Charmed Gifts, LLC

The Art of Healthy Living e-course

2011-08-23T10:31:00.003-05:00

Hello Hello! I just wanted to share with you something that I find amazingly wonderful. A while ago, I joined a group called Whole Heart Fitness. It's a group of women led by Edie Cournoyer for weight loss with an artistic twist. So far I have become a part of an amazing support system, learned a bit about how to challenge my negative feelings about weight-loss, and... wait for it... (*insert drum roll here*) I've lost 5 pounds! It hardly even felt like I was trying.

Right now Edie is offering an e-course: http://wholeheartfitness.ning.com/page/the-art-of-healthy-livin-2 . It is really a great opportunity to have fun, learn about healthy living, be a part of a fantastic support system, and best of all, loose weight! I hope to see you there!! =D

Turning the page

2010-12-31T14:37:00.002-06:00

So, blogging isn't really my thing... as you may have already concluded from the date of my last post. However, I've learned so much in 2010 and have such high expectations for 2011 that I thought I'd give it another shot. Even if this ends up being my only post until next time I have an epiphany, I still feel it's necessary.

My dear friend Robyn (www.robynsart.etsy.com) has gently led me through the veils that have been covering my life. Through her Artist Empowerment class, introducing me to Julia Cameron, and simple encouragement she's made me realize that floating along on the winds of life won't make me magically appear at the gates of success or happiness.

Recently she shared with me a '2011 Personal Planning Tool' (www.lifeframeworks.com). I completed that just now and was suprised at some of the things that came from my pencil. I'd like to share the most suprising and powerful thing I wrote, I believe this will be a statement that I'll come back to again and again for encouragement in 2011:
Choosing to succeed, choosing to excell, choosing to be happy ~ they really are a choice. It's not easy to choose these things, but oh, how very wonderful.

So, for me, for 2011, I choose. I will choose everyday and I will make every choice. I hope you choose to have a happy and successfull 2011 as well!

Drum roll please...

2009-11-19T19:13:00.008-06:00

Yay! I finished!! Here you can see the wall with my contest pieces. In the corner is the Cricut cutting station. The shelving will be used to hold class tools.

Here is a close-up of my framed contest pieces.

This is the wall I am most proud of. (and my cat, Sunny, who is ready for his first class) The shelving on this wall will be used for magazines and catalogs.

This is some wonderful artwork I got from two of my Etsy friends. See more at http://www.robynsart.etsy.com/ and http://www.ameliakayphotography.etsy.com/.

Finally, a close-up of some inspiring words by Julia Cameron.

The painting is finished!!

2009-11-18T09:27:00.003-06:00

Whoot Whoot! I've put the brushes and rollers away! I picked up more paint over the weekend and finished the main color last night. I was disappointed to find that the new paint is a shade darker than the first gallon I purchased. I don't understand how that could be, but I'm trying not to let it bother me too much. I'm sure not many will notice unless they are staring at the corners and tops of the walls where I trimmed with the first gallon and rolled with the second.

I also added a little feather painting in pink and light teal. I still can't decide if I like it or not, but this is how it's going to stay. I think it looks a little like the paneling you would find in a trailer home, but even so, it is SOOO much better than the goopy blood stained walls that used to grace themselves in my classroom.

Now all I have to do is somehow cover the floor, change a lightbulb, assemble shelving, move in furniture, set up the Cricut, frame and hang pictures, and add a few finishing touches. }:-P

Poo for running out of paint!

2009-11-13T09:29:00.003-06:00

So close... yet so far away. This classroom thing is turning into a typical 'Rebecca Project'. I have grand ideas that shift and change with execution usually resulting in something completely different than I first intended. The finished product looks spectacular in my head, but no one will ever see, because that is the only place the finished product resides.

I ran out of paint last night. I'd like to get more tonight, but I should be doing so many other things. I have a craft show tomorrow and just about nothing prepared for it. It is in town here, so I will send Mike to the show and I'll have the store open. The store REALLY needs to be re-arranged and cleaned to accomdate Christmas and other seasonal items. Plus, I've been sitting on custom orders for about two weeks. So, we'll just have to wait until tonight to see if my desire to get paint over-rides my need to be responsible.

The trimming has begun...

