Trendy Treasures

Scrabble Necklace Bandwagon

2008-05-28T20:21:00.005-04:00

Well, I did it!! I jumped on the Scrabble necklace bandwagon! I couldn't help myself, I just LOVE them. I love the size, I love the many ways to personalize them, I love the color, I just love, love, love them!!

Baptism

2008-05-21T11:19:00.005-04:00

Kaitlyn, our grandbaby, was baptized this past Sunday. It was a beautiful ceremony and everyone seemed to have a good time at the party. I made Kaitlyn and her mommy, Jamie, beautiful matching bracelets. I also made a similar one for Christy, the Godmother. I have all three bracelets available in my Etsy shop, www.trendytreasures.etsy.com

Forever

2008-04-28T10:57:00.007-04:00

It feels like it's been forever since my last post, and in "blog world," it has been!! It's been a very busy two weeks for me! Obviously, I've been spending TONS of time with Kaitlyn, the new grandbaby.

I've had jewelry orders that I've been trying to squeeze in when I can. I've been making Mother's Day bracelets, a wedding bracelet, and First Communion gifts.

My husband and I went to the Van Halen concert that was postponed from March...which was very awesome by the way!! I'm not a David Lee fan, but he did a great job for an old rocker! I was impressed by his kicks and his abs :) Eddie seemed very sober and sounded great -- he played very well!!! Wolfie did a nice job also. He didn't move a whole lot, but this is all new to him. Alex....well, Alex was soooo awesome!! He so talented but doesn't get the spotlight like his brother does. His drum solo was the best I've ever seen.

Kaitlyn and Daddy

2008-04-18T14:43:00.005-04:00

I just had to post this beautiful picture of my grandbaby (Kaitlyn) and her daddy (Monty, my son in law). I think it's so touching! My daughter took it when they got home from the hospital. It's very obvious already that Kaitlyn will be daddy's little girl.

Baby Keepsake

2008-04-15T10:35:00.003-04:00

Kaitlyn is now 4 days old! She came home yesterday and still sleeps most of the time. When they got her home, my son in law videotaped her in every room of their condo. She slept through it all, but it will be a nice momento when she gets older.

Years ago, hospitals would make little baby bracelets with the baby's last name. Since they don't do this anymore, I made Kaitlyn a name bracelet for her baby book. It's only 3 inches long :) Eventually, I will sell them in my Etsy shop. Once things get back to normal I can list a few.

Kaitlyn Marie

2008-04-13T16:15:00.003-04:00

The new grandbaby is FINALLY here!! Kaitlyn Marie was born Friday, April 11. She is very healthy and very sweet! Unfortunately, she had to arrive by c-section because she had the cord wrapped around her neck and arm. My daughter is doing very well considering what she's been through :) She's a tough little one! We had kind of prepared ourselves for a c-section because she's so tiny. We are very thankful everything went well and both are safe!

Mother's Day Bracelets

2008-04-03T13:46:00.006-04:00

I FINALLY got a few Mother's Day bracelets made!! The first one is a custom order for Christy. She already had the Adam bracelet, and wanted her new baby's name (Phillip) added. It is made with sterling silver and gold filled beads. I took 'Adam' apart and strung the new name along with it on a double clasp.

The second bracelet I made is for the mother of one or two children. I used clear Swarovski crystals (April) and white pearls (June).

The last Mother's Day bracelet is for the Mother of a child born in February. I used amethyst fire polished crystals and beige glass pearls. I also added some gold-plated rose beads and a gp toggle clasp. I think this one is my favorite!

Well, now I'm off to finish this morning's project....barrettes and keychains. They will be pretty neat when they are finished! Oh, and I need to make my Mother's Day bracelet. I'll post these projects when they are finished :)

Schmap -- Hawaiian Islands

2008-04-01T15:50:00.005-04:00

I received an email from the editor of Schmap asking for permission to publish one of my Flickr photos. Of course, I said "Yes!" I love showing my Maui photos!! Yesterday it was published, and I've added the widget to the bottom right-hand side of this blog. You will recognize the photo because it is posted here under "New Squidoo Lenses."

If you go to Schmap, it will be found, along with other photos of Keawakapu. I took this photo one morning while we were eating breakfast (Starbucks!!) on the beach. We stayed at The Renaissance Beach hotel, and Keawakapu was the beach.

If you enjoy Maui photos, I have a few of them posted on Flickr. They can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trendytreasures

Donuts

2008-03-31T13:48:00.009-04:00

These donuts are my newest projects. I'm really happy with the way they turned out! I've been thinking about making them for probably a year now! I've had so many other ideas that I chose to work on first, so these kept getting put off. But all is well, because I think they make perfect spring necklaces. I've "adopted" the black one, so I'll have to make another to replace it since I already have it listed on Etsy. I've priced them between $12 and $15, the price varies because some took longer to finish and some have more beads, etc.

