Come On Spring!

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."

Running In The Rain~

The older I get, the MORE I appreciate things.  Like the RAIN.  I went running today, well, okay...it's more like walk, run, walk, walk, walk, run.  LOL  You get the point.  I never thought I would be a full fledged RUNNER, but I am working my way into it. 

It started to rain on me during my run today.  And I was a couple of miles away from my car.  So I tucked my iphone into my jacket, and kept going.  I got wet.  Soaking wet actually.  But I kept running.  Thank God for the rain.  And today, I think the rain inspired me...keep going, even when it rains.  :)

XOXO in the rain,

Tina~

Photos From My Weekend~

God Bless America!  We have FREEDOM to celebrate!

This past weekend, we went to the Atlanta Supercross, an annual trip that we have been taking with our
 kids for YEARS.  It's a family tradition of sorts, and we look forward to it every year.

Our beautiful Chelsea

It seems like only yesterday my kids were little, and now they are grown, but we still EVERY year, do this together.  I know it won't last forever, they will marry, and begin their own families.  But I hope that they start these little family traditions, and that they take many, many pictures to look back and remember...because it was only in the BLINK of an eye, my children were grown. 

Cody, Seth, Dustin, Brannon, and Drew

Supercross Racing!  What the day was about!

Our niece, the gorgeous Harleigh

Ret and Ricky

If you have small kids, find something that you all enjoy, and start your own family tradition.  It may not mean much to you at the time, but years later...you will look back and it will be some of the fondest memories you have of your life! 

XOXO,

Tina~

Facebook Fan Page

Hi!  I am trying to increase my number of fans, to help me increase my exposure for my business!  Please help me out by going to my page on Facebook, Live, Laugh, Bead and click like!  Please and thank you!!!! 

Tina~ 

Nametag/Badge Lanyards~

I seem to be beading a little bit of everything!  These are pictures of my badge/nametag lanyard.  I sell these starting at $20 and will be listing them in my Etsy Store in the coming days.  These will be special order, by request only!

XOXO,
Tina~

'Hope' Collection~

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it."~C.C. Scott~

Hope:  A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

In the coming weeks, I will be adding a few select pieces to my Etsy Shop, all in pink,  all connected to hope.  So many women around us are battling breast cancer.  Some of the prettiest, most meaningful jewelry I have made, I have made for breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors.  Stay tuned! 

XOXO, ~Tina~

Spring Clean Your Bling!

As Spring approaches, I thought I would incorporate a few "spring cleaning" tips with my jewelry business.  As a jewelry designer/artist, I use all types of metals.  Whether your jewelry is silver plated or sterling silver, copper or brass, even 14 karat gold it is susceptible to "turning".

  Any jewelry over time, will need a little TLC to keep it looking as pretty as the day you purchased it.  And I consider my beaded creations too beautiful to become tarnished!  With proper care, your beaded jewelry should stay beautiful for years! 

First of all, prevention is key!   How you store your jewelry is a biggie!  Keep your jewelry tightly sealed in ziplock bags.   You can add no-tarnish strips, which are available from most jewelry suppliers.  These strips can be changed out every 3 to 6 months.  (Make yourself a note so you don't forget!)  You can also use chalk.  That's right ladies, CHALK!  The chalk attracts any moisture and other chemical residues that may seep into the bag.   

If you are really crafty, you can go to your local fabric shop and purchase "tarnish resistant" cloth and make your own jewelry bags.  FYI:  Many jewelry boxes (the good ones) are made with this fabric! 

Now, if you already have jewels that are showing signs of tarnish, don't throw it out!!!  I don't recommend jewelry cleaners on any of my beaded creations, sterling silver or not.  Because of the various combinations of beads, gemstones, etc. that I use, it's best to stay away from these types of cleaners.  My choice, and it works for me like a charm, (no pun intended, lol) is an anti-tarnish cleaning cloth.  The cloth won't damage the dark oxidation in the recesses of the silver many of the clasps that I use.  I consider this type of oxidation as "adding to the character" of the jewelry piece. 

After you've spring cleaned your jewels, be sure to store them as I mentioned earlier!  And, it's best to keep your pieces separated and laying flat during storage.  Now that you've spent the time to get your jewelry box cleaned and organized, take the time to simply wipe your jewelry with the anti-tarnish cloth after wearing.  This should keep it clean and beautiful, and most importantly, "tarnish free"! 

Don't forget, the things we do as girls to keep us beautiful...make-up, hairspray, body lotions, and perfumes...can damage the beauty of our jewelry!  With that in mind, let putting your jewels on be the last thing you do when you are getting ready.

There!  Now go spring clean your bling! 

XOXO,

Tina