Nothing sweeter...New Year & new plans!

Happy New Year!

Well - it's the first cookies of the New Year!  I was resisting the urge to bake, but was coerced into making a batch of Nestles Chocolate Chip Cookies earlier today (mind you...a little healthier with Stevia and a mix of flours - shown unbaked here).  I'd show you the baked version - but well...what can I say...they were VERY yummy with a glass of milk - so maybe next time ;)

Hope you all had a lovely holiday season and are looking forward to what 2016 has in store for you - I know I am!  Last year I planned the work, and worked the plan - in order to put in place a lot of terrific changes for this year, to bring you many new Jewelry pieces, Tiles, and Art! 

Curious as to what I have up my sleeve?

Here's a few snapshots from 2015...

and some news for 2016

ART Tile questions...

Yes, I will be making them in 2016...

but on a reduced production schedule, as I will be splitting
 my time with  Artwork (Painting), the ART Tiles and Jewelry Design.

 JLynnJewels ART Tiles ©

Oh my...these pretties are always a labor of love...very time consuming with

images on both sides, created in my Florentine Decoupage style, authentic Wood-burned Bevel Edge frames, with multi-layers of Artist varnish.  

Tile wise, I'm not sure if it's the tiny details or joy in bringing my own artwork and photography to life that I love more...but I do know that I love creating these little miniature pieces of art.  In 2015, I needed to scale back in the amount of Made-to-Order requests I took, as the demands on making them were causing me physical problems in my neck and hands.  So in order to preserve my discs, muscles and tendons this year...I've created a more balanced work plan, so that I can keep on doing what I love to do :)

SO...what's in the works???
I'm happy to tell you that 2016 will bring a new line of special & unique OOAK and Limited Edition ART Tiles (get them while you can...) - some will feature my new Zen Inspired Art - along with a few new themed MTO collections that will be released and available by calendar quarters.

--------------------------------

Jewelry Designing...

During 2015, jewelry design time was at a premium with all the other things going on in life.  That's why I was I was very honored to be asked to create a collection for the now retired "Beads & Beyond" magazine - where my "Denim & Lace" Necklace graced the cover this past November.  It was such a fun  collection to create that featured a Necklace, Earrings, and two Bracelets with variations on my new contemporary Chain Maille pattern I created specifically for this feature.  

In 2016 I will be sharing new Tutorials on my Website (in the works) and Facebook Tutorial Album (including the Denim & Lace designs).  I am SO excited and looking forward to having designated design time for new Artisan jewelry creations :)

Some of the original Jewelry pieces are available in our newest sales platform on

Handmade at Amazon

H@A went live in early October.  I wasn't sure what to expect or what Amazon would bring to the handmade world - but after having a pretty amazing holiday season there - I'm hopeful that their presence with promoting Handmade will help foster and promote all things handmade - including bringing new light on Etsy as well (which is another sales venue of mine that just hit a pretty amazing milestone in 2015 - a whopping 2,000 items sold!).

  Looking forward to being present on both venues this year :)

-----------------------------------------------

Family...

2015 year was a year of additions, challenges, and some positive changes :)

In April, we adopted yet another fur baby rescue...

My 25 year old son is the one I can thank for convincing me to bring home 

our little Bella Bunny - a sweet & petite Lionhead!

She joins our other two rescues - Angel who has fur like velvet...

and Maggie-Moo who loves to be held like a baby

In December, my daughter made the Deans List once again - 

and graduated a semester early with a degree in Accounting, 

and started her new job just this past week.

 My DH has been with FHWA for over 30 years now and currently works in DC - he was recently honored with a special invite to the White House at Christmas...
and since we had toured the White House way back in the 80s...I told him to take our daughter in my place for a special graduation perk.  I won't share all the photos they were allowed to take - but this is one area I would have absolutely LOVED to walk down with all the overhead Snowflakes :)

On the challenging side of life...

My Mother-in-Law continues her battle with NHL Cancer.

She has handled everything with such strength - but it is still so tough.

Her battle started the Summer of 2014...and over the next year and a half - she had a surgery, 6 rounds of Chemo, 25 Radiation treatments - and when the Cancer was still there - went through another invasive surgery which left her with some voice and mobility issues.  We have tried to keep her spirits up throughout - and aside from little pick-me-up Gifts (mainly lightweight Earrings I created) and positive thought gifts - I also created the below Talisman Necklace for her, mainly to give her something to run her fingers through on the commutes to and from the hospital (which she loved). It features premium Czech beads wire wrapped to a very full but lightweight tassel dangling from an amazing Ceramic Boot (created by my friend Gaea) and pulled together with one of my favorite, warm and rich Brass Metals - Vintaj.  The Believe Affirmation Ring sealed the deal.  

