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

How the world fell in love with an owl...

Who'd have thought that when a guy put up an owl box that it'd turn into quite the internet following? But that's exactly what's happened, with thousands of people waiting for Molly and McGee's eggs to hatch. And after much waiting today one did just that! Little barn owl Max hatched earlier today, leaving 4 to go. Visit the live video feed at http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

Live video by Ustream

Seriously it shouldn't be this difficult...

...but yet I can't seem to keep this blog updated! Managing all these social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr is a challenge! Really don't know how people keep track of it all!

Just ordered some new pretties, and hope to have a few more new and different listings in the shop soon. In the meantime, check out these spring time inspirations!


Lemon Quartz Briolette Earrings


Brass Swallow & Coin Pearl Necklace


Brass Dragonfly and Green Swarovski Crystal Earrings

And a bah! humbug! to you and yours!

Another year almost gone, another revolution around our star, another cold winter (I really don't like the cold!), and another mad shopping season (returns - the horrors!). For me its not really about the shopping (though hey, I won't turn down a present, feel free send all winning lotto tickets to me), the holiday parties (seriously, who *cares* whose cookies were better? either they're good enough to eat or hard enough to be used a weapons - both are cool), nor religion (I don't need converting, thanks). It should be about being glad of what you have, and sharing what you can with others. It should also be something celebrated 365 days a year, not for just a few days in December. Appreciate what you have every day you have it, because you never know when it may be taken away. And folks need help year round, not just during the holidays. Remember that.

Regardless of what one believes or doesn't believe, I think this sums up nicely what the holidays are all about. What they should be about, year round.
Out of the mouths of babes (even if written by an adult....)





Happy holidays whatever you celebrate (even if its just celebrating getting a long weekend!)

BOGO 50% Off - Last Day!

Monday Nov 30th is the last day for the Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!
Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off! Everything in my shop included!
Get some great jewelry or art for yourself, or as a gift for the holidays!

And as a special bonus for readers, YOU can get a FREE pair of earrings with any purchase!
Upon checkout just enter the code "Bijoutery's Blog" in the 'note to seller' field, and you'll receive a free pair of holiday earrings!

So come check it out at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bijoutery

2nd Annual Christmas in July Sale @ Etsy!

Yup it's that time again! The 2nd annual Christmas in July Sale is underway at Etsy! The sale will run July 8th thru July 22nd. 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.

I will be offering Free Shipping worldwide throughout the sale at my store - buy as much as you like, it all ships free! Plus I currently have a special "sale/clearance" section for extra savings! Come check it out!

Etsy, iCraft, 1000 Markets venues new and old....

Well I finally canceled my account at iCraft. Just wasn't the right venue for me, which I realized after my first year on there came and went with no sales despite some good advertising, being on the front page there, etc. But it's a nice little place to find handmade goods and I wish the site well.

Etsy is still my main place to hang out, though sales have slowed, probably due to the economy. Art is one of the first things to go when you're broke - totally understand! I can't buy as much as I'd like either, though I've made a few small splurges :)

Trust me, even if you can't afford that $40 raku bowl you've been eyeing or that $25 print of the cows, you can still enjoy little works of art! Try a cool mug or a colorful ACEO (art card editions and originals - ie they're small little works of art the size of a baseball card) - or hey, even a sparkly piece of jewelry ;) It'll not only make your day a little brighter knowing you got a little something for yourself, but know that you've helped support an artist and made their day brighter too!

While I did close out one venue and am continuing with another, I did decide to check out a new handmade venue called 1000Markets. It's a nice setup, a very clean and modern looking site. For those who don't know, its still in 'preview mode' simply meaning its not officially launched yet as they're still working on a few things and planning for a advertising blitz I believe. But it is up and running for those who want to open a shop, and folks can go ahead and buy there. The only thing so far that I don't like is that no international sellers/buyers can really utilize it - yet. 1000Markets uses Amazon Payments instead of Paypal, and believe it or not Amazon does not have their payment system set up to accept international accounts at this time. However this is in the works, and I suspect it will make many an international seller and buyer happy when they can join in the fun :)

So in the meantime feel free to visit my "old" shop on Etsy http://bijoutery.etsy.com
Or my "new" one on 1000Markets http://bijoutery.1000markets.com
(keep in mind I'm still uploading items to 1000Markets so its kind sad looking, lol, but feel free to buy there and make it happier!)

Mad Scientists Exposed!

Well, sort of, lol! The team is currently being featured in one of VickiDianeDesigns' "Artists of Etsy Exposed" treasuries - check it out at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=41570 Currently the treasury is at the top of the 'hot' list with over 1000 clicks and almost 300 views! Pretty cool!

Seeing as treasuries expire (this one will early Thursday) here's a pic of some of the fab team members - And yes that's me hiding behind the fossilized coral :)

Guess I can't really blame the groundhog...

...for more winter huh? Punxsutawney Phil (the rather famous weather predicting groundhog) has decided we're in for six more weeks of winter here in the US. And irony of ironies, we had snow today! I guess if its gotta be cold, we might as well have snow!

And for Groundhog Day, I created this fun treasury on Etsy showcasing some rather cute groundhogs, beautiful wintery items, and happy spring items!

