Lunasa Designs Jewelry

etsy metal: New Blog Feature, Ask Auntie EM!!

2011-10-05T11:22:00.000-04:00

Check out the new weekly feature on our etsymetal blog! It's fantastic! etsy metal: New Blog Feature, Ask Auntie EM!!

The LAST limerick - for real this time....

2011-08-13T13:38:00.000-04:00

A ring is a marvelous thing
To a hand it does elegance bring
Add a stone of a hue
That matches your mood
And it’s sure to make your heart sing!

Oops! Missed a couple of limericks!

2011-08-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

These got caught in the spam folder! If you have sent me a limerick and don't see it posted here, please contact me at Rebekah.meddles@gmail.com

Thank you Patricia for the next 2 limericks!

As summer comes to its end

It’s so nice to spend time with friends

Whether movies or lunch

...It’s more than a hunch

I wish I had more time to spend!

The very last Limerick....

2011-08-12T12:57:00.000-04:00

This last limerick is from Steven...
{please let me know if you sent me a limerick and I didn't post it or give you your discount code - I may have missed some!}

There was an old man with a beard

Who said, "it’s just how I feared!

Two owls and a hen

Four larks and a wren

Have all built their nests in my beard.

...And more!

2011-08-12T12:50:00.000-04:00

From fellow birthday celebrator Jen!

There once was a girl named Jen

Who was really no good with paper and pen.

Try as she might,

She just couldn't write.

And missed out on a really discount on a pair of earrings for her birthday.

.

More limericks!

2011-08-12T12:47:00.000-04:00

There once was a boy who played hockey

So good it made him quite cocky.

But then he got cut

So what the puck?

Now he works as a jockey!

Thank you to my dear friend Doneta for this great limerick!!

End of the Limerick Sale....

2011-08-11T12:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the 4th annual limerick sale!
I was sick yesterday and not able to get on the computer much - so I'm extending the sale through today! So if you have a limerick, send it to me!
Coupon codes can be used until August 17th but let me know if you need an extension - I'm flexible...

Love these limericks! Keep them comin'!

2011-08-09T12:12:00.003-04:00

Thanks for the great limerick Bridget!

I know a little boy named James

He has little lions that he tames

He said they wouldn’t listen

Then they all went a missin

Or at least that’s what the little boy claims

Limerick numero..... um... I've lost count!

2011-08-09T11:44:00.000-04:00

there was an ol' gal from the west

she wanted to give it her best

but no matter her go,

she only felt low

that she was never as good as the rest.

Thank you Dagne!

2 more days.....

2011-08-09T11:40:00.002-04:00

There's only today and tomorrow to take advantage of my 4th annual limerick sale! Send your limericks to me today to get 20%, 30% or 40% off your entire order! (discounts are randomly picked out of a hat).
Remember, you get a discount code for EACH limerick that you send to me - so if you send more than 1 there's a high chance you'll get 40% off!!
Send original (written by you) limericks to me on Etsy, to my email, or post it on Lunasa Designs Facebook Wall. I'll be posting all limericks on my blog (here) for an extra chance to win something great! Remember to come back here and vote on limericks - the limerick with the most reactions and comments will win something special from my studio... (nudge, nudge.... it's jewelry!)

And remember, Limericks are FUN and SILLY! Don't overthink it, just write it!

This ring is Sterling Silver and Fine Silver with a beautiful Nevada Veracite stone! It's one of a kind and will be listed in my Etsy shop later today!

I love this time of year!

2011-08-07T17:13:00.001-04:00

A funny limerick from my dear friend Sophie!

There once was a girl called Rebekah

Who wanted some poems, well heck yeah.

But no-one would write 'em

Though she threatened to bite 'em

-the only rhyme I have left now is "deck-chair".

Now THIS would be a dream come true!!

2011-08-07T17:00:00.001-04:00

There once was a girl called Rebekah,

Creatively inspired by Lughnasadh,

One day the god Lugh,

Admired a ring or two,

And she became artist-in-residence at Tara.

Thank you Nicole!

Day 7... ...3 more days to go!

2011-08-07T16:52:00.003-04:00

Nothing's cooler than my little stackers,

Not even the sale price of Goldfish Crackers.

And when I want another one,

The choices are way too fun,

Because Lunasas has no slackers!

There once was a girl who liked limericks...

2011-08-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

Kids & teachers all love the long summer days,

But mid-August creates a kind of a haze.

With school starting soon,

It's time for a new tune,

That list of Things To Do goes up in a blaze!

...Limerick, limerick, limerick...

2011-08-07T16:46:00.000-04:00

There was a lady who loved growing flowers,

But the slugs chewed them for hours & hours.

She snipped them in half,

With a delighted laugh,

And knew then that she had the power!

Limerick, limerick, limerick....

2011-08-07T16:44:00.003-04:00

There was a lady who loved beautiful rings,

But she already had too many things.

So, she gave stuff away

Which made someone's day,

Then called on Lunasas for new bling!

Wow! tons of limericks coming in! I love them all! These next few are from Lisa.

And another...

2011-08-07T16:22:00.003-04:00

There once was a wee silly goose

Who had quite a smelly caboose

So I lift her up high

And sniff by her thighs

It looks like you just took a deuce

from Emily and Tim!

What number is this??

2011-08-07T16:21:00.005-04:00

The limericks are pouring in!

Number 7 is from Rebecca:

There once was a girl named Mary

who had quite a thing for berries

She ate them all day

Til the made her sway

And that's how she popped her cherry!

Limerick #6!!

2011-08-06T20:14:00.002-04:00

Writing a lim'rick is hard,
My poor brain, it must be charred:

From beaches and sun,

And camping trip fun,

T'would be easier if I was a Bard.

Limerick #5!!!

2011-08-06T20:13:00.003-04:00

Tristan likes to read,

New books he doesn't need.

The old ones are great,

He reads them 'till late,

Harry Potter is the best it's agreed.

Limerick #4

2011-08-06T20:12:00.001-04:00

There is a little girl named Tannon,

Who went for a walk in a canyon.

She ran into a bear,

Who gave her a scare,

And out she shot like a cannon.

Limerick #3!!

2011-08-06T20:11:00.001-04:00

There once was a boy named Dade,

And out in the sun he stayed.

His mommy was mean,

And made him wear sunscreen,

So now he only plays in the shade.

Limerick #2!!

2011-08-06T20:08:00.002-04:00

More limericks! I have about 6 or 7 to post - so stay tuned! Each limerick will have it's own post so that you can "vote" by commenting or clicking on the reactions below.

Ok, here goes... the next few limericks are from Kristen - great rhymes about her children!

There once was a girl named Biker,

And everyone really did like her.

She's fun when she giggles,

When she dances she jiggles,

We all want to be just like her.

First Limerick is here!

2011-08-04T20:25:00.000-04:00

There once was a girl we call Nugs

Who had an obsession with jugs

It's no easy feat

But a girl's gotta eat

So she scales up my lap and she chugs

~Emily Upson

I picked out of the hat and Emily got 40% off anything in my shop! Great limerick Emily! Thank you!

4th Annual Limerick Sale!!

2011-08-04T12:43:00.001-04:00

4th annual Limerick Sale is going on now!

Every year I have a limerick sale to celebrate my Etsy anniversary (5 years on August 9th) my birthday (August 8th) and the Ancient Irish festival of lughnasadh (Lunasa)! What better way to celebrate than to have everyone write silly limericks for a discount! Send me a limerick either on Etsy (Lunasa Designs on Etsy) through email (Rebekah Meddles) or post it on Lunasa Designs facebook page and I will send you a special coupon code of either 20%, 30% or 40% off anything in my Etsy shop (%'s are picked out of a hat and completely random). There is no limit to the limericks you can send me and I will send you a coupon code for each one - you can save them up until the last day of the sale (August 10th) and use your best one or you can use them as you get them. Your choice! For an extra special bonus this year, all limericks will be posted on my blog - I'll be asking my blog readers to vote on their favorite and the winner will receive a prize from my shop! So check back often to view new limericks and to vote - just leave a positive comment on your favorite limericks and they will be counted as votes (negative comments not necessary)!

Let the limericks begin!!!

RAW 3/52

2011-01-24T20:19:00.001-05:00

RAW 3/52
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

I was completely crazy busy this week - too busy even to spend much time in the studio! yikes. hate when THAT happens!!
So, I had to go for a quick, easy ring this week for RAW (Ring A Week). Stamped, domed, blackened, polished, with a bezel set peridot stone.....

I will list this one in my etsy shop tomorrow. :)

RAW 2/52

2011-01-17T19:03:00.001-05:00

RAW 2/52
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

This is my second ring in the RAW (ring a week) challenge! I like how it turned out but do NOT like how the pictures turned out... I'll be taking more tomorrow when (hopefully) the light will be better!

RAW52 #1 (ring a week 2011)

2011-01-09T19:08:00.004-05:00

RAW 1 (ring a week 2011)
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

I recently joined the RAW challenge (ring a week) and have completed my first ring for the year!
To see more about this project, check out the group organizer's blog here: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/
click here for a post about the project on the lark books website: http://www.larkcrafts.com/jewelry-beading/ringing-in-the-new-year/
See pictures of the whole group here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/

I'll be making a ring a week and will try to finish and post a ring every THURSDAY for the rest of the year! Wish me luck!

Let's talk about blog - Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

2010-12-19T17:55:00.007-05:00

Sawyer and Honey the horse

I'm really late with this post! The Handmade Division team does a talk about blog every month - where each member writes about the same subject. This month the subject is: "Where do you aspire to be in 5 years".

Planning for any future event is always hard for me. I've lived my life in a way that anything and everything is possible and I may have to move across country at the drop of a hat (no, I'm not an escaped convict).

Right now though (living in what I call suburban hell) I strive to make enough money so that my husband doesn't have to work - I want to move back to our property in Michigan - right next to my dad's farm. We have 10 acres there - all wooded - all trees that I grew up with... Our property is comforting - the one place we've always felt safe and completely ourselves.

Our road through our woods - and campsite

We've never been able to afford to build a house there but for the last 3 years that we lived in Michigan rented a small house nearby instead. We would camp out all summer long and I often joked that we should just put our stuff in storage for the summer months... stop wasting our money on rent while we live in tents.

Since my dad's death, my brother has been living on the farm - and with the help of all of my siblings has been rebuilding and reviving it.
I must say, I'm a bit jealous. I would love to live off the land again. The way I grew up. Relying on the earth for heat and power and food and no longer paying utility bills!

I would love to wake up every morning in our woods - the sun coming up through the trees... The soft breeze smelling of Michigan sagebrush (not the real name but that's what we always called it) and sweet smelling orange hawkweed. I would love it if my husband was no longer tied to a 9-5 job - or in his case a 6-9 job... I would love it if I could restore my dad's studio... wake up and walk up the hill every morning... Say hi to the sheep and horses on my way... Help weed the magnificent garden my brother has grown... Refill my coffee cup at the farm house and then make my way to the studio.

our woods and rock pile

Gardens at the farm

Ahhh.... even thinking about it makes me feel like I can breath again.

Imagine only living on my etsy income. It would be impossible living in suburbia but with no utility bills, no rent or mortgage.. We'd be rich! In many more ways than just monetarily.

My kids could play on 87 acres - the way I used to play - with complete freedom no annoying parents watching their every move.

To read other blogs on the subject:

Andes Cruz: http://www.andescruz.wordpress.com/

Tess Norberg: http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/

Jewelry by Natsuko: http://www.jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/

Bella-Bijou Jewellery : http://www.bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/

JJ Papke: http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/

Beth Cyr: http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Tosca Teran: http://www.nanopod.wordpress.com/

Thomasin Durgin: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/

Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com

“Where do you draw your inspirations for creating from?” September Talk About Blog

2010-09-15T18:34:00.012-04:00

Today's Talk About Blog from Etsy's Handmade Division Team is: Where do you draw your inspirations for creating from?

GOOD question!!

I would love to write about how I draw my inspiration from nature's simple lines, or from my children's laughter (definitely not their screams), or from some simple moment of pure bliss when something just hits me!

The truth is, I get it from all of these places and more. Not talking about jewelry here ;). Jewelry is a little bit different. With jewelry I admire the simple, rustic, not so perfect lines in nature and I want to make it into a piece to wear... I admire the tools and materials spread out before me (yes, they are ALWAYS spread about) and I want to put this with that and add a bit of this and voila! It's a necklace!

And sometimes I DO get that simple moment of pure bliss when the perfect design just flashes in my head (usually right before I'm about to go to sleep).

But with sculpture... well, sculpture is different.
Some of my best pieces have been made after spending a whole day viewing thousands of pictures from the Holocaust or right after getting into a particularly bad (and usually quite frustrating) fight with my husband (thankfully those are few and far between these days but they have made for some great art), or a particularly chaotic day with the boys when I feel like the worst mommy in the world (if you're a parent, you know exactly what I'm talking about). Some days can make me feel insane.
Using my hands to carve, either out of clay or out of wax to be cast in metal, turns the very chaotic things in my head into something tangible, touchable and REAL.
It is a release. Like writing in a journal.... Suddenly I don't have to obsess about those random thoughts any more. They're there, right in front of me. I can touch that thought. I can let it out of my brain.
I imagine it's quite like how Harry Potter's character's pull memories from their brains...

So I guess you could say, it's not so much inspiration as it is clearing out my head... making room for more... inspiration??

Please visit all our participating members this month:

Andes Cruz: http://andescruz.wordpress.com/

Susan Moloney: http://susarto.blogspot.com/

Alice Istanbul: http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/

Jewelry by Natsuko http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/

nanotopia: http://nanopod.wordpress.com/

Bella-Bijou Jewellery http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/

Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

ArtJewel Designs: http://www.artjeweldesigns.blogspot.com/

Lisa Hopkins Design: http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/

Thomasin Durgin http://metalriot.blogspot.com/

Abhaya Fibers http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/

NEDbeads http://nedbeads.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow is my birthday...

2010-08-07T18:03:00.002-04:00

DCP01021
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

and instead of feeling happy and excited, I just feel completely overwhelmingly sad.
I miss my dad.
He was the one person in my life that ALWAYS made a big deal about birthdays (in a real way, not a 3-ring circus kind of way) and never forgot my birthday.
Probably why I'm really feeling the that aching void right now.

I wish I could just hear his voice one more time on the other end of the phone, "happy birthday babycakes"...

Day 7 - Limerick sale of the day!

2010-08-07T12:14:00.001-04:00

P1140103
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

There was a tiny bit of confusion yesterday about the earring sale - So I'm going to extend it for a few hours today! ALL earrings are 20% off (with a limerick) plus FREE shipping. This includes earrings in my "one of a kind" section so make sure you check those out too!

Easiest thing is to do a search for "earrings" in my shop.

Looking forward to reading more limericks!!
In the meantime, here are some I've already received:

There once was a sweet girl named Av'Ry
Who lived WAY too far from her Gram(me).
But on August the 8,
We can ALL celebrate
After all, she's your own birthday Buddy!!

We will celebrate Avery's fourth birthday on 8/8 together it is a big deal because she is in California and we are in CT.
And I would like to order these earrings.

-Terry

There once was a girl from Carolina,
who loved Lunasa Design-a.
The tiny stackable rings,
were her favorite things,
nothing could be any finah(er) :)

-Karen

There once was a librarian
Who was utilitarian
At a Uni in Philly
Her students are silly
It’s all too proletarian
-Marietta

Avery's sister is called Miss Katie
WHo's birthday bud is Great, Great Aunt Bea
Oh, they sing and they dance,
You should see them prance
Small and Tall, one 6 and one 93.
-Terry

Limerick Sale of the Day!!

2010-08-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

Carnelian post earrings
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Day 6!
Write me a limerick and you will receive 20% off ALL earrings in my shop (including one of a kind items)! Plus FREE shipping!
If you don't write a limerick, you still get free shipping. :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lunasadesigns

Remember, after today there are only 2 more days left!

Here are a few limericks I've received so far! They are FUN!

there once was a man who insisted,
by his wife he would not be enlisted,
to write a limerick today,
for a sale she did say,
but at last he couldnt resist it.
-Karen

There once was a graduate scholar
Who'd count microbes just for a dollar
While bent over the scope
She tried not to mope
But thank god they're not any smaller
-Erin

I inherited from my Bubbie,
Some fingers that tend to be chubby,
So I will need a size 8,
Yeah that would be great,
I love rings like this that are nubby.
-Deborah

These are great and should inspire you plenty!

Limerick Sale of the Day! August 5

2010-08-05T11:04:00.002-04:00

Garnet Earrings
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

If you write me a limerick you will get 30% off any One of a Kind item in my shop! I'll be adding more today! Get them while you can, once they're gone, they're gone!

Click here to view One of a Kind section in my shop!

I'll also be posting some of the limericks written so far.... so stay tuned! They are FUN!

Garnet earrings --------->
Will be listed some time today!
Evolve Ring

Limerick Sale of the day!

2010-08-04T14:58:00.002-04:00

Gold lip oyster shell earrings
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

August 4th:
Today is a special day - its the halfway mark to my birthday (only 4 more days)!
If you write me a limerick and purchase any item from my shop I will make a FREE and new and spectacular item just for you! A nice little gift!
I'll try to use my psychic abilities when making this piece of jewelry for you but you may tell me things like, "I don't wear earrings" or, "I hate the color orange"....
Have fun with writing me a limerick and I will have fun in my studio creating a one of a kind gift just for you!

Lunasa Designs SHOP!

Tiny Stacking set

2010-08-02T10:47:00.002-04:00

Today's Limerick sale (day 2) is (drumroll please.... )
Buy any one Tiny stacking ring (pictured) get another at 50% off! Buy any stacking ring set and get the same amount of stacking rings at 50% off!! Such a great deal that I'm biting my nails right now!!
Don't miss out! This deal is only available today (August 2nd)!
I'm even throwing in FREE shipping!
Now right me a limerick! Its fun! :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LunasaDesigns?section_id=5877769

DAY 1 - Limerick Sale!

2010-08-01T09:24:00.001-04:00

Tiny Stacking set
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Today's deal is 10% off ALL rings + Free shipping on your entire order!

*Remember, you can take advantage of every sale for 8 days and I will combine shipping at the end....

But you do have to write a limerick for me every day that you take part in a sale! (I'm a limerick whore, what can I say).

♥

3rd Annual Limerick sale starting tomorrow!!

2010-07-31T13:55:00.001-04:00

I'm excited!
Tomorrow starts 8 days of my 3rd annual Limerick sale!
There's a ton to celebrate (which is the reason for this fun yearly sale)!

Simple Vista Necklace

First - the ancient Irish celebration of Lugnasadh happens right around Aug. 1st. Lunasa is the anglicized (or modern) version of the gaelic Lugnasadh so it stands to reason that I would celebrate around this time. :)
Second - My birthday is on August 8th (the reason I named my shop after the Irish celebration of August).
Last - (but not least) my 4 year etsy anniversary also happens on August 8th and at the risk of sounding cheesy, I could NOT have done any of this without Etsy!

So, what is a limerick sale you ask? Its simple, really - every day for 8 days there will be a different, fun sale in my shop. To partake in each sale you MUST write an original limerick for me. You can shop every day if you want and pay as you go or (if you don't want to miss out on any of the sales) save it all up till the end - BUT - you must write a limerick every single day that you partake in the sale! New (and one of a kind) items will be added every day so make sure you check back often!
Sound good?
Good!
So all you have to do is check back here every day or check my shop to see what the sale of the day is. Now get your pens (or keyboard) ready.....

Coming soon! Desert Sunset Stacking Ring Set

All limericks will be posted on my blog! Let me know if, for any reason, you would rather not have me post it. :)

Long Goddess earrings

2010-07-14T12:40:00.001-04:00

Long Goddess earrings
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Coming soon to my shop! I made these as a proto type a few months back and have been testing (wearing) them out ever since!
I love them SO much that I'm making more for my shop! Design will be the same but some will be a little longer, some will be post earrings, some will be french hooks (as shown) some will be shiny silver, some will be blackened and some will be matte (as shown). Exciting, huh! heheh
Who knew that one pair of earrings could come with so many different options! Maybe I'll even add gemstones!

New in the shop

2010-07-14T10:37:00.003-04:00

Mother of pearl "dog tag"
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

OK, so I know I've been away from the blogging world for a while (it's the story of my life) but I'm super excited about this new necklace. Why? Because it has changed my mind about Mother of pearl. I'll be honest. I've never really been a fan of the pearly stuff... Maybe on some cool, old vintage buttons, yes... but on jewelry?? I've always shied away just a bit. {Oh, and just a point of interest here: The pearl has been known as a "stone of sincerity", bringing truth to situations and loyalty to a "cause"}
Well, I made this necklace - one for myself and one for the shop and I haven't taken it off since! For one, it goes with pretty much everything ('cause it's a neutral)! For two, it has these amazing, mystical, metaphysical healing powers (who knew I needed them)!

Mother of pearl helps calm boisterous behaviour (yes, I know I'm normally quiet but when I let myself go I can be quite obnoxious and loud and run right over people in a conversation). Mother of pearl also helps you see yourself in the way others see you (see above)... Which is great when you have that umpteenth argument with your spouse about the same exact thing you've been fighting about for 20 years (OK, maybe only 10 for me). I can finally calm my obnoxious powers and see things from his point of view. heheh.

Mother of pearl also (and true to it's name) is a great shell for mothers. It brings calm, sincerity, innocence, integrity and focus. My kids will love this necklace! Unfortunately, they've been at grammie and grandpa's for the whole of it's existence - so they will have to experience it's powers another day... Hopefully soon! I miss the little munchkins!

You can read more about this necklace here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51002109/mother-of-pearl-fine-and-sterling-silver

I call it a Mother's "Dog Tag" - because it's about the same size as a military dog tag, but it's a different kind of battle... the kind of battle that helps raise healthy, smart, independent, loving and aware little people.
Hope everyone is having a glorious day!

Tis the season for weddings....

2010-06-05T17:37:00.002-04:00

P1180873
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

My new, very rustic (yet sparkly) one of a kind engagement ring!
I'm very proud of this piece!
Made for a girl like me (bit of a tom boy, a bit unconventional but still a little girly).
Available in my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/LunasaDesigns. Get it while you can! I'll be closing my shop for the summer (starting on June 14th) and I can't promise that this will be coming back! The bonus part of going on vacation with my extended family is that they usually demand that I bring my jewelry and then they snap everything up rather quickly!!
Love them! :)

Rings for Haiti - Auction!

2010-02-11T19:00:00.004-05:00

P1150246
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

I'm sending this set of rings off to my friend Thomasin Durgin for the Rings for Haiti benefit auction... She has worked hard to bring together over 50 talented metalsmiths from all over the world to donate rings for this special auction!
Check out her blog for more info and a sneak peak at the rings going up for auction: http://metalriot.blogspot.com/search/label/fundraiser

and check out the auction itself: http://shop.ebay.com/modbaubles/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

My Favorite Object

2010-01-04T11:13:00.011-05:00

As I mentioned below - I've been gone from the blog world for a while. A lot has been going on in my life... All of which I will probably divulge later (sorry). ;)

Nothing bad... just taking a break from the virtual world so that I can take care of myself better.

Sooo... I wanted to get back in the habit of blogging. Mainly because writing helps me - and I haven't touched my journal in months... no, make that years...

Part of my "virtual world" includes a group called Etsy Metal - A group I've belonged to for over 3 years and one I care intensely for. I can honestly say I count many of the people in this group as close friends even though I've only met a few in "real" life.

And I digress...

Etsy Metal does a thing called Blog Carnival - it's a once a month deal with a different topic each month. Anyone on the Etsy Metal team can blog about the topic... I thought it would be a somewhat painless way to kick start my blog writing.

This months theme, "My favorite object" was tougher than I thought.

My first thought was of the baptismal cross my dad made for me in preparation for my birth. It has always been a prized possession and something I was heartsick over losing for the past 5 years - I found it right after my dad died.

I then thought of my engagement ring. My wonderful husband put it on a credit card even though I told him not to. We were both full time students at the time with no real income... and I was trying to be practical. He, impetuous as always (and one of the many reasons I love him) surprised me with the "official" engagement ring one day.

We often joke that the engagement ring confirmed a lifetime of love. and debt...

I thought of my first wedding rings that my dad made...

I thought of the white candy dish that my grandfather (Papa) always kept candy corn in.

I thought of my box of journals - books documenting my life (according to Rebekah) from the time I was 8.
I thought of pictures.
Artwork.
The boy's baby books...

All of these things symbolize something different to me and I would be heartsick if I lost any of them. Too hard to choose one!

Then I thought, 'it probably shouldn't be jewelry or something I would wear'...

"what would I grab if there was a fire?" Well, with 3 kids, 2 dogs and a cat... I realized I would grab nothing but them. So that process of elimination didn't work.

I decided to put dishes away while getting the kids ready for school this morning - I took something small and white out of the dishwasher and stared at it for a moment. I sighed, thought, "of course..." and lovingly put my most prized possession away in the coffee cup cupboard...

This small white coffee cup - the perfect size and weight - was my dads.

He left it at my house over 10 years ago - on a trip to visit my sister and I in New Mexico... My dad never used a travel mug. He used a regular, old coffee cup (his favorite one) even on the 28 hour drive from Michigan to New Mexico.

and then he left it at my house.
Knowing it was his favorite coffee cup in the world, I tried for years to get it back to him. He used it every time he would come to my house, I would wash it out for him to take home and he just kept forgetting it.

Pretty soon it became a joke.

Kind of like my brother Daniel always forgetting his toothbrush.

Then he said, "why don't I just leave it at your house, so I'll always have my coffee cup when I come to visit".

I've since lovingly packed and moved my dad's coffee cup to 5 different states, 3 different apartments, and 5 different houses... Every time he came to my house, it was there waiting for him.

My dad always smelled of sheeps wool, rich earth, a brisk Michigan breeze and coffee.

This coffee cup had become a symbol of our connection even before his death... It was a promise. He would always come back for a conversation and a cup of coffee.

When he died, I cried every time I saw the cup.

I developed an obsessive fear that something would happen to HIS cup.

I couldn't comprehend that he would NOT be back for one of our long rambling conversations and a cup of coffee.

I've since developed an easier, gentler relationship with the cup - now I use it regularly and think of my dad - and the long, rambling conversations (full of very Irish asides and digressions) and full pots of coffee we would have.

I know that in a house full of boys and pets, the cup may likely break one day - but I no longer have an obsessive fear over the thought - I know that those long conversations over the coffee pot and amid the chaos of my house (where we always solved the worlds problems) will never be lost.

My dad's cup (my favorite object):

Picture taken in front of one of my dad's drawings.

To read more etsy metal blogs on the topic please visit my friends blogs:

victoria takahashi http://vtakahashi.blogspot.com/

Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/

stacey hansen http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com/

Sara Westermark http://sarawestermark.blogspot.com/

Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/

Ashley Akers http://ashleyakers.blogspot.com/

I haven't written in SO long....

2010-01-04T09:47:00.003-05:00

and so much has happened!
To get back into the swing of things I joined the Etsymetal's blog carnival (etsymetal is the great group of metalsmiths that I belong to).
I'll be writing about the topic, "My favorite object". So stay tuned! Should be posted right after I get the kids to school...

Kind Over Matter

2009-09-03T10:34:00.003-04:00

There's this wonderful blog named Kind Over Matter - that fits my ideal of living (in conscious kindness) perfectly.
Run by Amanda Oaks and Jenn Gibson it's a feel good, well written blog, full of stories of kind acts and good deeds and highlighting beautiful works by craftsmen and artists.... I love their blog, so when they asked me to do a Thursday Giveaway with them, I was more than happy to oblige!
Check it out here http://kindovermatter.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win a set of my tiny stacking rings!

Etsymetal is having a FREE shipping sale!

