Just Dashing

Win FREE MARKET TOTE for Spring!!!!

2012-02-12T22:59:00.003-05:00

Okay Everyone!.... I have got a treat!

I have a new blog.... more inline with my website and shop - and would like all my followers to follow me there... so if you hop on over to the new blog and subscribe to follow me - You will be entered to win this sweet Market Tote - FREE!!!!! (no embroidery)!!!

All you have to do is follow me at:

www.thedashingpearl.blogspot.com - Blog! That's it!

Happy Following!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Designs!

2011-05-03T21:23:00.004-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

Get 10% OFF in my Etsy shop today!

Enter Coupon Code: SHAMROCK at checkout!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

www.layneydasher.etsy.com

8 Gifts!!

2011-03-14T19:47:00.003-04:00

So I was blog surfing today... and came across this great list of gifts! They are gifts that are nice to get and receive, and best of all.... FREE... so I thought that I would share them with the world out there!

THE GIFT OF LISTENING - But, you must really listen! No interruption, no daydreaming, and no planning your response. Just listening. (This is one of my challenges in my daily life, I must give this gift more than the times I actually receive it).

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION - Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small action demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER - Clip cartoons and share articles and funny stories. Your git will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE - It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" or, or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT - A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal", can make someones day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR - Everyday, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE - There are time when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION - The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really, it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You."

And last but not least.... don't forget-

LOVE - a gift we can give every day!!!!!!

I hope this makes you want to get out there and start gifting others.... Happy Gifting!

Hand Stamping!

2011-02-27T18:50:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends!

Can you believe it is already the end of February? I sure can't! Spring is just around the corner and I have been on the crazy couponing craze, - you can see more details here to understand exactly what I mean, and I have been helping my two best friends plan their weddings, both of which will be this fall! Both for which I am the matron of honor. I have also been busy stamping away in my studio making creations and personalized jewelry for others, and if you haven't noticed my Etsy shop is becoming more and more filled with the personalized hand stamping jewelry!

I love the silver discs, and I love stamping each piece. My hammers are loud as they bang out each letter and design. I think of the people when I am stamping their names into a piece of silver. And, I imagine who they are if I have never met them, or how they will react if it is a gift they ordered just for them. I hope they are delighted to see their loved ones names on the piece. I have had lots of orders for gifts, and I can imagine a mom who receives the jewelry and is excited to wear her children's names proudly on her necklace! Or a couple with their wedding date stamped in the middle remembering their special day! Maybe it has been this month of LOVE that we are in, or something that has brought out this love for stamping!

I am excited to soon be purchasing gold plated blanks for stamping to add to my collection of hand-stamped designs. I have had two requests for gold jewelry this month, and I think that is it time to start adding it to my world of hammers and stamps!

Here's a peak of what I've been creating!

Like what you see.... order yours in my Etsy shop or my website: http://www.layneydasher.com/

Next up.... something for Spring, Easter, and Mother's Day!

Stay Tuned!

It's a New Year!

2011-01-09T19:03:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

So, I have done it again... abandoned my blog.... and this time, it was due to the Holidays, friends and family visiting, in and out of new home, get togethers, birthdays, and the good little rush of orders I had just before Christmas.... It has kept me busy!!! A good busy, though, and was happy to have it!

I have lots of new things to add to my shop, and lots of things to do in the new year of 2011! So stay tuned... I will be adding photos and new lovelies to my shop!

Layne

Free Earrings Giveaway

2010-11-16T20:45:00.006-05:00

Yep, that's right, I am giving away a free pair of earrings to one lucky person. And all you have do is leave a comment below to entered into the drawing. No strings attached.

These fun lovely earrings are made from sterling silver componets, with a wood turquoise bead, and Swarovski crystal pearl which create the perfect dangle drop.

One lucky person will win these lovely beauties and I will annouce the winner on Saturday Morning! So don't miss out! *** Winner chosen by random picker online***

So.... What have you got to loose..... if ya win, it is a nice gift for yourself, or better yet a friend..... and with that "gift - giving" season sneaking up behind us all, it will be just one less to buy for on your list. That is what I call easy-peasy shopping!

I'm Published!

2010-10-27T21:41:00.005-04:00

Okay so two days ago, I received a package! I forgot all about it, so when I came home, I was wondering what it could be? I knew I didn't order anything recently, so I was guessing at what

was in the box.

Well, to my excitement...... it was two copies of the November Issue of Bead Trends Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Except in this issue was a feature of one of my necklace designs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My first publication to show my work! My jewelry is in a magazine.... Yay! I so have to thank Lisa of Lucid Moon, because she's the one that told me to submit my work! Well, I did, and they chose a necklace design of mine for the November issue- perfect because November is my birthday month - so it just makes sense that is the month that my first design is published - yes, I think of strange things like that!

Here's my necklace I submitted - Moonlight.

I was so excited to see my piece printed in those glossy pages of the magazine! Even the hubby was proud, and left a comment on his Facebook! So cute!

2-page spread baby!!!!!!!!!!

The best part was seeing my name printed! Okay - tooting my horn a little bit here.... but I was super excited!

Perfect ending to my day!!!!!!!!

Now.... gotta get back to finishing up the organization of the bead studio.... shelves are going up tomorrow!

Bead Room Adventure: Part 2

2010-10-17T16:19:00.006-04:00

Okay, so last night, I finished getting all the tables put together and organized of how I thought might be the best "working and creating" setup. I purchased these tables from Ikea. And, I think moved every table at least 3 times before deciding where I'd like them to go... LOL. Below is the final positioning of the tables.

Here's the view from inside the closet:

Then this morning, I started to bring in all the supplies, and boxes of tools! I am sooo excited! After I started to unload things, it was like magic, because new jewelry ideas started to just pop into my head! It's crazy.... it's like the "beading fairy" or the "jewelry making spirits" came back to life! LOL!

Here's where I am at so far with my organization, and I can't wait until I get it all finished, so I can sit in that chair and whip up some jewelry magic!

Here's another look at the mess from standing in the closet. I am going to have hubby build some shelving above the long desk that sits against the wall. I think that will be a good spot to keep my books and beading magazines organized.

