What to wear to that Holiday Party?

We all have that one Holiday Party to go to but never know what to wear.  I say this year we all dress it up and go formal!  Whether we are going to a private club, someone's house, or just a private intimate dinner making it a little formal can really up your mood and make you feel good!  So GO FOR IT!

Look for a "Little Black Dress"?  This one is gorgous! 

Jasmine--Custom-Made dress  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32883056 by Myblackdress on Etsy.

Have the dress but need the accessories?  How about these...

Candelabra Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35123530 by Peachesforme on Etsy.

To Erte is Human Reclaimed Vintage Deco Rhinestone Bobby Pins  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35147749  by pinsnsins on Etsy.

"Black Tie" Snowflake Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34171332 by 1989michelle on Etsy.

and don't forget the shoes and handbag...

Vintage 1960s Snakeskin Handbag and Shoe matching Set http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34420085&ref=sr_list_4&&ga_search_query=black+handbag+and+shoes&ga_search_type=vintage by Craftycatie on Etsy.

Find my NEW Holiday Jewelry on Etsy!

You can find my new Holiday Jewelry on Etsy.  http://www.1989michelle.etsy.com/ This necklace is called, "Secret Santa"  Wouldn't this be the perfect Secret Santa gift?  Or just a fun keepsake to wear during the Holiday Season.  The Brass findings give it a vintage look.  Necklace measures 18.5 inches.  For more information go to my Etsy Store.

Well... I gave it a year!

I started my own personal web site a year ago.  I did well considering the economy I think.  But after a lot of thought, I've have decided to close it down as of Dec. 31.  It is just not cost effective right now.  I am going to continue with my Etsy store, http://www.1989michelle.etsy.com/.  So, you can still find me on there.  I hope you will follow me.  Also, check me out on Facebook.  I would love for you to join me there!

Everything at http://www.howcharmingbymichelle/ has been marked down, and with FREE SHIPPING, that's a steal!  Great for the holiay shopping.

On the up side, now I need to get all new business cards, packaging, etc.  That will be fun!  

Photography by a 12 Year old

I am so proud of my son.  Weston will be 13 in a couple of weeks and is really turning into a Gentlemen!  He has always been interested in color, cameras, and photography.  At a very young age, he would drag me into galleries from off the street to look at people photography and art.  We live close to Park City, UT so there are a lot of galleries along the shopping districts.

He is currently working on a project for the Holidays that is a awesome idea.  So I wanted to share it with you.  He's taken some great "Winter" themed photos after our last snow fall and created great note cards.  He came up with the idea to sell them and use the proceeds to buy presents for children in need for the Holidays. He's already sold 9 sets of cards.  He's really working hard at and wants to do well.  Actually, they are really cool cards!!  I thought I'd help him out and try and do a little promoting for him.

The sets are $8 each and he's really done a good job at packaging them so they would make great hostess gifts for parties.  If anyone is interested please email me mfloerk1@msn.com

 

Time Flies!

Oh my gooness, where has the time gone?  It's already November.  I have been very busy with my Boys Football schedules.   Being a Football Mom is time consuming.  With all the Taxi-ing around, cooking, laudry, photography, game watching...It may as well me a full time job!  But, needless to say, I am having a great time.  I spent some time creating Team Necklaces for some Mom's with their son's numbers on them, and some School Logo Earrings. 

My oldest son's season is now over.  They did not do very well in the play offs, but I think he had a fun and good season.  We have ordered his letter jacket, which he is excited about.  We had it custom made.  It should be here in 6 weeks.  Just in Time for Christmas.   I cried while we were ordering it.  I know he was embarassed but I couldn't help it.  He just looks so old!  He just got his first job.  He will be working at Aeropostle for the Holiday Season.  He's such a handsome kid, I am sure he will sell lots!

Weston's Team is still going strong!  These 12 year old's are tough kids.  They made it to the play offs for the Championships.  So,  practice has gotten intense.  Weston is struggling with some back issues but I think he will make it through the season.  He is a busy little man.  Working hard at his Middle School as a Student Body Officer and Taking Photo's in his spare time.  I will have to post some of his work.  He really has an "eye" for photography!

We had the kids pictures taken with their Jersey on together.  They turned out really nice.  I've been saying that I was going to do it every year.  I decided that this better by the year.  Next year Brandon will be a Senior and I am sure it will be hard to get them together to get it done.  I am so glad we did it!!

 
I also traveled back to Wisconsin for a few days and did a Fall Festival and Craft Fair.  I shared a booth with my Sister'n law.  Together we did really well.  I was pleased. Well worth the trip.  My trip was paid for and I got to visit with my neice and nephews.  She makes Hairbows and Accessories for little babies and girls.  If you have time, you should check out her website.  It's http://www.ittybittyclippy.com/.  I came home with some great Flower Clips for me.  They look great attached to my winter knit visor beanie.  I've had loads of compliments on them.  I even got one in the boys school colors to wear to the games.  SO CUTE!

