11 Things You Didn't Know About Me!

I joined this swap in one of my Facebook groups and we had to send our partner 10 different items showing something about our self that the other person may not know.  I thought it was going to be really difficult to come up with 10 things, but it wasn't, and I actually came up with 11. To put all of these goodies together to send to my partner I created a bag and loaded it with everything.

Etsy Treasuries I'm In

Yay, I've been back selling on Etsy for over a week now and have been included in two Etsy Treasuries.  The first one is The Frosty Blues of December, which showcased my Blue Millefiori Chip Bead Bangle Bracelet. The second one happened today and it is Orange Dreams., which showcased my Orange Millefiori Chip Bead Bangle Bracelet. They are both brilliant and beautiful treasuries and you definitely should go check them out.

While you're there, please stop by and check out my Etsy shop Ivonnardona's Creations.  I am offering FREE SHIPPING through the end of the year and a 10% discount on all items.  Just use coupon code XMASKISS10 to get 10% off your entire order.

Lots of Jewelry Going Back Up For Sale!

I'm exhausted, but I hope it will be well worth it.  I have been busy posting my jewelry back up for sell in my Etsy shop.  I have also created a new shop over at TheCraftStar and am posting the same items in hopes to start moving them out of my inventory and into someone's hands.

I truly love creating and today I made a couple pair of earrings and fixed a necklace.  I forgot how to wrap wire, but quickly figured out something new that I tried and it worked out rather well.

Yellow Jade Dangle Earrings

Leopard Jasper Dangle Earrings

Burning Impression Necklace

I am getting back into making and selling jewelry. My big project for this week is going through the jewelry I have made and revamping some of them.  I've posted four items so far this week and this is one of my favorites.  I used a Peyote stitch for the bottom portion of the necklace and then beaded the through the silver cones and added acrylic beads and glass seed beads.  I call this one "Burning Impression" because of the beautiful red, orange, and brown colors in the piece.  I am back selling in my Etsy shop and now have a new shop with TheCraftStar.

For the month of December I am offering a 10% discount on all orders; just use coupon code XMASKISS10.

02/25/2010 EtsyBEAD Street Team Treasury

I rarely get excited anymore about anything, however, today I received notification from a fellow etsyBEAD Street Team member that I was in a treasury.  (This treasury will expire in 22 hours) I've been taking a sabbatical from making jewelry due to total discouragement, but this may be just what I need to get motivated again.  If you don't have an Etsy shop I can honestly tell you that if you decide to open one up be prepared to work it like a full time job.

There are so much information out there on how to be successful selling on Etsy, but I just don't have the 8+ hours a day to dedicate to making something, taking pictures, posting the item on Etsy, and then promoting.  I am trying to do the "list" thing for each day and am using my "diary" like journal, which seems to be helping.

Anyhoo, make sure to stop by my shop and check it out!  Thank you for taking the time to stop here and read my blog; I really appreciate it.

What Exactly Is Being Productive Really?

Well, here it is 6:53 p.m. my time and I am wondering exactly what I was productive with today.  I managed to get one experimental artist trading card done.  (It's a secret; I'm testing Diamond Glaze!)  I did make one piece of jewelry, which you can find in my Etsy Shop.  I also made some massive changes to my Etsy Shop and re-listed some items that had expired. Two of my fellow EtsyBEAD Street Team Members did a shop critique and I made changes based on their suggestions.  Paul, of Sirroco's Trading Post made some incredibly helpful suggestions for getting noticed more with Google searches.  Duh, I've been out of the loop so long I didn't even think about applying SEO and what to say where.

Aside from all that I did start a load of laundry in the washer and put the other one in the dryer.  I also made dinner and did the dishes and I have the rest of the night, before bedtime, to do something creative.  Now, this may seem like not much to some of you, however, doing something creative is what keeps me going and sane!

I'm including a picture of the Cream Wood Beads & Mookaite Necklace I made today.

PR: wait...  I: wait...  L: wait...  LD: wait...  I: wait... wait...  Rank: wait...  Traffic: wait...  Price: wait...  C: wait...

