Creme de la Gems

Closed.

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 22:58:00 +0000

Hey there!

So you might have heard that I closed the virtual doors to my Creme de la Gems Jewelry business. I closed back in January, but I am already having withdraws! So I'm having a little sale on Sunday, April 12th in my etsy shop. And because several of you contacted me wanting Princess Necklaces... I went ahead and listed some. They are made to order, not ready to ship. I hope you like them:)

Until next time. And maybe next time, I will have more to say ;)

xo,

NEW baked goodies in the shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:37:00 +0000

Hey there! To say I've been a bit busy is an understatement. With Queen Bee Market behind me (what a fantastic show! More on that later), I was able to photograph, edit and list several items into the shop yesterday.

Here are a few product teasers for you. To purchase, just click the image and you will be taken to my shop! I hope you like the new handmade clay goodies... xo

thank you for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!!

what a party! (creative tea time recap)

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 18:46:00 +0000

Towards the end of the school year last season... I was having coffee with my good friend LeAnn. We were discussing life, family, joy, business, heartache and all other topics we girlfriends open up about. LeAnn knows all my struggles, successes and secrets... and I know hers. On top of that, we just work really well together. Thank God for good girlfriends!

On this warm day, we talked about hosting a intimate craft party at her adorable house and well... the rest is history. Thank goodness the both of us were feeling confident and risky that day because we immediately pulled out our identical planners (Much Ado About You to be exact) and chose a date. The seed for Creative Tea Time was planted.

From the moment the ladies walked up the pathway into LeAnn's Capo Beach backyard, they were transported into a lovely vintage tea party crafters dream. We did not hold back! Here's a sneak peek of the decor...

By now you are probably asking... but what about Meagan?

With her cute and outgoing personality? We can't and didn't forget about Meagan. When LeAnn and I saw the potential of Creative Tea Time, I knew I had to ask Meagan if she wouldn't mind helping. After all, she had already "been there, done that." Lucky for us... she said YES! What did Meagan do for Creative Tea Time? She contacted sponsors for swag, giveaways and supply donations. And boy... did she come thru!!! I really had no doubt she would :)

But the true hero's we should be patting the backs of, is those of our sponsors! As the event got close, we literally had to turn sponsors away... not kidding. What a problem to have, right? I am incredibly grateful for our sponsors, as the guests were indeed spoiled that day (job accomplished).

What about "Creative Tea Time II," you ask? We've chosen a date (or two... giggle), as well as craft projects, menus... oh goodness we cannot wait to share with you! In the meantime, save your pennies, tell your girlfriends, and keep on creating!

To be continued... after we make a few small adjustments and catch up on chores, business & sleep. You can checkout the CTT BLOG for another recap & those of our lovely guests :)

creative spunk... do you have it?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 02:46:00 +0000

you know when it hits. that creative spirit within you. that spunky spirit that hounds your mind all times of the day and night. it doesn't sleep. it's that burst of "i got it!!" as you choose a flavored waffle from the frozen breakfast aisle in your neighborhood grocery store. it's the "i just had the best design idea!!" while you are sitting back enjoying your pedi... or when you are crouching in your go-to book store, reading a potential new read. you grab your iphone and thumb to your yellow notes icon and type your flowing ideas, praying your ideas don't get lost in cyber space.

however... there comes a time where you are sitting still. sitting and waiting in a planned obvious place of creativity. an art class. a crafting retreat. awaiting. wondering. fearing you may not have it. you may not think you paint well, or sew well, or write well... but you signed up for this creative thing and you have no other choice than to
challenge yourself. or flee.

you tell yourself you are up for a challenge. and after a few go's at it... you realize something. you have a 'hidden' talent. this new found talent seems to flow from you... it seems so, so simple. so natural. so...

easy.

you do as you're instructed. you sketch circles. you sketch some more. you see the possibility within your mind... your creative mind. not to be confused with your critical "i suck" mind... many of us have it. i know i do.

whoa. how come i didn't know i could do this?
i sketched what seems to resemble something attractive or common, it has to be my sub conscience artistic mind taking over. I tell myself...

i can draw. okay. so now what?

what am i to do with my new discovered talent? do i share my new talent? of course i do! should i sell my talent? i'm not quite sure. in fact. i am positive i shouldn't 'sell' my new found talent. at least not in the immediate future.

why is that?

because my new found art needs to mature and i don't quite know what to do with it. yet.

