FINGERS CROSSED

Comments...This has been so crazy for me to figure out--why no one could comment on my Blog. Sometimes you get so overwhelmed and can't get anything figured out, mostly because you haven't the time to do so. That was me, so, this evening, the first thing I did was go into HELP, and I think I got it figured out. Leave your comment and I'll know. Thanks, friends. Have a restful evening.


Fingers crossed, Therese

Help with a Capital "H"

HELP! Any help would be appreciated. People can't comment on my blog. People hit links and end up at their home base. What's a person to do?

At least I finally completed my two bracelets and necklaces this evening. Just had to put clasps on them. Need photos. Well, gotta' run, gotta' sleep. Dreams are calling out to me!

Therese

Crystal Blue Persuasion!

Well, hello, crystals! The fun is just beginning.. Today I ordered mega amounts of Swarovski crystals. (Well, a few, anyway.) Gorgeous!!!

As Tommy James and the Shondells call it, "Crystal Blue Persuasion". Hey: some of those crystals are blue! Now, normally I don't get into crystal necklaces and bracelets a whole lot; however, seeing them this time, I couldn't help myself! Persuasion? Who me? Ha!

I love scattering crystals here and there in my necklaces, bracelets and earrings just to catch the light. Crystals and my vintage Czech glass iridescent buttons reflect color off each other. Those buttons are the "cat's meow" anyway. Well, off to my workshop...later!

Crystal Blue Lady

Tuesday's Good

Well, another day has come and gone. Last night didn't bring much sleep--bad pulled muscle. Today's good. Got some relief with an adjustment, roller table and ice. I picked up some propane for my torch so that I can start making ear wires and will probably list two scarves yet this evening. So, on with it. Until tomorrow...

Tuesday's Good, and I'm Tired, 
Therese

Etsy Listings for Monday

My Dream Garden on Etsy (Click on Link)

Hi!  To my lovely followers/friends. Finally got some jewelry finished and listed. Also took new photos of my Blue Eyes Bracelet. Triple-strand necklace shown below on April 20th post. For more photos, follow my link.

Happy Therese

Comments:TIGER, TIGER (April 20th Post below)

Here you go my friend!!!  Sorry it took me a while to get back to you!!

Tried to leave the comment again but still getting the “not a team member’ message…

elsie

Namaste: http://www.elsiee.etsy.com

Click the banner to see my latest jewelry designs!

“Gorgeous necklace!! when I was a little girl going to Sambo's restaurant was a HUGE treat and one year they had little Sambo and Tiger stuffed dolls, I kept them for almost EVER!”

II wasn’t able to because I’m not a team member!

Love the necklace!

elsie

Important to Me Note Re. My Blog Comments

Just checking my blog. I'm still wondering if anyone has been able to post on my blog. I don't know what was wrong, but two people already informed me that they couldn't get their comments to post. If anyone knows how, let me know. Or, as I requested earlier, try to comment and let me know the result! Thanks. 

"Sundae" Blogger 

Sunday or Sundae?

Sure could go for a nice sundae! Mmmmm! Once you give in to the craving, forget it! Ice cream is my weakness. Last week I had a wonderful White Chocolate Cherry Mocha Latte' (or whatever) at Starbucks--sugar, of course. OH MY GOODNESS--everything about it is goodness! It was awesome! However, yesterday, my daughter and I went and I had a sugar-free latte', and it just wasn't the same. Low-carb diet!!!

Actually I'm working on a little necklace. Gotta' run. Happy unSUNDAE!

With dreams of ice cream sundaes, signed
Your Sweetness

Saturday Etsy Listings

Last night was spent playing cards with my husband, mom and step-dad. I was so tired when I got home that I forgot to post to my blog. Well, I'll catch up today with a short and sweet note.

I've listed about four new pieces of jewelry but haven't photographed them yet. They're currently in my "inactive" listings. This week I'll be listing, for your viewing pleasure!" all the new jewelry and the two new scarves--in my Etsy shop. Check on Tuesday the 27th for my new items.

Hopefully I have revised my settings so that you can post comments on my blog. Let me know if you have problems. Thanks for being a faithful follower. 

The internet provides so much opportunity for making friends. My home life is great; nevertheless, I enjoy having this time as an escape from the tedious task of doing my listings!


Thanks, friends!  In a hurry...
Therese

Sounding Off--VOTE FOR ME!

Well, friends, tomorrow is another day! I have just created a six-twisted-strands necklace with a pendant drop. I just need to attach the clasp, which is the hardest part. It's turquoise, orange and purple. Wow!

