Yes, it is Angela Lansbury.

So Angela Lansbury might not be your first choice of who you'd like to see in a bottle cap but that's okay - you can pretty much pick anyone you'd like. Of course I already have some classics - Tom Selleck, Raymond Burr, Richard Dawson, Dolly Parton, James Garner - pretty great, huh? But if you want, oh, let's say Richard Simmons (he he!) I can do that! And the other cool thing - all of the bottle caps are on sale for $5 throught the end of the year. These make awesome stocking stuffers and are also super cute tied on the top of presents. Check 'em out on http://www.metalsgirl.com/

Every girl could use a big green bauble, right?

About a year or so ago I found these funky, cool, random, vintage charms on etsy. I think the first one I bought was a copper camel. Totally random, huh? I thought they were pretty fun and wanted to find a way to use them. My sterling silver bangle charm bracelets are pretty popular (if I do say so myself) and people also like the plain brass bangles. So why not brass charm bangle bracelets? These vintage charms are just perfect for that! And I've since found some vintage colorful beads to add too. So each one has a vintage charm - like a camel or cat or rooster, or "I love you. Please don't smoke.", or an owl, or a donkey, or a chickadee, or a lightening bolt...plus a vintage bead, and a resin and herb charm.

They look great alone or piled on by the ton! They make a great gift for just about anyone. Check 'em out on www.metalsgirl.com

Your pooch on a pillow!

Every year we struggle with what to get my husbands grandmother. She is as sweet as she can be and it's not that she is hard to buy for - it's just that she doesn't need anything - you know? But she has this dog that she absolutely adores - Belle. Belle is the light of her life. So anything that involves Belle is usually a pretty good gift idea.

So I stumbled across Bonnie on etsy a few months ago and voila! Grandmother Christmas gift solved! All you do is e-mail Bonnie a photo of your dog (or cat) and she puts his or her likeness on a pillow. And let me tell you, the pillow is even more beautiful in person. The craftmanship is perfection. The resemblence is uncanny. I just could not have been happier when I got my pillow. The only problem? I want one of each of my 11 dogs now! Yikes! www.mybonnie.etsy.com

Boy gifts! Finally boy gifts!

It has taken me forever and a day to start a men's line - but I finally have a few things just for the boys! And these cuff links are the lastest addition. They are sterling silver and you can choose just about any color combination your heart desires. I really love 'em!! They are already available in my etsy store http://www.metalsgirl.etsy.com/ and will be available soon at http://www.metalsgirl.com/ Check 'em out and lemme know what you think!

Yummy to the Tummy!

Don't know what to take to that holiday party you're going to? Well here's just the thing! These carmels are soooooo good! I've tried several of them - the vanilla, the pecan praline, the key lime, the chocolate, the rasberry! They are all good. And I just ordered the egg nog! I can't wait to get them!! so if you are looking for something new and delicious this holiday season check out www.simplyseasonal.etsy.com

The gift for the impossible to buy for...

What feels better than giving a great gift knowing the money goes to a great cause?!?!?! Not much in my mind! So check out The 2009 Texas Howlers Music and Mutts calendar! The calendar is filled with 12 months of Texas musicians and their dogs. It's the BEST solution for everyone who is impossible to buy for and for the person who has everything - I mean, if you don't know what to get 'em it might as well be something where the $ goes to a good cause, right? And of course it's also great for the dog lover on your list, music fans...well, just nearly everyone. 100% of the proceeds goes to Blue Dog Rescue. Now let me give you my Blue Dog Rescue schpiel so you know just who your money is going to. Blue Dog was started back in 2000 and to date has rescued over 1,600 dogs. It is made up of a network of foster families and volunteers. The 501c3 non-profit organization runs entirely on donations and fundraising. There is no state funding whatsoever. It is a well respected, well run, caring group of people who want to help save dogs that would otherwise be euthanized for no better reason than lack of space. Our local city shelter euthanizes more that 12,000 dogs and cats each year so every penny Blue Dog gets helps them to save some of these dogs! So go to the web site http://www.bluedogrescue.com/ and check out the calendar - get one for yourself and for someone else and do something to help out this holiday season!! Some sweet dog out there will be very grateful!

