Dkjewels

Bedroom After sneeks peek

2011-09-24T18:53:00.009-04:00

I am not totally ready to show off the whole room But I just could not wait to share with you some of the stuff I have done so far. (you can see the before shots Here)

Without further ado.....
An old window gets a new life.I stuck the starfish up by hot gluing Thumb tacks to the backs. You could them use them all over a whole wall if you wanted.
The vanity was a craigs list find for 70 bucks! She was in rough shape and needed someone to clean her up and show her some love. I hope i did her the justice she deserved. What do you think? See her before HERE
I adore her and I still have a hard time believing I have a piece of furniture this beautiful *squee*
I also got this lovely china cabinet at Carolina Country Peddlers Mall It was my Birthday gift from Mr. Dkjewels.Here are some shots of some of the pretty things it holds for me.Why a china cabinet in the bedroom? Why not?
It serves as a book shelf, and clothes storage all in one.
Here is my side of the room as it is now.
This is the top of my nightstand. See the jar full of Sand dollars? My grandmother gathered them for me and sent them to me here in NC from Seaside, Oregon. I love them stacked in a pretty apothecary jar. The Lamp was a redo project that was om the blog a few months ago. My Pink bible was a Christmas gift from Mr. Dkjewels.
The amazing Doily my jars sit on was another find from The Carolina Country Peddlers mall and cost me 80 cents! Seriously!
I am so smitten and just plain LOVE with how it is coming along so far.
The old door came from The CCPM it is so beautiful! and has it original porcelain knobs and hardware. They have a big selection of old doors and windows and they are a super great price.
The baskets on the walls are ones I have kept from Shells I have bought at craft stores over the years. I love them framed up. My mannequin was a score from another antique store in Hope mills, NC.
The Wreath on the door is Actually made up of coffee filters and a paper plate ring.
So what do you think so far? Any suggestions? Changes you would make? Do you hate it? let me know.

Bedroom Before shots

2011-09-24T18:32:00.008-04:00

I started transforming Our mater bedroom about 3 months ago. Here is what it looked like Before

It was pretty bad. And that wallpaper HAD to go like 20 years ago.
One night It finally got to me and I just started ripping down the paper. For the most part it came down in full sheets. I think it was ready to go.
(I actually texted this picture to my husband who was at work) After about 3 days of ripping wallpaper down and then Scrubbing each wall by hand to get off any glue I was ready to prime.Please excuse the mess. We moved everything to the middle of the room for painting. But you have to admit even messy it was a vast improvement over the wallpaper.
Here are the colors we picked from. We went with the Lighter softer aqua.

Stay tuned for the transformation...... coming up in the next post.

Shabby little stool redo

2011-08-18T12:12:00.006-04:00

I found this shabby little stool at my favorite place to shop The Carolina country peddlers mall ( you can visit their facebook HERE )
This was such a cute little stool. But it did need a bit of TLC.
I loved it up with a new fabric and a little white paint.
Here she is nowDontcha just love her legs the way they bow out slightly. This is the perfect little seat for the vanity and it slips right under and out of the way.

Pillows!!!!

2011-07-31T22:32:00.008-04:00

It is no secret around here that I Love pillows! I sleep with no less than 3 and I love snuggling up with them on the couch.

I have been looking around for some throw pillows for the bedroom makeover ( which is coming along great! I can not wait to show the whole room)
I wanted beachy starfish pillows but when I found out they are around 40-150 dollars EACH! I thought BUMP THAT! So, I got some 100% cotton linen and sewed up some myself. (after a 6 hour search for my sewing machine presser foot!)
Here is My take on some shabbyish hand painted beach pillows.I used leftover wall paint and painted right on the fabric. I adore how they turned out! So much so that I am going to go get some more fabric and make some for my daughter with her colors.

The starfish needed a companion so today I dug through my linen cupboard and found an old crib sheet in aqua (which we no longer need now that My baby is nearly 3)
Here is what I made using the crib sheet and the leftover strips from the starfish pillows.

I totally dig this one and it adds wonderful texture to the bed.Here they are in a group on the bedThey also fit nicely on the bench at the foot of the bedTotal Cost of all 3 pillows was about 6.00. The ruffle pillow is actually a removable cover. And I had a huge bag of pillow stuffing that someone gave be years ago in my crafty supplies.
Wahoo for cute cheap pillows!
Trystan likes the bed too now!

A simple makeover

2011-07-22T04:41:00.005-04:00

I found this wonderful little bench at my favorite antique barn. It was marked 50% off so it was just the right fit for my bedroom and my wallet!

I have wanted a bench of some sort for the foot of our bed for a while. I loved the simple country breezy shape of this one. I wasn't too keen on the faded flat red. But, I was willing to see past that.
My original plan was to go white on this. Then it hit me! Why not use some of the leftover wall paint since this will not be sitting against the wall and our bedding will be going very light white or creams. EUREKA!
So I added a few coats of the wall color and walla!
A perfectly aqua bench for our bedroom!
My turtle seems to like it :D

The Vanity of my Dreams

2011-07-21T00:00:00.005-04:00

Since I was a little girl I had always envisioned My self sitting at a big mirrored vanity getting ready for a romantic night with My future husband. Or Standing behind my little girl while I braid her hair and talk to her about life or just kid and joke.
Well, A few night ago i was casually browsing my local Craig's list furniture section. I clicked on an ad for an antique Vanity thinking It wouldn't be for me or that I wouldn't be able to afford it.
I fell in love with its curves and details. The sweet bun like feet, and the storage OH the storage. It also had it original swivel mirror!
The price while amazing was just out my reach at the moment at $100.00 A serious steal for a piece like this. So, just out of curiosity I asked if they still had it and they sent back a yes. I though wow someone will be getting such a beautiful vanity and filed it back in my dreams.
The next day I got another e-mail asking if I was interested and saying they would give it to me for $80.00! Still slightly out of my budget considering we had just painted the master. I politely explained that I loved it but could only afford around $60.00. I got a reply that they would take $70.00 and meet us part of the way so that we wouldn't have to drive so far to get it.
I asked Mr. Dk and showed it to him and he said YES!
We loaded the kids up in the van and headed out on Monday to pick up my antique!
Here is how she was when I first saw her on Craig's list. We drove home and the next day I started her makeover.
I sanded the whole thing down. Tightened any loose nails. I had to remove the wheels and the detail on the front drawer because 3 wooden wheels were broke and the detailing was chipped beyond repair.
After the sanding and cleaning I gave her 2 coats of bright white Valspar signature. I love this paint because the primer is already in it. And it dries petty much chip free and washable. The knobs for now are simple wood knobs that I painted the same color as my walls. I want some fancy ones that I saw on anthropologie.com But they are out of budget right now.
The front detail was replaced with one from Lowes that watched the curves and looks very nice If I don't say so myself.
So here she is now restored to match my beachy chic bedroom and fulfill my childhood dreams of fancy dressing and bonding with my daughter.I am seriously IN LOVE with this vanity. I love how some of my Milk glass Candy dishes look grouped with all my beachy do-dads.
Now to find her a matching stool :D

Nightstand revival

2011-07-11T19:12:00.006-04:00

I have been desperately searching for some little side tables for me and my husband.
So,While driving to the farmers produce stand there was a man with some furniture out for Sale so I had the hubbs pull in and let me take a look(while my 2 yr old screamed brutally beacuse mom stepped out of the car) . In the way back was this little fellow.

Here is a close up. As you can see it needed some TLC. But all in all it was a sturdy piece with some wonderful old detail. I knew I could make this shabby for our room right away. And at $10.00 it was a STEAL!
So after taking the power sander to it, Coating it with 2 coats of Krylon fusion in white.
After it dried I sanded a few spots for that shabby look.
I kept the old brass drawer pull since it had aged to a wonderful brown that I just LOVED.
Here it is now.I am so Smitten. And for about $14.00 total how can I beat it!
What have you made new recently? I would love to see.

Lamp Redone

2011-07-07T19:20:00.004-04:00

I bought this sweet candle stick style lamp when my daughter was a bean in my belly. It looked wonderful in her nursery. But, alas she out grew her baby item including this lamp which was originally white with a yellow and white gingham shade.

A few year ago I redid the lamp with some black spray paint and some leftover fabric from my fabric head board.
It has looked like this since....
(Sorry for the picture Quality I had to zoom in on a picture of the whole room)
I have Seriously outgrown the whole red and black theme that has been going on in my bedroom. I just don't like the dark feel.
We have decided to redo our room in a more shabby beach chic-ish. So, I am slowly picking up pieces that will fit in on the cheap. This lamp was one thing i had on hand that I knew would be a keep. But it definitely had to be redone.
With a can of Krylon fusion spray paint I kissed that black goodbye and said hello to white.
On the Shade I had to rip off that old red fabric that I had glued over the yellow gingham. Luckily it came off in one piece and I was able to use it for a pattern to cut the new fabric.
I got this wonderful large piece of Linen at a yard sale for around $0.50. and the lace edge was a hobby lobby find.
I used Beacon's 3-in-1 craft glue on the shade part to attach the fabric. I slowly wrapped it around until it was overlapping about 1 inch and glued it together with more 3-in-1.
Around the rims I used hot glue and carefully folded it under.
Next I put a small dab of hot glue at the back seem and attached the lace ribbon. I used a small dab every 2-3 inches or so just to keep in place.
And here is the final product.A perfectly feminine shabby lamp for my nightstand.
It looks great with my Homer Laughlin oval platter from 1928 ( $1.60@ an antique barn)

Car Themed room

2011-07-05T22:09:00.007-04:00

I finally got around to painting my boys room Monday. My older Boy has been asking, practically begging me to get their room painted since I did their sisters.

I have had a collection of old road signs that I had put away years ago Just in case I had boys. Low and behold I had 2 boys!
Here are their before room shots. Its not pretty!
This is what it looks like now

Please Note ALL of the signs in this room were obtained from flea markets or gifted to me. None were stolen from actual streets.
I love how these signs are old and worn and Not "perfect" It ads a lot to the charm and character.
We chose the Grey color (mountain pass by Valspar) because we knew the signs were so colorful that a neutral would help them POP.
Their room is not quite done, we still have some License plates to hang and I am hoping to get an old car bench seat to put under their window for seating.
They also need some old wooden trunks for toys.
all in all I Think it is a huge Improvement!....
So far :)

A perfectly shabby child's desk

2011-07-04T02:40:00.011-04:00

I love a great vintage find. I am one of those crazy people who will wait years to find just the right piece of shabby vintage fixer-upper type item I have dreamed up in my head.
Its just so happens one of those item I have been on the Hunt for is a small desk for my daughters room. Sure I could have gone out and bought her any new thing at wally world. But I truly believe that there is something truly special in getting just the right old piece and transforming it.
So back to that desk.... I was at a wonderful little antique barn to day and one of the booth was 50% off everything. I had a good peek and found a great old high back style chair for my room.
Well after hunting around and finding some sweet little pieces for my glass collection I checked out and started loading items into the van.
Something told me to go back and have one more peek in that 50 % off booth. I noticed that under various nick-naks was a little child desk! The price said $68.00 YIKES! BUT wait! 50% off! SCORE! My daughter was so excited, She would have taken just like it is. But I knew right away that I could make this extra special and a neat match to her bedroom.