Today I was shopping for beads and met a nice lady who does the same. She was invited by the Cranbrook Institute or Museum or something (memory problems again) to display her jewelry. I was so impressed. However, I didn't like her advice, which was for me to make the more elaborate jewelry for my family and just put smaller jewelry, less expensive pieces, in my shop. Why in the world would I want to do boring jewelry and scarves. I'm working to improve my art--to get REALLY ARTSY!

Lots of people give me unsolicited advice. I always want to fight their advice. Why do most people say that I must make a choice of either 1) creating art to make money or 2) creating art for the sheer joy of it? Now, what in the world is wrong with having BOTH??? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know: the economy is bad right now.

Well-meaning people know that I'm not a business-minded person and not sensible, either, but that doesn't mean that I can't ever be the one who's right! I've wanted to do something like this for my entire life. And I could be working more days a week at a "real" job, but I love having this time to do what I love and hope to make money doing it, too!

I'm having fun for once in my life doing a job I totally love. It's not going to be just a hobby, either. No one can stop me now.

Vote for me! THERESE CAN DO IT! THERESE SPELLS SUCCESS! MY DREAM GARDEN SPELLS SUCCESS! YES!!!!!!!!!

Yours in Art and All Things Wonderful

Namaste Fun!

I have found fun in Namaste's blog. Elsie's a crack-up! She has a shoe fetish, and it makes me feel like life holds just as much fun as it holds seriousness. There are new and fun things to explore everyday!

Namaste is a shop on Etsy. Check it out sometime. You'll really enjoy looking.

Elsie, thanks for the nice comments about my latest necklace and the TIGER stories. We could laugh about lots of things.

One think I've found is that there are so many great people on Etsy and Blogspot. In fact, there are so many great people out there, period.

Until tomorrow, I hope!
Namaste - I took yoga, too!

Tiger, Tiger

It was kindergarten when I heard the story of "Little Black Sambo". I don't remember the whole story, but the tiger ran around and around until he turned into butter.

I just finished a three-strand, wood-and-glass-bead necklace. In the photo below, it's draped across my little granddaughter's tiger, "Rahja".

Eenie, meenie, miney, mo,
Catch a tiger by the toe. 

I was nicknamed "Tiger" as a child, by a friend, and I liked it because I saw a whole different side of me. Never thought of myself as "feisty"!

Sleep, deep sleep, is calling out to me. I hope I don't dream about TIGERS now! "Good dreams, good dreams, pleasant dreams..."  Think, "purrrrrrr...."

Tiger, Tiger

Organizing my Life

There are times when you just have to organize. I refer to it as "organizing my life" because it affects my functioning efficiently. Today I  found my tired husband finishing pegboard installation on the backside of my workshop closet door. 



I didn't hesitate to hang everything I could find including my stock of tissue paper.

Reorganizing has a downside, however: When you start reorganizing, you discover that EVERYTHING is affected. For me one simple little task turned into a big project. The whole floor was covered with "art" stuff. I had to hustle to find more containers for my supplies, and trash quickly piled up, leaving the room a total disaster!

On a positive note, I must admit, the end result was well worth the time and effort. Vintage and antique buttons are in one drawer and beads have a little "breathing" room.

And as for me, I'm done organizing for awhile. I'm looking forward to doing bigger and better things, like creating another piece of jewelry. Finally! My life is organized. Life is good. At least for now!!!

Pleasant dreams of organizing "your" life,
Efficient Artist

Sunday Night

I spend so much time on my blog, fan page and facebook--plus reading all my mail--that I'm not creating like I used to. Gotta' prioritize here!

"Sunday, Sunday... " or is it "Monday, Monday"... Mamas and the Papas...Great song!

"Sunday. Sunday night at the Detroit Dragway!" Oh, my goodness. We used to hear that announcement all the way at our house on Sunday nights. It was so cool! The Detroit Dragway, back in the sixties. Those were fun times. We even watched one of our grade school classmates race there, the only time I went.

It's been a busy day! Let's take it easy and watch a good program or rent a good movie. It's been a long day. I'm game. Until tomorrow...

To the good 'ole times!

My Latest... Bright Eyes

Today as I sat at the table with my daughter and granddaughter, who arranged a pitcher of daffodils and narcissus with half a lemon and a couple of tiny flowers in a cordial glass, I said, "I ought to do this all the time--buy some daffodils in the winter and use bright yellow dishes. It makes me feel happy like summer time!" Well, that's my newest scarf. It makes me feel happy! I hope you like it, too.

Feel happy!

Daffodil Girl

Working Girl Artist

Oh, my. It takes a heap of time to promote your art work online. That's why an artist has to be a "working girl", too! That is, unless her husband is full of it. Oh, what were you thinking! I meant, full of money!!! Shame on you!

I cleaned house for my sister today for 4 1/2 hours. Whew! She's so good to me. My hours were cut at work, like everyone else's here in good old Michigan and in the USA! And I spend way too much time on my home computer trying to get my art "noticed". Oh, yeah! So much to learn.

