Eye Candy Creative Jewelry

Arts in the Park Forest Lake July

2010-07-06T13:46:00.003-05:00

Hey hey! Hot and summery today July 6th for Arts in the Park! I plan on attending this evening! Stop by and see me!

Eye Candy Creative, Forest Lake, MN

Sterling Silver and Semi-Precious Gemstone Jewelry!

ARTS in the PARK | What a Beautiful Night!

2010-06-17T10:57:00.003-05:00

Well the skies cleared and although the grass was soggy, the first night at Arts in the Park in Forest Lake was a great success! Thanks Cheri for stopping so early! I hope your daughter loved what you picked out for her birthday!

Saw lots of familiar folks and some new found regulars! Lots of grilled corn on a stick and colorful snow cones! Perfect summer night!

Stop in and see me on the 22nd! It motivates me to take some time to design some new pieces each week!

The music, company, food and art are worth the drive!

Check my website home page Eye Candy Creative on Etsy the day of the event for confirmation of my attendance!

Artisan Sterling and Gemstone Jewelry at Arts in the Park

2010-06-03T06:52:00.002-05:00

**** UPDATE! I'm hoping to be at Arts in the Park in Forest Lake again this year starting Tuesday evening the 15th of June. Watch for me to attend on the first Tuesday of each month through the summer and some appearances later in the summer on the other Tuesdays! I have a wonderful selection of designs not yet posted! So stop by! **********

Meanwhile, I do have a few pieces up on my website for purchase. www.eyecandycreative.etsy.com.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Spring 2010 Gemstone and Sterling Designs

2010-05-06T14:02:00.005-05:00

OK, I'm getting inspired and busy! I had a very successful trunk show at my home on Tuesday with some awesome ladies that continue to encourage me. Here are a few of my latest pieces out of sterling silver, hill tribe silver, amethyst, peridot, iolite, aquamarine and chalcedony. Keep watching here or my website www.eyecandycreative.etsy.com for new listings soon!

New Jewelry Designs for Fall 2009

2009-11-02T19:47:00.000-06:00

I've been busy with some gorgeous new gemstones! Great new designs with artistic stone, sterling, turquoise, hill tribe silver and much more! I'll be making some more new things before this weekend, November 7th at the Fall Craft Show at the Middle School in Lindstrom, MN. 9 am to 3 pm although I'd come early to get the pick of the latest creations!

Thanks to Dawn and Cathy for hosting a private trunk show last week! A great ladies night out!

Vacation Day Fun with Jewelry

2009-08-03T18:01:00.002-05:00

OK, first day off of "work" and I'm working... well on my jewelry which is more of a passion than work. I wanted to be sure to bring new pieces to Arts in the Park in Forest Lake tomorrow night 8.4.09 so I've got the jewelry studio (my kitchen table) crankin'!

See some fruits of the labor below and come and see me at my table in the park! Looks like it's a kids night with the Alphabits Band starting at 6 followed by Gallactic Cowboy. Grab your lawn chairs and I'll see you there!

Summer Shows-ARTS in the PARK Forest Lake, MN

2009-06-07T22:25:00.007-05:00

OK, so I'm still trying to figure out how to balance full-time work, full-time parenting and part-time jewelry creation. Well, I do love the jewelry part as much as the rest, but something has to give.

This year in leu of attending every Tuesday night for Arts in the Park, Forest Lake, I'll be planning on attending the 1st Tuesday of each month. That way, if you want to make plans based on seeing my goodies, you'll know when I'll be there!

Of course, the whole evening is a wonderful night out anyway with farmers and other vendors!

I do have some great new items in sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones and hope to get some design time in before each new 1st Tuesday. I have also just listed some of the new pieces on my Etsy store Eye Candy Creative on Etsy. I do have lots more that I haven't yet posted, so you'll have to stop and see what's new!

Hope to see you there!! Lakeside, downtown Forest Lake, about 5 or 5:30 to dusk.