2009-08-14T13:18:00.005-04:00

P1140125
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Another Sale! Free Worldwide shipping all weekend!
This time it includes a ton of the Etsymetal street team. If you're not familiar with our street team on etsy - do a search for "Etsymetal team" or just "etsymetal" on etsy and view the fantastic metalwork by our juried team members. I can honestly say that each and every person on the team is above average as an artisan and business person. You will not be disapointed!
To find out more about our free shipping promo go to http://www.etsymetal.blogspot.com/

And speaking of Etsymetal... I got to meet Ashley from http://www.ashleyjewelry.etsy.com/ on my birthday! We have "known" each other for almost 3 years on the etsymetal team and chatting online but have never met in person. It was so great to finally meet her!
Check out her beautiful jewelry! I have some of her earrings and I absolutely love them!
Rebekah (me) and Ashley - Our self portrait at the Denver zoo!

------------------------->

There once was a girl who liked limericks....

2009-08-09T10:26:00.001-04:00

P1140975
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Oh my goodness!
I walked away from the computer for one day to celebrate my birthday and came back to an explosion of limericks!! How exciting!
I'm still trying to play catch up with giving everyone their limerick discounts.... Thank goodness the kids will be away at their grandparents for the next week - because I'm going to be busy!
There's still one more day to get your limericks to me and get a 30% discount on your entire order! If you don't feel like writing a limerick just write, "weekend deals" in the message to seller box when checking out for a 5% discount.

Enjoy these new limericks! I have enjoyed them all! Some are quite hilarious and some are quite poignant! Great writing everyone!

There once was a girl with a pet hen
Who kept said hen in a wire pen
While watching the telly
She felt her empty belly
and fixed a plate of fried Chick-ken
~ Doneta

There once was a girl who loved bling,
A certain Lunasa made ring.
She wrote some silly rhymes
To save a lot of dimes.
Now She thinks she has to sing!
~ Nichole

There once was a girl who lived in France
whose man wanted her not to wear underpants
She said "No, I want you to buy me a ring
Because I need some finger bling!"
And he replied "Ok but a least give going commando a chance!"
~ Lauren and Simon

With school season on its way
I have no much money to spend
So with this limerick I wanted to say
Thank you so much for having this sale!
~ Wilka

I wanted to buy a new ring
Then saw these and thought "just the thing"
When folks gaze at my finger
Their looks they will linger
And a smile they are certain to bring
~ mickey

A mother most busy
Stops to clear her head most busy.
She breathes in and out,
Feels life drift quietly about
And smiles, content with the tizzy.
~ Blanche

There once was a zombie named Fred,
He simply refused he was dead.
He fell head over heels for the girl next door,
Who turned out to be an undead whore,
And they got together and bred.
~ Dessa

I was browsing Etsy’s website today
I wasn’t going to buy anything, per se
But your ring lured me in
As it was tiny and thin
Now I hope it’ll arrive without delay!
~ Antonette

Peridot {Celebration of August} ring

2009-08-05T16:07:00.002-04:00

P1140997.1
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Only 3 more days to take advantage of my Limerick sale!
Here are a few limerick's I've received so far.

The first 2 are from Emily and Tim:

1.
There once was a girl who liked beer
who finished her bottle with cheer
she went for a stout
then saw she was out
and closed the fridge door with a tear

2.
There once was a girl who was pale
who ordered some jewelry by mail
a limerick she penned
for Rebekah her friend
and got her whole order on sale

The 3rd is from Samantha (check out her etsy shop also!):

I've been looking so hard for a job.
It seems everyone is being a snob.

I'm distracting myself online
And drinking a little wine....

I guess I'll have to learn to hob-nob.

Samantha

http://www.proteales.etsy.com

I LOVE these!! Keep 'em coming!!

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

2nd Annual Limerick Sale!

2009-07-31T11:37:00.004-04:00

Exciting news!

I've decided to have another "limerick sale"!

This fun sale starts on August 1st and goes through August 8th....

All you have to do to participate is send me an original, unpublished limerick (written by you) and I will give you 30% off your entire order!

This week long sale is to celebrate my 35th birthday, my 3 year anniversary on Etsy and the festival of Lunasa in Ireland! My 35th birthday and my 3 year Etsy anniversary both happen on the 8th of August. :)

Sooo.... Either send me a limerick through Etsy Convo's and I'll apply the 30% off to your order - or write it in the "message to seller" box when checking out with your order. I'll either send you a revised invoice through Paypal or I'll refund your money through paypal (I also take checks and money orders).

I'll post the best of the limericks here on my blog (unless you tell me not to).

Have fun!

Can't wait to read the limericks!

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com/

SALE! This Weekend Only!

2009-07-11T16:16:00.002-04:00

P1140099
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

For this weekend only, my Le Petite Leaf hoops are on sale!
Normally $28.00 - they will be $22.00 until Monday morning!

Click on my "Weekend Deals" section in my Etsy shop!

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

A New FUN Challenge!

2009-06-24T10:50:00.008-04:00

I like to challenge myself - in FUN ways, of course! As a kid, I would constantly create games in my head to help me deal with certain situations or just to make the time pass in a more interesting way. Some things that I did may be viewed as obsessive compulsive... such as telling myself, "if we pass one more red car, that means I'll get that barbie doll I've wanted forever"

It works... Well, kinda (I never did get that barbie doll) but my life is never dull - which, I think is one of the points of living, right?

um.... So, what is my point?

I've never been really good at creating a "series" of jewelry. With my sculpture I would become obsessed with one idea and have a hard time creating anything outside of that idea - which I guess made for a somewhat cohesive line of work (not that that should be the point or reason for creating artwork) but with jewelry.... Well, to be honest, I get bored easily.

Or to put it in a more positive light - I have too many ideas to just stick to one.... and I think that jewelry should be fun - not exactly thought provoking...

Having said all of that, there are some pieces of jewelry that I really, really liked creating and wouldn't mind making again - like my "crazy lace" series that I started a few years ago - my first in this "series" was this ring:

It happened by accident (as most good things in my life do) but it was fun to make and I loved the randomness of it. I've made a few more over the years - one that I gave to my friend Shannon http://www.rubygirl.etsy.com/ as part of a Secret Santa that EtsyMetal (our etsy street team) does every year. Another, I sold earlier this year from my etsy shop...
But it never really became a "series". I think, in part because I love the randomness of it and the freedom of just creating something without having a set plan of what it will be - As soon as I said that it was my "crazy lace series" I just didn't feel like making any more. Does this happen to anyone else?

So, I decided that every time this ring sells on Etsy, I will create another one. Completely random, spur of the moment (because I never know when it will sell) and using whatever materials I happen to have at the moment. That keeps it interesting, right? I won't take special orders for this ring but I will take size requests - as long as the request comes with the understanding that this ring will be completely random, guided by whatever creative energies happen to be surrounding me at that moment.... and you have to watch for the new one - I won't be putting any of these on hold for anyone.

OK... so, this isn't really a "challenge" but more like one of my 7 year old's "mind games".

I'm also doing this with my "Earth Ring" that was incidentally featured on this blog: http://indiefixx.com/category/indie-style-101/

I have a bunch of vintage turquoise that my mother in law gave me - it was in her mother's crafting stuff - I'll make a new ring with this turquoise every time one sells - until I run out of the turquoise. Again, I'll take size requests but I can't guarantee anything else about the ring - except that it will remain simple, large, and have a nice, soft, brushed matte finish.

I see why Connor likes his "mind games" so much, they do make life more interesting and less (*responsible, tedious*) work oriented.

Texture! Texture! Texture!

2009-06-13T18:21:00.008-04:00

I love texture!

Random, natural, lovely decay, just excavated from the ground, type of texture.
This is a new necklace I'll be listing soon. It's made of copper and is a large, bib type of necklace.
The copper has been etched, hammered, heat treated for color.... Looks ancient and warm and bohemian.

I had fun making it! I hope someone else enjoys it too!

P.S. - Do you see the very tiny fly that got in my picture??

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

Found in our Cat's food dish!

2009-06-10T12:46:00.001-04:00

Found in our Cat's food dish!
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Our 7 year old, Connor found this scorpion in our Cat's food the other morning! Yikes! I'm glad Scott was home (I wasn't) to take care of it! We've been warned that the scorpions get bad this time of year - I guess I wasn't expecting one IN our house!!
"Welcome back to the Southwest", Scott said as he tormented me with pretending to dump the scorpion on my head!
Michigan had a lot more bugs than Colorado does... but there were very few dangerously poisonous bugs in Michigan... There are fewer bugs here (which seems really nice at first) but the majority of those few bugs are highly dangerous. That causes me just a little bit of stress... especially with 3 little boys who never stop exploring...

Set of bridal party necklaces - Iolite

2009-06-09T18:01:00.003-04:00

Set of bridal party necklaces - Iolite
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

New in my shop! Custom made necklace sets for bridal parties! Petite sterling silver flowers hang from a delicate sterling chain - Made with your choice of semi precious stones to match your wedding colors. Different and unique just like each one of your bridesmaids!

See them in my Etsy shop: http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

Hearts... hearts.... do you think I can get 5,000?

2009-06-04T16:06:00.005-04:00

On Etsy (the website that I have a not so secret love affair with) we like to collect hearts... Each heart represents another etsy shop or buyer who happens to think your shop (or mine) is pretty cool. I remember (vividly) my first 12 hearts... I jumped up and down and squealed with delight every time I got a new one! My husband thought I had finally, truly, lost my mind.

