Lavender Cottage Originals Handcrafted Jewelry

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90544106057967403872011-11-17T05:26:13.625-05:00Lavender Cottage Originals Handcrafted Jewelrynotes and musings from the studio...Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.comBlogger1651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-72177568559425437912011-07-11T08:21:00.002-05:002011-07-11T09:21:42.874-05:00Born from a Meteor, and Flashier than a Diamond - that’s Moissanite

I love custom requests from my customers because they quite often lead me in a direction I might not have gone otherwise. I”m pretty firm on using only ethically mined natural stones without additional treatments and dyes in my jewelry. Because of that, I pay very little attention to anything created in a lab, and had never heard of Moissanite until my customer requested it. It does

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-82106699480590907862011-07-03T10:03:00.003-05:002011-07-03T16:16:58.631-05:00Garlic and Lemons and Bumblebee Jasper

I love lemon and garlic together, especially when it’s hot outside. Garbanzo beans are good with lemon and garlic, too. Hmm…actually that’s why hummus is so good – lemon juice, garlic and garbanzo beans….but I digress. (hummus also requires expensive Tahini, which is outside my budget at the moment). This is about the inexpensive but very yummy pasta salad I made yesterday. I’m trying to

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-14795943614002636372011-06-12T14:27:00.001-05:002011-06-12T14:27:41.975-05:00I think I’ve been gone long enough now…..

Yes, I needed a break from blogging and some time to think. It’s been long enough now, and I’ll be easing back into it over the summer with bits about new work, a few of my cooking and eating adventures, news about my sadly neglected garden (which, by the way is thriving without me, just not very neat, ha ha), and maybe even some book reviews. I listen to audio books while I work in the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-42792400194581470052010-10-10T12:56:00.003-05:002010-10-10T13:41:38.088-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy – 10/10/10

Good morning! Well, I just couldn’t let a date like 10/10/10 go by without a blog post. Yes, I have been very sporadic this year in my blogging, haven’t I? Last post was 8/29/10 – I need to do better – I still find lots of gorgeous new things on Etsy, and I feel bad for not sharing them more often. So, let’s get started on today’s wonderful collection….. I happened across this shop a while

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-60346387516707745672010-08-29T10:08:00.002-05:002010-08-29T10:19:06.141-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy 08/29/10

The weather is beginning to cool ever so slightly, and the anticipation of Fall is definitely in the air for me. Fall has always been my favorite season. Even though it’s been longer than I care to admit since my school days, I still get that ‘back to school’ feeling of a fresh start that brings on a surge of creative energy. So, freshly inspired by the cool breeze and the upcoming season,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-51712819959277589212010-08-15T11:47:00.004-05:002010-08-15T12:05:27.266-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy – 08/15/10

Good Morning! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend wherever you are. It’s still hot here, but I see that perhaps it won’t be in the mid 90’s every day for too much longer. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far through a summer in the South with no air conditioning. I’m considering it “character building” – never say I don’t suffer for my art! But even this doesn’t make me consider going

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-26968238366194413302010-08-09T05:00:00.004-05:002010-08-09T05:00:00.865-05:00Monday Morning Inspiration 08/09/10

The world is filled with inspiration if you take just a moment out of your day to look. My friends and I often talk about how none of us has any time for the things we used to take for granted like a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway, simple shopping trips, taking in a movie, basically just taking the time to enjoy one another’s company. We are all just so Busy. All. The. Time. Busy as

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-25962810585470448272010-08-08T13:29:00.002-05:002010-08-08T13:34:12.212-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy 8/8/10

I hope everyone is enjoying this warm August morning. I must admit it’s been a bit toooo “warm” here in East TN this summer – hope it’s better where you are! For me, the good news is that fall is in sight, only weeks to go now….. Meanwhile, I am spending quality time with my fan, and trying not to melt, ha ha. Now, on to the Etsy treasures that inspired me this morning. First is a

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-57292124895416175242010-07-29T20:33:00.003-05:002010-07-29T22:36:51.742-05:00A Quick Wave and a Promise of more soon….

I thought I’d better wave Hello and sweep out the cobwebs before everyone thinks I’ve abandoned my blog for good, lol! I’ll be back to regular blogging soon – I’m starting to feel like writing again, and I’m also feeling the urge to get going on some new jewelry designs – yes, long overdue! I’m looking forward to resuming the Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy posts, too – I’ve got quite a

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-794955669966627042010-04-04T13:05:00.004-05:002010-04-04T13:44:56.856-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy 04/05/10

Happy Easter Sunday to all of those who celebrate. I hope it is a glorious morning where you are – it surely is here! I’ve got my lavender latte in hand, and am taking a wee little break from my busy Easter Sunday with a browse through my latest Etsy discoveries. One of these recent new discoveries is Ethereal Art, the shop of hugely talented artist, Marcia Snedecor. Her work is dreamy

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-81584449985083885172010-04-03T23:37:00.003-05:002010-04-03T23:45:22.754-05:00Saturday Night at the Market – 04/3/10

It was a glorious day of balmy air and spring breezes , and lawn care season officially began today with the annual First Starting of the Mower. Now, I admit, I am a very neglectful mower owner. There was still a little gas in it from last summer, and to add insult to injury, I topped it off with more old gas from what was left in the can unused all winter. I did not clean the spark plug.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-41697457308570660242010-03-14T18:55:00.002-05:002010-03-14T18:58:50.343-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy – 3/14/2009

I’ve decided my little stoneware mug of lavender infused coffee will be the new icon for the Sunday morning Etsy posts. Right now, I’m using delicious lavender buds from Blossom Farm, but come May, I’ll be using my own fresh lavender. I’m so looking forward to spring blooms (hopefully they’ll be on their way soon!). I’ve mentioned before that I’m hoping to have a booth at our Greeneville

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-85000773738388922512010-03-13T19:37:00.000-05:002010-03-14T17:26:05.666-05:00Saturday Night at the Market 03/13/2010

My favorites folder at 1000 Markets is bursting at the seams with great new finds I’ve been squirreling away. I recently came across a new potter, much to my pottery addict’s delight. A Fine Mess is the name of Lori Watts’ wonderful shop filled with pots, mugs, bowls, and more. I saw her scrumptious purple and red ice cream bowls and fell in love. I can just picture how gorgeous a bit of

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-14545340276589350192010-03-07T17:38:00.002-05:002010-03-07T17:39:47.255-05:00I went outside today….

