I hear wedding bells.....

I'm so excited to share this with everyone. I worked with the MOST lovely couple to design and make a wedding ring. This was a big deal for me because it was in platinum and used 4.6 carats of diamonds. Holy smokes!! I can't tell you how nervous I was carrying around this amazing ring (if I do say so myself).

So congrats to Richard and Alison. Did I mention how sweet they are? I even got a Christmas card from them.

and a happy new year....

It kind of cracks me up that my last post was on Black Friday and never to be seen again. What a crazy 6 weeks! I am so happy and feel so lucky that this holiday was busy for Chocolate and Steel. Thanks to you all!

I am really looking forward to this year. We are moving in a couple weeks to a larger apartment - woohoo!!!! For you that really know me (like in person) know how small my apartment has gotten since the arrival of a child and another dog (which makes 2). I'm excited to get my new work space set up too (another factor to my shrinking apartment).

I wish you all much love and happiness in the new year.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE & FREE SHIPPING

::BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND SALE (11/26-11/30)::
All purchases receive FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE and.....
FREE PAIR of stud earrings ($18 value) with every purchase over $75!
Choose either ::Bird Studs:: or ::Simply Love Studs::

*Remember to leave your earring selection in the notes section during checkout*

Hello friends. Hope you are all enjoying some time off and some good food. My husband and I are not totally fond of the traditional Thanksgiving meal so we are doing an Italian take on it. Listen to this menu that he devised:
starters: sausage stuffed fried green olives
sides: potato gnocchi with turkey bolonese, and sauteed green beans with marcona almonds
main dish: mortadella stuffed pork loin (mmmmmm....)

friends are bringing by some fancy cheese, desert and a lot of booze. Can't wait. It's going to be a great time.

I have much to be thankful for this year. Sometimes I just can't believe this is my life. It is so good. I am thankful for my wonderful family that supports me and believes in me. They make me laugh and love every day (including Roxy and Betty, our chow chows). I am thankful for good health and wonderful friends (and they are so truly wonderful!). I am thankful for the spirit of inspiration flowing in my house. It has been a productive and fulfilling year for both myself and my husband. And I am thankful for my son who loves me, challenges me and totally frustrates me:)

Patchwork tomorrow

Hey guys! I'll be at Patchwork Santa Ana tomorrow from 11a to 5p. You should all come out. This si a great show filled with art, jewelry, clothing, kid's stuff, plush, food, music..... You name it, it's there. Details are on the flyer (click on it for a larger pic).
As a side note, I've watched a couple good movies recently (thanks Netflix). Has anyone seen Elsa and Fred? Oh my gosh! I loved that movie. It's a Spanish flick that has stayed with me all week. Very funny and touching. The acting in it is wonderful.

The second movie that I saw that I really like was "Burn after Reading". A VERY funny performance by Brad Pitt and a good story by the Cohen Brothers.

And a music recommend? Sure! Loving this video by White Stripes. I am a huge Dolly Parton fan (old school Dolly) and they did the best cover of Jolene. Check it out. Have a lovely weekend everyone.


And don't forget to sign up for my email list over there
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I'm sending out a special offer soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

to be a frog on the wall...

This weekend I helped out my friend Lora (yes, "thee" Lora Hart!) at the Contemporary Crafts Market. What an inspiring bunch of artists. Lora had this fantastic tourmaline ring (which is nowhere online to be seen and sold to a very lucky individual) that I loved. Another piece that I feel in love with was this group of owls by Colpitts.

You should see all of their work in person. The expressions are all so unique and realistic. Another favorite was a frog, but unfortunately I can't get the picture to load. They fire all of the pieces twice and up to a temperature of 2350 degrees. The pieces were like stone, completely non-porous. They could be kept outside with very little signs of wear. I'm so impressed.

Giveaway because "It's the most wonderful time of the year...."

Yes, I am singing holiday songs already. I even tuned into the Christmas station on Pandora.

Are you thinking about holiday shopping yet? Well, if so you should check out this cute little website a friend turned me on to. Posh Little has a holiday gift guide that makes finding the perfect gift so easy. Who doesn't need a Password Reminder notebook? I do! With all of the different websites that make you log in it's hard to keep it all straight. How clever indeed!They are also featuring one of my necklaces that can be found at The Kids are Alright.

In case you've been thinking, "Gosh, I'd love to know more about Christine" then go here. Want to know who my biggest inspiration is? I have been stalked and interviewed over at Etsy Stalker. Enter the giveaway to win a tiny heart stacking ring.

Heavy Hitters

Wow, I just noticed that my last post was October 5th. Oh boy does time fly. I've been working on a wedding ring lately that has taken much of my time and energy (and anxiety). I'll post a picture when it's done. Platinum and 4.6 carats of diamonds - oh my....

and I'll be featured in the December issue of Los Angeles Magazine. Very excited about that.

I just updated my show schedule over there. There are some heavy hitters.
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I'll be doing some shows in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco. I've pretty much got California covered. If only I could sneak in a San Diego show. Don't think that will happen. I've got to sneak in my son's birthday party, Thanksgiving with the family, and maybe have some Christmas fun.

ok, back to work. I have a new necklace I'll post next week. It's a sweet one:)

I'll leave you with some Halloween cheer. The Dueling Batmans.....