Patricia Wood.

Glouglou d'Amérique

2011-05-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

I live at the end of a dead end street. On the left side.

At the end of my dead end street, there is a meadow.

I’ve seen rabbits and cats and dogs and squirrels and groundhogs and all sort of birds in that meadow. I even saw a few Bambis.

But look at what was there last week...

Wild turkeys. Two of them. How cool is that?

Have an excellent week:)

Patricia

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Barbara Lewis' Beads Giveaway!

2011-05-27T19:32:00.004-04:00

Barbara Lewis of Painting with Fire Artwear has a book coming out soon. To encourage you to "look inside" the book she is having a GIVEAWAY! Her creations are so beautiful! Just look at the designs on the book cover... You could win this HUGE selection of Barbara's beads (75$ value) in any color your heart desires!

Here's what you have to do ... visit Amazon, take a "Look Inside", click on the "Liked" button, post the contest on your blog and become a follower of Barbara's blog ... if you aren't already. :-) Don't forget to go back to Barbara's and leave a comment that you did all of the above so you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced next Tuesday. Good luck!

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Do One Brave Thing Today

2011-05-19T08:45:00.000-04:00

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The Eyeshadow Quad demystified

2011-05-18T08:45:00.001-04:00

I've had quite a fey sympathic e-mails pertaining to last week's beauty tip.

So I decided to post another one:)

I rarely used all of the shades of my eyeshadow quad because I didn't really know how to use each of the shades correctly until recently.

So here's how to make the most of your quad and get beautiful results with these easy how-to's:

Natural, day look:
• The deepest shade in your quad should be applied closest to your upper lash line, to help define.
• The lightest shimmery shade should be applied to your browbone and the inner corners of your eyes as a highlighter
• The 2nd palest shade should be applied all-over your lids
• The medium shade should be blended into the crease to add depth and definition

More dramatic, evening look:
• Base: Sweep one or both of the midtones on lid - or one on lid and the other under
bottom lash line
• Contour: Apply darkest shade in crease
• Highlight: Blend lightest shade under brow

Voilà!

Have a great day,

Patricia

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About Theo

2011-05-17T08:45:00.000-04:00

Glassblowing is such a wonderful, beautiful art. Delicate and strong, many times an individual idea done by more than one, also an art of communicating in silence.

Watch this young 11 year old mastering it already and be inspired. Some of the pieces are so heavy for him !

Video: http://glassbytheo.com/media.html. Hope you'll take so time to wander around his site:)

Enjoy!

Patricia

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I Have a Crush on a Clutch

2011-05-16T08:45:00.003-04:00

Aren't they pretty?

Check out the new Paco Lupe collection here:) You'll find links also to their website and Etsy store.

Enjoy and have a great day,

Patricia

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Seasonal Changes Affecting Your Skin?

2011-05-13T17:51:00.000-04:00

Just as the seasons change, so too does our skin. While you might be anxious for spring, your skin might still be suffering from winter’s ill effects. Recognize these signs? Dullness, dry patches, uneven skin tone and just plain fatigued-looking skin… If this sounds like you, here’s how to remedy the situation:

1) Exfoliate: Sweep away dry flakes and dull skin with a gentle exfoliant.

2) Hydrate: After rinsing off your exfoliator and while skin is still damp, apply your moisturizer. Anew makes formulas to address skin concerns at any age. When it comes to applying your moisturizer, it’s not enough to just smooth it on; you need to gently massage it in until the product has the chance to penetrate. This extra effort alone will make a huge difference in your skin’s hydration level throughout the day.

3) Protect: If you knew that there was a way to protect your skin from premature aging and future sun damage, wouldn’t you? So use a moisturizure with sunscreen and/or a sunscreen lotion (protecting from UVA and UVB rays).

Find more tips here

Enjoy! And have a terrific day:)

Patricia

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Looking to the World through your Heart

2011-05-10T08:45:00.005-04:00

"The great Sufi poet and pilosopher Rumi once advised his students to write down the three things they most wanted in life.

If any item on the list clashes with any othe item, Rumi warned, you are destined for unhappiness. Better to live a life of signle-pointed focus, he taught."

But you must know "you can somehow create an expansive enough life that you can synchronize seemingly incongruous opposites into a worldview that excludes nothing."

In other words, you can have it all.

"To find balance, keep your feet grounded so firmly on the earth that it's like you have four legs, instead of two. That way, you can stay in the world. But you must stop looking at the world through your head. You must look through your heart, instead. "

Picture it as an "androgynous human figure standing up, hands clasped in prayer, having four legs and no head. Where the head should be, wild foliage of ferns and flowers. And a small, smiling face drawn over the heart."

So plant your feet firmly on the ground, smile and aim for the sky!

*Quotes from Eat Pray Love, Elisabeth Gilbert

I live in Atlantis

2011-05-09T07:37:00.000-04:00

Water levels on the Richelieu River are at least
one metre higher than normal.

So we have been learning the art
of sandbagging and rigging water pumps.

Some say it could be weeks before life returns to normal following
the worst flooding the region has seen in 130 years. Sadly, 2,400 homes have been flooded, another 500 homes are threatened
and 2,000 people have been asked to leave.

Be careful what you wish for: last year was so dry...

Thanfully, a convoy of 12 light-armoured vehicles
arrived at the end of last week to help waterlogged residents.

You can see more aerial pictures here.

I am very thankful we are allright.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

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The world in a grain of rice

2011-05-03T21:47:00.007-04:00

To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

William Blake - Auguries of Innocence

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Free patterns

2011-04-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

This is what I'm currently working on. Isn't lovely?

I'm knitting it in black and will use a colorful lampwork glass bead button instead of the suggested wooden one:)

You'll find this pattern and thousand of others on the Drops Design website. Enjoy!

Take care,

Patricia

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On my way to work

2011-04-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Bloom

Flood

Coworker's window view

Happy happy day:)

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Things to be grateful for

2011-04-26T08:45:00.002-04:00

The air that I breathe – what a tremendous gift, that’s the gift of life

Family and friends to love

A house to live in and a bed to sleep in

Sight to see colors and shapes

Smiles without a reason

What are you grateful for?

Enjoy the day,

Patricia

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Spring Colors

2011-04-25T11:00:00.002-04:00

Top 10 PANTONE Colors for women’s fashion - Spring 2011

Thinking actual fashion trends and colors are "determined" years in advance always makes me feel funny. Anyhow, here are the colors you'll mostly find in stores this spring and summer.

If you're a designer or artist, let them inspire you. Including these colors in your work will most definitely help you sell more items:)

Top 10 PANTONE Colors for men’s fashion - Spring 2011

This Barberry Pink is just gorgeous!

What's your favorite ??

Take care and have a great day,

Patricia

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Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T08:47:00.002-04:00

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Rainy Saturday

2011-04-23T11:25:00.007-04:00

Sun is pausing today. Rain took relay. Nature is happily soaking in the fresh mist; wiggling roots are happily dancing underground, drawing all this freshness.

I went Easter shopping this morning, meeting with Rabbit who suggested different tasteful goodies for family and kids visiting tomorrow. I also grabbed a bunny bread the baker had just made, plus a homemade spinach and brie quiche, some macarons and a delightful slice of cheese.

I went across the street to get flowers for my mom. I love walking in the rain. I picked a beautiful fuchsia bougainvillea that she can plant in her garden later this summer. Hopefully tomorrow will be bright and sunny so we can all go take a long walk near the river.

Hope you have a wonderful day,

Patricia

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Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T11:07:00.004-04:00

Today and until the end of the month, your challenge is to help create a healthier world by making some changes in your daily routine.

How about trying a meat-free diet or green your cleaning routine? Or put an “out of order” sign on your TV or maybe stop buying to much/new stuff?

Everylittle thing help, so don't be shy, try to make a little change. It may be as simple as shutting off the TV if you're not watching it!

Words on cleaning - cheap and easy!

Vinegar and baking soda, mixed with aromatic essential oils or natural dish soap have hundreds of household cleaning applications. Mix them with water in a spray bottle, and you’ve got an all-purpose cleaner for countertops, tiles, toilet bowls and much more. If you prefer to buy ready-made products, stay away from anything that says “poison” or “corrosive.” Instead, look for “plant-based” ingredients and organic on the label with third party certification. Finally, choose washable, reusable cloths over disposable tissue products

Baking soda is often more effective than many commercially-produced cleaners, it’s also non-toxic, environmentally-friendly and inexpensive. There are nearly a million and one uses for the stuff, but here are six good ones to help you around the house.

1. Baking Soda Unclogs Drains
Mix ½ cup with vinegar and cover your drain for 1 hour. Flush down with hot water.

2. Eliminates Odors (like weird pet smells)
For the litter box, add one part baking soda first and then three parts kitty litter; you can eliminate the wet dog/cat smell by sprinkling your pet with baking soda then brushing.

3. Gets Out Stains
Got sweat stains? Make a baking soda and water paste and rub into the spot. Allow to sit for at least an hour to get out tough stains. Wash as usual.

4. Cleans Mildew Stains from Bathroom Tiles
Mix 2 cups baking soda and ½ cup water. Stir until it forms a paste and scrape grout with an old toothbrush.

5. Counter Cleaning
Want squeaky clean counters? Mix 4 Tbsp. baking soda with 2 Tbsp of lemon juice. Wipe with damp cloth. Great for getting rid of smells!

6. Dirty Dishes
For your dirty dishes mix together 1 ½ Tablespoons of Baking Soda with 2 Tablespoons of Borax. Use in place of automatic dishwasher detergent.

