Back for a bit

I've been pretty busy of late.  One daughter graduated and into a full time job, one off on a study abroad (lucky!) and one just needing some mommy time (the youngest not used to being alone).

I've been doing some thinking about my shop.  I've had a wholesale request from a person in a foreign country.  I've researched and feel that this individual is authentic and has a genuine offer.  They have offered to purchase a large number of my pieces and also some that have already sold.  They would like me to duplicate them as closely as possible.

The problem I am having is twofold.  One, this is a new venture for them with no guarantees that there will be any subsequent orders. The items they want are somewhat one of a kind items, not easily duplicated. Filling this order will take ALL of my time which leaves no time for creativity, trying the new techniques I want to try and working with the huge load of turquoise I am expecting any day (yay!)

Two..since it is such a big order it would require a special bank account..proforma forms...letters of credit, escrow accounts..etc.  Basically it would require me to get into "exporting".  *sigh*  If this were an order within the U.S. you would see me doing cartwheels down the street, but all of this extra stuff is just not what I want to do.

And third (yes, I know I said twofold) since this is a wholesale offer it is for half off.  And as I said before these aren't pieces that are easily made, they have my most awesome stones, etc.  I keep my pricing competitive on etsy but I just don't want to take 50% off of these pieces.

This reminds me of the old saying (and I'm paraphrasing)  "the best way to ruin something you love is to try to make a living at it".

I, honestly, don't want to do it.  Mostly because of the "export" requirements.  I feel bad because this sounds like a great opportunity.  I mean, it isn't Sundance or anything (my dream!) but still,  it just seems all consuming and having to expell energy and time on something I really don't want to get into.

So I'm torn.  It will take a few more days of deliberation I think.

I've also been wanting to redo my photos, again.    I've taken a few to compare side to side:

I'd love to know what you think.  This?

or this?

I think the second would be good for a look book..but maybe not for etsy?  The first set is much better I think, but it isn't consistent. I don't know.   Maybe I'll just go sleep on it all.

Best Combinations

White Topaz, Peridot, Pearl, Emerald, Citrine

My customers come up with the best color combinations for their stacking rings. 

I market these as birthstone stacks, although you can pick whatever you want.  I wonder if it's just coincidence or planning that most of the birthstones seem to blend so good together.  (You think anyone plans pregnancies that way? )

White Topaz, Sapphire, Opal, Pearl, Aquamarine

I love to see how the clusters of stones turn out and blend together. 

Unexpected Hotel

This is the edging around my garden.  These bricks were placed here because when placed in a pile seemed to attract all sorts of vermin..from roaches (which I HATE)  to mice (which don't bother me but aren't good to have too many around).  They were placed here just to get them out of the way...sortof...until we either used them or got rid of them.

Today my father asked for a few to line some beds, or a driveway, or something.  He came over and started picking them up.  He uncovered a treasure trove of toads!  Fat little toads had made their home in the holes in the brick.  I am guessing that is where they have wintered and have not quite made it out for spring...or maybe only venture out at night.

So, we have a host of toads living in these bricks.  Now, I like these types of critters in my garden.  I know they are good for it and I know it is a sign of a healthy environment.  I like spiders, and even snakes (as long as they are not poisonous) in my yard.  So I am tickled to no end to find this many (and I didn't count but saw about 10) in just this small corner of my garden.

Welcome fat little lovlies!  Eat all the bugs and critters you can!

I love this little guy's face.  He reminds me of the "Frog and Toad" character.

I'll leave you with more pictures of my garden.  It was gorgeous today.

Facebook

I used to have a facebook page but it got a little weird so I deleted it.  I'm ready to try connecting again. 

I have a button on the sidebar you can click if you want to follow my page.

In the mean time, here is something new:

and I made these a couple of days ago:

available

*sold*

I'll have to go through my stash of buttons to make more of these.  I've been wanting to make a bracelet but haven't had the time with mother's day.  Maybe next week.

** if the links don't work, sorry, but you can click on the shop portion of my right sidebar to find them.  Blogger is being weird this morning. 

New

After a day of working in the shop I can't ever seem to come up with words to entertain.  So I'll just share a picture with you.  This is my newest ring on my daughter's gorgeous hand.