Back from the Rhubarb

2009-04-24T08:40:00.006-05:00

Have you ever heard that expression, "He/she's out in the rhubarb"? Meaning that they are out in left field, lost, wondering.... well that might describe my last year a bit.

I went back to a full-time position in graphic design, and needless to say, when you throw a 40+ hours a week plus commute time, something is gonna' give. Unfortunately it's been my jewelry design which I love!! Committing to a Craft show in May, is just the thing to bring me back from the rhubarb I'd say.

I am excited to announce that I will be in an Indie Craft show on May 30th in White Bear Lake, MN. that of course will give me incentive to make time to pull some of my ideas out of my head to the wonderful stones/bead stash I have. In fact I have some incredible citrine stones that I want to use. (Gotta' little number in mind for myself actually.)

Anyway, watch for new pieces to come. And if I don't get time to list them online, stop and see me in White Bear Lake. 9 to 3 pm in the same building as Truly is on 4th st.

p.s. I have uploaded some family photos to my facebook site. So you can peek at those to see a little bit of my heaven.

I'm now on facebook

2009-01-17T13:59:00.002-06:00

I'm over on my facebook now trying to figure it out and make it my own. My friend Bri said to join. Now there is a good "word of mouth" testimony for you.

I haven't designed any items since before Christmas, but a custom request has gotten my creative juices flowing again.

Hockey will soon slow down and then there will be more time. Meanwhile, we just weathered -40° below temps here in Minny so we can tackle anything.

We are also watching my parents new puppy (6 months old now.) while they are in Islamorada until mid-March. He is a morkie. Or he may be part kangaroo, we are not sure which. But we are enjoying him.

My son is wanting to take the internet connection for their xBox Live. I haven't figured out how we can all be plugged in at the same time yet. So I better go.

Eye Candy Creative Craft Show Recap and Trunk Sale Update

2008-12-03T12:22:00.007-06:00

The North Branch craft show was another great success! That was a new show for me so I enjoyed meeting new faces who enjoy hand-crafted custom designed jewelry! One of the comments I recall was, "There really is a lot of jewelry here, but yours is truly unique!" La-huv that!

I really do strive to be original and use only high quality gemstones, sterling and hill tribe silver findings.

I do have some custom requests in the works for Christmas gifts. I can still consider your custom jewelry order in time for Christmas. Just email or call me and I'll let you know what I can do for you!

All gift orders will have complimentary gift wrap if requested.

Meanwhile, I've been extremely busy at work and hockey games with the kids so I haven't been able to post too many new things on my website. I do hope to do that this weekend though. So check my site for frequent updates.

Trunk SALE Update!

I will be holding a 2 hour trunk sale this Friday the 5th at my home from 6:30 to 8:30. Sorry for the short notice, but the window of opportunity just opened up. I'll have some wine options for you while you browse.

Sale details:

5% off all purchases less than $50
10% off purchases $51- $99
15% off $100-$200
20% off $201+

Gift certificates will also be available in any increment you would like. No discounts on gift certificates.

Cash and carry. I will also have my computer up, so you will be able to use your debit/credit cards via PayPal if you would like that option.

I am looking at another date, December 18th, for another possibility. More to come on that later.

Be sure to stop by the trunk sale for the sale prices!

Contact me if you have any questions!

Craft Show a Huge Success

2008-11-10T08:18:00.006-06:00

The craft show at the Lindstrom Middle School was a great success! It was so much fun boxing up my creations for people I get to see all the time! One of my favorite sets went to another hockey mom. So if I must share, no one better to share it with!

I also received some custom orders which I will get to work on and already yesterday I put together some great new pieces to have at the Vadnais Heights Community Center Show coming up this weekend.

The Vadnais Heights Community center is just west of 35E on Cty. Rd. E. Just past Target and Wal-Mart.

