tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68731475689515752032011-08-22T23:29:15.029-06:00Happenings in the life of an average everyday Wife and Stepmom who also happens to be a Jewelry Designer - handforged sterling silver jewelry - distinctly one of a kind - organic and rusticcasualgalnoreply@blogger.comBlogger481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-54751410598259862042011-01-23T12:26:00.000-07:002011-01-23T12:26:36.719-07:00

This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read.  I got an email this morning from Heather, the author, saying that she had written a story behind a pendant that I had made.  I was expecting to see a picture and a nice thank you, but this is what I got.....My Dragonfly Messengers It brought tears to my eyes the second I started reading because I knew a little of the story, but not all

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-1340506881103821612011-01-17T14:42:00.002-07:002011-01-17T14:44:45.543-07:00

I've been featured on Jewelry Observer Sterling Silver Jewelry By Casual Gal

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-68617171967894017452010-11-13T07:52:00.000-07:002010-11-13T07:52:30.966-07:00

A great place to shop online!!!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-18841305899234719872010-07-19T16:23:00.000-06:002010-07-19T16:23:46.985-06:00

Last week I discovered a great blog called Tools Are For Women Too! You can read all about me and my Handcrafted Sterling Silver Jewelry in the first ever Feature Spot.  I am so grateful for this great opportunity, and thankful to Rory for the nice things he said about me and my jewelry. Rory, the blog owner has created a wonderful place for craftswomen to market their wares.  He has lots of

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-23520901558517396772010-07-15T09:45:00.002-06:002010-07-15T16:55:58.367-06:00

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-19333399076637173402010-07-07T06:44:00.000-06:002010-07-07T06:44:17.511-06:00

Last summer, one of the local unfinished furniture stores was going out of business.  I decided to drop in to see what I could find. I wandered around for about 10 minutes and saw nothing that I "just had to have".  I was about to leave when I walked into the little area that had all of the cabinet-making wood trims for kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers, shelves, etc.  I didn't need any

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-57780592726626294842010-07-05T17:58:00.002-06:002010-07-05T18:10:37.321-06:00

Out of the Blue!What a surprise - I had a convo yesterday from a wonderful etsy seller bbrunophotography telling me that she had featured my "JOY" sterling silver pendant along with other great art. The treasury is called "The Color of Joy", check it out!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-60274937969757580792010-04-06T13:33:00.011-06:002010-04-06T15:58:06.841-06:00

I got a new toy today. Well, maybe not a toy. We have laminate wood floors, and I have struggled keeping them shiny and clean. It doesn't help that we live in Colorado, with wet winters and even wetter springs (mud season)! Everything I have tried seems to leave them streaky, like the dirt just gets moved around.Over the years I have bought several different styles of mops and I have not been

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-13130187722100640882009-12-14T11:29:00.017-07:002009-12-14T12:44:44.045-07:00

So, it's Monday, and I am still cleaning up powdered sugar from every nook and cranny of my house!We had our first annual Christmas Cake Decorating contest on Saturday, 3 teams - 3 different designs. The idea was borne by my husband when we started watching Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes. You might recall the Halloween Cake contest, we only had two entrants for that one, and they were both very

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-50812541426525088952009-11-01T07:09:00.008-07:002009-11-01T16:38:54.443-07:00

This is the first year for Handmade Holiday. I have plans to do more shows throughout the year - probably one for each season. I strongly felt there was a need, here in Grand Junction, to do an art & craft fair/show that featured strictly "handmade" items, hence the name:Handmade Holiday The Biggest, Little Art & Craft Fair featuringThe Finest Artists & Crafters on the Western Slope. I also

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-1038394262881887002009-10-31T15:27:00.000-06:002009-10-31T15:28:07.642-06:00

It's October 31 and I wanted to tell everyoneHAPPY HALLOWEENHave you ever watched "Cake Boss"?We had a cake decorating contest a couple of weeks ago. Two teams, my husband and my oldest son, and my mother-in-law and my youngest son. I was the "judge", along with our dog, Tallie.The cakes weren't quite as extravagant as what Buddy and his team make, but they were very clever, creative and good

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-2449262230227904392009-10-20T08:50:00.004-06:002009-10-20T09:21:20.245-06:00

We have so many talented artists in Grand Junction, Colorado.See them here

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-89633559652657369962009-10-06T18:15:00.006-06:002009-10-07T14:28:59.807-06:00