I used 2 cans of krylon primer and coated the whole desk. this stuff is so awesome beacuse it dries in 10 minutes!
I then painted the body of the desk in krylon Blue Ocean breeze. While the Drawer and pull out writing surface got a coat of Krylon's Bright idea yellow.
Next was replacing the old plain wood knob with a crystal version from Lowe's (about $3.00)
I also had to fix the guide for the pull out underneath on one side. I used some old scrap wood I already had for that and It now works perfectly.
Then after all was dry I lightly sanded the corners and the edges of the legs and top and around the draw edges to reveal some wood for that shabby worn look.
And Drum roll...............................While the paint was drying I also made the framed chalk board using some smooth thin wood, a vintage frame, chalkboard paint and A sample of light green valspar I had in my paint supplies.
Here is another shot

My princess now has her own little creative/beauty space That she can treasure for year knowing Mommy made it just for her.

Chili Cheese Dog tater tot casserole

2010-07-08T11:02:00.002-04:00

This is a super simple recipe. Very kid friendly. Great for the lazy Summertime days! We had Watermelon after wards as a healthy desert. This would also be great served with a nice salad.

Ingredients:
1 package hot dogs quartered length wise and diced
1/2 cup finely chopped onions (optional)
3 cans Hormel chili with beans
2 cups shredded cheese 1 bag of tater tots

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Layer tater tots into the bottom of a 13x9 baking pan
top with diced hot dogs and onions
cover with all the chili
top with cheese ( I wait until about 10 minutes before its done and then add cheese but this is totally up to you)

Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes
let cool about 10 minutes and then serve. You can top with sour cream or salsa or any other toppings you like on your chili-dog!

A give away from Liciabeadsvault

2010-06-19T03:45:00.001-04:00

Licia beads is having a SALE and giveaway! Click here to learn more! and enter to win some fab gems or just get a great steal!

Vintage!

2010-06-17T07:44:00.009-04:00

One of My favorite things to browse late at night When the kids are in bed and the hubby is at work is the Vintage items on etsy.com. There are so many amazing items. Cute clothes, awesome Kitchen items, Mod jewelry..... I could browse for days! Here are just a few awesome items and shops I have found.

This First item come to us from bythewayside These Sunny mugs would be the perfect way to have your java and brighten your day!
Up next we have BellaChicBoutique with This awesome instant collection of Milk glass. One of my favorite things to browse! Wouldn't these be wonderful displayed in a room with powder blue walls!
This wonderful nautical dress comes from TimelessVixenVintage This whole shop is a wonderful blast from the past! I get images of those perfect housewives who had the floors shiny and not a dish to be seen and not one hair on their lovely heads where out of line.
And what Good Is a dress without heels? These come from craftycrowvintage. Aren't these just the most stunning cherry red heels ever! And, they would look pretty smashing with the nautical dress above too!
And Last but certainly not least is this fancy Blue royal typewriter from joevintage. I remember when I was little I used to drag out the old pound key and click click click ting! sliiiiiiide. Good times!
You really should Go poke around these shop and the vintage section on etsy I bet you will so much and maybe Give an old treasure a new loving home.
Thanks,
Krystle
www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Proud Momma post

2010-06-10T10:30:00.002-04:00

It official I have a third grader. She got 5 medals and a trophy for her academics and about 10 certificates. She got medals for Reading award, Accelerated reading (AR), Spelling, comprehension ( she got the top 2 in her grade for this) and math! She got a trophy for her reading also. I'm a beaming proud momma today :) Here is a picture of her wearing her medals.

Mommy is so proud of you princess! I love you~

Memory

2010-05-28T23:17:00.009-04:00

Old Glory Photo By FirstLightPhoto

When I was 18 years old, Sitting in a restaurant with my Best friend In my home town in Arizona, A Young Marine came in and sat down at the table across the room by himself. The waiter ( an school friend) knew the Marine and through him we all started talking. After some brief conversation I invited him to sit with me and my Best friend. His name Was Richard. He was a Lance Corporal stationed at the base in my home town. We sat in the booth at that 24 hour restaurant and talked until it was time for him to get back to base and to his job.

That was nearly 10 years ago This July. That Young Marine Is my Husband. And while he is no longer active duty, I am and always will be so proud of my hunny for the time he spent in The armed services. And for the time I was allowed to be a marine Corps Wife.

Let us not forget as we spend time this weekend with our family and Friends why we set aside this day to Remember all the men and women who fought for this land we call home.

Here are a few items from my self and others around etsy that help us remember those in our armed services.

Yarn Wreath By ItzFitz

Beautiful America Lampwork Necklace By Dkjewels

American Patriot Box bag By QueenBee55

Working on Pictures A Before and After

2010-05-27T16:23:00.006-04:00

Old Glory bell earrings

Having an etsy shop for me has been a consistent process of trying to improve my item photos while continuing to do what I love. My pictures were pretty bad i must say and It has taken a lot of research, tips from others and hard work to transform my shop. It is always a work in progress for me. As you can see from my pictures, they have come a long way. And yours can too.

Fresh Flowers Necklace

I have learned that natural light is my friend. (I take my pictures on my front porch). I have learned the macro setting on my camera is also my friend. I have learned not to use such busy backgrounds and that some neutral well set props can actually help.
Fresh cherries earrings

I hope these images can inspire you to not be fearful of diving in and working on making your shop the best it can be.
Pink Glow Earrings

3 Years on etsy

2010-04-02T13:34:00.002-04:00

WOW!
How time flies when you are making jewelry (and kids) Nearly 3 years ago On April 9th I dived head first into a site That I was told could help me launch my jewelry into the hands of others. That site? www.etsy.com
When I started selling on etsy it was still fairly new. Man has that changed. In my 3 years on the site I have seen many changes. Some good, some bad. But all in all I do love etsy. This site has allowed me to share what I love with people all over the world. I have sent jewelry to Australia, Paris (oh lala) the Czech republic, Germany, Italy, Canada, South America Just to name a few. I would have never dreamed that possible when I started. Not to discount all my Wonderful customers right here in the Good ole USA. Along with my family, They truly are the backbone that keeps me going and able to do what I love.
I feel blessed everyday I get to create something for someone. I know what a piece of jewelry can mean. It can inspire you, lift you up, build confidence or make you feel beautiful. It can represent a special moment in your life. I always feel so honored when someone tells me their purchase was for their wedding, or to celebrate a birth or honor a loved one passed.

