Wood Burned Jewelry

A few years ago I began playing around with my wood burning tool and, through my 'playtime', I ended up designing some unique woodburned necklace pendants. While it took some time to get my style worked out, things began to come together for me last Christmas after my sister bought a few of these pendants from me to give to her co-workers as holiday gifts. I was a bit nervous to hear what everyone thought, but--THANKFULLY--they were very warmly received by her friends so I took this as a sign that I should forge ahead with more designs.

I made a few wood burned pendants and pins with a springtime theme and took them with me to a few art shows that I attended. Lots of positive feedback and compliments were shared by my customers so I was pleased by the response.

But lately I've been infatuated with the Chevron print pattern. I'm sure you've seen it in fashion, home decor and everywhere. If you aren't familiar here's a sample of the design that I found online:

My infatuation began when I had a customer order a name sign with this pattern. I blogged about designing this name sign on my Creative Name Signs Blog. In a nutshell, I was very nervous to create a design with this pattern. I never thought I'd be able to do it. But after some thought and planning it worked out. I was so happy with the outcome I began figuring out other items I could create with this pattern. Of course creating wood burned jewelry came to mind and I'm happy to report I've gotten a few pendant orders featuring this design! Yay! Here are a few photos:

So I'm happy that my infatuation with this design is paying off for me. And with the holiday shopping season just around the corner more sales are coming my way!

Okay...it's time to run...lots to do on this busy morning! More fun topics to share soon...until then,

Wearable Art Jewelry and Pendants

October is always a slow month for me so the last week or so I've been spending time making wearable art pendants. Creating things that are outide of my normal work--i.e. the items I sell from Creative Name Signs and Images of Home--is fun for me because I can just let myself go and see what my imagination comes up with.

My art pendants are made of a variety of craft supplies most of which I have sitting around my art room. Some pendants are made of wood scraps that I have leftover from my name signs. Sometimes I use a small piece of wood or a small glass tile that I purchase at my local craft store. Using a heavy glue and sealant I incorporate a print of my artwork onto a pendant. Another way I make my art pendants is to use my wood burning tool where I burn a design into a small piece of wood. It really all depends on what mood I'm in on any particular day.

This is my favorite wooden pendant necklace...

Then I made this one (not listed anywhere yet) which is somewhat personalized for me. The background of the pendant was taken from a print of my painting that I call "Colorful Spirals". The three tiny hearts represent each one of my children...

Since my art pendants are new and not anything I've sold as of yet I decided to try out this new website called Fiverr.com. I found it a few months ago and finally had the time last week to really delve into it and see what I can do. I listed a few of my pendants there as well as a few holiday ornaments that I painted. It is pretty fun and I've had some inquiries already.

Here's a link to my listings...Jane Loedding Art on Fiverr.com.

I'd love it if you'd take some time to check out my work. And if you see something you like...then what the heck...it's only $5.00!!

Okay...it's getting late in the morning and I need to shower. I know very soon my son will be calling for me to go pick him up from his fiend's house. More fun to come...until then,

No More Rack

I've posted about No More Rack in the past but I am writing about this fun and fabulous website once again. Every day right before noon I get emails that feature their daily deals. I have to say that my heart skips a beat when I see those emails come through. I love to shop, but nomorerack.com makes my shopping experience even more enjoyable because of their rock bottom prices. I tend to be frugal and with three teenagers who constantly have their hands outstretched wanting more cash my pocket book ends up looking pretty thin. The low prices they offer grab my attention easily. And just recently they've begun hosting 'Evening Events' which include even more deals starting at 6:00 PM. So the shopping fun continues as the day wears on.

Previously I wrote about their 'insanity deals' which have included super hot items such as an iPod touch, a Playstation 3, an HDTV and more at incredibly low prices. They use the term 'insanity' for a reason. It's unbelievable how low their prices are. But with that being said you have to understand that those items are really hard to come by. But the good outweighs the bad as far as I'm concerned and I'm still pleased with the other wonderful items they offer.

From toys to clothing to jewelry to sports memorabilia to kitchen gadgets and so much more their selection is growing by leaps and bounds. I am a purse fanatic and I also love to buy jewelry, especially bracelets. These items are offered on a regular basis and after lots of daily drooling I finally bit the bullet and bought a purse from No More Rack. I love it! It's covered in sequins and bright colors all on a black background. It's right up my alley and I was very happy when I received my purchase. With that being said I realized another fabulous benefit of No More Rack...their super low ship fee. They only charge a $2.00 flat shipping fee per item. That's just about unheard of!

Take a few minutes to stop by their website and sign up for their emails. I'm confident you'll find something of interest and, if you are careful when it comes to spending money you'll be pleased with their prices!

