Everyday Beauty

New Look, New Baubles & an Online Workshop

My website has gotten a fresh and beautiful makeover (thanks to my dear and talented friend Hope), and I'm excited to show you all the newness in store! I'll keep the chatter light and the photos heavy here on the blog. If you'd like to peek, click the image on the sidebar.

ALSO!  I'm excited to be offering an online jewelry workshop to all of my customers! I hope this will be the first of several workshops I can offer you. Click the button on the sidebar and it will take you straight to the workshop page, which will give you all the details. You can also CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase the course. Teaching at workshops around the country has been a blessing to me in many ways: I've forged new friendships, learned from others, shared my creative journey with students, and been inspired by many along the way. I realize not everyone is able to get away and attend these workshops, and I'm hoping this online workshop will offer you a chance to learn the basics of jewelry making and inspire YOU to create your own beautiful pieces from home. 

Guest Curator on CRESCENDoh

 

Guess what? This week I'm the Guest Curator over at CRESCENDoh.com!

You can read my "Art Saves " story by clicking here. It's the story of the creative journey that led me to this point in my life, making jewelry and having a little shop....feeling blessed and grateful.

Also, every day this week there will be 2 featured blog posts that I hand-picked. These are other artists' blog posts from the past that have inspired me and stand out as some of my personal favorites.

I hope you'll take a peek. There are many inspiring Art Saves stories on CRESCENDoh, and it's such a honor to be a part of it!

An Affaire at Downton

I'm so happy to announce that registration for An Affaire at Downton opens tomorrow, Saturday, November 2! The event will take place in Los Angeles, CA on May 1-4, 2014. If you've ever been to one of Kim Caldwell's art retreats, you know how fabulous they are! She has an incredibly creative way of making every detail beautiful and inspiring.

The collage photo at the top of the page shows a peek at all of the workshops that will be taught during the event. I'm honored to be one of the instructors this time, and will be teaching a necklace workshop called "Her Ladyship's Heirloom Necklace".

All of these gorgeous photos were taken by Tiffany Kichner-Dixon. Here is a closer picture of the necklace project I'll be teaching.

And the line-up of lovely ladies who are teaching!

Other workshops include an embroidery project with Charlotte Lyons, a beautiful petite fabric dress garland with Pamela Huntingon, a lace keepsake journal taught by Karen Valentine, and a mini workshop with Hope Wallace Karney.

You can get all of the event details and registration information by clicking here. (or click the "Affaire at Downton" link on my sidebar). I do hope you will join us for a weekend of crafting, laughing, shopping, tea parties and so much more!!

xo Andrea

Let Me Call You Sweetheart KITS & Necklaces

I just returned from a wonderful time at Sweethearts on the Homefront in Atlanta, Georgia! I taught a jewelry workshop called "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". The necklace I designed was inspired by the Sweetheart Jewelry that servicemen would send home to their darlings during WWII. I was so thrilled that all the ladies in the class completed their necklaces and wore them throughout the weekend. It's always inspiring to be surrounded by fun, creative gals at art retreats, and this weekend was no exception!

I realize it's not always possible for everyone to attend these events, so I decided to make extra kits to sell for those of you who may be interested. Each kit contains 58 beads & findings, everything you will need to create the necklace as shown above. You only need jewelry pliers and wire snips! Kits also include detailed step-by-step instructions with photos.

 

I also made up a few necklaces. Both the kits and the necklcaes are available in my Shop. The best part??? 100% of the sales of these kits and necklaces will go to Operation Stars & Stripes, to support our servicemen and women, both home and abroad.  Click here to shop. Thanks so much for your support of this very worthy organization!

A New Season

This picture was taken a couple days ago on Sofia's first day of preschool. And so another school year begins! I can hardly believe I now have a 3rd grader, a Kindergartener and a Preschooler. These three were so ready to get back to school and start the routine that Autumn brings. And as sad I was to send them off that first day, I must admit, these precious few hours (Sofia only goes half days, three days a week) have proven quite productive! The house is so QUIET. 

I've been cleaning, and getting organized and (gasp!) making jewelry! A few new pair of Ear Drops to start, and little by little I'll be adding to my shop as the fall continues. These will be in the shop sometime today. In this collection I used old religious medals, lots of rhinestones, chuncky Amazonite beads and some vintage pearls.

