Welcome to MickStoneDesigns Armchair Studio

An Artfire Collection Olive (I-love, get it?)

2010-10-08T03:25:00.001-04:00

With Artfire, it is really easy to curate a collection of items. It's fun to do and you can feature other artisan's designs, as well as a few of your own. Here is one I love!

(SEE MY LABORADITE AND BALI STERLING SILVER EARRINGS? SO ELEGANT AND FUN)

Olive these Handc...

Curated By: mickstonedesi...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

RENEWED COMMITMENT TO ARTFIRE

2010-10-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

Artfire is a newer selling site than Etsy, one which I have been with since the beginning of the year. The people there are so nice.

From a customer's standpoint, i's great, since you don't have to set-up an account to make a purchase.

I really like it there and am so excited that my studio just went PRO!

Its a great look and very useful. Come by and see me sometime.

My Bookmarks Were Featured on the Hearts and Hands United Blog!!!

2010-09-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

So thrilled that my supercool bookmarks, made with semiprecious stones, were featured in the Team Project for Back to School. Please check out this terrific post!

http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/2010/09/team-project-no-4-back-to-school-part-3.html

Friday, September 10, 2010

Team Project No. 4: Back to School, Part 3

As the last of the students and teachers head into their respective classrooms, we come to the end of our Back to School challenge. This week, we have some helpful classroom supplies and some pretty trinkets to make you feel confident as you study the day away.

I am sure every student will have plenty to read. Make sure you don't loose your place with this pretty bookmark by Mickstonedesigns.

There were also some terrific items by FairyTale Paper, JewelsbyTrish, and Shoshipo.

I'm so honored to be included in this feature, because I really enjoy the members of this Etsy Team Hearts and Hands United (HHU). They welcome new friends and treat everyone so nicely. Members are kind, interested, and supportive. They're great, and I love being associated with them!

Be sure to check back next week when the blog hightlights all the entries from our August Challenge- Going Green!

CIJ - CHRISTMAS? OR CHANUKAH IN JULY!!!

2010-07-11T14:03:00.006-04:00

Come by my Etsy or Artfire Shops through my website http://www.mickstonedesigns.com/ for savings and the chance to win a FREE Starbucks Gift Card!

It's easy to win! Do either of the following between July 15, 2010 and July 31, 2010 to be automatically entered to win!
1. Make a purchase in person, or through my Etsy or Artfire Shops between July 15, 2010 and July 31, 2010. You'll also receive 15% off your purchase!
2. Tell someone else about my unique jewelry designs. If that person makes a purchase, you will both be entered for the drawing. (Tell them to let me know at the time of the purchase that they referred you.)

Drawing will be random and will take place on August 1, 2010. One entry per person. Gift card will be mailed (USPS) at no charge to the winner! Discounted savings will be refunded through Paypal.

DO DADS LOVE VEGETABLES?

2010-06-20T13:20:00.003-04:00

They do when they taste like this. This morning, I baked Glorious Morning Muffins for my husband. D. is a wonderful Dad, kind, caring, patient and loving. He and my teenage son play together as friends, but he is also firm when he needs to be. I tell my son that my hope for him, is to grow up to be the same kind of Dad as my husband. In fact, these muffins are a lot like him - sweet, hearty, unassuming, and healthy...ish.

Give them a try for your favorite Dad. (I guess I should make them for mine,too).

Sift together in a large bowl:

2 1/4 cups of flour

1 cup of sugar

1Tbsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. ginger

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

Stir into mixture:

2 cups grated carrot

1 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a separate bowl, whisk

3 eggs

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup applesauce

2 tsp. vanilla

Pour this mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Blend just until mixed, DO NOT OVERMIX. Spoon into muffin pans until full (I use the fluted paper cups, because you won't have to grease the pan, so clean up easy). Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 - 16 minutes (the range is great, because cooking times vary. It took me 18 minutes, but the way you tell if they are done is to sink a toothpick into the center and it should come out clean, with very few wet crumbs. Plus, you'll know because the tops are nice and brown and they smell wonderful. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients for extra flavor. They'll be a hit with your Dad!

Happy Father's Day, to all the wonderful Dads in my life, including my Father-in-Law, because I am his favorite daughter-in-law, and with a very special Happy Father's Day to my own unique, smart and funny Dad, who I am so lucky to have in my life, and who loves to cook, just like I do!

Love ya', Dad! Cheerio'!

YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

2010-06-19T08:04:00.001-04:00

Thank you for following my blog. As you can see, I have made some changes, which I think, I really like. But, I would love to know what you think. Do these changes work for the Armchair Studio blog?

