Show and Tell Monday

Hi,,, I have been busy getting ready for the Make Mine PInk Shop Hop...You dont want to miss this event. For those of you not familar with how it works: Go to http://www.makeminepink.com/ and check out the shop hop. It begins next Sunday the 2nd of November and you simply visit each of the participating boutiques and websites. There will be the shop hop Christmas tree hidden somewhere at each site. When you find the tree labled "you found it". Just click on that tree and it will register your find. There will be alot of prizes and will be soooo much fun. Not to mention there will be alot of new merchandise and with awesome promotions and sales.

This is a few things I have been working on to add to my website later this week. This is a couple holiday bracelets and earrings. I also have come up with a card to send out my earrings. There will be alot of new items added to my site this week. I will be offering gift wrap with purchaes on my site during the shop hop. Also come back later this week. I will be having a blog contest! So, I hope you all have a great week ahead... until next time................gail

Its Coming up Roses for PInk Friday

This Friday is one of our favorites at Make Mine Pink. The theme this week is "Coming up Roses" There will be so many beautiful items with this rosey theme. I am sure there will be jewelry, antiqued linens, beautiful pillows, journals and fabulous paper items. Many hand made and vintage finds. This will be a special day for tomorrow only,,, you dont want to miss this one. When you go to www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday this will take you to all of the participating boutiques for this event. Have some tea in your favorite rose teacup and enjoy the best online shopping experience. Many offer great discounts for this event, so check out individual shops for the deals.

Meet Auntie Good Friend Witch

This is my Halloween story. Its about my favorite Aunt. Auntie Good Friend Witch. She live beyond the cemetery in her little house on the hill.

She stays near her dearly departed Warlock, my uncle Charlie Friend.

He has moved on to the other witches world, but they are able to stay close with her crystal ball.

Auntie Good Friend is a master potion maker. She can fix you up with a love spell or help with good luck charms.
She loves to stay up to date in the latest mystical fashion and wears only the finest fashion accessories.
She appears to be out trick or treating and visiting the other blog parties hosted by Vanessa. To join in all of the fun, grab a broom and fly on over to http://www.afancifultwist.typepad.com/ for a boo-tiful time!

Show And Tell Monday

Hi, I hope everyone had a gorgeous fall weekend! It was just perfect here. Its just the best time of year:) My birthday was on tuesday the 7th, but its turned out to be birthday week. I have been taken out to dinner every night, taken to the movie and received some beautiful gifts. So it was a great week. But this weekend I managed to get a few things done, so I will post a couple of things I have been up to.

Friday night I went to this Italian restuarant and we were a little early before it opened so we walked over to this great discount and overstock store Big Lots, if you have them in your area you know how fun they can be. I found these two books. One is about vintage fabrics and decorating or craft projects to do with these fabrics. The second is a book filled with all kinds of vintage jewelry from the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Just tons of inspiration in both of these books and they were each 5.00. Next I made another pair of dragon fly earrings with swarovski crystals. I need to get these posted on my website today. And last is a bracelet I made for myself. I had one handmade pink glass flower left in my stash, and I love these so much I wanted to make sure I have one. I also found this sterling silver disc with the word "friend" on it. Since its my last name I have had it sitting around waiting for a time to use it. I was out today and got some adorable Christmas beads, so look for some cute holiday stuff next week. Have a beautiful week and happy creating..........gail