So...now that things are slowing down a little, I am starting to get back into my blogging, revamping and adding new items to my websites (http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/ and http://www.1989michelle.etsy.com/)
and creating new ideas and designs.  Currently, I am working with some naural brass materials making earrings.  If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog page you can see some of my designs that are available in my Etsy Shop.  Just click on the photo for more information on that item.

 

Thanks for stopping by!!  :)

June is coming to an end!

This week I having been working on retaking photos of my work. I am trying to capture more color and depth. I hope it works. I've done a lot of retouching and rearranging of the etsy site as well. If you get the time please check it out and let me know what you think.

www.1989michelle.etsy.com

With June coming to and end and July fastly approaching, I am finding my self getting closer and closer to One More Year Older! As my birthday is this Friday, July 3rd. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. When I was a little girl I always thought that the Fireworks and Parade were in celebration of ME! HAHA!!!!! I wish you all a fabulus holiday and please be safe. Don't forget to keep your pets inside away from the heat and fireworks.

Here are some of my retakes....

It's been awhile since I've added to my blog. Summer is well in progress. Lots of things going on for me.

Including these new cuties. They are the bomb! Historic Route 66 Button Earrings. The buttons are made of metal. They are set firmly into place with a pin and 2 round 7mm glass dark grey pearl beads. They are available on both my websites:

www.howcharmingbymichelle.com and www.1989michelle.etsy.com

I've added several new items to my sites. You should check it out.

At my How Charming web site I am also have a Sterling Silver Earring Sale now thru July 4th. They are all $2.00 off. And all clearance jewelry has been marked down to $5.00 each. With FREE SHIPPING! that's a steal. (http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/)

I'm awaiting arrival of my new business cards adding my URL, and I have ordered postcards to send out locally advertising my site. I hope it helps get the word out! I'll post photo when they arrive. Stay cool and enjoy!!!

Lampwork Bead Bracelet - Lampwork Beads by Kelley's Beads Studio

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com

Beaded bangle bracelet with handcrafted lampwork bead by Kelley's Beads Studio.

I love working with lampwork beads. They amaze me. The colors are always so wonderful, and crisp.

This bracelet looks like a bangle on but is a beaded creation. Adjustable from 7 inches to 8 1/2 with lobster claw clasp and chain. I added the silver bead connector for a little unique flare.

You can find Kelley's blog link here on my blog. Her work is amazing! This bracelet is available at www.howcharmingbymichelle.com

This week I decided to have a little fun with my wbsite. I had a treasure hunt for people who are members of my facebook group page, "How Charming by Michelle Jewelry Design". I gave away 3 of these necklaces. Crystal Nugget Pendant with 18" silver round cable chain. It was fun and I think I will do it again. It was just to say Thank you to all my supporting Face Book Groupies. If I had more followers I'd have a give away on my blog too. Maybe in the future, I'll have more followers to do that. Follow me please, and invite friends!!

Ok this is for fun! It was such a "Whoot!" to make.

I found this 1 1/4 inch silver plated Owl pendant on sale at the bead store and HAD to have it! His eyes are rhinestones. And it just seamed to me that he kept looking at me at the store. So, I brought him home.

This half beaded Necklace measures 18 inches long. The beads are 9mm turquoise dyed howlite stones and are attached with gorgeous fillagree bead connectors. The Chain is also silverplated and has a lobster clasp for security.

He's available on my website at http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/ come take a look!!

Cuff Links

These little buggers.....
They turned out wonderful and I love them, but they brought me great stress! They were a special order from an old co-worker who at one time was my manager. He wanted something "one of a kind" and flashy. I spent a lot of time researching cuff links and have not seen anything like my finished product. I hope he likes them. It's a 8 x 13 mm bezel. I glued the photo in the bezel and over the top I glazed over with an epoxy coating that dried beautifully, leaving a glass like finish. I then soldered it on to the cuff link post. Soldering it was a little challenging. With such a small piece it was hard to center it without it moving around. But after taking a deep breath and drinking a bottle of Bud Light Lime......finished!!!!

The photo was compliments of Black Diamond Images Photography, Lloyd Robbins Jr of Fort Atkinson, WI ....thank you Lloyd.

Autism Awareness Earrings

Help me help a good friend!!

We are all affected by autism. We have a family member or friend who is somehow affected...

Knowing the numbers:

- 1 in 150 children will be born with autism.

- Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with Autism.

- Autism is the 2nd most common developmental disability.

- Autism was first identified in 1943. - The current annual cost of autism is $90 billion.

- Caring for a child with autism for one year is over $40,000.

- Everyday 67 more children are diagnosed with autism.

In the month of May and June, I will be selling Autism Awareness Earrings. For each pair I sell, $10.00 will go to the A.N.G.E.L Autism Network, a Wisconsin based organization helping families with Autism. I hope you will visit my website and purchase a pair. On June 20th, there will be a fundraiser at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson, WI called, "Step Up To The Plate Against Autism" were I hope to be able to give the money I have raised in the name of a good friend who has 4 year old twins both with Autism. You can go to http://www.angelautismnetwork.org/ to learn more about the organization and Autism.

