It's just not always easy to stay encouraged

I just wanted to post today that I was really down this week, almost ready to give up what I love to do most, and that's to make things. In this tough economy I was really feeling guilty for buying supplies to make things and was about to throw in the towel. I expressed my feelings to my husband and a very good friend of mine, who both know how much I love what I do but also, how much I HATE to whine. Well within the 24 hours after those two conversations I have had two really good sales and some wonderful comments about my work (from people that don't even know me), and I just wanted to tell everyone who's trying to make something of their own and sell it to not give up and if you know someone who's trying to grow their business to ENCOURAGE them! It's really hard to keep going sometimes and outside encouragement is much needed! Keep up the good work all of you, and thank you to my wonderful husband and my dear friend for peeling me off the wall and reminding me that what I do is a gift from God and that it's what I'm made to do! God bless you!

GIVEAWAY!!

Ok, so I am having a giveaway!

This is the item I'll be giving away for this week's contest. It's a beautiful Crystal and Fire Agate Bracelet, accented with rhinestone spacers and a gorgeous magnetic clasp. If you'd like to participate in the giveaway, you can find the details here. Just guess the answer, get it right and win this beautiful handcrafted bracelet from Ruthie's Girl Designs. Post your answers on that page and do NOT reply to this post! I'd like to go to one place to see everyone's answers! Good Luck!. Giveaway ends September 30th! Good Luck!

This is a $40 value so don't miss out!

***Giveaway is closed! Congrats Tamra for guessing the correct answer!***

Caribbean Blues

I've been into making cluster bracelets lately. I like them big, chunky, and beautiful. I bought some really pretty turquoise-y blue agate in varying sizes and paired it with beautiful cognac and amber crystals. Here is the result.

I've also acquired this love for Magnetic clasps. I found some nice round ones at the last bead show I went to and they hold much better than the cheap ones from craft stores, and they look pretty darn good as a finishing piece.

Cluster bracelets are pretty popular and have been for decades, but every time I pick up one, the beads are made from plastic. I'm not a lover of plastic beads. At.all. I'm also not very fond of elastic bracelets, as they do tend to stretch out and lose their shape. They are also made out of a chain with beads added to the chain, but there's never enough beads on the bracelet for me and more often than not, the chain tarnishes. And the beads usually rattle around, and that sound just plain drives me nuts. One should hear music, not clanking jewelry.

I should have this listed at Ruthie's Girl Designs before days' end, if I can bring myself to quit admiring it and take it off.

I Made This Today

I wasn't quite sure where I was going with this one, but I sure like where it ended up.