End of Year Reflection

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

 

Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on the past year.

 

My main intention for writing this blog was not to record, but to provide additional incentive for my creative side.

 

I am realizing that I really do not need incentive...I already love to create. 

 

I love to take beautiful natural stones/gemstones beads and arrange them into one-of-a-kind necklaces. 

I love to write accounts of my daily life whether it be in story form or in letters to dear friends.  I love to capture my world in photographs.  I love to take basic materials, such as yarn or fabric, and create crafts and art as a simple scarf or an elaborate quilt. I love to take someone else's recipe and make it my own with the addition or subtraction of ingredients.

Creating is not a problem for me. 

 

 

 

Creating makes me happy.  No idle hands here.

 

In reflection, this past year can only be considered as one great year!

 

What makes you happy?  Whatever it is go and do it!  NOW!  Choose to make every day a GREAT day. 

 

That's my plan.  And, I am the only one that can make that happen. ME.  Power used wisely.

 

What an amazing gift to one's self!

Simply Scarves

I think I have stated many times before that I have many creative interests.  However, I am a novice at most and an expert in none.  Frankly, I just enjoy having my hands involved in many different creative outlets.

I learned to knit, very basically, from my Mother when I was a young girl.  In high school, I jumped at the opportunity to take a new class, Needlecrafts.  In this class, I was able to step up techniques learned as a child in many needlecraft areas - knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint and the like.  I loved that class.  Even though I was rooted in college bound courses, mainly science, Needlecrafts was the most satisfying.  I made sweaters that I could wear.  I made pillows with my own designs. 

So, when my friend asked me to teach her to knit, I did not hesitate to answer in the affirmative.  Even though I had not knitted in years, I still remembered the basics and I was sure I could teach Ann to knit in an afternoon.

 

I was wrong about ‘in an afternoon’.  I met with Ann many afternoons, lots of afternoons.  And, as a result, I ended up with many more scarves than my family could use or that I could make for other friends.

Now, I am offering my surplus scarf inventory in my Etsy shop.  Perhaps, one of my scarves will fit your needs either as your new winter accessory or as a special gift. Please, take a look. Check out my shop for item details. 

And, scarves make wonderful gifts for just about everyone!

As of today, my current scarves for sale are:

 

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

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/168696226/knit-scarf-multi-colored-blues-browns?ref=related-0


https://www.etsy.com/listing/168695122/knit-scarf-coffee-brown-with-flecks-of?ref=shop_home_active


https://www.etsy.com/listing/168706959/knit-scarf-multi-colored-purples-blues?ref=shop_home_active


https://www.etsy.com/listing/168691970/knit-scarf-multi-colored-blues-browns?ref=shop_home_active


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

Ann is still trying to grasp knitting, so I will continue to knit as I sit next to her -  providing guidance and making more scarves. 

Maybe, just maybe she really needs a new instructor?  So far, she seems satisfied with me and I am thrilled to be able to spend time with my special friend!  Hmmm…maybe that is her plan all along.

Sharing time with a friend is time well spent!

A New Direction

Here is my latest creative tangent...my original photography printed (by a professional lab) on greeting cards.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/167113532/set-of-three-different-images-5-x-7?ref=shop_home_active


Why not?

I have been taking photos for years.  Now, I thought I would share of few of my personal favorites with the world. Well, actually, I have already shared many photos on my two blogs. But, this sharing is a bit different. More information and purchases can be made from my Etsy shop.

If I have success with these three images from my Shenandoah Valley Collection, I will add more.  Nature and our farm are my most popular subjects at the moment.

Let me know what you think of my first release.

Yes...I really want your feedback!

Holiday Season 2013

The Holiday Season is fast approaching.  Christmas is two months away.

Will you be ready???  Remember the adage…”Time Flies”.  You know everyone believes those two little words because they are so true.

Now is the time to not only start thinking about your gift purchases, but to start making them.  Give yourself enough time to consider each special person on your gift list. Then, make that unique purchase, wrap the gift with love and finally give with your heart.  What a joy for you and the recipient!

The entire process can be a wonderful experience, if…you begin early.  Do not let the last minute holiday rush get you down.  It is your choice to enjoy…or not.  I suggest you choose the ‘enjoy’ option. 

Who is on your gift list?  A special friend, your Mother, your sister, your Aunt, your child’s favorite teacher, your Secret Santa pal, someone you want to thank, your daughter, a distant cousin…the list goes on.

 

 

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

Add happiness to someone’s life and you will feel the happiness, too!

 

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/165265575/aragonite-and-calcite-natural?ref=shop_home_active

May I suggest a one-of-a-kind, very unique beaded necklace that I have made with love from my farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  Each and every necklace is original as no patterns have been used and no duplication have been made. 

To make these necklaces even more special, I have included a few with fabulous zippered bags that are ideal for storage, travel and, of course, gift-giving.  These bags are made and are available through the Etsy shop, LHMaterials.  (see October 1, 2013 blog - A Partnership..of sorts) So, if you want to add bags to other necklace choices, you can visit that shop directly to make a purchase to complete the necklace/bag pairing.