Mary Poppins and the Weather

First let me say, I am not a weather expert. BUT I notice alot of things that happen in nature, like clockwork every year. I would even go as far as to say I am at least as accurate as the guy on TV getting paid to do weather. LOL For example I get migraines with certain types of rain storms. Its accurate enough that people who want to wash there cars now call me to see if I have a headache. Every year in October we have one day in particular, and for lack of a better name I have always called it the Mary Poppins Day. Remember in the movie when the Admiral was on the roof top and the wind pick up and the weather vane went whirling around, bringing about a change. And at the end when that weather vane went whirling the other way. It was time to go fly a kite and change was in the air again. Alas Mary Poppins had to leave. Mary had been there for the season and helped make everything right. Well, back to my one special October day each year. AND today is the day. Its super windy and its comes from the other direction, no clouds, just really windy. The weather is much cooler, for us in the desert anyway. Just a blustery day as Pooh would say. Well, what this means is, its officially now fall. Good bye to the summer season. It wont be over 100 anymore. Just in case you were wanting some high tech info Mr. Weatherman? LOL We dont have the obvious change of seasons you see in most other places, so you have to look very careful for subtle signs. This is my story and I am sticking to it..... LOL

Show and Tell Monday ~~~ Pink October

I love October. Its my favorite time of year. I like Halloween almost as much as Christmas. Its the official start of the holiday season in my mind. Nearly all of my friends and family have the birthdays this month too. Libras are wonderful people:)

Right now going on over at Make Mine Pink we are having our annuel Pink October shop-hop.Its our way of supporting breast cancer awareness. You dont want to miss out on this contest. When you go to www.makeminepink.com/shop-hop you can see a list of the participating boutiques. When you visit each website, somewhere there is a hidden pink ribbon that says "you found it". Click on that ribbon and it will register you to be in drawings for great prizes. The more you find the better the prizes. So check it out, and help support a great cause.

I had a really quiet weekend, (yay). I stayed home and caught up on some paper work and computer work. I was in an earring sort of mood, I made several pairs. My favorite are these cute pumpkins. These were just normal beads, but they look just like pumpkins to me. How fun. Then I made this bracelet. I called it Tide Pool. Thats what it reminds me of. I would love a visit to the beach about now. If you check the post below I posted some pictures of the lake thats part of the community I live in. It was a gorgeous day. Until next time.............gail

Saturday in the Park

I have just recently moved and its in an area I have wanted to live in since I was a kid. It was a community that was built in the 70's complete with man made lakes. This is an awesome thing since I live in the desert. It makes you feel like you are somewhere else for awhile. While there are some beautiful large homes I live in the apts in the community. But thats OK. I love my small place. Just to actually live here makes me quite happy. These are pictures I took at the end of my little street. I am practicing and working with my camera trying to learn all of the features so I took it for a little walk this morning: since its only 80 degrees and not over 100. lol Its time to celebrate a beautiful Saturday morning.

Pink friday and the home office.

Its pink friday tomorrow at Make Mine Pink. Our theme this week is Home Office Chic. So many of us are working from home, or have your studio or work room. I love having pretty things around and being organized. I love going into my workspace. I spend the most time in my studio. All of the participating boutiques this week will be offering awesome items to make your office and work space more inviting. But hurry, its one day only,and thats tomorrow the 3rd of October. All the inspiration you need is this lovely office in the picture. Its the Make Mine Pink offices and its a dream!!! So visit www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday.

Also, starting Monday at Make Mine Pink is the annual Pink October event. Its a shop hop and there is great prizes involved. It will run from Oct 6-12th. When you go to make mine pink. com and click on the pink breast cancer ribbon you will see all of the rules and participating boutiques. But basically you will want to visit all of these websites and boutiques and find the hidden pink ribbon that say "you found it" When you click on that it registers your find. There are prizes and drawings for the most found. It will give also give you a chance to visit some awesone websites. Good luck and happy hunting. Until next time..........gail

Show and Tell Monday

Well, I finally feel like its time to get back to business. For the last three months I have been so busy with selling my house and moving and getting ready for the Make Mine PInk Retreat. I am all settled in my apt. and happy as can be. The retreat has been a week ago. I just dont know why time goes soooo fast. I had the best time ever. Now its time to take what I learned and put it into practice. I have had so many good ideas and I have already started working on them. I have added a couple catagories to my website and have been adding new items. So check it out if you get a minute. http://www.gailfrienddesigns.com/ Also I had a few pieces of jewelry published in a publication called Jewelry Creations and its finally hit the stands. I am over the top happy with it. Magazines are done so far in advance and when I submitted these I didnt have a website yet, but I am hoping it will still be good exposure.

