Creme de la Gems

pinterest junky

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:18:00 +0000

hello.

So I had planned on doing this big long juicy blog post about pinterest, and how much i adore pinterest. Sharing my favorite pinners and pins of pinterest.

But clearly, pinterest got the best of me. Change of plans.

made by me :]

Yep. That was me that misspelled creators. Blame it on pinterest. My mind is now a mushy messy mash up of design, color, beauty, quotes, product, DIY's, crafts, fashion,

etc.,

etc..

Hi my name is Tracy. I am a pinterest junky.

Source: gusandlula.com via Tracy on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Tracy on Pinterest

hello change.

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0000

I want to let you in on a bit of a secret.

Lately, I feel like a volcano- about to erupt.

Erupt in a good way.

Source: flickr.com via michelle on Pinterest

My business, my ideas, my thoughts are about to explode.
Many positive new changes are coming.

Changes good for me, and you-
that should be a song... or is it?
Seems i talk of change often, but change is a must if you are a designer & business owner.

change number one.

Meet Taylor Blaise (sounds like: B L A Z E)
Don't you love it? Blaise is such a cool middle name to have. Taylor's middle name suits her personality to a "T" This girl is on fire! Just graduated from California State Baptist University, with a degree in Journalism.
(yay T!)

Until her dream job in the world of Social Media comes to fruition, Taylor is working for Creme de la Gems.
And believe me... that dream job, is coming! This girl has already been working as an intern in two highly sought after Social Media companies.
But for now, Taylor is all mine. Well, part-time anyway. Oh, and she is my step daughter, so I have full bragging rights.

change number two.

You may have noticed a sparse website.
embarrassing!
That's because a NEW website is in the works. After two years of searching for the perfect
web designer, I've cheerfully chosen Lisa Bacon of Moxie Pear.
Lisa and I both adore my branding by My Little Buffalo, who is also named Lisa ;)
So the new website will be an expansion on it. I love the talents both these gals have to offer, and know they will help the Creme de la Gems brand soar.

The new website will allow customers to enter custom options. YAY you! And YAY for my inbox, which often has duplicates of the same questions & concerns... "it won't let me enter my custom info?"

As for etsy.

I love etsy.
The fees? Not so much. I'd rather give that money to "TAYLOR BLAISE"
(using my powerful, deep, raspy "voice over" voice)
To help her, help me.

(is that a song?)

Help me stay on task ;)

Etsy will stay active until I feel it is time to make the complete move to .com only.
But until then...
Maybe you need a little Hand Stamped Valentines Gift?
or
Something Cute & Special :)

For my sweet facebook fans: use code FANDISCOUNT for 10% off your order.

Soon, my new clay lines will be here. I have no excuses now with having help & a nifty new website to fill.

Deadline for Valentines orders is FEBRUARY 1st, so hurry :)

instaFRIDAY [my week in pictures]

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:20:00 +0000

I have waited a long time to join in on some of the blogging link-up fun out there in cyber space.Today, I'm linking up with Jeannett at Life Rearrangedand sharing parts of my week with phone pics :)
I'm also linking up with Chrissy, Inspired!
:)
aidan doing his homework (yes this is how he holds his pencil)
aidan turned 10 (last minute party w/ friends & grandma)

glitter hairpins... coming soon

something that made me mad.

and this is what i did about it.

(should read: "Hey girl, go meet up with your girlfriend at anthro., seeing that paypal multi-order shipping refuses to work. I will print your shipping labels one at a time for you.")

? grammar ? :/

i love my little boy + green slime

sunset off the deck

my sweet step daughter, taylor came over to help :)

marbles trying to help (get off mommies lap, marbles)

"to the moon, marbles"

prepping for bollywood dance classes. midlife crisis? perhaps.

How was your week?

"Happy" New Year...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Is your "Happy" with you this year?

Our family has moved a lot over the past few years, all over the place. It feels like I'm a golf ball, on a golf course, putting around the green. Waiting to be hit into the final hole.

final hole = final home

Not sure why I used a golf ball analogy...I don't golf?

Source: weheartit.com via Mei on Pinterest

Any hoo...

It gets tiring. And frustrating. I just want to settle somewhere for remainder of our lives.

The past few years has been the same routine. The first week in December, I get an email from my Dad. Endearingly, I call him Pa. (I was a Laura Ingalls wanna-be... weren't you?)

