Happy Saint Patrick's Day

 

 Happy St. Patrick's Day. everyone  The countdown to the start of the spring season continues as I tick off the days on the calendar.
I am so happy to be enjoying the day today -  the sun is shinning & the calendar is right on target for the new season.  The weather forecast is for some snow in the next few days. which is very typical March in Rochester, NY.

Above and below are crocus and to the right are Hyacinth peaking up.  They seem a little confused that it is only March here but fingers crossed they still bloom this year.  Hyacinths smell divine and,  for me when their soft perfume fills the air it is always a sign Spring has arrived.

My vegetable garden design is done, the seeds have sprouted & a few are larger enough to be transplanted.  I am just waiting for the earth to warm up to put them into the ground.  My peas will be planted in the next few weeks starting my outdoor garden.   

May your garden be happy and your seeds grow well.  

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Leaping toward SPRING

Hi Everyone and best wishes for February 29, aka Leap Day. We all got to enjoy an extra day this year! Hello March 1st.  I feel the winter coming to an end and spring is in the air.  Here are a few photos from last years garden. 

The seed catalogs arrived about a month ago so throughout February I’ve been reading and planning my vegetable garden design for 2016.  Decisions had to be made on which vegetables to plant, how much space they needed and which ones to put aside for another time….the BIG question every year.  Some years it’s an easy decision however this year there were several new things which would be great to grow, but space is always a big consideration.  

Only 20 days until the FIRST day of SPRING.  The seeds have now been planted and the waiting begins.  I’m counting down the days until the seedlings are big enough to go outside. We started the lettuce and cooking greens so they can be enjoyed earlier this year on the table.    
 It’s so exciting to look forward to a fantastic 2016 growing season, I just wish the garden was larger.  Happy to report the first seeds are sprouted today, March 1st.

One of my custom cut free form stones set in Sterling silver.  The wire and design accent the best parts of the stone and compliment the new owner of this piece. To find my work:

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 For all the new readers of this blog,  I am an avid gardener and lapidary.  Most of my inspiration comes from nature as can be seen in my work.  Whether it is the arch of a branch, the stem of a bush or the pattern of a flower... I picture designs I make with wire and gemstones.  As a lapidary, when I am cutting a stone my design can take shape based on what I see in the natural stone. Roses and snapdragons from the garden.   

Happy growing and enjoy your day.  

Hello Mid-Winter 2016

Greetings everyone, a new year has begun.  Where did January go?

The short time I planned to take off after a busy holiday season seems to have rapidly grown, just like the flowers in my garden do on some days.  The original plan had me getting this blog out much earlier!. How quickly the days pass and the calendar pages flip over.

Well, onward and upward!  It is  almost Valentines Day and I am feeling very enthusiastic. This weekend we are traveling out of town to attend  two HUGE shows -  a Gem show and a Flower show - both located together at a fantastic museum.  There will be photos to show and a few tales to tell on my return. I'm especially excited to have date night and quality time with my man for the holiday (sorry no pics or stories for this part of the journey).

2015 Leaf Lettuce

Garden planning for 2016 has begun.  It's February and the seed catalogs have arrived so it's time to start planning this year's vegetable garden. Still so thrilled to have harvested the last of the 2015 crops on new years day 2016,  awesome! We happily pulled parsnips and leeks from the garden in the snow and wet!  No surprise to us that they have been a great pleasure to serve as well as being fresh and delicious.

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
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Many thanks to all my creative friends who have made this journey such a pleasure to embark upon. Your topic suggestions, as well as comments, are desired and encouraged. Happy creating and peaceful gardening. 

First Snowfall of the Season

With the Indian summer here it has not felt like fall until recently. Officially it arrived 9/23/15.  Fall has arrived in Rochester, NY.  The leaves have blanketed the ground recently.  This is one of the roses in my garden trying to show off after the first snowfall of this season.   Fall is my favorite season.  It may be the end of the growing season but it shows the beauty in so many plants.  Just think about the first bite of an apple in September or the first taste of toasted pumpkin seeds in October. 

Happy to take order for delivery in December until 11/30.   Show schedule on my website. 

 This is fountain grass ( not positive on the variety) shows off at the end of the season.  It was pretty throughout the summer and into early fall.  To really  appreciate the plant, you need to see it this way.  The look of the seeds at the top with this light dusting of the first snowfall of the season.  I tried to capture the inspiration I get from my garden this time of year.  What do you think?  are you feeling inspired to take a walk outside and admire nature where you are?  When you see the gentle twist of my wire or the spirals I use, they came from something beautiful I have seen in nature.

For those that read this blog regularly, you know this is my backyard pond.  We hand dug this over 15 years ago when were were re-landscaping the property.  This is my pond in fall.  Taken for  the perspective of the the side where the waterfall is on the brick path.  You have seen the pond with the waterfall in summer and the beautiful pink water lilies in full bloom. 