Lots more designs coming!!! Keep your eye on the slide show on the lower right hand corner. the sun isn't shining this morning to take pictures of new things, but when it does, I'll shoot some and add to that slide show!

Meanwhile, I'll grab my gemstones and sterling silver and get going!! So many great ideas in my head, so little time!

A little contest to shart with you

2008-10-28T18:36:00.003-05:00

I ran across a little contest a bit ago on a site I enjoy quite a bit! It is on Rubie, a christian artist network. Here's the link:
http://ruebee.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1854203%3ABlogPost%3A63680

You can go check out the rules yourself, but it's a nice little diversion from your day with some inspiration to boot! Talented photographer!

My rubie site is: http://ruebee.ning.com/profile/Kirsten

if you want to take a peek.

Eye Candy Hot of the Bench Creations

2008-10-26T20:50:00.005-05:00

Oh have I had a "hay day" with some new sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone pieces! About every spare moment has been spent mixing and matching to create new designs! As many of you know, I have to tell myself, "I can't keep it all!" so I must share!!

Such great smokey quartz, bronzite, purple turquoise, turquoise, bali sterling silver, hill tribe sterling silver. And there's more coming!

Don't forget to peek at my indiepublic link at the right side of my blog. It has a nice slide show which I've been trying to keep current with my latest pieces.

I'm doing a trunk show this week on Wednesday, then my first of three November Minnesota Craft Shows is on Saturday November 8th at the Lindstrom Middle School! Be sure to stop by!

More updates to come, so stop back often!

Eye Candy Creative Fall Minnesota Craft Show Appearances

2008-10-16T12:54:00.003-05:00

Here is an update on the fall craft shows that Kirsten Thompson, Eye Candy Creative Hand-crafted Custom Designed Jewelry, will be attending this fall in Minnesota.

A reminder that my designs are one-of-a-kind or limited edition! No production pieces here!

If you see something in my SOLD gallery on my website Eye Candy Creative at Etsy that you like, send me a message. I may be able to create something similar just for you!

My favorite earth creations to work with are semi-precious gemstone, sterling silver and fine hill tribe silver. I picked up some terrific labradorite, iolite and smokey quartz at a fall gem show as well as some terrific new sterling silver findings! So many great ideas swirling around in my head!

I just finished up Crafted Together in White Bear lake on October 11th!
Terrific show! I'll look forward to the next date in May.
www.craftedtogether.com

November 8th, 4th Annual CPTO Fall Craft Fair
Lindstrom, MN @ the Middle School*
Two gyms filled with lots of items for you to shop for!

*November 15th, Vadnais Heights Community Center
More details to come....

*November 22nd, ARTS FEST,featuring over 200 crafters! 9 am to 4 pm
North Branch High School, North Branch, MN. My space is #15

* Eye Candy Creative FALL/WINTER Craft Show Appearances*

2008-09-17T19:31:00.003-05:00

Most all times begin at 9am and end at around 4pm.

October 11th White Bear Lake, MN
MNCRAFTED TOGETHER-Indie Craft Market!
White Bear Lake Armory!
This falls just after a great gem show that I will go to. This will be a good time to get the "first picks" after the gem show! For more information on the show go to www.craftedtogether.com

November 8th, Lindstrom, MN
4th Annual CPTO Fall Craft Fair
@ the Middle School
Two gyms filled with lots of items for you to shop for

November 15th, Vadnais Heights Community Center
More details to come....

November 22nd, North Branch, MN 9 am to 4 pm
ARTS FEST, North Branch High School, . My space is #150!
Featuring over 200 crafters!

Spring Wedding in Minnesota

2008-05-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

We had a spring wedding in Crosby, MN this weekend that was casual! Yeah for comfort! I made sure we got a family picture before we all got dirty! Fishing was also good off the dock at Lake Dodo so I'm including some of those photos as well!

I hope to be hitting the design table soon with new pieces. Meanwhile, go to EyeCandyCreative to see what is available currently!

