Earthenwood Studios Keyhole Pendant necklace

I ordered a bunch of links and stones from Melanie of Earthenwood Studios and have been enjoying them. Really, I have many of them on a dish on my work table and they are so pretty I just keep playing with them. The other day I decided some commitment was in order and I worked up this simple necklace using a Keyhole pendant and a rusty key and some scraps of chain. I began by attaching the ring to the chain with a rectangular jump ring and used the second rectangular jump ring to attach the chain dangles and the pendant to the ring, making sure the chain dangles hung behind the pendant. I should tell you that I am inordinately proud of the way I went about attaching the chain directly to the key for a toggle. It made me giddy when I did it, the chain just fits. I love when that happens!

To make this necklace I used the Rolo Borneo chain, the Rolo Epact chain, a 2 Rectangular jump rings, a reproduction key, a keyhole pendant and a carved stone ring. That's all. It wears nicely.

We have a great selection of Melanie's pendants and links at both Panopolie and Ornamentea or you can order them on line directly from her here. Let her know that you saw this project on shiny little things.

We've been seen at Art Bead Scene!

Tari Sasser has created this fab pendant idea using our Frame Locket for her Ten Dollar Tuesday project this week. Nice work, Tari! I love reading the ABS blog; the jewelry is inspiring and the studio snippets are nice, too. Check it out at Art Bead Scene.

Now about Candy Corn, well, I am sort of mixed on that. I am a chocolate person. Candy that is mostly sugar with some other flavor often seems like a complete waste of chewing or calories or both. I mean, seriously, Lifesavers? Why? But seasonal, once-a-year candies do seem worth it, if only for the nostalgic, it's that time again, feeling. I do not buy Candy Corn, however, as fifteen kernels or so into the bag I am done and then there it sits, getting stale and looking corny.

This pendant is the best way to enjoy it, I think.

the Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam (book review)

Ahh, this is a yummy book. From the cover to the pages inside filled with expressive journaling prompts, ideas for developing business concepts and a focus on the process of creating your own creativity it just glows. This book makes me want to start a new business (just kidding, honey!) Seriously, I created a journal when we started Panopolie that wasn't even half as intricate as any of the pages in this book and it was tremendously helpful. I put together quotes, images of products and decor ideas, potential store layouts, and journal entries (direct quote "don't work too much!")

One of the best things about this book is the way Sonora Beam encourages potential entrepreneurs by getting them to set limits. In one of the first chapters she reminds folks not to go all crazy buying supplies to make their journal. That is great advice. Fancy do-dads won't get your business off the ground any sooner! It is also great advice because you will be MORE creative with limits in any endeavor, from a journal to your actual, real, business.

Sonora Beam's experience as a therapist and artist come together in this encouraging and useful book. This would make a great gift for anyone who needs a little push to get those dreams out of their head and into the world. That person just might be you! The book isn't on our website yet, so call the store at 919-834-6260 and order it today.