A Pop Of Color

Here in PA we had a bit of a heat wave this past week. Summer always makes me think of bright, bold colors. This print from Angelshair certainly fits the bill. Colorful flowers and butterflies are some of my favorite things!

These earrings scream summer don't they? Vibrant green, yellow, orange, pink and blue Swarovski crystals are hand wrapped onto Sterling silver chandeliers. Fun and funky! Be sure to stop by my site for 15% off now until May 10!

Meet The Talented Annette Piper

If you're a regular reader of my blog, than you are quite familiar with Annette Piper Dip.Gem. Handcrafted Jewelry. Annette is a gemologist who worked in jewelry trade back in the '80's. I interviewed Annette last summer for my blog and featured some of her gorgeous gemstone jewelry. Her goal is to create timeless, elegant, and affordable jewelry while highlighting the beauty of the natural stone. Earlier this year, Annette and I started CreativeBloggers, which is a blog ring type site where we try to promote our blogs and others' at the same time. It's really fun and you get to meet some great new people!



Have a look at one of Annette's latest bracelets, just in time for the warmer weather. Isn't it stunning? Rose Quartz, Peridot, Amethyst, Pearls, and Silver make up this handcrafted piece. Annette finishes up the Limited Edition design with butterfly, flower, and dragonfly charms. What better way to say spring?!

What's Your Inspiration?

Inspiration comes from many places. For me, I'm often inspired by the beads themselves. The necklace pictured above is the perfect example. I found these gorgeous, large olive jade rectangle beads at a shop in Philly. I didn't know what I was going to do with them, but since I LOVE this shade of green and knew they were one of a kind, I bought them. Since I try to keep my pieces affordable, and the beads were pricey, I knew I wanted to use them combined with something else. When I saw this carved Olive Jade flower pendant online, I felt I was onto something. I thought the color would combine well with the natural brass chain and that's how I designed the Jaded necklace. There's only 1 left, so if you'd like it, pick it up!

The second week of the HiP blog challenge is here and that brings me to my question for YOU..What Inspires You? You've heard what inspires me, and I would love to know what your inspiration is for the things you create. I can't wait to read your answers!

A Few Good Challenges

When I started this blog, I didn't have a real goal in mind. It seemed everyone who was anyone was blogging, and I thought I better join in. At first, I didn't "blog" too much, after all, what's so exciting with my life I thought. Over the past 2 years, though, I've joined some great social networking groups and met some talented people, and it gave me inspiration for my own blog.

Just recently I found a Fabulous network for me, called Handmade in PA. Of course, I'm from PA, so I found this to be truly helpful. The creator, Tara, has recently started a Blog challenge which I just took part in. It's for the whole month of April and it's filled with some great tips, like writing a Mission Statement. I never really thought to do that, but read what I felt was my goal for the blog in the About Us section.

Another great challenge I found through Heather's Ramblings is The Stone Soup Challenge. We all know times are tough right now and the goal of this is to have no more starving artists. If we all band together and support each other as artists, than we can all make out. Just click on the link above to read more about it and see who else is joining me in the challenge!

How About a Giveaway?!

Just in time for the upcoming warmer weather, I am giving away one of my new wooden rings! Of course, they are perfect to wear any time of the year, but how cute would they be with a lovely summer dress or shorts and a tee? Want to know how to enter? Visit Elizabeth at A Nut in A Nutshell to enter. You'll also find a special just for the month of April (just in time for Mother' Day)! While you're there, have a look around. She has a wonderful little blog!

Something else perfect for summer is this cute little Card Wallet. I love the print! I think I may need to have this so I always know where my business cards are!