tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17037447827408078062024-03-05T13:44:36.183-06:00Little Brown BirdMaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-22303331001756194472011-09-18T09:07:00.004-05:002011-09-18T09:25:19.337-05:00Trunk Show!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br />Little Brown Bird will be participating in the 2nd Annual White Oak Interiors Trunk Show.<br />You can preveiw the latest LBB jewelry at <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7B1hNamNPA/TnX7PIxPdSI/AAAAAAAABUU/zxRa0rXFgDo/s1600/IMG_9027.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7B1hNamNPA/TnX7PIxPdSI/AAAAAAAABUU/zxRa0rXFgDo/s400/IMG_9027.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br />Featuring home accessories, handbags, and hand crafted jewelry.<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4+white+oak+court+algonquin,+il&hl=en&sll=42.145842,-88.336387&sspn=0.014446,0.038409&vpsrc=0&t=m&z=15&iwloc=A">4 White Oak Court, Algonquin, IL</a><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Thurs. Sept. 29 10am-6pm</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Fri. Sept 30 10am-7pm</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Sat. Oct. 1 10am-4pm<br /><br />Hope to see you there! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-85731055229026728842011-06-07T21:09:00.005-05:002011-06-07T21:29:59.347-05:00Dear Sales Fairy...<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Dear Sales Fairy...</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;">an Etsy Treasury</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4deeb8d393858eefb2049676/dear-sales-fairy?index=3"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615668625256096066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qnvQ3vQMYs/Te7c3JCyIUI/AAAAAAAABS8/5wlRk0cqbK4/s400/Dear%2BSales%2BFairy.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#330033;">by <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">littlebrownbird</a> </span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r58nDo_wzuc/Te7ct7UXzMI/AAAAAAAABS0/cssZ0IaBq9g/s1600/Dear%2BSales%2BFairy.JPG"></a><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-66505091863483957462011-05-17T09:28:00.012-05:002011-05-17T11:42:24.569-05:00How to Survive an Art Fair<a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607713420774453810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4BHhWT3uDd9DLnHrnFbychqITGJtEK3N4KhABXi1rZUwm_SbfC-wE7omTUPq2BhnjM2cByEX7TqrB54GRAvPa4MVOVW3FqXVJ2NnoGVRX8lHnVLvEdRXPauPmkHk0umWvzd5r_ND7k8/s400/LBB+banner-new+3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A month of preparation, making new pieces to show, making a new display, getting all my ducks in a row...and then...<br /></div><br /><br /><div>This was year 3 for my participation in Fair Diddley in Woodstock, IL. A favorite event for the town and surrounding areas for 43 years, it normally draws tens of thousands of fair-goers to browse items from 400 or so of the country's best artists. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFiOMIMwZ779m6SNt1F5tH75xoDk1z9taUYTLhci2yUhY-0FuDqwBzG7mFFG0AmL9v7s2R0dT0dWLcr7hYbF78Fojt861jo2kTKxUYXiI1w8s_jL53NLeUyxInOfX6OkCeeFxqy6jYXI/s1600/IMG_6866.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607713439753004642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFiOMIMwZ779m6SNt1F5tH75xoDk1z9taUYTLhci2yUhY-0FuDqwBzG7mFFG0AmL9v7s2R0dT0dWLcr7hYbF78Fojt861jo2kTKxUYXiI1w8s_jL53NLeUyxInOfX6OkCeeFxqy6jYXI/s400/IMG_6866.JPG" /></a> <strong>Fair Diddley 2010, beautiful weather.</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">For the past two years my best friend and I have enjoyed wonderful weather at the fair. We had been blessed with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and weather in the mid 70's. It is always a long day, beginning at 5am to start setting up our booth by 7am and selling until 5pm. Lots of work, but lots of fun too. But this year, Mother Nature had other plans for us.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">It began with a light mist in the morning after raining all night. We were prepared for the weather dressed in heavy sweaters and winter coats, gloves, blankets, hot coffee, etc. And we had clear plastic tarps ready to throw over our tables at a moment's notice if it started to rain. I was a bit worried when we arrived to set up to find the booth next to us taking their tent down already to pack up and bow out of the day's event. They told us the wind was too much for them and since they needed to have their tent sides down for their display, it was not safe for them to set up and risk losing thousands of dollars in merchandise if the tent blew away. "Duh, ok" I thought. What did I know? I figured having the sides of the tent down would cut down on the wind. Apparently, as I was told, you need to keep the sides up in the wind to keep the tent from blowing up like a balloon and taking off. "Duh, ok." I've always had nice weather for outdoor events to this point so I was grateful for the advice. But I decided to give it a go anyway and set up, keeping the tent sides off and grabbing the sand bags out of the car to weigh our tent down.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Soon enough, the event planners had filled our former neighbor's booth with a vendor from one of the side streets who was caught in a wind tunnel. They asked as they set up their tent if we would like to bungee our tent to theirs. "Duh, ok." Safety in numbers I thought and they seemed to have done this before. Again, I was grateful for the advice. Four of us in a row tied our tents together and weighed down with our sandbags and cement weights. Even with that, there were some tense moments with the wind!</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Our display suffered a bit in presentation as we were forced to tape our earrings displays and table cloths to the tables. But a handy roll of clear packing tape is a must when doing a show! The tape also came in handy when setting up the tent, which had been stored all winter in the garage. Upon opening up the tent we noticed that a field mouse had chewed it's way into the heavy canvas bag and chewed a hole in the tent top where we found piles of seeds, feathers, and other provisions for waiting out a long cold winter.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1NdfsaS4uEczJlYyqkHW2e8d5mlCVCikv9UzEK-ZZUi9jHLrSbVE7dBwWJof3IqLDvWCZOL-rjJimM4nS9W-6Kfjo5ZaoVxSNBdgsj8NhgFSTCEDV2Kb-FChhnS4e56OV2c2ynsHJVc/s1600/JHS+Treasure+Hunt+Pic.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607713427921614210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1NdfsaS4uEczJlYyqkHW2e8d5mlCVCikv9UzEK-ZZUi9jHLrSbVE7dBwWJof3IqLDvWCZOL-rjJimM4nS9W-6Kfjo5ZaoVxSNBdgsj8NhgFSTCEDV2Kb-FChhnS4e56OV2c2ynsHJVc/s400/JHS+Treasure+Hunt+Pic.bmp" /></a><br /><br />"Grrrrr!!!" A roll of canvas tent repair tape would have been a good thing to have on hand but we had none. With a threat of rain, we had no choice but to tape up the hole with our handy packing tape and hope it would work-it did. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRWWT5fd6ILcX6QQsCAvH6j2_ZQopjeJXF47Cuw3erPG9XkL0VQzY-0Jhut6mtokCkE9nJAd0YHkuE9wMLY7JrKiXdfJwEaVUK3NoJZnPhAQV3WP68hP_y_npeR7KqRcVB6MNxrfCOhY/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607713452400631314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRWWT5fd6ILcX6QQsCAvH6j2_ZQopjeJXF47Cuw3erPG9XkL0VQzY-0Jhut6mtokCkE9nJAd0YHkuE9wMLY7JrKiXdfJwEaVUK3NoJZnPhAQV3WP68hP_y_npeR7KqRcVB6MNxrfCOhY/s400/IMG_8659.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>While the wind was heavy all day, our modified display held up well. We kept everything low, eliminated any tall standing displays, and anchored down what we could. I had been prepared to have any signs and price labels taped to the table before hand. I did have a brief heart attack when, as we were still setting up, a heavy gust of wind blew through our tent and several boxed earrings that hadn't yet been secured went flying down the street!!! "DOH!!!!" Thankfully, several people went scurrying after them and we were able to recover everything. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1Udb4Fy27Sdpu6tBOMU6pRX-W5vw9dmsJkbbSxTRdrCYUsiSA8H_hyphenhyphenE5xlHXpgqQbMduRMOKtNApTaDnD4AVsZcFh5_CIq7YzJR0FIFcMdWY77DJ2PZft-hn4H9CbRUGASrz-dWRKp8/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607713444195955442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1Udb4Fy27Sdpu6tBOMU6pRX-W5vw9dmsJkbbSxTRdrCYUsiSA8H_hyphenhyphenE5xlHXpgqQbMduRMOKtNApTaDnD4AVsZcFh5_CIq7YzJR0FIFcMdWY77DJ2PZft-hn4H9CbRUGASrz-dWRKp8/s400/IMG_8630.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It was a freezing cold day with a constant threat of rain, but we managed to keep our spirits up. We laughed with fair-goers about the wind, sang ("...it's a sunshine day! Everybody's smiling...") and danced all day, wrapped in blankets to keep warm. (A stash of Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade in the cooler helped a bit too!) I actually think the icy weather helped break the ice with customers who stopped in for a look. Sales were good, a testament to our prime location (directly on the Square and near the Starbucks booming with business on such a cold day) as many shoppers told us that they would not bother going down the side streets in this weather, and instead just go around the square and head home. I feel for those vendors on the side streets caught in those wind tunnels, I'm sure they had a rough go of it.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>In the end, it was a good show and quite an experience. I finally feel like a show veteran now, having finally experienced doing a show in crappy weather. And I thank all the intrepid shoppers who didn't let a little bad weather dampen their spirits. Die-hard fair-goers know that a little wind and rain doesn't mean they can't find something really special and original, made from the heart. A big thanks to all the vendors who stuck it out all day! And huge thanks to my best friend who I will truly have to bribe next time to help me with another outdoor show. I honestly couldn't do it without her help. You're the bestest, Pokeedot!...."ACHOO!" (Oh ya, and have lots of vitamin C, tissue, and cold medicine on hand as well.)</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-44319532987531527022011-03-20T14:37:00.003-05:002011-03-20T14:57:39.162-05:00All better now!<a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/item_47/Discover-Leather-and-Silver-Bracelet.htm"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586249603036678386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iu0xEXXGD_s/TYZYaq-rCPI/AAAAAAAABQg/j4YOLhVM9xk/s320/IMG_8642.JPG" /></a><br />I have recently become aware of a teeny tiny glitch on my website that was preventing anyone from outside of Illinois to purchase from <a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/">The Little Brown Bird</a>. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience! Be assured, the problem has now been fixed and once again, all items from The Little Brown Bird can be purchased by anyone on the planet!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/item_70/Daisy-Ring-Pink-Rhodochrosite-in-Sterling-Silver-Size-7.htm"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586249596710107298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl_yreixuXY/TYZYaTaTOKI/AAAAAAAABQY/mWxdp0dUCzg/s320/IMG_8726.JPG" /></a> </div><div>I hope you will stop back soon and take a browse through all the new items that I will be posting from my upcoming Spring 2011 collection. </div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/item_61/Baroque-Fine-Silver-and-Copper-Earrings.htm"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586249591332589170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNDCx8IFcKo/TYZYZ_YMznI/AAAAAAAABQQ/dJB5lJIbj-E/s320/IMG_8682.JPG" /></a><br />As always, thank you all for supporting me and my hopeless addiction to all things shiny. I'd love to know what items strike your fancy the most, please comment. And I hope you take the time to share links to your favorite items from the site with your friends, or build your own wish list. Spread the love! </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Love to all!</div><div>XOXO</div><div>Mary</div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-30169886213893196672011-03-07T08:42:00.003-06:002011-03-07T08:58:24.129-06:00Lost in TransitionThere will be no pictures with this post. <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">LOL!</span></em> You do NOT want to see my studio right now!<br /><br />For the past few weeks, I've been moving my studio and reorganizing everthing. You know, so I can work faster, find everything easier. I'm in the process of moving my studio to another space and, well, <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">I can't find anything!</span></em><br /><br />I have been organizing tools and supplies into drawers to make the space a bit cleaner. Each drawer set is designated for a specific technique or craft. Sounds like a really organized operation, doesn't it?<br /><br />However, as an artist, I believe in a different sort of "organization system". I've been so used to my stacks of very highly "organized" piles. I'm definately one of those <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">out of sight, out of mind</span></em> people.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>I will soon have the cleanest, most organized studio in which not a single thing can be found!</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></em><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">LOL!!!!!!!</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">(sound familiar to any of my artist friends?)</span></em></strong></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-4081088132572135752011-02-07T14:50:00.005-06:002011-02-07T15:31:33.722-06:00Experimenting with Metal EtchingI'm always looking for new techniques to try out, stretching my imagination, and pushing the boundaries of what I think I'm capable.<br /><br />This time I wanted to experiment with etching metal.<br /><br />There are a few techniques that can be used to etch metals such as copper, brass, or bronze.<br />For this first try, I used an etching solution. (Next time I will try a less toxic form of etching)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb-SmH-mI/AAAAAAAABOU/HR8kDPod_wE/s1600/IMG_8854-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053864759065186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb-SmH-mI/AAAAAAAABOU/HR8kDPod_wE/s320/IMG_8854-1.JPG" /></a><br />I started with a small piece of scrap copper sheet and sanded it with 600 grit sand paper.<br />Then I cleaned the copper off using an acetone solution to make sure any film, grit, or coating was removed.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb4LS9HFI/AAAAAAAABOM/j5gG_IbOirM/s1600/IMG_8855.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053759720397906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb4LS9HFI/AAAAAAAABOM/j5gG_IbOirM/s320/IMG_8855.JPG" /></a><br />Next, I needed a "resist" with which to apply my design on the metal. There are other methods that will allow me to produce my own unique designs, but for this project I used an ink stamp pad to stamp a design onto my piece of copper and let it dry for about 5 to 10 minutes. I laid the copper down on a large piece of tape, covering the back side so the etchant would not effect it, and left a long piece of tape extending so that I could retrieve the piece from the solution more easily.</div><div></div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb38YGS3I/AAAAAAAABOE/TTc-H0u0vbE/s1600/IMG_8856.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053755715439474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb38YGS3I/AAAAAAAABOE/TTc-H0u0vbE/s320/IMG_8856.JPG" /></a><br />After submerging the copper into the etchant solution, I used a small air bubbler to agitate the liquid, constantly exposing new metal to the etchant. (Keep a cover over the container to prevent splashing!)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3mn91nI/AAAAAAAABN8/2VcPrCtk_y4/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053749876414066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3mn91nI/AAAAAAAABN8/2VcPrCtk_y4/s320/IMG_8858.JPG" /></a><br /><br />As the etchant wears away at the copper piece, the areas covered with the resist will remain untouched.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3Z_sOqI/AAAAAAAABN0/vWcSw-5cTBU/s1600/IMG_8859.