Im headed off to New York City tomorrow night, and then back home for a few days to spend Christmas will all of my family. Before I leave I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all get to spend the holiday with the ones you love, and get to make some wonderful holiday memories. I wish you all a holiday that is truly Merry and Bright!


I have also decided to extend my contest until January 1st, so don't forget to enter...please! Off to pack...be back in a week! ;)

Maybe im in the holiday spirit, or maybe i caught the give-away bug...but i decided its time that i have my first contest! I hope you all participate!!

Here's the low-down- I want you guys to do some trend forecasting for me. I want to keep my jewelry fresh and up to date with all the upcoming, and current trends. I tend to lean towards floral and organic images and designs, but I want to have something to offer everyone! So I welcome ALL of your suggestions. Whats the next big thing.... Is it nautical, more animals, geometric design, greys and blacks, hearts (i hope not!)???? You tell me!

Remember, I work with images, pattern, and color, so input on any of these elements are welcome.

You may be wondering "what does the winner get?" The winner will receive one petite pendant from my shop. Your choice!!!

So please leave me your suggestions in a comment on this post, and I will select a winner (at random!) on December 25th! Merry Christmas!

ps-enter more than once, if you have more than on suggestion ;)

Please take note:
All holiday orders must be received by Saturday December 15th for Christmas delivery!

Catherine Chandler tagged me again!! I dont mind, i kinda like sharing secrets....even if they are weird! So here are 5 more for ya!



1. Shopping is like therapy for me. Its trouble! Yet, i dont have a single credit card (thank god!). Obviously i dont shop too much with Eliza ;)



2. I am 100% confident in my metalsmithing skills. its good to feel that way about something.



3. I have the shortest fingernails possible. I hate it, yet i cant control the urge to pick at them. Especially when im stressing.



4. The song "ill be home for Christmas" makes me cry sometimes, because the thought of being alone at Christmas kinda breaks my heart.



5. Ive just realized that no matter what happens in my life- EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK! Im not sure is 24 is early or late to figure that out, but its a very freeing feeling. Its the one piece of advice i would give anyone who asks.

ok, Kathy aka mom, and whitney. YOUR IT!!

I hope everyone is embracing the holiday season that is upon us! I have been more than a little stressed lately, but thinking of the family gathering, good food, company, Christmas carols, and candy canes seems to cheer me up no matter what! It is without a doubt, the most wonderful time of the year! According to me at least...

Ok, I have been tagged by Megan! I must admit, i love stuff like this, so here it goes!

5 random, weird, or interesting facts about myself:

1. I believe whole-heartedly that life should be set to music.

2. I have binders (plural) full of ideas for my wedding.

3. I still sleep with a blanket. I got over being embarrassed about it in high school.

4. I can eat an entire can of olives (or more!) in one sitting.

5. I could roll in fields of poison ivy or oak, and nothing will happen to me. Just not allergic!


Ok, tag Eliza!

Going....

Going...

All of my work (old and new) will be available at the Holiday Heap on December 1st! Be there or be square!

I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions (support!!), on the big announcement!!

I am happy to announce that I have just sent my FIRST trunk show down to Knoxville TN!! Just in time for the holidays, you can find all new work at DoubleCross! If you are in the Knoxville area, stop in and have a look!
Doublcross is located at: 4028 Papermill Drive, #9. Knoxville TN 37909

I just found out that I was included in the holiday ("What Gives...") gift guide of the City Paper! There is a special section on giving local jewelers work as a gift, and I just happen to be there!!!Such unexpected, exciting news to hear. I had no idea....

So far, i have only been able to find one copy of the newspaper that came out yesterday, so I'm hoping lots of people are reading!!!

Through The Blissful blog, I discovered that shop owner Abby Kerr also maintains a blog called A Boutique Industry.

"A Boutique Industry is designed to speak to other women who have chosen a lifestyle of entrepreneurship, or who dream of doing so. With honesty and humor, Abby discusses the ups and downs, highs and lows, decisions and moments of destiny, that go into starting and running a creative business."

AWESOME! You just have to read it and you will see what I mean. There is such a wide variety of topics addressed, which speak to such a wide range of entrepreneurs. I suggest starting back at the beginning of the blog, as I am doing. How to approach galleries, finding funding, branding yourself, creating your nitch are just SOME of the topics that are covered in the first month of blog entries.

So what is a decor-loving, Paris-obsessed shopaholic supposed to do when she sees pictures like these from a store called The Blissful in Canton Ohio???...

You def want to stop by this new etsy shop!

I was busy adding new stuff to my etsy shop this weekend as well. Check it out!

I am going away this weekend for MUCH needed escape from Baltimore. This is what Jess said to me when i inquired about intenet:

"nope no internet. which will be good for you. you can take a break from it for 48 hours."

Lets hope shes right!

I cant believe the weekend is almost over...sigh...

I've recently been reminded of this great event that takes place in Frederick Maryland, and i wanted to share it with you! Im hoping to make it home the first weekend in November to do the walk myself.

First Saturday Gallery Walk is a self-guided gallery tour through the streets of downtown Frederick complete with guest artists and live entertainment. The galleries (and many shops) stay open late so customers can come in and browse, see many artists studios, as well as exhibitions. Stacy Krantz is one of the artist who is opening her (new!) studio up for the gallery tour, as well as Zaruba & Zaruba.

Downtown Frederick is always a wonderful place to visit, but i cant think of a better reason, or time of year to go. Enjoy the people, shops, art and the food! If you do plan on going, these are two of my favorite restaurants: The Orchard, and Brewers Alley!

I had some time to kill yesterday, so i decided to stop into La Terra, in Hampden. Its something i had been meaning to do for a while after hearing good things about the shop from friends. And as soon as i walked in it was quite obvious why! It was such a cute store with tons of things that would have looked great in my apartment. Vintage inspired metalwork, beautiful glassware, soaps, candles, cards, purses, jewelry.... I picked up a few Christmas presents, and there was no way i could pass up a Tord Boontje paper "midsummer light". Its something I have wanted for soooo long, so when i saw that they were 50% percent off, i knew now was the time to buy one. Unfortunately, they didn't have any plain white ones left, but i love what i got!