Gems and Jingles

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

Finally we got our snow! And Lilly is having fun...

Treasury on Etsy

2010-02-15T08:13:00.003-05:00

I just found this gorgeous Treasury on Etsy with one of my rings in it! Really like this color combo. so royal!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Lilly's favorite Breakfast of late - toast with Parmesan cheese...lot's of Parmesan cheese!

Of course, she likes to sprinkle on the cheese by herself. When I saw what she had done, I asked if she didn't think that that was a little bit too much cheese. With the biggest smile on her face, she just replied with a "Mhmm Mhmm, no" All happy with her perfect morning toast.

Treasury - EmeralD SprinG

2010-02-08T21:53:00.002-05:00

I LOVE being featured in treasuries! This one here is soooo gorgeous and really have me longing for spring.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-03T08:41:00.001-05:00

Lilly drew her first smiley face all by herself!

Valentine's Day Collection - Dawanda Style

2010-01-31T08:58:00.003-05:00

This beautiful collection of timeless jewelry for Valentine's Day was created by the Dawanda team. Thank you!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T00:01:00.002-05:00

Time to cuddle!!!

NEW Enamel Bangle Bracelets

2010-01-26T21:42:00.002-05:00

Searching through a local bead shop the other day, I came across these beautiful Enamel bead. They are so rich, deep and full of color - just the perfect thing to spice up your gold or silver stacking bangle set.

Now I am in the process of fashioning them into bangles and list them as soon as I can. Motifs to come are as followed:

Modern and sterilized flowers

tiny ladybugs

leaves

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T09:07:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day

2010-01-19T20:33:00.003-05:00

Somehow I am really looking forward to Valentine's Day this year! There just seems to be a little extra love in the air this year ;)
So I already added a few pieces of jewelry to my shop perfect for Valentine's Day presents.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T01:12:00.003-05:00

One last picture under the Christmas tree before it's gone...

Vintage Wedding

2010-01-12T23:45:00.003-05:00

My sister and I took a trip to a few of the local antique markets and looked through lots and lots of jewelry pieces to select a few to transform in new bangles, necklaces, and earrings. It was so much fun seeing all the different pieces. There are so many crazy and unusual things out there!

I already transformed some of the pieces and listed them in my shop right HERE. I can't wait to finish the rest. These are perfect for weddings with the sparkle and timeless elegance. Plus, you get both old and new in one!

Wordless Wednesday - Let it snow, let it snow,...

2009-12-23T00:00:00.003-05:00

Lilly loves to make snow angels! Since it snowed while we were making them, Lilly had to really close her eyes!

Bangles Galore!

2009-12-22T15:13:00.002-05:00

I really have so much fun with all the new Bangle designs that are in my shop now! Everyday, I find new great pieces that would make perfect centerpieces for one of my bangles. Especially the vintage ones are always fun.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Snow - here we come!!!

Christmas Lights!

2009-12-15T22:42:00.002-05:00

We went on a ride to see all the Christmas lights the other day. Lilly just LOVE seeing them. Every time she sees one she is screaming for more. Just can't get enough! This one here was by far the best. Never seen anything like this!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

Dress up time ... or Lilly is helping me do the laundry...

Nikolaus and first snow

2009-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday on the 6th was Nikolaus Day. That is a special day in Germany on which children clean their biggest boots as best as they can and then put them out in front (or in our case, the steps). Then during the night, Nikolaus would come and either put chocolate and little treats in them if the child was nice all year or, guess what, coal if the child did not behave.

So here is Lilly, taking her first peak at what's inside of her boots...

And then she realized that it was a Milka (special German chocolate) Santa...

Even better - truly made out of chocolate!!!

She couldn't stop smiling all day!

And then we saw all the beautiful snow out side. It just looked amazing with the blazing white sun, crystal clear water, and perfectly snow topped trees. If winter was always like that...

Sneak Peek at my new Studio

2009-12-04T23:49:00.008-05:00

I know I should have been showing pictures sooner, but I really wanted to set up my new studio nicely before I would show it off. And there is still soooooo much to do, but the weather was prefect and I just had to click.

I love how the garage is transformed into this really cozy spot. It looks so cool with the garage door open. Reminds me of a little stage! This is such a neat place to hang out in.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-25T01:54:00.002-05:00

Lilly enjoys playing her new keyboard in her new room.

Thanksgiving Weekend Deals!

2009-11-23T21:53:00.002-05:00

I can't wait for Thanksgiving and all the great food! Especially the Pecan pie. That's my favorite and I think I will try to eat a whole one all by myself this year. I'm sure I can easily do it...

I also can't wait for Black Friday and getting up early to go shopping. My Mom, sister and I do it just for the fun of it! Kind of feels good to be part of that rush even though we so don't prepare or anything. I don't even know where we are going to go yet. Let's see what we'll decide on Thursday.

Of course, I want to be part of it and bring some smiles to all my customer's faces this weekend. So I am offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING and 20% OFF all orders on all of my shops! This sale will last from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. This will be my biggest double sale and it might be the last of the year. So better get what you wanted now for the holiday season.

http://www.FrostedWillow.etsy.com
http://www.KaleidoscopeStyle.etsy.com
http://www.Kumitwist.etsy.com
http://www.Kailea.com

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T01:33:00.002-05:00

Trader Joe's Balloons are the best!

