Things you may want to buy...

A Pretty Industry

In The Swing of Things

Jazz

Just some of my more recent things that I have listed. You can click the picture to go right to the listing. Cool, huh? I figured you guys would want to know that I'm doing more than just being pregnant. HUGS!!!

It's Friday!

Etsy finally got their servers calmed down, so I've been able to add to my shop all week. I've only been adding one thing a day, so I don't have much in there, yet! I have a few more sewn pieces that I would like to get done, but you never know. I tried to get a shot of my now pooching out belly! I'm starting to show a lot. I am over 4 months, so I guess it's time. My dad picked up the crib for me and is bringing it over this weekend so that I can start putting the baby's room together.

We moved Miss Pinky into the guest bedroom, which is MUCH larger, so now she can have all kinds of space to grow, have slumber parties, things like that. She gave up her room so she could sleep in the giant cannon ball bed. I don't blame her! OH! Proud Mommy moment!!! Miss Pinky won the reading challenge in her class! She read 1,673 pages!! Can you believe that?!? She got a new book, a new bookmark, a coupon to the movies, a certificate AND a little plaque that says "Outstanding Reader Award"! There was a LOT of screaming and jumping around in our house! The same day, I got a letter from the school saying that she passed two or more of the requirements to be considered for advanced education! WOOO! She's already reading on nearly a 3rd grade level and is doing fractions like it's nothing! I asked her if she wanted to be tested to go into the advance placement program and she was all about it! I'm SOOSOOSOSOSOSSSOOOO proud of her!!! I bet you never guessed that!

Work has been going well, but I've been working too much. Last night was rough! My dad, my husband, my friends have all fussed at me for doing so much, but if I don't get these new employees trained right, then I'm going to have to work hard to fix the mistakes. I don't need that stress in my life. They are both doing well, but it's a lot to learn, so it can be overwhelming. I think that they will do great once they really get the hang of it. They both seem to enjoy it, so that's good.

This is the crib set I found yesterday! At K-Mart!! I'd been looking for something neutral, in case we decide we don't want to know what the baby is. The colors are a little richer than they are in this photo. Lots of aqua blues and cool greens. Plus, the ark is made from soft, fine wale corduroy, the animals are made from plushy fabric! Lots of different feels for the baby. And, let's face it, it has monkey's on it. How could I resist the monkey's?? Oh, and the 4 piece set was only 50 bucks! WOW!

Well, I guess that's about it. I'm going to try to get in some house work before I scoot off to work. I have to do payroll today, so I better not be late! The staff gets a little grumpy if I'm late with the checks. Wonder why? HA! I hope you all have a fantastic day and if I don't get on here again before the weekend is done, have a good one there, too.

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky

GAH!

So, today is the day of the Grand Re-Opening of my Pinky shop! Excitement? Well, there would be if it weren't buried under frustration!! For some reason, Etsy is not wanting to stay online. It keeps timing out so I've only got two listings up and those are just new shots of older work. I also don't have time to keep fooling with it, I have to jump in the shower and get to work!

Speaking of, I did find two absolutely wonderful people and I'm hoping they will work out okay. I'm glad I had two spots open, because I don't know if I could have decided between them. Excellent references, great work history and they had the perfect personality to be working at the shop! YAY!!

Well, the shop is open, and I will be adding more stuff to it soon. Sorry for the delay, I hope Etsy is up and running smoothly this afternoon!

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky!

I'm awake, and I don't really want to be, but I've got lots of pictures to share!

I don't know what's gotten into me! I've been sleeping well lately, but my hip started hurting tonight and I just HAD to get out of the bed. Remember how I told you all about my knee problems? Well, it doesn't affect just my knees, it gets a lot of my bones and since I have been preggers with the Pod, my hip is acting up. It's quite irritating, to be honest, because it only acts up really bad on days when I have already felt bad and have been lying down. I took some Tylenol earlier today and I don't want to take anymore, so I guess I'll just have to stick it out.

I will share a sneak into some of my new jewelry! I wanted to make a lot more today, but it just didn't happen. Miss Pinky has decided (after a little mom persuasion) to move into what used to be the guest bedroom. She gets a great, big bed and a MUCH larger room. She's decided to let the Pod take her smaller room. Especially since we bought her a neon pink, satin bedspread, she's all good. But, I did a little too much moving stuff over. Jewelry preview!

There are actually three new pieces in this group. And a sideways shot of my messy work area. I really like the way the necklace turned out. It's a bold piece without being overbearing with color. I think with the natural shells it's a much more elegant design. I also connected the pieces together with an unusual technique. I'm reopening the store Monday, April 7th, so stop by and see all the new stuff!

