what we need to live full lives with all our loved ones around us. Thank you for listening to my ramblings in 2009 and I hope you'll be back for another year.

Crazy for Collars

2009-11-19T05:56:00.003-06:00

If you follow my blog at all, you know I belong to a very talented group of women called UWIB which is short for Unique Women in Business. We share business ideas, give business advice when needed and just all around support each other in our journey in this world.

I purchased a collar for my sweetie Elvira a couple of weeks ago. How cute is that..?? Suzanne from Crazy for Collars is so very talented in her sewing...! She has a so many cute and colorful collars for dogs and cats. She has Christmas collars and collars with bows. I choose a beach blue ( go figure) and green stripey collar. She collars are very well made and I anticipate it lasting for a very long time.

I realize that Elvira doesn't look very happy in her collar in the photos...lol, but she and my other 2 fur babies had just come in from playing with me in the back yard and she was all worn out. It was a perfect time to snap the photo...while she wasn't moving..lol..!

If you get a chance...stop by Suzanne's Etsy shop and see what she has to offer for your fur baby...I'm sure you'll find something you like...!

George Ohr Show 2009

2009-10-18T11:06:00.007-05:00

I know this update is a bit late, but I am recovering from Canton and getting ready for the next show. The George Ohr Festival was fabulous...! We had gorgeous weather on Saturday, but Sunday didn't cooperate and we experienced lots of rain. We got lots of shoppers though in between bouts of heavy rain.

I saw some old friends and made some new ones. Randye Temple was back with her fused glass jewelry and paintings. I also met Pam and Bill Clark from South Carolina. They had the booth next to me and had the most beautiful pottery and colorful handmade glazes...! Visit them at Clark House Pottery if you get a chance, you won't be disappointed...!

One of the great part about doing shows is meeting new people and learning about their art. I also met Loran Chavex from Mobile. She had beautiful paintings in watercolor, acrylics and oils. She does sea life and nature portraits. I was lucky enough to acquire a a jumping dolphins painting. It now resides on the wall of my studio. It's so great to look around my studio and be inspired by the artists I've met along the way on this journey.

I received my booth assignment for the Peter Anderson. It looks like I will be at the about the same location I was last year. That puts me almost right across from one of my retail locations at Sea About It. I will be at booth number 668. I look forward to this show each year. The weather is perfect right now and I hope it holds for the next few weeks...!

Fall Show Season is here...!!

2009-09-29T11:51:00.004-05:00

I haven't been posting as frequently lately. I have been a busy little bee getting ready for the Fall Show Season to begin. First on the docket is the George Ohr this weekend.

I will probably not be able to post as much for the next 2 months, but I will try to keep you updated about shows as much as I can.
This bracelet was made with one of Neil's hand cast sterling silver rings. You'll notice it's a little different in style. The back of the bracelet comes around the back of the wrist and attaches to the side of the ring. I plan to make these bracelets in a variety of colors and with different sea charms. This one has a (barely visible, sorry) sterling dolphin charm. I believe they will be a big hit at the shows this year...! I just have to wait for my silver caster to make me some more rings...the task master awakes..! Neil has been great though, he's really enjoying learning about soldering, casting and even getting used to the tools we use. He's made jump rings and he was learning how to make earwires yesterday. It's been great to have someone to share my passion with...!

New Pieces and Panic

2009-09-18T08:23:00.004-05:00

I've been a busy little bee lately...! Neil and I have been working on silver a couple days a week and I've had the urge to play with my Kazuris lately.
I took a a very last minute shot to get into a show next month in Canton, MS. It's called the Canton Flea Market. It will be held Thursday, October 8th from 8 to 5. I have heard that shoppers are out in full force at 5 AM with flashlights...! They bus folks in from all over for this show, so I am looking forward to an awesome turn out.

Now..the reason for the panic....I realized after I got into the Canton show, that it falls 4 days after one of my bigger shows, the George Ohr Fall Festival the weekend of the 3rd-4th....yikes...! So, I am scurrying to make enough inventory to fill for both shows. Luckily, Neil will be accompanying me to Canton to help out.
These images are some pieces that I have completed recently...enjoy...!

Lost Wax Casting - Part 2 ( Part 1 actually)

2009-09-12T07:55:00.007-05:00

I guess this this actually part 1, because all the work we are doing here, comes before the last post.
The first photo is of me setting up the wax molds on a "button" of wax. I fit as many wax pieces on the button as space allows, as long as the pieces are not touching. We had anywhere from 10-15 pieces per button.

The next step is to "make the biscuits" as Horace puts it. You mix up a fine white powder with water, vaccuum out the bubbles and carefully, pour it over the flasks. They also get vacuumed for air bubbles. They are then put into a kiln for about 9 hours to burn out the wax on the buttons. Once that is accomplished, you can can shoot the hot silver into the areas of the flask that don't have the wax and...."ta-da" you have silver pieces like the ones I show below.

Ok, so maybe there are a few more steps..like cutting the pieces off the button and cleaning them up, tumbling the shine back onto them and buffing them to a high shine. It is pretty much a two day process though and one that Neil is getting pretty good at.

AAhh....the difference a soap can make...!

2009-08-20T08:39:00.007-05:00

If you keep up with my blog posts at all...you know I belong to a very talented group of women known as UWIB ( Unique Women in Business). We support each other's businesses by making 1 purchase each month from another group member's store. The purchase doesn't have to be a big one, there is no minimum....trust me this is no hardship with the talent in this group. A lot of the woman have Etsy and/or Artfire shops to choose from.

About 4 months ago, I ordered some lip balm from Michelle at Flameworks. They were pomegranate and mango flavored. They had the perfect texture and flavor..! She was very quick to ship and it was packaged perfectly, I was very pleased.
In July, I ordered from Michelle again. I ordered her new flavor of lip balm...Coconut. Ok, now you know as well as I do, that coconut can be done badly...but I wasn't worried..it was perfect as always..! I also tried Michelle's vegan deodorant. We've all heard how bad store bought can be with some of the things they put into it. Michelle's works like a charm.
Now, to the reason for this post. Along with my lip balm and deordorant..Michelle sent me a sample of her soap. It was called Black Misson Fig. At the time I thought..that was very sweet of her, but I'll never like a "fig" soap. So, I put the sample in my shower and forgot about it for a few days. I picked it up when my "regular" bar was getting low and started lathering it on....! WOW...!!! I loved it...! It has a very catchy fragrance..very refreshing and energizing...! All from something I never would have tried on my own...! I had to go order a full bar...! Very good marketing technique on Michelle's part let me tell you...! She sent me a sample of Black Raspberry this time...I'm almost afraid to open the zip lock...afraid I'll have another obsession...!
If you get a chance stop by Flameworks and see what Michelle has to offer, she has a large variety of flavors and sizes on most of her products. Tell her Dawn sent you...!

