Reflections...

One of my "Reflection" Photos...and a favorite thought!

Yes - you're all wondering who won the Facebook Give-Away...

and I promise I will share...

but first...just a few words...

This Winter season - has not been "Winter" at all...I have only worn my winter coat once...I have not needed a scarf or gloves...I have walked out to my mailbox in just my socks or slippers...and I have not touched a snow shovel (well that would be true in any case because after having an accident with  my snow shovel last year that required 4 stitches...I've crossed shovels off my list of tools that I can touch lol).  At any rate...this is about the only snow I've seen this year...

I'm kind of bummed about it...

because February is almost over and there is no sign

of any type of possible snowstorm in the immediate future...

The funny thing is...the day I took this picture,

it was almost 70 degrees here in Northern Maryland.

I kid you not...and when I looked out the window thinking...

 Why isn't there any snow???

I received my answer...

This man was cutting down a very tall tree next to our historic walking trail

(the tree had been damaged in a recent storm with high winds...)

Anyways....I said to myself...

"Holy Cow!  I could NEVER do that for a living"

and then I thought - it's a good thing there is no snow or ice for him...

I know it doesn't look very high in this photo, 

but he had to be at least 40-50' up...

LOL...talk about getting up in the world ;)

At any rate...I'm a true believer in "everything happens for a reason"

and I believe the reason why we haven't had snow this year was so that I

could be inspired a bit earlier to design for Summer...

and play in my Sandbox :)

And I did...

Although I'm catching up on a LOT of custom orders (both ART tiles and Jewelry)

I took a creative break and played with some spring and summer colors

and had a BLAST!

I was inspired by summer thoughts and some photos I took over the summer -

Flowers are always an inspiration to me - whether it's for the color, the texture,

or simply because they remind me of good times, people or places.

And combined with Summer thoughts, Margaritas, Fruit and the above photo...

one of the many designs I came up with on a little creative break

was this set "Summer Breezes"

And for those of you that faithfully read my blog...

I have a little surprise sneak peek...

but I'm not going to tell you what it is, because I want you to guess...

Here's a very TINY snippet of my "Announcement" photo...

it's a beautiful teal turquoise like blue isn't it?

And I can't wait to share...

sometime soon...

 You probably won't believe it when you see them either...

but it's a brand new technique and fine art process I developed...

and that's all I'm sharing for now ;)

SO...

I did promise to share the WINNER of our GIVE-AWAY

of the REFLECTION ROSE photograph card...

and

that person is...

LEE RITTER!

Congrats Lee!  Let me know your preference (Earrings or Tile Set/3)

along with your mailing address and I will get them out in the mail to you!

Message me via Facebook, email, Etsy, or my website!

Have a great evening everyone

~JLynn

TUTORIAL - Intro to Woodburning

As part of the JLynn Sandbox...my way of inspiring creativity...

here's another "Ta-dah" Tutorial and Intro to Woodburning!

Back in the 80’s both my husband and I, started wood burning.  At the time, he was much more dedicated than I…and he wound up creating this gorgeous cheese plate, while I just played with all the burning tips, just to have fun and see what they did!  The Cheese plate he created was full of lines, details, and lots of shading…unfortunately it was lost in one of our many moves - we were so sad~ but although his Masterpiece is long gone, the techniques we learned, live on.  Sometimes our craft efforts are things we do for a little while, or when the mood strikes...and sometimes they turn into a life-long hobby.  Here's a photos of some of those early wood burning practice sessions.

During my Marketing/Education years with Jo-Ann’s, I taught many classes and did a variety of demonstrations (televised and live group demos).  I also had multiple opportunities to attend many trade shows – and one of my favorite booths always belonged to Walnut Hollow!  In my opinion and experience, they create one of the most versatile and user friendly tools on the market (and have been going strong since 1973).  To this day...I still use my Walnut Hollow brand tools - but I also love some of the other pyrography brands too.  Pyrography in case you're wondering is the Art of decorating wood with a controlled application from a heated object resulting in "burn" marks.  In other words "Fire Writing" ;) 

Many people have asked me, is woodburning hard??  It’s a difficult question because it depends on your personality type.  First off…Woodburning is an art form, that has techniques that you can easily learn…all it takes is time, practice and patience.  So if you have those personality traits, than the answer is yes.   A word of caution though… wood-burner tips operate between 850 and 900 degrees ~ so this is not like sitting down and sketching!  It’s a a very HOT tool and needs to be handled with extreme care, so you keep your extremities, hair, and tabletop surfaces in working order.