I thank you all for your loving support and comments. And I look forward to sharing Many more years with you all through my passion.
Krystle
www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Birthdays and Beach treasures

2009-09-09T03:45:00.006-04:00

We took my son to Ft. Fisher Aquarium and beach for his birthday in August. Me and him both found a little piece of drift wood (or as he says "A Piece with wood") His is much a more impressive 5 inch lond one that after a month is still holding strong. He likes to tote ti around.
I loved the shape of my little piece and made it a necklace to remember his special day! I added a white keishi pearl to slightly dress it up and hand twist a bail for it out of sterling silver wire.

Another treasure I found on a North Carolina beach a few years ago was this beautiful ocean stone. Something about the shape of it made me want to keep it. It has an almost womanly bust like shape. I love to photograph my jewelry on this piece.
I think next time we go I will be on the lookout for more of these perfect treasures washed and worn from countless years of ocean tides.

HEMP! Who knew?

2009-08-28T22:45:00.008-04:00

I sometimes like to poke my head into the Featured
sellers chat on etsy. I don't really do it to make sales as much as to see some new items I may not have seen otherwise.
A few weeks ago while browsing in the chat I found Featured seller HempBath.etsy.com I was fresh out of bar soap since I don't make it anymore myself so I decided to giver hers a try. I bought coconut lime. Just a few days later my package came.WOWEE was I surprised! First the packaging was awesome! Very well done and professional looking. Then The smell hit! It was incredible!

Then I noticed a little free sample. It was hemp satin body cream. It was labeled Moonlight path. When I opened it The sent was also amazing! Now let me tell you I have super sensitive skin. And my first though was " sure it smells great but I bet it will be all oily and I wont be able to use it. " I took a small dab and rubbed it into my hands. First I noticed that it was very silk like. Almost like whip cream. Then I noticed that instead of sitting top of my skin and feeling greasy my skin was drinking it up. It was LOVE at first dab! My 7 year old (almost 8) daughter wanted to try it too. She loves it! The small sample tub (a bit larger than a tub of carmex) was gone in a few days. I went back and ordered the cherry cream. ITS YUMMYLICIOUSE!!

Later in the week I used the soap to lather and shave my legs and I was so pleasantly surprised by the fact that my eczema was not irritated and I didn't have that dry soapy feeling afterward. My legs were so soft and silky!

I will be recommending this seller to anyone I can. Her products are amazing and she is so friendly and ships so fast.
Thank you HempBath.etsy.com for making mine and my daughters skin so very happy!
Krystle
dkjewels.etsy.com

P.s. She has lip balm and perfume sticks coming out soon also! YAY

Pumpkins and More

2009-08-18T23:32:00.013-04:00

My daughter starts school next week which always reminds me that Fall is fast approaching. I have been making fall Items for both of my etsy shops in preparation for the upcoming fall season and I wanted to share a few things from my jewelry shop with you all. All these designs can be found and purchased in my shop at Dkjewels.etsy.com

First, My pumpkins. The one at the top of the post is made from Vintage Italian lucite Pumpkin beads and caps. I love its matching little top in a olive green color. They have been accented with sterling silver caps and a small sterling bead sits inside the cap. Hung on sterling ear wires. These are Limited.

The next Pumpkin is Made from hand dyed (by me) vintage beads. These are accented with beautiful brass filigree and leafy caps and topped with a sparkling olivine Swarovski crystal. These are my absolute favorite and unfortunately are extremely limited as the vintage beads are now very hard to find. I have made these in Earrings and a necklace for those who don't wear earrings.

I have also designed some wonderful crystal creations that I think would add a touch of sparkle to all your fall wardrobe.
The First ones simply called "Heat" are a generous red magma swarovski crystal capped with antiqued copper caps and accented with a smaller magma crystal. These are so stunning and throw the light very well. They are hung on lever back ear wires.

Another stunning color for fall is always Olive green
(also great for winter and spring) I used Beautiful olivine swarovski slabs to create a simple yet elegant look that is just luscious! I am quickly falling in love with this color simply accented with sterling silver daisy beads and hung on sterling ear wires.
I call these earrings Garnished martini.

I hope you all have a wonderful autumn. And I hope each one of you takes time to enjoy the turning leaves. The fresh crisp aromas of baked goods and the sweet little ones asking for just one more piece of candy. Fall is a magical time of year full of family, friends and beauty.
Thank you all for being a part of my online family.
Blessings,
Krystle

20% OFF SALE

2009-08-18T16:24:00.004-04:00

From August 21-23 I will be hosting a 20% off sale in my etsy store. Everything in my http://www.Dkjewels.etsy.com shop will be 20% off your entire purchase (before shipping) This is a great chance to get some wonderful gifts stored up for the upcoming Holiday season or to splurge on your self a little bit.

I don't Do this often But with the success of the last one I wanted to give others another chance to save.

Just check out as normal and pay and your 20% will be promptly refunded to you. OR request an updated invoice in the note to seller.

Thank you to all my customers for your loyal support. I could not do this and be a stay at home mom without all your loving support for my handmade jewelry.

HAPPY SHOPPING!
Krystle

Oh its a Mom's Life afterall...

2009-08-09T13:56:00.008-04:00

I was sitting at my desk in etsy chat. ( I do this often) and I stumble upon a shop that has these super cute little bags. www.prettylittlepearl.etsy.com I favorite or "HEART" as we say on etsy a few items and move on. A Few days later I see the same cute shop and look again. I find my favorite little Pink bag to post and share with the other chatters and then I read the description........