It was another glorious day of sunshine, much needed after the longest winter I can remember since I moved to Tennessee waaaay back in January, 1980. I almost thought I was back living in Chicago (a great city that I still love). But no matter, winter is over now! The last of the maple sap is dripping into my bucket (yes, I made maple syrup this year – quite the adventure!), the crocuses are

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-84151739205914303332010-02-28T10:50:00.002-05:002010-02-28T10:52:26.007-05:00February Reflections and a Lavender Latte

As I am sitting here sipping my delicious “lavender latte” (teaspoon of lavender buds and a splash of milk in my regular morning brew – try it, it’s fabulous!) I am reflecting on the start of the 3rd year of my career as the proprietor of Lavender Cottage Originals. I opened my first online shop on Etsy on Valentines Day 2008, and have never looked back. I’m thrilled at where my business has

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-38789846425643495492010-02-14T20:40:00.001-05:002010-02-14T20:40:08.339-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy 02/14/10

I hope everyone is having a lovely Valentine’s Day! Stevie, my sweet little African Grey, and I have just finished up the morning coffee. No, Stevie isn’t allowed to drink the coffee, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t try! She is convinced that if I’m eating or drinking she should be too! Stevie and I have been catching up on my Facebook friends, and while I was there, I came across a ‘

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-82041624926013173152010-01-30T21:59:00.001-05:002010-01-30T21:59:22.682-05:00Saturday Night at the Market 1/30/10

I’m all warm and cozy on this snowy January evening – snuggled up on the couch with my doggie. The scene just outside my back door is one I’ll be sure to remember fondly come July when I’m wishing for a cool breeze as I’m mowing the lawn! It’s a perfect evening to spend catching up on what’s new at 1000 Markets. You can find lots of new lovelies just in time for the romance of Valentine’s

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-89803607982484356892010-01-10T13:28:00.003-05:002010-01-10T13:46:56.967-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy – 01/10/10

Hope everyone’s New Year is going well so far! I’m still enjoying that feeling of a fresh new start that comes each January. The anticipation of new artful treasures waiting to be discovered is such a happy feeling I can almost forget the frigid temperatures outside. One day last week as I was checking on my Etsy shop hearts at Craftcult.com, I came across an ad that showed a lovely beaded

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-20112158322969402542010-01-02T21:28:00.000-05:002010-01-04T09:30:34.697-05:00Saturday Night at the Market – 01/02/10

I am looking forward to creating more one of a kind pieces in 2010, and my 1000 Markets shop is the perfect place to feature these new pieces. I’m also happy to have the time again to share the beautiful things I find at 1000 Markets when I do my ‘armchair shopping’ from my cozy chenille chair – no malls for me! If you haven’t heard of this wonderful online shopping site, or you have not

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-68246374218760245432009-12-27T11:35:00.001-05:002009-12-27T11:35:48.807-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy – 12/27/2009

I have been missing posting my weekly handmade shopping posts for the last few months, and am happy to say that they are back! I have lots of wonderful new discoveries squirreled away in my Etsy favorites list. I really never get tired of browsing through the shops of the many talented artisans to be found online – I’m an expert at armchair shopping in my pajamas, ha ha….. The first

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-17309818815738776502009-12-26T09:18:00.000-05:002009-12-27T09:28:53.032-05:00Holiday Blessings

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season! I know I have enjoyed every minute of it. This is a cherished time of year, made even more fun by being a part of so many other people’s holiday giving through my jewelry. Christmas orders started back in November, and I’ve been hammering away in my workshop like one of Santa’s Elves ever since! My mom has been here helping me

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-55246228919950556272009-11-08T17:01:00.003-05:002009-11-08T17:17:34.488-05:00Settling into the Season…

I love everything about Fall. Smelling wood smoke and feeling the crisp crunch of leaves under foot. The sweet anticipation of the holidays (before the panic sets in), the softness of a warm sweater, and the lovely cozy feeling of waking up under my favorite down comforter. I don't usually like stones in the yellow/brown family, but the two gorgeous star sunstones I have are a definite

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-3350567342260141412009-10-18T16:03:00.001-05:002009-10-18T16:03:46.225-05:00Pancakes and Inspiration

I have been feeling quite inspired lately, and everywhere I turn I find more to inspire me. It must be the crisp fall air that is finally here. Fall is definitely my time of year, even though I know that a winter of freezing in my studio is just around the corner. I am dusting off my pile of warm fuzzies as we speak… Something else that I love when the weather turns crisp is pancakes. (I

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-89870564102666154272009-10-03T22:19:00.002-05:002009-10-03T22:24:46.017-05:00What, October already?

I can’t believe how fast September whizzed by! My head is spinning! This September was a big milestone for me – it marked my 1 year anniversary as a full time artist. It also prompted a bit of reflection and a serious reality check. I am happy to report that I survived the reality check. Making a living as an artist is not an easy thing, and as I head into my second year, I had to pause

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-21272409552145578272009-09-26T23:20:00.002-05:002009-09-27T08:17:27.819-05:00Saturday Night at the Market and a bit of Denim Lapis – 09/26/09

I’ve been busy all day updating my 1000 Markets shop with my latest creations, the last of which was this simple but bold denim lapis ring. Of course I had to do some shopping around the markets while I was waiting for pictures to upload. While I browsed, I started reflecting on how in one short year, 1000 Markets has grown into a truly grand place to shop for fine quality handmade goods.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-72777036572676988512009-09-19T11:41:00.002-05:002009-09-27T08:15:50.716-05:00My summer ‘blog vacation’ is officially over!