So have fun today, take a green step and make a pledge toward a brighter future!

Patricia

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Spending the day with Miss Daisy

2011-04-21T13:35:00.015-04:00

Last time I posted something was right before Christmas... Wow! How time flies!?!

How have you been? And what have you been up to?

I've been working from "outside my home" for the last couple of months. I've met many great people and it has been fun though I greatly miss creative work.

Spring has come and greens are starting to show. Winter is not ready to let go of though... it is still pretty windy and snowing at times. I pushed my winter jacket in the back of my closet way too soon and caught a really nasty cold. I've been sick home for almost a week now.

Why do I feel guilty being sick? Do you?

My feathered friend has kept me company, keeping warm while napping on the laptop.

Naps are wonderful. So is hot coco.

I hope you're doing well. I missed you and will be back soon.

Take care,

Patricia

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Stress Free Christmas

2010-11-08T08:45:00.002-05:00

Some of my neighbours have replaced their Halloween decorations by their Christmas ones. I always feel this time of year is a little too early for that but...

No kidding, there are only 45 days left before Christmas?!?

Not only will we see it more and more hanging on your neighbours’ front door, but also hear it while grocery shopping, read it in all the new issues of every magazine and start feeling it in the air.

I’ve decided to go “stress free” for Christmas this year. And will share with you some of the great tips I’ll be following myself on a weekly basis:)

This week, for a start, let’s just breathe in and make the decision to have a stress free Christmas and be willing to make it happen.

Get excited and install a countdown to Christmas widget to your blog (if you have one!) to get started, like I did on the right side bar of mine.

This will be fun! Enjoy the day,

Patricia

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Sleeping an hour more!

2010-11-07T08:58:00.002-05:00

First Sunday of November means we get to sleep an hour more!

But don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour if you did not already!

Take care,

Patricia

Crisp Morning

2010-11-04T21:32:00.000-04:00

Walking to work on a crisp morning

Passing by this old house

Ivy clinging to one of its wall reminded me of that beautiful song by David Bowie

"Like the leaf clings to the tree

Oh!, my darling, cling to me

For we're creatures of the wind,

and wild is the wind..."

There was also a creature looking out, keeping another house safe.

"Beware of fierce creature!"

The park bench seemed so colorful...

... happily standing over the frosted earth.

Hope you have a wonderful day,

Patricia

Oh! When You're Smiling, When You're Smiling...

2010-11-02T20:17:00.002-04:00

If you're not already following The Curious Pug's blog, you're missing out on something:)

Like this awesome cuteness, smiling doggy face!

Go check it out, lots of photos to make you smile:)

Enjoy,

Patricia

Cursus Publicus or Going Postal

2010-11-01T20:32:00.002-04:00

I went to the post office today and entering the old building made me think of its glory days. With the church and school, the post office made up the heart of a community.

Only one wicket was open – more than enough to serve the few customers that were in. There were probably 10 or 15 windows open at some point, not so long ago, to serve a never ending customers line up... Customers who heard the growling sounds of machines and postmen sorting and handling the many envelopes and parcels in the back rooms, only imagining how they looked like.

Most of the people in the line up today were there to either claim a parcel or send one. I was surprised by the small number of people that actually bought stamps. I only heard soft music, no growling. An electronic weighting device and a computer took care of letting me know how much I owed.

Did you know the first documented use of an organized courier service for the diffusion of written documents is in Egypt? Pharaohs used couriers for the diffusion of their decrees in the territory of the State (2400 BC). And that the first “true” mail service is that of Rome? “Organized at the time of Augustus Caesar (62 BC–AD 14), the service was called cursus publicus and was provided with light carriages called rhedæ with fast horses. There was another slower service equipped with two-wheeled carts (birolæ) pulled by oxen.” That must have been really slow...

Am I the only one that can’t really remember the last time she got/sent a letter by mail? I’m not talking cards here; I’m talking real, handwritten letters. Sad to think even postcards have turned virtual:(

Is this nostalgia I’m feeling?

But enough babbling. I think I’ll go postal this year and send handmade Holliday’s Cards to family and friends + take the wonderful habit of sending handwritten notes and letters by mail:)

A human touch just feels so much better,

don’t you think?

How about buying some of the wonderful postcards by The Noisy Plume...

They are much easier to hold close to your heart than a computer!

How about you? Do you still mail handwritten letters to friends and family?

Take care,

Patricia

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T12:13:00.002-04:00

Boo!!

Follow the Yellow Leaves Road

2010-10-29T07:37:00.005-04:00

From now on you'll be history.

You'll be history, you'll be history, you'll be history.

(The Wizard of Oz)

Myriam and Edward

Photo taken by Antoine D.

Have a good day and a happy week-end,

Patricia

On the Subject of Beauty

2010-10-28T07:59:00.000-04:00

Jen Kiaba wrote (another) wonderful post yesterday where she asked: “How do we define beauty in our daily lives? How do we define beauty in ourselves?”

She continues: “Today we are so inundated with false ideals of beauty that aren't attainable. Even the people who are represented in these idealized forms don't actually conform to the ideal.”

I agree to it all. I truly think beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
“Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them." (David Hume)

I also know that people who are at peace with themselves, with what they are, often times shine. They are beautiful and “attractive”.

So when Jen asked: “Do you feel beautiful?" at the end of her post, I thought I would comment right away. But I simply could. Not.

The truth is I can not honestly say I feel beautiful. And I hate being photographed. I think I have some “interesting” features, and I like “parts” of me, parts of who I am. But beautiful...? Shining through? Nope.

So what does this tells me?

That I have double-standards as I tend to be more critical of myself than of others.
That I still have a lot of work to do on myself!
That I should take pictures of myself or have someone take pictures of me more often. Habituation plays a large part on how we perceive things and beauty.
That I unfortunately carry with me some of the clichés of beauty even if I don’t want to:(

Beauty, like supreme dominion
Is but supported by opinion (Benjamin Franklin)

Jen is right when she writes: “But I do think it would behoove us to ever so slightly begin to redefine what we consider to be beautiful - and how we perceive beauty within ourselves.”

I more deeply realized that yesterday and did not wait to start. Thank you Jen.

My turn now to ask you: Do feel beautiful? I truly hope you do:)

Patricia

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Creating Handmade with Handmade

2010-10-27T08:20:00.002-04:00

I love finding and following new blogs. They are many times great sources of inspiration and discoveries. And this one I had to share with you!

It is called "LOVE MY ART JEWELRY ~Creating handmade with handmade~". I love it's mission statement: "...By choosing "handmade" you are certain to be creating or purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece. You will also feel an intimate relationship with the maker ... a union of sorts, when wearing a piece created from all handmade.These final products occur at one time in the maker’s life and captures something that hasn’t been captured before. These moments in time are precious - and in this work one can find touchstones to deeper feelings or values." Resonates with you too?

It also hosts great challenges and giveaways. For instance, how about winning some gorgeous bubblelicious enamel beads from Barbara Lewis? In fact, you could win all of the beads that were used in her "Autumn Bliss" necklace, which is on the cover of Handcrafted Jewelry. Take a look at this month Love my Art Jewelry's challenge to find out how:)

So spread the word and have fun creating handmade!

Take care and have a wonderful day,

Patricia

Inspiration

2010-10-26T08:57:00.008-04:00

What are my biggest inspirations? Erin asked me this question through Skribbit (on the left sidebar of my blog). I tried to come up with a simple answer but simply could not:(

So here are a few of my favorite things:)

Colors. Colors do inspire me. I prefer strong colours and unusual color combinations.

Funny when you know I mostly wear black and white:)

Shapes inspire me too. Unusual shapes. Tall, old monuments and gargoyles.

I love Alberto Giacometti’s sculptures. I love sitting in a church, a cathedral or a museum and absorb the ambiance and the so many details all around me.

I guess I can’t leave “texture” behind. I love the cool feel of silk, the softness of mohair... I like to feel the light resistance of the stringer as I “paint” a bead. Music moves me.

Pure, raw elements. Water I love and respect the most. I love rain. And I can sit by a fire for hours in silence. Melting glass still fascinates me. I love when the wind decides to play with my hair and I love to feel earth in my hands, on my hands, even underneath my fingernails. Feeling the warmth of the sand underneath my feet and in between my toes always makes me smile.

Nature is a never ending source of inspiration. Just look closely at a tree branch or a flower... hundreds of designs are already there and offered to you, perfect and free of charge.

Patience. I love the expectation, the fact that I have to wait for the beads to come out of the kiln the next day before actually playing with them. We always appreciate better something we have to wait a little bit for:)

A lot of times a design will come to me at night, just before I fall asleep, or during some kind of daydreaming. I generally know how I will make a design come to life before I actually start working on it. I know what wire I will use, how I will bend it, what beads I will incorporate... I love this process.

I could go on and on and on... Everything that comes my way and let "sink in" can be transcendented somehow.

Now tell me, what inspires you?

Blessings,

Patricia

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Divine

2010-10-25T08:46:00.003-04:00

"To err is human; to forgive is divine." - Alexander Pope

These words came to my mind as I stood at my bedroom window, stunt by this sunrise this morning. The sky looked like an ocean, boundless and wild.

Have a great day,

Patricia

Bella's Mitten

2010-10-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

I'm almost done knitting a new pair of mittens inspired by the ones wore by Kristen Stewart in Twilight. I really like the pattern.

There are only "finishing touches" left to do on the left hand and I'm half way through kitting the right hand.

If you'd like to knit some for yourself or someone you love, the free pattern is available right here, in English and in French.

