Sea Shells

I saw these shells in a local bead shop and fell in love with them. Perfect for summer and a great alternative to pearls (my favorites).

These shells are coated with a pearl white paint for extra sheen and gives them a little more durability.

Each shell is topped with a 3mm Swarovski crystal and all sterling findings, length is apprx 1 inch from bottom of sterling ear wire.

Treasury by Lanadearg

My Pink Salmon and Keishi Pearl earrings made it in this beautiful PINK Treasury!

Treasury by Dancing Jellybean Designs

My burst earrings are in this beautiful Treasury!!

Isn't it Time YOU Pampered Yourself!!

I usually don't spend frivolously on myself but a few weeks ago I went for a pedicure with my best friend (both our first time) and I have to say it was THE BEST! I had a nice french pedicure. I think it looks so nice with a golden tan and a sparkling anklet (not that I have a tan its done nothing but rain everyday in June).

So yesterday I was going to a wedding as usual I was shopping last minute for something to wear when I realized my feet looked like crap so I decided to go have them done again.

Well the place I went to Andy's Nails, they just re-did there whole salon and got new massage pedicure chairs with its own remote control, seriously I thought I died and went to heaven!

This chair messaged every possible sore and achy part of my body. It touched from the bottom of the hairline on my neck to the top of my buttocks, it was 1 hour and 15 minutes of pure pleasure, I literally walked out a new person ( I should mention I was in a car accident years ago, I rolled my car over and have had issues now that I'm older).

Well in a few weeks I will be going to Elite Skin Day Spa my 3 best friends bought me a gift certificate for my birthday for a day at the spa, Oh I can't wait! We are all going to spend the day together and pamper ourselves!

Here are a few at home pedicure links I found to keep up on my feet myself:

http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/trends/articles/perfect-pedicure-1

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2009389874_pedicure27.html

http://toenaildesigns.blogspot.com/2009/06/creative-french-pedicure-toe-nail.html

Recycled Aluminum, Who would have thought!!

KMStudioDOTcom is just a small town girl from Pennsylvania. She enjoys creating things since she was a young girl. At the age of thirteen, she became very interested in photography and actually even considered making it a career, but changed her mind when she thought she would get bored doing the same thing over and over each day.

Now, at age 20, KMStudioDOTcom is creating things out of everything. :) Her newest craze is recycling anything and everything. I hope you enjoy browsing through her shop KMStudioDOTcom.etsy.com , I know I did!!

KMStudioDOTcom.etsy.com newest craze is turning something old into something new. Why throw something away if there's a way it can be used somewhere else?

Go check out her shop, the Mountain Dew teddy bear and Aluminum flowers are also amazing!

Lovin' These Things by YellowViolet

Very excited to find my earrings in this great treasury by YellowViolet!!

Decorate your Outdoors with Handmade Pottery

I Love decorating my yard with unique pottery and here are just a few of my handmade favorites!!

And The Winner Is !!!!

The WINNER of my Perfectly Simple Earrings is non other than

http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/ Congratulations!!

May Blog Give Away!!

I'm giving away these Perfectly Simple Earrings in honor of all my jewelry being 30% off until the end of may!!

I used, Genuine Turquoise rondell stones with a little brown veining and White Coral, what a pair....The white coral is topped with a sterling bead cap, and the turquoise is topped with a sterling flower rondell. Nice Rounded sterling silver ear wires complete these earrings. These simple earrings are perfect for everyday or a night out. Apprx 1".

To win these earrings just visit my shop OBTP and let me know what your favorite item is, come back and leave a comment and don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you.

When your checking out your favorite item don't forget all my jewelry is 30% off until May 31st!!

I will announce the winner on May 31st. using http://random.org/integers/

Twitter Friends!!

I LOVE GOOD MORNING AMERICA!!

Fog

My London Fog Earrings are features in this wonderful treasury put together by http://twentysix7.etsy.com

My Amethyst cluster earrings made it into this gorgeous treasury put together by http://rougeriverbeads.etsy.com/

Temporarily Closing My Shop 30% off everything!!!!!!!!

I recently started a great new full time job and I'm finding it hard to keep up with making new jewelry, taking pictures and posting them, so I've decided to take a few months off. I will be closing my shop from Memorial day to Labor day so I can spend time with my family and be outdoors in my yard and garden during the nice weather.

That being said I am marking down all my items 30% I will be more than happy to send you a PayPal credit or email me prior to your purchase and I will mark it down then.

Here is a list of what the prices will be:
$55 = sale $38.50
$42 = sale $29.40
$40 = sale $28.00
$35 = sale $24.50
$30 = sale $21.00
$28 = sale $19.60
$25 = sale $17.50
$22 = sale $15.40
$20 = sale $14.00
$18 = sale $12.60
$15 = sale $10.50
Terri

http://obtp.etsy.com

Dew Drops and Daisies

My Morning Dew Earrings are featured in this beautiful Treasury by http://simplysuzula.etsy.com/

Endless Love Anklet

This beautiful anklet is an endless sterling silver flat oval chain with so much sparkle and is cut to order. You can choose from one of the listed swarovski crystals below or a freshwater pearl to dangle from the bottom of the chain.Please specify your desired length, I will then add an extra 3 links for the dangle. Swarovski colors listed in order: Coral, black, turquoise, light pink, light purple, dark purple, light blue, dark blue, satin, midnight, lime green, emerald.

A clear AB crystal is showing on the anklet. If your looking for a different color crystal please feel free to contact me as I have many other colored crystals available!

Teal and Reds....

My "Pop" bracelet made it in this beautiful Etsy Treasury put together by

http://mypatternedmind.etsy.com/ !

I Love to Walk.......Not

Every Sunday I visit my friend Kate's blog http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/ for What's Cooking Sundays. Kate has some great recipe's on her blog with a nice picture and easy to follow directions.....



BUT NO MORE.... I swear I've gained 5 pounds since I started reading her Sunday blog.

Every time I look at her recipe's I go to my frig and get something to eat that's how great they are! The sad thing is I'm not even hungry!

I am now starting to walk as I usually don't do anything physical but get out of bed, get in my car only to go to work and then sit at a desk for 7 hours. But I figured if I walked on my two 15 minute breaks and then at least a half hour each day after work I can continue to read Kate's, What's Cooking Sundays. Now I'm not trying to win any marathon but eventually I'd like to look like this----------------------------------------------------------------->

Hey a girl can dream can't she

So I have my good friend Kate to thank for my motivation!!

You can find Kate at any of these locations

In her kitchen http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/ on Sundays.

In her destash bead shop http://buybeads.etsy.com/

In her Jewelry Shop http://ktracton.etsy.com/

Or follow her on twitter http://twitter.com/KateTracton

Undecided ~ Possibilities

My new earrings~~~~~


A small cluster of Czech glass beads in blues and creams are attached to a sterling silver ear wire that can be worn alone or attached to a 1 1/4 in / 30mm round sterling silver ear wire that you can wear alone or add a light blue Czech teardrop or white Swarovski pearl.


So if I did the math right there are 5 possibilities!!




Total length with cluster and blue teardrop is 2 inch from bottom of ear wire.




Total length with cluster and white pearl is 1 3/4 inch from bottom of ear wire.

Earring Winner!!

AND THE WINNER OF THE EARRINGS BELOW IS TASHAI!! Please take a moment to visit her Etsy shop and her blog Ultraviolet Wind. Thanks to all that participated and check back often as I will be having another giveaway for May!!

Spring Earring Giveaway!!

This earring giveaway is just a little something to welcome in Spring!!

The winner will receive these beautiful yellow-green olive new "jade" serpentine with a speckle of black through out and a button shaped amazonite bead that are separated by intertwined sterling silver rings. They dangle a 1/2 long from bottom of sterling silver ear wires.. Feel free to visit my shop http://obtp.etsy.com for more spring jewelry

Now to enter all you have to do is leave a comment as to how I can contact you!!

The winner of these earrings will be picked Friday April 10th using
http://random.org/integers/.

WHITE

My Dew Drop Earrings are featured in this beautiful Treasury by bijouxdellostregatto.etsy.com

Social Media's are My New Best Selling Friends

OK, so as you can see by some of my past post and pictures and links I have a shop on Etsy and sell jewelry http://obtp.etsy.com/ (Originals by Terri Pezzullo). Well with the Internet being what it is I've taken a few steps in the direction of social media, as you can reach so many more people than just having an online shop and waiting for people to find you.

