PLEASE Mr. Groundhog, let the SPRING weather you PROMISED us, come SOON!

Spring time in Minnesota can not come soon enough. We've had a record year for snow and the weather has been frigid!
Before I forget, I am trying some new things starting in March. First, I will feature one item each month that will range from 10%-50% off retail price and will advertise this via email, my etsy website and my blog.
Second, I'm trying out some new designs....coming soon! Read more below about my process!!

Needless to say, this winter has given me time to think long and hard about my individual talent as a jewelry designer. The beading population has flourished in the last 10 years, leaving artists to really hone in on their designs. I have to agree, an artist must create works of art that stand out from the crowd!!

As I sit and create what I call a unique master piece, the thought crosses my mind, "is this something that I would wear everyday?" Is it unique compared to other jewelry artists? How can I say, this is "my design and only mine"?
Do I go back to school and take an art history class? Take more classes on design and/or beading? Study other artists talent? I've done a lot of prospecting, sitting hours on the computer looking at jewelry design, trying to decide (in my mind) if what I have sketched on paper is like no one else's work.
I've decided to try and create jewelry based on furniture, home decor and building design. My first attempt was based on a candlestick I saw in a magazine.



I called it "Picasoman", because I thought it was modern like what I see Picaso drawing/painting.

















My next attempt was based on the movie Sex in the City and New York. It has form and modernism art work galore!



I have a 3rd piece coming (pictures need to be published). I didn't base this necklace on anything, but trying to be different from other pieces I've done. I get plenty of compliments when I wear it, but am not sure if it's sleek enough for my taste or what I'm yearning for.


Oh well, it's always back to the drawing board for me as I hope/pray my modern creativity comes forth in my jewelry pieces. You'll see more last of winter designs and some pretty spring colors coming soon!

DID YOU KNOW?

Do you know which semi-precious/gemstones are porous and should NOT be cleaned with jewelry cleaners or soap?
Although gemstones are among the most durable of substances, they need some care. You've paid a good amount of money for some of your gemstone jewelry, so keep them clean! Think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner, when in doubt, leave it out. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and other single-crystal gems can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films and add extra sparkle.
Opaque gemstones like Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Kunzite, Peridot, Tanzanite, Malachite and some Topaz require special care.


Never use an ultrasonic cleaner and never use ammonia or any chemical solution. These gem materials should just be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, and they may build up inside the stone and discolor it.
Opals also require special care. Never use an ultrasonic, never use ammonia, and avoid heat and strong light which can dry out the water in opals.
Organic gems like Pearls, Coral, and Amber should only be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Due to their organic nature, these gems are both soft and porous.




Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular.

Storage is also important, keep each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box.

Remember, treat your gemstone jewelry as if you paid millions and they will last a lifetime!

Holiday Shopping, Events, and News!

It's beginning to look a lot like..... Turkey time, you thought I was going to say Christmas! Can you believe it's just around the corner AND Christmas is only a whopping 51 days away.
I've already started my Christmas shopping, I don't wait until the last minute for this time of year. While the kids are at school and my husband is working out of town, I find time to work my crafts!

I've designed some new Autumn pieces, which some are posted on my Etsy sight and am creating more for the winter season.





Look for the EtsyMom Black Friday Sale, Nov 26-29. More details to come, but there will be plenty of items available from all over the country.
Also, there will be an additional blog hop giveaway called: Holly Day Blog Hop Thread Dec 4-11. You can visit blogs from participating crafters and sign up for fabulous prizes and to get fabulous holiday inspirations/ideas (recipes, crafts, etc....) All you have to do is leave a comment, to be entered in the drawing for a prize. There will be chances for additional entries as well. Stop back to find more details as the time approaches!

It's going to be exciting!

TRUNK SHOW and MORE........

Where did the summer go, it's September already and the kids are going back to school and the weather will eventually start to turn cool! Here in Minnesota we did have a nice long summer with a snowless March and warm weather by April so we can't complain to much.