And yes, this is finally a piece for my “Stones of the American West” collection. One of my main goals this summer was to increase my production speed so I can keep up with orders and work for my galleries, but still have time to create new things. Ha ha, and my goal for the Fall is to keep up with orders, make new things, and still have time to blog and twitter…….and we won’t even mention

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-91663989678450913512009-06-21T10:29:00.007-05:002009-06-21T19:19:32.402-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

This week I want to share a great sale with you! Sue, the artist behind Nine Dragons Sculpture Art has many of her incredible pieces on sale for 25-50% off! If you have been wanting one of Sue's pieces, or if you have not yet seen her wonderful work - take the time to check it out, you'll love it!One of the pieces that caught my attention right away is the Big Bold Bohemian Bangle Bracelet.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-58205823606009626342009-06-19T10:26:00.015-05:002009-06-19T12:22:06.107-05:00New Work and Today's Bouquet

I've been concentrating on finishing some new work for the Glamour and Glow boutique up in Horseheads New York. This little boutique is so lovely, I wish I was close enough to visit! Some of my favorite jewelry designers have work there, including Emily Gray, whose work I've drooled over since I first saw it! Her gorgeous Clementine earrings are a perfect match for the flowers currently

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-44769896781138838402009-06-17T22:14:00.013-05:002009-06-17T23:56:56.853-05:00Oh my - check these out this mid-week Etsy find!

I happened across the most beautiful shop on Etsy this evening, and I just had to share! Even though I rarely wear anything but jeans and tee shirts, I do love beautiful dresses, and enjoy dressing up (when I'm skinny enough to have fun with it, that is, lol). The costumes created by Steph of the Deconstructress Designs shop are so gorgeous, I'm inspired to start working out and losing weight

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-32912141136469942162009-06-14T14:48:00.009-05:002009-06-14T22:58:02.190-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 06/13/09

It's been a great week down in the studio and out in the garden. Well, actually, the garden has been doing great without me, ha ha! I've been admiring it from the kitchen window, but most of my time this week has been spent in the studio. I've had a wonderful time with my hammer, and fabricated a new ring and cuff for my 1000 Market and Etsy shops. I did spend the morning outside taking a

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-9527449807748724122009-06-07T13:27:00.013-05:002009-06-07T15:36:14.211-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 06/07/09

I'm starting my week off on the right track. I need to get back on schedule with my blog. Amazing how being late just once leads to a whole string of blog-neglecting incidents, oops! Apparently spring and summer are a major distraction for me. In fact, I'm having a tough time sitting here instead of heading out to my tattered old 'daydreaming chair' in the garden. I do want to share some

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-73929747921595316882009-05-31T20:50:00.004-05:002009-05-31T21:13:25.917-05:00What? No shopping again??

Alas, I'm out of time, and haven't done my weekly shopping posts - again! I've been on a roll in the studio all week, working on gallery and custom orders, and even finished long overdue pieces for my mom, and my best friend. Also have several new designs about ready for my Etsy and 1000 Markets shops. Only one little picture for now, though. This is one of the custom pieces finished this week.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-83364012760254897702009-05-24T10:44:00.014-05:002009-05-24T17:38:02.599-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

My mom and I had a wonderful trip down to Hanover Gallery in Chattanooga, TN on Friday afternoon to deliver all the pieces I've been working on for the last couple of days. We decided we needed to get out more often, so we'll be traveling to the other galleries that are close enough to visit, as well. I always wanted to be a travel writer, lol! Just the one photo of Missy Peirano, who is the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-56630669939732139412009-05-21T10:13:00.008-05:002009-05-21T10:40:31.301-05:00A little quickie.....

Life gets so busy in the spring it's very hard to make myself put in the computer time needed to keep my poor blog up to date. I thought it was high time to brush off the cobwebs here and say hello! I've been busy in the studio working on several custom pieces, and in the garden. The peonies and roses have simply outdone themselves, and I've enjoyed two weeks of sumptuous blooms. Now I'm

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-19189206271072805652009-05-09T20:32:00.011-05:002009-05-11T11:00:57.265-05:00Fairy Boots, A garden and the camera....

Last week was a busy week in the studio making lovelies for lots of mothers (including my own mom). I hope everyone here in the US had a great Mother's Day on Sunday. It was the only day without rain here in almost two weeks! I might be a bit tired of all the rain, but flowers love it after two years of drought. I've filled the house with bouquets, and I'm full of inspiration and ideas for

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-59640848441204494822009-05-03T09:43:00.013-05:002009-05-03T12:32:39.927-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets (Sunday morning version)

Oops, late again! I was not too tired to shop last night, but I was too tired to blog. But now I have my morning tea in hand, and I'm ready for a new week. Very ready for a new week! Last week was not the best down in the studio - one of those weeks where everything was a struggle for no reason. I'm so glad that doesn't happen very often! The garden had a great one, though, and my Moje

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-3694306911943837612009-04-26T10:16:00.013-05:002009-04-26T13:14:31.598-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 04/26/09

Another lovely spring morning is at hand, I'm on my second cup of coffee, and looking at my last tulip yielding the spotlight to Miss Nelly Moser. It's been a lovely spring for tulips here because of the unusually cold winter, and I've enjoyed every minute of their beauty. I'll soon be heading down to the studio, and no, I'm not going to do my growing pile of dishes first. I've been catching

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-91412434436877821252009-04-25T14:03:00.015-05:002009-04-25T22:22:21.677-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

Hi all! I sure hope everyone's Saturday has been as glorious as mine has. I am postively reveling in the first really warm weather of the year, and the garden is too! I spent some time playing with my camera and taking photos of my lovely Nelly Moser clematis, just coming into her own this year. I planted her last June, and have been anticipating these spectacular pink blooms ever since. I

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-55846651091381196322009-04-18T20:34:00.009-05:002009-04-19T13:14:38.617-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 04/18/09

The new category shopping has been live for about a week now at 1000 Markets, and when combined with the ability to search within a category, finding just what your heart desires is now a piece of cake! What my heart desired this week was color and enameled jewelry. I've always admired the technique of enameling, and as I progress further in my own metalwork, I can feel the need to embellish

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-17268370595105169702009-04-14T07:47:00.008-05:002009-04-14T08:38:39.347-05:00I'm Back from my little "Blog Vacation"....