And, here's a close-up of the area I plan to designate for stamping metal jewelry! I have some more hammers in a box some where....

And lastly, the area I plan to have as a display area for the jewelry pieces I have made up! What do you think???

Well, back to organization..... I hope to post some more pictures within the next day or so of my finished bead studio!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Where have you been, Layne????

2010-10-15T18:01:00.009-04:00

LOL.... I am here, I have just been on one of those Busy-Dizzy Roller Coaster Rides! Well, not actually, but seriously, I cannot believe how much time has really passed since my last entry, it seems like it was just a short time ago.

So to fill you in on the "what's been happening" with this jewelry girl, allow me to break it down for you!

First of all, my hubby and I finally closed on a house! Finally, right! We've been looking for over a year to buy a house, and our fabulous realtor, Eunice, found us the perfect one! We feel so blessed because the house ended up being so much more than what we expected to get, and we got it for such a great price in a really great neighborhood. It evens has a pool, and a super nice backyard and lot, and to top it all off..... we have really nice neighbors all around us. I didn't even know that my best friend from Greece, has these super cool relatives right next door, which have welcomed us like family! Oh, and the best part is that my drive to the "day job" is like 4 minutes tops with the red light!

Heres a front view of the house!

We have been moved in for almost 3 weeks, we are still going through boxes of things that we had in storage. My hubby is awesome because he removed the old tile and laid down nice new wood floors - probably the hardest part of the job. We even re-painted every inch of the inside with a fresh coat of paint. It took us a good week's worth or more, to paint it all ourselves, but it was so worth it! I think it is funny because the paint color we chose to use is called "Patience", and so now after the long, much anticipated wait, we have a house to make our own. "Patience" is the perfect reminder to have on our walls to remind us of all the good things in our life, and for some of them (just like this house), you just have to be patient for. LOVE our patient walls!!!

So with that being said.... one of the those extra bedrooms, the one in towards the back of the house, that also has those nice wood floors too....will become organized, and called the "office"... AKA... The Beading Studio! I've been dreaming of this room, imagining how it will look, and how I will organize my tables, my boxes of beads, and all of my fabulous tools! I have to admit that within the last 8 weeks or so... from the closing, to the needed improvements just move in, to the moving and unloading of furniture, to the unpacking of boxes the necessary kitchen stuff, linens, clothes, etc. I am now READY to get around to those boxes for the BEAD STUDIO!... LOL! I have had withdrawals of not being able to bead and make jewelry. Sure, I've hunted and picked through them, but it was only to pull out a plier or two, with a bead and headpin, to only to re-size some things for a customer on piece of jewelry I pretty much already had made up in my shop.

But NOW.... starting this evening, this weekend, I will begin, shall I call it a Series, (I plan to make some entries along the way) of the unveiling of my new space! I will have to post some pictures for you, Start to Finish. And, I've also got some new tables and selves to put together, so you'll have to leave me some comments to let me know what you guys think!

Here's a few pictures of what I am starting with!

Let the Bead Room Adventure Begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Peak at what I've been up to!

2010-08-16T19:07:00.003-04:00

Okay, so previously I posted about all the fancy smanchy stamping tools I have purchased and also about my recent dress form purchase, and well finally, here's a peak at both in action!

I made this peace for a friend... she doesn't know she's getting it yet! But she's due to be a mom in a few weeks or so, and remembered this idea from some fellow etsians awhile back, and decided to give'r a try to make her a necklace she will remember. The crystal is for the month her son is due, the "J" represents her husband, and of course, she is gonna be a mom this year! I plan to give to her this Saturday!

Then I made this for a girl at work who requested something personalized. This was the result a little bit of silver and copper together! So far I have been practicing banging away, and doming circle disks or blanks. But I think I want to try to get into so other shapes. There is still a ton more to learn and try with stamping, and so far, I think I like it!

Next up on the list of things to try....... possibly resin! Okay okay, honestly, I don't think it is gonna be my thing, I really like the stamping and beading, and I've found, that I really like incorporating crystals and pearls into my designs. But I couldn't help it this past weekend... I was at a bead show, and there was this booth, with all these shapes and all sorts of bezel things for resin pendant making and such. Originally, I thought they were for stamping! LOL, And, well, anyway, I purchased a small kit and resin glue... to ya know... just give it a try. No promises.... I will let you know how it turns out!

Happy Monday!

Dress Form

2010-08-07T10:02:00.007-04:00

Yeah for Saturday!

I don't know where the week went, it doesn't seem like it has been that long since being on the blog! Anyhow, I am glad the week is over, and have the weekend to enjoy!

I have to say thanks to everyone who purchased from my sale, and while I didn't get as many online sales as I had hoped for, I did get sales from some fabulous ladies at work who love my designs and wanted to take advantage of my sale!
With that being said, I turned right around and put that money back into my business, and purchased a few things, like a dress form from Talk2Sean on Etsy, some more stamping tools, and more practice copper blanks! I really like the stamping! I don't have any pictures yet of my work, but hope to soon!

I think the dress form will be really helpful for taking pictures of my designs better, than just laying flat. We will see how that goes when she gets here. I am going to call her "Beadtrice".. lol. Yes I am nutty. I previously posted back in December about a show I did, and you can see my current handmade dress form in the picture. She is also known as "Beadtrice", but with my new purchase, old Beadtrice will most likely be taken apart - maybe made into some sort of display stand. Or maybe find her a good home!

You see, I followed one of those HOW-TOs on You Tube, and had my hubby cover my body with duct tape. And then, once you cut the tape off, you seal it back up the middle, and stuff it with batting .She is almost too big, and even though I covered her with shirts to smooth out the duct tape ridges, it just doesn't do the trick like I want for my photos. However, she had been great as a display at shows, and does attract people to the booth.

So, the arrival of the new skinny Beadtrice (she's shorter and like 3 sizes smaller!) I hope it will be nice, as I hope to get that smooth linen look in my photos. We will see.... I know it is a lot of work for photos, but photos are the key, and lately, that has been the main thing on my mind.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about dress forms for jewelry photography, or if you think it might be a good idea to do a giveaway for my handmade dress form?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!!!