Have a wonderful day and a terrific week-end,

Patricia

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Adversity is a Better Teacher than Success

2010-10-21T09:05:00.003-04:00

Here’s a story I heard (by Mark Hughes):

Kevin was a 9½ when he was involved in a terrible car accident and lost his left arm. His parents wanted him to have as much as a normal life as possible so when he recovered, they suggested that he took a sport. He had two good legs and two good feet, they were thinking soccer. But Kevin said he wanted to do Judo. So his parents took him to a Judo instructor. The instructor looked at Kevin and said, yes, I can teach you, I will take you.

So for the next several of months, Kevin goes to Judo classes twice a week. The instructor only teaches him this one move though. After a few weeks, Kevin asks: “Aren’t you going to teach me another move?” The instructor says: “This is the only move you really need to know. We’re going to work on it until you perfect it.” So they practice and repeat the same single move again, and again and again and again and again...

Finally, the first competition comes around. He’s fighting other 10 and eleven year old. He wins his first match. He uses the move. Wins his second, third, fourth match... and finds himself in the finals! “I can’t believe it; I only know one move and I’m already in the finals!”

When he gets in the ring for his final match, he is up against a 12 year old – and they can be huge! The 12 year old is dropping him to the mat again and again and the ref almost stops the match. The coach turns to the ref and says: “No, let him finish the match.” He turns to Kevin and says: “Kevin, do THE move!”.

Kevin knew what the move was, he only knew one move! So Kevin does the move, drops the opponent and wins the match!

Now on his way home, sitting on the front seat next to his instructor, his trophy sitting on his laps, he says: “Sir, I can’t believe I won the match! I only know one move! I can’t believe it, how did I possibly win the match?”

The instructor says: “There are two reasons why you won that match. First, the move that I taught you is the most difficult move for anybody to master. Second, the only defence against it is for your opponent to grab your left arm.”

You don’t succeed in life in spite of your adversity, you succeed in life because of it. The adversities of life carry the seeds of success.

Make today a special one. Blessings,

Patricia

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Make the Best of Everything

2010-10-19T08:33:00.002-04:00

A thousand miles journey starts with a single step. (Lao Tseu)

Vision, Passion and Being True to Yourself

2010-10-18T12:44:00.008-04:00

The Manneken Pis is the best coffee shop in town.

It smells incredibly good when you get in. They roast the coffee on the premises and the delightful aroma just fills the air...

The place is not so big so there's a line up every week-end. But it is so worth the wait!

Not only do they offer the best coffee, they also offer Dutch-Belgian specialties like homemade waffles and crêpes covered with belgium chocolate, sault vlees and egg pies, gigantic homemade soups and a 6 layer orange-mango cake to die for...

I love having my hot chocolate or café au lait in a bowl - yeah, I know, it's a French thing but you should try it - so comforting:)

This little café-bistro has been a favorite of mine for the past 12 years. And I am reminded everytime I go that passion, being true to yourself and vision are really a winning combination:)

How about you? What's your favorite place and what makes you go back again and again?

Enjoy the day,

Patricia

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Pretty Things

2010-10-14T12:08:00.004-04:00

Here are some of the pretty pictures I took this week.

You can find these new jewelry designs in my DaWanda store.

Take care,

Patricia

Hope

2010-10-13T09:04:00.003-04:00

Did you watch the Chilean miners’ rescue? Wasn’t it wonderful? Did you cheer for them and their families? Maybe did you shed a tear or hug the person sitting right next to you on the couch?

As I was watching, I was thinking of what must have kept them alive. Spending two months so deep down under, in a hole, without being able to see and feel the sun, without being able to see and feel their loved ones, without comfort nor facilities... how did they do it?

I think that more than food and water, what kept them alive - what keeps us alive - is hope.

Did you know that “rich” people live in average 12 years longer than “poor” people? Only a quarter of this can be explained by nutrition or life conditions. The determinant factor is hope. Call it “projects”, “something to look forward to”, “peace of mind”, “optimism”, “faith”, “ambition”, “belief” or “aspiration”, these words all mean the same thing: a better quality of life and a will to “carry on” and “persist” longer.

So cheer someone today, give him or her hope and treat yourself to a little daydreaming:)

Have a good one,

Patricia

If I Were a Bird...

2010-10-12T12:03:00.000-04:00

I would stand quietly in the meadow,

letting the morning sun warm me up.

I would then eat breakfast with my friends
at my local Sorbus aucuparia tree.

Would say hello to Sam on my way to the park.

There I would sit on an empty bench,
puff out my feathers and shake,
stand on one leg and preen my plumage.

And when it would get too noisy down here,
I would simply fly up high and nap in a tree.

Paws-A-Boo!

2010-10-08T11:53:00.007-04:00

Settling down and reopening new shops were kind of "administrative" time consuming this week. I made only a few jewelry designs but ideas were flowing, which is great:)

I was also in the mood for knitting and made these cute little paws, or wrist warmers if you prefer. They were really an "instant gratification" project as within 2 evenings of work I easily completed them. Too bad today is a rainy day, the light is not so great and photo definition sucks but it gives you a general idea. I'll try to take better pictures of them when the sun comes out, which always end up happening:)

I hope you'll have a great day and super week-end. Don't forget to have a look at my DaWanda and Big Cartel stores for 15 to 20% discounts until Sunday!

Take care,

Patricia

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New Store Opening!

2010-10-06T08:22:00.006-04:00

I discovered Big Cartel a short while ago and decided to give it a try:)

For those who don't know, "Big Cartel a simple shopping cart for artists - a shopping cart for the little guy." It basically "was designed for smaller shops. Someone with 500 products has significantly more complex needs than one with 50, and there are plenty of services out there to accommodate them." Big Cartel has set a limit of 100 products by seller.

I love Etsy and I stop by everyday (so many talented artists are out there!). But as a seller, I mostly feel lost and sometimes overwhelmed... You need to spend so much time marketing and renewing... At the end of the day, I sometimes had spent more time on my computer than on my workbench!

Well, I'm not saying you'll never see me there again, but I feel I need to explore other avenues. And Big Cartel is one of them:)

So to celebrate,

I'm having a 20% off sale until Sunday, October 10th !

20% is quite a chunk for me as I don't wholesale nor "double" my cost and time when I set my prices. All my creations are one of a kind work of art and love and when I sell directly to customers, I really try to keep it affordable.

So go check it out! There are only a few items right now because I want to test the waters first. But I do hope you'll find something that pleases you:)

Have a great day,

Patricia Wood

http://verredesign.bigcartel.com/

Constructing heaven

2010-10-05T09:50:00.002-04:00

"Heaven is a place on Earth". And it does not happen, you have to make it happen.

I believe no event happens for no reason and where everything perfectly reflects consciousness. Yes, even when it sucks.

Everyone must progress
Whatever you give you get in return
Love empowers and unites everything
Everything naturally becomes easier

Knowledge is learned and changes, while truth and wisdom are revealed and constant.

What will you do today to make it happen?

Many blessings,

Patricia

--

You know it's officially fall when...

2010-10-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

You say to yourself you should wash the windows before it’s too cold outside

You feel like reading a book under a warm blanket and sipping your favourite tea

You love walking outside feeling in the crisp air and getting rosy cheeks

Nature looks so beautiful and simply smells wonderful

Halloween decorations start to pop up in the neighbourhood

You start turning on the lights at 5pm

You’re wearing long sleeves shirts

You don’t feel bad missing shaving every other day because you’re mostly wearing pants now

You keep buying too many apples and end up making endless batches of apple sauce – who wants apple sauce?

You feel like making spaghetti sauce and chocolate chip cookies

All sort of ideas for Christmas cards are emerging in your head you don’t know where from

When do you know it's officially fall?

Enjoy the day,

Patricia

Fair Trade Metal Lace Earrings

2010-10-01T11:53:00.003-04:00

I fell for these hollow, tab shape metal disks. They are “fair trade” and come all the way from Africa.

I don’t know if you can see in the picture, but they have a rustic, grungy look. The gold color was not evenly put on, giving them a very unique look I just love.

By combining them with long handmade and handforged ear wires, I made sure they’ll dance with the lady who wears them every step she’ll take:)

These cuties are available in my DaWanda store. And now is a great time to buy as first time buyers get 15% off!

Enjoy the day and take care,

Patricia

Puces POP

2010-09-29T12:15:00.007-04:00

Puces Pop is this week-end in Montreal and there's a great blog post on Poppytalk letting you know (almost!) all about it

So hop on over there and see what it is all about:)

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia

http://fr.dawanda.com/shop/VerreDesign

The geese are flying South...

2010-09-28T13:28:00.003-04:00

I finished last week a couple of contracts I've had for summer. Yep, office work. It’s been real nice and I met some pretty fine people while working “regular” hours.

What I loved the most was probably the weekly, steady income that came in:)

Though my creative side was sometimes pretty bored and missed playing with colors, glass and wires.

Today, the birds are singing loud and noisy geese are flying South. I guess fall is officially here. I’m knitting some wrist warmers for Little Sis. Sometimes it just feels good to be home.

What have you been up to while I was gone?

Hope all is well. Enjoy the day,

Patricia Wood

http://fr.dawanda.com/shop/VerreDesign

Running Naked in The Rain

2010-07-13T18:00:00.005-04:00

Don't these two just look happy?

For the past two weeks it's been hot and humid and muggy and uncomfortable and the heat waves just seemed to like it so much here, a new one simply follows another. I feel like a completely dried corn cob right now.

And I dream I'm running naked in the rain.