2009-11-10T10:02:00.002-06:00

I got up early this morning and started trimming. All the trimming is done and two of the poles have one coat. If I get enough of my other work done during the day today, I'll do the other two poles and the rolling tonight.

When I picked out this color I didn't want my mother to see. She nosed her way in anyhow and said, "Too dark." Not, "Oh, that's a nice color.", or "I like it, but it's a shade dark for my taste.". Simply and bluntly, "Too dark." I tried not to let it bother me as I know that is her way of communicating tactful opinion, but now I'm second guessing my choice.

Never fear though, I have already devised a plan to lighten it up if I still think it's too dark once it's all painted. I'm not giving away my secret though... you'll just have to wait and see!

Priming - Check!

2009-11-09T09:37:00.003-06:00

Yay! Step one complete! I finished priming the walls yesterday. (I forgot to do the door, that will have to wait.) I painted and painted yesterday. All the while thinking about other things I could be doing. My beads and yarn were practically screaming at me the entire day, "Come play with me!".

Mike took down the brackets I couldn't remove. I'm glad I didn't have him silicone the cracks and holes though. The primer I'm using is supposed to stick to plastic, vinyl, metal, and a whole array of other things. Apparently though, it doesn't stick to silicone. I hope the regular latex paint does... It was interesting working with this special primer. It was VERY smelly, and I was getting a little loopy toward the end of the day. I'm glad that part is done. I'm hoping to get to work on the color tonight. Yay!

Classroom - Phase 1 complete!

2009-11-07T17:20:00.006-06:00

The walls are washed and much of the conduit and wires are down. That was a yucky, gross job and I'm glad it's done! My intent was to do the ceiling and the walls, but I just can't bring myself to do the ceiling. I'm going to use the excuse, "Time will not allow it." However, I really just don't want to paint around all the conduit and light fixtures. Plus, I'd have to take a bunch of brackets down and then figure out a way to re-hang the track lighting... blah blah blah. So, call it lazy or call it a wise use of my time, I'm still not doing it.

I have a couple of snags to work around... First, I can't get these dumb metal things off the wall. There are four of them and they just won't budge. Second, the holes where the refridgeration unit wires and tubing came in from outside need to be filled somehow before I can paint them (funny how you can't paint holes). Third, the tack strips need to be siliconed to the wall as they are coming loose and the silcone king (Mike) is currently unavailable. And lastly (for now), what am I going to do with all the wiring garbage above the cooler doors?

The Classroom

2009-11-06T12:28:00.004-06:00

I've been in this new store location for well over a year now and STILL don't have my classroom put together. It's really starting to disgust me. I have put this off so long the people don't even ask for classes anymore. Well, I've finally decided... This weekend is going to be the magical weekend. I am at least going to begin this project! This will be my last available opportunity before widow's weekend to make progress. Since I'm planning on having a free earring making workshop over widow's weekend, I'm thinking I should probably at least wash the walls and doors... yuck!

For those of you who don't know, my store is in an old meat locker plant. My classroom space is in the small cooler. It used to have a large wooden beam system for hanging meat. We took the beams down a couple months ago (when I bought the paint), but the metal poles are cemented into the floor. This will create an interesting challange for me... I don't have any plans as to what I will do with them yet, but I'm sure it will come to me. (feel free to make suggestions)

I have lots of fun ideas dancing around in my head to create an inspirational atmosphere. I don't expect to finish this weekend, but I am hoping for a fantabulous beginning!

Weddings #11, 12, and 13

2009-07-21T08:24:00.003-05:00

So... it seems as though I've fallen behind in life. I've been terribly busy lately and haven't taken the time to enjoy some of the simple things ~ like blogging. I've completed three wedding parties that I haven't blogged about and still don't have time to do it properly. So, I think I'll just post the pics and let you fantasize about the bridesmaids, and little princess flower girls that will be wearing these pieces.

Generosity

2009-07-14T08:17:00.002-05:00

The only reason I am able to write this today is because of generosity.

I belong to a wonderful group of online people on Etsy. (you can find them by searching 'Second Chance' in the forum section of Etsy) I knew the moment I met them that they all had good hearts and were kind in soul. They took me in as if I was meant to be there. Chatting and promoting my etsy store throughout the day with them has become an important part of my day.

Over the past few weeks I've seen this group of people support each other through things as small as a cold or headache and as large as a cheating spouse or forclosure on a home. Every sale is cheered, every new product greeted with pleasure.

