tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68148967254311044392024-02-06T22:33:53.904-07:00Boutique By Bonniewww.BoutiqueByBonnie.etsy.comBoutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-4060817273082144812010-11-20T12:08:00.001-07:002010-11-20T12:08:51.869-07:00Pewter Kokopelli<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60445827/pewter-kokopelli-pendant-on-black-cord" target="_blank"><img title="Kokopelli Necklace" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="Kokopelli Necklace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXerelejNcQPXyWoEEn6AULIwmhaaVxdqJDhwBypBScHfkWvRw9zRh3czvxg9hWtCZkHv6Lor0Dzq0BMhyZ9m8gG0Oy3osQ9yCT-GSDaSGhw_QuD1qpveZRB_JIaMIPJHrFtOugcpacOg/?imgmax=800" width="412" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>I have my entire shop on sale for the Holidays! This lead-safe pewter kokopelli necklace is now only $8.50. Stop by and check out the other great deal now available in <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a>! </p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-63226153301561036892010-06-03T18:41:00.001-06:002010-06-03T18:41:45.298-06:0055 Pearls Bracelet<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlEK030Xdz0JlA9k4Tu2CaFCi7F1jxcMoL6n9-x9PLppBY9yzSk-DUFPP3YKh6fuIRFPxtNqYWKlCoI-0HbK_kMQWtyeoIxZoui79Y10xnZ24JEhC9Gl3HSMBSi-QyMKwve3b6h1gCi0/s1600-h/pearl%20bracelet%5B9%5D.jpg"><img title="pearl bracelet" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="413" alt="pearl bracelet" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3OE-5GRB-tz0svlJMTFhK93Uz2BwTMKQr3H_DDmi3QFBx6orfF4TAaAQ3GdnabWRMSrkC6w6BMWrddtxOdEKDpRnmUXKNSsHern7jVrSJwLzsXDVTk1hioMb0zajB61hwlYgHclWuDw/?imgmax=800" width="411" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Do you like fives? I used 55 pale gray Pearls for this 3-strand bracelet. Three antiqued focal beads line up in the center of this romantic bracelet.</p> <p> <br />This bracelet is ideal for smaller wrists, although it's adjustable from 6" to 7" long. It's 3/4" wide and closes with a lobster claw clasp and chain.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-72251623799705085552010-01-06T17:52:00.002-07:002010-01-06T17:57:16.561-07:00On Leave2010 is well underway and I'm travelling more than ever for my job. As a result, I've put my Etsy store and my blog on indefinite hold. I hate to do it, but I can't keep it up while I'm on the road every other week. I hope you'll continue to follow me and tune in for the re-launch sometime down the line (teaser: look for a switch to a photography focus).<br /><br />Best of luck in the new year and thank you for supporting Boutique By Bonnie!Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-50115154970642981812009-12-06T14:15:00.000-07:002009-12-06T14:16:04.705-07:00Holiday TraditionsEveryone says the Christmas season is getting longer and longer, with some stores putting out decorations right after Halloween. So how come I feel like it’s getting shorter and shorter? I feel good that I have most of my gifts purchased and my outside lights up, but I haven’t done Christmas cards or put much at all up inside the house. As usual I feel the rush of time as the clock counts down.<br /><br />As a child Christmas seemed like a slow progression family traditions. First, the catalogs from JCPenney and Sears would come. We’d pour over the Toy sections for hours before circling our final “wish list” choices. Next we’d go get the tree. Often we’d cut our own and that was a grand adventure in finding the perfect tree. Not that the perfect tree had to be “perfect.” I remember trees with big holes that were perfect for handmade preschool ornaments. One year we had a hole so big my dad drilled a hole in the trunk and stuck an extra branch in to fill a gap. We didn’t care, as long as we got to drown it with tinsel at the end! Then there would be a day dedicated to homemade Christmas cookies. Frosting those cookies was half art and half competition. And finally, after gift buying, cookie eating, wrapping, the hanging of stockings with care, and Midnight Mass, finally it would be Christmas morning! Now that part seemed to go quickly, but what a joy!