Reorganized Studio - 1st Installment

shelf detail
Originally uploaded by cookievf

Early 80's - measuring gold plating on mini PC boards (5 years after my intro to Electronics, soldering for NASA).

Read more here in an earlier post.

Here's a peek at a small portion of my studio! Typical to any mixed media artist, my collections include vintage books, maps, fabric trim, stamps, ink, paint, glue, wire, postcards, beads, buttons AND MORE!

Newest Designs

I've been enjoying the creative process and, really, ALL aspects of my jewelry business these days. Networking, selling, craft fairs, listing, design, promotion, custom work and coming up with new and creative ways to market my newest ideas. Here is a small sampling of my newest designs. I also L.O.V.E custom orders and am currently working on 6 new orders for the HOLIDAY SEASON! Check back to see the finished projects...

Holly Jolly Christmas

Flickr is one of my very favorite websites for several reaons. TALENT. I am constantly amazed at the talent pool and learn something about photography, every time I visit. INSPIRATION. Just try to walk away without taking a fresh perspective with you when you leave! VISUALLY RICH. The time I spend there is always uplifting. Sunsets, bridges, snow, misty mornings, nature's bounty. EASE OF USE. Searching groups and tags is always easy. A few recent searches: Antique Christmas, vintage santa, tinted postcards, home decor, interior design and that is what inspired me to create this mosaic today for your browsing pleasure!

I even found an idea for a beautifully, simple frosted candle holder here.

Just brush a wash of egg whites over the outside of a (vintage) jar and sprinkle with sugar! Tie a festive bow and voila, instant atmosphere! They used peppermint striped baker's twine.. i may use a swatch from my (vintage) mini-tinsel garland.

Holly Jolly Christmas
Originally uploaded by cookievf

Baby It's Cold Outside

Last week I compiled my first two "treasury" lists on Etsy. Treasury is their ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery and a FEAST FOR THE EYES! This was my first one and there will be more to follow.

Now here's what makes it special: that by giving, you can receive, as well... which is a perfectly lovely idea! If you own a shop and decide to take the time to come up with a uniquely beautiful collection, and a catchy title helps, you not only bring exposure (and sometimes SALES) to 16 different shops but you are also introducing your shop to 16 new colleagues. Brilliant.

Visit the link below to see ALL the pretty things!