Fresh Friday Feature - Colorado Catnip Toys

This month for my June purchase from our Unique Women in Business group, I chose to be unselfish and ordered a treat for my kitties. I received the Bella butterfly catnip toy from Jana at http://www.coloradocatniptoys.etsy.com and she was kind enough to send two extra "hot pepper" catnip toys as well. So perfect, since I have 3 kitties, and sharing is not a popular idea. Jana uses organic catnip from a local health food store, so it really packs that extra punch. In fact, when I got home from work on Thursday, my husband said to me "What on earth did you order? The cats are going nuts!" They had actually chewed a hole in the plastic envelope containing their gifts! Colorado Catnip Toys also carries catnip mats too, which I haven't seen anywhere else. These would make a perfect housewarming gift for someone with cats - you know how cats are with moving!

Pandora is drooling all over....I think she approves

Bear Bear likes to have his Catnip Toy all to himself and is hiding in his cubby - i.e. underneath the dining room table

Simon is enjoying his catnip toy WAY too much

Wonderful Wednesday - Near and Dear to Me

As summertime rolls along, I find myself being lulled into that easy dreamy hot weather sleepiness. The perfect place for me to relax and enjoy this feeling is the beach. If any of you have had the pleasure and opportunity to bask in the rays of Michigan's west coast beaches, this is my ODE to the beach! Michigan? you say... are you kidding? Isn't it a lake? Well, I feel sad for those who haven't experienced our great coastline. Although hardly a world traveler, I've been to both the Atlantic and the Pacific, and I have to say, my favorite spot is right here at home. (One place I've been to that blows us away is Monaco, I have to admit). That aside, I decided to feature a place near and dear to me today because so much of my summer jewelry is inspired by the rich hues and beautiful colors of the sun, sea, and sand.
The moment I set foot on one giant dune as a child at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, I was hooked. Never have I had more fun getting sandy, hot, and baked while hiking up to the heights. I knew the reward was running down at breakneck speed thinking - please don't let me wipe out - only to splash into the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan. I have spent too many summers since going to that same beach alone or with the family to bask, reflect and enjoy Mother Nature's gift to us.
I truly hope you enjoy the photos here, although none of them do it any justice, and if you have the pleasure of visiting our great state, be sure to include Mr. Hoffmaster's legacy in your trip!

Opening Etsy Day at Fulton Street Artisan's Market

I love going to the local Farmer's Market, so much fresh produce, so many choices... I always bring home more than I bargained for. I'm lucky to live in an area where the Farmer's Market has been around since the early 1900's and where you can find anything from grass fed beef to organic veggies of all sorts.

Now, local Artisans are taking their que from the tried and true market format and since 2003 have established our very own Fulton Street Artisan's Market. Since the farmers are absent on Sundays, we've taken over! Thanks to the ingenuity of a few founding members, the Artisan's Market, or FSAM for short has really taken off. This year Etsy Artists kicked off opening day on June 14 to a resounding start. We filled 60 plus stalls with bath and beauty, carved wood items, clothing, accessories, and of course, jewelry, and too many other creations to mention.

If you are a Grand Rapids local, you can enjoy the market every Sunday from 11-3 through September. Often, local musicians provide entertainment and local restaurants delight us with delicious smells and fare. Did you notice my constant repitition of the word "local"? Now more than ever, people are enjoying and reaping the benefits of keeping money in the local economy. Not only will you eat fresher, but buy fresher too!

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Memorable Web Addresses for Profile, Page or Group on Facebook: "http://companies.to/freshmetaljewelry/"

Fresh Friday

In honor of the gorgeous weather we are having here, I've updated my shop with a few new summer items. Whether you prefer feminine and girly, or bold and chunky, I hope you will enjoy viewing! And then, get outside and bask in the sun!

Wonderful Wednesday #4 The Ultimate Father's Day Gift

I dare you to top this one! I think my Dad would die of embarrassment if I ever sent him flowers. That is the whole idea behind http://BeefJerkyBouquet.com
Why not a mug chock full of tasty jerky varieties?
This company was founded in my hometown of Grand Rapids Michigan and you can read the interview with Cindi Lou a little further.

Interview with the Owner and Inspiration behind BeefJerkyBouquet.com

What was your inspiration behind the idea?

Honestly, I needed a gift for my boyfriend at that time. I couldn't see spending the money on flowers he would be humiliated to get in the first place. So, I went to the store, bought some grocery type jerky, and a mug. Bingo, the BeefJerkybouquet was born.

What is your best seller?

The Chug-it by far. It's almost four to one compared to the Sip-it or Meat Float bouquets.


What kind of feedback have you had from clients?

We just happened to have a feedback page. What better reason to go to the website, aye?

How has your business grown - or what do you do to market yourself?

We have increased steadily over the past three years. My marketing currently consists of Facebook advertising, a lot of Blogging, and Social marketing.


What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

Be patient. Nothing happens overnight. Also, never slack off. If you feel yourself not putting in 100% force yourself to do 120%.

Wonderful Wednesday #3 - Dads Need Pampering Too....

With Father's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd put the focus on the often unsung heroes behind us busy working moms. The guys who look the other way and hold their tongues when jewelry making becomes more important than, say, cleaning the house, the ones who do their best to learn to cook to help us out, who mow the lawn, even though they are allergic to grass, and even better, who go out of their way to play with the kids even though the to do list is growing.... You get the picture.

