Quote of the Day

“Wise men speak because they have something to say;

Fools because they have to say something.”

- Plato

what I've been working on...

I'm not sure why - because it wasn't planned - but lately everything I've been creating is slightly ethereal... I guess it started with 'the man in the moon' necklace....

then continued as I learned some basic metalsmithing techniques... with "orbit"
and then 'orbs'

and it's companion... 'mars'and then 'earth'....

I'm not sure what the significance is here... I just thought it was telling that for some reason my sub-conscious has been leading me in this direction for a while.... any thoughts?

HOLIDAY WISHES

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.

Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.


To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-------
[I'd like to give credit where credit is due.... but I have no idea who wrote this - I didn't write this... ... I got this in an email last year and saved it because I thought it was so funny~!]

Quote of the Day

"If you want to make a huge impact on a person's life, give him or her a kind word or two."

- Jeff Orlopp

8 more days...

...can you believe there's only 8 days left until Christmas?? I am soooo behind this year, haven't even started shopping, decorating, cooking... AAGGHH!

Are you behind too? If you are, I thought maybe I could help a little. I'm upgrading all shipping in my little shop (here) from now until Dec. 20th to Priority Mail - no extra charge!! If you're in the United States, the post office says you'll receive your package in time for Christmas if sent by Dec. 20th. I have everything in my shop ready to go... so I'll ship same day! (or next day if it's after the post office closes)...

Quote of the Day

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk."
- Doug Larson

is this a great idea or what?

this amazing design company brandimage has come up with a fabulous idea!! Instead of polluting our world with more of those annoying plastic bottles ...

did you know that every single day, Americans throw out 60 million of those
little plastic bottles!!!! 86% of which do not get recycled -

that is 51,600,000 bottles!!!!

... this team has come up with a very do-able solution. I'm just in awe! I'm also in awe of the other design work they do... check them out here.

Click on the photo to see it better and read more! (or click here)

Quote of the Month

"He who works with his hands is a laborer,
he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman,
he who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist."

- St. Francis of Assisi

friday funnies....

all of the above via

via

Quote of the Day

"Needing someone is like needing a parachute. If they are not there the first time you need them, chances are you won't be needing them again."

- Scott Adams

my new favorite earrings....

I love these! I love the juxtaposition of the chunky brass (masculine) hardware with the feminine pearls... surprisingly lightweight too!

they're perfect to dress up a t-shirt and your favorite blue jeans, but dressy enough to wear with a business suit.

...and yep.. they're for sale in my Etsy shop... http://monaco.etsy.com/

still in time for Christmas shipping!

Pearls symbolize the best within us. Honesty, Purity, Wisdom and Integrity.
They remind us to walk with Dignity. Pearls can stimulate your femininity and help with self acceptance.

They lift your spirits and make you feel calm and beautiful. When have you not felt ultra-feminine when wearing pearls? - even with your favorite jeans!

Quote of the Day

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners triumphed because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. "
- Bertie Forbes

12 more days!

just 12 more days of free shipping in my Etsy shop (here).....

just mention that you read it on my blog and I'll refund your shipping costs!! YAY!

who knew this?

...you know when you try to pull some foil out of the box, and the roll comes right along with it? It's never a nice, clean tear..... so then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over.

Well you know what??? Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place. Yep... even on my generic Giant Eagle roll!

How long has this little locking tab been there? Have I been missing this all these years, or is it new??

I just read about this in the Etsy forums and had to go check it out... and sure enough!! YAY!

Quote of the Day

"What you are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing you need to do."
- unknown author

EGAD!

There's only 30 days until Christmas!! I'm way behind on making my gifts this year... as always... yes... I am making most of my gifts this year - and not jewelry either!! I think my family is getting pretty tired of getting jewelry.

Between making gifts and shopping online (the best way to shop) - I really won't have to go to the mall - thank goodness!!

Although I am going to the mall this Friday... crazy? Not me!... my daughter is taking my little grandbug to get his picture with Santa and I want to be there. (you won't catch me shopping though.... ) Now that my grandbug's a whopping 18 months old, he might actually get into the spirit a little and I want to see his expressive little face when he sees all the decorations... and Santa!

I think I might actually put up a tree this year...

just a reminder... there's still plenty of time to shop online... like in my Etsy shop for instance???

shop here

Quote of the Day

"Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out."
- Katherine Dunham

prayer vials....

as promised a couple days ago...

