Jill's Treasures

Moon Phases

2012-01-16T16:58:00.001-08:00

You were born during a Waning Crescent moon

This phase occurs right before the new moon.

- what it says about you -

You appreciate closure. It bothers you when people promise to do something and then don't follow through. You want to able to right the wrongs of the past. Studying history motivates you to improve the world. You put a lot of hope in the future and look forward to seeing technology and progress improve our lives.

What phase was the moon at on your birthday? Find out at Spacefem.com

Incarnate!

2012-01-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

I got my copy of this gorgeous book by my daughter, Jodi Meadows today! I'm so happy, and so proud of her. It's coming out January 31, 2012!!!

I love you, Jodi!

Mom

Hidden Ridge Road Gifts

2011-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hidden Ridge Road Gifts is the name of my new ArtFire shop featuring commercial items. Some of these items have been previously featured in my personal website by the same name. I opened this shop because I thought ArtFire might give me more exposure than I was able to get on my own. Many of these items are left from my bricks and mortar shop in Texas, Gifts and More, which I closed in 2003.

This elephant family is made of ceramic, and I love the way they are standing together like a family does.
I've always loved this Wolf. I can almost hear his mournful song.

This Candle Holder is made of acrylic, keeping it inexpensive and light. It looks beautiful with a lit candle placed on top.

I plan to bring more items to this shop. Keep checking!!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Texas Friends

2011-10-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I live kn Mississippi now. But I lived in the Austin, Texas area for 30 years and went to college in Texas for 4 years before that. I have family and friends still living there. So I have roots in Texas. When I discovered the Texas Friends Team only required that you love Texas, not live there, I was quick to join.

One of the first people I met from that team was Carol, from AustinLeighDesigns She creates gorgeous jewelry such as these earrings!

Beth, from BerryBlueCreations, is the captain of this team. I love her big floppy hats, like this one.

I love fused glass, and Peggy, from IIntoTheLight Creations makes some beautiful things. And check out her shop for a sale going on!!!

It's amazing to me how a simple cross can be created in so many different ways.

BooBooZoo Creates items to help with pain relief!!! They are both fun and functional!

Lots of other cute and functional things in her shop!

CorkyCrafts is proof that wonderful things can be made from humble items. I would never have imained all the things one could do with corks!!!

Too cute!!!

These are only a few of my team mates in this friendly team. For more items, search Txfriends team in your Etsy search!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

MrPenQuin

2011-10-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Judy Nolan is the owner of the Etsy shop MrPenQuin. Who is Mr. PenQuin? The answer is on her Etsy profile.

"What's the story behind MisterPenQuin? When my husband and I first got married, he was in the Navy, and we were often many miles apart, at times with an ocean between us. This was before e-mail and cell phone conversations were possible, so my husband became a good letter writer. He signed all of his letters with a little penguin wearing a top hat, known as Mister PenQuin. So, now you know the story!"

According to Judy's shop announcement, Mr PenQuin features unique papercrafted gifts and accents that help you to be more organized and creative...to encourage self expression. Recently, Judy has been combining her loves of papercrafting with her love for yarn and felting projects to bring her "Inspiration Books."
These books are lovely works of art with removable pages so you can use your lovely covers over and over.

Inspiration Book Blue Inspiration Book

Green Inspiration Book Inspiration Book in Lavenders

Judy also features Brag books and her new Gratitude Books, perfect for the Thanksgiving season!!

Gratitude Book

Visit MrPenQuin for your special books. A perfect gift for someone special.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

2011-10-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Oscar the Little Owl. He is ceramic and was slip cast. He's been painted with acrylic paints and sealed with an acrylic sealer for protection. Look for him in my Etsy shop.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

PickleBerry Trifles

2011-10-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Judi, owner of PickleBerry Trifles, says that she lives in a world of ideas. And I believe that to be true. Judi's new shop is a wonder of creativity and beauty. Her popular bib necklaces are unique and lovely.

Flower Bib Statement Necklace Necklace in Ruby and Black Sing The Blues Flower Bib

These lovely necklaces would be perfect for holiday wear and would dress up that little black dress to make a stunning ensemble.

Imagine how these gorgeous brooches would make a dress look.

Romantic Coral Brooch Turquoise and Teal Brooch

And my personal favorite, these lovely earrings.

Vintage Lace Beaded Earrings

You can also find Judi at Vintage Legacy Studio and Pocket Comfort

Greeting Card Art Quilt Print

You won't be disappointed when you visit any of Judi's shops!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

EMHGraphics

2011-09-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

EMHGraphics is more commonly known to many of us on the BBEST Team as Chauncey! In Chauncey's shop, she makes love creations from glass. In her graphics shops, she designs wonderful banners, avatars, and now, cute mirrors with a printed picture. These are perfect for bridesmaids gifts, or some other gift when something special is desired, but you want a good price also.

Pocket Mirror Night Time Pocket Mirror- A Girl's Best Friend

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82031257/wedding-favors-bridesmaids-gifts-set-of

This is a set of 10 mirrors.

Check out EMGraphics new items.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Sensational Sunday

2011-06-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to post a few items from another Etsy team I'm on. This team is called Wild, Wise, and Witty Grandmamas! We all have one thing in common, we all have at least one grandchild and an active Etsy shop. I love this team! We certainly dispel any belief that grandparents are all old fuddy duddies! And think about it folks, we didn't grow up using the computer, so the fact that we're on Etsy and other venues shows how adaptable we are!