These hard working Dads often over look the fact that they need to take care of themselves, and that's where we come in! I've searched Etsy for some indulgent creations that guys will love (even if they won't admit it).

How about a nice Treatment Mask by skindeep

Handmade Bath and beauty on Etsy - Treatment mask for Oily Skin and Clogged Pores - 5 oz. by skindeep

Dad needs to smell nice too.....by soaprehab

Handmade Bath and beauty on Etsy - Swiss Alps Soap Bar by soaprehab

A two in one idea... by chickscratch

Handmade Bath and beauty on Etsy - Cedarwood Sage Essential Oil Soy Massage Candle by chickscratch

For a soft smooth shave... by EthicallyEngineered

Handmade Bath and beauty on Etsy - The Razor's Edge Vegan Shaving Soap in 4 oz Backpacker's Tin for Mega Suds by EthicallyEngineered

New Summer Necklaces

Summer trends are chunky, metal, and lots of greens, blues and rich brown hues. Jewelry should make a statement and a lasting impression.

Wonderful Wednesday - Feline Favorites

For all the kitty lovers out there, this is for you! I have a soft spot for black cats in particular, having two myself. These are a collection of a few I've come across on Etsy.

Etsy Buy Handmade PandoraDesigns

Wonderful Wednesday - Spring Things

Wednesday is wonderful because it is my day off from my day job! Every Wednesday I am going to scout out and share some of my fave items. Enjoy the first installment.

Etsy Buy Handmade FreshMetal

Some of these items are from my Unique Women in Business group! Check out the tab on the right side of my blog for more info!

A Good Sign

So Friday was one of those days when I woke up saying "Please send me a sign that its going to be a good day - that things will get better...." I'm sure you can relate. And as I am getting into my car to go to work, what do I see sitting at the bottom of my drive way? A mallard duck. And he won't move. I've lived in my neighborhood over 3 years, and have NEVER seen a duck here. I took that as my sign! Now, when I am having a rough moment, I think of that duck and smile.

Ahhhhhh Spring

There is just something in the air this time of year that is so refreshing and gets the creative juices flowing! I feel like I am coming out of a looong sleep and new jewelry ideas are just popping into my head... Hope you enjoy these little pics of my world!

I'm really proud of our garden so far...

My l'il Inspiration

Exploring the grass.... wait, nice undies Dad!

Want to do something DIFFERENT for Mother's Day that actually makes a DIFFERENCE????

If your mom already has everything, or you are looking for something unique and special to do for her, why not make a donation to Margaret's Hope Chest? Or better yet, both get involved? This charity survives on the generosity, creativity and hard work of quilters and non quilters alike to make a difference in the lives of others facing a difficult time.
Margaret's Hope Chest donates beautiful hand made quilts to those in need of comfort. Check out some of the gorgeous work in these pictures. If you'd like to know how to become involved, click on the Margaret's Hope Chest tab on the right hand side of my blog!

Drum Roll Please....

After a little hiatus, I have finally gotten around to adding more items to my shop on Etsy! Here is a sneak peak, but you can also find them at www.freshmetal.etsy.com

"In The Pink" Silver necklace

For some reason, when I see the colors of these jasper stones, I think of a tasty raspberry mocha. Yummmm I am craving one now even though it is after midnite here.

3...2...1...Sugar Buzz!!!!

Dreary Day = getting things done!

Its been awhile since I've posted anything at all! I blame the gorgeous weather lately. Saturday we enjoyed our first ice cream cone of the season, and a nice but messy wagon ride. Now that its raining, I can focus on a whole lot of new silver pendants... keep your eye out for some new items!

Calling all busy Moms out there....Join the blog party 2009

Thanks to Island Girl Bags for cluing me on this great idea!

Black Coffee Blues...

I stole that line from somewhere, not sure where, but it fits my mood perfectly right now. I am sipping my umpteenth cup of coffee, trying not to think about all the stuff I haven't accomplished on top of the fact that I have to go to work tomorrow, and meanwhile, I have a pile of new beads that just came in tempting me....but no time to create. Ah well, just one of those days....
www.freshmetal.etsy.com

Seafoam Green & Rhodonite Rose Necklaces

I managed to get a couple of things done.....

Quilting for Hope

I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful organization called Margaret's Hope Chest started my good friend Amy's sister and Mom after a family tragedy. If you know someone who is in need of hope in their lives to get them through trying times, this message is for you! So far they have donated 80 quilts all over the US! Check out the link on the right hand side of my blog to see the beautiful work and how you can become involved!

Fulton Street ARTisans Market: Esty West Michigan comes to FSAM August 17th#links

Fulton Street ARTisans Market: Esty West Michigan comes to FSAM August 17th#links

For those nice warm lazy summer Sundays when you have nothing to do..... Mark your calendars!!!!! The artist's market will be starting mid June and going all summer long. Check out this link to see some of the talented artists from last years Etsy Day (including me!)

Wire Wrapped!

Lately, I've been pretty obsessed with learning the diverse techniques of wire wrapped jewelry. I thought I'd include a few pics of what I've done so far. Herringbone wire wrap is by far my fave. Although a little tedious, it produces a visually amazing effect. If you would like some inspiration and ideas for your own projects, visit www.wirejeweler.com Some of the work will knock your socks off!!!

Purple Passion Silver necklace

Here, you can see the herringbone method of encasing stones in silver wire. This creates a stunning visual effect