More from the road...

We loved our trip up north, and especially checking in on favorite spots recommended by Colleen. Although we only got to a few of the eateries she recommended, we did stop in at one that particularly caught our eye, since the word "fries" was mentioned...

They were just as scrumptious as she said, crisp and served with bleu cheese dressing on the side. We paired it with cold beer and that was lunch, sitting outside on the little patio and planning our next move. We definitely wanted to pop in and see Marcia at Cottage Jewel, whom we had met at the show last year. I gotta tell you, I love this gal! What fun energy she has, great humor, and what a beautiful store. We were floored by the abundance of well, everything! And though I wanted to take everything home with me, I settled on a few small items and little surprise for Dede...

It was easy to see she had fallen in love with "Baby," but had settled for snapping a few pictures. Marcia and I conspired to get it into my shopping bag, and the deed was done. Baby, perhaps renamed by now, is surely gracing Dede's studio as a remembrance of our little trip.

Everyone knows I am foolish over pearls, and gravitated to the baroques that were hanging in Marcia's case...

And both Dede and I were simply swooning over the silver and quadruple that was massed in a nearby cabinet...

Since we knew we were on a timeline, we walked the main streets of darling Danville and popped into a few more shops, taking in sights like this...

I have to say, I felt a bit like the country mouse after seeing all this splendor, but there was no time to ponder all the possibilities for my little store, where I shall be today after a full week away. We were off to set up for the show and reunite with Iva, Colleen and other friends and artists...

More to come!

Foolin' around...

Had some time last week to fool around with some old things and new things. Some old settings recovered quite by accident from one of the big drawers in back at the store proved a perfect fit for some vintage shell cabochons, and were then paired with some tiny medals, crosses, and a diminutive holy spirit medallion for our new In Spiritu earrings...

A brand new and beautiful cross will be featured exclusively in our Renaissance earrings, and we've paired them with little immaculate medals and even tinier haloed virgins. They're topped with gemstone rondelles that will vary by selection. We hope to have these kits in store by this weekend...

Another design in process is the Clarity necklace, which will feature vintage chandelier pendants paired with vintage Swarovski channel set drops, and chaining composed of vintage rolo chain, fab new brass connectors and Czech glass beads...

It's a start, and it almost feels a little like I'm finally catching up. These designs will go to Tinsel and Treasures with Dede and I in the fall as well, along with other I hope to add to our line. We'll also be restocking some of our most popular designs, starting with the Immaculate series. Stay tuned!

It's almost Tinsel Time!

With all the packing and shipping, there's hardly been any time for posting. It's been ages since I've gotten on a plane to go anywhere, and the thought of packing up a microcosm of my store and the kits got a little bit much for me, so the kits were all boxed up and are on their way to Iva as of this morning. I managed to get many of our favorite designs ready, and some new ones, too. Here are just a few of the GTL Make&Takes that will be putting in an appearance...

The Paris Necklace...

Chartres Earrings...

Ascension Necklace...

All Saints Rosary Necklace...

The Catharine Pendant...

The all new Immaculate Necklace...

Immaculate Ring...

Immaculate Earrings...

...and the all new Fall Leaves Bracelet!

We did our best to load these up with new findings, medals and beads, including new crosses, the beautiful acorns and oak leaves you see above, beautiful mother of pearl beads, nuggets and faceted rondelles. There are also new kits inspired by African trade beads (look for the Cape Verde kits), and more.

This week, I'll be packing up ribbons, trims, flowers, feathers, and other wonderful little things for inspiring creativity this fall and holiday season. I'll be bringing many of the new things I found on my last buying trip with Dede, and some of my old favorites, too. I've got two suitcases to fill, and one little carry on for me. I'll cram in as much as I can, girls!

We are looking forward to seeing some of you who don't often make it down to the store in Southern California. Both Dede and I will be there, and you can check in on the Tinsel and Treasures web site and blog for all the details and a complete list of artists.

Hope to see you there!