Imagine my shock (and humbled feelings) when I realized recently that I have close to 5,000 hearts! I'm sorry... I did not jump up and down with each one of those hearts. In fact, I became so busy with my little shop that I frequently forgot to check my hearts.

I'm blown away by how far I have come in these few years on Etsy. Blown away when I recall my past self.... listing my very first item.... waiting with excitement (and a little trepidation) for that very first view - wondering if I would be well received in this small but tight knit community that was Etsy back then...
My first heart was a sign for me and it gave me the courage to list more... make more... and put my all into my etsy shop as a real, live, business endeavor.

I'm happy that I did.
Some of my best friends (though I have never met them face to face) I met on Etsy. I've met beautiful, wonderful people that are my customers... I cherish every one of them and feel blessed that my jewelry is being worn by people that I truly like!

So.... How long till my big milestone of 5,000 hearts?? A month? Two?
I will be excited to find out... And maybe, just maybe I'll not only jump up and down and squeal but I'll also do a little dance!

HeddyBomb!

2009-06-04T13:42:00.004-04:00

So, one of my best friends opened up an etsy shop a while ago and I just realized I have never featured any of her stuff on my blog!

I'm a bad friend!

I love, love her pieces and want one bad (hint, hint).

Check her out at http://www.heddybomb.etsy.com

Citrine ring

2009-06-03T16:51:00.005-04:00

Citrine ring
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

I've finally done it!
Set up my studio... created some new pieces... Now I'm about to have the Grand Re-Opening of my Etsy shop!
On June 8th, older designs will be disappearing (check my clearance section) and new designs will be magically appearing!

Stay tuned!

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

2009-05-27T12:14:00.003-04:00

My studio is finally set up!

P1100663
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Yay! I'm so relieved! I have a place to hammer on some metal now! With all of the stress of the past 7 months... I definitely need it! I'm like a kid in a toy store unpacking all of my tools!
I have tons of pent up ideas ready to burst out and splatter themselves on some metal goodness!

I'm also (quite honestly) a little tired of looking at some of my "old" jewelry. I'd like to clear it out, give it a good home, (it needs to be WORN and loved not sitting in a box) before I fill my shop with new designs in June.

Sooooo..... BIG clearance sale!! Check it out! Tell everyone that you know!

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com/

2009-05-06T13:01:00.002-04:00

Sawyer running to papa and Elijah
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

After the train trip the boys run for their Papa!

They didn't quite understand why Scott couldn't hang out with us for the whole trip - but they got free popcorn and that made it better!

Riding "Papa's Train"!

2009-05-06T12:48:00.001-04:00

P1120823
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

The boys finally got to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad train! Scott was, of course, in the kitchen the whole time but the boys had a blast! {as you can probably tell from the picture}
What a beautiful ride! The open car was so fun (and such a great idea) because the boys didn't have to sit for 2 hours - a big relief to them as they find sitting even for 10 minutes absolute torture!

We got to meet all of Papa's co-workers as well as the owner's of the train - a great and fun bunch of people!

I'll be posting more pictures of the ride soon!

2009-05-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

seed pod ring
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

♥ ♥ In honor of Canon City, Colorado's 71st annual Blossom Festival - I'm having a SALE! ♥ ♥
This weekend only! Starting Friday morning at 8am (EST) and ending Sunday night at midnight (EST) take an additional 30% off your entire order! To get your discount, mention "Blossom Festival" when you check out and wait for a revised invoice from me!

Click here to get to my shop! http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

2009-04-23T19:11:00.002-04:00

Where is my studio??
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Please be patient... This is what my studio looks like right now!
My very well-meaning father in law decided we would unpack faster if all the boxes from the truck were in the very spot designated for my studio. He would have been right - But none of us were counting on my dad's death and then Kristi's death... Kind of put the damper on unpacking stuff.

Now we like our house as it is. Simple. Uncluttered. Minimalist. I don't even want to unpack these boxes....
I don't even know what's in them at this point.
As the days pass, I find myself caring less and less about finding out what's in them.

I DO want to set up my studio though!

I'm itching to start working again. Itching to get these ideas out of my head and transferred to metal.

Perhaps I'll rent a storage unit? Have a garage sale?

A garage sale would mean I still have to open and go through each box {sigh} something I'm not looking forward to!

I wish I had a magic wand - I would wave it now and everything would magically disappear and my studio would magically appear. {Maybe with some new, shiny tools too??}

2009-04-18T19:33:00.002-04:00

P1060517
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

After a long trip and a few hard losses - I've finally decided to re-open my shop. I feel like I've been gone for a really long time...
Etsy feels like that good friend I've been neglecting -

My studio isn't set up yet - so there are no new items in my shop yet. Everything you see is what I have in stock - I hope it is a 'clearing out' of sorts before I embark on bigger and better things.

2009-04-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we took a crazy little trip down to Espanola, New Mexico to be with Chris, the kids and Kristi’s family. 2 days after his mother’s death, it was Mateo’s 7th birthday.
Mateo and Connor are the same age and used to hang out as babies and toddlers when we still lived in New Mexico. I don’t think they remembered each other – but they definitely struck up a friendship as if no time had passed.
Chris wanted to make Mateo’s birthday as normal as possible. I know it was tough for him to put aside his own intense grief for this one day - but he did it for his son and made it a day all about Mateo.
It felt wrong not to see Kristi there. It feels wrong to see Chris without her. To watch her kids running around without her. It felt so surreal and heartbreaking – I thought that she would walk through the door at any minute… scoop up her baby – kiss Mateo on the head, put her arm around Kaycee…. Roll her eyes at me as our husband’s drank too much and made fools of themselves.
Only she wasn’t there…. And thankfully there was no “drinking too much” on this day.
We watched the kids play and laugh and took what comfort we could from their pure approach to life. And death.
I was glad that we took the long trek down to NM. Connor and Elijah and Mateo beat the crap out of a huge Piňata and Mateo laughed, genuinely, for the first time since Kristi’s death.
It was hard for me to watch Chris. I know exactly where he is right now. I went through it 11 years ago when my first husband Dan died. I cannot imagine going through that kind of intense grief with three kids though… I didn’t have to be responsible to anyone but myself when Dan died. I didn’t have to take care of anyone, change diapers, read bedtime stories… Help 3 little one’s through their own grief. I know that he see’s Kristi every time he looks into their faces.
It was heartbreaking for me to look into their faces. I can’t even imagine what it is like for Chris and Kristi’s mom and sisters. Sweet Kaycee is as calm and collected as she has ever been. I used to call her the smartest 4 year old in the world… With an old soul and eyes that miss nothing. Now, I think she is the smartest 11 year old in the world. I worry that she will grow up too fast – she is already taking on the “mama” role to her little brothers.
Miles is only 18 months old – I wonder if he has any concept of what is happening right now – maybe he knows more than we do. He has steady, soulful eyes. I was holding him at one point and he turned my head towards him and just stared into my eyes for what seemed like forever. He was trying to figure me out.
As we were saying our goodbyes, Kristi’s mom held onto my hands and said, “She loved you guys – and she made sure that we knew it”. I tried really hard not to cry at that point and said, “we really loved Kristi too”..
We dropped the kids off at Scott’s parent’s house and made the long trek back up to Canon City (a 5 hour drive) so that Scott could square up things at work today before we go back down to Espanola (tomorrow) for Kristi’s funeral…. Then up to Denver (on Friday) to catch a flight to Detroit and make it up to my dad’s farm for his memorial service on Saturday. I was initially upset when Scott bought the plane tickets to Detroit – I wanted to be there much earlier – at least a few days so that I could help my siblings prepare for the service. Tickets were just too expensive for anything earlier. I’m glad now. Glad that we are able to be here for Kristi’s funeral.

Right now I sit in a quiet house, alone with my thoughts. I hadn’t realized how much of a GOOD distraction my 3 boys were for me. I’ve never been afraid to be alone with my thoughts – but right now it feels like too much to deal with. I don’t normally survive by distraction and “covering up” but today I must. Time to write a list and prepare for the long next few days ahead of us.

2009-04-06T16:48:00.002-04:00

In case anyone can make it to my dad's memorial service - it is on April 11, at 1pm at my dad's farm in central Michigan. Please email me for directions.

Here is an old article about my dad that I think captures his life pretty well - there are a few facts wrong in the article - but nothing that is a huge deal (my parents actually owned the farm - along with my two uncles - since 1974 not 1983 as the article infers).

Enjoy: http://metrotimes.com/archives/story.asp?id=2425

2009-04-06T15:33:00.004-04:00

What can we do?
I feel like I'm in a bad dream right now.
I've barely even dealt with the reality of my dad's death - and now Kristi is dead.
We shouldn't have to figure out if we can go down to New Mexico to be with Chris and the kids right now - We should just be able to drop everything and go...

We leave on Friday for my dad's memorial.

I will feel really bad for Scott if we can't go to Kristi's funeral.

Her death is heartbreaking to me - on many different levels. For one, because it's Kristi. Sweet, funny, strong, a good friend to my husband and his family... and she was welcoming and open to me when I joined the "family". Maybe it helped that her (then 4 year old) daughter Kaycee never stopped talking about me...
My heart also breaks for her 3 beautiful children. Kaycee, Mateo and Miles. She fell asleep next to the boys and just didn't wake up in the morning. She had no health issues, no symptoms besides feeling a little "off" the night before. Her boys woke up, couldn't wake up their mama and ran to get their dad... I can't even imagine what they are going through right now. Mateo is 7, Miles is about 18 months old, Kaycee is about 11.
Kristi was my age (34).
If I had health insurance right now - I would go for a full physical today. I cannot believe that she is gone at such a young age and with no warning.