Intro to Woodburning...

Choosing your woodburning kit, tips, and wood – you can’t really go wrong because most of Walnut Hollow kits come equipped with everything you need to get started.  Walnut and Basswood are both super woods to burn.  Basswood is the softest wood of all the hardwoods and is a light, golden color and has a very fine and smooth surface.  Walnut wood is well known for its beautiful grain and color – but it’s also easy to work with and burns well with the Woodburner.  Maple wood is extremely hard, so will take a bit more time to burn. I highly recommend any of the Walnut Hollow kits for beginners - as it's a non-intimidating way to get started on a new hobby. Here's a glimpse at some of my many tips...

And here is one of the Walnut Hollow Kits that I personally recommend...

Creative Versa-Tool - super kit at Walnut Hollow

(click on the photo to view the details)

Preparing your surface.  Most wood if purchased from Walnut Hollow comes you to you presanded…however it’s always a good idea to use a fine grade sandpaper, and sand in one direction, wiping it off with a soft, clean cloth.  You can easily transfer any pattern using graphite paper or heat transfer paper. 

Rather than take you through a specific project for our Intro to Woodburning, I thought it would be better to talk about the basic burning tips/points…and with that knowledge to get you started with experimenting with the various points/tips and getting comfortable with your grip, hold, and touch.  Here's some examples of a practice sheet I did for the first time...using a lot of the different points/tips.

But before we review the tips and what they do...I need to share one of the MOST important things for woodburning...and that is to always allow the woodburner to do the work for you...and let it flow.  It's a lesson that some have trouble with...but you need to be relaxed when working with this tool, comfortable in your chair and with your arm space (allow yourself PLENTY of room).  I woodburn with a good 12" in front of me and use a magnified glass to closely watch my progress. 

Generally speaking, gliding the wood tool towards you versus away, is typically easier.  Remember, it's your touch, movement and length of time that will create the desired wood burned effect and NOT pressure.  Some feel the need to press hard on the wood - this is definitely not necessary or desired, as it only can lead to charring of the wood or the tool tip slipping off the wood and causing damage to your surface or fingers.  Light pressure is best...and remember that the longer the point/tip remains on the surface, the darker the woodburning will become.  In the beginning...some people prefer wearing a nice pair of fitted cotton or leather gloves (you need them fitted though...)   Also...if you have children or pets, it's a good idea to do these in a separate room from them because they could easily get hurt as well.  ALWAYS...if you are stepping away from your woodburning - turn it OFF - always.  I typically unplug it from the outlet too...

Some guidelines and helpful hints...

1. Work on a large surface and with some sort of hot pad under your tools/stand - as well as protective covering on the surface you are working on.  I typically have a longer extension cord that my tools are plugged into, so that the weight of the cord itself does not pull the woodburning tool off the table.
2. When not using your tool, always properly place it on the stand and ensure it's not moving on you due to the cord pulling or something it's caught on...
3. Be extremely careful not to touch the Point or metal part of the tool...they WILL cause 3rd degree burns.  Take care you are not reaching over or next to the tool for other things while burning.
4. Hold the tool as you would a large pencil...have fun and practice, practice, practice - with the angles and positioning.  Once you take time to simply just play with the basic points, you'll become much more comfortable with your positioning and angle that's needed to create beautiful lines, details, and shading.
5. Before turning ON your Woodburning tool, always check your point/tip to see if it's securely screwed in the socket.  I always take a pair of pliers to mine and tighten just for security sake...nothing worse than having a tip fall off while your woodburning (so keep a glass dish and a pair of pliers handy as a precaution).

Three of the most universal tips...

Universal Point, Flow Point and the Shading Point

Universal Point:  For most fundamental woodburning techniques

Flow Point: For curves, dots, dot shading, and cursive writing

Shading Point: For beautiful shading with a very light touch

More points/tips!

There are many tips/points to get familiar with...and I still recommend spending that little extra money and getting a nice kit.  You can create so many patterns and details simply by changing the points/tips.  There is a Calligraphy Point that enables you to create calligraphy style lettering and shaping.  The Tapered point is excellent for intricate designs, and the Hot Knife point allow you to cut and shape a variety of materials (like stencils...).  In addition, there is a Soldering Point (and they carry lead-free solder) - as well as Transfer point (to use with black and white laser copy images)...as well as a variety of Hot Stamping points too.

Here's a picture of the correct angle for doing the shading.  Less time is always best because you can always go back over the area one more time - especially when trying to coordinate your shading colors/depth of wood burn.