<br /><br />Does anybody still make time to bake cookies from scratch or go cut down a real tree? Are your stockings homemade or store-bought? What Christmas traditions have you held on to that allow you to slow down and enjoy the season? My time comes at night when the tree is the only light in the room. Maybe “Silent Night” is playing or maybe it’s just plain silent. I can do without the cards and the cookies as long as I have that moment.Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-68162170292439716182009-11-16T17:22:00.001-07:002009-11-16T17:22:28.174-07:00Guns and Dolls<p>I’ve been travelling quite a bit in the plains states of the Midwest lately and I’ve noticed something. Go into any Interstate gas station/restaurant/store combo and there are dolls. There are fancy dolls under glass in frilly frocks and fancy bonnets. There are whole shops within a shop devoted to dolls. And then I found these:</p> <p><img title="dolls" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="298" alt="dolls" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyRy6dzGN6YvH6i0djUX1A5tHFceC3BR8k2s_jfoTI4v3SINyMXbnJr0bdN_R6iZExSjVSd0xcUgpbkOFrlIRD11EhfhOvAtTYZrsz_6ZQlJ4MW74-ZMThHnLpTLqSuzGFEiQAA_q1B8/?imgmax=800" width="411" border="0" /> </p> <p>Yes, darling, you can have your very own cloth “mini-me.” She’s already been stuffed and hung from the ceiling with care. She’s just waiting for you! Would you like “Suicide Sally” or maybe “Noosy Nellie?” Why are you crying, dear?</p> <p>Seriously, this has to be the creepiest way to display a doll I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure I understand the underground doll culture that seems to exist here. But I do remember, having grown up in Wisconsin, that “Gun and Doll” shows were quite popular. I don’t really get the connection, but I suppose if the hubby likes guns, the missus must like dolls, right? Uh, maybe. Maybe the doll culture is just as strong as the gun culture and you have to be a member to understand it. In fact, maybe the NRA shot these poor rag dolls before they were stuffed and strung up for public viewing. Maybe.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-55207868144310805882009-11-09T18:47:00.001-07:002009-11-09T18:47:10.426-07:00One of my favorite things<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtWWKLpdPbx0rmAC75Hp6qevEkKLZhmo46OPyVcDYRQpr7g_mvD_FwzSQuqx5EAGVMfJoccROsKYb4UK8mJ8oumc0x-IPOgL289YT2DqLL3oaRvYG2Ufe_O804N7pZMjBWJ2s9H3nL0o/s1600-h/jasper%20earrings%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="jasper earrings" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="486" alt="jasper earrings" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhfAC-iGx-tgDpFdxfKmFalNlqyl0X1kWjYvwb1QLt1pWyuZNjuzhy6FenqS-erXRJuY0bfstkS_9lzLkteQBYPB3pdijh1BLgsrCXFV4ysf8_6c8SmR-rdgLqXhogL-GysS_X3PEiEA/?imgmax=800" width="370" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Pillows of Kambaba Jasper hang from hammered silver hoops in these elegant earrings. The swirling greens of these stones would compliment any Christmas outfit as the silver catches the light. Check out these earrings and the matching bracelet in <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com">my Etsy store</a>!</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-3964440754157703782009-11-03T19:45:00.001-07:002009-11-03T19:45:18.699-07:00Inspiration<p>I have to admit I’ve been fairly uninspired lately. It’s partly because I’ve been traveling up to two weeks a month for work. Weekends are about relaxing and laundry and catching up on household chores. On one of my trips I bought a green ceramic pendant and brought it home. Every so often I’d pick it up and try to picture it in a finished piece. Nothing. Nothing good, anyway. (I wish I had a photo to insert here, but I’m writing this on the road!).