Busy 2 Weeks

I attended the International Gem and Jewelry Show in Columbus a week before Thanksgiving.  It was gem overload.  So much to see and it was very difficult to control the urge to buy everything.  I love when I can get a great deal on quality gems, sterling silver, glass beads etc.  It translates into savings for the buyer of a newly created piece.

Thanksgiving was right around the corner and we were out of town so I am now ready to sit down and create some unique items.  The new gems are so inspiring that I need to start now!!

I traveled to Woodridge and Naperville for Thanksgiving.  All I can say is I have an amazing family. 

My parents not only look great but I'm always surprised by their stamina.  Nothing seems to slow them down.  They were out and about with us the day after Thanksgiving and were dragged everywhere, but not once said a word about being tired.  They never sat down except for lunch.  Whew!  Will I be able to do that at their age?  Hmmmm.

The highlight - besides being with Nick for 3 full days - was Thanksgiving dinner at my sister and her husband's home.  The warmth from them just radiates through the house and the meal very gourmet!  Plus the home is occupied by their three dogs - Benny, Bandit and Tai - and Biscotti the cutest bunny ever!  It's always so much fun spending time with them.  I only wish I lived near them so we could be together more often.

It was such a joy to spend time with Nick.  He is so missed around our house, but he's living in my favorite city - Chicago.  Nick is an astute shopper and he showed us this as we went thrifting with him on Thursday.  He found a tweedy jacket in great shape with suede sleeves - oh and it fit him perfectly - for $5.00.  Although I really don't need to do anything - just be with him makes my day!

My Bad at Blogging

I'm not going to make any promises because I never know how much time I will have.

I had a wonderfully busy Fall. Returned from LA (sorry, never wrote about the wineries) in August and I don't know where September went. Moved Nick to Chicago and I had so much fun with him walking and taking the El everywhere. Ukrainian Village is so awesome. It only takes a quick walk and you are surrounded by restaurants, shops, even a very cool bead store called "Beadniks" and transportation that can get you anywhere in the city and out to the burbs.

Returned home and prepared for a visit from my sister and her hubby, Tim for Labor Day. Golf, eating, cooking, drinking and making jewelry filled our time. So much fun!!

My friend Jen encouraged me to have a jewelry event at my home. So I began to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings during any and all free time. I probably had close to 100 pieces. The jewelry event was in late October and I know I enjoyed myself. It looked like everyone had a wonderful time and I was so grateful for the number of friends and friends of friends who came.

I am now adding to my inventory on my Esty shop. I have found Etsy to be a very supportive network of artists. It doesn't matter what their art medium they always have helpful advice and complete support.

I've learned that pictures are extremely important especially in the gallery view. Thanks cindylouwho2!! Can't believe it took me almost six months to figure that one out. Also important is to renew, renew, renew. It pulls your shop to the front of the hundreds of thousands of jewelry designers. Oh and free shipping helps too!

Oh and now I'm waiting for advice on how to make my jewelry sparkle when I live in the Ohio Valley where there are over 200 gray days - hmmmm.