Little Keepsakes Studio

Photo Gifts bring Happiness and a Smile!

2012-01-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of the darling photo gifts that I made prior to Christmas. Hopefully they will inspire you to envision a photo gift that you would like to give for Valentines or Mother's Day --- both coming upon us really soon!

Here is the front and back of a bag charm

which I made for a dear friend --

designed with photos of her grandchildren.

Here is a 2 charm bag charm for another grandma.

This bag charm included a stamped sterling silver disc.

The customer of this darling 3 charm bag cluster decided to order one for herself after she had given one as a gift for Christmas. She chose to have the photos done in a sepia tone and then have chocolate and turquoise beads.

Darling little guy is shown in a large

puffy rectangle bag charm with beads.

Several customers wanted to order my new locket.

This customer had a darling photo of her children

set under the round domed glass inside the locket.

My Photo Magnet Set was another popular gift

for customers to purchase. I sent them in this

darling tin with a glass front.

A heart pendant was another popular gift item.

Here is a large puffy rectangle glass made with

a silver tube bail.

I love this photo of the baby on a butterfly rug.

It turned out so cute in the small puffy rectangle glass

which is dangling from a matching beaded necklace.

I want to give a big thanks to all of my wonderful customers for bringing me joy I receive in making these sweet little keepsakes for them and their loved ones. They definitely make me smile!

Photo Gifts Sharing

2012-01-04T11:39:00.001-07:00

I worked on many custom photo gifts during November and December. I'd like to share photos of some of the finished product.

Key chains were very popular as a gift. Most people bought them for a grandpa or grandma to have. This one brings a smile to my face every time I see it. It has 3 photos of one child --- with such a happy face!

This one highlighted the family in the bottom rectangle charm and then their daughter in different sizes and shapes of charms with an added hand stamped sterling silver disc saying "We (heart) You".

This Large Rectangle Glass Photo Charm had a photo of all 3 children incorporated in the design. On the back of the Charm was written a special message.

The next 2 key chains were made with the Antique Copper look and hand stamped copper disc. They had the large puffy rectangle photo glass charm.

Bracelets were also a very popular gift to order. Here is one of a small girl and another with a square charm of an engaged couple.

The following were ordered by a professional photographer to give as gifts to her clients. They were Medium ( 1.4") square puffy glass pendants with a silver snake chain.

I hope these photo gift example give you some ideas of your own and brought a smile to your day! Next post I'll share some more cute gift examples.

Newborn Photo Shoot

2011-11-30T13:13:00.001-07:00

I was able to take the photos from my nieces newborn baby photo shoot and make several gifts for her. They really turned out cute. I especially wanted to try a few different things that I could share with everyone.

On the magnet set, I wanted to use the puffy square glass and the large oval domed glass. I love how they compliment each other and this magnet set turned out so very precious!

I wanted to do the same sort of thing on the Bag Charm. My niece is a hair stylist and she is excited to hang this charm cluster in her booth! I used the new vintage brass clasp and chain along with matching beads and dangles.

The brass vintage layered necklace ended up being very delightful with the large domed oval glass set in this vintage filigree pendant setting.

These are just a few ideas that you can have made with some of those darling photos that you have taken. :)

Christmas Glass Pendants with Metallic Photo Paper

2011-11-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

I've gotten my Christmas line of glass pendants listed!! Better yet, I'm listing them with a great introductory price --- at only $6.50!! This will include the Waterproof Resin that I put on all of my pendants and the chain or cord of your choice.

What I really like about these pendants is the kind of paper that I printed the images on. It is a metallic photo paper with a pearlescent surface. I send these images to a professional photo print shop out of state and I just love the job that they do in printing.

I'm already thinking of people that I can surprise with one of these as a gift! Friends, family, coworkers, teachers, etc. etc. . .

Hope everyone gets them early so they can wear them a lot during the season. Because I know that they are going to absolutely love them!

You can find them listed online in our shop here.

NOTE: I only have 1 of each listed, so if you'd like to purchase more than one of a design, please email me and I'll make you a custom listing. julkid@gmail.com

Be Still and Know that I am God

2011-11-07T09:17:00.001-07:00

I awoke before 5am this morning to run my husband down to his car pool ride. Upon returning to my home it was quiet and still. I decided to watch a couple of religious devotionals and took time to ponder and reflect on Gods purpose for me and my life.

Sometimes I rush too much. Try to accomplish and do too much. More is not always better. . .

I must take time to think about God, to read his word, to ponder His ways . . .

This pendant that I designed for this season's inspirational line fits into this train of thought ---

Be Still and Know that I am God!

How can we know what God wants us to do if we don't listen.

How can we listen if we aren't still and quiet.

I must take time in the quiet to think about God and His plan for me.

I need to take time to "Be Still"

2011-11-04T17:15:00.000-06:00

My niece, Madison, spent 6 months in China during 2010 teaching English. She loved her time there and had many cherished memories. Her mother asked me to make Madison a memory key chain that would help her remember the great times that she spent in China. This is what I made for her.

I looked at the photos that her mother wanted to use and chose 3 of them that could be made in different sizes. I made a rectangle one out of the photo of the whole class of students. This rectangle glass really lends itself to group or landscape shots. Then I chose a 1 inch square to encase the photo of Madison sitting in a great stone window overlooking a large mountain. I wanted to finish off the design with a round photo charm and chose to use a 1 inch domed glass set in a silver pendant tray.

A 3/4" Sterling Silver disc has the location and year hand stamped and then brushed and polished. A 3/8" copper disc has Madison's initials "M R". Then to finish off the creation I used several wrapped green pearls and some large purple dangle beads. I love how this Memory Charm Cluster Key Chain turned out and I'm sure that Madison will absolutely love it too! (She's now serving on a church mission in Taiwan so it's being sent to her for her birthday.)

I've gone ahead and made a listing for a Custom Memory Charm Cluster in our Etsy Shop. You can have me create a travel, friendship, wedding, or any other type of Memory Charm Cluster that you can dream up. I can't wait to create some more fun memories for someone else! You can find the listing here.

More Arise and Shine Pendants Designed and Listed

2011-11-04T09:22:00.001-06:00

I've got 3 more of my designs for the "Arise and Shine" YW Mutual 2012 Theme made up, photographed and listed online. I love to make many options of size, color and design because we are all so different and are drawn to diverse options.

The first design was made to follow in the footstep of the "Blue Collage We Believe" pendant from last year. It was a very popular pendant and I wanted to do one similar to it. It is on the small puffy rectangle glass which has a great jewelry look to it. The verse has different fonts and colors in warm colors - you could call it a yummy chocolate orange with a hint of lemon and vanilla . . . yum yum. . .

This pendant will come with the vintage copper colored bail and chain. The chain comes in a 24" length and can be cut shorter once it arrives to fit the recipient. This pendant is listed here.

The next design is a bold one in a sea foam green color. The word "arise" is written in white and is in the background behind. The "Shine Forth" is big and bold in a great unique and fun font. Then the rest of the words to the verse are underneath in small print, "that thy light may be a standard for the nations".

This design comes with the silver toned metal bail and a choice of chains and cords. The shiny black ball chain shown here is a great choice, it can also be cut to fit the girl wearing the pendant. This pendant is listed here.

The third of these designs is a simple fun one in a green and pink motif --- which most every girl loves, right? I wanted to make something in a round design, so I chose to put this graphic in my crystal 1 inch round glass that has beautiful hand beveled edges all around the glass. It is exquisite! I love how the light and images play through this glass -- it is just mesmerizing to look at!

The design includes a simple pink tree arising up in the middle of the pendant. The word "Arise" is scripted in a great font and the words "and shine forth" are in a simple black font underneath.

The Crystal glass is sealed in a silver plated "princess setting" and is shown here with the 16" silver plated snake chain. This is an elegant design sure to please any teen! It is listed here.

Here's another look at the "vintage collection" that I made and introduced a little while ago. So far I have made 7 options for the YW. Not sure if I'll make anymore. If someone has a great idea of something that they would like to see, I'm always happy to hear. :)

Remember that all of my YW jewelry can be purchased for a great discount when buying them for groups over 10. If you have a girls group that would be interested in purchasing these, please email me directly for pricing: julkid@gmail.com

Leather Wrap Celtic Stone -- New Bracelet for the Tradewinds Collection

2011-10-14T13:01:00.003-06:00

Our "Tradewinds Collection" -- is a beautiful collection of triple row leather and gemstone bracelets intricately hand woven in our home studio here in the Rocky Mountains. These bracelets are designed to take the wearer away to a peaceful place in nature.

We are introducing the 2nd bracelet in the "Tradewinds Collection" -- Celtic Stone.

The Southwest Dream Bracelet was the 1st of the "Tradewinds Collection" to be introduced. It has been much loved and very popular since its induction.