My EVERYONE gift!

I love this bag! First of all it's super cute. Second, it's just enviromentally responsible to carry a bag like this with you to carry your purchases instead of using the sotres plastic or even paper bags. I still have a few friends and relatives (MOM!) who have not quite caught on to the reusable bag thing. So I figure if I give them these bags for Christmas they just have no excuses anymore. So this is my go-to gift for everyone this Christmas. *I hope they don't all read my blog* And the other great thing is that this is one roomy bag. And if this design isn't quite right or if you want to, like me, give different ones to several people you can choose from several cute, Cute, CUTE designs. There are new ones that say "give love", "give hope", "give peace" and more at http://www.melissavest.etsy.com/ Love it!!!

Oooh fun, I've been tagged!

This is super fun! I've been tagged by fellow metalsmith and jeweler, Danielle Embry, and need to write seven random facts about myself. Here goes...

1. My Dad wanted to name me Permella after some character in a book he was reading. But he and my mom got a dog right before I was born and named her that instead (thank goodness).

2. I have a crush on Richard Dawson circa early to mid 1970's.

3. I've had the same best friend since the first grade. We used to pretend we were the characters in the Trixie Beldon books and actually wrote notes back and forth in character. I was Trixie.

4. About five years ago I was at a New years Eve party and David Byrne was there and I kissed him at midnight!!!

5. I sometimes can't wait to go to sleep at night so that I can get up in the morning and get in my studio to start working...I love it that much!

6. My husband and I have full on conversations for our dogs. One even has a lisp. One is kinda gangsta. ;)

7. I have three framed Andy Gibb albums in my studio.

Is that random enough? :) And now, for my list of those I have tagged:

Kim Maguire
Kelly Holmes
Whimsey and Spice
Mary Smith
Beth Carls
Lauren
Studio Mela

THE RULES AND REGS: *Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blog.* Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Who doesn't love a sock monkey

I love the idea of buying handmade. And this year, with the economy what it is, it feels even better to buy from "the little guy". So check out this adorable sock monkey I bought! Isn't it just the cutest?!?!? As soon as she came in the mail I decided I would get them for all of the kids in my life. Check 'em out here www.friedokra.etsy.com And these itty bitty square resin necklaces are a great option for the little girls in your life. They hang on a 16in. sterling silver bead chain. So they will be long on young girls but the they won't grow out of them. And they're cool for adults too - great for layering!! You can find them on my web site www.metalsgirl.com

And the winner is...plus some other stuff

Robyn! You are the winner of my little blog contest! Yay! Thanks to everyone who voted! I am suprised a little - seems like a lot of people have never seen Miracle on 34th St. You should check it out. It's such a sweet, totally 50's movie. I love that era, the innocence of it. Anyway, it's great. Natalie Woods best movie by a mile. So Yay Roby, you are gonna be gettin' a pair of my new resin drop earrings just for giving me your two cents!

So I hope everyone one had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I for one did my due diligence and stuffed myself until near popping. Which, for future reference, I would would suggest avoiding if you have recently had abdominal surgery. Not a great idea. But the food was yummy and the company was even better.

And last but not least, the holidays are upon us, like it or not. So I am going to try to blog everyday - offering up some holiday suggestions - mostly gift related but possibly some recipes here and there or some invaluable bits of wisdom! :) Okay, maybe not so much on the wisdom, but the shopping/gift buying I know a thing or two about. So, although I will offer up some ideas from people/places other than my own work, this first suggestion is straight from www.metalsgirl.com This is one of my most popular. See it just doesn't matter - young or old, funky or conservative - everyone seems to like these bangles and these skinny stacking rings. Get 'em in sterling silver, brass or 14k gold. And for a personal touch, add a silver charm with initials or a birthdate - your friend-sister-aunt-mom will love it!

Tell me which one is YOUR favorite!!

I have tried and tried and I just cannot decide which movie I like more when it comes to Chrismas movies. Of course I do have it narrowed down to the two - Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life. But that just goes with out saying, right? I mean, what else is there to choose from? Maybe White Christmas, but nah, it's just these two.

