Love my studio

There is a bounce in my step every day! I just love my space. I find being in an environment with other artists is so invigorating.

With the holidays most of the other people where out. It was a great time to settle into my space.


I ordered a netbook computer for my studio. That way I don't cart my laptop back and forth. The computer arrived today thank goodness. Now, I can set it up and not split my time between home, answering emails, filling orders... It can all be done at "my studio".


During the busy holiday shopping season I was working as fast as I could filling orders, making jewelry and shooting pictures. Well, I had to have some tests for uterine and cervical cancer. I was to busy and to thrilled with my studio to let a cancer scare get me down. I had to bring some paperwork to my doctor and instead of being all sad I had a bounce in my step while walking into her office.

It ends up that I have precancer cells and my doctor will remove them. I reflected on this and I hope to keep this cheery attitude in the light of any future upsets.



These next photos are my show room area. I still need to organize it, hang my jewelry...


If you live in Missoula or are visiting feel free to email me through my Etsy shop for an appointment.



Happy New Year!

Christmas Compassion

My two sisters Christy and Mary really touched my heart this Christmas. Christy ran an ad on Craigslist giving away boys jeans. She has two boys and they had outgrown some jeans but had not worn them out yet, so Christy couldn't see throwing them away.

A woman responded to the ad and came over to Christy's house. The lady was well dressed in business attire and looking at her one would never guessed she was financially struggling.

While visiting the woman opened up and told my sister how she is a single mother with five kids and has no money for Christmas gifts. She is finding free items on Craigslist for her kids Christmas gifts.

Christy is a single Mom too and knows the challenges. She shared the woman's plight with my other sis, Mary and they decided to go shopping for the kids. They bought them clothes, pajamas, and shoes.

Mary is so incredible. She figured the Mom should gift wrap the items so that she could be a part of it all. So, Mary included gift boxes, wrap and tape.

This just touches my heart so much. Life handed my sisters an opportunity for compassion and they stepped right up to the plate. Gold Stars to you Mary and Christy, you have really shown the spirit of Christmas!

My new studio space

I am so excited to share my adventure of moving my studio. I am in this old brick building, that I must remember to show you next time. It is in the old part of Missoula and right next to the train tracks. The neighborhood has a ton of character and many artist live there.

Today is my first day to start moving in and I thought it would be fun to show the progress of me building my work space.


I went to the thrift store the other day looking for some type of storage cupboards and instead found this funky old chair for just a few bucks. I also got this small work table that will be my shipping area.

This wicker tea cart has front wheels and I loved it. I am not sure yet how I will use it but it has such charm that I wanted it in my space.


So here is my space in stage one. Creating a lovely, functional work space has me so excited.


My current space is a shared extra bedroom. Mitchell is a painter and has half the room. My space ends right past the curtain.


This is the shipping area. It looks like a tornado hit due to the whirlwind of the holiday rush. After I grab the appropriate shipping supplies I sit down in the living room in front of my computer to write Thank You cards and package up the goodies.

I am thrilled to get my house back in order and hopefully have normal work hours. Maybe achieve days off, get out my Yoga ball and not worry about those pieces of headpins stuck in the carpet puncturing it!

To be continued...

Etsy Gift Guide

So excited about being in a Gift Guide on Etsy. The above hand painted earrings are what got chosen.

I saw a forum thread about the gift guides on Etsy. I usually nominate others and this time I asked to be in it with these earrings. To my surprise I awoke this morning to find them featured.

Here is a link to visit the Tribal-Inspired Gift Guide

Thanks Etsy and HeyMichelle!!