Fall 2012 Jewelry Collection

Hi!  Now that fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is right around the corner I figured I'd better share my fall 2012 jewelry collection.  I know I am usually running a month or so behind everyone else but I really do try my best to keep up with the crowd!  So while the rest of the world is already busy working on their goodies for Christmas, I'm finally ready to share my autumn inspired work with you! 

Wild Berry necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

  My Wild Berry necklace is a perfect combination of shades of green African jade chips, green glass beads and kambaba jasper mixed with deep red garnet and sterling silver.  It is an adaptable necklace and can be worn as a one strand or two strand necklace.  Wear it the way you like! 

My Wild Berry earrings were made to compliment the necklace, but of course they'd be perfect by themselves as well.  These earrings are fun and dangly post style earrings that hang 2.25" and feature sterling silver, green glass beads and garnet. 

Wild Berry earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

Another adaptable design, my Pumpkin Spice necklace can be worn as a two strand statement necklace, or a one strand necklace with a matching bracelet.  It's a delicious blend of tiger jasper, red aventurine, crazy horse stone and sterling silver.  The focal point is a Hill Tribes antiqued fine silver pendant (24x12mm) created by hand in the remote mountain areas of Thailand.  It is stamped with a design of leaves and flowers.   

Pumpkin Spice necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

I created a pair of earrings to compliment the Pumpkin Spice necklace too, these Pumpkin Spice earrings:

Pumpkin Spice earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

These delicate sterling silver fish hook style earrings hang approx 2.25". They feature sterling silver components, tiger jasper stone and red aventurine.  I thought this unusual color combination would really stand out for fall! 

For a bit more drama in your wardrobe, I created the Smoke and Ashes necklace:

Smoke and Ashes necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

This one of a kind necklace features fire crackle agate rounds perfectly faceted to sparkle, complimented by faceted smoky quartz and lots of brilliant sterling silver. It is finished with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp and a delicate sterling silver feather charm that hangs sexily down the back of your neck for an extra special touch.  This one is perfect for a night out on the town.

I love those fire crackle agate beads so I had to make earrings with them too.  Here's the Smoke and Ashes earrings:



Smoke and Ashes earrings by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

These unique earrings are one of a kind and designed to complement my Smoke and Ashes necklace.  The sterling silver fishhook style earrings hang approximately 1.75".  They are sure to add a touch of glamour and excitement to any outfit!

 I just love the beautiful colors of autumn, don't you?  I tried to capture some of the hues of fall in this next necklace. It features a large Indian agate (also known as fancy jasper) focal stone (35mmx20mm) surrounded by sterling silver, coppery colored cultured freshwater pearls and faceted fancy jasper rounds. This is my Autumn Treasure necklace:

Autumn Treasure necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

It finishes with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp and a delicate sterling silver leaf. I have selected this necklace as a Madcap Charity item. I want to help those affected by the recent Hurricane Sandy. So many people have suffered from this disaster! With the sale of this necklace I will donate a portion to the American Red Cross to help support the victims of Hurricane Sandy in the northeastern United States.  The Wild Berry earrings are also a Madcap Charity item with a portion of the sales pledged to help this cause.

The last but not least addition to my fall collection is the November Blaze necklace:

November Blaze necklace by Grey Girl Designs on Etsy

November Blaze celebrates the fiery colors of fall. It was inspired by a walk through the trees in early November, the oranges and greens of foliage were so brilliant and eye catching that I wanted to convey that beauty in a piece of jewelry so it could be worn all year long. It features a large red agate oval (40x28mm) surrounded by more red agate, delicate leaf shaped sterling silver beads, sterling silver chain and fancy jasper.  I think it's a great statement necklace to add a pop of fall color to your life.  

Thanks so much for taking a look at my fall 2012 collection!  I put a lot of time and careful thought into each piece I design.  If you would like more info about any of these pieces please visit my Etsy shop for more detail.  There are several more pictures of each as well as measurements.  You can also send me a message on Etsy if you have any questions at all.  I would love it if you'd leave a comment here and let me know what you think!


