Kitties Krafts

Zombie Preferences??

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Here I go again.... realizing that I have been remiss in my blogging duties. Last time I wrote of my new affinity for Zombies.... well, I am happy to say that it is still intact and strong as ever! I have been carefully thinking about my zombie jewelry idea, yet I cannot settle on any particular style/concept. I have pictures of blood, skulls, rotting flesh and blank stares running amok in my mind, but I am having trouble putting it all together.

On Sunday morning, I decided to watch THE original zombie movie: Night of the Living Dead. It was as good as I remembered it... all scary black and white with oodles of undead wandering around! Apart from the thrill of being frightened half to death, however, I am sad to say that it did not provide me the inspiration that I was hoping for.

I am currently reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. It is a lovely bit of fiction that takes the classic Jane Austen novel and spices it up with Zombies, of course! It is providing plenty of entertainment value for me, but alas, no zombie jewelry inspiration to be found here, either. What's a Kittie to do?

My last hope is that I will find inspiration from you, my reader.... I have called on you before to assist me and I am now doing it again! Please, dear reader/follower, what would you like to see incorporated into Zombie jewelry? Do you like skulls? Are dark colors attractive to you? Would you prefer bones or bone shapes? Those are just a few examples.... but I need more, much more! Come on, I know you want to contribute and be heard, so please, give me those preferences and I promise, I will take them and create Zombie jewelry out of them. I am counting on you all, my lovelies!

Yours truly,

Kittie :-)

Zombie Fixation

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Lately I have been fascinated with the Zombie phenomenon. Zombies are cool to some folks and terrifying to others... why is this? Who knows and frankly, who really cares? I am in the cool club. Zombies make me laugh, sometimes scare me and generally make me feel better about myself. I mean really, if a Zombie can look dead (actually BE dead) and be cool... then I won't have any problems!

Since I have been into the Zombie thing, it stands to reason that I should be thinking about accessorized Zombies, right? If I am going to be hanging out with a Zombie, they had better be wearing some jewelry! What kind of jewelry, you might say? Good question! I have been thinking long and hard on this and come to the conclusion that Zombies would just LOVE dark and destructive type jewelry. After all, it fits with their lifestyle of flesh eating and all.

In my mind, I have created the ultimate Zombie jewelry line. Skulls are prevalent and lots of hematite, because it is heavy, dark and shiny. Zombies are into simplicity, of course, due to the fact that they are really dead. Zombie jewelry must reflect this by being simple with clean lines.

I am excited about my Zombie jewelry ideas and can't wait to share them with you all! Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I unveil my Zombie Collection. I am sure you will be pleased.

Ta ta for now,

Kittie ;-)

Kittie Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:23:00 +0000

The short break I meant to take turned into a long break.... but it is over now. I have had some time to reflect on things and I believe that blogging should be an integral part of my existence. Aren't you glad I came to that conclusion?

It is nearly mid-April.... tax time for many of us. Hopefully, you will get a return, or at least break even and not have to pay. I have not been so lucky, but there is always next year, right? So, if you are getting a return, how do you plan to spend it? I have a suggestion: spend it on pretty things! Jewelry, of course, or beads or even some flowers to pretty up your place. Spring is naturally a lovely time of year when the plants that have been dormant during the winter refresh themselves. You are a living creature too! Why not refresh yourself with some new "blooms" such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces?

Jewelry can provide us with a sense of being complete and whole. That extra special feeling can come when you accessorize with just the right pair of earrings. It brings your look together and you just know that you are looking wonderful! I propose that we all strive to feel wonderful by adding a piece of jewelry to our adornment each day. You don't have to deck yourself out like a Christmas tree or anything.... just a pair of earrings or a necklace will do. Just enough to show that you feel confident in yourself and your sense of style.

Now, I shall pose a question to you.... like I always do. What is your preferred bit of jewelry to make you feel complete? I can't wait to hear your responses, because that is the best part of this blog!

Until next time (I promise it won't be 2 months!),

Kittie :-D

I Put It In Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:04:00 +0000

On Twitter today, I wrote that I had to blog tonight.... and since it is in writing, I feel compelled to oblige myself. What should I write about? I am tired and can't think of a great jewelry or bling topic. As a matter of fact, I am going to turn it around on you all! Please give me some suggestions on what you would like to hear/learn/commiserate about. I think it should have something to do with jewelry... but if you can provide a strong argument for another topic, I am willing to consider it.

Come on now..... give me your best suggestions and I will do my best to create a fun post for you. You know how I love to make my public happy. So there it is.... the challenge has been given, now it is up to you to take it and present me with my next blog topic. Have fun and please make it interesting, okay?

