Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Special Valentine Free Shipping

2012-01-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Special for Valentine - Free USA Shipping

You still have time to shop for Valentine's Day - it's just under 1 month away.

For Valentine shopping, I am offering free shipping to USA destinations on selected items, mostly pieces that have red in the design. Check the Free Shipping section of my ArtFire shop and see if you find something that piques your heart.

Red Enameled Copper Earrings

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-11T20:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome 2012!

I'm back after having a really, really busy holiday 2011 season! Hope yours was very good and hope for an excellent beginning to all of us!

Along with a busy show schedule, I managed to fulfill 8 custom orders - wow! My pieces are usually one-of-a-kind, sometimes I may make 1 or 2 similar but never exactly the same. I had an order for 7 pairs of earrings but of different colored gemstones.

soldering gone bad!

After my first botched attempt to making the bezel and post setting for the earrings, this had me thinking of production work on a small scale.

What challenges do you encounter with production work? Any tips for streamlining steps?

I'm sharing the steps and sequence I followed to create them.

measure and torch ball posts

flatten posts

solder posts to bezel cup

posts soldered to bezel cup

sterling petals soldered to posts

settings filed, polished, and tumbled - ready for stone setting

garnets, moonstones, peridot, amethyst - all ready for customers!

Another moonstone pair !

And this last one was a real challenge for me since I had never set faceted gemstones in this style, let alone make huge hoops!

Swiss blue topaz faceted gemstones with open setting -
fine silver bezel wire and tiny sterling jump ring

Last custom order

And here is a sneak peak of several earrings I just completed and will be posted to my ArtFire shop tomorrow!

Rose cut green amethyst

Tiny and dainty!

Rose cut smoky quartz

Filigree bezel

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T19:13:00.000-05:00

Just want to wish my readers in the US a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

I'm so thankful for everything I have especially my 2 daughters who are arriving shortly from Chicago! I've been busy preparing the house and baking for the big feast. This year I made fresh apple pie (apples from NC State Farmers Market) and cherry pie (my favorite) to go along with my signature sweet potato casserole (taters also from the farmers market).

Sweet Potato Casserole 1

Sweet Potato Casserole 2

And I also wanted to thank all those who came out to the recent Durham Art Walk Holiday Market. You are very much appreciated when you help support your local artists and community! My part to the community was in having a small door prize drawing - with one lucky person winning one of my beautiful lamp work glass bead pendant. The bead is one of those that I made during my first lamp work class that I took recently at William Holland.

I hope the lucky winner, Amanda G. of Durham, truly loves it!

Lamp work Glass Bead and sterling silver

BTW, one of my favorite lamp work glass bead went to a fine home! I created it during my last class at the NCSU Crafts Center.

Owl Eyes!

JAR 2011

2011-10-15T22:43:00.000-04:00

Jewelry Artist Retreat (JAR 2011) starts tomorrow! See photos from JAR2010.

This will be my 2nd year and am looking forward to spending an exciting week with a group of wonderfully skilled artists! We are from NY, PA, VA, MD, IL and NC.

We come together with a flow of ideas, encouraging words, sharing, and having fun doing what we all love - making jewelry!

The garage will be full of sounds - pounding hammers of all sizes and shapes, saws cutting through metal, rasps of files smoothing edges, hissing of hot metal dropped into water, continuous rumbling of steel shot in tumblers ... along with rock and roll background music.

It's also about food galore, including chocolates and wine. This year, my contribution is fresh apple pies made with fruit from the NC state farmers market. I just hope they are as tasty as they look.

Stay tuned for tons of photos!

* * * Birthday and End of Summer Sale * * *

2011-09-25T23:48:00.000-04:00

This month is my milestone birthday month!

To celebrate I am offering a

Birthday and End of Summer Coupon Code Sale

on select items in my ArtFire shop.

Sale is good from Monday, September 26

through

Friday, September 30.

The items are located

in the Birthday and End of Summer Sale section - http://bit.ly/qexuxz

Use coupon code BDEOS20 and get 20% off the listed price.

Happy Shopping!

New Venue (to me) for Glass Bead Making!

2011-09-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

Since I took my first class in lamp work glass bead making at William Holland, I wanted continue this art closer to home. I discovered the NCSU Crafts Center at their recent Open House and was blown away with the facility - they had so many studios, pottery, lapidary, glass, photography, wood working, fiber!

One of the torches in the glass studio

Pottery studio

Fiber studio - floor looms

Lapidary studio

I was lucky to get a spot in the fall semester class since they open the classes to NCSU students first and then the public has a shot at any open slots. Classes are small, usually 6 to 8 students per session. I am now in the 6 week session for beginners - yes, I took a class earlier but wanted to get a different perspective from another instructor. I am learning so much in addition to the actual making of glass beads, especially with glass types, torches, and kilns.

Here are a few of my finished bead sets.

Practicing swirls to create beach focal

Adding twistie stringers on base

Practice on dot control

More twisties with mutliple colors encased in clear glass

More practice with stringer control and swirls

It is SO great to have such fantastic venues available to practice your art!

New Skill - Lampwork Glass Beads

2011-08-10T12:09:00.000-04:00

I keep taking classes and workshops to enhance or update my jewelry making skills. The latest course I took was in a totally new area - making beautiful beads, melting glass rods with a torch! I took a week long class at William Holland School of Lapidary. My friends in the Jewelry Artists Retreat (JAR) group turned me on to this great learning resource.

Lampwork beads may soon be my newest passion!

Check out more photos of my first beads on my Facebook photo album.

Classes, Workshops Galore!

2011-07-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

I am on a fast-track to expand my metal fabrication skills. If you follow me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I am like the energizer bunny - getting more and more techniques under my belt! I am so thankful that I have so many local resources available to me!

This year I made a point to do fewer arts and crafts shows to focus on learning and to find out what technique or techniques are a good fit. It's been a year and half since I took my first class in metal fabrication at Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh.

