Woo-Hoo for you!

I have two necklaces that I created for a charity called Nest (www.buildanest.com). I signed on with them about 3 months ago and I am so proud to report that within the past 3 months we (me the maker and you the buyer) have earned $80 for Nest. Thank you so much for your support.

This is a wonderful nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries through the provisions of small loans used to provide sustainable art- or craft-based entrepreneurial businesses. The funds for these loans are generated through the sale of a unique line of clothing, accessories and merchandise for the home produced exclusively for Nest by a group of artists and designers.









The necklaces I created are available through my website, my Etsy shop and the Nest website (which is currently being updated so may not be available today).

psst....these are on sale ($23 to $79)

Did Santa (or UPS) bring you everything you wanted?

What an incredible Christmas this has been for me. I think the mad rush is dwindling and I actually survived.
Thank you to everyone who purchased a little "sumtin sumtin" from Chocolate and Steel for your gift giving. You have made this one of the best Christmas's I have ever had. What a joy it is to be doing what I love.
Now, on to planning for Valentine's day, and Mother's day, and of course the baby shower season. I can't wait!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours.

Heather Scholl has arrived!!!

I love the artwork of Heather Scholl and you can imagine my delight when I learned that she was opening a shop on Etsy. Until now you would have had to be living in Los Angeles and go to a gallery to see her artwork. But for those of us in the "not quite able to purchase original art yet" crowd, you can now purchase prints in her Etsy shop. So head over there and buy some gifts for yourself and your friends and your grandma. This painting reminds me of my grandma. She would go to church and talk about everyone she saw. She called it her "prayer chain" we called it gossip.

Boutique Coquette....even the name is elegant

There is this great new website called Boutique Coquette. They sell pieces that are all made by independent artists (this indie artist being one of them). They are still adding new pieces everyday, but be sure to check out the jewelry. There is some really beautiful jewelry listed. I particularly love the sea glass rings by ISea Designs. Support handmade and shop Boutique Coquette. Here's a little picture of one of my necklaces they sell.

Check out my Little Monster Market finds

I had such a good time at the Little Monster Market last week. I was able to get some Christmas shopping done on top of it all. I'll try to get pictures up later, but my favorite thing I got happened to be a trade from Kokoleo. It is the cutest! 3 eyed monster in overalls. I have it stored in the back of a closet in James' room so I have to be really sneaky to get it out and post a picture of it. I also bought some adorable aprons from Beansoup. And here...the only thing that I have a picture to show of is James' christmas outfit that I bought from Eenymeanie. I got the shirt, vest and tie from them. Here is a picture of James in that outfit going to see Santa Claus. Santa asked him what he wanted for christmas and he said, "Dog Treats". hmmm

I wish I were in Philly...

Go!!! if you're in the neighborhood. Sounds like so much fun.