David and Goliath

I read this story with my son today about David slaying Goliath. It is always a good reminder of how powerful God is and the boys like the story because a boy like them slayed a giant with a slingshot and a stone.
Today, the story, although heard by my son many times, was relayed to his older brother because the part he thought was funny was when Goliath says to David "Are you coming at me with sticks like I am a dog?"
How great is the bible that we can read it over and over again and come away with something different or current to our lives at the moment? It's like we can read the same passage many times over and still get something else out of it.
And....of course, reading it through the eyes of a child is always enlightening. Our God has given us this lasting guide to get though our crazy world and it can apply to all of us at any particular time.
Quite vast is God's knowledge, wisdom and love. Would that I could have a small morsel...

Did you Vote?

Tomorrow is election day. The hype is finally going to be over and hopefully whichever way the vote goes it's a decisive one because if we have more controversy over this election like for Bush/Gore I think I'll go mad.
I remember voting for the first time. I lived in St Petersburg, Florida and was so excited to be standing in line waiting to cast my vote. MY vote. It was a special day because I really felt like what I had to say mattered in this huge country - and that is pretty important.
If you've never voted - I urge you to sign up and make your voice heard. It's so important that we all get our voice and that we are all counted. So many people in this great country's past fought and often died for our right to vote. Especially as a woman, when our history shows that women didn't have a voting voice for so long - so it's particularly important that we stand up today and make our vote count.
No matter what your party affiliation, take some time to research the candidates platforms and see what is important to you in this world and CAST YOUR VOTE.
One grain of rice can tip the scale.

Halloween Alternatives? I'm over it

So what's the big deal? I mean - it's one day, kids get dressed up and go door-to-door to get candy and we're done. Why the extra days during October to get candy on weekends before Halloween - doesn't that take the anticipation away from the real day?
As a kid, I remember it was very exciting to get candy on that day and it seemed like an enormous amount. I know I never finished the bottom of my pumpkin basket ever, so my Dad probably took the rest to work or something.
Nowadays, it seems like there are so many "safe alternatives" being held but way prior to the actual date of Halloween and people aren't using it as an alternative but more of an additional opportunity to get more candy.
More candy?
Can you imagine?
As for me and my house, we'll just keep going door-to-door on the real Halloween and make it a light, fun holiday. No need for gore or horror - just a fun day, let them eat like five pieces of candy when they get home and they are in heaven.
OK. I'm done with my rant. I promise.
Moving on.

Day after Halloween

Thank GOD that the time finally changes tomorrow....it seems like my biological clock has been waiting for it to happen - like when you lie awake in the morning waiting for the alarm to go off because your mind knows it's coming?? OK - maybe that's just me.

Now, though, I feel the pressure of AHHHH November???? Already???? I mean - seriously now it's like a snowball going down a steep slippery mountainside on it's way to Christmas Day. I wish I could slow the clock down - just make every day a little longer and slower so there would be time to do all the fun stuff that this season brings. So many goodies to bake, so many people to hug and pray for, so many traditions - it's so much fun.

So I'm off to go pull down the Halloween decorations from outside and pack them away for another year - fortunately, there aren't too many. Whew.

Until next time --

Okay Okay - It's been awhile

I've been running like crazy busy..............I guess with three kids and being home and able to volunteer AND having my own online business AND co-chair of my kids fundraising event this year.................well, it does keep me out of trouble I guess.

I have three Craft shows I'm doing this season and I can't say I'll be sad when they are over. Although I love to have the sales, it does take it's toll. I was exhausted after last Saturday's event - I think it's just being up and selling and talking to people. You won't sell too much if you sit in the booth and keep your head down...right?

Anyway - last week, after the show, I had to pack everything up, shuttle back to the house, unpack and then load up the kids for a pool party (with Halloween costumes in tow) and then after the pool party we went off to a Halloween party! Whew. I could barely keep my eyes open. We were SO overbooked.