Okay, I know that I told you a while back about a dining room suit that hubs' grandmother left him when she passed. Well, we finally got it moved into the house! I'm still cleaning on it, but it's so beautiful and ornate!! I really didn't think I would like something with this much detailing, but it's really gorgeous. Pictures!

These are the side chairs and one of the captain's chairs. The leather on the seats is worn a little thin, but for being and 80 year old set, I think it looks pretty swell! Here is the buffet:

I just think this piece is magnificent. The way the front comes out to a point is just beautiful to me. Plus, all the detail in the woodwork is downright amazing. Here are some close ups:

The buffet



Side Chair



Captain's Chair

A dear friend of mine loaned me this miracle cleaner/waxer to use on the furniture and it truly is amazing. I know with all the detail, the chairs will take me forever to polish and clean, but they are going to be so gorgeous when they are done. Here is the set together. Ignore my naked walls! i have things that are going there, I just haven't gotten that far yet. You can see the side chest (?) peeking out in the corner. I couldn't seem to get a great shot, but you get the idea. When the leaves are pulled out, it sits 8 comfortably.

I guess that's it! I had a lot more to say than I thought. huh. I hope you enjoyed all the shots and have a wonderful day!

Hugs-N-Luv
~Pinky!

It's been a week already???

Wow, time just slipped on by me. We had a great time going back home for the weekend and I think hubs enjoyed not having us around for a few days. We all needed a break. I also got some really great deals on a crib and changing table! WOO! Very excited about that. The crib I got looks like this, but the ends are open like the sides, not closed off.


I think it's going to look awesome!!!

I've been busy running around the house, getting work done at the shop and pouring over resumes for new employees. Not much fun, but I'm hoping there will be a few good ones in the group. Oh, I totally forgot! I went by Hobby Lobby and bought a gazillion new beads!!! I'm going to have a destash section in my new shop because I have some I just know I won't use anymore. I tell myself that so I won't feel bad about buying so many new beads. But! They are sooooooooooo gorgeous!!! EXCITEMENT!! I'm hoping to get to work with them some today.

Well, I have bunches to get done this morning, but I wanted to stop in and see how everyone was doing. Hope all is well in the cyber world!

New Work!

I think I've got the background and lighting that I want to make me okay with my pictures. I did these this morning. I've been scoping out how the sun comes in and seeing what seems to be the best time of day. I like to use natural light if possible. Up first, a silly painting I did called "Mad Fran". I don't know what she's so mad about, but I wouldn't ask her! I may end up doing more in this series. Cheap paintings done with acrylic, but lots of fun!

I have this crocheted cuff that I did. It's in a lovely plum colored chenille. VERY soft. I couldn't figure out what to do for a button and then I remembered I had this great snowflake. I made it so that the cuff gets smaller as it goes around, so that it ends in a point. I'm liking asymmetrical lately.

Next up is a funky pair of earrings that I did a while back, I just had to decide if I like them or not. I do. Black disks balanced on burgundy wire with an few cool dangles at the top. They hang about one and a half inches. (they are a little dusty in the picture. sorry about that!)

I had purchased beads to be in a winter beading challenge, but after I found out about the Pod, then got so sick with the Pod, I didn't get to finish the challenge. So, I dismantled the piece I was working on and made this really pretty memory wire bracelet. Full of Czech beads, frosted beads, pressed flowers and faceted glass. I think this one turned out quite beautiful.

Last, but not least, my absolute favorite. I may create one for me. This is a red leather cuff that has been machine stitched down one side and clasps in front with an awesome hook and eye closure. I sewed the hook on by hand, not easy in leather! Very modern style, but oh so silky on. Look!!

On my fuzzy arm!

So, that's what's the newest! I really luuuuuuuv that last cuff. LOVE! I've got some other crochet pieces in the works, but it's going to be 70 degrees here today, it's hard to get motivated on some of those. And, since my machine sewed so easily through that leather, I have a pieced together cuff that I want to do. Well, I've got to get up to the office and do some paperwork. I hope you all have enjoyed the new product preview!! Have a Happy Hump Day!!

Pinky.etsy.com is Closed

But only temporary. I really have been unhappy with my photos and every time I look at my shop, I'm like "Pinky, those photos suck! You have to take new ones, it's not like you're doing anything." Yeah, I smack talk myself. I'm also going to change the name so that it's just Handmade Art because I'm going to be adding some other things to the shop besides jewelry.

Well, I guess that's about it. Not much is going on here. It's actually pretty boring so if any of you guys have good book or movie suggestions, let me know. I'm getting sick of being stuck in the house all day!! Hope you have a Happy Leap Day!!!

