Christmas Orders 2015

Thank you SO much for an amazing year!! As Christmas nears, the last day I will take new orders for delivery in time for Christmas is Friday, December 11. Most pieces are made to order, so there will not be time after December 11 to complete and ship new orders. If you would like to email me and see if a piece is already made, please feel free, but please don't place an order until you check with me. Thank you! See you in the New Year!

Thank You! THANK YOU!!

I want to start with a Great BIG THANK YOU!!  I am so grateful to all of you who have purchased my jewelry designs in the last year and helped make our trip to Swaziland possible. It was my 8th trip, but what made it even more special was that my husband went with me for the first time. I have longed to share this experience with him and it was more than I hoped.

I will take a few posts and tell you more about it, but I wanted first to say thank you!

These are the ladies I worked with all week...  They are the Khutsala Artisans that make the jewelry for Heart For Africa. 100% of the profits of the sale of their jewelry (sold through the Heart For Africa website) goes to care for the 98 children living at Project Canaan. I had the incredible blessing of working as part of their team designing new pieces for the fall. I can't wait to go back!! 

Closed For June

I wanted to let you know that the shop will be closed for most of June, starting Monday, June 8. I will not reopen until July. I am off to Swaziland!! Lots of stories and photos to come when I return. Can't wait to get back to this beautiful country! Have a wonderful June!

What Inspires You?

The beauty of creation inspires my imagination to create jewelry in the colors that reflect its beauty... an aging couple holding hands on the beach inspires my imagination and moves my heart to imagine what's possible with my true love in our coming years...

Inspiration for the imagination is everywhere! Take a moment to be inspired today!

If You Can't Laugh At Yourself...

So I thought I'd tell a funny story on myself today that I did in the name of beauty!

Last week I saw a video on Facebook where the video blogger said you can use red lipstick (under your makeup) to cover dark circles.  It seemed a little far-fetched to me, but since I was tired and feeling a little adventurous, I thought, "Sure, I'll give it a try."

I'm just sorry I didn't take a picture...  It was hilarious!!  I put on the red lipstick like she said and then added my concealer, I was horrified when I looked in the mirror...  I looked like a pink raccoon!!  I had two HUGE pink goopy circles around both eyes!! (And I was in a hurry to get out the door.)  Can we say gullible?!

Note to self...  don't try crazy beauty tips when you're rushing to get ready!  Oh the things we do...

Pantone Colors for Spring 2015!

In light of the cold weather and crazy snow, I thought it might be fun to see what colors will be big for spring...  I see so many beautiful color combination possibilities!  My fingers are itching to dip into these bead colors!!


I love the website that this image was borrowed from!  Elke Koscher, the owner, granted me permission to use her color palette image.  Definitely explore her site (click here), she has some great tips and ideas on how to style different outfits!

"The Quiet Daily Drama..."

There were words in our sermon today that gripped my heart... "The quiet daily drama of the jar and the jug." (Dale Ralph Davis)  Perhaps you need a little context...

We have started a sermon series on the prophets Elijah and Elisha and today we were in 1 Kings 17. I love this chapter and it takes me back a few years... probably more than 10 now...

I was a Core Leader (small group leader) in Community Bible Study and I had been asked to move to another class for a position on their Servant's Team (leadership team). In the end, I was asked to pray about becoming the Associate Teaching Director. I was a mom to young children, my husband traveled a lot and I honestly just wasn't sure I could handle it. I didn't think there would be enough of me to go around.

I don't remember how I came across 1 Kings 17, but that's where I found myself one day and when Elijah told the widow that the flour and the oil would never run dry. I knew that was a promise that if I would step out in faith, God would sustain me with all that I needed. He was faithful to His promise and not only did I serve as the Associate Teaching Director, I spent 4 years as the Teaching Director. It wasn't easy, but every day, every week, He gave me just what I needed.

Fast forward till now... On Wednesday I leave for the National Teaching Director Conference for Community Bible Study. Not because I'm still a Teaching Director but because I have had the incredible privilege of designing a line of logo jewelry for them and I get to go and help them sell it. 

My friend, Susan and I, have worked hard for 4 months to complete the order. She has been tireless and I don't know what I would have done without her. The best part, she loves serving in Honduras and this order has made a way for her to serve there twice since we started!! But as the conference approaches and the website goes live, I've been more than a little overwhelmed. One minute I worry that it could be a complete flop... the next I worry that it could be an overwhelming success and then I'd have to figure out how to keep producing (talk about a seesaw!).

But as I sat and listened to our sermon today, on 1 Kings 17, there was a moment that took my breath away as our pastor talked about the quiet daily drama of the jar and the jug... the moment by moment trust in God's provision, for whatever the circumstances bring.  I knew then I could stop worrying, God will provide exactly what is needed, no matter how it turns out.

I don't think it's a coincidence that the same passage that started some beautiful years of service with CBS so many years ago is the very passage that once again promises me that the jar and the jug will never run dry as I embark on a new adventure with CBS.

Joyfully Blessed,
Sharla

This Is The Year!!

Welcome to 2015!  This year I will celebrate 5 years in business!!  I am so grateful for my incredible customers.  I have met so many of you at festivals, art markets, home shows, etc. and you have asked me for a way to see what's new and to be able to purchase during the year.  So I'm going to be intentional about building my website business!

It will take me a couple of weeks to get a good inventory listed, but keep checking back because I am determined to persevere!

And if you're new here, leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, I love to get to know who my customers are and don't hesitate to let me know if you're looking for something special or just want to say hi!