i found my self inspired by watercolor artist/instructor Junelle Jacobson at an artsy weekend held in the most beautiful garden in utah. perennial gardens. i found myself not wanting to leave the retreat. i know i wasn't the only one who felt this way.

who knew i would fall in love with sketching and watercolors? junelles teaching style was this. there are no mistakes and nobody is perfect. art isn't perfect. look at nature. nature is beautiful... yet, it is not perfect. i love that she loves being messy and imperfect!

i got the messy part down, i just need to work on the "don't try to make perfect art" concept ;)

lovely right? and we had the nicest time together. if i have the chance to go on another art retreat that taught a new medium, i would do it in a heartbeat.

thank you for reading :)

Creative Tea Time Craft Party: A Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 15:21:00 +0000

UPDATE: Creative Tea Time Craft Party is SOLD OUT! We are very happy, but also sad because so many of you did not get a ticket in time. It's not too late to enter to win a free ticket however! Read on for more info...

Creative Tea Time Crafty Party is a one day Southern California high tea themed, sassy, vintage inspired girls craft day at the beach! I know, right?! How could ANYONE say no?

Myself, Leann, and Meagan are the gals in charge of all the precious event coordination and details, and when I say precious details...let me just tell you, NO detail was missed. From decor, to table settings, to menus, to crafts, to amazing sponsors- it promises to be a Fabulous day!

Oh and swag.

Did I mention swag? My jaw continues to drop daily at the YES sponsor emails that we get.

Just to name a VERY few. So many incredible sponsors partnering with us for this perfectly crafty day!

Are you dying for more info yet?!

Here goes....

when?

saturday, september 21st 2013

where?

capo beach - 34531 via espinoza - dana point, ca 92624

what?

cost $40/person
several varieties of craft projects, perfect time for the holidays!
high tea breakfast and luncheon
delicious desserts
shopping in downtown san clemente
dinner in downtown san clemente (not included in price)
optional: dress for high tea

And just because we are so excited about this fun, girlie, craft time- we decided to GIVEAWAY a ticket, too!

The entries are easy and you DON'T have to be a blogger to enter.
One winner will be posted on August 30th.

You can share the giveaway once daily for extra entries, so don't forget to come back and give yourself credit each day.

Good Luck and we'll see you at the beach!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

let's talk tea...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 03:21:00 +0000

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
hello ladies! i hope you are enjoying these final summer days with your families- unless of course your children have already gone back to school. aidan doesn't go back until september 9th, so he and i are savoring these final days to prep for middle school as well as enjoy these last long warm, sunny days together. we've spent countless days of swimming and sunning these past few months... the summer has just flown by. i have a tan for the first summer in i don't know how long, and it feels really really good :) plus aidan is stoked that his mommy will actually put on a bikini and go swimming with him!!

we just got back from a surprisingly relaxing camping trip... aside from the yellow jackets stocking our every morsel of food we attempted to shove into our mouths! oh, and our little lady of the evening, "momma skunk." yes, you read that right. a skunk. in our camp. no less than four feet from us! talk about getting your heart racing... geesh! good thing she was cute ;)

this summer has been good to me. well... aside from we lost our precious persian marbles to a predator.

pred·a·tor (prd-tr, -tôr)

1. an animal that hunts and seizes other animals for food.

2. a predatory person.

3. One that victimizes, plunders, or destroys, especially for one's own gain.

my sweet stunning marbles. she was vulnerable, and attractive, and beautiful. she was lost and looking for something new & exciting outside the comforts of her home. she didn't see him coming before it was too late.

i want to share more about what happened to marbles another time in another post. yet aside from losing marbles, i am feeling good. i am feeling balanced and ready to launch all sorts of creative spunk!

let's talk tea, shall we?

photo credit / naughty shorts

or what i REALLY want to talk about is "tea attire."

if you follow me on instagram, or read this blog... you are aware of a sweet little craft party i am hosting along with two other friends. only this is not your ordinary craft party. this craft party has a theme. that theme is "an afternoon crafty tea party". say that five times fast!! (okay, i just tried it and it really isn't that difficult).

picture this. a shaded sunny afternoon of crafty projects, delightful friends of old and new, a charming and intimate back yard tea party, vintage decor, laughing, authentic high tea delights, scrumptious deserts served in antique dishes, more laughing, vintage tea cups filled with hot tea, floral tea dresses, a number of handcrafted gifts, even more laughing, giveaways throughout the day, along with nurturing your creativity. this is Creative Tea Time.