Lost Wax Casting Lesson

2009-08-16T11:34:00.005-05:00

I got to go play..I mean learn more about lost wax casting last Thursday with my friend Horace. I started buying Horace's cast silver a couple of years ago and he has been kind enough to teach me his technique.
This first picture is of me heating up the solid silver to a liquid form in the centrifuge. To the right of me is the large kiln Horace has that holds the cylinders that the wax has been burned out of to make way for the sterling silver in the centrifuge.

The second photo is after the cylinder has been put into the centrifuge and the spinning has started, throwing the hot silver into the molds.

Photo three is of me moving the hot, hot cylinder putting it into cool water to wash the material off the silver pieces. It comes off very easily and you left with the silver pieces on a "button" of silver. ( photo 4) They are then cut off, cleaned and pickled. Then they are tumble polished.

I am having such a great time and am learning so much from Horace. I am hoping soon to be able to make my own wax molds and cast silver pieces that are my own signature pieces. The next time I go out there, I will have some photos of the beginnings of this intricate process.

Who Knew...??

2009-08-07T07:09:00.003-05:00

I had an awesome time last weekend at the Ocean Springs Art Market/Fresh Market in front of the Mary O'Keefe Cultural Center. We had a great turn out and am happy to report that the Fresh Market will be with us again September 5th. It would be awesome if they continue to combine both markets to the benefit of both Markets..but what do I know?

I was doing some internet research the other day and discovered that we have Art Markets every weekend..!

- Pass Christian has a Market every Saturday from 8-11 at the War Memorial Park on Hwy 90.
- Waveland has a Market on Wednesdays from 6-12 and Saturdays from 8-12.
- Moss Point's Market is from 9-1.

I am probably going to check out a couple of these this Saturday and see which one or ones would be the best fit for me.

I will also have my Fall Schedule of events posted on my web site very soon. I am also finding the best date for my Annual Home Show.

For your viewing pleasure today, I have posted pictures of a couple of new pieces. I made a Chakra bracelet with Swarovski crystals and Crystal Quartz. I also have these stunning Crystal quartz Mini Lotus Pears made into gorgeous teardrop hoops. Both are available for sale in my Artfire Studio.

Dragonflies Again

2009-07-20T09:37:00.003-05:00

I have been on a dragonfly kick again. I just love these little sterling silver charms...they look like they are flying around the edge of the bracelet. I used faceted Moonstone and stick pearls in both bracelets. I couldn't quite capture the the flash of the moonstone on camera though...it is stunning...!

I used green apatite and tiny peridot gems in the first bracelet as well as one of my favorite Swarovski colors..Erinite.

In the second bracelet, I used yummy Kyanite coins and Sapphire Swarovskis. Kyanite comes from the Greek word kyanos, meaning blue...no wonder I love it...!

The green Dragonfly bracelet is for sale on my Artfire site right now.

Summer Starfish

2009-07-17T09:35:00.003-05:00

I can't believe Summer is half over, I'll blink again...and it will be Christmas ( cringe..so sorry). Not that I don't love Christmas...but the time is going much too quickly..lol. I am getting my info together for my Fall Schedule which I will post soon. The Peter Anderson and the George Ohr will be here before I know it..lol...!
I just listed some more of my Czech Glass Charm Earrings in my Artfire Shop . I have dolphins, starfish, sun faces, seahorses, sea turtles and fish. Quantities are limited, I am finding it harder and hard to find the glass squares.
I found my Naked Sandals on another blog yesterday..! Unique Women in Business is a supportive, fun group to belong to. We support each other other in business and in life. If you are a Unique Woman in Business and want to join, you can follow this link and tell Erin I sent you...!

Butterfly or Moth...?

2009-07-11T08:37:00.004-05:00

I got up yesterday morning with the intention of cutting back the massive amounts of Honeysuckle that is growing on the back corner of the house. It's something I have to do about twice a year. Yes, I planted it there, seemed like a great idea at the time. It was plant I had growing in a container at my last apartment, and well contained it was. Once it got into the ground...it let loose...!

Oh the fragrance of those Honeysuckle flowers....it is one of my favorites and usually one of the first bloomers of Spring. I will usually get another smaller bloom in the Fall, but we have been so lacking in water, I think the plant started rejoicing when we finally got a couple of good showers and blossomed a little.

So, back to the story..I went out yesterday morning with the intention of cutting it back before Fall...and what do I see...but this beautiful winged creature flitting from flower to flower collecting nectar. He/she stayed around long enough to go grab my camera and catch some pretty good photos (if I do say so myself) and to weaken my resolve to take down the plant...sigh. Maybe that's why that little bugger was there...to tell me it's just not the right time. He/she is a beauty though...! If anyone knows what kind of creature he is..please share your insight...my study of Lepidopterology is not what it used to be.

SATeam Feature

2009-07-07T12:33:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post today. I got my google notifications today and was shocked to see a feature about me on the Starving Artists Team Blog. I remember submitting the information months back...but forgot all about it.

Here is the link if you'd like to have a look-see...! SATeam Blog

This gorgeous bracelet was one of my favorites....it was recently sold. It was one of those sales you have mixed feelings for...you love that it found a new home...but cherished it as a favorite....sigh.

The Perfect Lightening Rod....

2009-07-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

Happy 4th of July....! Before Katrina we had a very tall pair of pine trees in our backyard. We lost one and the other lost it's top. It almost looks like it is reaching out to the sky shaking it's fist for taking it's partner away. It was the perfect lightening rod this past Saturday.
I was hanging out that afternoon watching a movie Neil had rented for (about) me... "Confessions of a Shopaholic".
We have been needing rain...almost 30 days without it..when a storm rolled in. Ever since Katrina, our poor fur babies get traumatized every time they hear thunder. They start to quiver and shake and cling to my side. So picture this, I had 3 dogs glued to me when we heard this sonic boom and we all jumped a mile. I knew it had hit close. When I put my heart back into my chest...I got up to look and this is what I saw.
I guess it was only a matter of time until our perfect lightening rod was struck down. Not quite the fireworks I was anticipating on the 4th....

Custom Lampwork Pieces

2009-06-30T12:42:00.003-05:00

A couple of months ago I received 4 pretty lampwork beads from a customer of mine. She had picked them up at a local art show. She brought them to me and asked me to create something custom for her with them. Here are the results of that endeavor....

I started with the bracelet. I loved the colors of these beads...chocolate and turquoise..yum...! I picked the one I wanted to use in the necklace and set it aside. The Mocca Swarovski color was a perfect match as was the Turquoise Swarovski. I decided to use Sterling silver links instead of stringing it on beading wire. It gave the bracelet more movement and all sides of the lampwork beads can be seen. I made the necklace a little more simple, I wanted it to compliment the bracelet, not compete with it.
I love doing custom work...! It challenges my creativity and lets me design using pieces that I don't have in my vast bead stash ( the fun part). It's an awesome feeling to know that I have customers out there who trust my design ability enough to create something for them from something they love...! If you have a focal or some beads that have been collecting dust that you've been waiting for an idea about what to do with them...drop me an email, I'd be glad to help as a consultant or a designer.

Where did the Month go..?