Guess what! It's paying off! If you Google "unique wearable fiber art", you'll now find me on the first page! Yes! I did it! One of my goals has come to fruition. I have lots of them!

Well, anyway, I'm just a working girl trying to make a living and hoping that living will come, in time, via my art. Oh how lovely that would be!

How 'bout those lucky Etsy artists who get to quit their day jobs and do what they love at home while they get paid to do it! It might be what they're creating. I'm still trying to figure it all out. But don't let it fool you, those determined individuals are working mega amounts of hours. Don't forget: Time flies by when you're having fun!

So long for now!
Working Girl Artist

80-Degrees with Sunny Assertiveness

Oh, brother! It was a gorgeous day today! Two days ago it wasn't nearly as warm, but, nevertheless, out went my laundry--first time this year--on the line, across the back of the deck, twisted around the post and diagonally across the pergola back to the corner where I started. All of my clothes dried except for the elastic waistbands. Now today was a different story. Had I hung out my laundry, it would have dried in an instant!


 I like playing little "Suzie Homemaker"! She stays at home, cleans, shops, smiles, shops, bakes, shops, runs errands, shops, makes things, shops. You get the picture!


There are jobs I've liked, but, truthfully, I just like working out of my home like any nice little artist. Some people would scoff at that remark, especially my family...to call myself, "nice". Hah! I used to be nice when I was young, but that's when things wouldn't fly out of my mouth all the time. Oh, just little things that don't seem to be bad, but, somehow I'm always feeling like I'm in a jam these days.


People used to say I was "so sweet" and that "she wouldn't hurt anyone". Well, now that I've become "assertive", I'm not so nice anymore. "Assertive"? my family would say. Another "hah!" I just think I am. Actually, I'm caught somewhere in between: losing friends fast due to my so-called "assertiveness", but getting stepped on all the time because I'm so "easy", not "nice". I think I've got it figured out. They get away with it, so they keep doing it. You know what I mean--allowing people to take advantage of you.


No more Mr. Nice Guy! Now there's a song that just came into my mind. I wonder why.


Anyway, about the laundry thing: tomorrow's expected to be about 65 degrees and rainy. Back to the drawing board. No laundry, no gardening. Just lazing around the house. Hah! I guess I like that word. I'll be working on my art, cleaning house, using the computer but not shopping! Gee whiz; I wish that 80 degrees would stay for awhile and I could feel happy and sunny and not feel like being assertive by "politely" putting someone in their place!


Sincerely,
Sunny & Slightly Assertive Laundry Lady

Necklace with Vintage Crystal Chandelier-Drop Prism

This beautiful necklace was created using a lovely, vintage, crystal chandelier-drop prism as the focal point. I used black, silver and gold so that it would be a versatile piece in the wardrobe. NOTE: There are two of my other necklaces shown in the photo. All three are separate listings.

The gorgeous crystal prism was supplied by fellow Etsian, The Petite Market-- http://www.thepetitemarket.etsy.com/. How beautiful!

For further description, check it out on my website: "Black Beauty Vintage Crystal Prism Necklace" http://www.mydreamgarden.etsy.com/.

Enjoy looking!
Therese

"Tomorrow. Tomorrow..."

"Tomorrow. Tomorrow. I'll love you, tomorrow. Tomorrow is a brand new day."

Oh, how happy I am for that. Ever feel so tired you could barely see straight? Yep...

I have this lovely doe that comes to my backyard all the time. You should see how pretty she is. In fact, I'll try to post a picture of her for you to see. It's really funny when she tries to reach up and eat out of the bird feeder.

Well, until tomorrow... Oh, pardon me; it could be the next day. I'll be up late with the girls! Two desserts! Oh, boy, I can hardly wait!

Bunco Girl

Facebook Fanning

Well, friends, it's been a day of housecleaning for club Wednesday evening. In between I've been joining artists' websites (fanning) who are listed on Etsy. There are so many great artists out there.

I hope you will "fan" me as well. You can use any of my links to get to my Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Dream-Garden/108203335873284.

Stay beautiful! Stay cool!

Totally Whipped Therese

Sunday's Child

It's Sunday evening. Isn't there a song about Sunday's Child?

What a day for a daydream,
custom made for a daydreamin' boy.
I'm lost in a daydream,
dreamin' 'bout my bundle a' joy.

Did I get it right? Lovin' Spoonful: got that right!

What a beautiful day it has been. Sunny on the deck. Flowering tree blooms swaying in the breeze. Woodpeckers hammering away. Little kids gleefully yelling. Happiness abounds on days like this!

No projects to report, just that I've finished my taxes. Hooray!!! Now it's time to rest, kick off the shoes and take it easy.