So here's the deal. You tell me which one is your favorite. We'll see which one get's the most votes. And on Sunday November 30th I will draw one of the names from the list of voters and that person will win a pair of my brand new Resin Drop Earrings. Sounds fun, right?

Thanks in advance for participating!! Feel free to make arguments for why one movie is better than the other...or even make suggestions of other good holiday movies, understanding none can top these two! ;)

The blues...

I just made these new earrings!! They aren't even on my website yet - hopefully they will be by tomorrow evening. Anyway, I am lovin' 'em!! They look like little pools of shimmering water. In fact they are discs of sterling silver that I hammered into concave shapes that hold a little pool of aqua blue resin. They are dainty and sweet - I might just have to keep this pair for myself. Tomorrow I am gonna make more in red and pink and orange and purple and gold and...

We'll start here...

So when you tell someone that you foster dogs the next questions is always, without fail, "how many dogs do you have?" I have 11 dogs. It's a real lot, I know. And no, we don't live in the country. And we aren't weirdo collectors. :) It's just that after fostering for nearly 10 years a few have decided not to leave. Anyway, the dogs and fostering are a big part of who I am so I thought I would start introducing you to them one at a time. So this is Preacher. My "Big Man". He is a 10 year old Great Dane that we adopted from Great Dane Rescue in Dallas when he was just under a year old. He was deaf and no one wanted him. Well, it was their loss. He is smart, sweet, and handsome as all get out! :)

I know an author! I think that makes me cool!

This is seriously so cool! As long as I have know Fara she has talked about "Jake the Dot" - a coffee table book meets coloring book meets inspiring message. This year "Jake" became a reality! It is a wonderful, wonderful book that you should own. And you can get your very own copy - and copies for great Christmas gifts - this Tuesday November 25th at the Holiday Art Fair @ the Gingerman! I'll be there with my jewelry, there will be cool clothes, baked goods, soft-as-can-be quilts, bags, knit wear for those soon-to-be cold nights, and even more!! We'll be there from aroun 6-9ish! Come see us and get your copy of "Jake the Dot"! Support local creativity!!!

Meet the REAL Willie Nelson!

Let me start by saying that this unbelievably cute dog is available for adoption! I wanted to start with that because if you feel you need to leave my blog and rush over to http://www.bluedogrescue.com/ to find out more about this cutie pie - well I completely understand. I know that I cannot compete with a cute dog and I'm okay with that. His name is Willie Nelson and if you adopt him he will sing Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain to you....okay, not really, but with a face like that he doesn't really need to do tricks! Believe it or not this adorable dog has gotten very little adoption interest. Just blows my mind because he's adorable and he's even enrolled in an obedience class learning everything it takes to be a well behaved boy. If you or someone you know is in the market for a dog make sure you head straight for a rescue dog!! Willie Nelson is just one example of the dogs that fill our local shelters. Millions of dogs just like Willie are euthanized every year for no better reason that lack of space. Now if you're thinking, "But I want a pure bred Pug.", I have three things for you - one: Isn't it more important to save a life than to get a dog because you like the look of it? two: if you have to get a pure bred dog look for a pure breed rescue. Just google "pug rescue" or "standard poodle rescue" or whatever the breed is - I promise you you'll find a rescue group for that breed. and three: why get a dog that looks like thousands of other dogs when you can get a dog that looks like Willie Nelson! Well, he looks a little young for Willie Nelson...oh, you get my point!!!

1000 Markets

I was browsing through some blogs the other day and read about this new online market place... 1000 Markets. I scooted on over there to check it out. And I really liked what I saw. It's a bit different from the other online market places, namely etsy. Now before I go a step further let me say - I luv etsy! I am an etsy junkie! But I think there is room for more. So, with that said, 1000 Markets is a bit different. For one it's juried. So you have to apply to be able to have a shop there, which is kinda cool. And each shop has it's own blog - Love that idea! And it's own Facebook style "wall" to write on. I love these components because it just makes it all so much more personal. I would luuuuuv to be able to go to art shows and meet all these cool folks in person, but since we are scattered all over the world this is a great substitute. So check out 1000 Markets! It's new, let's see if we can help get this baby off the ground. Check out my shop (pictured above) http://www.1000markets.com/users/metalsgirl Buy handmade this holiday season. In this strained economy it's even more important to support the little guy. And here at 1000 Markets you can buy handmade and find gifts for the kids in your life, men, neighbors, coworkers, grandparents, loved ones - all in one stop! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

'Tis the season!

