New jewelry will be arriving @ artSHAK studio + gallery...

Just shipped 21 new pieces to artSHAK studio + gallery, in Southport, NC!

Catching up...

So, I guess it has been a while since I last wrote. A lot has happened...I guess the biggest thing is that my grandmother passed away. As I see here, I am not only thinking of her, but of all the other family members (and friends) who have passed away over the last few years. Mostly, at this moment...of my daddy, because Oct. 24th, is, or should I say was, his birthday. He would be 59 this year...this is the 4th birthday that has passed, since he died. It is hard to believe 3 year, 2 months, and 2 days has passed since we lost him. I bought one of the little tiny pumpkins for him, I'm going to go to the graveyard and put one on the grave. I also bought one for my grandparents.

My grandmother passed away September 17th. She had been sick since March. Although I miss her dearly, it was almost a relief, at least she is not suffering anymore...and I know she is in a better place. We were all there with her when she passed, she was at home, in her bed. The last night was really rough. She struggle until about 3 or 4am...we had brought hospice in about a month before, and they had brought us a "palliative care kit" with all of the medicines we would need. The nurses didn't stay, but were on call. About 3am, we had to get one of them to come to the house. She was struggle to breathe and having chest pains...she finally went to sleep about 4 am. After that, she didn't move or wake up again. At the end, it was really peaceful. She was breathing normal and the breaths just started coming futher and futher apart, until she passed. It was very peaceful. It just looked like she was sleeping. The Hospice nurse was supposed to come and check on her again that morning, but she was running late...so, she ended up showing up about 30 minutes before she passed. Which was a blessing. I was really comforting her being there.

...and then there's Chris, my cousin...October 29th, will be the one-year anniversary of his death. I can't believe a year has passed. He would be 31 this year...he's about 6 months older than me. :(

Anyway, enough about the sad-side of life! So, I just got back from the beach yesterday. We had a good time. This was actually my second trip down there since grandma passed. We went to Oak Island....as usually! Where else would we go! Me, mom, Charlotte, April, Ginger, Liz, and April H...went. It was sad with grandma not there, but we had a good time. I guess we all have our moments... We stayed at "A Coconut Hut." It is one of my favorites! ...and it definitely has the one of the best views on the beach! (It's at Caswell.) Ocean on the frontside, marsh and ICW on the backside...you can see Southport in the distance, and Bald Head Island.

See what I mean!!! Beautiful views!!! theThis was our second stay at this particular house. (These pictures are from the last time we stayed there...I haven't upload the pictures from this trip yet.) It's up for sale...$1.8 million!!! WOW! Right? LOL Thank goodness for people like the Durhams...that let us rent their cottages! I stayed at "On Holiday," last trip. It is really cute too! Especially for a smaller 2 bedroom cottage! It's near Middleton...I actually went down there last time by myself. April and her family were down there...but I stayed by myself.

Anyway, I have a lot more to catch you up on...but for now, I think I'm going to head to bed. I'll be back...

Welcome....

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog!

I'm Jen, crafter, jewelry artist, painter...I love anything to do with art! As you know, I'm new to Blogger, but I also have a blog at Yahoo 360. In the past, I haven't dedicated much time to blogging, but I hope to keep this more up-to-date! I hope to share my work, ideas, and many other things that strike my fancy! However, let me warn you upfront, my spelling and grammar is atrocious! :)

First, I would like to introduce myself! Like I said earlier, my name is Jennifer...I live in Charlotte, NC, and have my entire life! I'm 30, a Pisces! I LOVE the beach. I have a BA in Business, and I love to create...anything and everything! I am always trying something new...which leaves me thinking, "gosh, I'm so unfocused!" The truth is I keep trying new things, because I think one day I will have an epiphany and find that one thing/medium that sticks out; that one thing/medium that I know immediately, is my favorite, and the one medium I want to focus on. So far, I haven't found it! I love it all! Maybe there isn't that "one" special thing...maybe, there isn't just one thing that will stand out....maybe the key is finding something you like...and just developing your skills for it! Who knows!!! :)

So, I'm making jewelry! Funny thing is it is the one thing that I never imagined myself doing! In fact, it was one thing that I thought I would have NO interest in! So, how did get started??? Well, my aunt took a class on beading...she invited me to go to a local bead shop a couple of times...finally I broke down and bought a few supplies and she showed me the basic techniques. I started dabbling, and that was it; I was hooked! :) I should have known I would like it, because I have always loved gemstones and rocks! Yeah, I was one of those kids that walked around picking up rocks and stuffing them in my pockets! LOL I think every drawer and cabinet in my parents house had at least one rock in it when I was little! :) Not to mention, my dad took me to the gem and mineral shows when I was younger, and several of my science fair projects in school were on rocks and minerals!

I am self taught...although I am signed up for a jewelry class fall semester, that focuses more on the metalsmithing side of jewelry. I'm really looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the craft! I have been making jewelry for a few years...I can definitely see the improvements in my techniques...along the way, I've learned a few new things. Most recently, I've started working with PMC, or precious metal clay! I've also dabbled a little in lampwork...I would like to take a class in it...self-teaching hasn't proved too affective thus far! LOL :) Anyway, I'll keep you posted on how the class goes! It starts August 20.

I've been selling my jewelry online for almost a year! I started out on Etsy...I joined August 8th, last year. I still sell on their! (http://www.jennlyn54.etsy.com/) In November 2006, I started showing pieces in the first gallery...it was in NY. I'm no longer with them, lets just say their business practices are lacking in several areas!!! (So, I want name any names!) In March 2007, I applied to show pieces at Maddi's Gallery here in Charlotte. Diane loved my work, and my first pieces were added at the gallery in April. I also created a website...http://jennifergardnerdesigns.com/, to show some of my work! Anyway, that's my story thus far! It has been an exciting journey! I've learned a lot and met a ton of really nice people! So, we will see what the future holds! LOL :)




Well, that's about it for now! I'll write again soon!


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XOXO