I first started with this blog about 4yrs ago. I posted once in a while, but really never promoted it much (ok not at all). To be honest I felt a little embarrassed and intimidated by the WWW to talk about myself to so many people out there so I just posted pictures of my jewelry with prices again sitting back hoping someone would find me. Then I started poking around at other blogs and got a feel for it. I deleted all my old post and pictures and started fresh. This is the first post i posted when I started fresh http://originals-by-terri.blogspot.com/2008/07/little-something-about-myself.html

It took me a while to get just the right look with a heading, color and fonts, but I love my blog now. I've had well over 5000 visits and some wonderful comments from my visitors. I love doing Featured Artist, and my own free earring blog giveaways. My blog has also brought many people to my Etsy shop. This is a picture of the first piece of jewelry I sold on Etsy and I have now sold 204 items to date. This is more than I ever thought I would!!

I signed up for Etsy in December of 2007 but didn't become a seller until February 2008. I started hanging out in the forums making friends, and let me tell you , some very nice friends!!

I learned a lot in the Etsy forums one thing was net working with a face book account http://www.facebook.com/pages/OBTP-Jewelry/100850840297. I have had face book since November of 2007 but never used it (another story for another time). Again a little uncomfortable talking about myself. Then my previous manager (Marjorie) found me on face book and friended me (so excited to have a friend), then my brother, some relatives and people I went to school with and so on and so on.... After only 2 weeks of Face Book I made 2 sales and a few more after that! You can have a personal and business Face Book.

I also have a Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/obtp/ . This is a great place to upload your pics and join different groups to show them off, unfortunately you can't sell there but you can put a link to your shop, blog, face book or whatever social media you use.

Then I found Twitter!! https://twitter.com/OBTPJewelry The social network that only allows you up to 140 characters at a time to say what you want. I can follow people and they can follow me back. I can comment on there comments, post links to something I just listed in my shop but not to often as it's frowned upon, you don't want to spam everyone with your items. But I'm happy to say I have made some new friend there also and even a few sales!

I love GMA (Good Morning America) I have watched it just about everyday for the last 15 yrs or so. The other day I got a return tweet from no other than ..............

GMA's Tori Johnson work guru and GMA's weather man!!..........How cool is that!!..........It truly made my day!!..........Now go online and socialize!!..........

Feel free to click on any of my links and follow me..........

Oz Bush fire Appeals Shop

The http://OzBushfireAppeal.etsy.com shop has been set up in response to the Australian Bushfire Tragedy, they have currently sold 872 items since February 8, 2009 and have 199 left.

Australian and other Etsians from around the globe have donated items for sale.

All items have free International Shipping.

Sales from all items will be donated to the Australian Red Cross every week. (They can't withdraw from Paypal any more regularly than that) Donated on Tuesday 16th February - $4,886 Donated on Monday 23rd February - $8137

They have stopped taking donations, but the shop will remain open until 31st March 2009, they hope to have SOLD OUT by then!

Shop is currently run by:feliciafairy.etsy.com, vanillapixie.etsy.com and the awesome members of the DUST

team. http://dustteam.com/ ALL PURCHASES will be shipped directly to Paypal addresses or Paypal emails. Thanks.

These are just a few items that have been donated please visit http://ozbushfireappeal.etsy.com/ to see more!

The Hormone Guide

Women will understand this!

Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

DANGEROUS, SAFER, SAFEST, ULTRA SAFE,

What's for dinner? Can I help you with dinner? Where would you like to go for dinner?

Here, have some wine.

Are you wearing that? Wow, you sure look good in brown! WOW! Look at you!

Here, have some wine.

What are you so worked up about? Could we be overreacting? Here's my paycheck.

Here, have some wine.

Should you be eating that? You know, there are a lot of apples left. Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?

Here, have some wine.

What did you DO all day? I hope you didn't over-do it today. I've always loved you in that robe!

Here, have some wine.

What PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift

3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4. Puffy Mid-Section

5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me with Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbin

8. Pimples May Surface

9. Pass My Sweatpants

10. Pissy Mood Syndrome

11. Plainly, Men Stink

12. Pack My Stuff

13. Potential Murder Suspect

RHODE ISLAND

Just a little about the state I live in...

Capital ... Providence

Admission to Statehood ... 1790

Bird ... Rhode Island Red

Flower ... Violet

Highest Point ... Jeremiah Hill

Motto ... Hope
Population ... 1,048,319




Nickname ... Ocean State



State Song ...

Rhode Island's It for Me

Written by Charlie Hall
Music by Maria Day

Arranged by Kathryn Chester

Chorus

I’ve been to every state we have,and I think I’m inclined to say that Rhody stole my heart:

You can keep the forty-nine.
Herring gulls that dot the sky,blue waves that paint the rocks,water rich with Neptune’s life, the boats that line the docks. I see the lighthouse flickering to help the sailors see. There’s a place for everyone: Rhode Island’s It for Me.

Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island surrounded by the sea. Some people roam the earth for home; Rhode Island’s It for Me.

I love the fresh October days, the buzz on College Hill,art that moves an eye to tear,a jewelers special skill. Icicles refract the sun, snow falling gracefully. Some search for a place that’s warm: Rhode Island’s It for Me!

Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island surrounded by the sea. Some people roam the earth for home; Rhode Island’s It for Me.

The skyline piercing Providence,the State House dome so rare. Residents who speak their minds; no longer unaware! Roger Williams would be proud to see his colony, so don’t sell short this precious port: Rhode Island’s It for Me!

Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island surrounded by the sea. Some people roam the earth for home; Rhode Island’s It for Me.

Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island surrounded by the sea. Some people roam the earth for home;Rhode Island’s It for Me...

State Tree ... Red Maple

.

My "Sunshine on my Shoulders" earrings were chosen for this beautiful treasury by HuayruroPeru!!

My Friend Candi from BeJeweledByCandi featured my "Sunshine on my Shoulder" Earrings!

My "No Rhyme No Reason" Necklace is featured in this beautiful Treasury by HuayruroPeru!!

FEBRUARY BLOG GIVEAWAY!!

AND THE WINNER IS #3 STACIE!!
My February blog giveaway is my "Perfectly Simple Earrings" they consist of, dainty White Coral with some brown matrix and African Turquoise beads in shades of teal, with brown matrix separated by and 925 Sterling Silver rope findings. These earrings are a 1/2 inch from the bottom of sterling ear wires and very light weight. Now to enter the contest if you want you can visited my shop http://obtp.etsy.com to let me know your favorite item, but you don't have to. All you really need to do is leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner. Contest ends February 21st at midnight I will use http://random.org/integers/ to pick the winner.......GOOD LUCK!!

NOTE TO CONTESTANTS:

Should anyone want to purchase items from my shop http://obtp.etsy.com/ prior to the winner being announced or even after the contest is over, just mention this blog post for a 20%
discount!!!

What a GREAT find!!

I love all kinds of art and when I find something I like I have to share with others!! Gemini Moon Mosaics has such beautiful Mosaic Art, Mixed Media Art, Collage Art and more....

Jeanine Molnar is a Mixed Media Artist and has this to say about her art:





It is through my art that I express myself. It is my passion and for the first time in my life it is also my day to day occupation. I love to create and depending on my mood, you may find me nipping plates and working on a mosaic, tearing paper and breaking apart things to use in a collage, or even with a paint brush in my hand.

"Day jobs" come and go, but all roads always lead me back to my desk at home. I have studied art since grade school. I earned my degree in both Illustration and Painting in 2000, and it has been a crazy road ever since.......

I had such a hard time choosing items for this write up as each piece was just more beautiful than the other and all so eye catching! Each piece has so much detail in to it............

So these are a few of mine favorites, now go visit http://geminimoonmosaics.etsy.com/
to pick out yours......

You can also visit Jeanine's blog to see more about Gemini Moon Mosaics at http://www.geminimoonmosaics.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy visiting Gemini Moon Mosaics as much as I did!!

Getting ready to go back to work!!

