I've been living in South Florida for over 30 years now. So, I guess many would consider me a native. I mean, after 30 years, if you're not a native, what are you? But I was born and bred in New York and they do say you can take the girl out of NY but you can't take the NY out of the girl. To this day, I really have no idea what that means.

Anyway, so why I am writing tonight? Good question. I'm trying something different with the blog., Writing not just about my adventures in jewelery design but about me. Along the last years exploration into the mysterious world of jewelery design I learned a lot about the craft; wire wrapping, stringing, beading stitches, the difference between Czech crystals and Swarovskis, how to pierce, saw, and solder silver and other metals, how to make plain jump rings into incredible fabric like works of art and more. But the most important things I learned were about myself.

I learned that I hate to do small beading projects but can sit for hours opening and closing tiny jump rings to make a ring, bracelet, earrings or necklace. I learned I love metal fabrication. Actually taking metal, sawing, piercing, cutting and soldering it into something beautiful. I learned that I love to teach!! And I'm good at it! Even though I am far from being an expert, apparently I have a gift for being able to show others what I've learned and I love sharing my knowledge. It gives me a thrill to hear that.

I've spent the last few weeks in depression because I'm out of work again. But thanks to a few really good friends, one in particular (thanks Deb!), I'm getting over myself and back into doing what I love to do... make jewelry. Slowly we're getting the studio cleaned up and rearranged to make room for a new jeweler's bench where I can comfortably do more with fire and, if I'm real lucky, take on a student to teach what I've learned and hope they won't make the same mistakes as I have. I've learned so much from the professional and amateurs on Orchid Forum at Ganoskin, a lot of it over my head, but much of it very informative that only makes me want to learn more and more and more.

I think the day I stop learning, is the day I will put all my tools down and do no more. But I think that's a very long, long way off. What I'm trying to say is I am a work in progress. As is my jewelry, my blog, my FB pages, my website, my Etsy store and Artfire Studio. I hit high spots where I work like a fiend, and low spots where I don't go near the computer for weeks.

But now I would really like to hear back from people who have gone through these same sort of growing pains. Regardless of your hobby, avocation, passion, craft or job, what do you do to get our of bed in the morning and get working on something you love. You'd think it would be easy, but hey, they don't call me a Master Procrastinator for nothing! What about you!?

It's my birthday later this month. Happy Birthday, Me! To celebrate, my gift to all of you is 20% off all regular priced items in my Artfire Studio. Just use the code MM2010 at checkout.

Okay, so I've heard from some Etsy buyers that they feel left out. Well, I do have more inventory in my Artfire Studio than in my Etsy Store but... it is my birthday and I did promise to give out some presents, so, send MM2010 in your comment at checkout and get 20% off all regular priced items, refunded through Paypal.

Oy, now I'm hearing from those of you who want to shop at my Web Store. I'm not sure what to do for you guys. I haven't updated the site since the holidays. Still working on a new look but it's taking much, much longer than I anticipated and frankly, I just don't like the old one so don't want to put a lot of effort into it. Hmmm, lemme think, ooooo, got it. Should you want to purchase directly from the MikiCat Designs Web Store use coupon code MM2010 (yup, same one) and you can get 20% off too.

Now, one more thing, wish me a Happy Birthday at checkout at ArtfireEtsy or the Web Store and receive a free surprise gift with your purchase. No, I'm not going to tell you what it is, it's a surprise! :) Silly.

The discount does not apply to already reduced items, gift certificates, shipping or tax.

Okay, I've been MIA for awhile now but working a full time job takes a lot out of me. That job is over and for now, have some free time to work on the jewelry, website and blog again.

I'm currently considering a number of new designs and waiting for the photos of the jewelry I made for my niece's wedding in late January. She looked so pretty! And I was very, very happy how the pieces came out for her and her sisters.

Here's one photo of all three together.

Aren't they beautiful? All of them are gorgeous and the bride was stunning. I'm such a lucky Auntie! The Bridemaids' jewelry was a perfect match to their dresses and made from sterling silver and Swarovski crystals in Peridot and Erinite. The Bride's jewelry was made from sterling silver and Swarovski Pearls and Crystals.

For now, I'm out of work again but looking and hoping to get lucky. While it will take away from my jewelry time, I need the paycheck! In the meantime, stay tuned to find out about our up and coming March Madness.

Miki

It's been a busy holiday and New Year for me. Part of why I haven't written anything is because I have a day job. And I spend most of the day on the computer. When I come home, the last thing I want to do is spend more time online. So I've been neglecting you guys. So sorry.