I made the Celtic Stone bracelet with a row of 3/4" natural stones that have been tumbled and polished. They are in varying colors of brown. It is very addicting to rub your hands over these stones . . . all lying politely in a row. Then to highlight and compliment the natural large stones, I double stitched a row of small white shell beads on both sides of the brown stones.

The natural appeal of this bracelet is breathtaking I believe.

Then, there is the Celtic Knot on the button. Celtic Knots symbolize the eternal nature of our human and generational bonds. The strands are interwoven, touching each other, without an end. Just as we touch each other's lives with our actions.

When I look at the path of natural stones in this bracelet, I think of how nature plays such a huge part in our lives -- how we as humans are dependent on this earth that God created for us and should feel more gratitude in our hearts for what we have. Then the button helps me to remember where my ancestors have come from and the heritage that they gave to me (1/4 of my blood runs Scottish) -- and of course -- how my actions and life effects the coming generations. It is truly . . . "one eternal round".

I hope that you like this "Celtic Stone" bracelet as much as I do! You can find it listed in our Etsy store here.

YW Mutual Theme 2012 - "Arise and Shine Forth"

2011-10-12T14:57:00.001-06:00

I took some more photos of the "Arise and Shine Forth" Vintage Collection today and I am really pleased with how they turned out.

On the back of our Glass Tile pendants, we go one step further than most glass tile makers and after sealing the photo onto the back of the glass, we pour a layer of waterproof 2-part epoxy resin. We use clear resin sometimes, but lately we have been using a colored resin which brings the pendants to another dimension.

Here is a photo of the back of the pendant with a "cinnamon" colored resin and the vintage brass bail.

This gorgeous vintage styled pendant will come with a vintage brass chain that you can have customized from 16" to 24". This is a great option to accommodate a variety of sizes of teenage girls that will be wearing this pendant.

If you'd like to look at more photos and details about this pendants please check it out in our Etsy shop, here.

Arise and Shine Forth

2011-10-11T11:30:00.003-06:00

I've been working on designing new jewelry to go with the new LDS YW Mutal Theme for 2012, which is, "Arise and Shine Forth that thy Light may be a Standard for the Nations". I wanted to do a set of them that would be in the vintage brass that is so popular right now. (This design is not available at the moment).

The first design I made with a vintage map of the world in the background, since the verse talks about being a "light" to all nations. Then I made the word "arise" in a larger ivory colored font that would represent the light arising to be an example to all.

On this oval design it just says, "arise and shine forth" to be simply stated. I encased the design in a brass fancy setting with a domed glass cabochon over the top of it. The pendant will hang from a 24" brass link necklace with a lobster clasp. There are two of the smaller oval glass (22mm x 30mm) ~~and one of the larger glass (30mm x 40mm)~~.

The 2nd design takes on more of a modern feel with the colored block font and fancy tribal looking "Arise" font. It is in a light tangerine color with some light orange and yellow in the lettering. The glass pendant will come with a brass colored bail and brass link chain which can be made anywhere from 16" to 24".

I'm really excited about how awesome these first designs came together and I'll be listing them shortly in both of my online shops. Like always, I will be offering generous discounts to YW groups who would like to buy over 10 of them at a time.

I'll be continuing to work on some more designs. If you have some ideas of what you'd like to see . . . let me know. :) -- Julie

Custom Photo Gifts

2011-09-19T15:37:00.003-06:00

Lately I've been busy making some photo gifts. I'd like to share a couple of them with you.

This beautiful large glass rectangle was hooked to a vintage copper chain and split ring with a copper washer which I hand stamped "GRANDPA". This unique key chain is a great gift option for one of those important men in your life.

Another one of the gifts that I made was with a photo of the same darling little girl. This charm bracelet has a small photo glass tile which is the same size as a scrabble game tile piece (3/4"). It dangles from a chunky silver plated charm bracelet which is 7" with a lobster clasp and extension chain.

Baby Footprints Keepsake

2011-09-14T11:46:00.002-06:00

I recently completed an order in our Etsy shop, "The Copper Pearl", with our new 1 inch puffy glass. It was an order for the "Baby Footprints Glass Pendant Keepsake".

I love how the rounded corners and edges are so delicate. They really look nice on this baby keepsake.

Do you know someone who had a baby recently who would love this keepsake as a gift? You can choose which chain or cord you would like to have sent with your pendant. It is shown here with the 18" black leather cord.

Great Mother's Day, Birthday, Christmas, or congratulations on your new baby gift! All you need to know is the baby's name and birthday. Perfect!

Bohemian Style Woven Jewelry

2011-07-15T15:22:00.000-06:00

Bohemian style jewelry is a hot trend these days. You can see the gypsy style influence in many boutiques and popular shops. It is especially a great design to wear during the warm summer months. The style is great with casual styles and can be worn to the mountains or the beach with ease.

Pearls, gemstones and crystals are woven with natural threads, cords and leathers. I've already highlighted the woven leather wraps that we've been making to sell in our Etsy shop, "The Copper Pearl". I'd like to highlight some of the other fun jewelry that we've been making.

It has been so fun to learn and grow in our knowledge of knot tying and weaving beads. I remember doing macrame hanging baskets back in the 70's. So it is very fun to now take that knowledge using smaller cords and threads and make beautiful jewelry!

Macrame originated from the 13th century Arab. It is a form of textile making where a knotting technique is used rather than knitting or weaving. Macrame was originally used by sailors to decorate anything -- from knife handles to parts of the ships. This particular technique has trickled down to the fashion industry.

Here are some of the earrings that my daughter, Annie, made to place in our shop. She is especially agile with her fingers and the treads just fly while she is making these! I especially like the earrings using the turquoise colored thread with the small copper colored seed beads.

These round hoop earrings are very similar to some made by designer Chaun Luu. Of course, she charges 5 times more for hers than we do. :)

Annie, also made this intricate woven bracelet which we call, Jungle Dance. I just love how the light dances off of the beads and how the knotting makes them all lay in a random fashion.

I'm sure that we'll be doing a lot more exploring and sharing of these particular art in the future -- we sure are having great fun creating new pieces of jewelry!

Leather Wrap with Triple Row of Beads and Southwest Button

2011-07-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

I wanted to design a leather wrap that would act like a cuff and lay flat against your wrist, yet still have the play and fun of the rows of beads and leather. I wanted one without the knots that I usually use in my other leather wraps.

This new southwest style bracelet fits what I set out to do! I just love it! I wear it everywhere and get many compliments about the style and color choice.

I've listed it in our Etsy shop, The Copper Pearl, and I can make one just like it to fit your wrist size.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and if there are certain color combinations that you'd love to see me use.

Julie

Key Chain for Dad

2011-06-24T10:32:00.002-06:00

I've really wanted to make a key chain that was more manly and especially one that could be used for all of those wonderful Dads out there. Of course, because I tend to procrastinate too much, I waited until after Father's Day to make it!

Actually, a photographer customer wrote and said that one of her clients requested something that she could give her husband. So, I sat down and designed this little number. I used a copper ring to hand stamp the word DAD in it (of course I could hand stamp any other word here). I also used a aged copper metal bail, chain and a copper key ring. I like the rustic look and my hubby said that it was a keeper!

A link to this key chain listed in my shop HERE.

I'd love to hear what you think or if you have any ideas of something you'd like to see me design or make!

Glass Tile Key Chain of my Family

2011-06-22T12:08:00.001-06:00

I have been trying to get this key chain of my family completed for some time now. . . and I finally put the finishing touches on it last night.

I love this photo of my 4 sons and this one of my daughter. So instead of just a family shot, I did different tiles for the favorite shots of my family.

I had a really hard time getting photos of this key chain this morning. The sun wanted to wash out the glass tiles or put sun spots on them. I believe that you can get a good idea though of how it looks. But believe me, in person it is much better. :)

I used a copper ring and hook, so I wanted to use pearl beads that were copper color and the peacock color of the resin on the back of the tiles. I absolutely LOVE how the colors turned out!!!

I couldn't have been happier. Oh, and I just love how they all feel in my hand! I must be a touch person, but I just adore how the glass tiles with the resin on the back feel so smooth and the beads all feel like little pebbles . . . . ok, ok, I'll quit my obsessing!

Motivational Monday -- Finding Peace -- A lesson from my Dad

2011-06-20T10:06:00.001-06:00

Lost jobs, rising gas and groceries prices, natural calamities, broken homes, moral decline, political unrest and rumors of war. These and many more are all are things that we are experiencing as a people. Where can we possibly turn for peace?

The Prince of Peace said in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Can we really find peace while the world is in chaos all around us?

A couple of weeks ago my husband was hurt in an ATV accident. He fractured his L2 vertebrae and has to wear a body brace (turtle shell) for at least 3 months. Because of this he is off of work for the summer. This has been a strain on our family as you can imagine.

Yesterday was Father's Day and we had my married son and his wife over and after dinner we were playing a game. There was laughing, smiling, and an awesome feeling in the home. It was a great day. My husband commented that you can find happiness and peace in the small things. He found so much peace and contentment in a simple evening at home with the family.