Does it look more professional?
Does it look more eye-pleasing?
Does it make you want to read?

Does it make my photos stand out? Please leave a COMMENT when you visit. I appreciate you and your feedback.

Computer ring by Creativedexterity@artfire http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=234221

2010-06-16T19:20:00.007-04:00

SUMMER READING

There are a few books I plan to read this summer, and one I want to finish. I have a thing for first novels - I love to read them!

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
Girl with the Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier
Sarah's Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay
The Feasting Season, by Nancy Coons (1st Novel)

and I really want to finish:

Queen of Beauty, by Paula Morris (1st Novel)

And I will definitely have to show off one of my new bookmarks, as I read and sip my dry cappuccino with my blueberry scone (available in my etsy shop) http://www.etsy.com/shop/mickstonedesigns!

2010-06-13T10:37:00.005-04:00

I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WORLD TRAVELER

I've started doing some serious thinking about taking my online jewelry business global. I love to travel, so my reluctancy has nothing to do with a lack of desire for different cultures. On the contrary, that's the part of going global that really appeals to me! My reluctancy is simply fear. Fear of complication, fear of completing a customs form incorrectly, fear of something costing more than I anticipated, fear of something not arriving and having a unhappy customer halfway around the world.

But, after researching through the Etsy forums, I am beginning to wonder if I am missing out on a huge market that could be both rewarding, and lucrative.

I do love chatting with artisans from other countries, why wouldn't I want to include them among my customers, as well? I may have to plan a couple of visits to the post office to see if I can get a handle on this.

Follow me to see if I take the plunge...

How did you find me?

2010-05-30T10:08:00.001-04:00

Recently, I feel like I have been neglecting my blog (which I really enjoy), but have been spending time working on trying to market myself more effectively and I noticed that people are finding me, in spite of myself. I have been pretty inactive lately, so I assumed that people would have forgotten all about me. But, thanks to statcounter (which I recommend and just love) it seems that some of my readers haven't completely given up on me. For that, I offer you a hearty and heartfelt - THANK YOU!

Please leave a comment and tell me how you found me. All the best for a happy weekend.

2010-04-21T21:57:00.001-04:00

Just Sitting Here Unwinding...

Just sitting here, thinking about some things I love, things that bring me joy

Tucking my son in for bed
Reading my husband's true feelings, even those that are not really "fine"
Sipping a hot cup of freshly ground coffee on Saturday morning
The feeling of having nothing to do, even just for that one moment
The sense of truly falling, into sleep

.....These things are rare and wonderful

2010-04-03T10:26:00.001-04:00

Lessons Learned at a Neighborhood Craft Show (Sweetheart Fest)

1. Nothing is as it Seems

When I arrived at 8:15 a.m., the temperature for an area that is usually always sunny and hot, was an unseasonably cold 45 degrees. The wind was making the tents sway so significantly they had to bring in concrete blocks to stabilize them. My hair was whipping violently across my face as I was standing in the parking lot, waiting for the shuttle to bring me to the set-up area. At that moment, two thoughts occurred to me:

1. I don't know that my light folding table won't just topple over with a strong gust, throwing my jewelry onto the asphalt, as I am trying to set up and,

2. Maybe I should blow-off what will, obviously, be a useless day

Lesson Learned: Although it was so cold that my nose stung with each gust of icy wind, I stuck to my commitment and everything stayed in place. Plus, since it wasn't our usual humid weather, I had an excellent hair day!

2. It's Nice to be Told that People Like your Work

Selling online is very difficult because if you are not selling regularly, you aren't getting any feedback about your work. It's hard to stay motivated to create, without that positive feedback. As I was setting up my jewelry, I had people walking up complimenting my pieces, saying....

1. "how pretty"

2. "what beautiful stones"

3. "well worth the price"

Lesson Learned: My jewelry really is beautiful and it feels good to be told how much people like it!

3. How you Measure Success, Determines if You are Successful

Being a part of the event, participating, bringing joy to people through your work, can make a sales experience successful. Meeting people who fall in love with a piece you have created and choose that piece as their Valentine's Day gift, is a meaningful and significant honor that is very rewarding.

1. Having someone else love my favorite piece feels good and,

2. Making a few sales during what seemed like a lost day is very exciting

Lesson Learned: As good as it feels to make that sale, you do miss the pieces that you have put your heart into...but it still feels real good!

