Some Things Really Are Better Less Than 6"

I gotta be honest with ya. Until now, the only miniature paintings I've ever seen are exquisite pieces done by village artisans in rural India (of course brought to the big city for sale). Just incredible. The beauty and intricacy of these tiny pieces is mind-blowing. Never thought I'd see that anywhere else.

Enter my friend Melody Lamb - did I mention she uses India ink? Good segue way. Seriously, you have to check out this very talented artist - she is blessed with a crazy steady hand to carve out beautiful paintings in the form of ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions, & Originals about the size of a hockey card) - yeah, I just learned what that meant too. Wonderful renditions of fawna and fantasy. This lady's got a blog, a website, an iphone app, a twitter profile, a book she's illustrated, magnets, ornaments, OH MY! Hey who knows, if you come up with another great idea, she might even load that up too! ssssshhh, don't tell her I said this, but maybe you can ask if she takes requests - you know like for special occasions or special people...

Yes she is an extremely talented artist, but what impresses me most is the kind of person she is. She's a hard working stay at home mom, a giving human being, and a truly supportive friend to many. Check out this great miniature artist and spread the word!

Jewelry PR Launch of Colored Diamonds

Jewelry PR Launch of Colored Diamonds

Ever Have an Entire Film Crew in Your House?

So it's been a while since my last post. With good reason. I'm working on a new web project. Not sure how I'm going to air it yet, but working on that too. I'm sitting in my home office and have and entire film crew swirling around me. Directors, cameramen, lighting crew, sound crew, production staff, actors, tons of equipment, and of course the craft table (that's the yummy stuff). I feel like I'm actually in a movie myself. BRB - just going to have a look at the next shot....I'm back...so it looks like I'm going to get a profile shot done as some point too. Cool. It's been something I've been thinking about doing for a while. I think this site speaks more to the beauty of the pieces, but it's also nice to put a face to a name or a purpose. Somehow seems more human.

Will be putting up some beautiful pics of my trip to India soon. So look for those too.

Ever Wonder Where to Find Incredible Victorian Hats?





Ladies, meet my friend Shawn. What an incredibly talented and inspirational artist. If you have ever craved a stunning and unique accessory, then you might want to consider the comeback hats are making and definitely check out the fruits of this WOW milliner! Shawn makes Victorian hats - antique reproduction hats, travel hats, straw hats, felt hats, bridal composition hats, and even special order pieces. Have a look at the pictures and you decide how gifted this gal is. Read her touching story and dedication to her dear friend who got her into the craft and make sure to take a glance at all the rave reviews! www.LaVictorianRoseMillinery.com - Hats for Ladies of Distinction.

The Matte Look

I must say, I've always been a big fan of matte finishes, from photography to make-up. And it seems it's all making a comeback again now. I've seen quite a bit of press for matte nail polish recently, so if you've still got your old bottles, you may want to bring them out again (check to make sure they're ok to still use though). The nice thing about matte finishes in strategic places in your wardrobe is that they really highlight the sparkly stuff - so if you're into high gloss lip gloss, or any bling, it's definitely something to consider! One really cool thing about this new matte nail polish is the colors - navy and black and grape, just to name a few. And apparently they look best on short clean nails. Find out more at www.opi.com - you will love what you see!

YES

Recognize that your "YES" has value. This is one of the best lines I've heard someone say.

I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon when I hear something I like just because it sounds good. It really has to resonate with me before I truly speak about it with others. I'm a type A personality. Love to learn. Love to experience. Love life. Want to do it all. I often give boundlessly to the people around me. I'm not very good at saying no - because I'm the eternal optimist, rather I say how? Always willing to help - sometimes at my expense. I'm a huge believer that if we all just focus on doing good things for each other, the world will be a remarkable place. So that's my I strive to do. Perhaps I'm the quintessential woman with goals, or a foolish one.

It wasn't until I was telling someone about my day recently, that I realized how tired I felt! And then I heard this line and it really hit me. So true I thought. It puts value in what I offer and that value is meaningful to someone - and meaningful to me. I have to recognize that first. Then others will also see my "YES" the same way. What do you think?

Diamonds

From myths about diamonds warding off evil, curing illness, and casting spells to its magical draw of beauty and mystique, diamonds are one of the most interesting gemstones man has ever encountered.

The early history of diamonds always speaks about India - even the largest diamonds today come from India (the Koh-I-Noor and the Hope Diamond). Diamonds were valued for their ability to refract light, their strength to mark hard metals, and their beauty (not to mention the myths too). Soon spurred by the value of diamonds and the limited supply, the east enjoyed a very prosperous trade economy. Diamonds were given as gifts to royalty, used for trade, and considered a source of wealth. India was the only place diamonds were available until about the late 1860's at which point a new source was discovered in South Africa - unfortunately these diamonds have been referred to as blood diamonds. There have also been other sources unearthed around the world, but not in great quantity.

This much coveted stone has received much press from its initial discovery. Diamonds continue to captivate audiences everywhere!