And The Winner Is...

Sharon of livewirejewelry is the lucky winner of my jewelry giveaway. Last night, I threw all the names in a hat, and John picked Sharon's name. Be sure to check out Sharon's blog. She's a talented jewelry designer, and I'm happy to pass these earrings on to her.

Thanks to all of those who participated, and be sure to stay tuned for future giveaways.

"Key to My Heart" Design - Best of Zazzle's Valentine's Day Cards

What a surprise. I just learned that my Key to My Heart design has been chosen as one of Zazzle's best Valentine's Day cards as listed on Enchante Renascence Pub's Web site. To see more of my Valentine's Day cards, please visit www.zazzle.com/lizrevit.

"Keep The Flow Going" Giveaway

Yesterday's post inspired me to keep the flow going. So I'm giving away these sterling silver earrings that I made for one of my jewelry-making workshops.

All you have to do to participate is post a picture of these earrings on your blog with a link to my blog. After you've done so, simply post a note on my blog to let me know, and your name will be entered in the giveaway.

On January 30, 2009, I'll enter all the names in a hat, and I'll let John pick one of the names. I'll post the winner's name on January 31, 2009. Good luck!

Flow

When someone wants to give you something, take it. Don't stop the flow of energy. If you don't need it or want the item, take it anyway. Don't stop the flow of energy. You may need the item in the future, or you can pass it on to someone who can use it.

Today, I was the recipient of a box of beads, jewelry, and findings. I love the gold bead caps on these costume pearls. Gilded is the word that comes to mind when I look at this picture.

There's nothing like a chain all bundled up waiting to be unraveled.

This vintage necklace goes so well with the April 18, 1969 cover of Life featuring Mae West.

~domes of silver~

~Pastels~

These earrings are stamped "Hong Kong," but I can't locate a designer's name.

These beads remind me of Fruity Pebbles. Mmmm.

Rich, dark colors are intriguing. I wonder who wore these.

~ The flow ~
Don't break it!

Prim Snowmen - Framed Artwork

I love creating primitive snowmen. I have many art styles, but there's something about the prim look that keeps calling me back.

This framed print, which features one of my art prints titled Snow, can be hung on the wall, displayed on a shelf, used as a gift tag, or used as an ornament. I've had a great response to these prim goodies, so I'm offering them for sale on etsy.


This framed print features my art print titled Snowman With Broom. For anyone who loves prim, these framed prints are versatile pieces of artwork that can be used in a variety of ways all winter long or throughout the year if you’re a total snowman lover!

See these prim goodies on etsy!

UT Baseball Cap and Products Made in America

I finally cut the tags from this brand new baseball cap that my brother bought for me a few months ago at The University of Tennessee's bookstore. I was in dire need of a new UT baseball cap, and he was kind enough to pick it up for me.

Living in Pennsylvania where everyone lives and breathes Penn State, it's hard to get away with wearing a bright orange baseball cap sporting the Volunteer's "T" logo. That's OK. I wear my UT stuff with pride even if we had a lousy season. Win or lose, they're still my team. (I still think Philip Fulmer got the bum's rush, but I won't go there.)

Anyway, while making an early dinner, I looked up and noticed a bar code on the inside of the visor. I immediately thought of an interesting post I read yesterday about bar codes and how you can tell where a product was manufactured.

I stumbled upon the post via The Artful Life blog. Tina has a wonderful list of blogs that she follows, and it's there that I found the Curds and Whey blog.

If you visit Curds and Whey, you'll see Karen's post about bar codes. It's very interesting. If you're like me, and you want to buy more American-made products, I encourage you to visit her blog.

This baseball cap has a bar code starting with 053. According to the blog post, this indicates that the cap was made in The United States; however, the inside label states that it was made in China. I wonder if there's a foolproof way to make this determination. My bet is that the label that's stitched into the cap trumps the peel-and-stick bar code.

It's funny how something as simple as a baseball cap can get you thinking about where products are made. Go VOLS! Better luck next year.

Designers' Night Out

I had the chance to meet up with some of my former jewelry students who have gone on to become designers, and it was so nice to see all of their new creations. The sparkly ring above is one of Nicole's designs. It's a showstopper!

The two beadweaving bracelets were designed by Sally of Wireworked. The bracelet has an old-world, vintage feel to it. Nicole designed the sterling silver bracelet in this picture.

We have plans to attend one of Lynn's (of Lynn's Craft World) polymer clay classes in the near future. If anyone is interested in attending, please let me know. I'd be glad to put you on the list, and inform you of the upcoming class when I obtain more information.

Here's to a great New Year to all of my former jewelry students who have gone on to do wonderful things! May you continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Jewelry Design Sketch

When designing jewelry, I often sketch the design idea on paper before diving into the project. A lot of times, I'll color the design with watercolors, color pencils, or markers.

The sketch featured here was created using pencil and watercolors. I had an idea for a necklace using turquoise and red coral. Using this design approach helps me stay more organized.

If you have an interesting approach to designing jewelry, arts, crafts, etc., I'd love to hear about it.

Art Gum Erasers

John gave me this box of art gum erasers yesterday. Each eraser measures 2"x1", and they look so interesting nestled neatly in their own little box.

There's nothing like new art supplies. I can't wait to start using them today. I almost hate to do so because they look like a piece of artwork grouped together like this. Looking at this picture, I think the erasers resemble a collage or a puzzle.