But, tis the season to overbook, isn't it? I cannot even begin to think about soccer season starting on November 1st for two kids on two different fields....and then of course, Thanksgiving and well, Christmas just rushes itself in there and before we know it we'll be wearing silly hats and drinking bad champagne and ringing in 2009.

OKAY OKAY - I'll slow down, but that's how my mind works. It's why I have to take each week as it comes and write lists....so I don't STRESS....................

How do you handle it???

SALE going on

Well, I've finally done it. I've created a SALE section in my Etsy store - jensjewelry.etsy.com.
Mostly it's earrings and I've marked down most below the $10 mark. I'm looking at cool items that have just been sitting there for awhile.
So - if you're one of those people who likes to shop EARLY for Christmas presents OR you have lots of women to buy for birthdays in the Fall - grab some of these. Great quality, super price!
Personally, if I buy early for Christmas presents one of two things happen: 1) I forget that I bought it or forget where I hid it OR 2) I love it so much that I end up giving it to the person well ahead of time and have to buy something else anyway!!! It doesn't work for me, but I know so many well planned people out there who do this, so THIS IS FOR YOU!

Swarovski Crystal - so what?

I've seen buyers on Etsy helplessly baffled when reading jewelry sellers descriptions on their components, especially when industry-specific lingo or brand names are used. Usually, it's the jewelry creators who purchase these brands who know the quality or lack of quality or different grades of beads that can be used. It makes a difference to you, our customers, in price and pride of your new purchase!
Swarovski crystals are renowned world-wide for shine and lustre. Swarovski represents the height of unmatched quality, unique variety, crystal brilliance, latest trend information and cutting edge innovations...according to their website http://www.swarovski.com/. They don't just make jewelry components, but crystal figurines, home decor, desk accessories - anything crystal.
So, when you purchase earrings or a bracelet and the shop declares you are getting Swarovski crystal - you know the facets and shine will be clear and unmatched. Other crystals - there are many names and brands that mimic the Swarovski crystal shapes and shades but for top of the line - you'll want to find Swarovski.
Hope that little tidbit helps in buying some fine pieces of beautiful, handcrafted jewelry - check out all the great shops at http://www.etsy.com/ or specifically my shop is http://www.jensjewelry.etsy.com/.
See you soon!

June is a good month to order WEDDING JEWELRY

I like being a part of someone's most important day (of their life up to that current moment in time) and playing a role in creating a memory that they will have forever! I find it rather flattering to be chosen to take what a bride has in mind and make it just to her specification. Planning a wedding will have its own set of surprises and unexpected stressors so to be able to have a custom set of jewelry that matches perfectly and makes you feel beautiful - well, that's worth any price, isn't it? Just simply for the piece of mind!
What makes it custom? Well - usually someone sees pearl colors they like or a stone in the exact color that matches the bridesmaid's dresses and lets me know they are interested in getting a set for the wedding. I work with my clients and give them as many pictures as they need so they know it will be perfect when it arrives.
Custom doesn't mean expensive. It can be, but I try to make beautiful jewelry affordable. Check out my store: jensjewelry.etsy.com and see if something strikes your fancy for an upcoming wedding, dressy black tie event or just to make you feel beautiful!

International Shipping

Well - I'm officially an international company!! Hey - what can I say - I've only been in business a year.........yikes!!
Being a perfectionist, I don't like to make mistakes - especially ones that cost me money, so I was afraid of sending something illegal or not charging enough or something.
So - the wait is over - I am now accepting jewelry orders from THE WORLD!!
Wow.
Sounds scary but exciting all at the same time!
Visit my shop at jensjewelry.etsy.com and my new items and some fun summer jewelry - you're bound to find something!

