Christmas Sale Number 1 - check.

A friend of mine has already started her Christmas shopping with a few purchases from my shop and a custom order. I love custom orders. I always have, sometimes I wonder "why on earth did I say I'd do this" but in the end, I love them. This time I didn't grumble at all. I've needed a reason to make something, to sit at my table and play with my wire, chain, beads, and other goodies. I needed something to get my mind off of today.

Today was slightly more stressful (okay, extremely more) than usual. I suppose that is how cancer works. Some days are good, full of laughter and smiles and some are stressful, full of tears and the constant question of "why" going through my head.

I try to stay upbeat about this and for the most part I am. But sometimes I find myself thinking about my mom, some memories from the past, some from the way past, some from just a few days ago. They make me cry and I'm sure they will for a while. I don't know how this is going to turn out - hopefully it turns out well and she has many, many more years ahead of her. She's healthy, strong, positive, and loved. I just KNOW this will pass.

I just know it.

Sorry - this post went downhill fast, but it's hard to ignore what's on your mind. Perhaps some thoughts of future spinning adventures will cheer me up. Perhaps I'll go pick out some wool for my first attempt at the wheel... once it gets here.

Bon nuit.

Alchemy

Etsy has an area they call Alchemy. It's a great place to go and post something you are wanting but can't find on Etsy. I browse it once in a while for someone wanting a bracelet that I think I can do. The problem is my bracelets abstractly represent what people are asking for. I can't make a bracelet with a zebra on it but I can do black and white stripes. I almost had given up on alchemy until the other day.

Someone was looking for a bracelet with marigolds. I gave it a shot and my idea was accepted. The person wanting the bracelet even had some beads in mind. I'm really excited about the outcome and am waiting for final approval on the beads. The bracelet will end up representing marigolds, brown eyed susans, and blue grass flowers. I've posted the pictures here of the options I came up with (one obviously without the blue). I love all three and might make a similar bracelet for my brick and mortar shop feature in July.

I love doing custom orders as it forces me out of my safety box. I get in the habit of making bracelets I would wear and custom orders push me to do colors and designs I wouldn't have done without the request. They are educational and lucrative at the same time. I like that.

I have made some other jewelry this weekend. All necklaces for the shop in July. I don't want to take any of my items I have listed on Etsy for obvious reasons. I need to get some bracelets and earrings made, but I'm well on my way to getting enough inventory to make me happy.

Stay tuned for later today when I feature and Etsy shop that continues to impress me and bring a smile to my face.