Handmade Top 10

Handmade Top 10 is a fabulous, and fun place for Etsy shoppers, and sellers alike!  You get to vote on which item in your favorite, and in return, you get to see some really awesome eyecandy!  

The current open category for voting is Red Items, so I thought I would put pair of earrings and a bracelet from my Etsy shop in the mix to see what happens.  Voting ends in 10 days...I'll let you know!  Oh yea, at the time of this post, my earrings are the current leader!  How awesome is that!

In the meantime, go check out Handmade Top 10, cast your votes and have some fun!

~~Peace

Michele

Pixe's Treasure Chest

The Ties that Bind

Over two years ago,  I decided to start selling my jewelry at a local farmer's market.  And, I do sell some jewelry, mostly custom orders, which I think is pretty cool!  However, I got a bit more than I bargained for...some new friends.  Not just fellow vendors, but customers, and some "regulars" at the market.  They stop by my stand every week to say hello and chat a bit.  They've let me in their lives.  They share happy news, and sometimes sad news.  Lately I've been giving lots of hugs, and lending a shoulder to cry on...

One of my customers recently stopped by and asked me to fix a watch band for her...explained what she wanted, then proceeded to cry, and tell me her adult son passed away last week unexpectedly.  The watch is special to her for he had given it to her.   I let her cry, gave her hugs, and reminded her to take care of herself.  Next week, I hope she's feeling a bit better, though I realize it takes a long time to accept the loss.

Now I have a favor to ask, it's simple.  Please keep my friend in your prayers, send postive healing thoughts.
She can really use them now, and we all know how powerful prayer and positive thoughts can be.

Hugs are free,  share them abundantly!

Looking for new studs?

Should you be looking for new studs, not the dude type (though I can use one them myself!), but the type you put in your ears, look no further!  Since I've started making stud earrings, they have been super popular!  And, the selection over at Pixe's is growing every day!

I know many of you prefer earrings aren't dangly,  or can only wear small studs to work...I can help you out!  Why sacrifice style and the pleasure of wearing handmade jewelry when you don't have to?!  Here are a few of my new studs!

Oh yea, and there are only 2 more days left of my Memorial Day Sale!  So head on over to Pixe's and snag 25% off your purchase by using coupon code MEMDAY at checkout!  Here's the new bling!

Wishing you a fabulous and peace filled day!
~Pixe

In Love with the Desert Southwest

Turquoise Heishi Unisex Necklace

For as long as I can remember,  I've been in love with the desert Southwestern part of the United States.  Growing up in Pennsylvania, it was a stark contrast.  I loved the Native American history, too.   Each month I would excitedly await the delivery of the Arizona Highways magazine my uncle, who lives in Arizona, would send my parents.  I was in absolute awe of the photography,  just the whole magazine itself. I read that magazine cover to cover for as long as I can remember!   I sincerely believed this, in part, has shaped who I am today. My thoughts, my dreams, my inspirations.... I dabble in photography,  nature photography being my favorite, and have always loved the natural world around me and  native american jewelry!  I can remember receiving my first  piece of jewelry containing turquoise, given to me by my father when I was about 10.  It's a turquoise, coral, mother of pearl inlay ring;  the motif a Thunderbird...I still own that ring, and it's one of my most treasured pieces.

Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry to design are inspired by the Southwest.  I can almost feel the dry heat on my skin, and inhale the clean air when I'm working on a piece.  I'm always reminded of some of the great times I had when I actually got to visit, and eventually live in Arizona for a while.  (That was many moons ago, and I've been back in PA a long time now).

These are just a few favorites in my Southwest Inspired Treasure Collection.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I love creating them!

Blue Opal, Pearl, Rainbow Calsilica Earrings

Turquoise Button Earrings

I almost forgot to mention, if you really love any of these pieces they are on sale in my Etsy shop!  Use coupon code MEMDAY at checkout, and enjoy 25% off your purchase!  The Memorial Day Sale is in effect until May 31, 2011.

I wish you all happy, and safe holiday weekend!  And don't forget to take a moment to remember why we really celebrate this day!

~Peace~
Pixe

Memorial Day...A Day of Remembrance

Memorial Day in the United States...What is it?   Do you know why this day is special?   Many think it's a great time to snag some great sales, or the start of the summer season.   For others, it's a more somber time.  .

Memorial day is  to remember those who have given their lives while serving our nation. After the Civil War ended, flags were placed at the graves of those who have fallen.  Since the birth of our nation, many have given their lives in the name of Freedom, and it is this day they deserve special remembrance, and our gratitude.   I thank them for making our country what it is today, and for making the world a better place.

A few links if you'd like more info:
Video:  History of Memorial Day from the History Channel
A Memorial Day History
Memorial Day History:  Veteran's Administration

Lovin these Pixie Perches!

I sometimes find it amazing how inspiration and ideas form in my mind...And even more amazed when I'm pleased, no, REALLY happy with the end result!  

One day I browsing through my activity feed on Etsy,  stumbled upon a mushroom, and was inspired to create a treasury around that....

The Toad's Umbrella

Then, later in the week, as I was organizing my beads,  I had one of those lightbulb moments!   I found these gorgeous faceted natural amethyst teardrop beads that sized up perfectly with these gorgeous little czech glass flowers I had!  As you can see, this is the end result...I think these are so sweet!  You can find these in my Etsy shop, Pixe's Treasure Chest!  More colors will be on their way soon!

