Shi Jewels Giveaway!!!

Shi creates gorgeous jewelry and she's actually giving a piece away. Squee!

The piece in question is gorgeous. And it has a little tag that says "Dance" so I kinda don't even want to tell you about it because I really, really want it for myself.

Shi's blog has all the details.

Check out her Etsy shop, too, Jewelry for the Goddess in You by Shi

Good news/not so good news

Well, I have an explanation now for why I'm so exhausted and in pain all the time. Which, in turn, explains why I've been MIA from groups and teams I belong to.

The not so good news: I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Many people are familiar with this as a chronic pain illness, from the television commercials. It is that, for sure, but it's more than that. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are a wide variety of (mostly experimental) treatment options available. For now, my doctor is starting me out with a medium dosage of an anti-depressant which is different from the anti-depressant I already take and does not conflict with that or my migraine medication. I'm going for blood tests as well, to help him
understand what treatment(s) may work best for me.

The good news: Fibromyalgia is not progressive, so it won't eventually cripple me or kill me or anything. Certain conditions and behaviors will make the symptoms better or worse, but the illness itself won't get worse, if that makes sense.

For me, the good news is that all the things I've been beating myself up for are actually not my fault! That alone makes me feel better. It also explains several things I'd previously thought were individual physical issues. It turns out they're all part of the same thing!

This diagnosis explains why I'm exhausted all the time and why I'm in pain all the time. It explains why, when I get home from work, all I can do is sit on the couch for an hour or two and then go to bed. It explains why my weekends usually consist of alternately sitting on the couch and sleeping. It also explains why I get sick all the time, catching any little bug that comes along. It explains my sensitivity to scents, sounds and light. It explains my memory loss issues and it explains why I can't think of the word I want in conversation. (Yeah, I know everybody does that from time to time, but it's a matter of degree – how much and how often.) It may also explain why I get migraines in the first place. It explains a few other things that are too icky to share.

Right now, we're at the point of seeing what the new medication does and waiting for lab results. What I need from my friends and family is understanding. Please understand that when I say I'm tired, I don't mean the kind of tired that many adults in the modern world experience, which sucks enough as it is. I mean I'm exhausted. I mean I'm too tired to answer the freaking phone, if you can believe that.

If I don't accept invitations to do things and I don't come visit, it's not at all that I don't want to see you or that I don't care or whatever. It means that just driving for an hour wipes me out for a couple of days afterward. It means that I've been instructed by my doctor to lie down several times during the day. It means that it takes me so long to recover from any activity that just thinking of going to do something makes me want to climb in bed, pull the covers over my head and cry.

It's been like this for a while now, but now that I have a diagnosis I feel like I can tell people how I've been feeling without worrying that anyone will think I'm making excuses or exaggerating. It really is this bad.

But…I am hopeful now! What's wrong with me is not my fault and there are real treatment options! I'm looking forward to feeling better and getting my life back. I'm also happy to have finally found a doctor who has given me a correct diagnosis and who can help me. Maybe now I can jettison some of these other doctors and stop supporting the entire AMA. Ha!

I hope that everyone will all bear with me as I try out treatments to see what works. Thanks for reading my loooong post.

Etsy for Animals Birthday Bash!

The EFA Artists Helping Animals Team has been working hard pulling together our first year anniversary Birthday Bash Extravaganza, a celebration where buyers and sellers all WIN!
We are so excited about this party!



Make a note of the dates : September 15th to September 30th In honour of the Birthday Bash, during this period, I will be accepting the 20% off Coupon in my shop. My code is LUMIN. Just put that code in the 'Notes to Seller' box on your order and DO NOT pay for the item. I will send you a revised invoice! You can visit my shopLuminositiesto receive your discount on all of my items!
PLUS! there are over 170 shops that are currently signed up to accept the 20% off coupon here at Etsy including the EFA TEAM STORE.For a complete list of those shops stay tuned at the EFA website. You can use my code LUMIN in any of those participating shops.

It's time to start thinking of early Christmas presents so check out the Birthday Bash.

We Have a Winner!!

After consulting little kitty, together we have chosen a name for her from all the wonderful suggestions that were submitted.
Chris at IdeaSign was the first to submit "Poppy" and that is the winning name!!

So many wonderful names were suggested that I'd like to thank each and every person who participated! It was great fun.

I've decided to post a list of runner-up names and the Etsians who suggested them.