Pearlized Pink 10.5 Inch Necklace with Heart Locket

So, I am trying to get back into making, promoting, and hopefully selling my jewelry once again.  I devoted alot of time to this over the last 3 years with not a whole lot of success.  I don't even want to go into where my mind goes every time I think that.  So, I decided since I have created my habit of blogging my artwork, I will once again try blogging about my jewelry.  I have over 100 pieces currently made, actually I could say over 140 pieces made, and this is one of two necklaces I created this week.

This is a 10.5" silver necklace with pink pearlized acrylic beads and red silver wire wrapped glass beads. The chain is Sterling Silver and is closed with a lovely Heart Clasp. This piece is finished off with a silver metal heart charm locket and is the perfect gift anytime of year for saying "I Love You"!

You can find this necklace in my Etsy Shop!

PR: wait...  I: wait...  L: wait...  LD: wait...  I: wait... wait...  Rank: wait...  Traffic: wait...  Price: wait...  C: wait...

NO New Year's Resolutions Here - Only Lists

I do NOT believe in New Year's Resolutions as resolving to change ourselves should, forever, be an ongoing process. I do believe, whole heartedly, in making lists such as bucket lists, to-do lists, where I want to be in 5 years, and what I want to do in my next life! LOL

With 2009 out of the way and now being smack dab in the beginning of 2010, I have yet to take off, add to, or create any type of list. 2009 was, in fact, the hardest for me and my husband as far as financially and all that has spilled over into this new year. Ugh!

It seems as though when we are financially strapped and in debt our lives end up being affected on a large scale. I hope to do what I can in this area and get back on board with being able to make jewelry and continue doing my art. I truly believe that art is therapy, free therapy, and I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going.

So, without further ado, I am off to jot down some ideas and maybe start a few lists or just revamp the old ones. I wish everyone a wonderful new year and may your lists be manageable and doable in this economic stressed world we currently live in.

Red & Black Team Bracelet Custom Order

So, here is my first custom order for a team bracelet, just not with the original idea. I am making this custom bracelet for someone who has 2 favorite teams; one with black and red and one with black and gold. I am finding out how hard it can be to do custom orders without knowing what material you are going to be using except for the special furnace glass beads I purchased specifically for this order. With Sterling Silver chain and wire, this bracelet will probably be the more expensive of the two bracelets. I like it, I just feel it might need something "else"!

Waste is Wonderful?

I'm reading my newest Colored Stone GemMail Newsletter and the very last article is called "INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS ARE FINDING A SECOND LIFE IN JEWELRY AS FACTORY WASTES ARE TRANSFORMED INTO ORNAMENTAL WONDERS." Wow, who would have thunk that years from long ago we'd actually be using the waste that the factories we complain about produce! We recycle and upcycle so much; is this really the message we should be sending to the next generation? Oh, don't worry about the waste our factory is producing; it will eventually be used to make something beautiful.

As soon as I read this article I thought about the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome where they use pig waste to produce energy in a post-apocalyptic society. Is there what we have to look forward to? He who has the most waste that can be used for something ornamental wins!

Anyways, this led me to do a search on the subject and this is just some of what I found:

Turning Garbage Into Art & Music

Making Art of Industrial Scars.

Industrial Waste Teapot

It seems as though maybe this is something new. I know there are artists that scour the junk yard for items to include in their artwork, however, this is different. This is using the actual industrial waste from a factory to create art. While this sounds interesting, it also leads me to the following question:

"How safe is this using of industrial waste for art and/or jewelry?"

What is Happening to Handmade?

I was just over in some of my Etsy team social networks and it was kind of like walking through an empty house. Membership has plummeted and discussions are at an all time low. Is this due to the recession we are in (you know we aren't out of the water yet) or are people just loosing interest in all things handmade?

Even though I sell jewelry, which is usually the first thing people stop buying when they have no money, I still refuse to give up. I will make, market, and keep on making, no matter what and other people who make handmade should do the same.

I have currently started delving back into my artistic skills with water coloring, drawing (showing is my "Wanna Iguana" drawing), and making dolls once again and am hoping that will help boost my web presence again. I am also going to be once again writing articles here on my blog, so keep an eye out for the new and exciting here!