SewingGranny shows her talent and knowledge about how life has changed for many of us with this listing.

Mug Rug/ Coffee Coaster
I love the colors in this yarn bowl by JNPottery.

Yarn Bowl

MountainsideCrochet makes these adorable little animals. This one is one of my favorites!

Blue Turtle

And this great mouse pad from CircleintheSand

Coffee Cup Mouse Pad

Check out all the shops from WWWG. Just enter WWWG in the Etsy search box. You'll be amazed what you come up with!!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Fantastic Friday!!

2011-06-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

We all know that Fridays are Fantastic. They are even more fantastic when they are part of a long weekend!!! And what do I do on a nice long weekend. Well, work in the yard, of course, work with my ceramics and my shops. And I love to look at what my team mates from the BBEST Team have for sale!!

Original Purple Iris Painting

From HeronKate on Etsy

Fused Glass Dish by Chris1 on Etsy

Antique Lavender Cameo Brooch by VintageLegacyStudio

Hand Crocheted Table Centerpiece by BagsAndMoreByPam

With such great items to look at while I'm relaxing, any Friday is bound to be extra great!!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

For the Shriners

2011-05-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I have been involved with the Shriners for the past couple years. I am doing a fund raiser for the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Clinton Shrine Club here in Clinton, Mississippi. The Ladies Auxiliary raises and donates money for the Clinton Shrine Club and the Wahabi Shrine Temple in Jackson, Mississippi. The Shriners are well known for their Children's Hospitals, their maroon fezzes, and their appearance in parades.

I have a few items in my Etsy shop that are being sold as part of this fund raiser.

Tall Shriner Mug

Shriner Votive Holder

Ceramic Shriner Mug

And in my ArtFire shop!

Votive Holder with Shriner Emblem

If you know a Shriner, or someone who loves a Shriner, this will make a great gift!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Wonderful Weekend

2011-03-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Weekends are wonderful! I enjoy working on my ceramics and other crafts, working in my yard, and looking at the lovely things my Bbest team mates have in their shops.

I love looking at Monti's shop, GlitznGlass. She paints the most lovely flowers on glass.

And these lovely watercolors, silk paintings and more from ColoursAndTextures.

Her shop name is very descriptive of the items she has in her shop.

Chris does some amazing work with glass in her shop DesignsbyChristine.

These are only a few of the Bbest Team members and their work. Not only are they great artisans, but a wonderful group of friends!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

ss10001

2011-03-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have always been intrigued by macrame. It was something I never learned to do, but I was always attracted to macrame pot hangers, shelf hangers, and a wonderful hammock a friend owned. I was delighted to discover this shop that merges macrame with one of my other loves, jewelry.

ss10001 features handmade beaded micro macrame jewelry. She has wonderful watches. This one is one of my favorites.

Navajo Colors MicroMacrame Watch

I love the colors in this pendant.

turquoise-bead-embroidery-pendant

And these unique earrings will surely bring a compliment

micromacrame-earrings-in-margarita

Check out these and the other great jewelry in ss10001's shop. And search for BBEST team on Etsy for more great finds.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Marvelous Monday

2011-02-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

Must be a mistake, you say? How can a Monday be marvelous? Well, check out a few of these great items from some of my friends.
crochet head or neck-warmer-in-aqua

This by JNOriginals!

large-textured-bowl  by ArtsieLady!

long-cream-accent scarf by StitchesbyJulie !

   This lovely cocktail ring by Imaginuity!

   http://www.etsy.com/listing/68557749/beaded-crochet-flower-cocktail-ring-hand

funny-greeting-card-for-girlfriends-diet
Great card by SweetandSassyCards featuring Sassy Sophie!

See! Mondays are Marvelous with these great shops to browse in. Check out all the shops from the BBEST Team on Etsy!!!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Happy Almost Spring

2011-02-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

It feels like it is Spring Time in Mississippi. There are flowers blooming and I have my air conditioning on today!! I even edged around my house. This gorgeous weather makes it possible to work out in my ceramic shed also, so I've been pouring some new things and working with clay. Happy Days!
Here is one of my newest listings on Etsy!.

Wine Colored Votive Holder

I hope everyone has a great day!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Almost Christmas

2010-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Almost Christmas

It's almost Christmas. Isn't it interesting how our perspective on holidays changes as we get older? I remember being a little girl, waiting eagerly for presents and Santa Clause. Waiting to see family members we only saw during holidays. I remember my father coming in to tell us that Santa was just down the street and we'd better get to sleep or he would pass us by. Now really, what kid could sleep with all that excitement?

Then I was the mother, decorating the tree and shopping for presents for my own children, and my family of origin. I remember when my girls were small, I could take them to the toy store with me and get their presents, because they'd never remember what I'd gotten. I remember my husband and I staying up late to place items in the stocking, and Santa's presents under the tree. I remember lying in bed listening to children sneak out of their rooms to see what Santa had brought them.

I'm pretty sure they knew early on who Santa was, but we played the game and when they asked me, I told them Santa was the spirit of love and giving that lives in all of us.