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053746486262434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3Z_sOqI/AAAAAAAABN0/vWcSw-5cTBU/s320/IMG_8859.JPG" /></a><br />After about 20-30 minutes, the design was etched into the metal. I used acetone to remove the remaining resist.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3LuZtWI/AAAAAAAABNs/Sg69u4ugvjQ/s1600/IMG_8860.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571053742655649122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TVBb3LuZtWI/AAAAAAAABNs/Sg69u4ugvjQ/s320/IMG_8860.JPG" /></a> After a bit of sanding, cleaning, and applying a heat patina, I think I ended up with a pretty cool test piece! I can't wait to get started on one of my original designs!</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>By <a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/">Little Brown Bird<br /><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-76659847211982253562011-01-20T15:58:00.000-06:002011-01-20T15:58:50.739-06:00New Year, New Metal<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">It's a new year so I thought I would challenge myself by working with a new metal (for me). I have been dying to try using bronze metal clay. It's a totally different texture than the silver that I'm used to, making it a bit different to work with. But so far, I'm hooked. I've done a few trial and error (mostly error) pieces so far. But with practice, I think this will be a medium I will keep using for a long time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TTiwGblJPOI/AAAAAAAABLg/biAhs-6Rilk/s1600/IMG_8786.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/TTiwGblJPOI/AAAAAAAABLg/biAhs-6Rilk/s400/IMG_8786.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is one of my first pieces. I call it <strong><em>Archeology</em></strong> for obvious reasons. This piece was probably over heated to achieve the affect, but I kind of like it. It's rustic, interesting, and it looks like it has a story that's dying to be told. One of a kind, of course.<br /><br />This piece will be listed soon in my shop <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a> on Etsy, and on my website <a href="http://thelittlebrownbird.com/">The Little Brown Bird</a>.</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-15066905326221367602010-11-24T17:12:00.000-06:002010-11-24T17:13:16.363-06:00Buy Handmade for the Holidays<div align="center">In a time when people are feeling the pinch from the economy, it's important to remember the things for which we are thankful. Family, friends, furbabies; these are the things that make our lives rich.<br /><br />Yet, it's also at this time of year that we want to show our appreciation to those loved ones. Sure, we could camp out in line for the all early bird deals at the big box stores, or spend hard earned cash on the latest video game or "Tickle Me Elmo". But do those things really mean something? Will that gift that they begged for be sitting in a closet somewhere in a month, a week, by the end of the day?<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;">"I like the idea of the handmade Christmas...shopping not just to consume, but to get gifts that are more unique and special because they're handmade. Supporting individuals rather than large companies feels much more meaningful in this economy, when everyone is having a hard time financially."~</span></em> Julia from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/juliaa">Juliaa </a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62215428/its-amazeing-topaz-teardrop-garnet"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543245417767099250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmPuq-xEqtA_4vd5nbDwTOZ7MsHq1rZBqG1jYeo8GFVjcM58t0WIncqqqFaeTPeKHxm1eGS0uiFL2GIPq1aF7lGlFbw0v3hhlxWXWajBEriXWQngH0GEYcuMboEppUQ7xV27TV7vVw2I/s320/its+amazing+pendant+by+jewelrybysolange.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62215428/its-amazeing-topaz-teardrop-garnet"><strong>ITS aMAZEing Topaz Teardrop Garnet and Tanzanite Pendant</strong></a> </p><p align="center">by <a href="http://jewelrybysolange.etsy.com/">JewelrybySolange</a></p><p align="center"><br />Let me suggest getting them something that will be treasured long after the holidays are over.<br /><br />When you invest in a gift that is carefully and skillfully handcrafted by an artisan, you are investing in something that may become a treasured heirloom. Artists take great pride in the work they create. Ask any artisan, no matter what their genre, and they will tell you that it is the love of their art, their heart and soul that is within every piece they create. </p><p align="center"></p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54462322/bali-style-lampwork-and-sterling-silver"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543248866306898978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfcq3DNpBPkhj3v657NtSKlVLn53O8YRApE9iqq4Qj70u_jMFKJ0enDOB7PNxx2llscSO271RZaWvLlu_cdvgHbMYgpMfpRiRPHSC6IvSCyFTV1dgFizfXfHgEg3YICoj1wA7mQ_Qwxs/s320/Bali+style+bracelet+by+stoutdg2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54462322/bali-style-lampwork-and-sterling-silver"><strong>Bali Style Lampwork and Sterling Silver Bracelet</strong></a> </p><p align="center">by stoutdg2<br /></p><p align="center"><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"I love the look and feel of homemade products. They just feel like more love and care has been put into them for the most part. There are so many unique things that people make. I love unique, colorful and different things."~</span> </span></em>Judy from <a href="http://jemsbyjbandcompany.etsy.com/">jemsbyjbandcompany</a><br /></p><p align="center"><br /><em><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Hands down, the handcrafted items are superior in construction, design, and spirit. And I speak about ALL types of items from paper goods to scarves, clothing, bird houses, etc., not just jewelry. The inherent care and pride cannot be purchased over the counter – unless, of course, it’s handmade!"~</span> </span></em>Pam from <a href="http://cooljewelrydesign.etsy.com/">cooljewelrydesign</a> </p><p align="center"><br /><br />Many artisans will even create custom works just for you. These are truly unique, one of a kind pieces that will hold a special place in the heart of its recipient. </p><p align="center"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543250377376252338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHr1rC8eaox-h0TCTz4JWQ5Df28p76r41CKZkekJ3RqWIlYP_-VmHc6QLW79Pr_-maSXr7SoKe1mNk30zxw7HwTQ-vbgK393CtuTMn7WK-2Pc9ccT56LcJQhKALSbit-vBIkHSwEwBQlw/s320/3+tags+custom+name+necklace+by+ovgilliesdesigns.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51254164/three-tags-custom-name-or-number"><strong>Three Tags Custom Name or Number Nephrite Jade Silver Necklace</strong></a></div><div align="center">by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ovgilliesdesigns?ref=pr_profile">ovgilliesdesigns</a></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;">"I like to support small businesses by buying something personally handmade directly from the artist. Cut out the big box stores and get something special, direct from the artist's hands to you."~</span></em> Mary from <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The holidays are upon us and I haven't even begun thinking about what gifts I might be giving the loved ones in my life. Whatever those gifts will be I know three things: that they will be special, they will be made with love, and they will be handmade.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Happy Holidays Everyone!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">***********************************************************************</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">All of the pieces shown above and many others from the Jewelry on Etsy Team can be found by searching <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=jetteam&search_type=handmade">JETTEAM</a> in the search box on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy's home page</a>.