Speaking of Father's Day, my Dad taught me about finding peace.

Dad was a kind, faithful, reserved, knowledgeable and hard working sort of man. It's been almost 18 years since my Dad passed away. But his memory and lessons taught me still live on. He grew up on a small farm in southern Colorado in a 2 room home. They lived off of the land, rode the horses to school and made do with what they had. He grew up during the depression, fought in World War II in the pacific islands, raised 8 children, and was an example to many.

The one thing that I'd like to point today about Dad, was that he rarely complained. We lived a simple farm life, we didn't have much, but I never heard him complaining nor coveting what we didn't have. Dad looked for the good in situations and people. This was his Faith. Faith is an action word and my dad personified faith. Always working towards a righteous goal with belief and hope in his heart. Never failing to believe that he couldn't make things work, make them better, make himself and us better. I rarely saw a hint of discouragement or grief in my Dad. It was always Faith.

Faith in the Prince of Peace.

My dad had a very strong and active faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe that it was through Jesus and His Spirit that my dad found the peace and comfort that he needed in those hard times. The peace that helped him to stay strong and endure to the end.

Today I will remember my Dad and remember to look to my Savior for needed peace. . .

New Trend -- Leather Gem Wrap

2011-05-24T08:40:00.001-06:00

Actress Gabrielle Anwar of "Burn Notice" in a Chan Luu wrap bracelets

This trend of wearing lots of bright colored bracelets and wraps is fun and addicting. These unique leather wraps with gems enclosed between two strands of leather can be found on celebrities and in posh boutiques.

Chan Luu wrap bracelet listed on Zappos

I've spent many hours the past month or so learning how to create these beautiful wraps. I have made a couple of them that I'd like to share. The first one is in my birthstone -- the amethyst.

The wrap is 23 inches long. It can be wrapped around my wrist 3 times and has an adjustable loop for someone with a smaller wrist than mine.

The second one that I made is just 14 inches long. It can be wrapped around most ladies wrists 2 times. It was made with a soft pink leather and pink semi-previous stones, crystals and pearls. It closes with a darling silver heart.

The possibilities are endless in making wraps. I have so many ideas that I want to try! I just need the time and resources to explore more of the creations that are swimming around in my head. . . .

Antique Brass Necklace with Custom Large Domed Glass Photo Pendant

2011-05-06T10:05:00.001-06:00

I made this special antique photo necklace for a great professional photographer customer of mine. It turned out so well that I'd like to share it with everyone.

I used my gorgeous new domed large oval glass and set it in a brass metal setting. Then using brass chain, leaf charms and a matching pearl, I created this awesome brass necklace that anyone would love to have!

It is a long necklace -- 30" long. So, the large glass setting will dangle down below your chest. The pearl sets up higher -- I love this type of layered necklace!

If you would like me to make a necklace for you with your special photo and matching pearl -- you can find the link here.

I can make this same design in a silver or copper color too!

I would be happy to create a custom variation for you if you have something else in mine. You can always shoot me an email and we'll discuss your ideas. Email: LittleKeepsakesStudio@gmail.com

Stacie Petta of Sweet Child of Mine Photography took the gorgeous photos of this necklace!

He was a Miracle from Heaven

2011-04-25T10:26:00.001-06:00

As I look in the world around me there is sadness, pain, chaos, doubt, fear, and a lack of faith and hope. We all need a Miracle. A Miracle from Heaven.

Our dear Heavenly Father created this miracle for us from even before the creation of this earth. It was the life, atonement, and death of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This is the needed Miracle!!

Jesus has provided us the path, the inspiration, and the needed hope and comfort. He has paid the price for our sins, and suffered death so that we may all have the hope of the resurrection and living for eternity. He took away the sting of death. In Him we find HOPE, JOY and PEACE.

Do we take advantage of this HOPE, JOY and PEACE? . . . or do we wander through this existence with doubt and fear?

I love this music (by Kenneth Cope) and artwork (by Liz Lemon Swindle)! It helps me to remember the Miracle that was already given to me from Heaven and feel grateful for the serenity that it provides me.

I pray that your Easter Season was filled with sincere reflection and resolve to take advantage of this Miracle --- I know that mine was. . .

Large Round Domed Photo Pendants in Metal Design

2011-04-11T10:39:00.002-06:00

Here are the two fancy large domed pendant settings that I have available to customers. They are in a brass setting and come with the brass necklace. The glass itself is 1 1/4" round.

The round metal part will make it larger. This is a nice long necklace that will look nice as a statement piece, or great paired with some shorter necklaces!

This is the flower setting -- great for photos of children and girls.

This is the setting that would be great for photos of boys and men.

Large Rectangle Glass Custom Photo Key Chain

2011-04-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law asked me to make a key chain of her two children so that she can show people who they are when she's out and about. She originally wanted a double sided glass tile. But I really don't have a way of doing that with glass yet, so I put both photos onto a large rectangle piece of glass and inserted that glass into a metal tray.

This particular key chain I decided to use mixed metals. Mixed metals is something that is gaining popularity in the world. This is a keepsake that will celebrate the differences that all children have. No child is just like the other!

I believe it turned out bright and fun -- great for this spring time! I hope that she will love it! Her daughter just left to serve a mission in Taiwan and her son will be off to college this year -- so this will be a way that she can keep her memories of them alive.

Products with Glass and Metal Setting

2011-03-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

A bunch of my products have the combination of Glass and Metal. The photo paper is sealed behind the glass and then seal inside a metal setting. The metal protects the back of the pendant and adds an element of elegance to your keepsake.

I'd like to highlight each of the different sizes and shapes that I have available right now.

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First off we'll cover the OVAL GLASS SETTINGS.

For the metal settings in oval -- I only have the DOMED GLASS available

SMALL DOMED OVAL (SILVER ONLY) -- (18mm x 25mm) -- 1 inch tall

Small Domed Oval Silver Pendant

MEDIUM DOMED OVAL (Silver, Copper and Antique Bronze Metal Settings) -- (22mm x 30mm) -- 1 1/4" inch tall

Medium Domed Oval Silver Pendant

LARGE DOMED OVAL (Copper, Silver, or Antique Bronze) -- (30mm x 40mm) -- around 1 1/2" Tall

Large Domed Oval Silver Pendant


Side view of the Large Domed Glass in Silver Setting

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Next, I'll cover the ROUND glass and metal products that I have currently.
(I have several other fancy round settings that I'm working on that I'll highlight in a later post)

There is the ROUND DOMED GLASS SETTINGS:

Small (1") Round Domed Glass set in Metal Tray (Silver, Copper or Antique Bronze) -- (25mm)

Small Round Domed Glass in Silver Setting

Large (1 1/4") Round Domed Glass set in Metal Tray (Silver, Bronze, Copper) -- (30mm)

Large Round Domed Glass in Antique Bronze Setting

Large Round Domed Glass in Silver Metal Setting

Then there is the ROUND FLAT GLASS SETTING:

Small (1") Round Flat Glass set in Metal Tray (Silver, Copper, Bronze or Gun Metal Trays) -- (25mm)

Small Round Flat Glass set in Silver Metal Tray

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SQUARE Glass Settings

Small (1") Square Flat Glass set in Metal Tray (Silver, Copper, Bronze or Gun Metal Trays)

Small FLAT Glass in Silver Metal Tray

Small FLAT Glass in Gun Metal Tray

Small FLAT Glass in Copper Metal Tray

Puffy Rectangle Glass for Custom Photo Pendants

2011-03-03T12:34:00.001-07:00

The new puffy rectangle glass that I have works wonderfully either horizontal or vertical as a custom photo pendant.

Here are some new photos of custom photo work in this very beautiful and elegant glass. It is about 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" long.

As always, all of my custom photo pendants will come with two necklace options -- choice of 16" black satin cord or silver snake chain and a 24" tiny ball chain necklace. This gives the wearer of the necklace more versatility in wearing the pendant.

Each of the Little Keepsakes Pendants will come tucked inside a photo tin. These are great for gift giving and for storing your keepsake.

My pendants are waterproof on the back since I take the time to cover the back of the photo paper with another paper, seal them, and then pour a layer of epoxy resin over the back. This step takes a bunch of extra time for me to do -- but enhances the pendant and increases its value.

A listing in my shop for this size of glass is HERE.

Custom Photo Jewelry Keepsakes

2011-02-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

I've been extremely busy with my wholesale orders for the NOT4SALE fund raising cause. Making over 100 pendants a week for them. Yet amidst hand crafting those pendants, I've been keeping busy with orders for Young Women groups and requested custom photo keepsakes. I've like to share a few of the custom photo keepsakes that I've done lately.

Each of the Custom Photo Keepsakes that are ordered come with a photo tin. These are great for gift giving as well as for storing the keepsake.

This key chain has two 1" glass charms and 20 beautiful swavorski pearls and crystals.