New Gemstone and Sterling Silver Designs!

2008-04-15T13:27:00.003-05:00

I've been big time busy creating some beautiful new pieces using semi-precious gemstones including smokey quartz, citrine, labradorite, sterling silver, hill tribe fine silver and bali silver. I've been taking photos and posting as I can, but here are some of the latest pieces. Watch for them at Eye Candy Creative online or be sure to come to White Bear Lake, MN on May 3rd for the Crafted Together Indie Market where you can try and buy in person!

Crafted Together Indie Market

2008-04-12T08:52:00.003-05:00

Eye Candy Creative jewelry of Forest Lake will be one of the over 60 local artists that make up Crafted Together Indie market in White Bear Lake, MN sponsored by a local indie shop favorite Truly!

This is a ONE DAY ONLY event on Saturday the 3rd of May from 9 to 5 p.m. at 2228 4th Street at the Armory in White Bear Lake, MN!

Live music will be from 1-3 or thereabouts. There will be have food and drinks available (hot dogs, sandwich, chips, popcorn, soda, water, treats.

My suggestion would be to gather up your friends and family, stop at Einstein Brother's Bagels for a bagel and coffee before you arrive pronto at 9 at the market for the best picks from the designers, take a break, have lunch with a glass of wine at Ingredients and then stop back to pick up things that you may have passed up! (Here's a great link for all the dining in White Bear Lake)

So mark your calendars now for this terrific event! Mention this ad at my table and receive 10% off your items at Eye Candy Creative on the day of the event!

My First Felted Wool Tote Bag!

2008-04-04T14:34:00.005-05:00

OK, so I've had a bit of a creative diversion happening here. I've been learning how to knit because I so love all the creative felted bags I see and I have way too many ideas in my head for them. So I HAD to learn.

Then, I see my friend knitting this fabulous bag* and for some reason I think, "I could make that for my mother-in-law's birthday!" Why oh why did I say that?? Well, the best gift to give is one you want to keep. Or as I might say today, "the best gift to give is one that you have to pry from your hands!" because now that this bag is finally done, it's very hard to part with.

Not to mention, it is my first project beyond a scarf!! But, I committed to making it for my MOL. In fact it's been by MOL's since I picked out the yarn. So to go back now would just be, well, wrong and selfish! And as my husband keeps reminding me, it will be an heirloom some day. Oh joy! Really, I know she will love it and will appreciate it so much! So for that I'm completely thrilled!

I just took photos and wrapped it up to give her tonight! So I'll try to post a picture of the "post gift" with Judy's happy face! I already have plans for one for me in greys!

See more photos here on my flikr site if you'd like. I'll post more details later, like the wild goose hunt for handles and the cool tip I have on them!! Enjoy!

*The pattern is from a fabulous book that I can't think of the name right now. So I'll be sure to come back and update this post with the book name for anyone interested!

New Semi-Precious Gemstones and Sterling Silver Designs

2008-04-04T11:42:00.003-05:00

Not much time for details, but after I hit the gem show last weekend, I GOT BUSY! Lots of new labradorite, chalcedony and grossular garnet designer jewerly bracelets, necklaces and ear candy. Along with sterling silver and hill tribe silver compliments! So beautiful and unique! More to come, but here are some really beautiful pieces. Some of which I've gotten up on my Eye Candy Creative Shop and others, well, have already found homes!

I Wanna go Back to Florida

2008-03-26T07:59:00.005-05:00

The favorite wine of a Minnesotan has been said to be, " I wanna' go to Florida!"

Well I want to go back to Florida! The Florida Keys that is! I got a little mental health break early in March when I took off on my own (sans kids and wonderful husband) to spend a long weekend with my parents who have a condo from mid-January to mid-March in Islamorada. The best "key" in my humble opinion. The are at about mile marker 88 I believe. At the Palms situated right next to one of the best Keysie restaurants, Lazy Days and one of the best deep sea fishing outfitters Bud and Mary's.