So I've been thinking, I've got all these gifts to buy, I need to be promoting my "shop", decorating, sending cards, baking, oh the pressure of the holidays. But I put the pressure on myself. I always want it to be prefect. Not only look perfect but feel perfect. Make sure I get the most out of all of the holiday experiences. The tough part is that this is my busiest time of the year. So slowing down to enjoy the moment is tough. While I've been laid up in bed I've been thinking of my next mass e-mail. What do I want to say, when should I send it, should I have a "special", etc. I started thinking about what I would like to see in this kind of e-mail if it were coming from someone else. And you know what, I think everyone want's the same thing as me, to just enjoy the holidays without so much stress. So here is my itty bitty way that I thought I could help. Some of you know that I am a bit of an etsy addict. Talk about feeling good when you buy. Here is a way to not buy from the big box store and still get your goodies shipped right to your house! You are supporting handmade and shopping online! It's brilliant! So here are some of my suggestions:

*kids: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=36690 I have bought these super cute kids clothes for friends kids and they love them!

*neighbors/coworkers: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5797821 If you don't have time to bake these are soooo yummy and not boring at all!

*friends who need to learn to be green: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17270725 so cute and a great message!

*your funky, fun aunt/sister/friend: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5171535 I got one of these for me and one for my mom!

*the eclectic boy in your life: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5043927 I bought the "cool beans" t-shirt for my little brother. No other kid in his high school has one like it!

*And of course, for everyone in your life: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5109160 :)

Hope this may be of some help to some of you. I'll post more ideas as the season speeds along. Let's all try to stay sane together!!

Who needs a stinkin' gall bladder anyway?

Would you like to see where I'll be spending all of my time over the next few days? Right here in my bed wondering how they can pull an entire organ out of such a tiny hole. Seriously, I had my gall bladder removed and I have four teeny tiny incisions across my belly. Now I don't know how big a gall bladder actually is, but I would assume that it is bigger than a grain of rice and I swear these cuts aren't any bigger than that. Now with that said the pain is MUCH larger than a grain of rice! But I have this wonderful, ushy, squshy, comfy, cozy bed and a sweet, doting husband to help me recover! I am sure I'll be back in the studio in no time at all!!

Christmas cards, already?

I know it's only the very beginning of November but I've got to start thinking about these things. So what do you think about this photo for our Christmas card picture? Let me back up a bit - every year I include a photo of one of our dogs in our Christmas card. i try to use a different dog every year - and with 11 to choose from, well, I never have to use the same dog year after year. So, let me introduce you to Preacher. He is our 10 year old Great Dane. We rescued him from Great Dane Rescue in Dallas when he was just 10 months old. Is he not the most gorgeous boy you have EVER seen? he was dumped by his "lovely" breeder when they discovered he was deaf. Well let me tell you, a deaf dog is a blessing in disguise. I'm not saying all breeds would be "good" deaf dogs - but Preacher is AWESOME! No barking when the doorbell rings, I can vaccuum right next to his head - well, he is just the best dog in the whole world. His only fault - he can get the bread off the top of the fridge. Our solution: a bread box! Anyway, I stray from my point...Isn't this a great photo for a Christmas Card? All the white and all? i love it! And I absolutely love to bits my big Preacher Man!!

All happy and ready to go!

So here's me. Happy as a clam. Just home from a wonderful seven days in New York City. We have a new president elect. The weather is cool and the holidays are right around the corner. Life is good, really good. In fact, it's so good I am wanting to share - so here's the deal: Place an order on http://www.metalsgirl.com/ and tell me you loved my blog photo (hey, I don't mind fishing for compliments!) and I'll send you a free gift along with your order!! Now you've gotta order this week - sometime before Sunday November 16th. Any questions? Shoot me an comment or an e-mail. Happy Fall!

Oh Happy Day!

Come on people, Vote!

