0 What's Up Wednesday 3/11/15 (Twisted and Troublesome Friends, Lisa Wingate and a Mermaid)

 What's NEW???  Well, there is a new Lisa Wingate book coming out soon!!  I am so excited!!!  Just look at the cover art....

....this is the 3rd book in a series, but let me tell you, you can read them along just as easy!  They are all great books!!  You do know that she is my ALL TIME favorite writer, right?!?!  Keep a watch out, I'll be doing a review and then a give-a-way as we get closer to the September release....but you can always click on it and PRE-order it now....it will be worth it!! :) 

Just look at what I did last night! I was able to work on my strap!!  Like it?  I just love the way the beads are going together! Remember, you can come over to my Fan Page, Google+ Page, or my Instagram Page  were I post 'working' photos throughout the day.

Just look at both of these great creations!! They would be great for spring or summer! 

Yesterday I was able to introduce you to Ms. Leeza (Lee-zah) the designer owner of Twisted& Troublesome Friends.  Today I get to tell you more about her, and her beautiful creations!!

Like many artist that are self taught she started out with something small and 'easy'.  Here is what she says about it;  My first piece I named "Thy Slug." It was a yellow sausage type thing with little spikes stuck to it. It broke after I took it out of the oven from baking.  And now when I look at her creations I think - how far she has come!! 

I think that personally one of the things that draws me the most to her little cuties is their expressions.  She has worked really hard to get the 'eyes' just right and then you see the 'tongue' hanging out and it just makes me smile!!  I, for one, am so glad that she has kept up her passion and that we get to look at these little creations - and for some of us we are lucky enough to own one!! 

Here are a couple of my favorites!!

Remember to go check out her page (and let her know where you heard about her) and watch for future creations! 

Twisted and Troublesome Friends

Today I would like to leave you with this thought;

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.  ~Marcel Proust

0 What's New Wednesday 9/3/14 (Fire Mountain Gems Feature, Last Days of Give-A-Way and NEW Listings)

 

It is Wednesday!! I posted yesterday as Monday, but it wasn't....I think! THIS is the only thing I hate about holidays being on Monday, it throws off my whole week....it is Wednesday, right??  

No matter what day it is I am still doing the 'happy dance'! Why?  Well, I'm featured!  Yesterday I was beading a way when this message 'popped' up on my computer -

At first I didn't understand, but then.....I checked my emails!! And here is what I found - Isn't this COOL????? I am so excited!!  And if you follow the link (click on the clip art) you will get to see the story about my Reaching Tranquility Miniature Dressing Screen  and the 'happy dance' started!!  Do you know how many people see this news letter each day??? (I don't, but it is a LOT) ;)

You know that I am having a sale, right???  YEP, until the end of the week, so NOW is the time to buy!!  Want to know what the sale it??  You'll have to click to go see!! ;)

I worked on this new bracelet yesterday....but no one guessed what it was...want to guess?  Want to follow me along? Come on over to my Fan Page or Google+ page, I post 'working photos' throughout the day!

I have 2 new listings today!!  PURPLE earrings....aren't they wonderful?  And also a wonderful Teal and Black set that is just perfect for any season!! Click on the photos to go see the actual listings....remember, everything (including new listings) are on sale right now!! 

 

This give-a-way is coming to an end soon, so please enter...the book is wonderful!  If you weren't sure about the story before, here is a great into.....but I am telling you, you'll love it!! 

The History Mystery Behind The Story Keeper

Who were the Melungeons of Appalachia?

Click to watch The Story Keeper mini-movie trailer

The Story Keeper is a tale of two women living over one hundred years apart, yet connected by a mystery. The story shares ties with The Prayer Box through a long-held mystery involving the mountains of North Carolina and the Outer Banks. You'll also see a very different form of prayer box in the story. In 2015, a third novel will wrap up the series.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let me share a bit of the mystery that inspired The Story Keeper...

Long ago, the first British explorers to push into the Appalachians reported the strange discovery of "blue-eyed, reddish-brown complexioned," people. The explorers were baffled by what they referred to as "blue-eyed Indians," who spoke a language neither the explorers nor their Native American guides recognized. In future years, this group, known as Melungeons, would suffer the stigma of prejudice, myth, and unflattering mountain lore.

Who were these reclusive people? To this day, no one knows for sure.

After reading about them late into the night, I fell asleep and  literally dreamed a story. I saw the tale of a busy New York editor who finds an old manuscript She's captivated by the story of Sarra, a young Melungeon girl being sold off in a card game in turn-of-the-century Appalachia. The search for the manuscript's author takes the editor on a journey to the heart of The Blue Ridge... and into the secrets of the past. 