So in November I was laid off from my job at the Bank, which is very normal with the position I hold. I work as what they call a "contingent worker" in the Consumer Loan Sales and Retention department.
Let me explain a "contingent worker"

A contingent worker is someone that is hired directly by the bank (not an agency). We work a 30 hour week and are only allowed to work up to 1000 hours per year. The hourly rate is much higher than the normal employee as we do not get sick time or vacation time but who really needs that when they lay us off from December - January and then again June - August as these are the banks slow time and we get to collect unemployment. And we are always called back.

Unfortunately with the way the economy is going we were laid off in November a little earlier than expected and they told us it could be 3 - 6 months before they called us back. I PANICKED!! I don't know about the rest of you but I really like having a paycheck and I'll admit I need it.

So from November 14 on I applied for everything that was remotely close to what was on my resume of 25 years of working. Without any exaggeration I must have applied for over 100 jobs.

The first call I got was to do rapid refund tax returns. The add read flexible hours, very competitive pay and it was a temp job so I would be able to go back to the bank when it was over after tax season!! Oh WOW this was to good to be true. NOT!!

Flexible hours were 40 hours a week with mandatory o/t and the competitive pay..........wait for it.....minimum wage!! Yes you heard me right minimum wage.

There were many more just like this to many in fact to list.

I also went on the RI State Government jobs and low and behold there were about 28 positions available for our unemployment center ( I applied for each one of them). I'm sure you've heard R.I. has the second highest unemployment rate in the country. I applied for this position in November and had my interview the beginning of December. I didn't hear anything back so buy the beginning of January I put it out of my head. Then last Thursday I got the call!! They offered me the job!! I start Monday, February 2nd. I am so excited (1) I'll be getting a regular pay again (2) I'll be helping others to get their checks sooner and (3) I'll be somewhat lowering the unemployment rate.

Now for the really great part!!

This position with the state is part time, but for now because of the economy and all the layoffs, they have asked us to work full time (35 hours) until further notice. Well that's not a problem for me. Then when everything has slowed down we can start working our regular part time hours. That means I'll be able to go back to the bank, a job I really love when they call and keep both jobs!!

Well we'll see when the time comes.....

My First Attempt at Wire Wrapping

this is my first attempt at wire wrapping and I have to say it came out as i planned.

i don't know what made me think of this design as i'm not really a fan of hearts, maybe it was the two colors i chose.

I took an 18 gauge sterling silver square wire, hammered and nicked it up for a distressed look. one side is wire wrapped with 28 gauge sterling wire and faceted rhodolite garnet rondells, the other side is wire wrapped over and over again with just 28 gauge sterling wire.

the bottom of this lariat has a 3/4 inch labradorite teardrop with a cluster of faceted rhodolite garnet. the heart and teardrop are attached to a sterling silver flat chain. i have added a few faceted rhodolite garnet rondells along the sides of chain wire.

The earrings are a 22 gauge 2 inch long ear wire formed by me are wire wrapped with faceted rhodolite garnet rondells and 28 gauge sterling silver wire.

heart is 1 1/4 at its widest and 1 1/2 at its longest chain length is 21 inches, Labradorite teardrop is 3/4

What a Lovely Treasury to be Featured in!!!

This beautiful treasury was put together by diabeads.etsy she has a beautiful shop of vintage beads, findings, jewelry. She also carries a nice selection of semi precious stone (my favorites).

For Someone Special Earring Giveaway!!

AND THE WINNER IS MJ!! MJ will be giving these earrings to her teaching assistant. Thank you all for participating, it seems we all have some very special people in your life!!

Do you have a special friend or family member that is always there for you? Someone that you go to for advice or just a shoulder to lean on. I know I do and I always thank them with a piece of my jewelry. I picked pink for this giveaway as I thought a sweet color for a sweet person.

You can enter to win these Pretty Pink earrings just by leaving a comment. The only catch is they won't be mailed to you. I will mail them directly to that special person.

The winner will be announced January 24Th so please leave a way for me to contact you. At that time you can reply with the address for me to mail them to. Along with the earrings I will also send a note card with your name on it and a brief explanation as to why they are receiving them, you can even specify what to write on the note if you'd like.

These sweet and dainty earrings are made of Berry Quartz, Crystal Quartz , Sterling Silver love knots and Sterling Silver ear wires. They dangle 1 inch from bottom of ear wire formed by me. These earrings are extremely light weight.

You can see more of my jewelry at http://obtp.etsy.com

Treasury

I love finding out I was in a treasury and this one has some very special meaning to it. BuyMyCrap put this treasury together to feature some shops that were involved in a very funny thread Saturday in the forum on Etsy I have to say we were having one hell of a time for ourselves. I am so happy it included me!!





Buy My Crap features Solid Resin Rings some even Twilight Inspired!!

Now I have to give credit where credit is due Buy My Crap's wife was also involved it that thread using her husband as a shield. You can also visit her shop at The Naked Mushroom where she carries the Original Mushroom Boot

Thanks to both of you for a great night of laughs and for the treasury!!

Gemini River Rocks

I found Gemini River Rocks and just had to do a blog feature about it. I love art and painting, it has always been a passion of mine. When I came across these hand painted rocks I was so amazed by the detail on such a small item most being about 2 x 1 1/2 inch, I had to share it.

I took these words from Gemini River Rocks profile as I don't think I could have said it any better...

Late Bloomer

After raising children, practicing physical therapy for 40 years, exploring my place in the world, and examining what I can offer, it comes as pure joy to discover painting. I bring a life’s perspective and history, a delight in shape and color, and develop my skills with a local iconographer.

My miniature scenes and contemplative art on stone, paper, and wood are painted with acrylics and egg tempera. Being small, the work invites scrutiny, and establishes intimacy. Universal themes evoke common memories, while personal details reflect other people’s stories. My deepest intention is to expose goodness

Take some time to visit Gemini River Rocks to see more of her beautiful artwork

Feminine compassion pocket icon - 2329

Aum ॐ

I love learning new things and a I few years ago I was at a craft fair selling jewelry, or should I say sitting with my jewelry as I don't think anyone made a sale that day, and I met Wendy (who also makes jewelry) We only saw each that one time until about a year ago when I started a new job at a bank . I was in the cafe getting coffee and saw her. We looked at each other for a minute before we realized where we new each other from. Of course we talked about jewelry and what we were up to. I told her about Etsy and she now has a shop there called Whimsicalz .

What I learned was, a few years ago Wendy went to India and learned about Aum ॐ. The origin of Aum (also Om or, more rarely, Ohm) ॐ is Sanskrit and is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions.

You can visit Wendy's blog http://whimsicalz-designs.blogspot.com/to learn more about Aum ॐ and Visit her Etsy shop Whimsicalz for more inspiring jewelry!

Namaste...Fluorite Wrist Prayer Mala

I LOVE Gemstones

For anyone that loves Minerals and Gemstones I found this great site that gives a list and picture with over 75 discriptions. http://www.mineralszone.com/gemstones/

Gemstones are precious or semi-precious stones which are cut or polished to be used in many different ways. Know everything of these gemstones, their hardness on the Mohs scale, their color and shape, the usage, occurances in the world and their technical specifications. Just click on any of the gemstone names below to see more detail.

Agate , Alabaster Alexandrite , Amazonite ,Amber , Amethyst ,Ametrine , Andalusite ,Apatite , Aquamarine ,Aventurine Quartz , Azurite ,Beryl , Chalcedony ,Charoite , Chrysoberyl ,Chrysocolla , Chrysoprase ,Cinnabar , Citrine ,Coral , Desert Glass ,Diamonds , Diopside ,Druzy Quartz , Druzy Titanium ,Emeralds , Fluorite
Garnet , Goshenite ,Heliodor , Hematite ,Hemimorphite , Indicolite
Iolite , Ivory ,Jade , Jasper
Kunzite , Labradorite ,Lapis Lazuli , Malachite
Moissanite , Moonstone ,Morganite , Mother of Pearl ,Nephrite , Obsidian,Onyx , Opal ,Pearl , Pectolite ,Peridot , Prasiolite ,Pyrite , Rose Quartz ,Rubellite , Ruby ,Rutilite , Sapphires
Scapolite , Serpentine ,Sillimanite , Sodalite
Spectrolite Sphalerite ,Sphene , Spodumene
Sugilite (Hemi) Sunstone ,Tiger's eye , Tourmaline Turquoise
Unakite , Yellow Sapphire ,Zircon

Magic White Treasury

What a beautiful Treasury I was included in just before Christmas!!