I'm a mom. I know how it goes. You cram everything you might possibly need into a huge tote bag, put it on your arm and away you go. Inevitably, you have to bend over to pickup that paci your son threw or fix a loose shoe. As you are bending over, your extremely large tote whips around your shoulder and smacks you in the head, and just for spite, dumps all your precious goodies all over the dirty floor. Now, not only are you bending over, which always makes our butts look ten times bigger, but you also have to pick up a phone, receipts and that tampon that has been beautifully displayed to unknowing passers-by. Thanks lovely huge tote bag!

I about fell off my chair laughing because this is so my life! what mom doesn't have an overly crowded bag with diapers, wipes, old pieces of of some snack you tried to feed your child to calm them in some public place when they were pulling out your hair and ripping your shirt off to get to the "meal".... (maybe that ones just me)

Seriously, This shop has some sweet bags in an array of bright bold colors and prints. from makeup bags, totes, clutches, key chain super pouch and even fabric coasters not to mention the awesome clutches! SO CUTE!

Have a looksie! The prices are awesome! (she has a sale section too!!!) and did I mention she is super sweet and friendly to boot!

Thanks for looking and as always supporting handmade!

Krystle

Chaos in the Kitchen

2009-05-19T10:16:00.003-04:00

AH! The joy of home repair.

About the week before Easter I am sitting in my living room and my 3 year old comes on and says he found bugs in the den. So i humor him and walk in and low and behold TERMITES! They had swarmed out of the den wall. So i call the landlord and she has termite people come an assess the damage. ITS BAD real BAD.

Now back up a few months to when we moved in. There was a part of the floor in the kitchen that was Supposed to rotted from water damage and she was going to have that fixed come warm weather. Well wouldn't ya know that it wasn't water damage at all but the joists and sub floor had been the main coarser in a few hungry critters diet for oh the last 6 years or so!!

SO today after many people come to give estimates and such. They come to rip out my kitchen floor! CHAOS! I hate chaos :( So i have a huge hole in my floor where my dining table was.

This too shall pass, Thank GOD i'm not fronting the bill.

NExT STEP

DINNER!

AND THE WINNER IS.......

2009-04-20T20:57:00.003-04:00

Valerie! Chosen at random Valerie will receive A FREE pair of whispering willow earrings. Thanks Everyone who entered. And please check back often for new stuff and giveaways in the future.

The winning comment said...

Skie Matthews said...
Fab earrings DK, please consider me in the giveaway. My fave pair, is of course the luscious Blood Wine earrings, I shall get a pair someday! Valerie@ wheredyagetthatpurse.etsy.com
April 14, 2009 8:11 PM

SPRING GIVEAWAY!

2009-03-27T21:33:00.006-04:00

Entries are now closed Thanks so much to All who entered.

HAPPY SPRING!

AND AGAIN!

2009-03-27T03:59:00.003-04:00

I can't believe i was on etsy front page 2 days in a row! thanks to the currator alyanna for such lovely lists!

ETTEAM does it again!

2009-03-25T15:10:00.002-04:00

Thanks so much for making a great treasury

www.ExoticFalvour.etsy.com

Look at my new friend!

2009-03-23T04:00:00.004-04:00

This is Chubbs! Everyone say "hi Chubbs."

I found this lil guy wondering around the grass lands of etsy and decided I need to adopt him. He was made by http://www.bellasbeadsandmore.etsy.com/ He is lovingly felted and oh so cute! She is working on more friends of chubbs like the adorable little bunny below! These creations of her are turning out amazingly! She also has adorable little felted balls for jewelry creations, scrap booking altered art or whatever. She is very talented and I cant wait to bring my lil birdie home!

Thanks Bella!

Etsy Chicks Spring challange

2009-03-15T23:54:00.010-04:00

I was a bit apprehensive about doing a challenge entry for the 1st annual Etsy chicks Spring challenge. I had many ideas but none of then were things i wanted to enter. Then gem hounding i came across this sweet set of pineapple lemony chalcedony. And EUREKA! LEMON JELLY BEANS!

I love the way this seems to glow! And the beautiful highly faceted citrine accents the yellow in the briolettes so nicely. All the metal in these pieces is fine silver or sterling silver. These will be listed in my etsy shop seperatly as I know some don't wear earrings and some don't wear necklaces.

I will take $10.00 off the total of the 2 pieces if bought together. I think they may get lonely if the are separated. (insert big awwwwwww here) thanks for your interest in all my pieces and HAPPY SPRING!

One of My favorite you tube videos (turn on your speakers)

2009-03-15T19:35:00.004-04:00

100% USDA HAM!

2009-03-09T22:15:00.001-04:00

The Shirt says it all!

Fun with gemstones

2009-03-05T06:17:00.004-05:00

So, As an investment into what I love to do most (besides wife and mommy) I have been able to get some very nice gemstones for my jewelry creations. I am so excited as I have always loved gems and have collected them for years in raw form.
I hope that you all will enjoy these pieces and that I will be able to continue doing what I love and being a stay at home mom.

Here is some of what I will be using soon in my creations in my etsy shop www.dkjewels.etsy.com

My how he has grown

2009-02-27T17:44:00.003-05:00

Here is the newest picture of Trystan. I can't believe its been over 5 months. thanks for everyone love and support during the pregnancy and beyond.

Blessings,

Krystle

Where the Magic happens

2009-02-26T22:28:00.006-05:00

The whole area

Just the desk

I have been asked by a lot of people about my work space. Its not really anything special but is my small space to be creative and get happy with lil sparkly goodies! I truly feel blessed to be able to watch over my kidlets and make a lil extra fundage doing what I truly love, CRAFTING! You can see the fuller versions of pics along with detailed tags of whats what on my flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkjewels
Thanks so much for all teh love and support I have had from everyone.
blessings,
Krystle of
http://www.dkjewels.etsy.com/

The beads

Ps. I have about 5 large boxes of crafting stuff down in my den that i dont have room for in this space yet. :)

I made the Front page!