My first fabricated pendant

Back of pendant

My first pair of earrings

Since then I have learned:

how to use of the torch, solder, sawing, filing, and bezel setting with Megan Clark at Pullen Arts
how to use the hydraulic press to create dimensional forms with Betty McKim - made a locket with rivets
how to embellishment metals with Kathryn Osgood - etching on brass to make embossing plates to transfer designs to metal and using keum boo to add a pop of gold to silver
about various casting techniques (broom stick, water, rock salt, cuttlebone) from a group of wonderful women at the Jewelry Artists Retreat (JAR) @ Lake Gaston, NC
how to flush set faceted stones, again with Megan Clark
how to make rings with tim lazure - completed 2 rings that I really, really love
how to add alternate colors on metal with Kathryn Osgood - including patinas and colored resin
how to tube set a faceted stone and fold form copper at a spring mini-retreat in the NC mountains with Debora (member of JAR) and Kimberly
how to chase & repousse on copper and silver with the Italian artist Davide Bigazzi, Menlo Park, CA
how to fuse enameling to copper with Julie Brooks

Next week I will be at William Holland School of Lapidary to learn how to make lampwork glass beads. It was actually my 3rd choice since my 1st (Silver II: Forging) and 2nd (Enameling) choices were at maximum! Four other members of JAR will be there, too - we are going to have a blast!

Awesome Makers Faire:NC - June 18, 2011, Raleigh

2011-06-19T12:21:00.000-04:00

Several members of the Triangle Jewelry Makers (TJM) and I participated in this Makers Faire.

A great crowd turned out for this amazing showcase of different crafts, from fiber craft (spinning, knitting, quilting, t-shirt modifications), robotics, wood craft (laser cut wood structures, walking sticks, hand etched wood ornaments) to jewelry making.

It was a great opportunity for our group to showcase our differing skills in jewelry making and to just show "how" hand made jewelry is made. We provided demo sessions on wire work, chainmaille and metalsmith techniques.

Jen, who is the founding member, demonstrated how to make wire rings and showcased her latest book featuring her steampunk jewelry. Jill does great chainmaille - rings, bracelets, necklaces. Jennifer made bird's nest components and Becky did a fabulous session on making a bangle with silk and copper.

I was kept busy all day with showing and discussing metalsmith techniques - sawing/piercing, filing, metal forming with the doming block, use of the flex shaft with drill bits, deburring, and polishing, etc. Advocating safety issues - wearing safety glasses and dust mask and keeping fingers out of the way of the flex shaft drill bits and burrs (use of the ring holder). One man closely examined the wooden holder on how simply it was made (maybe he was tinkering with making one himself?).

* ArtFire *

2011-05-28T18:43:00.000-04:00

After 2 years on Etsy, I decided to do a 30-day trial on ArtFire (also in part after I read a blog posting from a fellow jewelry artist). Check it out and let me know what you think - http://www.artfire.com/users/LindaSearcyJewelryDesigns

So far, I do appreciate the various tools made available to sellers making it easy to migrate from Etsy - the items uploader, the option to showcase artisan work in the Bio section, and the ability to list sales in the Gallery section made on other venues, not just from ArtFire or Etsy.

Here's to a continuing relationship with ArtFire.

Peak Fest, Saturday, May 7, 2011

2011-05-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Apex, NC, area this coming Saturday (May 7), be sure to come out and enjoy a gorgeous day at the 31st annual Peak Fest. There will be lots of activities for the whole family - music, food and amazing creations by local artists (check the list for this year's participating artists)!

I will be at booth spot 48A (see map). In addition to my new copper and resin jewelry, wire and mixed metal jewelry, I will have more of my best selling glass tile pendants and earrings created with vintage international postage stamps!

NEW Copper and Resin Jewelry

2011-04-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share with you what I have been working on lately...

A few months ago I took a 2-day workshop at the Pullen Arts Center where I learned how to add color to metal. We experimented with various coloring effects using ingredients commonly found in the home: ammonia, vinegar, salt and rice. Other coloring techniques included epoxy resin, artists chalk and colored pencils.

My favorite technique was the colored epoxy resin. So much so that I documented the process on Facebook on how I created my newly completed pieces - see my FB album.

I started with plain round copper washers from the hardware store (Harbor Freight) and added 2-ton weld epoxy colored with artist chalk. And here are the results:

These pieces will be available for purchase at my next arts and crafts show - May 7, Peak Fest in Apex. If you are in the area, come by and see my new line of jewelry! I will be in booth 48A. Come out and support your local artisans!

First Online Auction!

2011-03-16T10:19:00.006-04:00

First Garden on FB http://on.fb.me/hjI3mA

is holding it's first online auction and runs through this Friday morning - included are a pair of my dusty rose pearl and sterling earrings.

Items are in the "First auction" album under Pictures. To place a bid comment under the picture w/ the bid amount. You will need to Like the First Garden page to participate. Whoever has the highest bid at the end will win that item.

Please pass on to your friends and family! Enjoy and happy bidding!

Fabric Collection and Creations!

2011-02-11T15:00:00.009-05:00

When I began quilting, I started with small pieces of fabrics -

fat quarters (18"x21") and fat eights (9"x21"),

not really know what I wanted to make

plus not having a lot of extra cash to spend on my new "hobby".

But as years went by and I became more expert in quilting,

I became a

Fabric-a-holic with a capital F!

I collected fabrics from different countries and,

of course, I couldn't just buy a small piece of found fabric,

I had to have at least a yard, more like 3 yards or more!

Yes, I made quilts for both of my daughters

and for myself;

quilts on walls, quilts on beds, and quilts hanging on bannisters.

I now have a new calling "metalsmithing"

and am now divesting of my remaining fabric collection.

So the question in my mind was - what to do with it?

What good are small amounts of fabric?

Are they worth keeping or should they be trashed?

That is what was in my mind when I started "cleaning house" early last year.

Small items come to mind that require tiny amounts of fabrics -

quilted table runners, ipod covers, tote bags, or retro fashions such as bathing suits.

I love it when past customers send me a note

to let me know how they used the fabric purchased.

Now I want to share several items made by a recent customer - LIONSART.

She makes beautiful fabric key fobs.

Here are 3 that she made from my fabrics -

I am happy that my fabric remnants are being put to good use:

Hawaiian Tropic

Palm Tree

Tropical Flowers

Something Different!

2011-02-04T13:48:00.012-05:00

I recently came across some very beautiful postage stamps from Japan - vintage circa "showa period" from 1926-1989.

Since paper doesn't play well with flames (no torches), slump glass tiles came to mind. This is completely outside my usual metal work jewelry but I wanted to preserve several of these as jewelry pieces. They are now listed in my Etsy jewelry shop as part of my Geisha series (a few have already been sold or spoken for).

So what do you think???

Rectangle Pendants

Square Pendants and Earrings

New Marketing Venue...

2011-01-28T15:15:00.013-05:00

One of my goals for 2011 is to promote my jewelry to a wider audience. I have been selling online through Etsy and to the public at numerous art and craft shows. I have now partnered with Laura of Turtle Grass Body.

