I had to show you this... It's my Money Box Glitter Mary!

I picked it up at Borders Books, of all places. I'm not sure why a nice store like that is selling such an irreverent item, but since I'm an incurable Magpie--drawn to anything that sparkles--and just happen to be Catholic, I am totally loving Glitter Mary! I may need to make a glittery shrine so she can stand watch over my studio. Maybe I'll glean some ideas from Jane Wynn or Michael DeMeng. (I was lucky enough to take classes with both of them at Art & Soul Hampton 2007, and love their shrines! They don't use glitter, though...)

Anyway, since it's Sunday, my day started with a quick trip to Church. Today was one of those great days when I felt like the readings were picked just for me. The first one spoke about how precious a good wife is, "She is far more precious than jewels..." Hee! This one always make me laugh, and I have to elbow my husband as if to say, "Yeah, Mister. You should thank your lucky stars for a girl like me!" But the joke is that I am completely aware he's got his hands full with ME, and I'm the one who should thank my lucky stars!

Then the gospel talked about how God will reward us for using the gifts He has given us. (Matthew 25: 14 - 30) No kidding! This year I have reaped the rewards of focusing on my artistic talents and passion for making jewelry. In fact, it was a year ago on Nov. 7 that I resigned as newsletter editor/writer/designer/one-woman show, and began to pursue art as more than a hobby. While it definitely has been a ton of work, I'm amazed at the rewards and pleasures it has given me.

I've set up a legit business. I'm selling my work in galleries and at fairs. And I now have time to take silversmithing classes during the day, which was impossible before. In fact, I actually have a life now! And probably the greatest reward of all has been that I have made so many new friends--lots of them are artists--and we inspire & support each other.

It has been an awesome year! And I love what has happened since I gave in and began using my God-given talents full-time!

Ahhhh. The car is unpacked, the displays are stowed, necklaces are back in their protective bags... It was a long, but fun day at the trade show and craft fair.

Mrs. Claus visited my table--and even bought one of my necklaces for her daughter. (Who even knew Santa & Mrs. Claus had children?)

I made sure to represent Empowered Women International, while I was at the fair. I figured what better place to let people know about their amazing Business Training for Artists program than at a fair sponsored by and for business women.

And for the first time ever, I had the pleasure of donating one of my necklaces as a raffle prize for a great cause--college scholarships for Fauquier County High School students as well as a Lord Fairfax Community college student. It's great to use my powers for good!

Now, I'm tired. And I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my hubby. Think he's been missing me since I've been spending every spare moment prepping for this fair and holiday sales.

I'm still getting ready for the sale this weekend.

The batch of new Magpie's Treasure pendants is ready to be strung onto silver chains.

All of my sterling chains got a polishing last night, so they are gleaming.

And I've spray painted the angels that I bought at Pier 1 on Thursday. They were dark brown, but needed to be silver to coordinate with the rest of my booth. I love how they turned out! Now I need to decide what will be the best way to display my jewelry.

What an amazing day! I made jewelry all day long and couldn't be happier!

This morning & afternoon, I went to my silver jewelry design class at The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria. I continued working on the small sterling boxes that I started a few weeks ago. I'm soooo close to finishing them and am really happy with the way they are turning out. Now I need to decide what I will display in them.

Then, on the way home from class, I stopped off at Pier 1 Imports in Manassas. I bought some wire Christmas decorations that will be perfect displays to hang my necklaces on.

And right now, I'm up late (again!) making soldered glass pendants to sell at the Fauquier Business and Professional Women Craft/Trade Show (this Saturday--November 15, 2008, 9am to 3pm, Fauquier High School, Warrenton, VA).

It feels so good to have so many creative tasks on my "to do" list.

Still working "The Kinks" out between my blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Well, the time has come to start blogging! There's so much going on in my world and with my amazingly talented friends. I can't wait to tell you about it.