My Brother in Law is Gone.

For anyone whose followed my blog in regard to my brother in law Scott (this is my husband's sister's husband) with ALS, his life was released at 12:30 this afternoon. I pray he's at peace. He will be missed.

I thank you all for your prayers and ask you'd keep our family in your prayers.

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday ONLY: Free shippin in US and Canada ($5 reduced shipping abroad) and 10% off your total purchase for all! Savings will be refunded via Paypal.

I'm Still Here

I've been busy with mommihood lately and haven't taken time to write with any store updates. With harvest parties, doctor appointments and other errands, I haven't had much time to really sit. Okay, that's a bit of a lie...

...I've been absolutely addicted to Bejewelled Blitz on Facebook. After the kids go to bed my husband and I snuggle in with our lap tops and both play this game. Not sure where the time goes but it's kept me from painting or writing. The game is insanely addictive for us and last night I hit a high score of about 204k. I really need to get a life!

At the end of last week I marked all my fine silver and many other pieces down permanently. I invite you to check out my store and see some lower prices.

New Pendant Time!

I've been busy this weekend and have come up with 6 new pendants. I should begin listing on Monday if time permits. Some of these pendants are bolder and a bit more trendy. They'll look GREAT with your Fall and Winter wardrobe!

I'm In Big Trouble--- You Benefit!

Here's the header in all my stores:

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SPECIAL SALE: Now through Sunday October 25th ALL 3 stores items will be 20% off!! I will refund the 20% to your account. The holidays are coming.

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I got that painting (off Etsy) that I'd been wanting and went to have it custom framed ($$$). Well, I used the debit card prior to my husband informing me we didn't have extra money left. We'll be okay... I just couldn't believe I was so absent minded. I'm in hot water so I told my dear husband any money I make from my stores (minus the 20% from the art store going to the ALS fundraiser) goes to the checkbook. My mishap is to your benefit and with the holidays right around the corner it's a good time to get a jump start on shopping!

HELP PLEASE! :) Thank you all for your support.

20% To Fight ALS Walk

As some of you may recall, my brother-in-law is dying. He hasn't been given much hope to even make it to the end of the year. http://embound.blogspot.com/2009/10/als-walk.html. In support of him and others with this horrid disease, I will be donating 20% of my sales in my art store to the Fight ALS Walk. (see my blog in link above for more details).

More new pendants are here. This includes some iron meteorites. I love the meteorite metal against the sterling silver. These are great conversation pieces as well as collector's items. These meteorites are Sikhole-Alin found in Russia in 1947 and were a witnessed fall. .

As you can see I also have some dichroic cabs wire wrapped. These are fun colors! I've been accenting my pendants lately with tourmaline rondelles. http://Embound.Etsy.com/.

Today is the last day of the $5 off sale in my store (http://EmBound.Etsy.com/). In the mean time I'm preparing to release some new pendants, some of which contain dichroic glass provided by TheCraftyKind on Etsy. I plan on doing some work with Art Clay and dichroic glass as well. Some of my latest pendants also contain faceted tourmaline rondelles in addition to apatite. I tried to bring out some of the colors in my design.

In my art store, I'm currently doing an indefinite promo of some free little goodies with any purchase. I won't be publishing what those things are. :)

I spent some time today sorting through gems. I've only listed a small portion of gems I have on hand. I have about 30 listings I plan to do this week in my gem store.

Please keep in mind, I love to do custom orders when I can so please don't hessitate to ask!

Happy shopping :).

I've been busy listing this week. Today I have 4 new paintings in my art store. The one above is perhaps the most detailed one I've done yet and samples many of my bugs and other life forms.

This one took me more than 6 hours to work on. A nice way to relax at the end of a day though.

More Just Listed...

I just got done stocking up my gem store as well as adding new items to my jewelry store. Only ONE wire wrapped pendant in the bunch. I have a lot of gems in castings listed and a couple pairs of earrings.

