fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

I am rich in jewelry from Rica Jewels! Mother of Pearl is said to attract prosperity, and not only do I possess the shell earrings I wore last New Year's Eve, but now this pretty pearl pendant . The sterling silver spiral makes the shell shine even more. I feel like a mermaid when wearing the beautiful necklace. Think you're too poor to own a piece of handmade jewelry from Rica Jewels? No way! Swim over to enter Daniela's Turquoise Bracelet Giveaway before December 30, 2015. Disclaimer: I received this free pendant as a thank you gift for hosting a handmade giveaway. If you think your creations would harmonize with my whimsical ramblings, learn how to sponsor a giveaway here .

If you can't tell by my drawings, I am a fan of swirls. They became a permanent part of my handwriting style during my penpalling days in grade school. Even when I'm just scribbling the grocery list, the tails of letters end enthusiastically in curls. When master jeweler, Sid Kassidy , offered to send me metal jewelry from her handmade shop, my heart did somersaults over the sterling silver spiral earrings to the right. She also offers spiral stud earrings, but I chose the long design so they'd make a strong statement and not get hidden by my hair. These are the longest earrings I've ever owned with post backs instead of ear hooks - they stay in place instead of swinging, which helps when walking against the spring wind. The earrings are hand-forged and fused from an alloy of 925 sterling silver and pewter to prevent tarnishing. The metal smith then hammered and brushed the metal to give it that unique finish. Disclaimer: I received these free earrings as a thank...

I won a couple giveaways before I left for Las Vegas, so I was excitedly expecting to come home to some good snail mail and not just bills and advertisements. Discovering a package from Denise of Beaded Embellishments in the mail pile was quite a pleasant surprise. We were introduced in September 2010 when I won her Tanzanite crystal earrings. She then volunteered to become my very first jewelry giveaway sponsor, and we've been reading each other's handmade blogs ever since. You may recall from a few Fridays ago that I was searching Etsy for a pair of amethyst heart earrings to match my new February birthstone bracelet. Well, Denise made me the honored recipient of one of her random acts of kindness and sent me these lovely earrings as a birthday gift!! They came wrapped so creatively in a piece of scrapbook paper that matched her pretty earring hang card . She even included a 3M Anti-Tarnish Strip. All I have to do is place it near the sterling silver earrings in an encl...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 477th commenter, Alex . The autumnal equinox is looming near - is your wardrobe ready for fall? Jessica of J.C. Jewelry is giving away one amazing accessory which can be worn to enhance several of the coming season's Pantone fashion colors. One winner will be able to mix and match a custom sized set of gemstone stacking rings, retailing at $95. The shiny set of five comes with two plain 1mm textured sterling silver bands and three bands embellished with a 3mm gemstone in harvest colors - citrine, peridot and choice of amethyst like the photograph above or the garnet like the button at the bottom. Jessica only works in pure metals, no plated or filled materials. Her style is modern and sometimes edgy, but always classic. She is inspired by basic concepts and facets of humanity and psychology. She likes to ponder how in certain combination, colors, textures, and shapes can tell a story or make the wearer fee...

A few hours ago, I squawked happily when I realized I was at 99 blog followers. I flapped my wings straight to twitter and unashamedly begged for another one. My fellow Etsy Twitter Team member PunkyJane answered my plea faster than a peregrine. So though I appreciate each and every one of you (I really, really do), she gets a special caw out tonight! PunkyJane specializes in handcrafted sterling and fine silver jewelry and accessories ... aren't her designs simply beautiful? The best part is that she offers personalized hand stamped items that make thoughtful and unique gifts.