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126013567/ching-hai-jade-green-aventurine-seagreen?ref=shop_home_feat

 

Both my shop, MtnGlen, and LHMaterials ship quickly to satisfy our customer needs.  Try us once and see how we do.  I know you will be satisfied with the products and customer service - you will want to return again.

Are you ready to shop? Have fun!

P.S.  NAME CHANGE ONLY - Etsy shop LHMaterials is now SewFabricDeals

A Partnership....of sorts

Recently, within the last week to be specific, I initiated a loose partnership with a fellow Etsy shop/seller.

 

I searched for a product that I thought would enhance my one-of-a-kind necklaces and that my necklaces would pair with other product nicely...I found that product and Etsy shop, LHMaterials.

 

I contacted the shop owner Lisa and we almost immediately formed this partnership...I advertise her shop on my Etsy necklace listings and she advertises my shop on her bag listings - perfect!

 

I also bought five of her beautiful, handmade bags to include with five of my necklaces.  Those bags really add to the desirability of those necklaces.  And, why not...they are adorable, well made and so useful.  The bags are not only a soft and appropriate storage for my beaded necklaces, but they are also great as a travel case AND together, the pairing makes a wonderful gift - think BBF, teacher appreciation, Mother, Aunt, Sister...

 

It's easy...purchase one of my necklace/bag combinations or buy a necklace from my Esty shop and peruse/buy a bag that either matches or makes a statement from LHMaterials.

 

Here are the necklace/bag combos you can purchase from my shop. Do not think too long...I imagine they will go fast especially with the holidays rapidly approaching.

 

 

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/126013567/ching-hai-jade-green-aventurine-seagreen?ref=shop_home_feat



https://www.etsy.com/listing/152164549/bead-necklace-aragonite-snow-quartz?ref=shop_home_feat



https://www.etsy.com/listing/162622371/bead-necklace-porcelain-and-ceramic?ref=shop_home_feat




https://www.etsy.com/listing/164145384/bead-necklace-tourmalinated-quartz-black?ref=shop_home_active



https://www.etsy.com/listing/128581699/porcelain-with-amazonite-nugget-natural?ref=shop_home_feat


Have you decided on your favorite yet?

Coffee Collection

I just created my FIRST collection of one-of-a-kind, natural gemstone/stone necklaces.  I call it the 'Coffee Collection'.

I do not drink coffee, never have.  But, the first necklace of the three created in the collection just looked like coffee to me; thus, the names.  Necklace #1 is Mocha Latte.  Necklace #2 is Raspberry Latte.  Necklace #3 is Latte Macchiato. 


https://www.etsy.com/listing/161550240/bead-necklace-brown-snow-jasper-and-grey?ref=shop_home_feat

The idea behind the collection is that one necklace can be worn as a single strand or necklace #2 or #3 can be added for a multi-strand, more bold, statement.  The options:  #1, #2, #3, #1 & #2, #1 & #3, and #2 & #3.  A 'wild' woman might choose to wear all three at the same time.  Of course, that would mean sporting three clasps on the back of the neck which could prove uncomfortable unless said person were also wearing a turtleneck.  Go crazy..why not!


https://www.etsy.com/listing/162674826/bead-necklace-ruby-ziosite-purple?ref=listing-shop-header-1


https://www.etsy.com/listing/162676878/bead-necklace-grey-quartz-purple?ref=listing-shop-header-0

As an added incentive to try something different, I am including 10% OFF the total price if two or three necklaces in the collection are purchased together. And, only one shipping fee is charged.

Interested?  Then, quick rush to my Etsy shop (see web address above - in red) before you miss out. And PLEASE, convo me first before the purchase so that I can give you the coupon code for the discount.

Enjoy your cup, or should I say necklace, of Joe.

Ny Newest Necklace Creations - Take A Look!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161550240/bead-necklace-brown-snow-jasper-and-grey

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161568002/bead-necklace-vintage-czech-glass-beads

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161811869/bead-necklace-yellow-turquoise-multi

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161813741/bead-necklace-fancy-jasper-and-red

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161804246/bead-necklace-blue-lace-agate-grey

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162476846/bead-necklace-peridot-new-jade-natural

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162479566/bead-necklace-golden-yellow-porcelain?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162491576/bead-necklace-red-marble-and-red-jasper?

Still very different...still one-of-a-kind!

Remember..if you see one you like, you better act quick because once a necklace sells, you will never see it offered again.

The Coming of October

Are you thinking about the upcoming, vibrant October…crisp mornings, pumpkins lying in wait in the fields, the multitude of hues as green leaves transform into the warm colors of autumn - yellows, reds and all their variations?

 

Get into the spirit of Fall with a one-of-a-kind beaded necklace that sports one or several of the colors of the season - an accessory that packs a punch, makes a statement, without a huge investment!

 

My suggestions….