First runner-up was the name "Wednesday" after Wednesday Addams, submitted by Greenfingers

Other honorable mentions include, in no particular order:
lostinfaerieland - Jezebel
thelittlereddoor - Hepzibah
CoraMarieBoutique – Eclipse
DanishMade - Sarafina or Tilda
GirlyGirlBags - Matisse
JazziesJunque - Etsy (Jazzie was the first to suggest it, followed by designsbyvanessa)
KarmaRox - Karma
ArgentTadpole - Luz or Luzia which means light; or Aurelia.
artbarkers - Acacia
ravenwolfgallery – Pauper
daisytoad says: daughter says soot

Sugarberry suggested some cute names, too, but I love the name of her shop itself as a kitty name! So, Poppy did come close to being named Sugarberry!

I would encourage everyone to check out the shops of these wonderfully creative Etsians!

Thanks again to all who contributed to the Name the Kitty contest!

Name the Kitty to Win!!

I have this kitty I rescued and I'm having some trouble naming her, so I'm having a contest!

Whoever submits the name I choose, wins his/her choice of this lovely hand crafted copper, Swarovski crystal, aventurine, malachite and class necklace

OR

This wonderful healing magnet


You can see more pictures of the prizes in my shop, Luminosities

Here are some pictures of the little kitty. She's about a year old and still quite playful.







You can see more pictures of her here and here

Go HERE to submit names and may the best name win!!

Non-Profit Quest, Day Two

Yesterday I got the ball rolling on this non-profit thing. I e-mailed every person and organization mentioned in the original article. It’s amazing how responsive, helpful and supportive animal lovers are!

Allie Phillips of American Humane sent me a helpful manual and put me in touch with a friend of hers for more information. Phil Arkow, also of American Humane, sent me some useful links. Barry Yeoman, who wrote the article, also responded with sources of further information.

Christine Hartline of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, Jenison Silva of Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Lanie Anton of the ASPCA, Scott Delucchi of the Peninsula Humane Society, and Lara Bruce of American Humane all responded and sent information, links, encouragement and support.

I am grateful to all these people for taking time out of their busy days to respond!

I also received support and assistance from several of my Etsy buddies. Melissa of Muddy Horse Gallery was full of advice and support. She has a horse rescue of her own, where she rescues and rehabilitates abused horses.

Veronica of Surrender Dorothy and Her Royal Majesty Bags heard what I was doing and immediately thought to put me in touch with Melissa. Michele of Pandys and Griffin Gear, offered her accounting assistance.

Professor Tina Kistler and Debra Fondren of Santa Barbara City College have both offered help and support. Jessica Black of PrimalX offered the same.

As per usual, the members of the Etsy street team EAST have been supportive and encouraging. Specifically, Liz Staley of lizstaley, Michele of Greenfingers, Kari of LuckyLibra, Rachel of Indigo Luna and Melody of Melodys Unchained.

If you helped me yesterday and I have not mentioned you, please let me know! I was happily deluged with assistance of all kinds, so I may well have forgotten someone. If you’re reading this and you’re inclined to help, don’t be fooled into thinking I don’t need you. I absolutely need all the help I can get!

Right now, I’m working on reading the enormous amount of stuff I need to read to learn how to start a non-profit. So far I’ve discovered that I need a lawyer, and accountant and a Board of Directors. I also need a name for the organization, a mission statement and ugh, a business plan.

Stay tuned!

Presenting Suzanne Gonsalez of Ravenwolf Gallery

Brody Dalle is said to have once lamented the current dearth of art that makes you go, “What the fuck?” Not, “what the fuck is that” but the kind of what the fuck that makes you stop and stare, slack-jawed. The kind of art that grabs you somewhere inside and shakes you all around while you’re momentarily completely discombobulated.

I’d like to present an artist whose work causes that reaction in me. I’m having a little trouble articulating just what it is about her work, but I can stare at it for a long time. I want to get close to it, to the point of finding myself scooting closer to the monitor, peering intently.

So far, I’ve only managed to get one little ACEO, shown below. If you like her art, you better snap it up now, because when I win the lottery, her shop is going to be empty. Bwahaha!

Without further ado, Suzanne Gonsalez of Ravenwolf Gallery:

Click on images to visit the artist's shop

My ACEO

Face of the Gypsy

Ode to Wychwood

Tapiz de Suenos
(Tapestry of Dreams)

All above images copyright 2007- 2008 by Suzanne Gonsalez

Healing Magnets!

Brand new healing magnets at Luminosities!