You can request to have inscriptions on the back of your keepsake. I seal the back of the photo charm and then pour a layer of jewelry grade epoxy resin to protect your keepsake. This is a labor intensive process that many glass tile artists don't perform. But I feel that it is essential in protecting your photo from moisture and wear.

This is a large rectangle key chain that I made. It has three different lengths of chain with crystals, charms and swavorski pearls decorating the glass charm.

For Valentines Day I made my daughter who is at college this necklace which highlights a "LOVE" 1/2" glass tile pendant. There were dangling earrings to match and a flower ring. She loved them and they brought a bright spot to her class and homework filled day.

I'm especially loving this new rectangle glass that I have which has more of a bubble appearance that the high profile sides of the "wide rectangle" glass that I previously used. When a customer orders my wide rectangle glass -- this is the glass that I am using. It make the unique photo pendant an awesome piece of fine jewelry. This piece is great for family photo shots. It is about 3/4" wide and 1 1/4" long.

Here is another family photo encased behind this gorgeous piece of crystal clear glass. It really creates a great keepsake!

Spiritual Renewal found on "LifeinGrace"

2011-01-07T10:25:00.001-07:00

Today I ran across an incredible story. Through moist eyes I read of a woman's experience during the week of Christmas losing her home to fire. Fire took it all. All 6 in their family and 2 animals escaped without harm. But the home is totally gone. Her name is Edie. The blog in which Edie shares tidbits and emotions from her life is called LifeinGrace. She is a devoted Christian woman who blogs from her heart.

I was totally inspired and touched by Edie's experience of friends and family coming their rescue. She writes, "My heart is full and grateful. I am overwhelmingly sad and yet unable to stop rejoicing. My mother is amazing. My husband is my rock. My children are so incredibly brave. I am blessed beyond measure. It’s as if our friends and family have become the hands and feet of Christ, bringing love and help and healing."

Edie speaks openly about her love of the Savior and His goodness and mercy to her and her family. She is lifted up, nurtured and is beginning to heal from this awful tragedy because of her steadfastness in Christ and His love and unconditional love for each one of us.

My love for the Savior is renewed upon reading this touching story. Christ does live. He will lift us up in our times of trouble and need. He gives us Hope.

Not4Sale Fundraiser Pendants -- Help for the Abused in Asia

2011-01-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

For the past several months I have been involved in producing glass pendants for a non-profit organization in Canada that is helping to combat the problem of children in Thailand and Cambodia being used for sexual slavery. Children (as young as 3 years old) are sold to brothels and held against their will and forced to perform sexual acts with grown men. Many of the men that come to these brothels are tourists from western countries (many from the United States).

John Walsh, from the show America's Most Wanted, has filmed an undercover documentary about the sex trade in Cambodia and exposes the reality of the abuse these children are experiencing. For more information about his film please read this article in USATODAY.

Not4Sale is raising awareness and and collecting funds to help the Victory Childrens Home. Their goal is to rescue underage girls from bars and brothels and place them in "safe havens where they can be loved, nurtured, educated and ultimately restored".

Not4Sale are selling the glass pendants that I am producing for them to raise the funds for this cause. I am very excited to be a part of this initiative! I am so sickened and horrified about what is happening to these small innocent children and I am happy to be helping in a small measure to alleviate this evil from a child's life.

To visit their website click Here. On the website there is a lot of information about the problem and ways in which people can help.

True religion involves helping the downtrodden, rescuing the oppressed and standing up for the defenseless.

New 1 inch Puffy Glass

2010-12-01T08:55:00.001-07:00

Puffy Glass pendant on top of gift tin. Isn't she adorable!

I got a bunch of new glass and products to try during the next little bit and see what I'd like to include in my product line. One of the new glass types that I received was a 1 inch square glass that is called a "puffy glass".

Puffy glass from the front.

The differences between my traditional square 1 inch glass and this new glass is the following. The point corners on the glass are a lot more rounded. Because of this, part of the photo will be cut off in the corners. So, you'll reduce the amount of photo that you'll be able to see. Another difference is the top edge in rounded down to the bottom so you'll have a little bit more of photo distortion and magnification on the edges of the photo.

Traditional square on left, new Puffy glass on right.

The puffy glass does look more modern with that sleek rounded edge. For a photo with one person head shot this glass would be great to use.

Showing the nice rounded top edges on the Puffy glass.

I've taken some photos of the two different types of 1 inch glass to show the differences, using the same exact photo printout.

Showing the high profile edge on the left and the round edge on the puffy glass.

Another comparison shot.

Black Friday until Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-26T00:17:00.001-07:00

Great deals are happening in the Little Keepsakes Studio this Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.

There will be FREE SHIPPING to the US for everything bought.

There be also be a Free Gift given to those who spend over $30 in my Little Keepsakes Studio shop on Artfire. You can choose your Gift from those items in my shop that are under $16. Please specify the free gift that you would like to have in the "note to seller" when checking out.


Small Custom Photo Pendant (1") could be your Free Gift!

A Special Gift for a Great Teacher

2010-11-09T08:54:00.002-07:00

Many mothers like to give gifts to the teachers of their children for Christmas. It's a hard thing to know what to give to someone that is with your child so much of the day and really does influence a big part of their life, knowledge and excitement for life and learning. School teachers sacrifice so much of their own extra time and resources for their classroom (this I know personally because I used to be a teacher myself). So, you'd like to show your appreciation and give them a gift.

This morning a customer asked for some recommendations for a teacher pendant. I thought that this would be an excellent post for my blog. So here are the ideas that I shared with her.

There is always the traditional "apple pendant".


Apple Pendant with red satin cord

Or the "hand print" one.

Hand Print Pendant with 24" ball chain

It is always safe to go with one of the many monogrammed pendants that I have in my shop.


Blue Damask monogram glass pendant with 24" ball chain

Then there is the "inspire" pendant that is always popular for teacher's gifts.


Inspire glass pendant with 18" snake chain

Lastly, any of the pendants in the Inspirational Category would make a nice choice for a teacher, their are many music specific ones that a music teacher would cherish! The Keep Calm and Carry On is always a great stand by from this category.

Keep Calm and Carry On on 18" silver plated flat link chain

I have marked down my prices for the holiday season! Every pendant comes with a chain or cord! Square (7/8") pendants with a chain are only $6.75!! Shipping is a low flat rate of $2.00 (US). The necklace will come in a sweet organza pouch ready for gift giving to your favorite teacher!

Blue Christmas Treasury

2010-10-29T10:51:00.004-06:00

One of my pendants is usually featured in a treasury a few times a week. This morning my snowflake pendant was featured in a lovely treasury about having a Blue Christmas. It was fun to see all the pretty blue items that have to do with Christmas and Winter.

I'll have a Blue Christmas

Colorful and Cheerful Breakfast

2010-10-29T08:21:00.002-06:00

I saw this photo and imagined the bright and cheerful breakfasts that we could have with all of these colorful bowls! Or maybe fun a colorful late night ice cream raid!

I love the bright light and color that pops from this kitchen! It would sure set the day off to a good and inspirational start. It's fun to dream. . .

NEW Key Chain with Large Rectangle Photo Glass Tile with Bead Dangles

2010-10-28T09:02:00.001-06:00

I've now listed a Large Rectangle Key Chain custom photo glass tile into my shop. Shown in the product photos are a couple of the ones that I have made for customers. Your photo can either go vertical or horizontal.

There is room on the back to have written a verse, poem, name, saying, date, website name, etc. One die hard Twilight fan had me put a twilight quote on the back of hers.

I will match the dangle beads to the photo -- you can request that certain colors be used. This is definitely a "one of a kind creation" because it is all based on the photo or graphic that you'd like to use.

As always, I will package your one of a kind photo accessory into a darling gift tin with the same photo or graphic on the lid or the tin. This is a great way to give the gift and to safe keep the key chain when it isn't in use.

This piece could also be hooked on and dangle down the side of your purse or bag! It is a great gift to give a mother or grandmother to show off her children/grandchildren. ♥

WINNER of Giveaway!!

2010-10-25T21:51:00.002-06:00

We have a winner for the giveaway! It is "MyasMom".

Thank you so much everyone for "Liking" my facebook fan page and entering to win here on my blog!

Please remember that EVERYONE can still receive 20% off of their purchase in my shop (from now until Oct. 31st) by entering the coupon code: FB1020 (during checkout).

(My Artfire shop will automatically figure the discount and deduct it before you pay. I'll have to refund the money after payment in my Etsy shop.)

First Giveaway! Little Keepsakes Studio Custom Photo Jewelry

2010-10-23T12:57:00.004-06:00

I opened up a new fan page on Facebook a few days ago and mentioned that once I got 25 "likes" that I would hold a giveaway. I have some awesome customers and fans who spread the word and before I knew it -- it was way past 25!! Thanks guys and gals!

