Bird Inspiration

Nature is all around me, so much of my creative ideas come from my environment.

I take almost daily walks with my two canine companions on my farm.  I love to get out and experience what each day has to offer.  Many times it is a new, or favorite, bird.  I just love to be able to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural surroundings.

An idea came to mind...try depicting these birds in my one-of-a-kind necklaces. 

I love watching birds and I love making necklaces, so the combination was a definite option.

Below are my first two necklace designs based on two birds that I occasionally see and always totally enjoy...the Cedar Waxwing and the Eastern Towhee. 

The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek bird, I have never seen it with ruffled feathers, with beautiful red wing-tip accents and bright yellow tail tips...simply gorgeous. 

The Eastern Towhee is a tri-colored bird, mainly black (for the male of the species), but it has magnificent red-brown sides and red eyes.  The color combination is definitely a standout.

I hope to continue making more bird-inspired necklaces soon. 

Let me know what you think of my first two bird-inspired necklaces...

Sleek Cedar Waxwing

https://www.etsy.com/listing/534818067/yellow-marble-and-yellow-jade?ref=shop_home_active_2

Drink Your Tea Eastern Towhee

https://www.etsy.com/listing/521006806/red-agate-crackle-agate-and-black?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Time Well Spent

There is not much new to share from my end. 

I continue to invest time in my at-home photography courses.  Time well spent I might add.

Yet, visions of new necklace designs and new paintings swirl about in my head.  I just got to get back to my paints and beads soon.

Spring is in full swing here at the farm.  Rain has been frequent.  And, my perennial gardens are lush, healthy and full of early flowers.  The many colors of my irises certainly put a smile on my face.  I LOVE color.

My Turkish poppies are just beginning to bloom.  The bold red is magnificent.  Previously,  I have created a one-of-a-kind necklace based on these poppies.  If you like red, you must check it out in my Etsy shop at:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/130295685/vintage-czech-glass-beads-ooak-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_3.  This necklace is created entirely with vintage Czech beads.

Another necklace created especially for this season, I do have others, is based on the fabulous spring greens.  Again, look to my Etsy shop for details at:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/398735913/vintage-czech-glass-green-serpentine?ref=shop_home_active_85.  This necklace certainly says spring to me.  What about you?

Some of my necklaces I am offering for sale have been based on the flowers in my garden.

My next idea is to create a necklace or two based on the many wonderful birds that grace my gardens and farm.  I am anxious to get to work...actually, more like having fun!

Take some time to yourself and have fun doing those things that give you pleasure...it will be time well spent.

Two New Necklaces for Those Who Desire BOLD

I have been itching to do a bit of hands-on creating.

Lately, my spare time has been spent reading/learning camera and photography techniques and even a bit of artwork lessons, but nothing resulting in concrete, hold in my hands, creations.

So, this week, I filled some of my spare time making two new one-of-kind necklaces.

The first necklace is a matte-finished brown marble...chunky, bold, simple, and earthy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/508459524/redbrown-marble-natural-stone-ooak?ref=shop_home_active_3

The second necklace is an out-of-the-box idea made with eight different kinds of jasper beads - again, bold and maybe a little crazy...certainly very different, specifically for unique or for those wanting to be unique individuals.  Maybe it is time for YOU to step out of your box!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/508806048/multi-jasper-eight-different-kinds?ref=shop_home_active_1

Now, my problem is that I have many more ideas floating around in my head and I do not want to stop making more necklaces.

Unfortunately, I have quite an inventory of my OOAK necklaces at the moment. 

So, I am placing a self-imposed rule on myself.  I have to sell one necklace in order to make one new necklace.

Please help me out...my well-being is at stake. 

I know there must be one of my necklaces that meets your wants, one that matches an outfit in need, or one that would be the perfect gift for a BFF.  Take a look at my complete inventory at  https://www.etsy.com/shop/MtnGlen?ref=hdr_shop_menu&section_id=12049176.   As previously mentioned, these are one-of-a-kind.  Once sold, that specific necklace will never be made by me again.

Have fun taking a gander.  Many thanks!

Changing Seasons

Spring is here!  The weather is gorgeous.

I am spending a lot more time outdoors, so my activity has changed.  My indoor fun time of making one-of-a-kind necklaces and practice painting have transitioned into longer walks and gardening. 

I like to think of my walks as treating my two dogs to adventure walks, but I get plenty of photo-taking time in the process, too. The non-year 'round birds are beginning to return to our farm. The spring song that all the birds create is beautiful...and loud. I am ecstatic!  I love birds and I love to take bird photos.

