75 orders, lots of queries, some great opportunities....

I have had a ball being the Featured Seller on Etsy. After 2 months of preparation, it's over and it was successful beyond my wildest dreams.

I have met some fabulous new customers and Etsians along the way. And I've been presented with some great opportunities that I hope will bear fruit.

In two days, I've managed to box and ship out 65 packages. The remaining boxes are those that require custom orders, such as rings and initials, etc. I will get them all out by Monday.

So tonight, I am regrouping and having a glass of wine to celebrate the week and to celebrate the accomplishment.

Taking time to celebrate is a big deal for me. I usually set high goals for myself and when I reach them, I don't do anything but go onto the next.

I have realized that I am missing out bigtime by not taking just a moment to be thankful and to be proud of myself. When was the last time you took stock of what you have done this past year, past month, today and gave yourself a big hug for doing something great?

Secret's out!

I am so blessed to have been chosen to be Etsy's Featured Seller from Nov. 11-13th!

Thanks to all of you who have made my life so rich with blessings. And thanks to each and everyone of my customers for the love, encouragement and business they have given me over the years!

You can see the interview here: http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php!!!!

Wish me luck!

Sssshhhh.....Something Big is Coming!

I can hardly stand it! I want to tell the world, but just not yet.
Look for news tomorrow on my blog and other venues.
It's big, fabulous news--like an early Christmas gift!
Have a wonderful day!

My Road....

"I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence

Two roads diverged in a wood

And I, I took the one less traveled by

And that has made all the difference."

--Robert Frost

Road Less Traveled

Accidental Tapestry.....

Sometimes an accident is really a good thing.

A few days ago, I had accidentally left a batch of pendants in the etching bath for 12 hours (kiss of death!).

I ended up with very thin pieces of metal with very deeply etched patterns on them--not so good for necklaces and earrings! In disgust, I had cast them aside into my scrap pile, thinking that all my time and effort was a wash...

Then, about 2 in the morning, I realized how wonderful they would make as overlays to other pieces in my collection! It was all I could do to go back to sleep!

I put my torch to work the very next night after Evan went to bed, and came up with this ring as my first design from the accidental etches. I absolutely love it!

This ring is 1/2 inch wide. After the beautiful texture is applied, it is polished, tumbled for strength and gently oxidized to bring out this ring's amazing texture.

I have posted it on my Etsy shop for the time being, but fans of OriginalHardware.com will find it there soon, too.

The Color of a Colorado Sunset

"Orange is the happiest color."
--Frank Sinatra

I am fortunate enough to have a perch right outside my front door that is perfect for witnessing the most beautiful of sunsets.

In the summer--especially late summer--one could always find me in my chair, glass of wine in hand, to watch the show.

Vibrant tangerine slips into gray into blue, creating a muted palette of peace.

It creates such a spectacular display that I found myself wondering sometimes if it was real.

I created these pieces when I was so inspired by the sunsets here in Colorado, and am just now getting around to posting them in my Etsy shop and at Original Hardware.

Have a gander, or click on the images to take you right to their respective locations on the World Wide Web!

And yes, there are lots more designs on their way.

Fortunately, I went on a huge creative bent 2 months ago and I rode that creative wave for as long as I could.

It resulted in scores and scores of new work that I will be adding throughout November for the holiday season!

Enjoy! And as the holiday season fast approaches, please know that I so appreciate each and every customer.

You have helped make Original Hardware what it is today, and I am so blessed!

Doors