Purse or Bag Charms

For this first giveaway I'm offering "1 free item of your choice from my shop on Artfire (yes, anything in my shop is up for grabs)" along with FREE SHIPPING!!

See the rules for the giveaway below:

Anyone worldwide can enter.

You must be a fan of my Facebook page here.

You must leave a comment on this blog post letting me know that you "Like" me on Facebook. Make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win (if you'd rather not leave email, I'll contact you through facebook if you make sure you leave me your facebook name.).

For an extra entry you can "Follow" this blog by clicking the "Follow" box over on the right of the blog and then leave another comment on this post telling me that you are now following my blog.

For another extra entry you can leave an additional comment about which product you would choose if you were a winner of the giveaway (only 1 of these allowed).

I will close the giveaway on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 at 11:59pm. I will run the numbers through Random.org and post the winner on Monday. I will also notify the winner by email.

As an EXTRA BONUS -- I will offer everyone who orders from Little Keepsakes Studio on Artfire a 20% off of their order for this week only Oct 23-31st. Here is the coupon code that you will need to use when checking out in Artfire to get the 20% off of your order FB1020.

Good Luck to all --- make sure to share the news of giveaway to your friends and family!

Awesome Professional Photographers!

2010-10-22T14:45:00.003-06:00

I have some fantastic Professional Photographers who have me make photo jewelry for them and their clients! I absolutely love getting their photos and seeing their creativity, style and artistic ability!

I smile from ear to ear once their photo is magnified through the glass in their chosen product.

Whether it is a necklace, bracelet, key chain, purse charm, bookmark or magnet set, it is pure delight for me to make these piece of photo art. I just hope that the recipient loves these keepsakes just as much, or more.

I always hope and pray that the clients wear or display their keepsakes with happiness.

If you are a Professional Photographer and would like to know about the discount program that I have for Professional Photographers, please contact me for information. (julkid@gmail.com)

Learning Curve

2010-10-21T08:01:00.002-06:00

I've been a member of Artfire for over a year now and they have so many great applications and features on their site that I really wanted to expand my customer base over to my online shop there. I'm hoping that I left enough of a trail for customers who want to buy from me to find my products on Artfire.

So, I'm learning lots these days about a new site and how to run all of the nifty applications. I'm sure that I'll get better as time goes on and you'll see things improving over time . . . change and learning are good, right?

I've opened another fan page on Facebook called "LittleKeepsakesStudio". I'm hoping to get more of my online presence to be linked to my business name. This morning I got my Artfire Kiosk loaded onto my fan page -- it is definitely a great application! Fans can browse right on facebook what I have in my Artfire shop and they can go ahead and make the purchase right there. These long, long hours are beginning to pay off!

That is one of the benefits that I enjoy about Artfire, my customers don't need to become a member to buy my products. The checkout is real quick and easy!

If anybody has any questions or comments about my products or business -- please feel free to shoot me an email: julkid@gmail.com

Thanks a BUNCH to all of my loyal customers for sticking with me through these changes!

New Facebook Page

2010-10-20T08:15:00.002-06:00

In trying to tie all of my online presence to my business name (Little Keepsakes) I opened up a new facebook page -- Little Keepsakes Studio.

I'll be putting discount codes and sale information onto this facebook page for my online shops. You will be able to you the discount codes that I post on facebook for any of my shops!

Once I get 25 "likes" on this new page I will be doing a giveaway.

Great Season of the Year!

2010-10-12T14:10:00.012-06:00

I love the fall weather. We have really had a beautiful autumn this year. Many warm days, a little rain to keep things green and growing, and the crispness of the season in the air. If I had my way, it would be Spring for 5 months, Fall for 5 months and Winter and Summer for 1 month each!

I've been very busy making new designs up, getting them photographed and listed in my shops. It takes a tremendous amount of time to do these things.

Etsy Finds Feature and Christmas in July

2010-07-17T09:43:00.005-06:00

I am running a "Christmas in July" promotion in my shops. For "My Daisy Dreams" you get free shipping and if you purchase 3 separate pendants, you'll receive a $5.00 refund. For "Glass Photo Keepsake" it is "Buy 2, get 1 free of equal or less value".

So yesterday I received a feature for one of my Monogrammed Pendants (shown here) in the Etsy Finds. It was fun to see my item there when I opened up my Etsy Newsletter. I had a lot of great response from the feature! Thanks Etsy!

New Promotion in My Daisy Dreams

2010-07-06T08:41:00.005-06:00

This week every purchase will receive a 20% discount in the "My Daisy Dreams" shop.

July is the MONTH OF SALES for my Etsy Shops!

2010-07-02T10:05:00.005-06:00

During the month of July I will have several promotions. I will have some in each shop, but perhaps not at the same time. You'll want to keep an eye on my announcement page in My Daisy Dreams and Glass Photo Keepsake.Currently the promotion that I'm having is that all during the Independence Holiday Weekend each Glass Tile Pendant purchased in "My Daisy Dreams" will receive a complimentary 18" black satin cord that I assemble myself (a $3 value).

New Glass Tile Pendants

2010-06-14T10:49:00.008-06:00

Summer Days are here! It's always good to have some bright and fun new jewelry to wear!

I've been working hard to get some new designs of glass tile pendants listed in my Etsy Shop. It takes quite a bit of time to design, product, photograph, edit the photo, and then list the item. I just listed my 300th item in "My Daisy Dreams" shop. Here's a sampling of new designs for summer.

Head on over to my Etsy shop to see some more fun designs!

Mother's Day Gifts

2010-06-05T09:40:00.005-06:00

I have been very busy this spring with custom photo order. My "Glass Photo Keepsake" shop on Etsy has been especially busy. I split out the custom photo portion of my items in Etsy into a new shop this year and I have been pleased how it's been gaining viewers and customers.

Here are some of the fun new items that I included in my shop. The photos are of some of the custom orders that I completed this spring.

My new Large Oval Pendant is an awesome piece of glass to highlight 2-3 children.

My key chain-bag charm with 2 charms was a very popular item for Mother's Day!

One customer wanted a custom necklace for her mother of the 5 children -- following after the pattern of the Key Chain. I think that it turned out quite nicely.

Bookmarks are always a great idea for the grandmother or mother that don't particular wear a lot of jewelry or are an avid book reader.

Just Breathe

2009-12-07T19:43:00.003-07:00

I have been so crazy with orders since I wrote last! I've sold over 300 pendants in just a few weeks. I am happy today, because I got all of the foreign orders to the post office. I'm coming up for a little breath. I've also gotten all orders shipped up to Nov. 26th. Tomorrow I hope to finish up the 27th-29th orders.

I am waiting for a few supplies. I can't believe how fast all of my supplies ran out and then my suppliers were out! It's been crazy fun!! I'm sure now that next year during the slow period that I'll decide on my product line earlier and get a stock pile ready. It's a learning process and we're hoping for getting twice as many sales next year -- so I'll be getting better organized during the next few months.

Just today we've been planning a little what we're going to do during the Christmas Holidays and I'm getting excited to do something besides work from morning til early the next morning! I have to remind myself everyday to be grateful for the much needed money and customers and to "Just Breathe". . . .

Will the Twilight Movie Stay True to the Book?

2009-11-05T09:00:00.006-07:00

This week in my Etsy Shop I've slashed my prices down more than 20% on all Twilight Inspired Items!

Many people are looking for something to wear to their "New Moon" premier parties and are getting very excited for another movie release. I must admit that I'm getting more excited as the time gets closer.

I'm interested to see if the movie keeps true to the book, or not. I reread the book, New Moon, just a few months ago so I can remember it better when I see the movie. I love it when a movie stays as true to the book as possible -- like the Harry Potter movies have tried to do. I'm always dissapointed when the movie deviates from the book to a point that it's putting a whole new light or spin on the book.

I'm one who likes to read the book beforehand (and encourage my children to do so also) so that I know the "whole story" that the author intended to tell.

When I took my family to the first "Twilight Movie" only my daughter and I had read the book. My adult boys, teenage boy and husband had not and were good sports to go with my daughter and I (since there were mostly women in the theatre).

My husband was totally confused by many things in the movie that weren't as adequately explained in the movie as it was in the book. For instance, they never really explained in the movie about the lack of fangs -- so he was confused when James bites Bella in the ending scenes and there aren't any fang marks. It's just instances like this one in movies that makes me what to read the book first -- so I know the "whole story".

Free Worldwide Shipping and New Products!!

2009-10-28T16:34:00.008-06:00

For this week (Wed. Oct. 28 thru Wed. Nov. 4) I'm having a promotion of "FREE Worldwide Shipping" on everything in my Etsy Shop!!! This is a great savings when shopping for small gifts for friends and families!

Think of all of those people in your life that deserve a little something from you for the holidays! I'll be adding a few new fun products this week also, so keep checking back.

I've recently added some Bottle Cap Magnet Sets that can be used in the office or home decor -- or for those who have magnetic Bottle Cap Necklaces (i.e. Snap Caps).

