Well you probably think that I fell off the face of the earth........not quite! It's my computer. Thought it was the cord, since it seemed to overheat so much and shut down every couple of minutes. And it didn't shut down when I ran on the battery alone? So I sprang for a brand new cord...and wow are they expensive!

Well it helped somewhat, but didn't solve the problem entirely. Then I was unable to access the Internet, so I couldn't DO anything!!! It's been a real nightmare I tell you.
I think it's finally fixed(well at least it's functional)I think LOL!

My hubby is still out of work and can't get hired, and I'm still plugging away with my shoppes on Etsy, Bonanzle, Artfire and Ebay. Hopefully I'll be able to stay online a lot longer now.

I hope everyone is having a great summer? I am, working on my latest masterpiece! I spent the last couple of months ripping up ALL the sod around our house. Now I'm loading up rocks and boulders from the top of the mountains here and making my entire yard a "rock garden"! And it's looking greeeeattttt!!! Can't wait to show you okay?

Well I just wanted you all to know that I haven't forgotten about my blog, and hopefully will be able to get back into again, and be more organized with writing here!

I've got to go and check my dinner: Rosemary chicken, baby red mashed potatoes, corn, and a dinner salad.
Have a great night all!
Laurie

Happy Summer!

Okay I know I've been neglecting you all and I am soooooooo sorry! Had a wonderful time on my vacation (to Vegas) but since I returned, my pc has been overheating terribly and shutting down intermittently so I've hardly been able to accomplish anything.
If I write something lengthy, it will shut down and I will lose it. Suffice to say, this is short and sweet, but I will check back as pc permits!!

Have a great week everyone!
Laurie

Long Time Coming!

Well folks, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get back on here to post. It's been rather depressing around here, and not really a lot to say.
My husband lost his job right at my last post, and it has been quite the struggle! I even started a "MY HUSBAND LOST HIS JOB SALE" in my Etsy Shoppe hoping that would drum up some business!
Well I've had one custom order, that I'm still looking for the components to put it together(hopefully I can) and one purchase using the SALE!
The sale ends tomorrow.

I just got through trying to make up a resume for Mac, then I have to cut his hair tonight. He is on lists and calls in to these agencies every morning, but to no avail as of yet.

I have still been plugging away trying to make more things, but if they are NOT selling, than is there really a point?
Well I just had to vent to you all, hope you don't mind?

But if things don't pick up soon, I will be forced to close down Cutethings6 and go to work for someone else!

On a lighter note, I'm leaving for Las Vegas this weekend for 4 days. This is my annual Christmas present, bought and paid for by my daughter and son in law!
Perhaps it will cheer me up!

I'll try to be back sooner this time,
Take care and have a great weekend!
Laurie

Contest Winner!

And the WINNER Was........(drum roll please)...... Debby Polis Carter! Debby entered off of my facebook fanpage at:
http://www.facebook.com/cutethings6

Congratulations to Debby! She's already been shopping to use her $20.00 gift certificate.
Just want to say "thank you" to everyone who entered, who posted here, facebook and etsy!
The MORE people I can get to enter, the MORE contests I will have!! Sound good??

The next one I'm going to start shortly, is a sort of search game. I will be giving a couple key words to an item in the shoppe-it will most likely be included in the title.For instance, I say the word "RED" and you find this listing "Rose Bouquet-Red and silver flowered fashion ring" You post that title, and if that is the correct listing, you WIN that item! **First person with correct title wins**
So what do ya think?

Well I may have told you about the Bridal order I've been working on. 11 Rings for the bridesmaids, jr bridesmaid and flower girl. They are in the "Cha Cha" design and were all made to match each other and earrings! Gorgeous colors of smokey bronze, topaz and champagne on silver plated bases. I hope they are a big hit! Took some major concentration to get them all the same. The tiny one is for a 3yr old flower girl, soooooo cute. I would love to get pictures of them all in their matching jewelry, wouldn't that be fun? I'm posting pictures of my finished products.

Well I have another Bridal order of 6 rings this time. I better get busy. This order is also for the "Cha Cha" rings, but all in black, white and clear! Should be cool!

Talk to you soon, and thank you everyone for being fans and customers! You truly make it all worthwhile!
Laurie

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful moms out there! I hope you have a wonderful day today!

In honor of ♥♥MOTHER'S DAY♥♥ Cutethings6 is having a giveaway for a $20.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE to be used for anything in my shoppe. I will be drawing the winning name from the entries on Facebook, Etsy, and my Blog.

