Blizzard Sale at To Be Me Jewelry - 20%

We decided to have a Blizzard Sale until the end of January!

20% off entire order of $50.00 or more.

Enter SNOW at checkout

We have 23 inches of snow here in central New Jersey!

Beautiful! I must admit I have cabin fever...

Happy Holidays

A very quick post today...Happy Holidays everyone!  Today is Christmas Day and it's only 6:00 a.m. My household has been up and going strong for a couple of hours now. The presents are opened and wrapping paper collected and ready to be discarded. More cooking to start in about an hour. Breakfast guests will be knocking on the door by 8:00 a.m. I'm pooped out but loving every minute!

It's been a hectic couple of months for my family due to an illness in my family. Everything is going to be fine once again by spring - thank goodness! I will be offering a spring collection at To Be Me Jewelry in a couple of months.

I would like to wish you all a Peaceful day today. May you find enough love, happiness, good health to feed your spirit in the coming year. May you always have a dream in your heart.

Claire
xo

Songberries Review

Well, my fall wreaths and flowers are out on my porch welcoming a little fall cheer. October weather here in New Jersey has been delightful. I woke up this morning to a very chilly house. The heat is now turned on for the first time this season...here we go soon enough with coats, hats and snow shovels.

Do you need to perk yourself up with some new earrings? Here's a chance to enter Songberries giveaway of my Victorious Pearl Earrings. Go to http://songberries.blogspot.com/2010/10/to-be-me-jewelry-review-and-giveaway.htmlRead the rules and enter - so easy! The Victorious Pearl Earrings are a good fit with every outfit. Designed with sterling silver, pearls wrapped delicately around a small hoop. Value $38.00. This giveaway ends on October 16th so go now...yes beadheads now!

Songberries blog is a creation by Carol Harlow. This blog by Carol is full of information about cooking, crafts, family, life and giveaways. It's a colorful blog in more ways than one...it's a beautiful inviting blog to even look at. Reading Songberries has been a pleasure and I'm going there to try to win a giveaway!

BRIELLE CRAFT FAIR 2010

Ok...beadheads...come visit me! I will be participating in the 38th annual Brielle Day and Craft Fair on Saturday, September 11, 2010. It's will be a sunny warm day! Located at 17 Acre Brielle Park - Corner of Union Lane and South Street. Hours will be 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Parking will be a little tough but I know you can find a place! This is a fair open to hand crafted items only.

See ya there!

Ocean Grove 28th Annual Craft Fair 2010

It's time for the Ocean Grove Craft Fair! It's suppose to be a beautiful day on Saturday, September 4th. It's a great show! There will be over 250 crafters and artists and usually reaches 5000 customers. All items must be handmade. Each year I meet the nicest people both customers and vendors. Last year, I met two of the nicest people...they touched my heart. I will keep their conversations with me always.

The photo shown are the first few steps in designing my Thought Waves Necklaces. I have many more already finished and packed for Saturday. The Thought Waves Necklace is suppose to reflect the buyers thoughts. It's very cool when you can open your mind to think about it and then get it. So, beadheads what are your thoughts waves?

Come visit me on Saturday...My booth will have To Be Me Jewelry attached to the front!

Featured Bangle of the Week-No Restrictions Bangle

The No Restrictions Bangle is for the chic individual who lives life to the fullest.

To Be Me Jewelry is offering this bangle at a discount through August 12th. The No Restrictions Bangle is handcrafted with sterling silver and lampwork beads. The focal lampwork bead has sprinkles of silver throughout. This bangle is a limited edition.

Free shipping in the USA. Please view website for details.

Leslie Loves Veggies

To Be Me Jewelry has a review/giveaway going on at http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/ . Leslie's blog is fabulous! Leslie reviewed my Wish Upon a Starfish bracelet. This fab bracelet is designed with antiqued sterling silver chain, three turquoise beads on each side, and of course a starfish. Ok...beadheads if you would like to win my Wish Upon a Starfish bracelet go to Leslie's blog and follow the directions to enter. Three bracelets are up for grabs! USA residents only. It ends August 17th! So, go now...yes now! Good Luck, sweeties!

Oh...I bet you will become a fan of Leslie's. There's just too many good things going on there. Hey, I'll race you there...

Thought Waves Jewelry - Crazy In Love Bracelet

My Thought Waves Collection is one of my favorite designs. If you have no idea what my Thought Waves Collection is - it's this...Sterling silver fused together with a torch. It's pure freedom of design. In this bracelet, Crazy Love there is a bit of reticulation of the silver. Reticulation is a unique texture you get when torching the silver. It's just so cool.