I'm also adding more Bottle Cap necklaces for those younger (tween/teen) girls on your shopping list.

A few new Twilight items have been added -- just in time for the release of the 2nd movie on Nov. 20th.

Some more inspiration pieces have been added as well. I'm excited about the new pendant that is based on the Mutual 2010 theme for LDS youth groups. It will be available in any of the YW value colors and at a great discount for group orders. (If you are interested in this -- please email me).

I will also be releasing some Bottle Cap Theme Kits with instructions for the 2010 Mutual theme so those crafty leaders who want to make their groups something fun for Trek, Camp, Recognition, Birthdays, etc. can do so. More on this to follow. . .

Pretty Pink Couch

2009-10-22T10:06:00.006-06:00

This couch reminds me of my grandmother's! Of course, hers wasn't all dressed up in this pretty pink. I found this splashy pink softness in Anna Maria's blog. She's got some new patterns out --- one of them is this darling multi-colored pillow!

My grandmother had reupholstered her couch and matching chair back in the early 70's -- it is a light green with pink highlights. It's still sitting pretty and classy in my mother's living room -- looks similiar to how Anna's couch looks at the top of her blog. My grandmother probably would have thought this bright pink couch a little too bold -- but I think that it looks good here among Anna's other bold and sunny prints!

Too many Tomatoes! Lots of Sauce!

2009-10-12T10:29:00.006-06:00

This year we decided to plant a garden for the first time. We have quite a bit of land in the back of our home but really haven't attempted truly having a vegetable garden until this year. My husband found himself with lots of extra time in the spring because his work was furloughing their employees during the slow periods.

Because of his lack of work and the reduced income, we felt like it would be an excellent year to attempt to garden. Hubby divided the garden plot into raised beds that were 4 ft by 6 ft. He made about 10 plots. The first of June we went to a local greenhouse and bought lots of starts and a few seeds. I thought that tomatoes would be great to grow -- and we ended up with 15 tomato plants! Silly me! We had also bought cucumbers, beets, lettuce, peas, radishes, cucumbers, different varieties of squash, watermelon, other melons, peppers, herbs, and green beans.

Of course, since it was our first time, we did our best, but had some crop failures and some lessons learned. The main vegetable that thrived was the tomatoes! 15 plants of lots of tomatoes. We started have tomato sandwiches, sliced tomatoes, tomato salads, etc. Which I adored! There is nothing better than a fresh vine ripened tomato! We didn't have any problems with pests or disease -- just a great crop! We gave away some to family and enjoyed a lot.

But, we found that we had too many! I wasn't getting to them fast enough -- so we started to process some into tomato sauce. I didn't really want the bother of canning this year -- so I decided to freeze the sauce.

We picked boxes and boxes of tomatoes --- washed the tomatoes --- blanched them for 30 seconds in boiling water and then set them in an ice bath for a few minutes --- then my dear 17 year old daughter peeled and cut up all of those tomatoes!! She is truly a gem!! She tried to get out most of the seeds and juice as she peeled them.

I cut out peppers (some fun red and purple ones from the garden and some green ones I bought), sweet onions and garlic. I cut everything up real fine. I sauteed the peppers, onions and garlic in butter until the onion was translucent and the peppers soft. Then I poured in the bowls of cut up tomatoes that my daughter had all cut up. I had a whole pan full. I brought everything to a boil and then turned it to medium and continued to cook it on a low boil for a few hours. I would keep stirring and checking to see if the liquid was boiling out and the tomatoes breaking up. I added a couple of tsp. of Italian Seasoning and salt and pepper. I also added a 1/4 cup of brown sugar. At the end I added 2 cans of tomato paste and simmered it another 30 minutes.

The sauce turned out delicious, chunky and great over some fresh pasta! We ate some of it fresh on the few nights that we were making the sauce. The rest we put into plastic freezer containers. I got 12 quarts of fresh tomato sauce in my freezer -- gave some away and we ate some. I figure that we had plenty to eat fresh tomato sauce once a week during the winter months!

Now the tomato plants have frozen. We picked a bunch that are still ripening on my counter right before the cold spell hit. We'll still have some until the end of the month.

We love the tomatoes -- but since I only have 2 kids left at home and my husband eats tomatoes cautiously because of acid reflex -- we had better only plant 4-6 plants next year! It was a great learning experience and one that we can build on for a better garden next year. Maybe we'll try for a bumper crop of green beans next year since our plants failed this year!

My Favorite Time of Year

2009-09-17T08:41:00.008-06:00

Fall is definately my favorite season!

I adore the cool nights but yet warm days. The days are getting a little shorter. School is starting -- there are football games, homecoming, marching band. There are goals and hopes of a better scholastic year!

Holidays are coming --

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Families are thinking of one another.

The leaves are turning colors --- beautiful and magnificient shades of red, orange and yellow. I live near the rocky mountains and taking a drive in the canyons during this time of year is a must!

Remember September 11th with Hope

2009-09-10T23:41:00.005-06:00

I'm writing this just minutes before September 11th officially begins here in Utah. I am reflective about the past 8 years and wondering what lessons I as an individual, we as a nation, and for sure, all of humanity has learned and implemented in each of our lives since the tragedy happened. When the Twin Towers in New York City were destroyed it was indeed a bleak day for us here on the earth. Many wondered what would happen next and feared the worst. A tremendous amount of lives were forever changed and molded by this event. I pray that the changes were for the good. I hope that more people have found true meaning in their lives, have turned to God, and have decided to be committed to those things that mean the most in their lives.

Take a minute and view this video that shares how a man who was there has learned to have hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

Trade for Boxes

2009-09-09T11:42:00.009-06:00

I made a fun trade a few weeks ago and I was very pleased with what I received in the trade. I traded some custom pendants and magnet for 10 folded, decorated boxes. Angilyn from Simple Tastes hand folds gorgeous boxes that can be used for a variety of uses. She also makes chocolates during the holidays and shows some of the boxes holding her sweets. There are adorable little party favor boxes that cater to children and fantastic ones that can be used at an adult party. For those who need to hostess a party or have a wedding coming up --- these would really come in handy! I chose the brown and blue boxes since that combination of colors is one of my favorites! The folds were precise and the box was very sturdy. I was looking for a box to package my glass rings and other items that I sell which don't fit into my gift tins. The boxes are just the key!

Cute, sturdy, light and fit nicely in the bubble mailer. Thanks Angilyn for giving something very useful and gorgeous to boot!

Bloom Where You're Planted

2009-09-01T10:10:00.007-06:00

Bloom where you're Planted, new inspirational pendant in my shop

Have you ever wished that your life was different? I know that I can say that I'm guilty in that regard! Throughout my life I have watched others and have envied their seemingly over abundance of financial and physical blessings and begrudged my lack thereof. I have envied other mothers who seemed to have very obedient and compliant children that were also blessed and talented in many ways. Then I went on to regret the trials and struggles that my own children faced in their lives.

Do any of my thoughts and feelings ring true to your heart? If so, maybe this quote will be a good reminder to you as it is for me! "Bloom where you're Planted". This is one of my new glass pendant designs.

There are no coincidences in life. God has a plan for each and everyone of us. What we do with what we're given is our choice. Will we make the most of our blessings? When the torrential rains and fierce winds bear down on us, will we bloom or will we be content to wilt and let our potentials wither away with each new trial that we face? Will our trials prove to strengthen us and refine us into great warriors for Christ or will we become resentful, bitter and toxic to everyone around us?

The choice is ours --- I choose to Bloom!

Personalized Custom Key Chains -- Christmas Gift Idea

2009-08-28T13:58:00.008-06:00

You carry your keys everywhere!! What a great gift to give your spouse, parent, grandparent or child --- a glass keychain with a custom photo of a loved one -- beloved pet -- favorite hobbie -- or Big Boy Toy under the glass.

The glass will protect the photo nicely and the glass-like resin that I layer on the back of the photo further protects the photo from daily use.

The glass used is crystal clear 1" handcut glass with rounded edges. The swivel hook used is a nice sturdy hook that will withstand a lot of use.

The Custom Key Chain will come in it's own little tin -- all ready for gift giving.

This would be a gift that would be used and appreciated all through the year!

Lucious Thick Glass for Magnets

2009-08-27T13:48:00.002-06:00

My glass maker has developed this new thick glass for magnets. It is delicious and highlights personal photos. The glass that I was using before was crystal clear and very pretty. But this glass is twice as thick and I adore how the light bounces off the rounded corners.

Here is my old style of 2" glass magnets with the thinner glass. It is pretty and nice!

Here is my new style of thick, gorgeous handmade glass. Love it!! What do you think?

Ready for the Crunch? Twilight Mania!

2009-08-26T14:25:00.001-06:00

I haven't posted for a few days -- I've been busily getting many new designs created, printed, manufactured, photographed, edited and listed on my shop!! It is such a great effort to make up new designs!

