About Me

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JLynn has been in the Art, Craft & Jewelry industry for over 30 years ~ promoting creativity through Education and Media. As a published designer, JLynn is known for her colorful Art, Artisan Jewelry, Altered ART Wood Tiles. Online since 2004, a former eBay Power Seller, on Etsy, and Amazon. Family, Art, Nature and Kaleidoscopes are some of her inspirations

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

SUMMERTIME Color Challenge Results!

 
Background on how the Challenge came to be...
Over Memorial Day, my family and I did something that we hardly ever do...
we went on a REAL vacation - to the Outerbanks of NC.  There were bills to pay, things we were worrying about - but we decided to put a good portion of our tax refund back into "us" - giving us a chance to get away and relax...
 
We chose the Outerbanks, because when my husband and I were first married - we actually lived in Kitty Hawk - and I worked in Duck (apprenticing in an Artisan Ocean Jewelry Store).  Aside from having a little beach time, seeing the tallest Lighthouse (Cape Hatteras) - there was horseback riding on the beach, 4-wheeling in a jeep to see the Wild Mustangs of Currituck...we had time to sit by the pool, go mini-golfing, shop, and simply "be"
Here's a few snippets...
 



 
 
So how did I come up with the Color Challenge themes???
Well - my inspiration was our vacation home initially...
and then all the delights we saw while window shopping :)
The house was very spacious and decorated in a relaxing, carefree style
 that simply inspired you to kick back and relax...
It was while I was admiring the fabric shag rugs that I thought...
wouldn't it be fun to have a Color Challenge
 based on all the things that are inspiring me during this trip!
I took LOTS of pictures...
and then came up with the above 5 colorful palettes!
 
SO...
I set up the Challenge in our "Events" section on our Facebook page...
and am giving a big THANK YOU to all those that simply invited themselves and shared their creative creations!
 
YES  - we will be doing another Color/Theme Challenge...
as well as, a few other ones too!
 
VIEW all Creations in our Facebook Photo Album...
(WE HAD OVER 40 ENTRIES)
or type the below link in your browser...
And if you're not a FAN of our page yet - we invite you to LIKE our page! 
 
Lots of fun creations inspired by our Color & Theme Palettes...
I had SO many favorites - it would have been impossible for me to pick "picks"
And since it was a low-key event for all mediums and technique levels, and designed for FUN as an exercise in inspiration...
I thought it appropriate to have FUN Judges ~ my Husband and Daughter!
They are NOT intimidating in any way...but are very familiar with all art and craft medium, jewelry & colors! 
 
So without further delay...
here are the JUDGES "pick" in...
COLOR - THEME - and OVERALL
 (who they felt fit both theme & color)...
 
 
#1 - THE WISE ONES
 
COLOR - Shannon
 
 
THEME - Melissa


OVERALL - Cathy
 
 
 
 
#2 - SUNSHINE AND SEA
 
 
COLOR - Jan
 
THEME - Julianne
 
OVERALL - Marlene
 
 
 
 
 
#3 -CONFETTI FLOWERS
 
COLOR (Red/Gold) - Allison
 
COLOR (Multi from Rug) - Cathy
 
THEME - Helen
 
OVERALL - ShaLayne
 
 
 
 
 
#4 - WATERSCAPE
 
COLOR - Tonya
 
THEME - Cathy
 
OVERALL - Allison
 
 
 
 
 
#5 - FOR THE BIRDS
 
COLOR - Kathleen
 
THEME - Georgette
 
OVERALL - Despina
 
 
Our other very unique and creative entries...










 
 
 
 
 AWARDS & GIFTS!
For our Color and Theme Picks...
Choice of JLynnJewels ART Tiles
1" Square or Round
and matching Mini ART Tile (square or circle)
 
For our Overall Color/Theme Picks...
Choice of JLynnJewels ART Tiles
2" Matchstick
Pair of Mini Art Tiles (square, circle, heart or triangle)
and a surprise "Vintaj" Brass sample pack! 
 
