Where O' Where Have I Been?

I have been MIA for a very long time. I must apologize for it. I have been so busy and overwhelmed with starting up a new store on Etsy and trying to get photos edited, what a process!! I used to love taking pics of our family but it has now become a chore. Lately I am getting a little better and doing some more research. I chatted with another great Etsian who advised me of this great photo editor. You can download it for free. It's called Picasa! I just downloaded the newest version. I must say tho, it is great. Especially the "Get Lucky" button. There are more options with Picasa then I had with my previous program. Here are just a few new pics that are in my new store~http://www.SimplySassySupplies.Etsy.com

Update On My Photos

Recently, well kinda recently, I posted about a great article I read on a wonderful blog. The post was about photos and this great idea of using scrapbook paper as your background for your photos. Well, I did a few and got some great feed back. My background choices were way to light. I think it was drilled in my head at one point about having a white background. I think that is great for some items and for those who have learned to take some wonderful professional looking photos. I am all about professionalism, but also fun and color.

I have been, yet again, reading the forums and other blogs like crazy. Tons of research has been going on.

The outcome has been much better. One great forum thread said to stay back several feet and use your zoom so you aren't interrupting your light. I refused to try it for the longest thinking that:

A. I needed to be close to my subject for my flash to work right

B. My zoom goes into digital mode after so far and my photos would distort

C. I was right and they were wrong (usually the case..lol)

Well guess what....I was mistaken..not wrong..but mistaken. The zoom is GREAT! The flash doesn't need to be on all the time. When it is on, you don't want to be close to your subject. If you are, the light is only in a small area. Let the flash do its job! In order to do that, you must back away so the light can bounce and hit all around, not just in a small area. Ok so enough babbling..here are a few pics for you to see. The before photos are below on the old post. Tell me what you think.

A BIG HONOR!

I am so excited today!! I am now on a fellow blogger side bar! Woohoo!! Is that kind of considered featured..lol? I think that is something we all aspired to be, is featured, am I right? I am so tickled right now. I received a "convo" at my Etsy store and it said this: Check out the side bar on my blog. I added your shop mini :) http://baremoose.blogspot.com/

Yah!! Does this mean more hits? More sales? It doesn't even matter. I am honored! Thanks so much to BareMoose. Here is the wonderful store on Etsy. Check this bracelet out..it is AMAZING!

Spotlight on The Shabby Shop

The Shabby Shop

Ok, so we all have read in tips and tricks about Etsy that the forums are a great way to help with sales and getting noticed, right? I never thought about it being a great way to meet great people with great items. One night I was in the forums and came across a deal I couldn't pass up! The title said ~FREE~ !! What? FREE? Guess what..it was the best thing too. Candles! Who doesn't love Candles? Who can have enough candles? To top it off..the scents offered are fabulous! This post was from The Shabby Shop.

I came across the post June 27th and decided to try the plumeria since I knew I liked that scent. I was so tickled as I always am to get a package and knew I had a few coming but WHAT? My candle just a few days later? What? Wait! Not one but 2! The other was a gift and YUMMY. I not only got my plumeria but I got a tropical fruits soy tea light candle too. I can't decide which one I want to eat, I mean light first. They came in this cute little package with a bow. I could smell the aroma as soon as I opened the package. I looked at my husband with a big grin. I was giggly like a kid in a candy store and knew I had tons of money to blow. I know it sounds a little exaggerated but again, YUM!


I have only lit the plumeria so far. I couldn't stand the thought of them being gone. The great thing with soy candles is that they take FOREVER to burn. That one little tea light burned for hours and still can keep going (thank goodness). The aroma of them just sitting around the house is wonderful. I am thinking of hiding my tropical fruit one for a while.


When you stop by The Shabby Shop you will find tons of fragrances, sizes, shapes, and great prices. There are hearts, cupcakes, sundaes, 2 wicks, tins and the list goes on and on. You will be amazed at what is in this adorable store. Just don't eat the candles when you get them ;)

psssst~Be sure to mention Ann with Love2BInspired sent you when you purchase!! You may be the next one I Spotlight!

Cleaning Out! NOW UPDATED!