Lovin' the Anklet for Summer

Yep. I love the anklet. I wear a plain sterling silver chain one all year 'round and pretty much always have it on.
Recently, I've added two anklets to my jewelry collection on jensjewelry.etsy.com and I'm so thrilled. It took me awhile to get the gist of the anklet, but for me it needs to be sturdy and sterling silver and feminine without being fragile. I love the dangly things too!! A little bohemian is always fun in the summer, romping around barefoot and generally wearing very casual clothes, short skirts, shorts or capri's, so the ankle is just screaming for some jewels!
Check 'em out - feel free to leave a comment - let me know what you look for in an anklet....

Shades of Brown

Coffee. Bark. Chocolate. Tan. No matter what, brown seems to soften us and make us grounded to this earth - yes, earthy would be a good term.
There's not much that doesn't go with brown tones and there is a brown tone for every skin type - from darks to bronzes to goldish browns, they compliment us.

I like brown these days - it's my new black as they say. Current clothing styles have brown tones now, especially shoes and purses - so one could say accessories, right?

Don't forget your jewelry. A good neutral is essential. Especially when traveling and you need to pack lightly.

Check out some of the neutrals I have listed at jensjewelry.etsy.com. You are sure to find something you like.

There's something about black....

Sometimes, just the neutral will do.
When getting dressed and hurried, often I find myself reaching for the black shoes because the go with pretty much everything. I have black sandals, black boots, black heels, black flip flops - it's just so much easier.
When trying to find the necklace that will match what I have on, I think the one that has predominately black stones or black in it will find itself at the top of the heap in my jewelry box. I have black casual necklaces - like interesting pendants strung on black leather cord and I have fancy black pearls and I have a black and silver number that gets a lot of wear.
It's fun to wear colors to match colors, but if you're a busy mom like me we seem to be the last one to get ready these days and often I don't have time to coordinate so I reach....for the black.
Tomorrow, I'll rave about brown!

Amazonite - My current favorite stone

Ahhh- summer. It's not official yet, but here in Florida it sure does feel like it.

Amazonite - this stone is such a reminder to me of the beach. All that is good at the beach - the blue clear skies, the fresh new bathing suits, the smell of suntan lotion, the cool sea spray off the azure waters......

Facinatingly enough, this aqua colored feldspar derives its name from the Amazon River. Amazonite, with its opaque pastel blue-green colors compliments many summer fashions if not the most critical summer fashion statement - the tan.

I've listed a few new Amazonite items in my shop - jensjewelry.etsy.com one of which is a cute sea inspired anklet in sterling silver. Check 'em out! Let me know what you think....

Back from the Beach

Happy Memorial Day - I'm exhausted. A seven hour trip up to the Panhandle of Florida this weekend began with a few hiccups including a broken transmission and an extra 3 hours tacked onto an already long drive....but we made it.
We were greeted with lovely beach weather and I was able to sift the sand for shells all weekend. I'll be looking through them in the light of day tomorrow to see if I got any with holes in them. I always have this vision of natural shells used in jewelry and as much as I'm concerned with the wear and tear of using real shells - aren't these ones that have weathered the pounding from the fierce waves of the sea and have arrived intact onto the beach? They should be able to stand a little wear from us humans, right?
I'll keep you posted on my progress - maybe get a picture or two.....I know I found at least two sharks teeth - I was more excited than my kids were...!! Go figure.

Another Sunny Day in Florida

Not.........today has been a rainy-ish kind of day. Not typical of this sunshine state, but nevertheless, we needed the rain. My grass is greener already!! (even on my side! haha!)

So, today has been a good day to create some new things but not a good day for taking the picture of those new items...so I'll leave you with a picture of these awesome lampwork sunflower earrings!! Check them out and other sunny items at jensjewelry.etsy.com.

And........don't forget to take the survey!

Thanks!

Earwire Survey

Please help me out by taking my earring survey.
As a custom jewelry maker, I'd like to know what today's women want in an earring. Do you like the comfort and security of the post or leverback? Do you like the swing and ease of the french earwire - or fish hook?
I'd like to invest in the most popular style, so it would be AWESOME if you click on your favorite!
Hey - thanks for stopping by today!! Checkout some great stuff on jensjewelry.etsy.com.

