Studio A La Mode aka Janet's Page

I found a great new site for crafters and craft lovers! It is (drum roll please.....) SMIDGE! Not only does it offer a monthly contest to win free prizes, is it a networking site, and can help crafters shamelessly and not so shamelessly promote their business.

I'm offering a chance to win free earrings by simply participating in my survey at the top of my blog. It's easy peasy. Just tell me what type of jewelry you love and then sign the comment section below this post with a way to contact you if you win (remember, information is public). I will use the comments as entries. Feel free to provide more detail about the type of jewelry you like to wear in your comments. When the survey is over, I will contact the winner to get shipment details! Thanks - and good luck!

Have you ever felt there were times in your life when things aren't exactly like you want them to be?

I was taking my walk tonight and realized that I get a feeling of serenity when I see a well-manicured yard, one where the edges are sharp around the sidewalks, and the garden is neatly contained by some type of edging. As I approached my own house I realized that my yard is full of raggedy edges, much like parts of my life. Several people I know have recently lost children, my mother is facing another battle with cancer, and I realize that I'm no longer "needed" like I used to be by my adult children. There are the rough edges of relationships, rough edges of the lines on my face, and the rough edges in any given day (the train that makes you late, the meal that doesn't turn out the way you envisioned it, or playing phone tag with someone you really need to talk to.) It's the rough edges of life that make us feel out of sync.

Whether the raggedy edges of my yard are a symptom, or a symbol, I'm not sure, but I decided to take matters into my literal own hands tonight. Instead of wishing for clean edges in my yard, I put tools in hand and began attacking my rough edges. The edging tool I used was a little rusty and was hard to push at first. Much like everything else I attempt, edging my walk had its own "rough edges" and I realized that the process was a test of my will to simply get the job done. After the aged rubber fell off on one wheel, and rolling the tool enough times to loosen the rust that had settled over the winter, the tool began to work as I became determined to not let it get the best of me. First I went along the brick edge of the sidewalk. Then along the little walking path from the driveway to the porch. And then along the curved edge near the flower garden.

Once the rough edges were gone, I stood back to admire my work. Ahhhhh, clean edges!

And then I noticed the weeds. So I started at one end and began pulling out the weeds. First the tall ones. Then the bright green ones. Then the little short ones that weren't noticeable until the others were gone.

And when I stepped back, I felt so much better. (Not to mention the edges were clean and the weeds were gone with just a little determination and a little elbow grease.) Sorry to say I got a blister on my hand because I did not wear gloves, but that is a welcome reminder of the work I did to achieve a little satisfaction. No pain, no gain, right?

Now, for the rough edges in other places of my life: Perhaps if I put the same grit and determination into fostering change... or acceptance (depending on the circumstances), I can smooth the rough edges. And maybe I need to pull a few weeds so that I can see the garden of opportunity that awaits me each day. Opportunity to live a life full of satisfaction, no matter what the circumstances are, knowing that the rough edges are only a temporary distraction from a glorious existence.

Tomorrow, when I return from my walk, I'm going to take notice of my own well-manicured yard and be grateful for another day given to me by my creator.

Minimum orders are often hard to meet when you are an individual jewelry designer purchasing components. I was dismayed when one of my suppliers raised its minimum order to a level I simply cannot afford. It seemed like a black cloud was hanging over my head because it was one of my absolute favorite places to do business. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this one was no different. Just by happenstance I came across the "Patina Queen" an Etsy-selling-sister like myself. I had never bought any patinaed components before, but was intrigued by her pictures and descriptions. Well, let me tell you, the pictures do not do her components justice! I placed a small order (no minimum, thank you!) and was absolutely stunned when I opened my shipment. The pieces are absolutely beautiful! The polished brass, just peeks through and adds a subtle touch of glimmer. I highly recommend other jewelry designers who like to design with nature or vintage-esque pieces to check out this Etsy seller. Delivery was quick and our communications were pleasant. I don't think you will be disappointed. I can't wait to design with them, but they are so special, I'm going to treasure them for myself for just a little longer. And may I say, with pun intended, "Long Live the Queen!"

My last post discussed the bad news we were delivered last week. In the midst of trying to take care of my immediate family, the news we had received was churning in the back of my mind. But, as life goes on, I attempted to have a normal evening.