Hope you're all doing wonderful, take care,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

A Greenie Bead Giveaway by Jen Velasquez!

2010-07-11T20:11:00.003-04:00

Jen Velasquez is having a great bead giveaway!!

She currently has 7 pieces published! What an accomplishment! Congratulations Jen:)

Click here to see more and enter the giveaway. Good luck!!

Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Happy Independance Day!!

2010-07-04T08:42:00.001-04:00

And the Winner is...

2010-07-02T23:02:00.004-04:00

And the winner of the Earrings giveaway is number 2.... Needlewings!

Congratulations!!!

Please contact me through Facebook or Etsy to give me your address so I can send these cuties to you:)

Thank you all for participating!

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

--

A Lock of Hair

2010-07-02T13:11:00.005-04:00

I've been growing my hair for the past two years with the intention to donate a lock long enough to help craft a hand-sewn wig for a sick child.

Did you know it takes approximately 12 donations of unprocessed hair and costs about $1,200 to craft a single hand-sewn wig for a child?

So here's my little 12 inches contribution that is on its way to the Canadian Cancer Society...

Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

"Hope" is the Thing With Feathers

2010-06-30T12:14:00.005-04:00

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—

That perches in the soul—

And sings the tune without the words—

And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—

And sore must be the storm—

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—

And on the strangest Sea—

Yet, never, in Extremity,

It asked a crumb—of Me.

Emily Dickinson

Take care,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesing.etsy.com

--

The Colors of The Rainbow

2010-06-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

Rainbow lampwork beads are always stunning. People will look at them and go: "how did you make the color transition?" I love it when they're trying to figure it out. The ones who know a little about glass are the most puzzled and intrigued. Others only find them pretty:)

I went for an extra long necklace with these more "technical" rainbow beads and I love the result. I combined these beauties with Swarovski crystals and matching tubes, adding yellow and purple chains at the top, making it longer and more versatile. You can wear it many ways and even double it up:) It adds a lot of personality.

You can see more pictures of it by clicking here. Hope you like it:)

Have a great day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

PS: Don't forget to enter my little earrings giveaway! You can enter up to 3 times!!

An Earrings Giveaway!!!

2010-06-28T09:10:00.005-04:00

I was so spoiled at the Bead Soup Party swap. Marie-Noel from Skye Jewels, who was my partner, sent me so many pretty amazing things that I had enough ingredients to come up with an extra pair of earrings:)

So, as promised in my "Bead Soup Party Reveal post", I've decided to giveaway these beauties to celebrate and in appreciation for all your support. The earrings feature some of Marie-Noel's fabulous handmade wood tiles and some of my own handmade lampwork beads, wire-wrapped using copper.

To win them, follow these very simple rules. You can enter up to three times by leaving 3 separate comments:

1) Mandatory: You must be one of my followers - so please follow me and leave a comment telling me if so

2) Please leave a separate comment - visit Marie-Noel's shop and tell us what your favorite piece is

3) Re-post my give-a-way on your blog and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog

No returns/Exchanges/No cash value. Drawing will take place Friday at 8pm (EDT) and the Winner will be announced shortly after. Good Luck!

Have a great week,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

--

This is it...

2010-06-26T10:52:00.004-04:00

Today is the last day of the Bead Soup Party Reveals. What a great party is was! A HUGE thank you to Lori Anderson who made it happen again beautifully:) Please visit her blog and "Follow" her so you can be alerted of the next Bead Soup Blog Party!

Here is one of the many designs you can enjoy today. You'll find it on Denise Yezbak's blog. The list of all the "big reveals" for today is here below:)

Hope you enjoyed this party as much as I did!

Have a great day and terrific week-end!!

85. Melissa, One-Eared Pig Beads

86. Rebecca, 2SistersBeadwork

87. Karyn, Releases by Rufydoof

88. Denise, Bling on the Blog

89. Doris, Glaszwerg

90. Megan, Churchy & Her Sailor

91. Jo, Daisychain Designs

92. Jen, VanBeads Jewelry and Design

93. Kristie, Artisan Clay

94. Jess, Vintaj

95. Suzann, Beadphoria

96. Sharon, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

97. Michelle, bMichelle

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Bead Soup Party: My Big Reveal!!

2010-06-25T09:41:00.012-04:00

It's now time for my big Reveal! I had so much fun creating each piece. I really went outside my comfort zone and it really pushed my creativity. I loved it:)

Marie-Noel sent me a lot of goodies to play with, everything looked so pretty! I did not know where to start! But I decided to keep the color palette rich and neutral, and work only with what she sent me. I cheated only to add 3 lampwork beads and a metal ring - but I kept everything neutral, it's not really cheating, right? lol!

Hope you and Marie will enjoy these designs as much as I enjoyed creating them:)

I had extra and created these earrings as well. Stay tuned as they will be part of a little giveaway next week:)

Take some time to visit these blogs as well today:

Friday, June 25th -- blogs 72-84

72. Cindy, Cindy Dolezal Designs

73. Valerie, Hot Art

74. Courtney, Beads by Breul

75. Johanna, Fire Phoenix Creations

76. Shea, gr8findings

77. Julie, Pryce Designs

78. Jeannie, Jeannie's Blog

79. Patricia, Verre Design (that's me!!)

80. Christa, Adventures of One Beady Woman

81. Heather, My Muse

82. Susan, Night Beader at Large

83. Sonja, Drachenei

84. Jennifer, Glass Addictions by Jennifer

Enjoy the day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Day 6 and the Party Continues!

2010-06-23T19:06:00.008-04:00

Today is day 6 of the Bead Soup Party and the Fête Nationale du Québec (Province of Quebec birthday)! So to all my fellow Quebequers - Happy Fête Nationale!!! A bit on the rainy side but a lot of activities will still be happening, so we're really going to enjoy ourselves:)

Now some of the goodies you will find today as the Bead Soup Party continues...

Designs by Marieke Van Esveld, Carol Bradley and Shannon Levart

Want more? Check out these blogs:

Thursday, June 24th -- blogs 60-71

60. Carol, Carol Bradley Designs

61. Wanda, A Frayed of Fibers

62. Diana, Vintage Blue Studio

63. Marieke, Marieke's Blog

64. KJ, Silver Parrot

65. Maire, Maire Dodd

66. Shannon, Miss Fickle Media

67. Dana, Dana's Jewelry Designs

68. Charlene, The Bead Dreamer

69. Elisabeth, Beads for Busy Gals

70. Cathryn, Chile Cats

71. Missy, Melissa Rappaport

Come back tomorrow for more... and MY big Reveal!!

Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

I Just Can't Get Enough!!

2010-06-23T08:57:00.000-04:00

Before showing you more of the wonderful loveliness you can find in today's Bead Soup Reveals, I thought of showing you a necklace I just created and listed in my Etsy Shop.

See those round beads? They are glass. I wanted to create something that looked like little balls of colorful wire. Aren't they cute? I usually play with soft glass but had to use boro for these cuties. Consistent size of transparent stringers replaced 18 gauge wire! The glass' luminescence makes is so... radiant!

Now, enough about me! Let's move on to some of today's Reveals:

Designs by Kate, Heather Powers and Stephanie

To see more, visit the following blogs:

Wednesday, June 23rd -- blogs 48-59

48. Nan, Spirit Rattles
49. Amy, Copper Diem
50. Malin, Beading by Malin de Koning
51. Anne, Gardanne Glass Lampwork
52. Alice, Alice's Beads and Baubles
53. Barbara, Second Surf
54. Amanda, Articulations
55. Heather, Humble Beads
56. Melissa, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love
57. Kate, Organic Odysseys
58. Patti, PJ Clark Designs
59. Stefanie, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

My big reveal is in 2 days! This is so fun:)

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

And then there was Day 4!

2010-06-22T21:47:00.001-04:00

I love starting my day with fresh orange juice and inspiration. Isn't the Bead Soup Party inspiring? Here's more for you today:

Designs by Lyn Foley, Maria Grimes and Lisa Petrillo

Check out these great blogs for even more:

Tuesday, June 22nd -- blogs 37-47

37. Filomena, Pink Velvet Bird

38. Lyn, Lyn Foley

39. Tari, Pearl and Pebble

40. Rebecca, Song Beads

41. Regina, Regina's Writings

42. Nancy, The Rabbit Muse

43. Whitney, Whitney Lassini

44. Maria, Garden Path Beads

45. Michelle, Life in the Bead Lane

46. Ann, My Critical Eye

47. Lisa, Lucid Moon Studio

Enjoy and have a terrific day!

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

350$ Mix of Beads Giveaway!!

2010-06-21T16:40:00.005-04:00

I am not the envious type. But would I have liked to enter this one!!! I almost fainted when I saw all the goodies Denise Yezbak Moore was giving away - the best mix of beads ever!

I live in Canada, so this one is not for me. But if you are in the USA, don't wait another second and head on over to her blog to enter!

Good luck!

---

More Soup Please!

2010-06-21T11:50:00.000-04:00

Day three and the party is still going on strong! Loveliness encore on so many blogs - I love discovering new blogs and artists, what a treat!!

Designs by Dale, Nancy and Laurel Steven

Grab a cup of tea and enjoy these today:

Monday, June 21st -- blogs 27-36

27. Lisa, Alterity

28. Dale, Dales' Flights of Fancy

29. Melanie, Kookie Designs

30. Christine, A Hot Piece of Glass

31. Nancy, Beading From the Heart

32. Laurel, Rue's Daftique

33. Sandi, Do Be Do Bead Do

34. Nicki, Nicki's Reef

35. Virginie, ViviBijoux

36. Janeen, Wild Vanilla

Which design was you favorite? I know, I know, not easy to pick just one!