I have been pretty busy the past couple of months putting together an artisan and craft fair, here, in Grand Junction, Colorado.It's called Handmade Holiday, and it will be at Lincoln Park Barn on Saturday, November 14 from 10 - 4.We have 40+ local artists, and the best part about it is there are no "home-based" businesses or flea market stuff - strictly handmade!! I was really pleased with the

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-84472566309464287512009-08-04T09:02:00.003-06:002009-08-04T09:09:43.363-06:00

Hi to all of my faithful followers.I know I don't keep up with my blog much, but I have something for you today.One of my colorful Patchwork Pendant Keyrings is the giveaway on Cafehandmade. Check it out here .If you want to see more, I have some in my etsy store.

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-62474609996319835712009-07-31T16:58:00.003-06:002009-07-31T17:15:02.039-06:00

I belong to an etsy street team called SATEAM (Starving (jewelry) Artists). I am very proud to be associated with all of the wonderful, talented jewelry artists that make up this group.We are having a sale this weekend thru Sunday, August 2. Check out our home page on etsy:SATEAMAll kinds of great sales in these shops!I have been featured in the Weekend Deals Gift Guide. I am on page 4 here:

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-20789444189103335712009-07-29T20:25:00.001-06:002009-07-29T20:25:11.934-06:00

Sateam's Summer Sizzler Sale is here SSSH starts tomorrow check out the great deals from some great jewelry artists http://bit.ly/2kljl2 I am offering 10% off plus I always have free shipping! www.casualgal.etsy.com

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-83672327700387850552009-06-28T12:58:00.004-06:002009-06-28T13:38:24.926-06:00

I had a garage sale this weekend. I had my tent set up right in front of the garage with some household items that I didn't want out in the sun. It also kept the shoppers out of the sun, many of them commented how they appreciated the shade. (There are some professional, die-hard garage sale buyers out there!)I had some large pieces of furniture lined up inside the entrance to the garage. I

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-57106730726609166402009-06-24T07:48:00.002-06:002009-06-24T07:50:10.557-06:00

I purchased a "booth" at Cafe Handmade in their "Virtual Craft Show". Very reasonably priced at $7 for 2 weeks. I am in the first aisle (first page) about half way down. It has increased traffic to my etsy store - might be worth a try for you too!They also have a "Best in Show" contest, and I could use some votes. (hint, hint, please, please!!) I'll owe ya!If you haven't checked out Cafe

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-39902941410155204582009-06-09T19:48:00.003-06:002009-06-09T19:51:38.666-06:00

CheapTweet - Always Free Shipping in my etsy store - Twitter Deals, Coupons, Bargains, Sales and DiscountsPosted using ShareThis

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-55109554735360283642009-06-06T12:34:00.004-06:002009-06-06T12:47:55.507-06:00

My Sterling Silver and Greek Leather Cuff Bracelet has been featured on the front page ofIndiespottingI also am in an etsy treasury12 Under 12And I created a treasury with Jewelry tutorialsYOU CAN DO IT TOO!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-61830741421209351812009-06-04T20:09:00.003-06:002009-06-04T20:14:32.893-06:00

You Can do it Too!!!Check out my new Treasury

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-79280054430846058072009-06-03T11:48:00.005-06:002009-06-03T12:01:16.710-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I changed all of my shipping charges in my etsy store to FREE! After much thought and some research, I decided to go that route rather than just doing discounts on items. I have been kind of busy with "real life" the past few days, and haven't been promoting my store too much, so I can't tell you if it is working or not.I found this article today, and it kind of validated

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-54479066796083945792009-05-29T09:51:00.002-06:002009-05-29T09:53:27.884-06:00

SHHHHHHHHHHH! It's a secret!All kinds of great deals - freebies, discounts, BOGOStarving Jewelry Artists (SATEAM on etsy) is having a weekend sale from May 29 - May 31That's today - SundayAll you have to do is go to our blog to get the secret code. We have a bunch of very talented jewelry designers participating, so lots to choose from and some great deals.So go to the Starving Artists Team

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-73960057470303369612009-05-21T09:32:00.005-06:002009-05-21T14:50:53.310-06:00

Great post on Fundraising for a worthy cause and boosting your business at the same time!Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry: Fundraisers. . . good for business?

