Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Grateful For Simple Things!

What a great day! There was nothing in particular that happened, but it has just been a great day! To be alive is great! To have great health is great! To be in right mind is great! To have a phenomenal family (including biological, friends, and spiritual) is great! To be able to see, hear, smell, taste, love, laugh, cry, and feel (among other things) is GREAT!!! I think we often bypass the simple things in life and look for the complicated luxuries. The truth is, simple things become beautiful luxuries when you remain grateful for them!

So, in my gratefulness, today I was thankful that I am still in my creative niche. Thank YOU LORD that you continue to give me a plethora of ideas daily. Thanks for my grind that I always strive to give back to YOU!!!

Creativity brings about another chandelier necklace today. This was another piece that I made last week, but did not have the time to post about. The chain portion is was a broken belt. The bottom chandelier portion is from a broken bracelet that I decided to cut to get the effect you see. The square wavy stones are green serpentine, and the small round stones are semiprecious rulite quartz. I am partial to this piece. I have been looking for a way to use these particular green serpentine stones for a while, and now was the perfect time.


It's green serpentine!!!!!!

Well...ta ta for the evening folks. I have some cooking to finish for tomorrow's dinner, and studying to do for next weeks class.

Pearls of Wisdom:
As I grew older, I realized that it was much better to insist on the genuine forms of nature, for simplicity is the greatest adornment of art. ~ Albrecht Durer

Be blessed!

Monday, September 27, 2010

A Six Day Lull

It's been 6 days since I posted last. I knew that to be about the case when I blogged last week and said I had a busy week ahead. Although I didn't blog, I completed a few new projects, and started on a few others.

Today's post short and sweet is featuring a hair clip. I have been wanting to make hair clips for a while, but wasn't finding the right base material. Well, I found something that works pretty well at the moment. The medallion piece is from a broken belt, and I have placed some rhinestones on the base of the clip to match the jazz of the piece on top. I planned on wearing it to a dedication ceremony that was held for my uncle Den Den yesterday, but it didn't work with my outfit. So I ended up taking a pic of it for your viewing pleasure today!

I love the sparkles!!!


Here is an idea of what it looks like on

I am back, and I don't foresee another lull of this magnitude for a while. So, let's keep it moving!!!!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy." ~ Walter Anderson

Be blessed!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

This Week

Today, like the rest of this week was extremely busy. I won't complain though. As a matter of fact, it is a blessing that I am busy with purpose!!!

Because of that, this week I may be showing some things that I didn't necessarily make on the particular day that I am blogging. As with usual "cheat" days, it will be something that I has not been seen on the blog.

So today's piece was made a few weeks ago. I took this piece to the piazza as well. This was the start of me making "chunky" jewelry, and I would dare to say that this is the chunkiest of them all..lol! This piece wasn't actually "found" or "broken" jewelry, but purchased pieces with my vision in mind. The stones are serpentine and the chains are bronze and silver plated!



I don't know much about Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex in the City"...I wasn't really a fan of the show. However, from some of her outfits, I think that this would be a great addition to her collection. So...eat your heart out Carrie!!!!!

Pearls of Wisdom:
Just because something is old doesn't mean that it lacks value. There is beauty in the old as well as the new. Let's look and find the greatness in both!

Be blessed!

Monday, September 20, 2010

A Weekend Filled

This weekend passed was truly filled with fun, family and friends!

It started off on Saturday morning with dear friends Becky and Tom at the Pitman Craft Fair. It was a gorgeous day for the event. The vendors and those that were visiting the fair were super friendly. I ended up purchasing some local honey for my horrible allergies, as well as an alpaca hat for my nephew's first birthday.


There were vendors that stretched for as far as I could see.


This kettle corn man stuck his tongue out at me in good fun!!

I saw plenty of jewelry vendors, but the best thing was that they were all so different. It reminded me that there is a place for everyone in the creative world...even in a small radius!

And when I left I got a surprise that made my lips pucker and turn up with a smile! There were two little ladies selling lemonade for twenty five cents. In an atmosphere with plenty of entrepreneurs, they were on their way to entrepreneurship themselves. I hadn't seen a deal like that in a long time, and they were simply the cutest, so I decided to partake of a cup. As I dug for my change one of the little girls said, "You can have it for free!". I gave them my money and asked their mom or sister (not quite sure which she was) if I could take a picture to post here. I hope they get to see themselves!!! Keep up the great customer service skills ladies...they will take you far!


Entrepreneurs in the making!!!



Mmmmmm......tasty!

Sunday I spent getting a good word, talking with Mel, and visiting family in PA to celebrate baby P's first birthday. Happy Birthday P...auntie loves you!!!



That alpaca hat looks good on you baby P!

Okay, Monday's jewelry piece is a pair of earrings. Metal mini washers, jumprings, and pearls make for an interesting combination. I wasn't quite sure that I would get what I had pictured, but nonetheless, I was pleased with the outcome. The bulk of the earrings (middle metal piece) comes from a belt I took apart. The pearls of course were added for a dainty touch.


