Calendar Page Bag

Soooo... here's a *free* way to add some character to any gift! Seriously, takes 10 mins and a couple of tiny pieces of tape. I'll punch a couple of holes at the top & add some ribbon. Voila! Great way to recycle those glossy calendar pages that have such stunning photography, or old scrapbooking papers, old music sheets, stamp/paint your own paper.... mmmm, love this!

Finished in the Nick of Time

I finished the wedding necklace last night! I had several errands to do, and laundry, and regular evening chores... So by the time I sat down, I only had about an hour to work on it. I ended up using brown leather cord, rather than a chain, because I couldn't find anything slinky, only chains with links. I used individual links of chain as a bail, and added spacers and stacked chain on either side along the cord. I crimped a link at each end to form small loops in the cord, and attached the clasp and extender chain, finished nicely with a single dangle. No photo, though, but maybe I can post when I return from my trip. Tonight I pack my own things, and tomorrow I'll be on my way!

Eleventh Hour

Last month I posted about a glass focal I bought from The Blue Between, to complement a dress I'll be wearing for my friend's wedding. I had grand plans to do a beautiful bead embroidery neckpiece... But then life happens, and I moved, and I still can't find half my stuff, and I can't even unpack half my clothes because I need my brother to come back and reconfigure the ONE tiny closet so I can fit more stuff in it! And... and... and...
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...and here we are, mere days before the wedding, and I hadn't even started yet. So last night I buckled down and whipped up some little dangles for this gorgeous glass focal. It is missing something at the top, and I need to get some chain to go with the other antiqued gold bits. Normally I would dig through all the vintage stuff I have, but I just don't have time on my side anymore.
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At least I have meticulously arranged for pet care while I'm away. My dad will drive over each day to take care of the 3 cats, and my mom will take the 2 dogs. I've washed all their stuff: beds, toys, collars, leashes, and blankets. I've packed food & way too many snacks. I've also written out detailed instructions and guidelines for cats and dogs. And I haven't packed a damn thing for myself yet.

Still On The Bench

Tired of seeing this yet? I changed the round amethyst into chips. I like the rougher look against the smoothness of other elements. And these chips will relate nicely to the ones I plan to add as a fringe effect. This piece is coming so slowly, because I only have a bit of time in the evenings, and I keep changing my mind.

On The Bench

Yeah, I ripped out part of the bezel. I like this much better!

On The Bench

This partly amethyst cabochon was acquired last spring, on a visit to my dear friend in San Diego. She picked this one up a couple of times, and didn't know I was watching. So finally I am working on it! I'll be leaving in 8 days to visit her again (for her wedding!) and I wonder if I will be done by then...
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You know those recyclable grocery bags? Well, they make great cab backings! They're very strong, they don't fray, and they hold a dot of glue very well. And, at $1 per bag, you can get almost a shit ton of cab backings. Later, I will cover the backing with a nice piece of leather, and bead around the edge to finish it off nicely.
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It feels so good to be creating again. I put everything on hold for the past 6 weeks. I moved into a small farmhouse. I had to pack everything away, and focus on practical matters. Blech! I still have a LOT of organizing to do, and a LOT of things to put away. Probably a lot of things to consign / donate, also, now that I have less space. But I just had to start working on a project again!

On the Horizon...

Here is a glimpse at my next project:

I bought this bead from The Blue Between. Gorgeous glass beads! Such a difficult decision! I needed something special to wear with this dress. My dear friend (a.k.a. "Dr. Buddy") is getting married in San Diego next month. It's an afternoon ceremony on the beach, so I think this will be just right.

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I received this bead yesterday, and WOW! It is so stunning! There are glimmers of the same coral/tangerine in the bead that go perfectly with my dress! I am so excited to get started on concept development. I want to do something that won't detract from this luscious glass treasure!

Treasure Bracelets

Just listed on Etsy: new Treasure Bracelets!
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What is a treasure? It is a collection of prescious things, often considered lost or forgotten until being rediscovered. A fitting title for this line of bracelets, as most of the components are reincarnated here.
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This one is called Harvest. Just lovin all the autumn tones... gold, amber, honey, cream, cinnamon and bronze, even some reddish hues... delish!
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Luscious mixture of glass, wood and resin beads, mostly reclaimed and upcycled. One of my personal favorites, this bracelet goes with EVERYthing.

Business Cards

Just ordered my business cards! Woo-hoo! can't wait till they arrive!

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The driving force behind this action was attending a friend's Stamp Party. It's supposed to be for scrapbooking, cards, and the like. Not really into all that. Mostly because I can't justify the proportionally large expense of all the material and supplies for a relatively small reward.

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So after a few glasses of wine, I was struck by lightening. I can use this stuff for business cards! I quickly found a single bold image, orange ink, and selected an embossing plate. Didn't find a name & address stamp I liked, though.

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When the fog lifted from my brain this morning, I composed a very plain business card from 123prints.com, added a fancy font for the Reckless Desire name, and submitted it.

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My overall plan is to use my simple text template, and hand stamp the orange image, then emboss over that to create a "wow that's a nice card" effect.

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Can't wait for all my goodies to arrive! So excited to see if my vision really works, or if I just made a big mess.

Just like Charlotte's Web

Look at this big spider that lives under the floodlight on my deck!

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I am constantly amazed at her skills and persistence. She is certainly thriving here.

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However, I know in the back of my mind that her days are numbered, summer is beginning to wane in New England. It's just a matter of time before we start getting frost at night.

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I'll be sad when I don't see her anymore.

Launch!

OMG I did it! I just listed my first item on Etsy! Check me out at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RecklessDesire

Now comes the hard part (for me): Self Promotion. Why list things in a shop if no one knows about it?
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I'm asking my good friend the RockStar for some of her famous advice. Her brainstorms always inspire me!