 Note:  Judges "Picks" that have been recognized in more than one category
(Color, Theme and/or Overall) can choose any combination of ART Tiles valued up to ~$25
 
**ALL of our participants received a special promotional Dollar gift
 to use in our Etsy store and a promotional coupon code for a future order**
 
 

Catch-UP!

I'm happy...and productive...
AND that's my story - and I'm sticking to it!
(The reasoning behind my not posting in almost two months)...
 

Well - finally I am taking a breather to say hello and simply write on my blog...
I always have good intentions for blogging - but some days..months - well they happen - here's a quick catch-up and FYI for upcoming blog posts to look for in July...

  •  RECAP from our Creative Time journey with tips to find inner happiness, get inspired, get organized, and lots more :)
  • Tutorials - a Jewelry Tutorial for a fun dangle bracelet...AND a few quick and easy home décor project shares
  • NEW ART TILES!
  • An addition to our online Etsy Stores...JLYNNARTJEWELRY - it's time to separate the children...they both need their space ;)
  • SUMMERTIME COLOR CHALLENGE!  A sharing of our participants creations and Judges Picks for best in Color, Theme, and overall Categories.
Stay TUNED
Have fun creating!
~JLynn

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

 
Day 2 of the Creative Time Project...
Monday 5/13/13
Focus is on "LAUGHTER & HOPE"
 

The first week of Creative Time is dedicated to fostering a positive mindframe, and to open up all the possibilities and inspirations available to you!
 
RECAP for Day 2...
The assignment for Day 2 was TWO part!  The first part was to focus on the things that make you LAUGH...which could have been a silly thin your pet or child does, maybe something funny you noticed while out in public...or maybe some memories that just get you giggling.  My family often refers to the silly things we do... "as putting a page in the book" - meaning that it will never be forgotten and will hold its place in history lol.  The goal for the day of course - was to be conscious of your laughter and the happiness it brings.
 
The second part was to jot down the things you HOPE for...taking into consideration the things that are important in your life - whether that's family, personal/professional goals, dreams - or even things you might be wishing for a loved one.  No rules - just write down as many as you want, as long as they are positive.

For me you ask?  Well let's just say I have had my fair share of "silly moments" - for instance...while blow drying my hair in my bathroom one morning (without my readers on mind you) - I thought I saw a pretty big spider under the cabinet ledge and I proceeded to make sure it did not make any more moves by using the only tool in my hand - yes the hair dryer.  When I calmed down enough to wonder if I did the deed...I gingerly put my glasses on - bent down and realized that my "pretty big spider" was actually a pretty big "dust-bunny" that had been attached to my throw rug...ummmm-hmmmmm - these types of things are part of my every-day life.  Unintentional humor that I could keep to myself - but you know - it gives a lot of people a good laugh ;)

The JLynnJewels Matchstick ART Tiles you see above, are available in the 2" x 1/2" size shown - and also the new "Lil' Sis" size, 1 1/2 x 1/2" - if you don't see what you're looking for in the JLynnJewels ETSY Store  - please contact us for a custom order (all ART Tiles are custom made specifically for you, and can be created in any pattern, theme, size or shape.  (Note...The JLynnJewels Matchstick ART Tiles are a copyrighted name-brand & product of JLynnJewels - copyright infringements are monitored, addressed, and cannot be used without JLynnJewels written consent ).

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Creative Time Project & Day 1 Picture Book!

 
Creative Time...
Ideas to loosen up to and encourage your Creativity
Focus on the positive things in your life
Move forward with a purpose
Sharing of Tips & Techniques
Give-Aways and Specials!
 