Her battles continues - so please take some time to send out well wishes, prayers and good, positive thoughts into the world for not only her, but for the many others who are continually faced with challenges too.  Life is short - and goes by so quickly with every year you are blessed to be here.  So spend time with those that mean the most to you and do the things that bring happiness and joy!

Which brings me back to the present...

2016 - January...

I finished my Financial record keeping for the year (along with inventory)...so believe it or not, I'm actually looking forward to cleaning up the Studio (good exercise to keep the hands and mind busy)...and layout my findings and components for new designs I'm planning to create during the last two weeks in January.  Hoping to debut some new and exciting collections in both the Etsy and Amazon stores during the first two quarters...and hopefully by June - my regular website will be back up and running!  

For now - enjoy our temporary site at www.JLynnJewels.com

Look for Sneak Peeks on our social sites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and new listings on both Amazon & Etsy!

Including some of these...

These gemstones, ART Tiles, Artisan Components, Ceramic pieces
 from the above and below pictures will be featured
 in new designs in January & February

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!!

Holiday GIVE-AWAY 2015 Winners Announced!

Special thanks to all those that took the time

 to enter for our Give-Away!
 

Here are our Top Five Winners...

1.  Karen Bucci

2.  Stephanie LaRosa

3.  Lynne Wienceck

4.  Maria Rosa Sharrow

5.  Cindy Newell

WINNERS...

Please message me via Facebook or 

my Website contact at http://www.JLynnJewels.com

Will need your shipping address :)

Happy Holidays!!!

JLynn

Give-AwayTime & Happy Holidays!

It's GIVE-AWAY TIME!

Enter for your chance to win a special Variety Pack ~ FIVE Lucky Winners will be chosen!

Scroll down to see how to enter!

We will be mixing & matching a variety of prizes - some of which include:

Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders Soft-covered Book (SRP $21.95)

Vintaj Natural Brass Technique & Idea Books/Bookets

Vintaj Natural Brass special Findings packets

JLynnJewels Snowman Earring Pair

Menagerie Studios Pendants

JLynnJewels ART Tiles

Premium Czech Beads

and a few other

 surprises!

It's easy to enter...

#1 - Leave a comment here on the Blog to let us know

 if you are a Winner, what you would like to have in your pack!

#2 - Like our JLynnJewels Facebook page and a few photos...

 and share our GIVE-AWAY!

(extra entries for shares)

#3 - Follow us on Instagram & Pinterest

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED
MONDAY EVENING 12/21/15!

Thank you for another amazing year!

We would like to wish everyone and your families a wonderful and heart-filled Holiday season!

 Check in with us in 2016 for some special announcements and NEWs! 

Warmly, JLynn

Making Time for the Good Stuff!

 Forget Me Not ART Tile Necklace

A necklace I created in memory of my Dad, which was published in Belle Armoire Magazine a few years ago.

 Taking time for the little and big things this past year...

I started 2015 out with a goal to create a better balance

Creating - Painting - Designing - 

and more time to relax and enjoy life

Of course, Life doesn't always go as we planned…

It can be busy and full of surprises - and 
then throw a few curve balls when you're least expecting it.

As some of you know my MIL was diagnosed with NHL (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) last Summer.  She went through surgery, then 5-6 rounds of Chemo...but the cancer was stubborn...so she had to undergo Radiation treatments (5x a week for 5 weeks or so…). Cancer is tough - and I think we are constantly redefining and renewing our faith in the word hope & believe.

During Chemo Rounds - I always had a little pick-me-up gift after each treatment - and we all wore Green Wrist bands with the words "No-one Fights Alone" - however, with the radiation treatments - I felt something a little more substantial was in order…hence the need to create a Cancer Boot Kickin' Necklace (featuring an awesome Ceramic Boot by Gaea, Czech glass bead, and all Vintaj Natural findings/chain.  Although it's a relatively simple design, it is still a very time consuming one with the involved fringe which I designed to help sooth the nerves and thoughts - and to keep my MILs fingers and hands busy while staying still.  It's definitely a substantial Talisman Necklace…

I think I said Cancer was tough...and sometimes stubborn...
After a couple months "off", we learned that there is still a stubborn area of Cancer...which means another Surgery soon for my MIL...
so please keep her in your thoughts & prayers.  