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-18540802420939275592009-05-20T20:40:00.002-06:002009-05-28T20:55:54.811-06:00

Bounce This Along!The US Postal service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellow-jackets away.Use them all the time when playing baseball and soccer. I use it when I am working outside. It really works. The insects just veer around you.All this time you've just bee n putting Bounce in

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-81388229609850186902009-05-19T11:45:00.001-06:002009-05-19T11:45:09.873-06:00

Every little girl should have one of these.  Her first, very own initial charm bracelet with sparkly swarovski crystals.  They make great gifts for that special little angel that always seems to want to wear or play with your jewelry. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25261451

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-9615255472327865842009-05-15T14:49:00.004-06:002009-05-15T15:03:50.871-06:00

I just got the last newsletter of the year from the high school my boys attend. It consisted of the usual stuff - calendar, note from the principal, summer school classes, etc. On the very back was a blurb about how to be more successful, and I found it very interesting - food for thought for all of us, but especially for the young people just starting out in this great big tough world."You

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-8709033935629840142009-05-07T11:39:00.004-06:002009-05-07T11:57:46.169-06:00

I have been really busy this past week getting ready for the first big festival of the year. It's the Art & Jazz Festival which is being held in downtown Grand Junction. So any of you local folks, come down and listen to some music, check out the new art, eat some good food, and most importantly - SHOP!!!!! I will be there, along with a lot of other talented artists.Don't forget, it is

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-52319671376410142812009-04-27T17:11:00.002-06:002009-04-27T17:17:59.042-06:00

As I mentioned in my previous post today, we had some reeeeeeeallly big wind on Saturday. Bob and I went out to dinner after my show, and when we came home we had a mess on our roof. The wind had torn some shingles off and they flew everywhere - in the backyard and in the pool. It doesn't look like it's too bad, but we'll see if insurance is going to cover it. (Fingers crossed!)

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-10316452992482770682009-04-27T10:53:00.007-06:002009-04-27T11:14:48.141-06:00

I had my first show this past Saturday. It was a small one at a local coffee shop with 8 jewelry designers from the Art Jeweler's Guild of Grand Junction. Since it was small and in a small space, we had 4'x2' tables from Sam's Club, and only $42. The great thing about these tables is they are REALLY sturdy and fold up to transport and store easily. The best part is they are height

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-60418897409448118172009-04-23T08:47:00.004-06:002009-04-23T09:16:12.559-06:00

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growingis like clearing the driveway before it has stopped snowing.UnknownYeah!!! My first show of the year is this Saturday, April 25. It's going to be at a local coffee shop - Java Junction, here in Grand Junction. It's sponsored by the Art Jewelry Guild that I belong to. It's small, only 8 jewelry designers, with 4ft x 2ft tables. Luckily I

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-66119982433708086512009-04-15T14:27:00.004-06:002009-04-15T14:43:57.420-06:00

Just got home from the Tea Party here in Grand Junction. They estimated around 2,000 people, but I think there were more. Kind of hard to tell when you are all just standing in the park. Lots of signs and flags. It was a very peaceful gathering, with a few speakers and some patriotic music. We started out with the National Anthem, it was really a nice way to spend an hour and a half.I didn't

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-3566576188016264302009-04-15T09:13:00.002-06:002009-04-15T09:18:03.756-06:00

Ducks that is...Have to keep Tallie in, cuz she almost went in the pond (pool) earlier today. She has scared them away 3 times already. I am surprised they keep coming back.

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-68299238683922984052009-04-13T15:46:00.005-06:002009-04-13T16:11:13.381-06:00

I'm going to the monthly meeting of the Art Jeweler's Guild of Grand Junction tonight.It's a group of very talented and creative jewelry designers here in Grand Junction and the surrounding area. I will fill you in on some of the things we do later.I made the suggestion two meetings ago, since I was new, that it would be nice for everyone to have name tags. So, I spent the whole weekend

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-26979619442125955852009-04-12T15:51:00.002-06:002009-04-12T15:57:46.939-06:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-28653226463491716112009-04-11T10:55:00.002-06:002009-04-11T11:02:30.517-06:00

I hope this rain really does bring the May Flowers!Yep, it is pouring rain, and I wanted to get my bike all fixed up to go for a ride!Oh, well - I guess I will stay in and organize my work bench and my desk. I keep piling things up and can't even do any work without first shoving things out of the way. I seem to start something and then move on to something else, so I have a lot of unfinished

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-56723292329120113562009-04-10T08:45:00.001-06:002009-04-10T08:45:24.311-06:00

Let's Promote Together!!!! How cool is this - etsy promoted all over the world - what a great way to get the word out! All you etsy store owners, check out this thread on the etsy forums: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6111003&page=1   So blog, tweet, print the poster, talk about etsy, etc.  