The email goes something like this:

Hello Ce Ce, (my nickname)

Dona and I have a package for you, and need your new address.

I hope you are doing well and you are happy.

Say Hi to Dirk, Justin, Taylor and Aidan for me.

Love, Dad

The ~~Priority Box Of Cookies~~ email from my Dad

is one of my FAVORITE things because

my Dad knows we move around a lot, and so the email is becoming a tradition.

A tradition of "where are you living... and are you happy?"

I am horrible at keeping in touch with family and have phobias of phoning people.

Yes. Even my own family.

(FYI-I didn't use to be so afraid of making phone calls until after my days of working for a popular weight loss center as a Center Director. Corporate made test calls to us on a daily basis, which while you are managing a busy weight loss center, can be unnecessary & stressful, in my opinion. Thanks a lot Jenny.)

Now you are thinking I'm this homeless phobia filled gypsy, creating within my troubled life. Enjoy that thought. I think I could play the part very well, if ever I have a chance.

photo credit

My Dad always wants to know if I am Happy.

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Yes, Dad. I am happy :)

So one day, when our family finally settles in that final hole on the putting green, I wonder.
Will my Dad have reason to keep his annual email tradition?

I sure hope so! I don't know if I could start the New Year without it ;)

Have a HAPPY week!

handmade ryan to the rescue...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:24:00 +0000

It's been a crazy, hectic week over here in the studio.

This about sums it up...

Have you seen this blog?

If you are in the handmade community, or if you just love yourself a bit of ryan gosling, go check it out :)

funny stuff!

Sorry Ryan,

I would love to go to Anthro with my BFF, but she and I both have several

orders to fill. I know you understand. I am ready for your assistance anytime.

weekend chores

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Means cleaning the Studio for me, and a BIG GINORMOUS SALE for you!

sale ends monday, jan. 9th

Yummy Cupcake Baked Pin for your Pincushion

Or Hamburger

Chevron Pattern Statement Ring

Visit the sale here :)

Happy weekend!!

oops! our website is down

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Starting the New Year with some fun...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:51:00 +0000

Here's to the New Year!

You decide-

Too much Fruitcake?

or post Christmas stress disorder?

Oh, yea.

I'm putting all clay goods on sale soon.

big... I mean BIG price drops!

Stay tuned

cyber monday deals - WOOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:13:00 +0000

quick . fast . hurry

it's cyber monday!

going on HERE now.

Thank you :)

Creme de la Gems at the Queen Bee Market

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:20:00 +0000

Hello lovely friends!

I had a quick moment, so I thought I'd share some pics with you from my weekend at the

The Queen Bee Market.

I must say how much I LOVED the Mindy Gledhill concert.

I had a chance to chat with Mindy as she was looking through my vintage pixie dust necklaces, with her precious baby boy perched on her hip. What a cutie he was (and Mindy too).

If there is one Christmas CD you buy yourself this year- trust me... it is Mindy's Christmas CD

Winter Moon

[my booth]

Can you feel the LOVE?

where I found most little princesses spending most of their time (at the windowsill)

My nativities sold out in the first hour or two!

{note to self- make MORE nativities next year}

See something new? They are my Vintage Pin Cushions.

Finally a place to put your Creme de la Gems Baked Pins.

I think my Logo from My Little Buffalo makes my booth even sweeter :)

Especially when painted onto A chipping vintage window.

a sweet vintage pink toy mixer & pink Santa in the background.

My favorite little oven.

DIY Gingerbread Necklace Kit

(sold out at the market)

Oh Christmas Tree

a closer look

take a step back in time

I didn't forget mom

tiny spools of vintage themed thread, gingerbread, hearts & sewing machine ornaments

what it takes to make creme de la gems goodies ;)

handmade polymer drawer nobs (coming soon)

Thank you for your time... Back to work I go!!

2011 Nativity Set {creme de la gems style}

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:46:00 +0000

Hello friends!

Just a quick share...

Hope you are having fun gearing up for the Holidays!

Till next time,

xo,

It's that time of year

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:19:00 +0000

Hi friends!

I just wanted to give you all a heads up, that it is that time of year again...the busy's have set in :)

Christmas orders, Queen Bee Market prep & Family Holiday planning

here.

And so that I keep a balance, I will have fewer Blog posts.

