Package from across the sea

I've always been envious of other gemstone buyers for one simple reason...they post pictures of the package they get from India! I know it's trivial, but I can't help it. I've always wished for my very own package wrapped in linen, hand stitched shut and a seal in red wax all over the outside. I never thought I would get my very own linen box....



...but I did today!!! Almost missed the mailman! He never comes this early in the morning..ever. After a late night with hubby playing "world of warcraft" getting my level 29 night elf hunter to a level 30 so I can finally have a mount, I was pooped and stayed in bed till 11:30. Hey, I'm a second shifter, what can I say?

I peeked out the window to see who was disturbing my beauty sleep and see the mailman leaving the porch ...with my package from India in tow! OHMYGOD!!!! I sent hubby outside after him...in his pj's hahaha!! This was my reward





It was just like christmas day, I could hear the metal box inside making thunking noises as I pressed my fingers around the package. After taking several momento pictures, I cut into that sucker quicker than you can say "bob's your uncle" (don't know what that mean's, but I've heard people from the UK say it and always wanted an excuse to say it :) )

All wrapped up and nicely packaged





Getting a little closer to the contents...just peeping out...




After all these years of waiting..just a bit more packaging...oh! Like a kid in a candy store I ripped it all out and examined each and every stone *sigh* Only one bead broke from the fancy rock crystal quartz, but that sucker was loaded with stones. One snapped top isn't going to make me sob with grief..now two maybe??

But this is the end result of all my waiting and wishing. The prices were fabulous and it didn't take very long at all to get them. I must say the quality is really good too. I hate not being able to pick and choose, but there were only minor inclusions in just a very few of the pink amethyst (but they sent me two strands instead of only one!)

My very own patron saint!

Seriously ...and her name is Donnamarie! But..I'll get to her later :)

So set up day was Thursday. It all went smoothly and I met my booth partner Michele of Tomboy Tools. I noticed the place smelled kind of funky...it is the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex afterall, so it was a sort of barnyard smell...GREAT! Swine flu...barnyard...pigs...swine flu. It should have been an omen for things to come...

Here I am all set up and ready to go friday morning.You can see how excited hubby is trying to hide in the fake trees of my neighbor.



















This is the view down my isle...and it pretty much looked like this all Friday!It was just vendors walking around buying and taste testing...lucky me I had a casino 2 doors down with a spinning wheel that made a lovely tick tick tick tick sound with each peg that was hit...joy...
















Here enters Donnamarie :) and the heavens opened up *enter angel chorus*
Everyone was so bored that we pretty much left our booths and wondered around. This is when she found my booth..and bought my favorite pair of london blue topaz and ruby earrings! Half way to paying my booth fee YAY!


















Saturday was supposed to be the big drawl, Jon and Kate minus the 8. Where Kate signed copies of their new book. It drew a whopping 1,000 people.
















...but, once again Donnamarie visited and made my day...TWICE!

Sunday, we had to be there early for a vendor meeting. Many vendors were calling the show coordinators and complaining of the poor attendance. I saw so many packing up saturday and leaving. Many more left sunday morning. They were sorry and apologized for the poor attendance, but had no idea why it was so poorly attended. If word got out how awful the farm shows food was, that could be one reason..bleck! The coordinators had no control over the food or the $8 parking fee 0_o
Sunday was the day Andrew Dan-Jumbo showed up..poor guy! He walked down my isle while I was packing up and said "hi" to me! AHHHHHHHH!























We packed up early because I was just exhausted and hubby ended up getting sick sunday morning.But not before Donnamarie visited and bought more and asked me to custom make her a pair of "Let them eat cake" earrings and wire wrap a stone for her :D

I only had one negative experience with a vendor on the other side of the curtain I guess thinking they had a dome of silence curtain...saying to a customer that "They were true artisans and silversmiths unlike the crafter wire wrappers" Not sure who she thought she was.. I left in the black..she was still in the red...guess it pays to be "just a crafter". I did make several sales besides Donnamarie and overall it was a great learning experience and I won't be so freaked out next time.


Thank you from the bottom of my heart Donnamarie for making my first show worthwhile!

First show jitters!!!

So at the beginning of the month, I was contacted by the show coordinator for the 1st annual Pennsylvania woman's show I knew there was no way under God's green earth I could afford the booth fee, But the very sweet lady told me she would see if she could find someone to share a booth with me. After several days of not hearing from her, I breathed a sigh of relief thinking "she forgot about me...who am I kidding? I'm a huge introvert.. I'm not doing a show!" ...she got back to me saying she found someone to share a booth with me! Oh snap! Busted...now I have to do it. So , here it is, the day of set up. Can I just say I'm scared to DEATH! Not only do I have to worry about people not liking my things or having to compete with mass produced Lia Sophia jewelry..now we have the swine flu *possible pandemic* Now all I can think of is no one is going to show for fear of getting the pig virus *rolling eyes* can anything else possibly go wrong?I did do a pre show set up just to see how it would look set up..here's a preview (keep in mind I have a small space to set up, so the table to the left won't be that close)



























The big draw is Jon and Kate Gosselin from Jon & Kate + 8.
I'm really hoping they show, I would love to meet them!Hubby said , it's all a learning process and atleast I'll get some experience even if it's a bust. Maybe I should have shot for a smaller show to start with?!