It was put together by

Niki Fashion

She has a beautiful shop of hand knit hats, scarfs and more!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!

I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!!

A special thank you to all that follow my blog and leave such beautiful comments..

All the best to you and your families!

My 12 days of Christmas!!

A few years ago my husband met someone who told him how he does the 12 days of Christmas for his wife. Well my husband thought it was such a great idea he now does it every year for myself and 2 kids. He really takes such pride in this and puts a lot of effort into it. Always something we can use, something very practical or something that will make us laugh. I won't go into detail about some of the gifts he's gotten us over the years but I have to say it is quite funny to see him have to come up with 36 different gifts (you know 12 for each)!!

So here are my 12 days of Christmas gifts this year, and I'll keep adding as the days go by.


On the first day of Christmas my husband gave to me....

A set of Reindeer Holiday Bath Towels



On the second day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

An expandable snow and ice scrapper

On the third day of Christmas my husband gave to me....

A beautiful snowman kitchen towel (my favorite winter theme)

On the forth fay of Christmas my husband gave to me...

A Mango and Papaya candle

On the fifth day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

A beautiful snowman hand towel

On the sixth day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

Matching bathroom pictures

On the seventh day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

Matching snowflake mugs

On the eight day of Christmas my husband gave to me...


A Christmas ornament with antlers on it that is called the Big Blue Bug, which is a land mark in the State of R.I.







On the ninth day of Christmas my husband gave to me.....

5 Lottery scratch tickets ( I didn't win but it was fun)







On the tenth day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

A Christmas theme kitchen stove towel







On the eleventh day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

Decorative hand loation and soap containers for my bathroom

On the twelfth day of Christmas my husband gave to me...

A box of Ferrero Chocolates

Snow White Treasury

I was picked for the Treasury above and it was such a nice surprise!!

I was chosen by Niki Fashion who features beautiful Hand Knit and Crocheted hats and scarf's in her Etsy shop!

I Love Getting Mail

I got such a wonderful surprise in the mail the other day. This beautiful picture from Alison DuBois!! All because I was the first person to follow her blog. http://alisondubois.blogspot.com/. How sweet is that. This picture reminds me of when I grew up in the country of Foster R.I. and we had a small log cabin on our property that the original owner of the property was born in.

I have to say her Etsy shop is beautiful and I ended up(hearting) three of her items so that they would all show up on my blog as favorites!

Aside from Alisons, Original Artwork http://alisondubois.etsy.com/ also carries beautiful Note Cards, Gift Tags, Calendars and Books!

I can't wait to show my family this picture!!

Thank you so much Alison and I wish you much success!!

Sparkle for the Holidays

Adorn your self with some beautiful sparkling earrings this

Holiday season! Here are just a few from

http://obtp.etsy.com/ Free Shipping!!

Rich Velvet Earrings

Beautiful Pomegranate colored coin pearls are topped with a cluster of black faceted Czech rondelles and Smoke AB Swarovski crystals. All Sterling silver findings. Length 1 inch from bottom of ear wire.These earrings reminded me of a little girls holiday dress.

For Jean Earrings

A Faceted cluster of Iolite stones that carry a denim tone sit on top of a creamy white coin pearl. All findings sterling silver. Lenght is 1 inch from bottom of ear wire

Tuxedo Affair Earrings

White Keishi petal pearls are clustered together to sit on top of a black agate 10mm bead. Sterling silver ear wires. Length is 3/4 inch from bottom of ear wire.

Ocean Mist Earrings

Aquamarine teardrops dangle beneath a cluster of pale green florite and swarovski crystals, all 925 sterling silver findings, approx 1 inch long.

Blissfull Earrings

Beautiful light Amethyst faceted rondelles sit atop Bronze Keishi Petal Pearls which are nestled on top of a two tone faceted Czech glass bead. All 925 Sterling Silver findings. Approx 1 inch from bottom of Sterling silver ear wires.

Black Smoke Earrings

A cluster of faceted black glass sit on top of a smoke grey faceted glass round bead. All 925 Sterling silver findings. Apprx 1 inch from bottom of rounded ear wire

Frozen Pastel Earrings

A beautiful cluster of faceted pale green florite, light amethyst and rose quartz gather on top of a clear crystal quartz teardrop. All attached to a sterling silver rope ring and ear wires. Length is just over 1 inch.

BLACK FRIDAY through CYBER MONDAY

Are you Looking for Jewelry for the

Holidays check out my shop

http://obtp.etsy.com where I have FREE

SHIPPING and EVERYTHING is 15% off.

Also click on the FABULOUS FUN FINDS BUTTON >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

to see a list of shops featuring their own

GREAT SALES and DISCOUNTS!!

BLOG FEATURE GIVE AWAY

And the winner is Digital Misfits!! Congratulations!!

Be the winner of this 4 pack of Cheerful Holiday cards!!!!!


Kelly from http://KellySchwark.etsy.com is offering this Blog Give Away for a 4 pack of Holiday Cards!!

All you have to do is visit KellySchwark.etsy.com then come back and post a comment here on your favorite item in her shop. The Winner will receive 2 Martini Madness in dark blue and 2 Martini Madness ice blue cards. These cards come beautifully packaged so perfect for yourself or ready for gift giving! The winner of these beautiful cards will be announced on November 28th BLACK FRIDAY!!




I was lucky to fine KellySchwark.etsy.com in the forums on Etsy the other day and even luckier to receive 2 of her cards (1 of each) that are being given away. I have to say Kelly's artwork is wonderful and the best quality of materials!!

You can
also see some of Kelly's beautiful oil works, hand painted furniture and hand painted childrens cloths at www.KellySchwark.com or visit her blog http://KellySchwark.blogspot.com to learn more about her.

The Early Bird Catches The Sale!!


From Friday November 28th - Monday December 1st AKA Black Friday and Cyber Monday All my jewelry will be 15% and will also include FREE SHIPPING.

But you can make a purchase now at OBTP and convo me just prior to check out and mention this blog post and I will adjust your items so you will receive your 15% off NOW!! Perfect gifts for your girlfriends, family or office party. Or just buy something nice for yourself. Most items under $30.

Click here to view the earrings

Click here to view cluster earrings

Click here to view the bracelets

Click here to view the necklaces

Wow I made a Treasury and the Front Page all in one day and to think my bracelet was the inspiration!! My item is the top middle I am so excited!!

A Touch of Color 2
by obtp

And it's all thanks to Ophelia Miller of Ophelia Miller Boutique She put together this beautiful treasury with my bracelet being her inspiration! Ophelia Miller's Boutique carries handmade bags that are made with high quality fabrics and notions. Meticulous care has been given in making each and every item.

Great Holiday Gifts

Are you looking for a nice yet affordable gift for the office, a Secret Santa gift or maybe just a little extra sparkle for yourself. I have these beautiful earrings for just $15 and free shipping now through the end of December!! All Sterling Silver findings and each semi precious stone is separated by a band of Swarovski crystals. Visit http://obtp.etsy.com to see more pictures of these earrings and more affordable jewelry!!




Rose Quartz and Carnelian , Rose Quartz and Garnet, Rose Quartz and Chrysoprase

AND THE WINNER OF MY NOVEMBER BLOG GIVE AWAY IS http://crochetbymommaj.etsy.com/ !!! Please visit Crochet by Mommaj s shop to see more of her beautiful handmade items. Thank you to all that participated and left such wonderful and nice comments! Please check back for my December blog give away!!

Have you started your Holiday shopping yet?

Check out these 2 shops I found!!!

Lost River Rags

Lost River Rags specializes in creating hand poured, Goats Milk Soaps, Goats Milk Lotion, & Soy Candles! Her price range is $2.00 - $13.00 She offers some wonderful sampler packages also.

VINTAGE CABERNET 8oz SOY CANDLE

Do you have that hard to please person or maybe a Secret Santa office party that you need a little something for. LOST RIVER RAGS has many items to choose from and I have to say some wonderful scents! It was hard to choose but these are just a few of my favorites!!

Oatmeal Milk and Honey Goats Milk Soap 4 oz.

LOST RIVER RAGS offers a wide selection of items at a wonder price why not put together your own little gift package! They also welcome custom orders so if you have something special in mind please visit http://LostRiverRags.etsy.com/ or just click on any of the highlighted links......

Pumpkin Pie Goats Milk Lotion 2oz.