Starting Saturday, January 29, several pieces of my wire work jewelry will be available for purchase at the Turtle Grass Body shop located in the Commercial building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. The shop will be open from 9:00am - 6:00pm each Saturday and Sunday (except during special events such as the State Fair).

This weekend should be full of hustle and bustle at the Fairgrounds with the Chinese New Year festival, the Southern Farm show and the Flea Market! And the weather will be nice and sunny - so come out with friends and family, enjoy the festivities, food, and shopping!

Here a few photos of my setup. I will post more later of shots during open business hours.

CLEARANCE SALE!

2011-01-08T23:55:00.006-05:00

I am clearing inventory in my jewelry shop to make room for brand new items! Check out the Clearance Section - from January 9 (12am EST) thru midnight January 29, those items will be priced 50% off original price.

Now is the time to pick up a few pieces of jewelry before they are gone - those items remaining after the sale will be removed from Etsy.

http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/LindaSearcyJewelry

New Treasury Widget!

2010-12-16T16:01:00.008-05:00

I have just discovered this new tool from CraftCult.com - the Treasury Widget! You just select whether you want to get a snapshot of an Etsy Treasury made by you or a Treasury featuring your item. Then copy the code and post it on your blog or website.

I tried it out and found out I was in a Treasury that I didn't know about. Here are a few in which my jewelry or fabric have been featured:

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market - Photos

2010-11-22T12:04:00.020-05:00

Just wanted to share a few photos of the recent Durham Art Walk Holiday Market at the Durham Arts Council building, IBM rehearsal hall location.

And also to thank all those behind the scenes who helped put this event together, all the volunteers who helped with setup, breakdown, and "break reliefs"! And a special "Thank You" to our location coordinator, Arthur (The Azul Ocean)!

Amanda Davis of LaTeDaJewels

Nataliya Strumila of Colors of Russia

Amy Yeager of Amy's Creative Corner

Chris Wanyo of Chris Wanyo Photography

Caroline Sandlin of Caroline Sandlin Jewelry

Arthur Koch of The Azul Ocean

Macon Cathey Thornton of Tallulah Jewelry

Sara McCreary of No H Designs

Sandra Manheimer of Vintage Jewelry Encores

Yumi Okita of IRO

Didn't catch this vendor's name (she was sharing with Andrea Stephens of Scrapchique) or her cutey-pie pup - she was so well-behaved, no barking and sitting prettily in her bed!

Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

My holiday booth setup - layering green fabric and red tablecloth onto white sheets and lace tablecloth.

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market / Durham / Nov 20-21, 2010

2010-11-15T21:20:00.007-05:00

Save the dates!

If you are in the Durham area, come out and support your local artists! I will have my line of fine jewelry in metal and wire work. I will be located in the Durham Arts Council (DAC) building, IBM rehearsal hall (lower level), booth #2.

Saturday & Sunday, November 20-21, 2010

Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday 1-5 PM

The Durham Art Walk Holiday Market is a festive celebration of the arts held in downtown Durham each November, featuring the work of over 200 talented artists in four large downtown venues including the Durham Armory, the Durham Arts Council, Golden Belt and Vega Metals.

Like the Durham Art Walk Spring Market, this event aims to help revitalize downtown Durham by bringing thousands of art lovers for a weekend of art and exploration of all that Durham has to offer. Sip hot cider, enjoy holiday musical performances and great food and find creative, local, handmade gifts for everyone on your holiday list.

Holiday Market visitors can get their purchases gift wrapped by our local nonprofit creative reuse center, The Scrap Exchange. And don’t miss the Burt’s Bees Giving Trees at the Durham Arts Council. See the holiday trees made of recycled materials, donate to the arts and receive a Burt’s Bees ornament filled with artwork or Burt’s Bees products.

This event is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Take the Bull City Connector on Saturday and on Sunday, free shuttle service is provided. For more information visit www.durhamartwalk.com or call 919-560-ARTS.

The Durham Art Walk is presented and produced by the Durham Arts Council in collaboration with MANY generous community sponsors.

Map & Directions

DAW Program Flyer

Taking a Break in Vegas!

2010-10-30T21:08:00.003-04:00

I will be taking a short break from jewelry making - going to Las Vegas Nov 6-13 - see the lights, shows, maybe a little gambling, Hoover Dam...!

Both of my shops, jewelry and fabric stash, will remain open while I am away. Purchases made during that period will be processed and shipped shortly after I return.

Thanks, I'll be back in a couple weeks!

End of Summer Sale on Fabrics - Extended!

2010-10-06T15:18:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder that I am running an End of Summer (EOS) Sale at my Fabric Stash shop and I have extended it through Oct 17!

Also, to make it easier to promote the sale, I am using a new Etsy application, Etsy On Sale. Check out my shop there - http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/LindaSFabricStash. You will notice that original prices are red-lined and are marked down 15%. This will eliminate the need for me to do any refunds!

After the sale ends on October 17, then the Etsy application will revert the prices back to the original prices automatically.

Fall Arts Fair @ Sertoma Art Center, Oct 2 - Photos

2010-10-04T16:42:00.016-04:00

Oct 2 was a BEAUTIFUL day for the Fall Arts Fair at the Sertoma Arts Center and Shelley Lake in Raleigh!

Tables and chairs were provided to all vendors (indoors and outdoors), and tents for outdoors!

The FAIR provided lots of opportunities to buy pottery, paintings, jewelry, note / greeting cards, soaps and fiber arts.

Pottery demonstrations...

Jill and her sister of OrangeCatArt, prints, notecards, calendars ... - don'tcha love the orange tent?

Jill of LivnGoodJewelry, chainmaille jewelry

My booth setup ... indoors at the Sertoma Arts Centers.

Cheryl of Cheryl Weisz Pottery

Andry Crafts, Artisan Design for Special Occasions

Alice DeLisle, Ceramic Art

Kimberly Clark Riddell, watercolors, ornaments...

Megan Clark, jewelry designer (also a fabulous metalsmith instructor at Pullen Arts Center)

JMarc Designs, fused glass designs

Buckey of Syko Skittzoid Art

Susan's Garden, Pressed Flower Art (Gingko Girl series)

Leigh of AraLeigh Studios, Merit Badge Jewelry

My purchase of the day - Blue Pine Cones bowl from Cheryl Weisz Pottery!

Fall Arts Fair @ Sertoma Art Center, Oct 2

2010-10-01T09:13:00.006-04:00

Join us on Saturday, October 2,

from 10am - 5pm for the Sertoma and Pullen Arts Centers' Fall Arts Fair at Sertoma Arts Center and Shelley Lake!

Visit our indoor & outdoor art markets, enjoy live entertainment, watch artists' demonstrations, enjoy a kids area, fishing derby, try out a music together class or Nia class and much more!

If you are in the area, come by, visit me, and help support the local artists.

I will be indoors at the Sertoma Arts Center. Other artists to look for - Jill of LivnGood Jewlery, Christina of ChristinaBellaBeads, Jill of OrangeCatArt, and Elena of TrendFemme.

September DDM Show - Photos

2010-09-27T11:15:00.014-04:00

This was my 3rd show with Designers Downtown Market and will be the last one for me this year. I wanted to share a few photos of this event.

And how my booth setups have evolved from the 1st DDM show. This was the first time I set up fabrics for sale - I had fabrics in plastic storage bins on a single 6' table. I saw that it was difficult for customers to really see what was available with all items folded tightly in those boxes!

So I invested in several grid walls, shelving and baskets from A & B Fixtures. I was able to spread items around where people could touch, feel and unfold pieces of fabric to see all the fabulous colors and patterns.

And my jewelry setup has changed, again! Before I used empty boxes as risers to create height. But I found that when nature's elements (gusty wind, specifically) made an appearance, my displays ended up on the ground. Not good for the jewelry!

Now, my displays have more weight, have a neater look (since I used some of my fabrics to cover the pads in the display trays), and is easier to pack and unpack (items are pinned in each tray, is covered in bubble wrap and stacked in a single box).

I was able to visit a few vendors near me -2 sisters, Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry and Kate of CardsbyK8

Christy of Hoot Creations - handmade jewelry

Jennifer of Sweet JAM Designs - jewelry, sewing, paper crafts, and crochet

Ashlee of Hepcat Roux's - funky jewelry, pet tees, cards, and gifts

End of Summer Sale on Fabrics!

2010-09-23T12:14:00.009-04:00

To welcome fall and cooler weather, I am offering an "End of Summer" sale on all of my fabrics at the outdoor Designers Downtown Market this coming Saturday, September 25, in Raleigh. I will include finished quilt blocks in various styles, colors, and sizes. They, too, will be available at the discounted sale price.

If you will be in the area, please stop by and say "Hi!". Do you, your family or friends make fiber crafts (clothing, quilts, kitchen linens, ipod / iphone covers, etc), then why don't you come to see my fabulous and vibrantly colored fabrics - Asian prints, Hawaiian prints, silk pieces salvaged from vintage kimonos, Liberty of London, French country Provence prints, and many others?

Then after the event, I will offer the same sale in my Etsy Fabric Stash shop for you online shoppers. So stay tuned for an update in my shop!

Beach and Wilmington Art Walk - Photos

2010-09-14T17:10:00.011-04:00

View of sound-side marsh from back deck at Sunset Beach.

Morning visitors to our deck - juvenile night herons.

Ready for a walk on the beach - pretty pedicures and flip-flops!

And just a few photos of the 9th Annual Art Walk in Wilmington, NC.

Beach - Here I Come!

2010-09-04T09:30:00.008-04:00

I think I am ready for a week at the beach... and the art walk in Wilmington! It's a gorgeous day unlike the near 100 degree yesterday!

--Etsy shop in vacation mode - check

--Petsitter service scheduled - check

--Vacation hold on newspaper and mail - check

--Jewelry inventoried and photographed - check

--And the car packed!

See my earlier posting on pre-pack notes and concern on it all fitting in. I even have some room for a last minute change - a friend will ride along for the weekend!

Completely forgot that I had the roof rack to stow away stuff! That luggage pack is no easy task to get situated on top of the car, especially when you are only 5 feet tall! You should have seen me standing on the door ledges (all the while mindful of not falling down - an acquaintance fell and injured his neck / collarbone when he was packing the roof rack on his SUV).

So this is the last post until I get back.

Hope you all have a wonderful long Labor Day weekend!

Vacation - Closing Jewelry Shop Sep 4-13

2010-09-03T13:06:00.003-04:00

*** Jewelry Shop Will Be CLOSED Sep 4-13 ***

I will be on vacation and at the 9th Annual Art Walk in Wilmington, NC.

In the meantime, you may view a sample of my jewelry on FB - photo album.

The FabricStash shop will remain open for shopping! Purchases will be mailed when I return - so please be patient for this slight inconvenience.

*******

Preparing for an Outdoor Show

2010-08-30T13:56:00.009-04:00

I am preparing for my first outdoor show of the 2010 fall season! I will be at the 9th Annual Art Walk and Parade in Wilmington, NC on Saturday, September 11 (10:00am - 5:00pm). If you are in the area, please come by and say "Hi!"

Lots of stress and brainstorming for ideas on how to set up the tent display. Especially when you don't know where your assigned booth location will be or tent orientation. I've done several outdoor and indoor shows and I haven't set up the same for any of them. There is always something to cause a change in setup - perhaps a change in the size of the booth space, location, orientation, etc.

One task I do is to photograph my jewelry on displays to remind me where each item is to be placed. I didn't do this one time, got all of my jewelry set up and found that I had some empty slots. I had a moment of uncertainty - had I left some pieces at home, lost or misplaced some of them, or had I just put more items on a display?

Also I create a grid layout for many possible tent setups, print it and bring along so that I can quickly determine which would fit the situation.

The hardest part of preparing is the physical task of getting everything packed in the car! Start out with an empty car - I took out the 2 back seats to get as much space as possible.

AND .... fit all this stuff in - a tent with canvas, tent weights, 4-5 tables ranging in sizes (6ft, 5ft, 4ft), table risers, a chair, rubber flooring, step stool, table cloths/sheets, banner, bungee cords, jewelry displays, jewelry inventory, and miscellaneous items for actual sales (business cards, inventory list, signage, packaging, receipts, cash, change...). Plus, this time I have beach stuff to pack to since I will be spending a week prior to the show at Sunset Beach - more packing...

Pretties!

2010-08-27T17:25:00.010-04:00

Blues and greens are a couple of my favorite colors! I just added these pretties to my growing collection of jewelry components. These are from my favorite NC local seller of artisan glass - Giggleworks Glass Bead Studio by BlueJeanGirlNC - who is also an active member of the Raleigh Jewelry Making Meetup Group.

The first two pics are reminiscent of our North Carolina beaches.

I can't wait to make designs around these! What should they be? Rings, pendants, bracelets...?

Jewelry Metal Preferences (POLL)

2010-08-25T11:36:00.004-04:00

Just posted a poll to help me gauge interest for types of metal in jewelry. Please take a few minutes to complete the poll which is located on the right-hand side of this blog - you can vote for up to 3 choices. Thanks!

What's Growing in Your Garden?

2010-08-23T13:32:00.012-04:00

Went out the door this morning and noticed I am still getting blooms in my "English" type flower garden. (I have a very small garden, 10ft x 10ft - so I cram lots of flowers in that small space so it does look like the English gardens I have seen in my past travels.)

Even with the unseasonably hot weather, my garden seems to be "weathering" it. I haven't watered the garden this year and have relied on the few rain showers we have had recently to revive the blooms. My favorite is the gardenia - love it's own brand of heady perfume.

And, I only do perennials or those that re-seed themselves - I have no patience to plant each and every spring or fall.

My garden includes a hardy hybiscus, red roses, yellow roses, gardenias, peonies, love-in-the-mist, bluebells, sedum, day lilies, calla lilies, hydrangea, and the mailbox flower (clematis).

What grows in your garden???

Locket Making

2010-08-06T17:32:00.011-04:00

Continuing my progression into metalsmithing, 3 weeks ago I started a 6-week course in using the hydraulic press.

This class introduces you to making dimensional jewelry by forming metal into puffed shapes using matrix die-cut forms and the hydraulic press. Our project was to make a locket or hollow form pendant. I opted for the more challenging project - a locket.

In addition to learning how to make the metal forms, we would also learn how to rivet set a stone to a domed piece and how to tube rivet to connect together the locket halves.

Along the way we also cut a 1/8 inch wide silver bezel to make 2 very thin bezels (half of 1/8 inch), embellish the bezels (make very tiny cuts in the bezel) and to recover from a stone falling out of the finished setting.

After my first session, I stayed in the studio and made 6 pairs of copper pressed forms - it was very addicting! I even purchased the matrix die-cuts that evening from BananaNan. I now have several more pieces in different stages, including a pair of oval copper and sterling earrings.

So what do you think? BTW, if you are interested, I have a Facebook photo album that chronicles the locket process.

Summer SALE Ending Soon (July 31)

2010-07-28T16:30:00.005-04:00

Just a reminder - only a few more days left for my summer SALE in both of my jewelry and fabric stash shops - ends on July 31. Then those items will be removed from the Etsy shops.

New Shopping Experience on Facebook!

2010-07-26T09:02:00.009-04:00

Announcing an alternate shopping experience to Etsy! I just opened a Storefront on Facebook to test the waters. I am just beginning to post items that are not on Etsy, so no fear of duplication or selling the same item to multiple customers. The shopping cart is linked to PayPal.

Why don't you visit me there? Just click on the link above and click on the "Shop Now" tab.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Let me know if you have any issues with accessing the Storefront. Please include what you think of any particular item, such as likes/dislikes, type of material, style, size, etc. And if you are willing to post any reviews, I would greatly appreciate it!

Wall Quilt - Asian Print Scraps

2010-07-25T16:42:00.008-04:00

Just wanted to show a quilt that a friend of mine (Nancy) created using small scraps of Asian prints from my fabric shop. Pieces she used were at least 2 inch square. Isn't this just so beautiful?

The long-arm quilting (snaking feather) was done by Bethany.

Summer SALE!

2010-06-24T11:25:00.003-04:00

S A L E !!!!!

A big summer sale in my jewelry Etsy shop - good until the end of July. All of my $15 earrings now on sale for $10 - that is almost a 33% reduction! Now is the time to get one of those earrings that you may have had an eye on! Check out the SALE section for one of those one-of-a-kind items!

PS - I will be having a summer sale, too, in my Fabric Stash shop - so be on the lookout for that!

More from the studio...

2010-06-13T12:05:00.011-04:00

I've been collecting cabs for setting from several Etsy sellers (Michael's Lapidary, StonesinMotion, UniqueGem, SparkleQuest, MadeInTheShade) - there are so many cool ones out there - I wish I had a million dollars!

I've been busy the past couple of weeks making these pendants and earrings: Ocean Jasper, Brazilian Agate, Montana Moss Agate, Lapis, and the last 4 are glass cabs.

Celebration of the Arts, Fuquay-Varina, Sat, Jun 5, 10am-4pm

2010-06-02T14:11:00.004-04:00

What: Celebration of the Arts Festival

Where: Downtown Fuquay-Varina, Main Street

When: Saturday, June 5, 10-4pm

Come help Fuquay-Varina "celebrate the arts" - http://www.celebratefv.com/. Lots of fun activities for the whole family!

I will be at booth #64, on Main Street near East Vance Street. See Fuquay map. Come by and say "Hi!" .

My Latest in MetalSmithing...

2010-05-26T09:43:00.006-04:00

It has been a while since I posted any of my projects from the Beginning Metals classes that I took at the Raleigh Pullen Arts Center.

My latest is this carnelian cab set in fine sterling on a sterling backplate. The 20g sterling sheet was first annealed, run through the rolling mill until it was approximately 24g, then it was textured with a piece of old lace on both sides, cut and filed to shape. I cut the leaves from a piece of sterling milled to 24g, stamped the details and soldered it to the backplate and bezel. In my hurry to set the stone I totally forgot to solder a bail - can't do that after setting a stone - duh! Not to worry, I drilled holes and wire-wrapped carnelian beads to sterling chain, and formed the front-closing clasp. Pendant tumbled for shine.

BTW, I made 2 of these pendants, initially thinking of earrings but... Now I have 1 to sell (soon to be added to my Etsy shop) and 1 to keep for myself!

Varina Mercantile, Fuquay-Varina, May 15 10-5pm

2010-05-12T17:51:00.002-04:00

I will be at the indoor venue, Shops of Varina Mercantile, this coming Saturday. If you are in the area, I would love for you to come by, visit and say "Hi!". I will have my fine jewelry and a few samples of my gorgeous fabrics on display. My Jewelry Meetup buddy, Ann Cole, will also be sharing space with me selling her line of beaded jewelry.

Shops of Varina Mercantile

601 E Broad Street

Fuquay Varina NC 27526
919-557-7225

Hours: 10am - 5pm

Designers Downtown Market, May 8, 2010

2010-05-06T16:34:00.003-04:00

Come see me at the May Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh, NC, on Saturday, May 8, from 9am - 3pm. I will have my fine jewelry AND my fabulous fabrics!

The Designers Downtown Market features fine locally made arts and crafts with an outdoor big city feel. Our vendors showcase some of the finest handcrafted arts and crafts in the area: jewelry, pottery, apparel, stained glass, paper crafts and more! Every show is different, with new artists and craftspeople coming in every event. Browse the vendor list on the site to find out who will be at the upcoming Market. Hope to see you there!

PeakFest, Apex, NC - Saturday, May 1, 2010

2010-04-29T07:11:00.008-04:00

Come visit me at booth 84A (on Salem St between Holleman and Moore) at the annual WAKEMED Peak Fest that celebrates the “Peak of Good Living” will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010. This festival has grown from a small community day in a school parking lot to an event which draws hundreds of vendors and over 25,000 people to the streets of downtown Apex.

http://www.apexpeakfest.com/

Town of Apex

237 N. Salem Street

Apex, NC 27502

Arts and Crafts Street Festival. Over 200 Vendors. 9am-5pm in historic downtown Apex. Other NC Triangle Team vendors to visit: ShoreDebris, LivnGoodJewelry. Three stages of entertainment and Kids Zone.

Children enjoy the KidsZone area with rides and games, and artists and crafters provide lots of shopping opportunities. Festival food like cotton candy, hoagies, and ice cream is sure to please, but you must try some of the international fare like Thai chicken, Chinese noodles and Greek gyros. Local talent and family entertainment provide dance, song and comedy on the stages. Festival day begins with a pancake breakfast prepared and served by the Apex Rotary Club in the historic Salem St. Fire Station.

Spring Daze, Cary, April 24, 2010 - Photos

2010-04-25T18:57:00.006-04:00

Just a few photos of the Cary Spring Daze 2010...

Down to Earth Herbals

Spring Daze, Cary, April 24, 2010

2010-04-21T15:03:00.006-04:00

Saturday, April 24, 2010

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Cary N.C.

Rain date: Sunday, April 25, 2010 1pm - 5pm

Visit my booth (B19, near Ballfield #3) at the 17th Annual Spring Daze arts & crafts festival

• Over 170 artists from throughout North Carolina

• Entertainment on five stages

• Concessionaires with your favorite festival foods

• Town of Cary Earth Day Celebration with activities and games

• Fitness Trail featuring interactive fitness stops

• Cary Performs at Sertoma Amphitheatre - featuring local groups!

Bring the entire family for a day of art, entertainment and good food at Bond Park!

Durham Art Walk April 2010 - Photos

2010-04-21T13:34:00.010-04:00

Just a few photos of fellow artists in the Durham Art Walk at the Carolina Theater.

Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

BrandiWine Designs

Not Your Family Jewels

Abstract Expressions by Monique

Durham Art Walk, Apr 17-18, 2010

2010-04-06T10:56:00.006-04:00

Save the dates and JOIN US for the Durham Art Walk IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH AND 18TH.

This tour of local art work of more than 200 artists is sponsored by the Durham Arts Council and many sponsors. (Stop by the Carolina Theater where I will have my jewelry display. Check out other NC Triangle team members, ShoreDebris, OrangeCatArt, LivnGoodJewelry,VintageScraps, JoannasFoto).

There will be musical performances, great food and you will find surprises around every corner. Free shuttle service is provided. The event is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Check the website for maps & directions.

Fabulous Tote Bag!

2010-04-01T16:12:00.006-04:00

I have to show off my fabulous new tote bag! A fellow Etsy NC Triangle Street team member, FlowerMash, custom created this from a couple pieces of fabrics from my stash shop. I love Asian prints and vibrant colors and FlowerMash incorporated both into this lovely creation! Why don't you stop by her shop and browse her sold section.

Photos - Hope Church Festival

2010-03-28T10:32:00.020-04:00

Just a few shots of the Hope Church Spring Festival and several of the vendors from the Etsy NC Triangle Street team - ShoreDebris, EllesBeads, OldBroomStreet, NaomiEvelyn, ScentfullyDelightful

We had plenty of sunshine but had several "oh,no!" moments when gusts of wind almost upended several neighboring tents. I thought I was well prepared - had metal weights for the tent legs, 25-lb sandbags tied with bungee cords, marble filled bags to hold down the tent flaps, and heavier necklace displays (not cardboard). But did not take into account that the wind would still knock over my acrylic stands and the havoc the wind played with my string price tags - swung them around and got all tangled in the hanging pendants and necklaces - not a pretty picture. Ended up having to duct-tape the display stands to the tables, clip/tie tablecloth corners to the table legs, and snip off all the price tags.

Vicky of ShoreDebris - all things "beachy", jewelry and home decor made using items from the seashore - sea shells, sea glass..

EllesBeads, jewelry and eco-friendly crafts (funky and manshion items).

And myself, Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs, handmade wire jewelry.

Hope Church Spring Fest & Car Show, March 27

2010-03-25T11:26:00.006-04:00

Several NC Triangle Street team members will be at this event. Festival is sponsored by the Clayton Middle School. Come on out and enjoy the spring sunshine. Fun for the entire family - carnival, games, food, arts & crafts, car show!

Where: Clayton Middle School, 490 Guy Rd, Clayton, NC

When: Saturday, March 27, 10:00 - 4:00pm

PS - I will be in spot #19, a corner spot - come by and say Hi!

Public Service Announcement - Census 2010

2010-03-24T16:01:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder - complete and send your Census 2010 form by April 1!

Besides being a Jewelry Maker I also find time to work for the US Census. I am currently a Questionnaire Assistance Center representative where I'm assigned to a Wake County public library to work several hours a day from March 19 thru April 19. I help those who have questions on filling out the form - I don't fill it in but explain the questions and why the answers to the questions are needed.

If you haven't received your form or have lost it, replacement forms and language assistance guides are available at most community centers and / or county public libraries.

New NC Triangle Team Treasury - Cherry Blossom Pink

2010-03-23T14:35:00.005-04:00

In preparation for snagging an Etsy Treasury which I find very hard to get (IMHO it's a big waiting game), I used the Etsy poster sketch (shown below) to collect my favorite things that remind me of cherry blossoms and the coming of Spring! Poster sketch allows you to post 12 shops and 4 alternates (in case an item gets sold while in the Treasury).

Check the Cherry Blossom Pink Treasury and visit the NC Triangle Street Team shops.

NC Triangle Street Etsy Team Spreading the Love!

2010-03-19T10:26:00.007-04:00

When I checked my emails this morning, I was pleasantly surprised that both of my shops have been featured in blogs of fellow NC Triangle Street Team members!

First, FlowerMash (who makes handmade purses and bags) stopped by my booth at the Designers Downtown Market this past Saturday and purchased a piece of my Asian print fabric. She featured my shop on her blog and pictured here is the bag she custom made for her friend - please stop by her Etsy shop and view her items. Her shop is fairly new and would love some Love!

