Writer's block and some crafty inspiration

   I used to write for a living. In fact, I’ve worked in some sort of writing job for more years that I care to count. So why is it I have so much trouble writing for my blog?

A new twist (or wrap) to the wire cuff bracelets

   Perhaps I should put most of my jewelry making supplies aside and just keep my beads and wires, since those are what I use the most.

Another necklace, more earrings and renewed inspiration

   In the blog post “Grab a bead and wrap it in wire” I shared photos of wire-wrapped pendants I made. Well, since I have a handful of those pendants I decided to make a necklace.

Reflections: A month of blogging

   This weekend marks a milestone of sorts for me. I have been blogging about my jewelry crafting for one month!

Back to the beginning...with earrings

   I decided to make more earrings. After all, that’s what started me down this road of jewelry creation.

This-n-That from the Creative Cave

   For every piece of handmade jewelry I talk about in this blog there are at least six other pieces I've worked on and put aside.

Creating bracelets and earrings for matching sets

   I’m continuing my adventure in wire bracelets and now I am throwing matching earrings into the mix.

Navigating Networking...When will I craft again?

   When I started making jewelry back in the spring I would often find myself spending hours in the Creative Cave. Little did I know that once I started a blog about my crafty adventures that I would actually have to schedule my days.

It's a wired world!

   I know I should try to hone my skills in necklace making, but I decided to go back to wire bracelets.

Socially awkward in a social network world

   Setting up my blog through Blogger.com introduced me to Google’s many options, including Google+. I’m still working my way through all of the opportunities with Google+. You can find my Google+info here.

Part Two - From a Creative Cave to a Critter Cave!

   It’s good to have a camera around. I always have my cell phone with me as I tend to text photos of jewelry creations to Jules for feedback. But I've also been able to get photos on the not-so-creative days.

From a Creative Cave to a Critter Cave!

   Some days in the Creative Cave turn into time spent with critters instead of creating. I’ve compiled some of those encounters, mostly with cats, in today’s post.

I finally have necklace success!

   I finally made some necklaces! My experience in creating necklaces up until now has been more "misses" than "hits" so I am excited to share today’s post with you.

"Fan"fare! Accessories to show team and school spirit

   On Tuesday I wrote about the fun in making holiday jewelry. Today I will share options in making fan jewelry.

AptToCraft is a guest project contributor!

   The world of blogging has introduced me to a number of ways to share my experiences and learn from others. I would like to share one of those experiences with you today.

Handmade jewelry for holiday flare

   In addition to accessorizing your everyday wardrobe, jewelry can be used to show holiday spirit.

Part 2: For what reason am I building an inventory?

   Like many a crafter before me, I have contemplated the idea of taking my hobby to the next level – selling.

For what reason am I building an inventory?

   I recently had an opportunity to share my handmade jewelry with family. I am not one to make myself the center of attention or brag about anything, so showing my work in person to someone outside the hubby and Jules, and my wonderful online audience, made me a little nervous.

The week that was...

   It took me a little while to get back in the creative groove after the Independence Day holiday. But this last week I did manage to get a few things accomplished in my Creative Cave.

Grab bag of goodies

   There are lots of great places to purchase beads and other jewelry supplies - from craft stores to flea markets to online outlets. One of several online sites I use is Auntie’s Beads.

If I had a hammer...

   Okay, I decided I want to make my own clasps for my handmade bracelets and necklaces, while at the same time figuring out the “hammered” technique. Here is the website where I got the idea: http://crafting.squidoo.com/Jewelry-Clasps.

Yes I know where everything is, except the chipmunk!

   Is there such a thing as organization amid chaos? My workspace in the Creative Cave has been getting pretty piled up. As soon as I try to pick up a spool of wire I knock a string of beads off of my worktable because I haven’t properly placed the beads in a container. But I am somehow always able to find what I am looking for, just not always quickly.

Grab a bead and wrap it in wire

   Back to the wire work – this time pendants and earrings. I have quite a few large glass beads and wire, so why not give it a try?

When bad things happen to good jewelry

   Some days in my “Creative Cave” (AKA the garage) are better and more productive than others. Sometimes I pick up a bead or length of wire and begin threading or wrapping to see what happens.

The necklace saga continues...

   Necklace ideas aren’t coming to me as quickly as those for earrings and bracelets. I still haven’t completed the beaded mess I have, but I have made a couple of necklaces that give me hope that I may be on to something.

I think it's a Beaded Mess!

   Browsing websites gives me all kinds of inspiration and I see all kinds of jewelry pieces I would like to make. I tend to "pin" the creations that inspire me on Pinterest. However, before I invest in more supplies I want to see if I can work with what I have.

From a necklace to a...crown?!?!

   Earrings, check! Bracelets, check! Hmmmm, perhaps I should move on to necklaces. What kind of necklaces should I make? I keep thinking I need to make something different and eye catching, but without any classes or training I am somewhat limited.

Happy 4th of July!

   I hope everyone has a fun and safe day of appreciation and celebration.

Happy Birthday Jules!

   I think it’s about time to tell you more about my one-person sounding board Jules. Today is the best day to do it because it’s her BIRTHDAY!

Accessorize in red, white and blue!

   Holidays are great times to wear colorful accessories. In preparation for the Fourth of July I decided to throw together various pieces of patriotic-themed jewelry.

Wear it and find the kinks and pokes

   I recently had an informal dinner event to attend with the hubby and I thought “What better time to wear and possibly introduce my jewelry creations?”

   Now, I am not one to be the center of attention, in fact it can make me a bit uncomfortable having all eyes on me, so I didn’t immediately start saying “Hey, look what I made.” This particular evening I wore one of my first handmade wire-wrapped cuff bracelets and a pair of my handmade earrings.