She was a bright light in our lives and she will be greatly missed.

2009-04-06T11:15:00.005-04:00

Kristi and Kaycee 1999

(all of our more recent pictures are still packed)

If death happens in 3's I sure hope that our bearded dragon, Fluffy counts as one. I'm not sure how much more Scott and I can handle right now.

Yesterday we found out that one of Scott's best friends, Kristi has died. He has known Kristi since he was a kid - She became his first love and then best friend.

She went on to marry Chris - he and Scott became such good friends that Chris was his best man in our wedding.

At this point we don't know what happened. We only know that Chris found her dead yesterday morning.

One of the BIG reasons we were looking forward to moving here was so that we could be closer to Chris and Kristi and all hang out again...

My heart aches for Scott - He wants to drive down to New Mexico to be there for Chris - but with my dad's memorial/funeral coming up it seems impossible. Scott needs to be there... I wish I could wave a magic wand and get him down there - make work disappear for him for a few days... How much more can we take this year? I feel so worn out right now that I can't even feel anything - I know that it will all slam into me in a few weeks once everything has settled down.

Our bearded dragon's death seems inconsequential in all of this - poor fluffy... You will be missed too my little buddy.

We love you Kristi - I am sending all of my thoughts to Chris and your beautiful children and to my husband Scott who has lost a really good friend.

Rest in Peace - Hugh Timlin 1945 - 2009

2009-03-29T16:06:00.001-04:00

March 2002
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

My dad.
It feels so surreal to say that you are dead.
One of the hardest things I've had to do was leave you - so sick - knowing it would be the last time I saw you - and move to Colorado. I left you feeling at peace about our relationship. It has helped that through out my life you have always been open with me - always let me say whatever I needed to say to you.

There is only one thing I never got to say to you.

"Thank you for being my dad."

Thank you for always dropping everything to listen.

Thank you for wearing carpenter pants when I was a little kid and letting me believe that hammer loop was put there just for my grubby little hand... So that I could grasp on and follow you where ever you went. Thank you for only getting mildly annoyed when I would take that hammer out and throw it to the ground every time it dared occupy MY little loop.

Thank you for patiently allowing me to destroy all of your saw blades as I “practiced” being a jeweler as a kid and cut through sheet after sheet of copper in your studio (good thing it was cheap back then).

Thank you for sitting quietly by my side during my first terrifying bouts of depression as a child and continuing to support and love me throughout my adulthood.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for getting the humor in my candor when I didn't give you any excuses and didn't allow any for you.

Thank you for recognizing that I was showing you my love when I refused to show you my sympathy.

Thank you for getting my kids hooked on chocolate at an early age, teaching them how to gather eggs and showing them where "meat" really comes from.

Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to be ME.

Thank you for giving me six beautiful, wonderful siblings and teaching us that, “as long as we have each other, we’ll be ok”.

As I post this, Sawyer sits on my lap – points to your picture on the computer and with a BIG smile on his face says, “Gwampa!!” It breaks my heart that he doesn’t know he will never sit in your lap again – never steal your glasses and giggle slyly as he hides them behind his back… Never run up to you with his arms outstretched, yelling “gwampa!”…

I wonder how I will keep your spirit alive to my boys. What will I tell them about your life?
How will I ever supply them with the same amount of chocolate you had for them - in your pocket - at every visit?

I love you and I miss you. I wish I could pick up the phone and call you right now. It seems wrong that during one of the biggest moments of my life, you aren’t here to philosophize with about it.

2009-02-14T15:54:00.003-05:00

Turquoise flower necklace
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

♥Deal of the day (for the next 3 days)♥

Moving Sale! I'm getting ready to pack up my studio for our BIG move across the country. Last chance sale! Buy anything in the shop at 30% off! Type in code: "moving sale" when you check out and wait for a revised invoice from me. If I'm going to pack it up, I would rather send it to you than put it on the truck!! http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

Oh! Did I forget to mention that we are officially moving to Canon City, Colorado?!? hehe! Things have been so busy here! Scott got the job and we have been packing non stop ever since! Wish us luck! :)

♥

blowing out the candles

2009-01-29T15:55:00.001-05:00

blowing out the candles
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Sawyer LOVED his 2nd birthday!! He made us relight his candles about 5 times because he had so much fun blowing them out! heehee!
His older brother's had a lot of fun teaching him about birthday's... and helping him unwrap his presents.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my etsy shop for the special Sawyer's birthday sale!!

In other news: I will be closing down my etsy shop soon. Don't worry! This is only temporary as I pack up our house in preparation for a big move!
I will still have one of a kind pieces available up until our move (sometime at the end of February) but, for the time being, will no longer be selling my made to order pieces.

Stay tuned here for more updates and details about our move! {hint: we are probably not going to have to endure Michigan winters any longer}

2009-01-25T10:39:00.005-05:00

Today is my youngest son's birthday! Sawyer turns 2!

I remember when Sawyer was born - I said, "this is the first good thing to happen in the month of January in a looong time". I've dealt with a lot of death in this month - it was so good to rejoice in life in the hardest month of winter! So today we rejoice!

My little red headed child is the spitting image of my Irish grandmother Aggie who died 5 years ago on January 20th. She was not just my grandmother - but the one, strong, irreplaceable matriarchal force in my life. I miss her intensely.

In honor of Sawyer's second birthday I am having a sale in my etsy shop. Check out my shop announcement for details: http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com/

"Lipstick" resin earrings

2009-01-11T11:08:00.001-05:00

"Lipstick" resin earrings
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

My new lipstick resin earrings!
I decided I needed to work with what I have - in preparation for moving - and one thing I have (that I haven't used in a long time) is A TON of epoxy.
One of my favorite workshops in school was learning how to use 2-ton epoxy as resin. We learned how to color it ourselves (using things like eye shadow), make molds, and do simple bezel settings like these. That was.... oh.... 10 years ago now... hah!
And I'm just now getting back into using the techniques - out of necessity more than anything. I must use up some of my supplies before our big move (wherever that may be) and I'm determined to have some fun while I do it!
These are a cheap little addition to my shop right now at $22 a pair. Sterling silver post earrings with your favorite maybelline lipstick inside. hah! Just kidding... It's resin... Hard as a rock. Please don't try putting it on your lips.
It won't work.

2009-01-10T21:49:00.003-05:00

I-Ching necklace "treading"
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

So, I've been a fan of the I Ching (or book of changes) for a long time... I made a necklace about 3 years ago for the first Detroit Urban Craft Fair and decided to make some more this past week.

There is no easy way to explain the I Ching if you're not already familiar with it. To explain my necklace, I will simply say that it is an ancient collection of linear signs to be used as oracles. A sort of Chinese form of divination, if you will. Although divination is a very shallow, superficial explanation.

The quick explanation of the lines: Each line (and whether they are broken or unbroken) has a meaning... each set of 3 lines has a meaning. 2 sets of 3 lines put together has a bigger meaning....

I like to randomly place lines on a necklace and then look it up later. This one was particularly significant. My husband and I have been trying to remain calm under a lot of financial pressure lately. He recently lost his job and we are looking for work and a new place to live... A lot of changes... A lot of our life is thrown up in the air... When I looked up the meaning of these lines in my book of changes - it just made sense. I think I'll give this necklace to my husband.

Here is the short version of the meaning:
Treading {conduct}
above - The creative, Heaven
below - the joyous, Lake

The name of the hexagram means on the one hand the right way of conducting oneself. Heaven, the father, is above, and the lake, the youngest daughter, is below. This shows the difference between high and low, upon which composure, correct social conduct, depends. On the other hand, the word for the name of the hexagram, TREADING, means literally treading upon something. The small and cheerful [tui] treads upon the large and strong [ch'ien]. The direction of movement of the two primary trigrams is upward. The fact that the strong treads on the weak is not mentioned in the Book of Changes, because it is taken for granted. For the weak to take a stand against the strong is not dangerous here, because it happens in good humor and without presumption, so that the strong man is not irritated but takes it all in good part.

THE JUDGEMENT
Treading. Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man. Success.

The situation is really difficult. That which is strongest and that which is weakest are close together...... The situation is one in which we are still not bound by any obligations of social intercourse. If our conduct is simple, we remain free of them. We can quietly follow our predilections as long as we are content and make no demands on people.

The meaning of the hexagram is not standstill but progress. A man finds himself in an altogether inferior position at the start. However, he has the inner strength that guarantees progress. If he can be content with simplicity, he can make progress without blame. When a man is dissatisfied with modest circumstances, he is restless and ambitious and tries to advance, not for the sake of accomplishing anything worth while, but merely in order to escape from lowliness and poverty by dint of his conduct. Once his purpose is achieved, he is certain to become arrogant and luxury-loving. Therefore blame attaches to his progress. On the other hand, a man who is good at his work is content to behave simply. he wishes to make progress in order to accomplish something. When he attains his goal, he does something worth while, and all is well.

The situation of a lonely sage is indicated here. He remains withdrawn from the bustle of life, seeks nothing, asks nothing of anyone, and is not dazzled by enticing goals. He is true to himself and travels through life unassailed, on a level road. Since he is content and does not challenge fate, he remains free of entanglements.

This is only about 1/4 of the meaning! Maybe I'll post more later on but I think this sums up the meaning sufficiently enough. At least in relation to our lives right now.