I really do love to get new designs in my shop though. Besides the new exposure and increased views to my shop, I love looking at the "new faces" when I browse through my shop windows!!

The inquiries about my Twilight Jewelry have made me realize that a great deal of shops (online and brick and mortar) are gearing up for the release of the 2nd Twilight Movie, New Moon, in November. I've been busily making up new mixed media Jewelry with the Twilight Theme. Many holiday shoppers will be looking for Twilight Inspired Jewelry for their loved ones that are hooked onto the Twilight Books and Movies.

I will have some pictures of the Movie Characters in my Jewelry Selection. But, I also wanted to give the shoppers some fresh and original items from which to choose!

Feeling Shamed for Working at Home

2009-08-23T17:33:00.007-06:00

I had a conversation last night while at the grocery store that gave me cause to ponder my reasons for being a Work at Home Mom. While strolling along with my shopping cart scouting out the spices and olive oil, I heard someone call my name. A lady that I had known while I was teaching Resource at a local elementary school commented that she hadn't seen me for ages. I thought quickly to myself that it probably had been quite awhile since I haven't taught school for the past 4 years and two years before that I had taught at middle schools.

So, she asked me what I was "doing" -- which I knew meant, "where are you working". I happily told her that I was working out of my home. She looked at me funny and said, "doing what?", in which I replied, "Right now I'm making glass jewelry that I'm selling online". Well, I could tell from the look on her face that she was very confused and concerned. Then she asked me, "didn't you finish your degree?". I told her that I had -- and thought to myself, "I finished two degrees and was a project short of my master's" --- but I told her that I felt that I was needed at home right now. She then said, "for your children?" and I said yes.

We then parted --- on to look for the rest of the items on my list -- me with a very pensive attitude and concern in my heart.

I reflected how my mother's generation didn't have to worry about working out of the home -- and if there were those that did, it was against the norm. In her time, you were expected to be home gardening, canning, sewing, caring for the children, working in the community and church, beautifying your home, supporting your husband and family, etc. My mother consistently worked from sunrise to sunset. She wasn't thought weird for staying home and taking care of the home and family.

Even today there are many women who choose to stay at home and raise their children -- and most applaud their efforts -- believing that it is best for children to have a mom raise them rather than daycare facilities. But, for the most part, even in Christian societies, it is thought that a woman should go out and "do something" once all of her children are school age.

On that line of thinking -- when looking a a middle-aged woman whose 3 older children are out of the home and the 2 youngest are in High School, one may truly think that there is something "wrong with her" if she chooses to not work out of the home (I'm talking about me here). Others may wonder how I can find stimulating conversation and something to "keep myself busy" if I'm not busying myself away from the nest.

I hate that sort of thinking --- I love being at home -- I love my nest, my family and creating a great place for us all to be. Of course, we live very frugally. Others may not like that aspect of not working outside the home, but I take it as a challenge. I look at my ancestors and marvel at how they lived on very little means, yet were very happy people.

I'm hoping that my home-based business of creating pieces of beauty for others to wear will progress to bring our level of income to a place where we can have more security and peace -- that is why I'm doing it. But, at the same time I don't what it to take over the position for what's number one and two in my life -- God and Family.

I've still got a lot of rambling in this area to do . . . but not today . . . I'll leave some ramblings on the importance of a mother being in the home for another day.

Pendants now come with Free Chain and Cute Tin

2009-08-18T13:18:00.005-06:00

Now all of my pendants in my Etsy Shop will come with a chain!! This is GREAT for gift giving! For one low price you can buy the pendant and chain. I will also be switching up to packaging all of the pendants in a cute decorated tin. It all makes such a cute package! Pendant, chain and Tin -- all ready for gift giving or for keeping for yourself.

I will still have many options of chains, ribbons, cables and cords available for purchase in my shop! Sometimes it's great to have a few different options to switch up the pendants to a different chain/ribbon/cable depending on the outfit that you're wearing.

The BEST news yet is that for the moment I'm not raising my prices. You'll still have the opportunity to buy this cute package for $6.50! That's huge! Probably once I have loaded on all of my new designs for the holiday -- by the middle of September -- then I'll be raising the prices to match the market.

**I've also added the addition of 2 new "Gift Sets" to my shop that will add more options in buying in bulk.

New Custom Photo Glass Jewelry

2009-08-15T13:46:00.004-06:00

I've just finished up a really cute Custom Photo pendant of an adorable dog!

The picture is of a customer's sweet furry companion -- made into something that she can keep close to her heart. She bought a chocolate/copper colored chain to go with the pendant which I think looks fantastic!
Pets give their owners such love and devotion. Our pets (dog, cat, rabbit) have brought such a sense of security and love to our home. They love us unconditionally and bring my children tons of therapeutic devotion.

Luscious Creamy Finds on Etsy

2009-08-14T14:07:00.007-06:00

Small mixing Bowl by Papapots

Vintage ivory cream nature necklace by Japonicas

Linen Headband by Humble Bea

Clock Daisy Ring by Sumikoshop

Baby Headband with Soft Cream Flower by Bubbaloubands

Fabric Necklaces

2009-08-12T16:30:00.011-06:00

Romantic Silver Screen Star --- Made by Florabond on Etsy

I've been looking at Jewelry made out of fabric lately -- more importantly, necklaces. I'm very intrigued my the many types out there and how popular that they are becoming. Since I was heavily into bag/purse making last year, I have a whole closet full of great material that is calling me to put it's beauty to good use. This may be just the craft for me to express my creativity even further! Here are some great looking fabric necklaces and some tutorials. Gotta love tutorials!!Find this great tutorial by Jessica on her blog, Happy Together, which shows how to make a ribbon necklace with pearls (above) and a great dressy ruffle fabric necklace (below).

Then there are the drapes of fabric that are made from t-shirts! There are actually quite a few tutorials out there about this type of necklace. I found this one from Cumbersome
that I felt was very well done. It is called the 5-minute necklace. These pictured above are actually taken from Urban Outfitters.

Here is another crafty fabric necklace shown on Craft. Jenny Ryan gives a great tutorial on this scrappy fabric necklace.

This one is so adorable on the younger tween/teen! I love it! This tutorial for the Fabric Scrappy Necklaces is by Smaller who had gotten their inspiration from a fellow Etsy seller, Cakies!

I've found a tutorial on a Beautiful Lace and Vintage Jewelry Necklace. I really love it LOTS because a couple of the jewels on the piece remind me of a few from my grandmother. I love vintage things and this piece really "sings" to me!! I can't show you a picture because it is copyrighted, but go ahead and follow this link over to Rhonna Designs and see what I'm so excited about!
Florabond on Etsy has done some wonderful things with fabric and vintage fabric and jewels!! She's located in Idaho Falls -- just 2 hours north of my home! She's a very creative lady!! Take a look -- but I'm warning you, you'll be VERY tempted to hit the "add to cart" button :)

New Designs and Pendants

2009-08-11T07:23:00.007-06:00

I'm so excited about my new pendant designs! I just finished a whole bunch of new designs and they are looking so pretty all in a row!These designs were bought from a talented graphic designer, Lisa, from a shop on Etsy called My Eye's View. They are called Doodle Flowers, Modern Flowers and Sweet Tweet.Along with those cute nature pendants I have a variety of other new designs coming out in my shop on Etsy. There are a few great Twilight Inspired Pendants, Sayings, Vintage Jewels, a Cat, a Dancer, another round butterfly on a vintage music score, and two floral oval glass pendants.
What I'm really thrilled about is the way that the backs of the pendants look!! I've been working at perfecting the backside of my pendants all summer. I've gotten the process down and the resin is smooth as the glass on the front!Many crafters try their hand at making these pendants, but most of them just put a thin layer of spray, varnish, modge podge, or water-based glaze on the backs. Mine was this way also before this summer. I was using a thick layer of water-based glaze on the backs. It was pretty and protected the paper great. But once the customer would sweat or get the pendant a little bit wet, the glaze would become a little bit sticky to the touch. It would also dent some when you pressed sharp objects into the glaze.I was searching for a better way at perserving the art on the pendant and making an overall superior product for my customers. I had considered doing resin on the backs during the winter and had even bought the resin. It took me until this summer to overcome the fear that it was hard and something that wouldn't be pleasant to try.

I've actually really enjoyed using the resin. It is a little sticky and stinky, for sure, but on the whole I haven't had the bubble problem that I was worried about.
So, my pendants have nice hard and durable crystal clear glass on the front of the image. They are made with a premium photo paper that has been professionally printed and sprayed with a preserver to ensure a long lasting bright and clear image. Finally, they have a durable 2-part epoxy resin applied to the back to protect the image from the elements.

I hope that once customers try my pendants that they will be convinced that they are a better option to other mixed media pendants (scrabble, wood, glass with water-based sealer on the back, resin on top of glass) and come again and again!!!