2009-02-24T06:35:00.003-05:00

Look at this Beautiful treasury! I can't believe I'm on tthe Front page!

new for spring

2009-02-02T21:02:00.005-05:00

So even with places still getting snow I have been working on some new items for the spring. Here is a small sample of some of my spring items. You can always see and buy all my creations at www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Whispering willow earrings

Island breeze earrings

Blue skies bell necklace

Long lost pics

2009-01-31T02:33:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to share these pics i found of missy. they mean so much to me. thanks for looking

We will miss you Missy!

2009-01-27T19:39:00.004-05:00

Last Night I went to let out My Chihuahua Missy. (above is her Christmas picture) Much to my dismay She was In the Long sleep. I kinda Lost my mind for a minute or 20 and had to call my husband and ask him what to do because honestly I was in shock. She was an awesome companion and Not one of those annoying little nippy Chihuahua's. She had survived an attack by an Akita that caused her to loose part of her intestine stomach and a little of pups. She was truly a trooper and a miracle and made everyone who met her smile. . You can see her pet profile and learn more about her at http://www.dogster.com/dogs/327542

Missy we love you! And you will be missed.

Momma

When you buy from your etsy friends

2009-01-21T18:28:00.005-05:00

I have a good friend i have made on etsy. A fellow bead addict. My personal skeeze (don't ask) and just an all around great person! Her shop www.Liciabeads.etsy.com Is awsome. perhaps you have seen her beaded tp jewelry? Well she makes adorable little beaded stars and I had to have a pair in HOT PINK (add drool) So she made me a custom listing and the photo cracked me up so much I had to share! Who says you can't make real friends online! I love ya girl you crack me up! And thanks as always!

Holiday Creations

2008-12-04T22:40:00.004-05:00

I have been very busy lately making Holiday and winter themed items. I love Snow! I love candy canes! I love Christmas trees! So I wanted to share with you all a few of the items i made for my store. I hope you enjoy and enjoy your holiday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

AND THE WINNER IS.............

2008-11-17T22:39:00.003-05:00

STEPHANIE D. Or as i know her craftysteph.etsy.com

Stephanie D. said...
What a FANTASTIC giveaway!!! You are so incredibly generous! :) You know what my current personal favorite is right now - these earrings really blow me away:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9375299And I would love to win those more than I would love to win a million dollars.Okay, maybe not. But I'd still really love to win them *grin* Your earrings ROCK!
November 13, 2008 10:55 PM

Thanks to all who made this drawing such a success! this was so much fun and i hope to do it again in the future! please come back for special deals and you can always find me at

www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Many blessings and congrats to the winner!

Krystle :)

Holiday Give away!

2008-11-11T00:41:00.002-05:00

THE DRAWING IS NOW CLOSED TO ENTRIES... BE BACK SOON TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER ! THANKS TO ALL WHO JONED IN THE FUN.

So stop by and see me at www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Happy Holidays!
Krystle
of dkjewels

Autumn

2008-10-18T19:03:00.000-04:00

I am feeling very festive this year. The leaves are changing, pumpkins are on everyones stoops and scarcrows seem to be peeking from all the yards. So it has inpired me to make some autumn themed (colored) earrings. I hope you enjoy as much as I love making them. Many blessings

and for more earrings you can visit my shop http://www.dkjewels.etsy.com/

A BOY!

2008-10-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

Introducing! Trystan Liam Walsh

We are so so excited to have our new bundle of joy home and happy. He is such an amazingly cute bundle. Ty all for your LOVE and support during the very hard pregnancy and while i have been healing from the surgery. Hugs!

A NEW START!

2008-08-09T23:07:00.000-04:00

We found a house after 3 years looking! came up suddenly! its 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, with a den! and a big storage/garage out back huge yard IN A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD! Rent is reasonable and we have the option to buy if we decide we like it!!!! ONLY ONE PROBLEM..... The utility deposits are way high! just for water and power will be $560!!! So i am trying to make as much as i can on my etsy site before the 14th! (thats when we move in) If you can help in anyways It is so appreciated! you can make purchases from my site http://www.dkjewels.etsy.com/ OR donate a dollar or 5 to me Via paypal to draconsikiss@bellsouth.net Ty all so much for the support of me this move and the baby! I am in lost of pain from movinga and packing but it will be worth it to have a safe home finally! with no guns and drugs around! Blessings! and TY!
Dkjewels, krsytle, kiss or whatever you know me by !

My how we have grown

2008-07-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

As you can see I am grown quite a bit in 15 weeks lol! And there are still at least 8 to go.....

depression!?!

2008-07-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

So i went to the diabetes appt. and Now according to them I am deprssed! Well with all the stress YA THINK!? lol
Breath Krystle Breath!

A bad day!

2008-07-09T12:17:00.001-04:00

NOT a good day!
Well My appointment went badly! Went in checked in and all that. She said I had to do the second glucose test so i drank the drink and she pricked my finger for a iron test too I faild iron test it was LOW. Got back to the room talked to the nurse. Told her about the pubic bone pain. Doctor came in Blood preassure was a lil high. They confirmed the Symhpisis pubis dysfuntion. Said I need to not walk and stand when i can help it. No mall trips extra shopping etc. Ordered labs for the blood pressure ( im scared to death of needles BTW) So i went back to to the lab she did the blood and pricked my finger for the Glucose test and I FAILED! badly! they dont even have to do a 3 hour test beacuse it was 209! SO i have to go get a new glucose meter, meet with diaticians again, and start this all over! It took all i had to not just cry and loose it in that office today. So a quick break down Of what i am dealing with.