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108291089/bead-necklace-colorful-porcelain-and


https://www.etsy.com/listing/161295194/bead-necklace-colonial-and-autumn


https://www.etsy.com/listing/130297587/bead-necklace-porcelain-vintage-Czech

 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/160442140/vintage-czech-glass-beads-and-porcelain


https://www.etsy.com/listing/114995967/red-orange-yellow-porcelain-beaded


https://www.etsy.com/listing/113914287/red-italian-onyx-red-sesame-jasper-pink


https://www.etsy.com/listing/155722117/black-obsidian-natural-gemstonestone-and


https://www.etsy.com/listing/123663334/red-aventurine-natural-gemstonestone


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


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


https://www.etsy.com/listing/159668710/bead-necklace-colonial-jasper-yellow


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


https://www.etsy.com/listing/154446171/red-aventurine-natural-gemstonestone

Did you find the one you just had to buy?

Inventory Always on the Increase

My 'for sale' necklace inventory is always increasing.  I cannot stop making necklaces. I do not want to stop making necklaces.  


Autumn Air - https://www.etsy.com/listing/161295194/bead-necklace-colonial-and-autumn?ref=listing-shop-header-2

 

When I finish one necklace, I already have detailed ideas for the next three or more. 

a semi-floating necklace - https://www.etsy.com/listing/161302198/bead-necklace-ruby-ziosite-and-kashgar?ref=listing-shop-header-0

 

Even though I want to keep my designs simple, my options are still endless.  I have to decide on the specific materials (natural gemstones/stones, porcelain, vintage Czech glass beads, metal beads, etc), arrangement/design of each material component, finished length, color and more.

Each necklace is different...an individual for an individual.  I want the purchaser/wearer to feel special. I want the necklace to highlight, not over power, a personality.

In my design process, I try to meet the needs of a wide range of personal tastes.

I hope I succeed!

Classic Purple and Gold - School Colors Anyone? - https://www.etsy.com/listing/161300554/bead-necklace-purple-quartzite-and?ref=listing-shop-header-1

The Fun Is Continuous!

Making necklaces is one of my spare time activities.  I have so much fun.  Besides, the creative outlet offered satisfies my creative cravings.

 

In reality, I thought I would make a necklace from time to time.  I had no schedule that I needed to maintain.

 

SAVANNAH

https://www.etsy.com/listing/160440772/redline-marble-red-brown-marble-and?ref=shop_home_active

And, the reality is that I do not have a definite schedule, but…I seem to be making creations constantly, daily.

 

SASSY SALSA

https://www.etsy.com/listing/160442140/vintage-czech-glass-beads-and-porcelain?ref=shop_home_active



ETERNITY

https://www.etsy.com/listing/160254161/crystal-quartz-snow-quartz-malaysia-jade?ref=shop_home_active

 

Ideas pop into my head.  Something unrelated to necklaces results in a new necklace design.  The purchase of a new bead immediately gets my creative juices flowing.

 

I market my necklaces as ‘Simply Stated’ and one-of a kind.  I will not make duplications.  A customer purchasing a unique, one-of-a- kind product will get that one-of-a kind product.

 

I have created close to 150 different necklaces, to date, in one year since starting this new venture.

 

My variations appeal to a wide range of preferences.  I like the challenge to meet the needs of many.

 

I know I can continue.  I will continue.

 

The possibilities are endless!

 

I invite you to keep revisiting my Etsy site to see my latest creations. You just never know when your  ’got to have’  necklace will appear.  And, I am confident it will one day if it has not already been added to my inventory. 

 

But, remember…I make one-of-a-kind necklaces.  Once a necklace sells, you will not see it offered again!

Note:  To see the necklaces currently for sale, always check my Etsy site - as necklaces sell, those listed in my blog here, Stillmountain Serenity, may no longer be available.

 

 

Two More New Necklaces

My newest...any takers??? 

Go to my Etsy shop for additional details...etsy.com/shop/MtnGlen



Green Apple - Vintage Czech Glass Beads and
Saguaro 'Jasper' Natural Gemstones/Stones

https://www.etsy.com/listing/159902567/vintage-czech-glass-beads-and-saguaro?ref=shop_home_active
 

Lavender Lilac - Amethyst and Purple Fluorite
Natural Gemstones/Stones accented with silver-plated
metal (corrugated and smooth) beads

https://www.etsy.com/listing/159903463/amethyst-and-purple-fluorite-natural?ref=shop_home_active



Happiness

I really enjoy creating  beaded necklaces.

Every day or nearly so, I add another one or two unique necklaces to my ‘for sale’ inventory I have on my Etsy website.  See etsy.com/shop/MtnGlen.

 

If I did not have to cook, do laundry, garden, can/freeze food, clean the house (that’s debatable), sleep…I would probably spend a majority of my time beading new necklaces.  I have that much fun!

 

So far, my sales success has been lean.  I would love to sell more necklaces just so that I can purchase more beads to provide more diverse choices as I create each piece.  But,  I will take slow sales to no sales.

The feedback I received has been complimentary.  I agree with the customer who wrote back saying that my necklaces are prettier in person.  I agree.  No matter the quality of the photo, nothing is better than having the actual necklace in hand for determining the exact color, the feel, the overall sensation. 

Etsy provides the outlet that currently fits my needs. 

 

Perhaps, one day, I can venture out to a more hands-on venue like a craft fair. 

Until then, I will keep enjoying the process and the time I take to create. 

 After all, happiness is priceless!