Have a great day and talk to you tomorrow,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

My Partner Reveal and Day 2 of the Party!

2010-06-20T08:49:00.016-04:00

Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, very talented and published jewelry designer, was my partner for this round of the Bead Soup Party. I really wondered what she would come up with the beads and things I sent her. And I got to see it today!

This is what I sent her. I love that she created a headband with the feathers! Isn't it pretty? She also created a bracelet and very lovely earrings. Go and have a look at it all on her blog, Skye Jewels:)

This is day 2 of the Bead Soup Party and there is more loveliness for you to see today!

Designs by Anna Lear and Joanna Kopijczuk

For more designs and inspiration you can also visit:

Sunday, June 20th -- blogs 15-26

15. Kella, Me But a Little More In Depth

16. Emanda, Artemisia Studio

17. Marie, Skye Jewels

18. Loretta, Designs By Loretta

19. Stacy, Sissy and Jack's

20. Joanna, Filcowe

21. Diane, Diane Hawkey

22. Marianna, Pretty Shiny Things

23. Anna, The Laughing Raven

24. Marcie, La Bella Joya

25. Lois, Que Onda Q'town?

26. Jayne, Mama's Got To Doodle

Have fun and a lovely day. Happy Father's Day too:)

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Let the Party Begin!!

2010-06-19T10:02:00.006-04:00

Today starts a week of blog hops and adventures into the designing lives of a wide variety of jewelry experts from around the world. All got paired up with another talent, designer or art bead artisan, and swapped a special clasp, a focal and a small assortment of coordinating beads.

This is the second Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party Event and it has been extended for a week to give everybody time to visit all the blogs and view all the loveliness:)

Here's a sneak peak of what you can enjoy today:

Designs by: Lori Anderson, Lorelei Eurto and Jen Judd

There are many great artists and blogs to discover so grab your cup of coffee and enjoy these today:

Saturday, June 19th -- blogs 1-13

1. Lori, Pretty Things
2. Lorelei, Lorelei1141
3. Norma, Moonlit Fantaseas
4. Beth, EB Bead and Metalworks
5. Katie, KatieBead
6. Kimberly, Bahama Dawn
7. Debbie, Prairie Emporium
8. Lisa, Joolz by Lisa
9. Kate, Tropical Blonde
10. Janet, Singing Woods
11. Julianna, Juls Beads
12. Erin, Treasures Found

13. Jen, Jen Judd Rocks

Tomorrow is when I get to see what Marie-Noel, my bead soup partner, created with the soup mix I sent her! Can't wait!!

Many thanks to Lori Anderson who coordinated this event for the second time with much success:)

Come back tomorrow for more soup!!

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

2010-06-18T14:27:00.005-04:00

Finally, new necklaces in my Etsy Shop:)

They are called Kaleidoscope, Agate and White Elephants:)

Don't forget, Bead Soup Party Week starts tomorrow! I'll post links and pictures of some of the many designs. So be sure to check everyday!!

'till then, have a terrific day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Favorite Things Chest

2010-06-16T11:27:00.009-04:00

In yesterday's post, I told you I missed working with a few of my favorite things.

I missed working with:

. bright colors

. silver

. charms

. polymer clay

. Swarovski crystals

. art clay

Trying new things and purposely putting habits and preferences aside for a short while make you explore, discover and grow a lot. But they also allow you to rediscover the small things you forgot you liked so much and/or took for granted.

And soon, whithout you really knowing how, some of the new stuff you learned will somehow find its place in you favorite things chest:)

So keep experimenting and enjoy every moment of this day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Working From and Outside the Home

2010-06-15T09:23:00.009-04:00

I've been pretty busy the last many days. I went back to the "office" routine for a short contract with City Hall. I really enjoyed it. People were so nice and interesting. I guess "real flesh and blood people" are what you miss the most when working from home: the face to face conversations with colleagues, eye contacts, the good laughs you always get in the middle of the afternoon when meeting with that guy from the other department. Oh! And the coffee breaks:)

The flip side is that I did miss my beads and tools. The time spent in silence simply creating something. So it felt genuinely good when I sat at the work table this week-end:) I didn't want to try out anything fancy or extravagant. I didn't want to think too much. I only wanted to savour the moments. And I did. I enjoyed listening to the clicking sound of the beads rolling against each other. I enjoyed feeling the wire in my hands. I smiled and felt contentment when a piece was completed:)

I realized I'd missed working at and with a few of my favorite things. But that I will tell you all about on another day. Instead, here are some pics of the items I designed this week-end and that I just listed in my Etsy Shop:)

Oh! And I also completed my Bead Soup challenge projects:) Stay tuned for a real soon to come sneak peak where I'll tell you all about it.

Take care for now and have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Fabulous Ceramic Beads by Nan Giveaway!!

2010-06-05T10:19:00.004-04:00

Lorelei Eurto is having a great giveaway and I am sure you'll want to enter to win these amazing ceramic beads by Nan from Spirited Earth!

Check out Lorelei's blog for all the details.

And also check her new website, it is so cute!!

Have a wonderful week-end,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

--

Folk Art Bangles

2010-06-02T12:57:00.007-04:00

These bangles were inspired by the most beautiful Turkish carpet a friend brought back from a recent trip. The color combination and craftsmanship really impressed me. I was sure it was made of silk altough it actually is made of cotton.

I wondered if I could make wire look like silk threads... and I came pretty close in this great set of bangles:) I love the color combination (fucshia, gunmetal and copper), the different patterns each bangle has and the glass additions I put on (handmade lampwork beads). There are 6 bangles, the 3 green gunmetal are wrapped together. Pretty, folk and so very stylish!

Now available in my Etsy Shop:)

Have a great day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Latest Designs - Cuff Bangle Bracelets

2010-06-01T09:02:00.010-04:00

It is finally raining here, which is a blessing for the trees, gardens and grass that so desperately needed it! I can not remember another month of May that started out with snow and ended up with a heat wave you'd only expect in July!

Now my latest designs. I guess they were inspired by a personal quest for... comfort. Comfort while typing at the computer or writing a note. I love bracelets, chunky bracelets I should add. The thing is though, whenever I work on the computer for a long period of time, I end up taking them off as they become somehow uncomfortable and "slow" me down! You probably experienced the same thing, right? These little cuff bangle bangles are cute, colorful, on the chunky side but still really comfortable when on the computer as they snuggly fit your wrist:) You can check them out in my Etsy Shop. Hope you like them:)

I will work on my "Bead Soup" projects today and hopefully complete a few pieces:)

Take care and have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

My Bead Soup Ingredients!

2010-05-31T08:36:00.008-04:00

My partner in the Bead Soup Party Swap is Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp of Skye Jewels. What a delight! I received her package last week and was thrilled by all the goodies she sent me:)

She sent some of her favorite things, like pearls, rhyanite, wood and turquoise nichi, plus plenty of her beautiful handmade wood pendants and tiles. There is extra for sure: I will easily make 3 or 4 projects with all these beauties:)

This really takes me out of my comfort zone. I usually play with much bigger components and bright colors. Marie-Noel chose for me much smaller elements, in rich, natural darker tones. This forces me to try new things and open a fresh creative door - I just love it!

I already started on my "projects" but - sorry - can't show you anything for now... You'll have to wait another 2 weeks or so as the Party week starts June 19th. So stay tuned!

In the mean time, check out Marie-Noel's Blog, it is great:)

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Beads, Jewelry and Perspective

2010-05-28T08:38:00.012-04:00

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, Life just has its own way. Feeling out of control is something I really dislike; so I guess its only natural Life has decided to make me wiser and stronger by working real hard on that part of my personality for the past couple of years.

I thought I was getting pretty good at the "go with the flow" thing... Guess not:( The past few weeks were so though! Did you ever get that feeling the only thing you could do was to surrender and hit that wall? I tried to manoeuvre but nothing worked: I had to close my eyes at some point. When I opened them again, seems the wall had moved. Still seeing it, but it moved.

Did not know that closing my eyes and taking deeper breathes could move a wall. Although I'd hate to hit it, I'm pretty sure now it's made with bouncing material.

What is Life trying to teach you? Do you know? And did you ever had to completely surrender at some point?

I am so grateful to have a passion for glass and art:) It is a place I go that makes me forget everything and be intensely present. You may have seen a few lampwork beads set I listed recently that sold pretty quickly in my Etsy Shop. I am now adding some new jewelry designs.

I got my bead soup mix from my partner Marie-Noel and it is fabulous!! Wait until I show you all the goodies she sent me!!! All about it in my next post:)

So take care for now! Wishing you a peaceful and creative day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Who Wants Soup?

2010-05-18T19:31:00.011-04:00

Here is a peek at the beads I sent Marie-Noel for our Bead Soup Party swap:)

Marie-Noel makes the most delightful, feminine jewelry. When I wander her website and Etsy, I was struck by the way she so beautifully uses brass, copper and vintage in her pieces. Everything looks so pretty, delicate and soft! She also makes wonderful wood charms called "Ephemera" you for sure want to check out.

Creating something for her was quite a challenge, as I guess I am on the "chunkier", organic side of things. I first chose to go with turquoise, as it is as lovely with silver as it is with copper. I made a simple organic medalion and a matching set of beads. The etching gives it a soft, romantic and contemporary look. I like the mix of transparent and opaque glass, as well as the silver wrap on some of them. The toggle clasp is simple and elegant, fusion of delicate silver balls.