I have decided to do some really small, but sparkly earrings. I have called them fairey sparkles. They are perfect if you prefer a smaller earring. I made this dragonfly neclace today. This crown necklace was something I came up with for the business recognition display I did. These are now on my website. And last but not least my magazine post. You all have a great and creative day. Until next time..........gail

Pink Friday ~ A stitch in time

Wow, its Pink Friday time. Our theme this week is a stitch in time. So many of the Make Mine Pink Boutiques will have beautiful items for this theme. By clicking onto this link, www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday you will have one stop, convenient shopping to all of this weeks participating boutiques. But hurry, its one day only. This Friday, the 25th.

Williamsburg VA ~~ Part two

I just wanted to post a few more pictures of my fabulous weekend at the Make Mine Pink Retreat. I just cant say enough times how much fun, inspiration, and information this weekend was. Plus these women are very good friends. As the year goes on I will post about next years retreat and I hope you can join us!

The first picture is a teddy bear I made for Joyce Lucas, the founder of MMP. I posted a partial picture hinting a few posts ago. LOL Its made from a Make Mine PInk Tshirt. I loved these pumpkins that were painted pink for out table centerpieces at dinner. Too cute! During the retreat we had a business recognition award compititon. I only got a few good pictures, but I would love to post a few examples of the talent in this room!!! These ladies, and everyone else went above and beyond for this compition. First is my friend Carolyn of http://www.theoddsparrow.com/. Her pink pinecones are scented with a peppermint and white chocolate..absolutely delicious! Then is Janet with her adorable pillows. You can find her at http://www.janetscreativepillows.com/ and then there is our cute little Michelle. This was a stunning display. She really outdid herself. You can find her at http://www.rosepetalsandblooms.com/ I hope you enjoyed a little trip to Williamsburg with me.....Until next time...gail

Williamsburg VA Squirrel

I have just returned from the Make Mine Pink Conference in Williamsburg VA. It was the most fantastic trip I have made in a long time. The speakers were awesome and we took away so much useful information for our business. The food was excellent and there was ALOT of it. Especially the chocolate. I got to visit old friends and make lots of new ones. This event is life changing and I would encourage anyone to consider this event next year.

We got in Williamsburg on Friday with a few hours to look around. We went to Colonial Williamsburg. Now keep in mind, I am from the Southwest. The Desert. The green and all of the history was mind boggeling to me. Something else we dont have in the desert are squirrels. Every time I go somewhere and I see them, I am facinated. I think they are the cutest things ever. They always seem happy and they are always running around and they look like they are having fun. Now, the people I am with find this odd. From what I understand they find squirrels kind of a pest. They really cant figure out why I chase them around with my camera to take there picture. Everytime someone sees my vacation pictures, someone always says "why did you take so many pictures of the squirrels.?" So ya all can think I am a little off, but I like this little guy!

Next are a few pictures from my display that I entered in the Business Recognition Award compition. The entries were beautiful. The compition was very stiff and the winner was Eileen of Forget me not Dreams. Her display was just so pretty and inspirational. Everyone did a great job and they were so professional. I plan on having a few posts this week, so stop back by. So until next time.......gail

Show and Tell is for the birds and the bees...

Well, this is the week so many of us has been waiting for! This friday is the Make Mine Pink Retreat in Williamsburg VA. I have been working really hard to get ready for this event. I have entered the Business Recognition Award compitition. I am as ready as I ever will be. This will be a great experience and the winner is going to be one lucky and talented lady. I am really, really looking forward to seeing my pink friends again and meet all the new members who will be going. The speakers are going to be a huge influence on my business. The food will be awesome and there will be a ton of chocolate! Next week I will have awesome photos and stories for sure.