The Ultimate Artist

The following words came flooded to mind during church and I just wrote away in my bulletin. Thought I'd share:

The Ultimate Artist works with mediums unlike any other.

He paints skies with brightness no other can compare to.

His work of art can be felt;

It is multi-dimensional through every sense.

It is lived, it is breathed, it moves.

His art reaches the core of every soul;

provoking every emotion.

We are his masterpiece;

each one with significance and purpose,

all with a role to give glory to our creator,

the giver of life, love, and art.

The sun rises and sets at His command.

The waves move and cease.

Souls enter and retreat...

Whose eyes can be opened and not see His greatness;

His divine masterpiece that is life?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

Promotion Time Again...Think Holiday Shopping!

SPECIAL!!...$5 off any wire wrapped or fine silver pendant/necklace--EACH PIECE! $5 will be refunded to your Paypal. Offer doesn't apply to special orders, $5 promo neckchain or earrings. The holidays are right around the corner! Offer is good through Oct. 11th. http://embound.etsy.com/

So, as you can see, I have this promotion going on. I've reduced many of my pendants already and wont be doing promotions too often so please take advantage of this offer.

I also just got done listing a ton of gems in my gem store http://EmboundGem.Etsy.com/. If there is ever something you like there and want it put in a casting for you, please let me know (email me through one of my store pages) and I'll see what I can do for you. I have MANY, MANY more gems on hand if there is something special or unique you're looking for.

Also, remember I've taken some discounts off many of my paintings. http://http//emboundart.etsy.com/.

To save shipping between stores, if you convo me, I may be able to combine shipping between my 3 stores. Happy Shopping.

ALS Walk

I'm doing a virtual "walk" for my brother-in-law Scott who has a rapid form of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is a wicked debilitating disease causing degeneration of the voluntary muscles.

Symptoms for Scott began in about August of 2008 and is now unable to walk, talk or eat. He in his early 40s. He has a wife (my husband's sister) and two daughters. Scott is not ready to go and neither his family ready to let him go.

Just imagine being imprisoned within yourself not able to move or communicate while having your sound mind and ability to hear. PLEASE help if you can, support the efforts to find a cure and help support families of those going through the pain of caring for a loved one with ALS.

I've set up an account with Fight ALS Walk to help fund raise in honor of my brother-in-law. If you are not able to give financially, please pray for his immediate family especially, in addition to Scott.

DONATE HERE

For more information on ALS, please visit: https://www.google.com/health/ref/Amyotrophic+lateral+sclerosis

Thank you for your consideration!

A Juggling Act

That's what it's felt like lately between my Etsy shops and taking care of my family. I have so much gemstone inventory I've been obsessed with getting things listed. Those of you who own Etsy shops know keeping a store is more than just making your craft; it takes TIME to list. I finally had to create a stopping point for myself tonight. It's nearly 1:30 in the morning and I suppose I should sleep soon.

I received my painting from Montri at PaintMyLove on Etsy and already have it framed and matted. There are some other paintings of his I'm dreaming of buying. I'm reluctant to share about her store because I want everything for myself (lol).

I still want to find some time to re-design some business cards and some note cards for my store. I'd like to do some shopping too for things to help me become more organized in my stores. I'll have to post a picture sometime of "before and after" pictures of my home "office".

My dear husband has been handling the deliveries of my packages to help me out with time as I've been bombarded with appointments for the kids.

It is all a juggling act but I'm still having fun doing some work between caring for my children.

BIG Price Reductions

I just got done going through my art store and reducing prices on nearly all my pieces of art. Not only that, but I just went into my new gem store and reduced most of the prices in that shop that well. Stuff is priced to move!

Please take a minute if you haven't lately and browse my stores:
http://Embound.etsy.com/ for jewelry
http://EmboundArt.etsy.com/ for my art
http://EmboundGem.etsy.com/ for loose gemstones

Store Number Three!

Ta-da! Introducing EmBoundGem...

This store will be for selling loose gems and other supplies I may come up with in the future. Right now my focus is still primarily on my jewelry store www.EmBound.Etsy.com.