SALE SALE SALE

Who doesn't love a sale? As I stated in my TAGGED post, saving money excites me. This time it's not me saving, it's me clearing out some supplies. Oh how I love to buy them but I have several things I need to clear out to make more room in my shop and for storage sakes. I want to really focus on creating and making pieces again. I have so many pieces I have not photographed or posted. I really need to focus on getting that done.

However, check out the list of items on sale currently. I am going to try to work on getting the rest marked down by this evening. I hope you will take advantage of the savings. Don't forget to check out my DESTASH items too.


Turquoise Tablets
Pink Crazy Lace Ovals
Pink Crazy Lace Coins
Diamond Shaped Florite
7mm Wood Beads w/Design
Sodalite Square Pendant
Red and Green Agate Rondelles
12mm Wood Bead Strand w/Design
8mm Wood Bead Strand w/Design
8x12mm Leopard Print Wood Bead Strand
Stabilized Turquoise Pumpkins
Landscape Jasper
8mm Wood Bead Strand w/Design
Amazonite Pendants Set of 4
16mm Yellow Quartz Beads


UPDATE! ALL SUPPLIES ARE CURRENTLY MARKED DOWN!!
Check out the website!
Love2BInspired

I've Been Tagged!!

BareMoose has tagged me! I have to tell you 10 facts about myself and then tag 10 other blogs. Here is goes:

1. I am a mother of 4 boys, 14, 13, 10 and 9.

2. I just got a new boxer puppy, Zoey (pix are on my blog).

3. I have 2 other rescue dogs, Zack a German shepherd and Lily a Dashund.

4. I love all kinds of music, but prefer alternative rock; you would never know looking at me.

5. I drive a Chrysler Pacifica that I wish was a mustang and sometimes drive like it’s on 

6. I get overly excited when I save a lot of money, especially with coupons.

7. I enjoy camping and any other activities with my guys.

8. I am from Florida but do not like the beach or staying in water for long.

9. I have a large Italian family that includes 2 sisters and 3 brothers, I am the oldest.

10. I am overjoyed and excited my husband got into RN school after 2 years of being in school. It’s almost over babe! Where is my new house?


Here are the 10 blogs I have tagged:

Coriander Seeds
Ao Designs
Big Doggy Bling
Christies Cottage
Eluna Jewelry
Pink Lily Creations
Felted Treasures
For the Love of Cute
Going To Graceland
Handmade Baby Love

Please visit these blogs. When you do, please check all the beautiful Etsy shops. You are sure to find something wonderful!!!

WHEN I SAY I'M BROKE - I'M BROKE ~ A Cute Email From My Dad!

A little old lady answered a knock on
the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man
carrying a vacuum cleaner. 'Good morning,' said the young man. 'If I
could take a couple of minutes of your time, I would like to
demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners.'

'Go away!' said the old lady. ''I'm
broke and haven't got any money!'' and she proceeded to close the
door. Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and
pushed it wide open..
''Don't be too hasty!'' he said. ''Not until you have at least seen my
demonstration.'' And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure
onto her hallway carpet. ''Now, if this vacuum cleaner does not remove
all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will
personally eat the remainder.''

The old lady stepped back and said,
''Well let me get you a fork, 'cause they cut off my electricity this
morning."

Excellent Advice From a Fellow Blogger and Etsy Storeowner

Several days ago, I read a great tutorial from one of my fellow bloggers and Etsy storeowner, Epheriell . It mentioned this great idea of using scrapbook paper for photos of your jewelry. What a great idea! Especially since there are so many amazing prints. I get overwhelmed when I even go down that isle. So, I cruised to Michaels today, not really a norm for me, but I had to try this. I took several pictures of items I already had and wow, what a difference. I noticed they were getting more hits not long after the photos where changed. I guess what they say is true, good pictures really help your store. Here is a link to the article: http://www.epherielldesigns.com/background-for-jewelry-photographs

There are several other great posts to read on there that are related as well.

Here are a few of my newer pictures. They still need some editing. I am still learning but they are better than what I had.

Trouble Getting Started This Weekend

Ok..so I had a long list of TO DO's for the weekend. I am slowly crossing them off the list. I was so amped up and just fizzled out when the time came. Today however, I finally got motivated. I just don't feel like I am getting it done fast enough though. I needed to put in some orders, make things, take pix and then of course my domestic goddess duties are on the list unfortunately.