I've been working hard on making jewelry for my niece's wedding which is this coming Sunday. I'm still not finished and I promise I'll get some pictures posted as soon as they're done. But it's not easy with a full time job and bad back. I need to start making time to create more.

I did sell one of my favorite earrings, Gypsy Bubbles, and for half-price! If you want to grab a pair for yourself, you can find them on both Artfire and Etsy and they will stay on sale at least until the end of January. After that, they will probably go up a the price of silver rises.

But for now, I'm finishing up the wedding pieces, working every day for the paycheck, getting together with friends and enjoying the unseasonably cold South Florida winter. I can't believe it's sooooo cold. Just as long as it doesn't last too long, it's okay by me. Still can't wait for those balmy days of 78 again! I hear they're a comin'. So come on down. I'll hold on to some sunshine for you.

As a member of the Handmade Artist Forum every week we try to spread the love. One shop is randomly picked for each day of the week and then we try to promote them and their stores everyday.

Our Etsy shop has been chosen for Sunday, November 15th. Since that is the day that my eldest niece, Diana, is having her Bridal Shower, I will have a one day only, 20% off EVERYTHING sale! Make your purchase on the 15th, write DIANA'S BRIDAL SHOWER in a comment at checkout and I will refund you 20% of your purchase price. I hate to say this but, sale items included! ACK! I know, I'm crazy. But my niece is getting married and it's almost ChristmaHannuKwanzakah so it's really 20% off everything.

To honor the others that have been chosen for this week's Spread The Love, I have picked an item out of each store that I like and I urge you to check them out...

Monday, November 9, Ambient Girl Supplies

Tuesday, November 10, Snips & Snails


Wednesday, November 11, Jewelry by Judy


Thursday, November 12, Bread & Circuses



Friday, November 13, Bizee Bee Creations


Saturday, November 14, Lasuz Creations


And of course, Sunday will be my day. I'll let you pick out your favorites now! So go Spread the Love!!!

By: Wendy Moyer

Most women love handcrafted jewelry because it can adorn and enhance any outfit. By its very nature handcrafted jewelry is very individual, colorful and creative.

Why wear what everybody else is wearing when wearing handcrafted jewelry will shout out your individuality? Simple clothing contrasted with an outstanding piece of unique handcrafted jewelry is a fashion statement that will express your individuality.

And, if you purchase designer made handcrafted jewelry you can add exclusivity into that mix. If it's designed for you, handcrafted creations can make you feel very special.

Imagine wearing a work of art that was created especially for you. Jewelry, which, if you put a picture frame around it and hung it on the wall people would gaze upon - as if it belonged in a museum.

Designer Handcrafted Jewelry

If you want to buy handcrafted jewelry that matches your personality and stands out from the crowd then it could be more expensive than what you would buy at most craft fairs.

Part of the cost of your jewelry will be reflected in your choice of metals. The percentage of precious metals used in the design affects the price of the piece.

Inexpensive jewelry is often mass manufactured and made with man-made stones whereas finer jewelry uses the choicest of materials including natural gems. If you choose gemstones to adorn your necklaces, rings or bracelets, their size, cut and quality will have a dramatic effect on the price.

What you're getting with a truly custom designed piece of jewelry is often a unique, one of a kind design that reflects the conceptualization and the skill of the handcrafted jewelry that made the piece. And as with any other work of art, the reputation and skill of the designer/handcrafter will also influence the price.

The Handcrafted Jewelry Creator

Many of the most creative handcrafted jewelers have, over the course of time, learned how to temper their passion with patience. They are champions of an old world artisan's approach to their craft.

They've learned that it can take time to visualize and create beautiful pieces of handcrafted jewelry. A handcrafted jeweler's work of art is a true reflection of their artistic thoughts. Perhaps even more important, their creations reflect their feelings.

If you aspire to create visions of beauty, you also must be patient while the design and fabrication process unfolds - however long it takes. And you must be passionate about your need to create moving visions of handcrafted jewelry that are expressions of your soul.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author

To find out more about handcrafted jewelry go to http://www.CrystalBeadShop.com

Wendy Moyer is a professional writer.

(Editor: Let me add my own words to this wonderful article. Not all "custom" jewelry has to be expensive. Many pieces already created by a jewelry artisan can be customized for you simply by choosing different colors or metals. Don't be afraid to ask. Yes, the choice of metals will affect the overall cost. Gold is more expensive than silver, but copper is less expensive than Niobium. It's all a matter of taste... your taste.

Make a piece your own by changing it slightly or dramatically or having a complete new design made just for you. It never hurts to ask if you can get what you at a price you want to pay.)