If you are interested in seeing the rest, you can see them in my Etsy shop: http://www.trendytreasures.etsy.com/

We are still counting down the days until the new grandbaby arrives! The doctor has guessed it will be this week sometime. Jamie's (our daughter) due date is April 14, but......things are progressing pretty quickly! I'll keep you posted!!

The Day Has Finally Arrived!

2008-03-29T15:55:00.005-04:00

Well, it's finally "that day". . .. the day that I have more blogging topics than time to post them :)

Here's a small list:

1. new necklaces in the works
2. new Squidoo lenses
3. opportunities for promotion
4. Etsy crafters that I've recently done business with
5. new Mother's Day bracelets
6. certain Etsy people to thank and highlight
7. and I'm thinking, shortly, a new grandbaby to show off!

My brain is a little too scattered right now to focus on any of these ideas, but I wanted to get a little blurb in here today. So this is what you get :)

New Squidoo Lenses

2008-03-26T11:37:00.008-04:00

Lately I've been busy making new Squidoo lenses and improving those that are published. My newest published lens is called "All Thing Trendy." I thought it would be fun to find other etsy users, bloggers, and flickr friends with 'trendy' in their names. If you would like to take a peek, the web address is: http://www.squidoo.com/allthingstrendy

Another one I've been spending time on is "The Glass Man" featuring my favorite glass artist, James Michael Kahle. I first published it in February, and I've been revising it this past week. It is now #307 in people! My goal is to be in the top 100, so I'll keep working on it. "The Glass Man" can be viewed at: http://www.squidoo.com/glassman

I've also been working on "Heaven Can Wait....I Need Another Trip To Maui." I want to wait to publish this one when it is full of awesomeness. I think I'm close to being done and I can add the rest later. Its link will be: http://www.squidoo.com/heavencanwait

Each of the lenses have modules that can be added to, so if you feel your product or interests fit, please feel free to add your site!!

Urban Dictionary Defines Trendy

2008-03-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

Used to described whatever is "in" at the time of description, as in popular or done by a large number of people.The definition of "trendy" constantly changes because trends change too.

What is in at one point often becomes yesterday's fashion very quickly. As such, there really is no set definition.

"Trendy" is often used in this day and age to describe young 18-24 year-olds (one of the most sought-after marketing groups) who follow fashion trends (sometimes even starting or perpetuating new ones), are technology-savvy, up on the latest modern/alternative music, and in general are part of a group of people who all follow these same trends.

Basically, a "trendy" person is abreast of all the latest trends, and follows or is at least aware of most of them. A "trendy" person in 2005 might be a 22 year-old girl who listens to Death Cab for Cute and the Postal Service, has an ipod or laptop, surfs the net and goes on Myspace or Facebook or something to network with friends, maybe maintains a Livejournal, Blogger, or Xanga to keep in touch with people, dresses fairly stylishly, and dates an attractive-looking and equally trendy emo boy.

If you're interested, check out my new Squidoo lens "All Things Trendy." You can watch a cool video, look at trendy clothing (men, women, and baby), check out trendy Etsy shops, etc....

http://www.squidoo.com/allthingstrendy

Bella Baby Photography

2008-03-16T14:23:00.013-04:00

I found Bella Baby Photography through one of the sponsors at the basket bingo in Botkins, Ohio. I've spent a lot of time looking through the website and reading their blog. I love the idea of taking natural photos of a newborn, rather than the boring traditional hospital shots. The following is a little explanation I found on the site:

"Bella Baby Photography...real photographers...real pictures.

Bella Baby is the new face of hospital baby portraiture. We bring experienced free-lance photographers into the hospitals to capture your baby's first photograph with a natural, artistic style. We believe that babies look the most beautiful when being held in their parents' arms or cuddled in one of their own baby blankets.

Bella Baby captures this beauty by using only "real things"....natural window light, real photographers and professional grade SLR digital cameras.

Newborns aren't the only subject we love to photograph...we love to capture all of the milestones of family life. Using a photojournalistic-magazine style approach to photography, we capture your baby learning to stand, your 5 year old riding his bike with no training wheels and your teenager's last photograph before she becomes an adult.

We look forward to working with you and to capturing photographs that show the "real" beauty of your family."

http://www.bellababyphotography.com/

Molly

2008-03-11T14:50:00.008-04:00

I finally finished making my first prom set for my friend's daughter, Molly. I used most of the crystals from the antique necklace I bought in Delphos last week. The set Molly found at the prom and bridal store was very $$$$$, so her mom asked me to create a masterpiece for her. I think she will love her new surprise!