Something's gotta give, right?

I would really love it if you

marked a few important dates on your calendars.

First...

Friday, November 18th & 19th

Creme de la Gems will be selling at the Queen Bee Handmade Market

If you live in Southern California, I'd love for you to stop by!

Second...

THANKSGIVING WEEK

NEW Holiday designs will be available in my shop!

All ready to ship-- in time for Christmas.

Also, if you plan on purchasing Creme de la Gems hand stamped jewelry

the deadline for Christmas orders is DECEMBER 1st.

Have a great week!

What I'm working on...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:31:00 +0000

With the Holidays fast approaching & Handmade Market prep, I am starting to get very busy. So,

my tutorials are on hold. For now. Unless of course, I get a BURST of energy at 3 am one night/day...

You never know, it could happen?

What I'm working on...

Cruella & Puppies (a custom order)

Experimenting with G-L-I-T-T-E-R !!! oh, the joy!!!

Queen of Hearts (custom order)

And a sneak peek of my Vintage Baked Pins!

G-L-I-T-T-E-R

I'm really into it right now...

What do you think?

Halloween memories

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:27:00 +0000

Some of my most favorite childhood memories were of Halloween, all because of my Mom.

My Mom WAS Martha Stewart.

(look - how - pretty)

My Mom could do everything... paint, sew, draw, cook, bake, mend a wound, cut hair...

the list could go on and on.

Halloween would typically start with us kids going to school in the finest handmade costumes. As soon as school got out, we would often make orange popcorn balls, and carve pumpkins.

Mom would make chili beans, corn bread and hot apple cider.

Those were such - sweet - memories :)

We lost my Mom on Halloween, seventeen years ago--

from brain cancer.

But the memories she planted will be cherished always :)

She set the bar high! I only wish I could spend my days creating a home & making The Holidays

as special as she did.

~~I wish~~ ... I will ;)

Aidan designed his own Halloween costume this year.

I forget what UAG stands for, but it is something VERY important ;) He was insistent on having a cape.

???

His entire costume...

black jacket, black pants, badge, sunglasses, cape, arm band...

cost us just under $20. Thank you Salvation Army & Thrift stores!

We all had a great time trick-or-treating.

Last week we went to the Pumpkin Patch.

Aidan told us he might be getting "too old" to go to the pumpkin patch.

So I started snapping as many pictures as I could.

And that he would allow.

Okay, I think I will go cry now...

What memories do you create?

who is creme de la gems {part two}

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:16:00 +0000

If you are reading this post first-

you might want to also read part one

Aidan (a.k.a Bubba, Bubba-Bean, Bubs) entered our lives 9 years ago.
And although his "attitude" shown in the photo looks rather horrid-
he is the most loving, charismatic & gifted boy. I write about Aidan the most
because unlike his brother & sister, he still lives at home.
He gets caught in mommy's camera crossfire.

I'm not a writer. So why do I blog?

Having a blog is a great way to connect with others, and meet others
who share similar interests. A blog also helps show the real me.
That I am a silly, messy, creative girl, stuck in a 40-something body.

What I want you to know is this...

I almost quit working with polymer clay the first week of giving it a try.

I hated it.... despised it! I thought it was boring.

But my sister, who had been crafting with polymer clay for several years begged me not to quit. I am so glad I stuck with it... because it wasn't shortly thereafter that "it" hit me. I could see in my mind, how to create shapes into beautiful things. Shortly, I started creating mermaids, ballerinas & princesses-

I was hooked! Thanks sis :)

(Our aunt was a very talented, successful clay artist)

(a few of my first designs)

One of my wishes is that this blog will be a place for you to stop in and say hi- we have "this" in common, or "that" in common... or that you might take away with you; a fun tutorial.

Like I mentioned earlier... I am not a writer. So forgive me if I misspell a word or if my posts are full of grammar errors. I just want this blog to be a positive place to share :)

Right now what I am most grateful for, is that I have been extremely blessed to turn my passion into a business. The past two years, I've taken on the responsibility of our family's sole provider. Not necessarily by choice, but out of necessity. The economy has not been kind to my hubby's line of work. Because of the financial burden, I've included hand stamped sterling silver jewelry designs into my little company.