Now that you have your gift you need that perfect card!!

Kitty Kat Kards

Only recently got into card making. Kitty Kat Kards believes that homemade/handmade cards give everything a personal touch. She decided to put her two two loves together by making cards that feature origami, and thus, KittyKatKards was born. She also using rubber stamps so some of her work will feature stamped images.

Origami Christmas Card (tree)

Kitty Kat Kards offers Invitations, note cards and envelopes, seasonal, holiday and more! Kitty Kat Kards also welcomes special orders, so if you have a special occasion coming up and need invitations or thank you cards you will definitely find something unique in her shop! These are a few that caught my eye.

Set of 4- Mini Origami Dress Cards (Holiday,

Winter)

Please visit http://KittyKatKards.etsy.com to see more and pick out your favorites!

Origami Thank You Card (crane)

BLOG FEATURE

The Gift Hutch

Strawberry Style Lavender Hanging Sachet - Curtain Tieback

I found this shop on an ETSY forum last night and wanted to share it with you! It is called the The Gift Hutch . The Gift Hutch features lavender filled sachets in such beautiful shapes and colors.

Set of 3 Lavender Sachet Pouches

I think these sachets are the perfect little gift for a special friend or for that young girl that's becoming a woman and you just need a little something extra. Shown are some of my favorites please visit The Gift Hutch to see more of these beautiful sachets!

Golden Strawberries - Lavender Sachets Ornaments Set of Three

November Blog Give Away!!!

Enter to WIN these Pink Crazy Lace Agate Earrings I call Cotton Candy just by posting a comment on my blog! The WINNER will be announced on November 15th. Visit http://obtp.etsy.com/ to see more earrings and other jewelry.

Click here to see more views of these earrings

I was Featured on .........

I was featured on Fabulous Fun Finds it is a great blog about fabulous finds of all kinds and from everywhere. This is a great blog for all of you who love to shop online or need project ideas, but don't have the time to do the hunt.

http://fabulousfunfinds.blogspot.com/ is hosting a TRUNK SHOW for Matilda Jane Clothing!! Be ready to open your pocket books for this FABULOUS line of girls clothing for girls sizes 2-10!!NOVEMBER 5-6!



Heather also has her own website called My Designer Baby an online baby boutique for the stylish mother to be! It's got the coolest little car and some really nice childrens lamps and a whole lot more!!

ORIGINALS BY TERRI

I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all my jewelry from now until December 31, 2008 JUST CLICK ON THE BOLD DESCRIPTION LINKS ABOVE EACH PICTURE TO SEE MORE ITEMS IN EACH CATEGORY !!

CLUSTER EARRINGS

BRACELETS

NECKLACES

EARRINGS








JEWELRY SETS

Fancy Jasper

I just love Fancy Jasper. The colors vary so much there are endless possibilities. From pink to mauve, olive to hunter green, lilac and powder blue and gold to brick just to name a few. Here are a few pieces I put together.

6mm Fancy Jasper with an off center sterling silver focal bead.

8 and 10mm Fancy Jasper beads with sterling silver focal beads on memory wire to wrap 2 1/2 times around.

6 and 8 mm Fancy Jasper beads are weaved with clear swarovski crystal on wire with sterling silver clasp.

8 and 10mm Fancy Jasper beads with sterling silver focal beads on memory wire to wrap 2 1/2 times around.

6mm Faceted Fancy Jasper beads are suspended from a flat sterling silver chain and clasp with an off centered sterling silver focal bead.

My Computer Died!

On Friday I decided to take the weekend off from Etsy, Flickr, Twitter, and my blog. I just needed a lazy weekend of doing nothing. Well I did keep checking my email just in case I made a sale.

On Sunday morning I went to turn on my computer and all I got was a black screen!!! I was beside myself, who really has $$ these days to just go out and get another laptop. Well I packed everything up and brought it back to Best Buy where they told me it was the "mother board" and would be anywhere from $500 -$600 to fix, needless to say I all but broke down and cried.

When I got home my very supportive husband said "well it's something you need for yourself and your jewelry you need to replace it" . He offered me his Best Buy card where you get 0% interest for 6 months. So I trotted myself back to Best Buy and talked to a very nice sales person who went over all my options. After I picked out my new Gateway computer at a great price because they are getting a newer version in, I asked what finance options they had. Well I am happy to say I got my own Best Buy card with 0% financing for 18month!!

The sad thing is I lost a lot of my pictures and all my email addresses. But I have a friend that is a little computer savy and hopefully he can transfer the files to my new computer.

So you can go check out by Shop and Flickr for newly posted items!

The Weekend is Over!

Sorry no pictures of the Scituate Art Festival but it was a great weekend!The weather was beautiful, sunny, in the low 70's.It was a profitable 3 days and met so many nice people as usual. Handed out a lot of business cards,I now need to order more! But I must admit, I am sooooo tired but I will be back next year!!

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL EARRINGS IN MY SHOP UNTIL OCTOBER 15TH!!! Please visit http://obtp.etsy to see more items!!

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Glitzy Gallery Gal !!

Now here's what you have to do!!

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are 7 random facts about me!

- I have 2 kids 1 of each

- I work at a bank during the day

- My TV is on all the time

- My favorite food is chips and dip

- I love the NY Yankees, I know they stunk this year....

- I cry at commercials

- I hate going to wedding or baby showers (not to be mean) but I think they are the most boring things to go to.

Now here are the 7 people I am tagging!

http://giftsfornonnie.blogspot.com/

http://italiangirlingeorgia.blogspot.com/

http://wendiwinn.blogspot.com/

http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com/

http://aggieray.blogspot.com/

http://preciousquilts.blogspot.com/

http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/

http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/

And the WINNER is....

My son picked the # 15 because that is his age. So the WINNER of the first pair of earrings is Rambler!! Congratulations!!

And because of all the responses I doubled that and the WINNER of the 2nd pair of earrings is Kat's Life Congratulations!!

And thank you to all that participated!! Don't forget to check back in October for my next Blog Give Away!!

I'm Happy to Say......

I received so many wonderful comments on my FIRST BLOG GIVE AWAY !!! I already know who the winner is but I'm not going to post it until Sunday the 28th.

The response was so great that with the # my son picked I am able to double the GIVE AWAY and send out another free set of earrings!! So both WINNERS will be announced on Sunday morning. Thank you to all that visited and left such great comments!!

This was such fun I am hoping to do a BLOG GIVE AWAY every month so please check back often!

NOTE: To the second winner they might not be these exact color stones but they will be the same style earring.

Thank you all,

Terri

Come Visit the Scituate Art Festival!!

OCTOBER 11th, 12th, 13th 10am-5pm

I have lived in Rhode Island all my life, and in my younger years always avoided the area of the Scituate Art Festival. The traffic was so heavy, bearly moved in fact and when you 18, 19, 20 you just have no patience for it.

Little did I know years later I would be part of this beautiful art festival. I am very fortunate to have a friend that lives just 3 houses from the main entrance that lets me set up on her front lawn. I don't know how people that sell jewelry there make any money as there are so many sellers. The fee is $250.00 for the three day event. They have everything from jewelry, woodwork, original art paintings, crafts of all sorts and antiques.

The food is great!! Doughboys, sausage and peppers, meatball sandwiches, candy apples and more!

Aside from the art festival here are a few other things to visit while here,

FOLIAGE TOURS Columbus Day weekend is a wonderful time to visit Scituate, with the Scituate Art Festival an added bonus. The fall foliage should be at or near peak, offering stunning foliage drives on country roads surrounding the Scituate Reservoir.
Start your loop of Scituate at the Route 116 intersection. Follow Route 14 out of Scituate and then turn left onto Route 12. This will take you across the Hope Dam. At Route 116 turn left, traveling north. At Route 14 turn right and retrace your drive back. You can access I-295 from Route 14.

HIKINGFor those who like to experience the great outdoors, the clean, crisp fall air offers an open invitation to picturesque walks. Scituate is home to a walking trail at Rockland Road. The one-mile scenic trail provides stunning vistas through wooded areas.

HORSEBACK RIDINGHorseback riding for all levels is available at Journey's End Farm on 326 Nipmuc Road (647-3537) and Winsor Farm on 11 Winsor Avenue (934-4458).

SHOP THE VILLAGEThe historic North Scituate Village is home to a unique blend of stores. Enjoy strolling the area's fine shops for some great finds.