I have also invested in a DVD photography course to help me improve my photographic skills.  The information obtained in the Introduction alone was worth the price of the course.  I am learning so many new techniques. It was also a pleasant surprise to hear about techniques that I already use.  Those which I learned myself by taking photo after photo...a kind of 'on the job' training. 

In addition, I am reviewing my camera manual which is full of even more helpful information.

I know I have a long way to go, but the process is interesting and so rewarding.

May I suggest that you take  a walk and make a discovery in your own neighborhood.  You might just be surprised at what you find.

And, most of all, enjoy!

Where Have I Been?

I cannot believe that I have not posted to this site in...well, years - ugh!

All I can say is that I have been busy doing all the things that I like to do.  I just have not been sharing on this blog.  I hope to remedy that situation...now!

I continue to create my one-of-kind necklaces.  I have so much fun! These necklaces are available for sale in my Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MtnGlen?ref=hdr_shop_menu&section_id=12049176 .        Please take a look as I am sure one (or more) will help you in completing an outfit in your wardrobe.  My newest necklaces are...

Tourmaline Treasure 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/506562587/tourmaline-natural-stonesgemstones?ref=shop_home_active_41

Tarnished Turquoise

https://www.etsy.com/listing/507900793/landscape-stone-natural-stonesgemstones?ref=shop_home_active_35

Ice Flow

https://www.etsy.com/listing/507788689/black-obsidian-tourmalinated-quartz?ref=shop_home_active_36

Southwestern Flair

https://www.etsy.com/listing/507902473/landscape-stone-natural-stonesgemstones?ref=shop_home_active_34

Also, I  am spending a bit more time with my photography.  I love to take photos.  Good thing that my camera is digital.  I can take upwards toward 100 photos on an average day.  Of course, maybe only one of the hundred is noteworthy, but it is worth getting that one photo.  I am still very much a novice, but my current photography workshops are teaching me a great deal.  Now, if I only had a small fortune to spend on a camera upgrade.  Hopefully, in time.

I have just added three of my photos, from a 2016 weekend trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to my Etsy offerings as instant downloads.  If the photos prove to be successful, I will add more from my other walks in life, especially from our Shenandoah Valley Virginia farm - my retreat, my respite.  My photos are offered at:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/MtnGlen?ref=hdr_shop_menu&section_id=14429322.  Please take a look and let me know what you think...really!

I also have a few other projects that I am looking forward to pursuing.  Time is always the limiting factor.  But, if I do, I will certainly post my efforts here.

Happy Day today and always!

A Personal Achievement

 

I was fully enjoying my favorite month, the month of October, when suddenly November arrived.

...the time changed, falling back one hour. Now, my days will seem even shorter than they already do - pooh!  And, with more darkness, I will have even less time to do the things I want to do - ugh!
 

The temperatures have significantly cooled from the warm 60’s and 70’s of October to as low as 30 degrees at night. Potted plants had to be carted indoors. The last of the garden harvest gathered.

 

Glenn finally started the furnace for the season, never before November 1, and now we have heat in the house - hurray!    I do not like to be cold.

 

My lack of posting here is testament to the fact that I keep myself super busy with farm and house chores; thus, neglecting my creative time.  That is not to say that I completely ignore the creative stuff, but I wish I delegated more time to it.
 

So,I recently treated myself to a beginner painting class.

 

Each class attendee painted the same picture, Chickadee on Snow-covered Branch.  The subject was so appropriate and timely.   To be able to paint a bird commonly found at my bird feeder and, the way the weather was forecasted, we were expecting our first snow. The only snow to arrive, though, is what I painted into my picture.  

 

 

my work station - first step - criss cross brush strokes of sap green

The instructor provided all the materials as well as her expertise and love of painting.  I just had to listen and paint and enjoy...which I did willingly. This was my first ever attempt at oil painting and I love it!

 

At the end, each novice artist went home with an amazing oil painting. I was so surprised with my resulting canvass.

 

I am already looking forward to continuing with this, new to me, hobby.

 

Glenn is already making sounds about me adding one more ‘fun’ thing to my full schedule.  Hey…life is too short to stop expanding one’s interests. 

 Next???  Come back and see what I have planned for early December.



(Note:  If  you noticed under 'About Me', I listed painting as a new pursuit - yeah...I started!)

My Return

I am back at it...making new one-of-a-kind necklaces that is.