Yesterday I received a notice from my electric company that they would be turning off my power today. I posted my dilema in the Second Chance forum in hopes to get a few extra sales to help pay my bill. I wasn't looking for a pity party or a handout. I didn't ask for a miracle. I was just hoping for a few sales.

I was met with so many sales that it sent my head spinning! A list of 19 shops promoted my store throughout the thread and offered discounts if someone were to purchase from me first. I received sale after sale. People wanted to know how close they were to making it possible for me to keep my lights on. Even with only $18 to go and my pleads to 'stop buying, I'm sure I can find $18 somewhere' everyone kept promoting my shop and making purchases. They were determined to help a friend in need and stick with it to the end.

By the end of the night, I had reached my goal and had $1.62 extra. I payed my bill by phone and can assure you I will never forget the generosity of this group.

Wedding # 10

2009-07-08T13:43:00.002-05:00

This has been a very popular design for weddings this year! I've just completed the jewelry for this beautiful wedding party. This bride chose a single strand illusion style necklace with air blue opal Swarovski crystals and white glass pearls. Her six bridesmaids are wearing ice blue gowns that will be absolutely lovely with these necklaces and matching earrings. The flower girl is a three year old little princess and will be wearing a tiny pearl and crystal bracelet and sweet matching earrings.

I've got a few tasks to complete, and then I'll be starting on the next wedding party... Indicolite and Ivory.

The case of the red scrubbies...

2009-07-03T19:44:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been participating in a forum through Etsy to promote my shop and make some sales. I've met lots of really nice crafters and artists there. Today, I was promoting my scrubbies, listing all the colors I have, and commented that red scrubbies would be coming soon (hopefully).

Now, I've had the material to make red scrubbies for a couple months now, but haven't had my work table cleared off long enough to cut it into strips. I decided that today is the day... I cleared enough of my workspace to cut scrubbie fabric. Here are the before and after pics of my work table (notice that I only cleaned half of the table?). Now that I've put much of my stuff away, I'm sure I'll never find it again, but red scrubbies are much closer to reality.

Wedding # 9

2009-07-03T19:37:00.003-05:00

I completed this wedding jewelry about a month ago while my mother was visiting. I'm just now blogging about it, but I suppose better late than never, right?

I would have loved to see this jewelry together with the dresses. The dresses were chocolate colored and flower boquets had an aqua ribbon. The bride wanted to bring more of the aqua into the ensemble and chose this sparkly aqua set.

I've been commissioned to do two more weddings... it should be fun to see what these brides choose!

Wedding Party #8!

2009-05-05T14:07:00.002-05:00

Another Chocolate and Champagne wedding! Must be popular colors for this year. Take a look at the tiny flowergirl bracelet... she's only 1!

Wedding #7

2009-05-01T12:09:00.002-05:00

I've just completed the jewelry for the seventh wedding of 2009. This lovely jewelry is very similar to another set I did a few weeks ago.

The bride has seven bridesmaids and chose this simple, yet elegant, single strand illusion necklace with crystals and glass pearls. The earrings are also simple and elegant, adding the perfect finishing touch. She also has two flower girls that are three years old. I made the flowergirl necklaces in the same style as the bridesmaid's, but used smaller crystals and glass pearls. ...Should be beautiful!

Now, off to make jewelry for the next wedding (Chocolate and Champagne again!).

Wedding #6

2009-04-20T14:04:00.002-05:00

This bride was on a very tight budget. I was able to complete her simple wedding jewelry for only $44! She really liked the Champagne and Chocolate jewelry I did for the previous wedding, but her dresses were darker. So, I came up with Champagne and Dark Chocolate. She purchased one necklace so she could see it in person and it matched perfectly. She ordered necklaces for three more bridesmaids this morning, and I'll be shipping them to her tomorrow!

Contest Piece Has Been Completed!

2009-04-12T21:20:00.004-05:00

Yeah! I finally finished the necklace I've been working on for the Fire Mountain Gems 2009 Beading Contest. I need to have the pictures to Fire Mountain Gems by the 15th, so I'll have to pay the extra money to express mail the package. I didn't have as much time to work on this piece as I would have liked to. I'm hoping to be a finalist in the contest as I was last year with my 'Flight of the Butterfly' bracelet. I haven't come up with a name for this piece yet... I'll have to do that before I mail the photos in the morning.