A Giveaway from Beccas Bead Creations

I'm not one to promote other Etsy sellers unless I am familiar with them, however, this is an amazing opportunity to win a "FREE" Cabochon Bracelet from Becca's Bead Creations. I found this giveaway through the Making Lemonade blog and the bracelet caught my eye. I love the color and how well it goes with silver.

Becca's Bead Creations has some other beautifully designed and handmade pendants as well as gemstone necklaces.

You can find details for the giveaway at Making Lemonade as well as check out the bracelet that is being given away.

I truly believe in supporting fellow handmade designers, artists, beaders, and crafters. What a wonderful way to not only support them but to give someone something that is unique and well handcrafted.

Good luck to whoever wins, but I do hope it is me!!

Pretty Poppies

I know I haven't done this in quite a while, so I decided to throw everyone off and do a "favorite pick" of the week. The following artists/crafters have incorporated "poppies" into their items and I have chose a few for you to enjoy. Remember, support artists and crafters everywhere by taking the "homemade" pledge.



I love this Red Poppy Adjustable Ring by CuteAbility. Her wording for this is rather cute: "This bright Red Poppy makes an Eye Popping statement on a Silver Tone Nickel Free Adjustable Ring." Notice the "Nickel Free"? Nice...



This is one of the most intricately hand carved and tooled leather cuffs I have ever seen. It includes a true California Poppy pattern and is made out of premium 8/9 oz vegetable-tanned cowhide. The finish is a dark antique, waxed and sealed. The gun-metal snaps makes for a secure closer. This is a highly dazzling piece and reminds me of some remarkable artwork, absolutely a wonderful addition to any outfit. This Tooled California Poppy Floral Leather Cuff was created by R. Holmes Custom Leather.



This is a really innovative painting of a girl and her twigs! This painting reminds me of my little girl and her love of nature. This Poppy Tree Print was created by the brilliant artist at thepoppytree. Make sure to check out the other original items that are in this shop.

I only have time for one more, but there are a ton of items on Etsy containing "poppies". If you click on this link for a search of all the items that include the keyword "poppies", you will see over 400 pages filled with wonderful items.


This list of wonderful poppy items would not be complete without the "Suntouchers" fine art print by kelela4. The poppies look to be truly reaching for the sun as they are extended high and opened wide.

Beading Space Exposed

I've been reading alot about beading spaces. I decided to go ahead and expose my beading/work/craft space. I have:

3 Tall Bookshelves
1 Cabinet with Doors
1 Craft Desk
Lots of Everything Else!


Since Beading is not the only thing I do, I kind of have things scattered amongst the 3 bookshelves. Besides beading, I have scrapbooking, felt, stamping, and sewing supplies. The bookshelf above holds thread, scrapbooks, magazines, jewelry making books, and the two binders that I keep EVERYTHING jewelry related in.

My beading desk is my favorite spot. It has a drawer in the middle and two sides that I can store stuff in as the lids lift upward. I cherish my label maker and the handmade tool box I bought at a yard sale holds bead containers so I can be mobile when I need to be.


If you like to go to thrift stores, keep your eyes and mind open. I found two science test tube holders at a thrift store and now they hold some of the containers and wires that I use most often. I found the pink box in the background at Michaels at 50% off, brought it home, and painted it pink. This holds my small tools. I also have lots and lots of containers. I have come to prefer the clear stackable ones as I like to see what I have.


This is the cabinet with doors I was referring to earlier. This is just for my beading supplies. I know, I know, I have ALOT of supplies. Also, you can see my Cricket.


I use the rolling 3 drawer caddy to put my Macrame supplies in so that I can take it upstairs to the living room without having to make several trips.


This is my Mannequin that I had to throw some material on, because everyone in the family was like "that Mannequin being naked really bothers me"! These are the other two bookshelves that holds all the other craft stuff. The blue bag with name on it, is what I received from the Home Arts Club for joining and I LOVE that bag. Sometimes I'll empty it out and put whatever I am working on in the bag so I can be mobile. Right now it holds all of my felt pieces. I'm kind of obsessed with felt. The cat is real and her name is Daisy.