If you would like to enter, please just reply to this post with "Enter Me" and your name!
You can enter up to 3 entries, 1 here, 1 convo on Etsy, or 1 post on my facebook fanpage.
Drawing will be held on Wednesday May 12th @ 3:00pm PST.
Good luck to everyone, and if you have any questions, just send me a message!

Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/cutethings6
Cutethings6 Shoppe: http://www.cutethings6.etsy.com

If you have trouble signing on here in order to post your entry, just email me at home with your "Enter Me" your name, and email address and I will put you in that way.
My home email: cutethings@sbcglobal.net

Friday Night!

Well how has every one's week been going? Getting a lot done? Getting ready for Mother's Day?
Well we certainly need to be thankful for the Mothers that we have, had, or just knew by acquaintance. They truly are special! They teach us pretty much everything we know growing up, and we keep it with us forever.
I hope that you can spend some time with YOUR Mother this weekend!
I'm so proud to be a Mother, aren't you?

On the work front: I am having a sale in my Etsy shoppe starting today! 25% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER! Sale ends at Midnight PST on Mother's Day!

Also, if you happen to be around, I'm also going to announce a Contest starting on Mother's Day (you'll have to check back in order to get the scoop)!! I will be taking entries to win a $20.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE good for anything in my shoppe.
**See my Etsy shoppe on Mother's Day for details** http://www.cutethings6.etsy.com
or my facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/cutethings6

I also would like to show you my latest creation using the moonglow thermoset. I have up-cycled a Vintage gold tone brooch, then layered it with soft pink and forest green pieces. Very unique!

Well I'm off to do some more listings! Please be sure to check out the sale and the contest giveaway! The links are above!
Have a great weekend all,
And Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday!

Well it's the end of the week, and the end of my B2G1 free sale! Had a few people that took my up on the sale, so that was great! This was the first time that I did this kind of sale.. I usually have percent discounts for sales, and this time decided to try it.
Now for my next contest, I am going to be giving away a gift certificate for the prize! I just hope that I get more entries this time around.
I think there were about a dozen on the last giveaway. So PLEASE come on over and enter! It's always more fun when there are more people involved!

Well we are still having nice weather(shhhhh, I shouldn't say it too loud)! I mean it IS May, but considering we had snow last week you just never know around here.
I've worked on a few more designs with the "Moonglow Thermoset", rings that is. My next attempt will be some sort of altered type pendant/necklace. Now that will be fun to do!
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE making my rings, but sometimes I just need to switch it up a bit and try my hand at something new-different-and exciting!!

I'll be sure to post the latest rings here, and also I've designed some necklaces and bracelets I would like you to see. And please give me your HONEST opinion, I would love to hear them.

Not much else is new here, so I will be heading back to work. It's getting close to midnight here so I better get busy!

Take care friends,
Laurie

Monday Again!

Well it's the start of another week, and I hope the nice weather is finally here to stay. I can't wait to get outside and start cleaning up the yard and patio. It looks so messy after the spring thaw, with weeds popping up all over, dead leaves and whatever else has blown in from the strong desert winds here in Reno.

On the work front, I had my first giveaway last week, ending this past Sunday. "April Ring Giveaway"(you entered by listing the name of your favorite ring). I had entries on Facebook and Etsy! And the winner was "Martha Rohrke Jeffery" Congrats Martha for winning your favorite ring!

Currently I am having an Etsy ring sale. B2G1--Buy 2 get 1 free! You can read the details in the announcement section of my store page at:
http://www.cutethings6.etsy.com

Stop by and say hi sometime! Would love to see you all!

Well it's time to get back to listing. I'll be sure to post a couple of new pics for you to see. And I've also posted a widget from "Bonanzle" another new venture of mine where I also have a shoppe/booth.

Take care all,
Laurie

Dark & Gloomy Thursday!

OHHHHHHHHHH the weather is so nasty here I cannot believe it! We had those gorgeous 80 degree days, 2 of them in fact, then it turned to snow... and has been rainy and slushy ever since.
Of course my fibromyalgia is out of control, and I can't stop sleeping(it's so dark out), other than that it's great LOLOL!

Well I have been busy though, working on rings! I just posted pics of a couple that I just listed, one being another Thermoset. I've sold a few of those already, so apparently, my customers like the stuff as much as I!
I have created several necklaces and bracelets as well, and will be showing those real soon.