okay. say you don't own a vintage tea dress, or anything similar for that matter. that's okay. the primary reason for this creative day is to have fun and be comfortable! but if dressing up happens to be your cup of tea... then by all means. dress up!

photo credit / modcloth.com

personally, i am swooning over the dress with pink lace/beige w/ black trim, but every dress is gorgeous in my opinion. i plan on dressing up, but if you are a guest... please know that comfort comes first. and you can always bring a change of clothes. if you don't own a tea dress, perhaps you can borrow one for the day. oh... and don't forget your apron! we would hate for you to get paint or glue on your beautiful dress ;)

just a heads up! the final day to register and purchase your ticket is september 7th. there are just a few tickets left, so don't wait much longer. we wouldn't want to miss seeing you there!

if you already have your ticket... fantastic! we are SO excited to spend the day with you. we ask you to stop by the Creative Tea Time Blog and link up with us, so everyone can get to know each other.

cheerio!! (and screaming with excitement inside)

DIY textured polymer clay trinket bowl TUTORIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 19:42:00 +0000

Supply List:
You can find most supplies at your local craft store.

1. Smooth, flat working surface.
2. Texture tool (wide weave fabrics & doily's work too).
3. X-acto knife.
4. Long craft razor.
5. Small oven safe glass mixing bowl.
6. Polymer clay (I used white, but any color works).
7. Acrylic metallic gold paint.
8. Paint brush.
9. Oven/toaster oven.
10. Sand paper.
11. Craft rolling pin.

Step 1
Using the strength and warmth of your hands, soften/condition one 2 oz. brick of polymer clay, or more, if needed. My personal favorite is fimo soft. Use your rolling pin to help soften/condition, since this project uses a larger amount of clay.

Step 2
Roll out your clay, using a craft rolling pin (do not use tools that you use for food). Clay should be rolled at least 1/4" thick.

Step 3
Place oven safe glass bowl, upside down onto rolled out clay. I used a 4" bowl. Using your x-acto knife, make a circle by cutting along diameter of bowl.

Step 4
Figure out where you want the texture located on your bowl. Position your texture tool, texture side down. With a rolling pin, press texture into clay, careful not to move the texture tool, otherwise you will get "shadowing". Carefully lift up texture tool from clay.

Step 5
With your craft razor, shimmy the blade under length of circle, and remove from surface.

Step 6

Pick up and place clay circle into the same oven safe glass bowl for baking, pressing lightly to dome clay circle to your desired bowl depth.

Step 7
Let's get baking! Preset your oven, or set your toaster oven to 230° F / 110° C. Bake clay for 30 minutes. Do not over bake. Tip: follow package instructions.

Step 8
Keeping clay in glass bowl, allow clay to cool for about 30 minutes. When cool, remove baked-textured clay bowl from glass bowl. You will have rough edges, but don't worry. Rough edges will add handmade charm, or if you like, you can use sandpaper and/or craft razor to clean up edges.

Step 9
Time to paint! Lay bowl upside down onto scrap paper, so that you don't accidentally get paint on your work surface. I chose a rough bristled paint brush, because I love the texture it makes, but you can use whatever style brush you like. A minimum of two coats is recommended. Allow each coat to dry before applying next coat.

Don't worry if your paint job looks messy. This last photo was taken after TWO coats of metallic paint. Looks good so far!

Step 10
After bottom of bowl is completely dry, paint non-textured areas on the inside of your trinket bowl. Again, you want to apply a minimum of two coats. The photo below, is what your bowl may look like, by keeping the rough edges.

Step 11
As you can see... I cleaned up the rough edges on my bowl. To do this, take your craft razor & scrape the edges clean. Careful not to cut yourself. Finish it off by sanding the edges with a bit of sandpaper. It certainly will not be perfect, but again, that is the beautiful nature of handmade.

Happy crafting! This trinket bowl would make the perfect handmade Christmas gift. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment below.

Be kind. All images/tutorials are copyrighted. You may share one picture of this tutorial on your site, but you must link back. You cannot use the entirety of this tutorial as your own, or use any photos as your own. This tutorial is for personal use only.