2010-07-28T21:03:00.006-04:00

That's Right! I am having a 2-day Sale! Christmas in July Sale!

Now thorugh midnight on July 31st I am offering 50% OFF EVERY ITEM in my SHOP! That's right, 1/2 OFF! Plus I am giving $1 shipping!

So hurry on over because you won't want miss this!

(1/2 off will modified on the invoice after you commit to the sale, I will then send you a new invoice with the updated purchase price. $1 shipping is already marked for each item. Item will ship once payment is confirmed.)

Stamping Metal!

2010-07-26T23:12:00.003-04:00

Okay , so I am excited, because the book I ordered Stamped Metal Jewelry by Lisa Niven Kelly arrived today, signed by Lisa herself! I can't wait to try out a few of the projects she has in the book and to start stamping!

For the past few weeks or so, I have been ordering supplies to start my metal stamping adventures.

The Bench Block - metal surface for stamping on!

The Pliers for punching holes!

The Plastic Mallet!

And of course..... Metal Stamps!

There's a few more things, I have, like hammers, practice metal, a few blanks, and what not, and there's still a few more things I need to get and then I will have a pretty good toolbox for stamping! Yea!

If you wanna try stamping, this book is great because it has great pictures, and great content for mastering the skills of stampers! To get your hands on this book, hop on over to Beaducation, and get yourself a copy! You won't be sorry you did!

I wil lhave to show you some of my creations, once I geta handle on it!

And the Winner is........

2010-07-22T09:00:00.003-04:00

Fox Family! Congratulations!
Please send me your address to my email tolaynedasher@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who left wonderful comments!

I wil have to do this again soon, I really had fun!!

Win A Free Bracelet!!!!

2010-07-20T10:35:00.003-04:00

As posted yesterday, I am doing my first giveaway! Leave a comment below and you will be entered to win this bracelet!

"I hope you all have great week, if you are reading this, and to kick it off right, I am doing a give-a-way! My first one ever! So get excited! I will give one lucky person my Caribbean Castaway bracelet – my best seller so far on Etsy. You can view it here! Just leave a comment and I will pick one lucky winner on Wednesday!"

Happy Tuesday!

It's a new week!

2010-07-19T10:05:00.002-04:00

It’s Monday – hopefully a new start for a better week!!!

I will say I had feelings that I might not make through last week, as there surely were some challenges and unexpected situations that arose, some good, or great even, and then some bad.

It all started with a pretty busy workday at my day job. I work for a large insurance company. Not only was it busy, but there was some sad news about a co-worker who used to work in our department. She passed away, leaving her son, and husband behind, we remembered, that she was a sweet and nice person to be around, and always did such a good job. I hate it when bad thing happen to good people.

Then mid-week I was super excited because I got news from Stringing magazine that they were accepting one of my designs for their winter issue!!! I am so glad I took the time to come up with something right towards the very end of the deadline. I was on Facebook with Lorelei about the same time, and am so glad she encouraged me to keep submitting my work to publications! Stringing is one of my favorite magazines, so you can understand my joy when I got the email that said, Congratulations!

Secondly, we put an offer on a bank owned house and after much negotiations over a few thousand dollars the same day I heard the news about Stringing, the bank agreed to accept our offer! I felt like a million bucks! We’ve been looking for a house FOREVER it seems, and well, while I am still skeptical that there may be more bumps on this house road until we get to closing, I was still happy. That afternoon we went to the real estate office to sign the requested documents and enjoyed talking with the realtor about the process we’ve been through with our search for a house over the past year! Yes, it has almost been a year since we began looking. I pray now that the appraisal, inspections, and paperwork all goes through as smoothly as possible. This house has an extra bedroom that I can make a great bead room out of – and I dreaming of it now! I just don’t want to get too excited and jinx it, because the last house didn’t meet its appraisal.

Okay-so out my super exciting day, when we were leaving the real estate office, I pulled out the parking lot to a red-light, and out of nowhere, I hit someone! Uggh, are you kidding! That car was nowhere in sight when I started to pull out. This was such a bummer. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but now I have a damaged car that has to be in the shop for like 3 weeks, and of course my car had the most damage. You know they don’t run the same after an accident, even though the body shop says, “it will be fixed good as new.” I am skeptical. And on top of that, I was cited a ticket – moving violation, gees! I have been good driver for a long time, and now this happens. Totally burst my bubble – totally.

On top of that, as I mentioned before, we rented out our condo, and this morning I got a call stating that my unit had water leaking from one of the showers down into another unit! Seriously, what else can happen? Now, in Florida, the statues say the association is responsible for it so it is not a huge expense for us, and it is not too big of a deal. We got a plumber out there fixing the issue, and the expense was minimal. But, still, it is the inconvenience of the whole thing that bothers me. Sometimes, last week, I felt like my world was/is crashing all around me. And it seems like if it’s not one thing it is another, or it has become issue after issue. I am tired of these little issues. They are like ugly blemishes that don’t go away and cause stress! Did I mention, I got a fairly sized pimple last week – just thought I’d put that out there into my mix of drama. C’mon, I am 27 years old, and I have a pimple like a 16 year old on my face – what is that all about? Like, what is that? Enough already!

Big Sigh, (breathe in – breathe out). I guess I can’t complain too much because it could’ve been worse, for any of those situations, and I know that God was watching out for me in the accident. And there was some little bit of goodness in there to help me through the week. I hope, hope, hope that this will be a much better week I plan to relax some; try to play with my new camera lens, because it arrived on Friday and I plan to work on some photos for my catalog and personal website, and possibly bead up some new creations.

I hope you all have great week, if you are reading this, and to kick it off right, I am doing a give-a-way! My first one ever! So get excited! I will give one lucky person my Caribbean Castaway bracelet – my best seller so far on Etsy. You can view it here! Just leave a comment and I will pick one lucky winner on Wednesday!

Ciao!

This Crazy, Busy, also Beautiful life!

2010-07-11T17:32:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it has been almost another month since I've been on here to blog....