It's hard to beat the temperatures and sunshine and the gorgeous view of the Atlantic from the Palms! Situated right on the water, I spent most of my time working, literally working on my tan. I was focused on sun therapy! Although I did get up every morning and enjoy a walk and/or jog to start my day.

I did get to go out one day fishing with my dad and Uncle when the waves weren't too huge! What a treat that was!! Caked on the 30 SPF and headed out hoping I didn't have to use the toilet while I was out there!

Less than 60 seconds after anchoring we had fish on! They didn't stop much for the next half-hour! What a hoot! Gorgeous multi-colored, multi-shaped tropical fish. No, murky greenish, greyish fish like we catch here in Minnesota. If I remember right, here are some of the names of the beautiful fish that we brought in or saw where: Yellow Tail Snapper, Grouper ( know we missed a few of these huge ones since our lines were snapped) Porgy, Permits, which I don't think we kept, Mutton and some other grouper types, Ballyhoo, Blue Runners which were especially fun to catch but we didn't keep them, a Hogfish that was really funny looking, Mackarel and another beautiful fish that I can't remember the name of. I know there were more, but I can't recall their names right now. Oh yeah, we saw Portugese Man-o-Wars floating by. Definately do not touch these!

I really wanted to see a sea turtle and a dolphin. We did get to see a couple of sea turtles, which was a real treat considering it was quite wavy that day. They were swimming at the top, and as soon as they saw us, they vanished. But no dolphins. Something fun though were some flying fish that I caught out of the corner of my eye while we were changing fishing spots.

My dad and my uncle are really terrific fishermen! They usually can catch more keepers than some of the charter boats bring in! We did catch a meal full that day and took the catch to Lazy Days the next night for an incredible feast!!! Wow! Incredible! We had them cook it up three different ways and they brought out this HUGE platter! My mouth is watering just thinking about it again!

Around 4 o'clock each day it was fun to walk down to Bud and Mary's to see how the charter boats did. White flags hoisted on their fishing poles out the back of their boats marks the number of sail fish caught that particular charter. Then they start unloading the catch of the day! I'm not sure who is more curious to see what they caught. The tourists or the pelicans!

On the first afternoon we walked over, we saw nurse sharks swimming around and a particular treat, a manitee, popping his head out of the water behind a charter where the hose was dripping down. He was drinking the water coming out of the hose. I learned that they need fresh water for drinking! I had never seen a manitee in the wild before, so I was thrilled!

The think is that here in Minnesota, the last week of March, and it is still in the low to mid 30's, which for this time of year to me for some reason is feeling like 10 degrees. There is still plenty of snow on the ground when I should be looking for tulips coming up and I wanna' go back to Florida!

What a blessing it was though to go and rest and reenergize! I'll look forward to my next trip!

Gemstone's Inspire New Designs!

2008-03-24T15:05:00.003-05:00

I have a few new designs that are really wonderful! Some of the gemstone combinations really dance set along with sterling silver!

The set shown here is called Serendipity. Gorgeous smokey quartz and citrine compliment each other beautifully! I tried to photograph to enhance their beauty. In person is the best look of course.

The bracelet is a gorgeous selection of watermelon tourmaline in colours of pinks and fuscias to fern and dark greens. A double strand design gives you the look of two bracelets in one complimented by hill tribe silver and a unique clasp with a floral print that makes this a one-of-a-kind collector piece! Watch for it to be placed on my online store soon! I need to think of a name for it first!

I have a show that I will be a part of coming up in White Bear Lake, MN called Crafted Together. It will be Saturday May 3rd. Go to their website to check it out and go to my website, Eye Candy Creative to see what pieces are currently available for purchase!

Local Event Inspires to Make Time to Create!

