OK...so this has been a really good day! A Wahoo day!

My biorythms must be in sych!

Woke up and checked my site and started to post the new necklace below. I noticed my hearts on Etsy kind of went wild (increase of about 30 or so). I figured something was going on. That's when I checked the treasury I had been in and found out it went Front Page..no wonder! And the item that was in it had over 500 hits. This is the first front page I have ever had! Wahoo #1.

Later I received a convo from a person that wanted one of my rings in a larger size...she paid for it as soon as I put up her custom listing! Wahoo #2.

I got it made for her and it is in the tumbler.So I had a minute and thought I would check my site. I had a new convo...this time from Adam from Etsty Admin.
This is his convo:

Hi! This is Adam from Etsy marketing. We are going to be featured in Mary Engelbreit's Guide to Creative Living. Alongside the description of Etsy, we get to include a photo. I would love to send them the photo of your ZIG ZAG Blue and Green Handmade Glass Lampwork Bead Set (listing #7594472) as a representation of great things that are available on Etsy. I just wanted to check with you to make sure that is ok. The only bad thing is that I don't think they will able to credit your shop directly. Please let me know!Thanks,Adam

Well, needless to say I couldn't type fast enough with my thanks and that would be honored! Wahoo #3

I feel very blessed to do something I love to do and also get the Kudos to go with it!

New friendship necklace

The friendships in my life are so very important. I have some very dear friends who over the years have been with me through thick and thin. We celebrate the good and commiserate the bad. We support each others accomplishments and hold each other up when needed.

True friendship doesn't happen often, as my aunt says, you are blessed if you have a handful of true friends in your life. I have created a necklace that celebrates these friendships. A symbol of someone special in ours lives. Be it a girlfriend, mom, grandma, aunt, teacher or any other meaningful woman in our lives, it is nice to let them know that you care.

I wrote a little saying to put in the gift box with each necklace to let our friends know how we feel about them.This piece holds a special place in my heart and I hope it will for someone else as well.

You can see the necklace on my site http://www.charouellette.etsy.com/

We're taking a new class!

Oh, I love having summer's off of work! Deep breath....I am doing some really fun stuff. This is my reward for sending 9 months out of the year with teenager's!!!

First, I started an Agility class with my girl Sophie.Sophie came to us 2 years ago by a fluke.

She had been running wild for over a month in our community. One of our staff came to me and asked me to see if I could catch her. No one had been able to get near her although she took shelter at our elementary school, where she lurked and got free handouts.I was dog sitting my son's chocolate lab, Obie at the time and thought I would take the loveable guy with me to see if we could catch this dog. When I got to the school I saw a beautiful yet very thin, scruffy German Shepard. She took to Obie right away but when we would come close she would run. I decided to just sit in the grass with Obie and just be still. She would come several yards away and lay down. Then a little closer. I thought if I lay down maybe she would not be intimidated, and soon she was closer. I slowly put my arm out, careful not to make eye contact and was able to touch her briefly, but then she would run. I told her that if she would let me touch her, she would never regret it.

Finally on the second day of trying to catch her we tried a new plan. I knew dog control was coming the following day and I was so afraid she would be euthanized because of her lack of social skills. We decided to lure her into an enclosed area with Obie. It worked, now we only had to catch her. We finally cornered her. Now I knew this could be dangerous but I had a feeling it would be OK. We got her cornered and I put the leash around her neck. She just shook. It was so heartbreaking, I just cradled this poor dog on my lap and rocked her like a baby. When I felt she had calmed down I then picked her up to put her in the back of my SUV, concern that she could bite me in the face during this maneuver, but she just layed quietly, shaking with Obie. I was hoping that I could keep her long enough to get her socialized and find a good home for her.

I spent my childhood in Southern California three houses down from Rin Tin Tin's trainer, Frank Barnes and grew up with Rinney (as my sister and I called him) and Frank's other German Shepards, J.R. and Bear Heart, so I have a soft spot in my heart for these wonderful, intelligent dogs.I got home and put on a collar and leash and she had no idea how to walk on one. She circled and circled me wrapping the leash around my legs. When my husband came home I got an idea of some of the things that had happened to her. She was so deathly afraid of him when he wore his baseball hat. I know that she had been abused by someone, most likely a man in a hat. I worked with her and slowly she started to come around. I took her to obedience classes where she did very well, although she was still very scared of things around her. I could tell she just wanted to do whatever I asked of her but at times the fear took over, she wanted to be around people and trust them but was very jumpy and fearful. I was amazed with the fear that she wasn't a fear biter or aggressive at all. She would even let our other dog eat from her bowl and in fact, would not even eat when I left the room, instead she would follow me wherever I went.