2009-06-26T06:36:00.004-05:00

I have no idea where this month went. I blinked and it's almost gone. I have been busy trying to keep up with my stock of Naked Sandals, it has been a full-time gig, but that's not a bad thing. I didn't realize how big barefoot sandals had become, until I saw that a link to my Artfire shop was included in an article on the web site Handmade News. The article is called Trends to Try: Summer's Hottest Sandals. Who knew..? No wonder I can't keep them in stock..!

This last photo is a necklace I made with a glass seashell bead made by StudioMarcy on Etsy. Isn't it pretty...? Marcy is a part of my Unique Women in Business Group. An awesome group of Business Women who share ideas and support each other. I knew when I saw that bead, I had to have it. Marcy has a lot of cute creatures, little food beads, fish and seashells in her shop.

Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts

2009-06-11T09:15:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note today...! It's been a hectic week...! The Fais Do Do last weekend was a rousing success. The weather was perfect..! ( About 15 degrees cooler than last year, Yea!)

I will be at the Edgewater Mall this weekend for the Festival of Arts. I am not sure of my location yet, but I shouldn't be too hard to find, try the rock climbing wall area.

I got a lot of stunning sea glass ( example leftt) in a couple of weeks ago and some gorgeous Kazuri beads on Monday. I haven't had too much time to play yet, but hope to before Saturday...!
This bracelet is made of aqua sea glass, mother of pearl and swarovski. The stunner of the piece is the Sterling silver box clasp with an inlaid swarovski crystal. I'm not sure if I like it or the seahorse the best..!
Hope to see you there this weekend...!

Absence of Reason....

2009-05-31T13:41:00.005-05:00

...or is it Reason of Absence....?? hmmm...tough call..!! I know it has been awhile...but I have a really good reason...! One..I turned 40 about 2 weeks ago...two...my Mom was here for a visit from Wisconsin. She hasn't been here for 3 years...so we had a lot of time to make up for, while she was here... so the jewelry biz was put on the back-burner as much as I was able to leave it there. It wasn't easy I tell ya, it was the first time since I opened Caly's Jewelry Creations that it wasn't my priority.

Mom and I got to spend time in some of our favorite restaurants. One my birthday, we got to have lunch at Yuki's with my friend Patty for sushi. Mom requires at least 2 sushi lunches while she is here in order to get her "fix"...no complaints from me. I guess the sushi in Wisconsin isn't near as wonderful as what we have here.

This last photo was taken at my other favorite restaurant...Shady's. I think I have spent the last 6 birthday's at my favorite Thai restaurant and oyster bar. Grilled oysters for appetizer and lemongrass soup for dinner..nothing beats it...! I could eat Thai everyday...! The photo below is one of the owners of Shady's and a good friend of ours Chuck S. If you're ever in the area and want some great food, I highly recommend Shady's. They just opened a 2nd location in Ocean Springs.

Mom and played cards, talked, worked on projects around the yard I have sorely neglected and had a wonderful time.

As much as I love my business..it was a needed break and now I am back with fresh eyes and an eager muse.

I have 2 shows coming in very shortly. I will be at the Biloxi Shrimp Festival across from the Hard Rock Casino on June 6th and then at the Edgewater Mall for the Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts on June 12th-13th. I'd love to see you there...!

Got out the Kazuris today..!

2009-05-09T15:59:00.004-05:00

Yea...! I got to play with my Kazuri beads today...! They were a real hit at my last show and I realized I only had 1 bracelet left, so I took them out and was immediately entranced by the colors. Before I knew it...the afternoon was gone and I all these beautiful pieces..!
I am in the process of loading these pieces to my Artfire studio.

Dauphin Island: Treasure Trove & Marti's

2009-05-04T12:55:00.005-05:00

You can now find Caly's Jewelry Creations on Dauphin Island, AL...! The Treasure Trove and Marti's are the newest additions to my retail outlets. The Treasure Trove is carrying my beach-style jewelry which includes: Sea glass and sea life charms. Marti's is carrying my line of Naked Sandals..! They should receive their first shipment of sandals in the next 2 weeks.

The 2nd Annual Dauphin Island Art Show was an official success...! There were 33 artists there showing off their many talents, from polymer clay ( See Janie at Life Art Designs) to pottery, photography, watercolors, artisan jewelry ( my good and talented friend Lisa of Serena's Jewels was there) and handmade soaps. We had beautiful weather and a great turn out...! I had a great time hanging out with Lisa and her husband in their home on the island. They were the perfect hosts and I look forward to being able to go hang out again with more time to spare.

Summer Sea Glass Set

2009-04-27T14:46:00.004-05:00

Wow...! Say that 3 times fast...!! Summer Sea Glass Set... Summer Sea Glass Set...Summer Sea Glass Set...Ok...maybe not so bad. I think I have been making Naked Sandals too long..I'm getting delirious...! What can I say..as fast I make them...they hit the door, I can't keep them in stock. If you live in the area though, you can now find Caly's Naked Sandals in the Taunt shop located in the Hard Rock Casino as well as Sea About It in Ocean Springs.

I will be on Dauphin Island for the 2nd Annual Dauphin Island Arts Festival this weekend. The festival is located in Cadillac Square Park....I will be in booth number 22. The Festival hours are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. If you're in the mood for a road trip to the beach or will be in the area, stop by and say Hi..!
Now....on to the new pieces....! I have got some great pieces of sea glass in stock now and I am finally getting a chance to play with them...this set is the first in what I hope to be a great summer line. I love the royal blue color. I'm not sure I want to list this set....it is too yummy...! Oh..all right....if you insist....if for some this set makes it past the Dauphin Island show...you will find it in my Artfire Studio next week. I may even have other great colors for you to choose from...! I'd love to hear your comments on these pieces...!

Time for Spring Cleaning

2009-04-18T14:39:00.006-05:00

Spring Cleaning has begun with Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild. I have added a category with some really awesome deals. Unbelievable mark-downs on beautiful earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Check it out now.

I have a special deal for my blog readers...if you mention you follow my blog in the notes to seller, I will refund your shipping fee...! How's that for an even better deal..?

Don't forget...there is also a Treasure Hunt going on...details provided in my last blog entry. It will be going on for 2 weeks...find your clues and turn in your results. It's always fun to win free stuff...! Take advantage of these great deals while you can....! You can find them in the Spring Cleaning Category of my Artfire Studio.

Spring Cleaning Treasure Hunt Promotion..!!!

2009-04-10T14:27:00.006-05:00

My Artfire Guild is holding a Spring Cleaning Treasure Hunt...!! It starts April 17th. We are all holding specials and sales of our very talented artists.

Here is the info about our special "Treasure Hunt":

1.Visit our studios and check out the "Spring Cleaning" Section.

2.Find the item with the special "treasure phrase" in the last sentence of it's decription.

3.There are 2 phrases--"This is a piece of jewelry to treasure for a lifetime" or
"This can be used to create a piece of jewelry to treasure for a lifetime."

4. Find 10 studios with the hidden phrases and you will be entered in a drawing for a pair of lovely handcrafted earrings.