2008-03-05T16:43:00.003-06:00

I will be one of the designers at the local Crafted Together show on Saturday May 3rd in White Bear Lake. A couple of talented and wonderful business owners from Truly..., a fabulous Indie shop in downtown White Bear Lake are pulling together some wonderful talent!So I best get out some of the wonderful new labradorite and smokey quartz and artisan sterling and hill tribe silver that I have been hiding until hockey season is over!What a great incentive to hit my designer's bench and create some fabulous new items!So, mark you calendars for Saturday May 3rd and stop by and see us all!Visit the Crafted Together website for more information on all the vendors!

New Designs on the Way!

2008-01-10T10:33:00.000-06:00

Hockey hockey hockey and custom work have filled my time up lately. Of course I love those custom requests!!

But alas! The kids are painting in the kitchen now and I just completed a couple of custom pieces and I'm going to leave my mess out so I can create some new pieces to list on my Eye Candy Creative website!

Shown here is a bracelet I made for myself for Christmas. Labradorite, sterling with a wonderful swirl sterling magnetic clasp, reminding me to believe!!

Have a terrific day!

SALE! Buy 1 Get 1 Half-off!!

2007-12-29T12:40:00.000-06:00

Seems like there is a sale every where! Might as well join in! Plus, I have some great new beads and findings to work with and once I get my Christmas decorations packed up, I'm hitting my work bench to hammer out all the design ideas in my head!

Why not a sale to make room for my new pieces on the way?

Visit my Eye Candy Creative shop online to see what is in stock currently. Lots of great sterlings silver, semi-precious gemstones and artisan findings to choose from!

Make your purchase and wait for an adjusted invoice to receive the discount.

But hurry! This sale only lasts one week through the 6th of January and is on in-stock items only!

International Exposure

2007-12-14T14:33:00.001-06:00

SkyDreams, another Etsy.com shop alerted me to the fact that one of my pieces made the home page of Etsy earlier today! Catch a Falling Star, an apatite, labradorite and sterling/hilltribe silver necklace is too pretty for words! After I stopped silently squealing, I peeked at how many times it had been viewed and wowie! Gotta' love the treasury which I am addicted to!

Well, the necklace hasn't sold as of this post, and I hope someone snatches it up. It really is wonderful! It is still in LunaLove's treasury Green and Grey Lyrics.

Here is the treasury list I curated yesterday!

'Tis Better to Give!

So many beautiful handmade goodies!

I seriously need to get back to scrubbing my floors! My friend took my toddlers to an indoor park so I could do just that!

Have a blessed day!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-13T12:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning and through mid-day we had the most beautiful hoarfrost on all the trees and bushes outside! I quick snapped a photo even before the sun came up. I meant to get back out to take another when the sun was hitting them making them glisten like diamonds where hanging off of each branch but I never did.

Here are a couple of shots I took. Hockey rink in the background and all!

What a creation! God must have a glorious time doing this!

Enjoy!

Married to a Wonderful Dream Chaser

2007-12-06T07:44:00.000-06:00

Inspired by the Etsy Forum post, "How long have you been married?" I'm adding our family photo and giving kudos to my super fab hubby who always wins husband of the year and father of the year hands down!

We met in college and have been together for about 20 years and married for just over 17. He's a terrific dream chaser and spiritual leader of our household! It is a secure feeling when you know your husband's first partner and advisor is the Lord! May your marriage and relationships be blessed!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Speaking of Trader Joe's

2007-11-21T08:11:00.000-06:00

Since I just mentioned Trader Joe's wine shop in my last blog a minute ago, I thought I'd mention, DANG! their Mandarin Orange Chicken is incredible!

OK, so now I can pop open a bottle of wine, without guilt that I'm the only one drinking it. And my kids are completely happy eating chinese that taste like take-out!

Way yum!

p.s. Trader Joe's folks, you can contact me directly on where to send the marketing spiff :o)

Kirsten
Eye Candy Creative

Trunk Show and Wine Drinking

2007-11-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Two great reasons to pull friends together. A designer jewelry sale and wine.
I had a request from a friend to hold a viewing of my jewelry. She has family coming in for Thanksgiving and wanted to buy their Christmas gifts.