My hope with EmBoundGem is to fulfill special requests. Those working with PMC and Art Clay may especially find this store a real treat. I'll be selling a variety of cuts, clarity and overall quality including a section for scratch and dent stones. I have a lot of very rare gems as well that are of good quality.

I am not a Graduate Gemologist, however gems are a passion and hobby of mine. I've been studying gems since I was a teenager. I have a full gem lab in my home and will be happy to answer any questions people have about their gems. I am a gem geek!

I will probably begin listing later this week and do my wire wrapping and painting in the mean time.
Please add my store to your "faves" in your Etsy account.

Ammolites are Here!

More ammolites will be listed soon and will be UNDER $40! My last ones sold out. These are rare beauties found only in Alberta Canada. Watch for the ammolites to be listed very soon. They are wrapped in solid sterling silver and accented by a lustrous dangling genuine round freshwater pearl. Contact me if you would like a specific one listed sooner for you.

The photo shows only one angle of color. These stones (from ammonite fossils) put many opals to shame, and like fine fiery opals, have a play of color depending on the direction they are viewed in. Ammolites are in their natural form so the surfaces may show inclussions (exclussions) and some pitting or chipping. They are backed with their matrix.

Birthday Listings

I just celebrated my birthday. Is it me or is it normal to forget your exact age after 30? I actually questioned if I was a year older than I was. I had a great day. I had a clean home and my hubby took me out to dinner tonight and got a sitter for the kids. I received my order from Old Navy and everything fit. Wow, that's a first! I was all excited to wear my new teal colored dress. My oldest son who's 8 lost his first 4 bottom teeth today at the dentist. I think that was the highlight of my day.

After a lovely evening I managed to post 12 new paintings. http://emboundart.etsy.com/. I've sort of left my art store to sit while focusing on other things. I've been painting almost every night as I find it so relaxing. I'm waiting for my supplies still so I can begin wire wrapping pendants.


I just purchased a beautiful painting from an Etsy seller. Having lost my grandma a few months ago, this painting reminded me of what heaven might be if it had trees. I love nature and color as well. I was going to wait to talk about this painting until I receive it but am too excited. You can see the painting by going here: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19613466. Check out PaintMyLove's store for some more beautiful and affordable original art and prints. I'll post my painting once I receive it.

Abstract Thinking

I LOVE the metallic pens I got! I love metals anyway. You can't totally get the cool effect from the scan but these pieces were so much fun to paint and fun to look at in person.

I've been on this dimension kick when painting and drawing lately. These pieces will be available in my store http://EmBoundArt.Etsy.com at a later date. Right now I'm trying to focus more on my jewelry inventory. If you are interested in any art pieces here, contact me in my store and I'll be happy to list them for you as a special.

School Time is Here

Now that school is in session I find my days more organized. This means I have better scheduled time for creating. My jewelry store has picked up a tad more too so I know it's not just me feeling more settled and finding time.

This year my oldest entered 3rd grade and my youngest son started Kindergarten. Kindergarten! He is the one in the photo. If I didn't have my 14 mo. old daughter at home, I'd feel old (however she does make me feel old in other ways). I'm glad we were blessed with the opportunity to go through the baby thing one more time--and the newborn thing for the first time!

As shared in my prior blog, I have ammolites on their way. I've continued to paint and draw. I've now limited myself to one painting or project per day. I've been slacking off with my Bible reading at night with projects and watching Discovery Health until 2 a.m. I need to reset my priorities.

I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to read my blog and browse my stores. Your support means so much. God Bless!

Coming Soon!

