Giving to others can be a gift in itself...

I'd been dreading what to buy for the holidays.  I've been reading threads for gift ideas, and had considered some of the ideas listed, but still hadn't made up my mind. Should this person get this gift, or would that be better for someone else; oh no maybe this person doesn't like scented whats-its what will I do?? And on and on...

Until tonight. I happened to have 20/20 on while working on the computer, and they were doing a special called 'Be the Change' about health issues all over the world and how people were making a difference. Simple things, like inexpensive food supplements so a child doesn't die of malnutrition, or clean water to prevent water-borne illnesses.  Certainly not anything I wasn't aware of, and I've given to organizations before that help with these sorts of problems.

But as I sat there, it just sort of hit me. Here I am worried about whether I should buy someone a gizmo or a treat, when that money could literally save a life.  Such a little thing.  And its not like my widget or munchy would have made any difference; they'd just been ate or put in a cabinet, and forgotten about.  But this, this actually could make a difference.

So yeah, I know what they're getting this year. A card with a note, to let them know that a life, or lives, will be helped, even potentially saved, in their honor.  Seriously, can a gift get any better than that?


If you're looking for additional gifts, consider donating to an organization in someone's honor. Your small contribution really can make a HUGE difference.  Here's a few links to some great organizations with info about donating.

Be the Change Help save a life with basic needs like food and clean drinking water, birthing kits, and medicine.

Natural Resources Defense Council Help protect polar bears or wolves, even plant a tree or build a park.

Doctors Without Borders One of the most important organizations out there, your donation will help provide humanitarian health care to people in dire need in more than 60 countries.

House Rabbit Society Lastly an organization near and dear to my and my bunnies hearts. The House Rabbit Society helps with rabbit rescues and education world wide. Even if you can't adopt a bunny, you can still help one!

Christmas in July Sale at Bijoutery!

The 3rd annual Christmas in July Sale is underway at Etsy!  Everything in my shop will be 25-30% off til the end of July - prices are already reduced for quick and easy shopping. Come join me and JD (the cute little guy pictured above), and get some of your holiday shopping done early this year with some great sales! Check it out!

Nature's Wonders - Moths!

I find new and amazing things every day in the yard. Lately I've found all kinds of beautiful moths I've never seen before and wanted to share :)

This pretty little guy was unfortunatly attacked by a bird, and lost one of his wings. I've never seen such a colorful moth before, and was such a cute little guy. I watched him wander around the porch for awhile before he tottered off.

I thought this was was pretty neat looking, with his browns, greens, and cream colors, he definitely blended in with the plants!

Another pretty moth, with black and white colors, with an orange face.  He spent the morning resting on the trash can lid before flying off.

These two pretty moths were found on top of the air conditioning unit one morning after a cold snap.  I feared they had died, and brought them in to show mum, when to my surprise they began wiggling around!  I placed them in a pot with one of my plants, and let them warm up for awhile. When they started walking around a bit and it had warmed up outside, I took them both back out where they hung out with the plants for awhile enjoying the sun.

In the works...

Just a sneak peak of some of the things I'm working on this weekend...

First off here's a quick snapshot of my indoor work area (I have a separate one out in the shed for metal smithing stuff).  Most of my beads and findings are in those labeled drawers, with excess stuff in other containers.  For a limited space, it works pretty well.

Here's some of the jewelry I'm currently working on. I have a bracelet of pink (dyed) quartz and gray pearls, which is almost finished, the ends just need to be done.  In front are several pairs of earrings I'm working on, of fire opal, amethyst, and tourmaline.

A closer look at the earrings, and what they'll eventually look like. I'm doing a color scheme with these fire opals, from white to red.  The amethyst will be all purple, and the tourmaline will be in pink, green, and black.

I'll edit this later with the links to my shop once they're available!  However if you're interested in a pair, just contact me to reserve some!  The fire opals will especially be limited in this particular color scheme!

Friday Favorites - HelpTheGulfCoast

This weeks Friday Favorite features an Etsy store with a cause - HelpTheGulfCoast.  This store was started as a collective Etsy shop to raise money to help with the Gulf Coast recovery from the oil spill.  Many Etsy sellers are donating items for the shop, and 100% of proceeds will be donated!





Check out all the great items available and help out! And don't forget to follow the progress of the shop on their social networking sites!
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/helpthegulfcoastetsy
Blog - http://www.helpthegulfcoastetsy.blogspot.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/HelpGulfCoast

Friday Favorites - The Fabulous Glass Lampwork Beads by Gardanne

Friday favorites returns with this feature of Etsy seller Gardanne and her gorgeous lampwork beads!

What really draws me to Gardanne's beads is how natural they look, and their wonderful organic feel.  The colors are vibrant and rich, such as in this focal bead called "Meditation".

I also enjoy her style, all of her beads are eye-catching.  These "Ecko Bubble" beads are pretty, interesting, and fun!

In addition to glass lampwork beads,Gardanne offers enameled beads and components, and a selection of findings.  Check out Gardanne's work at her shop on Etsy at GardanneBeads.etsy.com

Flowers Flowers Everywhere!

One of my favorite things of spring is the flowers! In the last few weeks we've had so many different plants come in bloom and there's something different blooming every week! My favorite has been the cherry tree, with its waterfall of pink blossoms.

The soft blues of my hydrangea is simply beautiful.

And this succulent is just huge!

Check out more of my flower pics on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijoutery