Fundraising and Fun

Life has been busy for us in the Z household.  Both boys are doing very well at school, getting used to seventh and ninth grade, and enjoying their sports.  Living with a tween and teen has certainly opened our eyes to the new challenges of parenting (oh boy do I miss the younger years!)

I have definitely found some extra time to myself now it is no longer cool to hang out with mummy.  I have very mixed feelings about this, but I am happy to say that I am putting my time to good use.  I have been doing a lot more fundraising of late and we have made great strides with our two featured charities; Light The Night and CureSearch.

September has come and gone, the traditional month of Childhood Cancer and Blood Cancer Awareness.  Many gold bracelets were sold for CureSearch, and I was careful to add a mix of support charms and charms such as the butterfly which symbolizes support but can be worn on any occasion.  In fact, these gold bracelets have become popular with many customers who do not have links to childhood cancer.  They just love the way the bracelet looks.  The donation is a bonus!

Click on the photos to shop for these designs.

In October, we walked with Light The Night as always.  We actually raised over $2000 to help those fighting leukemia and other blood cancers.  We enjoyed a lovely walk in Connecticut this time, along with close friends and family.  We all said a little 'thank you' for the survivor walking with us.

Home Office Makeover - Part Two - My Creative Space

So here it is...the big reveal!  For those that just found my little blog, read here to get the back story (with horrific photos of the before).  I am now a happy crafter and creator of beautiful jewelry.  I am now able to breathe, I am now....back to the way I should be!

My initial inspiration for the minimalist 'white walls' look came from a couple of places.  I spotted this Pottery Barn wall and fell in love with the organization.  The white walls created clean lines and I saw the details in the photo.

Home Office Makeover - A Space of My Own - Part One

New Year came and went and I managed to avoid making any crazy resolutions I knew I would not be able to keep.  I did manage to have a completely mad moment and decide (on New Year's Eve) to completely redecorate my little dumping ground that was supposed to be the office.   As you can see, it most definitely was NOT a place of creativity, productivity, or meditation.

That's just not a space one can be creative in!!!! 

So I toddled off to the local DIY store and stocked up on supplies to transform my space into a sanctuary for creativity and self expression.  My chosen color...bright white.  The reason for this choice is so I have a completely blank canvas from which to work.  I can display my jewelry, add pops of color, change the mood with accessories, etc.  I want FREEDOM from any constraints, and white spoke to me.  I began a Pinterest board with ideas for my new office and just loved all the 'white with color' ideas.

Craft Fairs and Booth Displays...Oh My!

 My, things sure have been busy around here.  I am a full time teacher but my jewelry has been taking over more and more of my time.  Business is growing and my enthusiasm for creativity has led me into the world of craft fairs.  I got my feet wet during the summer at a BIG arts show.  I was terrified...I and no really idea what I was doing, I had no real display items and I definitely had no sales experience.

But in I went...and had a very mediocre experience.  I was surrounded by 'professionals' and my tiny table really got lost in the mix.  My nerves meant I became far to reserved to actually drum up trade, and my inexperience led me to drop prices ridiculously low (think no profit low) and it really put people off.

I think I have a stubborn streak in me, however, as I actually felt more determined than ever to make my mark at craft fairs.  I wanted to learn how to do it, how to become a major presence in the sea of artisans selling their wares.  I am not there yet, but I am definitely improving.

Get ready for September with Summer into Fall Bracelets

Indian Agate is a natural stone that can bring about emotional, physical and intellectual harmony. Energy can be stabilized and positive and negative forces brought into balance. 

I cannot believe I am about to say this, but....I'm gearing up for back to school!!!!  That is a double whammy for me as it means we are heading out of the lazy days of summer, and I am frantically preparing to teach my new group of fourth graders who will be anxiously awaiting my brilliance :)

I do love to start fresh in September, a new outfit or two, highlights weaved into my hair and a good cut to see me into the winter....and LOTS of new jewelry!   I cannot say how many times I have worn an old outfit and still had people ask if it was new.  It is usually because I am wearing a new piece of jewelry along with it...it really works.

Red Jade and Tiger's Eye Om Cuff

I arrived home from a wonderful vacation  today and got straight back to 'work' on my jewelry.  I have been using a lot of red Jade recently and I wanted to create something with a Tibetan feel to it.  Reds and oranges/browns were the base colors and I was very excited to incorporate the Tiger's Eye beads.  To find out more about this lovely memory wire cuff, click on the picture or click here.  Then check out other wonderful pieces at Butterfly Warriors Jewelry. 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mothers everywhere will be celebrated very soon.  I have been the proud recipient of many a fine gift from my sons. I cherish the thought behind the gift probably more than the gift itself.  I do, however keep each and every single one...forever!  

Kids are usually on a budget, and as I thought about this celebration of love for Mom, I felt my Mottled Glass collection was probably the most ideal gift.  The glass beads are so amazingly beautiful with colors of the seashore.  The double hearts are a reminder of the love between a mom and child. The matching earrings can also be added for that extra special touch, also.  And best of all, it is at a price-point that children can reach without too much help from Dad.  

Countdown to Mother's Day Week 7 (I'm a little late!)

Let's celebrate Mother's Day with a blog hop led by a wonderful blogger over at Blue Morning Expressions.  I am late to the party but you can check out all the rules and fun here.  I will be more on the ball next time and link up in time for others to join me.  Meanwhile, take a peek at some of the wonderful gift ideas for those spacial women in your life.

Fundraising: The Salisbury Bracelets

Last week I sat in a meeting with my grade level teaching partners, planning the curriculum and focussing on learning when, out of the blue, one ask me to make a bracelet for a silent auction at a Salisbury Seagulls fundraiser.  The charity was the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...how could I say no?  But...the event was in two days so I had to get moving.

I'm good at working to a deadline so I headed to my supply shop and found the perfect quartzite beads in the school colors, maroon and gold.  I even found alphabet beads and a charm that would look delightful.  I stocked up an set about creating a nice design.  Wanting to give options, I made three prototypes.  My friend could pick which one and I would make three or four; one for the auction and a couple for her and her family.

My friend, Karen, literally squealed with delight at the sight of the three bracelets and announced that all three were perfect and can I have five more ready for Friday?  It was Thursday, I had no more supplies, and I had a baseball game and swimming to attend with my kids.  BUT...it was for the LLS so I said yes.

Terrific Turquoise Treasury - Featured Curator

How could I resist this lovely treasury when it features my absolute favorite color!  Click on the picture to view the entire treasury in all its turquoise glory.  Many thanks to Wendy Wilson from Shrewsbury Creations for including my turquoise HOPE bracelet in this collection.  Check out her beautiful Polymer clay jewelry here.

Amethyst, Rhodonite and Quartzite Bracelets - Healing and Protectio

The idea for this bracelet came from a customer request.  I have sold many Pink and Purple Bracelets with Rhodonite and Quartzite, but she asked of I could create one with Amethyst as the purple bead.  Of course  was happy to do this and delighted with the result.  Butterfly Warriors Jewelry had a new design! 

The healing properties of this stackable bracelet come from the Amethyst and Rhodonite stones. Pinks and purple tones are highlighted with natural earth-tone beads and gold accents for a stunning effect. The 6mm rhodonite semi-precious stones are interspersed with 10mm Amethyst and Quartzite beads, separated by antique gold spacers. 

Amethyst is a stone known for its protection and healing powers. It also has the power to help with insomnia and headaches. 

Rhodonite is a healing stone and clear emotional wounds for the wearer. Past traumas can be dealt with, and the heart is opened up and healed. Rhodonite nurtures love and brings out confidence while eliminating confusion. 

Rhodonite also aids in bone growth and healing organs. It is used to help those with auto-immune diseases and ulcers of the stomach. It also decreases swelling of joints and promotes relaxation and a sense of well being.

A Beautiful Gift for My Etsy Store

Creative DIY

They say good can come from bad situations and I am a walking reference for proof of this.  Despite having some very major issues with the health of both of my sons: my eldest tried to emerge into this world at only 24 weeks gestation and, after a very difficult bed rest, was delivered by emergency C-section and rushed of to the NICU for breathing complications; the very same child developed bacterial meningitis at the age of 4; and my younger son…well he wanted to trump big brother so he fought leukemia…(yes, they still argue about who had it worse!!!)

Yet I am an exceedingly lucky mom.  Both my sons are healthy now and I have experienced so much generosity, kindness and caring from such a diverse group of people, even people who have never met any of this crazy family, and it truly humbles me. 

One such person is Etsy shop owner, Regina Gold.  I have never met Regina, nor had I visited her shop, Gold Puff before.  Yet, after me posting on the discussion forum asking for design advice, she sent me a beautiful logo made especially for Butterfly Warriors.  She told me that my son’s story had touched her and she wanted to donate her talents.  Regina’s shop is not a design shop.  She is not promoting anything for sale.  She is just an incredibly creative person who did something so good. 

I even had the nerve to get picky about the color of the ribbon!  Yep, I am that person (sometimes). But the reason is because I never want my mission to be forgotten.  I notice I am becoming more involved in other illnesses.  I am painfully aware of the horrors of autoimmune diseases: my mom has Lupus, ME and Fibromyalgia.  I have ME. But I still try to focus most on raising cancer awareness.  Also, my donations from each sale go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so it makes sense to be clear about the main focus. 

So Regina was a superstar and gave me an orange ribbon.   I have to say, I love having such a beautiful logo for my Etsy Store, but it is so much more meaningful because it came from the heart.  Someone took the time to show love for all the warriors, and that is not lost on me one bit.  So here it is, the new logo for ButterflyWarriors on Etsy.  Perhaps Regina has a new calling and should open a shop selling them…I would be a customer if I had not already been gifted such a treasure. 

My Accidental Bracelet Design

I am a summer lover. Once spring arrives I get all excited for the colors I love most; blues, turquoise, and greens.  I also love being able to wear white without feeling silly, (I know that is my own perception of things but I never wear white in the winter comfortably.)

My love of 'easy' led me into the world of memory wire bracelets and I have a passion for them  They look like multiple bracelets, but don't wiggle around or take ages to put on.  They also keep their shape so well...told you I like 'easy'.

This particular bracelet happened by accident...literally.  My beads spilled and the colors went together so well, despite being a pile on the floor,  and my next idea was hatched.  The only part I actually 'designed' was the addition of silver beads.  I selected silver glass beads to work alongside the rest of the glass beads already chose by default.  I usually like contrast (metal beads with wood, or glass etc.) but this time I felt there was enough going on already.  What do you think?  Perhaps I may use this design in another color too...

Ukanite Bracelets: Promoting Balance

I have used Ukanite in my jewelry because it is such a beautiful and versatile stone.  It has many benefits for the wearer, and the colors draw the eye as pinks and greens pop! I have created stackable stretch bracelets and can add charms as desired.  While I show silver charms, this stone works well with other metals such as gold, bronze and brass too.  

Ukanite is a semi-precious stone that  can draw negative energies from the body and help to connect the mind and soul. It is thought to provide support for those recovering from a long illness or surgery. Ukanite promotes balance in all aspects of life and allows the wearer to feel more centered. By releasing energy blockages, Ukanite can encourage the wearer to live in the present and move on from the past. 

Faces of Silver Treasury - Featured Curator

I am very proud to be featured in this beautiful treasury.  There are so many beautiful items.  Click on the picture above to visit the treasury.  Please show it some love and check out the curator, Ninu Milu and her beautiful shop.  She has a collection of unique bag-dolls, cell phone cases and covers for iPads that are so cute.  Her inspiration comes form Koeshi dolls.  They are well worth a look.   

For the Love of Memory Wire Bracelets

This emerald green and aqua memory wire bracelet really sparkles.  The light and dark greens are the perfect compliment to one another and the clear glass and silver elements add contrast.  I really haven;t mastered the art of photographing these pieces as the true brilliance of the sparkle really doesn't come out here. 

I love wearing memory wire bracelets.  They are so incredibly easy to put on and take off.  I'm all for easy anything!  I love how memory wire bracelets can be created using a multitude of beads making every one of my designs totally unique.  Sometimes I add dangles at the ends to give that little extra bling...and I know a lot of people like charms and things that jingle-jangle around as they move. Sometimes I just feel the bracelet is enough in itself, or the stones used are natural and look better without adornments, letting their natural beauty take center stage.  

White Wood and Leather

Although my main focus is on bracelets, I have ventured into the realm of necklaces and earrings.  In a real breakaway from my norm, I decided to experiment with leather necklaces.  I love wearing these kinds of things, usually with some kind of chunky adornment.  I had some beautiful wooden beads that were not quite right for bracelets.  They were, however, perfect for my necklace.

The result was a summery white on white necklace that will be a stunner this summer.  It is a one-of-a-kind piece as I only had a few white wooden beads.  That makes it extra special, of course.

I added a lovely nickel-free silver toggle clasp with a 'beachy' rope design.

I'm seeing this piece on a beach with a sun-tan...but a white bikini might just have to be bought to go with it perfectly!  Of course a baby blue sundress would look fantastic with it also...or a simple t. shirt and jeans...so many possibilities.

I just see it looking so good here....

 

                                                  

                                                                   ...or maybe that's just me wishing for some sun!

Turquoise Jewelry

I have noticed how popular turquoise is during the summer.  I have to confess, I am a sucker for this color and have more turquoise and aqua jewelry than anything else.  In fact, I am drawn to this color for clothes, bags, shoes, and general knick-knacks.  No, I haven't painted a room in this color (nor will I ever), but it is definitely a favorite of mine.

The bracelets above have turquoise match with antique bronze.  This is quite a dramatic combination that is softened by the heart charm.

Then there are the silver and turquoise combinations.  The bracelet featured below is very simple, but the Bohemian silver barrel adds a statement.  This could, infect be worn by both men and women.

My favorite version of the bracelet is with the silver butterfly charm. The silver adds brightness and feels so summery.  I added Tibetan Silver barrels which continued the Bohemian feel.  Even the silver butterfly is engraved in a similar style. 

I have many other turquoise items in my store.  I will probably add many more...I just love the color too much not to.  Stay posted for some really lovely summer jewelry that will be featured soon.  

In the meantime, let me know what your favorite colors are for summer accessories. 

Getting Ready To Photograph My Jewelry...Supplies

The messy business of creativity!

When I begin to take my photographs, I like to gather an array of items that could potentially be useful.  While I do have my own workstation for crafting my jewelry, I don't really have a specific place to use for photography.  My budget is very limited so my main tools are:

• My iPhone5
• A table near a window with relatively good light
• Morning light for said table placement 
• White poster board
• A glass bottle
• Shabby Chic jewelry display shadow box
• Necklace display
• Bracelet display
• Scarfs
• Flowers of various types
• Tape and pins

My favorite pins

I have used wooden backgrounds in the past.  Unfortunately, I don't own wooden furniture in the style I like to use for my photos...so I cheat!  I print pictures of the wood I like and use that instead.  No one seems to have noticed yet!

A clear case of fake wood!

My shadow box/jewelry display case serves as a great background also.  I can use my favorite 'Leukemia Orange" pins to dangle jewelry from; I can use the burlap as a background; or I can use the wood of the box itself, as I did with the Mother of Pearl Silver Loop Earrings below. 

Ready to use

Mother of Pearl Silver Loop Earrings

The final picture 

The final product really depends on several factors.  I have to time my shoot just right for the lighting to work.  Using natural light only is quite a challenge but it does keep costs down and I like the look of natural lighting more.

I am sure I will find more fun ways to photograph my jewelry.  I often use the plain white background  for pieces to make them really stand out.  I like to try other things, however...and find my creative juices flow when I try out new ideas and staging for my pieces.  

Using flowers as a background

The glass bottle

Just white!

Moonstone Bracelets

I enjoy creating items out of interesting stones.  This pair of bracelets is made from peachy pink moonstone.  Moonstone has many properties that make this jewelry wonderful to wear.  In India, Moonstone is regarded as 'dream stones' with the power to bring the wearer beautiful visions as they sleep.  Arabic countries regard Moonstone as a symbol of fertility.  Other cultures regard Moonstone as 'Lovers' Stone', keeping one's feeling of love and happiness safe.

This peachy pink moonstone is thought to stimulate the mind, calming and soothing any anxiety the water may feel.  It supports the heart and sends out loving energy.