Phishstuff by Stef B's Ramblings

Push Pins

2011-12-10T08:11:00.001-06:00

These are new in the Phishstuff catalog and are so very cute! This particular set is a special order. Christmas is coming and a set of push pins would be an ideal gift for a co-worker, teacher, baby sitter, or a guy. Special order time is almost run out, so if you want to choose your colors you must hurry!
I do have some listed on both Etsy and my web site. If you choose three, I will combine the shipping and only charge for one item ($2.25). You can even order from each site and I will do the same, just drop me an email to let me know.

I do hope that your holiday season is filled with joy and peace. Blessings to all and Merry Christmas!

Experiments with Murrini

2011-10-23T16:48:00.004-05:00

I have been wanting to experiment with murrini (handmade glass cane -this one by Double Helix glassworks) and while everyone else has perfected it, I am still way behind on figuring it out. I finally purchased some and though have been a bit intimidated by it, I was finally was able to play. I have tried a few things, but this is a bead I kind of like. It is bigger than what I ususally make and the little star pattern circle is the murrini.

Burger joints blog entry months later!

2011-09-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

I just found the blog entry below after losing it. Thought I would post it anyway, because I took so much time to get it done.

Change-up

2011-09-22T13:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided to change my blog and just make it about general stuff about what is going on with me. I hope that I will post more often and with informative and interesting stuff. Please feel free to leave comments.

One thing I have been wanting to talk about is burger joints. I really like a great burger. I am not talking about fast food joints, I am talking about places known for their burgers. My Father must have passed the gene down because he did too. AND what is funny is that I am not a total meat person, but a good burger just is like nothing else.

So I am posting the results of my most recent inquiries into burger joints. I am limiting this particular posting to places in Texas.

#1 Mighty Fine Burgers and Fries - http://mightyfineburgers.com/#/home
So far this joint has topped the list. The burgers are basic, but good. There is the standard variety of fixins to complete you burger, though mine kept simple-pickles and ketchup. The ordering process is a bit different. You feel a bit like cattle being driven through the maze of gates, especially on the extremely busy weekends. When you arrive at the order area, the staff is always courteous, asking how things are going and if you are having a "mighty fine" day.
One of the draws for the kids is the hand washing station. It is very unique and you can even get a sticker showing your completion of the process. I honestly look forward to bringing out of towners (with kids) to show the place off sometime.
I also have to congratulate the fries. The fries are cut on premises from real potatoes and cooked in peanut oil. I also love the fact that they have sea salt on the tables to season the fries, along with other interesting seasoning choices. One order of fries easily feeds two people for your info, too.
So about the actual location- it is kind of like having a picnic. My vote for best location is the Round Rock location because of its semi outside seating area. That is always where I sit when I frequent Mighty Fine. There are actually three choices of seating -inside (boring), semi outside (best) and outside (second best).
I have to say the huge crowds are a good indication that this place is a hit. I will suggest it to any person who can appreciate a decent burger and doesn't appreciate the same old fast food places.

Next Burger location coming soon!

SALE!

2011-09-22T13:31:00.005-05:00

I have a secret sale on my web site right now that is 50% off the original price. The prices are not posted, but if you put the item in your cart, the 50% off will be reflected. The items on sale are on the SALE! page of www.phishstuff.com and ends Saturday, September 24th at 10am.
Judie and Joan have managed to find a lot of things already, but there are still quite a few pieces available and the prices will never be lower!

Here is one of the items on sale and it is made with hand coiled sterling silver wire, handmade lampwork by me, blue quarts and Balinese silver. It is about a 6 3/4 size bracelet.

Take a peek!

Which way would you choose?

2011-09-19T13:30:00.001-05:00

Life is always bringing us new challenges to learn from. When we don't learn it the first time, it is often repeated until we do. So one popped up for me today and it is one that I have had in the past, so I guess I haven't learned my lesson yet. I have a lot of resistance in regards to this particular one, but I think I will try to beat it this time. I have decided to choose the loving path instead of the anger/frustration path, but it is still a bit of a challenge to give in. I have been learning so much about life and the roller coaster ride our emotions can take us on-usually (as for me) self -imposed.

I have decided not to be the emotional roller coaster ride and practice loving kindness instead.

This is a quote from a higher source(the Masters) taken from a Brian Weiss book -

"Life is a school. We are here to learn compassion, non-violence, faith and charity. We are here to unlearn negative emotions like fear, anger, jealousy, and greed."

Love to all and pass it on (the love)!

Back into beads!

2011-09-16T13:41:00.000-05:00

I have manage to get some beads made without melting and here are some of my favs-

Back and forth, back and forth

2011-08-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

Geez, I can't make up my mind what I should do with this blog. I really want to keep it going, so will try. Would love to know if people are seeing it!

BTW, here is my latest endeavor- ETSY-

Please visit me.

I have also update my web site and made the photos capable of enlarging, added a sale page and other stuff. Visit me there, too.

Thanks for looking!

Late August Musings

2011-08-22T08:39:00.000-05:00

I have the best intentions of posting on my blog, but life just gets in the way.  I have been working on the inner Stefanie a lot lately too and there's a lot to work on! The best advice I can give is to work on yourself a little bit everyday and to remain positive. If you are not positive, work on getting yourself back to being positive. We really have a lot to be thankful for!

The Texas heat has been quite a drag lately. We had a break in late July when we went to Colorado and it was wonderful to feel cool breezes again.   Colorado was so beautiful and all I could think about was how nice it would be to live there. The "vacation" was a bit of a challenge (backpacking, hiking, camping), but still fun.

