They're Back

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  I have some shop-related news: some of my favorite bookish items are back in shop!  I enjoyed creating these bookish beauties, which showcase old book pages along with lots of handmade love and personalization.

 I created this one-of-a-kind poem on a smooth birch slice using tiny vintage book-page words cut from an old copy of my favorite text, Jane Eyre.  A sprig is stamped under the poem for a thoughtful visual contrast.  This is a delicate piece - no protective sealant, so you can see the book-page texture atop the smoothness of the wood slice.

 Small origami book-page heart bookmarks stamped with your initials - lovely for weddings and engagements, and as a girlfriend/boyfriend gift.  Each heart is cut, folded, glued, and stamped by me.  A tassel completes the piece.  Can be used as a unique door or window hang, too.

This last piece was from a customer's request: a tiny ampersand pendant talisman.  It's a twist on my tiny stamped initials pendant found here.  In addition to being a reminder of one's love, it doubles as a little good-luck memento for writers and thinkers.

* * * 

This past fall marked my Etsy shop's ninth year.  Can you believe it?  Almost a decade in business.  When I started out, I wanted to create an outlet for my artistic endeavors, which at that time was jewelry making.  Now I stamped metal, create book-page goods, and most importantly, offer writing services.  I often omit discussing the latter, but it is the work that is, in truth, my heart's work.  My soul.  

I began offering writing services after earning my MA back in 2013.  It was a time of transition, as my prolonged college years came to an end, and I also experience the profound loss of a loved one whose zest for books surpassed my own.  His vast book collection is now my own - I've documented it on this blog in posts from 2013.  I write like I think: a little different than others.  My writing style differs from others in that it is highly nuanced and sensitive, acerbic and witty.  I relish the classic works.  I think deeply.  And try to breathe deeply, too.  Motherhood.

So to you, my blog readers, thank you for reading.  The best to you in 2020.

Happy New Year

Happy new year! 

I have many ideas this year for my shop, namely mama-and-child items with a delightfully bookish twist.  Book pages, pendants, and talismans.  Letter stamps and texture.  Revisiting my roots, some of my favorite novels will be the inspirations for this new-ish shop direction.  

 

My ideas are still in the beginning stages, and my toddler rarely naps, so thanks for your patience!  Check back soon here and on Instagram for sneak peeks.

2018

                                             via Etsy

Ringing in the New Year

Happy 2018.  I almost typed "2017," the year that fluttered past me.  As for shop news, I recently sold a few January birthstone pieces (garnet), including the one shown here.  I hope these customers love their new jewelry.  I'm also hoping that 2018 is the year that I start making jewelry again.

* * *

Baby A., who is no longer a baby, is now a long-legged toddler.  She is inquisitive yet cautious, and continues to be a huge book lover - her collection now exceeds 100 books.  And her vocabulary reflects her love of words and stories: she currently uses 300 or so words on her own accord.  It's amazing to see her laugh at, and repeat, the inflections in words.  She also sings her favorite words in songs.  Subtleties are not lost on her.

Motherhood continues, life continues, writing continues.  The latter is my 2018 goal, besides the jewelry making.  May the year 2018 be the best for you and yours.  (And thank you to baby A. for napping while mama writes this.)

New Year Thoughts

via impressus

Ah, 2017.  It still feels like 2016 to me, probably because last year was when all-wise little baby A. came into our lives - but back to the present moment...

My goals for 2017 are to enjoy family time (I often forget to take pictures!), make new jewelry when time allows, and begin again on expanding my writing services in shop.  I'm of the mindset that family comes first, so I'm continuing to accept custom orders on a case-by-case basis.  As I look at all the changes being made on Etsy and in our world, I'm astonished by the money-driven nature of it all - at the expense of creativity and ingenuity.  And need I mention old-fashioned integrity?  This I think about as I'm now a parent.

This I now realize as the first month of the new year unfolds.

Huge New Year's Jewelry Sale

Happy new year, my blog-o-sphere friends.  As some of you may have noticed, there has recently been a note in my Etsy Shop Announcement stating that all EmeraldCut jewelry* is now 30% off.  Yes, 30% off!  All you have to do is type NEWYEARS2014 in the "Note to EmeraldCut" box at checkout to enjoy the discount.  Once payment clears, I will refund you the discount amount through PayPal.  Sale ends 1/31.

Don't delay...hop on over to my shop for some pretty new year's (or V-Day) jewelry!

*Excludes donation items, custom orders, destash items