Sterling Silver Pixie Perches

Gold Filled Pixie Perches

Which do you prefer?  Gold Filled?  Sterling Silver?

Wishing you a wonderful, and peace filled day!

Michele

The Stone of Rainbows: Tourmaline

 I've had a love affair with rocks and minerals ever since I've been a child! Tourmaline has always been one of my favorite stones...I love all the colors, and I especially love the shape of a naturally occurring crystal. Tourmaline is said to be the stone of the rainbow. It was believed by ancient Egyptians that a rainbow passed deep through the earth when the tourmaline was forming...

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                                         Orange tourmaline is thought to foster and enhance creativity

                                               Pink tourmaline is thought to promote joy and love.

     Violet tourmaline is thought to provide protection against dark forces.

Green Tourmaline is thought to promote compassion towards yourself.
I design my signature stud earrings by wrapping 6mm round tourmaline beads in sterling silver, and ending with a tiny swirl!   These stones are African Tourmaline.

My tourmaline earrings are perfect for everyday wear, or for adding a bit of color when you're wearing that little black dress!
These are my newest addition to Pixe's Treasure Chest!


Wishing you a fabulous, and peace filled day!
Pixe

Are there Dragonflies in your Garden?

There are in mine!  At least in the latest 2 additions to my Treasures from the Garden Collection!  Playful little dragonflies hover over colorful, petite spring blooms!  These lovely earrings are guaranteed to bring sunshine to your day, and help you look and feel fabulous!

Flower and Dragonfly Earrings

Dragonflies in the Garden Earrings

Too Much of a Great Thing! Is it even possible?

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing?  Perhaps.  In this case, I believe it is!  What, pray tell, is this dilemma of which I speak?  Well, a couple of weeks ago I opted to take jewelry I had on consignment out of the shop it was in.  The owner is having health  problems, so the shop was never open.  So now I have too many earrings...

I've also been on a bit of an earring making frenzy...(I had to do something  while I was snowed/iced in)!

And Plan on adding more earrings to my Etsy shop, but feel the need to spring clean first...

My post earrings have been VERY popular since I introduced them!

So, My solution is to have a BOGO Earring Sale!

When you purchase the first pair of earrings, the second pair, of equal or lesser value, is 50% off!  I will refund the difference via PayPal, usually within the hour of receiving your order!  I can't think of a better deal than that!  This is good through the month of February!  You'll have to visit my shop to see what else is going on!

Grab your favorite beverage, and stop by Pixe's Treasure Chest, and peruse all my earrings...There is truly something for everyone.  Oh, and don't forget to check out what has been sold...Many items I am able to create again!  Just send me a convo!

Wishing you all a fabulous and peace filled day!

Pixe :)

Treasury for a Cause: Haitian Etsy Artist Recovery Fund

We all love a good cause.  The AWEteam of Etsy has sponsored a Treasury, with 50% of the proceeds of each sale going to a fellow Etsy Artist rebuilding after the Haiti Earthquake.  Please take a peek, and help if you can!  The Treasury will be updated as sales/donations are made.

'Treasury for a Cause: Haitian Etsy Artist Earthquake Recovery Fund' by OneHeartJewelry

Treasury sponsored by the ART WALK ON ETSY TEAM for the purpose of raising funds for our fellow Etsy shop - HAITIAN METAL at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HaitianMetal 50% of the purchase price from each item sold will be donated.They are still in the recovery process after last years devastating earthquake. Read more here: http://www.haitimetalart.com/Haiti_Earthquake_News.html

Autumn Colour - Pri... susanmossphoto... $15.00	Note Cards Set of 6... ruthsartwork $18.00	Sterling Silver Ros... OneHeartJewelr... $22.00
Tote or Book Bag in... sarahsquiltsnc... $6.00	ACEO Miniature Orig... jcstrong $12.00	Purple Glass Heart ... OneHeartArt $9.00
Crocheted Rag Rug ponderosaquilt... $28.00	Zafu Meditation Cus... eclecticarmadi... $25.00	Four Soaps for 16 B... SoapyBlessings $16.00
Vintage Boy and Gir... VintageCafe2 $25.00	Amethyst Stud Earri... pixestreasurec... $13.00	Crocheted heart pic... SturmDM $12.00
Handmade bookmark, ... storybeader $12.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Wishing you all a fabulous, and peace filled day!
Michele

Waves

Waves...the continuum of emotions guiding our lives...waxing, waning...Waves of passionate fires...of love...of anger...

'red wave' by jurooma

Beautiful Modern Ar... RenaeSchoeffel... $199.00	BICE Gradient Bib S... giia $75.00	Carnelian Sterling ... pixestreasurec... $19.00
Wave 8x10 honeylikehoney $10.00	Abstract Orange Fir... haydenbrook $20.00	Melted Chocolate De... WinHegerPhotog... $40.00
Mountain Wave Penda... LetThereBeGlas... $45.00	Heavy Hammered CFop... MyLittleBlackd... $49.00	Make Your Best Offe... abstractmodern... $1000.00
Red Waves ArtfulAr $48.00	Necklace With Red A... madiedesignstu... $18.00	SALE SALE embellish... laurl $2.52
My Sweet Valentine ... loopinloop $174.00	Shibori Hand-Dyed Y... lalodesign $38.00	MADART Limited Edit... MADART $49.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

Treasury compliments of jurooma.

Wishing you all a peace filled day...
Michele