I thought it was time to wave a virtual 'hello' to everyone! I took a teeny little 'vacation' from my computer this past week to tend to gardening and working through my backlog of bench work deadlines. I've made lovely progress in the garden, chasing weeds, trimming last year's dead flower stalks and uncovering this year's new growth. It seems my two pink rugosa's did make it through the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-39126240586535604592009-04-04T18:11:00.011-05:002009-04-04T23:29:18.463-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 04/04/09

Things are still really hopping this week at 1000 Markets! The new ability to shop by Category is still being tweaked until is perfect. Much hard work has been put in by everyone involved and it shows! It is so much fun to be involved in the beginnings of what is sure to be a wildly successful site after the official launch.There is also a lot going on at the great market where I am proud to be

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-66626635142057002242009-04-02T08:44:00.005-05:002009-04-02T09:56:39.169-05:00This week at the bench...

I decided that since my jewelry bench is not the prettiest sight in the world, I'd use my garden bench instead. It looks so different each week, I thought it would be a fun way to keep an ongoing diary of this year's garden. Those tulips went into my Sunday bouquet, and there is another batch almost ready to bloom. And my big bulb bed in front of my house is blooming its little heart out, too

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-48742391454833450342009-03-29T07:51:00.009-05:002009-03-29T11:29:12.891-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 03/29/09

Good morning all! It feels good to be back on schedule. It really is Sunday morning here in the Eastern Time Zone, and I really am drinking coffee and pondering what to write about while I am waiting to catch a treasury when it opens up in an hour or so. Eureka! One of the picks for my 'Clouds of White and Golden Honey' treasury has sparked the subject for this morning's post. Earlier this

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-34176605186513153612009-03-28T19:44:00.019-05:002009-03-29T11:46:05.453-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 03/28/09

Yay for categories!! Things are getting exciting over at 1000 Markets these days. Not only is there buzz about a "Grand Opening" this Spring, maybe even in April, but categories have finally arrived!! (If you aren't yet convinced that 1000 Markets is going to be the best handmade shopping site in the world, read this interview) The artists and admins are working hard to get all the category

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-71705412034707982582009-03-22T14:45:00.008-05:002009-03-22T16:09:37.161-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 03/22/09

My apologies to my fellow Etsians for the unscheduled break in Etsy finds. I am once again back on schedule. I must say, while some may complain about the size and the quality of Etsy, I continue to be fascinated by what can be found there. I decided to go on a little adventure this morning and search for fabulous, over-the-top expensive jewelry, just to see what I could find. One of the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-13953449405688026762009-03-22T08:41:00.011-05:002009-03-22T12:48:26.951-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 3/21/09

With the arrival of Spring, and Easter just around the corner, I thought my first spring garden photos, plus a bit of whimsy and rabbits were in order for the 1000 Markets shopping post this week. I love sweet little rabbits (unless they're eating my garden plants) and I was thrilled when I saw this great garden bench at our local salvage store a couple of years ago. You can see what a messy

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-59242833957242494902009-03-20T08:35:00.003-05:002009-03-20T08:56:07.814-05:00My Goodness, Where Did the Week Go??

I can't believe it is Friday already! I've barely been out of the studio all week, and am finally almost caught up on orders. Not caught up on gallery items, though. I am just so excited about these new opportunities - the two new galleries I mentioned before, plus a little boutique in a mall, and a museum gift shop that is opening in June. Oh, and I will be having a booth at our local

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-547289007811563942009-03-15T12:46:00.022-05:002009-03-16T07:35:19.838-05:00Saturday Night at 1000 Markets

I'm so excited - I just discovered the Come to Asheville Market at 1000 Markets! Asheville is just 'over the mountain' from me, and it is wonderful to be able to meet so many wonderful artists that are practically in my back yard! In fact, one of my favorite places is in the River Arts District - Earthspeak Arts. Whenever I can afford it, I take a class there. The last one I took was on

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-47213164470516740652009-03-14T14:32:00.008-05:002009-03-14T15:35:58.970-05:00Rainy Afternoons, Spaghetti, and new Pebble Road Series

Well, after a few glorious warm days, we are back to cold and rain, so no gardening this weekend. But, my camelia is blooming anyway - yay! I thought maybe I wouldn't get any flowers this year because of the terrible cold back last month. I think it did kill a lot of the buds, but its trying its best now. It's just as well I can't get out in the garden just yet - I'm too busy making jewelry.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-2779642742966593162009-03-09T07:54:00.005-05:002009-03-09T08:44:09.461-05:00What? No Sunday Coffee and Etsy?

Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy will be back as usual next week, I promise! I was busy yesterday working on some Monday Morning Bling, ha ha..... Yes, I was downstairs playing with my new pretties instead of blogging yesterday. Saturday's mail brought a couple of faceted stones - sky blue topaz, and a rainbow moonstone. Ever since Jen got me started thinking about setting faceted stones I've

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-37452491962823085032009-03-08T10:29:00.009-05:002009-03-08T12:23:24.670-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 03/08/09

I went to bed early last night, so I'd be ready to enjoy the great spring day today, therefore no midnight market shopping last night. I'm shopping hearty this morning, though, with my cup of coffee and gorgeous warm sunshine! I am just itching to get out in the mountains with my camera. The picture above is a beautiful trillium from the Asheville, Any Way You Like It website. I'm so lucky

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-8269073473372430032009-03-06T09:41:00.009-05:002009-03-06T10:45:30.550-05:00Works in Progress, White Chocolate, and a Thank You

I've been busy as a bee in my Etsy store lately, and I'm sooo happy for that! Sometimes I think I must have been crazy to quit my day job and take such a risk, espcially in times like these, but I think it just might work! I'm working on a wholesale order for a little shop in a mall - handmade in a mall, how great is that!! Yay for handmade! I'm also getting ready to teach a class tomorrow -

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-65595483373322988992009-03-02T08:58:00.010-05:002009-03-02T10:33:07.964-05:00Fusing Copper, Bathroom Sinks and 3-D Jellyfish

My customers are a wonderful source of inspiration. They often ask for things I wouldn't have thought of, or spur me to try new techniques. This weekend, I had a request for a pair of petite copper earrings similar in size to my petite wrapped hoops, but of a different design. So, as I sat holding a bit of copper wire pondering my next step, I thought, hmmm, wonder what would happen if I tried

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-50334467616536146812009-03-01T12:09:00.013-05:002009-03-01T14:28:41.680-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 03/01/09

Yep, this is how I feel this afternoon, as the large fluffy flakes descend yet again. 'Nuff said about that, ha ha... soooo, before I start shopping, I just want to take a moment to talk about a great Etsy Street Team that I am a member of: Team Wetsy. I am so happy and proud to be among such great artists and friends. If you want to find some fabulous work by these artists, type 'team wetsy'

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-39562137193031096352009-03-01T08:40:00.011-05:002009-03-01T11:16:44.740-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 02/28/09

Ooh, I'm late! I stayed in the studio until the wee hours (playing with fusing copper - more about that in tomorrow's post), and ran out of steam before I got to my Market shopping. Maybe I should wear this great necklace from Smoke and Feather so I don't ever forget about time again! I found this when searching with the keyword 'watch' for this week's 1000 Markets Search Engine Find. Okay,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-88386206392695380602009-02-25T10:27:00.010-05:002009-02-25T18:36:57.081-05:00Rings and Roses and Hammers

I love roses, especially my Moje Hammarberg rugosa rose, which is considered an "antique rose". She isn't fussy at all like the hybrid teas, and smells positively heavenly. I keep her just outside my back door, so I can visit often. I love the old-fashioned look of the blooms, and will probably end up making a million of them in silver and other metals. This is my second one, and I've already

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-78240489484814642642009-02-22T08:55:00.014-05:002009-02-22T12:40:25.329-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 02/22/09

Well, my plan was to photograph my beautiful crocus patch and wax poetic about the joy of approaching spring for a minute before I started my Etsy shopping this morning. Are you as unimpressed by this morning's photo as I am? Sigh...... Yes, I know it could be worse, but I've been 'globally warmed' for the past few years, and have forgotten how to deal with an actual winter. Okay, I'm done

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-29560037360109404462009-02-21T21:37:00.013-05:002009-02-22T13:52:21.038-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 02/21/09

Greetings Saturday Night Shoppers!! I really do have fun doing these each week - I just never know what will turn up. Last week I decided to feature a different technique each week, and today's technique is bookbinding. Earlier this year while looking for a journal with unlined pages, I discovered that there are amazing people out there who actually bind real hardcover books just like the ones

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-85701894209461910282009-02-19T09:27:00.012-05:002009-02-19T11:22:32.848-05:00Dean's Beans, Ganoksin , Giant Crystals and my torch

I'm sitting here finishing my cup of tea, reading the morning's email....and craving some good coffee. I periodically quit coffee because it gives me heart palpitations (even decaf does this). But, invariably I start craving it again - I miss the ritual of grinding and the heavenly smell. I've decided to order up an interesting new blend from my favorite organic, fair trade coffee vendor -

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-21222059476709973672009-02-17T10:15:00.028-05:002009-02-17T12:23:53.079-05:00Lovin' my Labradorite

I've blogged about this before, but I just can't help help myself! I've loved labradorite since the first day I saw it. (yes, my addiction to labradorite and moonstone is almost as bad as the pottery addiction) I was in our local bead shop, Jane's Fiber and Beads, and had picked up a funny little gray bead I didn't recognize. They said it was labradorite, and that sometimes the stone had

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-29792479558335198812009-02-15T12:54:00.023-05:002009-02-15T15:15:41.112-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee, Etsy and an Anniversary

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary of opening my Etsy shop, and I'm especially happy today as I think back over the last year and how much I have learned and grown because of my experience at Etsy. My business continues to grow and evolve, and I couldn't do it without Etsy - both the good and the bad (mostly good, though!)However, Sunday mornings are all about shopping, so without further ado,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-86103484155641642322009-02-15T09:20:00.021-05:002009-02-22T13:54:56.471-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 02/14/09

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day, filled with chocolate and love! Yesterday was gray and rainy here, so I had a lovely cozy day inside. I do spend a lot of time looking out at my garden through the kitchen window (makes doing dishes a whole lot nicer) and my eye is often caught by a pair of bright red cardinals eating seeds from last summer's flowers. An interesting thing about

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-71296293916434400582009-02-09T09:52:00.022-05:002009-02-09T11:47:22.509-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 02/08/09

Time for one of my favorite weekly pleasures, browsing for new delights on Etsy. You just never know what will pop up. I'm feeling a bit wild this week, so I thought I'd see just how wild things can get on Etsy..... here we go!Created by Hannah Rachel, who is also a very talented glass artist, this strange, yet beautiful Yellow Dust Mask is an incredible work of beaded art. The mask tells the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-13061778398192468732009-02-07T23:33:00.002-05:002009-02-08T15:08:19.738-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 02/07/09

Last night my eye was really caught by these gorgeous porcelain veggie beads by Joan Miller Porcelain. One of the things I love about 1000 Markets is the way the front page is different every time you visit. I didn't really feel like searching or browsing last night, so I shopped by refreshing the front page and clicking on whatever caught my eye. It's a fun way to to shop if you don't know

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-88137254885014281832009-02-07T16:52:00.012-05:002009-02-07T19:04:56.342-05:00This week's news....