It took me several months to decide to submit this type of necklace in the contest. Then, weeks were spent pooring over my bead catalogs to find just the right components to complete my idea. Once the beads arrived, many, many hours were spent making, tearing out, and re-making each component and then connecting them all together. It was frustrating at times, but overall, I LOVE this kind of work. I wish this type of thing was something I could do more than just once a year.

Champagne and Chocolate

2009-04-08T14:32:00.004-05:00

This is the fifth set of wedding jewelry I've made in 2009. I really like this set and would be interested in seeing the jewelry with the dresses. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

This bride asked for a brown illusion style necklace with matching earrings. The colors I used remind me of champagne and chocolate. The light brown glass pearls look absolutely yummy when combined with the smoked topaz Swarovski crystals.

I have been having so much fun designing wedding jewelry this year. I am constantly on the hunt for great prices on beading supplies so I can pass the savings onto my customers. My quality is among the very best, and I think my love for my work is reflected in my finished product. Check out some of my other jewelry designs and handmade gift items at www.charmedgifts.etsy.com.

Wedding #4

2009-04-07T14:09:00.003-05:00

I'm about to loose track of which wedding I'm working on! God's been good to me! I just finished jewelry for an Etsian (someone who shops and/or sells at Etsy.com)

This bride chose a simple, yet absolutely beautiful set for her bridesmaids. A stunning single strand illusion style necklace strung on silver beading cable with matching earrings and bracelets. The two flowergirls are wearing miniature versions of the same gorgeous necklace and bracelet. This jewelry should complete a very elegant ensemble.

Now I'm off to make the perfect pair of earrings for a bride whose party is wearing royal purple. Then I'll be working on the set pictured above in browns for another Etsian. Wish me luck!

Barefoot Sandal

2009-04-02T09:20:00.002-05:00

So... I finished wedding #3 for the season, but the bride picked up the jewelry before I took pics of the finished order. You can see the necklace she chose here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22106638 She also had matching earrings and flower girl jewelry made.

But, the real reason for this post is a new design I just came up with. It's an anklet sandal, or barefoot sandal. Basically it's an anklet with an attached toe ring. I love the colors in this one ~ I call it 'Tahitian Treasures'. Click on the blog title 'Barefoot Sandal' to be linked to this item on my website.

Wedding #2 Complete!

2009-03-29T19:14:00.002-05:00

I've just completed the jewelry for the second wedding of the season.

This bride chose a triple strand pearl and crystal illusion necklace and matching earrings for herself. For the bridesmaids, a double strand illusion necklace with aquamarine crystals and glass pearls with matching earrings was chosen. The flowergirls will be wearing a pearl and crystal illusion necklace to compliment the bride.

It should be a stunning wedding!

Seed Cards!

2009-03-25T16:12:00.004-05:00

The seeds are in the paper! Plant them ~ They grow! How cool is that? I will be receiving a lovely assortment of 'Seed Cards' by Leanin' Tree very soon. They are only $4.95 each and require no extra postage.

"There is a generous sprinkling of carefully selected annual and perennial wildflower seeds embedded in the handmade paper of these cards. Plant the seed paper indoors ina pot or outdoors in the early spring and watch your flowers sprout and grow." ~Leanin' Tree

Some of the designs I will carry are:

Birthday
Friendship
Anniversary
New Baby
Wedding
Encouragement
and Blank Inside

Be sure to check in often... they will be here soon!

Featured items on my website

2009-03-24T21:13:00.005-05:00

Thanks to an Etsy Twitter, I've been attempting to make a 'Mini Etsy' on my blog. It's not working so well, so be sure to go to http://www.charmedgifts.etsy.com/ to check out all of my handmade gifts.

Below is supposed to be my 'Mini Etsy', but I don't think it is working the way it's supposed to...

Wedding #1 Jewelry is Finished!

2009-03-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Yeah! I finished one of three weddings I've been working on. (Providing the Bride doesn't need to make any adjustments to what I've done.) This bride has wine colored dresses and chose a double strand illusion necklace for her bridesmaids. The beads I used are beautiful... Bordeaux colored Swarovski pearls and clear ab Swarovski crystals.