Elenore Earrings

2009-11-17T23:07:00.000-05:00

I love presents! These little soft translucent pink flower buds were added to one of my supply orders as a little gift and I was happy as a little girl when I saw them. I just had to make these
Elenore Earrings right away. The etched flowers remind me of old coins and with the pink flowers dangling above, it almost looks like a vine with flowers grew over the coin over time. A little white Swarovski Rhinestone sparkles from within like a pirate's treasure.

Studio in the making

2009-11-13T00:16:00.005-05:00

I finally finished painting, rolled out a thick carpet, and went wild at Ikea. not too much left and I will have transformed our garage in my very own HUGE (that is the good part about taking the garage) studio. I already built my desks. Yes, there are two of them giving me an enormous area to work on (and to fill up). Now all that is left to build is the shelving unit. I can't wait to neatly organize all of my supplies on these shelves. Finally a space were everything comes together instead of having a little hidden there and a little here and looking for hours to find anything.
Well, I'm almost there. Can't be too long now...

See the before pictures right in this post here:
http://gemsandjingles.blogspot.com/2009/10/studio-here-i-come

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T00:05:00.002-05:00

Ikea - here we come!
Ask Lilly anytime what we will have at Ikea and she is sure to reply with: "Vanilla Ice cream!!!"
And that is just what we had on Sunday after a HUGE shopping day for my new studio (can't wait) and Lilly's Bedroom. More pictures sure to come!

We're going to the Zoo, zoo, zoo...

2009-11-08T01:18:00.007-05:00

Yes, we went to he Franklin Park Zoo here in Boston and had so much fun! We stayed all day even though it was a bit chilly.

And the trip started out great with this not-to-be-missed photo of Lilly as kitty cat and grandma as goat. Perfect mimic on both of them. Staying totally in character!

And then we did see all these other animals as well. I loved how close you get to them at this zoo. I mean those camels were right there!

And so was the Emu...

And then Lilly even got to sit on the large Gorilla with her baby! GOTCHA! No that one is a sculpture. But pretty cool.

And so is riding a cow...

And feeling like prey in the condor cage. These things are HUGE!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

One more Halloween picture! Here Lilly shows off her handmade skeleton out of Q-tips and the Halloween card her grandparents sent from Arizona.

Brand New Packaging

2009-11-03T22:36:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to finally have finished my packaging for Frosted Willow. Just in time for this weekends large orders!

And I think it really came out great and reflects my personal style nicely. I was so happy when I found these cute little blue boxes on Etsy. They go great with my banner background and it's just my absolute favorite color! My next move was to find some Kawaii deco tape on Etsy to trim the boxes with. Now they look wrapped but can be opened with them still intact. And that black lace motif is so elegant! Finally, I made some sticker tags using the same lace motif all around, a matching blue and frosty white flower motif. I included my Etsy web address on the stickers, printed them on a white sticker sheet from Avery and then used a circle cutter to cut them all out.

It was so much fun putting all the boxes together with Lilly. She made some of her own that were just *slightly* different :)

Now for the mailer, I also used the lace design and Frosted Willow logo. Now all I have to do is write in the customer's address and they are all neat and uniform.
Then I also ordered some Thank you cards from Vistaprint with pictures from all of my 4 Etsy shops on them to add to each package. Maybe someone is going to like a piece from the other shops as well!

Halloween Parade!

2009-11-03T00:55:00.009-05:00

Wow, this weekend has been crazy good with my Frosted Willow shop. Lots of great sales and traffic since I was featured in Etsy's weekend deal email. I'm so happy!!!
So no wonder I'm a bit late showing off our Halloween pictures.

Lilly's scarecrow costume was the best! Grandma did such a great job making it from scratch. Even using real corn! And Lilly was sooo excited and loved everything about it.

We went to the local Halloween parade and i think everyone came out to be there. The best costumes I ever saw and not just on kids! There were parents dressed up in full suit bunny costumes. And look at this big doggy!

At the end of the parade was a sort of Haunted House staged by the local fire station. Way to scary for me, but Lilly loved it. Children are so curious.

After that we went trick or treating in the neighborhood. There was a big crowd and it was so much fun walking with all the other kids and parents from house to house. And some houses really put on a great show!

Buy one get one FREE Weekend Deals

2009-10-30T23:57:00.004-04:00

I am so excited to be featured in this weeks WEEKEND DEAL email! Did you see my vintage earrings up there? They were sold before the email even came out. How funny!
The buy one get one item totally free will last all weekend long on all of my items from my shops!

http://www.FrostedWillow.etsy.com
http://www.KaleidoscopeStyle.etsy.com
http://www.Kumitwist.etsy.com
http://www.Kailea.etsy.com

Studio - here I come!

2009-10-29T01:47:00.003-04:00

I have been *secretly* working on my very own studio for the last few weeks. It seemed like I will never get there for a while and my Dining Room was filling over (who doesn't have that!) Now after this weekend I finally feel like I am getting close.

But let me back up. What I am converting is our garage. It seems funny, but it is the perfect place. It was filled with things to be stored as you can see. So definitely ready to be taken over. What I love about the garage is that it is big, I can open the garage door for real good ventilation when I am working with the torch, and I will be able to watch Lilly play outside while I get some work done right there.

