The Groundhogs Say…

Well, the groundhogs had their day yesterday.  And the results of their winter predictions are….mixed at best.

Here’s how it breaks down:

·        In Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring

·        In Ontario, Wiarton Willie agreed with Phil.  He didn’t see his shadow either

·        In Manitoba, Winnipeg Willow was on board with Phil and Willie

·        But in Nova Scotia, Shubenacadi Sam called for more cold weather

·        Quebec’s Fred, locate up in the Gaspesie region (think almost as far north and east in Quebec as you can go) aligned with Sam.  He saw his shadow too

If you go by the majority then we are in for an early spring.  Myself, I would look at where these little fellas are stationed. 

·        Phil and Willie are located far from the coast, barely in the eastern portion of North America.  This is the area I live in and we do definitely have milder winters than other areas

·        Willow’s home is not that far from North Dakota and Minnesota.  As we all know these are also high snow, colder weather areas but who knows, maybe they will have an easier winter

·        Sam is in Nova Scotia, so what do I need say?  The maritime provinces of Canada are renowned for their long snowy winters, especially lately

·        And then there’s Fred.  The best way to explain Fred’s domain is just to show you a Google map.  He’s in the same situation as Sam!  

I flagged Shubenacadie too so you can see what I mean

Me?  I think I’ll just take their predictions for what they are meant to be, a fun event that’s also fun to talk about

Whatever your passion, Groundhog Day, football (Super Bowl today!), or something else, enjoy!

What a Mess!

I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions.  I never keep them so why make a promise or a commitment I won’t meet?

I do believe in goals though.  One of my goals, from before Christmas that is, has been to clean up my studio, to organize it again. 

As you can see, I’m not very close to achieving that goal right now.

I did almost have my work table organized.  Really!  I did.  But then, I realized I needed to get photos up onto my storefront and needed to do write ups of the products

Then I realized I needed to get all my jewellery catalogued.  I was way behind on this goal

Then I decided to play with a Valentine Collection.  See my last post for some photos.  There are lots of choices in my store too

Oh well.  I guess it’s time to move these goals forward.  After all, every journey begins with one step

I hope your goals are achieved.  Let me know, I’d love to hear about it

My Necklace Was Featured!

Some of you may have visited my store on Artfire. Update: Please visit my store on Etsy
  

I’ve been busy updating it with some of my existing jewellery, and with some jewellery created especially for Valentine’s Day gifts.

I was excited to get a notification yesterday that one of my pieces had been selected for a collection created by another Artfire member.  

Here’s the necklace that was chosen to be featured:

Wild Heart Pendant (Sold)

And here is more of my Valentine Celebration collection.

Circles of Love

My Heart Encircles (Sold)

Come over to my sthttps://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BijouxGemsJoy?ref=hdr_shop_menuore and find your Valentine Celebration treasure

A Happy Year to You!

The New Year starts tomorrow.  I am like many other folks who cannot believe how quickly 2012 flew by.

One of the things I did this past year, and that will pay off in 2013, is start participating more in supplier blogs and contests.  One site I’ve been following is the Fusion Beads blog, http://fusionbeadsblog.com/  The folks there are full of interesting tips and ideas and run many contests for their readers.  One of the contests I entered was for free gemstone beads, which I won!  Here’s the link for the details and winner’s announcement:

http://fusionbeadsblog.com/2012/12/07/semi-precious-gemstones-giveaway/

My prize package arrived in the mail today.  I decided I needed to document my journey with these gems.  Here are the first pictures.  I am so excited!

The Arrival

First Layer Inside

Packed in lovely velvet bags

All the beads, safely packaged

Sent with a charming note

I am looking forward so very much to creating something pretty with these beads.  They are like an unexpected Christmas gift!  I'll let you know when the first item is ready.  In case I forget in the meantime keep an eye out on my store:

http://www.BijouxGemsJoy.artfire.com

As always your feedback is gratifying.  Thanks for reading

Merry Christmas

To each and every one I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope you have the opportunity to be together with your loved ones to celebrate.  If you aren’t able to get together do keep in touch. 

Thank you all for your support and patronage over the past year.  As I continue down this journey of artistic exploration I look forward to and appreciate your feedback.  My store location:

http://www.BijouxGemsJoy.artfire.com

Let me know your experience at my store.  I am working on making it better and better so your feedback would be wonderful

Thanks for reading

Ornament Fun

Here’s something fun I came across today:

Artisans love to participate in these events, where each makes an item based on the rules of the challenge.  The contributions that meet the requirements are posted on the participating blogs with the details that allow readers to “hop” from one blog to the next to view all the creations.  Check out these Christmas ornaments and see what you think.  ABS holds a challenge every month.  What a lot to organize!  I admire their dedication.

http://www.artbeadscene.blogspot.ca/2012/12/ornament-blog-hop.html

Christmas themed jewellery has been my focus the last little while.  Here are a couple.  Come visit my shop to see more:

P.S.  Let me know your experience at my store.  I am working on making it better and better so your feedback would be wonderful

Thanks for reading

Christmas Time

It's my second favourite time of year.  Like I mentioned before, I’m a northern girl.  Winter there was impressive!  Think Buffalo last year but drop the temperature by 12-15 degrees celcius.  Actually, maybe not actually my second favourite time of year… 

Christmas is still pretty special though, more for the joy it brings people, the lights and the sounds.  At this time of year I hope you and your family are well and will have the chance to be together.  If you are looking for that special something please visit my store.  It’s newly opened, with many items still to be loaded.  I hope you will find something that would please someone special.

http://www.BijouxGemsJoy.artfire.com

Let me know your experience at my store.  I am working on making it better and better so your feedback would be wonderful.

A sneak peak at some of the items still to be posted:

Something I am doing is trying to bring comfort to those less fortunate.  As best as we could, we've raised our children to think of others and the easiest way to do so is to "lead by example".  No gesture is too small.  I hope you'll consider doing the same.  

Thanks for reading