Where do I begin, the title, of this post says it all. In part though, to share a little more of the crazy, my hubby and I have been looking for a new house to buy, and rent out the condo. While we were getting ready to go to our closing, the appraisal for the house we were buying came in at $20,000 less in value than what we wanted to buy it for! Crazy, right! well, of course the sellers didn't want to sell it for less, and the bank doesn't allow you to buy it for more than what is worth. So needless to say, we didn't get to buy it! I guess its the economy, but ya know, we just wanted to buy this house, it seemed perfect, but all of our family and friends have said that there is something else better out there for us (maybe a pre-set beading room??!). So the hunt continues, and possibly we have a few options in the works and I am giving it to God him to open the doors to the right house for us, and soon!

Now, it gets crazier.... we found out about the news above as we were moving stuff out of the condo because have a tenant moving in! What turned into, possibly a two week stay at the parentals prior to closing, has turned in to, well, we don't know how long we are staying situation!!! Yes, hubby, puppy, and I are in my old room that I grew up in with the basics, clothes, shoes, and of course beads until we move into our new home.... which at this point, when and where that new home is, I don't know! Half my beading studio is packed up in bins, in storage, and for now, I've the got the necessities, beads, tools, wire, findings, and such.

So the past few weeks have been busy with moving... seems others in the blogging world have been on the move as well. Sue Runyon talks about it in her blog and so does has Karen at Girl. Inspired.

To add on top of the Crazy, Busy part... my mom just had knee replacement surgery, and she is home as of yesterday, with nurses and therapist visits to help her back in recovery! She's a tough bird, and I think she is gonna do just fine, but still that is a lot pain my momma had to go through. My knee hurts just thinking of the pain, and get this... she has these little 30 minute drill things she has to do, lunges, and knee lifts!!!! Painful, but necessary for recovery.

And now, for the Beautiful that's been happening these past few weeks! Well, where do I begin? My brother, asked is beautiful girlfriend to marry him last week! Of course, she said yes, and would you know she has a gorgeous ring too! I am excited to possibly help her plan her wedding, and offer to make her some bridal jewelry - did I mention she has also become one of my bestest friends - I couldn't be happier for them! She's a great friend, and mentioned her before on my blog.

On top of that, I've had these ideas of making a bridal jewelry catalog of all the jewelry I create for brides brides and their bridal party. I want to use the catalog as a tool to hopefully get some wholesale accounts with the local bridal shops in town, and found a great graphic artist through Etsy, who has done a catalog before, and I excited to work with her on this project.

I just ordered this new Macro lens from BH Photo and can't wait to get it, so I can start taking some better close-ups, sharp as a tack, pictures of my jewelry! I have these visions in mind, and I hope I can bring them to life.... will keep you updated on my progress as I go through it.

Well, that's me for now..... and I promise to try to blog a little more often, and not leave so much time in between in this Crazy, Busy, also Beautiful Life!

Pretty in Pink and Web Design!

2010-06-16T22:26:00.007-04:00

So... it has been awhile since I've blogged... I know, I know, I haven't been on here since late May!

I have been working with Shanice from Simplee Stated - she's a web designer, and we've been working on a new overall look my jewelry designs, for my blog, which you see now, my Etsy shop, and my website design.

I recently switched my website hosting from Microsoft Office Live Small Business to Shoppe Pro. And, boy, am I glad I made the switch. yes, Microsoft was free, but in all honesty, you get what you pay for. With Microsoft, there is never any live support, and if I needed support, I had to email them, and just wait for someone to write back, and then hope I only understood whatever mumble jumble they were telling me. Go over to Shoppe Pro, sign on and get an account with Shoppe Pro (yes there is a small fee) and I have support, help forums, email, phone, whatever, you name and they help you. They easily switched my domain from Microsoft to theirs, and trust me - for someone who doesn't know much about html, and website coding stuff, that seemed like a nightmare, but with them, I blinked, and it was done... literally!

So now, I have a nice new hosting domain, and what I think is a sweet design for my website. I still have a little bit of way to go to get it live, but thanks to Shanice, and her help and design abilities, I am pretty happy! I love the pink and teal, and the sweetness the damask brings. It's girly and fun, sophisticated. What is really cool, is that where the large photo is in the center... it won't be just a photo, it will be a flash photo slide show of my jewelry pieces. I need to get better photos, but in the mean time, I think it will draw you. Here's a screen shot of the site before it goes live!

I hope to use this site to sell my bridal collection pieces, and in general have a site for information about me, and my jewelry making efforts. And, to use Etsy for the one of a kind pieces I create. I am pretty excited about it!

Next, up will be to create some sort of wholesale catalog because I'd love to get my bridal jewelry into some local bridal shoppes in town. if anyone has any ideas on how to do this, or even knows ways to approach stores for wholesale accounts, leave a comment... and let a girl know!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think, and if you have suggestion, let me know too!

Beading Fun with Lorelei and Lisa!

2010-05-27T19:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege to meet some of the beading industry's finest. It was such a royal treat for me!

If you have never met Lorelei Eurto, and love making beaded jewelry, then I hope one day you do get the pleasure to meet her in person. First off, I was greeted by her warm smile, and a hug as if we've been friends forever! She's a super fun girl to giggle and laugh with, who is real, and down earth. She is always full of helpful information relating to anything jewelry, beads, books, magazines and good ole business sense. She's got nothing but passion and creativity, and is a lively girl to be around. Honored to have been in her company for the day, I feel lucky to have found such a great inspirational beading and blogging friend.

Lisa of Lucid Moon Studio is a sweet girl who also joined us for the afternoon of fun bead shopping, mall shopping, dinner and great conversation. She's got such a great style in the jewelry she creates, and I couldn't stop staring at her lovely bird necklace and earrings she was wearing. She showed us her new resin pendants she made, which I was fascinated by, and even was lucky enough to purchase one... not sure I can let this one go. I will definitely have to hold onto it for a while. Hopefully, she will be setting up a new Etsy shop soon to sell her fabulous supplies! What's great about Lisa, is that I discovered she's about 2 hours away, and is someone I could catch up with from time to time for a little beading fun!

