Happy New Years!!

Hi everyone! Long time no see, huh??? I have no idea where December went. I was either sick or busy with the doggies. I am dedicating this next year of my life to getting it on track. I'm not giving myself any specific goals, just to stay being me. I'm in a pretty good place right now mentally and I'm on the right road just have to keep it up now. The hardest thing for me will be to downsize the number of dogs that I have. But the responsible Breeder has to take over in me and realize I cannot reach my goals of getting my own place with this many. I will never get "out" of dogs and will always be breeding. That I can never see myself stopping. I'd like to take a trip this year, to someplace I've never been. A vacation without the doggies just me, thats something I've never done. My vacations always consisted of going to dog shows in the motorhome. Not that it was bad, I've been to tons of small towns I would have never found that turned out to be very neat. Thats my New Years rant! Hope you all have a very Happy and Safe New Years!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving =)

Hey guys! Hope you all had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. I had a nice quiet one here with my parents, uneventful which is always good. Doggies got to go play in the snow which is always fun. I'm off to read don't forget to watch Discovery Channel tomorrow... Deadliest Catch Marathon starting at 9am!!!!!!

Branching out...

Hi guys! I broke down and put something on my Facebook page. If you want to be my friend click the link =) I also joined Goodreads. Its a really neat website where you can rate and review books and stuff. Been taking a little time off of designing, or trying to anyway. Keep an eye out for special Sales on the site... I still have a bunch of pieces that will be looking for new homes before the new year. Yeah gas is finally down to about $2.40 here. Its costing me less than half of what it did just 2 months ago to fill my tank. Crazyness!
And Christmas this year is killing me. Normally I am great with gifts and I have no clue what to get anyone this year. My mom is done and thats it. I am at a loss. And I hate doing the whole gift card thing its so impersonal. Well I'm off to package up some goodies to ship tomorrow. Have a fantastic week =)

More Auctions!!

More Auctions up on eBay!
Hi guys! Its taken me longer to get everything listed because I have been so busy. I will try to list a few pieces every other day or so. And I will have that nice big Lampwork Bead Auction up this weekend. I need more sun to take photos of them all. Its been kind of gloomy and very cold here lately. Hope all is going well now go bid!

First Auction up on eBay!!!

Hi guys! My first SALE Bracelet is up on eBay:
~::Orange Marmalade::~
I caved and its only a 0.99 starting price. Snatch this puppy up before its too late!! I will have everything listed by Sunday night and will send out a Newsletter update then. What are you waiting for go get bidding...

Sale, Sale, Sale =)

Hi guys! I have been in such a creative slump that I have decided to make a change. I will be placing up for auction a huge group of Lampwork Beads that I have been collecting for a few years now. As well as a huge number of listings of clearence priced Jewelry. Now let me explain my reason for doing this: I have had these beads for so long that I just cannot find the right design for them. So I am going to start fresh. Grant it I am not selling off my entire collection! I could never do that. All of these beads and pieces are amazing, but I think they would do better in a new home. I haven't designed anything in a few months now and its been wearing on me heavily. I hope to have all of my auctions up by the weekend. This would be a great time to get all of that Holiday shopping done...

Aging Gracefully...

I came across this photo a few days ago. This was the last photo taken of our "Sadie" she passed away four days later from cancer. It has been almost two months since she passed away, but I still can't bring myself to finish her memorial page on my site. I did start it last week though. She looked pretty good for having a heart problem, one eye, and having terrible arthritis.

I am in another creative block. Well I have been in one for awhile now. I'm expecting a huge delivery of Lampwork beads and new wire goodies in the next few weeks. Hopefully that will spark my inner artsy self! As much as I hate to do this I have to go pull every ones Rabies certificates for our Kennel Licence. Something I have been putting off! Enjoy your day =)

Randy Pausch...

I was greatly saddened this morning when I went to check my daily blogs to find that Randy Pausch had passed away this morning from pancreatic cancer. He is the man behind the famed book and lecture, "The Last Lecture". He has been fighting this disease for two years now. i was esspecially drawn to him when I first saw him on Oprah when he gave his Last Lecture to her audience. This was shortly before my uncle who was 48 died of pancreatic cancer also. His book sits on my bedside which I re-read almost everynight. The world has lost a truly amazing person, but he left behind an amazing legacy by sharing his wisdom with us. Below are a few wonderful memorials about Randy and a link to his blog update page which dipicts his battle with cancer.

Carnegie Mellon University

Another from Carnegie Mellon

Randy's Blog

Yet another Publication...

