Pretty Monarch Butterfly

It is that time of the year... Summer finally gives up and Fall starts taking over. The days get shorter, the wind gets cooler, the whole weather seems crisper, chillier.

Every year, around this time, we get the Monarch Butterfly migration. Thousands and thousands of butterflies fly South towards warmer weather. For me, this has marked the official end of a season and the beginnings of another. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the butterflies migrating.

This morning I took Sally for a walk, and saw a butterfly struggling on the ground. It was by a tree, and it fluttered its wings time and time again, walking from one place to another. I think I spend about a good hour watching it. All those pretty spots and orange rust colors! I had to take some photos of it too.

I went out about an hour ago, and was a little sad to see it wasn't there anymore, but at the same time happy that it has flown away. At least that is what I hope so, that it has reunited with its mates in their journey.

God speed and good luck, little friend!

I start my home remodel on Monday!!!!

Yay, great news.... My tennants moved today, and they turn in the keys to the house tomorrow. Just spoke with my architect and we have an appointment this weekend to go over the project, and we start on Monday!!! It will be a complete home renovation.

This is the first home in my life that will be mine and only mine. No sharing it with any significant others, just my kids and they do have a say in their rooms.

Expect lots of photos as it progresses.

The Amethyst Necklace

So I had about half of a strand of these gorgeous faceted amethysts left. I bought the strand years ago, and made a necklace for myself, the one you see in the title heading of this blog. I liked it so much, that I made another one just like it to sell.

I was looking at these beads, with their deep, rich purple color, and thought to myself that they would look great wire wrapped into a necklace, so I set myself to work. After I was done with them, I had a 16" necklace left. My neck takes 18 inches!

I wanted to keep this one for myself so bad, but I just don't know how to add extra lenght and make it look good, so up it goes for sale. I got 4 amethyst strands at the bead shop the other day, and maybe, just maybe I'll have to do something to console myself. I'm thinking a 36" long necklace with the 6mm smooth round beads. What do you think?

Got some good news today

My neighbors are finally moving! I had to go in the house today to have the windows measured, and she told me that they plan to move on Wednesday, Oct 21, so that is one more week!

I'll post house befores and updates when that happens!

My newest obsession, Etsy Treasuries

I discovered a nifty little feature on Etsy about two weeks ago. The Treasury.

The Treasury is a place where members do a showcase of items they like, based on a theme, these showcases are called Treasuries. Some of them even make it to the Home page!

Treasuries are a great way to get publicity as well, for the curator of the treasury and also for the sellers whose items are showcased, so getting a treasury is a very big deal at etsy, and the adrenaline rush and high you get while waiting for the elusive little rectangle to show up can be quite a trip. I have done two treasuries so far, and since I have run out of inspiration today, I will instead brag and write about them here on my blog. :)



This is the first Treasury I made, which I titled Autumn on Fire! I based it around Autumn and all the gorgeous fall colors with the foliage at this time of year. I also included some items that I loved and that I would love to go back and buy!



This is the second treasury I created. I based it on the color purple, which is one of my favorites. So much that I'm even basing my whole business concept around it. Sorry for the two missing items, one was a wonderful Christmas tree ornament and the other was a gorgeous, gorgeous amethyst ring. Didn't notice that the photos hadn't loaded yet when I took that screen shot!



And this is a treasury where I had the pleasure of being featured. Thank you so much to Sandy, of the Earring Boutique! You can find her etsy store Here

If you want to learn how to make your own treasury, and experience the fun for yourself, you can read this post by Rachel Lucie. Have fun!

Having a bit of a hard time today

I sell on etsy.com. I haven't mentioned that, but I will now. :) I make wire wrapped jewelry with pearls and beads and stuff. You can see it at www.veronicarstudio.etsy.com

Anyway, More than a week ago, I ordered my gift boxes, some gold filled wire and clasps. I needed them at the time, and now, it is verging on urgency. They still haven't arrived.

Then, I got the inspiration to make a necklace and some earrings. Well, it turns out that the pearls I had left for my focal in the necklace were all the damaged ones that come in the strand (out of a full strand, there are some that don't make it to jewelry, at least mine). Ok, necklace project scrapped... On to some earrings. I had the hardest time picking out beads that were a close match, which is a high priority for me. Earring project scrapped.

