I've been Crafty!!

First up is something I made for me. I don't do a whole lot of that, so you should be impressed. Last week, Karen over at Misses Kwitty had this FABULOUS tip about using stick glue when trying to get something to stay in place that pins just wouldn't work right on. Well she was right!! I woke up early yesterday and made this for me:



Isn't it cute?? I've been just cramming my hooks into yarn balls that were not in use, but that's not always a good thing. Karen's tip worked wonders as it made it easier to tack the ribbons and set the material. Thank you so much!!

Next up is a hat and scarf set that I put together for Miss Pinks. I am SO in love with this set!! The color is really a pretty purple, but it looks blue in the photo. (also, I'm washing sheets, so not one word about the naked bed!)



The pattern for the hat was plain, but with the curly scarf, I wanted to add a little flair, so I added a ruffle to the trim.



She loved it!! Hubs even thought it turned out well and it didn't take me that long to do, so this may be a set you see again before this winter is out.

Well, this may be my last post for a little while. They are going to induce labor tomorrow morning so I'll be at home snuggling with my new son. I'll try to post photos of him and at least give an update, but you know how that labor thing goes! Please, say a prayer or wish me luck. I'll see you guys when I'm Momma X 2!!!

Much Love,
Pinky!

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

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!

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!!

LOOK WHAT I DID!!!!

OMG! I'm so excited about this!! Yesterday I bought a pattern and some material and I made this!

I made this dress for Miss Pinky, TODAY! Ir's been a while since a sewing machine and I had a relationship, but I must say, so far so good. I am SO proud of myself!! WOOO! Now I'm really excited that I bought maternity patterns. This was my test run and it turned out perfect.

I'm going to post pics on Flickr! Hope everyone has a great night!!

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!

The Destruction!

Some of these pictures are from the first deconstruction, most are from today. WOO! It's a mess in there! And, sadly, yes I did just get home. I know, it's 11:00 p.m., but there is much work to be done and we are re-opening on August 1st. Just like John Wiggins said, "I can sleep when I'm dead."

These are the two of the old counters that we took out.

This is the Mamma-Jamma Supa Awesome Wall Cutter!!

End of Phase I renovation. MUCH more room!
(See my new rug! pretty...)

Well, I guess that's all for now. I have more to show you, but Blogger is being funny and won't let me upload anymore. Oh well. We're working tomorrow so I'll have more to post by then, anyway.

HUGS-N-LUV!
~Pinky!

Hello, everybody

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting, well, at all, but I have been beyond busy. Work days starting at 8 and I'm forcing myself to go home at 6:30 every night. That's not to say my brain isn't still working in overtime. Trust me, it is. Things are coming together with the store and business has been good. It's a lot, but I'm so stinking happy it's not even funny.

On a serious note, hubby just took Shadow to the emergency vet. We think he may have gotten into some poison and we're really worried about him. He hasn't eaten in 24 hours and he's not left the garage in that time either. Please keep him in your thoughts. Even though it didn't work with him living inside with us, he's very much a part of our family and he just doesn't feel well. Snuggly little bugger that he is. :(

Other than that, all is well here. I got my hair cut today and I think I'm going to go get it a little shorter in the back. It frames my face nicely and is quite sassy. I haven't had time to make any jewelry, but that should change soon. We're planning on moving completely to house #2 next week! That will be awesome! Stressy, yes, but awesome nonetheless. I've got to get in the bed, I have payroll to do tomorrow and I'm sure everyone involved wants me to be well rested for that! HA! Hugs and much love to you all. Pictures soon! PROMISE!

~Pinky!

HUGE NEWS!!!

So huge, that more than10 times yesterday, I wanted to puke from nerves or excitement or both. As most of you know, I used to work in a picture framing shop. I think I put it in a MeMe once, but I don't remember. Anyhoo, I worked there for 6 years and ended up managing the store. I left there to take a job at an attorney's office in the hopes that I could further myself financially for Miss Pinky and I. Leaving was a huge mistake and cost me personally in the process.

Picture framing is one of the only jobs that I have ever truly missed. I mean all of it. The day to day trudge, the paperwork, the taxes, payroll, ordering, organizing, marketing, the mats, the process, the pictures! Oh! the things that I have framed and seen. I have held history in my hands on so many occasions that I feel blessed. Purple Hearts from WWII, drawings from the 19th century, and once, an original Ansel Adams. My creative brain thrived there and I adopted the motto that, "We can frame anything." And you better believe I did. I never turned away a project that seemed too hard or when others said it was impossible to frame. BAH! Impossible, schmimpossible.

On July 5th, I will close as the new owner of Neblett's Frame Outlet. It's mine, all mine. I'm going to strip it down and turn it into one bitchin' gallery. Custom frames, shadowboxes, desk frames, portrait frames, prints, photography and Pinky Jewelry all under one roof. Oh yeah, I've already picked out my display for my jewelry. I'm going to get to do all the things with this business that I wanted to do 5 years ago, but didn't have a way. All my visions on how the store could be improved can now start to become a reality... and it's going to be wonderful.

That's what I've been up to. How 'bout everyone else? :)

~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!!!!!!!!

My newest painting

I've already posted this in my shop, but I wanted to share it here as well. Tell me what you think!

I've also got a Showcase spot today. You can go HERE to check it out! I've got another busy day ahead of me and I hope everyone has a good one!

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!