Thank you.

hey crafty locals!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 20:57:00 +0000

image created using Rhonna Designs App for iphone.

i am getting so excited for our craft party, Creative Tea Time! we have been planning for the best girls craft day! it's going to be a lot of fun, not to mention a lovely time together in a sweet, transformed charming, back yard in capo beach.

i thought i would share a few DIY craft projects on our list, that have us inspired... check them out! (update: click here to view our entire inspired craft projects)

large re-purposed wood sign:

photo/project credit

hoop art:

photo/project credit

glamorous pumpkin:

photo/project credit

whimsical hot air balloons:

photo/project credit

mason jar snow globes:

photo/project credit

these projects look like a lot of fun to make, right? this is just a preview of course ;) we should have a final list of crafty projects for you, just a few weeks prior to the big day on September 21st., which reminds me... tickets are selling! (insert squeal here) make sure to get yours before they are all gone!! tickets are available for purchase on the creative tea time website. thank you SO much, for helping us create.the.dream... xo

what projects stand out to you? if you have your ticket already, please share Creative Tea Time on your personal blog or website:

click image above - you will be directed to the creative tea time grab button :)

DIY polymer clay "all that glitters" bobby pin TUTORIAL

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:08:00 +0000

Supply List:
You can find most supplies at your local craft stores.

1. Polymer Clay. I prefer Fimo Soft.
2. Kemper Cutters/mini cookie cutters.
3. Super glue, E6000 or crazy glue should work.
4. Bobby pins. I normally find them on etsy.
5. Mod Podge & small paint brush.
6. Glitter!!! as well as little dishes to put the glitter into, for dipping.
7. (not shown) clay roller/craft pasta roller/craft rolling pin.
8. (not shown) baking tray.
9. (not shown) parchment paper.
10. Toaster oven or regular oven.

Step 1
Using the warmth and strength of your hands, condition the clay making it soft & pliable. About one-third, to one-half of clay from it's packaging (from a small 1.97 oz brick).

Step 2
Roll out your clay, using a craft rolling pin or craft pasta maker (do not use tools that you use for food). If you are using a craft pasta maker, use the thickest setting, and fold the clay into two layers so the clay is at least 1/4" thick.

Step 3
Time to punch out your shapes. I personally LOVE the stars & hearts, but I thought would try a flower this time. In hindsight, I feel the flower would look adorable if it was hand-painted! Next time ;)

Step 4
Gently use a craft razor or your fingers, to pick up and place the clay shapes to a parchment paper lined cookie tray, carefully so that you keep the integrity of the shape. Tip: the shapes do not need to be perfect since they will be coated in glitter.

Step 5
Let's get baking! Preset your oven, or set your toaster oven to 230° F / 110° C. Bake clay shapes for 30 minutes. Do not over bake. Tip: follow package instructions.

Step 6
After allowing baked clay shapes to cool completely (approx. 30 minutes), add a drop of glue to the bobby pin pad. Tip: make sure the pad is clean. Press pad at center of clay shape, holding the pad and baked clay shape firmly, until glue sets. This may take longer if you use the E6000.

Step 7
Once the glue dries completely, coat your baked clay shape with mod modge, using a small paint brush. Get both sides & edges, including the back of the metal bobby pin pad.

Step 8
It's glitter time! You now get to dip, swish, coat and slather the baked shape into your dish of glitter, making sure all areas are fully covered. If everything does appear to be coated well, then allow your glittered bobby pin to dry. If not, you can dab more mod podge onto the bare spots and dip into your glitter again. Tip: for extra glitter, do step 8 twice, but allow the first coat to dry for at least 30 minutes before reapplying.

Aren't these just too cute?! I hope you enjoy making your sparkly-glitter bobby pins. If you have any questions at all, please ask, I'd love to hear from you! And look... they make a cute handmade gift! Just add them to a cute little tag, or make your own card from heavy card stock. So sweet!

Be kind. All images/tutorials are copyrighted. You may share one picture of this tutorial on your site, but you must link back. You cannot use the entirety of this tutorial as your own, or use any photos as your own. This tutorial is for personal use only.