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
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Welcome to the New Etsy

This is the 3rd in my series about Etsy.  I have not been a seller there in quite some time.  Why I writing about the site?  I am asked regularly why I do not sell there and it is recommended  as someplace I should have my One of a Kind items for sale. 

Ever wonder if Etsy changed their core philosophy?  This will answer that question.
EcommerceBytes

Etsy is having issues with their stock and public perceptions. Investorplace

Etsy slam from TheStreet

Since going public last April, Etsy's  (ETSY) stock price has nearly fallen off a cliff, losing as much as two-thirds its value and making it the worst-performing IPO this year.  Current price as of today $8.30 per Bloomberg.  Big change from the peak in April of $31.


Does etsy always tell the sellers the truth?  Does etsy Lie? check out this search
Bubble_Necklaces  every item tagged as handmade.  These also available on Alibaba for under $2.

I am asked why I no longer sell on Etsy.  I believe the above clearly illustrate the reasons.  Why give any more money to an unethical company like this?  It only supports their foreign investors and does nothing for the US economy. Quote:

"Etsy, a company that promised to set an example for its level of transparency, reorganized its Irish subsidiary in a way that conceals its tax-cutting arrangements from public view, Bloomberg News reported last month."  full article here Bloomberg  

I hope the information provided helps paint a good picture for you.  Many of us are now using our own stand alone websites and are quite happy doing this.  Why give money to a company that is that dishonest and hurts small business?  They just want their fees from you and they do not care.  

I have a great group of friends and small business people I have became close with in the past few years.  We are Sellergroup, a group of handmade, vintage and supplies buyers and sellers.  Please follow these links to learn about us.
Sellergroup  Pinterest

 My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                   Cabochons and Supplies

Facebook:  PW Facebook
Twitter:  Panda Wear Gems  
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Happy to take order for delivery in December until 11/30.   Show schedule on my website. 

Happy Halloween

Well it has been a busy October for me.  Spent a fantastic day at Letchworth State park.  It was a great day to grill burgers and hike.   Went with Herb and really enjoying hiking for the whole day.  Nothing better than quality time with you soul mate.  At the end of the day we even hiked down the falls and across the bridge to the other side of the park.  For those who have not done this about 180 steps down and back up.   I made it! Fall foliage and fun. 

Here are a few funny Halloween pics I found.
these are all pinned to my Art by other Artist board.  Hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween. 

I am taking orders now for the holidays.  My lead time is about four weeks on all orders right now.  If you need a special gift, contact me and get ahead of the crowd.  Happy to send photos of stones or move views on any of my work.  Orders accepted for $25 earring or $200 pendants, your budget is up to you.  I enjoy making special pieces for my customers.

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                 Cabochons and Supplies


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Fall Arrives in Rochester, NY

Yes I know fall is here.  Last night I baked the first vegetable bread of the season.  It was great as a dessert after breakfast today. Any guess as to what this is?  Shown on my counter top which is why I love baking. 

Seems a bittersweet end to summer this year.  Below are a few of my beach glass rings in sterling silver.  I collected the glass myself on the shores of Lake Ontario right here in Rochester.  the weather went from super hot to wet and the vegetable garden never seems adjust.  I have happy lettuce, cooking greens, Parsnips, Leeks, & Radishes.  We just planted a new crop of Broccoli which I hope to harvest by the end of October. 


Preparing for a women retreat this week, 7th Annual "Inspiring Success:The Women Ties Retreat." The date is approaching fast, event is on Thursday.  I have some new designs and a few of the best sellers to bring with me.  Plan to show off my custom cut gemstones, so I am ready for special orders.  As always, prepaid orders shipped free to the buyer and free gift wrapping.  Panda Wear is excited to be there this year, our first.  have been hearing great things about it for a few years.   The group's lunch events are always educational and fun events so worth the time. 
The rest of my fall schedule is up in the air right now.  I am still adding new items to my website weekly.  Also learning Instagram and twitter as time allows.  I will update my schedule online when i have a list of shows I am doing.  I do plan is to spend some time outside tonight for the Lunar Eclipse.  is is going to be a well photographed event, especially by several of  my photography friends.   They will have some stunning pics to share later this week, I am sure  Not even trying to take any myself.

 $99 until 10:30am EST 9/28/15.  Turquoise pendant flash sale. PM me for the sale price. Details of the piece on my website: Turquoise


My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                   Cabochons and Supplies
 
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Labor Day and Taking Time off

 As a small business owner one thing we forget its to take care of ourselves.  I am using the time off to rejuvenate myself.  It worked wonders on Memorial Day weekend.  It is good to take time off and take personal me time.  I have started putting it on my calendar.  I always tell my entrepreneur  friends to do this, I need to practice what I preach.