I know, I know, you're getting it from all angles. If you turn on the tv you are blasted with it. Head out of your house and your neighbors have the signs in the yard. The bumper stickers, billboards, buttons, radio ads - the message is everywhere - Vote! And here I am adding to the onslaught of it all. Well, it's because it's crazy important. Okay, so not only is it important, but it's super cool too if you think about it. If you are old enough you get a say so in who the next LEADER OF THE NATION is. That's huge! HUGE! So many of us have become so complacent. We seem to have forgotten that not even that long ago women couldn't vote! If you were black, you couldn't vote! Only white men could vote - how insane is that? Now, we can all cast our ballot. I never want to forget all of the people before me who fought for my rights. The best way we can honor those people is to take advantage of the rights they fought for. So vote. Vote. Educate yourself and vote. If you are sick of all the news shows and the commercials and don't know who to believe, visit this web site http://www.votehelp.org/ It's great. It will ask you a bunch of questions and show you which candidate shares your views. It's cool and pretty fun and interesting even if you already know who you are voting for. Now don't forget to vote! :)

Serious Withdrawl!

Okay, this is a very serious matter. Don't think I'm kidding, I am having pinkberry withdrawl. It's no joke. Why, why for the love of dog is there not a pinkberry in Austin?!?!? I mean for real! I want my medium-original-3 topping-rasberries-almonds-coconut pinkberry! For those of you who have not had the pleasure - you have to go to New York or California to get one - how sad is that?

So here's a picture of me eating my first pinkberry of my recent trip to the city. Looky, you can see my bangles in the photo. Okay, now back to the pinkberry. My hubby likes the captain crunch and fruity pebbles on his...I'd like to try some other toppings but I can't get away from the berry, nut, coconut toppings. Ahhhhh, well. I suppose I've gone on long enough. You might not be able to get a pinkberry, but I know where you can get your hands on some of those cool bangles! *wink wink*

ahhhhhh New York!

This city makes me smile at every turn. The other morning after breakfast we went to the Union Square Green Market and there were THE most beautiful flowers and fress fruit and veggies. It's 55 degrees or so, flowers are blooming everywhere - the food in this city is ridiculous! It's a good thing you have to walk everywhere. i swear I could eat my weight in Magnolia cupcakes - red velvet please! I've got all kinds of ideas for new work and can't wait to get started...

Brand Spankin' New!

So I have this friend, I won't name names, but Charlotte, you know who you are! Anyway, we met years ago when she and her husband adopted a dog from me (Haley - the first of the three dogs in the charms). Since we've known each other she has been a great supporter of my work. She often comes up with ways to tweak something in my line to make it more personal, more "her". It's awesome because it makes me think outside the box. Her most recent "want" was photos of her three precious dogs (Haley, Boulder, and Charlie - all rescues I might add!) in resin. So here's what I came up with. And I sure do love it if I do say so myself! These are becoming a part of my custom line for sure! You could do ANYTHING! Photos of pets, kiddos, your sweetie, fancy initials, old black and white family portraits, kids artwork...the skies the limit. They are sterling silver 16x16 mm squares with a heavy sterling silver bail. Look for them soon on http://www.metalsgirl.com/

Cotton Candy is Super Duper!

I do love me some cotton candy. But what I love even better is a cold day on the beach WITH cotton candy! Let me just say - todays blog post is about nothing more than this: I am aching for cold weather, my trip to New York, and I wouldn't turn down some cotton candy if someone offered it to me right this minute.

Last April, when we were in New York, we took the train out to Coney Island. Not too much was open and I think we saw one or two other people on the beach - so it was Perfect! Astroland was closed, and now, so sad, it is closed for good. But I got to see it and had a hot dog at Nathans right AFTER my cotton candy of course.

Anyway, I love this picture. I was truly enjoying every part of a beautiful day.

I am in love with Bloggers!

So just this week I have gotten e-mails from two LOVELY bloggers letting me know that they are featuring my work in thier blogs! Super duper cool! The first one is focused on the bride-to-be and the blogger suggests my work as a great gift for bridesmaids! Which I love doing, by the way!


http://www.almostabride.co.uk/almostablog.htm?blogentryid=3948259

The second blogger's focus is on the benefit of blogging. She chose a photo of my gold bangles - and it looks awesome with the grouping of other folks work.



http://pfeifferphotos.blogspot.com/2008/09/blogging-low-cost-high-return-business_10.html

So I just want to say Thank You! I appreciate it a Real lot!