Find 15 studios with the hidden phrases and you will be entered in a drawing for a beautiful handcrafted bracelet.

Find 20 studios with the hidden phrases and you will be entered in a drawing for a fabulous handcrafted necklace.

5. There will be 3 winners in each category.

6. Contact Beadlady5 with the names of the studios, your name, and your email address. Beadlady5 can be contacted by clicking on the guild's avatar at the top right of this page.

Good luck! You never know!

Check out the Guild Blog for pics of the wonderful prizes you could win...!!
Remember April 17th is when you can start looking for the Treasure Hunt Phrase...!!

Belly Dancers and Tendonitis

2009-03-28T12:04:00.002-05:00

Just a short post today...I was struck last week with a case of tendonitis in my wrist. It's amazing how much we use our wrists without even realizing it. The combination a dealing craps at the casino, making jewelry all day and using the computer mouse was just too much I guess. Hopefully, I'll be back to normal in a few more days..if I'm a good girl and don't use it too much.

On a happier note, I will be participating in MS Gulf Coast Bellydance Festival next weekend at the Mary C. O' Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs. There will be classes offered all day long ending in a performance at 7 PM. The classes are being offered by the Priestess Dancers of MS. Come down for a visit, take a class, enjoy the performance, or maybe learn about this ancient form of tribal dancing.

Experiments in Pearl Dyeing

2009-03-24T09:44:00.003-05:00

I have been playing with dye the last couple of days. One of my groups posted a link to a video about using RIT dye to color glass pearls. I just knew I wanted to try it. They have a custom color chart that is too dye for ( get it? to dye for.. sorry, couldn't resist).

I made really luscious colors of coral, marine blue, aqua blue ( got darker than I wanted) and caramel. I love how the chocolate brown pearls turned out...!

In my first experiments I cut the glass pearls off the plastic string they come on and used cheese cloth to dip them, then I got smart and left them on the string and used a bead stopper to keep the pearls I didn't want to dye away. That was a much better technique.

I did try to dye a couple of cheap freshwater pearls I had laying around....and strangely enough, they didn't dye, I don't what kind of dye is used on freshwater pearls. Not that I think Pearl farmers use RIT dye. Fire Mountain Gems also has a tutorial for dyeing freshwater pearls. I am guessing I just didn't leave them long enough.

If you'd like to try to make custom colors for your jewelry, this is something you should try. I ended up dipping my pearls for about a minute to get some intense colors, but you can play and get the depth that you would like. I can't wait to get some more glass pearls to play with. Check out the video link and see for yourself how easy it can be...!

Over taken by Naked Sandals

2009-03-21T07:58:00.006-05:00

I have been making Naked Sandals like a crazy woman this week. The demand for them has been unexpected..! They have gone over very well at Sea About It in Ocean Springs and I've had to replace stock there. I still don't have enough to send to WestSide Studio in Hattiesburg yet...Yikes..! I will be adding more to my Artfire Studio later today. Until then...here are a few more Naked Sandals to whet your appetite....

Naked Sandals are here...!!

2009-03-13T12:36:00.004-05:00

Thanks to some creative Ladies in my UWIB group...I have a name for my new line...! I offered up a pair of Naked Sandals to the winner of the name contest. Aimee mentioned "nude sandals" and I grabbed it from there. So, congratulaions to Aimee for helping with the name and a big shout out to all creative ladies at UWIB who participated in the naming contest. Look for more colors of Naked Sandals in my shops in the next few days...!!

New Product Line Release..Here it is...!

2009-03-13T05:37:00.004-05:00

Although they remain nameless at this point in time....I am releasing these photos of my new summer line. I am too excited about these to keep them under wraps any longer..!
These are perfect for a day at the beach or by the pool side. Anytime you are barefoot...you can give your feet some bling...!
Getting married on the beach..?? These sandals are perfect for the occasion..!! They can even be worn with your sandals to give them an extra sparkle.
There are 3 sizes and they are all adjustable in size. I can also make them custom for your special occasion. There will be lots of color choices available. If you don't see the color you need, just ask, I'd be happy to make especially for you.
I will have them available for sale in my Etsy and Artfire shops this weekend.

Susie Sells Seashells

2009-03-07T07:38:00.003-06:00

I am very into shells right now. I think it is in anticipation of summer. I am ready, really, I am. We've had a colder than usual winter here in Biloxi. I realize that you may be reading this from way up north where you have 3 feet of snow, and I really shouldn't complain.
These are the perfect choice for summer though. I love these earwires. I made them myself from sterling silver wire, they are too cool.
These could be perfect for a day at the beach or by the pool and very easily dress up for a night out.

Not to tease..but I'll be adding a very new item very soon. Another perfect addition for summer for a different body part. I am very excited about this new project. I am hoping to have enough inventory for a release next week sometime.
So check back here, I will show it here before I list it in my shops. I love new ideas...!!!

Now..I'm ready for Summer...!

2009-03-02T14:59:00.004-06:00

I know it happened fast....but after this latest cold snap we are in...I am officially ready for some heat...! Give me summer please...!!! I want the sun on my face, the sand between my toes and my pina colada in my hand...! I am ready for my tan....I know, I know...tans are bad for you...I just want to feel some heat all the way into my bones....!

In honor of my desire for Summer....I have been working on some designs perfect for hot Summer days and steaming Summer nights...!

I have added the following to my Etsy shop....Hot Pink shells and pearls. Introducing Elements of Summer....

I have listed the Coconut colored Shell bracelet in my Artfire Studio.

If you are waiting impatiently for summer, like me...you can get a jump start on that warm weather feeling. Hot pink or a more subtle coconut brown..which one are you...?

Sticks and Stones

2009-02-28T08:51:00.004-06:00

Sticks and stones may break my bones...but pearls will never, ever hurt me...
This necklace reminds of something Wilma Flintstone mightwear on a night out with Fred...lol. I love stick pearls...! The silver "spikes" are ceramic beads made in Greece, they are glazed with a metallic silver glaze and of course...you must recognize my Kazuri beads....eggshell cream and sea green. It is a definite eye catcher..but not overwhelming. It is newly listed in my Artfire Studio.

I also have a new category at Artfire called Artfire Stimulus package. Artfire Artisans got together and started listing at prices that anyone can afford to "stimulate" the economy. A lot of items in the $5-10 range. Search "stimulus package" or "AFSP" for some great deals...!

Artfire has implemented a "rapid checkout" system...which means, you don't have to have an account with Artifre in order to shop there...! If you don't want to be a registered user..you don't have to be...isn't that great...?

In Honor of Spring....

2009-02-23T11:51:00.008-06:00

I am sitting here....typing with freezing fingertips...dreaming of sunshine and my garden...digging my fingers into the warm soil and planting new seeds. Instead, I just turned my space heater on to take the chill off my studio.
In honor of Spring...I listed this Spring Lampwork Bracelet in my Artfire Studio. The Lampwork beads were created by talented Artist Lea of LAJewelryDesign. The photographer ( me) does not do them justice. I interspersed ceramic Kazuri Beads in peacock and rose, brushed sterling silver beads and satin Rose Swarovskis. The finishing touch is the lead-free pewter Dragonfly toggle. It is the perfect Spring Bracelet and is a OOAK. It is available for purchase in my Artfire Studio. Ok...time to go turn the heat up...! Brrrrr...!!

I won a Lemonade Award!!!!

2009-02-14T15:15:00.005-06:00

My wonderful friend Terry nominated me for a Lemonade Award!! She probably thought I forgot about this, but I wanted to finish my series on those who helped out my friend Chris for his fundraiser..you will find a few of those wonderful ladies below.
I hope Terry doesn't mind I stole her version of the rules from her blog.... the rules are quite simple.
1.Put the logo on your blog or post
2.Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3.Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4.Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5.Nominate your favorites and link to your post.
This wonderful honor is now given to the following bloggers: Moe, Moon, Erin, Jodie. Pinka, Libertydoll, Maureen, Leilani, Michelle and last but not least...Christina .
All these talented ladies have inspired me in one way or another. I enjoy following their blogs and seeing what they are up to. They are all very talented and are a source of motivation and inspiration. Take a look at their blogs and you'll see what I mean....

Last, but not least....Linda's Stained Glass

2009-02-08T11:19:00.004-06:00

You must ignore the bad photography on this photo. I do better with photographing jewelry than glass..yikes, Linda, forgive me. I was in a rush to drop off the donations and didn't have time to get a better shot.

You can see the beautiful etched rose in the middle surrounded by the beveled mauve glass. This piece is about 11 by 14 inches in size and comes with a chain for easy hanging.

I have known Linda for a few years now. As a matter of fact, she is my booth mate at some of our local shows. We were "hooked up" through Ann and our other friend Karen. We got along immediately when we realized we were both NASCAR fans..lol. Anyway, Linda is a great booth mate. We have a lot of fun doing shows together. It's great to have someone to share the day and the sales with. I miss her when she doesn't do a show with me.

Linda is a very talented stained glass artist. She does a lot of custom pieces as well as windows.

This piece will be available on February 11th at Mississippi National Golf Course during a silent auction. All proceed from the auction will go my friend Chris and his recovery from brain cancer. If you are interested in a custom piece or want to see more of Linda's work, please contact me.

I want to thank everyone again for donating for the silent auction. I really appreciate your generosity and your friendship.

Moe's Art of Hawaii

2009-02-07T14:53:00.002-06:00

These beautiful pieces traveled the Pacific Ocean to me from Hawaii. They are but a few of the pieces Moe was gracious enough to send for the silent auction next week. She generously sent me about 40 pieces of her artwork. Moe is a very talented polymer clay artist, as you can see from these photos. I had a very hard time choosing which pieces to post...!
I met Moe on Polymer Clay Central a couple of years ago. I was fairly new to the polymer clay world and anxious to learn more. I remember her as being very warm and welcoming and always with a sense of humor. If you ever need to lift your spirits...take a look at her blog to put a smile on your face and a laugh in your heart. Moe is one of those rare beauties both inside and out, she is generous in heart, will kick your butt into action if she feels you need it, will make you laugh and is always there with a smile and a hug. I am very honored to be considered one of her friend.s

If you'd like to see more of Moe's beautiful work you can check out her Etsy shop . Be sure and stop by her blog...you won't be sorry. These pieces (well...maybe not the green pendant) will be available for purchase at the Mississippi National Golf Course on February 11th. All proceeds will go to my friend Chris and his recovery from brain cancer.

Ann Werther Designs

2009-02-06T09:37:00.003-06:00

Ann was one of the first ladies I became friends with after I started my business. We were both displaying at a local Spring show. She came over and we started chatting. She has introduced me to a lot of talented MS artists, including Maryann. We all try to get together for lunch and talk about new techniques and upcoming shows. Ann is a great lady and very talented. She has some awesome new techniques that she is working on that will knock your socks off...!

Ann donated these gorgeous Swarovski Moon Earrings for the silent auction on February 11th. They are gorgeous and reflect the light beautifully...! Remember...Mississippi National Golf Course..February 11. If you are interested in seeing more of Ann's work, you can contact her through me for the time being while I work on her to get an Artfire studio..lol.

Pixe's Treasure Chest...a Day late...

2009-02-05T13:34:00.004-06:00

I met Michele through my Starving Artist Etsy team. We share ourselves and our art on the forum everyday. Michele was the first to contact me about donating for Chris. She made me pick something from her Etsy shop...it was no easy task let me tell you....! There were so many pretty things...! She handcrafted the sterling ear wires and added red jasper to the cute little hearts. Michele says that red jasper reflects negative energy. Keeps your positve energy in and keeps the negative out.

These and many other pretties will be available on February 11th at Mississippi National Golf Course, all proceeds going towards Chis' recovery. Please stop by Michele's shop and check it out...!

Heavenly Flower Designs

2009-02-03T10:48:00.008-06:00

People's generosity continues to amaze me. I "met" the lovely Leilani through my Starving Artsts Etsy Group a few months ago. When I mentioned Chris and the silent auction to my group, she jumped on board right away. Leilani lives in Montreal, Canada. She made this bracelet especially for the cause.

The bracelet contains 5 sterling silver charms bearing the words: trust, inspire courage, laugh and live. The faceted silver grey fiber-optic beadsare beautiful and full of light and are the color associated with brain cancer awareness. Sterling silver beads and a sterling silver safety chain finish the piece. You can see this bracelet was made with love.

This piece will be available for purchase on February 11th at the Mississippi National Golf Course through a silent auction. If you want to see more of Leilani's work you can visit her Etsy store HeavenlyFlower.

Serena's Jewels

2009-02-02T11:53:00.010-06:00

These 2 stunners were donated by Lisa C, the owner of Serena's Jewels on Dauphin Island, AL. I met Lisa through one of my online yahoo groups. We got to meet last year when she came over for an Art Show in October. We have become fast friends. Not only is she a talented designer, she is a wonderful and fun person. I love hanging out with her. We took a shopping trip before Christmas to Bay St. Louis and perused some antique shops there. She taught me about vintage jewelry, which she has been collecting for about 20 years.

The necklace is made with copper colored freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and a gorgeous milk glass focal. I love the combination of colors. These colors are hot, hot, hot...!!

The bracelet is a mixture of sterling silver, lampwork glass lentils and Swarovski crystals. It has a cute little pewter mermaid toggle clasp.

Both these pieces will be put up for auction on February 11th at the Mississippi National Golf Course. All proceeds will go Chris Murphy and his recovery.

Thanks for all....!

2009-02-01T12:49:00.007-06:00

I am starting a series featuring all the wonderful people who donated some of their gorgeous work for the silent auction. I am going to do a feature a day for the next week or so. Please check them out and give them some love. All these people have very generous hearts and creative souls and I appreciate all their help with the donations.