I finally got it all cleaned out and started giving it some color! It's going to be marvelous with this aqua blue, a deep blue and a yellow green to come!
On Thursday I will go to Ikea to get tables and a real storage system. I can't wait to get all my supplies and different arts and crafts organized!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T00:06:00.001-04:00

3 Generation Picture with my Mom, Lilly, and me!

Embroidered Silk Brooch

2009-10-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I worked on some new and exciting brooches, pins, and pendants with remnants of embroidered fabric. These fabrics are so gorgeous and just perfect for these treasures. Here is the first Brooch one that I listed yesterday. I will try to list the others throughout the week!

Salem's Haunted Happenings

2009-10-26T00:17:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the last Sunday before Halloween and the place to be was Salem, Mass. The weather was gorgeous and everyone was out there - all the witches, pumpkins, scarecrows, devils, and lot's of things I don't even know.

You had to look out for them everywhere. They even had special 'Witches flying by' crosswalks. Gotta watch the witches!

One of the most stunning costumes was this one of a witch monument. I love the long skirt and very pointy hat.

See the similarities to the real one?!

But the best part about Halloween sight seeing are all the decorations and haunted houses to see.

Love this spider invested house (we tried to stay clear).

And of course the Mummy trap.

But best in town was the more is better and a little bit of everything approach. Lilly LOVED it!

Fresh Friday Finds

2009-10-23T00:43:00.002-04:00

I always love to find new and interesting art prints on Etsy. I especially love the ones you can just look at for hours and find new details in them. This Mermaid Folk Art Print is one of them. Did you see the frog and the cat yet? See what I mean!

Another passion of mine (one among many, I know) are journals. Just love the idea of being able to jot down my thoughts at any given moment and make note of all those great designs that come in the oddest places. I do have a few journals, but using them just isn't working out right now for me. I like to believe that I just haven't found the right format of a journal yet. Maybe this one is it? I love the blue soft leather, hand drawn design, and ripped paper of this Leather Journal.

Guess what this is - a beautiful Halter Apron with the cutest birdies of all on my favorite color! These aprons are the rage right now and really such a statement when you have a little dinner party or just because. Got to click to see the entire piece!

Halloween is in the air!

2009-10-22T01:07:00.004-04:00

I just had to show off these fantastically scary ghosts my little Lilly made the other day at art class. I love how simple they are with just using a little bit of fiberfill, wiggly eyes, leaves, glue and paper. Lilly went a bit overboard with the wiggly eyes. They were clearly her favorite part! Now they hang in our window scaring everyone away ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T00:06:00.003-04:00

Lilly loves to take (pretend) naps with her Dollies!

Weekend Fun at the Flea Market

2009-10-18T12:30:00.000-04:00

I LOVE going to the flea market! So many great things to find and get and we have found some very nice ones around here lately. Of course, I love the huge Brimfield Fair that comes around once in a while, but it is more for looking than buying. Too expensive for me.
My staples are the fairs in Upton, Grafton, and on the way to Newburyport.

All these great vintage and new jewelry pieces I got at the Upton fleamarket that comes around once a month. I don't know how much longer they will do that one, but it is so much fun. I can't wait to get started on these pieces. i already have several ideas of what to do with them in my head but just couldn't find the time yet to finish them.

The Grafton Flea Market is every Sunday from April to December! So we really try to go every weekend. It's become our favorite Sunday activity.

Fresh Friday Finds

2009-10-16T01:03:00.001-04:00

It is just about time for some Fresh Friday Finds and I sure have amazed so many new 'gotta have them right now' favorites, I don't know where to start!

You all know how much I love bangles! I got beautiful gold bangles from India, colorful Enamel bangles and now I just long for one of these
Skinny Bangles. They look so sophisticated with the faceted stones in the center. Just perfect layered with all kinds of bangles for this season.

Every time I see one of Sascalia's Collage Paintings I have to smile cheek to cheek. They are so cheerful and filled with color. I love all the little details and this one here is one of my favorites.

This Journey Journal I just had to show. What a great idea!You can put in the tags in the places you visited and connect them with the string. If I ever go on a road trip, this is what I need!

Custom Earrings

2009-10-15T02:00:00.001-04:00

One of my husband's cousins move to Boston recently and we are so happy to be able to see her more often now. Lilly just loves her! So when her Birthday came up and my mother-in-law asked me to create a piece of jewelry with her birthstone, I was all for it. I knew right away that I needed to make her some large hoop earrings with some natural elements from what I have seen her wear. Her birthstone is an opal and it was a bit tricky to find something that would fit at first, but when I saw these carved pink opal leaves, I knew I found the perfect item. I designed a sterling silver hoop to go around it that I textured to give it more of that natural feel.
And she was so excited when I gave her the earrings! I was so excited too! It's so much fun to make a piece of jewelry for a specific person. And she looks so good in them! Really, she does.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T01:19:00.002-04:00

Lilly is getting ready for Halloween! Not a bit frightened and already playing with her new favorite doll - the scarecrow!

Weekend Deals - Free Worldwide Shipping

2009-10-09T00:42:00.003-04:00

=======♠♥♠♥♠ THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL (Oct. 9 - Oct. 11) !!! ♠♥♠♥♠=======

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING!

Just mention "Weekend Deals" in the note to seller when you check out and finish the transaction. I will send you a revised invoice or issue your refund promptly.