Okay, gotta run now...more fun on the way...until then,

Comparison Shopping at Become.com

   I recently found a website - http://www.become.com - that is based on the theory of comparison shopping. In doing a quick look around the site it seems as if it has a lot to offer from price comparison, product reviews and deals on a variety of goods.

   For example I decided to search for an accordion baby gate. You wonder, "Why does she need one of these if her kids are all teens?" Well, I can explain. My dog has issues with anxiety and when we have company I have to put her in my room with the door shut until she calms down. I hate having to lock her away so I've considered buying one of these gates. I did a search for one on http://www.become.com and I got a huge listing of different baby gates, their prices and the stores where I can find them. Pretty cool!

   I did a few other random searches for different baby items just to get the feel of the site. One was for a baby bed that attaches to parents bed and I got a whole page of product matches with the prices and the stores where you find them. Plus I also got suggestions to look in other categories. Then I did another random search. I chose to look for infant diamond stud earrings and I got three pages of results. Geez! That surprised me because my daughter didn't get her ears pierced until she was twelve! I didn't realize baby diamond earrings were in such demand! Oh well...I always say how out of it I am!

   I also liked how much information you can get with this website. They have a shopping blog, they list hot deals on their site, shopping tips, a top ten list and more.

   So take some time to check it out. I'm going back to look at those baby gates again. I seriously worry that my dog is going to knock my mother-in-law over some day and maybe this is a good option for me. Hey! And now that I think about it I need a new dishwasher, too. Off to comparison shop!

   More on the way...until then,

Nursing Scrubs Aren't So Scrubby Anymore!

  
   We've spent quite a bit of time at the hospital over the past year. My mom was in and out of the hospital a few times before she passed away. And my mother-in-law has been in and out of the hospital quite a bit lately. Thankfully, she is doing well now. One thing I couldn't help but notice was the variety of scrubs that the nursing staff was wearing. Many of them had some really cute patterns on their scrub uniforms. I even saw a doctor wearing a scrub hat that was pink with little pink ribbons in the fabric pattern. ..no doubt it was for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

   Recently I was relaxing and surfing the net preparing to get some holiday gift ideas lined up. My sister is a nurse and she is one of those people who has everything. What the heck do I get her??? Well, as I was looking for gift ideas for her I came across this website - http://www.blueskyscrubs.com - and was very impressed with their selection. The patterns they offer on their scrub uniforms ranged from the typical plain colors to some that were bright and fun. I also liked was their variety of scrub hat collections as well as the fabric patterns you can choose from. And the one thing I LOVED...they had beautiful jewelry for sale! I'm a freak for jewelry and for a moment or two I wished I would have studied nursing!

   After visiting the site I couldn't help but think about how the world of nursing uniforms has changed. My mom was a nurse for 30 years and when I was very young I recall the boring standard white uniform that she wore for years. Then when I was a bit older she changed her position from being a floor nurse to being a surgical nurse. After that position change she wore scrubs every day but she had to wear the ones provided by the hospital.

   Yes, times have changed in more ways than I could ever count. But it occurs to me that if you work in a hospital (or doctor's office) instead of wearing a boring scrub uniform now-a-days you can change things up a bit and try to make your wardrobe a little more interesting!

   Okay...more thoughts on the way...until then,

Etsy Treasury - Warm for Spring

My wood burned dragonfly pendant and necklace was included in a pretty treasury called Warm for Spring. This lovely treasury was curated by Midnightcolier.

Here's an image of the treasury...take a look...

I'm lovin' all the different shades of greens and browns! Gorgeous! Thanks, Lynn, for including me!

More fun on the way...



Etsy Treasury - Carnivale of Brown and Orange

I'm honored to say that my Wood Burned Heart Pendant and Necklace has been included in an Etsy treasury curated by Pet Collage. This treasury is called 'Carnivale of Brown and Orange'...here's a picture...

Please make sure to take a look at this treasury and visit the shops of all the talented artists whose work is displayed there...you won't be disappointed!

More on the way...

My New Etsy Shop

Well, I talked about my new Etsy shop over the last few days and I've been working on listing new items in it. So here it is...

Jane Loedding
http://www.janeloedding.etsy.com



I have an existing Etsy Shop - JMLArt - but I decided I will close that shop down in the near future. The only reason I am closing it is because I wanted to change the shop name. I am also in the process of building a new website from which I plan to sell all of my artwork. As it is I have two existing websites, an Etsy shop (now two of them), a blog, a Twitter and so on. It's just so overwhelming to try and promote everything and I basically want to streamline all of my work onto the one website. Then I can promote the website and the Etsy shop all which will have the same name.

As for my personal life...well...