It's a beautiful mild day here today, perfect for a lunch outside. I think that's where my girl and I are headed after I pick her up from school.

Exciting UPDATE about Sweethearts on the Homefront Event!

I'm happy to announce a few exciting changes for the Sweethearts on the Homefront event! It is now a 2 day event, and the price has been lowered so it's more accessible to all! It's only $220 for the event, which is a fantastic price for an art retreat!

Here's what the weekend will include:

* Friday shopping at the Country Living Fair in Atalnta. This includes exclusive discounted shopping and Coffee Talk with Jen O’Connor of Earth Angels Studios

* 3 AMAZING workshop classes held on Saturday at The Marriott Courtyard of Buckhead located in the heart of upscale Atlanta. Saturday activities will also include a luncheon.

*The hotel is close to all the best shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.....so we will continue with fun Saturday evening!

*Instructors: Jenny Heid & Aaron Nieradka , Heidi Meyer and me. :-)

* Vendor Market Shopping

* Raffle Prizes & Sponsor Gift Bags

All for the incredible event price of $220!

The gals are really striving to make this event easier on the pocketbook and still jam-packed with activities, shopping, goodies, food, and of course crafting together!  It's going to be a great time for all!

100% of the proceeds from your sign up and participation will go to Operation Stars & Stripes, Inc in support of their program to benefit our military and their families at home and abroad.

For further details and to register to sign up please click HERE.

Save the Date for An Affaire at Downton

 

Save the Date! I'm thrilled to announce I'll be teaching a jewelry class at Kim Caldwell's "Affaire at Downton" creative retreat in May, 2014. The details haven't been revealed just yet, and registration will open this fall. As a big fan of Downton Abbey, I can't think of a more beautiful theme. I hope you can join us for a weekend of art, friends, and fun!

Sweethearts on the Homefront

Hello Friends!

I am really excited to share some news with you today! In October, I'll be teaching a jewelry workshop at a Creative Retreat called Sweethearts on the Homefront. My dear friends, Rosalyn-Sue Smith (you may know her as The Patriot Girl) and Jennifer Hayslip are hosting the event, and it's going to be a wonderful time! It takes place in Atlanta and the theme is the 1940's Homefront. (what a perfect theme!)

UPDATE: The price has been changed to $220, to make the event more accessible to everyone. Three great classes and lots of fun, food and festivities! It is sure to be a memorable weekend! All proceeds go to support our troops.

There are so many details and you will want to go to the event website to check it all out. I'll be in good company, as the other workshop instructors are Jenny & Aaron and Heidi Meyer. All of the projects we'll be creating have a 1940's feel and style. Personally, this is one of my favorite eras. Love the fashion, the style, the resourcefulness and of course the patriotism American women on the Homefront showed while so many men were away at war.

The BEST part?? All of the proceeds will go to Operation Stars and Stripes, a non profit organization that supports our troops both home and abroad. For more information, to see all of the exciting details, and to register, CLICK HERE.

We will be spending Friday together in Atlanta at the Country Living Fair. (perfect timing!) I know I've always wanted to go and never had the opportunity, so this is the icing on the cake! We will begin our Country Living morning by attending an exclusive coffee and breakfast hosted by Jen O’Connor and Earth Angels Studios. We'll meet the talented artists of Earth Angels and shop their delightful handmade arts and one of a kind treasures. Jen will have goodie bags and discount coupons for every attendee.

On Saturday, grab your pearls, pin curl your hair and wear your loved apron. You will get to enjoy a day of blissful creating! The classes will conveniently be held at the Marriott Courtyard Buckhead.  Lunch will be served, and there will be plentiful foods fresh from the victory garden.  The day would not be complete without a Homefront mercantile, where sweethearts will offer their handmade wares and rationed supplies.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time while being surrounded by vintage sweetheart memorabilia from the Homefront  and old swing music tunes from the 40’s.

A little peek at the workshops projects and instructors:

A Wise Woman Knows Her Baking

Using an array of mediums and skill sets each class member will create their very own recipe scrapbook from scratch. Inspired by old fashioned cookbooks and kitchens, fabulous Golden Age advertising, and the soft pastel tones of vintage wallpapers and fabrics…this recipe book is a visual treat that may even be sweeter than the favorite recipes kept inside. Combining your love for paper craft, art journaling, scrapbooking, and baking, all together to make an artful album that’s sure to fill up with recipes that hold all the ingredients to a warm, loving home.

