The day before New Year's Eve a.k.a. December 30th

Brendan it is sitting on my lap asking me about the metals on my desk.  "Can I smell it?," he asks.  "Of course!" is my response.  After all, I smell metals myself. On my desk,  I have pieces of a brass planter, which I have cut up and copper from a chafing dish also indelicately dismantled.  I have been on a mission to repurpose metals fashioned for other uses.  Really, are chafing dishes a hot commodity? Since I adore estate sales and a particular local on-line auction house, I am enjoying the hunt. 

As I head into the new year, I reflect on 2011.  I must say that I loved this year.  Not because I was wildly successful in all my endeavors but that I showed up.  While there we discouraging events, they were also opportunities to learn about myself and those around me.  I must say, I prefer wildly successful to lesson learning.  Honestly, who wouldn't.  However, my life is exactly how I have chosen it to be.  I made the choices. I reap the benefits and am responsible for what I show up with.

So, instead of re-learning last year's "lessons", I am going to repurpose them for my wild success!  I must say this aloud to tell myself to keep moving forward with purpose 'cause if I stand still, I will get run over.

I wish you love, peace, and WILD SUCCESS today and always!

Staying Funky

I had a great experience at my first "big" show, Funky Finds.  I spent a lot of time getting my displays ready and they came out wonderfully.  I extremely nervous but confident I would come out of Funky Finds with some money in my pocket and with a wealth of good knowledge about how to run a booth. 

The show was not so prosperous but I am not discouraged.  I had fun.  I made some new acquaintances and I know I needed to have more merchandise.  My friend, Kelly Hinkle, helped me on Saturday and we got to spend time together.  Robbie Jenkins was across the aisle from us with her husband Joe.  They were invaluable at helping me tear down.  Robbie is also on of my biggest fans and I am of her.  She is an artist through and through. 

I still love making jewelry and I will do another (and another and another) show with high hopes.  I will continue to believe in myself and stay Funky.

Seasons show

Last week I had what I call a mini-show at a conference for the Seasons Sessions group.  They were mostly ladies from school districts who teach nurses aides.  They were a delightful group starting with Mary, who runs Seasons, all the way to my neighboring vendor Cindy with Scensty. 

Everyone was complimentary and easily accommodated.  I also learned a lot about setting up and running my booth.  I offered choices that gave people input in their finished product.  I made contacts and had a warm, fuzzy feeling when I left the first day.  I had fun. 



Customer, Cynthia Campbell

Everyone wanted these!

On the second day, requiring me to be there at 7:15 a.m., coffee helped get the juices flowing. Jeff was kind enough to take Brendan to school and let Audrey sleep in.  I dashed home while the conference was in session to pick up Audrey.  I held onto the unopened Cinderella movie for the occasion.  She was quiet for the most part and we enjoyed our time together.  Cindy with Scensty had time to come over and discover what I had to offer... and she loved my baubles.  She gushed, actually.  I was positively glowing.  That is until Audrey upchucked on the hotel carpet.  Well, at least it was near time to pack up.  It made for a hasty exit.    



Cindy with Scentsy

The amount of merchandise I sold wasn't staggering, but being face-to-face with people asking me questions about my handcrafted pieces boosted my ego and reconfirmed my conviction to do what I do.  I spent this week lost in enameling and absolutely loving it.  My talent, my creativity all come from The Creator and I am so grateful.

Good Morning MONDAY!

  Jeff, my husband, left early this morning for his first business trip with Dell, his new employer.  He used to travel quite a bit several years ago.  This is good and bad.  Bad part: he isn't here.  Good part: he isn't here. 

Let me explain.  I love him to my tippy toes.  He does pitch in when asked to and, frankly, I need help with the kids and I love having a dinner companion other then the little people.  However, (you knew this was coming) for a few days,  I can look at my junk and twirl it around, gaze adoringly, and envision the junk turned into dollar signs or dust collectors or other fabulous re purposed treasures.  Jeff just sees junk.  He has voiced his adamant disapproval of the clutter I have created.  That makes me nervous.  I don't want to stop acquiring my "treasures" and *gasp* get a real job.  That is what his displeasure means to me...forced into real labor, again.  No, thanks very much.  