I thought, absolutely! I have to clean my house for my thanksgiving anyway. I have many friends and clients who missed my art shows, perfect.

So off to Trader Joe's to get a case of vino. I made a tiramisu dessert, got your standard munchies, and whoolah!

I'd take a picture, but my 2 year old broke my latest camera. Aargh.

Good thing is that the ideas have been flowing and I've made a lot of new creations.

Check them out at Eye Candy Creative at Etsy.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Creative Block?

2007-09-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

A Spattering of Creations. The Flood is coming!

Ok, call it lack of time, lack of creative ideas whatever..... I like it the most when new ideas flow and flow and flow. I guess I can appreciate now when people say to me, " I don't know how you do it?". Usually I can just look at what I call a "puddle" of beads and see lots and lots of possibilities. Lately, not so much. I take out my "puddles", and nothing. Nada. Nilch. Zippo.

I have managed to create a few beautiful pieces. But I'm waiting for the creative flood gates to come open!

We Adopted a Chinchilla!

2007-09-19T07:23:00.000-05:00

I feel like a little school girl! I begged and pleaded with my family to let me adopt a chinchilla. Well it all started when my soon to be 5 year old son came home with a baby mole in his hands that he decided to pick up in the road outside.

Trying not to freak out, we got the mole back outside and hopefully on his way back to his own family. But... my son reported that he has always wanted a pet of his very own.

Well, I thought back to when I saw a chinchilla at the pet store a few years ago and started my google research. Cute enough. Long lasting. EXPENSIVE.

I found an adoptable chin cage and all but my family shot me down. I pouted like a little 8 year old. Two weeks went by. I thought, well then I'll drag the fish tank back out and get more fish again. Hopefully our 2 year old won't fill it with glue like our soon to be 5 year old once did.

We went to the pet store to get some pregnant guppies and what did they have there? Chinchillas. Two of them. One too cool to play with us. The other so happy to have anyone paying attention to it. So I was whipped. I called my friend on the way home who gave me a half-dozen reasons on why we could adopt that other chinchilla to my husband. Then I called my husband and poured it on thick!!!

6 hours later, I came home with a 5 1/2 foot tall cage and a 4 year old chubby chinchilla named Buster. Since all of our sons names start with a "B", I think I'll call him Chico.

Our dog can't quite figuire him out. The cage looks hilariuos in our family room, with a big rainbow colored tube running out the top and sides. So much for my Pottery Barn decor!

Well, we are a family of fun here! I'm hoping the lump in my throat this morning is not because I'm allergic to him.

Any advice for me that anyone can offer would be appreciated!!!!

Fall is Approaching

2007-09-19T07:18:00.001-05:00

Minnesota is so wonderful! The change of seasons is one of my favorite times here. In the past week we have gone from a hard frost which took my morning glories, to 80 and hot and humid. None-the-less, winter is on the way and the fall colours are painting the woods.

I've been acquiring new semi-precious stones to work with, and in between shuffling kids to football practice, pre-school and mite hockey skating lessons, I am trying to create something wonderful with them!

Meanwhile, check out Eye Candy Creative at Etsy for a few new posts with wonderfully rustic citrine nuggets and some new labradorite features!

Also, I tend to forget my destash supply store TheReserve at Etsy. I'll try to post some new finds there also as I have more than I can use in super supplies right now!

Semi-Precious Stones and Sterling Silver Jewelry

2007-09-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

The earth creates no short of wonders. Semi-precious stones and silver are two of them that I have a passion for. Each stone is unique and wonderful. Pair them with quality sterling silver findings and you have a unique pairing of earths elements that bring beauty and creativity to your wardrobe.
One of my "custom-order" customers said after she received her completed necklace said, "You have converted me. I can never just be satisfied with trendy Kohls/Penny's-style jewelry again!"
Another customer to my booth at Arts in the Park said, "Wow, now this is real jewelry!". A true compliment!
Stop by my designer store Eye Candy Creative on Etsy to preview my latest offerings. Be sure to look through my SOLD gallery. If I have some of the same stones and findings available, I may be able to recreate a sold item by request!