I was falling in love with her and so was John although he told me "Char, we don't need another dog" and my response was "No, but she needs us". Well that did it! She is a wonderful part of our lives and a real blessing. She is kind hearted and wants to do anything to please us. She is very kind to her 14 lb. Schipperke sister April who rules the roost. I named her Sophie because when I looked up German names "Sweet" came up for it's meaning. That describes her, SWEET.

ANYWAY....She is doing great in her agility class...going through the tube (A big stretch for her) and over jumps, a ramp and weaving through the obstacles. She even has done it off leash at her second class. She is not motivated by treats like the other dogs, Sophie just wants to make me happy and will do whatever I ask.
It is wonderful watching her confidence grow!

I AM HAVING A YART SALE!

An Artistic Slant to a traditional Yard Sale.

~~~~~ Wednesday, June 11- Friday, June 20 ~~~~~I am celebrating the coming of summer with many other Etsy artisans.
All items in my shop are 10% off!!!!
*Just contact me in my Etsy shop about the item you want and I will adjust the price for you!*Or you can purchase and I will refund 10% of the items price through PayPal.
Enjoy......

Lucky Day!

I won a $20.00 gift certificate today and got a treasury west!

Indiecojewelrydesign offered $20 in her shop for whoever could come up with a slogan for her shop. I looked through her shop to get a feel for it and her wording and came up with the winning slogan, ~IndieCoJewelryDesign...Make an Impression~
I am getting a pair of her cute little earrings. I haven't worn anybody elses jewelry for so long this will be fun. She is a new seller so take a look at her shop.

I also got a treasury west and featured one of her pieces in it. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=12387

Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket because I am having a lucky day!

Beginning Lampwork Kit

For those that would like to try lampworking but do not want to invest too much into it until you know if you will like it, here is a great set-up for under $100.
I was reading in the Lampwork etc. forums http://lampworketc.com/forums and found this supplier.
http://www.howacoglasssupplycompany.com/torchwork_beginners_kit.html

The Kit includes:

Hot Head Torch
AV 2000 Safety Glasses
Fiber Blanket
4 oz EZ Bead Release
Hot Head Clamp Set
Bead Rake
6 - 1/16th - 9 inch mandrels
6 - 3/32nd - 9 inch mandrels
10 Slot Rod Rest
Graphite Paddle - 2" x 3"
20 piece Glass Pack
Clear (T-004)
Dark Amber (T-016)
Medium Grass Green (T-022)
Teal (T-026)
Light Amethyst (T-040)
Dark Blue (T-056)
Black (T-064)
White (P-204)
Nile Green (P-214)
Periwinkle (P-220)
Dark Ivory (P-276)
Light Lemon Yellow (S-404)
Coral (S-420)
White Filigrana Rod (F-208)
Teal Green Filigrana Rod (F-218)
Black Stringer (T-064-S)
White Stringer (P-204-S)
Pea Green Stringer (P-212-S)
Dark Turquoise Stringer (P-236-S)
Violet Stringer (P-272-S)

No, I have no affiliation to this site...they were just recommended on the forums.

Have fun! Char

I finally got to play with some of the Trautman glass!

Things are winding down at the high school Media Center where I work and we got the seniors checked out today, the rest of the students will be checked out next week....then only a few more school days and I will have more time to create!!!!!! YaHoooo. It is always hectic around this time of the school year, my least favorite time, anticipating some time off to do what I really love doing.I did get a few hours to experiment with the new glass I got at the ORBS meeting. I concentrated on just one glass called Taxco and it's beautiful turquoise blue that seems to have an oil on water effect when used with ivory. I love the organic shapes and the contrast of the ivory (which turned to a caramel color and showed some webbing) and the oil slick blue which is naturally outlined in a darker shade of blue. Now I just have to come up with a name for these beads and post them on Etsy. Any ideas?

I went to a great meeting today

Today was our ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmaker's Society) meeting at Aquila Glass in Portland. The special guest Jenny Newtson.Jenny has been working with and promoting Trautman Art Glass. (TAG) If you have never heard of TAG you really need to check out their web site. (listed below) Jenny demonstrated the range that this glass can achieve. For more information about the glass read below:The guy who first manufactured colored borosilicate glass is now applying his innovative color science to the new, reactive silvered 104-coe soft glass and we all had the chance t try them after the demo.Paul Trautman has been producing boro glass in the Portland area since the 1980's and now has a line of 9 regular soft-glass colors for bead makers and sculptors. You can see the glass now at www.taglass.comTAG makes a soft-glass version of the popular boro "amber-purple" style glass, called "Tibet", and a version of the changeable boro "caramel" colors called "Dalai Lama." One color, "Zeus," appears colorless until it's reduced -- then struck! This one also changes greatly depending on the background color. Some colors reduce to a beautiful metallic sheen, like "Taxco Silver Turquoise" and "Cezanne." TAG also makes a "Black Cherry" that is a kiln-striking red. This gives the bead maker control over how dark the glass gets, and prevents livering, no matter how long you worked it in the flame.Long-time bead maker (and ORBS Member) Jenny Newtson has been working with these colors as the in-house TAG 104 tester. She demonstrated how to work these striking and reducing colors to best effect, and included tips on getting the most out of your purchase. TAG provided samples of glass, and had experimental colors, odds and shorts for sale at a deep discount.We had a great time and I bought lots of glass. Hopefully I will be making some treasures soon and posting them here!