I also threw in some seed beads and spacers, feathers (why not?), a polymer clay mushroom dangle and some more "chunkier" beads: flowers and leaves, boros, some holows and a set of "random". Maybe she'll decide to use them instead?

So here's to creativity and fun:) Hope Marie-Noel will be inspired by this selection.

Take care and have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Monet Lampwork Beads

2010-05-17T10:06:00.005-04:00

Water Lilies (or Nympheas) is a series of approximately 250 oil paintings by Claude Monet. The paintings depict Monet's flower garden at Giverny and were the main focus of Monet's artistic production during the last thirty years of his life.

They inspired the making of these beautiful lampwork beads sets.

The Monet Beads Set were just listed in my Etsy Shop.

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Jangles and Jennifer Heynen 500th Blogpost

2010-05-14T09:00:00.008-04:00

Jennifer Heynen writes the most delightful blog. Everything she touches becomes happy and colorful.

Jennifer plays with clay like no other and offers ceramic buttons, beads, clasps, pendant, jewelry... that are simply to die for! You'll want to buy everything at Jangles, lol!! She also has a line of fabric that will soon come out and it looks amazing:)

Today is Jennifer's "500th post anniversary" and she has a great giveaway. So check it out and please, do follow her, you'll love the inspiration:)

blog: http://jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/

website: http://www.jangles.net/

Take care and have a fun Friday,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Flowers and Avatars

2010-05-13T10:11:00.011-04:00

Gerberas are one of my favorite flowers, especially the red ones. So striking and beautiful.

They inspired me to create a new banner and avatar for my Etsy Shop. How do you like them?

To make your own, visit BanneFans, it's free:)

Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

--

The Good and The Bad Bead Days

2010-05-12T09:33:00.004-04:00

There are terrific beads days. Everything flows, anything goes, the kiln gets full within a few hours.

And there are the not so good days. You spend 30 minutes on a single bead that won’t even make it near the kiln, somehow you manage to put too much propane in the flame, you forget to heat the other end of the bead you’re working on so it cracks just before you’re done... And when you’ve finally managed to get five beads into the kiln, you start hearing strange popping sounds in the middle of the annealing process...

This single hollow bead is all that’s left of yesterday’s “production” – lol!!! Still, I had a great time at the torch. Let's hope today will go a little bit more smoothly!

This Honey Melon Set was listed yesterday in my Etsy Shop. The day I made it was really a much better bead day!

Hope you have a terrific day! Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

New Week, New Beads:)

2010-05-10T15:05:00.006-04:00

Good Monday Everyone!

Today the air smells freshly cut grass, the birds are singing loud and the sun is shining. Can you believe it was snowing here yesterday?

Anyhow, here are a few new set of beads I just added in my Etsy Shop. I love the Uma Set and really hesitated before listing it. The things I could create using those chunky beautiful beads... but I decided to concentrate on bead making at the moment, gotta be congruent!

Uma Rounds Beads Set - Uma Spacers Beads Set - Dotty Duo

I've also been juggling with a couple of ideas for the Bead Soup swap. I think I've found what I will be sending to Marie. It's still all in my head but I promise I'll show you pictures as soon as my project has "materialized" :)

Take care and have a terrific week,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Happy Mother's Day:)

2010-05-09T09:16:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!

A Bead Soup Party

2010-05-08T10:41:00.003-04:00

The fabulous Lori Anderson is behind the Bead Soup Party.

The idea behind a Bead Soup Party is "to bring together a group of beaders from around the world, introduce them to each other, and then pair them up for a bead soup trade.

What is bead soup?

~ A focal
~ Some coordinating spacers or beads
~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)

When the respective partners get the packages of beads, they are asked to make something with all or part of the soup, take a picture, and post it on their blog!"

The first Party hapened last February and I was amazed by all the designs and creations that were submitted. I'm joining the party this time around and I just can't wait!

The Party week starts June 19th, so stay tuned! Of course, I intend to give you sneek peaks of my work as it unfolds!

Have a wonderful week-end and get creative!

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Smoothie Beads

2010-05-07T09:40:00.002-04:00

Don’t you just want to eat them? They’re just like a shot of C vitamin, like when drinking a mango-papaya-strawberry smoothie! I rarely work with these colors and I found it... refreshing!!! These would add a wonderful splash of colors in any project. I think I will list them in small trios in my Etsy shop today:)

Hope you’ll have a wonderful, bright and fun day. Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Spinning Round and Round

2010-05-06T09:13:00.007-04:00

I made the prettiest set of beads yesterday. I love playing with light ivory, turquoise and black from Moretti: these colors just feel like icing in the flame.

I needed the meditation the torch always brings me. The total yet easy focus it requires. Glass has a mind of its own; in fact each color has its personality. In front of the flame, you can never rush any movement or try to make it go faster. Your hands are right in the middle of the physical element you’re transforming and your creative mind.

I played with roundness with this set. The beads are plumped and big and whole. I added dots, but not in a symmetrical way. And only for one did I play with stringer. I like it better when something odd blends in the whole. Makes it... special.

I will list this set in my Etsy shop later today. The light is not very bright this morning and I need to take better pictures. Meanwhile, I will be at the torch meditating over melon colors and textures.

Take care and have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Sharing Words of Wisdom

2010-05-03T10:38:00.003-04:00

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'

Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life.' 'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision..

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one..'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Please send this to five phenomenal women today... If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.

Have a great week,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Melancholic Faces and Marie-Antoinette

2010-04-27T10:54:00.005-04:00

Melancholy: a gloomy state of mind

Nostalgia: a wistful desire to return to a former time in one's life

Here are my Tuesday's finds...

Goth Strange and Creepy One of a Kind Art Dolls by LoopyBooby. They are all handmade and sculpted by Colleen Downs.

Paco+Lupe is all about the fabric. "Each is meticulously chosen for their contents, durability and style. We use only fine fabrics."

Have a great day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

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Marketing to Your Niche Market

2010-04-26T10:21:00.006-04:00

Last week, I talked about Defining Your Niche. This week, I’ll be discussing a little bit about marketing strategies.

"A marketing strategy determines the choice of target market segment (niche), positioning, marketing mix (promo, advertising...) and allocation of ressources (people and $)."

When you know who are you are marketing to it's easy to determine where your marketing energy and dollars should be spent.

First, understand that people purchase products or services for three basic reasons:
1) To satisfy basic needs.
2) To solve problems.
3) To make themselves feel good.

What is your product or service the solution to? This is called "positioning", determining how your products mostly appeal to your targeted customers (your products or services can fit into more than one category).

Now be prepared to market accordingly. The list bellow will help you to define your niche market if you're still struggling with that concept, give you ideas to target a more specific audience or choose a different angle to work from:

. Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
. Gender: male, female
. Education: high school, college, university
. Income: low, medium, high
. Marital status: single, married, divorced
. Ethnic and/or religious background
. Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 – 20 years, with or without children. .
. Lifestyle: conservative, exciting, trendy, economical
. Social class: lower, middle, upper
. Opinion: easily led or opinionated
. Activities and interests: sports, physical fitness, shopping, books
. Attitudes and beliefs: environmentalist, security conscious.

If you're trying to target everybody, then chances are, you're not targeting anybody. All of the questions above are there to help you take care of that. Try to get a clear picture of your “average” buyer whenever promoting, advertising or writting a product description... just like if you were talking directly to her/him and always choose to:

Focus on Helping, Instead of Selling

You shouldn't be trying to force people into purchasing your product or service. You should find people who want your product or service and then focus on that particular angle in your descriptions. Do it in a fun, light and concise way.

Focus on Benefits, Instead of Features

Focusing on how your buyers will benefit if they purchase your product or service will go a long way. Be inspired by the diet industry: they get people buying exercise machines and programs not by telling they will sweat a lot, not look too good while doing it and hurt a lot the day after but by letting them know how great they will soon look and feel about themselves.

Be Persistent

Persistence is power when it comes to increasing your sales and profit. But be persistent in a discerning way: repeating the same thing that never got you any result over and over again will most probably never will. Maybe it is time you try something different.

Increase your Credibility

Whenever an existing or potential customer says something positive about your company or product, or if you have perfect score feed-back, use it! Taking advantage of testimonials is a very easy way to increase your credibility.

Make it Easy for People to do Business with You

Do anything you can to make doing business with you easy and a pleasure and go beyond your buyers expectations. Have clear and easy to understand policies your buyers can simply access.

Advertise and Promote

Advertising will work if you keep it simple and adapted to your niche. Because budget is sometimes tight, here is the link to 10 ways to advertise your business for free.

I truly hope this will help you get your business where you want it at:) Please, feel free to share your own tips or strategies that brought good results!

Have a wonderful week,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Week-end Smile - Fresh Flower from my Garden:)

2010-04-25T08:58:00.003-04:00

"Whatever we see depends mainly on what we look for."

Sir John Lubbock

The Path of The Heart

2010-04-23T11:37:00.002-04:00

I guess we have no choice but to evolve. Getting older has taught me to focus on meaningful rather than urgent. And that change is inevitable.

Progress means I cannot stay the same and have to let go. It often times leaves me experiencing fear or insecurity. I find more and more it is because I don’t trust myself enough and this enormous potential we all are born with.

If I close my eyes and point my index to myself while saying “Me”, my finger ends up on my heart, on my spiritual heart, not on my head. I must learn to trust and listen to that small voice inside of me. Have you learned to trust your inner voice and can you hear it clearly? Or are you better at trusting the more “logical” side of yourself, like I am?