She also has two flower girls wearing a single strand version of the bridesmaids necklace and a Jr. bridesmaid wearing a necklace similar to the flower girls' but with ivory pearls.

I love doing wedding jewelry. It feels so good to make jewelry that is exactly what the bride had in mind for her big day.

Twitter

2009-03-19T14:16:00.000-05:00

I've just entered into the world of Twitter. So far it seems fun. I'm kind of mixing business with pleasure in my Twitter account (even more-so than in my blog). There you will find little 'Twits' about my kids, my day, my other job, and so on and so forth blah blah blah. I think I'll try to post my new Etsy listings on Twitter, we'll se how it goes. It all seems like so much effort to try to make a sale. But, right now, I just need the sales, no matter how much work it takes to get them. Time is money, but it doesn't cost me anything.

Anyway, my Twitter address is: www.twitter.com/charmedgifts

and my Etsy address is: www.charmedgifts.etsy.com

Check them out!

Contest Piece has begun!

2009-03-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

I'm finally getting a start to my 2009 Fire Mountain Gems Beading Contest piece. I hope I can finish it in time. It needs to be submitted by April 15th!

I'll keep you posted with my progress!

Hi... Long time no blog.

2006-08-03T10:14:00.000-05:00

So, my blogging suddenly fell off the face of the computer. I've been so busy. I have another show this weekend... that makes four in a row. I've been doing fairly well at craft shows so far this summer, but the store has been incredibly slow. It was busy here over UFO days though. Neil painted my front windows, so you'll have to stop by to see. I'll try to get a picture posted soon. I painted the windows of my truck for the UFO Days Grande Parade. I'm struggling with my computer and can't seem to post any pics right now, but I promise I'll try again sometime next week. Anyhow, I've got to get back to beading!

New look for the classroom

2006-04-19T09:52:00.000-05:00

I've been busy re-arranging the store... again. I've moved all the beads and beading supplies into the classroom. I've removed the door to the classroom and cut a window between the classroom and my workshop. I've also replace all the standard lightbulbs in the classroom with florecent lightbulbs. The lighting is much nicer now. You'll have to come check it out.

I'll be teaching a beading class this afternoon while my children here. It should be interesting. This trial will let me know if I need to get a sitter during classes or not. I hope they don't disrupt anything too much.

I will also be starting a Tuesday Beading Buzz group. Beaders of all levels are welcome to come work on thier beading projects (or other crafts) and socalize with other crafters. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages. There are also plenty of outlets if you prefer to work with a task light. I hope to see you soon!

Mmmm, cookie!

2006-04-12T16:14:00.000-05:00

Here's a pic of the kids enjoying a cookie from Highland Hollow Emporium. They make great cookies and lots of other fun treats.

First craft show of the season.

2006-04-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

I have just finished recovering from a craft show in Medford. I thought it went well, but most of the vendors that have been there before said the fall show is much better. So far for the season, I've signed up for the Cheese Curd Festival in Ellsworth (June 24th and 25th) and the Syttende Mia Celebration in Woodville (May 20th). I'll also be open extra hours during Elmwood's UFO Day's festival. I'm hoping to be in at least two shows a month for the entire summer. It will be busy, but I enjoy it so much that it's worth all the bustle.

New Floral Arrangements

2006-04-03T12:49:00.000-05:00

My aunt brought several beautiful floral arrangements on Saturday. Some are in glass, and some are in baskets. Some are large, some are small. They are all georgous. You'll have to stop by to see them for yourself!

I also have a bunch of great Easter items... plush bunnies, candles, rubber ducks dressed in Easter costumes, Easter bear ornaments, charm bracelet kits, candy necklace kits, Easter stamper sets... lots of great gifts to put in Easter baskets instead of (or in addition to) candy!

Store Window

2006-03-18T13:42:00.000-06:00

Since my sign guy STILL hasn't finished my sign, I had my dad print my logo on his plotter... not the best way to attract attention, but better than nothing I suppose. Since my lighted OPEN sign blew up on me a while ago, I figured I'd use the space in the window.

If my sign ever does get finished, you'll have to come check it out... it's supposed to be pretty cool.

I'll be getting lots of fun Easter basket stuffers next week, so be sure to stop by.

2006-03-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

The Bridal Fair didn't go as well as I had hoped, but it still well. It snowed pretty heavily that day, so the attendance wasn't as high as I expected.