Overall, it was delightful, fun, exciting, and a great learning experience for a newer jewelry maker, business owner, and beader, such as myself. We had endless conversations about everything from, of course, beading to blogging, to business sense, and Moo cards, my driving, fitness and nutrition, to photography and weddings, to marriage, and also the hopes for children some day. We discussed the famous Etsy, and all the avenues it has provided to us for our jewelry, all the great artists out there, as well as all of the endless possibilities to creating unique custom jewelry. These ladies' company was awesome, and I hope that one day, I will be able to meet back up with them in the future!

Thanks for the lasting memory, girls!

Happy Beading.

New Designs for my shop...

2010-05-23T13:42:00.005-04:00

Some new items I am posting in my shop this week!

I call this one Beautiful.. it reminds me of the type of necklace my mother or grandmother would wear, and as a little girl, I remember watching them get dressed up for dinner or some event, thinking how Beautiful they looked, hoping one to day to be able to dress up like them, looking just as beautiful!

This bracelet, I think is very fun... it is made with one of Cathy Collison's bottlecap beads - Guinness - which is my husband's favorite dark beer. I'd like to think of the drink as as a beer "milkshake" if you will. If you haven't seen Cathy's famous bottle cap beads...you must check out her site here. There is loads of creative vintage bottle caps transformed into unique beads!

On a different note... Lorelei Eurto is coming to Florida this weekend, and I hope to be able to meet up with her during her time here.... it is not everyday that you get to meet such a great artist!

Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Treasury Time!!!!

2010-05-17T22:57:00.003-04:00

I love Etsy treasuries.... and tonight, I created one just for Funzies!

Check it out, and leave me a comment!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=131841

My additon to the treasury is the Citrus and Lime Soda Bracelet! Isn't it too cute? perfect for summer!

Just thoguht I share my lil bit of promoting....

Special Request Coming right Up!!!

2010-05-12T21:41:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I love it when I get a request from someone to make "something special" for someone who is special in the lives of others. First of all, its an honor, because they asked you to make it, and second, they trust your talent enough as if it were straight from a high end store or catalog. And third, they love your creativity to bring out the "awesome-ness" in the design, making it a fabulous one of a kind piece of jewelry for its owner!

I just absolutely love it! Jewelry is a personal thing, and I feel that it must, well, be you! It needs to have some sort of meaning, characteristic, charm, or bit of personality that speaks out loud and represents just a little inside peak to you! It's rather Dashing, don't you think?

Anyhow... a friend of mine, Tracy B. asked me to create a special bracelet for a special woman of her sisterhood Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. AKA is an organization that does all sorts of fundraising events for scholarships and grants for all sorts of charities and initiatives. Ms. Sally played a key role in the organization of one of the chapter's philanthropies. Because of her efforts, her chapter received a designation. Way to go Sally! .... and as a token of appreciation for her hard work, Sally will be not only be applauded, but also publicly recognized this Saturday by her local chapter President presenting her with a certificate from their National Chapter and this "pink & green" (chapter colors) bracelet created especially for her!

I added a single pearl to the design because the AKA ladies are also known for their 20 Pearls Collection which is an apparel line created in the true spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation!

Thanks Tracy for thinking of me to create this meaningful bracelet design for such a wonderful person. I really enjoyed the process and again, am honored to create something for such an accomplishment!

New Design.....

2010-05-06T21:25:00.002-04:00

Okay.... so I have been away for a bit.. it has been crazy busy these past few weeks!

Check out the new blog design, do you like?? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Want to get your design, then visit Shanice at SimpleeStated and she will hook you up!

Ciao~
Layne

Cast Your Vote!

2010-04-12T20:18:00.007-04:00

So I entered a contest a Stringing Magazine.... and I am quite proud of myself and the work I did!. After taking a class on PMC recently, I decided to make this wonderful PMC guitar for my creation to be entered into the Stringing Rock N Roll Contest! My entry is #24 at the link below... so cast your vote today!

http://www.stringingmagazine.com/gallery/Rock-and-Roll

After making the guitar, and stringing it all together, I was quite pleased and feel as if I have a very notable entry! Wish me luck!!!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T22:58:00.006-04:00

The weekend has come to an end, and what a beautiful one it was, especially this Easter Day! I am happy, for this is day the lord has risen, and such a wonderous day it is!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday and their weekend....

Check out one of my latest creations..... Waterlilly by Moonlight.

This beauty was super fun to make, and I just love the dangling stone. I love it because it can go with so much, and the black and silver just works so well together. It will make a bold statement for sure. I will be putting in my etsy shop soon.

Don't you just love Spring, and all the new things it brings with it? I love the feeling of being renewed, refreshed - ready for new things!

Lots of Fun!!!

2010-03-29T22:52:00.010-04:00

A few days after the bridal show, I was invited to attend the Diva's Fashion Clothes Xchange in Lake Mary. What an exciting event is all I can say. Because I know Patti Manzo the most fabulous wedding planner (www.getmetothealter.com) - was able to hook me up with a table for my jewelry for the event.

Get this - you bring five articles of clothing with you, and in exchange you get 5 marbles to pay for the "new to you" items you will pick out when its your turn to shop. Meanwhile, its a show or "mini mall" if you will of fabulous people selling their products, from diet chocolates, to spa experiences, cooking classes, wine tasting, special services, photography, and much much more. By the end of the night, I was having a blast, and selling my jewelry too! I did really well, thank you Patti for the invite. (www.clothesxchange.org)

Over this past weekend I visited my father near Cocoa Beach and took a Precious Metal Clay class with Dave Wayment of AA Stained Glass & More in Sebastian, FL. Metal Clay is my new passion for jewelry making, and have been wanting to incorporate into some of my designs. A while back I posted about my first attempts to learn metal clay, and after taking Dave's class - I feel as if I learned even more about it. The pictures below are my class projects that my stepmother and I created. She attended the class with me, and I think what we made turned out pretty well. My favorite is the butterfly pendant which I will be making into a necklace - perfect for spring and just in time to wear on Easter Sunday!

Layne

Spring is here....

2010-03-22T11:41:00.002-04:00

Spring is officially here as of this past weekend, and with that being said, I have been a busy little bee with my jewelry!

