Home Again Spring Bling

Get ready for Home Again's first annual Spring Bling shopping event on Saturday, March 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Lynn Catnes and I will be showcasing our artisan jewelry, mixed-media artwork, and handcrafted goods, and personal chef Bev Taylor will be selling gourmet goodies and sharing her cooking secrets. We'll also be demonstrating jewelry-making techniques, and we'll be available to answer any questions you may have about making your own jewelry. Seated in this picture from left to right are Mary Homza, owner of Home Again, and Bev Taylor of Bev's Cucina. Lynn Catnes of the Cat's Meow Designs and I are pictured in the back.

Shop for some unique gifts while enjoying light refreshments, and be sure to enter the raffle to win some fabulous gifts. Since we're all animal lovers, part of the proceeds will be donated to the SPCA. So be sure to shop with us to help support this great organization.

Home Again features an exclusive line of vintage and modern furniture, home decor, accessories, and original artwork. Home Again is also pleased to offer a variety of workshops, such as jewelry making, mixed-media art, and seminars for women dealing with inspirational, motivational, business, and self-help topics. Home Again is located at 69 Main Street in Luzerne, PA. For more information, call(570) 283-2425.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the neat things in the store. This lovely Valentine's Day tree looks great all year 'round. Mary carries the latest collection of Bella Taylor's quilted handbags and accessories.


Gotta love this shabby-chic table and chairs.


This corner of the store is so warm and cozy.


Here's a look at some of my artwork currently on display at Home Again. If you're looking for some old doors, windows, and wooden objects to turn into functional pieces of artwork or home decor, be sure to see Mary. She gets new pieces in all the time.


My original, miniature watercolor paintings graciously sit on an old, wooden chair. The chair is actually hanging on the back of an old door. Mary definitely has a good eye for decorating.

Tune In

I've been invited to appear on WBRE's morning show on Wednesday, March 4 to talk about jewelry making and to showcase some of my jewelry designs. I'll demonstrate the tools and materials needed to create affordable and quick-and-easy-to-make jewelry. This should be lots of fun, so be sure to tune in!

earrings, earrings, earrings!

I just received a copy of the book titled earrings, earrings, earrings! This book features my Egyptian Earrings, Recycle With Style Earrings, and Daisy Earrings. I'd like to thank editor Barb Switzer and publisher House of White Birches for choosing my designs for their new book. If you're looking for some "earring" inspiration, be sure to pick up a copy of this new book. It's packed with lots of fabulous projects.

I took some photos of the earrings and wanted to share them with you. The Egyptian Earrings are based on an original design I created in 1990, which were much longer and featured etched bronze pieces hanging from each earring. The original earrings were soldered; whereas, these earrings were fabricated using cold-join connections. My good friend and author, Rosemary Goodwin, owns the original pair.


John and I have been recycling for years, and aluminum pull tabs are great for jewelry projects, which I refer to as my Recycle With Style™ line of jewelry. Aluminum is wonderful to work with because it's lightweight and very pliable. I used a dapping block to place a slight curve in two pairs of these earrings. This project appeals to both children and adults.

The Daisy Earrings are featured on the back cover of the book as well.

New Article in Simply Beads

I just received the February 2009 issue of Simply Beads, which features my article about the many ways to sell and market your jewelry. I had mentioned this article in the marketing presentation I gave last week at the Wyoming Valley Art League, so this issue arrives at the perfect time.

The article is loaded with lots of great sales tips. The accompanying photograph features my earrings, business card, and product packaging. Click on the title of this post to get a glimpse of the photo.

Looking for Some Romance?

My good friend Rosemary Goodwin is a romance writer working on yet another novel. Rosemary is also an attorney and an artist. We met while working in the legal department of a large corporation. I have one of her one-of-a-kind Christmas dolls that I cherish to this day.

If you're looking for a good read, be sure to check out www.rosemarygoodwin.blogspot.com. I personally recommend the book Lavender and Love.

Marketing Your Artwork

Please join me on Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m. for my presentation about marketing your artwork. The presentation will take place at the Wyoming Valley Art League's midtown location on Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. I'll be giving a brief overview of the topic, which will hopefully get your creative juices flowing for the new year. For more information, visit www.wval.org.

New ACEOs Listed on eBay

Stop by eBay to see some of my latest ACEOs featuring my quirky little snowmen and folksy Christmas designs. Just click on the title of this post to learn more. Merry Christmas!

Bead Trends January 2009

Ring in the new year with some brand new jewelry projects. You'll find my crystal orbit earrings on page 96 of the January 2009 issue of Bead Trends. These earrings will add lots of sparkle to any holiday outfit.

First Snow Storm

John took this lovely photo today while we were greeted with our first major snow storm in Northeast Pennsylvania. Directly behind the lamppost is the dike that runs along the Susquehanna River. I guess we won't be going for our walk today!

Chiseler isn't too crazy about the snow. Here he is peeking through the front door today. He couldn't wait to come in from the cold. He's one beautiful cat. I'm so glad he now has a place to call home.

New Santa Designs

I've been working on some new holiday designs, which would work well as napkins, plates, and cups. This is just one of the many new collections I've recently created.

ACEO Christmas Swap

If you're interested in participating in an ACEO Christmas swap, please stop by my friend Sandra's blog for more information and to sign up.

ACEO Snowmen

I just posted a few ACEOs featuring my folksy snowmen on artcardswanted.com. Eleven additional snowmen and Christmas ACEOs are currently listed on eBay. Click on the title of this post or "eBay" for a direct link.

Artwork on Display at Osterhout Library

Here's a peek at some of the artwork I have on display at the Osterhout Free Library through December 15. Be sure to stop by if you're in the area. The library is located at 71 South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre.