Custom Orders - Just Ask

Nothing warms the creative flames of an artist like a custom request. Almost everyone I know likes to be challeneged with a custom order. It's like giving us a mission - a purpose, not to mention a trip to the bead store! Yippee!.

CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE DIFFERENCE:

1) Vendor #1 - takes your info and offers one sample and hopes you like it. You make multiple changes or suggestions and the end product is OK but you don't feel that the person was creatively working on your behalf.
2) Vendor #2 - asks many questions up front to get a good idea of what you want (colors, style, size, etc.) and even seeks out your own style from website, designs and favorites. Then, this vendor offers a selection of options from which you can choose to be sure you are 100% satisfied with your order.

It can be a challenge communicating via e-mail, but when Vendor #2 (THAT's ME at jensjewelry.etsy.com!) goes the extra mile - customers are happier and THRILLED with their newly designed jewelry just for them!

Stars and Hearts

I just love hearts and stars. No big rave on this topic, just stating - not even really sure why I do but I do. I used to do graphic art and design WAY back when it was done by hand....so, I guess I like the nature of the shapes and that they can be embellished with swirls or lines or smooshed and still be very cool....

These elements are often found in my jewelry showing on jensjewelry.etsy.com, and a few examples are listed here.

Etsy is an online shop for all things handmade. Great and talented artists have their work for sale (not bidding like eBay) and you can pretty much find whatever makes your heart go pitter pat. Check it out! You'll be hooked, I promise!

Hot Summer Colors

According to the fashion runway reports, this summer's trendy, hot colors are: turquoise, hot pinks and oranges and yellows and they are even showing a deep purple color!

I agree that these would all look great with a tan, so let's dig into my jewelry box and see what I currently have in stock that meets this criteria. Check out these summer beauties on jensjewelry.etsy.com and meanwhile, I'm removing my blogging hat and putting on my designer hat and creating more summer styles!

Check back soon!

Cute Critters

I love dragonflies and turtles. Not necessarily wanting them to live in my house, but I like the creative ways they are wrought in silver and made SO cute! Also shown in the warmtone of brass, this particular turtle has jumped through a hoop as a lariat necklace.

On my jewelry website - jensjewelry.etsy.com, I've had many visitors and "views" of this necklace but no buyers. I've been wondering why. People seem drawn to this little guys plight, but no one wants to take the plunge. Hmmmmm - priced at reasonable $20 (plus shipping), I'm baffled......let me know what you think!

50th Sale Gets FREE earrings!

I'm promoting my store to find my 50th sale! If you are the lucky person who purchases something from my shop at jensjewelry.etsy.com then you will not only get FREE SHIPPING for your item(s) BUT I will throw in a pair of earrings (up to $20 value) for FREE! WOW. What a deal for you!!!
Come see what I have - - there really is something for everyone - all ages.
Hey - freebie!!
Awesome!

May's Birthstone.....

May's birthstone, as "they" say...is emerald. A more expensive gem, I don't actually feature the emerald in my jewelry shop at jensjewelry.etsy.com but I have many items that are green.
Green in color, mind you. Not GREEN - like the new buzz word "eco friendly"....although if one wants to associate, feel free!

Green is my favorite color and there are so many different shades and variations on green from olive drab to bright kelly green! They are all so amazing and I love them all because I see them around me every day in the great outdoors!! I love being outside!!!

I'm showing some items here listed in my shop.

A Turn to Simpler Classics

Sometimes, as an artist, we make things more complicated than need be. It's kind of like writer's block for me when I start over thinking what I want to do with the beads that lay before me. Especially if I have too many. That just makes my brain want to pop.