Thank you.

on top of things...?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 18:55:00 +0000

i was on top of things finally. or so i thought.

what happened was this. i was so inspired about what i wanted to blog about a few days ago. so i did what every gal would do, and started writing down every good and crazy idea. ideas were just pouring in! it was a good day. or so i thought. that list? i-can't-find-it! my list. my sweet list of ideas. lost. ugh.

the list was on my iphone, typed up on a note - i think. what to do? well, what else but to blog about it and move on. so i did/will.

surely it will pop up one day. unless it was all a dream.

a creative craft tea!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 23:50:00 +0000

hey there! gosh, it seems forever ago, that i have posted to my blog. life likes to get in the way, doesn't it? now that i am here... i'm looking around, thinking my blog is in desperate need of a makeover! nothing like a blog makeover to motivate creative blog writing, right? maybe i will work on it next month, and please... life... do not get in the way this time, oh- unless it has everything to do with this guy:

how i adore instagram! anyway, i have spent the last several months going back and forth on what i really want to do with my biz. i took a much needed break, and you know what? i still am not 100% positive i have the answer. this i know... i have a passion for my brand, for creme de la gems. creme de la gems gives me my girly outlet that i desperately desire. creme de la gems is unique, and cute, and sweet, and childlike, and beautiful to me. all things i love. designing, mixing clay, coming up with new ideas, new tutorials, jewelry, accessories, characters... everything! recently, i have wanted to make some off-the-wall, gorgeous mermaids, with glitter accents, flowers pearls, golden strings of long flowing mermaid hair. yep! just imagining what these mermaids would look like, makes me smile.

but then my heart calls for something new from time to time, so i decided to do something about it. want to know what it is? okay, i will tell you (assuming you said yes). i have teamed up with a very good friend of mine. a creative die hard, you might call her. a few months back, we were dreaming about hosting a craft party-backyard pinterest party-creative social-tea party-ish, party.

hope i haven't lost you. what we came up with, is a really fun, inspirational, styled craft social called "Creative Tea Time". our goal is to take your breath away with the loveliest, most feminine, creative, vintage inspired tea and craft party. a woman's social, if you will. i am excited and want you to get excited too! i even set up a pinterest board, to get everyone inspired.

so take a moment to check out Creative Tea Time. your day will consist of a wide variety of all different level arts and crafts, lots of delicious food, beverages and desserts. a short trip to down town san clemente to walk around, feel the clean ocean breeze and do a little window shopping in some of san clemente's best shops. then, if you want, a girls night out/dinner. tickets are just $40. we will provide breakfast, lunch and snacks, oh and all the crafting supplies. dinner is not included in the ticket price. to reserve your spot, head on over to our ticket purchasing site on eventbrite, where we have limited tickets available.

we sure hope that you can make it! sneak peeks of our venue site are coming soon. enjoy your week, friends!

The Christmas without Creme de la Gems Clay...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:15:00 +0000

merry christmas + happy holidays!

hoping this post finds you cheerfully in the midst of holiday hustle and bustle, and comfortable boots. you may or may not have noticed, that this year turned into the year without creme de la gems clay.

no nativities, no christmas pixies, or sassy princesses (wth?)

the first time in five years, and here's why...

the tender, pink section of my creative brain has gone on strike... the section in which all happy clay designs are born. we are negotiating new terms, goals, direction, environment, compensation and ~~hair styles~~ soul searching. i would discuss tidbits of what might roll out in the new year, but honestly, deciding if or what i am going to eat today, is more than enough to deal with... oh and the fact that i have a child to remember to feed as well ;)

so as the negotiating battle continues, i will resume working on launching my new website, that has taken a back seat, as well as keeping up with my etsy shop.

i promise to bring good things in the new year.

all my love and wishes, to you and yours.

p.s. i would love to know how things are going with you! please share and comment below, even if it is a simple hello...

flashback friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 17:36:00 +0000

[a little peek into my past designs]

f L a S h B a C k friday...

Have a great weekend everyone!

flashback friday [creme de la gems old school]

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:29:00 +0000

In backing up my computer recently... I realized how many old photos I had on my hard drive, and it gave me an idea...

f L a S h B a C K friday!!!

[Creme de la Gems, old school]

Each of my designs below, were created way back in the day. Okay, well... not from the 1980's, but you get the point. "Back in the day," meaning the days I primarily took on custom work.

made to match oli*beli

sock monkey's

made to match Gen Marie

made to match Tiny Toes Boutique

made to match coraline & baba loba kids

made to match gymboree & Jam Clothing Company

And, if you are in the Orange County area, I will be at The Queen Bee Market with several
ready to ship clay designs, for girls of all ages. Hope you can make it! I would love to see/meet you!