Colorful Wavy Afghan

2009-08-01T22:24:00.007-06:00

When I was a teenager I began to crochet. I mostly self-taught myself after learning at a local church youth group the basics of crocheting. There were many projects that I would begin and then run out of yarn and never finish. One of the projects that I remember never finishing was a peach, orange and white wavy afghan.

When I ran across this blog post by Lucy at Attic24 giving a tutorial of how to make this very colorful wavy afghan, I was excited. I love the vibrant colors in this one!! It's really reminds me of my 16 year old daughters room -- she loves to use lots of colors in everything that she does! I have noticed that this afghan pattern changes colors very frequently --- which makes it really pretty -- it's just not the most enjoyable thing for me to do when I'm crocheting (something which I need to practice I guess)!

I have wanted to make each of my children one afghan and one tied quilt before they go off and get married. I'm thinking that I'll go ahead and tackle the wavy afghan with lots of color for my daughter. She's in her senior year and will be moving away to college next year. I'm wondering if I can finish it before Christmas? I'd have to work on it while she's at school and work -- which is when I'm usually doing my business, so I'm not sure. But it could definitely be worth a try!

Here in Utah afghans are great to work on during the winter months -- as you complete the last of the afghan, you have the completed portion laying on your cold legs :)

Slider Beads

2009-07-31T12:26:00.003-06:00

I was excited to see my glass tiles that are being sold as slider beads or pendants show up on the website -- Mobile-Boutique.com.

I was contracted to make 30 different designs. They were the petite glass tiles which are the same size as the scrabble tiles. It took me a couple of weeks to get them all completed and shipped out. I'm sure hoping that people find them fun to use in their jewelry designs. The owner will be taking them to different bead shows that they do to introduce them along with other "Handmade in USA" designs.

I will be trying to make a few watch band designs myself for fun. I'm thinking that a "heritage" watch would be really cool with photo glass beads of my ancestors along with other victorian looking beads and connectors.

Kanzashi --- A new find!

2009-07-27T09:11:00.009-06:00

I have found an art form that I haven't seen before in which I've fallen in love! It is Tsumami Kanzashi --- basically it is folding fabric into intricate floral patterns to make hair ornaments. It's an old Japanese art form. Think of origami and then substitue fabric for paper! Here are a couple of sites and pictures that I've found to show the art.

Kanzashi Garden

What is Tsumami Kanzashi?The word “Tsumami” means to pinch – specifically, pinching a square piece of fabric to form a shape. The word “Kanzashi” means hairpin. Tsumami Kanzashi is a traditional Japanese art form that dates back over 200 years. Tsumami kanzashi is most often seen worn by maiko (apprentice geisha) and young girls for shichi-go-san celebrations however, with the revival of traditional arts, and a younger generation appreciating them – tsumami kanzashi have become quite a fashionable accessory to be worn both with contemporary clothing and kimono.

There are a couple of sellers on Etsy that are using this art form in their projects. I really like how the fabric folds into the petals!

Yellowish ivory chrysanthemum barrette made by Goche Moche on Etsy

Made by Thea Starr on Etsy -- Gorgeous Creamy Material!

There is a new book out that I'm dying to get! It's now on my amazon wish list!

***************************

4/26/11 -- It is very interesting that this art that I discovered over 18 months and wrote about in this post is now very popular and I've found many, many artists who have embraced creating flowers out of fabric and have sites on Etsy and Artfire where they are selling their beautiful fabric flower art!!

24th July Celebration -- Vendor Booth

2009-07-26T19:40:00.006-06:00

Little Keepsakes Vendor Booth

Here in Utah the state celebrates the day that the Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley -- July 24th. In all of the towns and cities across the state there is some sort of celebration to honor this event. Here in my home town we now have our big celebration on the Saturday following the 24th and call it Tremonton City Days. We decided to open up a vendor booth for the celebration and see what kind of reception we would get for our handmade glass items.
I placed my glass pendants in boxs according to sizes and prices.

This table was a BIG HIT!

Many people were really impressed with the Custom Photo

Jewelry and Magnets that I do and took business cards

and information to get back with me about doing things for Christmas.

Doing this booth provided me with a great way to sell pendants that I have discontinued on my online sites!

My husband and daughter mostly sat at the booth for the entire day --- bless their hearts! My husband actually loves doing these kinds of things and had a blast! We had to be set up by 8am and had a window from 5-7pm to take things down. From 4-5:30pm was probably the most productive time.

Many people liked the rings and looked at them --

I think that I'll make some round Twilight New Moon ones!

We got some good response for our first time. The magnetic steel chokers were a big hit -- of course my husband loves those and did a great job promoting them :) I also had a clearance box of pendants whose designs I'm not selling anymore -- they sold really well also.

We made this really nifty necklace stand out of pvc pipe and then wrapped it in ribbons.

It was a great way to display the many choices of necklaces that I have!

All in all we did good and we're looking forward to the next event.

Photographer's Package

2009-07-22T09:50:00.008-06:00

Shoot the Moon Photography

1 inch Glass Pendant, 18" silver plated flat link chain and storage tin and magnet

Package completed for Joy Vertz with Shoot the Moon Photography
She does some awesome work with the camera!

I've completed several packages for professional photographers which includes pendants, keyrings, and/or magnets of their client.

Magnets are great to display on fridge, lockers, file cabinet, etc.

I always love working with these photos --- such CUTE kids! I'm always in awe at the work of professional photographers!!

2 inch crystal clear glass with very strong rare earth magnet on the back

If you are a professional photographer, or know of one, maybe you would like to consider giving your clients one of these cute packages along with their pictures. I'm sure that you would be a "cut above the rest" for such a promotion.

Tiny Glass Charm the size of a Scrabble Tile (3/4") with snake chain.

1 inch Crystal Clear Glass with medium bail

24" silver plated ball chain necklace

matching storage/gift tin

If you want to buy these from my shop, I will give you a great deal and the discount will get even better as you buy more! Go ahead and email me: julkid@gmail.com or littlekeepsakesstudio@gmail.com

Quiz: What is your interior style?

2009-07-19T21:44:00.004-06:00

The International School of Color and Design offers this quiz to help you find your interior decorating style.

My design style came out to be a "nostalgic nest". It sounded a lot like me: Doesn't like trends, down to earth, enjoys indoor and outdoor living, adorns home with unique items from travel, displays photo albums and happy memories, makes own treasures. Yep, sounds like me!

Spreading Out during the Slow Time

2009-07-01T07:55:00.004-06:00

Things have been a little slow during the past month in my Etsy Shop so I decided to take some time and improve my presence online. I've been reading posts in the Etsy Forum about many people's disgust at how Etsy management has been handling the SEO problem and have blamed their slow (or lack thereof) views and sales to these problems. I've not really too technologically savy to know whether they are correct or not and I'm not completly certain how to optimize my site for better views or not.

For the past 6 months I've done nothing but spend 10-12 hours a day getting my shop on Etsy better and trying to best serve by customers. Of course this has gotten me to the point of having over 800 hearts and 1,100 sales plus many wholesale sales.

I'm definately not complaining! I know that I've had success beyond that or many newcomers to Etsy and selling crafts on the web! I am grateful for that and I thank the Lord for His goodness in my behalf. I will for sure be thankful for all of my blessings that I've recieved!! But I now feel that it is time that I spread my virtual wings and make a larger presence on the web.

I've opened a shop on Artfire now --- LittleKeepsakesStudio --- and I've started this blog. I've also started an account on Flickr --- also called LittleKeepsakesStudio --- and I uploaded a bunch of my pictures of my pendant creations to that account. So, I'm starting!! I still have a lot to do, however. One thing that I really want to do is to read up on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and to know better how to make my pages in the different shops that I open to be the ones that will come up on the top of the lists when search for in Google.

It's all a huge learning process and I pray that I can make myself even more successful during the upcoming Holiday season (Christmas). Yeh, I know that it's a ways off, but I need to plan!

Time to get started

2009-06-27T14:19:00.003-06:00

Remnants of Time XXXVIII Steampunk Ring made by StJoshua on Etsy

The time is far spent that I have needed to start a blog for my Little Keepsakes Studio!! I have had my shop open now for almost 7 months now --- I can't believe that--- and it's been quite a ride and adventure!! I have been selling my pendants on Etsy for that entire time and have had over 1,000 sales on Etsy. I've sold wholesale to many brick and mortar boutiques around the country and one in Canada. Things have been so crazy and hectic that I've always had good intentions to set up a blog --- but haven't had a moment to do so. Now that things have slowed down a bit for the summer and I'm reorganizing my shop and revamping my business plan, I've decided to "bite the bullet" and get one started.

I'm planning on talking about making glass pendants, highlighting some of my new designs, and talking about others crafts and tutorials that I find and enjoy. I'm hoping to review other crafters shops and reference blogs that I find to be fun and helpful. I've found many blogs that have taught me many crafts, inspired me with ideas, and have enlightened my quest in selling my craft on the internet.