For me, Creative Time is a yearly Spring into Summer event - it's a time when I take a step back, reassess life, my goals, and the projects I'm currently working on, as well as considering working on.  The bottom line is that I always want to make sure I'm creating from the heart, with meaning and a purpose.  If it's not done from the heart...well - it's not worth doing it my book.  Sharing from the heart is what has brought me to where I am ~ and it guides me to where I'm going...forward.  So I hope you'll join me in my month long refresher - as some of the things I do, may very well help you too in being more relaxed, reducing that stress, changing your focus to a more positive and forward thinking style - while loosening you up to be creative in your own way :) - each day, there will be something to focus on and do...the first week is about creating a positive mindframe and to appreciate all that you have in your life.
 
DAY 1...Find something to smile about!
Mother's Day started my personal project.  No matter if you're a Mom or not - EVERYONE can benefit by placing all the to-do's temporarily aside to get out and become one with nature and simply take time to enjoy the beautiful things around you, that so many often take for granted.  The assignment for the day was to simply remember the things that you love and make you smile. 
 
So, please enjoy the following photographs I took while on a "family outing" to a local Topiary Garden (22 acres of beautiful gardens, trees, open areas, and more).  These are just a few of the things that inspire me and make me smile.  (Note:  JLynnPictureArts is an offspring of JLynnJewels - and it includes my Photography, Prints, and Digital ARTwork).
 
 
 ~WISTERIA DREAMS~
I love the romantic look of these majestic beauties...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Next stop...the Rose Garden (still awaiting for the blooms)...
but sure made you anticipate the things yet to come - so I'm just
sharing ONE small detail from this garden...this beautiful Brick and Iron gate!
 
Wondering what's on the other side???
Here's a little peek...
 
Around one corner, not far from what I call Wisteria Dreams...
we found this...so pretty!
 
 
The Pink & White Gardens were full of blooms


 
And before you ask...
Yes - these are all photographs I have taken...
and YES, they are all natural with NO editing
The lighting was truly amazing this day... 


Just another snippet of some of the pretty scenery in the Yellow Garden...
The soft small leaf groundcover, always looks to be so touchable and soft...
I always refer to this as "Fairy Grass" - because of that light and airy look
especially with all the Ferns and little places to secret yourself away.
 
 
 
The Stone Walkway was so serene...
 


The Tea Garden was a special favorite...
 



 
The Iris Garden had a few blooming...
absolutely loved this one as in the sun it looked exactly like
crinkled purple satin - simply amazing...
 
 
 
And this photo is one of my magical moments...
The sunbeams (yes they are natural!), the breeze,
the smells, the colors - just made me feel so very happy! 
It was if there was a tiny fairy that was sprinkling magic dust
and whispering to me "Remember this Moment"


And as we worked our way back up to where we started, we came across two pretty places...

This relaxing trio - two weathered and wooden chairs, along with this
this amazing bench with a wood carving dedication and the scripture from Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"
which can be seen at the base of the bench...

And a small Lily Pad pond with a special guest... 
 
 
 
Well - that's my recap from DAY 1 of my Creative Journey.
It was such a lovely day to get out and play and the memories
from this day are something that I believe I will remember for the rest of my life.
 
So many things that made me smile...
So many things that made me appreciate all the little things even more...
And so many things to inspire me in my creative endeavors -
whether that's my Artwork, my Jewelry or my ART Tiles
 
Hopefully sharing some of these photos made you smile too :)
 
Look for Recaps of Day 2 and Day 3 coming up soon...
 
Warmly,
JLynn


Monday, May 13, 2013

GIVE AWAY WINNERS!

 
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
 
A special thank you to everyone that participated...
Growing a creative business is not an easy thing - so need to say how much I truly appreciate all of your comments, and social shares/likes, messages and feedback!
 
THANK YOU!!!
 
Random.org chose the following winners...
 


Which breaks down to...
 
Intricacy Earring Winner...
PHYLLIS ARNOLD
 
JLynnJewels ART Dog Tag Tile Pair
Bittersweet Dream Scape
Shannon York
 
JLynnJewels ART 3/4" Circle Pair
Lisa Lodge
 
SURPRISE $10 Gift Certificates
(Thank you for SHARING)
Your names were the first two that repeated on the List!
 