I did get excited thinking about making some ear wires. I only had some sterling over copper wire and its hard wire. I had to attempt it though. So I made two sets and they turned out pretty good. I posted on Etsy forum to find out what others do to make the ends smooth and got some great responds. Here is a link if you are interested- http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6200488&page=1

The census was to use a cup bur for the dremel. Luckily, I bought my husband a dremel a couple years ago. Things with plugs can be gifts for me too!! They are basic ear wires but better than having to buy some. I enjoyed learning something new too.

I also played around with some more rings. They are not finished but coming along nicely. Don't mind my makeshift ring holder. I think we all have things like this. It saves money! Recycle and Reuse.

The Joys of a New Puppy

I just wanted to share a few pix of my new puppy, Zoey. She was 8 weeks when we got her and in the photos, she is 11 weeks. This little maniac is now 14 weeks.

I have wanted a boxer for a very long time...all my life. You know the saying, "be careful what you wish for"? Well, I did all the research on this breed and NOTHING can prepare you for not just a puppy, but a boxer..lol. She is a great addition and I look forward to coming home to her everyday. She's so much fun. Our other dogs, who are rescues, have really taken to her and her craziness. Even at 11 yr old, our German Shepard, Zack, lets her bite his ears and his tail as you can see. Lily, our Daschund, at first was a little skeptical of her new sister but now plays every morning until they are wore out.

I will add new pix soon of our new addition.

Random Thoughts While Feeling Overwhelmed

Ugh..another day of feeling as if I just don't have enough time. I feel like I waste so much time sitting at work. I could be off advertising and networking. I know what I need to do, but "life" gets in the way and slows me down. Don't get me wrong, I love my life, for the most part. I just feel overwhelmed. What I want to accomplish requires time, money, support and not having a day job. See..It will take a long time to get there. I just want my name out there; I want to be on the top of the Google searches. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so...lol. I am reading everything, posting on forums, blogs, twitter, facebook and anything else I can. I want lots of friends, family and acquaintances following me. I feel like the more I have following me the more attention I will get. Is that wrong? Do others feel this way? Wow, time has changed. Now we want to be on the top of the search engines and not the yellow pages...LOL!

Thankful for my Father!

A day like today makes us thankful, appreciative or saddened. I am sure there are other emotions as well, but just thinking of a few I have had with my father. Growing up I lived with him at a very early age, not that I remember. Around 3 I went to live with my mother and then with my grandparents from 8 on. Since I have had children of my own and move to NC in 1997, my father and I have gotten very close. I have always had so much respect for him. I now call on him for so many things. Just a suggestion or guidance at time. I have even had my husband say to "call your father". He is the type of man that figures things out and does for himself. He has lived and learned and passes on his knowledge to both my brother and I. I am sure at times, it is very frustrating when neither of us listens nor follows his guidance. I just want all fathers to know, including my own and my husband, that we love you. Sometimes, it may seem your children don't listen, but we do! We may not follow what you say right away but later in life, we really use what you have told us. Life’s lessons are so important and fathers really instill alot of those in us. Thanks Dad!! I appreciate everything you have done and continue to do in my life and in my children’s. You are the best Grandpa and Dad!!

I won??

I am sooooooooo Excited!! I won an award! The One Lovely Blog Award. How fun! This award was given to me by April of Eluna Jewelry Designs. Eluna Jewelry is a store on Etsy that has fabulous jewelry pieces. They include Eco friendly pieces not to mention she and I live in the same wonderful state of NC!

You can find her at her site here and her blog here.

I am so happy to get this award and meet other great people on Etsy. I am passing this award on to some great blogs listed below:

1. Beneath the Rowan Tree


2. Christie Cottage


3. Epheriell Designs


4. Felted Treasures


5. LillyShayStyle


6. Sew Gracious


7. Polymer Clay Chameleon


8. Emi Kaz's Arts and Beauty


9. Designing It


10. Whimsical Jewelry and Accessories


11. Kayluna Design


12. love,pixel


13. Rainbow Swirlz


14. Art Whims


15. Twigs & Honey

Got my Order In!!