With the coming of Spring, I have been working on my Bridal Collection in my shop; lots of Brides are underway to planning their weddings and looking for the perfect accessories to go with their ensembles as well as for heart-felt gifts for their Bridesmaids. Yesterday was an exciting day, as I had a booth at the local Bridal Exhibit. Over 200 Brides were registered and attended the show with families!

Thank you to all of my friends who helped me prepare for the event the week before. Katie with her pricing and accounting methods to keep all my bookkeeping straight and her design suggestions for my collection, my mother and grandmother who’s hands prepared over 200 “Something Blue” pins and poem postcards to hand out to all the brides, Maria for her hard work in setting up my booth and taking care of my dress form stand “Bead-trice”, and Lindee for her exceptional ability to quickly learn all the intricate details of each piece in the collection to advise the Brides of all the options available to them – such great salesmanship. You ladies are the best of friends a beading girl could ask for, and for that I consider you all my diamonds! I also can’t forget my wonderful brother who kept us laughing the week before as we prepared, and my hubby for all of his clever ideas for jewelry stands and earring displays!

Want to see the collection… Visit my shop at www.layneydasher.etsy.com and look under the Bridal Section.

Layne

Vacation... and a little beading fun!!!!

2010-02-23T16:49:00.006-05:00

I am on vacation this week skiing in North Carolina, and I love it! The weather has been pretty good for the most part. So far only one day has been rainy and foggy. Instead of skiing we decided to go down the mountain in Boone to do some shopping and hanging around. Luckily for me, I got to visit the Bead Box on King street. Awesome shop, I got some neat little goodies you see above, and was excited to pick up those evil eye pendants. My best friend is Greek and she just loves these, especially in her jewelry. I am going to surprise her with something special. I also got these neat little lampwork turtles, and some larger seed beads or e-beads. Can't wait to get them home and make something!

After visiting the Bead Box, we hopped over to the Mast General Store and shopped around for a bit there. I picked up some Badger Balm to use when making my metal clay pieces - I think this might work just a little bit better than the vegetable oil I have been using. After the General Store, we popped into an antique store - which was really cool. I saw a really neat old wooden tool box of some sort that I might of been able to make into a really cool bead cabinet, but two problems, they wanted over $750 dollar for it, and 2ND, I had no way to get home, it was heavy and sturdy (good and solid!!) but expensive to ship home.

Later on, in the store, I found a nice vintage key! When I went to check out the shop owner asked me if i wanted any more, and of course when I said sure, she plopped down a huge tin box for me to look through. I settled on these three keys to make some unique one of a kind pieces with... not sure what just yet, but I know it will be fun to create with!

Loving my vacation North Carolina, missing my beading, but will be home soon!

Ciao ~ Layne

Metal Clay... a new love in jewelry making!

2010-02-17T20:30:00.004-05:00

Lately I have had the desires to work with this new medium, metal clay, (it is new to me) or also known as PMC. So, I have bought books, magazines, read blogs, bought a metal clay kit and purchased two types of metal clay - metal clay silver and PMC3. After playing around with it, my favorite one to work with thus far, is the PMC3 - it just seems smoother and more manageable for a little bit longer. I made some pendants and little charms, and am really quite pleased with how it all works. Okay, I love what it does.... it's like magic, seriously!

Basically, you take the clay, mold it and roll it out, make the shape and impressions you want, let dry, file it, fire it (I bought one of those mini torches) and then file it some more, burnish it and shine it up into a magnificent little masterpiece! It is such a neat process! When its all said and done, the clay is gone, and the piece is a hard - pure silver (.999 as a matter of fact) charm or pendant - depending on what you are designing.

The bracelet above features a metal clay charm I made for a friend at work who does photography on the side - MistyE Photography. I love the chain and crystals too, a nice touch with that sweet little metal charm - of course, handmade by me! I love what metal clay can do, and I love how you make it into something unique, special, and truly one of a kind!

Now.... I've got my eye on a kiln! It let's your fire more than one piece at a time!

New Bridal Designs..... Waterfall

2010-02-08T20:00:00.003-05:00

The Waterfall Necklace:
Swarovski crystals asymmetrically placed on this necklace flow similar to the continously changing, shaping, and lively waters of a waterfall. As your heart awakens to new a new life in love, remember the waters of the a waterfall, as you become one on your wedding day.

Just Some Stuff I've Been Working On...

2010-02-03T21:10:00.005-05:00

Dancing Heart Earrings.... these were inspired by the upcoming Valentines Day! These will be listed on my shop soon!

Seaside Sparkle.... something to remind us that Spring is on its way!

Back to Beading!

New Designs

2010-01-28T19:23:00.007-05:00

I have been beading away... and I am excited to show off these latest designs that I have been working on. It is exciting to see my style of jewelry evolve into a fun, casual, and inspirational piece, as well as a classy and sophisticated piece of jewelry.

Butterfly Garden Party Bracelet!
This bracelet is made from different metal findings, including the cute little butterflies in between the links and wooden teal beads. I feel like they are a reminder that spring is just around the corner. The focal bead is similar to the sun, and the toggle clasp - a favorite - has an intricate flower detail!

Midnight Moon Bracelet
I love the focal point bead on this bracelet. It reflects dark blues, and teals, and accents nicely with the gun metal chain. And the dark glass beads have tiny specks of black in them, which reminds of the a night out beneath the moon.

Vintage Romantic Bracelet
I was thinking of Valentines Day when I began to make this bracelet. It features a variety of different styles and types of beads, from the pink wooden rose, to the lampwork heart glass bead, to the silver filigree heart that I bought from another Etsy seller. This charm bracelet is lovely!

The Start of a New Week and alot of 2nd's!

2010-01-25T21:14:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it has been a week since my last post!

I have been a busy little beader and small-time business girl.

For starters, I was able to obtain another Treasury on Etsy, so it was my 2nd time that I was able to show off all my favorite things on etsy!

I also got my 2nd sale on Etsy! Thanks to my mother for promoting my shop to all of her lovely frineds at her work who enjoy all my handmade goods!

And, after dropping off my latest bridal party order, I ventured over to Ikea and bought a 2nd beading table, or what Ikea call the Vikamon Desk! So I am happy to say, that I am rounding all of those "firsts", and moving on to my "seconds"... LOL!

