Visit SignatureSterling's Studio

SAVE 27% Off Select Studio Categories

Use Coupon Code:

NOVDAILY

during checkout.

Black Friday may be over but the sale here is still on now through the end of November at SignatureSterling. In fact, if you're willing to wait and gamble that those earrings you've been eyeing or that necklace you really want will still be there, each day you wait, your discount grows.

Here's how it works. Today is November 27th so your discount off all items (except custom items - "Heirlooms to Order," "Buckeye Nation" or "Custom") would be 27%. On Monday, the 28th, (if what you want is still there...) the discount would be 28%.

Discounts may apply to multiple items. The only restriction is that you can not use this discount on custom order items. And once we reach midnight on November 30th (30%), this sale is over!

So, start browsing & if you don't want to gamble, start shopping now. Use the NOVDAILY coupon when you check out & if it hasn't been updated yet, I'll refund the difference to you via PayPal.

NOVEMBER'S DAILY DISCOUNT SALE!

Visit SignatureSterling's Studio

SAVE 23% Off Select Studio Categories

Use Coupon Code:

NOVDAILY

during checkout.

Handmade Christmas

The "Don't Wait til Black Friday Sale"

Why wait for Black Friday when you get what you want at SignatureSterling now through the end of November.  In fact, if you're willing to wait and gamble that those earrings you've been eyeing or that necklace you really want will still be there, each day you wait, your discount grows.  

Here's how it works.  Today is November 18th so your discount off all items (except custom items - "Heirlooms to Order," "Buckeye Nation" or "Custom") would be 18%.  Tomorrow, on the 19th, the discount would be 19%....next Monday, the 28th, (if what you want is still there...) the discount would be 28%.  Get it?

Shipping is the same as outlined in the descriptions.  Discounts may apply to multiple items (woo-hoo!).  The only restriction is that you can not use this discount on custom order items (sorry!).  And once we reach midnight on November 30th (30%), this sale is over!

So, start browsing at SignatureSterling and if you don't want to gamble, start shopping now.  If you'd rather take a risk that your favorites will be there tomorrow or next week, go for it, but remember....once they're gone, they're gone!  Gobble, gobble!

TIS THE SEASON!

Midnight Inspiration

The SignatureSterling "elves" are busy, busy, busy ~ and we want to let you know it's not too late to get your holiday orders in....BUT some important order/shipping dates are coming up for holiday delivery.  Check your lists and our shops at signaturesterling.artfire.com and signaturesterling.etsy.com to see if you need to pick up something special for that special someone or for someone special like you this season! :)

Sunday, December 12th ~ last day to order/pay for custom listings to receive for Christmas delivery
Friday, December 17th ~ last day to order/pay for all other listings to receive for Christmas delivery
Monday, December 20th ~ January 2nd  Shops are closed for holiday season and will reopen January 3rd.

Blessings and peace to you and yours this holiday season!

Holiday Pearls

TUESDAY TREASURES

Lots to treasure this Tuesday so let's get started....first, in case you haven't heard ~ I'm going to be a Mimi again! How exciting is that!  I must say that the "first time around" with Miss Abby has been more than incredible, so the bar has been set very, very high for grandchild #2, but I have no doubt that he or she (we find out in just another week or so!) will have no trouble warming our hearts every bit as much :).

Next, if you are an artisan, crafter, or "creator-wanna-be," don't miss out on ArtFire's one-time, limited offer to open a Pro-Account Shop on their awesome site for only $5.95 per month for life....FOR LIFE....yes, I said, for life....NO OTHER FEES with ArtFire ~ no listing fees, no percentage of your sale fee....this is a GREAT deal, especially given the marketing tools and support that ArtFire provides.  I've had a basic shop for some time now - not wanting to make the $$ commitment to go "pro" - but with this offer, I'm "in" for sure.  Compared to Etsy, this really will be a bargain ~ and ArtFire has become Etsy's equivalent (and is edging ahead, some say) in the quality "handmade" marketplace.  Take a look around -- see what's offered & give it some serious thought....but don't take too long.  This "treasure" is only good before October 1st!  After that, the Pro Accounts will remain at their $15.95 per month level.  Eek!