 

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival

Hello!  If you are a regular reader of my blog, I've shared with you all before that I love going to our local Kansas City Renaissance Festival.  It is one of the highlights of the year for me!  Yes, I'm still a kid at heart and all the people in costumes, performances, artwork and well, just the pagentry of it all leaves me thrilled and feeling inspired.  OK, so the men in tights are a plus too!  I sometimes get into the spirit of the faire so much that I go in costume.  This year I went as a raven!  I found the absolute coolest raven mask on Etsy.  It got so many compliments at the faire too.  I was impressed that the mask was very lightweight and very comfortable- sometimes I even forgot I was wearing it. 

Me at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in my raven mask

To add to the look, I braided some black feathers into my hair.  I wore a very exciting dress that I also got from Etsy.  It has a hood, so I was able to wear the hood up for a mysterious look or down when it got warmer outside.  It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun!  Who knows what look I'll come up with for next season! 

If you are shopping for a mask I highly recommend this shop on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LibertiniArts
Annie Libertini does wondrous things with leather!

If you are shopping for a comfortable yet sexy dress I recommend this shop on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZhenNymph
Zhenn is a fabulous seller and has such cool creations in her Etsy shop.

If you are ever in the Kansas City area in the fall (Sept 1-Oct 14) you should check out the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.  Here's the link if you need more info:  http://www.kcrenfest.com/  It's a great time for adults and children with plenty for all to do. 

Horsing Around!!

Horsing Around!! by itsamadcaplife featuring sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry
etsy.com

Belt
etsy.com

Antique Tin Horse and Cart
etsy.com

Vintage Western Cowboy Spurs
etsy.com

Buffalo Shadow Spirit Horse Sculpture
etsy.com

My Run with me necklace was included in this beautiful collage on Polyvore by Amy from It's a Madcap Life Etsy team.  I love all the cool horse finds from Team Madcap and am honored to be included!  Thank you Amy!

Adorned In Romance

Adorned In Romance by itsamadcaplife featuring a star necklace

Star necklace
etsy.com

Necklace
etsy.com

Necklace
etsy.com

Necklace
etsy.com

Jewelry
etsy.com

Necklace
etsy.com

Jewelry
etsy.com

Necklace
etsy.com

Vintage Hydrangea Silk Flower Arrangement
silkflowers.net

My Polaris necklace was featured in this beautiful romantic collage by Amy from It's A Madcap Life Etsy Team.  Thank you so much Amy!  I had to share!  It's included with such lovely finds from Team Madcap. 

I'll Fly Away

I'll Fly Away by greygirldesigns on polyvore.com

Bird Masquerade Mask, handmade
etsy.com

I'll Fly Away charm bracelet one of a kind by greygirldesigns
etsy.com

Handmade Sterling Ring with Aqua Seaglass by JudithGayleDesigns
etsy.com

See You In The Stars Set of 2 Handmade Crayons
etsy.com

Japanese kanji Love Calligraphy Candle unique wedding by morij
etsy.com

Angelina crystal hoop earrings handmade by themadcapheiress
etsy.com

Some fun ideas for valentine's day!

Do you feel the spirit of love in the air?  I'm sure you notice whenever you go shopping you are being barraged by hearts, cupids and the color red.  Well it's almost valentine's day.  I thought it would be fun to look for some interesting and unique valentine's day gifts that you can get on Etsy.  Why give your hard earned money to the usual department stores when you could show your support for an individual trying to live their dream by creating what they love?  Let's spread some love Etsy style this valentine's day!

I've always loved stained glass.  I actually took some stained glass classes and created a few pieces myself.  I know what kind of hard work goes into each of these creations.  When I saw these fun stained glass heart earrings from AfricanSand, I thought they were really a unique way to combine stained glass within a piece of jewelry. 

Stained Glass Heart Earrings by AfricanSand

Aren't those adorable?  I think so!  The artist, Angela, also has some eye-catching stained glass panels, candle holders, business card holders and lots more stained glass jewelry available in her Etsy shop. 

You've heard that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach haven't you?  How about securing your place in your man's heart with one of the gourmet pre-measured mixes available from Kimmi's Etsy shop, LipSmackinCreations?  You can tell her mixes are going to be delicious just by looking at the pictures!

 

Chocolate Luv Pancakes by LipSmackinCreations

What man wouldn't love waking up to the smell of some homemade pancakes with chocolate and peanut butter in the mix?  Yum!  Kimmi has lots of delightful mixes available in her Etsy store including spice mixes, cookies, hot chocolate and even a special treat for your dog. 