Work stuff- I have been working on Phishstuff a little everyday too. It has been too hot to make beads so I have been spending time on my web site and Etsy to trying and get noticed. I started selling on Etsy in March 2011 and am pleased to be reaching more people.  I held back for many years from selling on Etsy because I knew that my photos would have to be good, so I finally got my digital slr and got to work. Check it out and let me know what you think www.etsy.com/shop/phishstuff

Burger Joints

2010-12-01T09:49:00.000-06:00

Okay, I just created a great post and it somehow got deleted before it could post. What a drag! So now the post has to wait. So I will say that coming up is some info on some burger joints that I like to frequent and rate them.

Change

2010-08-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

Well my oxygen source died and so this means no making beads. I am trying to take this as a sign to redirect for a time; to play with the metal portion of my creation process. The metal work is a bit more intimidating, but fascinating at the same time. I mostly finished a copper bracelet that I think I want to antique yet, but you will get the idea.

New oxygen source is in the works, so bead play will return in a week or so!

Mid-Summer Musings

2010-07-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, I know. I get so busy with life that I forget that I am supposed to make beads and jewelry too. I will be in experimental stage soon though, because I got some new glass and there is always new stuff when that happens and it is usually fun.

I did get a few pieces done and here are some photos:

I hope you like them!

Nothing like a jewelry show to inspire you to create!

2009-11-04T10:49:00.000-06:00

I have been a busy girl. Lots of new stuff on my site in preparation for an upcoming home jewelry party. Here is a sampling-

Top photos is black spinel and is quite lovely. The bottom photo is turquoise and lampwork beads made by me.

Have a good day!

Pens, Etc.

2009-10-27T12:46:00.000-05:00

What do you get someone who is difficult to buy for?

Check my site for unique gift items.

Stop by the site here to view - http://www.phishstuff.com/phishstuff/Miscellaneous.htm

There's More!

2009-09-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

I tried to photograph the other earrings, but they didn't turn out as nice as they are in person, but here they are:This is a necklace I finally finished. It is yellow turquoise, but has lavenders and greens in it instead of the yellows and blacks of yellow turquoise. I don't have it on my web site yet, but will shortly.

This is a cool, simple little pendant and I made a similar one for myself. It is a specially treated agate. It is very ancient looking.
Thanks for looking and have a peaceful day!

For the Love of Earrings!

2009-09-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

I love to make earrings. Have to show some of my recent treasures. I have a really beautiful pair in the wings, too, but don't want to photograph today because it is dark and rainy. I will try to post soon though and in the meantime I hope you enjoy these.

You can find the top two on my website - www.phishstuff.com. The third (B/W) pair is already sold!

Bead Sale!

2009-02-13T11:56:00.000-06:00

I have many beads on sale on my web site and more will be posted as soon as I can take photos. Right now all the beads posted are $2 each. The next phase of beads will be $1 each and who knows from there. So you might want to take a look on a regular basis.

Here is the direct link-

http://www.phishstuff.com/phishstuff/bead_clearance.htm

Here is one example-

Happy 2009!

2009-01-12T14:30:00.000-06:00

Another new year and I don't know about you, but I am spending plenty of time trying to figure out a plan for the new year. So far, haven't come up with much either.

Did make a few beads that I kinda like, lately. I haven't put them on my site, so if you are interested, drop me an email:

Memorial Weekend ramblings

2008-05-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

I have had to work at a "regular" job lately so that has cramped my beadmaking/jewelrymaking fun. I have managed to get a few things made, but can't get a decent photo of them. I prefer to take photos in natural light (meaning going outside) and it has been so durn hot that my patience is short lasting and I just can't get the lighting the way I like it. I have added a few new items to my web page though (including some cool beads for sale), so feel free to take a look - http://www.phishstuff.com/

Here is one of the newer pendants - It is Green Snakeskin Jasper (beautiful) and one of my lampwork beads.

I have some other news, though. I am trying to get signed up for an art metal class this summer at the local community college. This is something I have been want to do for about 7 years. I love learning new stuff! If you can, Please send me some good vibes so that I can get into this class.

Have a great weekend!

Long time no blog

2008-05-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

Yes, life tends to take over and I haven't posted in a while.
I haven't made much jewelry either, unfortunately. This bracelet sat unfinished since last summer and I have finally finished it today.

I have more in the works, but slowly. I have to build momentum to really get lots of good jewelry made. I may also have a reason (an upcoming show possibility), so that is always good motivation. If you see this and like it send me an email. You don't even have to buy it, just let me know it passes inspection. It is always nice to get feedback. If you don' t like it you can tell me too, but if you can tell me why, that would be appreciated. Hope to hear from you!

15% off Nepalese purses

2007-12-10T09:05:00.000-06:00

I've decided to put the purses 15% off, which would make them $34 each! These are beautiful purses. I bought one for myself and have gotten many comments on them. If you are interested, email me at - stefanie@phishstuff.com

Have a peaceful, holiday!

Falling in Fall

2007-10-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

My creative juices have been a bit stifled for some reason lately. Maybe my mind is just working overtime and I need to de-clutter. Any good suggestions on how to unclutter your mind???

Here are a couple of Nepalanese purses I have for sale. I have added some beads to each in the center of the flower and will try to get a close-up photo of them. They are $40 each and email if you are interested. stefanie@phishstuff.com

New Improved

2007-10-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

I decided to change blog sites because the other one was way too goofy, so I am trying a new improved site.

I will include my latest work-not necessarily on my web site and what I am working on. You may even pick up a few hints on what is going on with my mind these days.

Welcome and I hope that you find it interesting.

A recent necklace