Hugs-N-Luv
Pinky

A photo of me that is actually good...

And, I have my glasses on, which are missing in quite a few shots because of the glare. Sepia is a good color on me! Also, I did something today that I haven't done in quite a while. This!!

Hodge Podge
by: Pinky!
Click HERE to go to my shop!

Yep, I actually added a new piece to my shop online. It felt good. Hope all is well in blogger land!

~Pinky!

I have good news!!

You see, I've been worried that since I bought the framing business, I would have to close my Etsy shop. I haven't made anything new since, well, forever and you all know that it's been killing me. I found out today that I can keep my shop open, just tuck it under the wings of my framing business! Isn't that fabulous???

OH, I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I have totally quit marketing my Etsy shop, stopped making jewelry and had started giving up on even being able to keep it. NOW, I know I don't have to and I want to make some more jewelry! WOOOO!

I hope that everyone is having a super Wednesday!! HUGS and much, much love!
~Pinky!

SCHOOL!!

Today is the first day of 1st grade for Miss Pinky! She is super excited and happily went to school. She found out there are a few of the kids from her class last year, so she will already have some friends and that's cool. She wore a pretty little dress and we did what we could with her slightly unruly hair. She didn't mind. She has a new backpack, new lunch box and the smell of new crayons is in the air. What's not to be excited about?

Even though she is sooooo happy, I feel a little sad. No, not because she went back to school. I know she enjoys it and I know she likes learning new things. That's not it. I don't even remember the last month and that is what's bothering me. I love being my own boss, but I miss her so much sometimes. Even though she spends most days at work with me, I don't get to play with her like I want to. When she was staying at my dad's while we did renovations, I called her every night to say, "good night" and talk with her for a moment. And every night I sobbed the minute I hung up the phone. I missed her so much it was a physical pain. And now, she's in school again and I'm worried about what I might miss now.

I do know that I miss making jewelry. I miss it all the freaking time. I miss having that escape, that drowning creativity that was only mine. I love picture framing, but I miss creating art. I keep telling myself that things will slow down and I will be able to make stuff again soon, but sometimes I feel like that's just a mantra I keep repeating to keep myself going. Did you know that I have beads that I bought in JUNE that I haven't put up. They're still in the bag I bought them in. How sad is that.

I don't mean to be so morose, I'm just a little blah. I feel as if life is running past me and I'm not even noticing because I have my head bent over a mat cutter. Yeah, that was a little dramatic, but you see what I mean. Ah, I must go, I have to get ready to go to work. Thanks for listening.

Hugs-N-Luv ~Pinky

What a week!

I can't believe that a week has nearly flown by on me! I've been so busy that I'm not really surprised, but it still doesn't feel like it.

Things are moving along at this odd breakneck/ super slow pace. I don't get it. I've been in a flurry, but things still seem to take too long to accomplish. It's coming together and the transfer of the business is only 2 days away!! House #2 is finished, except for the kitchen, and I've got to get moving on that, too. Don't ask me how I change hats so many times in a day because I just couldn't tell you.

I've made a few pieces of jewelry, but I've been hoarding them up to put in the store. I'm waiting to find out from my accountant what I need to do about my Pinky Shop on Etsy. I may have to close it, which would suck, or I may get to tuck it into the business I have now and keep on with it. I like the latter idea better.

Miss Pinky is with the grandparents, getting spoiled rotten I'm sure. But it's every grandparent's right to spoil the crap out of grandchildren. My 'rents do it well. She's been super cool about momma going back to work. Her biggest concern was if she could bring her crayons with her. I think that can be accomplished. :)

Tomorrow is Independence Day! We are having our annual throw down at TamiD's house. I'm required to spend obscene amounts of money on fireworks. Okay, not required, but MAN, do I love setting them off! Nothing sends me on a shopping spree like 2 for 1 sales at the fireworks stand. I was sick at New Year's and the guy that runs the place actually asked where I was! It's not like me to miss an opportunity to blow things up. He's already asked about me this year, so I better get up there soon or he'll think I've forgotten about him. Southern ways are sometimes really, really cool.

I suppose that's enough rambling from me. I have a million things to do, but I think I'm going to go chill out with a saucy romance novel instead. If I don't tell you later, I hope all you State side have a Happy 4th of July!!

Hugs-N-Luv ~ Pinky!

Rose Splendor - Beads4YouSpring Challenge

Rose Splendor
by:
Pinky!

This is my entry for the Spring Challenge!
Click HERE to read all about it.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
HUGS!!!!!!!!

Beach!