Ciao Peeps!

Kittie >^..^<

Vintage Jewelry Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Happy New Year! I just had to throw that out to you all, since I haven't posted since last year. I hope you are all healthy and happy and doing what you love. I try to do what I love, but you know how it is... one has to make a living, so in my SPARE time I do business consulting. Now on to the what I love.....

I think everyone is aware of the fact that I love jewelry... if not, have you read my Bio? Anyway, along with handcrafting jewelry, I also love to buy and sell vintage jewelry. It all started when I wanted to acquire vintage beads for my crafting purposes. I managed to procure some vintage items and lo and behold, I could not take them apart! I had an appreciation for the original work of art and felt it would be sacrilege to ruin a perfectly good piece of jewelry, albeit an old one. It was during this time that I discovered an addiction to online auctions. Not to go off on a tangent, but you can imagine the amount of money I spent on my obsession!

Over the course of several years, I have amassed quite a booty of vintage jewelry. I did sell a few pieces here and there on Ebay, but mostly I could not bear to part with my treasures. I sorted them by type and placed each one in a plastic baggie. From time to time, I would pull them out and admire the sheer beauty. I conducted countless hours of research on the web to learn about the styles, designers and history of these pieces. Last summer, I finally got wise and started auctioning them off more seriously. It takes a lot of work, however, and being that I also have another job in my "spare" time, I still have plenty of inventory.

In the spirit of sharing, I thought I would post some pictures of my treasures for you to peruse. Hopefully you will appreciate them, as well!

Until next time,

Kittie =^..^=

Blog About What???

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:24:00 +0000

Tonight is one of those occasions where I am in the mood to think, but I don't know what to think about. A serious conundrum, to be sure. Well, I guess I should start with what I have been doing of late.

I haven't made any new jewelry, but I did make a card or two last night. It has been quite a while since I have done any card making... not because I don't like to, but simply because all of my supplies have been packed away. Moving is a seriously tricky business and when you don't pack your own stuff.... well, who knows where it will be found! Luckily, I have gathered enough supplies and bought a few new ones to allow for a little card crafting.

I would love to make my own holiday cards... but that would take a little planning and I have been short of that this year, so the best I could do was a "Thank you" card for a sweet person in Puerto Rico. She was kind enough to send coffee to a stranger... so the least I could do was personally craft a card, right? The picture above is of Version 1, which was rejected. Version 2 was slightly different in that it had a horizontal placement of the gold accents.

How about that? I managed to come up with a blogging topic! Now is the best part (applause, everyone) of the blog.... Has anyone been crafting lately? It doesn't matter what it is, really. I would just love to hear about your craftiness and how you express it. Thank you all, because I know you will obey... okay that sounds kind of harsh... you will comply, with my request and share so that we all can enjoy!

Until we meet again.....

Kittie >^..^<

Happy Winter Solstice

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:01:00 +0000

Good evening all,

It is times like these that I am thankful for modern technology. On a Sunday evening, I can sit on my couch, listening to holiday music on pandora.com and work on my blog. I truly belong to the computer age... I don't have to get all dressed up and go into the office to work my work magic, I can do it in my own comfort zone.

I have great news for you all on this first day of winter.... I put up my Christmas tree and got it all decorated! I have even posted a picture for those of you who do not believe! It has helped me tremendously to get into the holiday spirit. I guess the holiday music playing didn't hurt too much either. :-D

On the holiday crafting front: Earlier this month, I won a custom job on Etsy Alchemy. The customer wanted a pretty ornament made from their two rhinestone studded star buttons. My concept was to make a Christmas tree out of beads and wire, using the two stars as the tree topper. Lo and behold, I was chosen! Once I got the buttons, my concept changed just a little, but I like to think of it as being fleshed out. For your viewing pleasure, I have posted some pictures of the finished product. Not too shabby, if I say so myself! If anyone would like to know how to make one, please send me a note and I would be happy to share my technique.

Now comes the favorite part of the blog! My question to you: Have you made any Christmas ornaments this year? If not this year, have you made any in the past? Please comment with your ornamental experiences! We are all interested in how you express yourself through the ornament creation process. Don't let me down right before Christmas, okay? Great! I knew you would all be ready to make me happy!

Ciao!

Kittie =^..^=

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Hello my bling-loving friends! I have been away too long but it is not entirely my fault... an evil virus sprung into my respiratory system and laid me out for several days. I am back now, and feeling better than ever, so let's get started!