This week I have been inspired by birds. Just a couple new pieces. Next is my plane ticket and the required box of chocolates to enter the hospitality suite for the party. LOL Alot of people are bringing pretty fancy chocolates, I love Russell Stover anyway :) Hey they are lucky I am not bring hersheys. (my other favorite) And finally a glimpse of a suprise I have been working on. I promise to show the whole thing next week..... So until next time........gail

The Autumn Home for Pink Friday

This week for the Pink Friday theme its Autumn Home. I am so happy that its soon going to be fall. Living in the desert its always so welcome. By August you just cant stand it anymore of being 115 degrees. For that reason (and my birthday being in Oct.) Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors of fall. I love Halloween and helping the grandkids come up with there costumes. From October until the end of the year its all about celebrating and being with friends and family and not burning your hands everytime you try and get in the car! :)

You dont want to miss our weekly shopping event at Make Mine Pink. All of the participating members will be offering all kinds of wonderful products for your fall decorating and entertaining. From wreaths, candles, vintage tableware and linens. And its only for one day only. So dont miss out: go to www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday on this Friday the 12th and enjoy all of the beautiful things with convenient one stop shopping.... Until next time.............gail

Happy Monday ~ anyone showing and telling?

Hi everyone... I have been soooo busy and I have been able to get so much done. I cant post alot of it just yet because its for the Make Mine Pink Business Recognition Compition and it top secret. (sshhh :) ) Creatively I had been a little stuck,but this has been an awesome week. It was just clicking and I am pretty happy with everything. I havent done too much else, just in the zone and I like it there. LOL

The first thing I am posting is this little babyshoe pincushion I made. I have seen these pop up once in awhile, but I thought they were so cute, I just wanted to try one. Next is a necklace I made using one of Cindy Houot's ceramic roses. I love here roses for my jewelry.http://www.angelheartdesigns.com/. The next things are a little different for me, but I like to mix it up sometimes. These are my pirate girl earrings. Its a carved bone bead. If nothing else, halloween is just around the corner. These next earrings are holding the planet in your hands, the sun and oceans, its up to each of us! The last thing is a simple necklace, but has an elegance to it also. So thats what I have for you this week. I will have alot of new stuff to show in a couple weeks and tons to add to my website. So keep posted. Until next time........gail

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Happy Labor Day ~~ show and tell holiday edition

I hope everyone has Labor Day off and will enjoy a nice relaxing, peaceful and creative day. I have off too. I dont get alot of the holidays off, we save them for Christmas and get two weeks off paid. So that works great for us. We like that arrangement in my office. Its a small place and there is only 4 of us.

I have been hard at work and have completed quite a few pieces but I am saving them for the most part for the Make Mine Pink Retreat business compition I am entering. But I will share one bracelet I made. This flower and two cala lilys are frosted glass and so pretty. I love the button for the closure. Next is something very special that I thought was lost. This is a box of old quilt patterns my Grandmother cut out of the Kansas City Star Newspaper and they are dated from 1936 to 1951. The paper is in incredibly good condition. The old box she had them stored in says 5th Avenue and a jewelry store name. Makes me wonder??? I thought I lost these when my apartment burned down a few years back. I lost most everything but every once in a while something surfaces and I was thrilled to have these back. The next thing I found in the same box is the collection of sea shells. I have gotten these on trips to my favorite place of all : Morro Bay California. There is a store on the embarcadaro called The Shell Shop, appropriate enough. I have made mermaid dolls and teddy bears in the past and I have bought these very specialy picked out shells to use for mermaids. I am very excited to make some more now that these really pretty shells have been found again. (one of my mermaid teddys is on the right side bar if you scroll down a little.) So look for some fancy sea gals and bears later this year,,,after the retreat. lol If you ever get the chance to go to Morro Bay, I would highly recommend this trip. Its a small fishing village and for the most part hasnt changed too much since I was a child. Just up the coast is the Hearst Castle, the beautiful drive up HWY 1 , Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey. You can have Southern California, this is beautiful country. Well, have a wonderful day, until next time........................