</p> <p><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" height="24" alt="present" src="http://spaces.live.com/rte/emoticons/present.gif" width="24" align="right" /></p> <p>Finally, inspiration came in the form of a 40th birthday party invitation. This friend had purchased several pieces from me in the past so I knew her taste and wanted to create a necklace just for her. This woman has a natural style so I used a dark brown suede cord as stringing material. I accented the pendant with antiqued silver beads, dark brown glass beads, and some knots to hold it in place. I have to say I liked the result! I left the length unfinished so she could choose how long she wanted it. The reward? She absolutely loves it! And she doesn’t want me to finish the length – she likes being able to knot it at any length she wants.</p> <p>Inspiration followed by the instant gratification of seeing the piece in the hands of a happy friend if hard to beat! It makes me wonder if I should only do custom pieces from now on. I like the creative challenge of matching the piece with the person, and I certainly like delivering it directly into the hands of a grateful recipient.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-53892132609993862362009-10-27T19:15:00.001-06:002009-10-27T19:15:06.141-06:00Black and White Badlands<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49P95NT5_M68ZCQjuOWYKpe-z_1WQ3ouSFEXcdSqU34VCG5EZ_elGSTsACKfKHG3IW7mTQN25UtJXyZKmbncQX1M3jlMssDj0xHtPBiqThrkBdVrWgE4gl0Bk2JTyGOxFYFsFxa7q9qQ/s1600-h/IMG_2086%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="B&W Badlands" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="583" alt="B&W Badlands" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rDmGA5hYWv_0ySc-oPXwBkgaUpJASOQRXR3Xv2V9ipVcmJgBmX6GDKVF9mSkFCD5zmWIvMPPKDz25OQ9xeZohajcP70bCkrl7o1fGhhsnwFl1dsXC-m8uJM7B4gHKe-VEjaeVznER0A/?imgmax=800" width="393" border="0" /></a></p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-18466295371067517402009-10-25T15:51:00.002-06:002009-10-25T15:54:07.814-06:00Christmas Earrings are back!<p>The Christmas earrings are back in <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a>! I’ve listed them at super-low prices because hey, they’re just for fun after all! </p><p><em>Sleigh bells ring, are you listening… ?</em></p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15679037" target="_blank"><img title="bulb earrings" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="189" alt="bulb earrings" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTv4-Q-iMfDh84OyobrAlFrg-yvb_T8rGLqrPBUzqRBCW_MsEo6Ju_FBHUPmKmmP1354mjC1a6gsgyzHLFWf_9CX7am3EBB92sJ_H4uY8t4uGk6vdkxub8hHituVQLE9mu7u2uGElO05M/?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17087260" target="_blank"><img title="ce13" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="190" alt="ce13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYdjak8dfLLGtgoWASH0c1D-I0H3O651cjlUtRnz-lytpVwXTZ1CBtoVAazv66RhSPT7HDITcv75H7_N6Bhpc6onyeDLKvwy4O-tHlo70sn8gtB3I3VdLv6VEeN9RlFyJ54p3W5knc_k/?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0" /></a> </p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5601842&section_id=6513887" target="_blank"><img title="ce06" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="217" alt="ce06" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gbuM1x7X_e2yYLAUi_B2S2ZFdRI0Qd1wd6njs15tYNjj27JKh8Rcr7gW7kVGA43Erm4WIrIG7pnW339yBR83FnFodNHYtbHdcG5-svTtzOa_CdbOxZVexJ4SwWfrS9x_sPKPO5tE9YA/?imgmax=800" width="217" border="0" /></a></p>Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-74558844776186609462009-10-20T19:51:00.001-06:002009-10-20T19:51:24.089-06:00I’ve Been Jinxed<p>I’m starting to think I’ve been jinxed on this business trip. Either that or this particular hotel has a jinx. Upon check-in, the staff couldn’t find my reservation, even after I provided my printed confirmation.  