Awareness means we must accept responsibility for our lives. It is us that creates our circumstances; even those we dislike. It takes honesty and humility. But it opens so many doors to willingness! The more resistance I find, the more I know I have hit upon exactly the problem.

Taking responsibility empowers ourselves. It increases our potential to change our circumstances and the choices we can make. All the answers are inside of us. I sometimes forget to look deep inside myself first.

More and more, I try to remind myself there are many paths I can choose. But to travel the fastest, I must carry the lightest load and with the most intense longing. If I trust myself and let me be, I can more easily release the old self I do not want to be and embolden the vision of the new self I am moving towards.

Many blessings,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Happy Birthday Gaia!

2010-04-22T09:59:00.015-04:00

Earth Day is 40 years old today!

Let's celebrate by choosing to integrate 5 new eco friendly habits in our daily lives.

Here are a few suggestions:

. Use reusable bags whenever grocery shopping

. Walk instead of taking the car to get milk or bread
. Buy eco friendly cleaning products
. Start your dishwasher every other day instead of everyday
. Make a rain barrel and collect rain water to water your garden
. Use both sides of any piece of paper
. Reuse envelopes and wrapping paper
. Close the lights whenever you leave the room

Any other suggestions you would like to add? It is so easy to make a difference. Even your wallet will be happy:)

Take care and have a beautiful day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Showing Off the Goods - Two New Designs

2010-04-21T08:57:00.010-04:00

It's been raining here for the last couple of days and I guess I was inspired by the beauty of the water drops clinging on to my windows and the sleek, shiny looks of the streets.

I used memory wire to creat a bracelet and a ring in dark and earthy tones, using handmade lampwork beads and a variety of seed beads. Simple, elegant yet also casual for everyday wear. I love how they turned out:)

See more views: Black Wide Ring and Black Bangle Bracelet

Hope you like them too!

Have a terrific day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Tuesday's Finds - Spices and Travel Indochine

2010-04-20T22:12:00.002-04:00

Traveling isn't just about hoping in a car, train or next flight to some exotic location. Sometimes the simplest things can uplift your spirit and take you away. Like a fragrance or a story.

Indochine Natural products are designed to do just that. "Their soaps provide you with the opportunity to relive the bygone spice trade era and enjoy exotic and sensual aromas, and at the same time experience handmade soaps that are not only natural and free from harmful chemicals, but are also good for your skin."

I love how they tell you all about the story and how lovingly, proudly they market their products. "Penang Island has been associated with the spice trade to Europe since the 16th century. These exotic spices were to be had only in small quantities in Europe after long and dangerous voyages in seas beset by pirates and swept by terrible storms. Today, in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Georgetown on Penang Island, traditional traders still sell these highly prized spices in markets where your senses are assailed by the odor of exotic spices.

Indochine Natural soap makers "purchase their herbs & spices from these traditional traders and handcraft their soaps from local coconut and palm oil using a traditional cold process. Their soaps are 100% natural, with no added chemicals or synthetic additives. This produces a truly pure soap that is long lasting with amazing lather, and fragrances reminiscent of the spice trade."

You can just close your eyes, smell the aromas and feel the wonderful soft lather on your skin. I love it. Hope you'll try all of Indochine's amazing products.

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

PS: Many thanks for all your comments about yesterday's post - Finding Your Niche - here and on the Etsy Forum:)

Defining Your Niche: Cheers to Your Success!

2010-04-19T08:45:00.000-04:00

It seems like everybody's talking about "niche marketing" these days. There is almost a sense of urgency about "finding your niche", "targeting your audience", “appealing to your viewers/readers”, “tagging according to your customers’ preferences”... How are you doing on any of these?

If I was to ask you to describe right now, in one short sentence, your “niche” market, would you be able to answer right away, without hesitation?

Most of new small entrepreneurs don’t really focus on a specific niche when they first launch their businesses. Many will start selling their handmade creations after family and friends suggested they open an online store or had had a couple of successful home party events.

But turning a passion or hobby into profits takes a little more than creation and hard work. In fact, it takes less work once you’ve figured out one thing or two about your potential buyers...

This week, we’ll explore the concept of Niche Market. I will describe what it is and help you to define your niche.

So what is a “Niche Market”?
“A niche market is the subset of the market on which a specific product is focusing on; therefore the market niche defines the specific product features aimed at satisfying specific market needs, as well as the price range, production quality and the demographics that is intended to impact.”

In other words, a “niche market is a relatively small and specialist, yet profitable, market."

Why is it so critical to define your niche market?
Because a niche market will give your business power as it will allow you to define who you are marketing and specifically selling/offering your goods and services to.

The most common misconception about selling online is that “if you build it they will come” or that having an online business will make you wealthy right away. The reality is that you have to find your niche market, offer a product or service that people are demanding and get them to come to you, in order to reach a level of financial success via the internet.

Let’s say you’re a dog breeder that decides to give a try at selling its cute and adorable puppies online. To be successful fast, would you choose to list under the “Dogs” advertising column or would you rather select the “Puppy Dogs” column? Why? Because you know people looking for a puppy will start their searches by screaning the "puppy" colomn. In the "Dogs" world, "Puppies" is a niche.

The same applies whether selling jewelry, clothing, art... or whatever. Making the most amazing yoga outfits for women and deciding to target the “Women” market will most likely bring less sales and success in a short period of time than offering them to “active women looking to wearing comfortable clothes”.

Is the concept of niche market a bit clearer to you now?

Let’s see if it is. I will now ask you to define your Niche Market. Simply answer these simple questions. Don’t think about them too much, just write down whatever first comes to mind. Once you've completed them, analyze the answers and it will be easy to define your niche market.

· What is it that my current clients have in common (age, gender, behaviour, location...)?
· How do I set myself apart from the competition (eco friendly, unusual, one of a kind...)?
· What need does my product-service fulfill/problem does it solve?
· What is different about the services/products that I offer?
· What are the "extras" that I bring?

Now bring it all together in a simple, short sentence. Voilà!

Have fun with this and test it. Include some of your finds in your products descriptions, shop profile, tags...

Next week, I’ll be discussing a little more about marketing strategies you can easily adapt to your niche.

Have a wonderful week and many sales,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

Week-end Smile - Soul Mate

2010-04-17T13:22:00.006-04:00

Just found my sister's soul mate...

I will be adding some new stuff in my Etsy Shop this week-end!

Have a great day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

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Happy Birthday Earth Day! Are You Going a Little Greener?

2010-04-15T12:46:00.007-04:00

Earth Day 2010, is April 22nd and "forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is still in great peril. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability: it is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day."

I guess we are all taking action at different levels, whether by recycling, bringing reusable bags at the grocery store, choosing less fuel consuming cars, turning the heat down at night... not only is it good for the environment but many times, for our wallets too! Let's keep it up and challenge ourselves to save even more. If you're like me, you can probably find a couple more things to do:)

To find new ideas and inspiration, visit:

. Earth Day Canada

. Earth Day 2010

. Go Green with the Etsy Twitter Team (many prices to be won!)

My challenge is to find 5 more "green" things to do and incorporate into my life. How many do you think you can come up with?

I'll share one of my latest finds: baking soda! We should use it way more often, and I don't mean only for cooking! I actually uncloged my drain using the "recipe" I found here: Baking Soda - A Natural Source.

Have a wonderful green day and week-end everyone,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

The Art of Praise

2010-04-15T10:33:00.004-04:00

How do you respond to praise?

Do you feel uncomfortable, only allowing a half smile while looking at the floor and responding by saying it could have been so much better if you’d had more time or if the computer hadn’t cause you so much trouble?

Or do you receive praise graciously, sinking its positive energy and feeling its reinforcement, encouragement and empowerment?

Giving and receiving praise surrounds oneself with a true sense of joy. It often connects us to the universe and is a wonderful way of channelling the energy that flows around us.

Praise is an incredible, powerful empowering energy you can utilise to advance your progress through the success spiral. It opens yourself to receive the vigour and determination to perform your next action with the self belief and confidence to breathe through.

Never waste an opportunity to empower or to be empowered, it is a gift.

Many blessings,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

New Designs and Designer of the Week on ABS

2010-04-14T09:05:00.010-04:00

Each month, Art Bead Scene hosts a challenge about creating something using an art bead that fits within the monthly theme. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc... The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.

This month was all about Paul Klee. "Primitive art, surrealism, cubism, and children's art all seem blended into his small-scale, delicate paintings, watercolors, and drawings." I love it and it did inspire me.

It inspired me this little Calipso bracelet. Here's the comment I left with my entry: "I really enjoyed working on this month’s challenge. I called my piece Calypso. It is a bracelet that features my own polymer clay and lampwork beads. I was really inspired by the symbols in Klee’s painting and reproduced some of them in the three central beads. I also loved that he used printed newspaper as a base so I used some on the back of the clay beads. But Instead of the delicate colours chosen by Klee, I used primary and more brightful colors, layering them with a sponge to get that reminiscent texture."

Calipso was chosen "Design of the week" by ABS. I am very honored, thank you:) You can find it in VerreDesign's Etsy shop, along with these new earrings designs:

Unconventional Baroque, Hydrangea, Volute

Thanks for stopping by! Have a terrific day,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com

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Tuesday's Find - The Birds and The Bees

2010-04-13T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today's findings are for handmade jewelry lovers. I can't help it, I love handmade jewelry pieces:)

This first find I stumbled upon while wandering HartleyStudio's Etsy shop. These earrings are simply superb! All sterling silver and handmade, they "depict a delightful little bird (one) sitting on a branch. The branches are textured with a lovely antique hammer, which is used on most of the work you can see. The bird has a matte finish and the rest is shiny."