New Product Designs Featured in Simply Beads

If you're looking for some unique gift-giving ideas for the holidays, check out some of my latest product designs featured in the December 2008 issue of Simply Beads. The article features beaded lanyards, greeting cards accented with Swarovski crystals, a shabby-chic birdhouse embellished with natural stones, and beaded gift tag holders.

Visit Simply Beads Magazine.com for more information.

"Mick"

You heard it here first. Jayson Werth’s new name is “Mick.” I can’t help it; it’s the artist in me. I see Mick Jagger every time I see Jayson. I may be biased because I love the Stones, but Jayson's nickname has been sticking. Whenever Jayson’s up to bat, my boyfriend yells, “Mick’s up.” Go Phillies!

Bead Trends November 2008

Check out the November 2008 issue of Bead Trends. My baroque pendant on pearls necklace is featured on page 116, and my holiday chandelier earrings are on page 144.

Art Under The Sun

Stop by the Wyoming Valley Art League's Midtown Village Gallery tonight on Main Street in Wilkes-Barre to see all the donated artwork for the upcoming "Art Under The Sun" fundraiser at the Mohegan Sun Casino. I've donated this giclee print. For more information, visit www.wval.org.

New Goodies at Homespun

Here's a small sample of new paintings I just dropped off at Homespun in Jim Thorpe. Julius, of course, was not part of the trio of folk art paintings. For more information, visit www.homespuncozyinn.com.


The sunflowers were painted with watercolors and were framed behind an old window from my friend Georgie's house. The next two paintings are framed with attic windows I salvaged from my brother’s house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I always look for ways to recycle and thought these rustic frames would go well with my original, folk artwork. Thanks for the frames, Mike and Shannon!

Looking For A Good Home

This painting is available for sale at Modern Vintage Gallery in Wilkes-Barre. Click on the title of this post for more information, or visit my Yessy gallery.

New Textile Design

Here's a peek at some new textile designs I'm working on. Inspired by whimsical flowers and bright colors, there's more to follow in this collection.

Atlantic City

By 9 a.m. on Sunday, it was sunny and very hot in Atlantic City. Save for the turbulent water, you'd never know that Tropical Storm Hanna was there the day before. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by Bill's Gyro Souvalki on the boardwalk. Bill's serves a fabulous Greek salad with delicious toppings.

I took some great shots of the surfers taking advantage of the waves while I was standing inside the Atlantic City Art Center on Garden Pier.


This architectural piece, which now resides in the fountain on Garden Pier, is originally from the Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, which was the first hotel built using Thomas Edison's poured-reinforced concrete technique.

I love the sky as night approaches!

A New Kitty Painting

This little kitty is now available in my yessy gallery. Be sure to stop by for more information by clicking on the title of this post.

Pumpkin Cat

Here's a peek at some of the new Halloween greeting cards I'm adding to my Zazzle gallery. MEOW!

The original painting is available for sale at Modern Vintage Gallery in Wilkes-Barre. Click on the gallery name in this post for more information.

Crafting With Unique Trinkets

If you love making jewelry with found objects and unique trinkets, be sure to read my latest article titled Cross Over: Multi-Disciplinary Designs in the October 2008 issue of Simply Beads. You'll be inspired to create one-of-a-kind pieces with everything from decorative papers, tags, stamps, and scrapbook embellishments.

Show off your favorite finds with a laminated charm bracelet. I incorporated a variety of unusual items into this bracelet. Look closely, and you'll see some pieces from an Alley Cat product package and a game ticket from Knoebels Amusement Park.

Bead Trends Magazine

I just received a copy of the Sept/Oct 2008 issue of Bead Trends, which features my Autumn Wrap Necklace on page 100. This magazine is packed with lots of great projects. Be sure to pick up your copy today!

Original Cat Paintings Available on Yessy

Be sure to visit my gallery on Yessy to check out some of my latest cat paintings. I love the look of these folk art and pop art paintings. They're the PURRRRRfect addition to any style of home decor.

Free Halloween Paintings Available at Paper Kite Studio

Please stop by Paper Kite Studio on Friday, August 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn how you can obtain these original artist trading cards I've donated for their one-year anniversary.

Read more about how to obtain a free painting by clicking on Electric City. Paper Kite Studio is located at 443 Main Street in Kingston.

Two Paintings in One Day

I've been hit with the acrylic painting bug. Maybe it was the trip to Knoebel's Amusement Park on Tuesday and the repeated rides on the Phoenix that whipped me into a creative frenzy. Perhaps it was the constant playing of side two of the Let It Bleed Sessions by The Rolling Stones while I painted all day yesterday.

I typically work in watercolors for my design work, but something's been leading me to sit down and paint in acrylics. The first painting is based on a doodle that first appeared in my sketch book on October 26, 2006. I tried several attempts last year to create this Whimsical Flower in different mediums ranging from watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils, but I was never happy with those early renditions.

The second painting is a pop art version of my cat Julius. It's based on a photo that I took of him last year. I'm going to add the words MEOW to the painting. Before I do, I need to find the right font to go with this painting. When I'm officially done with the painting, I'll post it.

Summer Sorbet Bracelet in Simply Beads

If you're looking for a quick and easy jewelry project using memory wire, be sure to check out the August 2008 edition of Simply Beads, which features my summer sorbet bracelet. For more information, visit www.SimplyBeadsMagazine.com, and click on the designer gallery.

The Country Register Cover Artwork

I just received the July 2008, Pennsylvania/West Virginia edition of The Country Register, which features my painting titled Country Flag. I'd like to thank publishers Amy and Dave Carter for choosing my artwork for the cover of their magazine.

This magazine is a statewide guide to shopping and events in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It features wonderful articles, recipes, and lots of interesting information. Be sure to check it out, or visit http://www.countryregisteronline.com for more information.