Christmas is almost upon us (one week and a day away!) and I have yet to put up my tree. Yes, it is sadly true... the queen of self adornment has not even decorated her own home. I could use the evil virus as one excuse, but I think that laziness might better describe it. So, my followers, I pose this question to you all: "How do you put yourself into the holiday mood?"

I am sadly in need of your assistance to turn this holiday season around. Oh sure, I have made a few baubles and sold a few, as well, but it hasn't seemed to give me that little push (shove, rather) that I need. Please send suggestions for my holiday cheer redemption!

Alas, this is the extent of my post for today. I am looking forward to your comments and general love-giving to boost my holiday spirits and re-energize my blogging abilities!

Toodles,
Kittie =^..^=

It's Celebration Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:01:00 +0000

Hello my fellow jewelry lovers! It is that time, once again, to delve into the mystery and intrigue that is: self adornment! Today is especially important in that it is the one day of each year that yours truly is celebrated! That is correct my faithful ones.... I have once again lived to see another birthday!

Since today is my special day, I shall celebrate by wearing uber nice jewelry. I think a matching set of earrings, necklace and bracelet will do the trick and I know just the ensemble... I have a cute set made out of grey Czech glass cat face beads (how appropriate) and pink clear beads. I have been saving this for a rainy day.... and I think my birthday definitely fits that bill.... not that I mind getting older, but society dictates that women must fear aging... and I am never one to disappoint society!

Along with wearing my special jewelry, it is tradition in my clan to have a special birthday dinner. As a youngun, that meant that Mom would cook the dish of my choice... as an adult (so I'm told) it means going out to a restaurant of my choice. I haven't decided yet... last year it was sushi, so I don't think that will work this year. Perhaps Italian? Probably not Mexican.... I can get that any old day here in San Antonio.... well, whatever I choose, I am sure to have fun, because that's what kitties do!

Now, my possums.... it is time for our favorite part of the blog!!! How do you celebrate your birthday? What jewelry do you save for that most special of all days and to make it more fun.... what are your traditions in regards to dinner, gifts and entertainment? I am looking forward to your comments.... I am sure there is someone out there who will surprise the pants off of me!(figuratively, that is)

Until we share again,
Kittie :-D

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:44:00 +0000

Happy December my faithful followers! We have finally entered the "official" holiday season and that means decorations! Yes, we all know that this is our favorite time of year to decorate: houses, trees, front yards, windows, and let's not forget ourselves!

Jewelry is THE decoration of choice for humans. We have earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, tiaras (if we are royalty) and other various types of personal adornments that shall remain nameless... Personally, I am a bracelet person and in the holiday season I like to wear the traditional green and red with a little white mixed in. Of course, earrings must be worn, as well, since they are practically a part of my body. Favored colors in this genre include silver and blue. They remind me of snow and ice... not that I get too much of that in South Central Texas... but I am originally from Michigan, so I can dream, can't I? Finally, for me, there is the necklace. Lately I haven't been wearing one on a regular basis. This is due to the fact that at my job I have to wear a name badge around my neck... you can imagine the tangled mess that would ensue if I were wearing a necklace AND a badge... an ugly situation to be sure! Anyhow... my colors of choice for holiday necklaces vary with the situation and type of clothing that I am wearing. Parties call for bright colors and casual outings are more subdued with pastel shades.

Now, here comes my favorite part of the post: I am requesting your participation! Please comment on YOUR holiday jewelry habits. I am particularly interested in the party jewelry genre! After all, this is THE season for festive merry making, so we must take advantage of this atmosphere and DECK ourselves out accordingly... you know, like the HALLS. Come on, make me proud!

Until next time,
Kittie :-)

Thanksgiving Traditions in Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:41:00 +0000

Here we are having yet another Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Eating turkey, ham, brisket or whatever we feel like. Pumpkin pie with Cool Whip (yum) and plenty of other high caloric food stuffs. Food is wonderful, to be sure, but what are we wearing? Have we adorned ourselves with pretty Thanksgiving jewelry? Well.... I haven't. What, you say? Our jewelry lover bloggonista is not all decked out in her holiday finery? I am afraid it is true my friends.

I grew up in Michigan, a cold northerly state surrounded by water on three sides. Oh sure, we had jewelry and we had Thanksgiving, but we didn't have Thanksgiving jewelry! I was forced to spend my turkey day in an apron, jeans and just plain old jewelry. No leaves, no golds, no cornucopias, you get the picture. It was a sad existence, but we managed somehow. I think the only thing that kept us going was the promise of red and green Christmas jewelry!