First up is Maryann Oberhofer. I have known Maryann for about a year and half now. She is a very talented silversmith and jewelry designer. She does things with silver I can only imagine. She lives here in Biloxi and does the craft show circuit. She hopes to have a online presence very soon. She donated this beautiful necklace and earring set. She handmade the large silver links in this piece. Isn't it beautiful...? She alternated her links with a natural green stone. If you just have to have this set, it will be available for sale on February 11th at Mississippi National Golf Course. All proceeds from this sale will go directly to support Chris Murphy. If you can't be there and are interested in Maryann and her work, I can provide you with her contact information.

Silent Auction Seahorse

2009-01-22T12:22:00.004-06:00

This is the necklace I am donating to my friend's silent auction next month.. I wrote about him in a blog last week. The seahorse is a glass focal made by my friend Jill. It has swirls of blue and green glass. The detail Jill puts into her work is amazing. I interspersed swarovski crystals and Angelica rondelle crystals along the beading wire. I wanted to complement Jill's glass and not detract from it's beauty. What do you think...? Have I accomplished that goal..?

I am hoping it will command a high price at the auction as all money's collect go to Chris and his hospital bills.

Blue Horse Equine Rescue

2009-01-17T08:50:00.004-06:00

Those of you who know anything about me, know how I love animals. I "click" on the Animal Rescue site everyday to feed the animals. We have 3 of our own babies, I'd have a lot more..if I was allowed and we had the room. Anyway, I know times are tough for everyone out there and this help won't cost you a thing. A lady from one of my yahoo groups posted a message yesterday and requested help with a vote for a contest to help keep a Rescue open.

This is was her message...

"Rabiah our Director/ caretaker/feeder/everything to the animals has broken her foot and has had to hire help.I've been with Biah from day one through the joys and sorrows. The horses give back so much more, we have programs for kids, the physically and mentally challenged children and adults. Biah needs help now, she's devoted her life to this cause. Blue Horse runs solely on donations and volunteer labor. Well donations have fallen with the economy and volunteers are scarce at best. We have entered a contest and are asking all our friends to please vote for us. it only takes a minute of your time. The rewards are so great. As you can see this cause is near and dear to my heart these horses have helped me personally in so many ways I can't begin to tell you it would take a book.

I thank you so much for myself , for Biah and all our babies."
Tammy

It will only take a moment of your time to vote for the Blue Horse Rescue..how can you not...??
http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/76800/?refer=11248.07.1232203733.2418

Thank you..!

Ceramic Look Polymer Clay Pieces

2009-01-14T10:59:00.004-06:00

I have been playing with a new technique that I read about in Polymer Clay Cafe mag last week. The talented artist Sharon Solly shows you how to make polymer clay pendants look like ceramic clay pendants. I have been trying to find a way to do this for awhile. She has hit it on the head...!

These are a couple of my experiments. They are very light-weight and durable. Each pendant is painted with liquid polymer clay that is tinted with oil paints and cured. Each color has to be cured before another color is added. Each pendant takes some time to finish, but it is well worth the effect. I see myself using this technique a lot. I see dolphins, seahorse and starfish pendants in my own unique colors...! Oh, how I wish I had more time in the day...this is really the fun part of jewelry making for me...! If you want to check out more of Sharon's work you can check out her photos here. I have some of my pendants for sale at my Artfire studio.

For my Friend Chris....

2009-01-10T14:23:00.006-06:00

I have a favor to ask.....I have a friend who just had his second surgery for brain cancer this past week. We worked together for 4 years at the Beau Rivage casino prior to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. If you'd like to read more about Chris you can do that here. He is a great guy with 2 children and is fighting like hell to beat this. His hospital bills are staggering. His friends are rallying and have put together a Golf Tournament and various events to help see him through this. The Tournament is going to be on February 11th at the Mississippi National Golf Course. If you will be in the area and would like to participate....you can find out more information on the web site.

Since I suck at golf....I am going to be donating a couple of pieces of jewelry for the silent auction they will be having that day. If you have anything you'd like to donate to support Chris, please email me or comment here. They'd like to have all donations in by the end of the month. You can also donate through Pay Pal directly on Chris' website, doesn't matter how much...every dollar helps. If you don't golf, like me, stop by on Feb 11th to participate in the auction or for some mouth watering baked goods and bring a friend or two.

I will post a few of the items that will be up for auction if I am able to in the coming weeks.
Thanks for your support....!

Fish and Kelp Bracelet & First Sale

2009-01-08T13:01:00.003-06:00

One of my newest creations....!
Newly listed at my Artfire Studio ..!!

I also got some great news the other night...!! I got my first sale at Artfire...! Yea...!
I sold this sweet pair of starfish earrings. I am really loving this new site. They are very helpful and an awesome artist driven community.....!

I am in the Spotlight....!

2009-01-03T09:38:00.006-06:00

I recently joined this great Yahoo group called Unique Women in Business. They are a very diverse group of women all striving to promote each other as well as their businesses. I found them through a "tweet" believe it or not....! There are jewelry deisigners, bath and body suppliers, mineral makeup, purses and totes, art and so many other talented business people. If you'd like to see...check out the group blog. They are also in my Faves to the left.

I have only been with the group about 2 months now and I have learned so much about business and promotion...and met some really great ladies. I have made some sales and made some friends. The group is run by the tireless Erin, who is a very sweet person. She is also juggling home, family and her own business. It is a wonderful place to fine like-minded woman to share your business and your life with.

I got a surprise this morning. I was chosen to be the next "Spotlight Company" for the next 2 weeks. I get to offer the member of UWIB great specials at my Etsy and Artfire shops that aren't available to all.

If this sounds like a group you'd like to be a part of...check it out Here...and tell Erin I sent you....! Hope to see you at the UWIB...!

Christmas Morning

2008-12-28T08:27:00.010-06:00

The day before Christmas and all through the house....not a creature was scurrying..especially close to the fireplace...Eli won't let anyone near...she smells treats and squeaky goodies..all for her ( she thinks).

Kona the veteran of present opening...wasn't shy about tearing into his presents...and Elvi is a quick learner....she took her cues early and learned from her Big Brother Kona and is an expert now as well.

Last, but not least is Max, the baby, who once he gets his present, snack or toy, retreats to the couch to enjoy his conquest.

I know this post is a bit late, but I had a couple of weeks of "non-posting", so I have a lot to make up for....

Grand Opening Success...!

2008-12-17T10:35:00.016-06:00

The Grand Opening of Sea About it was a undeniable success last Friday...! It was a beautiful day for Becky to cut the Ribbon and show off her new shop. She had the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce present with lots of friends and family and other Ocean Springs Businesses including Tori from Art & Soul and Lisa from Forever Green across the Street. I have a reason to stop by and Hi now..! Mark King also made an surprise visit to lend his support. I didn't know they were childhood friends...The stories that were told...Becky, I will never think of Madonna in the same way again...lol.

We had great wine and some awesome Wisconsin Cheese and a lot of fun. (Becky wants to have another Re-Grand Opening next week..lol) She was nice enough to let me have the great center display table made by her husband for my jewelry. It was the perfect place for my displays and they fit right into the decor. Psst...and if you want to see my Crabby necklace from the previous post...you'll have to go down and see Becky..she has that and many more of my pieces there at Sea About It.

