Do you MOO? I do.

A blogger-gal I know who always seems to have her crafty fingers on the pulse of what's new and hip introduced me to MOO a few years ago. I have ordered all of my business cards and jewelry tags from them ever since. If you don't MOO, you should. Awesome quality and top-notch customer service. Check out their website.

Here are the new cards I just ordered because we're switching internet providers and I'm losing my sbc email address. Boo. Still, it's an excuse to get some cute new cards.

Chocolate Bracelets

Do you remember those candy bracelets from when you were a kid? I loved those. I don't know if I liked that candy; I kinda doubt that...it looks like chalk. Or if I just like the idea of wearing something that you could also eat. I've always loved dual-functioning things. Whatever the case may be, I created a grown up version, except that you don't actually eat these.

Totally unique bracelets are handwired with sterling silver and close with a hefty Hill Tribe sterling hook and eye clasp. These one-of-a-kind pieces have all the shades of chocolate - from tiger's eye to smoky quartz and bronzite to recycled rootbeer glass beads.

I'll be displaying these pieces and more at the TREAT YOURSELF Craft Faire. Saturday, August 6th. 2-5pm. Casanova Oakknoll Community Center. 735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey.

If you're local to Monterey, stop by.

Sweet Inspirations

With our move half done - we are officially out of our old house thanks to my rockstar husband - I can begin to focus on the TREAT YOURSELF event I have this weekend. Three days to get ready. Ouch. I just hope I can find everything in the stacks of boxes littering my new home. TREAT YOURSELF is a local craft faire that features artisans peddling their wares, paired with a sweet treat. Shopping and sweets, what more could you want?

And since I'm also prepping for the class I'm teaching this trimester about chocolate, I looked no further than my chocolate stash for some sweet inspiration. The colors on the Vosges Black Pearl Bar screamed "Pick me, pick me!" And so, I did.

I'll be displaying pieces in all shades of chocolate with some spicy wasabi in there. Here's a green amethyst briolette handwired with recycled green glass and sterling silver to create a one-of-a-kind necklace.

If you're local, I hope you will stop by the TREAT YOURSELF Craft Faire. Saturday, August 6th. 2-5pm. Casanova Oakknoll Community Center. 735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey.

"Forever Tied" - Wedding Love Knot Bracelet

I created this bracelet for my cousin's bridal shower that, unfortunately, I didn't get to attend because we had a back-to-school swim party for the boys' school. But my mom played courier and M got this...a one-of-a-kind bracelet, featuring three sterling silver love knots (one for the past, one for the present, and one for the future) and lapis purple freshwater pearls that match the bridesmaids' dresses.

MaddyMaze Studio will be at TREAT YOURSELF

I just received paperwork from Angie at MaddyMaze Studio who will be joining us with her tote bags, zipper pouches, and wallets. So adorable!

Check out her etsy shop - MaddyMaze Studio - ahead of time. And we hope to see you at Casanova Oakknoll Community Center next Saturday for TREAT YOURSELF.

Saturday, August 6th, 2011
Casanova Oakknoll Community Center
735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey
2pm - 5pm

Love Knots

I won't post a photo of the piece until after the bridal shower this weekend, but I created a bracelet to celebrate my cousin MNM's upcoming nuptials. I used three sterling silver love knots and lapis purple freshwater pearls to match the color of her bridesmaids' dresses.

love knot n : a stylized knot used as an emblem of love

When I taught a class about dragon stories last year, we delved into the cultures that had these stories in their literary traditions, eating a traditional snack and doing a craft each week. One of these was the Welsh; we looked at and created our own Welsh love spoons.

The Welsh love knot has multiple variations each with their own meaning. I like the simple meaning of the knot: as a married couple you are tied to each other in love. In this one-of-a-kind piece for M, I opted to use three love knots - one of their past, one for their future, and one for the present.

Hope she likes it!

Learned Stitchworks will be at TREAT YOURSELF

As we gear up for the TREAT YOURSELF event, I will be introducing you to some of our crafters.

 

Karen Learned of Learned Stitchworks will be showcasing her dog collars, leashes, harnesses, and accessories.  Karen writes: "I have a love for sewing, pets, and grandchildren."

Thanks for joining us, Karen, we look forward to seeing your stuff on August 6th! In the meantime, feel free to peruse her website: learnedstitchworks.com.

TREAT YOURSELF
Saturday, August 6th. 2-5pm. Casanova-Oakknoll Park Community Center. 735 Ramona Avenue, Monterey.