The lining of these magnets is a green abstract watercolor with clockwise (sun-wise) spirals drawn in blue gel pen. The outside is wrapped with a green ribbon, green being a healing color. Powerful magnets are attached to the back.

Put these charming magnets on your refrigerator, in your bedroom, in your office or even in your car.

The magnets are 2” (5.8 cm) across and 1” (2.5) deep.

This magnet uses symbolism and the power of stones to surround you with healing energy. Lapis lazuli is said to be a powerful stone with both physical and mental healing properties. The stone you see here is a gorgeous dark blue with flecks of gold.

The Egyptian ankh is a symbol of life and the silvertone ankh in this magnet fits in well with the healing theme.


This magnet uses symbolism and the power of stones to surround you with healing energy. Amethysts are believed to carry healing properties and the three genuine faceted amethysts you see are a deep purple color.

As a symbol of transformation and renewal, the pewter dragonfly charm adds to the theme of healing.



This magnet uses symbolism and the power of stones to surround you with healing energy. Bloodstone is believed to be a powerful healing stone. The stone you see here is a deep green and red.

Butterflies are symbols of transformation and the butterfly sticker in this magnet invites you to transform into a being of beauty and health.

See more images or purchase now at Luminosities.

Got Pisces?

Three Pisces magnets to choose from at Luminosities!



All three of these magnets are loaded with Pisces symbolism. The colors used in the painting on the lining and the ribbon colors are associated with Pisces. Dolphins, of course, are associated with Pisces too. Amethyst is a Pisces stone, so the high-grade genuine amethyst stones in each magnet also fit the Pisces theme. Two of the magnets have the word "Pisces" on the inside of the glass top (protected from smudging) and one has the glyph for Pisces instead.

These 3D Astrological Magnets are available for purchase at Luminosities. Grab one quick, for the Pisces in your life!

Love Spells, Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, new loves spell magnets! These would make great Valentine's Day gifts!


A love spell in a magnet! This magnet uses the magick of stones, color and essential oil, plus the power of words. What a great Valentine’s Day gift!

With red, pink and white, this piece utilizes the colors of love. It contains genuine rose quartz which attracts love! A little heart charm adds to the love vibe. To further emphasize the point, there is a little word bead that says, “kiss.” Inside is a tiny drop of rose essential oil, also a love attractor.

Put it on your refrigerator, in your bedroom, in your office or even in your car.

The lining of this magnet is red fiber paper, inside a round tin with a glass top. The outside is wrapped with a white ribbon with little red hearts.

The magnet is 2” (5.8 cm) across and 1” (2.5) deep.

Available for purchase at Luminosities


A love spell in a magnet! This magnet uses the magick of stones, color, essential oil and images. What a great Valentine’s Day gift!

With red, pink and white, this piece utilizes the colors of love. It contains genuine rose quartz which attracts love!

With red, pink and white, this piece utilizes the colors of love. To further emphasize the point, there is heart charm with the word “loving” and a red cloth rose. Inside is a tiny drop of rose essential oil, also a love attractor

Put it on your refrigerator, in your bedroom, in your office or even in your car.

The lining of this magnet is red paper embossed with multiple hears, inside a round tin with a glass top. The outside is wrapped with a red ribbon with little white hearts.

The magnet is 2” (5.8 cm) across and 1” (2.5) deep.

Available for purchase at Luminosities

Forgive me if I'm pleased with myself

I apologize if this sounds like bragging, but I am totally digging this new ring I made for myself! It's bright, it's bold, it's electric blue! It's wrapped in sterling silver wire and I love it!

Winter Wonderland EartPath Artisans Challenge

One of the Etsy Street Teams I'm a member of, EarthPath Artisans, is having a Winter Wonderland Challenge. It's a contest wherein team members create something conforming to the challenge theme, in this case Winter Wonderland.

We've had some truly amazing entries so far. This is mine.




This magnet celebrates the warmth of the joy of the season in the midst of the icy cold of winter. The ice blue theme is contrasted with the cheery word “joy.” The background on the inside is shiny silver paper covered with deep blue mesh material. A silvery embellishment surrounds the word “joy” on a lead-free pewter bead. White and blue acrylic gems complete the interior. Glittery silver snowflakes are stamped on the inside of the glass top.

The outside is wrapped with a deep blue ribbon to which are glued more white and blue acrylic gems.

The magnet is a round tin with a glass top with a heavy-duty magnet attached to the back.
It is 2” (5.8 cm) across and 1” (2.5) deep.