Shannon York
Lisa Lodge
 
For everyone that participated - contact me for a special coupon code
 for FREE SHIPPING in our Etsy Store!
 
If you are listed above as one our JLynnJewels TOP FIVE Winners,
Please message me (via Facebook, regular email, or Etsy)
for instructions on redeeming your prizes :)
 
 




Thursday, May 9, 2013

GIVE AWAY TIME!



GIVE-AWAY TIME!
That moment that everyone seems to love...

Not exactly sure how one year got by me so fast...but it did!  Actually I'm not sure where the last 25 years have gone lol - as this year is the magic "Half-Century" mark for me.  If you know me - you know numbers are not a big deal - they are just numbers after all, and in the scope of life - they really don't matter too much in terms of your personal value as a human being...or what you define as personal success.  Well - I suppose the only exception might be...if it's your numbers on the winning lottery ticket...lol!  Anyways, although I will be turning the big 5-0 in August - I really don't feel "old" - and actually I think each year you add, well - life just keeps getting more impressive!  Especially when you look back over the years, and contemplate all you've learned - and then - in the next moment, looking toward the future with thoughts of all that you've yet to learn in this ever-changing world.  LIFE - with all the daily intricacies is pretty darn impressive if you ask me...

For those that know me - you know I do not pick "images" or create "Art" without heart and soul - there is ALWAYS a meaning behind my creations.  The "INTRICACY" series is no different - as for me, it symbolizes life...all those little daily details, patterns and colors that entwine together to create one moment in time...that connects to the next day - the next month, and the years.  So whenever you see something from my "Intricacy" series - I want you to think about LIFE - and all the good things you're reminded of!  Everyday there is always something to appreciate :)

So...you'd like to win the above
JLynnJewels "Intricacy" earrings, right?
Or maybe...
you'd even like to win a pair of
JLynnJewels ART Dog Tag Tiles
or a pair of 3/4" Circle ART Tiles?


OR MAYBE...
One Intricacy JLynn Jewels Matchstick ART Tile?


Well...that's right there will be more than ONE winner in this awesome GIVE-AWAY!!

How to Enter?
It's easy...follow the below Steps!
The more you do & share...
the more chances you have!

First...If you're not a follower of our blog - I invite you to follow me
 (this is not required but I really would love having the company in my random posts).

Give-Away Steps...
(remember #3 and #4 increases your chances BUT are entirely optional)
If you share - just let me know :)

#1 - Leave a comment
here on our Blog...would love to hear your
 thoughts on the new "Intricacy" series (if you're having any problems with Blogger...simply leave a comment for me on my Facebook business page)


#2 - FAN our Facebook page ...
and leave us a comment :)
If you haven't done so already - click the "Like" button at:
As always we appreciate the add to your favorite Lists
 and turning on notifications to help keep us "out there" :) 


#3 - SHARE away for more GIVE-AWAY chances! 
On FACEBOOK (your personal page, business page,
or any groups you're a part of)

On TWITTER (follow us at https://twitter.com/JLynnJewels )
Give us a tag mention :)

On PINTEREST (follow us at http://pinterest.com/jlynnjewels/ )
PIN any of our JLynnJewels ART Tiles :)


#4 - RECOMMEND us to your friends
If one of your friends stops by any of our social pages as a new fan
 and mentions you - that's another entry for you too :)

That's all - have fun!
WINNER(s) will be announced on
Monday 5/13/13 at 1300 hour (3pm EST)!

NOTE:  This Give-Away is sponsored by JLynnJewels and has no affiliation
 with any other companies including Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

AND for those of you that have it to this point...here's a special COUPON CODE to use in our ETSY STORE - valid through 5/15/13 only - good for 20% off your purchase!

GIVEAWAY20

THANK YOU My Lovelies :)
Have a wonderful week and have fun celebrating your Moms!

  Happy thoughts from my garden of Dahlias :)
~JLynn