Hiatus

As I'm sure anyone can tell from my lack of posting that I've pretty much taken some time off to focus my attention on other things. I'm currently getting 200 hour certified in yoga and simply have no time to create much of anything or even update my shop. Sorry.

I did create a bunch of new inventory prior to the start of my training, however between the amount of time it takes to get decent photos, uploading and resizing and then composing something catchy about my products......a whole day is spent. Mind you, it's always time well spent and I look forward to diving back in once I've completed my studies.

For the time being, here are some previews of what I've been working on. They won't be posted to Etsy for a while, but at least you know what's going to be available.


Until next time.....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Addicted to Beading

I told myself a LONG time ago that no matter what, I would NEVER become addicted to beading. I thought it was really strange that there were actually people who liked to sit there and bead.....for HOURS.....and they had massive collections of beads and findings and all the things that go along with the hobby of beading.

Nope....it wouldn't be me.....not a chance. I'm not going to be sucked in by a bead or two.

Then it happened. I was in the craft store one day looking for ribbons and charms for my bookmarks and was caught off guard by some silver doughnut beads. I pictured something crystaline suspended in the center of those beads and thought it might look nice. I refused to buy beading wire and crimp tubes, because they require tools. Nope, I went for clear elastic cord and found some clear pink glass cubes to be suspended. I bought my stash and took it home. The rest is history.

I still create the same basic bracelet I started with, just with different beads in the center. It's always been a big hit with those who come across the bracelets. As far as my bead stash, I have two HUGE bead organizers; each with 5 boxes FULL of beads.....and the collection keeps growing.

Ebay and Etsy have been my best friends for supplies. Oh what I wouldn't be able to do without them!!!! And to think that I never pictured myself a beadaholic. Crazy.

Until next time......

Thanks for reading!!!

Kristen

LUXE Luther Creations Fundraiser Catalog

Hi Everyone. It's been a while since I last posted. Apologies. I've been a bit sidetracked with the fundraiser catalog that I've been putting together for an Irish Dance Class that needs to raise money to get themselves to Ireland in 2011.

It is such an honor that to be asked to do this. My neighbor's daughter is in the Irish Dance class and all the girls are super talented. It's amazing to watch them dance! The speed and agility with which they dance is incredible!

I have hand selected some of my favorite pieces from my collection as well as create a few new ones for the catalog. Several of the pieces have an Irish theme as it is for an Irish Dance Class. It was only fitting to include those pieces. I love the Irish culture and the myth and lore that surrounds it as well.

In addition to the catalog, I have created an online shop on Etsy where customers can order the fundraiser items of their choice. Here is the link: http://www.mulkerins.etsy.com/

Here is a preview of some of what you will find in the catalog:

Wow! It's been a while!

I really need to update this!

Here's the latest......I hosted a LUXE Luther Jewelry party on June 25th and had a pretty good turn out and sold lots of stuff.....many of my newer designs! Here are some pictures from the party!

I decked out the backyard with paper lanterns and arranged seating areas with small tables, candles and even a table lamp.



Foodies included veggies and dip, cheeses and meats along with figs, grapes and yogurt covered pretzels. Oh, and of course LOTS of wine!



Here we have one of two jewelry tables with assorted necklaces and bracelets. I didn't have an earring tree, so I used my fireplace screen as a place to hang earrings. It worked out beautifully!



Here is the second jewelry table with some of my newer designs featured on it. Long link necklaces, twisted strands of pearls and yoga inspired necklaces.


We all had such a great time! The backyard came out exactly as I envisioned it and the weather couldn't have been more PERFECT.......that too was just as I had envisioned it!


Until next time.....


Thanks for reading!


Kristen

Oh Boy.....a trip to the craft store is in the VERY near future!

Uh oh, I have to go to the craft store to pick up some supplies for a birthday party tomorrow where close to 20 tweens will be making charm bracelets under my supervision. I've never done this before, so it should be a unique experience.

In any case.....the craft sore.....I might as well call it a candy store, because that's what it's like for me. I get nuts looking at all the beads and findings and and and EVERYTHING! The last time I went to the craft sore I dropped WAY too much money there.....like $130 on BEADS!!!! Okay, so the Swarovski crystals certainly tipped the scales, but it still would've been about $100 without them....EASILY!

Well the store opens in about 30 minutes and I still need to get dressed and get myself and my daughter fed before we go. Trying to get an early start to our day. I'll post teaser pics of what I picked up as I usually get hit with divine inspiration at the store to create something wonderful.

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Friday Shop Props!!!

Here we are....it's Friday again and as promised I would make up for the brain fart I had last week and forgot to post my weekly shop props. It's been a busy day, and it's only getting busier.

This week I would like to focus on painters. Whether it be painting on canvas or glass, this week I am featuring those who use brush strokes in their creative expressions.

First up is Art to Art Colorado (http://www.art2artcolorado.etsy.com/). I stumbled across this artist by freak accident and fell in love with the colors that are used in the work. The texture of the paintings was also something that pulled me in. The way everything looks all soft and fuzzy and so very inviting. Here are some of my faves from the shop.

Second comes from an artist that I discovered on Etsy some time ago. I was looking for hand painted wine glasses at around 1:00am and stumbled into her work. V Silcox Designs (http://www.vsilcoxdesigns.etsy.com/) has the most wonderfully beautiful and yet highly functional wine glasses, vases, bowls, etc. and each pieces looks like wonderfully leaded stained glass. However, each piece is lead free, dishwasher and microwave safe and every other fabulous perk you could imagine in hand painted glasses. Here are some of my faves from her shop.

Next artist is Mandala Arts (http://www.mandalaarts.etsy.com/). The use of color in these works is exquisite! This man creates these window stickers that all have the theme of peace and well being built right into them. One of the images of a Pegasus brings me right back to my childhood when I was obsessed with all things fantastical and imaginary. Truly stunning works and inexpensive too.....only $3.00 per sticker. I may just indulge in a few. Here are some of my picks from his shop.

The next artist is Dana Marie Art (http://www.danamarieart.etsy.com/). She makes the most wonderful little pendants. She takes little squares of Strathmore linen paper and then creates one of a kind paintings that can then be worn around your neck. Her work has been featured worldwide and she just LOVES what she does. Her little masterpieces as well as her bigger masterpieces are a true delight for the eyes. What I love is her style and technique....it reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Van Gogh. Take a look.

I know I promised six artists to be featured this week, but when it comes to art that uses brush stokes, these four are my all time favorite right now. Once I find more that I like, I will post them. All of these artists have one very obvious thing in common.....they love color and are not afraid to use it. Just love it!

Until next time....

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

Ding Bat

I confess, I was a total scatterbrain this past Friday and forgot to post my shop props. To make up for it, I will post SIX picks this Friday. I better get to work hunting down my faves for this week.

In the meantime, please be sure to check out my Etsy shop. I have been making jewelry like crazy and posting new things every few days. I have a slew of new and stunning earrings. Enjoy!

Until next time...

Thanks for reading!

Kristen