Introducing... 'prayer vials'

a simple word of guidance handwritten in sanskrit and captured in a tiny glass vial. The vial in just over 1" long (including the cap) and 1/4" wide. It dangles from an 18" thin, sterling silver ball chain.

Each one will come in a gift box - wrapped up in a ribbon - with a little card elaborating on the word chosen.

words I have so far...

acceptance, hope, prosperity, strength, grace, wisdom, goodness, integrity, love, respect, truth, faith, courage.

I can also try (within reason) to do custom words - but bear in mind that the space is quite small, so multiple words may not fit.

have other word suggestions? I'd love to hear them!!

you can find them here

Quote of the Day

"Choose a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. "
- Confucius

Friday funnies....

Actual headlines that got past proofreaders…. or maybe they were intentional.

• Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter


• Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says


• Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers


• Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over


• Miners Refuse to Work after Death


• Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant


• War Dims Hope for Peace


• If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last
  
• Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures


• Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide


• Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges


• Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge


• New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group


• Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft


• Kids Make Nutritious Snacks


• Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half


• Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors


• Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

found via

introducing.... healing vials

Introducing... 'healing vials' .... Fran Henry wrote about them in the Cleveland Plain Dealer - and since then I've had a lot of inquiries... (haven't seen the article? read it here ... sorry for the shameless plug :)

So what are they?

Tiny little gemstones captured in a tiny glass vial.
The vial in just over 1" long (including the cap) and 1/4" wide. It dangles from an 18" thin, sterling silver ball chain.

Each one is chosen for its specific healing properties and will come in a gift box - wrapped up in a ribbon - with a little card explaining the stone.

Moss Agate.... (mottled green)... is considered the most powerful of the agates - helps balance emotional energy. It helps the wearer to let go of anger and bitterness so the emotions are balanced. It also enhances concentration, persistence and success..strengthens in times of stress

The Howlite (deep blue): decreases an overly critical state of mind, selfishness, pain and rudeness. It increases subtlety and tact. It helps bones and teeth and calcium levels and leg cramps. It heightens creativity.
Aventurine... a very cheery orange tone... grounds emotionally & allows for thought that is free of fear, troubled emotions, indecisiveness and anxiety. It is a stone for leaders, protectors and counselors. .. adventurine not only enhances creativity, it grants the ability to see possibilities.... this is the stone for writers, artists, musicians or anyone in the creative field.

Rose Quartz (pink): is known as the love stone. When worn, the wearer feels a sense of self-worth. It gives inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all its forms. Opens the heart to love.

I'll have lots more stones coming very soon.... and stay tuned for 'prayer vials'!

oh... I almost forgot! You can find them in my little online shop... monaco.etsy.com

Quote of the Day

"If you don't know where your're going, any road will get you there."
- Lewis Carroll

A to Z favorites.... Y

Y is for...... Yellow lux... Yellow lux makes beautiful frosted glass jewelry and accessories and also custom items.

I love this cattails necklace... (which can be found here)

and this series of initial pendants that she calls the Narcissist Series - what a great name!
and beautiful Christmas ornaments..... what a great hostess gift! (...hint, hint to anyone coming to my place for Christmas dinner......)

very nice... simple... perfect. And I love her photography!

Yorktown Road... I love these small zipped, pleated bags! Find them here

hmmmm.... and more hostess gift ideas! these coasters are fabulous!

.... and these pop-up Happy Holidays cards!!!

Oh you have to check out this shop and see these wonderful greeting cards!!!

Her name is Tracy Chong and her shop can be found here.
I'm seriously in love with the Rudolph one... Red Nosed Rudolph Pop-Up Card

Quote of the Day

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. "
- Anonymous

here it is...........

ok... my daughter got a paper....

I couldn't find one anywhere!'

extra, extra... read all about it!

YAY! Fran Henry -wonderfully nice woman and reporter for the Plain Dealer - wrote articles about Etsy and guess what ? drumroll please.....

She wrote about four local Etsy artists:

hiannie

lazyTcrochet

stonz

.............and me!!! monaco

YAY! I'll take a picture of the page later today... how exciting!

