Plus size and unisex bracelets... and earrings, too!

I've added 2 new bracelets as well as a pair of earrings to my Etsy shop today.

The earrings above are of all gold filled metal and super clear 10mm glass rondelles. They are both classic and versatile, suitable for everyday wear and dressing up.

The bracelet above is substantial enough for a man but would look just as great for a woman. It's approx. 8" long making it appropriate for someone with a larger wrist or for someone who just like their bracelets a bit "roomy". Made in the classic Byzantine chain mail weave of 18g bare copper wire that has been lightly oxidized then tumbled.

This last bracelet is a knock out with the large hand wire wrapped clasp that also serves as a focal point... clever, eh? LOL It also is 8" long, great for larger wrists or for someone who just likes their bracelets a bit larger. Made in a variation of the classic Byzantine chain mail weave of 18, 20, and 24g copper wire, the 20g being coated. I think when this bracelet oxidizes (as all copper does eventually) it will make an interesting combination of dark and shiny, or of course ALL the shiny can be kept with just an occasional quick dip in warm lemon juice!

I have an "average" sized wrist but I love how both of these bracelets drape onto the top of my hand. Both are also quite substantial pieces, not "dainty" at all.

All 3 of these listings have been tumbled for hours for super shine and durability and are available for purchase at my Etsy shop.

Ahhhh, quiet. :)

Isn't it astonishing that just a few moments of silence can uplift a mood so dramatically? Had to make an unexpected trip to town, had things that needed to be done when I got home, got the kids from school (noise noise noise LOL) and worked on younger son's homework with him for 3 1/2 freakin' hours, have done laundry, worked on a custom graphics package, and kiddos are finally asleep... on the couches of course but at least they're being quiet! Gotta love that "winding down" time. :D It's not been altogether hectic today but a steady pace of "busy", just enough to be frustrating, but ahhhhhh that quiet time-- gotta love it.

I've been trading as part of the Trade A Holics team on Etsy and have made some FABULOUS trades! I've received in trade for my graphics services some great beads, earrings, some awesome little fabric bags that I'll use for shipping jewelry items and gift giving for the holidays, a couple stocking stuffers, and a few of my trading partners have even been so generous to include a few little extra goodies in my packages too! I've received some awesomely encouraging and uplifting feedback to my shop for the graphics I did for my trade partners, and even had a small sale over the weekend. Life is good at Etsy these days. BTW, my shop is HERE in case you'd like to take a peek. :)

AGAIN this year, I'm stumped as to what to do about family gifts for the upcoming holidays. The kids are usually "no brainers" as they never cease to tell me all through the year what they would like for Christmas, it's the grown ups and nieces and nephews I'm stumped over. Due to the continuing financial crunch, It'll have to be another handmade holiday this year and I'd like to get started on things asap, I just have to figure out what direction I'd like to take this year. I did jewelry last year and probably will do a few small items again, but also I'm considering doing handmade soaps... hey, everyone uses soap, right? LOL Maybe a small gift basket with a wash cloth, hand towel, appropriate soap dish, and a few handmade soaps to round it all out. Inexpensive, yet useful. Maybe some "floatie" soaps for the younger ones, and elegantly scented soaps for the adults... yeah, that's what I think I'll do.

Enough rambling and thinking out loud for now... the dryer just stopped. Argh. LOL