A reminder of my special upcoming Mimi-addition and another "heirloom" treasure I'd like to share with you is a custom order bracelet that was ordered just this week from the SignatureSterling Etsy shop.  "Grandma's Gems" is available for up to 16 (!!!) grandchildren (this picture shows a bracelet made for 5 grandchildren, using 2 birthstones for each one).  Called "Grandma's Gems," this can also be designed as a mother's bracelet and is made using all sterling silver, Swarovski pearls and crystals.  I'm reminded this week that I still need to make one for myself! :)

TUESDAY'S TREAT

This week's treat ~ our one day only special, good until midnight EST tonight ~ continues our focus on peace by featuring 15% off two "peace-ful" items from the SignatureSterling Etsy shop.

~ Deep Blue Peace Earrings  

And now available again, the Peace Bracelet  

Just put "TREAT" in the "Notes to Seller" at check-out, and wait for a revised invoice (or if you prefer to make full payment immediately, I will refund your 15% discount through PayPal).  Discount does not apply to shipping and is only available on these two special "treats" for today only.

WHOA, A NEW MONTH!

August already? Where has the summer gone? Well....here's an idea of what I've been up to ~

~ Being "Soccer Mom"

~ Preparing for Hannah's senior year of high school...helping her research colleges, making some visits, prospect camps for soccer ~ lots of road-tripping :)

~ Playing with the beads :)

"Turquoise Dreams" Necklace


"Playing with Fire" Bracelet


"Mint Juleps"


~ Enjoying my Mimi time with Abby




~ Falling in Love :) :)






Well, it HAS been quite a summer! Here's to a great August!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

A little music, a little smile, a little musing, a little laughter, and a BIG sale ~ TGIF!

• My friend Rob...ok, technically, my son's friend, has a great blog, Politik!; Acquiesce? Revolution. and posted two terrific entries this week titled Songs that are immortal, send chills down your spine, and uplift your soul, Part I and Immortal Songs, Part II. The lists are indeed, timeless, and wonderful to read, revisit, and listen to. I especially enjoyed reminicising on Oasis's Wonderwall which will always remind me of son Andrew who sang the song at his Senior Show in high school and usually would always "wander" onto it eventually over the years to come whenever he was playing his guitar or was at the piano...

• Abby is smiling, really smiling - not gas, not dreaming - real smiles now! We've still to catch a full-mouth grin on camera, but here's a first-day "half-smile" as captured by her daddy.

• One of my favorite parts of the The Artist's Way are the great quotes that "litter" the margins of the pages...here are a few from this week that are really sticking with me:

"What we play is life" ~ Louis Armstrong
"You need to claim the events of your life to make yourself yours." ~ Anne-Wilson Schaef
"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves, they find their own order...the continuous thread of revelation." ~ Eudora Welty

• Last year my sister and brother-in-law sent my parents a Dvd of The Vicar of Dibley, a BBC series we had been unfamiliar with, but now we are fans. Alice, the vicar's "helpful" albeit rather clueless assistant at most times, is one of my favorite characters -- here she struggles with the concept of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter..."

• And finally....don't forget! The "SPRING FEVER SALE" is still going on now in the shop! That means savings of 15% on ANYTHING with the words GREEN, FLOWER, or GARDEN in the title or description. Just put your items in your cart, proceed to checkout, and put "SPRING FEVER" in the "NOTES TO SELLER" and then WAIT for a revised invoice (or pay immediately and I will refund the discount to you through PayPal). One discount code per purchase. Catch "SPRING FEVER" while it lasts!

SPRING FEVER SALE - CATCH IT!