Hi guys! Well I just recieved my advanced copies of Step By Step Wire Jewelry's Summer Issue!!! It is filled with great projects. I just love seeing all of the great new ideas, it gets new ideas floating around in my head too...

The instructions to "African Queen" is featured on page 23 & 24. The Chain Maille design combines two great chains, Rosettes and Parallel Chain. It turned out great! Everyone needs to go grap up tons of copies.

In design news, I am hoping in the next few weeks to have some new designs up. I am going to experiment with fusing Fine Silver... Lots of very bold colorful designs coming. One new series will be called "Color Blocks".

Long Time...

Hi everybody! Man its been a month since I have posted here. Things have been hectic. On the Jewelry front I do have a Bracelet ready for its picture to be taken. Its in fabulous retro colors that I know everyone will love. Other than that piece I haven't been able to really make anything else come to life. I have douzens of designs but everytime I sit down they all seem less than perfect when I try to lay them out. I needed a little creative break from designing. In the next month I do hope to debut some great new designs. Well I am spending my day off washing doggies including the very first real bath for the babies that are now 5 1/2 weeks old! Time flies. I also have to take some new pictures of them too. And they also need names. Generally I have my babies all named by now but I just cannot come up with anything that I like. Well I have to run I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I am still here!!!

Here ya go! A few new pieces to temp you with =) The Necklace to the left is called "Orbits". This gorgeous piece features nine stunning Boro Disc beads created by Daniel Echeverry (BDBD Beads). There are also mocha Shell coins, big beautiful Swarovski rounds in two colors, Swarovski pearls, tiny rose & copper lentils, and hand forged Sterling coils. All beads are hand wire wrapped on handmade ball end Sterling headpins. The 2mm Sterling Rollo chain is a perfect compliment. Topped off as always with one of my Freestyle clasps. This piece measures 19" in length, but wears more like a 17" Necklace.

Here is the first piece in my new 'Mix/Ups' Collection. The Lampwork is by the great Deborah Burch (Contessa) and is surrounded by tiny rose and copper lentils. This Pendant measures 1 7/8" total length. The bail is large enough to fit up to a 4mm chain. As always all silver is Sterling. I just love how this piece hangs with the delicate glass lentils falling just above the matching Lampwork bead.

And... here is the second piece in my new collection. This one is titled 'Seaside Flowers'. The stunning Lampwork floral was created by Gina Jeans (Raisin Mountain). Also featured are tiny grass green Lentils, Shell round & coin, Turquoise Jade coin with a tiny swarovski crystal balanced inside, and Swarovki rounds. All silver is Sterling and the total length is 1 1/2". The bail will fit up to a 4mm chain. All dangles are hand wire wrapped on handmade ball end Stering headpins. This is a great summer addition to your wardrobe!

These pieces will be added to the site this week. In the meantime if you just have to have one, drop me an email!

New Pieces coming today...

Hi guys! Well I am off to take photos of some great new pieces. I created an awesome Necklace last night I think you will just love! And those much wanted "Mix/Up" Pendants too. Betcha thought I forgot about those. I haven't come up with a Bracelet design that I liked for those yet but the Pendants are ready to go. Check back later this afternoon I am off to take photos...

We have puppies!

Hi all! Well here are Bunny's babies. Four little sexy men!!! Mom and babies are doing great, they were born on Thursday evening. Miss Bunny suprised me with them, I thought for sure she would have held on to them at least until Sunday. Everyones little personalities are already coming out too. The blue boy (far Left) is the bully he likes to growl whenever I kiss him the little snot! Then we have the smallest one who is a doll and will kiss your nose. Next to him are the twins one has a little more black on one leg, they are mellow. Bunny decided that her 6 day old puppies needed toys yesterday so she brought them her favorites. She is such a funny mom.

I start my new job on Monday. It should be fun once I get in the grove of things. And I hope to get to play this weekend with some new Jewelry designs I have.

So how much is gas where you live??? The highest I have seen around here is $3.77!!! Can we say a tad overpriced. Just two months ago it cost me $34.00 to fill my tank now its around $70. I am thinking about starting a layaway policy for my Customers. This way you can still secure and get the pieces you want, but make payments. Let me know if that is something that you would all be interested in.

Well its a gorgeous day and I feel the need to be outside...

Did ya see it!!!!

Was everyone good little girls and boys and watched their Deadliest Catch last night??? They never cease to amaze me with the pranks they pull, the truck was the greatest. I laughed so hard I fell over.
Ok I know your probably wondering gee wasn't Katie a Jewelry Designer at one time??? This sounds like a fishing blog... I haven't worked on the rest of the new Collection I've had to get ready for my "Bunny's" puppies and my new job. Hopefully this weekend while I am on puppy watch I will be able to play with some beadies. Funny Bunny is due the beginning of next week. She goes in Friday morning for her xray to see how many little ones she will be having. I am guessing 3-4. First and foremost we hope she is ok and her babies are ok. Well I will check back Friday with how many baby bunnies we will be having...