Lately, I've tried to step back to simpler, classic lines by just going with the basics. Finding the right bracelet or necklace can be difficult if we have too many options, so why not make it simple? The pretty pink pearl bracelet above is not a complicated style or design. A classic piece with sterling silver charms that goes nicely with most everything except that red suit.

And then, with a red suit - a simple black and grey pearl necklace or bracelet would be beautiful and go with all your serious, grownup clothes! Check out my other classic designs (and even some complicated ones at jensjewelry.etsy.com.

Everyday Casual

Many artisan jewelry makers love to work with crystals. They come in an array of colors and can be mixed beautifully for a fine product, which is great if you're headed down the aisle to get married and you want that shimmery shiny thing going on. Or perhaps one of these events that crop up once or twice a year where you don your fancy $200+ dress and want something that can match your glam? Perfect.

However, what if you are a busy mom who simply slips on those faded shorts or oft worn jeans and a nice tee shirt every day while schlepping your kids here and there? What if your big event for the week is your son's baseball game or that trip to the mall? Hmm - what to do? You aren't going to reach for the glitter because it simply won't fit with your comfy wardrobe. You need comfy jewelry.

I recommend brass. Warm, brown tones in the brass allow for an easy match for your casual wardrobe. An added bonus: very durable. If you have young ones who pull and tug at whatever you wear around your neck or wrist, brass is the perfect alternative. It's not going to pull apart like silver or gold.

It won't seem so pretentious to wear with your tee shirt and you'll still feel like a woman! Try one of these necklaces and see if you don't keep it handy on your dresser to reach for every day. Most are reasonably priced - check out my selection on jensjewelry.etsy.com.

Jewels for Jesus

I've been making Life of Jesus bracelets for a few years now, thanks to a friend of mine in Michigan! She started me on the idea and it's one of my best sellers. I'm showing a picture of one that was listed on jensjewelry.etsy.com but I JUST SOLD IT! These are so inspirational. They are best sellers for me in craft shows but the best way is wearing my own and telling someone about the bracelet - often they want it. I've even sold the one I was wearing to a friend of a friend. Everyone knows someone who could use a little lift or they buy it for themselves as a reminder of what is most important in this world.

Each one comes with a story of the life of Christ and all of them are made with sterling silver charms and also each one is unique in color and style.

Hope you enjoy seeing these and reading the story - maybe you know someone who needs this bracelet?

Totally One of a Kind

We all like to think that we are unique individuals, making our path in this world - blazing our own trails of individuality. Shouldn't our jewelry and accessories accentuate those trails? I think so.

These days, the cookie cutter variety of jewelry is so banal as to make me yawn everytime I see it - the trendy looks that everyone wears. You've seen them: the two birds meeting at the center of the necklace - been done. The silver rolo chain necklace with the heart and clasp in the front - over cooked. The masses of crystal earrings that everyone in the craft world can make - is there anyone NOT making their own jewelry?

If you truly have moved beyond the teen/tween years into adulthood and you do enjoy having your own style instead of trying to match what is in the latest addition of your favorite fashion magazine I would recommend something in the lampwork area.

Lampwork beads are amazingly handmade out of glass. There are many varieties and the quality can certainly vary depending on where they are purchased. Even the local craft store sells the commercially made lampwork beads and some are OK but again, not the trailblazing original that I'm speaking of.

Check out a You Tube video on the subject to see lampwork beads handcrafted by true artisans. It will take you back to the days of the blacksmith when people sat over fire and actually crafted out a piece of art. There are many glass products that they choose from and each design is as original as it's artist - the colors, the mixtures, the bumps or textures on the bead itself.