Hopefully not too boring for you!

marigolds?

2009-01-06T18:25:00.001-05:00

P1100663
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

I started to make this necklace EONS ago! Seriously. I think I posted a picture of it in the EtsyMetal Street team forums - last year... 2 years ago?? Half finished. Asking for everyone to MAKE me finish it. It was the handmade chain that pushed me over the edge. :) I dare anyone to try making a chain by hand with a 1 year old (now 2) tugging at your leg. hehe! um.... no, he wasn't tugging at my leg really... I don't let him get that close while I'm soldering! But still... You get the picture, I'm sure.
It is finally finished - and waiting for someone to wear it!
I'll be posting it in my etsy shop soon!

2009-01-05T10:47:00.004-05:00

P1110375
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

This is my new "Black River Ring".
Black onyx with a fine silver bezel and sterling silver band.
I love the simplicity of this one. The black onyx and brushed silver give it a very modern feel and the length of the stone (it's a knuckle spanner) makes it BOLD! Find it in my shop:

Miatta and Sawyer

2009-01-05T10:08:00.001-05:00

Miatta and Sawyer
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

There are a lot of changes going on in the land of Lunasa Designs! Some changes are really, really good; like my sister Mara and her Husband Ryan finally getting their little girls, Miatta and Nowai, from Liberia! {Miatta is pictured with my son Sawyer - her new cousin}.

Other changes are not so good at the moment. Like many, many Americans right now, we are feeling the affects of the recession. My husband lost his job in November due to downsizing. At first we were excited about moving (we're wandering fools at heart) and excited about new opportunities for him. Two months later, with no job in sight, we're starting to panic.

I'm not sure what this means for Lunasa Designs at the moment. I'm feeling at my most creative right now and am motivated to make my business work... But I have no idea where we'll be moving or when - or if our new place will support a studio and business. I'm feeling sad about the prospect of closing down. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time - and while I have Scott home to help with the kids, I'm creating, creating, creating...
At least I'll have a stockpile of jewelry while we are packing and moving - whenever that shall be.

Here's hoping for bigger and better things to come our way!
Peace and love to all.

Me and my family of boys!

2009-01-05T09:48:00.001-05:00

p10829s1100470_4
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Almost 7 years of me bugging Scott to get a family picture taken.... an "official" family portrait.... We finally have one. I guess it was good that we waited until we had all of our boys. Although one with just us and Connor 7 years ago would have been nice too. I'll take what I can get! ha ha!
This picture wouldn't have been possible without my mother in law and sister in law - We dragged all of our men and children down to the portrait studio to get a BIG family portrait done (and smaller family portraits). Fun for us. Not so fun for the "boys".

This is my new nephew!

2008-11-17T08:35:00.001-05:00

Week 2
Originally uploaded by Timlin

Isn't he adorable!!
He was born on Halloween!
My 3 boys absolutely LOVE him and can't wait till they can teach him all the "bad" things. hehe!
Welcome to the world, Andrew Casey!!

2008-10-22T07:37:00.004-04:00

Wow!

I have not written in so long!

I had my BIG birthday sale in my Etsy shop (which went really well - and soon I will post all of the awesome limericks people sent me) and then I kind of fell off the face of the earth.

Not truly.

The kids started school again (busy, busy) and my computer decided to get sick.

Getting online to do anything has been... well... nothing short of a miracle, when it actually happens.

Then the computer must have passed the bug to my kids - all 3 have been sick off and on for about 2 weeks now. Poor kiddos.

So- not much new in the shop - I have been having a bit of fun making matching bridesmaids necklaces. The brides I've worked with so far have been so fun and positive and happy! No bridezilla's here! Their infectious good humor makes it that much more fun!

Here's a little sample of my simple designs:

Large oval carnelian stones

Small rounds

Small round and swing girl

2008-08-02T13:45:00.002-04:00

P1060550
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Yay!
Welcome to day 2 of my big 8/8/8 sale!!
Today is all about earrings! I'll be listing new earrings all day and the sale will go until midnight EST - 30% off all earrings!

Order as usual and wait for my revised invoice reflecting the new sale price...

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com

2008-08-01T12:16:00.002-04:00

P1070112
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

BIG CELEBRATION SALE!!
In honor of my birthday, my etsy anniversary, the Irish celebration of Lunasa and the number 8, I am having a 08/08/08 sale!!
Sadly, I will not be 8 or 80 or even 18 on this birthday, just a very boring 34. ♥
There will be a different sale each day for the first 8 days of August - Check my ♥SHOP POLICIES♥ each day to see what surprise sale awaits you!

(psssst... today is 30% off any ring in the shop!! I'll be adding new rings all day long)

http://www.lunasadesigns.etsy.com/

Cicada - and it's out!

2008-06-18T09:43:00.001-04:00

Cicada - and it's out!
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

its out!!

The boys were so excited and proud! They were jumping up and down and screaming!! haha!

It was a beautiful transclucent green for a while and then slowly dried and turned a light brown...

What a fun experience!

Cicada shedding it's old skin

2008-06-18T09:32:00.001-04:00

Cicada shedding it's old skin
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

The boys found this cicada struggling to shed! Their first instinct was to help it out but after we explained to them that it needed to do it by itself (to get strong) they very loyally guarded it all day.
They were very sweet keeping the dogs away and keeping an eye on it for a few hours...

and then finally....

My 3 boys

2008-05-19T08:57:00.001-04:00

My 3 boys
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Our first day at Coldwater Lake! This is where we spend a lot of our hot summer days (it's only a mile from our house). It was nice to be there alone! We had the run of the park without the crowds of people there that migrate up here during the summer.

2008-04-27T15:17:00.004-04:00

finiuin ring. again.
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

If this ring fit me, I would keep it.
I love how it turned out.... simple, yet still elegant - wrapped just so, around the finger (or in this case, my thumb).

This ring is made from Argentium sterling silver - Argentium® Silver is an anti-oxidizing, anti-fire scale Sterling alloy that is extremely tarnish resistant and is fairly new on the market.

Because there is no fire scale it makes beautiful fused rings! It can be fairly difficult to work with (breaks easily when under heat and soldering) but is a dream to finish!

I love making these fused rings because each one is completely different. Each one comes out as a total surprise (a lot like my children). I take a bunch of argentium silver wire, wrap it around my soldering ring mandrel and hit it with my torch.... from there I let the metal melt where it may, fusing together, balling up... I then put it on my forming mandrel and hammer it out - inspect it... see if it needs to be fused more... and then do it all over again. Sometimes adding more wire, sometimes adding a bezel to set a stone when it's all finished.

I love casting and melting metal but I don't have a set-up for casting in my studio right now - so this kind of controlled (yet random) melting will do for now.

2008-04-26T17:21:00.002-04:00

P1050398
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Oh, to be this young and carefree again!!

They are absolutely happy and content to toss their kite/glider up into the air.... watch it soar and crash...

Toss it into the air again....

Chase it, crash into each other, toss it up again...

These 3 boys bring me back to the reality of what life really is. The simple joys. The human need to scream and laugh and run.

Forgetting all else for a moment, I allow myself to watch and breathe and dream and remember...

2008-04-26T17:19:00.002-04:00

The boys taking off
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

It was a beautiful warm day... We grabbed the kites and headed out to the property where Scott had been hunting all morning for turkey (he didn't get one) and already had a fire going and dinner cooking.

The boys were on a mission to fly their kites and didn't care about much else....

What??

2008-04-24T14:18:00.001-04:00

What??
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

It took some convincing on my part - but I finally got through to them that it was NOT a good idea to taste their concoction.

heh heh!

How's it coming?

2008-04-24T14:15:00.001-04:00

How's it coming?
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

In deep concentration... Putting the final touches on their "chocolate milk".

eye of newt, wart of toad...

2008-04-24T14:07:00.001-04:00

eye of newt, wart of toad...
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Elijah and Sawyer are mixing something up in the purple pumpkin... I'd rather not know what it is. Thanks.

They tried to get me to drink it quite a few times.

I'm so happy that they're proud of their handiwork - but I still politely declined a taste.

:)

2008-04-23T07:32:00.002-04:00

Chocolate Mushroom Shoes
Originally uploaded by Shara Lambeth

These shoes are SO adorable from Shara Lambeth on etsy: http://www.jolibebe.etsy.com or http://www.jolibebe.dawanda.com
Handmade stuff like this makes me wish I had a little girl to dres up!! Although these would be equally as cute on a baby boy - {sigh} I think Sawyer is just a bit too big for them now....

Turquoise Stack Rings

2008-04-23T07:11:00.001-04:00

P1050275
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Someone from Finland just ordered these as wedding rings... It was a bit nerve wracking making them, knowing that they would be so special to them! I never considered making wedding rings - because I mainly work in Sterling and just assumed everyone else in the world wants gold. I think I may have to reconsider that - especially since my own wedding ring is sterling! haha! Now why would I assume that there is no one else out there like me??

Kissing those dirty lil baby cheeks!

2008-04-22T16:02:00.001-04:00

Kissing those dirty lil baby cheeks!
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Sawyer is SO excited to be playing outside in the dirt, and very annoyed at mommy for stopping him to kiss him!!

I just can't help kissing those chubby little cheeks!!

Dirty or not, they are adorable! :)

Sunny day

2008-04-22T15:50:00.001-04:00

P1050338
Originally uploaded by Lunasa Designs

Spring is finally here! My eyes look green here just like the grass and the leaves starting to come out....