Oy Vey...it's going to be a long weekend! Wish me luck!I'll come back later to update as to how it went.

Tea Time and Taxes...

I said I wouldn't do it this year..I promised I wouldn't have the mess of last year...I swore to heaven I'd keep on top of it....hell..that all went out the
window...




Tax time again and once again, I've fallen sadly behind. I wish I could have been more like my mother..or even my brother and be a more organized person, but it just wasn't ment to be. I think those genes passed me by on the gene pool highway.

I'm such a procrastinator infact that I took some time to make tea with orange cranberry scones,pear tarts and devonshire cream with my favorite lady grey tea. Guess it's time to suck it up! Wish me luck!

I've been tagged :)

I've been tagged by the wonderful , sweet Renee of Candy Stick Lane

I have to list 7 secrets about myself :-0


1. I'm an extrovert trapped in an introverts body...I have so much to say, but often just keep my mouth shut.

2. I'm scared to death to show people my jewelry... I've never done a show or approached a shop to sell my things.

3. I'm a compulsive gem shopper..one day I'll get myself in big trouble since I can't seem to stop!

4. I HATE seeing pictures of myself.. I still see the geeky kid in braces with the Michael Jackson home perm..ahh..the 80's *rolling eyes*

5. Not a day goes by that I don't dwell on the fact that both of my parents have passed away and neither ever got to see my jewelry.

6. I'm a terrible driver...*shhhh* don't tell my husband I admitted that!

7. I sometimes go a month before I remember to vacuum!

I don't have anyone to tag, so if you read this and feel like outting yourself, please do and let me know you did!

Holiday Etsyfest Extravaganza!

This holiday season, many of us are on a tight budget. What better way to get more bang for your buck than to shop with sellers on Etsy participating in the Etsyfest Holiday sale!



Each seller will have their own shop sale listed clearly in their shop. I will be having 20% off all items in my shop! The sale runs from Thanksgiving to cyber Monday December 1st.

Here is the complete list of sellers participating in the Etsyfest sale:


heatherknitz.etsy.com
kikibirdjewelry.etsy.com
4sevenssake.etsy.com
idyllhands.etsy.com
woolyhands.etsy.com
diffraction.etsy.com
nathaperkins.etsy.com
greenfamilytree.etsy.com
liviasjewelry.etsy.com
anteris.etsy.com
silverriverstitches.etsy.com
lovealwaysxox.etsy.com
silverriverjewelry.etsy.com
tennekka.etsy.com
SexyGeekWithAttitude.etsy.com
MyDarlingBaby.etsy.com
LiDDesignsboutique.etsy.com
kikibirdjewelry.etsy.com
blondechicken.etsy.com
Knitsburgh.Etsy.com
tinybirdarts.etsy.com
MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com
hauttotes.etsy.com
paperwire.etsy.com
bycj.etsy.com
http://legeekestchic.etsy.com
TerriTaylorDesign.etsy.com
jmcguinness.etsy.com
novadesigns.etsy.com
glassmenagerie1.etsy.com
JustAddMemories.etsy.com
xabiajewels.etsy.com
kriskropmemories.etsy.com
lavendercollections.etsy.com
purpledaisyjewelry.etsy.com
BeadinBabe.etsy.com
whatsthatsmell.etsy.com
thewoodynook.etsy.com
alfcreations.etsy.com
mynewhomestead.etsy.com
charul.etsy.com
brooooke.etsy.com
prettywhimsical.etsy.com
SeasideStudio.etsy.com
Softpencil.etsy.com
StylinPupPillows.etsy.com
xxsnapdragon.etsy.com
MomNMiaQuilts.etsy.com
beautifulbridget.etsy.com
mynewhomestead.etsy.com
plumstars.etsy.com
beckandcallgirl.etsy.com
briaberger.etsy.com
twisteddesigns.etsy.com
wastenotwhimsy.etsy.com
jewelrybyallison.etsy.com
charul.etsy.com
TheBlueDaisy.etsy.com
amplifyme.etsy.com
craftsbycarer.etsy.com
ashleybug.etsy.com
happygrandma402905.etsy.com
glassismyname.etsy.com
SeasideStudio.etsy.com
kellyvanhook.etsy.com
spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com
nightskyproducts.etsy.com
lathermeup.etsy.com
gigglinggoldfish.etsy.com
vshfree.etsy.com
jetflair.etsy.com
elizabethjayne.etsy.com
ClawTreeDesign.etsy.com
modfineart.etsy.com
studio550.etsy.com
brownrose.etsy.com
squaresofflair.etsy.com
punkinhead.etsy.com
MyManyMoodz.Etsy.com
ellentheeye.blogspot.com
GaiaTroveChicago.etsy.com
michaelgrace.etsy.com
BouquetOfStitches.etsy.com
mistflowerstudio.etsy.com
sweetstickerexpress.etsy.com
imaginestudio.etsy.com
meegun.etsy.com
artisanclay.etsy.com
magnoliablossomart.etsy.com
shopdavinia.etsy.com
gifteddesigns.etsy.com
softpencil.etsy.com
gallerialindaloft.etsy.com
starless.etsy.com
whatshername.etsy.com
justaddcharm.etsy.com
earthcharms.etsy.com
wiretree.etsy.com
FairyDC2008.etsy.com
bluekatdesigns.etsy.com
anniebee.etsy.com
storybeader.etsy.com
molecularmuse.etsy.com
MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com
suenosdejmi.etsy.com
createdbyrisa.etsy.com
maddyandme.etsy.com
barrelofcrafts.etsy.com
dragonflyfinedesigns.etsy.com
cocobeans2008.etsy.com
MimisCrafts.Etsy.com
blackcatboutique.etsy.com
vigilantelabs.etsy.com
eanner.etsy.com
parallaxphoto.etsy.com
tscrapper.etsy.com
bluetricycle.etsy.com
Joycestolepainting.etsy.com
crochet18purple.etsy.com
lrichmond3.etsy.com
twilightknits.etsy.com
JoannasPhotography.etsy.com
dbabcock.etsy.com
bonhomiejewelry.etsy.com
beauxbijoux.etsy.com
katbag.etsy.com
knitandpearl.etsy.com
balaboostababy.etsy.com
jdfootloose.etsy.com
bagsandbuds.etsy.com
klemanphotography.etsy.com
babylane.etsy.com
theendofthechrysalis.etsy.com
lalala08.etsy.com
SewArtsy.Etsy.com
SewArtsyBethany.Etsy.com
OnSlenderThreads.etsy.com
AMOzarkian.etsy.com
ALLthangsOLDbutNEW2u.etsy.com
CreativeThings.etsy.com
cagedbirdsings.etsy.com
LunargentWorkshop.etsy.com
Jadedmind.etsy.com
jillredesigns.etsy.com
bamdesigns.etsy.com
jinx1764.etsy.com
http://happytrees.etsy.com
SunnyDayArtandCraft.etsy.com
ceejaybags.etsy.com
SkinJourney.etsy.com
ZaftigDelights.etsy.com
hammelmanart.etsy.com
simplysaidcards.etsy.com
stormysky.etsy.com
melsdaisypatch.etsy.com
potatoface.etsy.com
lovemeknotcreations.etsy.com
jmilliesjustforyou.etsy.com
craftylittlekitten.etsy.com
melsdolls.etsy.com
domosaics.etsy.com
beadifulbaublesSC.etsy.com
personaltreasures.etsy.com
SpiceofLifeDesigns.etsy.com
AndrusGardensQuilts.etsy.com
worksmith.etsy.com
zigzagstitches.etsy.com
sewinghappyplace.etsy.com
cmkcrafts.etsy.com
sandritocat.etsy.com
threelittleladies.etsy.com
simplywillow.etsy.com
artsoftheozarks.etsy.com
citydetails.etsy.com
knitsnmore.etsy.com
altanotes.etsy.com
HandmadebyPam.etsy.com
jessiemccann.etsy.com
amomentamemory28.etsy.com
kitsandcaboodles.etsy.com
www.goldentwine.etsy.com
objettrouve.etsy.com
brooooke.etsy.com
brookefuller.etsy.com
thepearproject.etsy.com
uncommondepth.etsy.com
alwaysadorable.etsy.com
iherdalpacas.etsy.com
www.amyliz.etsy.com
www.amarketcollection.etsy.com
jshaynes.etsy.com
www.Floridagirls.etsy.com
www.ElleGarrettDesigns.etsy.com
LoveOfVintage.etsy.com
simplyembellish.etsy.com
Croska.etsy.com
Perlinedesign.etsy.com
Regalbeads.etsy.com
cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com
cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com
presentsforpirates.etsy.com
9livesphotography.etsy.com
Barbesaintjohn.etsy.com
lissa73.etsy.com
lucidjewelry.etsy.com
BrightBlack.etsy.com
paddywackdesigns.etsy.com
beth123b.etsy.com

I also have a brand spankin new web site up and running! You can visit here I'm also having 20% off there if you add the word "holiday" in the coupon code box at the check out.The sale on my personal website lasts till January 2nd.

I've Been Featured!

I didn't want to do it,I feel odd talking about myself,who would want to read about me,would anyone really care??!!! All my excuses in the past for not jumping at the chance to have someone actually blog about me.

I'm a terrible introvert and not very confident that anyone would even care to look at my work. Lately, I've been getting a lot of compliments from total strangers just wanting to tell me they love my work and I even had a great conversation with a lady (whom I had never met before) tell me she believed in ME! Imagine that!

The lovely Kristy of Shiny Adornments on etsy has been a friend for about a year now and approached me about doing a feature on me.I finally said "what the heck harm can it do?" So I said YES!

You can see the great article Kristy did on her site here Shiny Adornments

If you ever get asked to be featured on someones site, don't turn it down! You never know who will see you and fall in love with your work ;)