And, SatinStitchery (maker of embroidered purses, clothing, patches, key chains, art, clocks, & customizable gifts), features Sunday shopping on her blog.

The current shopping trip featured several members of the NC Triangle Street team:

-- Janice of BlessedBeadJewelry - creates handmade jewelry incorporating her polymer clay bead designs

-- Jill of OrangeCatArt - presents fine art photography of North Carolina - and beyond!

-- and me, Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs - handmade wire jewelry. Pictured is my Byzantine Chainmaille Bracelet of red brass and copper.

Photos - Designers Downtown Market, March 2010

2010-03-15T21:07:00.009-04:00

Just a few photos of the first Designers Downtown Market for 2010 - it was my first time for this venue.

The last 3 pics are of my booth setup for both my jewelry and the fabric stash.

Designers Downtown Market, Raleigh, NC - March 13, 2010

2010-03-02T10:11:00.005-05:00

The spring Arts and crafts season is about to start for me! My first is the Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh, NC, on Saturday, March 13, from 9am - 3pm.

Beginning Metalsmith - Botched Work

2010-02-20T20:46:00.007-05:00

This a follow-on to my earlier posting -

My result when I tried to solder a "pot metal" daisy spacer bead (which I thought was sterling) to a sterling piece! I was NOT a happy camper. Went to the art center today to see if I could create another earring just like the other one that was not yet finished.

After I prepared the sterling sheet to the right thickness and sawed the pattern, I found that I had gotten better with the saw so decided to go ahead and cut another one to match. I still wanted to get more character and depth to the flower - so began to cut a much smaller piece and started to think if it was worth it, it was such tiny detail and effort. I persevered and did the matching piece, stamped etchings, and domed all pieces.

My next challenge was to solder it all to a stud post - after several tries I managed to get the solder to flow through the drilled hole and stabilized the stud! Here are the results - 2 new earring studs! I think the inner section gives the overall flower a more organic look. What do you think?

Beginning Metalsmith

2010-02-17T23:06:00.006-05:00

Just completed a 6-week course in beginning metals at the Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh.

It was a challenge to move beyond wire work but I enjoyed it. I can now say that I can use a torch (got over the dreaded idea of burning down the place!) and did not saw my fingers off while trying not to break too many saw blades (I broke 5 in the first sitting). Drilled, filed, oxidized, and buffed. Learned many new terms - flux, anneal, pickle, etc. I think my favorite is the metal mill - stretching metal and creating many textured surfaces.

Here are a couple pics of my 2 items from class - a pendant and pair of earrings.

Ruined one earring because the finding that I had was NOT sterling - it melted and wrecked my hard work! I know now to try to make sure I don't have crap metal. Got lucky and got into the continuing 6-week class in 2 weeks.

Valentine Special: Free Shipping US and Canada

2010-02-03T12:35:00.007-05:00

I am still offering FREE shipping US and Canada until Feb 6 on my Valentine items -http://bit.ly/ValentineSection and still get the item delivered by Valentine's Day!

Here are just a few suggestions for Valentine jewelry gift giving!

Sharing my Finished Quilts

2010-01-30T12:29:00.016-05:00

Besides creating handcrafted wire jewelry for my jewelry shop and now venturing into metalsmithing, I also do other handcrafts - knitting and quilting. I just wish there were hours in a day to do all the things I enjoy!

Here are a few photos of several of my finished quilts - several fabric remnants from these projects are in my new fabric stash shop.

This small pink and orange wall hanging, one of my first quilting projects (completed in 1994), is paper-pieced and hand quilted - uses mostly silky Japanese prints and Japanese yukata fabric. I love vibrant colors and soft, silky florals!

This large wall quilt (Cherry Blossom) in pink and olive green was my first attempt at machine quilting. It also was the only one I finished in under 6 months - probably due to a tight deadline to have it completed for a quilt show! Deadlines do wonders for productivity! It, too, uses mostly Japanese floral prints.

This large wall hanging is my pride and joy! It is Hawaiian quilting - all hand appliqued, hand pieced and hand quilted. Don't ask me how long this one took to complete!

My New Fabric Stash Shop on Etsy

2010-01-26T10:34:00.007-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just opened another shop - to sell fabric remnant stash, mostly Asian, Hawaiian, floral and butterfly prints - quilt-quality pieces in fat eights, fat quarters, 1/2 yards and 1 yard+ items.

Please check it out - http://LindaSFabricStash.etsy.com . I still have lots of items to add so check back often for new listings!

Valentine Special: Free Shipping US and Canada

2010-01-24T20:13:00.008-05:00

Next 2 wks (Jan 24-Feb 6), am offering FREE shipping US and Canada on my Valentine items -http://bit.ly/ValentineSection

Here are just a few suggestions for Valentine jewelry gift giving!

My Haiti Donation just sold...

2010-01-17T18:22:00.004-05:00

Ya-a-a! My donated pair of red bamboo earrings just sold on the Hearts for Haiti shop! Check out the Sold section of this shop - it is great that many items are selling.

Help For Haiti From Etsy Shops

2010-01-16T16:59:00.005-05:00

***************************************

An Etsy shop has been created for those who wish to help raise funds for the Haiti crisis.

From the Hearts for Haiti shop "This is an Etsy collective of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops to raise money to rebuild Haiti. 100% of the proceeds from this shop (minus Etsy fees and Paypal fees) go directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org ) in bi-monthly increments."

Check http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti for details if you wish to buy or to donate items.

If you wish to donate, here are guidelines:

To Donate:

Please send the following information in an email to etsyforhaiti(at)gmail(dot)com
and put "Hearts For Haiti Donation" as the title:

Your shop name

Your location and country

Item Name/Title

Item Price (please do include this! we don’t want to undervalue your work :)

Item Description

10 tags

Materials used

Up to 5 clear photos of the item

*Please be sure to attach (or upload) all of the photos to the email. Make sure you are sending the sized-for-Etsy versions of your photos. If there is a problem with the photos being transmitted, we will let you know.

*Quantity: if you have a quantity greater than one of this item to donate, please note it here and remind us to RE-LIST it when it sells

IMPORTANT NOTES:

♥ Shipping: All sellers must ship items at their own cost. We would like to encourage everyone who can to offer worldwide shipping but understand that some items need to stay domestic due to customs restrictions. If you would like to restrict your shipping parameters please be sure to note that explicitly in your listing!

