LOST Finale and Other Developments

So the LOST finale is almost upon us and I've got to admit that I'm pretty saddened by the thought of it coming to an end. I do want to see the finale, but it's hard to believe that it will just all be over after that. I almost expect to see a Jacob and MIB spin-off. Just Kidding.

I also thought I would take the LOST finale as an opportunity to do some marketing. I decided to send a dharma bunny to each of the actresses who portray the four main female LOST characters: Sun, Kate, Claire and Juliet. I snapped some photos of the pendants before they went in the mail and I've posted those below. You can also buy your own at my shop.

I've also included a photo of some Dharma candy that my friend Megan, of Stinkybomb Soap fame, sent me. She was so sweet to send it and the candy cracked me up so much I just had to share a pic. She knows what a huge LOST dork I am.

Well, I hope everyone enjoys the LOST finale. I know I will love seeing the ending, but I'll really miss looking forward to the new episodes every Tuesday. Oh well, all good things must come to an end, that is, unless we DO see a Jacob and MIB spin-off. Listen up ABC! It's a great idea. ha ha.

Reggae and Tax Preparation are a Nice Combo

I did my taxes myself this year, with a little help from H and R Block. I did a program called the best of both worlds where I basically fill out all of the forms, and then an accountant reviews them before they go to the IRS. Needless to say, my head felt like it was going to explode today as I was working on the forms. Not only did I have my teaching W2's, but I had my new business and my unemployment forms. Yikes!

Anyway, about halfway through doing my taxes, I decided to listen to some reggae. Can I just say that it was a wonderful decision. It is nearly impossible to stress while listening to reggae music. It just naturally relaxes me. So now I am making it a requirement for reggae music to be playing whenever I attack sales tax forms or business book-keeping. I highly recommend it to anyone else who has to wrestle the financial forms that go along with a small business. In the meantime, enjoy these great tunes below.

Bloomington Handmade Market was a Success!

Last Saturday I worked my first craft show of the year, The Bloomington Handmade Market. Even though it was pouring rain for half of the day, a huge crowd turned up and everyone had a great time. There were so many amazing vendors and the customers are always so nice and supportive. I just love going to this event and hope to participate in more BHM's in the future.

I also found out this week that I will be participating in the American Artisan Festival in Nashville, TN. The fair takes place on June 18th, 19th and 20th in Centennial Park. This will be my first year participating in this event. I hear it is a great show though, with a beautiful setting, great entertainment and a wide variety of established artists. It should be a fun event for anyone living in the Nashville area, so make sure to mark your calendars.

First Show of the Year: Bloomington Handmade Market

For those who haven't been to the Bloomington Handmade Market, you've missed a fun and exciting show full of interesting artwork and crafts. The Bloomington Handmade Market was my very first show when I was starting out as a jeweler. Now, I'm happy to announce that the Spring BHM is my first show of 2010.

I'm really looking forward to this show as I will get to see some friends who live in Bloomington. I'm also excited that my friend Megan Green, of Stinkybomb Soap fame, will also be selling at the show. We met at the One of a Kind Show in Chicago. Her soap, molded into the shape of grenades and baby-doll heads, is fun and playful. I'm excited that we will be booth neighbors for the upcoming show.

If you live in the Bloomington, Indiana area on April 3rd, come over and check out the work of over 40 original artists and crafters. Get directions and further show information here.

Buy Jewelry and You Could Get a Free Spa Peel

I'm offering a great promotion for the month of March. Anyone who purchases Quite Clever Jewelry in March will be entered to win a jar of Aloette restorative enzyme peel. This great product sloughs off dead skin cells and leaves skin glowing. I am personally addicted to it, and use it every other day to brighten up my skin. You can read more about this product here.

Time-Traveling Bunnies Make Cute Jewelry

I am a complete Lost geek. I watch, rewatch, read the message boards, listen to the podcasts and research quantum physics and religion to figure out new theories. So, it should come as no surprise that I was inspired to create some Lost-themed jewelry in honor of their final season. I've had so much fun thinking up little Lost-inspired designs.  I've only posted one piece so far, but more should be up soon. My first offering is my little Dharma time-traveling bunny. He can be purchased without the number on him, for people who aren't as geekily into lost as I am.

Great Books for Jewelry Artists

For those artists who are looking for great reading material. I've written an article on some of the best jewelry art books. These books are great for instruction and inspiration.

Metalsmithing is a skill that spans the border between art and craft. Metal artists not only need to perfect construction techniques, but also refine and hone their artistic voices. The books below provide. . . . Read more at Suite101: Five Books Every Metal Artist Should Own: Metalsmithing Books to Instruct and