Things have been moving along on the business side of things this week. (No, I'm not really caught up, but making progress, ha ha) I was contacted by a couple of weeks ago by Jerri who has a nice blog called Simply Sweet Home, which is full of tempting recipes, hints, and other cozy homey things. I noticed that her lovely graphics were done by Polka Dot Pixels, so I gave Emily's Etsy graphics

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-17492029221532789872009-02-01T10:04:00.015-05:002009-02-02T10:10:35.319-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 02/01/09

Happy Sunday all! I'm late today - my Mom was over for a visit. We were supposed to be working on accounting and taxes. However, we went out to lunch and spent the time chatting instead. We are just soooo bad!! I'm rounding out my lovely day of 'not watching the Superbowl' by doing my weekly browse of Etsy shops. I'm still in the same cottage-y mood from yesterday after purchasing my

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-15847276114229719942009-01-31T22:51:00.021-05:002009-02-01T01:10:04.955-05:00Saturday Night at the market - 01/31/09

I do love pretty paper, and I have blogged about it several times. 1000 Markets has a great arcade called Papercraft, and I stopped by for a visit tonight. One of my favorite shops is a member of the arcade, Taylor's Eclectic. Their shop is filled with amazing wearable sculptures and decorative vases created from paper and wire. The stunning 'Under the Sea: Jewel of the Ocean' sculptural vase

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-27150607163252991652009-01-28T12:12:00.001-05:002009-01-28T12:16:55.959-05:00Hearts .........and Chocolate

I love making hearts - I can't believe I haven't had any in my Etsy or 1000 Markets shops for ages! I've fixed that, and hearts have begun making their sweet appearance in my shop once again. I've had some of this beautiful pink chalcedony for quite a while, and decided that it needed to swing from a dainty little heart, so I made one. And I think I feel another one coming soon - I like the

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-41661087329600306832009-01-25T11:25:00.021-05:002009-02-01T21:27:17.652-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 01/25/09

The nature of things. That's a good title for today's post. Making jewelry for me is often a celebration of nature. I get excited every time I discover a new way to incorporate the beautiful gifts that nature provides us into my jewelry. Etsy is a fabulous place to buy supplies, and today I'm sharing some of the wonderful supply shops I've found there. The first is a new discovery -

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-48681464735618787592009-01-24T23:07:00.027-05:002009-01-25T01:12:21.403-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 01/24/09

Tonight's Saturday Night at the Market is an all-night market, I think. I played hooky from the computer this evening and watched movies. But now I'm in the mood to shop! I'm originally from Chicago, and lately I've been feeling nostalgic for the city and its great shopping (and museums, food, architecture....but that's another blog). I was delighted to see the Windy City Market appear on

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-11713451580768465212009-01-19T09:44:00.012-05:002009-01-19T10:56:14.239-05:00Salad For Breakfast

I really do think that our bodies make us hungry for what we need. This morning, I listened, and I had salad for breakfast. I had toast for supper last night, so it's not all that weird that I'm eating salad for for breakfast.....right?? I've been busy lately, and when I get busy, I don't eat my vegetables. It's much easier to grab a cheese sandwich instead. But yesterday I finally made some

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-56425238689755048632009-01-18T09:55:00.024-05:002009-01-18T18:18:51.170-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 01/18/09

Good afternoon all! Hope you're warm, wherever you are. I'm a little late today, been working on photographs of some new things, and retaking photographs that needed improvement in the shop. I'm taking a break now, and decided I'd go check out some of the talented photographers on Etsy (in addition to my friend Andee from !WetCanvas, who will, of course, always be one of my very favorite Etsy

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-4064266453674078822009-01-17T22:33:00.028-05:002009-01-18T01:01:30.604-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 01/17/09

I've settled in for my Saturday night armchair shopping with a glass of wine and some toasted Spanikopita bread (from Scratch Brick Oven) topped with aged Australian cheddar. A perfect Saturday night supper. So, on to the shopping!Soon after I opened up shop at 1000 Markets, I received an invitation to join the Wearable Art Market. I was thrilled to be included among such an innovative group

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-79285029699679868742009-01-11T11:35:00.016-05:002009-01-11T14:16:37.218-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee, er....Tea and Etsy - 01/11/09

Coffee has just not been doing the trick anymore, and I've begun to crave tea again. Specifically, the PGTips tea from England that I became addicted to when I was over there for a month a few years ago. I have some coming in the mail, but Twinings English Breakfast tea is having to do for now. Okay, on to today's Etsy shopping - it seems I've already missed the morning!I just found out that

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-4110982628700999772009-01-10T21:18:00.020-05:002009-01-10T22:54:08.211-05:00Saturday Night at the Market - 01/10/09

Welcome to the first Saturday Night at the Market post! Pull up a chair, and come along with me for some armchair shopping ....and 1000 Markets is definitely a great shopping experience! Browsing through the markets is as much fun as an outing to your favorite artsy little village. New delights await at every turn. If you're not in the mood for browsing, type what you are looking for into

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-63561116348159278392009-01-08T11:14:00.008-05:002009-01-08T12:01:49.430-05:00Treasures from the Gemshow...

