celebrating early spring

Ever since the weather switched into spring mode, I've been thinking about all things spring.

Early Spring

 And via Pinterest...

Do you have any favorite early spring picks?

early March in Milwaukee

This past week brought above freezing temperatures. It may look like winter in this pictures, but it feels much more like spring. Over the weekend I took Jake and a friend to one of my favorite places in Milwaukee to enjoy this refreshing change in the weather and of course take some pictures.

How's early March going your way?

Share your thoughts with a review!

To those of you who have purchased and promoted Jewelry and Other Small Item Tabletop Product Photography over the past month, thank you! It means the world to me that so many people have been so supportive of my first ebook.

If you've ever bought something online, most likely you read some reviews first or at least checked the item or shop's star rating. I can say good things about my book all day, but it isn't the same as having a customer share detailed insights about the benefits of the book.

This is where I need your help. If you've already written a review on Etsy or Amazon, thanks! If you haven't written a review, it's never too late. Taking just a couple minutes to leave a star rating and share your opinion goes a long way toward driving more sales.

I'm offering a $10 coupon code* to anyone who reviews my ebook that is good for my jewelry shop or my photography shop. (*You must spend a minimum of $11 to redeem the code. This is Etsy's policy, not mine.) Simply send me a link to the published review, and I'll send you the coupon code.

Please note: You can only write an Etsy review if you've purchased the book on Etsy. You can write an Amazon review whether or not you've bought the book through the site.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221686201/pdf-ebook-jewelry-and-other-small-item

If you use the above Amazon link as opposed to any other Amazon link to purchase the book, I make a few more cents off the purchase because it's linked to my Amazon Affiliate account.

Thanks in advance for your reviews!

beaded diamonds first peek

It's been...several years since I last published a beading pattern. How did that happen? I've been way overdue to publish another pattern. It feels so good to have one well underway right now.

I'm writing basic instructions for creating beaded diamonds, eight variations for earrings, and instructions for making a ring, pendant, and bracelet. I'm planning to release two versions: the full pattern and earrings only. It's been a very time consuming process because I've had to make so many samples. I will be able to sell all of them when I'm done with the pattern, which is some consolation. (It also means that if you see anything that you like, you're welcome to claim it now). Regardless, it's still exciting to see it all come together.

Tentative release date: April 2015. Stay tuned for more details over the next couple months.

What have you been working on lately?

glassware vases kitchen decor

Last month I visited Antiques on Second here in Milwaukee and couldn't seem to stop noticing the blue vintage Ball jars. Apparently it stuck with me because ever since, I've been noticing glassware all over the place. I'm not sure how it came to me to use it as kitchen decor, but it did.

I bought clear and blue Ball jars, clear and blue soda bottles, and clear milk bottles from Michaels and Target.

I also bought fake flowers from Michaels. I bought four single stems and four bouquets, which I cut into single stems so that I could distribute them among more vases. Of course you can use real flowers, but gardening isn't my thing, and I don't like to keep real plants in the house with the cats anyway.

 I really love the soda bottles.

The combination of the blue and white here makes me very happy.

I'm also in love with my new fake wood backdrop that I previewed on Instagram a couple weeks ago.

Here it is, displayed in my kitchen. Both of these shelves were already installed when we moved in, and the top one has sat largely empty for three and a half years. Decor items are perfect for it because it's too high for me to reach without a chair.

Of course I had a kitty helper assist me with cutting the flowers, arranging the vases, and most importantly, taking the pictures. Does anyone else have an ever present kitty photo helper?

 I can't even call this a tutorial because it's just pretty glassware and fake flowers, but I'm so happy with the result. If you need a simple display for virtually any room in your house, this is a great option.

I'm also sharing my kitchen decor as well as some other ideas for kitchen decor using mason jars over on HubPages.

Has anyone else been decorating at home lately?