They gave me a room as a walk in, but also made me stand there<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5JwVnGwplBERmWosfcIHhavH5jQmB2v7WXF2epVEYECOoCAk2qlgMSTkcaaa8dl7lOBvbjPgdkWDgVfUc6221ZvJvpInB97pcOLpDjYUHQiy77AMXNSeNzw7YzBgMgXGsmgxSLnGjDc/s1600-h/hotel%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="hotel" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 5px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="134" alt="hotel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYp7NCTWogx5ANSDkfL9jwxvm0s_bBW4XJ6WfX3cUaSeyGe97ASSKz_Dg4JDA6m5p7EtzRkBmPJ0l1gJT9rokxAJK6twEi5_1pkcottRo6w3a1dWkGRpuSrga_S98m927H-w1tdBVIglo/?imgmax=800" width="134" align="right" border="0" /></a> for 20 minutes while they called the reservation website’s customer service. The next day, my keycard wouldn’t work. Add on one more trip down three floors to the front desk to have it re-coded. Next I tried to use their nicely equipped business center only to find the printer wouldn’t work. It kept saying “No Paper” even though the tray was full. Add one more trip to the front desk. After a highly delicate procedure involving slamming the tray in as hard as possible numerous times, the printer still did not work. So much for being productive.</p> <p>It’s too bad I’m having all these little problems because this is actually a great hotel. I not only have conditioner and hand lotion (which not all hotels provide anymore), but there is mouthwash, a shower cap and two kinds of tea. The free breakfast even includes scrambled eggs and bacon, which is great for people like me who don’t want the huge sugar waffle. I hope that nothing else goes wrong to detract from my stay, but to be safe, I think I’ll stay away from the fitness center and the pool!</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-38148368487802362752009-10-16T22:23:00.001-06:002009-10-16T22:23:58.636-06:00No Reruns<p>So I had this brilliant and inspired thought for a blog post, but in the back of my mind was this nagging idea that I had written about this subject before. I looked back in my archives and yes, I had written about in in July! So I am back at square one with no brilliant idea.</p> <p>I admit I haven’t written many thoughtful blog posts lately. I’ve been travelling for a week at a time for work and, well, you know how it goes. I still love all my blog followers and those that I follow! I just wish I had more time to interact with everyone. Perhaps tomorrow will bring some (truly) new inspiration!</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-1287278165140600782009-10-14T19:34:00.001-06:002009-10-14T19:34:43.932-06:00Wordless Wednesday<p><img title="Moab Day 1 008" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="Moab Day 1 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivanduAx9U6tFIHPj2-ihqBJD1jc3_uKS3oz-mTo88Bbp8x7Ydr59DaN4XAuTDaim1n3HgRlaCzN98jq9jmz1RYit8dX-YotvAWvC9K4PYwZWgEFme1xJ0J23tvQp1cIX6rMDmUaL1sfk/?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0" /></p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-23242775908341354972009-10-05T18:01:00.002-06:002009-10-05T18:04:47.625-06:00Early Bird Free Shipping for Christmas!<p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30877431#" target="_blank"><img title="Gray Pearls" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; MARGIN-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="329" alt="Gray Pearls" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxg9TuEVadLvhsBIMN7MKRb_ObHNjiu7GyU8uujL6h6akSYSwoW6ujokSEKWTvIz9HwrPhUDhOjYhcVgQQxAqVr6nBG84LyhC247VvaVJ0QaPBKpG9kfVR1uNJVRmfMnP2gYcIpwKC2w/?imgmax=800" width="227" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p><p>The chill in the night air tells me that the weeks are flying by, and soon it will be time to think of snow and colored lights and presents under the tree. I’ve started choosing gifts for those special people in my life, and maybe you have, too. </p><p>For all my blog readers, I’d like to offer FREE SHIPPING on any order in my shop from now until December 31, 2009 (U.S only). Just type “<strong>freeblogship</strong>” in the “<em>Note to Seller</em>” and I’ll refund your shipping fees through PayPal! If that’s too hard to remember, don’t worry. Just write me a note that you saw the Free Shipping offer on my blog! There’s no item limit on this offer, so enjoy shopping! Visit my store at <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com/">http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com</a></p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20475517" target="_blank"><img