Got to my Esty shop to see more pictures: Luminosities

You can see my teammates entries in our team shop, too: Winter Wonderland Entries

New! Rings at Luminosities

I'm making rings now! It's so gratifying to take nothing but some wire and some beads and end up with a ring. I love doing it. Here are a few of the rings I have for sale in my shop, Luminosities


Mystic Moonstone Ring
This unusual wire wrap ring features a large luminous moonstone surrounded by five smaller moonstones.

The softly glowing moonstone is said to cultivate nurturing emotions, helping one both be more loving and feel more loved. Moonstone is associated with the astrological sign of Cancer, also called Moonchild.

The ring is wrapped in sterling silver wire, using a heavier gauge for the shank and a smaller wire to attach the beads.





Red Velvet Garnet Ring

The stones used in this ring are a gorgeous deep red velvet color.

Garnet is a stone of many metaphysical talents. Garnet is said to enhance romantic love and passion. It can also bring positive thoughts, boost energy and enhance self-esteem. Another of garnet’s metaphysical benefits is success in career matters. You really can’t go wrong with this exquisite multi-tasker.

The ring is wrapped in sterling silver wire, using a heavier gauge for the shank and a smaller wire to attach the beads.

Dark Star Ring

This fun and funky wire wrap ring features a star shaped genuine snowflake obsidian bead flanked by a tiny black faceted glass bead.

Snowflake obsidian is said to ground energy and absorb anger, fear and stress.

The ring is wrapped in sterling silver wire, using a heavier gauge for the shank and a smaller wire to attach the beads.


Deep Purple Ring

This bold wire wrap ring features a faceted glass bead in a brilliant purple. The faceted surfaces reflect light for maximum sparkle.

The ring is wrapped in sterling silver wire, using a heavier gauge for the shank and a smaller wire to attach the beads.

Stunning pottery!

This past August, I had to say goodbye to Goblin, my pet cat and familiar. As you might imagine, it was very sad and awful. She'd been with me for 18 years and I felt the loss deeply.

I had a private cremation and kept her ashes. I wanted to put her ashes in something really special, something just for her. I contacted Ant at Ant's Pottery on Etsy. I'd long been an admirer of her work so I asked her if she'd be willing to do a custom order. She was and we talked back and forth about what kind of vessel I wanted for Goblin. I chose the shape and the colors and told her a little about me and my beliefs, such as that I am Pagan and that I am a devotee of the Egyptian cat goddess, Bast. I left the details of the design up to her.

Today I received this gorgeous vessel! It has a little cat as a handle on the top of it and the legs it stands on are two little cat paws in the front and a little cat tail in the back. It also has an ankh, the Egyptian symbol for eternal life, on the top. It's perfect, it's beautiful and I love it.

But that's not all! Apparently, her little girl heard about my loss and was moved to create a commemorative drawing just for me! What a wonderful child, to be so concerned about someone else's pain that she felt moved to try to make it better. I love the drawing and I'm keeping it forever.

Have a look at Goblin's vessel and be sure to check out Ant's Pottery.
Her work is awesome.

Celtic Goddess Jewelry

Celtic Goddess Jewelry is a shop on Etsy that sells cool Pagan, Celtic and other types of jewelry and art. Her headdresses are spectacular:

Click on image to visit her shop!

She also has a stand alone website, Celtic Goddess Jewelry, where she featured my Quest for Deity article.
She also bought all four of my Elements magnets!!

Luminosities

New pieces

I've finally gotten my work space organized! Well. Mostly. I bought a big banquet table, the kind with folding legs, six feet long. My art and jewelry supplies are on, under and next to it, where I can find them all. That leaves me with more than enough space to create new pieces, so here they are:

Elizabeth Bathory, who is known as The Blood Countess, may have more to do with Bram Stoker’s Dracula than Vlad the Impaler. Notes about her were found in Stoker’s papers, so he’d certainly heard of her!

In 1610 Hungary, local authorities began investigating the disappearance of local girls. Transylvanian Countess Elizabeth Bathory was subsequently imprisoned, walled into a tiny room with only a small slot to pass through food. In 1614 she was found dead in her cell. She’d been charged with murdering hundreds of young women, believing their blood would keep her young and beautiful.

This necklace features a pendant of the creepy Countess Bathory, made by Handmade Horrors. The Countess is flanked by two black onyx replicas of her own black heart, accented by two black faceted teardrops.

Contrary to popular belief, vampire bats have a maximum size of 18 oz. (50 g). The one on this necklace, though, is much cuter than actual vampire bats!