I'm HOME!!! I've been slammed today, otherwise I would have posted sooner. But, I'm trying to get us completely moved, prepare for my trip to Canada and finish the last bit of work on both houses. Oh, yes, I still have to finish my piece for the Spring Bead Challenge and create one that I will be putting up for auction at the Journey of Hope Benefit. All in TEN days!! What the hell was I thinking?

Hopefully, I will be able to update some this week. It's going to be nutty, but worth it in the end.
Hugs-N-Luv!
~Pinky!

Hello

Last week was pretty busy, so I'm sorry if I didn't get to visit with, well, anyone. I do hope that all the Mom's had a good day!! Miss Pinky made me some cute stuff, my dad sent me flowers and Mr. Pink let me do whatever I wanted, all day long! Granted, I still did laundry and crap like that, but Mother's Day or not, life goes on.

Wednesday is my 31st birthday. Woo. Yeah, I am getting more and more lackluster about it. Mainly because I think it's going to be a very boring day and I'm not ready to start having boring birthdays. TamiD has planned a party, but because of my schedule conflicts, we can't have it till the end of the month. So I think it's going to be a pretty normal day.

I've got some ideas in my head about some new things that I want to make. But I feel a little at a crossroad with it. What I want to do is a lot of leather, metal, and possibly some swearing. Pinky Handmade Wearable Art is clean. The things I want to make are more edgy, more dark. Don't get me wrong, I love making the pieces that I do now, or I wouldn't make them. I just want, no need, to make something with some sass to it. However, I don't want to mess up the image that Pinky has created. But I also don't want to lock myself into a style that isn't all me. I don't know. Just something that I have been mulling over.

Alright, I guess I'm going to get up and go to Wal-Mart. Miss Pinky stayed with her dad yesterday, so she's not here. I sold 4 pieces over the weekend and I forgot that I only had one mailer left! ACK! So, off I go! hope everyone has a fabulous Monday! ~Pinky!

I'm Alive!!

I'm still working on house #2, but it's the very end! Last little bit of painting and I'm already moving stuff in. Well, I'm moving my art in, not heavy crap. Hubby hurt his back so we might have to wait a little before the heavy crap gets moved.

I've been busy with my shop and as you all know, I surpassed my Etsy birthday goal of selling 100 pieces. I've sold 103 to date and looking to sell some more. I have some new designs and some really pretty stones that I have been working with. Like this!

It's turquoise and red jasper. I'm happy with this little bugger! Click the picture if you want to go see more shots of it.

Not much else has been going on. School for Miss Pinky, work out, paint, jewelry, dinner, bath, sleep. That's about it! Sad in a way. OH! At the last weigh day, I lost 2 pounds, one of which was pure body fat, and another 9.5 inches! That means I've lost 22 inches total!!!!! I lost 2 inches off each thigh and as most of you ladies know, that kicks ass. TamiD and I are doing a Splenda 6 week challenge and even though I don't care about winning the prize, I do care about finishing the challenge.

We got our new fridge and I love it!!! It's purty. I'm going to try to start catching up with everyone and blogging more often. I miss it. I miss everyone. :( But for now, I've got to get in the shower and go to sleep! I have another day of standing on a ladder tomorrow!!

HUGS-N-Much Luv to all of you!! ~ Pinky!

I have been busy today!

See!!

More New Work!

Drama Queen
by: Pinky!
Already in my shop, just click the picture to go there!!

I hope that everyone is doing well and I will chat with you soon! We're supposed to get some really severe weather this weekend so I will try to come by, but I don't know that I'll get to be on the computer much. HUGS and tons of love!! ~Pinky!

New Work!

Summer Glow
Click the picture to go to the listing!

New work and a Sale!

Blue Jean Baby
Lapis and glass bracelet
Click the picture to go to the listing!

Well, this is my newest piece. I've had it completed for a few days, but finding the time to list it has been, well, arduous at best. So, here it is! And since tonight is Saturday, I will be participating in the weekly Saturday Night Special on Etsy. Check my shop announcement for details. SNS starts at 4:00 central time, so hop over there later tonight to see what's on sale!

THE FLOORS ARE DONE!!!

I know I haven't been around much lately but it's been so busy here. The floors are done, done, DONE!! As of yesterday morning, they were completely done with the floors. I still can't get over how fast they worked! Excellent group of guys that I trusted and were impressed with their work. Here are the pictures! The carpet is a little hard to see, but you can get the idea.

I've been really busy making jewelry and I've posted a few new items in my shop, so go check it out when you get a chance. I would love to post more, but I have got to get moving again. I'll see everyone this afternoon. Hugs-N-Luv!! ~Pinky!