I have some AMMOLITES I'm waiting on. I get so giddy about rarer stones. Here are some ammolite pendants that have sold in the past:

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16792126
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=17515486

These are RARE stones! Here is some information on them. Stay tuned!

http://www.gemsociety.org/info/gems/ammolite.htm

Princess Peaches in her Tutu

Just had to share these photos. They were taken a couple days ago after I got my tutu set from Etsy seller EllasMommy06. While my daughter was not too interested in being dolled up right after dinner (hence the messy greasy hair), but I was so eager to see her in it. I'm very happy with the quality of this set for the money! For the tutu, head band (the flower detaches for a plain barrette too), and foofy wand, it was $15 plus $5 shipping. Perfect for a Harvest Party or dress up!

I Like It!--OH, and Check Out the Offer!!

I just got done painting this ACEO today. I really love the color combo in this one. Maybe it takes me back to my childhood where my parents ran a then Union 76 gas station and auto shop (colors blue and orange). I'd like to do something a bit larger in similar colors.

This ACEO should be listed sometime this week along with some larger paintings (and more ACEOs if I can get to them).

If there is anything you'd like to see, convo me here: http://www.etsy.com/convo_new.php?to_username=EmBoundArt

Any purchase in my http://www.emboundart.etsy.com/ store will entitle you to a discount of 20% off of one item in my EmBound jewelry store http://www.embound.etsy.com/. This offer will continue through Sunday September 13th.

If multiple items are purchases at EmBound, discount will be refunded from the highest priced one. Refund will be issued via Paypal.

Labor Day Listings

Last night and today I've been listing like a mad woman. Here are a couple of MANY new listings using stippling and watercolor pencils. The painting above took 5 hours to complete, just to give you an idea of the attention it got.

I think the paintings look softer in person which is why I try to include a photo of the piece outside of the scanner. I've been on this bug kick and my husband was happy to see last week when I painted fish. I'd like to attempt some frogs and eventually animals.


My oldest son is so honest. He'll tell me what he thinks looks good and what looks "weird". These got the thumbs up from him and he's asked me not to sell them. Please take a moment and check out all my new listings at www.EmBoundArt.Etsy.com. I'm still waiting for my first sale in this store. Also visit my original EmBound store where I have quite a bit of hand crafted pure and sterling pieces at www.EmBound.Etsy.com or www.EmBound.net.

Finding My Style

Lately my niche has been using a stippling technique (thousands of tiny dots put together to create an image) to put my visions on paper then, sometimes, painting it. Stippling can also be seen in a couple of my Art Clay silver projects, albeit not much. This has been really hard on my eyes though. I've just got my new glasses prescription and still finding it a strain. I have such shaky hands so drawing alone hasn't been my thing. Anyway, I don't want to get stuck on butterflies and ladybugs forever but for now I'm having fun with it. Fall time will bring new inspiration I'm certain.

Here is a before and after painting from one of my projects. These paintings will be available in

my store soon at http://www.emboundart.etsy.com/.

Sapphires are Here

Tomorrow is the begining of September, which is the month of my birthday. Sapphire is the birthstone for this month and comes in the most amazing array of colors! I LOVE Sapphires and garnets both because of their varieties.

Anyhow, here is one of my pieces. I hope to make sapphire crosses in a similar fashion soon as well.

Please visit my store to see more new items.

Introducing EmBound ART on Etsy!

I've been listing like mad so I can go back to my main store but I'm so happy to have a place now for my paintings and drawings.

I invite you to check it out. Currently I only have ACEO sized art but will add larger projects in the near future.

www.EmBoundArt.Etsy.com

New Reductions...With a Catch

I've reduced many items in my store. That's great news huh? Well there's a bit more too it and I hope you'll like this idea. Many of my pendants came with 20" sterling silver box chains. Some people would rather have them longer or shorter and while I'm not in a position to accommodate all their requests, I am able to reduce the price so my customers can use the money to get what they want. I'm still offering the 20" sterling silver chains in my store for only $5.

Some of my pendants were reduced beyond the $5 deduction for chains. Please check out my MANY one of a kind items in my store and stay tuned for some new items in GENUINE sapphire!!

Dragonflies

I've been experimenting with dragonflies lately. Once again, I have to appologize for the bad scans. The paintings are too large for my scanner.