An American Beauty

From blooms growing beside victory gardens to Sunday hats brimming with millinery, American sweethearts adorned many things in their homes and clothing with beautiful flowers.  Using new and vintage materials, we will be making a vintage inspired millinery bloom with delicate lace, netting, and lustrous pearls.  This American Beauty can be pinned to an evening clutch or clipped to a special spot in the home to bring some of nature’s beauty indoors.

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Inspired by the romantic soldiers, sailors and airmen of the 1940’s, Let Me Call You Sweetheart is a fresh twist on the popular  “Sweetheart Jewelry” that thoughtful servicemen would send back home to their wives and girlfriends during their WWII deployments.

In this workshop, we will use basic jewelry-making techniques as well as wire-wrapping, to create a nostalgic necklace in beautiful shades of blush pink, antique gold and pearl. We will combine faceted Czech glass beads with shimmering glass pearls, vintage brass findings and gorgeous vintage rhinestones for some good old fashioned sparkle. The classic heart-shaped brass locket which dangles from a vintage “Sweetheart” stamping is the perfect place to keep a cherished photo of your love.

Workshop kits will include everything needed to make this necklace just as pictured. Feel free to bring along any special beads and baubles you’d like to incorporate from your personal collection. Please bring jewelry pliers (chain nose and round nose) and wire snips. And of course don’t forget the most important part…. a picture or two of your sweetheart to nestle into the brass locket, so he’s always close to your heart!

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It is going to be a wonderful event, and I'm so honored to be a part of it! I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones! CLICK HERE to read all of the details and register.

It's only $220 to register and will surely be a weekend packed with fun, friendship and of course creativity! I would love to see you there!

Have a great day!

xo Andrea

 

Chicken Pot Pie on a Cold Winter's Day

So I have another recipe for you. It's a great winter meal....hearty and delicious. All from scratch (the best kind of cooking!). I hope you try it, and I think you will enjoy it!

Chicken Pot Pie

1/2 stick of butter
2 cups chopped bite size potatoes (you can use less and add more carrots or peas to compensate, if desired)
1 1/2 cups chopped carrot
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cups frozen peas
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon parsley

1 recipe Easy Homemade Pie Crust (recipe below)
1 egg, beaten

First, bake a few boneless skinless chicken breasts (enough to yield 2 cups when chopped),  in the oven with a little bit of water in the bottom of the pan so they don't dry out. A half hour should be enough time. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

While the chicken is cooking, make the pie crust. If you have never made pie crust from scratch, it is so simple, buttery and flaky. You will never return to frozen crusts again, I promise!

Easy Homemade Pie Crust Recipe

2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cold butter, cut into little cubes
4-5 Tablespoons cold water

Combine flour and salt in large bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water with a fork just until flour is moistened. Form the dough into a ball with your hands and set aside or refrigerate.

Preheat your oven to 425.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add potatoes, carrot, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook for 12 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are just tender. Add flour; cook for 2 minutes, constantly stirring. Slowly add chicken broth and cream. Stir to combine. Return to a simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often. Remove the pan from heat and add chicken, frozen peas and herbs. Stir and pour mixture into a casserole dish, sized so the mixture comes just about to the top of the casserole dish, maybe an inch or so below the rim.

Using a floured pastry cloth,  roll out pie crust roughly in the shape of your casserole dish (round, oval, square, etc.), adding a couple inches all around to fold it under and crimp the edges. Place the rolled crust on top of your chicken-filled casserole dish. Fold the edges under and pinch the crust like a pie crust. Make it pretty, your family is worth it! Brush the crust with beaten egg. Using a knife, make a few cuts in the top of your crust for air to escape. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the inside is hot and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy!

New Jewelry in the Shop

Hello! I wanted to let you know there are some new pieces in the shop today. I spent many hours during many days creating these pieces. It's always so much work, but so much fun at the same time.

I pour the love into my jewelry designs, and I always hope each piece brings joy and a blessing to the one who wears it.

Thank you, as always for your support and encouragement! xoxox

Click to shop!