I've never "dreamed" a story before, so writing The Story Keeper was a uniquely wonderful experience. It literally fascinated me.  If you've never heard of the Melungeons (or even if you have), take a minute to Google the word. I think you'll be as caught up in the history as I was!

 

And now, enter while you can!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Have you visited my KickStarter Campaign yet?? A Comment - or a $1 Pledge - can make the difference in being funded and not!! Also, the more it is SHARED, the better!!

Today I would like to leave you with this thought;

If you don not start, you won't arrive!

4 Frivolous Friday 8/29/14 (Pink and Black Heart, Rainbow, NO HUSBAND NEEDED and Win A Book)

 It is FRIDAY!!! Yes, it is!!!  I have has such a wonderful week!! But, I am looking forward to having a fun FAMILY filled weekend too!!  I think I have missed the noise a little bit! :)  But ONLY a little bit!! 

Last night at class we made RAW (right angle weave) Hearts.  They turned out amazing, however, my daughter already claimed mine....I make it Pink and Black - should have known better!! But, here it is, what do you think??

 

I have two new listing for today.  First is this beautiful RAINBOW Mother of Pearl necklace set.  I just love way the square metallic beads really add to the look!! 

And then there is anther NO HUSBAND NEEDED Klasp Helper!!  This one is in blues and purple...what do you think?

So, who was watching yesterday while I was working on this beautiful necklace creation??  If you were you'd see that I finished the center....and I really like the way it turned out!  Do you? Today it is on to the strap.  Please come on over to my Fan Page or Google+ page, I post 'working photos' throughout the day!

I know you WANT to enter...why wouldn't you?  This book is amazing, from an amazing author!!  AND, the winner also get to pick out some beautiful jewelry from Sandy's Seashell Shop!!  Remember to come back and do the 'daily' entries!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 For me this is a BIG STEP!  I am really trying to take KRAFTY MAX ORIGINALS to the NEXT STEP!  I know, it seems like such a little thing, but when you are a handmade artist it is so hard to gain the foothold that we need to really 'make it'.  With the extra marketing, extra hands (to help with tutorials and marketing) and the few new tools, things will simply TAKE OFF!  I have been right on the edge of that next step for some time, and this will push me over it!! So please, SHARE, Comment or please PLEDGE for as little as $1...each $1 will really make a difference!! THANK YOU!!

Today I would like to leave you with this thought;

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart! ~Kahlil Gibran

0 Traditional Thursday 8/28/14 (MOM, DEEP Green and Crystal, Kickstarter and Lisa Wingate)

It is Traditional Thursday, I thought I would show off something new about something from the past!  Confused?? Well, if you remember my award winning Reaching Tranquility Miniature Dressing Screen then you'll understand all of this.  If you are not sure about the story, click on the ad below to go to the original post and learn about this creation!!

I recently received this artwork from Fire Mountain Gems with a note that says that this is what they will use - IF - they choose to use my Reaching Tranquility Miniature Dressing Screen in one of their cover adds....WOW!! It just make me proud all over again!!

Today is my mother's birthday.  

Not only do I wish to honor her because she is my mother, but also because she is my best friend.  It wasn't always that way, there were many times when my mother and I didn't get along, but we have always found a way back to each other.  She is also the person who taught me about art, beads, sewing, cooking, crochet and knitting, photography, quilting, cross stitching, weaving, love, life, the be generous to ALL with your talents and abilities, beads (ops, already said that one) and to love with all my heart - no matter what!  So, to her I say....Happy Birthday and I love you mom!!

 

Did I mention she and my dad are the owners of Gilmore Looms?

 

 I have a NEW listing for today!! YEP I sure do!! I just love the deep moss color of these beads and the 'veins' in them!!  This is one of those BOLD, but yet SIMPLE, necklace sets that can be worn with almost anything!

These beautiful Lapis Blue Dyed Magnesite Donuts are coming along wonderfully!! Please come on over to my Fan Page or Google+ page, I post 'working photos' throughout the day!

Just look at what I am doing!!  I hope you will SHARE, Pledge (as little as $1) and help me SPREAD the word about my campaign!!

LOOK at this give-a-way!!  I can tell you that it is worth it just to enter.  When you do you will follow Lisa Wingate and find out all about her and her amazing books!!  I have to tell you, I have now read all of her published books and they are all WONDERFUL!! Each one has a message for everyone and they all touch us, just a little differently.  I always tell people that they are more inspirational than religious, because they touch the 'core' of who you are. 

So, enter and enjoy looking around....and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today I would like to leave you with this message;

Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world!