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-16252306404053210032010-11-17T08:22:00.000-06:002010-11-17T08:23:37.491-06:00Jewelry on Etsy Team Trunk Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYto18pFX01QzWvFpnsRfGjrkrau775W32nGbwqfKcujc21_ZYKhjk9WxSCe7SNxtuUr1U89rlPgd84ecGOSbNK12XjczcX1XdsZu_3w5mBhxv7gkwLD_e8MNFV-G90-QBEet-swio4U/s1600/JET+Team+Logo+2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539807677572096290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYto18pFX01QzWvFpnsRfGjrkrau775W32nGbwqfKcujc21_ZYKhjk9WxSCe7SNxtuUr1U89rlPgd84ecGOSbNK12XjczcX1XdsZu_3w5mBhxv7gkwLD_e8MNFV-G90-QBEet-swio4U/s400/JET+Team+Logo+2.bmp" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">The </span><a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Jewelry on Etsy Team</span></a><span style="font-size:180%;"> will be having a team-wide on line Trunk Show on Sunday, November 21, 2010.</span><br /><br />Come meet this wonderful team of talented jewelry artisans, share some laughs, and view the collections. It's a fantastic way to interact with the artists while checking off items for that ever growing holiday gift list. The show will be at 8pm EST in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php">Virtual Labs on Etsy</a>. Team members will be featuring some of their favorite works, tell us how they were made, and ready to answer any questions LIVE!<br /><br />This show was a huge hit last year so come early and grab a seat in the virtual lab. You don't want to miss a thing! You must be a registered <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a> user to participate. It only takes a minute to register, but then you can come join the fun, mark your favorites, and purchase on the spot during the show!<br /><br />And, as always, you can view beautiful handmade jewelry from the entire Jewelry on Etsy Team by searching <a href="http://http//www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=jetteam&search_type=handmade">JETTEAM</a> in the search box on Etsy's home page.</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-42274683302318289472010-05-28T06:22:00.005-05:002010-05-28T06:48:45.209-05:00Spotlight On: JemsByJBandCompanyJudy and Bill of <a href="http://jemsbyjbandcomapany.etsy.com/">Jems by JB and Company</a> have a fine eye for detail. I love the mix of gemstones and silver in their wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jemsbyjbandcompany?section_id=5019480">bracelets</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jemsbyjbandcompany?section_id=5019479">necklaces </a>and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jemsbyjbandcompany?section_id=5019491">earrings</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41862596/spice-multi-gemstone-and-ebony-wood"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476281611722866450" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_-pHHy-vxI/AAAAAAAAA7E/NkbO7PCWGG4/s400/Spice+necklace+by+jemsbyjbandcompany.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br />The use of color in this <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a> shop is so refreshing! Isn't this bracelet just yummy for summer?<br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36045152/simply-southwest"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476281606699711986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_-pG1FXffI/AAAAAAAAA68/kNBzpud_q1M/s400/Simply+Southwest+Gemstone+Bracelet+by+Jemsbyjbandcompany.jpg" /></a><br />Looking through JemsbyJBandCompany is like walking through a candy shop and you just can't help but want to sample everything!<br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/42026236/animal-love-zebra-jasper-and-copper"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476281604867058386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_-pGuQbatI/AAAAAAAAA60/Fg0-um_ceew/s400/Animal+Love+Necklace+by+jemsbyjbandcompany.jpg" /></a></div><div>I encourage you to check out this shop full of wonders. </div><div></div><div>***********************************************************************************</div><div>Jemsbyjbandcompany is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET). </a>You can find more items from talented JET members by searching JETTEAM in the search box at the top of Etsy's home page.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-69072982174488930112010-05-17T11:03:00.004-05:002010-05-17T11:24:55.352-05:00Fair Diddley 2010: Part 2Fair Diddley 2010 was a success! The rain held off for the whole day and the weather turned out to be beautiful. There was another great crowd. My tent had a steady flow of traffic for most of the day. I got to meet one of my JET team members from Etsy, Tammy of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtMadeByTammy">ArtMadeByTammy</a>. I even had people stop by that remembered <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a> from last year. Not a bad turn out at all. Here are a few pictures from the day.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpO0yQi7I/AAAAAAAAA48/l-wVBM2J57s/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472270725640391602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpO0yQi7I/AAAAAAAAA48/l-wVBM2J57s/s320/IMG_8233.JPG" /></a> The crowd at Fair Diddley 2010<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpOvtpK8I/AAAAAAAAA40/VDwjY7JfIxA/s1600/IMG_8231.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472270724278856642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpOvtpK8I/AAAAAAAAA40/VDwjY7JfIxA/s320/IMG_8231.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG1xImDbfszsaCnb8rU0uCX20UdxMkt5-f0zaRkEsJH4pWPzWYacPqOg-ezS6kf1hYczkJIEhJAfOnph3Roy6S7nVktcrBH6I52v0ENOCl2zE1kku4XblQvY8_DvkfV4yGuHZiukkUm4/s1600/IMG_8230.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472270715584327458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuG1xImDbfszsaCnb8rU0uCX20UdxMkt5-f0zaRkEsJH4pWPzWYacPqOg-ezS6kf1hYczkJIEhJAfOnph3Roy6S7nVktcrBH6I52v0ENOCl2zE1kku4XblQvY8_DvkfV4yGuHZiukkUm4/s320/IMG_8230.JPG" /></a> The weather was sunny and hot, just a bit windy at times.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpNyRAdpI/AAAAAAAAA4k/Nv1zICUX2CA/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472270707784185490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S_FpNyRAdpI/AAAAAAAAA4k/Nv1zICUX2CA/s320/IMG_8229.JPG" /></a>My booth and "Headless Jane"</div><div> </div><div align="left">Thanks to all that came out to support me! I hope you all love your new jewelry and hair accessories! If you missed the fair, you can always stop by my shop, <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a> on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy </a>and purchase from there.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><br /></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-37699208319822270822010-05-15T09:24:00.005-05:002010-05-15T09:40:55.509-05:00Fair Diddley 2010It's that time of year again, Fair Diddley is here! Located on the Square in Woodstock, IL , this is the 42nd year for this annual event. The fair will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471504457896075234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S-6wUK_cn-I/AAAAAAAAA4U/nc2JgBG4wjw/s320/IMG_6866.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">Little Brown Bird</a> will be participating again this year. I will be located just off the square on Main Street. I'd love if you would stop by! I have lots of new items in addition to those seen in my Esty shop.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471504792189197954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S-6wnoVI3oI/AAAAAAAAA4c/YctIZuBPzsY/s320/IMG_6870.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>It's always a great crowd with hundreds of crafters selling thousands of handmade items. Hope to see you there!</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-38442294373815321472010-04-28T07:10:00.003-05:002010-04-28T08:01:09.116-05:00Spotlight On: Designs by Victoria<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dbvictoria?section_id=5818522">Steampunk</a> is alive and well at <a href="http://dbvictoria.etsy.com/">DbVictoria</a>, a wonderfully creative shop on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. <br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/34073573/steampunk-garnet-and-gears-brass"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465160496091108098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S9gmg_oCEwI/AAAAAAAAA4E/_19KRIxpicY/s320/Steampunk+Garnet+and+Gears+Earrings+by+dbvictoria.jpg" />Steampunk Garnet and Gears Brass Earrings</a> </div><br /><br />Full of fantasy and frills, Victoria creates whole worlds of wonder with her jewlery collections. She features not only Steampunk, but <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dbvictoria?section_id=5818527">Neo-Victorian</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dbvictoria?section_id=5818383">hats, purses,and costume items</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g6LPhmcJhs3hgVzjBGPxqbZk_7M-oslotiIUskONutL2gGFjHKW6Nv9uItwUL5AddcQ5aiR6Jy0mcazsbtrJSbCIEzz-qStbEVqrtKZ2gSquVeu4ylVc7RVyZQ3riPAwb5CGhgDXWEc/s1600/Watch+Spring+Brass+Steampunk+Earrings+by+dbvictoria.