"SPRING FEVER SALE" GOING ON NOW in the Etsy Shop....Here's how it works: If a title or description has the word "SPRING," or "FLOWER," or "GARDEN," in it, that item is available for a LIMITED time at 15% OFF! Just put your items in your cart, proceed to checkout, and put "SPRING FEVER" in the "NOTES TO SELLER" and then WAIT for a revised invoice (or pay immediately and I will refund the discount to you through PayPal). One discount code per purchase.

How to find these spring goodies? Go to the shop home page and in the search window, enter one of the keywords: SPRING, FLOWER, or GARDEN and see what "springs up!" Here's a peek at what you can find:

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

Catch "SPRING FEVER" while it lasts!

☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼

Looking for even BIGGER savings? Be sure to stop by the SALE Section of the Etsy Shop where you'll beautiful pieces now at 25% off the original list price!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

The day has almost slipped away before I could post this, but "no worries," plenty of favorites to share FOR SURE today....

• "Hands down"....the #1 favorite is that today is officially the first day of spring! Woo-hoo! Let the sunshine, warm weather, and yes, even the spring rains (within reason!) begin ~ I am MORE than ready this year...

• I am a "collector of quotes" and this is a new favorite that I came across just this morning:

"The beautiful is everywhere." ~ Fernand Léger

• Some of you may think that my complete wardrobe is comprised of my "Goodwill Hunting" forays :-), but to be honest, I ♥ shopping just like the next "gal!" In fact, one of my "favorite" shops is Coldwater Creek ~ I love to peruse their latest catalogue or surf their site to see what might be new, finding their colors, designs, and textures refreshing and unique. So, when I can find a Coldwater Creek sale + free shipping + my yet-to-be-used gift card from Christmas (Thanks, Hannah! ♥), I can't resist what I think is quite the deal! Here are the "Friday Favorites" that came in the mail today!

• "Spring Blooms" Necklace and Earrings are DONE and ready to be listed (tonight or tomorrow!!) in the Etsy shop. The pink, green, and slight touch of soft golden yellow hues were inspired by the "Tulip Lovers Circles" palette highlighted in last week's "Tickling the Muse" post.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

SNAGGED! yEllOw MellOw...

I can't TELL you the last time I was able to "snag" a treasury on Etsy, but today, thanks to the wonders of Facebook "psst, hey, buddy...," Marcy gave me the "heads up" that they were about to open up, I happened to have some time, and wandered over -- didn't have anything planned but with "almost-spring" sunshine streaming in the window, the song "Mellow Yellow" suddenly came singing into my head, LOL!

Enjoy these fun finds...and remember, the "Etsy" treasury "veni, vidi, vici" mission is to "come (visit), click (on each item), and comment" in order to make the treasury "rise" in "hotness" :-)

So, how did Marcy, of StudioMarcy, do in her race to treasury- snagging? Successful, of course! You can also visit her "Beelightful" treasury and find some wonderful honeybee finds, and BEE sure to stop by Marcy's studio to pick up Jill the Preppy Bee (how adorable is she!!)

Thanks for the "buzz," Marcy!!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

I've got another collection of Friday Favorites for you today...first up, answers the "age-old" question (hmm....sure!), where does Sue buy her earrings when she doesn't make her own??? I know you were wondering! Well, take a peek ~ yes, I did scoop them up finally after "dreaming of them" for quite a while! These Red Coral Drops are on their way to me right now from Lee at AbeleesHandcrafted. And, no, there aren't anymore for you....BUT

LOOK...you can find these beauties and more wonderful earrings at Lee's shop right now so be sure to stop by and check it out - incredible design and artisanship!

Wandered onto a very cool website a few weeks ago via my blog-hopping. This site will "age" your photos 100-150 years in a matter of seconds, allowing you to then save the newly "antiqued" copy. Why? Not sure - fun, scrapbooking, photo effects....you figure it out. Here's a sample I had some fun with from last summer's vacation. The shot is of a church on Boca Grande, FL:

Voila! Turn of the century Boca Grande!