Now 2 of my children have moved away and married. I have one teenage son at home and no husband. My son is only excited that he's off school, and that he'll get some things, hopefully money, for Christmas, so he can buy what he wants. Part of Christmas is that my coworkers with small children will be off, and I'll be working with less assistance. Part of it means there are lots of parties to go to with the man I'm dating. That part is fun!

There is not that same feeling of anticipation and magic that there once was. I won't have any extra relatives here for the holidays, and my friends will be busy with their families. My son will probably stay in his room with his computer and phone, hoping to hear from his friends, the people who have become more important in his life.

I will take this time at Christmas to reflect on the miracles and happiness of the year, as well as the sadder things that have happened. And I will be thankful for each as they can make me into the best person I can be. I will take time to decide which directions to take in the new year, and how best to accomplish my goals.

Father/Mother God, thank you for my friends and family, for the bad and good things in life, and for the lessons they teach.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Christmas is Coming!

2010-11-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming and this Santa is getting ready. He's checking with his kitten friends to see what they would like. I think the little one is whispering to him that she wants a new home with someone to love her.

Handmade Ceramic Santa with Cats

These little snowmen are busy proclaiming to happy thoughts associated with the holiday season.

Handmade Ceramic Love and Joy Snowmen

Holiday decorations add to the spirit of the season. Bring one of them to your home soon.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

More Meaningful Gifts

2010-09-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of associating with a wonderful group of Etsy sellers who post in the More Meaningful Gifts BNR. Basically, a BNR (Buy and Replace) consists of a group of people whose names are on a list. They promote each other and have a lot of fun chatting. In order to be included on the list, you have to buy from one of the sellers. Then your name replaces their name and they have to buy from someone in order to get back on. And so it goes. And it's gone for 2 years now with the Most Meaningful Gifts BNR.

This group was started by a lady named Dorana. She has a lovely shop with her designer gemstone and sterling silver jewelry.

gemstone-and

http://www.etsy.com/listing/11849956/purple-passion-double-strand-bracelet
I love the colors in this bracelet.

Ulixis Crafts is another active member of MMG who sells beaded jewelry.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44728771/onyx-damask-beaded-silver-necklace-with
I love the pattern on these beads. She has an amazing assortment of jewelry.

MooreTaste is a jewelry creator from Australia who does lovely metal work. I can imagine her hammering metal to get just the right texture for a piece.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56217447/bold-hammered-brass-cuff-gemstone-and
Kara Lennox is one of the original members of MMG, and the person who originally told me about the group. She has fun crocheted jewelry and notebook necklaces, ACEO's and more.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55531583/nubby-crochet-button-bracelet-in-bright Her work is bright and fun!

Galla15 has gorgeous jewelry in her shop. I'm partial to her rings, and am the happy owner of one of them.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51047209/swarovski-elements-volcano-ring-triangle
I love the way she wraps the wire around the crystal. Her rings are delicate and lovely.

There are more jewelers in this group, and artists of all kinds. To check them out, visit this thread on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6624307&page=1

Blessings and Peace
Jill

Coquette Bath

2010-08-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

I wanted to mention a website I just found. It's Coquette Bath.. I first met Coquette on Etsy and discovered her Etsy shop, CoquetteBath where she sells a great assortment of bath and body products, as well as scented candles.

Her online store is adorable, with a great assortment of soaps, lotion bars, lip balms, perfumes and body sprays, bath bombs, and scrubs to choose from. She also has scented candles, nugget wax melts, fragrance oils, sachets, and travel candles to make your enviroment extra special. Coquette Bath offers a wide assortment of scents, too many to mention, with her products.

http://www.coquettebath.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=122

I'll bet these Plumeria Sugar Cube Scrubs are wonderful. I love floral scents!

Stop and visit Coquette Bath at her website and in her Etsy shop!!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Sensational Sunday

2010-08-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sundays are made for the wonderful, beautiful, sensational things around us. I am always struck by the beauty around me in the world, and I go out of the way to look for beautiful things. Here are some sensational things from some of my friends on Etsy.

"Got Carrots" is one of my favorite paintings from YankeeGirl's Watercolor & Photography. I love the way this little horse is looking over the fence.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52373112/got-carrot-original-watercolor-painting

I can just imagine the way his lips would gently take the carrot from my hand!!

"Moon, Dream Catcher, and Wolf" is a lovely digitally created piece by Van Street Design. She describes the Native American traditions regarding dreams, the wolf, and the moon. The colors are gorgeous!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43409858/moon-dream-catcher-and-wolf-5-x-7

Nature in Pastels is another wonderful artist. Her flowers and scenes look so soft and delicate. I especially love this Blue Hibiscus. Do you remember drawing with those pastel chalks in school? Nothing I did looked remotely like her work. http://www.etsy.com/listing/29149981/pastel-blue-hibiscus

"Standing Watch" is part of Fauve Studio's tree series. This piece is done in water colors, which I have a weakness for. Trees seem so wise to me, and I wonder what they would tell if they could speak. This tree has some lovely Fall colors, making me anticipate cooler weather.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/17171747/standing-watch-original-watercolor-tree

These artists are a few members of the BBEST Team on Etsy. Our team has lots of talented individuals. Look for beauty by searching for Bbest Team.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Lonely Trees

2010-08-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have 2 new listings with the Lonely Trees theme. They are not exact matches, but compliment two previous listings I had with the same theme. One is a votive holder. I love votive holders and candles. Candles have always seemed a little magical to me, and I frequently use them when I’m meditating or praying. I think the tree has a meditative quality about it as well.