Note:  The smaller lines look bumpy...this should be expected when you are first learning, because it's all about learning to control your angles, positioning and flow of the tip over the wood.

Perfection of clean lines, details and shading comes with time and practice.  This particular board done in the 80s was created with just the Universal, Flow, and Shading points

Like any ART form...you will develop your own style, and will have preferences on how you perform different things.  What works for me and my styling may not work for you.  So take time, as I have to experiment and simply play and whether you just want to do your own sketches and burn them...like my own sketch below (copyrighted image...can be used for personal playtime and gifts but you cannot use this image for resale)...or use one of the many Woodburning patterns books out there to create something for you, your home, or as a gift...there are plenty of choices!

Available at WALNUT HOLLOW

along with many other kits!

Well - I hope you have enjoyed learning some of the basics for Woodburning and I've inspired a few of you to try your hand at this fun art form.

In March of 2012...just a few weeks away...

I will be sharing some fantastic news and products with regard to my ART tiles (these are tiles that I have decoupaged with a fine art technique/process that I developed using my own Artisan blend of varnish - and a variety of Artwork including vintage painters, contemporary painters, JLynn ART, digital artwork, photos and lots more).  I am always happy to share my knowledge, techniques and skills - as well as promote products...but my style like anyone elses, is specific to me - so I hope that you experiment and take time to discover your own "ways"...striving to create something that is unique as you are, and take pride in your new abilities!  

My tiles have been called by my customers as "miniature ART pieces".  They have become known for their colors, shapes, and high quality finished style due to the extra care and time put into them.  So - I am SUPER EXCITED to share with my latest RELEASES in TILES, fantastic NEWS, and something incredibly FUN - all stemming from my ART, TILES, and WOODBURNING (new additions for certain...but a brand new product that showcases my latest technique that I just developed) - and although I might be able to give you a sneak peek of some things...I won't be able to share the "biggy" until mid-March...but I know you are going to LOVE them!  Just wait until you see...
Have fun creating!

~JLynn

SANDBOX CHALLENGE #1 - PINK BLUSH

SANDBOX CREATIVITY CHALLENGE #1

PINK BLUSH

Do you wanna play in the SANDBOX?

I hope so!

Background...if you don't know about my inspirational giving back project - check out the "Wanna Play in my Sandbox" from a week ago on my blog.  Lots of fun things planned to get you inspired and connect you with other Artisans that might inspire you too - take a peek at our first Designer Highlight - Jennifer Justman of Soul's Fire Designs!  And yesterday my humorous blog post was about our inspirational WORD...and the RANDOM things we notice that inspire us in our creativity (in my case sometimes it takes 10 years for me to notice something that's been there all along lol)!

 

But the most important part of my "Sandbox" is my quest is to inspire others to be creative! SO...if you're up to playing in my Sandbox...

 

The CHALLENGE is to use the above photo "Pink Blush" as your inspiration to get creative...in fashion, decorating, arts, crafts, florals, design - you name it - if you are into paper crafts, painting, home decor design, repurposing, visual displays, photography, painting, computer graphics, polymer clay, metalwork, creating beads, and designing jewelry...really anything creative...you're invited to play! 

 

RANDOM prizes will be awarded in early March!

Rules:

Simply create something (could be jewelry, art, crafts...or even a visual display, fashion outfit, home decor setting, photo with the colors...the sky is the limit) based on the feeling that the photo above evokes in you...

 

Take a photo of your creation and submit to me by Sunday 3/12/12 midnight (via email Facebook/Etsy or the easiest uploading a photo to our EVENT album on our J-Lynn Jewels page).  Winners will be announced on 3/15/12! 

 

It's our 1st SANDBOX CHALLENGE! Are you in??? Are your friends in??? I hope so - because we love to share and have fun in the SANDBOX!

~JLynn



WORD...Random

JLynnJewels - Fluttering Hearts

featuring the new 1/2" Mini Contemporary Hearts

Red Magma Swarovski Crystals, and Fallen Angel Brass findings

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

Today is a day of showing your love in small or big ways...and since there is a lot of different types of love (people, friends, hobbies, careers, TV shows, movies, dinners, desserts lol) - I think you should all do very well with figuring out the best way to celebrate a "holiday" that is best known for Cupid and shooting arrows lol.

This morning as I was on my daily commute from the Kitchen to my Studio/Office...I noticed something for the first time ~ it was this...

Do you notice the wood grain is in the shape of a heart???