I just hope that my supplies arrive because I have some pending projects that I can make with that!




This is my work space. It is a little nook in my home that is located just coming out of the staircase.

Housing situation and upcoming remodeling project

So I happen to live in a really nice condo complex. I fell in love the minute I saw it for the first time, and at that time, never realized actually living here would be a possibility for me as I lived in another city.

The opportunity came up to move, and there was a house here I could take, right next to the one owned by my parents. I'm renting and had an option to buy, however after a lot of negotiations with the owners, we never came to an agreement.

I will be moving to my parents' home, and they bought a property to invest already, so everything is good. I have an architect and a crew waiting, but the tennants haven't left yet, despite the contract expiring more than a month ago!

So, as soon as they move out, I will be starting a complete interior renovation (the exterior is gorgeous, plus we have rules here on not modifying it), and will post lots and lots of before, process and after pics. Stay tuned!



I live in the house on the left, moving to the one on the right.

More Sally pics

And here are some more Sally pics, just because I couldn't resist!

Meet Sally!

This is Sally, my 3-year old Cocker Spaniel girl. She is one of the loves of my life and a very important part of it, so I may mention her sometimes around here.

One thing that I have noticed in Sally is how happy she is! She is a constant tail wagger, and has the happiest disposition. I was used to having a grumpy Schnauzer and some high-strung Chihuahuas, and Sally is just a breath of fresh air with her happiness.

Her favorite things in life are going outside and just walking in the grass, sniffing every single blade I might add, squeaky toys, looking out the window at the passerby, sleeping on my bed and people food.

So here she is, my little golden puppy girl!

My Love Affair With Jewelry

It all started ever since I can remember. My mother had nice jewelry. Of course in those days, women seemed to make do with only a few pieces, a pearl necklace, a good pair of gold earrings, a bracelet, some rings. My dad seemed to be a really good jewelry giver, as my mom had some pretty good pieces! I loved to take everything out of her jewelry box and just drape it around, set it store-style, and just admire each piece.

I have an aunt (mom’s sister) who had even more jewelry, and since she lived abroad, she would stay as a house guest with us about two times a year, and yup, she brought her jewelry which I would borrow and admire.

Ever since I could read, I would collect magazines, catalogs, and every book I could find on the subject. Then, at around age 10, I began buying my first pieces: simple, inexpensive silver things. As I grew up, my taste evolved, each piece getting more expensive and sometimes elaborate. After I got my first job and began making money for myself, I started getting into gold, and some gems. I then started having that gold melted and made into new pieces.
The next logical step was to make the jewelry for myself, so I started beading. I make wire wrapped pieces, using sterling silver, gold-filled metals, pearls and gemstone beads. I even have some pieces I have made for myself in 14K gold.

I collect gem and jewelry books. Big coffee table books with lots and lots of photos. I consider this to be my version of porn, since jewelry is what turns me on. Come on, wouldn’t you be all hot and bothered looking at Cartier, Mikimoto pearls, Harry Winston diamonds and the colorful and plain gorgeous designs by Paloma Picasso?

A college in my city just opened a jewelry course and of course I had to take it. According to the program, I will be able to design and make more complicated pieces than what I’m making now. I can’t wait! And you bet I will brag and write about it as I learn new things!

A little about me

Hi there! Welcome! Please come in and make yourself at home...

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, in a wonderful part named San Pedro. Monterrey is surrounded by wonderful mountains and I love how it is a very big city, yet still has that small town feel sometimes.

I am the oldest of 3, went to the same school all my life, until I went to college. I studied graphic design, only to graduate and go on working as a kitchen designer.

I have 2 kids. I divorced my husband several years ago, and now live with my kids and my dog, Sally. They are the loves of my life! I would to meet a new guy someday, but it is not a priority.

I love art, jewelry, and color in general. I can get crayon or marker boxes and just stare at the pretty colors all day long!

Anyway, I am so happy you are reading this and I hope you enjoy this blog!