Here are some art card sized dragonflies:

Butterfly Samples

So my daughter's room has a butterfly theme of pinks and purples. I thought I'd try to paint something for her room. Here are the butterfly paintings I made for her walls:

I hope to bring more samples of my paintings here. I'm still debating whether to put any on Etsy. I'm leaning toward taking that plunge. Here are a couple close ups of the butterfly paintings I've done (very poor cropped off scans; seem to darken paintings)

Trying New Things

If you check my store frequently you've noticed I haven't been listing new items lately. There are a few reasons for this. For one, supplies are pricey and until I make some more sales, I won't be able to bring out many new items. Two, I've been taking my creativity to a new dimension. I've been painting. Using watercolor pencils and a micron pen, I've been having a blast bringing to life new ideas--and old ones.

In my art I'm able to share my faith, my love for my kids, adoption and my love for nature. I hope in the near future to be able to feature some of my paintings/drawings in my blog and share the individual inspiration for them.

Etsy has many talented artists selling on their site. I'm not sure whether I'll be sharing any of my ACEO (art card sized) paintings. I'm so new to the world of painting and this was literally the first time painting since I was taking art in high school! While I'm happy with what I've produced, I'm not sure of the interest others will have in my work .

Below is one I painted. It's a larger version of an ACEO I did. It represents the new life I have in Christ as He touched my heart giving me a new life in Him.


The next I painted for the family room to bring out the colors. Didn't feel it really went with it so it's in the kitchen which connects to the family room.


Below is another shot of my art card sized paintings. Each one has it's own story.

The last picture is one I painted tonight for my daughter's room. I'm really going to have to do something for my boys' rooms. My 8 year old is a bit tired of Buzz Lightyear.

Your Kids HERE!

You might have seen some of my "picture necklaces" (for lack of a better name). Here is one I made for myself showing my three children. I put my oldest son in the middle holding his little brother and little sister's hand. I made them with various heights to reflect their birth order.

The retangular background is made from Art Clay, which you may know by now is 99.9% pure silver once the piece is fired and the binder has burned away. Each piece is stamped ".999FS" for 99.9% Fine Silver on the back.

I use solid sterling silver beads and chains. Why do I specify "solid"? I'm finding many sellers out there are using the word sterling silver in their descriptions only later to state--or not state--reference to the plating of their jewelry. My supplies are purchaced from trusted vendors so my customers can be sure they are purchasing unique pieces which made with quality materials to give them many years of enjoyment.

If you would like to purchase a custom necklace, please "convo" me in my Etsy store with what you would like to see and I will give you a price quote. Just for example, the piece you see here will run roughly $35.

New Items!

It's time for me to begin listing once again. These projects were completed last week but due to our family vacation I wasn't able to get them listed. Each of the pieces except for the wire wrapped tri-colored fluorite are made from Art Clay. Art Clay is similar to PMC (a brand standing for Precious Metals Clay). Art Clay is 99.9% pure silver once it's fired.

The picture necklaces you see are made from Art Clay and sterling silver wire. I use the wire to draw my designs for the clay.

If you would like something custom made for you, feel free to convo me in my Etsy store. I'd be happy to draft something up for you. I made myself a necklace with stick figures of each of my children. I will have to show that one off soon.

I invite you to visit my store today and in the coming days to see what's new.

Back From Vacation

There is nothing like coming back home from vacation and using your home shower and sleeping in your bed.

My family and I just came back from a trip to an RV resort in Neskowin, Oregon. The highlight of the park were the bunnies! They were everywhere and would come right up to you (in hopes of food). These cute little critters were EVERYWHERE! Babies and all.

In addition to playing at the RV resort and swimming in the pool, we visited the coast, outlet stores, and the Tillamook cheese factory on the way home. We had a great time.

While in the RV, I got my boys to sit for over 2 hours watching Mary Poppins. You'd have to know my boys to know just how amazing that is.

My sale has ended but I have some new items I'll be listing soon. Hope everyone is enjoying their Summer and staying cool.