So did I tell you I'm going to Vegas again? Yup! It's an annual tradition that my daughter Sara and son in law Rob buy me a trip to LV to vacation with them there. This is my Birthday/Christmas present from them. Isn't that wonderful? Such great kids! But this year, this is already the second time they've given me a trip.
Unfortunately, the last one wasn't as festive as usual, since I had just gotten back (4 DAYS BEFORE) from my mom's funeral and arrangements. That was in January, this one the end of May.
I'm looking forward to the heat, A LOT!

Please be sure to enter my contest if you haven't already! Any questions, you can always post here, or email me at: cutethings@sbcglobal.net

Signing off for now, gotta get to work and list, list, list!

Have a great day,
Laurie

Stormy Tuesday!

Well hey folks!
How's everyone today, and what have you been up to? Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but it's on my list of "things to keep up with"! Really, I promise!
On the home front, we had 2 days of absolutely gorgeous weather, 80 degrees! Lovin it! Had the doors and windows open, so nice to finally get some fresh clean air in the house after being cooped up all winter.
And NOWWWWWWWWWWW a winter storm is coming! Yup! Woke me up out of a sound sleep this morning(well the fibromyalgia pain did) and have been on ice packs ever since, and it's not even here yet! Can you believe it? We're supposed to get a snowstorm!
Oyyyyyyyyy, we really need to move south.
Have I mentioned that before?? LOL

So on the work front, I am having my first contest! So PLEASE PLEASE enter, so it will be more fun to have more names to pick from okay?
It's been posted on my Facebook Fanpage, but for those of you who don't use Facebook, you can leave a comment here with your entry. Here's how it goes:

April Giveaway! From 4-18-10 to 4-25-10
#1 Go to my etsy store at http://www.cutethings6.etsy.com
#2 Pick out your favorite ring(there are categories for rings on the right hand side)
Write down your choice.
#3 If not using Facebook, then come back here to http://www.cutethings6.blogspot.com and post the name of your ring choice in the comment section.

That's it! Winner will get their favorite ring! Please note that my rings are OOAK so if the ring has been sold by that time, I will contact you to choose another!
My husband Mac will choose the winner from slips I put in a jar.

So good luck to everyone, and please come and enter! It should be fun!

I've also been working on more Thermoset rings, so I will be posting pics of them for you to see. They are so much fun to make!

Well guess what? Here comes the snow! yukkkkkkkkkk!
I'm going to go and "ice up" my neck again, but I will be back later.
Have a great day all!
Laurie

Easter Sunday!

♥♥♥♥♥♥ HAPPY EASTER ♥♥♥♥♥♥ to everyone! I hope that you're having a great day! Well I've got a ham in the oven, (covered in pineapple and cloves), baked carrots, mashed potatoes, and I'm making a glaze right now with brown sugar, soy sauce, mustard, pineapple, and ham drippings.

Can't wait to eat, it's going to be a late one though. We were up watching movies until 5am, so consequently didn't get up till mid afternoon! But that's okay, if we eat late, we'll be UP late again. Just a different schedule that's all.

So now to the workfront. I am so excited about some of the new creations I am working on. Do you remember the jewelry from the 50's, with the pieces of moonglow(thermoset)? I think a lot of the jewelry was produced by Coro, Lisner, etc. Anyway I found a wonderful seller, who JUST happens to have a supply of these beautiful thermoset pieces that are Vintage but have never been formed into any jewelry as of yet! So here I am!

I am starting with some rings, and will eventually be doing earrings, bracelets and necklaces. I have just ordered another large supply from her, so I'll be pretty busy after it comes!
You really need to check her out. Her name is Karen, and her shops are:
http://www.ladykjewels.artfire.com
http://www.ladykjewels.etsy.com

I actually found Karen while on Artfire, funny too, cause I'm on Etsy a lot more! She has tons of great items, especially Vintage! Findings, cabochons, beads etc. Please stop in and say hi to her!

Well I'm going to post a couple of pics of these new items. Let me know what you think?
Back to my ham now,
And continue having a great holiday!
Laurie

Yes I do still exist!

Well yes I know it has been ages since I have written! It has been SOOOO hectic with so much to do around here that I don't know which way is up! LOL! I've been continually working on rearranging, re-doing, re-cycling, organizing and what not in my studio. I know it will be better in the long run and help me to be more efficient, but WILL I EVER GET IT DONE???

I think I just MAY see the light at the end of the tunnel! I hope you all had a great Valentines and St Patrick's Day! Had a wonderful dinner out for Sweetheart Day, but stayed home for the "Green" day!