I got my order in that I discussed in an earlier blog. It is one of two that I have been waiting on. I was so excited about it that I was up pretty late last night. By pretty late I mean 11:30..lol. I know to some, that is nothing for a Friday. Well, my husband worked overnight at the hospital, so the kids and I just chilled. Of course, they can hang out alot long than I can these days. They are loving the summertime. I had to get up nice and early with my new pup. It's just like having a baby again...curses! Sooo, I was up late making some, what I think, really cute stuff. I bought these Lentil beads. I am in love with them. I added some crystals, made them into charms, and added them to a sterling snake chain. I think these are great gifts. Especially for that person you just aren't sure what to get. I think a new sister in law, co-worker, and daughter in law, etc.

I also made some elegant earrings out of purple Quartz faceted rondelles. I added crystals and some sterling findings. I love them too. I may be keeping a pair of those;)

Today I plan to make several more items, but my head it going crazy with all my ideas. Enough to give me a headache..time for some Ibuprofen. I also have to run to Virginia to pick up my oldest son. Back to having all 4 of them for a day. Tomorrow the youngest leaves for a week. Never ZERO! I wouldn't know what to do w/out someone asking for something.

The need to Create!

I have been getting so excited over my new creations. Maybe petty to some but I have this desire to create something people love. Maybe something, that is new and for once, others want to copy. More than likely, I am not the first to create these little beauties, but I am proud to say, I have not seen them anywhere else. In other words, I didn't copy anyone..lol. It's not that I don't have that creative side, just usually don't have the finances to have all kinds of materials on hand to explore. With recent events, I have had more time to stop and think about what is more important to me. Creativity or Money. Not that money isn't important...It certainly is with 4 boys and a husband in school, but I NEED to be creative!! I need to have that outlet and the one little "feminine" side of me coming out. It's kind of hard with all these men around me. Anyway, I am darn proud!! Yah me!

I want to wish Anelle the best! I will miss you at work..but I am so happy for you to be able to go home to be with that little guy. It will seem tough..but it will be the best thing!

Love the Finished Product

I finished a few pieces and love the way they turned out. In particular, the earrings and a few of the rings. I have added them to Etsy and put them up for sale. I hope someone enjoys them.

The E6000 is amazing as far as holding up. It is a little stringing and is more like an epoxy, which is great, but there is some clean up if not applied in small amounts. It seems that you need to have a smaller application tip and from what I understand, you can buy one. So, that is always an option. I found them on ArtBeads.com but they were out of stock..Of course!

Oh well, here are a few pix of the one on the website that I like.

Oh The Fun of Glueing

I am so excited! I got one order in today. Not the one in my previous blog but one for me to play with. I got my blank rings and hairpins. I have some shell/mother of pearl flowers that I am going to glue on them. I also got blank earrings..so how does a matching set sound? I am going to post some on my website so you can see. Of course, they will be for sale, but so will some of the items I will be using. Girls gotta make some money for the kids to go to camp...ugh!

I am using E6000 glue for these. Seems to be the best glue, so the majority says. Seems that everything I have read says the same thing. I got the Quick Hold Craft glue too but I have not tried it yet. It is by the same company and came in the same pack. They are little samplers. I will let everyone know how these turn out and what I think of the E6000.

Waiting on an order

I am always so excited when I get a new order. I am waiting on one now that I am hoping will turn out to be some great items to share. I always want to touch and hold the new items before buying. I feel like I am taking a chance on orders online. This one coming tho has been a selling I have bought from before. It's the same place I got the Rainbow Agate Rondelles and I LOVE LOVE them!! So..I really have high expectations of this order. Stay tuned and be sure to check out the site to see when the new stuff gets added. I do add some stuff almost daily...but I get more excited over the new things I don't have just yet.

How do you feel about ordering online? I just hate paying those bead store and bead show prices. Just knowing that they are charging for their gas to travel the shows, hotels and their food...forget that!! No overhead here..lol

Getting started

Sometimes you dread just getting started. Not just on blogging but in any task that may take some time or take alot of energy. The best thing is to just do it. Sometimes it's hard to do it alone and you need that push..sometimes it takes someone else to stop doing for you to make you realize your potential and to push you beyond what you thought you were capable of. Oh well, what I am saying is just to not put things off. Be independant and do what you enjoy in life.