I Like Custom Work...Remember?

And, here's more! Not only do I create picture frames to match that perfect event, but jewelry to match the perfect sentiment!

Lapis & Moonstone on Sterling Silver Chain.

Multitude of Gemstones and wood beaded Necklace & Bracelet.

Glass Eye to Ward off the Evil Eye with various glass beads.

Chalcedony faceted beads on Sterling Silver chain.

Two pairs of Mother's Earrings!
Left: Tourmaline, Peridot & Quartz.
Right: Blue Topaz & Ruby.

Please don't be shy about asking me to create custom work for you! It's true, there are some artists that do not like customized pieces - but, I say bring on a beautiful challenge!

All That Gitters...oops...Glitters!

I had one hour left to see it but I was so glad I did! The Biscotti Queen from Fogl's Kitchen created a wonderful Etsy Treasury. But, she also graciously included one of my newer creations, a gemstone necklace of Onyx and Rhodonite. I was very proud to see the fabulous work my necklace was keeping company with - please take a peek below!

Fogl's Kitchen

After years of baking with my grandmother, I am passing on her wonderful cookies to you. I've been baking biscotti for years and have moved from ebay to etsy. Recently, Fogl's Kitchen came to Etsy from Ebay. We LOVE the new space, and the wonderful people we've met.

Autumn Inspirations

I love the seasons of transition - Spring and Fall. I can relate to change so deeply that I enjoy watching the world change right before my eyes. The stunning scape of trees sleeping and leaves painted and falling. The beauty, the diversity and not to mention a great harvest! Squash, pomegranate, corn, apples - pumpkin pie, pomegranate salad, corn on the cob and cider.

I'm getting hungry...

Yesterday & Now
Polymer Clay Pendant

Coastal Mood
Gemstone Bracelet

Changing Moods
Gemstone & Wood Necklace

Fall Festival
Glass Beaded Wine Charms

Feel free to drop on down to my etsy shop or contact me directly to purchase anything you see here!

Happy Birthday Grandma Ophelia

I miss my grandmother.

We were extremely close, she and I were extremely different, and she was extremely adept at holding our family together...She had the Nice Jewish Girl dream for me and didn't understand my passion for art until much later in her life. It was a necklace that she received many compliments for and couldn't get enough of, so I made her as many as I could. And, after being ill for over six years I was not only proud that she enjoyed the jewelry and art I sent her, but happy to give her everything she wanted that I could give to her.

She passed away over one year ago. Not a second goes by that my thoughts don't wander to my grandmother. I miss my grandmother.

So, to see a lovely Etsy Treasury dedicated to Grandma Ophelia's 90th birthday that included one of my gemstone bracelets, I became very nostalgic. It's a lovely treasury and you can view it by clicking below until Sunday, August 24th.

Ophelia Miller Boutique

Hi and welcome....

Ophelia is my grandmother, who is precious and dear to me. This shop was named after her as an honor to her while she's still with me. The hummingbird logo is inspired from her. She is a collector of hummingbirds from ceramic pieces to clothing.

Ophelia Miller bags are quality hand made totes, diaper bags and purses. Each one has been made with meticulous care. Quality fabrics and notions are used. These bags range from a variety of styles from Hip chic to cottage chic. These styles reflect the potpourri of styles that are dear to me. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy shopping.

What is WWAO? Look and See...

Worldwide Women Artists is an international collective of women artists showing and selling our original art through the worldwide web. As women artists, we give birth to our ideas in a variety of styles and media. We embrace the diversity of each other's work, celebrating the joy of creating our art and sharing it with the world.


And, that's the official statement and you can click on the WWAO official image and visit the site to see many fabulous artists! OR! You can take a quick look afterwards at the wonderful Etsy Treasury that Glass Cat Jewels created. She featured WWAO artists with Etsy shops and very graciously included one of my Gemstone Necklaces from my 'Candy Collection'. Just click on the image below to view until Wednesday, July 2nd!

Glass Cat Jewels
Uncommon Glass Designs

Glass Cat Jewels specializes in fused dichroic glass jewelry as well as other fused and stained glass designs. I've been an artist since forever. Over the years I've done a variety of art but GLASS has been my chosen medium for about 18 years now. First working with stained glass making panels and suncatchers I am now into bead making and fused glass. GLASS is my passion. It is my creative outlet and my main source of relaxation. I can't imagine not doing it. Thank you for shopping on Etsy, a site where you purchase directly from the artist. Click on the banner below to view her gorgeous work!

