Featured

I was featured by the wonderful Mad Hatter ~ check it out! I think it sounds pretty amazing, if I do say so myself!

Item of the day: MADD about you

Today I'm featuring a gorgeous necklace made by one of my friends I met through the Etsy forums (more specifically, the More Meaningful Gifts BnR) - dorana. The unique design of this necklace (patent pending) is what really struck me:
It's just so elegant. And the name of the piece, "Madd About You" isn't a typo - dorana will donate a portion of each necklace purchased to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Go check out her awesome shop today, and grab a napkin - you're going to be drooling!

Housekeeping

I've been meaning to do a bit of housekeeping the past couple of days. No I don't mean cleaning my apartment, although that could really use it too, I'm talking about my blog. There are a few things I want to talk about...

First off, has anyone noticed? I updated the layout / design of this here blog. It took a bit of fiddling, but eventually I turned one of the blogger templates into what I wanted. I'm really proud of it, since I really don't know any html. At all. Pat, my live-in computer programmer, was pretty helpful though. I used this pattern for my background (I made it on COLOURlovers): Anyway, I would really like everyone's opinion: what do you think about the new layout? Is it easy on the eyes? Easy to read and follow? Is there anything you think is missing or would be really helpful? I appreciate all of your comments in advance!

I also changed the scheme of my Twitter to match.

Now, I am also very tempted to work on my banner. Originally, when I set out to change my layout, I was going to change the banner too. But the design I had in mind didn't work out, and now I kind of like the old banner on my blog. So I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep it... but I'm still torn over whether I should change the banner in my shop. I don't think they have to match, and I'd like something to reflect my shop a little better. Any ideas?

I've also spent the last week getting a website up and running. I used Googlepages, so I haven't been able to customize much. I mostly wanted to get the content up there. Of course, I read somewhere that Googlepages is being replaced by Google Sites, so I might wait and see before I do too much more with it. But I am keeping all the sections up to date. You can find contests I sign up for here, and a list of all my recipes here. Just click around and see what you can find, there's much more!

Last but not least, this weekend is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada!
Pat and I have rented a car and are heading home. So I won't have access to the internet, and probably won't be posting in my blog. Unless I can get it to post automatically.. I know it's supposed to be able to somehow..

Item of the day: Clear flower ornament

I've started my Christmas shopping, have you? I've also started accumulating ornaments because I plan to get a larger tree this year. Once it's a bit closer to the holidays, I'll post about all the new ones I've received. But for now, aren't these cute?These glass ornaments are handcrafted by westheather. This clear one is my favourite:This shop is also practically a next door neighbor of mine! I love finding Canadians on Etsy! I'm sure I'll be hanging one (or two) of these on my tree this year!

Item of the day: small bunny vase

If you've spent any time reading my blog, you know I'm obsessed with bunnies (among other things). And so how could I not post this bunny vase by prettyrandomobjects:I first spotted this vase on the front page. I love her cute little ears!

Treasury!

I love snagging treasuries! When I saw that it was opening up yesterday, I just knew I had to center one around the item of the day (the I'm sorry print). Here it is:I obviously went with the wood-grain theme. I think a nice colour balance was achieve, and I also injected a little message in there. Two of the items have words: "I can see a lot of life in you." and "Do all things with love." Alone, they are lovely sentiments, together with the print from yesterday, they speak of a need to save our forests, protect all animals and safeguard the environment.

I challenge everyone to do one act of kindness today. Spread some love.


Here are the links to all the items featured in my treasury (left to right, top to bottom, including alternates):

Would you love me cufflinks, by blockpartypress
I'm sorry print, by youareconstance
Faux bois earrings - Frolic, by Pulpdesigns
Natural driftwood, by madeforfun
Growth 5 print, by studiolyon
I can see a lot of life in you card, by project8256
Rings in brown framed print, by suzannaanna
Wood grain button magnets, by twentyfouryears
Abstract forms pendant (wood), by julre
Wood grain rainbow panel, by kaleprimitifs
Round pen print, by Gollybard
Big Kahuna men's choker, by SteppingStones
Iceland print, by jessgonacha
Cellblock series print, by AtomicLodge
Do all things with love print, by vol25
Cork wood burned woodgrain pendant, by Ottoman

Item of the day: I'm Sorry

I apologize in advance. Usually I post happy, cute, bright items. Mostly because these make me most happy. But this print by youareconstance... well, just see for yourself:It's called "I'm sorry" and if you click on the picture for a close-up, you can see that both the deer and the lumberjack are crying. The message really struck me. Plus, I'm in love with repeating patterns at the moment, and the pile of logs is quite stunning. I think this print would look awesome paired up with these Logs by GollyBard.

Another Fall Update

I just posted an update on some of the new designs I'll be adding to my shop over the next couple of weeks. I just thought I'd let me loyal blog readers know that I've listed the first three bracelets in my new beaded chain series.
You can find the blue chalk one here, the red berries here and the black seedpods here.

I have 3 new additions to my beaded chain bracelet line. Like the first 3, these next two look great together:
These two will be posted today, so keep an eye on my shop! The first one is called falling leaves and features dark green and tangerine Swarovski crystal bicones:
The second one is my favourite and features some of my favourite beads: Colorado topaz Swarovski crystals and one olive and gold Czech glass melon bead:
I really love this final beaded chain bracelet that I have to show you today. The ceramic cube beads are incredible, and look great against the gunmetal silver:
I also have another locket coming up soon. Here's a sneak peek:
This one shines against a gunmetal chain. I'm really pleased with how it looks. And I've included my signature clasp charm (you can see more pictures on my Flickr photostream).

Another necklace with a clasp charm features this gorgeous Chrysanthemum stone. The variations in this stone are gorgeous and cannot truly be captured in a photo. But I tried.
I also have a new chunky beaded bracelet, made with beautiful aqua and black coloured jasper stones. These flat ovals remind me of stepping stones. You might also notice that a black seedpod has found its way onto this path of stones.
Finally, a new pair of earrings. These ones would be perfect to add a chill to a hot summer or autumn day. Here, they remind me of the cold and snow that is fast approaching!
So be sure to keep an eye on my shop! Or send me a message if you have to have one of these and don't want to chance it being listed!