Additional Lesson Learned: I can't wait to do it again! PS...ALL 3 OF THESE PIECES SOLD AT SWEETHEART FEST!!!

What lessons have you learned?

2010-04-03T09:39:00.001-04:00

I Know It's Been a While

Hi, bloggers and followers. I hope you are still there, waiting for me to write something awe-inspiring and fabulous. Well, here it comes. I wrote this next post after my experience at Savannas Preserve State Park and it should give you some insight as to how to make the most of a craft show experience that appears, at first, to be anything but ideal. Stay tuned....

2010-03-06T21:09:00.001-05:00

Undiscovered Etsy Feature

Currently, Etsy is asking for new and undiscovered shops to feature (in some way and some how - we don't yet know). But, as I am one of those shops, defined as less than 15 sales, I thought it would be nice to do my own Undiscovered Features. Maybe we will, very soon, become discovered by customers who just LOVE what we design. Take a good look at these fabulous handbags by http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturalknitsandgems

Aren't they great?

Savannas Preserve Craft Show.....Uncharacteristically Cold!

2010-02-24T21:53:00.006-05:00

Unseasonably windy...bitterly cold...OK, so we were only in South Florida, but still, it wasn't just me. Everyone was freezing. Even people from up north...Really (see, I'm all bundled up). And, I didn't have any Starbucks. And, I had to sit in one place, selling my favorite necklace. But, it was Valentine's Day, Sweetheartfest, and, as you can see, it is a beautiful State Park. And I had an amazing hair day. But, it was hard...Really...

OK, I can't wait to do it again!

2010-02-16T07:24:00.001-05:00

Featuring Beautiful Bookmarks by Joyous Treasures!

When I saw Johanna's bookmarks, I thought they were beautiful! For those of you who know my story, I love to read, and so does Johanna! She also loves to make Crochet Jewelry,Crochet Bookmarks,Crochet Pincushions, and Crochet Hair accessories,
she also plays piano, and, of course, loves to read. All her bookmarks are so great, but I think these one is my favorites...

How touching is it that Johanna carries on the legacy of her grandmother's talents in her own works! She says she likes to crochet flowers and butterflies, and other things that remind her of nature. Her grandmother was a great crocheter, and she left her many things when she passed away. She says that she is always working on new projects created with her grandmother's supplies to keep and remember her by. ...and she even wears her beads all the time! Keep up the beautiful work! Check her out at her Etsy shop and keep an eye out for new bookmarks coming in March! http://www.etsy.com/shop/joyoustreasures or on her blog http://www.etsytreasurechest.blogspot.com/

Check Out My Website: www.mickstonedesigns.com!

2010-02-10T05:02:00.003-05:00

Here is a peek at what it looks like. Log on, leave a comment and take my quick survey!

2010-02-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

My Necklace was Featured in an Etsy Treasury,

Called Lush!

In case you are unfamiliar with Etsy, one of the most coveted places to promote your work is in an Etsy Treasury. A Treasury is a collection of items, curated by an Etsy Artisan with a keen eye and a heavy dose of patience, and they are very hard to get. Loveartworks curated this dynamic Treasury, of which I am a featured artist. See her lovely Repose ceramic bowl below!

2010-02-03T07:58:00.001-05:00

Armchairs Worthy of My Studio

In my quest to feature chairs that appealed to my sensibilities and that I felt represented what was important to me, I found these representations, by very talented and generous Etsy artisans. I hope you like them as much as I do. This Item Has a Very Cute Description and Benefits Cancer Research.

It is done by loveartworks, and says ahhhhhhhhh...

Take a load off.....Have a seat....Rest your weary bones....Relax and stay awhile...repose.....

This is a unique black, white and 1 color "doodle" bowl, born out of a need to SIMPLIFY. The artist says it is like a warm little hug that you hold in your hands....ORGANIC COMFORT BOWLS! The inside of the bowl is a stunning deep reddish/orange with a black curlicue! On the outside is 5 little chairs: a super comfortable recliner, 2 different straight-backed wooden kitchen chairs, a thoroughly modern Eames design, and a caned rocker! Underneath... the word REPOSE and signed and dated. It measures about 6.5" in diameter and is 2 1/4" deep. All proceeds from the sale of this bowl will be donated to the American Cancer Society for 'etsyprojectembrace' in support of fellow Etsy seller, Laura. Proceeds go to charity, and you know how much that means to me! This is a good sized bowl! I thought it would be great for my Nanny's cabbage soup (if I could ever find the recipe)! There is nothing more comforting than that!

This Print is So Sweet and Benefits a Homeless Shelter!