You gotta admit, that Punxsutawney Phil is rather cute huh? Guess we'll forgive him for bringing us the "bad news". lol What can I say, I'm just not a winter person. Come to think of it, not really a summer one either! Now fall is a season I can get behind :)

CPSIA - get informed, get involved

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. This law was initiated in reaction to the recent scares of lead poisoning in children's toys. While we all agree that eliminating harmful toxins such as lead is a good thing, the way the US government is going about it is not. It goes to extremes and does not incorporate common sense.

Why should you be concerned?
This law affects anyone that buys items, or makes items, for children under 12. Parents will see rising costs in not only toys, but school supplies, clothing, books - ANYTHING used by a child under 12 must be tested. Since these tests are very costly, the prices of these items will rise, which in our poor economy is not a good thing.

Businesses will suffer, particularly the small business owners such as those on Etsy (handmade goods are not exempt from this law either). For makers of limited or one of a kind items, this law may very well force them out of business, since these tests are often destructive (hence you'd need to make more than one of every item you want to sell, one for testing and another to actually sell). Even non-destructive testing is nearly prohibitively expensive for all but large manufacturers.

If you would like to get involved, please contact your senators and representatives and let them know that this law needs to be modified. While nearly unaminously approved when initially voted on, many apparently didn't even realize what this law would mean. To look up representatives you can check http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html and to find senators check http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

More info about the CPSIA can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

A Gemology Quiz and Smelly Fish

Just two of my latest treasuries on Etsy!

The Gemology Quiz is one of my favorite to date and I hope to do some more. (Hopefully next time I'll take a screenshot w/o Etsy's little rainbow graphic, lol) There are some really fabulous gemstones available on Etsy - either as supplies or jewelry! Do you recognize these stones? (No cheating!)



And a fun treasury of beautiful blues and gorgeous greens all featuring our little fishy friends :)

Hey, I'm not dead yet! And neither is my blog...

Maybe it kinda looked like it seeing as I haven't posted for a really long while! What can I say, life got in the way :)

But I'm planning to start blogging again! Weekly at least is my goal, but more is better!

So what happened you might ask that precipitated the little hiatus my blog took? Well for starters I moved in September to Tennessee to do an internship for school at Oak Ridge National Labs. August was spent panicking about setting up said internship, and September with moving and learning my way around a new city which involved getting lost a lot (still does sometimes! lol) Since then I've been wrapped up with learning my new job (I do environmental stuff), as well as writing up yet another new thesis proposal - on said environmental stuff :D And December I was rather swamped with holiday sales (a pleasant surprise!). But now that the holidays are over, and my proposal is done, I'm finally trying to work on things I've kinda let go including my blog, flickr, etc.


Speaking of Flickr, for your viewing pleasure...



When JD goes to sleep at night with his favorite duckie plushie, he often has rather fanciful dreams...




Sometimes he dreams of being King JD, lord of pookie-dom...




Or resting away in peaceful Rivendale among the other elf rabbits :)

Friday Favorites - Weird Bug Lady!

This weeks Friday Favorite showcases the colorful, unique (and perhaps for bug-a-phobs, creepy and scary) creations of Brigette, aka Weird Bug Lady!


This guy is what first caught my eye on Etsy ('fraid he's already sold). *WARNING - SCIENCE SPEAK* He is what is called a Caddisfly larvae. Many moons ago before I came to the dark side (geology), I studied environmental biology. Off and on I did research on aquatic macroinvertebrates (invertebrates that are macroscopic, i.e. you can see them without a microscope). This included studying a variety of organisms, one of which was the caddisfly! I was pleasantly surprised that someone else on Etsy knew these interesting little creatures!



One of my new favorite creations are the aquarium collections! What a great idea these are - perfect for kids that aren't ready for live pets. Also a cool idea for college students who can't have pets in their dorms!



Brigette is a zoology student, and got interested in creating her menagerie of plush creatures when she couldn't find anyone else who made all these unusual and wonderful critters! She is also a member of the Mad Scientists of Etsy team :D You can find more photos of her creations and other cool things on Flickr, and read about what she is up to at her Blog.

For an awesome gift perfect for anyone fascinated with insects or other invertebrates, check out the Weird Bug Lady!

Christmas in July Sale! One Day Only get 40% Off!

That's right! 40% Off all day July 31st on everything in stock! A great time to start buying for the holidays - or even just a little something for yourself! Never have I had such a large discount and I doubt I will again til next year, so take advantage while you can!

What do I get out of it? Its a great way for me to move some stock out for the upcoming holidays too! So everyone wins! :D

Check it out at http://bijoutery.etsy.com!

Friday Favorites - FrancesByrne

Friday Favorites are back, with the beautiful paintings by FrancesByrne.




This painting, "Purple Haze", was the first one of Frances' that I saw on Etsy. It immediatly drew me in, reminding me of some of the medieval and ancient horse art I've seen before, but with its own uniqueness to it.




This is simply my favorite painting thus far. It has an almost ethereal quality that I find captivating, and I love the subtle range of color used as well.




In addition to horses, Frances also paints other animals as well as very intricate and spectacular celtic art. You can even request a customized print of your name, with the first letter done in a Book of Kells inspired style - what a great gift idea for someone!

Stop in and visit FrancesByrne's store for your own unique piece of animal or celtic inspired art!