I laughed out loud and had to go get my camera...because we moved into our house September of 2011...and in all this time...I have NEVER noticed the heart on my floor.  Kind of ironic that I would notice this TEN years after we moved in - and on Valentine's Day of all days!

Yes - I'm RANDOM...Yes - I tend to notice little things and catch the beauty in something little each and every day.  Yes - I love all the things good and positive and yes...a little romance, flowers, and chocolate never hurt anyone.  I don't need anything fancy...and sometimes RANDOM surprises in the form of Reeses Bar and some unusual flowers (which today were provided by my lovely daughter)...

Photography above by JLynn - All rights reserved - copyrighted 2012

So - I thought it would be appropriate for the

WORD of the week to be...

RANDOM

In the simplest form...Random means "a haphazard course...without definite aim, direction, rule, or method  - in my terms...that means that although I wasn't looking for something...I was pleasantly surprised with my findings ;)

Sometimes my creations come from RANDOM places...

Sometimes my inspirations come from RANDOM thoughts...

Sometimes my photos are totally RANDOM due to unexpected circumstances

Sometimes my moods are totally RANDOM too...ummm...no explanation needed

But for me, I love my RANDOM surprises in all things.

So in honor of RANDOMness...

take 25% off in my ETSY store with coupon code

RANDOM25

or

SWEETHEART25

And if you see things on our Facebook page that haven't been listed yet...as in the following little lovelies...feel free to contact me via Etsy convo's for a special order listing that will be valid for the current coupon codes too...

So hope you find some pleasant surprises in RANDOM things...

that make your heart beat faster and bring a smile to your face!

Happy RANDOMness this Valentines Day everyone!

~JLynn

Kick-off! SANDBOX CREATIVITY!!!

Introducing JLynn Jewels ~ "FEBRUARY JEWEL"

Jennifer Justman ~ Soul's Fire Designs

Before we get into my interview with Jenn...

A little bit about my Sandbox...

 "SANDBOX CREATIVITY"

is a community of creative people

sharing common goals, interests, skills & values

The concept for this project is simple...

To inspire, educate, and support all things creative

Simply put...

It's my way of giving back for the many blessings

and opportunities that have impacted my life because of

my numerous years in the creative industry

In the upcoming months...you'll be introduced to:

~ Ta-Dah Tutorials/Tips ~ Play-Days~ Inspire Me ~

~ Energy Boosters ~ Organize It! ~ Popcorn Products ~

~The "Booty"~

and

our Monthly "Jewels"

featuring a variety of designers

Now...for our star feature...

Introducing...our FEBRUARY JEWEL

Jennifer Justman from Soul's Fire Designs 

Like the sun hiding behind a BIG cloud...waiting to burst out...Jenn popped into my life like a major beam of light.  My first thought when one of her happy, sunshine filled posts appeared on my wall, was "WOW...I'm lovin' this gal...and I don't even know her" -but I felt that connection almost immediately.  You see she is one of those people that you feel like you've known forever...a kindred soul.  I felt her warmth and positive attitude across the miles and it has been a real joy getting to know her.  I feel  privileged to have her as one of my people that I count on for a long distance hug, camraderie of support, and general inspirational splash!  I hope you will enjoy my feature of Jen and getting to know a little bit more about her and her jewelry designs.

When I asked Jenn about how she got started designing, she explained that it was close to eight years ago.  She remembers a time, when she was in college trying to finish her degree, working full-time, and attempting to plan her own Wedding.  Life was crazy for her, but she was determined to find the perfect  necklaces her bridesmaids.  As time drew closer, she grew frustrated trying to stay within her budget...so, she purchased some Sterling Silver pendants, some beads and created them herself ~ and she has been designing ever since.  Jenn said over the next several years, she never really thought about selling her jewelry until last year...when her friend and husband talked her into it!  Jenn opened her Etsy Shop SoulsFireDesigns last Spring (April of 2011).

What caught my eye first about Jenn is her love of FallenAngelBrass findings, and her unique style in how she uses their findings.  I also loved the fact that she used a variety of other Artisan components in her designs (including JLynnJewels ART tiles).  So I'm going to share a little of what I've learned about Jenn including just a few of her many designs...

As a designer myself, one of the things that I've always loved to do...is use everyday findings as an actual design focal element...it's amazing the looks and styles you can come up with.  In this romantic necklace, the use of tiny jump rings up the one side really cinched it for me...as it was an offset tiny design element that spoke of something mysterious...fun...and unique.  I simply love it...you certainly would not find this in a department store...and that's the point - Artisan Jewelry is one-of-a-kind.