Lonely Trees Votive Holder

I also have a coffee mug with the Lonely Tree. Drinking coffee in the morning is a special time for me and I do find myself heading for my favorite mugs for my coffee.

Lonely Trees Mug

Visit my Etsy shop for other great ceramic items!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JillsTreasureChest
Blessings and Peace,

Jill"

Large Cherub

2010-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

This cherub is one of my newest additions to my Etsy shop. He looks to me like he's thinking deep thoughts, or maybe looking down from Heaven upon whomever he is supposed to protect. He's 8 1/2 inches long and 5 1/2 inches across at his glitter glazed wings. He is painted in acrylic paints, antiqued and drybrushed for softness and depth.
Check him out at http://www.jillstreasurechest.etsy.com

Blessings and Peace, Jill

In honor of Nonnie

2010-07-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

I belong to a great Etsy Team called BBEST, or Boomers and Beyond at Etsy Street Team. Our team leader this year is a wonderful woman we know as Nonnie. Today is her first day of retirement. In her honor, I am featuring some of her items.

From Nonnie's Treasures:

From Stained Glass by Nonnie:

Visit both of Nonnie's shops and watch for all the new finds and creations!!! Good Luck and Happy Retirement!!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Pottery Artists

2010-05-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Someone once said that you tell a lot about a people by looking at their pottery. Pottery can survive extreme heat such as from a fire or a volcano. Pottery shards can be found after an earthquake or other natural disaster. Pottery has been around since earliest reported history.

Some of you know that I have been learning to throw pots on the wheel with mixed success.
I can melt a handful of clay on a wheel very quickly. I admire some of my Etsy friends from the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team and the Wild, Wise, and Witty Grandmamas who make beautiful pots. It's amazing to me that they all have different styles, yet they all create wonderful pottery items.

One of my team mates is Graciela Lynt of Glynt Pottery. She is a member of the WWWG Team who specializes in stoneware. Imagine using this relish dish at one of your parties.

Judy Nevius of JN Pottery is another talented member of WWWG. She uses stoneware and porcelain for most of her creations and is very imaginative in what she creates. I confess I hadn't thought of anything like this twine or small yarn bell she has for sale in her shop.

Carole Fox of FoxPots is a newer member of WWWG. She uses stoneware for many of her creations and makes a lot of handbuilt pieces as well as wheel thrown pieces. Feast your eyes on this.

Pearl of FehuStoneware is an extremely talented potter and a member of Bbest. She had made videos of herself throwing things on the wheel and makes it look so easy!! Pearl uses a lot of porcelain and stoneware with Raku as well as traditional food safe glazes. I love this tea trinket storage jar.

Ceci Lindo is another member of Bbest. Her work in ArtsieLady is filled with color and texture. She uses the pottery wheel for some pieces and hand builds others. She uses both Raku and traditional food safe glazes in her work. This is one of her newer pieces.

Visit these artists on Etsy. You'll love browsing through their stores and finding something special for yourself.

Kissing Angel Bears

2010-04-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there were two little bears who were in love. Barney and Bernice didn't want to spend time searching for nuts or berries. Nor did they want to rob picnickers of their food. All they wanted to do was spend time kissing. Barney loved to pick fresh flowers for Bernice and would surprise her with them as often as he could.

The other bears in the forest told Barney and Bernice they had to start doing more of the things typical bears did or they wouldn't be allowed to live with the others. Barney and Bernice were so worried. They knew they just couldn't get excited about those things. One evening, as they were kissing, they wished time would stand still for a while and let them kiss forever. A fairy heard their wish and turned them into these angel bears who could kiss forever.

Froggy Love

2010-02-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

I have always loved the smiling faces on frogs and listening to them sing around the pond every night. When I moved to the country, we used to say that it was so quiet that it was noisy. Instead of sirens and traffic noises, we heard the frogs, crickets, birds, and other animals calling in the night.

I loved creating this ceramic frog. He is painted with acrylic paints, antiqued with an antiquing gel, and drybrushed to create depth and softness. While I have never hugged or kissed a real frog, this one is very kissable!

I created this little owl in much the same fashion. He is slip cast ceramic and painted with acrylics.

Come visit these two on my Etsy Shop

Visit HemlockHollow

2010-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I had the priviledge of meeting Gloria, owner of Hemlock Hollow in June 2009 while I was traveling to Virginia to see my daughter. Gloria and her husband welcomed my son and me, along with a friend and her husband who had recently moved to the area, to her home by the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.

Gloria is an amazing person. She seems to know almost everything about every plant around her house! I could feel her love of nature while listening to her speak about the flowers, leaves, and colors of the foliage as she took us on a tour of their property.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21266825

Her love of nature is reflected in her work. This Strawberry Leaf Pendant was made with sterling silver clay and she used a real strawberry leaf to imprint the design.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25520660

This maple leaf pendant was created in the same manner and then "selectively oxidized" to further define the leaf.