Symphysis pubis dysfuntion

Gestatinal diabetes

anemia

edema

and bordering high blood preassure/preeclampsia

Sciatica

Risk of rupture

Oh and to top it off i gained 6 lbs and My legs are swelling up!

Some changes in my life

2008-04-24T23:21:00.000-04:00

So many thing ahve been going on since i last posted and i have seriously neglected this blog.

We found out in January that we are expecting our 3rd child. YAY! I will be Due in Sept. I am on hisgh risk due to previouse pregnancy complications. But so far all is well. we get to find out the baby's gender on May 7.

Besides that I have been working like crazy making all kinds of exciting new pieces. Dealing with children and Illness (flu, colds, etc). If you havnt ahd a chance to see my newer work please come have a look and leave me some feedback. Hope evreyone out there is doing very well.

Thanks a bunch

Krystle

Dkjewels.etsy.com

OCTOBER is Breast cancer awareness month.

2007-10-03T17:50:00.000-04:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. And there are tons of ways to support such an amazing cause. I have listed in my shop a special setion for items I make to donate $ to the susan komen foundation. This is somthing that is dear to my heart. Please find some way to support this month by buying items that donate proceeds from me or others or just donate $. together we can find a cure so that our children will not have to suffer this disease.

1/3 of all sales from my pink ribbon items will be donated. to see the items you can go to

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5119214&section_id=5106731

Send the flying monkyes!

2007-07-30T22:45:00.000-04:00

My husband LOVES monkeys. I call him monkey. So when I was in etsy chat and this young lady said she had sewn a flying monkey I wanted to see. It was SO cute! I asked if she was going to sell them and she wasn't sure at the time. But i told her I wanted one for my husband and she said okay :D A while later she opened her shop and shortly after I bought Gamwich (a special order she made exactly as I asked) for my husband as a birthday gift from my kids. HE LOVES HIM!! Please visit her shop at http://www.childofhope.etsy.com and while you are at below in and interview she has been so kind as to answer for me and for all of us to know a little about the girl behind the monkey! lol

Dkjewels~Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Childofhope~ My name is Sara Hankins, I'm 24, and I'm currently living in White Lake, Michigan. I love to cook, play piano, and I'm just starting to learn how to paint with watercolors. I have two purebred Ragamuffin cats that are adorable, and spoiled rotten because of it. :) I also have my B.A. in psychology, and although I'm looking to enter a new career path right now, I was a preschool teacher, and have been in the childcare industry since I was 18.

Dkjewels~What was your very first sewing project?

Childofhope~ The very first thing I sewed was a monkey back in April, believe it or not. I did him out of muslin and light blue felt. He was a real experiement. I made all the limbs too skinny, and when I went to turn him around I realized that I sewed one of his limbs into his body. Oops! But I never sewed anything before, and I was so proud of myself. I will never sell that little monkey.

Dkjewels~What inspires you?

Childofhope~ I am inspired by so many things around me. I find inspiration for my toys from children, and my own childhood. I try to make things that I would have loved as a child. I use colors and patterns I love, and try to make things as soft and snuggly as possible. With anythiing I make, I make sure that it's something I would have loved myself as a child. That way nothing is second rate, but always new and fun

Dkjewels~ Do you have plans to make other items in the future? If so what?

Childofhope~ Of course! I have all kinds of ideas for future items. I actually made a sketch of a dragon along side my first flying monkey sketch, but I can't quite figure out how I'm going to do him yet. So if I can work it out, there may be some dragons flying around my shop. I have ideas for toys that go along with the back story of Child of Hope Creations. I haven't posted anything about it in my shop as of yet, but I'll give you a sneak peak. Every Child of Hope Creation come from a magical land, far far away, with snow capped mountains, crystal blue lagoons, deep enchanted forests, white fluffy clouds, a bright shining castle, and warm sunshiney days. I won't spoil the story to tell you why some of them appear in this world. I'll only say that if you're a lucky one, you might see them come alive right before your very eyes. (But only if the grownups aren't around.) Look for more to come soon!

Dkjewels~What are you working on now?

Childofhope~Right now my newest endevour is fairies. Cute little fairies with soft colorful wings, adorable little dresses, and loads of bright, pretty yarn hair to play with. I love making them because dolls were my favorite things growing up. I give them a ton of hair because doing my dolls' hair was a must for me as a girl. I really hope they sell well.

Dkjewels~ Of your creations what is your favorite?

Childofhope~Wow that's a hard question. I mean, I love my monkeys because they were my first design, but I also love my new fairies. I guess my favorite, if I HAVE to choose, would be my flying monkeys. They're so different and fun. I've never seen a flying monkey doll before, and so I love how unique they are. Still, all my creations are made with such love and care. They're all near and dear to my heart.

Dkjewels~What can we expect to see in the future?

Childofhope~In the very near future you can expect to see many more outfits and dresses for the fairies to be filling up my shop. I'm also making little sleep sacks for the dolls. I may sell some as sets, because they might coordinate with the dress the fairy is wearing. I have a few more ideas up my sleeve for fairy accessories, but that's what's in the works right now.

A special thanks to www.childofhope.etsy.com for lending us great pictures of her creations. And Also to the monkey for being so good during this interview.

Inspiring Lampwork

2007-07-29T00:54:00.000-04:00

First of all I want to thank http://www.creationsbykris.etsy.com/ for making such amazing beads that inspire me to push my creative boundaries. With her beads you just have to make the design special.

I set out the other night to make a necklace. I had these amazing beads and I knew the basic style I wanted. So I pondered my design idea (2 hours) and I set out what I would basically make. Well after 8 hours of loving labor I came up with a set that I am so fond of. This set has 88 inches of seed beads, a total of 20 sterling silver Bali beads, and most of all the amazing lamp work beads from Kris. This piece will be for sale soon on my etsy site.

