I don't spend much time on my personal life...

The last few months have been challenging. The long of the short of it is that I am taking my last two prerequisite classes to begin a graduate program to be a certified special ed. and general ed. teacher in the fall. In the midst of juggling school bureaucracies and trying to balance an already-stretched budget, I have lost my job, and thus my means for paying for my education. The loans won't cover everything, and I'm already out hundreds of dollars in pre-school costs: background checks, tests, IDs, tuition deposits, etc. I feel like it is too late to turn back, and I want to move forward with my education and my career. I don't think it is too much to ask for help to pursue a career in public service, because goodness knows I'm not doing it for the money.

My Etsy shop is all I have right now to support my school career, so know that whenever you buy from me, you are helping to fund my teaching certification.

A wise professor said recently that she posted a blog entry titled "The Reasons You Should Hire Me," and she got a job. This is my entry of similar nature: Help fund public education by sending a teacher to school!

Grand Re-Opening!

It feels grand to me, anyway. After three months of limited time and resources, my shop is finally back up and running. Custom orders are once again an option! Silly technology, stalling everything.

I have had some time to think about the future of my shop and to set some goals, and I have been designing a new line of pottery pieces. I have also spent the time to stock up on pottery supplies so that I can offer custom painted pieces.

Keep an eye out for new items in my shop! Thanks for holding on with me!

Oy, computers.

All my journal templates and endpages are saved on a very expensive coatrack. Instead of crumbling over the disappointing eletronics, I made my first business ceramic order.

So... I'll be up and running again soon!

Pottery Portfolio

I have been neglecting my shop lately. I have been busy applying for grad school (to be a middle school math teacher), stage managing a show, and working hard at the pottery studio. My duties at the studio have expanded to include painting commissioned work (so exciting), so I have been working on my portfolio. These are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

BESTeam Feature: Headpin Wear

Meet Cathy of Headpin Wear from Benicia, CA. A perfectionist in hiding, Cathy breathes life into each piece with its own unique design. Each piece of her collection is something a little different, but all are beautiful.

This Sun Pendant is currently on sale, $87.55, shown below. The bone pendant is framed by sunstone, opal rondelles, and copper.

I love these Czech Glass Beads, Swarovski Crystals, and Brass Earrings, $18.00, pictured below. What interesting intricate deign, set off by the elegant beads!
If you're looking for bracelets, the Black Onyx Microfaceted Gemstones and Freshwater White Pearls Bracelet, $39.00, pictured below, is a classic, elegant choice.
For Valentine's Day, these Swarovski Red Crystal and Czech Glass Heart Earrings, $28.00, shown below, would be the perfect choice.
These Swarovski Sunflower Crystal and Patina Brass Earrings, $34.00, shown below, may be my favorite piece in the whole shop.
But even if you don't see something you're in love with now, Cathy is happy to work with you to create your own unique design, perfect for any occasion.

For more, you can follow Cathy's blog.

BESTeam Feature: Blue Forest Jewellery

Meet Blue Forest Jewellery from the UK. Alison's love of crafting comes from her grandmother, and though she dabbles in many crafts, jewelry is her passion. She creates beautiful pendants, earrings, and necklaces with semi-precious beads.

"The shop name comes from the remains of the Forest of Arden here in the middle of England where we love to walk the dog. There are a variety of trees there, many very ancient, including silver birches and firs. In the right sunlight, they reflect the lovely blues of the sky and in the spring the deep purply blue of the bluebell carpet."

Connect with a natural beauty with these handmade earrings with a tree charm, wood, and freshwater pearl beads, $22.00, pictured below.

There is a simple beauty in the handmade blue veined jasper coin bead necklace, $30.00, shown below. Feel a calmness in the beads.

Alison's designs are classic, pure beauty. Handmade earrings with tiger eye, elephant jasper, and blue aventurine tiger sky, $30.00, shown above. A handmade bracelet with semi-precious turquoise and howlite beads, $25.00, shown below.
And, of course, I'm drawn to the speckled owls and dalmation jasper earrings, $20.00, shown below.
For more, follow Alison on her blog, facebook, or twitter.

BESTeam Feature: Mystic Wynd

Is it already Thursday? Where did the week go? With all the sickness and computer sickness going around this week, I have waited far too long to introduce you to a stellar seller, Karen of Mystic Wynd. Valentine's Day is just around the corner (crazy, no?), and everyone has a special someone who deserves something sweet--yourself! Ok, maybe you have someone else in mind. Karen designs for a specific type of person--everyone. Whether you are looking for something whimsical or elegant to polish your look, you can easily find the accessories with Mystic Wynd.

I love the Keepsake Heart Locket Necklace, $27.95, pictured below. It reminds me of Victorian novels and romantic evenings.

The Chrysanthemum Ring, $10.95, shown below, is a unique addition to your ensemble.
Or for an elegant hint of pink, this Shell and Crystal Necklace, $27.95, shown below, will add a touch of class.
The Frilled Purple and Green Flower Earrings, $19.95, shown below, conjure stories of fairies and elves.
It is also clear in browsing Karen's shop that she has an eye for photography. This Eyeglass Holder Necklace, $16.95, shown below, is a fantastic piece, but the photo made me smile all on its own.
Mystic Wynd is a great example of not only a collection of beautiful pieces but also a showcase of a master shop owner.

Can't get enough? Follow Karen on her blog.