My collection of fused jewelry reflects the individuality of the person wearing the designs. Each fused earrings, bracelets, cuffs, necklaces are unique and cannot be completely duplicated. Handcrafted with sterling silver and antiqued to bring forward the design.

I call this bracelet - Crazy in Love Thought Waves. So my question to you is, What's your Thought Waves?

National Ice Cream Day - July 18th

I am so in love with ice cream! So, today I'm really a happy lady...why? It's National Ice Cream Day! Yesterday, I ran out to buy Cookies and Cream (my son's favorite) and whipped cream in preparation for today. I try not to keep ice ceam in the house - it's just too tempting. Today, it's guilt free - yippee!

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream month. He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month.

In keeping with the jewelry niche, the photo of the ice cream is a lampwork bead. This bead was designed and created by Christina Catherine of http://www.ccglassart.com/ . A talented glass artist also selling her lampwork beads on ebay. In the past my jewelry featured some of her beads. Lampwork beads are a favorite of mine to use. Each bead is truly unique, made with a torch then put in a kiln. I have made lampwork beads but most of the time I find myself falling in love with other artist's work. Go check out CCGlassArt with a bowl of ice cream today! My favorite flavor by the way is Butter Pecan...what's yours?

Yoko Ono and My Thought Waves Necklace

As small business I research marketing tips, twitter, face book, HARO, …well you get the idea. I try to market my business within a tight budget. I’m always searching for “free” marketing. To be honest, I’m still not sold on twitter. It seems to me that everyone is “talking” but nobody is “listening”. This is only my opinion – what the heck do I know?

I decided it may be a good marketing “thing” to follow Yoko Ono. Hey, why not? I grew up with at least a week crush on John Lennon. Always love and still love John’s music. I grew up with the peace sign embroidered on my jeans. I may not wear the peace sign on my jeans anymore but I do believe and pray for peace. Peace in many ways. Back to Yoko-this morning I received a follow with a direct message from Yoko. Wow! But, as I read it I realized it is a message that is computer generated and goes out to zillions. That’s ok – I still liked receiving it. Don’t know why – just do.

I have always found Yoko to be a strange little thing but not someone to reckon with. This morning in “my 5 minutes of time for me,” I decided to think about Yoko. I found myself changing my views. What I like about Yoko is she has always been true to herself. She is not afraid to be different. I really like that. Yoko (I may be wrong) seemed to know herself at an early age. Many women seem to find themselves when the kids grow up. Then again Yoko never had to worry about paying bills – where the average woman does. The average woman cleans, take care of everybody and everything – and oh yeah – works. By the end of the day how can a woman be true to herself? She’s pooped out!

Ok – yes, I know back to Yoko! I followed my twitter message from Yoko. I went to her website, www.ImaginePeace.com and found Yoko’s QandA day. There was a question from Miamigirl2 asking: What are some of your beauty must-haves? I LOVED Yoko’s answer:

1) A picture of your loved ones: your mate and your children… always near your heart

2) A smile in the mirror when you wake up in the morning.

3) a big stretching before you put your clothes on in the morning.

4) a bottle of water to carry around so you don’t get dehydrated

5) a Kleenex so you don’t just sneeze in the air, so people around you at the time won’t get the full treatment!

6) a pencil and a paper so you can write down your sudden inspirations.

7) Anything that is uniquely yours must have beauty.

You have to admit her answer is great! Yes, my views on Yoko is- that I now have views on Yoko! I like her. Now if I can only get her to wear one of my Thought Waves Necklace! It would be cool – don’t you think? Reality - long shot!

I design my Thought Waves necklace to promote the wearer to choose what their thought waves may be. Everyone tells me so many different things – I enjoy listening. That’s exactly what I want them to do – think and enjoy.

Peace sweeties!

Claire

The New Me?

I have a story to tell and no time to tell it! Darn! I'm getting ready for three shows - July 22nd for the Wounded Warriors-a charity event founded by State Troopers assisting soldiers returning from duty, Ocean Grove Craft Show - Sept. 4th and Brielle Craft Fair - Sept. 11th. Then of course orders to fill and stock to deliver at Fabulous Finds in Pt. Pleasant, NJ. So...here's the deal...see the photo? That's the old me (that day no make-up-yikes!) and the new me in my profile photo...this is thanks to LX-tv NY. I will post my "story" in two weeks. It will be long so get a glass of wine or ice tea and be prepared.