I hate to admit it, but hand stamped jewelry is not my passion. But for this time in my life, it is a necessity~

I won't lie... being our family's sole provider has been a BIG struggle for me (did I mention BIG??). On bad days, I feel like giving up & getting a real job. Just the other day I wanted to crawl up into a little ball & wait for the waiting to be over...if that makes any sense to you? But most days, my job brings me joy & fulfillment. Seriously...?

I can't imagine a day without Creme de la Gems.

Year...

after year...

I've kept my faith and will keep my faith (at times by a thread). But I know the waiting will end.

HE never gives us more than we can handle, right?

One last thing......

rest in peace Geck-ee-oh...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:06:00 +0000

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may remember this post.

It was about the passing of our Gecko (named Geeko).

That was a very sad day for all of us, but mostly for Aidan.

Today, our newer gecko

named Geck-ee-oh, died today. We don't really know what was wrong, but he

lost his appetite after our first move of the Summer, and just stopped eating.

so sad.

I am waiting until Friday after school to tell Aidan, so that he stays focused

in class tomorrow. Wish me luck :)

I'm sure we will hold a memorial for Geck-ee-oh... maybe Daddy can sing a nice song

;)

How have you handled the passing of a pet to your child?

random captured moments...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:23:00 +0000

"let no plastic go un-licked..."

(Marbles has an addiction to plastic. Is this normal?)

Aidan at his Music-Violin presentation...proud mama!

oh-my-glitter!

Makes me want to modge podge and glitter EVERYTHING in sight!

Dinner with Grandma & delicious artichokes... yummmm

My tired - focused - eye.

...

did i say tired?

I hope your week is going well!

P.S.

My bloggy friend Rachel at No.17 Cherry Tree Lane

is hosting a HUGE giveaway!

Go now and check it out :)

who is creme de la gems [part one]

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:38:00 +0000

It's been a while since I wrote anything about me,

the artist behind the clay.

[artist- it seems SO serious, doesn't it]

Sharing my creations... plugging my designs...

that's the easy part!

But when it comes to talking about me, the REAL me...

I have a hard time with that.

But I figure since I have new friends who follow my blog,

I should post a little brush up on who I am.

I'm Tracy.

A work at home Mom & wife who twirls through life wearing a cheesy grin left over from my days as a professional dancer. I don't consider myself to be a "pro" when it comes to working with polymer clay, but we do seem to get along very well. Much better than grammar and I get along [wink-wink].

(me + wig cap = keeping it real)

(giving minnie some love)

As long as I can remember, I've always had a passion to create & design beautiful things. There is nothing better than getting lost in a new creation! Anything from a choreography piece, to graphic design, to painting a set, to designing a new necklace... I am at peace within all that artistic goodness & get swallowed up in it.

(set design = a happy booth at handmade markets)

I'm the luckiest girl to have such a supportive family behind me. My husband Dirk is a gifted singer with a "my-heart-skips-a-beat" lyric baritone voice, my two sons Justin & Aidan, and my step daughter Taylor.

(08.19.00)

Both Dirk & I came from marriages which did not work out, for different reasons.

It's a miracle I could ever love or trust again- but Dirk was persistent ;)

When we came together & married, we were ready for each other.

God heals & had plans for us.

and

then

there

were

five

January 14, 2002, Aidan was born

To be continued... HERE :)

diving in...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:20:00 +0000

hello friends :)

Like the cute little bird in the picture...

I am diving into my work today... much needed work, I should say.

I've been a bit side tracked with last week's

activity on my tutorial.

I just want to say thank you for the amazing positive response

my Jack Skellington Snowman Ornament Tutorial received.

You made my week :)

I only wish I had more time on my hands to create one tutorial each week.

They really are a lot of fun to create, but also very time consuming.

ON ANOTHER NOTE...

Ever heard of CraftGAWKER?

Careful... if you LOVE DIY's & crafts, you will

fall

love

...

What is your favorite craft?

Paper, paints, fabric, clay? I want to know...

handmade market meets music...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:06:00 +0000

The girls did it again.

Just when you think The Queen Bee Market cannot in ANY way, get better...

got better.

I'm especially excited because

I haven't been to a concert in a very long time.

And Mindy has just released her Christmas Album

Winter Moon

YAY!