Gloria shows her imagination in her description of the jasper she used as a focal in this necklace.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38055021

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16144800

The Petunia Pearl Necklace and earrings use handmade focals from another Etsy artist. I love the amethyst color and the imagination Gloria used in creating these pieces.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15557994

One of the things I admire about Gloria is how she loves to learn new things. She has been working hard on her stained glass creations recently and has a perfect piece in her shop for Valentine's Day.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37702106

Stop by and visit Hemlock Hollow, and also Gloria's vintage shop, Frogpond Vintage.

Dragon Alert

2010-01-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

I just listed this commercially made dragon on my website, Hidden Ridge Road. He is approximately 5 inches tall, and looks pretty ferocious. But don't worry, he won't really bite you!

Blessings and Peace.
Jill

Bright Potholders

2010-01-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today I listed these in my TurtleTreasures shop. They are crocheted with cotton yarn and will brighten up your kitchen during this cold winter.

I'm excited about listing a few crocheted items. I learned sewing from my mom, and crocheting from my grandmother. It gave me a lot of pleasure to make the many granny square afghans for friends and family members as Christmas gifts when I was younger. As I got older, I got more involved with other crafts, but I always kept yarn and crochet hooks around. It is my comfort craft!!

Crochet has taken a new role in my life more recently. I belong to a crochet group in my church. We make prayer shawls and lap blankets for members of our congregation who have suffered a loss or are going through some health challenges of their own. This group consists of some wonderful ladies, and when I joined, a group of ladies laughing and crocheting was just what I needed in my life.

All crocheted items made with extra love!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

My Diet

2010-01-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Tome Fromme

2009-11-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

I want to feature one of my good friends in Texas today. Her name is Judy Parnell and I met her when I had a gift shop in Liberty Hill, Texas. Judy was crafting beautiful ceramic items at the time, and wanted to put some of them in my shop on consignment. I agreed, of course, and we became friends. She was one of the people who helped me along with my own ceramic art. She still works with ceramics, selling unpainted bisque, greenware, and supplies, but her new focus is on designing and creating beautiful jewelry.

Tome Fromme is Judy's new line. "As an Artist it is my wish that every woman take cue from the name of this jewelry line ... separate the letters and you will see what my message is. Kindness starts from within so please be kind to yourself and everything else will fall into place." I think the idea is perfect, and certainly one of the lessons I've needed to learn for myself.

This is item number 115 and is dichroic glass wrapped with wire.. Her pendants are all wrapped with 14 k gold filled, sterling silver, or copper wire. "The focal point in each piece can be as diverse as your imagination. Some pieces are stone or shell -- some are dychroic glass, gems, minerals or even glazed ceramic."

Judy's I Am bracelets show the same insight into what a woman might be thinking. "The idea of the “Iam Bracelets” came about one day when I realized that sometimes, a women want to make a statement about herself. She may want to tell the world that she is “loved” or that she feels “blessed” - that she is a “Christian” or she is “spoiled”. What better way to make such a statement than wearing it in the form of jewelry.
Then I started to think about the Iam Bracelet line as a gift. What a great way to tell someone that you find them “enchanting” or that they are “appreciated”. A guy could even ask for an exclusive relationship with an I am Bracelet stating “spoken for”. "

"The Birthstone Bracelet line was created with love and solidarity in mind. This is a piece of jewelry that shows a connection between two people or between family members. The bracelet shows the world that you are really connected to your loved ones. Each person is depicted in the bracelet by Swarovski Crystals representing their birth month. There is a verse in each box that explains the Birthstone Bracelet to the recipient."

Visit Judy's shop at http://www.bytomefromme.com/. You'll be glad you took the time. And for your needs in ceramics, visit http://www.rainbowworkshop.com/.

Sophie

2009-10-23T16:52:00.001-07:00

Sophie
Originally uploaded by JillsTreasureChest

Introducing Sphie, my newest family member!!!

Spinning Around

2009-10-04T06:46:00.001-07:00

In a previous post, I wrote about my vacation to Virginia to see my daughter. During that time she taught me how to do one of her latest passions, spinning yarn.

When my daughter, Jodi, was a teenager, I taught her to crochet. As she got older, her hobbies changed, and her main passion is writing. Someday I'll be blogging about her latest book signing tour! She started crocheting again, and then learned how to knit. A couple years ago I got her a drop spindle and some roving from an Etsy seller, Annie May, who sells roving, drop spindles and includes instructions in how to spin. Jodi was totally hooked and continued to purchase spindles and fiber from other Etsy sellers and people she met on Ravelry, a site especially for people involved in working with yarn.

This is the yarn I spun with some extra fiber included in an order she received from Etsy seller BeeMiceElf. In her profile, Laurs says that she fell in love with fiber work as soon as she started it. Jodi tells me that this fiber is a combed type fiber, which means it was run through a machine with needle like combs so that all the fibers are a uniform length and facing the same direction. I suppose that makes the fiber easier to spin, but I have to say I found it quite challenging. I would also like to say that the amateur quality of my yarn is purely the result of my poor spinning technique, and not the quality of the fiber!

This is an example of the work that Laurs does in her shop.

Since learning about spinning, I have developed a higher respect for fiber artists. There are many sellers on Etsy who spin lovely yarn, but I can only include a few.

Kary Miksis owns an Etsy shop called The Knotty Sheep. She sells fiber for spinning as well as home spun yarn. Kary also dyes the fiber in her "Kitchen Sink Battz" group, such as this listing.