More pictures of the bookshelves and Mannequin. I also purchased the Jewelry Designer Manager software program and am moving all of my supplies into this program from QuickBooks because of the specific-to-what-I-am-doing reports and the ability to add pictures for the jewelry parts so I know what I have.

What Exactly Makes A Jewelry Designer?

What exactly makes one a Jewelry Designer? For definition sake; a Jewelry Designer is any person who produces a unique and one-of-a-kind (OOAK) piece that can be many different styles and techniques. History of Jewelry Designers goes all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman cultures. These jewelry designers started off as Etruscan Civilization goldsmiths in the cultural expression, which became more prevalent through these ancient cultures. Jewelry designers today are time and again professionals with varying knowledge of Gemology, Metal Smithing and Rendering. These jewelry designers cater to a sizeable number of clientele as well as private customers. There are various trademarks and brands that become the property of their respective owners.

Jewelry designers can be anyone from gemologists, craftsmen and jewelry historians who definitely share a passion for fine jewelry and gemstones. Goldsmiths brought their very own style and jewelry skills, from traditional to artistic, from antique to contemporary. Reflecting the societies and eras in which jewelry was worn; fashion jewelry often illustrated particular events that were out of the ordinary during that time. Jewelry designers today have rich traditions in design and style to draw from in order to design and create their own style of jewelry.

Jewelry designers have created more and more styles that are specifically geared toward what a specific client is looking for. Jewelry will be a leading fashion trend for possibly the next one thousand years. There is an extensive assortment of materials, prices, and styles that jewelry designers offer that will satisfy just about anyone. There are a number of extremely creative jewelry designers that have been recognized for their original styles as well as their investigation into themselves for new and unique designs. Jewelry that is highly sought after in today's market ranges from costume to vintage jewelry designed by a number of famous jewelry designers.

Designers of all genres are continuously coming up with new and one-of-a-kind styles whose magnificence and reputation have become unmatched. Defining style for these designers is about understanding the significance in combining shapes in order to create new styles of jewelry. Most designers have a great amount of pride when it comes to their designs, while at the same time trying to keep up with the ever changing fashion trends.

Items used to create jewelry come in a number of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. Native Americans are known for using seed beads in their loom work to create colorful and detailed jewelry and adornments for their tribal wear. Gemstones are widely used and a favorite for making all styles of jewelry. There are metal, glass, crystal, fabric, acrylic, and other types of beads used as well. Mediums that can be used for creating jewelry ranges from sterling silver to copper to soda cans. There is also jewelry that is made out of nearly every well-known material and can be finished to embellish almost every part of the body, from earrings, hairpins, bracelets, and necklaces to toe rings and many, many more types.

Vintage Jewelry seems to be very popular in the way of antique Jewelry. Vintage or antique jewelry can date back as far as hundreds of years and can be some of the most collectible jewelry out there. These pieces are rare, which can make them highly sought after by jewelry collectors everywhere. Costume jewelry is well thought of as the high point in jewelry design history.

As a jewelry designer there is increasingly a large amount of information via the World Wide Web that teaches all the aspects of fashion design, form, history and materials that can be used in creating jewelry as well as how to successfully market your jewelry. So study and practice, practice, and practice. Who knows maybe you'll be the next jewelry designer to be referenced 100 years from now!

Butterflies - Spring is Almost Here

I love this piece! It is called Mechanical Butterfly by wickedpen. Butterflies are so beautiful no matter how they are displayed. Although, I do prefer them live than put on a board.



This piece is called "Dark Brown and Orange Fairy-A Paper and Glass Pendant Necklace with Cord" and you can find it at geelizzie.



I would absolutely love to look up from my computer and see this wonderfully colorful butterfly graphic by WilsonGraphics on my wall.



Is it just me or does this butterfly have a passenger? This cute hair accessory is from LilaJo. It comes in red, green, peach, yellow, orange, and blue. It's called "evil butterfly".



This final piece is titled "Queen of the Butterfly Faeries" by paulasmits and happens to be one of my favorites.

Bubbly Bangles!

I have been really busy over the past few weeks with learning new techniques in beading and starting school. I did manage to finish all of the bangles that I made and posted them Craft Juice to see how they do with votes. Stop by and vote for my pieces and check out some of the other amazing items artists have created.