My fairly new (8 months old) computer has just crashed on me. I cant even begin to tell you how frustrated i am. Literally, it doesnt even turn on. And the last time it did, the screen was total static, just like a tv station that doesnt come in. I really dont think computers are supposed to do that! So now I have to ship it back to HP so they can repair it in "7-9 business day". And by repair, i do mean factory restoring it, or giving me a new one. I can think of a few choice 4-letter words to insert here. I am loosing EVERYTHING!!! My songs, website files, favorite links... you name it. The ONLY good thing I will say is that i was able to back up all my photos. And that is what would truly break my heart..im just sentimental like that! So anyway...this ranting post does actually make me feel better, so thanks for listening.

One more day of work then a long weekend that i am REALLY looking forward too! The Kenny Chesney concert was AMAZING, and Im going ot the John Michael Montgomery concert tomorrow at the Maryland State Fair. geeze, im so country! My cousins wedding is the weekend, so lots of family is in town, and im sure that is how i will spend most of my weekend. I do hope to get some work done, and I will keep you posted!

I have made 2 nice discoveries today:


Another website for you to check out: Anne Brown from the Goode Huswife. She and my mom are friends, and have started a new company together to sell there work. They are currently in the process of having a new website made. Im loving all the witches Anne has been doing, and cant wait to see what they come up with next!

Question: Best music to get pumped in the studio or just in general? I always like to hear what works for other people, and I may discover some new tunes at the same time. Reply as a comment for everyone to see!

My list:
The Way I Are- Timbaland and Keri Hilson
Somebody Told Me- The Killers
Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson
Slave- Britney Spears (yes, i am embarassed)
SexyBack- Justin (not embarssed at all)
Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independent
Naive- The Kooks
Clothes Off- Gym Class Hero's
The Saints are Coming- U2 with Green Day

Just waiting for the new Matchbox 20 to come out...its gonna be good!!
Song I NEVER want to hear again: Hey there Delilah

This is a hand-cut paper image of a clef music note that i found on ArabesqueArtsbyDarcy's etsy shop. Very cool! What patients she must have!

Given a choice, nine times out of ten i will choose the cool blue/green colors opposed to the warm yellows and reds. Lately though, i have been really drawn to these colors. Maybe Im subliminally attracted to them because they remind me of fall, my favorite season that i am impatiently waiting for. Who knows... I just know that i am loving my new ring. I wish the photo showed the depth of the ring, it really doesn't do the ring justice. Its the same silver setting as the black and white ring, just with another design set into it. The silver in this ring is also oxidized to compliment the black lines in the drawing. This photo just reminds me that its time to call the professionals in for photography. I think that is at the top of my priority list for tomorrow.


And in unrelated news, I had a dream last night that 523 had marked me as a favorite shop on etsy. I was ecstatic. Not sure if its a bad sign im dreaming about that, but today i made it to 16! Gotta start somewhere...

I got an email last week, and thought it may be helpful to fellow metalsmiths out there...

The Society of American Silversmiths is launching a website to help connect employers in the metalsmithing field to qualified candidates, and vice versa. The website will actually have content starting Sept. 1, but it looks, and sounds like it has potential to be very helpful!
Looks like there may be a registration fee attached, but it may be worth it to find a job...
Here is the link!

I've been a little MIA lately, but there is nothing like the two flattering shout-out's I've gotten today to get me back into the swing of things.