I love the blue in this.

She sells some of her handspun yarn in groups she calls "Swinging Singles," such as this listing.

Although Kary loves spinning, she focuses a lot of attention on helping dogs and with each purchase at 10% donation is made to "Pittie Love Rescue" located in Framingham MA. Kary is a member of the Boomer and Beyond at Etsy Street Team with me.

Another BBEST member, Sassa Lynne of Etsy focuses on dying threads, yarns, and fibers. She is most known for her Serendipity Line of fibers. According to Myfanwy, owner of Sassa Lynne, "serendipity means 'the result of a happy accident', and the items from random dye pots are so very special and individual." I love this ribbon type yarn she has for sale in her shop.

I am also a member of an Etsy street team called the Wild, Wise, and Witty Grandmamas Team. We have a member of this team, FromEweTo You, who sells ready to spin fiber, handspun and hand dyed yarn, knitted/woven items with FREE SHIPPING on all items. She has a beautiful dyed Mohair fiber for spinning and this handspun Alpaca yarn. Bumble has said she plans to sell drop spindles in her Etsy shop in the near future. She donates 10% of her sales to Heifer International for the purchase of sheep. These sheep provide an income for families in other countries.

Take some time and browse through these shops and the other shops of BBEST and WWWG.

Last weekend for my sale!

2009-09-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

For most of this summer, I have been having a sale on selected items in my Etsy shop, Jill's Treasure Chest These items have been marked down to half, and sometimes less than half of their regular prices. This sale will come to an end Sunday night and prices will return to normal. shop this weekend for big savings!
Below are a few of the items in the sale section of my shop.

Check out the rest and shop now!!

Terrence the Tiger

2009-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Terrence is a shy boy looking for love. You can find him in my Etsy shop http://www.jillstreasurechest.etsy.com/. He'd hug you if he could.

Also new in my shop is this cherub.

He's a generous little guy, wanting to give you a sweet flower.

I love making figures with personalities. They may start as a mold with features already in place, but it's amazing how no two cherubs (for example) of the same kind will look exactly alike. Each will show a little something different. I guess that's why I love them all, and painting ceramics doesn't become boring or routine to me.

July Vacation

2009-07-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

On my trip to Virginia to see my daughter, I stopped to see some friends in Tennessee. I spent some extra time there, as my car had problems (wheel fell off). It was hard to feel too sad when I could sit outside, drinking coffee with my friend, and look at this view!

Plus, I had the opportunity to spend time with a wonderful friend, who recently moved from Ms. to Tennessee and also to meet an Etsy friend in person.

Father/Mother God, thank you for taking care of me and letting the car hold up until I was close to my friends, and for keeping me and the other drivers around me safe while the event was happening.

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Fudge Marble

2009-07-05T15:23:00.001-07:00

I was finally able to list something in my Etsy shop that I'd thought about doing for a long time.

The pendant on this necklace is hand made from ceramic and glazed with a specialty crystals glaze. The body of the necklace is made from fire polished crystal and shell beads. The matching earrings are made from the same beads. I'm raelly excited about this piece as it's my first successful mingling of ceramics and jewelry. I hope it's not my last!

iCraft

2009-05-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

A little over a year ago, I opened a small online shop at a website called iCraft. I chose to keep it very small and never made a real committment to it like I did my Etsy shop. While my Etsy shop grew and had a few sales, the shop at iCraft stagnated. Recently I recieved an email that changed that.

The email talked about a seller's bootcamp for iCraft members, especially those of us who haven't done much with our shops. We are given tasks to do to improve our shops. In response to that, I decided to make more of a committment to this shop and have listed a few more items on it recently.

One of these is a hematite and crystal necklace and matching earrings.

I also added a couple of my wood signs. I've always loved making these signs!

Stop by my iCraft shop and look around. And check out the other great shops there also.

Father/Mother God, thank you for the many opportunities You have provided to help me learn and grow.

Sunny Sunflowers

2009-05-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Recently I've begun adding my Sunflower items to my website, Hidden Ridge Road. This site includes handmade and also some manufactured items from when I had a brick and mortar gift shop in Texas.

The sunflower set was slip cast ceramic, trimmed with underglaze in some cases and fired with clear, gloss, food safe glaze. I then applied the sunflower decals and fired them again.

Sunflowers look great in almost any room, giving it a cheerful brightness. I hope you'll check out these items in Hidden Ridge Road and consider what sunflowers can do for your home.

The Moon

2009-02-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

The full moon has always been something special to me. Like many others, I've worked in hospitals, schools, and other institutions where the full moon seemed to effect the behavior of others. Emergency rooms are known for their extra busy nights when the moon is full.

Witches believe that magic is at its greatest when the moon is full, making those nights special for spell work and ritual.

The moon has always seemed like a protector to me, like a watchful mother casting a soft light through the darkness. When I had a job that involved a long commute and late hours, the moon seemed to watch over me and provide companionship.

I took this picture through the trees last week during the full moon. The night was foggy, giving this moon a mystical quality.

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

2009-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

As promised, there are new jewelry arrivals in Jill's Treasure Chest. Several of these are in honor of Valentine's Day.

Colorful Capiz Shell Earrings.