**********************************************************************************

It's time for another round of weekend deals. This week Etsy asked seller to offer FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING - so here it is! Available on all my shops this weekend only.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T00:03:00.003-04:00

21st century baby - talking to great grandma in Germany over the cell phone

Weekend Deals

2009-10-02T23:25:00.003-04:00

=======♠♥♠♥♠ THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL (Oct. 2 - Oct. 4) !!! ♠♥♠♥♠=======

20% OFF ENTIRE ORDER!

Just mention "Weekend Deals" in the note to seller when you check out and finish the transaction. I will send you a revised invoice or issue your refund promptly. I am offering this special on all of my etsy shops!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T15:23:00.002-04:00

Catching the last rays of summer sunlight at a birthday Party...

Saying Good Bye to Summer

2009-09-29T00:15:00.005-04:00

I'm trying to ignore it, but summer is on its last breath around here in Boston. It was short and like a whirlwind for us with my parents moving out of our home and into their own, my sister Ina coming back to study, and sister Anne coming for a 3 week visit filled with great sight seeing.
Another great thing we did and that I really don't want to miss over the winter is all the flea markets we have been to. Even Lilly loved them! I amazed a great collection of vintage jewelry pieces that I can't wait to fashion into new necklaces and earrings. So many ideas floating in my head! I already made these two one-of-a-kind necklaces with them. I even made a third, but can't let go of that one.
The first one is made with this gorgeous black and white Cameo that used to be a pin or brooch. I love how it plays off the sparkling black beads on either side.

And this one here features a filigree Heart surrounded by lilac faceted beads in the same style. I just love working on these styles and there are many more to come!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T00:00:00.002-04:00

A perfect summer memory - Lilly and me!

Packing orders!

2009-09-08T23:47:00.003-04:00

This summer is passing like the wind - more like a whirlwind but oh so much fun! No time to bloggy-dy-blog! Instead we did a lot of sightseeing and worked on some custom orders like these 10 Custom Initial Felt Keychains. They will be stocking stuffer's for 10 nieces. Isn't that a great idea! What a nice auntie.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T00:01:00.002-04:00

Driving in the car all summer long for some great sightseeing with all the visitors!

Sale, SALE, Sale!!!

2009-08-28T00:34:00.003-04:00

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF!!!!

It's time for a BIG sale! You know my sister is finally back to start College over here, but what you don't know is that my other sister is here as well right now for 3 weeks with her boyfriend. This is the first time in like 5 years that my entire family is together. so yes, there is little time to post and lot's of time to be spend together!!!!!
The other exciting news is that Etsy will feature my Custom Initial Felt Pendant in their weekend deal email! I can't believe to be chosen and can't wait to see it! (I will post a screen shot as soon as I can)
So yes, all of this is course for a gigantic sale! so starting today and lasting all weekend long, buy one item and receive 50% off on your second item. Use code "weekend deals" in the message to seller during checkout and specify your "50% off" item that's equal to or lesser in value to the item purchased. I will send a revised invoice promptly or refund your money. Happy shopping!

New Designs - Jeweled Bib Necklaces

2009-08-27T16:02:00.003-04:00

Reading about the latest styles in Jewelry, my sister Ina and I have been fascinated by the new bigger is better and especially by the new jeweled bib necklaces. They remind us of Egyptian princesses and old style Hollywood.
Of course, our minds immediately started thinking about how we can transform this style and make one of our very own embroidered felt bib necklaces. We had so much fun with it that we kept running and talks of rhinestones and studs are abound. Well, this is a little preview and I hope to have the first one ready to list tomorrow. Be sure, there are more to come and don't miss this hottest item of the season!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T00:03:00.001-04:00

Lilly is getting a custom haircut on the deck!

Fresh Friday Finds

2009-08-14T01:44:00.004-04:00

You might know from previous posts (just seeing if you pay attention ;) that my family is quite fond of owl. I love this one in this
Owl Locket Charm Necklace with its big eyes and sterilized form. This would look so good on me!

I have been ohhing and ahhing over Geninne's watercolor work for quite some time now, but this Finn Watercolor Print is just screaming to live in my office. Those are my favorite colors and adding watercolor to a vintage postcard is just genius. Love it!

These little Bear Brooches are very dear to me. First of all, they are made of felt, one of my most cherished materials. And they are just sooooo cute! But if you wonder about the little rabbits around the bear, you have to start reading the stories that come with the bears. Those are the best! You will see, soon you have to read through each description and spend hours in this shop. This is better than reading a book and I actually hope this little stories will come out in a children's/adult's-at-heart book. They are just too precious.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T00:04:00.001-04:00

"Lilly! What are you eating?"
Deep voice:"Watermelon..."
"Lilly! Can you give me a nice face?"

Little Gift Pouches for your Gems

2009-08-11T00:14:00.002-04:00

I have been making these types of Jewelry Bags for some time now. It all started with me wanting some special way to send out my jewelry to customers. As a Interior Designer, I receive so many new fabric sample books month after month and so many becoming outdated. Then I realized that instead of throwing them out, I could make the most beautiful and luxurious jewelry bags from them. Each fabric swatch is just big enough for one bag. So all of the pouches made from the sample books are one of a kind. I just love the idea of recycling and reusing these fabrics. These are high quality designer fabrics that are usually not available to the general public. I have been creating custom sets of coordinating pouches for brides. They chose their colors to go with their wedding theme and give these as bridal party gifts often putting in their own handmade jewelry and treasures. There are so many great ways to use them!