As many of you know I have had a very hard year. In 2010 my sister-in-law passed away very suddenly, my mom was declining from Alzheimer's then passed away. While my mom was dying my mother-in-law became ill. Then right after the new year my husband was very sick and hospitalized.

It was just unbelievably insane.

All of the upheaval led me to realize I need to 'TRIM the FAT' from my life. I don't want to spread myself out so much nor do I need to.

I basically just want PEACE!!

So here we go...onto...HOPEFULLY...better days! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

More fun on the way...

Correction on my last post!!

Okay....I don't know where my head was or what the heck was going on with me that day...perhaps I was reading too fast due to excitement??? Hmmmm...maybe! BUT...

In my last post titled Enter to win a beautiful bangle bracelet!! I had a few things wrong...the drawing is for ANY piece of jewelry in her shop not just her bangles. AND the piece you win will be made especially for you. Simply look through her listings and tell her which piece is your favorite and she'll make another like it or similar to it in your favorite color.

So to clarify EVERYTHING I'll list the details for the drawing again along with the necessary corrections:

Sign up to follow Zasra's blog.
Leave a comment as to your favorite color, any favorite "catch phrase" or inspirational words.
Then tell her your favorite piece of jewelry from her Etsy shop, Zasra.
Then you'll be entered into the drawing with the chance to win a piece of her jewelry made especially for you.
And if you share the contest with a friend and they sign up she'll enter you again.

WHEW!! Hope I got it right this time!

Geez...I know I'm getting old, but goodness...I'm not that old! I'll just blame my confusion on my overwhelmingly busy life! (Yeah, right! LOL!)

I'm sure I'll have more good stuff to share soon...until then,

Enter to win a beautiful bangle bracelet!!

I recently stumbled upon a sweet little Etsy shop a few weeks back and I loved her work so much I featured some of her items on my blog.

A few weeks ago Zasra started her own new blog and today she announced a drawing to win one of her beautiful bangle bracelets!

Here's a photo of one...so pretty!



It's very simple to enter:

Sign up to follow her blog.
Leave a comment as to your favorite color, any favorite "catch phrase" or inspirational words.
Then tell her your favorite piece of jewelry from her Etsy shop.

That's it...you're entered!!

Oh and one more thing...if you tell a friend just let her know. If they sign up she'll enter your name again!

The deadline is June 7th so hurry over there, check out her bangle bracelets and make your choice!

Good luck!!

More goodies on the way...until then,

How sweet! I've been featured!!

I'm happy to share with my readers that some of the artwork for sale in my Etsy shop has been featured on the blog of a fellow Etsian and HAFTeam member, Snips & Snails by helenpuck!

Take a look at her blog post from this morning...

Snips and Snails Blog Feature

And also make sure to read the rest of her blog and check out her Etsy shop as well.

I know from personal experience how sweet Robin's work is! This past holiday season I bought a set of magnets from her as a holiday gift for my beloved, late sister-in-law, Jean who was an avid Disney fan.

And I also bought a couple scrabble tile pendants for my teenage daughter. The gifts were very warmly received and it was heartwarming for me to give thoughtful gifts to my loved ones!

Thank you, Robin, for sharing your talent and for the feature on your blog!!

More fun stuff on the way...until then,

Proud to be a member...

...of this fabamundo group...The Handmade Artists Forum!

Check out this feature over at the Beading Gem:

http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/04/handmade-artists-forum-and-shop.html

What a nice feature! I am so proud to be a member of this fine group from the very beginning!

More goodies on the way...until then,

A little feature...Zasra

I've been trying to get back into my routine of featuring other sweet little Etsy shops that I come across. ***Finally*** I found a tiny pocket of time in my morning and thought I'd share a new one with you...

Zasra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zasra

In Zasra's shop you'll find whimsical, soulful and spiritually inspired original works of art that are sure to please! She offers mixed-media jewelry, gorgeous mosaic art pieces, mixed-media wall hangings and more.

Here are a few of my top picks from her shop...

I'm such a bracelet girl and I just LOVE all of her bangles...take a look at this beauty:

Love and Hope - Wood Bangle Bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43858452/love-and-hope--wood-bangle-bracelet



And here's a necklace that caught my eye:

Hand Painted Beaded Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43859259/hand--painted-beaded-necklace



Now this wall hanging has been sold, but I really wanted to share it with you...it's utterly creative, whimsical and I just LOVE it!!

Woman Waiting - Wall Hanging
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=27478661




Fabulous!! I love her work! Zasra has so many more beautiful and soulful creations...please make time to stop on over and check out her lovely work!

More sweet things to share...hopefully I'll have some extra time to post again this week!

