Thursday, September 27, 2007

Stocking Up!

With all of the upcoming Art & Craft shows I've really been working hard on getting new pieces done. I think all of my creative juices have been put into jewelry thus leaving NOTHING witty to write for the Adorned blog. *sigh* So I guess I shall just share some of the newest pretties. That's what you're here for anyway isn't it?

This piece is without a name so far... and that is completely unlike me! So bring on the suggestions.
Beautiful Carnelian chips and frames accented by sterling silver and a fire opal Swarovski crystal. This piece is right in time for fall. Matching bracelet available.

Another "Cowgirls Dream" this time in Denim blues! Gorgeous Denim Lapis accented by blue fossil beads and sterling silver. This time the signature spur rowel is covered in Montana Blue Swarovski crystals.
You'll notice this one is a little on the "lighter" side since it is only 2 strand but believe me that doesn't effect its beauty!


This one is unnamed as well... see... I have no more creative abilities... its like kryptonite to Superman.
This pendant was such a find, beautiful turquoise and coral embedded in fun, fancy metal work. Although it is not sterling like I would have preferred it still has this ancient, antique feel to it that is just phenomenal.
My next entry will be dedicated to all the fun new earrings I've been making. Just a hint... each of the necklaces seen here have matching or complimenting earrings available too!
So until next time~
xoxo~
Michele
TPJ

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Football Time!!!

Although I don't follow college football as much as one of my dearest friends I sure do know how you can sport your team!

Not long ago i introduced ya'll to a fabulous artist on Etsy.com named Rachel of Analiese Designs. The great University Mascot pendants featured are once again from her talented hands! The best thing, she can do just about anything your little heart desires. So if you have an image in mind just drop me a line and we can get it all worked out!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk GO KU!!! Beautiful Crimson and Blue! This necklace features red and blue fossil beads and accented by sterling silver and red swarovski crystals. Corky!!! My kids adore Mr Corky ever since Emporia started doing the "Corky on Parade" around town. Again wire wrapped style (this is super durable for rowdy tailgate parties) Faceted black glass beads and ESU gold fiberoptic beads. Think there is even a little onyx thrown in for good measure. All finished off with a sterling silver toggle clasp.

And lastly the Powercat from KSU. It pains me to have so much purple around me but I guess not nearly as bad as if I made a Pit State Gorilla.... LOL.. OK so seriously.. I guess I could if the price were right. Heck I'd even make a Dallas Cowboys necklace if the price were right (of course I'd have to be disinfected afterward! I can already hear the sighs and growls now)

Not that it means anything but this particular necklace is already sold and on its way to a dear friend of mine in Kansas City.

I have so many new pieces to share... just no time to even get them photographed it seems. I promise to work on that today if the clouds stay at bay this afternoon.

Next date to catch TPJ in person:

Holiday Art Boutique
Saturday Ocotober 6
8am- 1pm
Potter-Beath Activity Center (north of Walmart)
2931 West 24th
Emporia, Kansas

Until next time
XOXO

Michele
TPJ

Friday, September 14, 2007

Wild Ride!

Wow... what a wild ride this last month has been! I'm really beginning to wonder how long I can keep this pace up, kids, work, business, more business... and all the while trying to keep my creativity going! I'm definately going to have to find some ways to keep the creativity flowing!
So, last weekend I dove head first into the world of Art & Craft shows and let me just tell you this... I could not have been more pleased with the turn out! I was so nervous, had all the typical first timers fears. "What if nobody likes my stuff, what if I don't sell anything, what if something bad happens like my canopy blows away or some wild gang of purple haired skateboarders decided to use my antique tables as a great ramp!!! ((yeah that last one was such a typical fear of every crafter LOL)) But in the end (and by end I mean 12 hours later) I was overjoyed with the success and response!
If you didn't come see me this is what it looked like. I cant wait until i can buy a nice EZ up with sides!

So in between schmoozing and selling i managed to complete a couple pieces as well:
This is "Crystal Cross", its a beautiful long strand for clear crystal chips with Onyx chips in for contrast. All anchored by a beautiful antiqued sterling flourish cross.
Next is the Pink version of my most popular design, the X's & O's bracelet!!
This fall is looking busy for me so if you're looking to get out and enjoy some great Arts & Crafts be sure to look for me at the following places:

October 6th
Fall Arts & Crafts Bazaar
Church of the Nazarene
Emporia, Kansas

October 27th
Madison Fall Fest Craft Show
Madison High School
Madison, Kansas

November- date unknown
Cattleman's Day Art Show

November
Mall Magic Arts & Crafts Show
Flinthills Mall
Emporia, Kansas



Until next time~
xoxo
Michele
TPJ












Tuesday, September 4, 2007

We've got "SPIRIT" how bout you.......

Oh lordy... channeling my inner cheerleader there... yikes! I guess years of cheering and dancing as a "kid" still makes me associate the coming of Fall with Football and team spirit. So, to keep with the changing weather (ok so technically its still hot as can be here and the only reason the leaves on the trees are turning is because they are BURNT to a crisp) and seasons I have for your viewing pleasure my new "Spirit" design.
NHHS and EHS letters immersed in a funky Mother of Pearl frame with team colors accenting! What a great way to show your team spirit. Also available as a custom order with your favorite sport charm or for the "Team Mom" I can add "Cheer Mom", "Football Mom" or other "mom" charms. Super cute way to show off your kids team!