I've been getting ready for a class I am teaching tomorrow in Prescott. I will be teaching the square stitch. Here is a picture of a square stitch bracelet I made using Myuki cubes. (Ti's kind of fuzzy, but you get the picture.)

The Bridal Fair

2006-03-03T14:01:00.000-06:00

I've been spending a significant amount of time preparing for the bridal fair on Sunday. It is getting tiresome working with white beads. It will be nice when I have time for color again. I've put together a nice brochure (I think it is nice anyway.) , made up a bunch of business cards, added some things to my catalog, and have become creatively burnt out. I'm tired of thinking about the bridal fair and it hasn't even happened yet.

Next week I'll be preparing for a square stitch class in Prescott, then after that, I'll be concentrating on signing up for summer festivals and craft fairs. I sure am glad I enjoy what I do.

Leopard Boy

2006-02-23T10:17:00.000-06:00

I don't know... I guess Charly decided that Izak would be a better leopard than a brother. So, she colored him with a marker. This picture only shows the front of his face, but his ears, back of his neck, and hands are also adorned in leopard print. I wonder what Izak was thinking as Charly was meticulously drawing spots on him... "I'm not sure I like this, but if this is what it takes to get someone to play with me... go for it."

2006-02-21T09:11:00.001-06:00

Is it really the 21st? I can't believe how fast time goes. I taught a basic beading class in Prescott last night. It was really fun. My favorite thing about teaching is seeing what designs and patterns other people come up with. I saw some beads combinations that I never would have tried, yet somehow, they looked great together. I have one more beading class in Prescott on March 11th. I'm excited to see what designs I will see then.

For the next two weeks I will be preparing for the Bridal Fair on March 5th at the Hudson High School. This will be the first Bridal Fair I will participate in. I am a bit nervous that my booth will look cheezy. But, I'll hope for the best. :-)

2006-02-21T09:11:00.000-06:00

2006-02-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

I DID IT!!!

Here is a picture of my first bead crochet rope bracelet. It was super fun to make (except for the frustrating parts). I haven't figured out a price yet, but if it isn't too outrageous, I'll definitely be making more.

Happy Groundhog's Day!

2006-02-02T15:59:00.000-06:00

My fondest memories of groundhog's day were when my parents used to throw a 'Groundhog's day party'. People would bring a dish to pass, play cards, and have a good time. Of course, I was much to young to appreciate the fun in that. The reason I liked these parties is because my parents would let us fill up a plate, or bowl, or tray of goodies and do the forbidden... eat in thier bedroom (even on the bed if we wanted to) and watch movies. I realize now that it was only a bribe to keep us out of thier hair, but it was a good one.

Desirea

2006-01-27T17:53:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of Desirea right after she asked "Do I look like you Mom?"

Well, what do you think?

My first quilling project

2006-01-25T15:37:00.000-06:00

Here it is, my first quilling project. It's a gift card with a heart on it. It was fun, but not worth the time it took. I'm sure I'll get faster the more I do. I think I'll try my hand at a picture of some sort next. We'll see...

Another craft?!?

2006-01-16T11:10:00.000-06:00

So, I got more yarn from my aunt. Not as much as I thought, but still PLENTY! She's pretty great. Very generous.

I went to my dad's house over the weekend and decided to stop at a book store. There are some really great book store's in Eden Prairie, I like Barne's and Nobel in the EP Mall. I went to browse through some beading books to get new ideas, but I didn't find anything overly exciting in the beading section. However, I found a cool book on quilling. It's not a very expensive craft to start (aside from the paper fringer ($50) but that isn't necessarry to start), so, I'm contemplating trying my hand at quilling... what do you think? am I insane, or just addicted to crafting?

Inspired by Hayley

2006-01-12T13:06:00.000-06:00

So, to make a short story long...

I'm making an afgahn for a wedding that we are going to on Saturday. It's just a simple one done in rounds, but it is with this fuzzy type textured yarn I bought years ago. I'm on my last skein and the afgahn is hardly as big as a throw... consequently, I had to bring my yarn totes out of the basement to see if, by chance, I missed a skein (which, unfortunately, I didn't). Anyway, in my unfruitful search for fuzzy textured yarn, I came across a few cones and balls of cotton dish cloth yarn. Added to the 100% cotton yarn I received from my aunt, I should have enough to open a dish cloth boutique. Anyway again, I was on Hayley's blog this morning envying her sock yarn stash when I decided to take this pic:

WHAT WAS I THINKING???!!!