Everyone likes sending cards on Valentine's day to show that special someone how much they care.  Why not do it with a unique handmade card from Michelle's Etsy shop, papermichelle?  Check out this one, the Thief of Hearts:

Valentine Card- Thief of Hearts by papermichelle

Isn't that cute?  Michelle's cards are hand drawn and screen printed by her.  She draws small, silly things that make her happy.  She has a great variety of cards in her shop and I think you are sure to find one that makes you smile too!

Lots of men buy flowers for their ladies for valentine's day.  This year, why not get her something different and get a handmade ceramic bud vase for all those flowers instead?  She'll remember your gift all year round with a vase that can be used for a variety of purposes, and looks great all by itself too.  This vase is available in Marietta's shop, blueroompottery:

Ceramic Bud Vase by blueroompottery

I love the wonderful texture and color combination of this vase.  Marietta's Etsy shop is full of lovely and functional pottery that is really a work of art.

My last item to share with you today is actually one of my own pieces, I just adore it and I hope you do too.  It is an adaptable necklace in that it can be worn two different ways, with the heart charm centered in the front, or you can switch it around and have the heart hanging sexily down the back of your neck.

 

Chained to your heart beaded necklace by greygirldesigns

It features sparkling deep red garnet gemstones, faceted black onyx, a faceted black fire agate stone, sterling silver and the rust steel heart charm.  It is a bit goth, a bit modern funky cool all in a one of a kind piece of wearable art.  This beaded necklace is available now in my Etsy store, greygirldesigns, and there is still plenty of time for me to ship it to you for valentine's day.

I hope you saw something you liked from my valentine's day picks!  Of course this is just a small sampling of the wonderful things you can find on Etsy.  Take a look for yourself and see what I mean!  Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today...I'd just love it if you'd leave me a comment and let me know you were here! 

Great Gift Ideas for the Music Lover

Hi! Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and before we know it we'll all be scrambling to find the perfect holiday gift for those special people in our lives.  I've talked about great gift ideas for the animal lover but today I thought I'd focus on those that have a special place for music in their hearts.  All these ideas come from Etsy, a great place to shop and find unique and handmade items.  Why not show your support for craftsmen and artists who work long and hard to come up with these great ideas? 

Check out this cool brass cuff bracelet from Kate's shop JezebelCharms.  I'm not sure what piece of music is portrayed on this bracelet but I think it's very charming and would look great on! 

Love Music Brass Cuff Bracelet by JezebelCharms

The brass will age with time taking on a patina that will add to the beauty of this piece.  This bracelet is handmade in England so please take this into consideration and leave adequate time for it to arrive if you are purchasing for Christmas!

Here's a custom designed t-shirt for the guitar lover out there.  I don't think you'll find another one just like it as Bruno makes all his own designs and prints the t's himself in his shop MyPersonaliTs:

Guitar Tshirt screenprinted by MyPersonaliTs

It's a cool design, isn't it?  There is also a custom shirt with drums, as well as many funny shirts with different sayings.  If unique t-shirts are on your gift buying list then check out this shop!

Do you know someone who is always making their own music?  Look at this African Thumb Piano from LepelstatCrafts:

African Thumb Piano from LepelstatCrafts

Now your music loving friend can take along their own instrument wherever they go!  This handcrafted African Thumb Piano is made by Michael from recycled materials in the African tradition and small enough to be carried around easily for musical fun on the go.  It's a real beauty too!

Do you know anyone who collects vintage rock and roll memorabilia?  You can't get much more vintage or collectible than these vintage Rock and Roll Beatles Trading Cards from Carrie's shop BadCatBoutique:

Vintage Rock and Roll Beatles Trading Cards set from BadCatBoutique

This is a set of four different Beatles Trading Cards from the 1960's.  Isn't that awesome?  The set of cards is only $20.00 too so it's an affordable gift for the collector on your list. 
Here's a really cool handmade leather wallet for the music fan.  This slim bi-fold leather wallet Music and Me is from Joe V.'s shop, joevleather:

Slim BiFold Leather Wallet Music and Me by joevleather

The musical notes design is unique and perfect for any music lover in your life.  Joe has some really excellent leather Ipad cases, phone cases, belts, wallets and even handcrafted bracelets in his Etsy store. 