The website is labs.wanokoto.jp/olds. HINT: when you get to the site, if it is all in Japanese, you can "switch" to English up in the top right hand corner. :-)

Favorite new music this week - have to mention the new U2 album. Find it, listen to it...enjoy! Repeat often. I also discovered a new artist (for me) and have been enjoying her music all week ~ Michelle Featherstone. This is the song that will get me every time:

And...finally, favorite Abby picture of the week is the beginning of her career as a real Buckeye -- titled, "WHO SAID, "Go Blue?"

TICKLING THE MUSE

As I begin to study "The Artist's Way," this week, I considered that one way I might commit to "tickling" my creative muse on a regular basis was by every Tuesday (Tuesday ~ tickling...see, sometimes there is sense in my nonsensical randomness...) intentionally seeking out and sharing new (or perhaps, tried and true) ways of jump-starting the creative process ~ thinking outside the box ~ heading in a different direction ~ or seeing potential creations with new vision.

Today, I returned to a site I was first introduced to last fall through our Artisan Beaders Street Team Fall Color Palette Challenge ~ colourlovers.com. There you can see already created wonderful assorted palettes and patterns or create your own, sometimes even creating your own new color!

Knowing that I wanted to focus sometime this week on a new "Pretty in Pink" piece, I headed in "that direction" and first began working on a color palette with that title:

Now as it turns out, the center color was a "new" color and needed to be named in order to be included in the palette (and now forever in the system) :-), and so "Gerbera Pink" has bloomed.

Then I wandered over to the "patterns" and simply browsed through using "pink" as my keyword search to find some favorites that might add some further design and color inspiration for me as I'm working later this week.

My muse is already gearing up and anxious to "play" with these colors and ideas....it will be interesting to see what appears later in the week as a result. Stay tuned!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

It's Friday and I've got a BIG list of favorites to share with you today...

• FIRST....the windows are open and it SMELLS like SPRING!! Woo-hoo!! YAY!!!! Loving this weather :-)
• Guess what arrived this morning to make my day!
  

Yep, it's my very own copy of Alphabet City by Stephanie Chisholm - the "Chiz" - that I raved about in last week's Friday Favorites!!

• I have been a HUGE fan of SOCK MONKEYS ever since my "little" Sarah (now a "mommy" herself) was a premature little sweetheart and her daddy placed one in her hospital nursery 'bed' right after she had been released from the NICU...

• So, I had a great time window shopping and "faving" some great sock monkey finds this week -- take a peek and see what you think! I'm hoping to share some of these soon with my new sweetheart, Abby! :-)

From Shop3pm on Etsy, what could be cuter than this traditional sock monkey doll - oh, it does take me back!!


Any little one would be stylin' with these coveralls from JustKiddn ~ how cute are these!!


At this time of year, who could resist an adorable sock monkey "tip-toeing through the tulips" from Sockmonkeycards?


Hey, if you know babies...you know babies burp and you know that you want to have one of these handy from ClaireandJanae!

And from one of my favorite Etsy artisan friends, how could I resist this special one! Marcy - you've done it again!! :-) Check out her work at StudioMarcy!!

• And, what I think will be new favorites in my Etsy shop (once I get them listed...soon -- probably tonight or tomorrow) :-)
  

~ SPRING GREEN Necklace


~SPRING GREEN Earrings

NOW OPEN....at WINK ELF!

While SignatureSterling at Etsy continues to be my strong home base, I have been exploring different artisan venues this year - 1000 Markets, ArtFire - and now I'm so pleased to have "opened doors" at WinkElf, a smaller, but "boutique-minded" site that's easy to navigate and presents a wonderful assortment of quality items for shoppers. You'll be seeing more items added to the WinkElf boutique in the days ahead, but for now, this is the "debut" necklace waiting for you there!

~ SIMPLY STERLING...but the greatest of these is LOVE