The SCITUATE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH is the focal point of the town and the Scituate Art Festival. Located on the Village Green on Route 116, the 1831 church of Neo-classic design has been restored to showcase its historical features. During the Scituate Art Festival, the church is open for public tours and is well worth the time to look inside.

Another historic treasure in Scituate is the LAPHAM INSTITUTE, located on a crest between Route 6 and Route 116 and visible from the Village Green. Built in 1839, the Greek Revival building was originally home to the Smithville Seminary. At the time, it was one of the largest school buildings ever built in the town. In 1863, the building was named the Lapham Institute and then renamed the Watchman Institute. Over the years, the building became ill-kept and in disrepair. In the 1970s, an effort to repair and restore the structure was successful. Today, the building is home to Scituate Commons, an apartment complex. But the exterior, with its magnificent three-story columns, remains true to the original design.

For a look at a one story hip-roofed building with panel pilasters, visit the NORTH SCITUATE COMMUNITY HOUSE on the north side of Route 116. Built in1825, the building's most interesting architectural features are its two recessed entry porches with paneled square posts. The building also is crowned with a louvered, two-part belfry. The structure first served as the North Scituate Academy, before its use as a community center.

Please click on this link http://www.scituateartfestival.org/directions.htm for directions to the Scituate Art Festival.

My First Blog Give Away!!!

I was so happy the other day when I received my Whimsy in the mail for commenting on another blog (see post below) that I decided to do my own Blog give away and I'm so excited about it!!

All you need to do is enter a comment on this post and you will receive the earrings shown.

These are sterling silver ear wires and spacers with 3 different size Fancy Jasper stones in nice warm fall colors, they remind me of spiced rum and are apprx 1 inch long.

I've asked my son to pick a number and the person to be that comment # will win the earrings. The WINNER will be announced on Sunday September 28th and contacted through this post for a mailing address. e

Please visit my Etsy shop to see more of my fall jewelry!!

It Pays to Play!!

I never win anything.... But just the other day I got an email from Rose. She said I had won a Whimsy, just for posting a comment on her blog!! Today I received this beautiful bag of organic tea. It is Organic Ceylon Tea with Organic Pink Rose Petals. The aroma seeping out of this bag is delicious. This generosity has inspired me to do a blog give away so please check back.

Please take a minute to visit Rose at anyone of these locations, her Etsy shop walkinthewoodsllc.etsy.com or her blog

whatrosemadetoday.blogspot.com You never know you could be the next winner. Rose also has a very informative website http://walkinthewoods.byregion.net.

Not Just Ordinary Incense

I was looking for candles when I came across this shop on ETSY http://craftysteph.etsy.com/ . She has the most awesome selection of incense I just had to share them! Just look at the pictures that descibe her scents!!

Craftysteph says; These lovely-scented incense sticks are made to order, fresh just for you - so you know they haven't been sitting on a shelf somewhere!!

Black Pepper and Rose Beautiful! Buttercream Oh so sweet!!

Citrus and Sage (my favorite) Caramel Apple, just look at this presentation!!

White Sage (another favorite) China Rain

Here is a little about craftysteph process;

Stephanie hand dips all incense sticks, beginning with the high-quality charcoal incense sticks which burn cleaner than "regular" incense sticks (the punk type), which burn with a more "woodsy" smell. Because she uses charcoal, all you get is pure fragrance! She then soaks the incense sticks for 24 hours in an aromatherapy blend of highly-scented oils. Once completely soaked, they are then set out to dry for 2-3 days, until mostly dry. Finally they are packaged in re-closable ziplock bags, and labeled for you!!

After the Show

Just a quick post to show 3 of the items I made after the bead show!!

BLISS... I mixed Bronze Keishi Petal Pearls and lilac Potato Pearls for a small compact cluster earring. These are a great color scheme for fall! EARTH WIND and FIRE... Faceted Ruby quartz teardrop dangles from a stack of sterling silver rope rings and a African Opal. I am happy to say these sold right after I posted them!! OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN...On the strand of Green Opal teardrops I purchased there were so many different color blends. This stone just happened to match perfectly with the African Opal. So I combined the 2 to make this beautiful casual and earthy necklace!

I Went to the Bead Extravaganza!!

This past Saturday I went to the Bead Expo show in Marlboro Ma. I have to say I've been to a few shows and I still get so over whelmed. I usually take someone with me and we make a day out of it have lunch or stop for a drink, but this time I went alone. It's an hours ride one way and I really enjoyed the quiet time alone. I bought these beautiful "Green Opal" teardrops. I thought they would make a nice simple drop necklace on a sterling chain.

I picked up these "African Opal" in 2 sizes a 6mm and 10mm. I just loved the blend of soft cream an teal combination. Haven't really decided what to do with these I think maybe a necklace and earring set.

Not really sure what these round pale green beads are but I really liked them for a bracelet and the mixed colored strand is different Jasper's.


I was very excited to find these white and bronze Keishi center drilled pearls. I have to say the price was excellent!! They had a lot to choose from different shapes, size and colors. But I chose these as they work best with just about any color beads.

I found these multi colored strands of pearls in olive green, slate and a cranberry color and right next to them was this beautiful strand of ruby colored faceted quartz teardrops. I think I am going to combined them together in a necklace and cluster earring set.

Last but not least on a whim I bought these 7 inch strands of beads Ocean Jasper, Picture Jasper, Amazonite and Rhodonite and a mix of square semi precious stones.

Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop for new pieces of jewelry using these new beads and as I very rarely use a full strand of beads I'm sure to be destashing in the near future!!

Do you know what Shibori is?

Last week I went to Oaks Bluff on Martha's Vineyard and saw a shop called Shibori and was a little curious because I recently met Kate Tracton through Etsy forums and blogging and who just happens to have a blog called, http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/ . I was so disappointed when I found out it was closed. So when I got home I contacted Kate and she told me a little about Shibori....

Shibori is the ancient Japanese art of dyeing fabric - it's about 2000 years old. It could TECHNICALLY be called tie-dye, but most Shibori artists will bristle at that. The term calls up images of Grateful Dead t-shirts dyed using rubber bands. Anyway, the fabric is folded, stitched, twisted around a pole, or generally tortured into a 3-D shape before being popped into the dye bucket. After being dyed, the stitching and folding is undone to reveal fantastic pattern.

The process can be repeated many times to create a complex and lovely piece of cloth. This is a scarf in Kate's shop and you can see more of her Shibori pieces at http://ktracton.etsy.com/ Kate also has on her blog how she goes about dieing her materials... To see and read more about Shibori please visit her blog at http://shiborigirl.blogspot.com/ . Kate also makes beautiful jewelry so please visit her Etsy Shop to see more of her items!

New Fall Jewelry!!

This is my new fall jewelry set called "Fall in New England". I used Fancy Jasper faceted rondell stones in 3 sizes, 10, 8 and 6mm. I love the multi color variation in each stone. The colors range from pale green,olive green to a dark forest green, lilac to a deep mauve and pumpkin to brick red with many shades in between. The center of the necklace holds a sterling silver tea rose surrounded by small fancy jasper rondells.

The center of the necklace holds a sterling silver tea rose surrounded by small fancy jasper rondells. The length of this necklace is 18 1/2 inch and the earrings are 1 inch from the bottom of the ear wire. Please visit http://obtp.etsy.com to see more views of this piece and more Fall Jewelry.

Destash Beads for your Jewelry and Craft Making!

Do you make your own jewelry or even crafts that you just need a few beads for? Well when I buy beads I usually have something in mind, mainly earrings. I love making earrings, they are fast, easy and so many possibilities, they are also one of my must have items with me at all times. I don't really need a full strand of beads for this so I decided to share them. Here are just a few of the destash items I have listed in my Etsy shop. I have these Carnelian teardrops, beads topped drilled perfect for wire wrapped earrings. These Red Bamboo Coral beads and Tiger Eye in a creamy brown are great for fall jewelry. These Russian Amazonite are just perfect for anytime of the year jewelry. Go check these and other beads listed in my Etsy shop http://obtp.etsy.com


Mention this blog post in an email or convo to me prior to your purchase and receive 15% off your total purchase!!