I'm hosting my first Trunk Show Open House on September 9th, and yes there is still plenty of time to shop that day before the kick off, for all you die-hard Vikings Fans!
I will have plenty of new items for display as well as wine and chocolate for your taste buds.



The casual display show starts at 3:30 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.. I will be holding a "draw a ticket" type of show, where upon your purchase, you can pick a discount from the box. Discounts will range from 5% up to 50% with one wild card for 55% off! It will be exciting to see who gets the wild card.
This ticket event will also happen on-line for the entire month of September, I will have my daughters draw a discount and refund the amount to your Paypal account (or if paid by check, send $$ back to you). It's a great way to get your accessories for your Autumn/Winter wardrobe, shop for Birthdays, Anniversaries or even Christmas (since that is 114 days away from Sept. 1st), plus it's fun to see the pieces you might like, in person.
Come on over on the 9th, stop in and say HI, make a purchase or custom order a piece or two.

It was the summer of 10!

Standing on your mama's porch.....those were the best days of my life.....back in the summer of 69! Remember those words from the Bryan Adams album, it so reminds me of hot summer days/nights, and wow, are those days upon us here in Minnesota! I haven't been able to do any shows this summer, due to my hubby being out of town working, but I do have some fabulous summer specials going now and into September. Don't forget, from now through the end of July, take 25% off anything purchase over $18.

August will bring back FREE shipping with any order.


September is a "draw a ticket from the box" month. I will be hosting a Trunk Show in early September where I will have a drawing with your purchase. You draw a ticket from the box to see what % you can take off the price! Percentage will range from 5% up to 50% off your purchase. For on-line orders, I will have my daughters draw a ticket from the box (just to be fair) and will refund the amount toward your paypal account.

NEW! July! America's Birthday, Summer fun, Vacations!

Welcome to summer! It's been a wet spring here in MN, but now that July is here, the hot and humid air is upon us.
When it's to hot to be outside or it's raining, I can hide in my craft room and create. I've listed a few newbies in my recent posts and am working on more.

July's special include:

Purchase an item of $18 or more and receive 25% off your entire order!

SPRING 2010

Just some new things, I posting more everyday.

Spring Showers bring May Creations!

Spring has sprung and so has my creativity! I have been busy creating new and exciting designs for spring and summer. After going through a dry spell of the same old beads, I have purchased some new and exciting stones...some are very fascinating!
Check out just some of the newest designs for my Spring 2009 Collection.

March Madness

Wow, where did the time go! I can't believe it's been this long between posts and here I am again saying, it's been a while since my last.......
Well, a few things have changed with life. We moved back from Hawaii, what a move that was, I'm on Facebook and so is my shop's page, I'm involved with my first home show in 3 years and life is good!
Mark your calendar, March 11th is my first in-home (St. Michael, MN) trunk show as StoneyMistDesign. I'm very excited and have been preparing ever since I got word last week. Since life in Hawaii is far away from craft shows and home shows, I'm stocking up on new inventory as much as possible. New spring items should be done soon and summer pieces. I'll have my entire inventory with me and some new pieces not listed in my shop. March brings a usual dumping of fresh snow to MN, but I'm thinking spring with all the beautiful colors of freshness.
Keep an eye out for new listings after the show.


Ohhhhhh, and don't forget my deal of the month for what's left of February: get a FREE upgrade to Priority Mail with any purchase. March will bring this deal: Make a purchase of $60 or more and get one FREE ($20 or less) OR take 25% off 2nd item!

Toodles!

Holiday Season, Custom requests, New items!

Well, I've fallen a little behind on the posting and creating of new jewelry. Having to move again (while in Hawaii) has tested the stress limit. If you haven't seen any new items lately, check my webpage and sort by what you are looking for. As for some new items that are not listed yet, check out some of these. I've been creatively blending the holiday season and my creativity, hopefully some pieces can be worn yearly instead of seasonaly. My December theme of the month item is coming soon, the theme is religious and I have the perfect item in mind. Stop back to see more soon!
I love to do custom orders, if you have something in mind, or a piece I've created but want it in a different color, convo me!