How you spend the time is going to be your decision.  It will be different for you and me.  What relaxes me may not be your cup of tea.  Even a nice relaxing soak in a hot tub may be all you need.  think about a special  weekend with you significant other and both unplug and enjoy each others company.  The get away does not need to be a million dollar getaway and cross the ocean for it to be time off(down time).  Just relax and enjoy it. 

Enjoying the three day weekend.  The heat wave, over 90 today,  means we are spending much time in the pool.  Will be harvesting more from my garden this week.  Have made tomatoes into sauce twice this year. here is my harvest from last week.  guess what these are?  At right as the full plant and below as a close of of the edible part of the plant. 

Amazed it is Labor Day weekend all ready.  It seems like it was just the forth of July.  This summer seemed to zoom by for me.  would not know it is the unofficial end of summer by the 90's outside now.  As for me and fall it is way past time to start working on my show schedule for the end of year holidays.  Also to make some fall and winter items.  Hard to think of the fall items when it is so nice to just swim in my backyard.  Will have some new jewelry photos of my new items soon.  

Below is a piece of Owyhee Sunset Jasper.
more here   Rock slabs

Follow Panda Wear on FB, Twitter, IG and here to keep up with my new pieces and my specials. 

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
                 Cabochons and Supplies


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Smoke and Mirrors - Etsy Motto

How Etsy redefined handmade.  If you can not be what your company your polices state, change the legal definition of a word to suit what you have become.  Most of the quoted pieces are shown with a bold heading. 

Etsy Credit card reader October 2014.
launched for sellers to record in person sales and inflate etsy sales figures.  How to provided by Etsy with details in the how to us section how to enter cash and check sales into it to track all the sales in one place.  

HOW ETSY REDEFINED HANDMADE- to allow the factories to continue selling there wares on etsy for less than the materials cost here in the USA. 

https://www.etsy.com/help/article/483
quote "HANDMADE items are designed and created by the shops that sell them. Because transparency matters on Etsy, we ask sellers to list shop members and share information about manufacturers involved in creating their items."

April 2012 https://blog.etsy.com/news/2012/the-who-of-handmade/

October 2013

https://blog.etsy.com/news/2013/notes-from-chad-11/

Quote from Etsy blog April 2012
"Our mission has always included a desire to bring the human element back to commerce. Since Etsy began in 2005, “handmade” has more specifically meant “handmade by the seller.” In Etsy’s earliest days, “the seller” often meant one person — an artisan — who did everything herself, from sourcing materials, to design, to production, to shop management and customer service, to order
fulfillment.... "  so now it falls within the guidelines to have a manufacture produce your design, and even ship it to the buyer for you.  not hand made as most of us understand it.

 I now sell on my stand alone website.  I have many friends online and am part of a fantastic group.  Many of us have left Etsy as a place to sell our work.
Sellergroup
We are a group of vintage, handmade and supply buyers and sellers.  

This is a sterling silver pendant showing the beauty of beach glass from Lake Ontario here in
Rochester, NY.   

 This is a sterling silver ring showing the beauty of beach glass from Lake Ontario here in
Rochester, NY.   

I sell this as a made to order One of a kind item.  you pick the color and size and i make this just for you.  Beach Ring

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                   Cabochons and Supplies


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I have included some of the original information with links to Etsy's own blog so you can read in depth yourself.  My conclusions:

•  they do not care about anything but their profits 
• the goal of the site promoting commercial goods
• ignore vintage items
• hide and arrange your numbers to sell as much stock to as many as possible
• when all else fails mute the seller and remove them from the site.   This has been done to many sellers there.  Muting means you can not post in the Etsy forums to share ideas or have problems worked on.  they can remove your shop if you do.  This has happend to several sellers I know. 

Who is the culprit

Seems I have a mystery in my veggie garden.  Who or what loves carrots?  and lives in the ground?  It eats from the soil level down? Can not see teeth marks either. No rot or decay just hollow shells of the carrots left when it was done.  What pests like carrot?  They say no one eats enough vegetables.  someone did in my garden.  This pest ate my raw carrots below ground and I saved about half my harvest.  so strange to have these disappear this later into the season.  The parsnips they were planting with are untouched. as you can see one of the parsnips not old enough is on top of the pile.

As for how the rest of the garden is.. it is in end of summer growth.  We are waiting for the next crop of lettuce to be ready to plant.  Lettuce seedlings are are sprouts about an inch tall right now.  at left is the carrot harvest with my snapdragons by my back deck.  Faux terra cotta pot and it has lasted over 10 years.

Below is Genny from Charlotte.  Great piece of beach glass from Lake Ontario.  Your orders are always appreciated.

 

My shops:  Panda Wear Website
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Happy gardening to all.  May you plant beads or seeds to harvest your dreams.