There you have it for the evening folks. There are only a couple of days left in the month of September for you to be entered in a drawing to win free jewelry. So COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT!!!

Pearls of Wisdom:
People expect good service but few are willing to give it. ~ Robert Gately
Let's strive to give the service that we desire to get!!!!

Be blessed!!!







Thursday, September 16, 2010

Procrastinating Less

It's day two of me blogging earlier, and it feels great! It's a movement for me (I hope)...a movement of less procrastination!

I was watching Dr. Oz this morning as they talked about ADHD. Now I am not claiming to have ADHD, but some of the answers to the questions that indicate whether one may have ADHD fit me to a t. One of the questions was about procrastination. To be exact, "Do you procrastinate to get a task done when it is challenging?" Of course the answer for me was an astounding YES!

In the past years I have changed a bit with procrastination. I am not always on the ball, but I definitely don't procrastinate as much as I used to. I have come to realize that putting things off to the last minute sometimes comes out great, but how much better would they come out if I spaced tasks out to complete a project?

So, I am attempting not to wait until the last minute for much of anything, If I can help it!

Today I decided to create a bracelet to match the earrings that I made yesterday. All of the pieces are from various broken belts. I am not sure how much longer I will be somewhat intrigued by this wrapping process. It may last for another week or it may be gone tomorrow. I will ride it out until creative whims take me somewhere else.


A bracelet to match yesterday's earrings

Front, back and side views

Have a great day folks! Stay tuned for more jewelry ventures!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"We shall never have more time. We have, and always had, all the time ther is. No object is served in waiting until next week or even until tomorrow."
~Arnold Bennett

Be blessed!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Am I?

I am managing to post at the 11am hour instead of the 11pm hour today. HOORAY!!!!

I thought that I was going to be able to post yesterday, but with starting a 360 degree Leadership class, I was biting off more than I could chew. From now on (until about Christmas time), I won't promise to blog everyday, although it may happen that way at times. What I will promise, is to blog at least 3 times per week. I have to be realistic about the things that I can do with all the other things that I have on my plate.

My thoughts for the day are geared towards this wonderful leadership class that I have started to take at Victory in Christ Christian Center. If I had to be honest, I took the class because it was the only one that could fit in my schedule, and because I had been wanting to take a class since I joined the ministry. I figured the least it would do is be a catalyst for me to do some studying of the Bible that was more concentrated.

As I sat in class last night, I knew it would be so much more. I asked myself, "Am I really a leader?" Then it dawned on me that leadership is so much more than just simply being in charge or in control. It is a mindset of being the best that you can be where you are! So, today I am focused on being the best that I can be...in my passions, ministry, and life period!

Okay...creatively speaking, the wears for today are another pair of earrings. This motif seems to be becoming a recurrent theme in the last couple of posts. I am enjoying the wrapping of the wire. Although at times time consuming, it is cathartic. It gives me time to reflect on the things I have to be thankful for, or what the day may bring or just time for God to give me a good attitude adjustment.


These particular earrings components come various things. The metal discs are from a belt, and the chains are from a necklace (both from the broken jewelry lot). The stones are something I purchased years ago and never used. They sort of reminds me of a cat eye stones.



I'm hooked..lol!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Leadership is a journey you never complete!" ~Pastor John Edmondson Jr.
Leadership mimics life...let's get to the point where we enjoy the journey!

Be blessed!

Monday, September 13, 2010

A Cheat Day!

Hair days are always busy, and today proved to be no different. When I twist my hair, it takes me about 5 hours, leaving me not much time to do anything else for that day. However, today I did manage to get some running around done.

So, yes, I am having a cheat day. The earrings that are below were made about a month ago. They are part of a collection of jewelry that I make out of hemp. This was the first time that I paired the hemp with the metal, and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.


Pairin these materials together for the first time
There you have it good people. A quick and easy entry. Although tomorrow will be a twee hectic, I will return with something new. Have a great evening!
Pearls of Wisdom:
To busy oneself with what is futile when one can do something useful, to attend to what is simple when one has the mettle to attempt what is difficult, is to strip talent of its dignity. ~ Jose Marti
Be blessed!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

September 11th

It's hard to believe that 9 years ago we lost so many people in the twin towers attack. I remember precisely what I was doing...I was still in college. I was watching the news (which was/is rare for me), and talking on the phone getting ready for a dance class. When it was finally stated that it was a terrorist attack, I called my mom and boyfriend at the time to make sure they were okay (they both worked in city zones). It was traumatic, not because I lost someone close to me, but becuase there were so many that did.

So today I am keeping in prayer all those that have lost during this day years ago. I pray for peace and comfort for you!

On a brighter note...today mum and I attended a wedding! Congratulations Troy and Lisa! I was supposed to make a set of earrings for the event last night, but these allergies had me a little under the weather. Instead, I decided to get on the ball, and make a pair this evening!