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-68671701739455545712009-04-09T08:59:00.004-06:002009-04-09T09:14:06.231-06:00

These are my newest lisings at casualgalCreate animated gifPicasion is a tool (new to me) that allows for these cool animated boxes that can be added to your blog or website, etc. It is really easy to use - just upload a couple of pictures and paste the code.If I can do it - you can definitely do it!!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-18212390022262514512009-04-06T14:21:00.002-06:002009-04-06T14:23:26.316-06:00

My bracelet was chosen for an etsy treasury again - YAY!!!!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-18143600288366332532009-04-02T14:00:00.006-06:002009-04-02T14:09:47.722-06:00

here is one that features my new Sterling Silver and Leather Bracelet - nice to be in this one, such beautiful colors, Lime and Turquoise - thanks bebdesignsand here are two that I created, both entitled silver and..............................red from the etsy team, SATEAM, that I belong toleather bracelets from etsy sellers that i just think are so cool

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-27796461947403454472009-03-30T10:08:00.004-06:002009-03-31T16:45:27.703-06:00

This one has already expired but thought you might like to see it. Kind of makes you dizzy, doesn't it?!I also just listed these earrings - cute or creepy?

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-48360393447079875222009-03-29T13:26:00.014-06:002009-03-29T13:50:03.485-06:00

Ok, so i missed posting yesterday - here's why!I was busy adding some new items to my etsy shop: I also updated my artfire shop:I am trying to promote my shops, and there is a lot of work involved. I think it will pay off - hopefully soon!

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-65524479528921051762009-03-27T08:48:00.008-06:002009-03-27T11:23:26.741-06:00

I have been MIA the past couple of days, cuz couldn't think of anything to write about. This will probably happen more often than not!! But I have made a promise to myself that I will try to post something everyday, so here goes.I have been really trying hard to get good pictures for my etsy store. Sometimes they are good, sometimes not. Here are a few things I finished up yesterday and will

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-22384093991207671472009-03-24T09:24:00.000-06:002009-03-24T09:32:28.530-06:00

they come every year about this time - isn't the mallard just beautiful!!and poor Tallie missed them!Looks more like a swamp than a swimming pool! LOL

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-18302374394916193422009-03-24T08:25:00.000-06:002009-03-25T10:48:07.707-06:00

I have been busy already this morning and it's only 8:30.I put together a treasury for etsy, and two of the lovely girls on the sateam (starving jewelry artists) included my jewelry in theirs - thank you Linda and JenniLeigh!!!!Here's the one I created:Here are the two I was featured in:It's so exciting and gratifying to be picked to be in someone's treasury. The treasuries are a way for sellers

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-31004636417190485612009-03-23T11:03:00.000-06:002009-03-23T11:22:30.515-06:00

Friday was the first day of spring, but you sure couldn't tell by our weather here in Western Colorado. We woke up to cold, wind, and SNOW!!!! We were able to get out yesterday and clean up the yard a little bit, in preparation for some planting. I really want to have some flowers this year. Our lilac bushes and aspens all have buds on them, and the bushes are starting to green up. I am

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-41536717974640824442009-03-22T09:28:00.001-06:002009-03-22T09:48:47.440-06:00

She’s a Casual Galshe likes things simple and not too glitzy.she wears jeans and t-shirtsand thinks natural is pretty.she’s a wife, a mother,a daughter and friend.she is independentand doesn’t follow every trend.she loves each new dayand likes to have fun.she can go to bed happy when the day is done! She’s a Casual Galetsy - jewelry and accessories for everyday and all occasions

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873147568951575203.post-6434620282606384272009-03-19T12:02:00.000-06:002009-03-19T13:30:08.013-06:00

new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(6524667, 'shop','thumbnail',1,4).renderIframe();

casualgalnoreply@blogger.com0