I love creating.  I re purpose tins and albums people were potentially going to throw away.  I love my Tuesday night jewelry class. I love taking, picking up, and being involved with my children and at their schools.  I enjoy my days unfettered by restrictions, mostly.  I am in my element.    

Perhaps, I am getting ahead of myself.  I think so.  Joy, God, and love are in this moment with whatever is put in front of me, today.  My mission is to focus on this moment.  With reminders, God guidance, and the people I surround myself with, I can be the best me I can - one minute at a time.  I have people who inspire me to push forward (Tara Tosta, an ultra runner, www.mommysarunner.blogspot.com and the women of the aforementioned jewelry class, and my closest friends), not matter what the obstacle; usually my own thoughts. Optimism feels better than fear. 

So, I will enjoy a couple of days husbandless and, I am sure, Jeff will enjoy some quiet evenings without two screaming banshees.  It is a trade-off but most of life is. 

Tribute

I am going to dash in and post this link in Chicago yesterday.  I didn't see it originally so I sharing so others can enjoy and stand tall. Awesome tribute to our country's experience on 9/11.  We will never forget. 

How could we?

http://youtu.be/B7BQV93tFLs

And the winners are...

Kim Alipour gets first choice of a record pendant.  Congratulations, my friend.  Secondly, Tara Tosta, the ultra runner goddess mom, you get second pick. You deserve something fun for enduring a week with NO POWER!   I am so happy the randomizer picked you two since I adore you both.

Labor Day weekend

Re posted from the JET blog.  I liked the way the Labor Day holiday was described:  

 

"Labor Day in the US: What Does it Mean? Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a celebration of the creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It is also the unofficial end of summer: kids go back to school, football starts, the wearing of white stops." 

 

Thank you for the well-said tribute to the hard labor that makes the United States of America so great.

 

I have posted some interesting, non-jewelry items on our local Craigslist that I purchased at an auction.  Just to see pictures, you can go to: https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=5fc2f7ea70faf803&page=play&resid=5FC2F7EA70FAF803!1249.  I will be picking up more items on Monday.

Two large bamboo pieces and some high-quality indoor shutters are for the local market.  Here are the listings: 

 

Bamboo: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/for/2580021180.html 

Shutters: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mat/2579971846.html

 

In other news, I am going to choose another winner, for the record pendants, at noon today.  I am working in the wings to create more items and to write and post about how, exactly, these pendants are made.  A nice long weekend might produce, but my babies are home and awfully cute...

 

Have a prosperous and safe Saturday.  Much love to all.

Fandango Tuesday

The second child, Audrey, started back to preschool today.  I went and worked out, something I haven't done much of lately, came home, and sanded the new record pendants I cut out last night.  I love having time to myself if I do nothing other than think - in a quiet atmosphere - with no demands.  I was tempted to take a nap it was so relaxing. 

So, I announced the winners of my giveaway on Friday.  Two of the three peeps forfeited by not answering my messages.  Hmmm.  Oh well, life marches on.  The first winner, Robbin, is an friend from when I worked at Southern Kitchen back in the 80's.  That was a wee bit of a wild and crazy time in my life.  Anyway, I am thrilled that she picked the "Enjoy Life" anodized aluminum pendant.  It is a newish product in the jewelry world that takes color very well and is extremely lightweight for those of you with ripped ear lobes. 

So, that is the story for a rather pleasant Tuesday.  The babysitter will be here in 15 minutes.  I get to pack up and go to my weekly jewelry-making class.  I am thinking of making rings tonight.  I love rings and I have some nice rutilated quartz cabachons that are begging to be set and shown off. 

I will announce two more winners tomorrow.  Keep checking your e-mail!

Blessings to you.

And the winners are...

Ok. So it is after 12 o'clock.  I forgot to get to the computer to select winners via the Random Number Generator http://www.randomizer.org site. Cool site, by the way. 