To purchase a pair for a good cause go to http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/. They are only $13.00 (shipping and handling included)

Lampwork Bead Earrings - Lampwork Beads by Kelley's Beads Studio

My new creation!! I purchased these beautiful lampwork beads at a shop on Etsy.

www.kelleysbeads.etsy.com

They are called Midnight Cowboy. So, these are my Midnight Cowboy Earrings. Made with sterling silver ear wires and findings. The colors in these beads are so wonderful.


Check out Kelly's blog at www.kelleysbeads.blogspot.com to learn more about her unique form of art. Spinning Lampwork beads.


I've also been working on other designs lately and have added them to my websites. Please, please, please check out my websites and tell all your friends.


http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/
http://www.1989michelle.etsy.com/

Sterling Silver Earrings

Hi Everyone!! Welcome.

I took a survey on my Facebook fan page..."How Charming by Michelle Jewelry Design". I asked if people were interested in 2 pairs of similiar earrings, 1 silver plated for $10 and 1 sterling silver for $18.00 which would you choose. Hands down 100% chose the Sterling Silver pair to purchase. So, I have decided to start using Sterling again. I stopped using about 2 years ago when the price of silver peak beyond affordability. Now, with the price of silver down, I think this is the best choice to make. I hope you wiill all agree and check out my web sites to see more of my new line of earrings. I'm keeping the other earrings on the site as well. There's a lot of cute ones out there.

I have also recently joined twitter. Follow me! My ID is jewelrynut. And, I have entered the Etsy world. Thanks for stopping by....

Michelle

www.howcharmingbymichelle.com

www.1989michelle.etsy.com

New Items Posted on my Website

I've posted several new items on the website today. FREE SHIPPING!! Here is just a few photos so you get a small taste.

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/

Sterling Silver and Swarovski Pearl "Awareness" Bracelet and Earring Set

Autism Awareness Earrings

I have been working on some Autism Awareness Earrings for an upcoming benefit this June.

Aren't they cute?????

Silver Plated Puzzle charms with 3mm swarovski crystal bicone beads in primary colors of yellow, blue, and red. Backs are stainless steel fish hooks for sensitive ears.

The puzzple piece is the Autism Awareness symbol. I added the primary colors to represent education.

Once I get more information on the benefit I will being posting information on how to purchase these.

Thanks for stopping by........ please come back.

Michelle

Glass Soldered Intial Necklace

Todays post is very fun!! 2 pieces of rectangular faceted glass sandwiched together a stamped intial on one side and a fleur de lis stamp on the other. To frame the peice, I soldered around the edges. The glass measures 1.5" x 1" and is beveled to give it depth and thickness. The chain is a simple dog tag chain. I only use lead free soldered for safety.

http://howcharmingbymichelle.com/

How Charming by Michelle

Jewelry Design

Hello! Today I am posting to my blog some new Lampwork Bead Linked Bracelets.

They measure a total length of 8.5" and are adjustable down to 7". There is a dragonfly at the end of the adjustable chain. It has a lobster clasp for security. The gold beads are chunky and fun. Made of gold plated pewter they will not tarnish and are lead free.

Check out the video in this blog for other colors and styles.

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/

Welcome back to my blog - How Charming by Michelle.

This pair of Earrings are another one of my altered art jewelry creations. Using bright colored fabric and an button cover kit, I have made a great pair of spring earrings. They measure 3/4" . I removed the metal button hole and glued on surgical steel post with industrial strength glue.

In my video below, you will see that I have done the same with a slightly larger button (1") and added hair clips instead of the earring back. Great for your Easter Dresses!!!

Thanks again for looking. I hope you come back soon.

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/

Altered Art Vintage Button Charm Bracelet. Titled: "Vintage Time"

Are you asking, "What is altered art?" Altered art is considered a form of multimedia art. The artist takes materials from other areas and mixes them into their piece. Such as, old photos, postcards, buttons, hair pins, and other old trinkets. These pieces are brought together with your new materials to create, altered art. These pieces are also sometimes considered, "steam trunk" in style. Referring to the vintage look the older pieces add to the jewelry. You can make cards, scrapbook pages, boxes, anything into an altered art piece.

In this piece, I have taken vintage style buttons and added them to handcrafted glass and metal charms. The clock buttons are faux and not real clocks. The charms are added to a handcrafted gold tone adjustable chain bracelet.

I hope this inspires you to dabble in some altered art of your own!!

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/

Welcome to How Charming by Michelle. I am a jewelry designer from the Salt Lake City, UT area. Looking for a way to expand and show off some of my peices.

I love to use vintage findings in my jewelry. Old charms, lockets, and other items. My designs are what I consider "Altered Art" in style. Some of my peices have a very "Steamtrunk" feel to them. In the bracelet in this photo, I combined new and old peices together. It is in my collection titled, "Steamtrunk Finds". There are a total of 6 vintage lockets, 2 with cameos. The Fleur de Lis charms are new, as are the rest of the findings. The letter charms are scrapebook findings made into charms.

Please return often as I will be posting new designs weekly.

I invite you to also check out my online store:

http://www.howcharmingbymichelle.com/

I hope you enjoy my creations. I hope that you will share my blog with others that may be interested.