Florida Vacation

2009-08-09T22:57:00.013-04:00

Finally some pictures from our Florida vacation before it is too late and no one likes to see them anymore. Well, of course, I had to get sick when we got back from Florida and I actually still have a cough. Really hope it will go away soon. Don't want to miss out going to the pond and beach while the weather is actually nice here and we can. It won't be too long this year!

So here they are - my very first picture I took was of Lilly eating some watermelon in front of the hotel room. What better way to start a vacation!

Then we played at the beach...

Took at field trip to downtown Delray Beach...

And spend some more time at the beach.

Ahh, life at the beach!

Just hit 1000 Followers on Twitter

2009-08-07T00:26:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to have a 1000 followers on Twitter now! It is so much fun to post little insights to my life, work, and more. And also so great to read about what is going on with everyone else out there. So if you want to know even more about me and what I'm doing when I'm not updating my blog (which, well, is most of the time) then why don't you follow me too! It'll be fun!
https://twitter.com/GemsandJingles

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T08:18:00.002-04:00

Finally a picture from our Florida vacation! Lilly was right at home at the beach.

Fresh Friday Finds - Get ready for a pool party!

2009-07-31T09:14:00.003-04:00

Our Florida vacation was great and I can't wait to post some pictures - but today is Friday, so we need some Fresh Friday Finds first. So really, now I feel like a pool party! I'm still so in vacation mood that all I can think of are palm trees, flip flops and the ocean. So let's get ready for a pool party!

First off, we need some invitation, because planing and all is half the fun! I especially like these beachy Treat Bag Toppers. Just add a note with the details and some sand and you have some really special invites.

And then you need food! TheseLuau Party Cookies are the most colorful and detailed cookies I've seen. I love how they put you right into the party swing. I can hear the bongos already.

Now all we need are some flowers in our hair. TheseCoconut Flower Headband
are just the right thing. The colors are so tropical and they are made of hand-dyed coconut fiber by women of on the Marshall Islands. Bring a little bit of tropic to your home for a perfect party!

Vacation is calling me!

2009-07-20T00:05:00.003-04:00

My very own pair of these sexy Garnet Gold Leaf Earrings is coming with me to Florida! Oh, I can't wait to lay in the sun, feeling the ocean breeze, and listening to the waves...yes, we are going to Florida for a week! Mainly to visit family and friends, but also to enjoy the heat. I know Lilly won't believe how great it is there. To be able to go to the beach all day long every day. She might not want to come back home!
So you may see some pictures from us in Florida - or you might not. Let's see how connected I will be or just a woman out on the sea.

Fresh Friday Finds - try something new

2009-07-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Once in a while (quite frankly too often) the creative bug bites me and I just NEED to start a new craft or make something totally different from my usual wares. That is lots of fun, but tends to totally consummate me since I will want to know everything about it right away and master that craft in no time. Hardly happens because of time restrains and limited funds. The second part is what really gets me!
So right now, I am toying with the idea of meddling with in the arts of something like these here:

This Whimsical Hair Comb is so magical. I love the soft blossom against the aqua feathers. Really special for this summer and would be great with the new haircut I just got. Now making that would be fun! I love working with the glue gun and just coordinating things. I wish I could see the artists studio and all the goodies that it must contain.

Or should I go for the wooden toys! Lilly would love it if I could create a whole forrest of trees and houses and dolls to go with it. My mind is already designing all kinds of creatures and wood is so much fun to work with. This little Mushroom sure is inspirational. Now all I need is the type of saw needed for this...and a few other things. So really - a long shot!

Or maybe start working with clay! Who doesn't want to try this one! it is such a great idea to make Miniature Worlds from clay including the sun. I got a few ideas for molds and patterns for plaques. I know they would be great, but I don't even know where to begin with what clay to get, glazes, and then firing. So this is even a longer shot. Yet, none of these ideas let my mind go and it is getting crowded in there. I guess I have to start writing them down and file them for later use. I know at some point I will be trying these out. Yes, so much to learn, so little time.
I would like to know what projects everyone else is thinking about now. I know it is a common artist ailment!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T00:23:00.002-04:00

Ready to roll!!!!!

Beach Stone Nugget Necklaces

2009-07-14T20:45:00.005-04:00

I have been working on these Beach Necklaces the past few days after I discovered amazing smooth stone nuggets at a children’s discovery store with Lilly. You probably know these big stands with all kinds of stones that also tell you the story behind each one of them. I always loved stones and minerals and already have quite a collection. And I always wanted to find an easy way to carry them with me.

So I decided to crochet a little freeform cocoon for each stone and make it into a necklace. They have a carefree summer and beach feel and give you that little piece of nature on the go. Here are the first pictures and I hope to list them in my Etsy store this week!

Lilly's Birthday Party!

2009-07-12T00:31:00.008-04:00

So yesterday was the big day of Lilly's 2nd Birthday Party! All the preparation totally paid off because it was just perfect! Perfect weather, perfect guests...we had a blast! I know Lilly will be talking about it all day tomorrow!

----------------------------The Birthday Girl------------------------------

Enthralled in her cake!

And soooooooo happy with her presents!
At the end of the day, we all went down to the water and had a fire to makes S'mores! That was so much fun and not just the kids loved eating them!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T00:02:00.002-04:00

In the summertime, when the weather is hot....
Lilly's favorite song right now!