Good for Girls...GREAT for Guys!

I have been so lax...and my husband has been stealing a lot...but I have created some new necklaces geared for the guys! My husband has approved each one and is letting me share these with others. He thinks this is a good arrangement - his own personal jeweler

And, like all my jewelry, I do not create duplicates, so each piece is handmade, original, one-of-a-kind. I got tired of seeing the blah shell necklaces or millions made hemp necklaces that get pretty grubby (guys and gals treat their jewelry very differently!). And, the first men's pieces I made were for my now husband - a 6'3" man to be reckoned with if anyone said anything about his necklace. But, he hears plenty of "Oh, nice necklace!" which makes him feel like a king.

Berkeley - Shell & Onyx Necklace

African Grassland
Kambaba Jasper & Onyx Necklace

Mojave Desert -

Surreal Jasper, Shell & Wood Necklace

Pampas - Blackstone, Nephrite Jade & Serpentine

Outside -
Lapis & Wood Necklace

Motor Oil -

Blackstone & Hematite

Necklace

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of these pieces; I'd even be excited to create a custom necklace just for you! Feel free to visit my Etsy shop or email me directly.

One World - One Heart Event Winners!

Just so you know, I used a random number generator that was not my husband. He tried...but in the end, he just kept coming up with meaningful numbers...like the ones he uses to play the Lottery. I love him, but ixnayed him for something online and impersonal.

The winners are:

Hermine Koster
"One World - One Heart" Gemstone Necklace

She Became a Butterfly
"Um...That's Mine" Wine Charms

Diane Clancy
"Vibrant" Gemstone Earrings

Claudia
"Bacchanalia" Polymer Clay Pendant

You can click on their banners to visit their blogs and get to know them a little bit. A special thanks to all that participated! I absolutely enjoyed reading every comment. I wish I had more to give...and more money for postage (hint, hint...USPS rates are going up again this year!). In the meantime, please visit my Etsy and Ebay shops and drop a line from time to time here on my blog!

One World - One Heart Means Free Giveaway!

It is a blog-wide giveaway event. The original idea behind this was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. Last years' event had nearly 100 participants and many connections were made because of it......friendships that are still going strong.

I was lucky enough to find this event while perusing the most fabulous Diane Clancy's Blog. She rocks, is a fabulous individual and artist, and is also a participant. She is offering the most delicious set of cards based on her magnificent artwork.

You have until February 13 (at least at most blogs) to leave your name and join in each blog’s give-away. You do not need to be a blog author or OWOH participant - anyone can leave a little message for me to enter! If you want to win the give-away, leave enough information for me in a comment to this post so I can get a hold of you. You can always send an email to the address in the side bar. Make sure your email address is a valid one and not one of the no-reply ones. Please do not leave sensitive info like your address or phone .. I can get your address when you win!

I will accept all entries until 9 pm Pacific time on February 13and then the winner will be announced (and given a little feature if you're up for it!) on February 14 … and then your gift will be shipped your way! International - NO PROBLEM! I live here in San Francisco, California, USA - but I am happy to make friends and send goodies! (There are no hidden fees - you will not have to pay insurance, shipping, etc. However, you will need to be responsible for any customs fees or taxes your country might impose.)

Here is the link for more details on Lisa Oceandreamer's blog, One World, One Heart Event, if you would like to participate. There are many blogs participating … so please go on over and check them out! I can't wait to!

Well, I hope this provides enough information and I definitely look forward to hearing from each and every one of you! If you need any further information, don't hesitate to ask!

OH! WAIT! What will you win?!! I have a necklace for girls and guys! Here's the nitty gritty of the piece: Picture Jasper cubes and rectangles, Petersite rounds with Oolitic Jasper and Petrified Wood pendant. 17-1/4" with 2-1/3" pendant. Jasper is very grounding and stabilizing, helping reduce feelings of insecurity, guilt, worry and fear and reminding us of our connection with mother earth. Petersite (found in Australia and related to Opals) helps by increasing ones clarity of presentation and improving ones public speaking skills. Petrified wood can be used to calm down survival based fears. It helps to make one feel safe and secure, helps one feel ageless.


This necklace is perfect for women. However, if you win and would like this piece for a man, I can 1. remove the Oolitic Jasper pendant and replace it with the Petrified Wood pendant, 2. only remove the Petrified Wood Pendant, or 3. remove the pendant entirely. Easy as pie and happy to oblige - just let me know if you are the lucky winner!