Oh, my how I love to buy new gems! I blogged about my latest gemshow outing at my 1000 Markets blog. I am just completely inspired by these gorgeous moonstones and labradorites, and hoping to squeeze in time today to make a couple of new pendants - just simple little silver wire wrapped around the stone will be enough to show off these beauties, I think. And oh, joy - I found some high quality

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-92121806091694856132009-01-07T09:39:00.019-05:002009-01-07T11:55:50.801-05:001000 Markets - the Next Big Thing?

It's time to admit it - I've branched out from selling exclusively on Etsy. Like any first love, Etsy will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will be forever grateful for lessons learned and the fabulous opportunities that have come my way through my shop there. And yes, there's still no place like Etsy to reach an enormously huge audience if you are a seller. But.......I have

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-31539883384805834542009-01-03T22:44:00.018-05:002009-01-04T12:30:26.828-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 01/04/09

What better way to start the year than with Coffee, Wet Canvas friends, and Etsy! One of the first people to welcome me to the Wet Canvas Wearable Art forum was Shirley of Jumping Jack Glass. Her lampwork is amazing, and she's no slouch at fiber either!! I've always loved her kumihimo necklaces, and now she's creating amazing felted work, too! I didn't know Shirley was felting until she posted

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-1911922107342912112008-12-28T08:43:00.021-05:002008-12-28T09:35:47.388-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 12/28/08

Wow, the last Sunday of 2008! Where did the year go?? Hope you all had a lovely Christmas - we sure did here at Lavender Cottage! My mom has been here since the 23rd, and we have been relaxing - watching House marathons on TV and just generally wasting time! Today we are actually going to start easing back into normal life. Right after we finish our coffee, yeah, that's it..... So,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-3733906239815324682008-12-21T11:18:00.009-05:002008-12-21T12:40:39.522-05:00Christmas musings on the Sunday before Christmas...

Good morning to all on this Sunday before Christmas! (Sunday morning Coffee and Etsy will be back next week, by the way). I am sipping the last of my coffee, sneaking a piece of chocolate and thinking about putting up the tree and wrapping gifts. Yes, I am a bit late in that area, but happily so - I've had a lovely time all month creating jewelry for my customers. Although it was a wee bit

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-12071715983737874932008-12-14T11:20:00.007-05:002008-12-14T12:08:08.766-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 12/14/08

Today's featured artist continues my Wet Canvas friends series. Rita is a very prolific artist in several mediums - jewelry, fine art, and now glasswork. Her watercolor titled 'Nesting' is one of my all time favorite paintings ever, and her 'Cat's Up' whimsical take on a Catsup bottle is a close second. Rita's little 'Citrus Dancing' earrings caught my eye when I first saw them on the Wet

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-18986948626149551332008-12-07T10:05:00.009-05:002008-12-14T12:11:30.965-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 12/7/08

Good morning all! Hope your coffee is hot and your toes are warm this morning! I'm drinking an extra cup before heading down to my chilly studio to work, at least the sun is shining today to warm things up a bit. Today I'm featuring another friend from Wet Canvas - Shadesongs. Her jewelry is nothing short of exuberant and fanciful. I first fell in love with her style when I purchased a pair

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-45798008160341991942008-12-05T09:27:00.004-05:002008-12-05T09:44:07.191-05:00My first holiday season as a full-time artist...

I wasn't sure what to expect during the holidays, especially with the daily bad news about the economy. I'm thrilled to say that things are really hopping here at Lavender Cottage! I'm so thankful for my wholesale customers and galleries, as well as the wonderful Etsy shoppers - they are keeping me wonderfully busy. So busy that I've missed a few blog posts. Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-76818600592565631102008-11-23T23:09:00.003-05:002008-11-23T23:20:23.785-05:00Walnut Toaster Bread - Yum!

I admit it - I love toast a little bit too much. And it's not a good thing when there's no bread in the house, and shopping day is still 3 days away. (First rule of getting a new business off the ground - stay AWAY from stores as much as possible!). Just happen to have buttermilk, flour and walnuts, so I made Walnut Toaster Bread for the first time in years. Yes, I'm definitely getting back

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-39196140970408141612008-11-23T11:24:00.018-05:002008-11-23T12:32:13.010-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 11/23/08

Good morning! This week I'm continuing to highlight my friends from Wet Canvas who have Etsy shops. Today, I'm highlighting the incredibly talented Andee, a jewelry artist and photographer from Germany. Her touch with beads and metal is truly inspiring, and even the most simple pieces have that special 'Andee' look to them. And her photography is nothing short of amazing. She has a way of

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-23681108282424826302008-11-17T11:19:00.005-05:002008-11-17T11:28:55.535-05:00New Earring Monday - not exactly earrings yet, but...

Okay, this is a pendant, BUT - I am working on earrings with the same design. I have wanted to make ruffles in my metal pieces for ages now, but didn't have the tools to do it well. Now that I have my new hammers, and have learned to make wooden forms, I am ruffling away! I am planning a series of ruffled pieces, many of which will hopefully be earrings. So, does this count for new earring

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-22775125807475018912008-11-16T11:50:00.019-05:002008-11-16T13:53:58.686-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 11/16/08

I've been sitting here this morning going through recipes for Thanksgiving, and I started thinking about how much I have to be thankful for. I'm so happy to be doing something I love for a living, and I have my friends at the Wet Canvas Wearable Arts forum to thank for that. I had never posted in a forum before, and waay back in the summer of 2006, I posted a little beaded necklace, and they

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-39485415696682042792008-11-09T11:25:00.017-05:002008-11-09T12:37:01.522-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 11/09/08

I'm starting to get going on my Christmas shopping in earnest now. One of the favorite traditions in our house is the Christmas stocking - I think this is because this gives us an excuse to shop for little fun tidbits that we like, but never buy for ourselves. My mom and I both love paper and writing stuff - notepads, cards, lists, calendars, stickies, pens - anything to make us feel more