♥ We will be featuring items with a heart theme in the shop. We hope lots of sellers will consider donating a heart item for the cause! (Though any Etsy-approved item is fine)

♥ When your item sells one of the shop administrators will contact you with shipping information. Please ship items within 3 days of purchase. If you ship on a different timeline please indicate that in the listing and ship accordingly.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Thank you so very much for considering a donation. It is wonderful that so many are willing to help the people of Haiti recover from this tragedy - - thanks again!

If you have any questions, please let us know!

Victoria van der Laan (exlibrishandmade.etsy.com)
HeartsForHaiti.etsy.com

NC Triangle Treasury...First one for the team for 2010

2010-01-06T11:38:00.006-05:00

Thanks to JemmDeeCreations who created this lovely treasury featuring items from NCTriangle shops...

my Tiger Eye bracelet is one of the featured items.

Christmas in Chicago!

2009-12-25T09:34:00.008-05:00

Christmas in Chicago with daughters:

Wind

Cold

Snow

ChristKindlMarket - brats, gluhwein

Julbord-Scandinavian Christmas Smorgasbord @ Tre Kronor - glogg, aquavit, pickled herring, meatballs, reindeer and the infamous "lutefisk"

Sale Continued to the end of the Year ...Further Reductions

2009-12-19T19:52:00.003-05:00

A big Thank You to those who took advantage of my BIG SALE this past week!

More price reductions have been posted on a few more items - see them in the R E D U C E D section of my shop - they are also noted as REDUCED in each item title.

I will be on holiday from Dec 20-28 but will be available for any convo if you have any questions. But I will not be able to make any shipments until I return.

I wish all of you a happy and safe holiday!

Big End of Year Sale !!! 25% Markdown

2009-12-13T00:18:00.001-05:00

in my Etsy shop starting Sunday, Dec 13 and running through Friday, Dec 18!

I need to clear out inventory so I can make some brand new items for the new year. Every item is marked down 25% - listing price reflects markdown. Items purchased during this period will be shipped by Saturday Dec 19. I will be on holiday from Dec 20 - 28 and will not be able to make any shipments until I return.

Garner Christmas Shopping Spree, Dec 12

2009-12-09T21:23:00.003-05:00

2^nd Annual Christmas Shopping Spree
Aversboro Square
Garner Civitan Center

1005 Poole Dr
Garner NC 27529

DECEMBER 12^TH, 2009 10:00-3:00PM

This event will feature

Handcrafters & Direct Sell Vendors

A Visit from Santa

Children Workshop

Face Painting and much more!

********************************************************************

Look for the following sellers and say "Hi!":

Sparkles and Sweets (Cynthia O'Toole), Raleigh Jewelry Meetup member

Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs, Raleigh Jewelry Meetup member, Etsy NC Triangle Street team

Early Holiday Gifts for my Pets

2009-12-08T20:26:00.011-05:00

Just wanted to introduce my two cat babies - Bena (black short-haired) and Loki (long-haired). They got a couple of early holiday gifts (fleece cushions) that I bought at the Second Chance Pet Adoption holiday bazaar.

Bena had to try out both before allowing Loki to sleep on either one - she is the queen of this household but does allow Loki to have first choice when it comes to food.

Post-Brier Creek Holiday Bazaar (Second Chance Pet Adoption)

2009-12-07T13:26:00.017-05:00

A few photos of sellers at the Brier Creek Holiday Bazaar, a benefit for Second Chance Pet Adoptions.

MEA Designs

Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Just Beautiful Designs

Shore Debris

Just Dogs

Acanthus Beads

J & S Handcrafted Treasures

Old Broom Street

Scentsy

Linda Searcy Jewelry Designs

Special Valentine Free Shipping

Welcome 2012!

Happy Thanksgiving!

JAR 2011

* * * Birthday and End of Summer Sale * * *

New Venue (to me) for Glass Bead Making!

New Skill - Lampwork Glass Beads

Classes, Workshops Galore!

Awesome Makers Faire:NC - June 18, 2011, Raleigh

***** ArtFire *****

Peak Fest, Saturday, May 7, 2011

NEW Copper and Resin Jewelry

First Online Auction!

Fabric Collection and Creations!

Something Different!

New Marketing Venue...

CLEARANCE SALE!

New Treasury Widget!

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market - Photos

Durham Art Walk Holiday Market / Durham / Nov 20-21, 2010

Taking a Break in Vegas!

End of Summer Sale on Fabrics - Extended!

Fall Arts Fair @ Sertoma Art Center, Oct 2 - Photos

Fall Arts Fair @ Sertoma Art Center, Oct 2

September DDM Show - Photos

End of Summer Sale on Fabrics!

Beach and Wilmington Art Walk - Photos

Beach - Here I Come!

Vacation - Closing Jewelry Shop Sep 4-13

Preparing for an Outdoor Show

Pretties!

Jewelry Metal Preferences (POLL)

What's Growing in Your Garden?

Locket Making

Summer SALE Ending Soon (July 31)

New Shopping Experience on Facebook!

Wall Quilt - Asian Print Scraps

Summer SALE!

More from the studio...

Celebration of the Arts, Fuquay-Varina, Sat, Jun 5, 10am-4pm

My Latest in MetalSmithing...

Varina Mercantile, Fuquay-Varina, May 15 10-5pm

Designers Downtown Market, May 8, 2010

PeakFest, Apex, NC - Saturday, May 1, 2010

Spring Daze, Cary, April 24, 2010 - Photos

Spring Daze, Cary, April 24, 2010

Durham Art Walk April 2010 - Photos

Durham Art Walk, Apr 17-18, 2010

Save the dates and JOIN US for the Durham Art Walk IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH AND 18TH.

Fabulous Tote Bag!

Photos - Hope Church Festival

Hope Church Spring Fest & Car Show, March 27

Public Service Announcement - Census 2010

New NC Triangle Team Treasury - Cherry Blossom Pink

NC Triangle Street Etsy Team Spreading the Love!

Photos - Designers Downtown Market, March 2010

Designers Downtown Market, Raleigh, NC - March 13, 2010

Beginning Metalsmith - Botched Work

Beginning Metalsmith

Valentine Special: Free Shipping US and Canada

Sharing my Finished Quilts

My New Fabric Stash Shop on Etsy

Valentine Special: Free Shipping US and Canada

My Haiti Donation just sold...

Help For Haiti From Etsy Shops

NC Triangle Treasury...First one for the team for 2010

Christmas in Chicago!

Sale Continued to the end of the Year ...Further Reductions

Big End of Year Sale !!! 25% Markdown

Garner Christmas Shopping Spree, Dec 12

Early Holiday Gifts for my Pets

Post-Brier Creek Holiday Bazaar (Second Chance Pet Adoption)

* ArtFire *