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.
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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?