I wish I may, I wish I might...

As a jewelry artist, I am always finding new "toys" that I want to add to my shop. I though I would share some of my wish list with you today. feel free to make donations to the cause so that I can keep designing and dreaming!! ( I'm just kidding!)

I have been seriously considering taking some metal-smithing and lapidary class lately. One thing that I KNOW is an essential to working with metal is a torch.

Next on my list is a tumbler, which is used for everything from shining and polishing finished silver pieces to hardening softer wires so that they can be strong enough to hold up to everyday use.


Last but not least (well probably not REALLY last either) I would like a permanent work bench set up in my garage so that I can put any new skills I learn to good use without buring holes in my carpet! Molten metal and carpet do not mix.Wow!! Now that I have it all down on paper with pictures, I am really craving them!

Do you have a list of things that you need to make your crafting space complete? Go ahead, make a list. Having it all written down on paper will give you a goal to work towards!

You can keep reading about other Eclectic Artisans Team members workspace wish lists by clicking over to Jennifer's blog, Crafty Goodness , to follow on along!

Vertigo and pearls

Vertigo and pearls, originally uploaded by Indigo Orchid Designs.

I think these may be my new favorite earrings! The pictures just don't do them justice! The copper sparkles and shines because of the slight hammered effect on the surface. If that weren't enough to get your attention, a beautiful platinum colored freshwater pearl dangles delicately from the bottom. Way to much fun!

So, tell me what you think! I need somefeed back! :)

Keep being creative!

Amanda

EART Team SCAVENGER HUNT!!!!!

Scavenger Hunt TIME!!!

Ready to put on your Sherlock Holmes gear and HUNT?! It's on! July 1st - 10th, the Eclectic Artisans are hiding an American Flag in their shops and waiting for YOU to find it! There are 15 shops participating, which means you have to find 15 flags! Each shop has hid ONE flag in ONE of their listings. Hunt and FIND!



Be one of the FIRST FIVE people to EMAIL ME the listing LINKS (all 15) as to where the flag is hidden in each shop and you will win YOUR CHOICE of THREE of the gifts above! Email me ALL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO: MichellesCharmWorld@Gmail.com. NO comments here please! We don't want to give away the answers!! The first person to email me all 15 flags will get to pick 3 of the 15 prizes, 2nd person gets to pick 3 of the 12 prizes that are left, 3rd person gets to pick 3 of the 9 prizes that are left and the 4th person gets to pick 3 of the 6 prizes that are left and the 5th place person gets the remaining 3 awesome and fabulous prizes! This is going to be FABULOUS! Now Read below to see the shops that are playing and what their prize is! Click on the shop and start hunting!!!

Jeraly Designs invites you to take a look around her shop and find the flag! Her prize is this wonderful pair of earrings!

Pop into MichellesCharmWorld and take a look at a colorful paradise while searching for the flag! You can win your choice of a red or black Princess Crown Ring!

DivaDea offers these gorgeous buttons as a prize from her shop of polymer creations! Be sure to step into this fun and colorful shop and look for the flag!

At HairbowsWonderWorld you will find an amazing assortment of goodies for your hair to shine at special events! Even some beautiful bridal bouquets! Tale a look! Her prize is a PDF instruction on how to make a ribbon penquin!
Jaybird Designs is offering this beautiful treasure bag as a prize in your choice of 1 of 2 colors! This shop is definately one to stop and enjoy while hunting for your flag! TCPJewelry has a colorful prize set being offered to the winners! Please stop in and browse this wonderful oasis of jewelry while hunting for the flag!

Enter a tranquil universe when you head into Indigo Orchids shop, jewelry that makes your mind wander while you try and decide what to buy! Enjoy your time here while huntin for the flag! She is giving these amazing earrings as her prize!

AweShop is a shop full of jewelry that gives you a tranquil and relaxing vibe! Stop in and take a look around at everything while hunting for the flag! She is offering up these pretty little earrings as a prize! WeeWoobies is a colorful and creative shop full of an assortment of bright and fun goodies! While searching for the flag check out the fabulous pin cushion that she is giving away as a prize!

Visit Punky N Munky for the most AMAZING hair trinkets EVER! You will be amazed as you hunt for the flag in this shop! She is offering this ribbon headband as her prize!

TashaDesigns invites you to stroll through her shop and look through all the treasures as you hunt the for the flag! She is giving these pretty butterfly earrings as her prize!

KellsCreations is offering this fantastic ACEO to the winner of her prize! Now head on over to a colorful shop of jewels and look for the flag!
FotoGeeni offers this gorgeous print as her prize! Her shop is a look through her lens at New Zealand and it's surrounding areas! Be sure to stop and look around while in her shop! It's a mini vacation!

SongBirdSpectre is offering up the most fabulous print as her prize! While looking for the flag, take a minute to enjoy all that her shop has to offer!! TheCreatorsPalette has this great book on how to paint watercolors as her prize! This is your last stop in the hunt for the flag! Take some time to enjoy all the work in her shop!

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READERS! Just FOR YOU! We ARE ALL also Offering up a 20% discount off your purchase before shipping in ANY of the shops listed! Just use code: ScavengerHunt20, This code expires on July 10th. (To use this code, please put it in the notes to seller upon check out and wait for a revised invoice!)