Scrapbooking

Let me introduce you to Wendiwinn she has a shop on Etsy featuring scrapbooking embellishments. She has a great sense of humor and a great shop. Wendi opened her Etsy shop in May of 2007 and has over 250 sales! Wendi's shop sells gift tag sets and this Black and White set of 4 is one of my favorites. She also has Pin Tags and Mini Notebooks. Please Visit Wendi's shop at http://wendiwinn.etsy.com/ for more of her fantastic items!

Look at these cute Pin Tags a Bee with a Hat and Sheep Baa

Wendi is a SAHM of 2 little girls and lives in Melbourne Florida. They have recently had to deal with tropical storm Fay. Here are a couple of pictures she has posted to her blog.

To see and read more about Wendi in her own witty way please visit her blog at http://wendiwinn.blogspot.com/

Fall Bead Preview

I just bought some beautiful Crazy Blue Lace Agate and Faceted Fancy Jasper. These crazy agates look like a mix of oil and water in tones of blue, shades of green, brown and cream. It's very hard to make a perfect match with these but I'll give it my best.

These Fancy jasper beads remind me of New England foliage. Beautiful shades of green,mauve,brick, slate and more. I've decided to make just earrings with these beads, or at least that is my plan. Please visit my Etsy store for newly listed items made with these beads.

Smokey Quartz and Sterling Silver Twisted Rings Earrings

Smokey Quartz and Sterling Silver Twisted Rings Earrings
Originally uploaded by Originals By Terri Handmade Jewelry

I went to Cape Cod 2 weeks ago and bought 2 blue jasper teardrop beads. I made a pair of earrings similar to these and posted them on my store. I have to say I was very surprised when they sold in no time. Well I just can't get up and run to Cape Cod again to buy those beads so I decided to make them using faceted smokey quartz teardrops. I have to say I am just as happy with these earrings. I really think these two colors compliment each other very well, a very earthy yet elegant combination.

The funny thing is these twisted rings were meant for something totally different when I bought them. Yet when I got them in they were not soldered as stated, so I had to use them for a decorative design and I think it worked out well.

Etsy Artist in Rhode Island

Since I started my blog I have featured a few different Etsy Artist. Well today I would like to feature artist right from my home state of Rhode Island.

CERAMICS

First let me introduce New Moon Studio. New Moon Studio opened in April 2001. Hilal graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Marmara Istanbul, Turkey. Hilal means New Moon in English, she is originally from Turkey and has been living in the U.S. for about 8 years now. During her four-year program in the Ceramic Department, she focused on large-scale sculptural works and outdoor installations. Hilal also has an Architecture-Engineering Degree and is trying to combine the two in her artwork. She focuses on developing lines of functional ceramics as well as decorative pieces. All of Hilal work is done on a turning wheel or she builds it by hand.

These are just a couple of my favorite pieces from New Moon Studio Now go pick out yours!
Red Vase and White Porcelain Tea Pot



Hilal states; I have a home base studio. I usually work early in the morning. I may say it is the best time for me to produced new ideas. I am married to an Architect. We have a new baby now. His name is Alex and he is 6 months old. I cannot wait to put his hand in the clay some day.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
HANDBAGS

I love handbags and I've already started to shop for my new fall bag. There is a new shop on Etsy called Palette Handbags . Melissa of Palette Handbags lives on the East Coast. She is 25 and a stay-at-home single Mom who LOVES to design and create things!!! Melissa wants your handbag to be comfortable, effortless, and full of style. She feels handbags are an extension of you. They work with you and for you and should be something that makes you smile. These are 2 of my favorites, which ones are yours?
Turquoise and Chocolate Fall Handbag and Children Playing Toile Handbag in Chocolate Mint - Braided Handle

Melissa also loves to work up accessories. When the weather gets cool she loves to get out the knitting needles and make accessories that are mix-and-match, easy to wear, and add the finishing touch to your look.


KNITTING
Melissa also has a second shop You can check out her Scarf Collection at Bombshell Studios Most people that know me know I'm not really the coat type person, but I love scarves! These are 2 of my favorites, what's keeping you warm this winter?

Cape Cod Blue

I went to Cape Cod last weekend and they have a beautiful bead store there called The Bead Emporium of Cape Cod. I was with my husband and 2 kids so needless to say I really couldn't spend as much time in there as I wanted to, but I did have enough time to buy these beautiful faceted blue jasper teardrops. They dangle from a stack of sterling silver twisted rings attached to sterling silver ear wires I made (my first ones) with a crystal quartz rondell.

I was very excited that right after I listed these on my Etsy shop somebody bought them!!

Destash Beads

When I first get my bead orders in I am so excited. It's like a kid in a candy store. But after making a few items I soon grow tired of the same beads. So I've decided to list a few beads to make room for a new order, and what better way than to sell them to other crafty people. Now if your like me and only want a few of each bead this might be of interest to you. Visit my shop OBTP where you can find, Red Coral, Keishi Pearls, Red Marble, Amazonite, Labradorite and let your imagination go wild! Don't forget to check my shop often for new listing

LabradoriteAmazonite

Red MarbleKeishi Pearls

Red Bamboo Coral

Did you play with marbles when you were young?

Well look what you can do with them as a big girl. These are 2 of my new earrings made with marble teardrops. These beads have a beautiful high polished shine to them.


The grey on these marble teardrops remind me of a thunder storm. With the shades of grey swirls and the crystal rondelle being a flash of lightening. These are great earrings to go from a day at work to a night out.




These marble teardrops have the same color as a terracotta clay pot with swirls of cream in them. They have a triangle sterling bead cap and are dangling from a freshwater brick colored pearl. I picture these paired up with a crisp white top and kaki pants.

Remember sock puppets when you were a kid?

We all had our favorite comfort toy or stuffed animal when we were young. Something to cuddle up to when we were scared or just needed to take with us everywhere we went. I know my son's favorite was a John Smith figurine from the movie Pocahontas and my daughters was a little pink stuffed musical elephant. Well I found these really adorable sock puppets on ETSY.

The Willow Tree has this oh so cute and softly stripped sock puppet look at the matching bow and gadget cozy wristlet she has. Under The Willow Tree describes this Girlie monkey as a bright and cheerful monkey. It is made out of a brand new pair of socks and is stuffed with 100% polyester fiber and is extremely huggable! She has embroidered eyes and face with a lot of detail! Girlie monkey is made out of gray socks with blue, yellow, green, and pink stripes. This monkey is sewn very well by hand and by machine so it will not come apart. This monkey measures 16" from head to foot and has a 14" long tail.

This one is "Kristina the Sock Bunny" from Cuddlet It is so cute I love the colors. She is made of new cotton socks. Her fancy dress and hat are also made of socks and are fully removable. Kristina is a serious young lady and she likes books and documentaries. She loves her little brother Alex even though he is so naughty sometimes! Go to Cuddlet to see her brother Alex.

Look what I put together with my new marble beads

I have to say when I got these new marble beads in I was really unsure of what to do with them. But I do think grey can really go with just about everything, so I decided to mix a little of everything together and this is what I came up with.

Marble teardrops in swirls of grey that are topped with a cluster of faceted Rhodolite Garnets in a fuchsia shade, Iolite, Apatite in a shade of emerald green, Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, Faceted Labradorite and Faceted Smokey Quartz rondells. All 925 Sterling silver findings. Apprx length is 1 1/4 inch from the bottom of ear wire.

Cocktails on Saturday

Well I finally got some time to put together these beautiful black and white earrings with my Petal Pearls (keishi pearls). As I was putting them together they just reminded me of a little black dress with white ruffles across the top. You know the kind you would wear to a cocktail party. This dress is from Nordstroms.

All Wrapped Up

I love wire wrapped jewelry. I think it gives just so much more detail to some pieces. But I just can't do it. I have tried and tried. This isn't a boo hoo me but I am just all thumbs. I have at least 5 books with step by step instructions. I have gone through so much wire practicing thank goodness I wasn't using sterling silver. I decided to look for some pieces that really caught my eye and these are just a few in my opinion that are absolutely beautiful. I hope you enjoy them!

I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautifully done! These earrings take my breath away. Xinxinemin has used so many different Gem Stone colors and shapes. I love the way she has made the different flowers out of them. There is even a butterfly!
xinxinemin states; These butterflies swing in and out when you move, looks that they are flying above flowers

Features Red Garnet, Pink Tourmaline, Green Amethyst, Violet Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, Blue Apatite, Green Apatite, Iolite, Lemon Quartz, Peridot, Citrine. All findings are sterling silver.