Blue Lapis Goldfilled Necklace

Well, it's in the works! I'm not sure if it's the beautiful weather here at the Jersey shore or if I'm being pulled in too many directions but this poor necklace has been on my workbench for two weeks now waiting patiently to be finished. Today, will be the day to get it completed. Now that I sit here writing about this Lapis and Cintrine necklace I am remembering why I stopped. I was at a quandary with finishing the necklace. I like things that are mismatched. I like stones at the clasp area not to match. I may actually match this with lapis by the clasp or mismatch with clear quartz and amethyst. Any suggestions? Match or mismatch? What gemstones?

Memorial Day Sale

To Be Me Jewelry is offering 25% off your order through May 31st.

Please have a safe and happy holiday...please also remember what this holiday is truly about.

Summer Breeze Sea Glass Bracelet

It's a beautiful day here at the Jerseyshore - sunny and warm. Next week the beaches will be crowded with people all enjoying the shore. I usually take my walks early before it gets too busy.

To celebrate the warm weather I am starting to add to the, "On the Beach" collection. This bracelet is designed with sterling silver and sea glass. Please take a look at To Be Me Jewelry's website for more beach jewelry!

Great Service Comes from the Heart

This morning I received an email from www.GiftBusinessOwners.com . I subcribe to their email newsletters. Please take the time to watch this wonderful video, http://www.stservicemovie.com . Make sure you have a tissue. If we all took the example of this sweet young man this world would be so much more beautiful. Am I surprised that this idea came from a person with down syndrome? No. They most often think with their heart. I have learned that if we listen with our heart we will always choose the right thing to do.

When I mail out my orders I always write a note written from my heart. I also say a little prayer while holding the jewelry in my hands to bring love, good health, and wisdom to the buyer.

Happy Mother's Day!

This sweetie-pie picture of my son was taken many years ago by my dear friend Pat. Although, this is an old picture it is still one of my favorites. Happy Mother's Day!

"There is only one pretty child in the world and every Mother has it." Chinese Proverbs

Have a lovely day...

Mother's Day Sale 20% off purchase

To Be Me Jewelry is offering a 20% discount to celebrate Mother's Day!
Sale ends May 9th.

Happy Earth Day 2010!

Well, beadheads...it's Earth Day! Let's face it, we're certainly not perfect when it comes to taking care of our earth. It's impossible to do everything right. We should once in a while sit back and think about what can I do for the earth. It may be something simple like starting to hang out the laundry on a sunny day. Yes, that's my laundry - be thankful I don't have any gotchie draws out there! Sheets that are dried outside smell wonderful and come alive. Think about how lifeless your clothes are after you use the dryer time and time again. I guarantee you will sleep better with fresh air dried sheets.

Did you ever wonder how Earth Day started? Read this - http://EarthDay.envirolink.org/history.html And...hey there Al Gore do you hang laundry out? Saves energy....I'm just sayin'

I hope you all enjoy the day. Go plant a flower, look up at the sky, count your blessings for all you have. Never take it for granted.

What's In a Photo?

What's in a photo? Quite a lot sweeties! My website will be taking on (slowly) a new look. In the coming year I will be experimenting with a new look and new designs. I have so much "stuff"

inside me I feel like I'm going to explode into fireworks! Stay tuned beadheads...

The Sunshine Award!

There are several jewelry artists that I admire and inspire me. One of them is Angela Walker of http://www.angelawalkerjewelry.com/ . Angela has a style that is unique and all her own. It's a thrill to have Angela nominate my blog with the Sunshine Award. Please check out Angela's designs on her blog - http://www.angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/ and also on her website.

Now it's my turn to nominate a few blogs. Truly all the blogs I follow are so outstanding!

Natasha - http://www.5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/

When I read Natasha's blog it relaxes me and makes me realize to take the 5 minutes just for me.

Serena - http://www.thefarmchicks.typepad.com/

I love anything about farms and barns. I also love little prints of anything and Farm Chicks certainly love small prints too! The writing, baking, all inspires me and just makes me feel good.

MaryAnne - http://www.starlightblog.com/

I was nominated before by MaryAnne but had no idea what to do - now I do! MaryAnne was the first person to comment on my blog and always gives me good vibes. A real sweetheart of a person! ....of course talented too!

Kerin Rose - http://www.kerinrose.blogspot.com/

An amazing talented jewelry artisan. Kerin Rose has a wonderful spirit and beautiful ways of looking at life. Kerin Rose uses the lost wax technique when designing her jewelry.