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465160295945268834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2g6LPhmcJhs3hgVzjBGPxqbZk_7M-oslotiIUskONutL2gGFjHKW6Nv9uItwUL5AddcQ5aiR6Jy0mcazsbtrJSbCIEzz-qStbEVqrtKZ2gSquVeu4ylVc7RVyZQ3riPAwb5CGhgDXWEc/s320/Watch+Spring+Brass+Steampunk+Earrings+by+dbvictoria.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/15718502/watch-spring-ooak-brass-steampunk">Watch Spring OOAK Brass Steampunk Earrings</a></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJePy6O0syII7fY03vtARjzj4jUD4SNWKwdFp_21d9NuxoKLRDPl747MaLl3-Fc08XblWm6Gb5ju1g8PNj7IjM8d0a813vxUHCdbcQiFDhXSKQpYqEvvF5BFfdz0aV_Dv8RTni2ys0Pc/s1600/Black+Steampunk+Gothic+Lolita+Parasol+by+dbvictoria.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465160287774829218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJePy6O0syII7fY03vtARjzj4jUD4SNWKwdFp_21d9NuxoKLRDPl747MaLl3-Fc08XblWm6Gb5ju1g8PNj7IjM8d0a813vxUHCdbcQiFDhXSKQpYqEvvF5BFfdz0aV_Dv8RTni2ys0Pc/s320/Black+Steampunk+Gothic+Lolita+Parasol+by+dbvictoria.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/15922387/black-steampunk-gothic-lolita-parasol">Black Steampunk Gothic Lolita Parasol</a></div><div> </div><div>My favorite pieces from DbVictoria are the gorgeous parasols embellished with lace and hand-beading. They are a stunning step back in time.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/28258422/black-and-gold-parasol-steampunk-goth"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465160277744413986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S9gmUSOH7SI/AAAAAAAAA3s/UXSobzSEHaY/s320/Black+and+Gold+Parasol+by+dbvictoria.jpg" /> Black and Gold Parasol</a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">**********************************************************************</div><div align="left">DbVictoria is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), </a>a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=jetteam&search_type=handmade">JETTEAM</a> at the top of Etsy's home page.<a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-11290350408288404862010-04-21T19:41:00.002-05:002010-04-21T19:57:41.509-05:00Spotlight On: SendingLoveGalleryIf you need to send something very special, <a href="http://sendinglovegallery.etsy.com/">SendingLoveGallery</a> has it. Upon stepping into this shop on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, I was captivated by all the gemstones. And, of course, I'm a sucker for glass beads. These <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/43396953/coral-peach-vintage-glass-earrings">Coral Peach Vintage Glass earrings</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44650254/coral-peach-vintage-glass-beads-necklace">matching necklace</a> would fit perfect into my personal collection.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462755879976869634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-bh6iynwI/AAAAAAAAA3k/8kt6AByNW-k/s320/Coral+Peach+Vintage+Glass+Earrings+by+Sendinglovegallery.jpg" /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-bhsON4_I/AAAAAAAAA3c/haX2wQI4ZAQ/s1600/Coral+Peach+Vintage+Glass+Bead+Necklace+by+Sendinglovegallery.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462755876132479986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-bhsON4_I/AAAAAAAAA3c/haX2wQI4ZAQ/s320/Coral+Peach+Vintage+Glass+Bead+Necklace+by+Sendinglovegallery.jpg" /></a><br />There is a stunning variety of color and yummy gemstones to choose from. I love, love, LOVE <a href="http://sendinglovegallery.etsy.com/">SendingLoveGallery</a>!</div><div>******************************************************************</div><div><a href="http://sendinglovegallery.etsy.com/">SendingLoveGallery</a> is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)</a> , a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.<br /></div><div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-79550396012604848362010-04-18T18:08:00.000-05:002010-04-21T19:40:45.923-05:00Spotlight On: AdroitJewelersBeauty and brains. That's what I think of when I visit <a href="http://adroitjewelers.etsy.com/">AdroitJewelers</a> on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. This shop is full of stunning silver and glass beaded jewelry. The wire-wrapped pieces in sterling silver with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdroitJewelers?section_id=6088839">seaglass</a> are fantastic! But the brains behind this beauty's shop are these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdroitJewelers?section_id=5910385">non-pierced earrings</a>!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-UuM-zMHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Nin2t-hipSI/s1600/Tourmaline+Slip-on+Hoop+Earrings+by+AdroitJewelers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462748394503221362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-UuM-zMHI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Nin2t-hipSI/s320/Tourmaline+Slip-on+Hoop+Earrings+by+AdroitJewelers.jpg" /></a><br /><div>What a fabulous idea for those who don't have pierced ears! They fit right over the curve of your ear and hang just like a sexy pair of hoops. Now that's thinking outside the box!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-UtnsiCvI/AAAAAAAAA3M/OOb8g7KpziU/s1600/Black+Dot+Earrings+by+AdroitJewelers.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462748384494488306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8-UtnsiCvI/AAAAAAAAA3M/OOb8g7KpziU/s320/Black+Dot+Earrings+by+AdroitJewelers.jpg" /></a><br />And these swirly dangles of silver goodness named the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16530967/black-dot-earrings">Black Dot earrings </a>are my favs! I actually own a pair of these that I received in a lucky jewelry swap and I wear them all the time. They go with absolutely everything.</div><div> </div><div>Please visit <a href="http://adroitjewelers.etsy.com/">AdroitJewelers</a> and find your favorites!</div><div>***********************************************************</div><div>AdroitJewelers is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), </a>a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.<br /></div><div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-78139375521569949082010-04-12T07:02:00.004-05:002010-04-12T08:07:19.929-05:00Spotlight On: Capital City CraftsBarbara Moore is the creative soul behind the wonderful Etsy shop, <a href="http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com/">CapitalCityCrafts</a>. I have been a fan of CCC for a long time. I have always loved Barbara's rings. They are each rustic, edgy, and beautiful. Would you expect anything less from an experienced metal smith?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUE53RV5I/AAAAAAAAA3E/_M1lZ79tkb8/s1600/Zigzag+Sterling+Silver+Ring+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459229247787849618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUE53RV5I/AAAAAAAAA3E/_M1lZ79tkb8/s320/Zigzag+Sterling+Silver+Ring+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24892012">Zigzag Sterling Ring</a></strong></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Barbara's style is diverse, having something in her shop for women of many styles. Elegant pearls, sterling silver, gem stones...all stunning.