Last 2 Weeks for Arts in the Park!

2007-08-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

Eye Candy Creative has just two weeks left to appear at the Forest Lake, MN Arts in the Park Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Stop by if you are local and see my designs up close! You can also take advantage of some of the Summer Sale items!

I've throughly enjoyed being a part of this event and will look forward to attending it again next year!

Weekend Sale through August 5th Midnight

2007-08-03T09:31:00.001-05:00

****Dog Days Complimentary Shipping or 10% OFF SALE!!****

Now through Sunday August 5th at Midnight central time, purchase an item in my shop, www.eyecandycreative.etsy.com and choose either 10% off your entire purchase or FREE shipping!

Your choice, but please leave a message to me with your puchase on which you choose and I will send you an adjusted invoice!

Kindest creative regards,
Kirsten

Prayers and Miracles

2007-08-02T09:37:00.001-05:00

The I35W bridge near downtown Minneapolis collapsed last night around 6:00 p.m.. The tail end of rush hour. We sat frozen as we watched the rescue attempts flipping from local channel to local channel and to national CNN coverage.

My prayer is that the miracle stories will be heard, that peace that only God can bring come over the families who have lost someone in this tragedy and that each of us come to understand that life is but a vapor and each day is to be cherished.

Love each other, friend or stranger. Be willing to put your hand out to help someone UP and leave anger under the rubble where it belongs.

God bless you, your family, your health and your finances.

Lovingly,

Kirsten

Heart Strings Foundation

2007-08-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

Here is a great cause my heart is full for!
Go to http://www.beheartstrings.com/ and read all about a wonderful legacy left behind by a wonderful young lady!

Also, support their foundation by shopping the Brynnalex http://www.brynnalex.etsy.com.
Lots of donated artisan crafted items! Look for the Dream Bracelet I donated as well as lots of other gorgeous creations!

http://www.etsy.com/get_convo_image.php?convo_id=5519524&image_id=5085113&image_type=full

Visit eeja.org for more information on the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans!

Enter to Win at EEJA.org

2007-07-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

Here's your chance to vote for your favorite wire project by the artisans of EJA and your chance to win a free gift bag that will include hand made jewelry and other goodies!!

Just visit http://eeja.org/wired.html and fill out the form. On July 25th, we will draw a lucky e-mail address from those that have voted. One vote per person. Voting on an item will sign you up for our newsletter that will inform you of future sales and other prize drawings.

I did not design an entry, but there are a lot of incredible entries to vote on! Good luck!

Street Teams Eye Candy Creative is on!

2007-07-19T14:53:00.001-05:00

I am on some incredible street teams! Three to be exact! Although I am new to this whole blog thing..... I will try to list their links here:

JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team)
Again, wonderful and diverse group of jewelry designers and suppliers! Lots and lots of members and fun to be a part of!
http://www.jewelryonetsyteam.blogspot.com/

ETSYMN (All Minnesota talent with ETSY shops)
Diverse collection of designer/artists from knitting specialties to stained glass works!
Such an incredible collection of talent and support!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MinnesotaEtsyStreetTeam/

Sterling silver Jewelry

2007-07-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

I love working with sterling silver and Hill Tribe Silver! I like the organic feel to it and how it oxidizes as it ages! Please visit my store www.eyecandycreative.etsy.com to view my latest designs!

Mention blog in your purchase window and I will ship it FREE!

;o)

Personal Invitation to stop by Eye Candy Creative

2007-07-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

I am way new to this blog department. But am willing to learn. If you find this blog and end up in my shop.... enter blog in your purchase and I will ship your item free!

Thank you for stopping by!