PLEASE NOTE: For each set of 50 comments, I will add one more prize (could be like this, might be different it just depends on which way the muse moves me!) Please leave a comment, I love reading everyone's responses!

I am so excited about the responses I've received! And, at over 50, I'm updating to add another little goody to this giveaway...GLADLY!

About This Piece:
Title: Um...That's Mine,
Wine Charms
Quantity: Six (6)
Materials: Glass, Resin

I LOVE functional art! Wine charms are a perfect creative outlet AND way to assist the harder partiers with finding their wine glass (and also not drinking from yours!). Wine charms must be distinguishable from each other! Each charm is uniquely different as well as part of a set! L'chiam! Cheers! Saloo!

Guess who just reached 100 responses! And, I'm going to add a third giveaway for a third lucky winner! The responses have been wonderful and I've enjoyed reading each and every one of them! Thank you so much; I hope you enjoy this little goody.

I would like to offer these gemstone earrings: Vibrant! Quartz, Peridot, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine rounds, Carnelian faceted button and Topaz teardrop. 1-2/3", gold-plated surgical steel earhooks. Amethyst enhances spiritual awareness, healing, meditation, peace & psychic abilities. Carnelian balances creativity and mental processes. Citrine is uplifting. Peridot enhances growth, renewal, relaxation & comfort. Quartz is the symbol or patience, perseverance and the infinity of space - considered the "healing stone" of all spiritual matters. Topaz imparts the strength to quiet wild emotions. Wear in good health - thank you for visiting!

Does anyone know what 153 comments means? It means I am totally overwhelmed by the wonderful responses to this event! AND, I am excited to add one more item for one more lucky winner!

I'm adding this pendant, for you vixens, dancers, lovers, and possible mythology buffs. Title: Bacchanalia - Turquoise Blue worshiper on a Cherry Red circular background. Measures approximately 1-1/2" in diameter with raised, hand-sculpted image. This piece is lightly varnished to protect the piece and give it a soft shine and signed and dated on the back. Hole "drilled" through the top - will be happy to include jumpring or wire-wrap for easy stringing, please let me know your preference if you are the winner. Would look lovely on a silver chain, simple cord, or incorporated into your own jewelry creations!

The Bacchanalia was a religious festival in honor of the wine god Dionysus or, as the Romans called him, Bacchus. The bacchanalia were held in secret and attended by women only it included several different celebrations including the Oschophoria (“Carrying of the Grape Clusters”). Later, admission was extended to men, and celebrations took place as often as five times a month versus the original three days each year. The reputation of these festivals as orgies led in 186 BC to a decree of the Roman Senate that prohibited the Bacchanalia throughout Italy, except in certain special cases. (Surprisingly, a copy of the decree survives, as does an account by the Roman historian Livy.) Nevertheless, Bacchanalia long continued in the south of Italy. It is still a source of inspiration today - especially among restaurant menus during Valentine's Day!

So, all you have to do now is let me hear from you!
And, I just can't wait!

Two Items Listed Today

Not only is creating a joy, but selling is fabulous and a little recognition is even better! I was ecstatic to see the post on Purrfectlydevine's Jewelry Design blog Life as I Experience It - for both of us!

Purrfectlydevine's Jewelry Design
Handmade Beaded Jewelry - Something for Everyone

I am relatively new to beading and I love taking classes to learn new techniques. I began selling because co-workers liked my work and asked if I would sell to them. I opened a shop because people I didn't know would comment about how much they liked my jewelry. Friends encouraged me and helped me get set up and my husband is supportive of my efforts. Click the banner below to visit this wonderful shop!

Etsy Featured Artist - Staci Rose

I was contacted today by Cheryl, fellow Etsy artist and author of On A Thousand Hills blog. She let me know that she created a feature on her blog - and it really is very nice!

On A Thousand Hills - Bead Art & Jewelry

I can't remember how old I was when I first did any crafts, but I know it was pretty young. Now I am dedicating more time to be able to learn and grow in this art form. Yes, it IS an art form. I love playing with my beads and seeing what I can come up with to make.

Need Some Bling?

Apparently, I got what you want! And, I'm extremely flattered! Just ask Regal Bead blog, where "Here you will find my ramblings on my passion of seed bead weaving." Enjoy the feature about my bling!

Regal Beads
Elegance in Seed Beads

Welcome to a showcase of one of my passions! Each of these pieces is carefully woven by myself with much care and attention, using high quality materials. Click the banner below to view these wearable works of art.