Have a great weekend, friends :)

Silly Spider Polymer Clay Tutorial DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 20:23:00 +0000

I adore Halloween, and wanted to create a simple "spooky themed" polymer clay tutorial that would be fairly simple to make.

(okay, so she's not so spooky...)

Have fun, and good luck!

an invitation to just have fun!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:42:00 +0000

with the School year over, or almost over in my case...

I am inviting you to my facebook page for a Summer Kick-off PARTY!

"one night only"

we will chat, ask questions, cyber-socialize, laugh AND try to win some great prizes like these...

creme' vintage locket pixie necklace (ready-to-ship)

creme' mustache cuff links for dad (ready-to-ship) - great for fathers day, june 17th

creme' pale aqua, grey & white chevron earrings (ready-to-ship)

creme' crabby summer hair snap clip (ready-to-ship)

creme' navy, white with coral rose chevron earrings (ready-to-ship)

I will try to post on twitter & instagram as well :)

follow @cremedelagems on twitter

& tracy_cremedelagems on instagram

(instagram is an awesome app for iphone & android phones)

find us using hash tag code: #CDLGparty

"kinda important"

To ensure my posts show up in your facebook feed, you may need to do the following:

1. go to my page.

2. make sure you "like" it.

3. hover your mouse over "liked".

4. make sure "show in news feed" is checked.

5. the more you comment, like & share- the more facebook will show my page in your feed.

(sorry facebook, I'd rather spend my advertising money elsewhere... no offense)

"woooo hoooo"

So put down ~~fifty shades of grey~~ that book you're reading,

grab a cocktail, diet coke, or whatever strikes your fancy...

turn on some 80's, 90's, or heck- bring out the 70's music!

and meet me

on my facebook page tonight, at 7pm PST.

And bring a friend...

you never know what I might ask you to do for a chance at winning a prize ;)

creme de la gems website is re-stocking!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:40:00 +0000

I'm about finished with adding my new products to my current website.

Some of my goods will be ready to ship... where others will take some time.

Lot's of time...

So, I made a special funny to pass the time...

Shop my new goods here :)

Good news for locals! The Creme de la Gems Booth will be set up in Carlsbad, June 1st & 2nd for The Queen Bee Market. The Queen Bee is amazing! You must try to make it, and bring your friends! You can thank me later ;)
Many of my popular handmade clay goods will be available right then and there... you get to take them home with you!

Find The Queen Bee Market on Facebook.

.....

If you don't get to go this time, just remember...

fairly fabulous party recap

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:33:00 +0000

I didn't know what to expect of the Fairly Fabulous Craft Party - I had never been to a Craft Retreat before. All I can say is I would go again, and bring every crafting friend I know.

No lie... it... was... F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S !!!

With the warmest of welcome, we were greeted by Alyson & Meagan.

Everything from the decor, supplies, set-up, room & board, food, dessert, etc., etc., etc., far exceeded my expectations. These girls could not have done it any better! Honestly, we had a hard time leaving them.

Here is just a small smidgen of the crafting supplies we got to work with:

and that's not all... yes, power tools were involved to create pallet art!

You go with your bad self, Meagan!

I met this most delightful gal, Jamie of Polkadots On Parade

(we happen to be neighbors -kinda sorta- who knew?) I am really excited to ~~eat chocolate with her~~ hang out with her some more!

a few of my creations included polka dots, felt rosettes, embroidery hoops, buttons, mother of pearl buttons, burlap, rick rack, lace and canvas's :)

Canela brought some metal work & gemstones to play with... she had us all drooling :)

oops! how did this get here?

and good morning to you too!

not sure what it was about this pair of simple mason jars wrapped with red pom pom trim, but I fell in love with them!

.....

Saturday was Meagan's Birthday and we celebrated with an hombre Cake!!

Glue Guns, Sewing Machines & hombre Cake... oh my!

the hombre was inside too :)

Happy Birthday Meagan!! You cute rad craft girl!

Don't even get me started on the swag. I haven't had a chance to take photos of it... but all I can say is that it was the best swag ever! Some can be found here on the Fairly Fabulous Crafting Party Blog. The presentation of the swag was adorable. It came in a wooden crate, and as you pulled out each piece of donated swag, it seemed to never end, like a big stocking full of stocking stuffers on Christmas morning.

Thank you Meagan and Alyson - for your time, good food, creativity, generosity, cooking, deep conversations, laughs, sugar, inspiration, hot glued fingertips and a place to ~~escape~~ create. I can't wait for the NEXT one!