Valentine Red Crystal Heart Necklace with Key

If you are true Artisan...

Designs ideas come to you through feelings, inspirations, and colors

"It is always better to be an original, than an imitation"

~ Theodore Roosevelt

I chose some pieces here that just seemed to blend so well with each other - and gave me such an overwhelming feeling of peace and happiness...hope you enjoy!

Sometimes design inspirations come from focals...

and sometimes the focal makes you think about a particular song...

In this case...the inspiration song was..."Only Hope" by Mandy Moore

Jenn created this beautiful double strand bracelet,

packed with gemstones, Swarovski Pearls, Wood pieces, and my

 1" doublesided/reversible ART tile with all Fallen Angel Brass (FAB)

And sometimes...

Jenn is inspired by Color Palettes...and visions from the sea

this beautiful bracelet features Agate gemstones

and luscious ceramic beads from Gaea

Mother Nature herself also inspired Jenn...

this design features my 3/4" ART tile

After the storm...

When the dark clouds begin to move away

 and there is a patch of brilliant blue sky...

 all above a bare autumn tree whose

 naked branches stretch to the blue sky...

 to the sun's rays...peace falls upon the world

Now let me share a TRUE story...when I first saw the below design - I thought of Colbie Callait's song "Brighter than the Sun" - and low and behold when I read the description (just click on the picture) - I learned this was the inspiration song for this design).  You see Jenn and I have another common connection - and that is we both have backgrounds in music - specifically singing.  So it's always fun to hear what song she has playing on her iPod...or what song inspired a certain design...or what song just kept the flow going for her when she's designing.

These bright and sunny earrings feature

ceramic pieces from Marsha Neal Studio

Have you guessed one of Jen's favorite colors yet?

Ocean inspired Blues and greens from the sea...this bracelet reminds me of the Carribbean beaches and skies...featuring a 1/2" double sided

mini-heart JLynnJewels ART tile - so sweet!

Now, as designers...we purchase things and hoard them...Jenn is no exception...

Maybe a better phrase to use, so we're not given a bad rap...

is that we purchase things that "speak to us"

and sometimes we need to wait until they call out to us...

or the right inspiration comes along that has us digging for that special piece...

The below earrings feature beautiful Boro beads but I'll let you read more about the inspiration behind these earrings when you visit her Etsy store.

But I simply love these stacked drop earrings with dangles!

Like many designers, Jenn is also inspired by another Designer's creation...

and that component and feel to it...becomes the inspiration for the design,

as is the case with this gorgeous bracelet featuring a beautiful leaf

Polymer Clay focal piece from Heather Powers

When I asked Jen what her favorite thing

 in jewelry design was...she responded with...

 " I love wire working, I love to bend and twist and shape...and I've gotten to a point where I make all my own ear wires and many of my headpins too"  

Here's an example of one of her own Ear Wires...

Did I forget to mention that another favorite design color for her is RED?

It is - and don't these just look HOT - RED HOT! Fun in a classy way :)

As Jewelry Designers, Artisans, Craftspeople...there are many that have unique qualities and traits that make a Designer stand out...that "soul" that speaks without words...and that spark of creativity that just never rests.  Jenn is one of those people.  You know it is said that those that are true Artisans...those that create from a vision...are able to have unique relationships - even with the very people that most would consider a business competitor.  Like me, Jenn takes great pleasure in other designer's successes.  She is such a cheerleader in many ways - it's a very special feeling to be surrounded by people that can whole heartedly celebrate your new creations, compliment you, and gladly help you with learning a new skill or technique if they can.  Creativity is a constant quest for growth and trying of new things.  So it's inspiring to see her striving to try new things...so being curious...I asked Jenn what it was that she wanted to "dabble" in this this year...she responded with...

"I have many ideas whirling about as to where I'd like to go with wire this year! Plus...something else I've been dabbling in, is metal stamping and I love it!  I want to do more this year, because I find it a bit tricky but so rewarding".

In addition, she also added that she would like to work with Patina and Etching so that she can start creating some of her own focal pieces.  Ironically, metal stamping and etching have been calling to me too - and I confess that I have a set myself from BeadEducation that I still have not played with yet and it's a year old...so I'm hoping that seeing some of Jen's inspirational pieces, inspires me to dabble a bit too :)

The below picture is one I took of a special piece that Jenn sent me as a comfort gift when I lost my Sister this past November...I love the organic feel to it and when I'm not wearing...it has a place of honor hanging off my desktop lamp off this gorgeous iron hook...I LOVE it and it reminds me every day to "Just Breathe". 