Aren't they delightful? Son, if you're reading this, know that I think they would make a fabulous Mother's Day present - And just so you know, Mother's Day is May 9th, in 26 days:)

The other wonderful piece I'm showing you today was found in another great online store, MySassyGlass' on Etsy. Dichroic fused glass is always spectacular, almost mesmerizing. Just look at this Bee Hive pendant - beautiful!

MySassyGlass happens to be this the Etsy Twitter Shop of the week and to celebrate, she's offering free shipping (on orders 40$ and up) and is also hosting a giveaway! You can find all the details here.

Hope you'll take a little time to visit these boutiques! Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.blogspot.com/

PS: thanks for the feed back on yesterday's "Tips to improve your SEO" post and great comments about the new VerreDesign's Shop banner:)

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Minding Your Own Business - Top 10 Tips to Improve your SEO

2010-04-11T17:19:00.011-04:00

Yes, there are easy tips and ways to improve your SEO!

If you're an online seller or blogger, you've probably heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It basically is the "process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a web page or site from search engines via "natural" or un-paid search results. The theory is that the earlier (or higher) a site appears in the search results list, the more visitors it will receive from the search engine." Makes sense, right?

Not being a web expert, I've been looking for ways to improve my "SEO" and found quite a few good and easy tips here and there. I decided to share my top 10 with you, hoping they might help you as well. So here they are, in no particular order:

1) Be sure links to your site and within your site use your keyword phrase. In other words, if your target is “blue widgets” then link to “blue widgets” instead of a “Click here” link.

2) Focus on search phrases, not single keywords, and put your location in your text (“our Montreal store” not “our store”) to help you get found in local searches.

3) Search engines want natural language content. Don’t try to stuff your text with keywords. It won’t work. Search engines look at how many times a term is in your content and if it is abnormally high, will count this against you rather than for you.

4) Not only should your links use keyword anchor text, but the text around the links should also be related to your keywords. In other words, surround the link with descriptive text.

5) When optimizing your blog posts, optimize your post title tag independently from your blog title.

6) Make sure your site is easy to use. This can influence your link building ability and popularity and, thus, your ranking.

7) Give link love, Get link love. Don’t be stingy with linking out. That will encourage others to link to you.

8) You can think of a heading on your web page like a headline in a newspaper. The headline generally gives basic information about what’s contained within the rest of the article. The heading on a web page works much the same way as a newspaper article only within the web page, the heading contains the keywords you’re optimizing that page for. When you write the heading, incorporate the keywords you’ve chosen for that page. The heading doesn’t have to contain ONLY the keywords but it should work them into a clear format.

9) Join as many forums and online communities which are related to your websites and products. Talk about your products there and you can also provide links to your website. This way you can traffic as well as backlinks.

10) If you have a blog, have email campaigns where you send mails to people with clickable links. This way you can get good traffic.

To learn more about SEO and get more detailed, meaty stuff, get this free Etsy Guide to SEO.

Have fun and a great week of sales,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

PS: I listed new earrings and a bracelet in my VerreDesign's Etsy Shop - let me know how you like them!

Week-End Smile - Have a Good One!

2010-04-10T16:55:00.003-04:00

Have a great week-end everyone!!!

Take care,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

PS: I will add new goodies in my shop this week-end, don't forget to take a look!

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Letting Go

2010-04-08T12:47:00.004-04:00

I meditate every day. It brings me peace and happiness. It feels like being invited to sit and enjoy the beauty of a magnificent oasis, a little piece of heaven within me.

Life has its mysterious ways. You might call them synchronicity, chance, unexpected surprises, all of which brings sense or direction to events in your life. But sometimes, we just choose to close our eyes or not see the signs.

Our house has been for sale for many months now. We had very few visitors. And the people that did come, although all liking the house, never made an offer. There were problems with the loading of the pictures, problems with the listing itself, our agent switched town, I never got any feed-back after a visit unless I asked for it, last week the pictures and description vanished again... It made me angry and disappointed, and I blamed it all on the agent.

But now, I believe there is more to it. These have been signs I chose to pay little or no attention at all. Being angry was less trouble than looking inside me and listening to my little voice...

It all made sense when I came across this quote from Buddha: “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with intent to throwing it at someone else; You are the one that gets burned.”

Those words really resonated with me. Was I holding on? Was I really willing to let go of this house, of that wall were the height of my son has been penciled many times a year for the last 12 years?

I decided to be angry at the agent and the situation instead of acknowledging my true feelings and I got in the way of things. When you take the right decision and are in peace with it, it shines with enthusiasm and everything flows easily with success.

So is selling this house the right thing to do for me right now? Maybe it is. Maybe it is not. I guess it won’t happen before I take a good look inside and let go of my fears and worries. Like all the “if only’s” sometimes haunting us, fears, worries and regrets are big heavy anchors we drag around that diminish our ability to grow, develop and move forward. I guess not knowing how or to fear of letting go is like fighting against our very own nature.

I can tell I’m on the right path... here’s the affirmation card I picked this morning: “I have to let go of the things I can’t control and take control of the things I can. I can’t control all the events of my life but I can control my state of mind during them. My state of mind is what determines my happiness, not the events of my life. I am the master of my own happiness because I am the master of my mind.”

What are you holding on to?

Many blessings,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

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Easy Branding

2010-04-07T11:17:00.009-04:00

A brand is a name, sign, symbol, slogan or anything that is used to identify and distinguish a specific product, service or business. If you're a business owner or would like to get yours started, you probably thought about it - whether that be in terms of a logo, colors, packaging or stationery.

Sometimes we don't really know where to start... but simple pieces of beautiful recycled paper and a stamp may just do the trick!

Look a this one - isn't it awesome? Simple, great looking, you can stamp a piece of paper and Voilà! instant stationery! Or how about stamping that recycled craft paper you are using to package your sold items?

Purple Lemon Designs is the great shop I found these goodies and items in. Purple Lemon, don't you just love the name? It is owned by Kelly Rinehart, a designer who has decided to work for herself and her own customers after working for others for the past 8 years :)

PurpleLemonDesigns offers, designs and produces custom rubber stamps and stationery, both printable and professionally printed. The custom products are designed to complement the customer's personality. And the prices: totally reasonable!

So check out Purple Lemon Designs and get your stamps or other goodies (like wedding stamps, printable stationery and more...) before April 11th and get 10% off your entire order excluding shipping. Get the details here.

Hope you'll grad this easy branding tip and get that perfect stamp made especially for you soon!

Take care,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Tuesday's Finds - Having Coffee Outside on an Old Bench

2010-04-06T08:43:00.001-04:00

I've been enjoying a little work in the garden and around the house this week end. The air and the earth smelled so good!

I found tulips coming out. I did not plant any bulbs last fall so it just felt like a little miracle:) We all love unexpected and lovely surprises.

And I thought it would be real nice to have coffee or chai tea in the garden, where the air smells so fresh, sitting with a dear friend on an old wooden bench.

I found the bench. And cards to invite friends over. When was the last time you fully enjoyed a long talk with a dear friend?

Cards by bbesigns and Bench by mr2woodworking. Click on images to see more views:)

Enjoy spring and the beautiful energy it brings:)

Many blessings,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

How to Create Daily Success - Part 2

2010-04-05T08:55:00.002-04:00

Part 1 of this article was about deciding on your top 3 actions, making them profit-producing tasks, and what to do about your email.

Now here are 3 more secrets to creating daily success. Integrating them all in your day will lead you to amazing success for sure!

4) Shut off your phone

Not forever, but think about it... You're the boss - you get to decide when you answer your phone. Business phone calls can always wait a couple hours for you to get to them. Be more ruthless with how you structure your day for success. Plan a time during the day when you will return all phone calls. Don't let the phone control your day.

You may want to try batch-scheduling business phone calls. You can batch other things as well, like replying to emails, cleaning the beads holes, cutting fabrics..., whatever pertaining to your business. For instance, I clean my beads first thing in the morning and clean them all, not just the few I may use that day.

Create your golden no-excuses hour

This is a golden secret. Let's go back to that list of 3-5 top priorities for a minute. If you're trying to multi-task hour after hour, it will still be a challenge to get your top priorities done. When those 3-5 profit-producing tasks are identified, remove all distractions, shut of email, unplug the phone, lock the door, plop yourself down and focus on nothing but that one thing for that one full hour (or 2 hours even). Keep a timer on hand if you have to.

Sometimes, taking your laptop into a different part of the house or to a cafe or the library is the way to have that "no excuses" hour. If you have young kids, your no-excuses hours may need to be at night or at the crack of dawn before the kids get up.

Even if you don't get to do your golden no-excuses hour every day, try at least two or three times a week. But don't cop out here, daily is preferred. And remember, stay focused on profit-producing tasks during that time and pre-plan what you're going to do. Just try it - you'll be amazed how much you will accomplish and how much extra cash it produces.

Recognize that it is YOU-Management

Sometimes we are looking for time management strategies to acheive success. In reality, they may not be what we need. Time is constant, fixed and it never changes. You cannot "manage" time. The only thing you can manage is YOU. So take a look at you and what you're doing each day. Decide to shift into implementing actions that manage you so that your days, weeks, and months are creating the success you want.

Hope you enjoyed these tips inspired by Allison Babb, from Great Small Business Advice.

Have a great day and many blessings,

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T09:31:00.006-04:00

Enjoy the day!

Patricia Wood

VerreDesign

http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/