Who wants to go with me?

waiting to tackle the beast...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:00 +0000

So there is this THING called my new website, as if you haven't heard about it yet ;)

The new website - is - a - beast. A beautiful, needy beast. The beast would not be a problem, if this drama mama had more time to work on it........

Ohhhh, but the website... is a very pretty beast! It really is! The site makes me all giddy, as I'm sure it will make you giddy too. The problem I am having, is the beast requires more of my time. More time than this shop is allowing me at the moment... and more time than I am willing to make you wait.

So I have come to a decision, and hope you will be very happy!

my current site will launch all my new goodies you've all been waiting for...oh...so... patiently.

...

when?

...

FRIDAY, MAY 25th

Aside from all the lovely's you will find... I am offering a limited amount of custom order listings. I am excited, and hope you are too!!

Sorry beast. I will make time for you later :)

monday randomness...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:23:00 +0000

I have become app obsessed, and one of my favorites is project 365. You upload pictures into a calendar, like this...

cute idea, right? and where did april go, anyway?

random shot of my earrings from the Queen Bee Market - SNAP

random fancy nancy, because i think she is cute.

random hair cookies.

i need to make more of these DIY necklace kits for the website.

creme de la gems style, Marida

i love princesses

and enchanted castles...

random.

insta-friday link up! SNAP style

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 04 May 2012 17:24:00 +0000

i'm linking up with Jeannett, for insta-friday... SNAP style. only, instead of sharing my instagram pics from this past week-- i've decided to mash SNAP & insta-friday, all into one post. mash = multitasking ;)

at some point... in between creating 300+ goods for the kids choice awards gifting suite, and SNAP Queen Bee Market... i made 300+ baked pins, for SNAP swag. my gosh, i get tired just thinking about it... but i believe they turned out cute-as-can-bee.

that's me, first day at SNAP. boots by steve madden (clearance + coupon = not such a deal, because they hurt like heck) dress by my step-daughters closet, charcoal tights by target.

this cutie patootie, is becky of whippy cake. i always look forward to becky's style of the day. from hair, makeup, clothes, accessories to shoes... she is a doll. what i really love about her, is that she is a hot creative mess too! it's good to find others out there, who are like me us... right?

adorable fondant cake by im topsy turvy. as a polymer clay artist, i have always wanted to try fondant, and guess what? Ashlee has a series of how-to videos on her website! score!!! this girl is amazingly talented :)

thank you, SNAP... for feeding us so well!

the decor was absolutely whimsical and fun! very seuss-like. speaking of seuss.. check out this children's literacy & DIY craft website, obSEUSSED. fun!

there was no place to sit in this SEO class & my ~~stupid painful~~ cute boots again.

no makeup, hair pulled up into a messy bun, with my gal pal, canela of cinnamon*sticks. i love her g.i.joe t-shirt, paired with her handcrafted sterling silver necklace. she makes her chain by hand, has six kids, and completes on average, 20-30 orders per day...all by herself. i call her "jupiter girl" because it makes me feel better about my short-comings ;)

we drove my 2004 durango all the way to utah, with both booth set-ups. we nick-named the durango, "the mary poppins carpet bag of suv's" canela's booth is above and mine below.

yep. we got it all to fit, including our luggage.

a few of the fabulous biz cards i collected by SNAP attendees.
i took pics with a some of the gals, but unfortunately the pics were too blurry.

utah was gorgeous, and i cannot wait to go back!

a gas station is a strange place for a petting zoo...

framed art by salty bison, my newest, favorite find :)

I cannot wait for SNAP 2013... will you be there?

a little product teaser...

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:16:00 +0000

i'm on pins and needles to open my new website.

here is just a sneak peek of what you will find inside...

(give time for all photos to load)

beautiful photography by my talented friend, LeAnn Salazar

of Photos By LeAnn

what'cha think? what's your favorite?

starting with the nickelodeon kids choice awards gifting suite

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:25:00 +0000

hello friends :)

i feel like i was caught in a storm of the crazy-busy's. we've all been there. you get so busy, you hardly get time to come up for air. exhaustion hits, and then stress.