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUEp80dAI/AAAAAAAAA28/k9QkD2n5gJ8/s1600/Royal+Purple+Pearl+Earrings+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459229243516154882" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUEp80dAI/AAAAAAAAA28/k9QkD2n5gJ8/s320/Royal+Purple+Pearl+Earrings+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10777078">Royal Purple Pearl Earrings</a></strong></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>CapitalCityCrafts happily accepts orders for wholesale, as well as bridal orders, and will ship worldwide. <br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUEHGvqqI/AAAAAAAAA20/6bCxHZcfyHM/s1600/Kyanite+%26+Bronze+Pearl+Sterling+Silver+Bracelet+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459229234162543266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUEHGvqqI/AAAAAAAAA20/6bCxHZcfyHM/s320/Kyanite+%26+Bronze+Pearl+Sterling+Silver+Bracelet+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg" /></a> <strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20223849">Kyanite & Bronze Pearl Bracelet</a></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUD_M2EaI/AAAAAAAAA2s/QqsxWomFUmA/s1600/Blue+Sky+Earrings+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459229232040645026" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S8MUD_M2EaI/AAAAAAAAA2s/QqsxWomFUmA/s320/Blue+Sky+Earrings+by+CapitalCityCrafts.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38223988"><strong>Blue Sky Earrings</strong><br /></a><br /></div><div align="left">You can find more of Barbara's wonderful creations at her shop, CapitalCityCrafts, which is updated with new styles regularly. You can subscribe to her shop feed to keep updated on her newest additions by clicking the RSS button in her shop. I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next!</div><div align="left"><br />****************************************************************************</div><div align="left">Capital City Crafts is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), </a>a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's homepage.<br /></div><div align="center"></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-74146606575758381392010-04-03T07:10:00.004-05:002010-04-03T07:45:06.668-05:00Spotlight On: Designs by Cher<div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">If you're looking for something fresh and unique, stop by <a href="http://designsby%20cher.etsy.com/">Designs by Cher</a> on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Cher offers a wide range of jewelry featuring sterling silver, semi-precious stones, and copper.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455883418399211730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S7cxEAGhANI/AAAAAAAAA2U/xK-vQLuQQDg/s320/Framed+in+Floral+Travertine+Stone+Necklace+by+designsbycher.jpg" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16084658"><strong>Framed in Floral Travertine Stone Necklace</strong> </a></div><div align="center"><br />Which camp are you in, Camp Jacob, or Camp Edward? These bracelets, based on the Movie New Moon from the Twilight series are more than charming!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455883414737698194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FT_3NH5qM4f69VuytexYQcN_2M-KPUvWvmUrQBCXkIXR7PascS13LFrffkrtvVQcoeWjtUEu3D54gZk6i0QO-ypU0acqcnfFoTFl2Bd3ui6OFbbJtpnAxsRQ8Ay_DuoPe_T-dUKLuhU/s320/Camp+Edward+Bella%27s+Charm+Bracelet+by+designsbycher.jpg" /><strong></strong> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43250340">Camp Edward, Bella's Charm Bracelet</a></strong><br /></p><div align="center"><br /><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455883409108643474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIKpkXDfoEs0Qgeb7zegbzaooL5f9iXL__RtAO_6rTIOxTrmJtNePLbTfXwlTZ5gry1OW3F9w4Nvh-z0GIoxi3nP8hVQYaN6ePpPbFym0mw4NuTLzZ7IiP1Lyzj9MFvbYnakVoNjUI-M/s320/Camp+Jacob+Bella%27s+Charm+Braclet+by+desingsbycher.jpg" /> <p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43196323">Camp Jacob, Bella's Charm Bracelet</a></strong><br /><br /><br />Cher has more than just finished jewelry pieces in her shop. Jewelry designers can also find handmade findings, clasps, and connectors with a bit of a twist (or swirl). </p><p align="center"><br /> </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455886807703760578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S7c0JSPsLsI/AAAAAAAAA2k/WKezYvH-WXI/s320/Hand+Forged+Copper+S+Clasp+by+Designsby+Cher.jpg" /> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43009603"><strong>Hand Forged Antique Copper Large 'S' Clasp</strong><br /></a><br /></p>What will you find when you visit Designs by Cher? I bet it will be something special!<br /><br />********************************************************************************<br />Designs by Cher is a fellow member of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jetteam">Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)- </a>a collective of top quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-82357385092859329792010-03-20T21:19:00.004-05:002010-03-20T21:46:35.008-05:00Spotlight On: Brooke Scarborough Jewelry DesignsGet ready for a treat. Brooke Scarborough of <a href="http://brookejewelry.etsy.com/">Brooke Scarborough Jewelry Desig</a>ns is one very talented jewelry designer.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WEOFB2myI/AAAAAAAAA18/gIDR6mlKEy0/s1600-h/Sterling+Silver+and+Lemon+Quartz+Bubble+Earrings+by+BrookeJewlery.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450908301404838690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WEOFB2myI/AAAAAAAAA18/gIDR6mlKEy0/s320/Sterling+Silver+and+Lemon+Quartz+Bubble+Earrings+by+BrookeJewlery.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I love Brooke's keen sense of style and composition in her work. A kindred spirit, Brooke has a background in interior design. Her balance of color and geometry are certainly to be desired in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18653604">Lemon Quartz Bubble Earrings</a>.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WENmRZMFI/AAAAAAAAA10/utNuaKrz96o/s1600-h/Sweetheart+by+BrookeJewelry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450908293148520530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WENmRZMFI/AAAAAAAAA10/utNuaKrz96o/s320/Sweetheart+by+BrookeJewelry.jpg" /></a>This heart pendant is made of fine silver and hangs from a hand-forged chain with hand forged S-clasp. Stunning!<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WENAiyw1I/AAAAAAAAA1s/lNgtcpP1MpY/s1600-h/Lemon+Meringue+by+Brooke+Jewelry.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 125px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450908283020952402" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S6WENAiyw1I/AAAAAAAAA1s/lNgtcpP1MpY/s320/Lemon+Meringue+by+Brooke+Jewelry.jpg" /></a><br /><div>But THIS is so yummy! Her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22962714">Lemon Meringue Pie</a> necklace is dessert for the eyes. </div><div> </div><div>All of Brooke's jewelry can be seen at her shop on Etsy, <a href="http://brookejewelry.etsy.com/">BrookeJewery</a> and in local San Diego shops. Treat yourself to these delicious baubles!</div><div> </div><div>*********************************************************************************</div><div>BrookeJewelry is a fellow member of the <a href="http://jetteam.etsy.com/">Jewelry on Etsy Team</a> (JET) - a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.</div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-35532141100382878142010-03-13T08:12:00.006-06:002010-03-13T08:59:22.015-06:00Spotlight: Vandiva Fashion Jewelry<div><div><div><div>If your feeling a bit low after the long winter, here's a little something to cheer you up. <a href="http://vandiva.etsy.com/">Vandiva</a> is a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy run by a mother, Angelika, and her daughter, Vanessa. </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448129075767933602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S5ukh2uf-qI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ZFfVnpm2MNc/s320/Easter+Gemstone+Necklace+by+Vandiva.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>At first look, I was amazed by all the yummy gemstones. They look good enough to eat, especially this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41916400">Easter Gemstone Necklace</a> that reminds me of jelly beans! Perfect with Easter just around the corner.<br /></div><div>Vandiva has a variety of styles for all tastes. One of my absolute favorites is this one. </div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448129078831700194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S5ukiCI9WOI/AAAAAAAAA1U/sBARgYZ9eH0/s320/Opalized+Ammonite+Gold+Filled+Necklace+by+Vandiva.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>A <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39305449">prehistoric fossil</a> that looks oh, so modern. A natural moment in time, preserved for an eternity.