With the warm weather it has been increasingly more difficult to work in my studio....

Maybe I should consider taking the summer off??

2008-02-14T20:30:00.002-05:00

Flames

Shhhhh.... Don't tell Scott (my husband) that this is his valentine's day present. It's not a very good picture as it was getting dark out by the time I finished it.... The ring looks much better in person!! :)
I'll be giving it to him tonight when he get's home from work. I hope he likes it!

2007-10-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

I'm busy preparing for an upcoming show!
It has been a little crazy - with 3 sick kiddo's, orders to get out and a show to prepare for! Thankfully its all stuff that is made already - just have to make sure its presentable :)
Should be fun!
If you're in the area, come by and say hi! I'll be there provided all the kids are feeling better.

apARTment:
exciting evening of art, fashion and design! apARTment will open on Saturday, October 20th, along with the opening of “Actual Size Biennial” in the Ladybug Gallery and at the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit. CAID will also open the “Detroit Diamonds” exhibit in their installation space, The Carriage House, on Warren Avenue, with shuttle bus transportation connecting the three locations.

Opening night festivities run from 6-10pm, with a print, radio and TV media preview and photo opportunity beginning at 5:30. Between the two non-profit groups organizing this event, more than 500 benefactors and patrons are expected to attend.

The Whitdell Building is located at:
1250 Hubbard Street
(Porter & Hubbard Streets)
Detroit, MI 48209

http://www.thecaid.org.

Apparently it already made the front page of the Detroit Free Press!! Yay!

2007-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Again with the "very beautiful girl"!! I'm starting to feel like a plate of chopped liver! hehe!

So - a few weeks ago Connor and Elijah convinced me to buy a pineapple at the store. Once we got home and cut it up, Elijah wouldn't touch it (of course) but Connor sat at the table and savored his bowl full...
He looked deep in thought for a moment and then said,
"I will get the children a pineapple".

Me: "what children? The kids in your classroom"
Connor: "no"
Me: "so what kids are you getting a pineapple for"
Connor: "when I get older, I'm going to marry the very beautiful girl, Natalie.
When she has kids, I will buy them a pineapple".

Love is so simple at his age. :)

2007-10-14T10:21:00.000-04:00

As usual, I've been neglecting my blog...

I promise to get better!

We've been busy here! After much consideration, Connor decided he wanted to go to kindergarten - Getting up early (6am) has been tough on our usual late afternoon riser but he LOVES school! So, the normal things that go along with having a kid in school are happening now... Me feeling like I have to volunteer for every little event that comes up (I have to be a dedicated parent, after all), Connor bringing home every virus and cold under the sun... Picking up bad habits and teaching his younger brothers (how to stick out their tongues at each other).

Along with the not so good, there is a lot of GOOD - Connor LOVES his teacher - when asked, "why?" he says, "she has a nice voice". He also has fallen in love for the first time.... I'll never forget our endearing conversation about his newfound crush - A conversation I wasn't expecting for another 8 years at least! {sigh}

After the first week I was asking him how his day was - This is how our conversation went:
Mommy: "So how was your day today?"
Connor: "I don't know"
Mommy: "Did you have fun?"
Connor: "yeah"
Mommy: "What did you do?"
Connor: "I don't know"
Mommy: "you don't know what you did?"
Connor: "moo-oooom!! I don't REMEMBER!!"
Mommy: "oh. Do you have any friends?"
Connor: "yeah"
Mommy: "what are their names?"
Connor: "I don't know"
(long pause while Connor thinks about something)
all of a sudden he gets a little smile on his face and says: "but mommy, there's a very beautiful girl in my classroom!"
Mommy: "oh yeah! What's her name?"
Connor: "I don't know"
Mommy: "What does she look like?"
Connor: "I don't know."
(pause)
Connor: "Do you think I could marry her when I get older?"
Mommy: "Well, if you want to marry her I think you should find out what her name is first"
Connor: "how do I do that?"
Ahhhh..... love... true love.
So for over a week we've been calling her the "very beautiful girl" and its the only way to get him out of bed at 6am ("Connor, get up! Time to go see the very beautiful girl at school" - and he's up in a flash)
Yesterday it was her "special day" (like show and tell) and he FINALLY learned her name! OH he was so excited!
He came home and first thing said, "mommy! I know the very beautiful girl's name now!!"
Mommy: "oh yeah! What is it?"
Connor: "Natalie!"
Mommy: Did you talk to her today?"
Connor: "no, I heard someone call her that"
(my cute little stalker)
Mommy: "Did she talk to you today?"
Connor: "yes!"
Mommy: "what did she say?"
Connor: "sorry."
Mommy: "She said, 'sorry'?
Connor: "yeah."
Mommy: "Why did she say sorry?"
Connor: "MOM!!" because she stepped on my hand!"
Mommy: "oh. why did she step on your hand?"
Connor: "MOM!!! because it was right there by her foot"
Mommy: "um.... why was it there by her foot? Where you taking a nap?"
Connor: "NOOO-OOO!!!!
Mommy: "well, ya gotta help me out here - I wasn't there, remember??"
Connor: (big sigh and rolling of eyes) "She stepped on my foot because I fell down in the playground and she
accidentally stepped on it and said sorry."
Mommy: "Oh.... Was she coming over to help you?"
Connor: "NOO-OOOO!!!"
Mommy: "oh. well why was she right next to you then?"
Connor: "because she was following her friends".
(loong silence)
Mommy: "What you should have done is say, "that's ok - but will you kiss it better?"
Connor: "MOM!! (trying to supress a smile)
Mommy: "what? Don't you want her to kiss it better?"
Connor: "MOM!!"
Conversation disolves into a tickling fest.....

2007-05-26T23:19:00.000-04:00

A blog? What's that?? Oh yeah... I have one.... and I've been neglecting it for over TWO MONTHS!!!

Yikes!

So... Blogging's not exactly easy with a newborn - an almost 3 year old and a 5 year old.... Oh yeah, and a jewelry "business" to run. hehe

Fun!

Things I've been up to lately:

trying to keep my sanity

trying to keep my sanity

trying to keep my sanity

trying not to repeat myself

making, making, making (technical term for creating)

enjoying my 3 very active and very inquisitive children (ok, one isn't so active yet - although he has recently discovered his toes and likes to slobber on them quite a bit)

not enjoying my two very inquisitive dogs (they like to chase the neighbors cat)

Whew! even though I didn't write anything interesting I feel so much better that I "blogged". Mark that off my 2 month old "to do" list!!

2007-03-13T23:05:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here! It was actually "warm" today! The boys played outside - took their sandbox toys and shoveled the snow... They said they had to get rid of the "garbage"... hmmm...

I can't believe it but Connor turned 5 on Sunday! I'm starting to feel old! I never ever thought I would have a 5 year old - Soon I'll be saying, "I never ever thought I would have an 18 year old!" haha!

I'm working on my "spring line" of jewelry - trying to get some creative work in whenever I can. I have a ton of vintage beads to play with and have been working on some long dangly, delicate flower earrings. A lot like my poppy earrings inspired by Sheri Burhoe's work.

Lunasa Designs Jewelry

etsy metal: New Blog Feature, Ask Auntie EM!!

The LAST limerick - for real this time....

Oops! Missed a couple of limericks!

The very last Limerick....

...And more!

More limericks!

End of the Limerick Sale....

Love these limericks! Keep them comin'!

Limerick numero..... um... I've lost count!

2 more days.....

I love this time of year!

Now THIS would be a dream come true!!

Day 7... ...3 more days to go!

There once was a girl who liked limericks...

...Limerick, limerick, limerick...

Limerick, limerick, limerick....

And another...

What number is this??

Limerick #6!!

Limerick #5!!!

Limerick #4

Limerick #3!!

Limerick #2!!

First Limerick is here!

4th Annual Limerick Sale!!

RAW 3/52

RAW 2/52

RAW52 #1 (ring a week 2011)

Let's talk about blog - Where do you aspire to be in 5 years?

“Where do you draw your inspirations for creating from?” September Talk About Blog

Tomorrow is my birthday...

Day 7 - Limerick sale of the day!

Limerick Sale of the Day!!

Limerick Sale of the Day! August 5

Limerick Sale of the day!

Tiny Stacking set

DAY 1 - Limerick Sale!

3rd Annual Limerick sale starting tomorrow!!

Long Goddess earrings

New in the shop

Tis the season for weddings....

Rings for Haiti - Auction!

My Favorite Object

I haven't written in SO long....

Kind Over Matter

Etsymetal is having a FREE shipping sale!

There once was a girl who liked limericks....

Peridot {Celebration of August} ring

2nd Annual Limerick Sale!

SALE! This Weekend Only!

A New *FUN* Challenge!

Texture! Texture! Texture!

Found in our Cat's food dish!

Set of bridal party necklaces - Iolite

Hearts... hearts.... do you think I can get 5,000?

HeddyBomb!

Citrine ring

Riding "Papa's Train"!

Rest in Peace - Hugh Timlin 1945 - 2009

blowing out the candles

"Lipstick" resin earrings

marigolds?

Miatta and Sawyer

Me and my family of boys!

This is my new nephew!

Cicada - and it's out!

Cicada shedding it's old skin

My 3 boys

What??

How's it coming?

eye of newt, wart of toad...

Turquoise Stack Rings

Kissing those dirty lil baby cheeks!

Sunny day

A New FUN Challenge!