Quote of the Day

"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."
- Moliere

only 45 days~!

that's right folks! Only 45 days til Christmas!

to help you all with your Christmas shopping, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING to anyone, anywhere, that purchases from my Etsy shop... from now until December 10th.

That's 30 days of free shipping!

- I'm only offering this to people who read my blog -so..... and this is important - you must let me know when you order, that you want FREE SHIPPING - and that you read it on my blog.

(when you go to checkout, there is a place where you can write in "notes to seller" just put it in there - nothing fancy - just say free shipping per blog -or something)

so now go ahead and shop!! HERE

boho magazine

Have you seen this yet? It's fashion's first eco-friendly magazine! I guess it actually premiered in August, but this is the first I've seen it.

boho magazine, is the first "green" fashion/lifestyle publication to be printed entirely on recycled paper with natural soy inks and no glossy finishes. boho is for the creative, free-spirited women who loves fashion and beauty, but who also wants to make the world a prettier place by giving back and going green.

so... according to the publishers... this is a boho girl:

---------------------->

sound like you? Then check out this magazine! It's perfect for the eco-fashionista!!!

friday funnies.....

I had these saved on my computer, but I can't remember where they came from!

--------------------------------------
Labor Pains....

Once, a woman was in labor; she was having a really tough time dealing with the pain. The doctor came to her husband and her and told them of a new experimental drug that allows the woman to transfer 25% of the pain to the father. The husband feels really bad for his wife so he decides they will try it.

The wife takes the pill and a few minutes later the husband says, "I don't feel a thing. You women are babies. Take another pill I can handle this." So the wife takes another pill. Same thing happens. Her husband tells her to take another pill. Same thing.

By now she has transferred 75% of her pain to her husband. She is feeling a little pain but her husband is still feeling nothing. He is convinced that women are complete wuses. He tells her, "Take another pill. This isn't hurting me at all. Let me take all the pain away." So she does. Now they are both feeling great.

A few hours later, the wife gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The next day they take their newborn son home, and there they find the mailman dead on the doorstep.

via

Quote of the Day

"It's not enough to have a dream, unless you're willing to pursue it. "
- Unknown Author

going to vote this Tuesday????

well get rewarded with a FREE DOUGHNUT!!

Krispy Kreme is giving away a free patriotic doughnut to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker, on Tue 11/04. Click HERE

Quote of the Day

"Successful people in this world are those who get up and look for circumstances they want. If they can't find them, they make them. "
- George Bernard Shaw

trick or treat!

ok... so last year my daughter bought me a sewing machine for my birthday... aha! now the truth comes out.... I'm to make my grandbug's halloween costumes for the next 12 years or so....

it's ok... I love it! Turns out, my daughter loved the fact that I always made her halloween costumes! - who would have known???

Anyway... little grandbug's daddy is a huge, HUGE Ohio State Buckeye fan... er.. fanatic!@

So he wanted little grandbug to be Brutus... the Ohio State mascot.

...here's the inspiration... ( one of like three of these he has)

and here's the finished costume....

what do ya' think???

A to Z favorites...... X

so... I thought the letter X would be difficult, but I was so wrong....

let's start with XO Handworks soldered Map Pendants that can be found here.

Tam, handmakes each one of these in Osseo, Minnesota.

You can have custom map pendants made too!

What a great gift! Perhaps to remind someone far away of their hometown... or commemorate a fabulous trip... or a dream locale that you've always wanted to go to... mine would be Italy. Custom made pendants are only $24! What a deal!

Amber Coppings - from Pittsburg - makes these fabulous Xmittens!!!
They're fingerless gloves - get it? EX-MITTENS??

Xmittens! are practical, yet fashionable fleece fingerless gloves. Each has it's own unique stitched design and machine embroidery around the thumbhole for increased durability.

Apparently, Amber actually started making these because it was so darn COLD in her studio and she needed to be able to use her fingers, but also to stay warm while she makes stuff!

These totally fixed that problem - and stylishly too, I might add.

find them here

XO Designs......

oh I so want to get one of these with my little grandbug's picture!!!!

These make great gifts!! Everyone loves their image in POP Art!

Lisa, from Columbus, Ohio creates these one-of-a-kind POP Art pieces.... just send her a digital image of the person you would like to POP Art and within a week she will send you a printed image with POP!!

I especially love the doggie one!! perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for person!

find them at XODesigns here.