This necklace is a little over 16” (40.6 cm) long, so the little bat charm will nestle happily in the hollow of your neck. He promises not to drink too much. The ruby red glass daggers that surround him are reminiscent of drops of blood. Faceted black glass beads and genuine moonstone complete the eerie ensemble.

Heart of Darkness Earrings

For the black-hearted punk, goth or pirate among us. These special earrings are made with black onyx hearts, topped with faceted black glass beads. There is a silver tone pewter bead beneath the heart as well. The earrings feature leverback earwires for added security. They measure a little over an inch, (2.5 cm) including the earwire.

These new pieces are all for sale at Luminosities.

Etsy Street Teams!

Etsy has things called Street Teams, which are groups of Etsy sellers who band together for support and promotion. Street Teams do things like organize shows or events, represent Etsy at festivals, band together to share advertising costs, raise money for charity, etc.

I'm a member of two street teams, EAST and EFA. EAST is Earth Path Artisans Street Team. We're a group of Pagan, or Pagan-friendly Etsy sellers. You can find our shops on Etsy by searching tags for "east." Our information is here: EAST

Shop Earth Path Artisans to support your local (or non-local) Pagans!

EFA is Etsy for Animals. We support animal charities by donating a percentage of our proceeds or all proceeds from the sale of specific items in our shops. You can find our shops on Etsy by searching tags for "efa." Our information is here: EFA
We also have a myspace page, here: Etsy for Animals on Myspace
Our website is here: Etsy for Animals

Shop Etsy for Animals to help our critter friends!

Birthdays are for indulgence

Yesterday was my birthday! To celebrate, I did something I've only done once or twice in my entire life - I had a mani, a pedi and a facial! It was wonderful. The facial was the best part, so relaxing, so soothing. Now my fingers and toes are all purdy. I'd never had a mani before and only once before had a facial, but I've had maybe four pedis altogether. The fact that these little indulgences are so rare made the whole experience special and decadent. Special and decadent - that's what b-days are for, yes?

After that, I had pancakes for lunch. Another special and decadent treat! But the best part was when I had dinner with friends. We had take-out from El Pollo Loco, where I'd never eaten before. As far as fast food goes, this place rocks! The food was really good and much healthier than the majority of other fast food restaurants. The company was the best part, though. The highlight was having "Happy Birthday" sung to me, in its entirety, by a two year old! What a cutie.

Long Time, No Post

It's been a looooong time since I've posted! A lot has changed. For one thing, I'm no longer selling from my own website, but I now have an Etsy shop! It's so exciting! What's Etsy? Etsy is an online marketplace, a venue, for buying and selling handmade stuff! Everything on Etsy, with the sole exception of supplies, is handmade.

Check out my shop: Luminosities

In other news, I'm now a member of SRAJD, Self-Representing Artists Jewelry Designer. I'm member 0869! What is SRAJD? SRAJD is an acronym for Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer. Members sell jewelry that they designed and created themselves. When you buy a piece from an SRAJD member, you are buying directly from and supporting the artist. What could be cooler than that?


I am also officially on vacation! Vacation from that dreaded entity known as the day job, that is. I'll still be working on my jewelry business and one or two other projects, still in secrecy mode.

And my house. Did I mention my house? Gawd, what a disaster! There is stuff everywhere. Books, magazines and papers of all description piled high on every available surface, including the floor. Laundry piled sky high. Jewelry and collage supplies strewn from one end to the other. I am not an organized person. I spent years and years trying to be, but I finally realized that the struggle to be what I am not caused a lot more angst than being disorganized ever did. Besides, organization is for people who are too lazy to look for stuff!

Seriously, though, I have currently reached heights (depths?) of disarray heretofore unrealized. Somewhere in all this mess is a missing credit card! I'm afraid I'm going to find it in the catbox. My cats all have so many extra toes, I would not be surprised if they've been ordering kitty stuff online while I'm out.

Speaking of ordering stuff, I recently placed a big jewelry supply order that I am anxiously awaiting. Oh, and I finally bought a scanner! I did a lot of research into what scanners are best for scanning jewelry and based my purchase on that. I've also ordered new business cards and return address labels. Needless to say, I spend a lot of time peering down the street looking for the mail carrier.
I did already get one order, though. I ordered a fudge sampler from The Country Baker

I got milk chocolate, rocky road, kahlua and peanut butter fudge. It's awesome stuff! So now, while I wait for my other stuff, I can console myself with sugary goodness.