Fantastic 14: Day 3: juNxtaposition

There are oh so many wonderful things I can say about Jeanne of juNxtapostion!

For starters, she is one of my closest, very best friends. Jeanne is someone who I can talk to for (literally) hours on end and yet STILL not have enough time to cover it all.

Jeanne has worn many hats over the years; at the present time, she is the expert of all things "wordy".

 juNxtapostion is THE source for the Original Typewriter Key Necklace, which has been sought after world-wide. It doesn't stop there, though...visit the juNxtaposition website where you'll find typewriter key bracelets, stamped silverware handles, bubble necklaces...it's all so exciting.

Visit juNxtaposition at any major event, and you'll see something like this.

Pretty impressive, huh?

JuNxtaposition's blog gives you a sneak peek into the wonderful and exciting world of travelling across the country. Her photos share with you the eclectic mix of new and old, pale and bright...all of the interesting things that make this country a great place to live.

And...today might be YOUR lucky day! juNxtaposition is running a Pin It to Win It contest on Pinterest! Click on the photo below, the re-pin it to your board as an entry. The winner will get to select a bubble necklace of his or her choice. Yea!

I invite you to check out juNxtaposition's blog, and follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. You'll be glad you did!

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 30: Books

Ever since I decoded my first word, I have been a reader. I LOVE books. 

If I had to name an all-time favorite, it would have to be The Lonely Doll. I was mesmerized by the graphics...real photographs that were set up with the doll and the bear in intricate scenarios (although I'm not sure if I knew they weren't real!)

 

When I was in my 'tween years, my favorites were Sweet Valley Twins.

I think I had every book in the series. To this day, when I come across these books at thrift shops or other junk treasuries, I struggle to not buy them. 

Believe me, if I had more space, they'd be mine again. I'm not ruling anything out for the future.

As an adult, a speech-language pathologist, a teacher, an artist, and a human being, I can now intelligently reflect upon my love of books and give the proper credit for my language and vocabulary development. One of my most treasured compliments is when someone tells me that I am well-spoken; mastery of language is indeed the key to mastery of life.

I didn't spend hours at a time in front of the television; rather, the words on the page came alive in my mind and my imagination. Would you believe that now we actually have to TEACH children imaginary play? Yeah, looks like all of those e-readers (hint: your kids play games on them. I know...they come to school and tell us all about it!) can never quite fill the shoes of a good old fashioned paperback.

Today, friends, I am thankful for books. New, old, big, small, fiction, non-fiction...I love it all.

What is your all-time favorite book?

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read." -Abraham Lincoln

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 28: Organization

Everybody who knows me knows this:

I LOVE LITTLE DRAWERS.

I have a wonderful collection, but it's never quite enough. I suppose this goes along well with my business; beads, bits, and bobs fit quite well into these little beauties.

I love that feeling of pure satisfaction that comes with  finishing up a really great organizational project. For me, those projects always involve little drawers.

My gift-giver had painted this for me...I thanked him and promptly painted it white

Last year, a friend gave me a GORGEOUS set of the perfect little drawers: 20 letter-sized metal drawers (2 rows of 10) that house my beads, vintage flowers, antique earrings, lace, ribbon...you get the picture. This same friend gave me a gorgeous library card catalog for Christmas, effectively beginning my hunt for more of these gorgeous little drawers.

 

My $35 shining star

This past summer I found a magnificent 15-drawer card catalog for sale, complete with stand, for a mere $35. It was one of those breathtaking moments at the flea market where you look around to make sure there is no one closing in on your find...I handed that cash over like it was on fire.  

I love having things in order. I think that, if my physical surroundings are organized, then so too must be my life. Well...that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Do YOU love little drawers? Share your crafty organizational love stories with us!

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 26: Memories

As I am writing this, I am looking at the sweetest picture of my grandparents at their 60th anniversary party. For those of you who might not know, I call my grandmother Bubbie and my grandfather Jeddie.

Bubbie and Jeddie, celebrating 60 years of marriage

Bubbie passed away in the summer of 2011 about 6 months after she was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. Jeddie is still with us, though in the year since Bubbie has been gone he seems to have begun to reveal his true age.

Looking at this beloved picture, I do not feel sadness. Yes, I miss Bubbie: she was my best friend. She used to tell me what we were best friends from Day 1, which is true. I am the oldest of their grandchildren, and was first born (albeit by a month and a half), so that pretty much put me at the top of the pecking order. What I do feel is a yearning for days gone by. I laughed out loud thinking of some of the funny things Bubbie and I used to do, and the stories Jeddie told us as children.