Also love her "wrap" bracelets too...

All of this of course left me with wondering a bit of our shared likes of what I call "Component Designers" - these are Artisans creating beautiful focal pieces, links, beads, and other eye candy for Jewelry Designers to utilize in their projects.  Well not many surprises...some I've already linked above - like Fallen Angel Brass, Marsha Neal Studio, Gaea, Heather Powers, and of course JLynnJewels ART tiles.  But the other neat thing about fellow Designers (well at least the "cool" ones) is that we LOVE to share our finds and promote another Artisan.  There is no such thing as keeping "mumm" about a favorite component designer...and all through the year, you will be seeing a lot of sharing of not only some of my favorites...but my featured designers' favorites too! 

Here is something that Jenn created using a precious component from a new designer... Tree Wings Studio - brand new to me and when visited their Etsy store, I wound up purchasing a pretty neat pendant and some "wheel" links that were calling to me - cannot wait to design with them.  Anyways...here is an adorable fox bead from Tree Wings Studio that Jenn designed...

I just LOVE Jenn's enthusiasm and outlook on life...

We joke often about having that same optimistic "Polyanna" personality...

but in the good positive ways and being thankful for all of the things in life. 

So where does this leave us on this interview???  GOALS...

When we talked about goals...I was upfront with Jenn that I wanted to know her creative goals (and not numbers).   Because I feel that in this day and age, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers game..."x" amount til I reach this..."x" amount of fans (both of which are not a true indicator of success or failure) - but they are in fact for me...both numbers that are associated with people, and since I'm a major PEOPLE person...I have a hard time classifying anything or anyone as a "number".  Don't get me wrong...all business plans need forecasts and P&L statements.   Coming from an Accounting background (Tax Para)...and also a Marketing background (which had me analyzing sales and trends to successfuly make improvements in key areas through relationships and creative education), I can tell you numbers are extremely important...BUT I also believe that anything number related (including dollars, weight, and age) are best left behind closed doors. 

So - yes, Jenn has goals for sales and fans I'm sure...

but do you want to know her main goal for this business year???  

She said...

"To enjoy it!

And remember that I love what I'm doing,

and to put those feelings into everything I create"

And I for one am SINGing her praises ;)

So in closing, I asked Jen to share some things she likes about my tiles too - because as a designer...I know what goes through my head...I know why I create my ART tiles...but I'm not always sure why people purchase them or what they have in mind for a design - but since I absolutely love the designs she has come up with using my tiles, I was curious...and asked what she loves about my tiles...to which she responded with...

"What I love about your tiles?  That they are so versatile without losing that special classiness that is all you.  I love that JLynn Jewels tiles come in many sizes and shapes and patterns, and yet I can always look at a tile in a piece of jewelry and know it is one of yours.  Each tile tells a story and the best part?  Each story is open to many interpretations, each tile can be taken in to use in our own creations... to tell our own stories. I love how holding a JLynn Jewels tile in my hand has that moment of infinite possibility and then... then it speaks to me and tells me what it wants to be.  I am positively giddy over all the new shapes and I love how each shape can be drilled more than one way... oh the possibilities.  They spark my imagination and let my creativity flow."

THEN...I asked her why she wanted to play in my SANDBOX...she said:

"Why do I want to play in your sandbox? Because you have the best toys! ;) Janice, you are generous, fun, creative, kind... you share my Pollyanna view of the world and life is too short not to see and embrace the goodness! So please, please, may I play in your sandbox? "

NEEDLESS TO SAY...my answer was a resounding YES!

Now you begin to understand why Jenn is such an everyday life pick-me-upper - a pure ray of sunshine and happiness.

LOVE HER! 

So do yourself a favor...go check out Jenn's links here - and especially become a fan of her page...not because it's a "number" but because your life will be that much more enriched by having her in it!

http://www.soulsfiredesigns.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoulsFireDesigns

https://twitter.com/#!/SoulsFireDesigns

https://www.facebook.com/SoulsFireDesigns

I leave you with this message from Jenn...

"I am always trying to get better, always, I think one of the best parts about designing jewelry is that there is no end to the possibilities.  There are always new techniques to try, new mediums, new people to meet, new ways to push yourself.  Being a designer for me, means sharing my soul, my vision with the world.  It is a terrifying and beautiful prospect.  But I've found many of the best things in life are the most frightening to dive into. "

HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY

FEBURARY JEWEL...and my special friend

JENNIFER JUSTMAN