Artist Spotlight: Part Fifty-Nine

I'll warn you now, this is going to be a picture-heavy post.  You'll see why, though.  There's just so much I want to show you!  And all of it was made by Collette of Collette's Boutique.

Collette says that she began making jewelry in 2004, when losing her job caused her to have a lot of free time.  She started with beading, then took a few wire working and metalsmith classes to learn basics.  Most of her knowledge, though, is self-taught.  In my opinion, she must be one hell of a teacher, because her jewelry is just amazing.  Clean, classy, classic, and just plain exquisite.  Prolific, too, as illustrated by the nearly 200 items in her shop, mostly in sterling silver, copper, and various stones, though she says that her toddler takes up most of her time now.

OK, I'll stop telling and start showing, since her pieces really speak for themselves.

Earrings.

(These you can win on her blog contest, which runs through October 22... except I'm hoping to win them for myself!)

Bracelets.

Necklaces.

And believe it or not, wire-wrapping tutorials, like this toggle closure and this pair of earrings!

For news about her jewelry, the veggies she grows in her garden in West Virginia, and even the occasional joke, be sure to follow her blog.

Something Different

I wouldn't normally talk to you on this blog about non-handmade stuff.  For instance, while I'll tell you about my face painting, soap, sewing, knitting, and even sometimes my face painting and baking, I don't really talk here about my law practice.

But this is about a potential free iPad or iPod for you.

And see, my law practice is really local.  If you're not in NJ, it's not going to matter to you.  This is different.  This is nationwide... and it's Eric's.  And I'm kind of really excited about it.  I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but in addition to the soap and candles, beer brewing and cooking, Eric's got a "day job" too.

He's in IT (computer stuff).

When I met him, he was running his own company in Brooklyn, and just when we started dating, he got hired out from under himself by one of his corporate clients.  They needed a good computer guy, especially one familiar with both Apple and PC products, and he fit the bill.  So he went with it.

Turns out, he much prefers to be his own boss.  So after almost 3 years there and over 12 years total in IT, he's taken the leap and struck out on his own again!  He is now Logical Lemur IT.  I love the name.  I love the concept.  And I love the theme of his branding.  I'm a big geek, and look!

Dude!   The periodic table!  And  yeah, I hated chemistry as much as the next person, but I learned the periodic table from Mr. Merics in 8th grade science and I loved Mr. Merics.  Plus, doesn't it lend itself so nicely to the categories?  That's the postcard he had made, but if you check out the site, you'll see those boxes are navigation buttons.

Why am I telling you all this?  Because you might need him.  Seriously, this is nationwide.  He can do most things remotely.  And if he needs a tech to show up in person, he can do that or get one to do so, wherever you are.

For businesses of at least 3 users, he's offering unlimited monthly support.  For residential, he's offering a monthly home protection plan.  I'm not going to repeat all the info that's on the site here, because that would be silly.  Feel free to poke around and contact him with any questions.

Yes, yes, enough.  I mentioned that Free iPad or iPod and you want to know what on earth I was talking about, right?

If you look on the site, specifically here, you can see the details on how to get one, but the basics are these:  If you refer a business client of at least 3 users and it signs up for service, you get an iPod.  If you refer a client of at least 30 users, you get an iPad.  So do yourself a favor... think about the business you work for, the businesses you used to work for, the businesses you deal with, and friends with businesses or in businesses.  Because who couldn't use a free iPad or iPod?  Am I right?

OK, nerdiness done.  For now.

Artist Spotlight: Part Fifty-Eight

It's been a long time since you've seen anything from me about this shop, Jewelry by Janelle.  I did introduce you to her here and here, and tell you about my nifty hairsticks from her here.  Well, Janelle herself has left us, but her shop lives on, with all proceeds going to her estate, to help out her family.

There is still a wonderful selection of her work, showcasing her legacy of craftsmanship and care.

One of her signature pieces, this Zebrawood donut was made from one of Jan's favorite varieties of wood, one she considered to be most beautiful.  She hand shaped, sanded, and buffed it to a lovely shine, and then used a brown organza ribbon to finish it off.

This bracelet, made from Bloodwood and aluminum chainmaille, combines two of Jan's jewelrymaking talents.  The neat thing about this bracelet is that it could be unisex, and work for anyone.

This pendant, with its beautiful deco bail, is made from the same wood as my hairsticks - Pink Ivorywood.  I can attest from personal experience that it's just as gorgeous in person as it is in the photo.

Last, but certainly not least, this Madrone Burl wood necklace and earring set with its gold filigree bead spacers is polished to such a shine that it looks like it's got a clear poly coating... but it doesn't.

To see more photos of these and the other items in Janelle's shop, please go visit.