Now for your little "Darling". The "Darling" design is perfect for any little girl in your life. Totally customizable with name, colors and charms. This specific design features a great clasp with extension so your little girl can wear this from infancy up to age 8-10. Makes a beautiful keepsake.
This set was designed for a pair of sisters. The "Lil Sis" & "Big Sis" charms are sterling silver and the name is accented by pink Swarovski crystals.
What a great way for "Big Sis" to welcome her new baby sister!

Well... I'm off to work on more pieces. Don't forget the big Great American Market is this coming Saturday in Emporia, Kansas. Blocks of beautiful downtown Emporia will be blocked off for your shopping enjoyment. There will be everything there from quality handcrafted goodies to the kitchen sink (literally). PLUS who can resist the "Nun Tacos"!! TASTY! Come enjoy a beautiful day of shopping and bargain hunting. The Prairie Jeweler will be set up in the 500 block of Commercial in front of Flint Hills EyeCare.

Until then....
XOXO
~Michele
TPJ




Friday, August 31, 2007

*Insert Happy Happy Sale Dance Here*

What a wild ride this has become! This summer I decided it was due time to take my business seriously and make it really a business and not an expensive hobby. Well, in a little less than 2 months I have been so incredibly busy. Amazing what a little shameless self promotion and confidence can do for a person!




For any of you following this blog you know that I launched my Etsy.com site in July. It has been an exciting move and I finally have my first official non connected sale!!! I have 2 other sales thru there but there were friends that apparently love me ;-).
I'm sure Big Savanna will be excited to know that "Lipstick Kisses" has been sold and will be heading via the USPS to New York state!


Stay tuned folks... I hope to come back over the weekend with a little something to do with School "Spirit" just in time for fall sports and some "Darling" little girl items.

Till then~
xoxo

Michele
TPJ

Friday, August 24, 2007

Finally Friday!

I can not believe what a long week this has been. I've been swamped with my day job and trying to get ready for my first "market" booth in 2 weeks now. I tell ya, its a good thing I work in the Mental Health field because otherwise I would have no idea just how obsessive I really am! WOW

Now since I've told you just how busy I've been you'll have to understand that I've not had time to make much lately, well maybe i should say FINISH anything. I have some started items that i think ya'll will really like but i have yet to get them completed. Don't worry, I'll work on them this weekend I promise.

So for today i thought i would showcase some of my favorite items that I have in my store.

Since my all time favorite design was featured in my last blog (Cowgirls dream necklace) I wont force you to hear me oooohhhh and aaaahhhh over it again. (I will if you want me to though) ;-)

"On a hot summer night
He wrote Billy Bob loves Charlene
In letters three foot high
And the whole town said
The fool should have used red
But it looked good to Charlene
In John Deere green"-Joe Diffie




This is "Charlene"! Gorgeous lemon and lime colors anchored by a fun silver concho. I had a hard time deciding which way to go naming this one. The colors strike me as fresh and cool like lemon lime soda but then again it also has the fun John Deere colors going on. Since it has the country girl flair of the concho I figured i better go with the John Deere direction. I have a "Thank God for Country Boys" t-shirt with the exact same colors!
Charlene needs a good home before I decide to just keep her! Shes in my Etsy.com shop, check her out!


This one is a classic. I love the soft shimmer of the cream colored pearls. Somehow this set pulls off the classic feel along with a fun, modern feel with the ribbon and over sized pearls.


"Champagne Wishes" is available with just about any color ribbon imaginable. I'm working on a custom order for a bride in Massachusetts right now who is matching the ribbon color to her amazing J Crew bridesmaids dresses. The colors are a fun brite pink sorbet color and a nice deep almost "army" green. Not quite a moss but not a sage... its just beautiful!



"Champagne Wishes" has a complimenting bracelet as well. I just love this bracelet!

So that's it for today... I'm off to enjoy the cool weather today and lounge in the pool tomorrow. Have a great weekend and until then...

XOXO

TPJ

Michele





Friday, August 17, 2007

Wishful thinking!

I think I'm jonesing for cooler weather because my latest pieces have been more suited to the Fall season. Lots of browns, turquoise and warm golden colors.



The most recent "Cowgirls Dream" in Turquoise, tiger eye and various glass and crystal beads.


This beauty has matching earrings available as well. Simple, but with this necklace you really don't need much more.




I have been looking at these Jade beads for at least 2 years now and have yet to come up with a great design to showcase them. Well finally... I figured it out!!!! This piece has yet to be named, give me your suggestions.



Its looking to be a wild Fall for TPJ this year, I've already signed up for 3 different craft/art shows and have the potential to pick up yet another. I'm excited but a bit nervous. Just hoping it all works out well and is profitable. If anyone wants to come help me work at any of them just let me know ;-) I don't pay well but I'm sure we can work out some nice jewelry benefits!



Until next time!

XOXO
Michele
TPJ

Oh and if you've ever wondered what keeps me busy... these 4 will surely answer that for you! This would be my motley crew of munchkins. Big D, Gidgett, Grace & Tator (no not their real names but what I call them out of pure love!) I'm a slacker of a mom so this is first day of school AFTER the fact! I was photographing some jewelry when my son asked "Why didn't you take a picture of us this morning mom?" UUmmmm I didn't have a good answer. I may never win the "Mom of the Year" award but I'm in the front running for "Most likely to run away to Mexico" LOL. Oh the trials and tribulations of a slacker mom!
Thank God they still love me even though I fail them at times!