Memory is a funny thing. Physiologically speaking, it is commonly believed that the memory "lives" in the Hippocampus, deep inside the brain. Some new theories say that memories are coded here and then move out to the frontal lobes for the long term, but that's a topic for a different post (again...thank you grad school for my knowledge of the brain!). I think it's remarkable that this little section, deep down inside where it can be most protected, is where our memory "lives". Seems to be nature's way of telling us that our memories are among some of our most precious commodities.

Today, I invite you to take a moment and rejoice in precious memories you hold...they are the intangible treasures that make our lives uniquely savory and special.

What memories have you created today?

"So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good."  -Helen Keller

 

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 21: Creativity

Oh, I am so so so so SO thankful for creativity!

My brain is constantly on, spinning with schedules, plans, ideas...it can actually get quite exhausting. 

Everything I see runs through the "I Can Do Something With This" folder in my head.

I have been creating for (literally) as long as I can remember. I'm not talking about the traditional preschool crafts: we've all made those handprint turkeys, popsicle stick boxes, and (back in the '80s when it was still OK to be a smoker) mosaic ashtrays. For the record, though, the angel tree topper I made in kindergarten when I was 5 years old made it's 28th proud appearance at the top of my mother's Christmas tree this past season.

Today, as you likely know, I put my creativity to good use by channeling my inner artist to create my unique, one of a kind upcycled jewelry pieces. The business has been amazingly successful with the help of many, many, many people and resources...including creativity. For that, I am thankful!

How does creativity play a role in your life?

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."   -Albert Einstein

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 14: Quiet

Oh, the joys of a peaceful, quiet moment.

Sometimes, if you're lucky, you get a whole DAY.

There are always so many things going on: every day is a rush to get through, to get done, to get ready for the next day to come along and do the same things again.

Working in an elementary school affords me the unique opportunity to me to have this hustle and bustle without all of the garbage that goes along with corporate America. I love every moment I spend in my school...but every once in awhile, I need to take a moment for a bit of peace and quiet.

Yesterday (Sunday) was an amazingly beautiful day here in Pittsburgh. I was thrilled to be able to spend the day quietly making jewelry while my back door (which spans the width of my condo) was open and a lilac soy candle gently worked with the 65 degree breeze to create a spring-like feeling. That bit of peace and quiet was just what I needed to get this week started off well!

Today I take the time to honor the small moments in life (well, the quiet ones at least), that bring me joy.

"The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind."  -Albert Einstein

What do you do when you have the chance to snag a quiet moment?

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: January 10: Jewelry

Jewelry. Seems like a no-brainer, right? For me, at least, jewelry is central to my existence (as it stands right now). I have managed to build a lovely little business all around jewelry: old jewelry, new jewelry, upcycled jewelry, and so on.

Some custom bridal bracelets I made...vintage earrings reborn for a beautiful bride's big day.

I am, admittedly, a girly girl. I wear rhinestones with yoga pants on a regular basis. My "private collection" requires a separate piece of furniture that rivals must bureaus. I love, love, love jewelry.

My own personal treasure chest

I have been fortunate enough to have inherited some really amazing pieces from my grandmother, which have become the most cherished pieces of my whole collection. Whenever I want to feel close to her (or when I just want to be especially stylish), I reach into my stash and inevitably find the perfect bauble.

A sneak peek at my "private collection" of goodies!

I hold many beautiful treasures: the first ring my first boyfriend ever gave me, my high school and college rings, a gorgeous antique silver heart charm bracelet, a few strands of perfect (real) pearls...these beauties definitely make me happy when skies are gray.

I would love to hear about your treasures bits and baubles! A cherished ring? Invaluable cameo earrings? The perfect tiny silver necklace? We'd like to find out!

"At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first." -Ethel Merman

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful! January 1: Family

Welcome to 2013! I am thrilled to be ringing in the new year with a new series: 31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful. Some may say that the season for giving thanks has passed, but I think that the arrival of the new year is the perfect time to reflect, count your blessings, and prepare to take your life's bounty and move confidently into the future.

Today, I take the time to honor my #1 reason to be thankful: my family. I am honored to be a part of a quirky, loving, sarcastic, slightly dysfunctional yet fully supportive and overall amazing family. As I write this, I am enjoying the final day of my trip to Florida, where I came to visit and spend New Year's with my brother. We laughed until we cried and cracked sarcastic jokes for 4 days straight, making this one of my most favorite times of the year. Yesterday, my mom text messaged me a picture of her television screen showing the score of the Pittsburgh Steelers game: a MAJOR technological feat for her and her special way of saying that she was thinking of us. The day before I left for Florida, my stepmother called me to wish me a good trip because she remembers everything and never lets an event, appointment, and even the smallest milestone go unacknowledged.