I am excited, and so only a short post tonight, I have got to get back to beading!!!!

Ciao~

Layne

My Treasury: All Things Pink!

2010-01-18T22:02:00.004-05:00

So tonight I was able to get a Treasury on Etsy!

You will have to go out and see all the beautiful things out there I have chosen for my "All Things Pink" treasury list. I even chose one of my own, the Tickled Pink Bracelet as a feature.

You can find the treasury at the Etsy link below!

Happy Looking!

Layne

Bridal Party Order is Complete!

2010-01-11T20:04:00.013-05:00

When I came home from work this afternoon, one of my shipment of supplies had arrived, and I was so excited to begin working on a bridal party order I have. Since the design the bride wanted for her bridesmaids was quite simple, I was to actually complete the entire order this evening!

Now all that is left is packaging and wrapping them up for delivery. I am quite pleased, and have begun to discover that once I have a design pattern down pat, I pick up my pace a little. I think the first bridal party jewelry I made took me several nights to complete. And now I am doing well in just one night.

I hope to come up with even more designs soon!

Layne

Productive Weekend!

2010-01-11T00:18:00.005-05:00

This weekend has been nothing but productive for my jewelry business.

As you can see, I updated the look and layout of my blog, I also attended a wholesale bead show on Saturday. I found some really great contacts for purchasing whoelsale and made some great buys for some future designs.

This afternoon, I worked on a few pieces, and took photos of the items to be listed in my online shop. I also worked on a "custom" necklace for a bridal party order I have in the works. After taking photos, I added the few items to my shop, and am now updating my blog.

Stay tuned for more photos of my upcoming designs.... I hope to be able to post more soon!

Layne

Ode to the new year of 2010!

2010-01-03T15:55:00.003-05:00

I'd like to toast to the new year of 2010!

I look forward to the moments it will bring, the experiences, the lessons, and the fun times to be shared by all.

As we look to the new year, I also look forward to growing my jewelry business. In preparations for the new year and creations I will be working on, I have also been working on the "business" side of things. Such as obtaining the proper licenses, tax id's, name filings, etc. No, it is not the most exciting thing in the world, however, it is exciting to see my visions of being a Jewelry Artist come to life.

I've been working on some new designs and hope to have them posted on my etsy shop soon, so stay tuned to the new bridal collection and spring pieces I've been working on. I've also decided to freshen up my product packaging, and have ordered new supplies for my studio to beautifully wrap up my pieces and collections for customers.

I am excited and in anticipation for the new beginning's of the new year, I look forward to a great 2010!

Mistletoe Marketplace....

2009-12-13T21:22:00.010-05:00

Mistletoe Marketplace - Craft Fair

I have to say, that doing a craft show is quite an experience. And, after three days of doing one, I am tired. But, it was worth it, and loads of fun!

I got there early on the first day to make sure I had plenty of time to set up my booth and layout all of my handmade goodies. I was placed in the room with Santa, which was great because of the flow of traffic constantly coming in. While people waited in line to see Santa, their parents would browse and shop at my booth. There were three or four other jewelry vendors at the event in total, and the coordinator planned for each of us to be located in different rooms throughout the event, which I thought was good. All the other jewelry vendors had very nice booths, and I must say, we all made different types of jewelry.

I think I made some pretty good sales, I made back the entry fee for the show and then some! Of course, all my earnings will go right back into buying more beads and replenshing stock. I also had several people take my business card, and said they'd check out my online shop!

Thankful for Katie...

My good friend Katie (she's like a sister to me) sat with me for two of three nights, and I was so thankful to have her there. She made sure I had something to drink, (which was a good idea too, because I didn't realize all the questions the public would have about my jewelry, such as how I got started, etc.) and on the second night, which was the busiest, she brought me loose change to keep in my cash box - just in case. Did I mention she works for a major bank, and is very good at helping me price my items, and keeping my business expenses straight. So sweet of her to help me on my small business endeavor. She also did a food run for me so I didn't have to leave the booth. She's the best beading assistant you could ask for... right now, I pay her in free jewelry! Thank you, Katie!

Raffle for Jewelry...

Saturday night, the last night of the show, wasn't as busy as I had hoped it would be, and quite frankly, I was glad. There was a lot more entertainment going on in other buildings so it was nice to get a break after the first two days. After the first night, I decided to do a raffle, and drew out the lucky winner's name on Saturday near closing time for a free pair of earrings. The winner was Debbie from Party Lite candles, who happened to have her own vendor booth in my room. Congrats Debbie!

All in all...

I met loads of great people, which will also be great contacts for future networking events and shows. One vendor also gave me some great information about an upcoming bridal show next year! So now, I am thinking about planning for that... just an idea for now, but I am excited, and can't wait to start working on it! I think I will do this show next year. I have already thought of several things to make my booth better in the future.

Ciao~

Layne

My First Show!!!

2009-12-08T19:19:00.003-05:00

Okay... so I happened to get in last minute at a local craft show called Mistletoe Marketplace, and I am excited. I have never done a show before, so this will definitely be a learning experience for future shows to come.

To get ready for the show, I purchased 3 6 foot tables, yes you have bring your own number, a mirror, and have been I have been feverishly looking for black tablecloths. Nobody carries them, and figured these things are just the basics for a show. Oh, and, of course, I have been working on my inventory.... all the while had to fill a custom order for a lady at my day job. Its has been crazy busy..... but I can't wait.

On top of that, it three evenings, yes 3! So it will be like doing 3 shows over three days.. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. But I thought this was a great opportunity to get my name out there and to start driving interest to my shop! I will have to take pictures to share and post them here on my blog, so stay tuned!

Layne

P.S. - There's something coming...... and it involves a prize to a winner! It could be you!

New Earrings Just Listed!

2009-11-29T16:27:00.004-05:00

All morning I have been working on adding new items to my shop! Check out my shop to see a preview of some of the great pieces recently added. Shop my Etsy shop! http://www.layneydasher.etsy.com/

Saying Thanks!

2009-11-25T23:04:00.002-05:00

It is the night before our Thanksgiving Day, and well, quite frankly, I have loads to be thankful for...