Here are the winners and the order that they get to choose the record pendant or "Enjoy Life" pendant:

1) RZAB1216   My old friend Robin selected "Enjoy Life"
2) Cheryl Jones Mantin     Forfeited
3) Rhetta Street

Yipppppeee!  Congratulations to the winners!  Please contact me ASAP to choose your pendant and give me your information.  Remember the first winner has until 6 p.m. tomorrow to claim their prize, if they don't #2 gets first choice. 

Contact me: creativeinputbyliz@live.com. 

BE SAFE EAST COASTERS!  I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOUR WELL-BEING!

#1 - I love New York
This one is a little rough in that it isn't smooth

#4 Christmas bell

#2 - High healed

#3 Dove of peace



#5 Enjoy Life
Selected by Robin!



He's off and I'm in.



New OOAK anodized aluminum earrings, VERY lightweight
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80219093/half-moon-anodized-aluminum-wire-wrapped

I dropped Brendan off for his first day about 30 minutes ago, posted the Facebook picture and here I sit.  Audrey is still asleep and here I sit.  Should I be crying about my baby boy happily and confidently walking away from me to the big world of 1st grade?  I think not but there are tears in my eyes none the less.

When I went off to school, I know I sobbed until I was going in to 6th grade.  I was terrified of change.  Okay, I was scared of my own shadow.  I did not seem to possess the ability to talk and interact with people outside my family.  To see Brendan walking away, without looking back at me, does make me proud of Jeff and I for giving him something that allows him the confidence not to be afraid of the next chapter in life.  He said he was excited because he would meet new friends.  What a deal.



So, yesterday, I check my e-mail hungrily awaiting news of whether I am in as vendor for the Funky Finds holiday event in November.  What I got was an invoice for the price of a booth. I'm in, I'm in!  After a couple of "thank you" but "no, thank you's"  I was feeling rejected.  I didn't want to post my rejection, that is no fun, but since I was accepted to a show I can rejoice the good tidings!  And, to tell the truth about how I felt.  You know, it would have been all right had I not gotten in to Funky Finds 'cause God has THE plan and it isn't necessarily what I think is best for me.  It just is.  With that being said, thank you GOD for this opportunity!  May I serve you well.

http://www.funkyfinds.com/events 

Get your shoes on.

I know I keep mentioning the fact that Brendan will be off to First Grade on Monday.  He is my first and my little boy with so much confidence that I fear for his feelings.  I know, too motherly/smothering. We met the teacher last night and discovered there are twenty something other little souls in the class.  Will he get lost, misbehave, or get his feeling hurt?  Probably.  But isn't that a part of growing up?

Speaking of feelings getting hurt... I had a moment, actually, a couple of days this week when I was doubting myself and what the heck I am doing making jewelry with all the masses.  Well, I do it because I love it. To. My. Core. I spent many years intoxicated and unable to tap my inner resources, never mind be creative.  When God gave me a chance to renew myself, I stumbled along, but I changed.  I keep changing, which means growing pains.  Which also means I do the work and leave the results up to God.  I must trust God to care for Brendan as he starts big-boy school.  I must trust God to guide me on my journey.  He hasn't let me down, yet.

You know what faith is? Walking through the fear to the other side. I better get my shoes on.

Pssst. Giveaway next week.

Ode to New York

What happened to last week?  I saw a woman about beads.  They were plastic.  Ewww.  I bought some glass pearls against my better judgement, but she had taken a bit of time to gather and set up a meet.  However, I needed those beads like a hole in the head. 

Dove.  Rough draft

Butterfly with eyelet

Silver bells

Wood domino with scrapbook paper
and record butterfly

Other side of the domino

This is my favorite so far. Record shoe
with tiny glass beads, an eyelet, and stikles

Jeff and I went to his 25th high school reunion on Saturday night.  I enjoyed talking with the wives for several hours. I certainly enjoyed connecting with new people. I am kinda glad these things only come up every five years.  My 30th will be next year though I am not sure if there will even be a get together.

