New stuff listed .... finally!

Yippee, I finally got around to listing 3 new rings in my online shops. It really is time consuming so I keep putting it off but I can't procrastinate any longer. I've got a ton of new stuff and need to get it out there. So all three of these rings are $34 and I'm thinking of offering a deal when you buy 3 or more. I have two more to list that have a heart and a duck on them. Then I'll put up some plain bands to go with it.

Yikes, I finally get these up and here I am making more work for myself already:)


Have I mentioned before that I sell on Dawanda as well? Not sure if it's better for you international folks, but if it is check it out! Prices are in Euros.

And on a total aside check out this beauty. I attempted a souffle about 3 or 4 years ago and failed miserably. This was my second attempt (clearly scared from the first since it took me that long to try again) and it turned out absolutely perfect! I took the picture on my phone so that's a little weird but hopefully you get the idea.

Weekend Eye Candy - light therapy

I'm digging these colors and the twinkle of light. Have a wonderful weekend!


wanachee, Irene Suchocki, Ara133 Photography, Jean Pelle, single stone studios, beth retro photography



You want more Weekend Eye candy??? ok, visit Such and Such, HammerStitchBurn, and The Ornamentalist

Style :: Substance :: Soul

Good Monday to you! I am making a strong effort to start my weeks off right. Every Monday begins with a good workout at the gym, happy upbeat music, and "Style, Substance, Soul".

Style, Substance, Soul is a newsletter that I get filled with inspiring stuff. All of the books I read this summer were part of their reading list, I learn about generous charitable works, and even hope to win something from their giveaways. Reading their newsletter or visiting their website is the perfect start to every week. I believe you are what you eat, read, think and the things you throw your energy behind. I am making a concerted effort to keep it positive and productive.

An additional bonus to my Monday was that I listened to some stand up comedy from Ricky Gervais while I was on the eliptical trainer this morning. That guy is hilarious! This clip is about Creation. Even people who believe in Creation will laugh. The clip is about 9 minutes long but worth every second you watch it and not work.

Weekend Eye Candy - stunning flowers

I came across a beautiful picture this week while reading The Red Otter Shop's blog. When I went to his flickr page I was stunned. So this week is a HUGE collection of some of the most stunning floral pictures I have ever seen. Go check out Dan's Flickr stream. You will be inspired.

1. like you for my own, 2. falling hard, 3. still i tug at your line, 4. cry as much as i want to, 5. all of our moments, 6. still something in your eyes, 7. try to turn the hands of time, 8. thought of us, 9. secrets of your heart, 10. between me and you, 11. i'm coming to you, 12. when we were young, 13. for a moment I stray, 14. hope has a place, 15. i know i can't have you

and for some more Weekend Eye Candy fun visit Such and Such, HammerStitchBurn, and The Ornamentalist

I've got a new zip code - 90210

My neighbor stopped me in the hall tonight and said, "Did you know that your necklace was on 90210 last night?" Wha????? he must be mistaken! But oh no, he was not. Here is the clip to prove it:

I know your first question, "How the heck did you get your necklace on 90210?" I have no idea, but I am so thankful to that person. Whoever you are, thank you! I am so grateful.

And isn't Jessica Stroup just the cutest? In my mind I look just like her. What a coincidence:)

We get along

I have a new weekness (even though the show is over). Design Star on HGTV! I just watched the last 3 episodes over the weekend and I have a very strong desire to paint, redecorate and create! While perusing the Urban Outfitters website for a rug (not for me this time) I came across this chair. I want it!

Another chair that I'm obsessing over (which looks of higher quality) is by Angelo: Home. Angelo is actually a friend from several years ago. We worked together and I always knew he would do something great. He is very talented. Ok, the second best part about these is that they are not expensive. Hmmm, I shall think and dream about these.

Electrical Etched copper disc

Water Etched copper disc, originally uploaded by Chocolate And Steel (Christine).

I took a class by Sherri and Dan Haab at Kit Kraft yesterday to learn electrical etching. It was such a great class! They are a great pair. Sherri is the art, Dan is the science.

Typically to etch you have to use chemicals that are rather toxic after you have used it. I'm a wuss about chemicals, even more so since I've had a child. This technique is so easy and doesn't use harsh chemicals. It uses electricity instead. I wish I could give you a more thorough description of what happens, but it's all a little over my head (even though it made complete sense to me yesterday). Anyways, I made this disc in class and threw it together for a photo op. I'm sure you will see some more from me in time. Maybe something that reflects my style a little more. I can also use this technique for creating texture plates for metal clay.

Weekend Eye Candy - 9/11 memorial edition

Weekend Eye Candy - 9/11 memorial edition, originally uploaded by Chocolate And Steel (Christine).
1. WTC 9/11 Memorial in Battery Park, 2. 9/11 Memorial, 3. Westchester 9/11 Memorial Panorama, 4. 9/11 memorial, 5. 9-11 Memorial Bayonne, NJ, 6. Staten Island 9/11 Memorial, 7. NY Skyline pre-9/11, 8. NYC 9/11 Memorial Field, Inwood Hill Park, 9. NYC Twin Lights 9/11 "Tribute in Lights" Memorial 2005

As many already know today marks the 8th year since the attack on the World Trade Center. It is still very painful to remember back to that day but I find some comfort in the collective tribute that is paid. Here are some of the memorials that have been dedicated to this event around the country.

The top one (#1) is a fountain that used to be in the plaza of the WTC. And then, of course, #7 is the actual towers before 9/11.

I hope everyone gets a moment today to remember those who lost their lives on this day 8 years ago.

You want more Weekend Eye candy??? ok, visit Such and Such, HammerStitchBurn, and The Ornamentalist

Charm Swap

Charms for EtsyMetalClay team, originally uploaded by Chocolate And Steel (Christine).

The EtsyMetalClay team put on a charm swap. This is my contribution. I made the texture for the back using a photo-polymer plate. I love those things. The design is difficult to see in this picture but I drew all of these different whimsical flowers that play on the poppy on the front. I also used this project as an opportunity to experiment with different finishes. I love buying different attachments for my flex shaft and I never know what they do until I test it out. now I know what everything does. It was fun!

I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas. I will, in return, be sent a package of 27 different charms. I'm so eager to see what everyone else came up with.

We all made one extra charm that will be used to create a charm bracelet that we are donating to a charity. We chose "The Andruzzi Foundation" to donate the bracelet to. They have a live auction to raise money and I hope this brings them a pretty penny to use towards cancer research.

We have a winner!!!

Random.org chose the #13 out of our 41 entries. So congrats to Courtney ~ you win:) Check out Courtney's shop, Courticus, too. Really adorable candles.


Thanks to everyone for playing along and watching my video. I did not make it as one of the finalists though. Oh well. It was fun and I shall pimp the video some more for my own promotion:)

My son goes back to school next week. Whew, I made it. It has been so hard juggling my business and a child that wants me to play Princess Leia all day long. I shall be on my blog a bit more too. Can't wait! You might even get sick of me....