NOW GET HUNTING! Remembe to EMAIL ME all your answers at one time:

MichellesCharmWorld@Gmail.com

Adventures in baby food...

My youngest daughter, 6 months old, just recently started to eat solid foods. Since my oldest started solids, I have made my baby food by hand. Not that there is anything wrong with the jarred stuff, I just personally can't stand it. It smells bad, has horrid texture, and tasted nothing like the real thing. I just feel better giving my babies a hand smashed banana, than the funny, brownish gray, jarred ones. It only takes about 20 seconds longer to mash it yourself, and go figure, it tastes like bananas!

After I got home from the salon on Friday I spent the morning making a few batches of baby food. I made pear puree and acorn squash puree (little one loved them both). It was really simple, so I figured I would share the process with you, just in case anyone out there actually reads my blog and can use the info. **smiles**

1. Cook the fruits or vegetables until they are soft - I cook my fruits in a sauce pan on the stove. Just cut them into 1 inch cubes and then put in just enough water to almost come up to the top of the fruit in the pan.
2. Let cool slightly
3. Puree - I do about half of the batch at a time. It makes it easier to get it smooth. For young babies you want it pretty smooth, but as they get older you can leave some small soft chunks in it to get them used to texture.
4. Spoon puree into an ice tray - That's right, I said ice tray! It is so handy, and cheap. The cubes are about 1 oz if filled to the top for easy portion control. Some of the special baby food freezing containers can get a little pricey, and they are not really good for anything else after you don't need to make baby food anymore.
5. Freeze - I think this one explains itself...
6. Store - All you have to do is pop them out into a labeled freezer bag. Very handy.
   

Here are some pictures that I took while making my squash puree.

Right after they came out of the freezer.

Ready to go back into the freezer

When you are ready to feed your kiddo, all you need to do is warm it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds (Just make sure to test it before you give it to your baby. Some things heat up quicker than others...)

Here is a great site that has a ton of info on homemade baby food.


Featured Item Of The Day


Doesn't this bracelet just scream summer fun?! I absolutely love the colors and chunkiness. Plus, it just looks like it would be fun to wear! Hop on over to Michelle's Charm World and check it out!



Well...I had better get about my day, and let you get about yours.

Have a fun and creative Tuesday!!

Moody Blues and Hairdos

How's that for a blog title! Ha!

I know, I have been away from my blog for way to long! I could give a million excuses, but the simple truth is life gets in the way sometimes! I just got too caught up in all of the details at home, and neglected the web for a while. That being said, I am back!

Well, as you can see, I updated the look of my blog. I wanted it to speak more to my personality and style rather than the plain white background that I had before. I love the dark "moody" blues in this template! This theme is called "Navy Cherry Blossom" by Lena Towes at Simply Fabulous. You should go check out all of the great templates she has, and they are all free! Amazing!

I hope to be putting up so tutorials soon. I hope that you will be able to use and enjoy them. I love creating jewelry so much, and I know that sometimes all you need is a good starting point to get going. Hopefully I can help you with that!

In other news... I got to get out of the house WITHOUT the' kids yesterday! It was a rare and much enjoyed treat. Don't get me wrong, I love the little darlings, but sometimes a mom just needs time to herself. I was able to go and get my hair trimmed. A trip to the salon is always such a relaxing thing! My stylist, Marie, is awesome! She is such fun to talk to, and always does a spectacular job on my hair. If you live in the north Fort Worth area, message me and I can get you her info. You won't regret it, I promise!

On a final note, I wanted to share these cute little crocheted plushies with you. I just think they are too cute! I would love to have these little guys hanging around my studio as I work. Aren't they just so bright, cheery and unique?





Go check them out along with all of Wee Woobies other cute and creative things!


I'll see you all later! Make sure to have a fabulous Sunday!

Wordless Wednesday......

Boutique crystal peony flower crochet headband sunny yellow

By Two Angels Accessories

Wooden Oval Serving Tray-Watermelon/Blueberries

By Birkz Workz

Sunfire Copper Charm Bracelet -OOAK-

By Jeraly

SALUD Beer Soap with Salt and Lime

By Soapy Blessings

Robot Love Cards (Limited Edition, Set Of 12)

By Songbird Spector

Breast Cancer Handmade Card

By PNKGEENI

DIY set of 30 earthtone Paper Beads from recycled magazines - scrapbooking, jewelry, whatever tickles your fancy

By Wee Woobies

Citrus Punch Hostess Apron

By Jaybird Designs

Cinderellas Carriage Necklace

By Michelle's Charm World

FALL...ING IN LOVE Ranunculus and Roses BRIDAL BOUQUET

By Hairbows Wonderworld

Inspiration - Czech Glass Button Necklace - OOAK

By Indigo Orchid Designs

Enter to Win! June Giveaway From EART Team on Etsy

The EART Team (Eclectic Artitans Team) on Etsy is having a giveaway! Several of the EART Team shops are running giveaways from June 1st - June 7th. There are some wonderful prizes to be had. I am giving away my "Tower of Pearls" earrings. You can find out how to be entered to win Tower of Pearls by answering a simple question . . . Visit the EART team blog to find out how.