Lilly's Birthday

2009-07-07T15:06:00.004-04:00

So it was Lilly's 2nd birthday yesterday and we didn't even take any pictures! So I have to show you this new pair of Earrings. It reminds me of an old coin collection or a treasure from the bottom of the sea.
Back to Lilly's birthday...I think she had an especially great day! First we did a video call to the great grandparents, then the other pair of great grandparents called, and then we were off to the library for some story time and crafting. She loves to play there and read new books. Then we tried to nap, but since that didn't go over well, we got ready for swimming in the pond. Josh and I went with Lilly and had spent the afternoon in the water and on the beach. And in the evening, both sets of grandparents came to go out for Chinese Buffet. I can say without a doubt that that place is Lilly's favorite right now! She ate so much adamame, rice, noodles, broccoli, mango, and of course ice cream - I really don't know where she put it! Even the waitress said that we will have to pay double for her! So yes, we had a great day!

July 4 Celebrations

2009-07-05T00:52:00.006-04:00

There is nothing better than sitting on the greens under a clear blue sky with lots of other people. Forth of July is the best time to do this and this year it was just magical.
Lilly loved sitting in the camping chair and having lots of Kettle Korn. So did all of us and I think I will turn into a big popcorn myself!

We also had to check out the Carnival section and Lilly couldn’t believe all the fun rides to see and foods to eat. She especially was taken by the trumpet she saw a little girl play with. We looked and looked and finally saw a little 'catch the fish' stand offer them to win. So Lilly played, caught the right fish, and was the happiest little girl when she knew she won her little pink trumpet. She played it till it got dark. Then right before the fireworks, she and my husband left. With 2 we feel that she is still too young to hear and see all those fireworks.

I stayed with my parents because I love it way too much. And oh was it worth it! Just so unbelievable. Can't wait for next year!

Fresh Friday Finds

2009-07-03T00:03:00.002-04:00

I just came across this glorious Lilly Bracelet and just loved the vintage feel of it. Of course, I couldn't stop thinking about how great it would be to have this hidden name bracelet for my little Lilly. I would know what it meant, but not everyone I meet.

Then I looked through my favorites and realized that I have many more lilies already hearted! See, she is always on my mind. One of my top picks is this
Moo Card Case. I can't wait to get one of these cases myself as soon as I have my Moo Cards. They are "made from paper that has been covered in a heavy, clear vinyl and than sewn together". You won't believe all the options of paper available.

And finally, this beautifully calming Water Lilly Photograph. Just an amazing shot on how these lilies are stretching to reach the sun.

I (heart) Dawanda

2009-07-02T19:22:00.004-04:00

You all know how much I LOVE bags and purses. One just can't have enough of them (or is it just me!) So I love browsing the Category: Bags » Bags » Shoulder Bags » at DaWanda just to see what is out there. This also helps me to see the newest emerging trends right from the source to use as creative resource for my jewelry designs. But when I saw this Giant Bag Dreamland (yes, that's what it's called, I should know, I'm German) I knew it was meant for me. A zebra, a birdie and pink and blue trees - come on, that is just too perfect to be true. Gimmygimmygimmy!!!!! And the best part is the size. I need lots of space for all the extra sweaters, animal cookies, drinks, and toys I always seem to haul around for little Lilly and me. So yes, this one is for me.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T00:40:00.004-04:00

Lilly is turning 2 next Monday! I can't believe it - and then I can. Here are her official pictures!

Silver Plated O Earrings

2009-06-30T00:11:00.002-04:00

I am slowly but surely adding silver items to my shop. I have been so captivated by the shine of the gold that my mind couldn't think of designs in silver. Now they are slowly trickling in. First off are these
Oval Earrings in black and white. Very striking and elegant!
On a different note, my parents finally have the closing of their new home tomorrow afternoon. I am so excited for them! This really is a great house and I will show pictures once they are in.

Frontpage on Etsy

2009-06-29T00:10:00.003-04:00

It is always excited and it happened again last night around 8:30...one of my items graced the frontpage on Etsy!

It was this colorful embroidered Felt Necklace. Really looked great and I'm just a tiny bit sad I couldn't get a screen shot of the whole page. My laptop doesn't fit much. just good that mine was on the first row.
Now for the stats. During the hour or two that it was up there, I received over 380 views on the item, 26 shop hearts, and 18 new hearts on this item. Of course, also lot's of more views and hearts for other items in the shop due to the frontpage.

Fresh Friday Finds: Funny Faces

2009-06-26T00:26:00.003-04:00

It's high time for some new Fresh Friday Finds! And I'm so excited to show you all these great amazing creatures.

Can you guess what this is?! YES, a Flava Flava Bunny. Not sure what that is? Well, look at it! Wouldn't it be great for your cell phone, money/coins, mp3 player, credit cards ... just about anything. I love these kinds of little purses and I think I will have to start a collection.

And what about this Mommy and me Brooch! I love the big eyes and French look. Such a neat idea and I keep wondering how they would look with Lilly and my face on them. Pretty funny, hey.

This is one of my favorite pieces right now! A cute littleBaby Elephant Walk Sculpture not only perfect for Lilly's room or mine, but also a great present for my Mom who loves and collects elephants. This one is just so different! I just love how he is squished.
There are so many great critters and creatures out to be found on Etsy. No wonder with all these great minds!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T12:47:00.000-04:00

A little goodnight tea time for our sweet princess.