<br /></div><div>Vandiva also has a whimsical side. This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41831461">mink fur ring</a> comes in both pink and black and is so much fun!</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 166px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 149px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448129082029929842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S5ukiODedXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/IjH38e0wm_4/s320/Mink+Fur+and+Sterling+Ring+by+Vandiva.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>Angelika, a professional language translator by day, is a woman of many talents. Aside from the gorgeous jewelry at Vandiva, Angelika also has another shop devoted to handbags and clutches. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mabellecherie">Ma Belle Cherie</a> offers beautiful clutches in contemporary patterns, as well as some in leather, or covered in tiny handmade fabric flowers. They are a stunning addition to an everyday outfit or even a wedding or bridesmaid gown.</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448129512835820738" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S5uk7S7mrMI/AAAAAAAAA1k/eH6IDXTxevU/s320/Flower+Power+Large+Clutch+Purse+with+Gemstone.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>I hope you stop by Vandiva and Ma Belle Cherie and pick up something beautiful for yourself or a friend. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>**Vandiva and Ma Bell Cherie are fellow members of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jetteam">Jewelry on Etsy Team </a>(JET)- a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.</div></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-34934120928806713242010-02-25T12:59:00.008-06:002010-02-25T14:10:30.149-06:00Things I Love: Gold JewelryWe are nearing spring time and, for the new season, I have been adding something very different to my jewelry collection. Gold.<br /><br /><br />Now, I'm typically one of those people that swear they like nothing but <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlebrownbird?section_id=5879953">silver jewelry</a>. I can't explain my addiction to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5106927&search_query=gold+jewelry">gold jewelry</a> lately, except maybe that the winter has been long and I'm yearning for warmth and sunshine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39013262"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259886194936738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bOAr2r3XS6HtgiLiNBcQ7Kw2kzCdFP4LJ8VINBgi7WuWiOSwueGKvQNMFKdT5gPEc_IW5Y9ackF6htqRwIXKRW4bCg3WvO-LsIky8kGSzww-6-OR4Ajt52mJp785HUucQgykSl-bxUU/s320/IMG_7736.JPG" /><em>Gold Paisley Pendant Necklace with Pearl Accent</em> </a></div><br />Many of my new pieces are done with gold filled and gold plated elements, mixed with pearls, glass, or other metals.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39012545"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259882321314786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKh1UfA-I/AAAAAAAAA00/08B9DHooiMY/s320/IMG_7729.JPG" /> <em>Gold Leaf Earrings</em><br /></a></div><br /><br />A common accent color among these pieces is a soft spa blue. I love the look and adding a bit of something blue gives it a fresh, light aspect. I think many of these pieces would look great on a bride or her bridesmaids for an elegant contemporary wedding.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKho4ivGI/AAAAAAAAA0s/rPPiLdPpa4M/s1600-h/IMG_7735.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259878982892642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKho4ivGI/AAAAAAAAA0s/rPPiLdPpa4M/s320/IMG_7735.JPG" /></a> <em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39011167">Gold Leaf Pendant Necklace<br /></a></em><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKHhSzl9I/AAAAAAAAA0k/0Py_LdwXJW4/s1600-h/IMG_7968.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259430268966866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKHhSzl9I/AAAAAAAAA0k/0Py_LdwXJW4/s320/IMG_7968.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40594156"><em>Butterfly Verde Filigree and Gold Double Necklace</em></a> <em>layered with </em><br /><br /><em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37240849">Vintage Inspired Gold Filigree Bluebird Necklace</a></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Filigree is also another latest obsession of mine. In some pieces, I've combined gold filigree and antique brass to which I've given a verdigris patina.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442269507308806546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bTSFMU4ZI/AAAAAAAAA1E/JcL0zQ6wo_0/s320/IMG_7961.JPG" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40603364"><em>Gold and Verde Filigree Necklace with Crystal Tear Drop</em><br /></a></div><div align="left"><br />The color combination is to-die-for! Look how the verdigris patina jumps off the gold chain. Am I the only one drooling right now?<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259412908430626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKGgnu1SI/AAAAAAAAA0M/OAailCkehDo/s320/IMG_7976.JPG" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40594156"> <em>Butterfly Verde Filigree and Gold Double Necklace</em></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40605269"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259418291387282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKG0rIO5I/AAAAAAAAA0U/j9Qh1YyGNyQ/s320/IMG_7978.JPG" /></a> <em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40605269">Matte Gold Leaf and Green Quartz Nugget Necklace</a></em><br /></div><div align="left"><br />I've also combined gold with some semiprecious stones. I love the juxtaposition of gold, with it's elegant allure, against the natural semiprecious stone.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41466934"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442259405781717410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/S4bKGGEl0aI/AAAAAAAAA0E/obXzpzstkCs/s320/IMG_8052.JPG" /><em>Amazonite and Gold Bauble Necklace</em></a> </div><div align="center"><br />All of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5106927&search_query=gold+jewelry" search_type="'user_shop_ttt_id_5106927&order=" page="1">gold jewelry</a> you see here is presently available in my shop, <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">LittleBrownBird</a> on Etsy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-29591699825775625672009-12-26T16:54:00.001-06:002009-12-26T16:56:28.310-06:00Winter Wonderpup!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzaUJfyE-4I/AAAAAAAAAz8/G2La2IozSc0/s1600-h/Friends4.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzaUJfyE-4I/AAAAAAAAAz8/G2La2IozSc0/s400/Friends4.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px" align="center"><strong>My poor puppy! Welcome to winter in Illinois, Maizy!</strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px" align="center"> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-19374650376755236452009-12-25T07:42:00.004-06:002009-12-25T07:56:50.495-06:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!It's Christmas! Hope your holiday is filled with joy and candy canes. And if your family is anything like mine on Christmas, those candy canes had better be garnishing a bottomless peppermint martooni!<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419171759353915858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzTEAM0eadI/AAAAAAAAAz0/LCI4wL6VtzQ/s400/IMG_7473.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Maizy's first Christmas</strong><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419169668588435714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzTCGgHI-QI/AAAAAAAAAzs/hBN1cEk2u6w/s400/IMG_7477.JPG" /><br />Maizy and I, and her new little stuffed reindeer, wish a very merry Christmas to you and yours. Try not to kill each other.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-33608942617924871242009-12-23T07:47:00.006-06:002009-12-23T08:12:19.636-06:00Things I Love: Vintage Elegance<div><div><div><div><div><div>I have started to list some vintage items in my shop. Things that I have special memories from my childhood, many items dating from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, and 70's that I'm sure will find new life in a new home.