The Light in the Darkness of My Heart with Onyx and Crystal.

Tiger's Heart with Tiger Eye, green crystal, and Cat's Eye Beads.

I even made a necklace and earring set for myself with shell and crystal.

And as always, my faithful "helpers" are nearby.

Now if I could just get them to list items to Etsy....

Today I offer thanks for all the small things that give life humor.

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Experimental Flowers

2008-12-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

I've been crocheting since I was in high school, when my grandmother taught me how to do a simple granny square. From that basic pattern, I've made lots of afghans over the years for adults and children. It's a craft of comfort for me, and I almost always have one going, even if I'm focusing on something else. And it makes me think of my grandmother patiently watching my fingers awkwardly stumbing through the yarn.

I decided to make an afghan with the basic granny square format, but I decided to move out of my usual pattern and attempt flowers on each of the four center squares in this blanket. It's got a long way to go before it's finished, and I'll probably do a little more to the flowers, but here is what it looks like now.

It will be fun to see how it looks when I decide it's finished. I've got some other projects in yarn that I'd like to work on in th near future.

I've ordered some polymer clay and lots of jewelry making supplies, so I'll be ready to have some fun in the next few days. If only I could have some more time!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

2008-12-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

I have recently had some advertising placed on The Handmade Product Directory. Some of my work appears on a main page, and I have a banner ad on the page for ceramics and pottery. Some of my work is featured in various gift giving guides.

This site is very nicely done and shows off the work of many artists. I am hopeful that I will see a big increase in sales.

I've listed several Christmas items in my Etsy shop.

There are other pieces in my shop, and I'll be listing another soon.

I love Christmas, the excitement, joy, and love you see in people. Unfortunately, these holidays can also bring a lot of sadness for those who are lonely. Take some extra time to show others you care. You never know what burdens they are carrying. Try to make someone's day a little better every day.

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Design Style Guide.

2008-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

In addition to being a part of the BBEST team and WWWG team, I am also a member of the Design Style Guide. This is a very large team on Etsy, full of extremely talented individuals selling items in home decor. Today, I discovered that my nativity set was featured on their blog.

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/ What a surprise!!! You can see my nativity set here on my Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16980229

And you can find other great items by searching 'interiordesignteam' on Etsy.

I've also listed some new cherubs.

Father/Mother God, thank you for family and friends who care. And thank you for 20 wonderful years. May I remember the good and let go of what is going on now.

October Sale

2008-10-25T06:37:00.001-07:00

Some of you know about the challenges that I've been facing throughout September and Ocotber. I am now finally moved and getting settled in my new home. To celebrate, I'm having an October sale. Everything in my shop is 25% off through the end of October. For members of the BBEST and WWWG teams, this sale extends through November. Just put BBEST or WWWG in comments to seller when you make your purchase.

With this move comes another challenge. I have no place to work with my ceramics or pottery, except to paint some unpainted bisque that will not be fired again. I expect this will be for quite a while, until I can have a shed built here. This means I will need to keep busy with my other crafts. So look for new items and more jewelry coming to Jill's Treasure Chest .

I am grateful to all my Etsy friends who helped me through all this. Your friendship means more to me than you can know.

Father/Mother God, thank you for the friends you provided and support from unexpected sources to make this transition less awful than it was. Help me each day to build a new life for me and my son.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Body Memories.

2008-08-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I tried making any of these. I could not have told anyone how to do it in a step by step method. Many people believe in "Body Memories." In other words, a part of you remembers how to do things you've done before, but not necessarily on a conscious level. People who knit or crochet experience this. One of the best examples is riding a bike. Once you learn how to keep your balance and go, you just do it. If you're not convinced of this, try putting your shoes and socks on in a different order than you usually do. It's very awkward!

This pair of earrings is made from teal, plum, and pink seed beads, and pink bugle beads. The hooks are surgical steel and they can be purchased in my Etsy shop, Jill's Treasure Chest.

Ceramics and Pottery

2008-08-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I had a great day today out in my shed. It wasn't too hot, amazingly enough for Mississippi in August. I poured some boxes, round, heart, and square and an elephant. Little did I realize when I got the used mold, that this elephant seems to be a planter. Hopefully, it will turn out nice, even though it's not what I was expecting. I still have another elephant mold that I haven't poured yet. Maybe next time.

I also worked on the pottery wheel and came up with a fairly good pot. It's been over a month since I've tried, so I wasn't sure how it would go. It's not a perfect pot, but it's not the worst one I've ever done.

My things are on a pouring table, but I just use it as a place to keep the clay items while they're drying. The pouring motor doesn't work in this machine. I kept hoping that my husband would get it going, but he hasn't been able to work on it yet. The first picture shows some things that I poured last time. I spent time cleaning them today. Hopefully they'll be ready to fire soon. Below is the pot I threw on my wheel.

I'm having a great time learning more about throwing pots. I still have so much to learn, and I don't really know a lot about finishing them up to make them look more professional.

This is Sanura, trying to show me how irresistible she is and that I really need to let her sit on my lap while I type!

Blessings and Peace

Jill

2008-07-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Christmas in July Sale

2008-07-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! We're having a great sale on Etsy. It's Christmas in July, and many membersof the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team, of which I am happy and proud to be included, are having great sales. I am having 15% off all items in my shop! That's a great deal. So come on by and see everything. Search for Bbest Team for great items and great deals!!!