This one is a little print that was made to honor the Wellhouse Community and Homeless Shelter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This cause is near and dear to my heart! All proceeds from these prints are donated directly to Wellhouse, done by theantibride! It is a limited edition, hand-pulled linocut print. The print comes unframed, measures 4.5 x 5.5", and is run on white archival paper.

These Just Sold!!!

2010-01-27T07:27:00.003-05:00

These one-of-a-kind glamorous yellow quartz and sterling silver earrings just sold! Stunning, classic and sure to bring tons of compliments.

Other fabulous earrings are still for sale, or contact me to make you a custom pair!

New Year Resolutions - Belated

2010-01-20T07:36:00.003-05:00

Ok, so it's not January 1st, in fact, it's not even the beginning of January any more. But, here goes....
1. I will not procrastinate.
2. I will mail out all my holiday gifts (yes, there may still be a couple that haven't gone out yet)
3. I will not procrastinate.
4. I will try not to judge others (humfff - see above)
5. I will not resolve to exercise (If I do, it's a sure bet that I won't)
6. I will not put off cleaning the house (this one is not about proscrastinating...I just hate to do it)
7. I will not let leftovers get green and fuzzy in my refrigerator.
8. I will learn how to make perfect jumprings (they are the little circles that you open and close to connect jewelry pieces - it's really the easiest thing to do, but I rush through them and can't seem to get them perfect)
9. I will not be a perfectionist.
10. I will post regular entries onto my blog (which I love to do, but sometimes get busy doing other things)
11. I will not procrastinate.

Happy (Belated) New Year!

So Glad the Holidays are Over!!!

2009-12-22T19:24:00.003-05:00

I am so relieved that the holidays are over. OK, maybe not completely over, but my holiday fundraiser for work is over. I manage 270 guests, in a gala event that, happily, went off without a hitch. Well, maybe not completely without a hitch. There were those three couples that didn’t show, even thought they paid to attend, and those other two of someone’s guests who couldn’t come at the last minute, and were replaced by people whose names I didn’t have on my registration list. Oh, and those other two people who came to the event, but whose response I hadn’t yet received, so I had to quickly create two special seats for them. But, really otherwise, the event went off without a hitch!

Glad that’s over for this year.

I also finished another three holiday parties in the span of two days, one in the evening for 110 people and another one the next afternoon for about the same number, and then a much smaller party the afternoon after that for about 40 people, even though one of those days was my wedding anniversary (see the flowers below) and now, we’ll have to make plans to go out to dinner another evening, hopefully sometime over the next two weeks.

And Chanukah, which came early because we are on a different calendar, so the dates change every year, is really over, even though I still have my family party which has become our tradition to host, but which we always wait to schedule based on when my sister and her family come to town.

This year, we will have that party the day after Christmas, but that’s only 35 family members and all I have to do is clean the house and make latkes (which I make from scratch, using a box grater, not a food processor or blender. I’m a traditionalist that way!).

Then, the holidays will really be over.

Except for actual Christmas Day, which I will spend with my sister’s in-laws because they are lovely and invite us every year, even though we don’t celebrate Christmas and they really don’t have to…

But, other than that the holidays are finally over. Unless our very good friends that we have spent New Year’s Eve with for the past ten years have the day off and can get together for our traditional New Year’s Eve intimate Annual Culinary and Gluttonous Extravaganza. But, they are probably working, so we may just stay home and make our signature baked brie with apricot chutney (which is truly the most amazing thing!).

Oh, and one more thing. I almost forgot… I do have to plan something for my husband’s 50th birthday on January 3rd. Hmm….

Guess the holidays are not quite over yet…oh well,

Hope you have a Happy Holiday!

Anniversary Roses!

2009-12-19T19:38:00.003-05:00

It has been so stressful at work lately. More than ususal, with lots of late nights. I hadn't had a minute to think about anything in my personal life, not Chanukah (my son went without any presents for the full eight days), not even my wedding anniversary. But my husband did. Just when I needed it, I got a delivery to work - a dozen fresh and beautiful long-stemmed red roses. They were completely unexpected and such a welcome surprise! But, I wanted to enjoy them at home, so I kept them in the box until I got home and took out my largest vase and..... well you can see how stunning they are! Thanks Honey xoxoxoxo

NO MORE BAD HAIR DAYS FOR MY FIRST 3 ETSY SHOPPERS!!!