In case you didn't realize…creation for me, comes from the heart - so in everything I do…there is meaning behind it - a story of sorts - and a reason for creating what I did - heartfelt symbolism born out of the happy and tough stuff.

The best philosophy for me and life is…

Focus on the things you have control over…and let the rest go :)

~JLynn

Fall Decorating, Swedish Fish...and upcoming NEWs!

Focal piece... One Swedish Red Fish!

Aside from Chocolate, Caramels, and and Brach White Jelly Nougats...

Red Swedish Fish are IT for me :)

So if you see some designs in RED...

Or ART Tiles with Red Fish don't be surprised lol...

UPDATE...I've been missing from the action for almost two weeks now...

Have had some sort of chest cold that appears to spread the joy to others too...

Since I've not been "sick" in almost 10 years - (really!), I can't complain...

Unless it decides to stay another week - then there may be a WAH post!

On the plus side to being sick...the perks...

1.  Bag of Mini Swedish Fish

2.  Homemade Soup

3.  Pumpkin Dunkin Donut Coffee

4.  Help with Cleaning

5.  Homemade Stew

(Compliments of my husband and daughter)

This past Friday I ventured out of the house for a quick trip to Home Goods and Michael's.  My daughter was in a crafty mood...(thanks to Pinterest...)

Which is a good thing - because I love Pinterest too and all my fellow Pinners!  

So...if you're on Pinterest and want to join me...here's my link:

  

JLynnJewels on Pinterest :) 

So wondering what my daughter created?

Well, here's a few things she made over the weekend!

 - Layered Leaves on Quart Size Mason Jars to create "Lanterns"

 (these look great at night w/tealights)

- Chunky Yarn BIG Letters for Fall

- Fall Floral Milk Crate Jars for Flowers or Cinnamon Sticks...

(she also Arm-Knit an Infinity Scarf in a rust color in a 1/2 hour...lol)

and pictured below...

She created a Trio of Chunky Yarn Pint Size Mason Jar Holders for her office

 and also added this Home Good "Treasure" in her office too (a very fun Birch Branch Fall Floral that we found for a ridiculous price)

OH - and she made a pair of pint size goodness for my Office/Studio too :)

Her craftiness is productive, quick, and fleeting...

But it's always fun to watch the "crafty bug" bite lol! 

So what did I do???

Enjoyed watching...but as for my own craftiness...about the only thing I had energy for - was changing out my tablescape with baby Pine Cones & Pumpkins!

 

 So - that's the Home Fun Stuff...

and now I get to share the Biz Fun Stuff...

Did you know...

Amazon is opening a new Handmade Marketplace VERY soon???

I was invited, applied, and then accepted

 to the Artisan Line-up for Jewelry and a few other categories.

It it a new platform with lots of unknowns...

with lots of set-up and work...

undoubtedly with many updates and improvements...

but I'm very excited to be a part of it!

As soon as I'm able to - will definitely share the URL link to my store

which could be as early as sometime this week!

Until then - I'm listing additional items and fine tuning things...but here's a sneak peek at my "first" attempt at my Banner...there's been many more since!

SO THE SCOOP...

 

 Jewelry Wise...

Most of my new Jewelry will be listed on Amazon, with some custom order and retired jewelry pieces available in my Etsy Store.  

My regular website and online Store

is under construction for a much needed "Make-Over"

I'm hoping to have all Updates complete during the 1st quarter in 2016

Website will remain "live" during this time at:

JLYNNJEWELS.com 

 

 And for my ART TILE FANS...

Ready to Ship, Seasonal, MTO and Limited Edition Tiles will be available in my Etsy Store - as well as, direct sales via my Facebook page, 

Messaging, and a new Group!

Some of these pretties are tagged for my jewelry designs...

but some will be making their way into the Etsy Store this week! 

ART & Education Wise...

Some of you know that many of my Tiles are digitized miniatures

 of my own Watercolor/Acrylic/Ink paintings - some of my past favorites shown here...but there are many more in the works!

  

Education & Inspiration...I love to share and inspire others to be creative through pieces published in Magazines AND through my website and blog.

Look for NEW Tutorials (similar to these) in 2016...

 Time as we all know goes by way too fast...

and typically for me - the last three months of the year are the fastest!

2015 has been a year for contemplating and planning...

and it was also a year of changes, surprises, and challenges

2016 I'm hoping to make more of my ideas happen!

"Balance" - it's not just a word...it's a way of life...