I hope you have a wonderful evening, too.

Your friend,
Therese

Saturday Night

"Saturday night and I ain't got nobody..." I love those oldies but goodies!

Hey! What are you doing tonight? I just got home from one of our local coney island restaurants where I met my sisters. Good times! Too much caffeine, though. Drives me crazy--and everyone else, too!

Left is a photo of one of my newest scarves as promised. Speaking of "caffeine", this scarf is the color of light coffee- or tea-stained cotton, but, without the jolt!

Later...

The Caffeine Queen

I've Finished Another Scarf

Hi, everyone! Am I ever tired, so excuse me if I say something stupid. Of course, that might not be all that unusual!

I just finished a neutral-toned accessory scarf (I'll post a photo later). While I was knitting I watched a few episodes of the gruesome Criminal Minds, then put on something "nice", Shrek 2, and, last of all, Freaky Friday came on. Ta-da! My scarf is now completely finished.

Nighty, night,
Sleep tight,
Don't let the bedbugs bite.

Crazy Friday

Well it's Friday and I'm filling in at work today.

Winter weather go away. It was actually hailing at Comerica Park this morning: opening season for the Tigers. A wee bit of a chill. Hit it guys!

Outrageous week, actually, with funeral, bridal shower...and I won't bore you with the rest.

Even so, I began knitting another scarf Saturday, even though I had a little one running around the house. This scarf will be strictly an accessory scarf, which some of my customers have been requesting. I should be listing two new ones within the week.

The jewelry is really lingering in my mind. I need more time to make a chunky three-strand bracelet. How much fun. I've made several, but, as I mentioned before, they've been given to my family of "girls" for gifts.

Have a great day! "I'll be seeing you in all the familiar places..." Sing it out. Old movies... They're the best!

Therese

Tiny Fingers

Alright, "Tiny". Those tiny fingers wrap around my hands. She wants me to stop working on the computer. Sometimes you just don't have time to get everthing done. This is our special time, though, and I will be stopping in just a second.

Time's up!

Have you ever been there? So much work, so little time. And little ones just won't wait. But, really, what's most important in life, anyway!

I will have this little one all to myself all evening and so this is it for the day. I hope you have a lovely evening as well.

Cherish every moment!

Your friend in Art and all things fun!
Therese

Artsy Scarves

Dreams of people googling "handmade scarves" and seeing My Dream Garden on Etsy popping right up on the very first page! What a comedian I am!

I googled handmade scarves, artsy scarves, unique scarves and what? Nothing! Those little web spiders and robots pick out words from who knows where. How will anyone get to know me and my work? Well, let's see: You can google My Dream Garden or mydreamgarden, and, voila', there I am on the first page, listed five times!!! But who in the world is going to google My Dream Garden unless they know me? What in the world!

Tonight I'm learning some things from Etsy, my shop's artist website. I love keeping shop there, but I need exposure. Tell me how, would you. P-l-e-a-s-e ! ! !

Love to you all!

Therese

Tonight's Bonfire

Well, tonight we sat around a bonfire at my sister's place because my brother and niece drove about three hours to visit with us. It was a great time.

Getting home, smelling of smoke, tired out. Bonfires are great this time of year--not too warm outside, not too cold. Just good conversation, a little wine, a little too much food, a tummy ache...my fault.

My niece, a high school senior, told me that whenever she wears the necklace I made for her, she gets tons of compliments. It made me feel so good! I'm happy that she likes it and wants to wear it all the time.

It inspires me to start creating more jewelry. Gotta' get moving on it.

Nighty, night, all!

Easter Night and Tired Toes

Well, I've had family over all day. They're so wonderful, but my toes are hurting so bad. Running after little ones, laughing, eating, coffee, you know, the usual...

I finished another scarf a couple of days ago and will list it on Etsy as soon as I can take photos of it. It's full of bright primary colors. How I LOVE color!

Isn't color wonderful! It's all around us. Blue skies, aqua seas, yellow sunrises, orange-red setting suns, bluish-white full moons, a rainbow's many colors, lime green budding trees, deep green grass, children's red cheeks--now we're getting into it!--lightening bugs' neon lights, teal dragonfly wings, crimson wine, white cumulus clouds, gray rainy skies, red foxes, pink dahlias, purple delphiniums, periwinkle periwinkles, white lilies of the valley, brown deer, puddles of water reflecting all of the surrounding colors.

Sleep tight. I'm going to dream in living color!

Current Happenings

Happy Easter to everyone! I hope you enjoy your wonderful dinner! We're having the family over to our place.

I'm currently working on an accessory scarf. It should be finished soon. Too busy getting ready for Easter Sunday and working more hours at my "other job".

Take care.

Therese