The beads tend to be expensive because of the labor involved in the process as well as the expertise and training it takes to make them. To me, it's worth the expense because when you get a great, original product you can then have a totally one of a kind piece of jewelry made from it. There would be a guarantee that you will never show up wearing the same "look" as someone else at whatever function or event you attend. Once you find the style you like, it even speaks volumes of your artistic expression or tastes. You can find abstract, floral, bugs and critters or beautiful classic patterns with even silver tones to it. All unique.

jensjewelry.etsy.com has several lampwork pieces available in necklaces and earrings. The colors are wonderful - bright blues, muted lilacs and some red colors and even an amazingly created sunflower. I don't make the lampwork myself - that's not my talent. But I purchase them from other Etsy vendors and create totally one of a kind jewelry just for you.

Customize your Wardrobe

When I couldn't find a piece of jewelry in my box for a certain shirt that I had, I needed an alternative. I could shop all over to find just the right thing, taking my shirt in tow to make sure it matches and possibly trying on in the dressing rooms? Seems a bit over the top, but certainly feasible if one has the time.

After making some elastic bracelets to begin my foray into jewelry design, I ventured into necklaces for this very reason. I figured I could buy a mix of beads and work some silver into it, which is my preferred metal to wear, and it would match just fine. I remember it very well. It was a plum color. Not cranberry. Not purple. Not wine. Just a deep plum color that didn't match much. Then, I hit the bead store and good hooked. The compliments were always similar to "That necklace matches the exact colors in your shirt - how did you find that?" and then I'd say I made it.

These days, when I tell people I sell jewelry, they ask me what line. What line is it? It's my own line. Jen's line. Jens jewelry can be your jewelry.

Today, I received a custom order to match a dress that a lady is wearing to her high school reunion. It has black, cream, gray and a deep red color and I'm excited to take on the challenge. I am going to make some prototypes of earrings from which she can choose and then we'll venture into the necklace depending on what she likes. She is tall and likes the dangly type of earrings.

I find most people like a post earring with a design that doesn't dangle very long at all.
Recently, I have added several pair of earrings to my line that follow along with that desire. I personally like to design long dangles but if it's not a practical length for most people and they only go with that style when they have a special occasion, then it only makes sense to carry both styles, right?

Well, that's about it for today. Hopefully I can post every day!

Welcome to Spot on Jen

I know they say third time's a charm, but let's just say that this is my second attempt at blogging and I'm hoping to have a better experience.
Rather than call any other site out on my first day here in blogspot, I thought I'd just rant a little anonymously and see how it goes.
I had moved more than fifteen times by age 21 and so I would liken this experience at the other site as moving into a new house, new neighborhood and new friends, don't you think? Trying to find your way, your niche?
Well, after a lengthy time setting up my account, building my blog page, uploading pictures and having a rather annoying experience trying to navigate through the hoops of fire, I finally settled in at my other "new location". The furniture was all moved in, if you will.
Venturing out into the new neighborhood, I went in search of groups with whom I could find kinship, common interests and generally see what's what. Let's just say that it seemed I was in the wrong type of neighborhood. It wasn't me. Many, many expletives - no one seemed to be monitoring it AT ALL and so much of people's rantings were about sex. It really took me back a little as if I was a teenager again with all those hormones raging around.
I'm no prude, but seriously, can we not have these blogs and comments around every corner? It seemed to me that it was excessive and more sensational than any real discussion about the subject. I'm all for having riveting conversation and reading someones humorous take on relationships, but the titles alone were jarring.
I took a sip of my unsweetened iced tea and decided not to jump to any conclusions. It will all be OK, I thought. After working so hard on the site, I couldn't see just hanging it up after 24 hours. But, when it's all said and done, I wanted to be associated with a blog site that was respectable and not reproachable.
I'm obviously not a teenager anymore and thusly, would not have to settle for something I'm not comfortable with. After a certain age, one decides to be confident enough in one's self to only do those things that are in line with one's values and morals and who cares what everyone else thinks. Thank goodness that I can actually live in the neighborhood that I choose instead of feeling trapped in one that didn't fit my personality.
So, Spot on Jen has moved into a new house and so far, I really like this neighborhood.