If you plan on coming to the Queen Bee Market & wish to enjoy Mindy's concert,

be sure to RESERVE your tickets soon!

thank you weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:27:00 +0000

for sleeping in till 8 on Saturday-

for a wonderful Church service on Sunday-

and for this funny moment...

Me: "Aidan, give me a big smile; I want to show others just how handsome you are"

Aidan: "No way, you just want to embarrass me"

Me: "Why do you say that?"

Aidan: "Because you probably want to share it on facebook"

Me: "No, just give me a smile- I won't post it on facebook"

How's that for an early trick or treat? lol ;)

Did you have a nice weekend too?

Christmas in October...?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:18:00 +0000

yes indeed.

I've joined along in sweet Gussy Sews Holiday Gift Guide this Season...I'm way excited! Gussy is an inspiration to many handmade craft-ers and artists like myself.
Of course I was hoping my shop would be filled to the brim with Holiday trinkets and gifts,but this girl could only do so much. Even though I try & try to do everything... I can't always fit everything in. And that's okay :)I have to remind myself that I am:
justoneperson.

photo credit

photo credit

As I look back at the last couple years- a few of my designs have inspired me tocontinue doing what I love.

I love designing with clay so much--

because I know

just how special my little works of art make little-ones feel.

They feel unique, and different from anyone else.

Could anything be better than that?

Tutorial Thursday {Jack Skellington Ornament}

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:11:00 +0000

B O O!

It's Jack Skellington... as a Snowman.

Please allow time for all photos to load :)

Have Fun!

As always, if children will be doing the creating, I recommend they use

Bake Shop Clay by Sculpey; however, any

Sculpey brand Polymer Clay is safe for children.

Polymer clay can be found in your local craft store.

Remember to keep all sharp tools away from children. Read

and follow all package directions on the back of

your polymer clay packaging.

Condition (squish & soften) clay before using & wash hands

between using each color.

afterthought...

Warm Jack up by wrapping his neck with a scarf made of wool felt~

I also think Jack would look just as cute with only his head and santa hat ;)

My DIY project was inspired by the film Nightmare Before Christmas

going tribal, who's with me?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:39:00 +0000

photo credit

Okay. Last week I was all about BOHO. Bohemian. Gypsy.

And I still really, really love it. I haven't changed my mind... I AM a Gypsy at heart.

Oh, but to clarify... I'm not the bad kind of Gypsy. I don't steal or do whatever else they do...

you knew that, right?

;)

I am just a free spirit.

This week I'm all about TRIBAL.

photo credit

Hmmm.... I'm thinking for Halloween, the Pink Indian Headdress might be fun ;)

But for Creme de la Gems, I've chosen to go subtle with my tribal designs.

petite.

dainty.

simple.

clean.

trendy.

pebbles.

available here

Cool mustard is my favorite, and I would wear it with either one of these tribal inspired

tunic dresses. L-O-V-E them! With skinny jeans? Tall boots?

photo credit

Yes. I "could" wear this ~~since I have a tiny chest~~ with a cami underneath ;)

photo credit

I'm wondering. Dreaming.

Can I make any of these bold tribal patterns out of clay?

photo credit

Maybe I should give it a try.

Which is your favorite?

[left to right]

1. African Plum

2. Navajo

3. Cool Mustard

Thank you for stopping by. Have a beautiful day!

a look into my little studio

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:10:00 +0000

M O N D A Y.

This picture of Marbles (my kitty) says it all.

The funny thing is, is that she hates to get her picture taken. She's just like

a kid. But for some reason, this day... Marbles followed the camera around, like an over worked model.

I'm lucky I caught her "peeved" look... It's suitable for Monday, right?

We are unpacked from our move, again.

We are settled, again...

and almost organized. Just waiting for hubby to make some shelves ;)

I sure love him.

My precious vintage stove has found it's special place in the studio-

along with my vintage ballet pink hand mixer.

I'm getting REALLY excited for Halloween - are you??!

I found these adorable vintage jello molds make perfect bead design storage-

don't you think?

some of my most cherished things

I love my new work space.

It's light & bright, with a beautiful view-

I have no doubt I can create good things here.

Speaking of good...

I have GOOD NEWS... a PRAISE report :)

Hubby has been cast in a show as Robin Hood at The Rose Center Theatre.

I am sooo happy & excited for him! Jobs have been so few & far between,

and I pray that things are changing for him. For us. For our family.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Has the economy affected your family too?