I am thankful for the little things in life like the cute little face of my Yorkie when she awakens in the morning, my start of my beading jewelry business, my health, the marriage to my wonderful husband, the many good times we've had with family and friends, the laughter, the cries, the lessons learned, and the love we've all shared. It has been a great year and there's many other things that have made it a year of blessings.

One thing I've come to realize is that while good food, good friends and family, make for good times, there is also all the little imperfect moments in between life that take us from one to the next, that are also little things to be grateful for.

Earlier this evening my husband and I ordered take out on our way home from the home improvement store. We had to make a trip there more than once, because we had previously purchased the wrong type of light bulbs for the ceiling fans in our bedroom... which I didn't know certain bulbs would actually ruin a fan, but so be it, it can. So while my husband and I made trips back and forth to the home improvement stores in search of the correct "remote thingy and bulbs" and while dealing with a new clerk each time we returned, only to be told something different each time, with a new purchase, the situation grew more and more frustrating, and yet I found myself, well... happy, and not upset at all.

Now, if you know me pretty well, I would be lying if I didn't say that little things such as these can really bug me, or frustrate me, but not today.

Today, I enjoyed the fact that I was healthy, that we had the money to buy such crazy things in this nutty economical world, and not to worry about it. It is just ceiling and light fans, yes, another expense, another problem to fix right before the holiday when you have a list of things you should be doing. But instead, it was a difference of attitude or mood for some reason it wasn't so bad either that it was wet and raining outside and my pants were getting wet, or that our food was getting cold.

True, we ended up with newer brighter lights in our bedrooms and... I can see those beads much better than before, but that wasn't really it. Something different...

Sometimes it is easier to dwell on the negative things going in the world or in your life and frown upon them and then become frustrated even more when things don't quite as planned.

For whatever reason God allowed this quirky little thing to happen, I must say, it was so I could possibly be reminded to just be thankful for the simple little crazy things in life, the little in between moments that make up the bulk of our lives and to not forget to stop and pause, and be thankful!

So with that, I challenge you, I encourage you to stop on this Thanksgiving Day to soak up the sun, or the rain, .....whatever your day may bring you. Never mined if your turkey burns, or someone forgets to bring the rolls, or that your tire blows out on you on your way to your aunt Jay's house, just take a deep breath, and be thankful for the little moments in life that help you to remember the story, and those holidays with the crazy nutty details that bring you together with the memories of the year you will never forget.... and well....... be Thankful!

Layne

Ohhh what a weekend, and a Monday!

2009-11-16T21:10:00.004-05:00

Ohhh what a weekend, and a Monday!

First off, Friday night was great, I had dinner out with my hubby, and prepared driving directions for Saturday's bead show!

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to meet my mom for breakfast at my best friend's family restaurant... which was fabulous! They are such great cooks! We then headed off the Mineral & Gem Show of central Florida! When we arrived, it was much smaller than I intended, but I still made the best of.. I met some great artists and made friends with some vendors that I bought some supplies from! All in all, some great purchases! Then we headed back home, and made a few stops at some stores like IKEA, where I got a new table for beading for $20 bucks (so worth it, and so sturdy) It looks great and has lots of space for me to spread out all my beads! Then we ended our day in Target - another fabulous place where I got my label maker to start organizing all my beads. I have quite the collection, and well, I was starting to forget what I had.... how could I forget what beads I had!!! Anyway, I love the label maker, and so my spare bedroom will soon be transformed into a Spectacular Beading Studio!

Sunday, hubby and I had our Christmas card photo taken by my fabulous photographer friend Misty of MistyE Photography. Check out her site: http://mistyephotos.zenfolio.com/ and blog http://www.mistyephotos.blogspot.com.

And then today, yes I took off from work, I joined my friend at a photography workshop to get some better insight on taking better photos of my jewelry for my shop and site!

And finally, this evening I joined a jewelry artists team at etsy.... check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user id=6339017
and team blog at http://www.ejdssteam.blogspot.com/

What a busy, jammed packed weekend!

Stay tuned.... more to come on my beading and my newly re-organized, decorated studio!

Layne

www.layneydasher.etsy.com
www.layneydasher.com

Local Visits and Gifts!

2009-11-12T22:05:00.008-05:00

This evening was an exciting one!

I started off the evening by having dinner with my dad, Jessie and Mema. Jessie's birthday is on the 20th of November, and since my hubby and I won't see her on her birthday, I gave her something I made. And, I must say, it fits nicely on her. It is made of 18k gold chain, with a wire-wrapped Venetian glass bead. The bead, also the focal point, came from her travels of Italy she and my father just took. So this piece is extra special, because it will remind them of their trip together. Then, hanging from the bead, is an 8mm Swarovski Amethyst bicone that sparkles. Just perfect for this year's Fall season! It was a hit, and she really liked having it.

* The picture is a little blurry, but that is one thing I am working on, taking better pictures. I am currently enrolled in a digital photography class as the local college, gaining pro tips and insight.

The second part of the evening, my father, hubby, and I attended the local Polk Mineral & Gem Club meeting. Very interesting to see and hear of other artists out there of different sorts. Some takeaways from the meeting were hearing about the William Holland School, and the future Gem & Jewelry/Bead Shows. I can't wait!

Another great day of resources found..... just dashing around!

-Layney

The Beading & Jewelry Making Community

2009-11-12T00:12:00.004-05:00

Okay... so today I found some really great things through Etsy's "featured seller" articles. I found an article that led me to another jewelry artist's blog, which is very interesting. Check it out.... www.originalhandmade.blogspot.com - what a true inspiration.

I've discovered there is whole world out there in the beading and jewelry making industry. There is so much to know and learn, so much to do. The thing is how am I going to find all the time to do it in????

So... First things first. I have set up a jewelry shop, and happen to already have my own website, so naturally this blog, was the next step to networking. And, it's a beautiful thing! I hope to find other artists out there to help me grow and develop in my jewelry making and designs. Too exciting!

Stay tuned.... because there is going to be way more to come!!!

Hello!

2009-11-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my first blog entry...

Find me here to dish on all my latest beading and jewelry making adventures.

Layne

http://www.layneydasher.etsy.com/

http://www.layneydasher.com/