title="Necklace" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN: 10px auto 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="320" alt="Necklace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg602VDrmNznWPqjnDzwjdgYTs4su-w_xNINsiJ39Tg03qSk2Rz2GIX30BsU9BR8NKejkaxPsn20-B7ve3SlBugjIYveqlgbAlzqb2kZiZ_UKPP8xGpHzCxV9IyxC2otnmGCvoL2MyVG24/?imgmax=800" width="354" border="0" /></a></p>Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-18979778334643576842009-09-30T08:07:00.002-06:002009-09-30T08:09:48.728-06:00Wordless Wednesday - Poudre River Fall<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Klw3F79UPCMMN1n1TCymDK0N4NJugJV3uvbN6G359AHLorU78NaY-toRXgja4NzZCzdx6619QKWngLM1L2BCvV5LQrz0-fjcXJEAjSlOo1jeSsicQYSyuFR5UTo_ox4OPvs8ULNOICk/s1600-h/Poudre_River_Fall_08%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387262234366985170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Klw3F79UPCMMN1n1TCymDK0N4NJugJV3uvbN6G359AHLorU78NaY-toRXgja4NzZCzdx6619QKWngLM1L2BCvV5LQrz0-fjcXJEAjSlOo1jeSsicQYSyuFR5UTo_ox4OPvs8ULNOICk/s400/Poudre_River_Fall_08%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-81789911882084233932009-09-23T17:49:00.004-06:002009-09-23T17:58:23.246-06:00Wednesday Pet PeevesI'm just wondering, why do so many public bathrooms have the tissue dispenser placed in the absolute worst possible place? Do the (male) contractors laugh out loud when installing it, thinking of us poor ladies being forced to sit sideways or trying to bend our wrist in a way that nature never intended? I mean, come on people. You don't need a degree in ergonomics to get it right, just a little common sense.<br /><br />And one more pet peeve... To all you fast food drive-through employees out there, what part of "That's all" don't you understand? I don't want the dollar biscuit or the upgraded drink or even the chocolate sundae (and no, I don't want to try the new combo meal today). I'm a big girl and I've been choosing my own meals for a long time now, thank you.<br /><br />That's all.Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-14642328190122491902009-09-17T18:49:00.003-06:002009-09-17T19:04:33.752-06:00ThankfulI've been wondering what to blog about, because it's been an emotional week for me. Emotional enough for me to think, "middle age is when you start going to more funerals than weddings." Pretty dark, eh? Of course that's not true. We all suffer the loss of loved ones. Some go too soon, others live to a grand old age. I am lucky this week. My uncle, who is in the hospital with a breathing tube down his throat, is expected to recover. Two days ago doctors told his family to say "good-bye." Two days ago I was ready to challenge anyone who believed in the power of prayer. But today I am only thankful. He's not out of the woods by any stretch, but he's improving and that is wonderful news.<br /><br />So yes, I debated about such a personal post, and in the end I have left out some details. But life hangs on a thread and we all need to reach out and show our love while we have a chance. You never know when your time, or someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">else's</span>, will be over.Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-22678651503985958002009-09-13T16:53:00.001-06:002009-09-13T16:53:35.671-06:00New Pieces!<p>It’s been weeks since I made any new pieces, so today I took advantage of the dreary weather and took some time to create. I managed to create or finish off eight new pieces! The shorter days mean I need to think about boosting the inventory in <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank">my Etsy store</a> for Christmas. Let’s hope it’s a good season for handmade this year.</p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30870866" target="_blank"><img title="E031a" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="394" alt="E031a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1WYqxs7s3tGwnvo4qcFBH9NRJR24EFyIXz0f1Pe1rRPQiFIMsdLctj0OAyTTYg5Iu4QOa3AD2yj_60nSb5b4yX_4-ur8NOB54Akw5HWRwRdgghZJGoy4mnc2OPHF8SQSWWXDs-wpeFs/?imgmax=800" width="394" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>These wire earrings took me a long time because I’m not great at wire work! They’re a variation on a design I saw in a jewelry makers magazine.