This week Brendan goes to meet his first grade teacher.  He is so grown up in a little boy way.

Here is where I announce a GIVE AWAY of your choice of the above pendants TBA next week. In order to win, please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE my Facebook page NOW for a double entry!

Two sweet Mondays left

Two weeks until Brendan starts school.  I am thrilled and missing him already.  He will be a first grader at big-boy school, his first year.  He looks so cute and sweet playing a batman game.  Will that all change with an introduction to the masses?

Opps!  Gotta see a lady about BEADS... Yahoo!

Still hot

Yes, it is still hot with no rain.  So, I decided to turn on the kiln, which is in the garage.  It wasn't that bad 'cause it was already unbearable so 1450 degrees didn't really phase me.  Now, the door handle to the kiln that burned my hand.  However, with all the time to heat the kiln and prepare the copper pieces, by scrubbing them with Comet, I only finished one side of about five pieces.  I do, after all, have two children running around the house. I did turn it on, though.

Tonight, I get to go to my class at Brookhaven. It is an oasis for me.  No interruptions.  I only focus on the people and the jewelry task at hand.  We collaborate on new techniques and share what we are doing. These women are artists and I am so pleased to be a part of the group.  Joining the Tuesday night class was very intimidating for the first year even with knowing two ladies previously from teaching.  Then I found the kiln and enameling.  I have stayed there for at least four semesters and somehow I gained confidence.  I love enameling.  I am enameling with stamps and stencils.  Once again, the possibilities are endless.  My favorite thing about enameling is the fact that a mistake can be transformed into something beautiful. 

What is your favorite creative outlet?  Why?

Good-bye July

Good-bye July and onto August.  UGH.  Another not one in Texas with 108 degrees looming in the forecast.  Oh me, oh my. 

I update my Etsy profile today and thought I would share it instead of writing a big long yapping post, twice.  I am thinking positively about getting a follower though I was stricken with doubt after writing the first post about being so sure of myself.  Well, enough of that, here is the Etsy profile update. 

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I have very busy starting new endeavors. I am also working on getting these beauties listed so check back with me.

I found a stack of antique 78 records at an estate sale and bought them thinking they would be worth something on the internet market.  But, alas, they are not.  I then decided to make jewelry, which is usually my fall back thought.  So, that is what I have been doing.  My heart pounds with excitement to make a find then to reuse/upcycle/recycle it into something else.

I also transform cookie tins into jewelry.  My friend, Christina, was doing this interesting project in our on-going Tuesday night jewelry fabrication class.  I copied her idea, so give her credit. 
Also, joined Twitter, created a Facebook page and started a blog.  Below is all that info.  Feel free to join any or all these spots to see what is going on.

I joined Twitter:  @LizDay_CI

Started a new page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Input-by-Liz

... started a blog... http://creativeinputbyliz.blogspot.com

I signed up for the Jingle Bell Bash (Dallas Etsy) on November 19 and
for the Fort Worth Esty show on October 15.  I will let you know when those dates become definite. 

P.S.  I do special orders and will ship anywhere, just convo me for more information.  It tickles me pink when I can do something fun for you.

I am sure I am not the only one...

Really, what am doing now!!!  Starting a blog.  I must be a wee bit crazy.  No comments please from close friends or family who know that being crazy is a trademark of mine. 

Who am I?  Another jewelry fabricator (we use fire and hammers)?  Why, yes, I am.  Here is where I vary.  I believe.  I know that what I do is what I am supposed to do.  Weird for someone who hasn't been sure of much in my life, but has been carried along despite my trepidation.  This is a knowing deep inside.  That is one reason why I am writing today.  I want to you to see what I have to offer.  I have some jewelry that I love and I want people to enjoy it as much as I do.  I want you to know I hand crafted this piece for you. 

I also offer lots of useful and useless information, no political opinions, and a strong belief in God's unwavering guidance and belief in me.  God doesn't make junk.  More will be revealed in my posts, the junk I find, and the jewelry I make. 

Stay tuned.