We had a splendid time


Ode to Joy...thanks for a new hairdo idea!

For the past couple of posts, I have been using materials that have come from belts, and these earrings are no different. The last time I posted I used the same materials. I am liking the effect the wrapped wire gives around a natural stone.

And I keep wrapping!


Pearls of Wisdom:
It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace. ~ Andre Gide

Be blessed!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Yes...Items Posted Are For Sale!

Good Evening Folks!!!

Today was a fabulously glorious day. For the first time in ages I felt free! It could be the books that I have been reading. It could be the recent increase in clients. It could be the creative surge that I have been blessed to be experiencing. Shoot for all I know it could be the 1990's Tai Bo VHS tape that I have been doing for two days. Whatever it is, I am truly grateful for it! Thank you LORD!!!

NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!!!
The items posted are for SALE!!!
If you are interested please comment me on the piece along with an email address where I can send the prices of the items!
Well I decided to sip on a little tea from my mother's cup as I made these earrings today.


It was a calming tea, but I was extra hyper today!

These beauties started off as part of a belt. I wrapped wire multiple times in a triangle design and added a light grey quartz stone in the middle.


Products


The finished product!

That's all she wrote for the evening! I look forward to sharing with you all tomorrow!

Pearls of Wisdom:
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. ~ Nelson Mandela

Let's not just think selfishly of ourselves, but have the mind frame to enhance the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters!

Be blessed!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Adopting New Ways

Stepping out of my comfort zone has never been my forte'. I will be the first to admit that although I am working on relinquishing control, I like to take the reigns more often than not. But as I read a great book by the name of "Boy Meets Girl" by Joshua Harris, I decided to put adopting new ways into practice today.

I won't get into details, but today I recognized that there may have been areas that I was wrong, and areas I am willing to take some slack for where I wasn't. The bottom line is, I am in the business of doing what I need to do to make things right in the eyes of my Maker.

With my brief thought of the day out of the way, a necklace was in the workings this evening. It is brass with serpentine nuggets. The parts come from a broken belt, and a few necklaces. While I was creating it I had an ideal of a woman in the Tudor period in my mind. They often wore heavy, and gaudy jewelry...somewhat like what is in fashion today.

It's chandelier style!
Mom modeling! She gets tired of doing it, but anything for her daughter!


Stay tuned for tomorrows creative conquest!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one."
~ Mark Twain


Be blessed!

Monday, September 6, 2010

A Time To Be Busy

It is clear that this is my season to be on my grind in every form and fashion!

Yesterday I managed to give back to the community, get Kingdom business done, and get some potentially awesome clients. It was a long day, but a great day, and today was no different.

It just proves that I am on the right path along this journey of mine!

Now for the creative piece of the day! I actually started this piece on Friday. It started off as one thing, but turned into something totally different by its completion this afternoon.

A front and back view

It started out so different, but it matches the necklace I made a few days ago!
So there you have it folks...a short, but sweet entry today! Hasta Manana!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"The daily grind of hard work gets a person polished." ~Anonymous


Be blessed!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Figuring Me Out!

I am realizing that "figuring me out" is the most important thing for me these days. I think I have been doing this for some time, but if I had to be honest with myself and others, it hasn't quite been on the top of my list.

Arranging and rearranging priorities is of utmost importance. My relationship with Christ being numero uno, and all else falling in line after that, especially my businesses. I must remain focused, and this blog is part of doing so!

So, today's piece was actually made in the wee hours of the morning....1am to be exact. I didn't have the umph to get on here and blog though, hence you have it now. I decided to make a pair of earrings today. The metal pieces are from the lot of broken jewelry, and the stones are natural stones.
It looks like the chain motif will be in my repertoire for a while!

It's the weekend, but I believe that I have a Saturday blog in me. That means I will be posting manana! Until then...

Pearls of Wisdom:
Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. ~Denis Waitly

Be blessed!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Rocking My Wears

What started off as a challenging day, ended beautifully with the confirmation that I needed to continue to press toward the mark that I know I will reach! A huge thank you to my family, sister-friends, and church family. They really keep me motivated...afterall, iron sharpens iron, and today I was dull!

With how I was feeling, I didn't get the chance to finish the piece that I started working on last night. However, I was happy to see that my wears were being donned by a dear friend by the name of Pam. I made them a couple of weeks ago, and was pleased with the outcome.





She makes them look oh so funky!

So that is tonight's piece. If you have purchased a piece of jewelry, please take a picture of you rocking it and send it to me. I would love to post them!

Night night folks! Sleep tight!

Pearls of Wisdom:
Sometimes we ask things over and over again, thinking that GOD has not heard us the first time. Perhaps HE has heard you and is waiting for you to trust what HE told you in the first place. HE hears the cries of HIS people folks, and your prayers won't go unanswered!

Be blessed!