Congratulations to Beth B from Mobile, AL for being the lucky winner of the Drawing we hosted. Her gift is on it's way to her now. Thank you to everyone for participating..!

Feeling Crabby this Holiday Season...???

2008-12-01T12:16:00.012-06:00

I love the Holidays, but I am not a big fan of Holiday shopping, especially at big outlet stores...and especially on Black Friday. You will find me in the studio, baking Christmas Cookies or Decorating for the season. The last place you will find me is in shopping mall or a store fighting others for parking spaces, gifts and great bargains. That for me, is not the way to bring in the season. I am trying my darnest this year to buy Handmade for my family and friends. A great place to start is Etsy.

Which brings me to the Crab set I created on Friday.....I know most people don't come home from shopping on Black Friday with a "warm & fuzzy"....I figures "crabby" was the word of the day...hence this beautiful Boro Glass Crab designed by my friend Jill. I love the yummy warm colors Jill combined....another plus on the cold, blustery day it was put together. It's a beautiful set...don'tcha think...?

I am running great Cyber Monday sales at my Etsy shop....www.calysjewelrycreation.etsy.com
Free shipping through today
10% off any order over $25
15% off any order over $50
25% off any order over $100

Hope to see you there....!

2008-11-20T13:03:00.003-06:00

Join us Friday, December 12th from 4-7 PM to celebrate the Grand Opening of Ocean Springs finest new treasure!!

Shop for unique gifts including coastal decor, wine accessories, wall and free-standing art and jewelry.

Meet with local jewelry artist Dawn Cook owner of Caly's Jewelry Creations who will be there for an informal trunk show of her latest work inspired by the her love of the ocean.

Bring a friend and have a glass of wine and some appetizers... Sign up for a chance to win some cool door prizes!
Come Help us Celebrate..!!

Something new....Baroque Pendant Set

2008-11-17T14:32:00.007-06:00

I recently purchased these Swarovski Baroque pendants. They aren't really my style...but I was drawn to them.
It didn't take me long to figure out what I wanted to use to compliment the pendants. They look a little vintage and a lot classy. I used sand satin and bronze copper freshwater pearls as well as topaz satin Swarovskis. I can definitely see them on a very lucky lady at a Holiday cocktail party...can't you..?

I will be posting them in my etsy shop soon...let me know what you think...!

New Festival added to Schedule and technique

2008-11-13T10:53:00.006-06:00

Yea!! I'm been accepted to the Biloxi Art Association's Fall Festival of Arts the weekend of November 22-23rd. It will be located at the Edgewater Mall during regular mall hours. We had a very successful show there during June and I'm sure this one will be just as fun!

Tomorrow I am going to learn how to cast sterling silver pieces. My friend Horace ( see the filigree dragonfly below as well as the silver seahorse) wants to teach me how to make wax molds and cast them into sterling silver..! What fun...! Horace himself has over 5000 molds that he's made, but the fun part will be creating my own sterling silver pieces...pieces that no one else will have and they will be entirely my own...and then of course passing them along to my wonderful customers. I will post pictures of the process this weekend...!

I must say my whale tail necklace was the most popular this past weekend. Some folks saw it as a mermaid's tale, which is fine. Once again, it is my talented friend Jill's Glass work.

I can Breathe....deep breath...aahhhh!!

2008-11-11T08:39:00.004-06:00

I think I have just lived through the busiest 3 weeks of my life. The Peter Anderson Festival was a huge success. The weather was perfect and folks were out enjoying it. 2 of my Dragonfly necklaces were sold that weekend...Jill's glass necklace and the Silver filigree dragonfly with Kazuris. I still have the Hill Tribe piece made with pearls and kyanite...but the bracelet and earrings are gone, so I'll have to replace those.

I also picked up a new store. It was serendipity.....it was RIGHT across from my booth. It's a new shop called "Sea About It" that just opened up a month ago. Becky is the owner and she specializes in all things of the sea. She has beautiful shell and nautical pieces...clocks, candles and gifts and now she has some really cool ocean inspired jewelry to tempt you. If you're in the area, stop down and say Hi..! to Becky. (Psst...the Silver Seahorse below now resides at its new home in Becky's store.) The address for Sea About it is 1211 Government St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

The Peter Anderson was followed directly by the Christmas City USA show this past weekend. My inventory was much lacking by the end of the Anderson show, so I was busy-busy making new and fun pieces to show.....of which I don't have any photos of yet. I will post photos later today.

Peter Anderson Festival Panic

2008-10-26T09:22:00.004-05:00

Ok...I'm starting to panic a bit. The Peter Anderson Festival is one week away. I know I have enough inventory, but do I have enough of what people will want...? That's the big question. I have been on a "creating" frenzy the past couple of days.

I really love mixing Horace's silver with the Kazuri beads. I love the colors in the Seahorse necklace, Ocean colored freshwater pearls and the mix of colors in the Kazuri's remind me of the deepest blue sea...where seahorse's reside.

The Fan Shell is another Horace Creation mixed with freshwater Pearls and one of my favorite colors of Swarovski's...Indicolite...and of course Kazuri's and ceramic Mykonos beads made in Greece...what a world-wide combination..!

Fall in the Air

2008-10-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

This set is something a little different than what I normally do. This set is all Fall. The spacers reminded me of the color of tree bark and the czech beads are the colors of leaves and the darker muted sky colors that mean Fall is in the air.
Now that I'm living in the South, Fall is the season I miss the most. I miss the crackle of the leaves beneath my feet on a walk through the forest, the smell of the fresh air ( I know it sounds corny, but it does smell I tell you...clean and fresh and cool to your senses), the drop in temperature as the sun dips below the horizon and the sweet smell of logs on a fire...all remind me of a Wisconsin Fall.
We do get some of the bits and pieces of Autumn, but for us, they come about in December....just a few months later and don't last nearly as long.
Here's to home...!!!

Dragonfly Obsession

2008-10-11T11:03:00.004-05:00

Ok, I must admit I have a new obsession that has nothing to do with the ocean or the beach....shhh...it's Dragonflies. I don't think you will find any dragonflies there. I've had this Hill Tribe pendant for awhile now, waiting for inspiration to strike. Well....you can see, my muse struck yesterday and this is the result. I mixed Kyanite gemstones ( the green/blue stones in oval and rounds) with stick pearls and erinite colored Swarovski's (one of my fav colors). The 3rd photo is the bracelet to go with it. I love the cute little sterling dragonfly charm. They should be available in my Etsy shop later today.

Here are some more dragonflies for your viewing pleasure.... The Glass Dragonfly was created by my very talented glass artist friend Jill. The second sterling silver filigree dragonfly was hand cast by Horace, another talented friend of mine...it's so great to have talented friends...makes my work designing easy!

2008-10-10T07:15:00.012-05:00

As promised....the Fleur de lis earrings....!! I'm going to post these in my Etsy shop today.
First up...