So as I continue with my creative journey that's also my job...

look for a new mix of things with Jewelry, Art Tiles, Artwork, 

DIY Tutorials with Skill Builders, along with Creative Challenges, Contests, 

and of course a few fantastic Give-Aways!

HAPPY FALL!

JLynn

 

 

Creative Chaos & Colorful Welcome to FALL!

HAPPY FALL!

Well...we still have a good month until we see the leaves, look like this (right now we are still predominately GREEN)...but the good news for those of us that like Fall - is that it's officially FALL!

But since I love all things Pumpkin...and love the beautiful scenery of the back roads on a fall day...and love going pumpkin picking...drinking pumpkin coffee from Dunkin Donuts...

(and yes - even paying a bit more to have those Dunkin Pumpkin K-cups at home too...)

it's safe to say - Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year (just wished it lasted a wee bit longer).

Fall also means 4th quarter madness...and the Creative Chaos in the Studio...

Too many design, woodburning and art thoughts...

not enough hours in the day...

PLUS...the LATEST!

This year, I'm adding a crazy new mix to my online sales venue...

I was accepted into the brand new category of Handmade at Amazon!

Which means you will find an intriguing mix of Artisan Jewelry & ART Tiles

on Amazon, Etsy, and my own Website soon 

For now I leave you with this jaw dropping picture...

Shown here...a photo of what my little work table in the Studio looks like

I call this "DOUBLE TROUBLE..."

You see, last night I didn't feel the love for cleaning up my design table, in order to complete a couple Tile Orders...so I opted to add another foam layer on top!

Not only are there a LOT of Artisan components and beads

 piled up and around my miniature work "area", 

but there are a good dozen or so of jewelry designs UNDERNEATH)...

And a hefty number of "prepped" Tiles on the TOP layer...

(that's a lot of Tiles I would like to woodburn this week lol)

Some could not work like this...But I can lol...

Just call it the blessings of having a "Squirrel" mind...

one that has an uncanny way of keeping track of all the acorns buried

 (so to speak...)

SO...here's what to expect in October...
Lots of New Jewelry & Tiles!

New ART Tiles in the Etsy Store

New Jewelry line in the Handmade at Amazon Storefront

(Grand Opening date TBA soon...)

As well as, our new Website (currently under construction).

Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Warmly, JLynn

Honored to be the Highlighted Artisan this month on Esfera Jewelry!

JLynnJewels Artisan Interview on Esfera Jewelry

 Click the above link to read my Interview with Janine...

 plus enter the FOUR Give-Aways 

simply by liking/following, sharing & commenting!

Janine is not only one of my customers for Art Tiles, but she is also an across the pond friend of mine that is such a sweetheart!  I have always loved seeing her Jewelry and reading about her many adventures while on "tour" (take time to read about her life and the amazing adventure her & her husband live).  

Interviews are not something I do too often - but I so love Janine's highlights every month, and was so happy she thought of me!  Although I admit to being a bit nervous in answering her questions (I'm much better at highlighting others versus being in the highlighted seat)...I was so happy to share more from behind the scenes and my heart :)

So aside from adding me to your "liked" and "followed" favorites on the various social networks (and of course my Etsy store)...

Add Janine to your list as well!

Just take time to read the interview...scroll to the bottom for all the links for both of us...and follow Janine's instructions for being eligible for the Give-Aways (it's a fun way to follow everything and be entered for one of the prizes)

From me...

A pair of Earrings (Purple Cascade or Dog Tag Earrings)

$25 gift card for my Etsy Store

From Janine...

TWO Fabulous Earrings featuring my ART Tiles!

A special thanks once again to Janine!

So appreciate the support and friendship!

    

 

On the Wings of Time...

Don't know where the hours, days, and months go - but they sure do go fast!

Lots to share, as I haven't posted since the end of June...

No apologies though...

Stuff happens which causes a re-prioritizing and shifting of that 

ever changing to-do list...such is this thing called life :)

So before I share the details of this gorgeous bracelet - I thought I would share a little random inspiration for fun...

Ancestry...

You might have guessed...

But a very big part of my "roots" come from Ireland...

I have researched a lot family wise, but still have a lot of unknowns.

Hopefully one day I'll be able to fill in more of those family blanks....but til' then

I dream about Ireland - complete with tiny Fairies and lots of green...

It's funny - but even the fern like grass I see in open woodland areas...I refer to as "Fairy Grass" - and seeing it always brings feelings of comfort, safety, and love (and some odd connection to my Ancestors in Ireland).