Mix/Ups...

Hi guys! Did everyone enjoy all that crab fishing this weekend???? I know I did the new season starts tonight!!! I cannot wait. Well here is a little sneak peek of my newest Collection "Mix/Ups". I am going to get some more photos of them hanging to show how all of the dangles lay. I just adore them! Strung on a simple chain they add such a nice impact. I am working on creating a Bracelet design to match and some Earrings too. Be sure to drop me a line and let me know what you think...

Crabby Weekend...

Hi guys! Who else here loves Deadliest Catch???? Whahoo a whole weekend of crabbies... See you next week.

Ornament Peek...

Here is half of one of my designs. This is a tiny ball not your regular size. I love to design for all sizes. Well I fiddled with one of the designs in my sketchbook yesterday and came up with a new Collection I am calling 'Mix/Ups'. I have two pendants finished in this set so far. I want to throw together some earrings and a bracelet or two before I debut this exciting new design. I also want to Thank you all for all of you wonderful comments on my latest Project in SBS Wire. If you do make that Necklace or any of my published designs, send me a photo and your info and I will be starting a Gallery on my site for your work.

I am feeling a little yucky today so I am off to rest up.

Let The Clean-up Begin!

~:: Update::~ New Collection called "Mix/Ups" coming by the end of the week!!

Time to start cleaning up outside. Man it was almost 70 out yesterday!!! Crazy, wonderful weather. I tried to rake a little yesterday but was quickly reminded that I still have bronchitis. I will take it slower today. Last week I picked up a few neat storage containers for my beadies so I will stay in and organize. Who knows maybe I might try some new designs I have brewing in my sketchbook...

Sneaky Peeky...

Hi guys! Well I have been sicker then ever these past two weeks with bronchitis. My dads little girl Sadie also has it, 4 had coughs, and BBQ had a hypoglycemic attack today. My dads had the flu for two weeks and my moms pain hasn't been dong that great, but the huge news is they both quit smoking!!!!! I cannot tell you how proud I am of them! We now live in a smoke free house!

In beady news... the photo above is a tiny peek at one of my diagrams I have been working on for my book proposal. It may not look like much, but that little guy took me hours and hours to create. I have one more to create diagrams for and take photos of. But the bones of my proposal are finished. Its so wild to think I might be writing a book! And I do have tons of ideas for more Jewelry in my sketchbook. By the end of this month I hope to unviel a really neat one.

I have to run and take care of doggys and myself, Tuesday I have a working interview for a Veterinary Clinic up here. Wish me luck...

Under the Weather...

Hi guys! I am just checking in to let you know I have been sicker then ever the past almost two weeks. I will check back hopefully tomorrow with something new.

All Better...

Hi guys! Well I restarted my diagram for my book proposal. Man those little suckers are mighty hard to create from scratch! I will have a little snapshot of one up tomorrow. Regardless if my book gets published I will be offering up kits for my Beaded Ornaments on my site. I have so many ideas for new ornaments swimming around in my head its crazy. I've been putting them in my sketchbook but it will be a little while before I can try any of them out.
I did pick up the neatest handmade sterling silver hammered star charm. I will be making a very special piece with it. I'm off to have dinner. I'll be back tomorrow with a sneaky peeky of one of my diagrams...

Shoot me now...

I give up! I have spent about 20-30 hours so far on the diagrams for my first project for that book proposal for my Ornaments. Well I am almost finished, just another hour or two, I sit down and look and I forgot to add a ladder of beads! I have four instead of five. Needless to say I cannot salvage anything. I am sitting here laughing at myself because if I don't laugh I will cry. I guess I am back to square one. Oh well another one of lifes little bumps. I guess I am off to restart my diagrams!! Wish me luck =)

Sneaky Peeky...

Above is a tiny little peek at my Clasp Tutorial that is on its way to my editors at Bead Unique. And I have my first outline done of my first project for my book proposal. I will get some photos of some of my ornaments up this weekend. I forgot how much I enjoyed making them. I ordered up a slew of new seed beads for myself so I can play next week =)

Secure...

Hi guys! I finally got my secruity certificate properly installed on my site. So now my site is all secure and no worries for my customers.
And I am embarking on a mission. Alongside Jewelry for the past ten years I have also been designing Beaded Ornaments. I have so many of my own designs, I am going to write a book! For years and years, I would just give them away as presents due to the high cost I would have to sell them for. these babies take hours and hours to create. I will have photos of a few up tomorrow. I am hoping to start teaching classes for them late Summer. If this all goes well I think I will try my hand at writing a Wire Jewelry book too! Hey a girl can dream can't she???