New Item: Embroidered Felt Earrings

2009-06-23T22:04:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to finally be able to list the first of these Embroidered Felt Earrings. They are made just like all our other felt pieces but with metal post backs. We got this great idea from one of our customers. She selected a pin for her grandma's birthday and asked if we could make a matching pair of post earrings to go along. Then she explained that her grandma never wears earrings in the winter because they felt too cold to her. So our felt would be great, since it isn't cold! We think it is a great idea and they look so bright and fun! Can't wait to make more...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T17:45:00.001-04:00

Walpole German Sommerfest

2009-06-13T22:54:00.006-04:00

We had the best time today at the German Sommerfest in Walpole here in Massachusetts. So much good food! I had Leberkaese, Sauerkraut, Bratwust, and the best bread. I wish I did have room for a lot more or at least double. Oh, and I almost forgot about the yummy apple crisp. Now I could eat more of that. And of course all the great dark beer!

They always have a very German band there with all the traditional songs. Lilly loved it! She was bobbing and dancing and clapping all along.

And as a special treat, Lilly got to go on a pony ride! She had no reservations going on that pony and actually couldn’t belief her luck. All along she sang "Hoppe, hoppe Reiter". And towards the end she begged the horse to go "Schneller, schneller" (faster, faster). She is a natural on the horse! BTW, did you see that guy in the 'Lederhosen'?!
Well, it was lots of fun and all will be back next year. I sure will be there first thing!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T00:07:00.002-04:00

My little garden gnome...

Katrin Lerman Jewelry Facebook Fan Page

2009-06-09T15:25:00.003-04:00

I finally did it and opened up a Facebook fan page! Definitely was a learning curve but now I look forward to posting and populating it. This will be another great way of staying in touch and I will post SECRET SALES more frequently over there. So you really should become a fan - aren't you already LOL!
Also let me know what you think and if you have any great ideas about what else to add. I'd love the input!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T00:10:00.002-04:00

One more picture of Lilly in the strawberry fields!

Gold and Pink Flower Necklace

2009-06-02T23:39:00.004-04:00

I am having more and more fun with all the gold supplies I got to make the most gorgeous and elegant jewelry without the heavy price tag normally associated with gold.
This delicate Necklace is one of my current favorites! The soft pink of the Swarovski crystals make this necklace so feminine and petite. But I just got a few more great charms and gemstones and can't wait to work with them!

Piggy the Pig Ring

2009-05-31T10:26:00.003-04:00

I just finished this cute Ring! I think it is just so different with its unusual size and subject matter! When I saw this little piggy in a children's book, I knew I had to have it as a ring! It is just such a conversation starter!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Lilly playing Mommy with her favorite doll! She is already way into the pretending-to-be-Mommy stage. So cute!

New lariat necklace

2009-05-26T23:03:00.005-04:00

I have been having so much fun with all the gold jewelry supplies I got! One of my favorite pieces is this lariat type necklace. Never made or wore one before, but these are so easy to wear, they quickly become my favorite. And there are so many ways to wear them.

This one has a hand-blown glass bead with a little black twist on one side and a gold plated long leaf charm and a faceted green Aventurine Briolette on the other. Together they make a very sophisticated necklace.

Strawberry Picking on Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T14:53:00.007-04:00

We went to see my husband’s brother and family this weekend down in Princeton New Jersey. And we are having a great time. Especially Lilly who just love playing with her cousins and getting all the attention. She is singing all day long and keeps hugging me and telling me how much she loves me (for doing all these great things with her)

So today we went strawberry picking! This was the first time for Lilly and she totally got it and had so much fun! There is a big sing outside that you are not supposed to eat any strawberries until you paid for them. Well Lilly was eating a LOT of them already in the fields and all the red stains around her cheeks and on her cloth totally gave her away! Luckily no one noticed. But these were so sweet, she just couldn't stop!

Even I never had so many strawberries in my live before! Just so sweet! But almost better than the strawberry picking was the tractor Lilly saw on our way out! It was big and red and she waited her turn to "drive" it. Almost couldn’t reach the steering wheel but stretched as far as she could! As you can see, she is in heaven.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T13:16:00.001-04:00

Lilly's Biggest Smile!

Brimfield Antique Market 2009

2009-05-17T14:24:00.008-04:00

This was the first time for Lilly at this huge antique and flea market. Actually, she did come along 2 years ago, but she still was in my belly then! But now she had the time of her life. Right when we got there, she kept pointing at everything and saying: "WOW, look at that, Daddy?!" She has a great eye and sees all the little details and spotted a giant baseball from one row down. Here you see how much fun Daddy and Lilly had looking for some Patio furniture. Unfortunately, all the patio furniture we liked where some sort of designer icon pieces and way too expensive. So we didn't get anything like that even though it was what we came for.

But there was so much else to be found. This time it was quite large with lots of very interesting pieces and really something for every budget. Care for a large cow for example?

Or maybe you are more into a little white mermaid. Can you spot her? And can you see the frog that sits on top? Lilly saw that one right away and was all over it.
We did get a few things for ourselves even though not at all what I was looking for or knew I needed. Now I'm so happy to have found them. There were so many of these nice old Asian woodcuts and also cookie mold. I just love the mold and can't wait to clean them up and put them on a metal stand. They will be perfect on my console table!