I just can't imagine doing all this work and it coming out as beautiful as these earrings. The detail is unbelievable and so neat, everything matches up so nicely! You can see this and more wire wrapped jewelry at Augusta's, Inspired designs to reflect your distinctive style.
Theses earrings from Augusta are Wrapped and hanging from the graceful wire wrapped scroll work are gorgeous, high quality pink amethyst briolettes. Simple, understated and elegant.These earrings have been oxidized, tumble polished, lightly hammered and buffed to a beautiful shine. The earrings hang 2 inches from hand crafted earwires.

I love the way the tourmaline rondelles are wrapped around to frame the faceted ruby drop (which is one of my favorite Gem Stones). And the way the golden tone of the Citrine and deeper almost bronze pearls cluster on top to show off the color of the Ruby.

This beautiful wire wrapped necklace is from Jewellery Haven, Ruby focal measuring 20mm x 11mm suspended in a 14k gold filled frame wrapped with lovely petro tourmaline roundelles. Cluster of gorgeous golden citrine, petro tourmaline briolettes and pearls sits above the ruby. Chain length approximately 17 inches.

Visit Jewellery Haven for more exquisite wire wrapped jewelry.

And last but not least the extent of my wire wrapping. Each Phrenite bead is wire wrapped at the top and attached to sterling silver chainand ear wires. I added some black swarovski crystals to bring out the black inclusions in the Phrenite.

More New Beads!!

I really just needed to buy some earring hooks and head pins and well......It's kind of like eatting a potato chip once you start you just can't stop. But I really didn't do to much damage, I just bought a few strands.

I love the look of cluster earrings they are so versitile, so I purchased some Botswana Agate, Faceted Smokey Quartz, Rhodolite Garnet, Faceted Clear Quartz, Apatite Heishi Beads

Black Agate Teardrops, Fancy Marble that looks like terracotta and Black Marble that is more of a milky black grey swirl teardrops. Don't forget to visit my shop to see the finished pieces!!

Many Years Ago

I love to go antiquing and years ago I found this brass bracelet at a small antique store in Foster R.I. Like any piece of jewelry you wear it for a while and it either goes out of style or you just forget about it. That is until recently.....

I had been looking on Etsy for unique and different findings and I found these beautiful brass earring findings at The Despina Collection on Etsy. I just added a simple brass ring to complete a long look.

Pearl Petals and Labradorite Teardrop Cluster Earrings

I am so excited I finally purchased a strand of pearl petals also known as keishi pearls! I purchased them from Pandorasbeadbox, a shop on Etsy. I have wanted these pearls for so long and now I just can't wait to make more jewelry with them.

My first item is this cluster of keishi pearls with a beautiful luster to them that sit on top of blue/grey Labrdorite teardrops with flashes of blue with every movemant. All findings are sterling silver and they are 1 1/8 in from the bottom of ear wire. To view more pictures of these and other items please visit my Etsy shop Originals By Terri.

Keishi pearls are formed when an oyster rejects an implanted bead nucleus but continues to create a pearl, or when some of the implanted mantle tissue in a mussel breaks away and forms its own freeform pearl.

When just the right words are needed...

I love handmade cards. I think the creative ability to draw, sketch, or put different materials together and come up with something that needs no words because the artworks tells the story is such a gift.

Below are just a few new shops on Etsy that I think deserve mentioning!

lrsteiner Shop, the atomic rabbit features some really nice fun items such as note cards and gift tags. This shop has the perfect gift for someone that loves to send notes to their friends. I look at these below and all I can think of is "lets all go to the mall!" The atomic rabbit also features note cards with ball gowns, party dresses, handbags and many more styles. The atomic rabbit is a must see shop!

Look at these cards below from Pearlstationery's shop. My friends and I are always have a girls night out and I think these would make a great invitation for a girls night out pool party! Pearlstationery also carries birthday and thank you notes. Check out the P.S. Signature Correspondence set it would make a great stocking stuffer!

Stop by homespunheaven shop as they feature some beautiful inspirational cards. Homespunheaven also carries some beautiful bookmarks and other items. I am very partial to butterflies so this is just one of my favorites in their shop.

Come on knock on my door!

I love doorways, pictures, prints or drawings of them and even the real ones. I especially love the ones with rounded doors. I always envision eclectic or vintage, terracotta pots all around filled with a different flower or plant in each.

Some are just so inviting that is just makes me wonder what it looks like inside. Is it as warm and inviting as the potted flowers that sit on the doorstep? Does it have overstuffed chairs and a couch that you just want to curl up and read a good book?

These are a few that have peeked my curiosity when looking through Etsy. Click the link under each picture to see more from their stores.

This is my favorite. It's a beach hut. Don't you just wonder if it has steps out the back leading to the water? You can see this and more at Unravelling



This looks like it would be so elegant. A big foyer when you enter, it's very own greenhouse. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5517485



Ok my second favorite. A little pink beach house. Something you would maybe find in a small New England town, a short walk to the beach. You can see this and more at Italian Girl in Georgia



For the single person that is doing very well for themself. Come's home from work pours a glass of wine and sits down and relaxes. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5060930



This reminds me of the home my daughter and I visited in Guatamala 2 years ago. Her friend made her Quinceanera and we made the trip there as my daughter was part of the party. The back yards are breathtaking. Exotic flowers everywhere (or to me they were exotic). It was one of the best trips I have ever taken. To be in a different country and see other customs and how they live is fasinating. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5917412

I hope you enjoy!

How did you hear about Etsy?

Back in November of 2007 I had gone to my first class reunion. I won't say of how many years. But none the less it was a great time and I got to see people I haven't seen in years.

A few of the people that had put the reunion together had also put a website together so that we could go back and look at the pictures that were taken that night to remind us of how old we got. http://class77phs.homestead.com/

Well on the website it had a feature that you could add your website if you were self employed. I figured what a way for me to advertise my jewelry and for free, so I signed up my blog (this blog actually). But I never really used it the right way. I would just take pictures and post them with titles and details of my jewelry and every once in a while send out an email to my friends letting them know I made new pieces.

Then Cindy one of my former classmates sent me an email and told me about Etsy. I had seen Etsy shops come up every once in a while when I would Google for beads or finding for my jewelry but never really thought much of it. She said it would be a perfect place for me to sell my jewelry, so I figured what did I have to lose. I had a separate account for my jewelry $$ and they say you have to spend money to make money. So I sign up with Etsy in December of 2007. And that was it. Haha..

In mid February of 2008 I finally posted my first items and sold my first item February 25th. I was so excited!! It was a turquoise and sterling silver anklet.



I have sold many items since that first day and hopefully will continue to. I enjoy all the people I have met through Etsy and all that I have learned, especially how to promote myself.

And because of Etsy I am now using my blog the right way!!

Cindy has been on Etsy for a while http://www.karmicbook.esty.com/ she is a Portraiture, Fine Art, Artist and you can see some of her work at, http://www.cindylambert.com/ and it is beautiful!

Clean Slate

These are one of my favorite earrings. Simple slate blue czech glass bead with a bronze freshwater pearl. I made a pair for myself in more of a green tone about 3 years ago and wear them at least 3 times a week. It is also one of my best sellers at craft fairs.

FEATURED ARTIST "KREATED BY KARINA"

Kreated by Karina offers this beautifully packaged rose petal soap!

She uses only the best possible ingredients. Karina prefers to use moisturing cocoabutter, or sheabutter, as well as vitamin E, olive or macadamia nut oil to leave your skin soft, smooth and conditioned. From time to time, she might include oatmeal, ground walnuts, seeds and other exfoliating qualities..but only the best for her customers--she even uses filtered water.

Take a look at Karina's store, www.kreatedbykarina.etsy.com to see her flavorful lipbalms, scented soaps and she even offers mens soap and a few childrens items.

Karina is having a Christmas in July sale going on right now I suggest taking advantage of it!!

*Want to read more soapy goodness? Check out Karina's blog, http://www.kbyk.blogspot.com

Are you addicted to Etsy, if so there should be a 12 step program out there.

Really if you think you are, read these post, just to confirm like the rest of us!

http://thescrabblegal.blogspot.com/2008/07/addicted-to-etsy-cartoon.html

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5696730