Until then,

'Spread the Love', Sat., Feb. 6, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Sat., Feb. 6, 2010:

'Twas Brillig at the Tulgey Wood
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thetulgeywood

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

LIBELLULES Ceramic Dragonfly Pendant Necklace



So pretty!! So sweet!! I just love dragonflies!! Plus there are so many other unique, beautiful, whimsical and fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces in this shop...you HAVE to stop by and see Nancy's work! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Okay...it's a snowy day here in PA so it's time to get outside and start shoveling! But I'll be sharin' more love soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010:

The Chainmaille Lady
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheChainmailleLady

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Capri Blue Spine of the Centipede Chainmaille Bracelet



Holy moly!! GOR-GEOUS!! So many other beautiful pieces in her shop, plus tutorials, kits, & tools. Everything you need to get started in fabulous art of weaving chainmaille. Make sure to stop over, check it out and send her some love!

I'll be sharin' more love soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Fri., Jan. 29, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Fri., Jan. 29, 2010:

Rojagato Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rojagatodesigns

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

MARIPOSA - Australian Jasper, Seed Bead and Crystal Bracelet Set



Isn't it just so pretty?!?! The colors are gorgeous! Now, you'll notice that the title of the piece says that it's a set...so a pair of darling earrings is included with the bracelet. Just make sure to visit her shop so you can see the set together...it's lovely! And I promise you'll find lots of other beautiful creations along with this one!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Jewelry by Nala

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured blogger/artist from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Jewelry by Nala
http://jewelrybynala.blogspot.com/

On her blog Nancy says, "The creative side of my brain is definitely dominant, and my math skills back me up on that! I'm just a natural born crafter. Jewelry making is not my first venture into the world of crafting, but it is definitely my favorite."

Once you take a peek at her beautiful creations it's obvious that she loves what she does! Here are some of my favorites:

Bloom Where You Are Planted Pendant Necklace



Winter Whispers Swarovski and Silver Bracelet



Crystal Ice Swarovski Elements Earrings



So beautiful!! I LOVE the Crystal Ice Earrings the most!

These items are all for sale at her Etsy shop, Jewelrybynala. Take a stroll over there to see more of her unique, handmade jewelry! Her creations feature a variety of sterling silver, Czech glass, Crystallized Swarovski Elements, semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls and other fine jewelry materials.

If you see something you like let her know. She's also known to "tweak" existing pieces in her collection into custom ordered designs. Simply ask and she'll work to come up with a special creation just for you!

And please don't forget to stop by her blog, too!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,

Melanie Lynn Designs

Earlier this morning I posted my 'HAFTeam Spread the Love' featured shop and choice for today, Sat., Jan. 23, 2010.

When you visit her Etsy shop you'll see that Melanie Lynn only has (2) items listed for sale...which I mentioned in my post. Well, it turns out there's a reason for that...

...a few moments ago I heard from Melanie Lynn. She explained that the reason they removed most of their listings and only have (2) items left is because they recently opened a new online store:

www.melanielynndesign.com

Oh my goodness!! Even though it's not an Etsy shop I'll still 'spread the love'! Take a look at these:

Green MultiChain Necklace



Tiny Green Circles Earrings



Simply fabulous! Click those links and get your fannies over there and see all of the beautiful designs!

I'd like to wish Melanie Lynn and her team all the very best with their new online shop! With such beautiful items I don't think it will be hard to find success!

Okay...more goodies on the way!

'Spread the Love', Sat., Jan. 23, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Jan. 23, 2010:

Melanie Lynn Design
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Melanielynndesign

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Zen Circle Earrings (Black)



A very unique design...love it!!! She only has one other item listed for sale in her shop, but if you check out her sold items you'll get a good idea of her style...such lovely work!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Lynwood Jewellery

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured bloggers/artists from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Lynwood Jewellery

On her blog Susan shares a mix of hints and tips and problems and resolutions that she and Bev experience on their journey through the Bejewelled and Beguiled world of jewellery making.

Then over in their Etsy shop - Lynwood Jewellery - Susie and Bev handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver, PMC, semi-precious stones and beads. Their jewellery is eye catching and unique and perfect for women who appreciate individuality.

Here are photos of a few of their gorgeous pieces:

Bright Blue Pearl Shell Beads on Sterling Silver Bracelet



Arabian Style Bracelet Made From Sterling Silver with Swarovski Beads



Chunky Green Bracelet with Fresh Water Pearls and Green Beads



Oh my goodness! Aren't they so, so pretty!! As you can tell from my choices I love color and I love bracelets!!

Please make a point to visit the Lynwood Jewellery blog and join in the conversation by commenting on the posts. And don't forget to click on over to their Etsy shop, too! You won't be disappointed!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,