Oh My Hoya!

Get a picture of this - me leaning backwards as far as possible without doing a backbend to get a picture of this upside down hanging flower. My dogs must have thought I was nuts. Anyway, how gorgeous is this flower?!?! I am constantly amazed by what nature produces. Not only are the colors amazing but the flowers look and feel like the thickest velvet you've ever felt. The best part is - this plant is pretty darn self-sufficient! I might water it once a month and it blooms weekly! Fabulous!

Drink up!

Last night we had dinner with friends. It was a good night. A fun group of people, playing cards, watching the football game on a big white sheet from a projector in the back yard, kids in the pool, the BEST spaghetti ever (the irish make good spaghetti sauce!), just a good evening. And then there was me - digging every last bottle cap out of the trash, off the ground, counter tops, etc. Lovely! But hey, all in the name of recycling and a cute bottlecap!

Coolio!

I feel famous! Seriously, how cool is this - my rings (these in particular) are featured on purplepinkandorange.com !!! I am so honored. It's a fun blog with a lot of cool finds. Check out the awesome bicycle basket - I need that for my cruiser, Betty. Yes, I have a bicycle named Betty. She's sooooooo cool! She's and old school cruiser, white with pink flames. And of course the Hello Kitty steamers hanging off of the handle bars. But I totally digress! Here's the link so you can check it out my blog mention: http://www.purplepinkandorange.com/blog/ Pretty cool, huh?!?!

Old School Monogram

Let me start by saying that I don't know if I've ever owned anything monogrammed in my life. But my college roommate did. And while I still don't think I'd go out and get my towels monogrammed, I will totally wear my initials on this necklace! Or, get creative - get your kids initials with your last name as the larger middle initial, or grandkids, or anniversary date with two initials on either side - think custom! I gotta tell you - I love doing custom work. I like hearing the stories of who it's for and why. It makes it so special knowing who it's for as I make it. You can check out my custom page on my web site http://www.metalsgirl.com/art/custom.htm But you are getting a preview of this necklace because it's not even on my website yet. Just e-mail me if you want it!! :)

I've got to toot her horn!

You've probably seen my previous posts with pictures from my full day photo shoot. Well, a couple of months have passed and I am still in love! I look through the pictures almost every day. Quite a testament to the photographer Casey Woods Maddeux. Check her out at www.caseywoods.com Here Haley and Kristin are showing off the Square Resin Necklace and the Giant Round Resin Necklace. I am crazy for all of the "circus tent" pictures - I'll have to post more soon! Anyway, they are fun and playful and everything I wanted.

Introducing Miss Sally Sunshine!

For those of you keeping up with the goings on at metalsgirl studio/rest of my life you probably remember Chia, my cutie pie foster with the bad case of mange. Well she is practically all better and looking GORGEOUS! A few days after we rescued her from the shelter her little sister made her way to the very same shelter. She was brought in by someone who found her in the exact same spot Chia had been found. Now we couldn't leave her there, could we?! So now we have Chia and her sister Sally! They are too adorable! Sally is a little bit smaller with more white in her fur but they are equal parts cute, sweet, and playful! Makes you just want to Kiss 'em!

Ooh la la!

I've been super duper busy lately, which is wonderful, but sometimes it makes it hard to come up with new designs. So a few months back I had a customer wanting a kinda specific design on a pair of earrings. We talked it through and together came up with these! Although hers were fuschia and lime green (real cute!). I loved them so much I decided they needed to become part of my repritoire! :) So here you go, coming soon to http://www.metalsgirl.com/ You saw it here first folks! The new "multi dotted hoops"! Love 'em!

And the winner is...

BRIT! The black, celery green, white, and red look fantastic together!! I actually just put the top coat of clear resin on this piece...so it's just started the drying process on one of my resin boards.