I took quite a vacation from this most enjoyable activity because, quite frankly, my inventory was exploding.

Now, that I have made a few sales, I can justify making more.  And, I will. I am!

These are the first two, of my return, with many more to come...let me know what you think...really, I would like some feedback.  Just leave a comment below on these or any others in my Etsy shop.  I would like to know what is interesting and what is not.

This first one I named, 'Spring Thaw'. Can you imagine the ice on a frozen river or pond breaking up with the warming temperatures?  Do you see just a hint of spring? 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/181980408/tourmalinated-quartz-natural?ref=shop_home_active_2


This second one is for Dog Lovers, or not.  Notice the dog bone shape of the beads.  A bit of whimsy with lots of cheery color.  'Make someone happy' as the jingle goes. 


https://www.etsy.com/listing/182085181/rosa-marble-multi-calcite-peridot-jasper?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Working with Another Etsy Shop

You have seen a sampling of my one-of-a-kind necklaces in previous blog posts.

 

And, you have also seen the complimentary fabric drawstring gift bags that I am giving with each of my necklace purchases during 2014 in other blog posts. These gems are made by Maureen and sold in her Etsy Shop, mgl5213. 

 

Now, see a few examples of the pairings...

 

 

 

 

Enticing?

 



Revamping My Necklace Photos

I decided I needed to revamp the way I photograph my one-of-a-kind necklaces.  They need to be shown as they will be worn... around the neck.

So, I purchased a small neck display. And, I started the slow process of taking some new photographs.

What do you think?


https://www.etsy.com/listing/165176463/saguaro-jasper-colonial-jasper-and-dark?ref=shop_home_active_7



https://www.etsy.com/listing/113308068/old-crazy-lace-agate-and-leopardskin?ref=shop_home_active_12



https://www.etsy.com/listing/165338160/lapis-lazuli-and-sodalite-natural?ref=shop_home_active_5

Are they portrayed in a better way that screams....BUY ME?

I hope so!

Please check out my shop for more of the new photos.  I will be converting more necklace listings daily.

Valentine Gift Suggestions

Valentine's Day is near at hand...may I make a few suggestions for gift-giving...for your sweetheart, BFF, Mother and even yourself?

These items are all listed in my Etsy shop.  I regularly ship the day after I receive the order, sometimes on the day I receive the order.  Using the USPS, receipt of your purchase can be anywhere between three days and eight days. I cannot guarantee the arrival date, so please order early. That being said, I think any items purchase by February 5, 2014 will arrive in time for the special day.

Red, pink and hearts quickly come to mind when I think Valentine's Day, so...consider these natural stone/gemstone, vintage Czech glass one-of-a-kind necklaces designed and hand made by me...



https://www.etsy.com/listing/161584452/bead-necklace-vintage-czech-glass-beads?ref=shop_home_active_16



https://www.etsy.com/listing/130295685/bead-necklace-vintage-czech-glass-beads?ref=shop_home_active_29




https://www.etsy.com/listing/128968919/pink-lepidolite-black-obsidian-pink?ref=shop_home_active_47




https://www.etsy.com/listing/127294819/rhodonite-natural-gemstonestone-and?ref=shop_home_active_61




https://www.etsy.com/listing/115785707/rose-quartz-and-rhodonitequartz-natural?ref=shop_home_active_73



https://www.etsy.com/listing/164085166/red-coral-cupolini-vintage-czech-glass?ref=shop_home_active_32



https://www.etsy.com/listing/107151367/rhodonite-fossil-agate-obsidian?ref=shop_home_active_28

All these necklaces come with a complimentary drawstring fabric gift bag (as seen below - made by Etsy shop mgl5213) - the sparkly hearts bag will be the choice until they run out, so please make your purchase early.



Perhaps, you live in a cold climate and a hand-knitted scarf would be more appropriate...



https://www.etsy.com/listing/175869074/knit-scarf-warm-mix-of-purple-wine-grey?ref=shop_home_active_3



https://www.etsy.com/listing/168702399/knit-scarf-red-with-flecks-of-blue-pink?ref=shop_home_active_45



https://www.etsy.com/listing/168711427/knit-scarf-multi-colored-pinks-greens?ref=shop_home_active_48

Or, perhaps a vintage Gladys Taber book for the Gladys Taber fan...



https://www.etsy.com/listing/158579006/gladys-taber-vintage-conversations-with?ref=shop_home_active_11

I have plenty of other items and plenty of other colors....check out my site and you decide.

Have fun while perusing my shop for that perfect gift.