Now, as an adult (age wise, at least) I do not partake of the Thanksgiving jewelry tradition because it is not mine... I quietly suffer through the day waiting for the whole next month when I pull out my Christmas baubles and adorn myself like a Christmas tree. December is my month to shine!

So, my adornment loving friends, what Thanksgiving jewelry traditions do you have, or not, as the case may be? I am dying to hear about them, because as we all know, I like sharing! Tell the kittie your family jewelry secrets! Come on.... you can do it... I have the utmost faith in my public!

Until next time,

Kittie :-)

I Think We Can Do Better!

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Hello my faithful friends!

Only one contributor from the last post... I don't really like to say I'm disappointed, but, I am. I know there are more than two of us out there who really dig jewelry! I am willing to give it another go, because I am interested in what you have to say.

Here are a few more questions to stir the pot:

1. What kind of jewelry do I like? (vintage, gold, silver, beaded, ornate, rhinestone, etc.)

2. Where do I like to wear my jewelry?

3. If I forget my earrings, do I feel naked?

4. What does my jewelry say about me?

Right. Now I will start by answering these questions and I kindly ask (I would demand, but that might be a bit pushy) that you do the same.... in a comment so that we can all share!

1. I like all kinds of jewelry. Vintage is sooo cool, but I really don't wear it. Clip earrings hurt too much! I was never much for rhinestones. I love the sparkle, but wear it? No way! Of course I wear and love beaded jewelry, since that is mainly what I make. I've got to market my work somehow, don't I? Finally, I must admit to having a strong preference for silver. It started when I was young... probably because my first "real" jewelry was silver... who would entrust gold to a punk kid????

2. I like to wear it everywhere! Mainly to work, so that I can show it off and display my work, but I also wear it at home (earrings) and even to the beach. We must look our best when we are out in public, after all!

3. Of course I do!! It is just as bad as forgetting my mascara.... major faux pas and tragedy. I really haven't felt the need to actually go buy some, however, but I'll bet some of you have! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge....

4. My jewelry says I am me! I like to wear what I like... such as cats, dogs, pink, turquoise... you get the idea. It lets me express myself in ways that words just can't! I can make a statement to someone simply in passing if they see my cat jewelry... I hope I don't scare anyone away when I wear my skull bracelets.... :-

Time to get this baby posted! I am looking forward to your responses, since this is why I do this! Can you tell I am a lonely girl? Hey, one last thing... if you like vintage jewelry, you should check out my Ebay store because I am having a sale right now and the extra special thing is that if you mention this blog by sending me this code: KITBLG22 you will not only get the sale price, you will get free shipping too!!! http://stores.ebay.com/Kitties-Krafts

Toodles my bling lovers!!!
Kittie :-)

Where Are the Stories????

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:15:00 +0000

Okay everyone,

In my first installment, I told the story of my love for jewelry. Now I want someone else to contribute. Please provide a comment on how you started being a jewelry lover! It doesn't have to be long.... just a sentence or two or more if you are so inclined!
I had some very kind words of encouragement from you, but now I want to hear more!!! Try asking yourself some of these questions:

1. What is it about jewelry that I love?

2. How long have I been wearing jewelry?

3. Can I pass a jewelry store without looking?

4. Can I go ONE day without wearing some form of jewelry?

That should get the ideas flowing... come on.... let's hear it!!

Until next time!!
Katie :-)

http://KittiesKrafts.artfire.com

http://KittiesKrafts.etsy.com

http://stores.ebay.com/Kitties-Krafts

For The Love of Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Kitties Krafts) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:25:00 +0000

Welcome everyone!

I have decided to take the first step and create my own blog. I am serious about jewelry and I want to share that with others who are, as well.

I can't remember when it started, but for as long as I can recall, I have had a fascination with jewelry. I used to dig through my mother's costume jewelry as if it were a pirate's treasure chest. I would try it on and generally admire the sparkle and shine.

As I grew older, I was able to obtain my own jewelry... grandma would buy me cheap rings or I would go to neighborhood garage sales and find cast offs. I remember my first "real" necklace... it was a birthday gift... a sterling silver chain with a cute filigree pendant and a genuine pearl in the center. I thought I was a princess! I still have that necklace someplace, I just don't know where...

Now I create my own jewelry... all self taught. I am nowhere near completed with my training, however. I want to keep expanding my skills because there is so much to learn!

For anyone else out there who feels the same way that I do, please let your voice be heard! Blog, comment, chat, or whatever...

So long for now,
Katie aka Kittie

http://KittiesKrafts.etsy.com

http://stores.ebay.com/Kitties-Krafts