I have also been trying to plan my time more efficiently as well, that is, so I can spend more quality time with my hubby instead of working here on the computer non-stop for 18 hours a day! Sooooo, after I reply to all my emails, package up my orders, make dinner, clean etc, I am now sitting down late at night with Mac and watching movies till bedtime(which is getting to be like 5am)!!
Of course being a creative person and not liking to sit still for very long, I've been making jewelry while I watch the movies. Needless to say, I have tons of jewelry now to list! I just have to make the time to get it all put up online.

I will be posting a few of them so you can see first hand what I'm doing!
It's getting late (already watched the movie for the night) so I'm going to bid you adieu!

See you soon
Laurie

Monday!

Hi there! Hope everyone had a good evening! I'm still battling this sore throat that I've had for over a week...rrrrrrr!! So I've been laying kind of low, not working as much as usual, but still working LOL!

I did get out for the first time in a couple of weeks, went out for Valentines Day! Yup we went to a little cafe with a table right by the window, watching the river go by! It was very nice.

And the food was excellent! Mac had a nice sirloin (which looked and tasted like a filet), and I had chicken marsala, it was nummy. We also had their salad bar, loved the crab and italian salads.
And then because it was Valentines Day, I decided to get a dessert. I NEVER do that! Usually because I'm always too full, but most importantly because I can usually make them better myself. Well not this time!!!

First, Mac thought I was crazy for ordering dessert, so I offered to split one with him. That is until he found out what it was, Bailey's Cheesecake!! Well he just HAD to try it, so he said "Hell no" I'm getting my own piece.
And it was fabulous!

Anyway, we had a great time. Can't write for long , it's already 3am, gotta get to bed. Catch ya later,
Laurie

Tuesday

Hey kids! Well it's already Tuesday and I feel like the week has slipped me by! LOL! There is JUST never enough time in the day (or night as it were)! My fibro is acting up again, (of course it's raining and miserable). Which that nasty humidity in the air always gets it going. So I just have to walk around with ice packs on all day LOL! I look like an alien, but at least it helps.

So besides packing up orders and making new stuff, I'm also STILL trying to get my studio done. I completely disassembled the closet, took off the doors etc, and went out and bought pegboard and hooks, shelf boards and lumber. I now have a built in desk and storage area JUST FOR MY CHRISTMAS STUFF! It has been taking over my studio. And since Xmas is the biggest season for us retailers, I thought it deserved it's own area. Now I don't have my Xmas stuff spread all over the studio. I can work on it all year long and know RIGHT where everything is! Just love it I tell ya!
I'm going to take some pics for you. Unfortunately, I accidentally erased my "before" picture, so you'll just have to see the "halfway" and the "finished" pics!

I decided that because Xmas trees are my "claim to fame" that I really need to be able to work on them all year round. So my idea for themed trees that I mentioned last year has become a reality. I did my first "Valentine" tree and it turned out cute! I have since sold it. Only did one, just to see. I will now be working on some seasonal, and special occasion trees. I will be sure to keep you posted on them!

Well it's back to work now,
Take care,
Until next time,
Laurie

Monday Morning 2-8-10

Hi everyone! Well it's been quite a long time since I've been back here, and I do apologize! I really hope to be able to start posting regularly again.
I was super busy with lots of orders for the holiday season, baking cookies, and everything else that Christmas entails.

Unfortunately, during this time, on New Years Eve my Mom passed away. She was diagnosed with leukemia 2 years ago and they had given her 12-15 months, but she was doing extremely well and her treatments were working.
She and her husband Bill were getting ready to go on their annual trip to Acapulco. She had all the family (there in Minnesota) over for Christmas day and she had felt great. The following day she started getting a fever and Bill had to rush her to the ER. She had developed pneumonia. Due to the chemo and leukemia, she didn't have much of an immune system left to fight it. A few days later Bill called and told me I better fly back there, that it didn't look good. I flew out the very next morning, but sadly, she passed before I got there.

I stayed for a week until the preparations and service were over, then came home. My daughter Sara and her husband Rob had given me a trip to Vegas for Xmas and my reservations were 4 days later after coming home from Minn! So I've been quite busy. It was nice to get away, especially after having a death in the family.
My mom's husband Bill also decided to go ahead with the plans and take the scheduled trip to Acapulco. He will be there for 2 months. I really hope that he's doing okay, and he's managing to cope.

So this has been the last couple of months for me. On a lighter note, now I'm working really hard to get my stores back in order and fill them up. I've come up with some new ideas that I will love to share with all of you.

Have a great week and I will be back soon!
Laurie