New Magazine Time...

Yesterday I got a surprise in my mailbox... my latest publication! SBS Wire is changing up their format a little and it looks great. This way they can add even more projects. Above is a sneaky peaky of my project. I just love what they do with my pretty pieces. Over all this is a really impressive issue. I am always amazed at how many really neat designs everyone comes up with.

Well I have to get that project out to Bead Unique today. Have a great weekend =) I will be back with new pieces next week...

Newest Publication...

Hi guys! Well the cover is up for Step By Step Wire Jewelrys Spring Issue. I didn't get the cover, but it was nice to know that I was up for it. My project is on page 16. It will hit newstands around 3/18 go pick up a douzen copies... Just click on the cover above to order online. I have to finish up my project for Bead Unique...

Back in snowy NY...

Hi guys! Well last week I was delt a blow with my dogs and had to come back to NY. Trying to get readjusted, I'm warm blooded now and don't belong in this cold!!!!! The dogs are loving it though. I should be getting my BSB ire Spring Issue next week. I cannot wait. I am also working on a Project for Bead Unique too. I have to run and finish getting unpacked.

I haven't forgotten about you....

Hi guys! Well the Spring Step By Step Wire should be out in a few weeks I cannot wait!!! My swirl wire design (pictured above) will be featured. And... my newest Chain Maille design was also snatched up by SBS Wire for their Summer Issue! I am also currently working on a project for Bead Unique as well. I've been a busy girl behind the scenes.

And there is a bead shop in town that may pick me up to teach some summer Wire and Chain Maille classes. Did ya catch all of that???

I love staying busy though. Well I suppose I should get back to bathing doggies. Miss Bunny was bred last week keep your fingers crossed ;-) I am going to try to keep this blog more updated... Toddles!!!!!!

New Design!!!!!!

Long time no hear from me I know I know I have been neglecting my Blog! I have been really busy with work and Custom Orders though. The piece above is similar to a Custom Order I just finished up. I've had quite a few requests lately for more Chain Maille. I had a client who wanted something new a fresh so I came up with this. I combined my two favorite chains, Rosettes and Parallel Chain. More detailed photo below:

The piece above is off to its new home. I have to say I am so happy with how this new chain combo turned out. I used larger rings, but not too large, for a chunkier look. Its sophisticated without being 'stuffy'. The very top piece (and another one too!) will be posted for sale tomorrow morning. I am also working on a few other new pieces too.

Well in weather news we had a banner day here in sunny VA. I had the day off (yeah!) and it was a whopping 79 here! The doggies are going to enjoy some frozen yougurt tonight for a treat. Well I am off to get my Ben & Jerry's fix! Check out the site tomorrow morning for those two new pieces...

Snowy day in VA...

Yes you read that right it snowed this morning! Thats Avery eating the snow off of the deck. It only lasted for about an hour here, then turned into slushy yuck. But it was fun while it lasted! Today I got a bunch of new sizes of jump rings in the mail. I played with some of those this afternoon on a brand spanking new design I am working on. This new design is for a Custom Order, but I may make a few slightly different ones for the site too. So far I am very happy with my brand new Chain Maille design. It combines two popular styles. More to come once it is finished. Well I am off have a busy day tomorrow. Hows the weather where you all are???

My afternoon at Kohls...

Hi guys! Well this afternoon I went to Kohls with my Aunt Andrea. Well we are by the lotions and she says smell this and shoves a lotion by my nose. Well she squeezed a little so I could smell it and the damn thing near blew up in my face! Litteraly!!!!!! Up my nose, on my shirt, all over the floor and some on her too. After we were all cleaned up we had a very good laugh about it and will for years to come I am sure. Never a dull moment ;-)
Hopefully next weekend I will have a few new designs to share. Awaiting some more Sterling rings for Chain Maille (hint, hint). Well I am off to spend some time with the doggies. Enjoy your weekend!

All Settled in...

Hi guys! Did ya miss me??? Well I'm all settled in here in VA. I cannot get over how amazing the weather is. And how nice the people are too. The doggies are loving all of their parks and new surroundings. I thought I would miss the snow but I definatly don't.

I'm busily plugging away at a few Custom Orders (Thank you!). And I'm also in contact with yet another magazine. More news on that soon.
Through these few Custom Orders, I have a few new ideas that I just might have to try out in the meantime...

BTW, Thats BBQ guarding his new butterfly!