Welcome to my "Happy Things" blog. Here I post any new jewelry items I've made
and share some of the 'happy things' I appreciate in daily life.
I hope you find something that brings a smile and please visit my online handmade jewelry shop
where my pieces are available:

www.MyHappyThings.etsy.com



Thursday, January 31, 2013

So much jewelry ... so little self control!

One of the most difficult things about being a jewelry artist (I think) is letting go! You find these wonderful materials and works of art that you procure, to utilize in your own creative process and then once your vision has come to life ... there it goes!

 
I tend to choose things I like or that I would wear, and that makes it even harder! I'm not very good at picking out colors that are in trend but are not my personal preference (i.e., purples) and still creating something I feel is worthy of offering for sale. And so, you can appreciate how difficult it is to be sitting here with literally piles and piles of jewelry in front of me! Ach! Quick - someone save me before I hoard it all for myself!
 
I've always loved jewelry and just the fact that I'm ever in the position to have a pile of jewelry in front of me, is completely delightful! Let alone the fact that I love it all! So I'm certainly enjoying the stock I have on hand, ready to be photographed and listed.

 
And so I offer a few photos of the tip of the iceberg ... some of the bracelets and a few of the earrings that I will begin to start posting in my Etsy Shop (hopefully!) later today. I'm especially charged up about the earrings, I am really in love with so many of my current designs. Many of the materials are artisan-crafted and the colors, sizes and styles are so fun! Well, I better stop gabbing and start working. I have some other things that need to be done before I can get to the photography! I hope you find something special somewhere in your day to bring a smile.
 
"Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response."
-- Mildred Barthel

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Gone to the birds!!


I don't know what has come over me, but I think I've gone to the birds! I'm not typically a "bird person". The trend to include birds in jewelry has been ongoing for a while now, and I've only made a few pieces with birds in them. I have to say, they've always sold right away, but it's never been a favorite thing of mine personally.
 
Well, these little guys have grabbed my attention!
Their whimsical designs, their vibrant colors, the wonderful textures and I think the fact that they're Artisan Artbeads - have won me over!  
 
I can't wait to get the pieces finished so I can list them in my Etsy Shop! Hopefully, I'll have them up this weekend. In the meantime, I had to introduce them because they're just too cute!
 
I also have some super-cute birdies waiting in the wings ...
but they'll have to wait to meet you another day. ;) Stay tuned!
 
Thanks so much for stopping by!
And now, a sprinkle of happy ...
 
"The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery when on a detour."
-- Author Unknown
 


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Monday, Jan 28th - last day at Tuttle Crossing Mall!

I can't believe it, but time has already been flying and we're nearing the end of January! My jewelry will only be on display at SIMPLY VAGUE in Tuttle Crossing Mall for 3 more days! It has been such a great privelage to have a nice inventory in the mall. It was a much different retail experience for me this time around. Usually my jewelry is for sale in places where "people go to shop for jewelry". This was the first time I tried offering my items in a more general, public settting. When traffic through the store was high, things went well! But in times when store customers are looking for jewelry only on occasion, I'm afraid I don't make enough to cover my costs of being there. And so, I will be packing up what remains of my inventory on Tuesday, January 29th. I'm so grateful to have had the experience and to have sold as much as I did, through the holiday season!


While I likely will photograph current inventory to post online in my Etsy Shop, I also am thinking about pursuing another retail location a little more actively. Between shows and my various retail experiences, I know that if my designs are placed where foot traffic is high and people are in the market for jewelry, I do quite well. I've never actively pursued placing my jewelry anywhere but online, but have been very, lucky to have happened into opportunities, or people have "found me" and presented an opportunity. I couldn't have been more lucky and I couldn't be more grateful!

Oceanic Adventure - artisan lampwork glass
 
I have recently found and acquired a wonderful variety of ceramics, which is a medium I adore! I really love to mix ceramics with lampwork glass, but frankly you can do anything with it! I'm excited to continue working with my new finds and look forward to posting them in my Etsy Shop.

A Few of My New Ceramics - in buttery, earthy, rich tones!

If you're not in the Columbus, Ohio area
but have seen something from the store inventory you like,
please message me and I'll reserve it for you
to purchase online from my Etsy Store!
You can contact me:
via my shop:  MyHappyThings.etsy.com
 
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoy your weekend. I'm enjoying the snowflakes softly fluttering down from the sky out my window. Of course, I say "enjoying" because I'm inside and don't need to go out in it today!  :)
 
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future;
it is something you design for the present.
-- Jim Rohn