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....

Giveaway... as promised (with a bonus, a really good bonus)

I'm really excited to have another giveaway here on my little blog. The rules for entering are super simple. Just leave a comment and you get a chance to win. Now for the big reveal. The special piece being given away ...... drum roll......

This little nest ring will be made in whatever size you'd like. This is part of my upcoming fall collection. Currently unreleased so you will get first dibs on it. Contest ends on Monday August 31st and winner announced Wednesday, September 2nd.

Ok, for the bonus. The super duper bonus! Dave and I made a little video for Etsy's Handmade Moment contest. I would be so forever grateful if you would check it out.... and rate it! We are totally late to the contest and it ends on Sunday (1 week, yikes).

IF we win I will double the prize for the winner of my giveaway. You will get to choose whatever piece you want from the BOYGIRLPARTY ® collection (see last post)


Don't forget to go and vote. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support. Fingers crossed for a big win all around.

Heads up!!! Giveaway forthcoming.....

I am finally digging myself out of this hole I fell into. Our summer has been so fun and really busy. It went by too fast but I am somewhat looking forward to getting back to a regular work schedule.

So, to kick it all off I am going to be posting a giveaway on my blog next Monday. Stay tuned because it's going to be a doosy. I am going to offer up one of my new pieces with the possibility of doubling your win! Enticing, right? So check back then. Want to see a sneak peek of the new collection?

But, until then.... I am so happy to announce a new collection that I collaborated with Boygirlparty on. Is it possible to look at any of boygirlparty's illustrations and not smile or be filled with a warm happy feeling? I think not. So here is the collection. 5 pieces - 1 year - 100 piece limited edition. They are being listed in the shop as we speak and all will be there by Saturday.

(clockwise) Quail with customizable birthstone - $53.50, Whale - $49.50, Snowy Owls - $49.50
Fawn - $47.50, Birdhouse - $47.50

Weekend Eye Candy - the jewelry box

Weekend Eye Candy - the jewelry box, originally uploaded by Chocolate And Steel (Christine).

I am part of a team of artists that work with metal clay. These are some of my favorites from my team but I have so many more favorites too. You can see them all at http://etsymetalclay.com

Eager to see some more well curated pics? Visit Lora, Paige and Michelle to see what they drummed up this week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

1. silver and concrete pear, 2. eclipseear1, 3. Wheat Pendant, 4. Waterfall, 5. Summer Leaf, 6. Verde Earrings, 7. Bronzclay & polymer, 8. Copper Hoops, 9. Mech-Chain1-Sm, 10. Bronze Tribal Dome Necklace with fine silver donut, 11. Repose, 12. afternoon sunlight & lens flare

a good day

I have already slapped my hand for being a bad blogger. Last month I participated in my first wholesale show, The California Gift Show. Then last weekend I did the Buyers Market in Philadelphia. So much fun and SO much work. I finally got a chance to work two full days this weekend on fulfilling some of my orders. I have 250 pieces to make by next Monday. CRAZY!! but I actually have been working quite fast and plan on getting it all together. I had no idea that stores would want product so quick. I thought they would be placing orders for holiday. Not complaining, not complaining at all:) I hope to show off some of the pictures from Philly soon.

But I wanted to share some pics from a lovely day at the Getty before I left on my trip. Gosh I love this place. I typically have to go through the galleries pretty quick because James doesn't last long inside. But this time they had an exhibit all about casting a bronze sculpture. It was so fascinating and because I have some knowledge of the process I was able to get James really interested in it as well. It was a proud moment. And that moment ended quickly and we dashed outside to the gardens, our favorite place.












and my latest custom "peace". Get it:)