Also I was in such a creative boost that today I designed another set using her beads. This set is a beautiful blues set that reminds me of an amazing ocean I accented her beads with freshwater pearls with swarovski crystals .

And to top it all off this amazing pendant was made with an awesome focal bead she made.

BUTTON MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-17T06:56:00.000-04:00

Recently while out hunting for bargain finds at flea markets and yard sales i ran across a table. This older gentleman was there and he had a few nice thing but nothing i was really searching for. I saw a little oriental l box and picked up and noticed that there were jars of buttons. OLD buttons! I asked if i could look and noticed there were some great ones on the top. I asked how much for the buttons and he said " all of them?" and i replied a yes. He told me and i was like hmmmmmm and said OK i want um. Then he started handing them to me and to my Surprise the paper bag next to the jars were BUTTONS TOO! and then a zip lock bag full too! he gave me all at a great price. i came home and dumped out on the floor and realized there were glass buckles, pearl buckles,mother of pearl buttons,crystal buttons ALL KINDS......ALL vintage and some very very antique! I have been sorting through and the ones i cant use for my jewelry i am selling on my etsy site. So if you have a great need for antique buttons or just collect cool old stuff come see :) http://www.dkjewels.etsy.com

Little g on the scene

2007-07-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

This new little giraffe is my newest creation. He is so so cute i almost want to keep him. I left a spot so that he can be personalized if wanted by the buyer. He is a 9x12 ORIGINAL painting done by me. Signed. On a canvas board. painted with bright acrylics in layers so there is some texture to this. He is available for purchase at my etsy store http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6441425
He can come with a hanging ribbon or you can frame him. Eitehr wya show this lil guy some love. Thanks
Dk~

The Artistic Stylings of Heather Lynn White

2007-07-12T21:01:00.000-04:00

I found Heather on etsy http://www.HeatherLynnWhite.etsy.com and fell in love with her colors and images. The one that caught my eye right away was a Koi watercolor that was so amazing I had to snag it right up! I am amazed by her tallent and catch myself checking her site often to see whats new. I was able to ask her some questions for this blog and she was so kind as to answer them. Along with being a greta artist she has been an amazing person to talk to. Please visit her etsy shop and encourage this amazing artist.

Dkjewels~ To begin, can you tell us a little about yourself?

HLW~ I was interested in art from a fairly early age because my aunt and mother liked to paint and I always loved doing paint by numbers. Then eventually I liked painting my own paintings, and found that people liked them. This was encouragement enough for me, and I continue to create to this day. Since my adult career I have found that it is more than just creating pretty pictures, it can also be a form of therapy for me. I find that if I put all my feelings into a piece they no longer weigh heavily on my mind. I also enjoy the color relationships and visual elements of pieces. I find that my studio-art major at SUNY Potsdam University in New York fueled my desire to create. The faculty and other students continually pushed my limits and I found that I enjoyed the rugged critiques and demonstrations of my and other people's talents. I was very lucky to have an amazing painting teacher who taught me everything I know about oil painting. The watercolors I mostly learned on my own or from a class I took in 8th grade during evenings at one point in time. I do ceramics sometimes as well as sculpture but I find my true passion to be painting in it's various forms.

Dkjewels~Who are some of your favorite artists or inspirations?

HLW~Manet, Diterlizzi, Rebecca Guay, William Waterhouse as well as many other Pre-Raphaelite artists.My non artist inspirations include nature, wildlife, long walks alone while listening to music

DKjewels~ What is your favorite medium?

HLW~ watercolors and oils (I can't choose between my two babies)

Dkjewels~ What is you favorite creation so far?

HLW~ My fish and bird still life. I kept telling myself I never would be able to recreate that painting even if I wanted to. It was like I was in some kind of painting trance and created something completely unexpected. It was my first color oil painting. I still can't believe that one

Dkjewels~ What other hobbies (if any) do you enjoy?

HLW~ Horseback riding, volleyball, raquetteball, yoga, watching zombie films

Dkjewels~ What can we expect in the future?

HLW~ I'm trying to finish a series of 12 alice in wonderland themed paintings. I know, it sounds bad, but they're actually okay....because it's my own take on them. (white rabbit and chesspiece were completed, and the checkerboard and cheshire cat are some unfinished ones in progress)

Dkjewels~ Do you have any projects in the works?

HLW~Yes, currently I am trying to paint things I can hang in an apartment I eventually get.

Thank you so much to Heather Lynn White for taking the time out to answer some questions.

2007-07-12T14:11:00.001-04:00

I have had these beautiful pink and rasberry lampwork beads for a while now. Last night I sat down and nothing was coming to me and then pop i visioned this super pink bracelet. I personally am a huge fan of bright colors, pinks being a major topper. You can purchase this new creation on my etsy site. Here is a peek for all to see.

A New Place for me.

2007-07-11T13:07:00.000-04:00

This Blog seems like a great way to keep people updated on new things I am working on. I will be posting Not only my own stuff, but I hope to feature artists and crafters that I enjoy.
To start I will tell you all a little about me. I currently live in North Carolina but I am NOT a "southern bell". (not that southern bells are bad) I Moved here after Living 15 years In Arizona. I am a desert girl/Oregonian. I started making things by hand at about age 3 or 4. I came across my moms sewing needles one day and started making barbie clothes. Not long after that i discovered beads! I loved making Ornaments out of beads. I always had my hands in somthing making one thing or another. I love cooking and at one point had major plans to go to cullanary school.
I was blessed with an amazing husband when I was 19 and we have had 7 years together (6 married) We have 2 beautiful children. A girl and a boy. We both enjoy crafting very much.
Besides all this i am a stay at home mom/work at home mom. I recently opened my own etsy shop and enjoy it very much. I have found and met some amazing artists which i plan on introducing soon.
Thats probably enough for now. Please be on the look out for new things as i will try to post them often. Have a blessed day.
Dk