</p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30869948" target="_blank"><img title="E032c" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="395" alt="E032c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoH9mpVreSH3TfUTkwg5oASdQsGXi_-MGdiFI6aYGHAQ6iVvF0hY9SUv3iJeaNgWrN426Xg8-j6ZAI5s6WIQE3LkInxbyqbYT0z5G4CVee1n7h38X5XvQY5ezqM92-DmOSy-CZBW6DJ8/?imgmax=800" width="397" border="0" /></a> </p> <p>Sticking with the copper theme, these are the first ear wires that I’ve made by hand. The stones are a green jade.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-64163433230868613432009-09-10T19:15:00.002-06:002009-09-10T19:19:18.022-06:00The Red Accent<p>Today I’m highlighting this red coral necklace, hoping to sell it before the listing expires on the 16th! Red coral is set off by puffed silver filigree beads in this 17" long necklace. It’s finished with a self-closing lobster claw clasp. The cheerful red is great all year round but especially for the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And best of all, it’s under $20!</p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10988257" target="_blank"><img title="Coral necklace" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" height="439" alt="Coral necklace" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1X1Pr72iLppgsZOkbSyeezmSTTmiT99k5L6auwjJhkGeE8vPluoTlBFWwkZQpqPG2SyOvKHPTMT4hixQ9ldSITeZxQF9-4qOJGlH0mJ5RGLQyzpW7ttNG7sKPfwVryMAaw8yHyYC9A0/?imgmax=800" width="333" border="0" /></a></p>Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-13051795794899677262009-09-03T20:31:00.001-06:002009-09-03T20:31:27.884-06:00Fall Cometh<p><img title="Fall08" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="591" alt="Fall08" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RSOh1R64gr6-5uC0TJF77KGgB2gFTucF-uR3DAj4q7XollpajAf2FlZ9PS5DC0yPgiZNKs0r-tqdqa7Az5aRrlwKp-MOO3MhGTaoXOMN5SAJU_U83fYG2W_a-Jx93RPGWLP63H_fqcs/?imgmax=800" width="399" border="0" /> </p> <p align="center">Have a long, peaceful Labor Day weekend!</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-86908654256093129142009-08-26T12:21:00.002-06:002009-08-26T12:25:03.397-06:00Scary CreaturesI’m tired of finding scary bugs in scary places. Last time I changed my sheets I uncovered a black spider just sitting there <strong>under</strong> my fitted sheet, right where I always sleep. It must have been divine providence that I chose to change the sheets at just the right time to discover and kill him. Creepy. And then there’s the shower incident. I’m standing there, face full of soap, I pull my washcloth toward me under the spray, and an Earwig falls out of it (without contacts I have to assume it was an Earwig). I can tell you I dropped that washcloth like a hot potato and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">couldn</span>’t WAIT to get out of that shower.<br /><br />I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> learned to check the shower for bugs before getting in, but I never thought to check my washcloth. I know these small creatures can’t hurt me, but they sure scare the bee-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">geesis</span> out of me! I don’t like them and I don’t want them in my house. But, since I refuse to move to a concrete jungle, I have to accept sharing space with the intruders. Some of them are so creepy that I physically cannot kill them without letting out a series of embarrassing girl shrieks and hopping around like a mad woman. Just approaching for the kill raises my anxiety to dangerous levels. <em>What if it moves? Oh, I don’t want to see it move! Can it jump at me? Oh, I hate this. Why do I have to do this myself?</em><br /><br />But I am a strong, independent grown-up woman, so I do the thing that frightens me. I’d love to say I am stronger for it, but next time I’m faced with a big ugly spider don’t be surprised if you hear me whimpering like a school girl!Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-21821557474690438202009-08-19T19:29:00.001-06:002009-08-19T19:29:15.063-06:00My Casting Call<p>I was going to do a “Wordless Wednesday” today but I realized it’s been a while since I’ve written a true blog entry. So if it’s alright, I’m just going to ramble for a while. In shop news, I had a nice surprise this week when someone ordered five items. That hasn’t happened since the pre-Christmas days! A thing like that can certainly brighten your day. :)</p> <p>Last week I was completely stressed out at my day job, but then I decided to let go of the worry and things got much better. It’s hard to keep those outside forces and pressures from getting into your bloodstream. Once inside they’re like a poison until you let go. </p> <p>I’ve been watching that new reality series on Discovery Channel – The Colony <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/colony/about/colony.html" target="_blank">(read about 'The Colony' here)</a>. Ten volunteers try to survive for ten weeks following a (simulated) global catastrophe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW9XmWDXEAEPNDFD5Sfwu0E09z6oQCYIYYWVbgqfRYCp8XxU8MytXWihLIg0pTx5qLJncqvG_jEzVT_lsDiSbEMeuWtZDmEGR2MLgty3csRZVL9bK-W_WmSPWVjMWmnjHAQbRjuIR0do/s1600-h/the-colony-group250%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="the-colony-group250" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="154" alt="the-colony-group250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh1QYshONKFhDJB6uJmHGrJr125toHpyYTvh-_xlPMEjyeIQYE5mcybtsxizoErAmTqrNHKE2xVP74xApmFrEb-k625bpSPeJj0ThGGXIX3QeYfwLdfqwqkov5cKE6jLurqZ5ADU_xtw/?imgmax=800" width="190" align="left" border="0" /></a> I’m amazed at what they’ve managed to build from what was lying around the warehouse. In my opinion the “cross section” of society they’ve chosen is heavily skewed toward engineers and scientists. I think a more realistic scenario would look something like this: </p> <p>Meg – a 30-year-old 3<sup>rd</sup> grade teacher </p> <p>Benjamin – an 11-year-old boy that Meg has taken under her wing </p> <p>Henry – a bank president who doesn’t even do his own yardwork </p> <p>Paul – a retired machinist. He can build stuff but has arthritis. </p> <p>Susan – a SAHM mom who lost her kids in the catasrophe</p> <p>Danielle – a 22 year-old cocktail waitress and art student </p> <p>Robert – a computer programmer and a deacon at his church </p> <p>Javier – an 42-year-old insurance sales rep </p> <p>Jennifer – Javier’s wife. Sells real estate and has a quick temper. </p> <p>David – a 24-year-old physical therapist </p> <p>I have to wonder if this group would be able to build a wood gasifier to run a handmade generator that runs a daisy-chained bank of batteries that goes to a converter that outputs A/C power. Or would they just build a campfire, make their own oil lamps, defend themselves with clubs, and trade the power tools for food?? </p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-58934239262712518902009-08-09T13:33:00.001-06:002009-08-09T13:33:35.513-06:00Chrysocolla Earrings<p>I just listed these double Chrysocolla earrings. This is such a gorgeous stone with it’s shades of blue and green all swirled together. I was lucky to find a strand of it in a small mom-and-pop shop last year and fell in love with it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29049745" target="_blank"><img title="E030a" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="377" alt="E030a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiyrVd1OarkhEf-VmSKd2LSx9O3D4FYt32C9x1mHmqiFxHo1CT2nWq1NivD0jj6OIJfIkCKrtTGb5C8WkQXGlM9eYkx1uZ1I40zaDPJCzr06JV-Go7EdR3l7Yv5BgWRT-KcG6jgIsjUc/?imgmax=800" width="377" border="0" /></a>I sold a pair of these a few months ago that only had one bead each. These match a necklace and bracelet I already have for sale in <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank">my etsy store</a>.