It's a good thing I didn't place the order I was planning to for dish cloth cotton, or I'd have about 30 more balls and 4 more cones. Not to mention that I'll be getting about 10-20 more cones from my aunt this weekend.

Hayley brought in a few scarves for my store. I really like this one. It's super soft, and the colors are great. Plus, it's long, so you can wear it lots of different ways.

I was trying to get a picture if Izak in this sweater that my mother knit for him. He is sooo cute and cuddly in it. She did a really nice job. It is probably my favorite thing she has knit for any of my kids. But, he just wanted to show me his favorite necklace instead... "See mom, I like that one."

I'm back...

2006-01-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess I've been gone a while. Sorry, I've been BUSY!!! I haven't posted in almost a month. I've been doing custom orders for Christmas, inventory, and getting stuff ready for taxes. Not to mention being a mother of three, a second grade teacher, a housewife, and an shop owner. Hayley was a lifesaver during inventory... Thanks Hayley!!! I've finished re-arranging my store, I think it looks nice. I didn't change my bead wall, but I still think it looks cool. Wouldn't it be nice if I could afford to have a bead area the size of my jewelry area? Oh well, I guess you have to start somewhere...

Yesterday I received a shipment of Italian Style Charm Bracelets. I hope I do well with them. I only have two charms right now (a heart and a flag). I also have a link that I can add a bead to, like a birthstone colored crystal. But like I said before, you have to start somewhere. I'll wait to order more charms until people request them. That way, I won't have charms that no one wants.

Any who, hopefully I'll be able to chat more later this week.

Charly is 4 today!

2005-12-15T18:47:00.000-06:00

Charly turned four today. Here is my weak excuse for a birthday party:

Thanks to Mary's brownies from Highland Hollow, we were able to celebrate a little at the store. And... just in case you can't tell, this is Charly's excited face. Izak even tried to help spit on, I mean blow out the candles.

We knew we wouldn't have much time to do anything for her birthday today, so we gave her her gift last night. It was an easel with a chalk board on one side and a magnetic white board on the other. It came with magnetic letters and numbers. She was pretty thrilled.

We will take her bowling on Sunday. Aunt Jean and her family will be there, and hopefully, Nana and Papo.

Some of my work.

2005-12-08T18:23:00.000-06:00

I've officially decided to turn off my website the day after Christmas. The only thing it is useful for is that I can accept credit cards at my store through the website. So, since I'm going to turn off my website, I'll post pics of some of my work here...

This is a picture of one of my designs. It is about 17" in length and finished with a silver plated lobster clasp. I also have similar necklaces in black and garnet red. At only $14.00, you can't go wrong! E-mail me at r.bechel@charmedgiftsllc.com if you are interested.

More pics coming soon. Or, if you can't wait, send me an e-mail with your custom request. I make beaded necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, rosaries, ID badge holders, and so on.

You have to love your kids... that's the rule.

2005-12-06T09:30:00.000-06:00

For special treat, I bought one of those holiday popcorn tins for a snack at the store. It was time for afternoon snack at the store and I decided to let the kids have fun and eat right out of the tin. I let them bring it into the playroom and watch a movie while snacking... now I know better.

Izak dumped the tin over, Charly proceeded to toss it in the air ('It was raining popcorn, mom.') and then stomp it into little tiny pieces. All while Desirea watched the movie, oblivious to what was going on around her.

These pictures are after about 20 minutes of picking up popcorn bits. To add to the drama, Izak happened to be wearing fleece pants. If you didn't know, crushed popcorn is a bit like tiny balls of styrofoam, clinging to everything. I got out the vaccuum, but everytime I got a small spot clean, Izak had to crawl through and leave a popcorn-bit trail. It was really a great time.

Even though we spent about 45 minutes cleaning the the playroom floor, I think we will be finding popcorn-bits for months to come.

I just started a blog!

2005-11-29T13:15:00.000-06:00

Hello, My friend Hayley just gave me her blog address. I thought it was cool, and decided to start one of my own. I can't get too detailed right now... I have a million other things waiting to get done. But, hopefully soon I'll be able to post something exciting.

Thanks for stopping by!