Fresh Friday Finds

2009-05-15T00:16:00.002-04:00

Finally a new Fresh Friday Finds! Oh, I have found sooooo many gorgeous things in the time that has past that I don't even know where to start. Then this little rabbit caught my eye and off I am doing a little bit of a whimsical theme today. I just love whimsical with a twist!

So this Rabbit by Klaus Haapaniemi fascinates me with its long neck and ears, intricate design, and purple color. It is full of Finland's mystery and magic.

These Fairy Wings Earrings look so elegant with the swirly curves and matte brass finish. Full of style and whimsy - what else could you ask for?!

And for the last item today, this little Lavender Sachet Pillow . Isn't it just the most unusual you have ever seen? I have never thought about owning a sachet pillow before, but I sure don't know how I'm going to live without this one! :) I love the soft colors and little details.

New Banner - New Items - More Fun

2009-05-14T22:52:00.008-04:00

After neglecting my original Katrin Lerman Jewelry shop on Etsy, I have been spending lots of time lately creating new pieces just for this store. They are mostly gold plated modern keepsakes with lots of texture and pattern with splashes of gemstone colors.

I always used to wear only Silver jewelry and found gold to be boring and old fashioned. Then I went to India and couldn't get enough of the gold pieces everyone was wearing. The deep warm color of those pieces as well as the unusual designs totally had me fall in love with gold. And it turns out that it just goes so very nicely with my blond hair!

Back home, it took me quite some time to find anything comparable to the color and style. Now I finally found several sources that had my creative juices running like a river! Even as I sit here, writing about it, I just can't stop thinking about new designs and getting back to my gold covered work bench.

So now I slowly list these new items in my shop in the hopes that others will agree with me that they bring a new spin to gold jewelry that is striking and eye catching. I personally love wearing my very own pieces and have received many compliments. So check back often to find you very own piece of gold!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T00:05:00.003-04:00

Lilly is so soulful!

Another great Front Page on Etsy!

2009-05-09T13:39:00.003-04:00

My elegant embroidered felt Paisley Necklace hit the front page on Etsy this morning! It is right up there on the top of the right side. To give you the stats again, during that time it got over 400 views with 12 item hearts and 51 shop hearts. So not quite as popular as the bangles that were on the front page not too long ago. It is still amazing what a difference the front page makes. And this time, I actually had a sale from it and a custom request. I'll take that as a Mother's Day present!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T00:06:00.001-04:00

The Big Stage is calling!

Custom Starfish Bridal Party Necklace

2009-05-05T21:50:00.005-04:00

I have been working on this custom Bridal Party necklace and I really like how it came out. It all started with an idea of a large center starfish and many, many strands of tiny blue seed beads from the customer. We then worked it into this stunning black and white necklace with a single strand of large nuggets. They are much more in keeping with the beach and rocks and stones and appear elegant, yet beach easy. I just sent it to my customer and hope she loves it as much as I do. I would love to see them on her bridesmaids in their beautiful dresses on her wedding day. Maybe I get so see some pictures!

Ready --- Go --- Read

2009-04-30T00:14:00.000-04:00

I finally finished my first bookmark! I have been wanting to make one for so long, but never really saw the right motif for it. Now this bright and sunny Embroidered Flower Felt Bookmark is just the right thing. It just makes me smell the roses without being anywhere near a garden. This will spice up you reading and let you feel connected to Mother Earth no matter where you are within your mind. I can't wait to make even more bookmarks now. I already thought of a little bookworm...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T07:25:00.003-04:00

My little Flower girl.

Front Page!

2009-04-23T22:19:00.003-04:00

My cute embroidered felt Bangle Bracelets hit the front page yesterday! In that hour or two, it got over 500 views with 34 item hearts and over 60 shop hearts. I want to be on the front page every day!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

Photo Sessions

are FUN!

Custom Letter Keychain

2009-04-21T22:04:00.003-04:00

I just finished this cute little P keychain! Guess what it stands for!!! THese are great even to hang from your purse, bagpack, or in the car. i actually use mine as pin cushion! Just the right little size for one or two needles.

Boston Marathon Day!

2009-04-20T14:37:00.004-04:00

So we went to the Boston Marathon today but down here close to the starting line in Framingham. It was much colder than last year with a lot of wind, but of course still plenty of people out to see the whole thing. And fun it was! We were too late for the front runners, but just in time for the huge crowd of runners. It is amazing how many people participate. And there are all kinds out there... we even saw a male Bumble Bee, Batman and Robin, several Barbies, and a nice Hamburger! Can't wait for next year!

Big Apple Circus

2009-04-19T08:37:00.006-04:00

We went to the Big Apple Circus with Lilly. It was the first time for her going to a show and actually the first time for me going to this circus. So we both were very excited! And the show really was great! It lasted 2 hours and Lilly sat through it just staring at the stage, clapping, and moving with the music for the whole time. I couldn't believe it.
And it was real easy to see since the tent is rather small. This way, no seat is further than 50 feet from the stage. We actually had some great seats almost looking straight on.

When we got home, I had to look on youtube to see if they had anything up to show to Lilly again. This here actually was one of her favorite acts. It's so great how this acrobat totally moves to the music. And guess what the best part of this video is for Lilly - the musical notes that are lit up around the stage! She can't stop talking about it!

And this here is the stage. I had to keep the flash off, but you get the idea of all the lights. It really was just perfect for little children.