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-22615852066591048402008-11-02T08:05:00.005-05:002008-11-02T10:47:05.173-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 11/2/08

This is starting to be my favorite time of the week. Relaxing with coffee, and doing a bit of shopping. I'm getting ready to start serious Christmas shopping, and this year I am definitely sending cards. The last couple of years I haven't had time to send cards to anyone but a few close friends, and I missed it. I've been searching for cards all morning on Etsy, and I've picked a few favorite

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-25508196685172411572008-10-27T16:57:00.005-05:002008-10-27T18:34:19.880-05:00New Earring Monday - 10/27/08

Today's earrings were actually a boo-boo I did at the retreat. I picked up tiny 4mm bezels instead of the 6mm, and didn't notice until after I had soldered them to the domes. I set little onyx stones instead of the 6mm denim lapis I had planned, but I thought the stones looked way too small, so I kind of set them aside for a while. However, the more I looked at them the more I liked them, and

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-33673738455389159432008-10-26T09:27:00.014-05:002008-10-26T10:09:28.107-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 10/26/08

I might be single, but I don't live alone, ha ha! I have a whole herd of critters - 3 parrots, a kitty, and a sweet dog. I couldn't live without any of them, each one is a special personality. Of course I think they're all beautiful, but today I'm featuring my dog and official office assistant Roxy(pictured here, performing her most important, um, "duty") along with a great Etsy shop,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-61316079528914385732008-10-23T09:28:00.004-05:002008-10-23T09:41:19.161-05:00If I had a hammer....

I want forging hammers!! I'm so tempted to just go and buy Fretz hammers so I can get started right away, but they are sooo expensive, gotta watch my spending more carefully now that I'm a full-time "starving artist"! So, I'm going to Lowes and look for cross-peen hammers that I can adapt myself, thanks to Lisa's instructions. I'll be checking out bench grinders to use for shaping the hammers.

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-43824147381651373342008-10-23T08:42:00.010-05:002008-10-23T09:22:56.102-05:00Mid-week Bench Check and More About the Retreat

Whew - Thursday already?! Wednesday just skipped right on by - so I'm a little late on the bench check this week. It took me a while to recover from my week at the retreat - I miss all the great conversations and laughter (and the chocolate, ha ha), but I brought the inspiration home with me. I can't say enough about how wonderful it is to spend a week creating with so many other talented

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-673337698423456232008-10-20T10:59:00.003-05:002008-10-20T11:07:28.461-05:00Back from the Retreat!

What an amazing week it was! Non-stop talking, learning, creating and eating - lots of eating!!! I learned fold-forming and anti-clastic raising, and am busy buying hammers and figuring out how to get a wooden stake made so I can get busy making more pieces. My Etsy shop hummed along all week, too, so I am busy today getting my bench back together and getting orders out. Here is a quick peek

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-14551102192324637252008-10-12T10:21:00.006-05:002008-10-12T10:56:40.687-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 10/12/08

Just a quickie this morning, since I'm in the middle of packing for the retreat! There are tons of great things to eat on Etsy. Not the least of which are these fabulous caramels in unique flavors from Earcmra's shop. The last two that I tried were Pumpkin and Chocolate - totally, totally, scrumptious!!! They are my two new favorites. And a close third is the licorice - yep, that's right,

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-76093219180943822542008-10-11T22:45:00.004-05:002008-10-11T23:03:36.194-05:00This week's work 10/11/08

It was a good week! I've finished up the wholesale and gallery orders and am starting on new ones after the retreat. I finished up my retreat gift exchange piece (shhh, it's a secret), and made a new pair of fall earrings that I've fallen in love with. I had some little copper discs left over from another project sitting on the bench, and I made these little acorn earrings while I was waiting

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-47181712203879576932008-10-08T22:39:00.006-05:002008-10-08T23:04:47.566-05:00Mid-week Bench Check - 10/08/2008

Just getting this one in by the skin of my teeth - still 20 minutes left of Wednesday! Today was a good day, I finished 5 1/2 pendants, 3 pairs of earrings, 2 sets of stacking rings, and prepared ring shanks for 2 of tomorrow's pieces. I am officially in full panic mode trying to get everything finished before it is time to leave for the retreat! I must say I'm actually having fun trying to

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-37468875079938348772008-10-06T08:05:00.005-05:002008-10-06T08:22:35.094-05:00New Earring Monday - 10/06/08

One of my goals now that I am a full-time jewelry artist is to make sure that I am productive yet still fresh. I'm always thinking about new designs and sketching them, but they don't always become reality when I am busy filling orders. Everyone loves earrings, including myself, so look here every Monday for the week's new design. Today we have Casual Swirl earrings in handforged fine silver

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-6109920339127617842008-10-05T09:47:00.008-05:002008-10-05T10:42:19.588-05:00Sunday Morning Coffee and Etsy - 10/05/08

Good morning all! Hope everyone had a great week. I had a busy one, that's for sure. Still working on getting extra things made before I leave for the retreat next week. So busy I didn't get my Saturday "This week's work" posting up. I'll be doing that later today. So, on to the Etsy lovlies for this week.....With the weather turning cooler, my thoughts have been turning to comfy, cozy and

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9054410605796740387.post-81828883956412009412008-10-03T08:21:00.004-05:002008-10-03T08:56:33.714-05:00Countdown to the Jewelry Retreat!

Wow, only 9 days left before I leave for my annual Jewelry Retreat with a wonderful and inspirational group of jewelry artists from all over. This is one of the highlights of my year, and I can't wait to see old friends, make new ones, and, most importantly, learn new techniques! I'll be trying Kumihimo for the first time, and perhaps silver clay, as well as new stone setting and metal forging

Lavender Cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12992803798102517085noreply@blogger.com0