Spiritual Awareness

2008-03-08T10:49:00.005-05:00

Thursday, my sister and I went antique shopping again. We decided to go to the Miami-Erie Antique shop in Delphos, Ohio. The shop is along the railroad tracks and used to be a place for the railroad employees to sleep. For this reason alone, one would think spirits are present. Add to this, rooms and rooms full of antiques, then you have probably quadrupled the chances of spirits.

Anyway, we shopped for several hours. The building is huge and some of the upstairs windows were broken, so the further we went into the building, the colder it got. We were exploring the many rooms, when I got the feeling that the next room I would go in had "something" in it. I told myself I was being silly again and if I saw anything, I would run!!

The feeling in that particular room was so strong, I have no idea what the room looked like or what was in the room. It wasn't a scary feeling, or a creepy feeling, it was just a feeling of knowing I wasn't the only one present. I quickly left. Since my sister does not believe in the super-natural, spirits, ghosts, whatever, I decided not tell her what I had just experienced.

We continued shopping for several more hours and it continued to get colder and colder. My treasure hunt lasted until I was so cold, I couldn't feel my feet anymore. I told my sister I was going downstairs and for her to take her time. I went down to the warm room where the owner of the shop was. We started talking about jewelry and antiques. She asked where my sister was and I told her I left her upstairs and that I "had" to get out of there.

She asked me if I came down because I saw something. I said, "No, it was getting too cold. I didn't see anything, but I kept waiting on a mouse to run out of something."

She gave me a funny look and replied, "No, that's not what I meant."

"Oh, do you mean rats and bats?" I asked her.

She gave me a really funny look this time and raised her eyebrows. "No, that's not what I'm talking about."

Then it dawned on me what she meant. I said, "Oh, no I didn't SEE anything, but I felt a spirit in one of the rooms."

She asked which room I was in when I felt the spirit, and I pointed up to the corner where the room was.

"You're lucky," she said, "Yesterday a male customer saw a ghost in that room. He saw a shadow out of the corner of his eye and thought it was his wife. When he turned, his wife wasn't there, but a large black cloud was. He was so scared, he came flying down the stairs!"

Chills covered my body, but I felt satisified. I'm glad "no one" decided to appear in front of me, and I'm glad to now know that the "feelings" I have on occasion are not in my head.

Aside from the spirited finding, I found two beautiful necklaces, one with Austrian crystals, the other with handpainted glass beads. I was planning on posting picturse of the necklaces before taking them apart, but, of course, I forgot. So instead I posted a picture of the crystals....spirit-free!

Always Amy

2008-03-05T15:00:00.008-05:00

Today I would like to thank Amy from Always Amy. Let me start by saying, she has sold TONS of items on Etsy!! I found her in the forums one evening in February. In her post, she offered to send out other sellers' promotional items with her products. She responded shortly after my post, and I sent her a few Trendy Treasures pencils and business cards. Thanks again Amy!! If you would like to visit her shop, her link is: http://www.alwaysamy.etsy.com/

Designs By Maria

2008-03-04T12:18:00.007-05:00

I have to share my new bunny pin!! I found it on Flickr, then purchased it from a seller on Etsy. Her shop is Designs By Maria (The Mad Beader) and she is an awesome seller! Communication was great! The bunny pin was well-made and arrived carefully packaged. I highly recommend this Etsy seller!! Her shop link is: http://www.designsbymaria.etsy.com/

Longaberger Bingo

2008-03-03T11:03:00.006-05:00

So, yesterday was the Relay for Life Basket Bingo. They had awesome prizes, such as Longaberger baskets, Avon, jewelry (from me - Trendy Treasures), purses, candles, and a lot more. It was a lot of fun even though I didn't win. My cousin won two Longaberger baskets with makeup and scrapbooking materials. She also won a door prize (a travel mug). Her two friends also won Longaberger baskets. I'm anxious to see who won my gift certificate for free jewelry. I hope she will become a faithful customer :)

I printed this picture this weekend. My daughter took it herself. I think she did a nice job! She now has 5 weeks to go!

Two Wolves

2008-02-27T18:24:00.002-05:00

My friend sent me this email this morning. I thought it was so true and so awesome that I had to post it.

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

Relay For Life Donation

2008-02-26T15:22:00.007-05:00

Last night I finished the bracelet I made in honor of those battling ovarian cancer and the women that have lost the battle. I am donating it to the local Relay for Life team for their basket bingo this coming weekend.

HGTV Dream Home

2008-02-21T16:19:00.004-05:00

I'm a little confused, I've been sending an entry every day for the past month, and no one has called to tell me I've won the HGTV Dream Home!! I had my heart set on moving to Florida where it's warm and sunny!! It's been so cold and kinda snowy here in Ohio and I'm ready for warm. Maybe it's for the best that I didn't win this contest...it leaves me open to win a billion dollar house in Maui!!! Wouldn't that be great?!