Fun stuff - as these feelings never fail to inspire me to create!

This is a photo I took at one of our local gardens...

I took it because...you guessed it...

It shows what I consider a variety of local "Fairy" Grass :)

Which brings me back to that gorgeous Bracelet above...a new pair of Earrings below...along with a brand new Jewelry Line entitled "Unchained"

Both of these pieces are part of the new line that feature many handcrafted pieces with Artisan components & chain.  I can't being to say how happy it makes me to not only create with my own Tiles and Artwork- but to team up with other Designers with like minds - that also create jewelry components too!

Unchained Earrings...

Stunning - with a long and dramatic style that feature handcast Pewter charms by Inviciti, JLynnJewels mystical Boho ART Tiles

 with tiny czech bead dangles and lots of delicate dark brass chain.

And that gorgeous bracelet...actually has TWO focals in it! 

A Ceramic Focal bead by Jana of Happy Fish Things (this piece can also function as an aromatic therapy piece, as the back side is natural and can accept your favorite scented oil).

Exquisite Lampwork Bead by Dean of Bubby & McGurk Beads - lots of amazing layers, with tiny pockets of color and depth - so much more

 beautiful and captivating in person...

Add to these - multiple Vintaj Arte Metal chain strands & tassel

(dark Brass that's nickel and lead free)

with lots of delicate czech seed bead dangles.

 

For me...

The sounds of delicate chain, symbolize the faint tinkling sound associated with fairies lol...so this one not only looks magical but feels pretty magical too.

Fall/Winter 2015/2016 NEWS...

* NEW Artisan Jewelry and ART Tiles themed for Fall & Winter

* New Published pieces (Magazine reveal tba soon) 

*Artisan Highlight (coming in late September)

*NEW online Website and NEW Sales Venue!!!

And just a simple note from me...I create as an outlet to express myself.

I'm not a manufacturer who kicks out thousands of assembled pieces in a day...

but a true Artisan that takes pride and time in creating pieces from the heart.
It's all about quality - not quantity...

For me, my jewelry, artwork, and tiles are an extension of who I am, 

what I'm feeling, or what my heart and mind have been touched by in any given day or moment.  There is always a story or inspiration behind my creations.  Whether that's a Talisman for a challenging time in life, or a piece to symbolize love, comfort and happiness...
It's definitely an Art piece from the heart.

Happy soon-to-be FALL!

JLynn

"Name that Tile" Random Winner selected!

The Tile Name Debate!

I wanted another pendant size that was tall but still had a delicate feel to it…and these 2 1/2 x 1/2" Tiles definitely fit the bill.  I initially called them "Skinny Ovals" (and Elongated like my Heart Tiles) - as did a few of my customers during a recent call to help with a "Name that Tile" post on Facebook :)

Of course once I printed out the tiny papers, adhered them to the Tiles with my Florentine style of decoupage, wood burned the sides and created the bevel edges - all I could see were Mini Surfboards lol!  And I wasn't alone!!

So - wondering what some of the Name suggestions were?  

Well, aside from Skinny Oval and Surfboard we had…

Marquise, Navette, Surfette, 

Tongue Depressor, Pipe Boards,

Skimmers, Paddle Boards, Petals, 

Cats Eyes, Elongated Ovals, 

Neckboards, Fingerboards, 

Wafers, and Kayaks!

My husband said that they reminded him of the Overhead Fan Blades…

and wants to name them "Blade Tiles"

THANK YOU everyone for the fun suggestions and to those that participated :)

I'm positive that I will be using the word "Surfboard" and a few others like Marquise, Navette, Elongated Oval, Petals, in the descriptions (dependent on what prints/themes I'm using)...

The actual name of the Tile Shape will be revealed in the Etsy Store on Thursday when our FIRECRACKER Sale & Online Specials begin!

with...

Jewelry 50-60% off

ART Tiles on sale, and…a coupon code

 to add to your savings too :) 

LASTLY…and with great fanfare and thanks…

The Random Winner (generated by Random.org number generator) is #19…

who happens to be LYNN FERRO on my handwritten list of names

Congrats to Lynn who will receive one of the above pendant Tiles!

Look for matching Earrings in not just these 1 x 1/2"…

but also in some new sizes (shown below)... 

Matching Tiles in two new sizes…

1 1/4 x 3/8" and 1 1/2 x 1/2"

Happy Creating everyone!

JLynn