All my followers here on this blog I think highly of all of you! Such talented people who share their knowledge, feelings, and life. I appreciate and enjoy all of you.

To the Nominees: If you were chosen for the Sunshine Award you may pass it on to some of your favorite bloggers.

- copy the picture

- let them know you gave them a ray of sunshine

May the sun shine on your blog for a long time Angela! Thanks - you made my day!

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring! Time for renewal ...
Time to put away the turtleneck sweaters...
Time to think spring colors...
Time to be light hearted...
I designed the Amethyst goldfilled earrings while the sun was bright and I felt light hearted ...

These earrings can be purchased on my website, To Be Me Jewelry. Timeless Lux Hoop Earrings #2079.
Amethyst delicately coiled with goldfill - length one inch.







Walking in my backyard this afternoon I found some wild crocuses. Beautiful little purple spring flowers only to stay for awhile.

My inspiration for my Timeless Lux Hoop Earrings...

Little Girl's Jewelry Birthday Party

I was asked to do a Girl's Jewelry Birthday Party for 11 girls ages 5 to 8 yrs. old. Thanks to Rena Klingenberg's wonderful advice on http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/ I was able pull this off and have loads of fun with these great kids! The favorite colors were pink, blue and purple in this order. I must admit I was fearful of not having enough pink! Today's girls love things that are truly sparkly and bright. I used mostly glass beads and rose quartz hearts/stars. To keep the expense down I used sterling silver plated clasps. Several bead containers were placed on the floor and I had the girls sit in a circle taking serveral minutes to look over the beads. We talked about colors and designing a bracelet. I had the girls pass out the bead boards and pink pouches. It was fun helping them and certainly they did not need much help in designing - they were fantastic and creative! I never had the opportunity to be with a group of little girls. Each one had their own personality starting to emerge. I just adored them and had so much fun. My husband did ask me what's going to happen when they all finish their bracelets at once and come at me with their little bracelets to be finished? They did form a line and waited patiently for their turn. I am amazed at how much the girls enjoyed having this jewelry birthday party!

I took the photo of all the girls finished bracelets. It's truly a friendship photo that will make memories.

And the Winner is...

Happy Valentine's Day!

The winner of To Be Me Jewelry's Valentine Day contest is Susan W.!

Susan please email me your address so I can mail the turquoise earrings to you.

Enjoy!

Let it Snow...let there be cookies!

The snow is piling up here at the Jersey Shore. Near blizzard conditions. We are flip-flop people not boot people.

This photo is a house across the street. The trees are huge.

Snow has reached about 16 inches and it's still snowing!

Oh my, I just realized - I bet schools will be closed for the rest of the week - cabin fever setting in.



Let it snow, let there be cookies. Time to bake chocolate chip cookies. I think I made too many!

Contest for Free Turquoise Earrings

Ok, Beadheads - here's the deal...To Be Me Jewelry will be giving these Turquoise earrings away on Valentine's Day, February 14th. Yes...I hear some of you whispering in my ear, "Claire, you should be giving heart earrings away for Valentine's Day". I say-baloney! Turquoise reminds me of warm weather and that's where we are headed soon in the coming months.

Contest Rules:

1. You must be a fan of To Be Me Jewelry on Facebook.

2. To be in the running email me privately by February 13th with the message - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

3. Contest will close at 7:00 p.m. on February 13th.

Your name will be placed in a container and my son will pick out the name. Easy enough!

The winner will be announced on To Be Me Jewelry fan page on Valentine's Day.

Contest will be open to USA, Canada, UK residents only.

Sandy Beach Bangle

The inspiration for the Sandy Beach Bangle came from making the silver caps with my Pepe Disk cutter. After making the caps I sat looking at them trying to brainstorm a new bangle.

The Sandy Beach Bangle is a limited edition. Designed with sterling silver, goldfill, lampwork beads. The lampwork beads are light tan with tiny silver balls. Quite outstanding.

Pepe Disk Cutter

Love this tool! The Pepe Disc Cutter has 11 punch sizes to play with. This cutter will allow up to 18g metal to produce round discs.

I use my regular 16 oz. hammer to punch. Next time I will try the rawhide hammer to see if there is any difference. The edges are a bit sharp so a quick sanding will be needed. I may try to tumble the discs first before sanding to see what happens. Once tumbled I may not even need to sand.

Since, this is my new tool from Santa I still need to really play and experiment. Santa had so much to do that he placed the order with Otto Frei.

The question now is - will this tool be cost effective?