Daytona 500

2008-02-17T09:36:00.004-05:00

The day has finally come....Nascar season starts once again. My husband will be in his own little world for several months :) Which is good for me, I can spend more time making jewelry and hanging out on the internet.

I've been busy working on my new necklaces. Some of them are much prettier than the others, but who knows, someone may fall in love with them. I am donating some jewelry for a Longaberger basket bingo. I've never donated before, so I'm not sure how this works, but I'm pretty excited about it! I love being a player, and it will be fun to watch others as they win my jewelry!!

The Glass Man

2008-02-13T13:12:00.008-05:00

Today's blog is about a man I met several years ago....James Michael Kahle. I met James while attending an Open House in his glass studio in Rockford, Ohio. I was fascinated by his work and even more by the man himself. He loved what he did, and he loved teaching others. I fell in love with the art of glass making...I have always had a love for the product itself, but this was the first time I had been in a studio.

At the time, I was a teacher of talented and gifted students in New Knoxville, Ohio. As I watched him and listened to him, I knew I had to share his knowledge with my students. James offered a class to high school students, known as The Hot Glass Experience. Students come for the day, learn about glass, make a paperweight, and watch (with amazement) as Jim and his apprentice make the vessel that will soon become theirs.

For me, this was a problem because my students were in junior high. When I inquired about the workshop, James told me he would be willing to try the experience with younger students. If this worked out, he would continue to work with kids their age.

Long story short, during our visit he GAVE us a beautiful vessel (bowl) to auction off at our school. The only catch was to bring my class back the following year for a set fee. Well, the auction yielded much more than the cost of the next year's trip. We kept the remaining money and bought supplies for our classroom! What a deal!! And even better....my students loved the experience as much as I did!! This is now a yearly field trip for the students of New Knoxville, and I believe this is their 6th (or more) year of participating.

Months after the field trip, I brought my dad to the studio. My dad is a very crafty, hands on kinda guy so I thought he would enjoy a day with James (this was his birthday present). James video taped the experience, so my dad has a record of his day, and he also made a paperweight. I thought it was very enjoyable for my dad. And I thought it was very kind of James to take the studio time to show my dad the ropes.

Years went by, then all of a sudden an opportunity came along for me to attend a workshop hosted by James. I earned CEU's and had an awesome day. Oh yea, and I also have a paperweight to show my friends. A few more years have gone by since that last meeting, but I still remember with great fondness, the man and his glass.

I am only passing this experience along because it made an impact on me. I believe it made a huge impact on my former students as well as those to follow. Some of his marks left on others: he has worked around the world and with many other artists. He teaches an apprentice or two. A few years ago, he did a beautiful waterfallish display in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and regularly works with PBS on what he call his Blues Series.

Recently, I checked his web page to only find out that his studio is now in Dayton, Ohio. That's not much further than Rockford, but I was still disappointed to see he had moved. But on the other hand, it may be an excuse to make another visit!

If you are interested in James or his work or even spending the day doing something out of the ordinary, check out his web page: http://www.glassbyjm.com/ and enjoy!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-02-12T11:37:00.001-05:00

I've been subbing at school a lot lately, working on ebay auctions, and trying to finish up on my rental paperwork. So, unfortunately, I haven't been making much jewelry. It doesn't seem like I have many days that I can dedicate the entire day creating :( I finally got back at it a little bit this morning and it felt great!

Another problem, I joined flickr, and I am so obsessed with looking at others' pictures and posting.....I find myself joining more and more groups. I even started my own, Maui Beaches. I don't have any members other than myself right now. When I get some time, I will have to invite other members. But for now, I need to work on joining onlineauctions, since ebay has raised their fees to a ridiculous amount!! Also, I want to work on making a plug and figuring out how to post it. And I need to follow up on my Squidoo account. And I REALLY want this blog to be something other than me just rambling on and on... For now, I'm off to an appointment and hopefully will return ready to get back to work!!

Antiques

2008-02-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

It looks like I need to fix my ebay link, ugh. I thought I had that stuff all figured out! Today I'm off to shop for antiques with my sister. Hopefully, we will come across some good finds. I like finding little treasures. Many parts of the state are flooded, so hopefully we don't run into any problems getting there.

My First Day of Blogging

2008-02-06T15:53:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm finally going to try blogging!! I set this blog up on Dec 1, 2007, and it's now Feb 2008. I got really busy with the holidays and making jewelry for my faithful customers. But now it's time to get back to promoting. I didn't care for promoting when I first started my business, but now that I've found flickr, I'm totally hooked!! I love adding photos because I get to relive my favorite vacations. Of course only the photos I took with my digital camera. I'm working on scanning my "Hawaii - Big Island" photos, but my scanner is having issues. As soon as I can get my son to help me with that, I will be able to relive that vacation as well! This is all I'm posting today, I'm working on a new jewelry line so I can open a second etsy shop! That is very exciting!!