The black has no herb, the celery green has nutmeg for health and change, the white has sprigs of thyme for cleansing and clearing, and the red has a pinch of cloves for love and protection.

I want to thank all of you for participating in my little challenge. It was so cool to see all of your creative color choices. You guys Rock! I know I'm going to put several of them to use. Stay tuned for more photos ...

G'nite!

It's my Party and I'll Nap if I want to...

So today was my birthday! And while I'm not so thrilled with turning another year older I do have to admit I enjoy the idea of the birthday. Not so much the spectacle kind of birthday, more the do-whatever-you-want kind of birthday. So, I slept in, had a yummy brunch at my parents, opened presents, and then took a long, decadent, two hour nap! It was heavenly! That's the thing about birthdays, you do tend to think a bit about life...it's sure a good thing to be able to truly enjoy something as simple as a nap.

Time for some class participation - you'll be rewarded...

I had so much fun the last time you all gave me ideas I couldn't wait to do it again! But this time I've upped the ante! One of my favorite things to do in the process of making my resin jewelry is playing with colors. But try as I might I tend to be drawn to the same colors again and again...so here's where you come in. Check out the necklaces on the lovely model Kristin! This is what I call my Giant Round Necklace. It is a large sterling silver pendant filled with jewelry grade, hand-pigmented resin and herbs (each has a special meaning) and hangs on a 16in. sterling silver ball chain. It retails for $80. It has four rings of color - what I need from you are some new color combos. Here is a link to the colors I work with http://www.metalsgirl.com/art/people/herbs.htm Just let me know what four colors you think would look great together from the outer circle to the tiny inner circle. I challenge you to think outside the box. I'll randomly pick from the suggestions, make it, photograph it, post it here, and send it to the person who picked that color combo! Fun, huh?!? So send this to your friends, the more ideas the better! I'm going to decide on August 4th. I can't wait!!!!

I am so addicted!

So, there's not a whole lot that I am addicted to...well, I am pretty addicted to "So, you think you can dance?", but other than that it's just Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. I mean look at them! And they are waaaaaaaay more delicious than they even look. So, I bring this up because we just decided to take a trip back to NYC this fall, we were just there in March but...I guess I'm a little addicted to the city too...so anyway, first thing that comes to mind is CUPCAKES! :) Then I thought, "how can I turn this into a business trip?" I have like 30 stores that carry my work around the United States and even one in Venezuela, but none in New York City. So, my new goal is to get a store in the city or in Brooklyn or both! This brings me to the REAL point of my blogging - if anyone knows of a store that might be a good fit for my work shoot me an e-mail or comment. I'm up for any suggestion! Thanks!

Ch-ch-ch-chia!

Meet our newest foster dog! How cute is that face?!?!? This poor little one ended up at one of our local kill shelters when she was just five or six weeks old. She was just a mess - she had mange so bad that she was covered in sores and scabs. It never ceases to amaze me that people let things like this happen to helpless animals. But now she is getting lots of love, good, quality food, and medicine. And every day she gets better, grows more hair, and learns what it's like to be in a loving home. Now all she needs is to find a family to adopt her! www.bluedogrescue.com Who wouldn't love that face?!?!

And the Winner is...

Marge Simpson!!! Thanks so much to Mary for her suggestion. Who doesn't respect a strong, blue haired woman?!? And thanks to everyone else who made great suggestions. This whole "class participation" is a lot more fun than I remember it being in high school! :) We might have to do this again soon...

A glimpse into my world...

The very first "big" tool I ever got was my torch and I set it up in my parents garage. Then, when I had my own house it was in my little garage with a dirt floor - but truthfully, the possums used it more than I did. Then we moved to a house with a fancy two car garage! :) But now I'm big time! I have a studio inside my house! Air conditioning, cable, the whole shooting match! I love it! I've got a couple of jewelers benches - the one in the forefront my dad built for me. I enjoy being in there so much that I sometimes can't wait to go to sleep so I can get up and get to work. I fill the walls and spaces with things I love - from my framed Andy Gibb albums above my window to my great grandmothers sweater over the back of my chair. It is comfortable, happy, and inspiring. Oh, and there's for sure a tube of lip balm on nearly every surface! :)

TRUNK SHOW!

