Long time no blog!

I have not checked in with my blog lately if you can't tell.  Part of the reason is that I am not sure if there is anyone reading it!  If you are interested in hearing more, please be sure to comment.

 

Right now, I am impatiently waiting for better weather to make beads.  I cannot use my oxygen sources without damaging them due to the extreme humidity lately.  I have checked into purchasing a used dehumidifier, but think everyone is in need also because of the weather.  In the mean time, I have been experimenting here and there and trying to get motivation up to make other jewelry.  Here is one of my latest designs for wire earrings.

 

If you follow me, you know that I make several different styles of wire earrings.  I love to incorporate spirals as much as I can because I feel a connection to the spiral.    I have these currently listed on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/listing/234131321/new-sterling-silver-eye-helix-with-bali

Many of my other wire earrings are listed on my web site - http://www.phishstuff.com/phishstuff/Wire%20Earrings.htm

 

As for other goodies, I have been pretty lucky.  I sell many of my new earrings quite quickly.  That being said, if there is something you see that you like, please let me know as I pretty much make one-of-a-kind pieces.  Here is a couple of pieces not listed yet -

In my next blog, I will discuss Etsy.  Please keep watch for the latest.  If you find my blog interesting, please let me know so that I will continue.  Thanks so much for looking!

 

Christmas - Conscious Shopping

Christmas is fast approaching!  Are you ready for some holidays???

Okay, so I was in a retail store the other day and I am really starting to dislike the whole  retail, mass produced thing.  I have blogged on this subject before, but really feel it needs to be brought up again.  So sorry if I hurt people's feeling, but we really need to see for ourselves what is happening.

Have you really considered your retail store and where the merchandise is coming from?????  Think about our country and what is happening here.  Are you happy with the economy??  Well by shopping at these retail stores,  you are supporting other countries.  Yes we have the employees here, but all the goods come from other countries.  Do you like how these items are made?  Have you noticed that most of these items fall apart or don't last very long?

I am not going to rant on an on about this, but just offer a simple idea.  Be a conscious shopper and try your darndest to buy locally or at least made in the USA.  There are plenty of talented Americans who make quality goods.

That's it - no wait, one more thing.  Spend quality time with your family, too. ;)

Latest news for Phishstuff!

You may have seen my latest pushpins, well there are going to be more wonderful additions to the PhishStuff selection!  I am planning and experimenting at the torch and in the jewelry making area working towards many new items.  I will post photos when I can.  Keep a look out!!

Some of my recent pushpins.

I didn't realize I hadn't published anything lately!  Life has been busy, busy, busy!

I started my very first garden!  It is so exciting to see stuff that you have planted flourish into healthy plants!

I will be selling my wares this weekend at the SoFlo Market in San Antonio, too!
http://www.soflomarket.com/  It. is a new and interesting venue, so if you are in the area- stop by and say hi!  I have been making lots of pushpins this week to fill up a bulletin board I will be bringing and it has been a lot of fun.  I will post pictures when the light is better later today.

Happy New Year Giveaway!!!

I want to start the new year with an earring giveaway!  These are a lovely pair of earrings and got the idea yesterday to do this, so here we go!

To be entered in the drawing, send an email to: stefanie@phishstuff.com and wish me a happy new year and mention the earring giveaway.  I will take entries until 2/13/13 and will announce the winner on Valentine's Day!!

Thanks so much and I hope that you have a wonderful, prosperous new year!

Santa Phish

So it is that time of year again!!!!!  I am gearing up for the upcoming holiday season, as I am sure you are as well.  Santa Phish is working very hard in the studio creating lovely gifts for you to give at Christmas!  If you have a particular item in mind, drop Santa Phish an email and we will see if we can create your own, unique piece!

Here is a new pair of lovely earrings not yet posted on Etsy or Phishstuff site.  Inquire if they are what you are looking for!

Black/Blue Mystic Spot Earrings

I would like to send my happiest, warmest wishes to you and your family/friends for the upcoming Holidays!

Can't get on to my web page to update it, so thought I would post a couple of recent pieces.  Have much to do for the upcoming show, Funky Finds in Fort Worth.  Sounds like a fun show!

http://funkyfinds.com/events/experience/fortworth/2012/index.html

 

Back to School Give Away!!

I am doing a back to school give away through my facebook page -
Facebook for Phishstuff

Check it out and it would be great if you "liked" my page!

The upcoming Austin Craft Riot Summer Show is almost here!  This Saturday will be hopping at the Palmer Events Center.  A perfect time for an indoor event!

Here is my meet the artist page -

http://austincraftriot.com/meet-the-artists-6/

Also, I need to mention the upcoming Etsy Craft Party.  I helped out at the Austin Craft Riot hosted party, but we have another one that is is sure not to miss!

http://www.meetup.com/etsy/Austin-TX/744362/

Come and join in the creation celebration!  The more people who rsvp, the more goodies will be there! 

Lots o News!

There is much going on in Phishtuff land and I would love to share:

First, foremost and ongoing-  Phishtuff handmade wearable art jewelry and gifts will now available at the newly opened and very cute store called Clee's.  Clee's is located in Kimberly, WI and has the makings of a great store.  If you are in the area, stop by and check it out. 
The Clee's Facebook page is still in beginning stages - http://www.facebook.com/cleesgifts

Secondly and certainly noteworthy- Another event for Phishstuff!  I am extremely excited to be part of the Austin Craft Riot's first summer show.  I am a member of this wonderful, creative bunch and can tell you the group is hard at work to have a very cool show.  Saturday, August 18th from 11-7 and don't be late as the first 50 people get some pretty cool gift bags!  Definitely do not miss it!!!

http://www.facebook.com/events/254284394682869/

A show to catch this weekend!

I will be at the Feed Your Spirit show this Saturday, July 21st from 10-5pm

Come check it out and say hi!

I have an upcoming show in Georgetown and am busily getting ready.  I thought I would post some of my latest that will proudly displayed at this show.

If you are in the Georgetown area, feel free to stop by and say hello!

Buying Handmade Goods

I have had this on my mind for some time and really feel that it needs to be heard and understood.  In no way am I trying to tell people what to do, but what I do want people to do is think about is what is the best thing to do/right thing to do.

When I was shopping around Christmas time I got frustrated by what I saw in the stores.  There was mostly mass produced products (most likely made overseas) that looks like everything else and probably won't last very long because they ARE mass produced with inferior parts.  What has happened to us?  Why does everyone think they have to have this stuff?  Of course our need to have so much "stuff" is a whole other topic.

Our country is having difficulties now and I don't think I will get any arguments on this statement.  I have my opinions on this matter and believe we need to start giving business to the little guy again; buy handmade products instead of mass produced (made overseas) products.  Buy locally and from people in the USA.  Personally, I think that is what is going to help this country.  I have heard that small business may make a comeback in this country, but it can't without the help of each other giving business to the smaller companies.  You may need to do some research to find them, but there are great small companies who are more than willing to do business with you.

I welcome any feedback on this matter; to have an open dialog and maybe we can more ways to get this country on its feet again.

 

Finding Inspiration!

I recently got back from Tucson (the BIG gem and jewelry show) and though it wasn't quite as fantastic as it has been in the past, but it was still fun. 

So I have gotten a bit of inspiration and put some jewelry together.  The first and second items are now on etsy.

I have so much to catch up on and am going to try and get some different kind of things up for sale including more supplies, so please keep in touch and thanks for looking.

Push Pins

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

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!

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

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!

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?

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)!