"how am i going to get everything done?!"

luckily, this time... i kept fairly stress free. when you love what you do... and i REALLY love what i do... work doesn't seem like work, it seems like creative play.

i have SO much to share with you, but my messy creative pink brain is having a hard time figuring out where to start. so i decided to 'back up' to where the "crazy-busy's" began... for this year, that is ;)

back in march, i was contacted by a talent coordinator, for the 2012 nickelodeon kids choice awards, with an amazing opportunity to "gift" my product to the young, trending celebrities of the big screen, nickelodeon, disney channel and more.

it was a lot of work, but SO worth it! if you ever thought about gifting your goods, i highly recommend it. just make sure your product will work for the gift-ee's. in my case, as you know... i rarely create product for boys. thank goodness for the simplicity of minecraft creepers, mustaches & robots, as my booth was packed with both gals & guys. i have to say, i made several best friends with the creeper necklace, which my son, aidan demand that i make & take.

aidan:

"mom, the celebrities will love minecraft... it is so popular... i'm telling you..."

why is it, that ten year olds are most often right?

these beautiful actresses genuinely loved creme de la gems! i was humbled by the wonderful feedback and compliments i received (enter big 'ol cheezy grin here)... and to actually SEE their expressions... is something i don't really get a chance to see for myself, since i sell mostly online.

one of the highlights for myself & the creme de la gems staff, was meeting amandla Stenberg, who played Rue in the hunger games movie. as soon as amandla saw my booth, she took out her iphone, and said,"ohh... my goodness... would you mind if i take pictures?" ummm... nope. i don't mind... don't mind at all.

would you mind?

cody christian could have hung with us all day ;)

wanna go shopping?

our website is embarrassingly empty right now, but you will be able to shop our fresh, new shop soon!

may not be until after mothers day, but I just want it to be perfect for you ;)

Lisa of Moxie Pear designed & built it, and I am IN LOVE! all it's waiting for is me to load product :)

what's up next:

Creme de la gems SNAP recap

Queen Bee Market recap

(here are some of my favorite recaps)

if you are on instagram or twitter, you can search #SNAPconf & #QBM for all the fun photos!

Website Update

Our new studio

Creme de la Gems photo shoot

i believe that is all for now... what's keeping you busy?

Birthday Giveaway winners posted!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy @ Crème de la Gems) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who entered!
Winners are shown in brown cursive below...
(Winning post number is in pink, following the giveaway shop name)

Winners were chosen by Random.Org

If you did not post your email address in your winning post, please email me at:
lilbeadbrat (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Thank you for playing along!!

birthday giveaway love, creme de la GEMS #9

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

Monday, March 19th, 2012...was my Birthday

I posted 8 special giveaways, throughout the day yesterday:
#1 - Allora Handmade Giveaway
#2 - Brassy Apple Giveaway
#3 - Cinnamon*Sticks Jewelry Giveaway
#4 - Fairly Fabulous Giveaway
#5 - Fawn & Flora Giveaway
#6 - Flawed Perfection Jewelry Giveaway
#7 - Write With Moxie Giveaway
#8 - Rags To Stitches Giveaway

Now it's time to post what I'm going to giveaway ;)

Just follow these easy steps:

{ 1 }

Visit my shop, and or etsy shop, with the link I provide.

Come back here to the Creme de la Gems blog, and leave me a comment! What did you like?

Comment under every giveaway post that you want to 'enter to win'. You may enter as many of the 9 giveaways as you like. Include your email, so I can get back with you if you win :)

{rule 1 gives you one entry}

{ 2 }

Increase your chances of winning!!! Do the following 'per giveaway':

(you must post a separate comment for each extra entry)

+ follow Creme de la Gems on twitter & TWEET about the giveaway!

{one extra entry}

+sign up for my mailing list or RSS feed

{one extra entry}

+ follow this blog

{one extra entry}

+ like the Creme de la Gems facebook page*

{one extra entry}

*Facebook hasn't supported, endorsed or sponsored this promotion, but we would LOVE for you to SHARE these giveaways with your friends ;)

{ 3 }

Giveaway ends on Sunday, March 25th at 12 midnight PST.

Winners will be posted, Tuesday March 27th.

{ giveaway #9 }

final giveaway

I am giving away...

1. braided clay necklace, as shown

2. vintage pincushion with baked pins, as shown

3. custom handstamped necklace, from my etsy shop

4. spring bling clay statement ring, as shown

All of these items will be found in my new website, which is launching soon!

Visit the Creme de la Gems shop/and or etsy shop

follow & post on twitter

like & share on facebook

follow this blog

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.