Okay, I ask you, what could be better than hanging out at your favorite local pub, visiting with friends, having a cold beer (one of like 80 on tap!), and shopping? Um, not a whole lot if you ask me. So, come see me! I'll be at the Ginger Man on Wednesday July 2nd! I have done several trunk shows at the G-Man over the years and it is one of my favorit-est things to do!

Here's the deal - I'll be there from 6 o'clock to, well, at least 9, probably a lot later! We'll have some snacks, there will be LIVE music from Little Mikey and the Soda Jerks (love that name!), beer, wine, and jewelry. There will also be a show special! Bring some friends for a super fun evening! I get so few chances to see your bright, shining faces - I'd love a chance to visit!

Oh, and if you aren't local or not in town, visit my online trunk show! http://www.metalsgirl.com/ - I've set up a special grouping of jewelry for those of you who can't attend in person. And there is no shipping charge - because if you were at the live trunk show there would be no shipping!

Okay, I hope to see you there!!!!

Who do you love?

I just took a bunch of new photos of jewelry, etc. the other day and had to spotlight Willie! Living in Texas it's a requirement that you love and adore Willie Nelson - I think you get your Texas citizenship revoked if you DON'T love Willie! And what better bottlecap to use than Lone Star - or at least some Texas beer?

So, my question is, "Who do you love?" Who should I consider adding to my bottlecap repritoire? So far I have the following fabulous people - Tom Selleck (of course!), Dolly Parton, Richard Dawson, Angela Lansbury, Willie, James Garner, Isaac (the bartender from the Love Boat), Obama, Bob Geldof...but who else deserves to be immortalized in resin? I mean, look at the company they would keep - it has to be people who would live up to the afore mentioned people! So, share your thoughts! If I pick yours I will happily send you your very own!

I'm so Excited!

Seriously, how cute is this picture?!?!? This is my precious friend Karen who was one of the seven wonderful, beautiful chickadees who modeled jewelry for my recent photo shoot. So, my web guy (aka my husband) just updated my website http://www.metalsgirl.com/ with several of the awesome photos (thanks Casey!) from the photo shoot. There are also all sorts of new items scattered around, tons 'o new closeout items, and an online trunk show. So check it out!

Life is good!

So my weekend started with getting to see the Cowboy Junkies do a radio broadcast in a tiny studio up at KGSR. Amazing! Then a birthday party for my sweet and silly (in the afro!) husband. Then a movie and dinner on Saturday. And a fabulous photo shoot of my jewelry on Sunday - hence the photo! Thank you Carrie and Tom! It was a Rock Star weekend for sure!

So, stay tuned for great photos of magnificent models showing off my jewelry. I will be posting more soon. And major thanks to Casey (www.caseywoods.com) for her expertise, professionalism, and creative eye. I can not wait to start showing off these pictures!

We put the FUN in Fundraiser!

This Sunday, May 4th is PERROS de MAYO!!! If you have been to this event before I am sure you are just as excited as I am that it is rolling around again! If you have not been then you better get your bootie out for this event! It is a ton 'o fun! Seriously! I am not just saying that because I happen to be a bit biased...it really, REALLY is so fun! Lemme tell you a bit about it - Music, beer, food, dogs! What more do you need? Okay, there is also a rockin' silent auction and a raffle (here's a secret about the raffle - as the day goes on, just holler out your ticket #, you'll get somthing!). If all of this was not enough this event is held at Austin's most fabulous pub - The Ginger Man!!! Like 80+ beers on tap, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, and an amazing staff.

Oh, and the Music! The line up this year is to die for! Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines (Texas legend of a producer and steel guitar player), Susan Gibson, Graham Wilkinson, Sally Allen, Hilary York (Hilary has played every benefit BDR has ever had at the G-man and we LOVE her for it!), porterdavis, Seela, and special guest Ian Moore.

It's fun all day long and 100% of the money goes to Blue Dog Rescue. So it's even better knowing the fun you are having is supporting a great cause. Did I mention the great beer and yummy food - oh, and Sangria!

So, Sunday May 4th from 1-9 pm. 304 W. 4th in Austin between Lavaca and Guadalupe. Be there or be square!