And the winner is.....

The winner of my August bracelet giveaway is minxymimi. Congrats!!!! Look for other contests in the near future.

Just added some fused and dichroic glass items to my shop as well as some beautiful new bracelets. Here's a sneak peak:

Working Working Working

I have been really trying to get my shop perfected and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. There's so much information on etsy and elsewhere. I just need to focus on a few areas and stop trying to do everything at once. Anyway, I'm focusing on getting my pictures up to par and trying to get my inventory up. I just ordered some lovely beads from Andrea Mortenson at http://www.mountain-dreamer.com. She handcrafts beads out of clay. Very lovely. I also stopped by a friend's shop who works with glass. She showed me how to make some fused glass pendants and I'm really excited about them also.
My contest for a free bracelet ends on Sunday, so if you haven't done so already head to my shop (http://www.carriegrab419.etsy.com) and look around. Return to my blog and comment on what you do or don't like.
My son, Brennon started riding his bike without training wheels last week and has been practicing ever since. He's getting really good at turning. I'm so proud of the little guy. And Noah, just wants to be like his big brother. He'll probably be riding his bike before he turns two...just joking :)

Two Posts In One Day

I wanted to give a quick thank you to Heather of Zwei Baby. She has helped me tremendously with the ins and outs of setting up shop. Plus, her products are so awesome. Check out her shop http://www.twinmommy.etsy.com. Fun and functional baby gear...I can attest to the fact that her stuff IS both Fun and Functional...I get tons of compliments on my items.

The summer days are winding down

Well, it's almost back to school time in our neck of the woods. My oldest son is starting kindergarten and it can't come soon enough for me. It's been a real challenge trying to get work done on my shop and deal with his every whim. It's also bittersweet...no more just picking up and leaving during the week....it's a loss of freedom from just doing what we want each and every day. Now, I'll (we'll) be confined by car pools and bus schedules. Just yesterday, he was a little baby...where did the 5 years go??? At any rate, the few hours he's at school will give me some time to get my act together....if and only if my youngest son cooperates and takes a good afternoon nap.
I'm working on some autumn jewelry. My Pumpkin Spice necklace is already in my shop, as is my Colors of Fall necklace.
I'm looking forward to the cool Fall weather and having some people over for cookouts and bonfires and roasting marshmallows by the fire and hayrides...

New items in my shop

I just added a really beautiful new item to my shop.....My new tourmaline lotus charm necklace. It's really stunning and the pictures (posted to the right) don't do it justice. Check out my shop and have a look yourself. I'll also be posting some new earrings that match some of the necklaces and bracelets already in the shop. Check back soon for them.

If you like my stuff....

If you go to my shop (http://carriegrab419.etsy.com) and like my stuff make sure you add me to your favorites. People who heart me rock!!!
I'm working on some really pretty stuff with tourmaline beads and lotus flower pendants. Check back often.

Happiness....

I am so excited about opening my jewelry shop. It's something that is fun and fulfilling for ME. As a mom I'm always putting my kids and family before myself. I don't know how it happens, but it happens to the best of us. I have been more alive this past week and I attribute this to the shop and having something other than dirty diapers to look forward to. Anyway, I wanted to make a list of a few things that I am happy and grateful for:

1) A husband who is supportive of me emotionally, physically, spiritually and who is the most amazing father to our children.
2) The most adorable children who bring a light to my life and make me smile. They teach me so much about life even though they are 5 and 1.
3) The best friends who support me and don't ask for anything in return.
4) The opportunity to stay at home with my children and still be able to fulfill my creative side.
5) Finding the most beautiful semi-precious natural stones to create with.

Blessings to you all.

Free Giveaway for August

Make sure you post to my blog. Go to my shop website at http://www.carriegrab419.etsy.com and look at the merchandise. Post to comments as to what you would like to see done differently, or any items you would like to see created. You will be entered into a drawing for a free bracelet of your choice. Make sure you include your name and email in the comment posting so I can contact you if you win. Happy browsing.

My shop is up and running

Well, I've been furiously working to get my jewelry shop up and running on etsy. I've created business cards and have created lots of samples to sell. I will be posting new items on the site a few times a week so check back frequently.

On other fronts, I can't believe my oldest is starting Kindergarten in 3 weeks. Where does the time go? The past 5 years have been an incredible experience. Most days I am so happy to have these little guys in my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I am so fortunate to be able to stay home with my boys and I really appreciate the creative abilities that I've been given.

Thanks for checking in with me. I'll be posting some back to school sales in my shop soon.