<br /><br /></div><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIgs3eECeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/nrMYb0TFaE8/s1600-h/IMG_7204.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418429256856504802" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIgs3eECeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/nrMYb0TFaE8/s200/IMG_7204.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmGMQoq22fGoJF9ODV8HUFlsJ2zLVKPtDDzeswa5sLlq0259ew7wIWwlyF9yRwXiUNZy2R5P-cPeWH3bu2fwNWRoryfRuPZYhnoNK5URcuFHLmeT1ctTu7jr1-Xs1jSmUlw8HI8U-Wxs/s1600-h/IMG_7203.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418429262585469346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmGMQoq22fGoJF9ODV8HUFlsJ2zLVKPtDDzeswa5sLlq0259ew7wIWwlyF9yRwXiUNZy2R5P-cPeWH3bu2fwNWRoryfRuPZYhnoNK5URcuFHLmeT1ctTu7jr1-Xs1jSmUlw8HI8U-Wxs/s200/IMG_7203.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>This item, already sold, is a gorgeous <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=22656542">Seth Thomas chime clock</a>. <br /></div><div>I have just listed a set of two beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37279481">vintage crystal hurricane lamps</a>. They date back to the 1940's and have been in my family since that time. They put out a soft light that adds the most interesting ambience to the room with their etched shades and prism crystals dangling below. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiJmmNFcI/AAAAAAAAAzU/82pmi5G4E7s/s1600-h/IMG_7202.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418430850055083458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiJmmNFcI/AAAAAAAAAzU/82pmi5G4E7s/s200/IMG_7202.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiJ8TJNSI/AAAAAAAAAzc/XyeSkqxFbF4/s1600-h/IMG_7201.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418430855880717602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiJ8TJNSI/AAAAAAAAAzc/XyeSkqxFbF4/s200/IMG_7201.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiKU0AVyI/AAAAAAAAAzk/qj8Uy6xzB7Y/s1600-h/IMG_7197.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418430862460999458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SzIiKU0AVyI/AAAAAAAAAzk/qj8Uy6xzB7Y/s200/IMG_7197.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I sure hope they find a loving home!</div><div> </div><div>I have many vintage items that will start appearing in my shop, <a href="http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com/">Little Brown Bird</a>, including jewelry, housewares, home decor, and fashion items. Keep checking back or subscribe to my shop feed to get updates as they occur. (Shop feed button is in the right column of my shop home page)</div></div></div></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-74698741503773721292009-11-19T15:11:00.005-06:002009-11-19T18:38:19.959-06:00Things I Love: Wearable By Design<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SwW4PRl2JwI/AAAAAAAAAys/nlJEkv8uyBQ/s1600/Silver+Steampunk+Gears+Necklace+by+WearableByDesign.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 354px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405929500287837954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/SwW4PRl2JwI/AAAAAAAAAys/nlJEkv8uyBQ/s400/Silver+Steampunk+Gears+Necklace+by+WearableByDesign.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405928982811468482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZfAz6hY9RkWE94r9AUat1kLOmLocr1wn42isugH7zQhyphenhyphenKfhDKPYUBgEqmODn85O4HRj6B0OU-FgXGydfTapjZlMCLlsayIQ3q9rXjVU3vLiqmSZ-3V2xAdvHacfXR9RtqTSWHg2RTgQ/s400/Silver+Red+Crystal+Flowers+Necklace+by+WearableByDesign.jpg" /> </div><br /><div><br /><div>Have a look at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WearableByDesign">Wearable By Design</a>, stunning silver handmade jewelry by Jennifer Smith-Righter of Redwood City, California. Jenn's designs have long been a favorite of mine. She has the most beautiful organic creations juxtaposed with the beauty of mechanical objects. Some of her designs are mind-blowingly intricate.</div><br /><div></div>Jenn was also kind enough to contribute to my holiday cookie recipe collection on my food blog, <a href="http://allupinmykitchen.blogspot.com/">All Up in My Kitchen</a>. Please check out her favorite cookie recipe for Cream Wafers.<br /><div><a href="http://allupinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/11/cream-waffer-cookies.html">cookie recipe</a></div><div></div><div></div></div></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703744782740807806.post-30894339473775836882009-11-02T16:17:00.002-06:002009-11-02T16:30:58.891-06:00A Walk in the Park: "The Fen"<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br />This morning, Maizy and I took a walk across the street to the nature preserve. Small by most standards, The Fen sprawls on for acres and is surprisingly vast when you start to trek through it. A place where natural mineral springs bubble up from under the earth at random points among the soft rolling hills and valleys. Where the sky is wide open and the prairie grass stands six feet tall.<br /><br />And it's all in my back yard! A short walk past town homes, condo buildings and the water filtration plant lies this beautiful, peaceful, untouched native prairie. Yes, I said prairie. This is Illinois after all.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><em>(please click on the pictures below for a closer look)</em><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajAveYQI/AAAAAAAAAx0/HPe6VDVaeVE/s1600-h/Friends.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajAveYQI/AAAAAAAAAx0/HPe6VDVaeVE/s400/Friends.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Maizy and I walked along a short paved path surrounded by trees, winding through the park up to the entrance to the nature preserve. Although we couldn't go down into the valley of the preserve because dogs are not allowed there ( I will leave that for another day by myself), we were able to walk the path around the perimeter, meeting several other dogs and their owners along the way. The view is magnificent!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajaMZe2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/JFzYiLy8Eyk/s1600-h/Friends1.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajaMZe2I/AAAAAAAAAx8/JFzYiLy8Eyk/s400/Friends1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It was perfect weather with nothing but big blue sky, a good breeze, and temps in high fifties. Normally, I would consider that a chilly morning, but the sun shining on our faces and the brisk walk was more than enough to warm us. Maizy, only a mere eight inches tall or so, had to stay close behind my feet at times so as not to get lost in the tall grass. But she had a blast furiously chasing down every fallen leaf that blew past.<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajoXzASI/AAAAAAAAAyE/tXE5Sw8vwPY/s1600-h/Friends2.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nawzYMkcJKQ/Su9ajoXzASI/AAAAAAAAAyE/tXE5Sw8vwPY/s400/Friends2.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br />This area is part of a network of nature preserves that Illinois has designated as natural, native prairie land. The program hopes to save these areas in their perfect and natural prairie state, just as it would have been hundreds of years ago. The soft, rolling hills sway with six foot high grass, cat tails, and bubbling streams.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K-Q4WE4oARkPZYa3SPBaSOcRbjkTzZ6e4iomXP0AgmjAYCc1AsMB6xwgXrdIX-2UdWlF6w7gwHcNMLoTLbKh6sXZ5G98MCWMzPUDKcASop16NyblupLrtoW984QEaTp7bFNicXjf19c/s1600-h/Friends3.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K-Q4WE4oARkPZYa3SPBaSOcRbjkTzZ6e4iomXP0AgmjAYCc1AsMB6xwgXrdIX-2UdWlF6w7gwHcNMLoTLbKh6sXZ5G98MCWMzPUDKcASop16NyblupLrtoW984QEaTp7bFNicXjf19c/s400/Friends3.jpg" /></a><br />I'm fortunate to live so close to this prize while still considering myself a city girl. I just hope the weather stays nice a bit longer so we can enjoy more hikes like today. And I just really wanted to share it with all of you!<br /><br />~~~~~<br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05340101712658262489noreply@blogger.com4