Steam punk vs. Bling...which do you prefer?

 Hope you're doing well, and thanks for dropping in.  I'm working on some new tiny charms with bling.

 I've added some Swarovski crystal drops on the bottom.  What do you think?

I've also got a plate of steam punk pendants going.  I really like the industrial look of steam punk, and also girly girl thing with bling, do you?  Maybe someday I'll combine the two.

Next Saturday is Glitterfest, and I'll be there from 10-4.  It's in Santa Ana, CA, so if you can make it, I'd love to see you.
Take care,
Martha

Glitterfest Fall 2011

 Here are some pics from Glitterfest.  We had a great time seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.  It's such a great event, and thanks to Diane and Sheryl for putting it on.

 I think it helped making more, because I had record breaking sales.  Thanks to everyone who purchased from me, and all the kind feedback.  It makes all the hours of hard work worthwhile.

 This is the entry way into the building, with amazing works of art featured, including Iva's from Halloween Alchemy.

 Here's my beautiful daughter, who helped me out once again.  It's so much fun hanging out with her, and honestly one of the main reasons why I enjoy this show so much.  She had to hurry home to get to her other job too.  Thank you Kristin!  By the way, these free cookies were gone in a snap.

So that's all I have, I didn't take too many pictures because we were so busy.  Hope to see you at the next Glitterfest if you didn't make this one.
Take care,
Martha

Steampunk & Glitterfest

Finally got a few steampunk pendants created.  They were so fun to make.  I made them out of tiny antique watch parts. and they're covered in resin.  The fun part is layering the collage like a puzzle and creating a one of a kind piece. I'm getting all my goodies ready to go to Glitterfest.  My beautiful daughter is helping me out again, and this will be our 4th time as vendors.  If you've never been, you should try to come, it's such a great show and filled with unique gifts.  It's held in Santa Ana, CA.  212 South Elk Lane on Saturday Oct 15th, from 10-4.  Get there early because the best stuff sells out quickly.  Hope to see you there!
Take care,
Martha

Glitterfest

Wow what a day! Glitterfest was amazing, so many wonderful artists, and great customers to chat with. The day went really well, and my daughter and I nearly sold out! A world record for our sales, and we are very grateful.
Here's my table decorated for the event. We were late arriving, so it was a mad dash to plop everything out. We were happy to be next to Iva again, and her creations were gorgeous as ever. If you missed Glitterfest this time, don't despair, it happens again in the fall. It's really worth coming out to see because it's an event full of handmade goodies made from creative souls.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Take care,

Martha

Glitterfest

View Larger Map

Come out and see what all the fuss is all about! I'll be at Glitterfest this Saturday from 10-4 joined by my sweet daughter. There are loads of handmade goodies to be found, and you're sure to find a treasure of your own. My table will be in the same place, by the front door. Be sure to come over and say hi. You can click on the map above to get directions.

Hope to see you Saturday, and have a Happy Saint Patrick's Day.

Take care,

Martha

Glitterfest Fun

Welcome! I wanted to thank all of you who came out to Glitterfest. It was such a great show, and loads of you showed up early, lined up at the door. Thanks so much! I know it wasn't the best day to be out with all our humidity, but thanks all the same. Sheryl and Diane did another amazing job putting it all together. The next one is already being planned, and will be in March.
Here is a view of my table. The window display worked great and held up a lot of ornaments. The only problem was because of the glass I couldn't hear what anyone was saying unless I stood up. I kind of felt like a drive through teller behind a window!
I was right by the front door, and was able to see everyone when they first came in.
My daughter was a huge help. It got so hectic sometimes we were madly passing ornaments back and forth to each other. I loved hanging out with her, and we kept each other going.
Here is a view of Stacey's booth. It was great to see her again, and I wanted to steal her fan! She had loads of great items as usual.
Here's Gina's booth. She has so many goodies to choose from and I love them all.
And here's Karin's booth. She had loads of sparkly pretties to choose from. Next time I want to shop!
This is my lovely neighbor Iva. She is a sweetheart, and she has so many beautiful works of art to enjoy. And Iva won an award for the prettiest booth. You can see why!
The pumpkin balloon was one of my favorites that she had made, that and a witches shoe that sold right away.
Well that's all I was able to take. I wanted to get around the whole room and get more shots, but it was just too busy which is a good thing. Thanks for popping in. Were you able to make it to Glitterfest? If so, what were some of your favorite goodies?

Take care,

Martha

Glitterfest

Hi! Tomorrow's the big day, and I'll be up bright and early bringing my wares to Glitterfest! It's a great show filled with artists selling their handmade goodies. Join the fun tomorrow in Santa Ana, CA from 10-4. The address is 212 S. Elk Lane. Hope to see you there!

Take care,

Martha

Recipe for Happiness

Hi! I found this recipe for happiness, and had to share it with you. I took an old recipe card and letter by letter created the text. It took all day yesterday, but I thought this was so cute I had to do it. My kids thought it was soooo corny but I don't care. ;)
It's made under beveled glass so that's why is looks a little distorted here. But when you look at it straight on, it's fine.
I finally figured out how to add silver glitter too. The trick was to use a certain kind of paper, that's the texture of water color paper, and it worked.
I started making Christmas goodies too, and I'll have them on my website soon.
Well, back to soldering! Summer decided to finally make an appearance here in So. Cal, and it's hot today! My dinky fan is just not cutting it, but back to work I go, trying to prepare for Glitterfest this Saturday.

Take care, Martha

Old Window Display

Hi and thanks for popping in. I wanted to share with you an idea for displaying goodies. I bought 2 old windows, hinges, and even some rusty screws, at our local architectural salvage store. Hinged the windows together and added some screws to hang ornaments.
The next show I'm doing is Glitterfest, and I'll have one table so I need to take advantage of all the space I have. It's Oct. 2nd, and try to come because it's a really fun show, and there will be loads of talented artists there.
I got some great old attachments for the windows, and replaces the newer ones with these...

The glass is left in the windows and I think this will work out great. Hope you're having a great week, and guess what it's almost Friday, yea! Take care, Martha

Halloween Fun

Welcome! I thought it was appropriate to post a few Halloween treats since it's the 31st and Halloween is just a couple of months away. I'm getting ready for Glitterfest which is Oct. 2nd so I'm working on Halloween goodies along with Christmas of course too.
I like to use old anatomy illustrations combined with vintage ledger papers.

The Halloween Queen ornament has black rhinestones on it that really sparkle under low light.
I thought he looked nicer waving to you. ;)
And he is much friendlier with a top hat and glittery black band around it.
I went to a local nursery in San Diego over the weekend called Walter Andersen Nursery. It's so pretty, and has many unique flowers to choose from. I've never seen so many herbs in my life, and I chose a few like the one above called Wormwood, to dry for future Halloween ornaments. I also bought Transylvanian Sage, and Mugwort. I noticed that some came from an herb farm much closer to me called Pearson's Gardens. I need to go check them out.

Can you think of any other "Halloween" plants or herbs I should search for?
Here's a closer look at the wormwood. It's really a beautiful leaf, and I already dried and pressed a few of them. I'm addicted to finding, pressing and drying flowers right now. I even pulled off the road on a bike ride and picked some pretty flowers I had to try drying. Some work out, and some don't. I find the flowers with an open face work better, and ones with just leaves like herbs work out great.

I'm going to go to the grand opening of Roger's Garden's Halloween extravaganza on Thursday night. I'll be sure to bring my camera to share the fun with you!

Take care, Martha