Capiz Shell Fleur de lis

These are my 'ode to the New Orleans Saints' earrings. The Capiz shells make a really cool "clinking" noise when they move, very soothing. The Fleur de lis is surrounded by a 2 in silver tone circle.

And Second....

Sterling Silver Hand Cast Fleur de lis'

They are my favorite charms. They are hand cast in sterling silver by my friend Horace. I will go into the entire process in a future post. Let's suffice it to say right now, it's an awesome thing to watch. Horace has over 5000 molds he uses to create pendants, charms and rings. They aren't your typical fleur de lis which is what I love about them and probably why they are a great find. I thought the shape of the earring post worked really well with this earring. It's the last pair I have left with this particular post.

George Ohr Festival

2008-10-06T16:39:00.011-05:00

The 15th Annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts was a beautiful weekend to be out and about ...! Autumn was in the air and better yet....the lovebugs weren't...! We got no breeze on Saturday and an over-abundance of it on Sunday...we're talking over 15mph gusts the people were out and enjoying the great bands and artisan arts and crafts including jewelry, pottery and paintings.

I got to meet an online friend, fellow jewelry designer Lisa C of Serena's Jewels. She lives in Alabama on Dauphin Island, talk about paradise..! Lisa loves mermaids and she reflects that and her love of the Sea in her jewelry....no wonder we get along so well. It was so great to put a face with s name, and she is just as nice in person as she is on the keyboard.

My Fleur de lis earrings flew off the racks this weekend....figuratively and actually. ( I'll post those photos tomorrow) as well as try to get some more made for my next show which is scheduled to be the Fall around Downtown Gulfport on October 18th.

This photo was taken Saturday after the show, we had a wonderful dinner at our local hangout Shady's. They have just added an oyster bar and outdoor patio complete with fire place. Water pours from beer taps behind us, very cool. A drink and dinner was just what we needed to relax after a fun filled day showing our jewelry at the Festival.

3 Dogs Beggin

2008-09-28T09:31:00.005-05:00

Ok...so I have to give a plug to another endeavor or ours. 3 Dogs Beggin started about a year ago, shortly after the big pet food recall. Oprah...yes, Oprah had an episode about dogs and feeding them the raw diet. I pulled a couple of recipes from the internet and took them to Neil..significant other of 8 years, resident chef in the house and all around great guy. He scoffed...if it has anything to do with Oprah...scoff is immediate gut reaction. I tried to tell him about the benefits of making our own dog food and the cost effectiveness..all fell on deaf ears. Then, I find out the next day, he's been doing some research of his own, not when I was around...he wouldn't do that in front of me...I'm sure it was to prove the wrongness of Oprah. Much to my surprise, he agreed and decided to start making our own food. We use a really good dry, no binders and fillers and he makes a wet concoction of vegtables, brown rice and cooked ground beef. The dogs love it...!
I must add that 2 of our dogs will eat anything we put in front of them and have even been known to eat frozen blueberries..the other...not so much. We had a hard time getting him to eat what we put down for his "meal". Now....no problems...he must know that he's getting the "good stuff"
I guess this is getting a bit long, but making our own dog food naturally progressed into making their treats as well. The great thing is...we know exactly what is going into them...and it's all natural, with no preservatives and we don't have to worry about and additives that "accidently" got into what they eat.
And it was natural for me to start to sell them at my shows. The response was surprising....! Now, I sell them fulltime at the shows and even one of the galleries I work with carries them. I created a 3 Dogs Beggin Etsy shop to spread the news. How can we not do our best for our fur friends...?

My Friend Moe

2008-09-25T09:51:00.006-05:00

I'm just getting a hang of this blogging thing, but when I need inspiration or just a great chuckle...I look to my friend Moe in Hawaii. She always brings a smile to my face and a laugh to my heart...she's a natural blogger with an awesome sense of humor. I met her at Polymer Clay Central which is a great community of folks all dedicated to the pursuit of polymer clay and everything that goes with it. She's helped me with PC technical problems, sent me altoid tins to cover and helped promote my second business, 3 Dogs Beggin . She is a wonderful person with a huge heart...one that I'm surprised fits on the island she lives on. ( Hugs Moe!) Not to take away from all the other wonderful souls at PCC...they are all super...! If you interested in polymer clay and what you can do with it, please stop in to PCC, I promise you won't be disappointed... Or if you need a lift to your day....visit Moe at her blog or stop in to her Etsy shop to see all her beautiful PC goodies...

The day of the LoveBugs

2008-09-22T05:28:00.009-05:00

I had an Arts & Crafts show this past weekend in beautiful Diamondhead, MS. We'd had such awesome Fall weather in the days prior...I was hopeful our weekend would be just as nice. Well...you name it....it happened weather wise this weekend...hot n sticky, rain showers, humid, torrential rain (luckily, overnight) caused a river to run through our booth, sunny, breezy...I think we covered them all...if it had snowed, I'm not sure I would have batted an eye...the one constant in our weekend was the presence of the lovebugs.

Those of you who live on the Gulf Coast are familiar with these bugs, I'm sure. They appear twice a year Spring/Fall to cover our windshields and just generally annoy. The fly around procreating on any available surface, no care to where....AND they love the color white ( canopy color). YEA...!! Needless to say...we were picking love bugs off jewelry and stained glass all weekend.

The photo above was the star of the show, the Tropical Splash bracelet by far received the most complements and most attention, but alas, was not sold. The Lampwork beads were created LAJewelryDesigns artist Lea. They are phenomenal..! They look like bits of the sea...! I went with her theme and added sterling silver Hill tribe fish and a Sterling starfish, pale green amazonite, sunstone and cariibbean blue opal Swarovskis to complete the piece. What do you think..?

My friend Karen stopped by on Sunday to see all the fine Arts&Crafts available. Karen is an awesome artist herself. She works with fused glass, enameling and photography to mention a few. She sells her beautiful nature and landscape at Etsy. Her shop name is Tricia Kay. She does prints as well as notecards. Stop by her shop...you'll like what you see..!

Here are some photos from this weekends show. Enjoy!

How time Flies...

2008-09-15T10:34:00.004-05:00

Ok, so this is the first time I have logged on in about 2 years....gulp...! I got a huge creative writer's block. I've been told by everyone blogging is it....!! Everybody blogs....! It's easy...! BaM....creative block....who's going to care what little o' me has to say...? Well, I guess we're going to find out....!

I've been hard at work creating new pieces for the Fall/Winter Season as well as continuing to get my website at Caly's Jewelry Creations up to date and listing at my Etsy Shop.
I have updated my Fall Schedule and it's a busy one.

This bracelet was inspired by the scrumptious lampwork beads from DorsetHill Beads. She created these beads and called them Aqua Marine...well those that know me, know the name was about all I needed to inspire a purchase....! I paired them with sterling silver seahorses and shells from Hill Tribe Silver and sterling silver Starfish and Swarovski crystal. I think it turned out beautifully...! She loved my bracelet so much she posted on her blog.

See you in 2 years....just kidding...! I'll try to be a little more faithful....! Thanks for waiting...!