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-54326023457611118772009-08-04T19:34:00.002-06:002009-08-04T19:49:20.295-06:00Four days in KansasPlane ticket: $340<br /><br />Hotel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">room</span>: $80<br /><br />Six pack of beer from my hometown: $8<br /><br />Wireless Internet in the middle of Kansas: Priceless<br /><br />Traveling for business is not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">glamorous</span>, at least not in my profession. But it does offer a chance to see parts of the country I would never visit otherwise. It's a chance to break away from my regular routine and the chair I sit in 8 hours a day. It's a chance to meet new people in new places and prove I can navigate in a strange environment (both literally and figuratively). But in a few days I'll be more than ready for that trip home again!Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-12968091907497077342009-07-31T21:17:00.001-06:002009-07-31T21:17:07.348-06:00Say Yes?<p>I’ve been sitting here watching episodes of “Say Yes to the Dress.” If you haven’t seen it, the show is set in a high-end bridal salon and features stories of brides shopping for wedding dresses.  It got me thinking about my own wedding dress. I found it at a bridal fair. While looking through a catalog at a booth I turned the page, slammed my finger down, and said “that’s the dress.” It was the first dress I tried on and the one I ended up buying. And the kicker? It cost less than $400. I think it’s because it didn’t have a train (trane?). </p> <p>Looking back, it could have been fit better to my body, but on the day I felt special and beautiful. It’s hard to believe women spend $5,000+ on a dress when that’s not what I remember about my wedding day. I remember the way my husband’s tux felt under my hands, I remember I was so nervous before walking down the aisle I didn’t know what side I was supposed to be on. I remember the happiness on my husband’s face during the ceremony and the fun we had during the reception.</p> <p>Sure, I would have loved a $7,000 dress, but that’s not what the day was about. The day was about a big party to start our lives together – a party we were paying for ourselves. Part of me wishes I had spent more and pulled out more stops, but in the end it’s just one day.  And all the beading and lace in the world won’t buy you a happy marriage.</p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6814896725431104439.post-47735365601644296872009-07-26T14:36:00.001-06:002009-07-26T14:36:54.065-06:00New Listings for Sunday!<p><a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img title="E029a" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="283" alt="E029a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7S1X-VMBiRaqcPfWoDB28vjkynS1SKPlA94ymBVma6jT5J9BkjEa7gqim0pYXaDAB8vuCJlHsSi8jb6c3eycGa880cR2h6rZKl0FrqGdTpIBLgfkvo_ugjZBMDcMb0JVH7uH8q8OPtn8/?imgmax=800" width="282" border="0" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img title="N088b" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: none; margin: 5px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="383" alt="N088b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOSNJ029CU9652tGFdYIPvuwHV565KX4ZLR-lTmR4DAbEi1bswIJF3F9F31Ens3JUFlvf_BSuU_SUNP04W634tiC7GzONv234M7Kk8NtSphVTSq1Ql3eLvfOsaWmCDSnkKODGnSgM5iM/?imgmax=800" width="383" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img title="B040a" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 5px auto; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="278" alt="B040a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmZKmF6b4tmK08Bpy33b7LAQSmRiZhCEtFgdYkS6PgeweBJrk9EahkFnb6BX3WUH58yXWeZzaDwwVKtP_eCPGv9DGdw-DX6tqrUbKnXNBOrS2Piyp4xKlgsyUy-e5RGju_WK2HNX_4B4/?imgmax=800" width="278" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.boutiquebybonnie.etsy.com" target="_blank"><img title="N087a" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 5px 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="279" alt="N087a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97NY7xg1fO53rF6aC2tqfmrXxB71X3pzy8SEZ_jG8A6PCpeO-Fq8SIYY0N1mIPnvsg6VhdFgZELc5fiRLlp6RD7lWBqxtgWvx2WbeDIsRkClZ3dN4yskYYTyIz6BgvxRDKjNqn7snOVw/?imgmax=800" width="406" border="0" /></a></p> Boutique By Bonniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978312664096040793noreply@blogger.com2