Here's a few of my newer listings!

July 4th Weekend

2008-07-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

July 4th always gives my cause to reflect on how lucky we are to live in this great nation. While I realize that it is stylish to criticize our country and our President, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my Creator for putting me here where I have the freedom to dream and believe that those dreams have a chance to come true. Not only can I have a career where I am paid for my knowldedge and performance, regardless of my gender, race, or spiritual path, but I can change professions if I choose. At age 50 I went back to school, and no government official came to me to scrutinize what I was doing or if I would actually end up using it.

I am free to follow my own spiritual path, which doesn't quite fit into any mainstream religion, and I can attend a church of my choosing, or I can choose to seek God in my own way. If this country is taken over by Islamic fundamentalists, I will lose that valuable priviledge.

I am free to speak my mind as long and, as I am courteous and respectful of others, I have no fear of being put in jail because of my opinions. I can agree or disagree with our government's actions in the present and in the past, and I can voice my ideas on what should be done in the future. I value this priviledge, and honor our government and military for giving that priviledge to those in Iraq who would have been tortured and put to death for such actions.

I am free to wander about without much fear of military or terrorist violence interfering in my activities. Chances are, unless I wander into the wrong part of town, that no one will shoot at me when I leave home. Even if I wander into a more crime filled area of town, there's a good chance that nothing will happen to me if I am careful. I am thankful to our President and the military for keeping further terrorist attacks out of our country, so I can go where I want.

My prayer is that whoever wins in this next election will be able to keep our country safe and have the courage to do what is necessary for that purpose, even if it is not the popular choice.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Hot Days of June

2008-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

It's hot and humid here in central Mississippi. We've been over a week without rain and that is totally unlike what I've seen of the climate here. It's allowed what is normally mud to turn into a very fine dust that completely covers your car and back window.

I've been busy on Etsy, listing new items and relisting some older items that haven't sold. Here are some of my newer items.

Today I joined Etsy's Interior Design team, a team for artists who make home decor. They have a lot of other talented members and I feel priviledged to have been accepted by them in addition to the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team and the Wild, Wise, and Witty Grandmamas Team. Look for shops from each of these teams when you shop at Etsy, and you'll find some great items!

iCraft

2008-05-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't mentioned this new web site because I've been so preoccupied with Etsy, but I have a small store at iCraft. Its address is http://icraft.ca/jillstreasurechest

This site is based in Canada and is focused on hand made creations. One can find jewelry, ceramics and pottery, crocheted items, photography, painting, sewing, paper products, woodworking, and more on this site. It is smaller than Etsy, with under 1000 creators, as we are called on iCraft.

I've only put a few items in this shop, but I plan to expand it slowly, but surely.

My very talented husband has opened a shop on Photoworks. See his work at www.photoworks.com/storefront/heartofdragon

Happy Saturday!!!

2008-05-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

I love Saturday mornings when I can sit around and leisurly drink coffee. And I have time for a second cup if I want. Saturdays are good.

Today I will go outside and work on more ceramics, pouring and cleaning items. And I am also going to try a new pot on my pottery wheel. I've been enjoying learning this new skill, and I have to say that for me it's harder than it looks. I watch Pearl from Fehustoneware making a cup on You Tube, and it looks so simple.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5334662
This is Pearl's Etsy shop.

But anyway, let me tell you how easy it is to make clay mush all over your pottery wheel. very easy.

I've had several new listings. Some of them can be found on my Etsy mini.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Happy Spring

2008-03-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

The forest is alive with lots of white blossoms from Bradford Pear trees, Dogwood trees, and bright splashes of pink Redbud blossoms. They make the drive to and from work a real joy with lots of things to be grateful for.

My new listings show spring and Easter with bunnies and flowers.

First Sale

2008-03-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

This was my first sale at Etsy. Something that made it even more special was that it was from a friend. This is one of my favorite angels, so I'm glad she went to someone special.
Of course, I guess all my creations are special in their own way, after spending so much time with them.

Creative Spirit

2008-03-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

The creative spirit can wash over me at any time. A conversation with a friend, a picture, something on television, almost anything can bring it on. When I feel creative, it affects every part of my life, and makes me happier.

Today I listed this at my Etsy store.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9956388

Saturday Night Special On Etsy

2008-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

******************Saturday Night Special***********************
Buy one Ceramic item and get one of Equal or Lesser Value Free.
Free shipping on Jewelry with $25.00 or more purchase.
**********************************************************
www.jillstreasurechest.etsy.com

Saturday Night Special is held every Saturday night. Vendors hold special sales in their shops and post them in the promotions sections of the Etsy forums. THE Saturday night special is Willowtree's Saturday Night Special thread, but other vendors will hold them too.Come visit. You might find something really terrific. If not from me, from one of the other great Etsy Artists.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Welcome

2008-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Jill's Treasures, filled with information about my Etsy store, crafting and my writing. Crafting and writing reflect my spirit of creativity, helping me to become the best I can be while helping me relax.

Please visit my Etsy store at http://www.jillstreasurechest.etsy.com to see some of what I have made.

I am a proud member of the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team, a group of people over 40 who are some of the most talented and wonderful people I have had the opportunity to meet online.