Okay so -- learning curve.

Okay, so here's the thing -- I just got myself a new computer. Because I wanted to. I run through laptops all the time -- needing a new one far, far too often. It's a little embarrassing, really.

So, I got myself a new one -- a Mac -- because I figured, well, I've done this all before and stuff, so it will just be a little slow on me.

Wrong.

I think the most difficult thing is the "right-click" I know that seems a bit odd, but seriously, I am a right click junkie. And a shift, highlight everything, then move lol. Those kind of things learning the new keys are tough.

Which is why, finally getting to post this one little thing I did is TOUGH. I will get there though, I promise.

This is a treasury I made called "Golden" because -- well really I missed the sun yesterday...A LOT.

Waiting for Spring

I am sitting in my room / studio, my legs propped up, my back aching, and the guys outside my window cleaning the heavily clogged gutters.  It's a fine way to start a Monday, along with running out of coffee creamer on Friday from my husbands obsession with coffee at all hours of the night.  I also went to the store numerous times this weekend forgetting creamer each and every time.

So, I suppose this is the universe telling me it's time to cut back on my creamer / coffee concoctions each morning?  Maybe.  But, I'll likely not listen.

I've been trying to figure out where the tension in my back / neck is coming from of late.  Sure, I have old Army injuries that often flare up during Seattle's cold and rainy winters -- but this feels differently. Normally, I could go get a massage and feel like a million bucks after the guys in the Mall do everything short of ripping off both my arms and beating the rest of my back with them.

That just didn't help this weekend.

I could be irritated with hubby going away for a few days -- across the mountains, through heavy snow and blizzard conditions to train soldiers yet again.   I could be stressed because therapy is particularly difficult this month.  It could be a fear of writing a true story in three different "tones" like I am required for my Veteran's Writing Class -- hosted by my local Vet Center and put together by the wonderful folks at the "Red Badge Project"  (Seriously, check this organization out).

But more likely than not -- it's the stress of waiting for my VA claim to be complete.  It's a long and tedious process, and you never really know how it's going.  You can call the 1800 number, getting "Peggy" but really you never really get any information.  You can check your status online -- but again, you just leave the website more confused than before.

So, I listen to the rain, in its abundance here south of Seattle.  I try to enjoy it.  I contemplate making an appointment to see about my back and that one weak knee that just wont get better.

And -- I am grateful that I thought ahead a couple of years ago and created a portable box -- so that my studio could go anywhere with me.  So, even though I sit here, uncomfortable, waiting for tylenol to work -- I can still create, and calm my weary nerves.

Vesuvianite Earrings in 14k Gold Filled

Peridot Earrings in Sterling Silver

London Blue Topaz in Sterling Silver Necklace

Crystal Quartz Earrings in Sterling Silver -- April Birthstone

Radiant Orchid Pearl Earrings

Lilac and Mint (or for this year: Violet Tulip and Hemlock)

Lilac and Mint: Memories of Spring by Tessa of TessasAssets

Lilac and Mint -- What a perfect way to dream of spring during these last, gray and dreary vestiges of Winter.

Timeless Tourmaline

Tourmaline, with its wide variety of colors is always amazing, and always in style.  Truly it's one of my favorite stones to work with.   I was so happy to see that someone else loves it as much as me, when I woke up to this fabulous Artfire collection today.   Check it out below:

Timeless Tourmaline

Curated By: DoubleSJewelry

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

A Few Valentine's Day Ideas

So, I admit, while I am not a shopper in the "I have to go to the mall and get some retail therapy" variety -- I do like to peruse other ideas for home decor, candles, and to generally see what other Artisans are creating.

I found a few things that I think would be just adorable for Valentines Day so I thought I would make a list:

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Candle by Unique Candle Boutique

Pink Cabochon Ring by The Singing Beader

Happy Valentine's Day Conversation Hearts Handmade Card by Cards by Li Be

Brick Stitch Heart Earrings by CraftingMemories

Spring Wall Hanging with Heart and Flowers by Putman Lake Designs

Heart Earrings with Swirls by  ShanghaiTai

Lovely, no?

A Dirty Little Secret... And A DIY Video!

A dirty little secret in my life that not many actually believe:  I am not a creative person.  Yes, I run a creative business filled with lovely things -- but I am honestly not creative myself.

I often see my daughter doing her arts and crafts -- she does both -- and I am amazed.  For while yes, I often make very pretty things with my hands, it is not creative. (In my case).

I recently began shooting and editing videos teaching how to make the products I sell in my Etsy Shop.  My son and I are doing it together -- it's something I enjoy from way back before he was born and something he is learning just now, as an elective in High School. 


Back to creativity.

The reason I say I am not creative is not so that everyone comes running out and says "Oh, but Maggie you are so creative..."  It's really not about that at all.   Because when I look at my products, and now look at "how" my products are made from an analytical "videographer" standpoint I realize just one thing:

The beauty in my so-called creativity lies in mathematical proportions of balance.

So -- now comes the time that I show you my first video (in a very long time -- and certainly my first DIY/how to).  My son and I worked on this together, and it was honestly difficult for me to give up the reigns for him to film it.  But, as he couldn't be the one making the product on the video -- we have to go with what we have, poor voicing and all.  Give my kiddo credit though, he just finished his first semester of Video Production -- so look at the below as a "first try".  We will be doing much better in the future, but I wanted this out there in time for Valentine's Day -- and frankly Spring Weddings. 

Here is the Photo of what I am teaching you to make:

Heart Drop Earrings -- Sapphire Blue