2009-12-04T07:33:00.004-05:00

My nightmare doesn't have to be yours. A day that begin at 80 degrees with 90% humidity...and just gets hotter from there. You walk outside and immediately feel sticky and hot. Your hair sticks to your face and you rush into the car and turn the air conditioning to high, and still, it doesn't get cold. Plus, a headfull of curly, unruly, saggy and yes, often frizzy hair in a climate that is not kind to a curly girl!

But, regardless of your hair challenges, I can help put an end to your bad hair days, with my FREE GIFT.

I will, gladly, offer the barrettes pictured in the post below to my 1st 3 Etsy Shoppers!! Keep them if you struggle like I do, or give them as a gift to someone else. Maybe give them as one of 8 gifts for Chanukah or perhaps as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. They are so cute, you'll want to wear them every day. And you know what that means....no more bad hair days!!!

FREE GIFT to My 1st 3 Etsy Shoppers

2009-11-29T11:51:00.003-05:00

I have been pretty successful selling my jewelry in the real world, but I really want to break into the online world. I started on Etsy in October of 2008 as a buyer, but I didn't start selling until April 2009. I really like having my shop and have found it to be a great tool for showing people my work.

Now, I am offering a special promotion for my first 3 Etsy customers....

To my first three (3) Etsy Customers, I will offer a free gift, shown here - a 3" barrette, featuring semiprecious stones:- one has Black Onyx and grey Snowflake obsidian- one has purple and pink Crazy Lace Agate and -one has deep green Russian Jade and Rainforest Rhyolite.

Happy Shopping!

Mickstonedesigns is Shop of the Day

2009-11-28T13:55:00.007-05:00

I am a member of Handmade Artists Forum (HAFTeam), a wonderful group of talented handmade artists.

Well, as part of the Spread the Love promotion...I'm Shop of the Day, the Saturday after Black Friday!! So honored, please come in, take a look around, grab some eggnog and browse...I hope you find something you like.

Some of my pieces are inspiration for custom works, but they are all wonderful, just on their own.

For other wonderful pieces, search on Etsy under HAFTeam and you'll find items like this one.

This wonderful pot is done by mookiejones, a redhead in a red dress. "Your new bff?", she asks.

This is a one of a kind, sealed, and signed multi-functional terra cotta pot. It can be used for a fruit bowl, planter (with a liner), stand alone art display, or for anything you can think of. This pot is recycled and in perfect condition, 8" tall and about 9 1/4" wide at the top. The backround finish is a faux marble in light greens with white graining. Slightly distressed background.

I Believe in Making the World a Better Place - Tikkun Olam

2009-11-11T09:52:00.009-05:00

I have worked in non-profit for approximately 20 years. I believe that we must all do our part to "give back" and help those who need it. When I started by business, I wanted to make giving to charity, a part of what I do. It is already a part of who I am.

So, from the very beginning, I chose to give a portion of the proceeds of my sales to a charity of YOUR choice. The customer is asked to choose which charity they want their purchase to benefit, from my selected list. Here I am at a Boys and Girls Clubs Fundriaser.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program in Florida
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Safespace Domestic Abuse Shelter
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Alzheimers Care Organization
Boys and Girls Clubs

I Also Believe in the Power of a Great Pair of Earrings

2009-11-11T09:02:00.011-05:00

When I was younger, I never left the house without putting on make-up, at least mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick. The essentials. It was probably just the insecurities that come with youth.

Now, as a confident adult, I don’t have a need for make-up on the weekends. I may even go out to lunch without it. But, I have found that the key to happiness is, undoubtedly…a great pair of earrings!

Nothing can make you feel as pretty, sexy or finished as a great pair of earrings. And no make-up is even needed. Having something colorful, shiny, dainty or bold near your face can make you feel bright and alive. It makes your bad hair day better, it makes your weekend jeans and a tee shirt more stylish.

But it has to be just that right pair. Not just anything will do. If your passion is sterling silver like mine is, then it needs to feature fabulous sterling silver. If your hair is dark and curly, you need to find earrings that show bright against those unruly locks. If your hair is light, go with something that pops, with color, or a deep dark stone. You’ll know they’re the perfect pair, because they are the ones you go for, time and again. They are the first ones you grab. They are the ones that make you feel… you. Beautiful. Unique. Special.

You may not always get compliments. I think earrings are almost too personal for people to comment on, but they’ll notice. Necklaces get the compliments, but earrings get the looks. People will notice there is something attractive about you on the day you wear the perfect pair of earrings. You’ll know they notice, because you will notice. Walk through the mall and catch a glimpse of yourself from a side view in a mirror, you’ll know you made the right choice.