I received this very nice convo today through my Etsy site

I received this very nice convo today through my Etsy site:
*********************************************************************************************************

Hi there,

We featured you on our blog. We hope you approve of what was written. We *finally* checked our email yesterday and are so glad you wrote to us! Your stuff is fantastic!


http://www.handmadefinds.com/char-ouellette-poetry-in-silver/2008-05-16/

If you approve and you have a banner, we'd proudly display it on our blog. If not, we can just add you to our links. (All banners are free of charge.)

Best wishes,

Beate
16 May 2008

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Are you kidding me...I am thrilled!!! Please take a look.

What poetic writers they are! They made me want to buy my own jewelry....

Just had to get out a little of my excitement...thanks for listening...you are listening aren't you?
Char

I am honored to be invited to join a choice group of artists!

View my page on Considerations - The Art in Marketing

Bummer

So I went in for allergy testing because I had 4 colds in the last 6 months. I knew I had allergies because I was on medication that just doesn't seem to work anymore. I got the poke tests and they said I reacted to nearly everything they tested me for. Especially trees and grasses...well this is just peachy because we live in the trees and grass! I said, "Please don't tell me horses and dogs, because there is no way they are going anywhere?" Well yep I am. This helped me make my decision to start on "The Cure" which is desensitization shots for about 5 years. They said it is only 80 percent that are cured but I thought it was worth a try.

So on March 12th I started my two shots, three times a week. The shots aren't the bad part, the drive is. I have to drive an hour round trip into Clackamas, after work, to go get poked. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am one of the 80 percent...

Bright and Shiny

Silver and copper are beautiful when clean and shiny, but it doesn't take long until before they start to oxidize and feel a little gummy.

I think everyone who has silver should have a tumbler. I know, you probably think they are expensive, but I found mine for around $25.00 at Harbor Freight (my new favorite hang out). I purchased some stainless steel shot from http://www.jatayu.com/ (it is spendy but a one time purchase). A few drops of Dawn dish soap and just tumble for an hour or two. Things just sparkle! It also work hardens my chains to help their durability.

I would be careful with soft stones you are not sure of (no pearls or opals). I have put my lampwork beads in there without a problem. Always check the manufacturer first before tumbling!

Sunshine polishing clothes are great for a quick touch-up!

I am loving the new class I am taking!

"Jewelry as Sculpture"... I wasn't sure what to expect. I was offered a free voucher from the nearby college because the high school I work for partners with them, I thought why not. I am learning all sorts of fun things to do with metal which I hope to incorporate into my designs and start selling on my site.


My husband, a building contractor, teases me the I have more tools then he has. Little does he know I have my eye on several new ones, now that I am spoiled with all that are available at the college.


Who would have thought I would ever open a catalog and be drooling over disk cutters, Flex Shaft Systems and presses. My nail lady thinks it's great because I am making her a lot of money with nail repairs after filing, chipping and grinding the darn things. I am not giving them up! I need a little girly in my life! What with horses, metal and hot glass it's a challenge.


Look at that little beauty above...now that's a pinup!

ORGANIC MERLOT Sterling Silver Red Garnet Handmade Bracelet and Earring Set

I had so much fun making this set for an Etsy friend (http://www.favormakers.etsy.com/) who's mother was having a birthday in February. View the other photos on my Etsy website under sold items.

We emailed back and forth until we decided on something mom would really like, since she doesn't wear a lot of jewelry. I came up with this design and Chandra was thrilled.

It made me really happy to be able to design a custom set for her mom!

Here is the feedback that she left for me:

These are so stunning and delicate. Char you're so talented! Thank you for taking my custom request. Your input throughout the whole process was wonderful. I know my mom will love these. Lovely packaging. Highly recommended seller!

Jack Ryan has arrived!

We have a new grandbaby! Jack Ryan was born on Dec. 21st. 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 22 inches long.

He is such a easy baby, very content to just be held. Sister Brooklyn just loves him and is really helping mom & dad take care of him.

We are so blessed to have such a great family!