 
My dear Bubbie, although she passed in June 2011, continues to play an influential role in my life and my business. I often laugh when I think of what she'd say in certain situations...and most times that is what guides me to the right decision. Bubbie always said that she was my #1 fan, and since she has been gone my Aunt Patti has taken over that role and become my best business "partner" and friend. Aunt Patti has been with me for some of my biggest bel monili moments, including flying all the way to Texas for my first Country Living Fair, hopping behind my table to help me at NOCC's TEALtini, and coming armed with Starbucks and comfortable shoes at Handmade Arcade.

Sure, there were times when my family has had issues. We're more Bundy's than Cleaver's...but that's what I love and there's nothing in the world that I would rather have.
As I move into 2013, I am so thankful for the wonderful times I have had with my family and for the memories we will create in the coming months.

Today my wish for all of you is that you can take a moment to reflect on YOUR family and share your favorite moments in the comments below...good, bad, or otherwise hilarious. Happy New Year!

What's in the Etsy Shop?

I've been working SUPER hard to update my Etsy store with all of the fun things I've been working on. It's been a busy holiday season, but as my friends begin to sit down and peruse the internet for some good old fashioned home shopping, here's a glance at what you'll find in the bel monili Etsy store. Swing by for a visit!

www.belmonili.etsy.com

Working!!!

Oh, friends, how the time flies. Tonight, I find myself here in my workshop on the cusp of August, wondering where my sweet summer went. Soon September will be here, and the madness of the fall schedule will begin.

I start off on Saturday September 8  at the Sewickley Harvest Festival, where I'll set up along with over 100 vendors to sell handmade wares in the streets of Sewickley.

Sunday September 9 is one of my favorite days of the year: the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition's (NOCC) Walk to Break the Silence. This year's event takes place at North Park bright and early in the morning. I will be there wearing several hats: I am the tee shirt distribution chairperson as well as a vendor with the I Made It! Market. Last year was a great success, and this year you'll find LOTS of teal items from bel monili.

I've got a little over 6 weeks until I'm off to the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. As far as national shows go, this is definitely the big tamale. To be honest, I can't really even think too much farther than that! So, for now, here's what I am doing with my time:

I have a few extra earrings to craft with,

 And I am LOVING vintage feathers this year.

Rhinestones are a perennial favorite,

but I know I can never go wrong with enameled flowers.

So, wish me luck, keep your fingers crossed, and make sure you come out to see bel monili this fall!

January 9: Jenelle O'Malley, Sleepy Hollow Craft Company

This past December, I had the distinct honor of participating in Bazaar Bizarre in Cleveland, OH. I was blown away by everything; the space was incredible, the crowd was huge, and the artists were fantastic. I am a natural-born shopper (hey, that's kind of how bel monili was born!), so it's no surprise that, as soon as I had a free minute, I ran out to check out the other artists. Each booth I saw was more interesting and beautiful than the last, and then I rounded the corner and found myself face-to-face with Sleepy Hollow Craft Company. It was as though someone had taken all of my very favorites (colors, objects, shapes...everything) and put it all together into one stunning, gorgeous, fun, funky display. I am quite sure I stood speechless for at least a minute, trying to take it all in. On my first time around, I snagged an adorable green felt baby deer pin. Thank goodness I went back, because on my second lap I scored a stunning collage-style handmade brooch.

Sleepy Hollow Craft Company at Bazaar Bizarre in Cleveland, OH 2011

Jenelle found her way upstairs and visited me as well, then her fantastic husband came along and purchased a necklace for her (unbelievably syrupy-sweet!). I don't know what it was, but I felt an instant connection to Jenelle. Her style, her color combinations, her choices of material...I have never seen anything like it. Since that time, we have become "facebook friends" and have shared business opportunities with each other. Now all I need to do is convince her to do more shows in Pittsburgh!

another fantastic Sleepy Hollow Craft Company setup

Jenelle is a self-taught artist/crafter living in Canton, Ohio with her husband, Matthew and their cat, Stanley. Jenelle creates in her spare time~ but makes a point to do something creative at least once a day~ whether it is actually making something or posting on her blog, Sleepy Hollow Craft Company. Jenelle has always been interested in the arts and was encouraged by her mom to be "crafty" from a young age. She has a studio in her home and spends lots and lots of time in there, listening to her favorite music and making the biggest-most fun- messes ever! Jenelle also has a passion for everything old, as most vintage-inspired crafters do. She and her husband frequent garage sales, flea markets, antique malls and trash bins...any place good "junk" can be found. She uses a lot of these "found" elements in her artwork~ she loves making something old new again. Jenelle also has a passion for everything vintage holiday, her favorites being Halloween and Christmas. On her blog, Jenelle discusses crafting, decorating in flea market style, and vintage seasonal collectibles.

Adorable! Baby deer headband by Sleepy Hollow Craft Company

Make sure to visit Jenelle's Etsy page, follow her blog, like her page on Facebook, and follow her on Flickr so that you can have the chance to snag one of her gorgeous goodies for yourself!