This is just a quick glimpse of some of the music related finds on Etsy.  You can search for anything (and probably find it too!) and a long list of related items will come up for you to look through.  I hope you'll take a look and see what treasures you can find waiting for you there!  Have fun doing your shopping this holiday season...stay warm and cozy inside your house while everyone else deals with crowds and cold weather to look for the perfect gift.  If you have someone on your list that likes unique one of a kind jewelry I hope you'll take a peek inside my Etsy store as well...Grey Girl Designs. I'm busy creating my nature inspired necklaces, bracelets and earrings and would love to have one of my creations thrill a lucky lady in your life! 

A Treasure Trove of Treasuries

Hello!  I would like to share with you a few of the wonderful treasuries my jewelry has been featured in on Etsy.  I really appreciate these Etsians for putting my work in their collections... please enjoy and if there is something you would like to view in one of these you can click on it and it will take you directly to that item on Etsy.

'In Our Hands' by aimeere

Fabric brooch - Ame... yalipaz $15.00	Dried orange slices... HEraMade $33.00	Tatting jewelry tat... Decoromana $18.00	Classic Distressed ... bluebirdheaven $45.00
Ceramic Ring Bowl R... dancingclay $8.00	Spring-Original pai... KijoStudio $450.00	Mini quilted buntin... BozenaWojtasze... $30.00	Fabric Flower Brooc... joannafelt $11.90
Modern Reclaimed Up... thezenartist $219.00	Gabrielle Three-in-... greygirldesign... $164.00	the thread set out ... tangledskystud... $85.00	Ceramic Cat Sculptu... TikaCeramics $115.00
Diaper bag MIMOSA G... ikabags $79.81	Hand Stamped peace ... recycledparts $4.00	Reflection sepia to... SylviaCPhotogr... $10.00	Buttons metal cast... yukidesigns $4.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Harvest Picks' by WeeBindery

Zombie Art Doll, Be... twolefthands $32.00	Green Shell and Bra... Christinesjewe... $10.00	Greeting Card, Spir... PolkadotPossum $6.00	Honey Yellow Cup Co... natalya1905 $17.50
Ring. Blooming Gree... efiwarsh $12.00	Baby Girl Blanket i... HattieDesigns $29.00	Handmade sterling s... littlebugjewel... $32.00	Bridesmaid thank yo... TeroldegoAndTo... $10.00
Fine Art Print, Pho... TheShutterbugE... $100.00	Scarflette Organic ... Engelfelt $24.00	Button Necklace in ... cstarstudio $24.00	Porcelain Rabbit Fa... ALDDesigns $12.00
2T to 4T Toddler Vi... TwoSeasideBabe... $31.00	Day 2 - Paris Mont... YannPendaries $11.00	Grey Pearl earrings... greygirldesign... $25.00	Summer Bouquet - Or... funtoprint $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Choco Nuts' by galafilc

Enjoy & have a great day!

Divine Gold Tassel ... EzzaExclusive $79.00	Chocolate Luv Panca... LipSmackinCrea... $8.75	Vintage Pecan Hand ... CheekyVintageC... $28.00	felted fingerless g... piabarile $26.00
Copper Collection E... andreagoo $15.00	Skies Above necklac... greygirldesign... $83.00	The Ponderosa Cowbo... amytopstitchin... $20.00	Your choice of anim... Cerra $30.00
Borsellino RoccoccÃ... aralesaura $8.00	Vintage 70s Indian ... jasmine882 $230.99	Bear Hug - Vintage ... GinnyandHarrio... $86.00	Secret Circle ring ... odiw $39.00
Cream Mad Hatter Ri... Blackpin $36.00	Vintage Industrial ... ToucheVintage $20.00	Pair of Fabulous At... elektrykboogal... $155.00	Guinness Beer Box ... favorsforall $3.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Pastel beauty' by UnaPhoto

Blush Mineral Makeu... pinkquartzmine... $14.00	Ruffle Dress Flappe... andwhatelseist... $53.00	Airplane Photo - 8x... CactusHuggers $65.00	Dragonfly glasses s... TheRusticHome $25.99
ORIGINAL Abstract A... GinnArt $80.00	Light Pink boots, g... Yesterdayand2d... $55.00	Pink and Gray Skinn... rabbitstop $18.95	Jumbo Bubble Chande... jeanpelle $3000.00
Pink Vase Gift Two ... ArtByKristin $22.00	Midsummer Night'... TORYNOVACOUTUR... $115.00	Trees, Trees, Trees... ElainesHeartso... $125.00	Heaven's Tears ... greygirldesign... $28.00
Buttons, glass, not... amytopstitchin... $1.95

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Autumn Falling leaves ...' by piscesandfishes

Audry -------- Hand... AnnaLela $78.00	Silver decorated St... SigalitAlcalai $32.00	Pears Reproduction ... TheJoyofColor $20.00	Custom Couple Poste... custombybernol... $30.00
Adjustable Button R... LaurenceCollec... $21.00	Crossing Paths Quil... PatchworkMount... $195.00	Custom Initial Char... whiteliliedesi... $29.00	Cream And Nude Colo... roomofyourown $36.00
THE DOOR TO...fine ... ceejay60 $15.00	Jewelry Paper- Orig... Manufactapaper $10.00	Autumn - art print ... zirkulas $29.00	Vintage Tea cups a... vintagebiffann $12.00
Modern Love Affair ... greygirldesign... $28.00	Zara - Limited Edit... retrofemme $23.00	Sunglasses Sleeve NinasSmile $10.00	Antiqued Copper Flo... uptownsupplies $3.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Pink to make the boys wink!' by gingerteaphotography

sometimes we all feel a little bit girly!

Oprah crystal hoop ... themadcapheire... $52.00	Rose - Pink Flower ... PhotosByBianca $3.00	Felted handbag flow... galafilc $69.00	Into the Bloom - Si... lizgrandmaison $40.00
Personalised Hangin... fabthomson $5.50	Your Royal Highness... EllaGajewska $183.00	Champagne & Roses n... greygirldesign... $108.00	Pink and Champagne ... RomanticThread... $950.00
Pink Daisy Painting... Amborela $89.00	Christmas Stocking ... bjelvgren $48.00	Paris Photography -... VisualEmotioni... $45.00	Hot Pink Peony in t... artyecological $15.00
Swalcliffe Marie An... OxfordHeaven $40.00	Hot pink Zebra Phot... MargrafsPhotog... $25.00	Marie Antoinette Bo... vintageantoine... $24.95	Dont worry be Hippy... southindiabaza... $34.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'He who wishes to secure the good of others, Has already secured his own' by GlassKissinCreations

Confucius said it perfectly. Madcap Charity has generous members that want to help others, With all these wonderful items, from charitable people, you can do just that. Give something good to others while giving something good to yourself!

Donation to Madcap ... LipSmackinCrea... $29.84	Oprah crystal hoop ... themadcapheire... $52.00	Peace Be With You n... greygirldesign... $78.00	Hand printed table ... BlueberryAsh $41.00
Beach Photography o... beachbumchix $10.00	friendship bracelet... AmbieandAshies... $6.50	Bath Salts with REA... dancingwithfai... $10.99	Anck Su Namun Egypt... EgyptianInspir... $47.00
silk flower brooch,... bunsandballs $6.00	Ethnic angel Sachie... TheGoldenTrees $15.00	Half stack apron, 2... amytopstitchin... $20.00	Gold Filled Bar Nec... TheTaffyBox $32.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Layers of Serenity' by ME2Designs

These featured items [all from Team Madcap members] are in shades of neutral in white and gray/grey, but explore the amazing shapes and layers and depth contained in these treasures! Enjoy!

Hand knit Ribbed Sc... goodmarvin $35.00	Cameo on Gray Toppe... 51VC $20.00	Knitted Cowl or Nec... DaisyandFlorri... $35.00	Photograph, Saguaro... DaveDilliPhoto... $27.00
Under the Sea White... searchnrescue2 $55.00	Large Vintage Kodak... UptownVintage $68.00	White apple blossom... kelleyphotoart $35.00	Ruffed Linen Scarf-... AMIZANTI $65.00
Sea Treasure neckla... greygirldesign... $76.00	Here Comes the Brid... themadcapheire... $24.00	Black Pepper Soap SusieQsbathand... $5.00	Vintage Industrial ... rhapsodyattic $75.00
Vintage Bridal Veil... ifindubuy $29.99	Vintage Metal File ... outofdoha2010 $115.00	Porcelain Doll Part... ReminiscencePa... $9.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Aren't they pretty?  I am very happy to be featured- thank you to each seller for including me with all these lovely finds!  Until next time...