Handcrafted Jewelry USA

Not Blogging Here

2011-04-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone Please,
Please visit me on this site.

Honestly I am just too busy to keep up with both blogs. I had to give one up in order to do a better job of sharing. Come visit me at "My Shares on Life Adrift" I welcome your company, comments and friendship.

Thanks so much for reading here,

Look Forward to seeing you more often......C.S. Alexis

This Blog Going Down

2010-12-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to everyone. I wanted to invite all of you to follow my other blog. My Shares On Life Adriftinstead of this one. The reason is I will soon be letting this blog go and will concentrate my blogging on my other bog. I am doing this to help hone and enhance all of my workings on the web.

Hope you will all continue to follow, be friends and share. Seasoned Greetings to All. Be blessed, be Happy and most of all BE CREATIVE!

All The Nice People

2010-11-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

I thought it was due time to say thanks. All of the people who were kind enough to leave some sort of feedback on our Handcrafted Jewelry USA etsy shop I offer a great big THANK YOU! These things are very important to us now and to our growing future. We want to please our customers and when they are thoughtful enough to post feedback like what we have been seeing, it helps our future sales.

It is all about the customer and your satisfaction means so much to us. Bless all our customers and all who plan to become customers in the future. Thanks for supporting Handcrafted Jewelry USA.

Sepi is having a sale so save 15%! Oh, and Free Shipping, too!!
Use coupon code CM15A when checking out. Happy Cyber Shopping!!http://www.etsy.com/shop/sepi9

Highest Regards,

Artist and designer, C.S. Alexis

Jewelry Craft Kits Available

2010-11-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

Encouraging others to get creative is the intention behind some new items coming available in our sister shop "Adrift Art Studio". For starters we have added wood burning (pyrographics) on cedar. This kit is ready to be hand decorated by you. It can be painted, colored with crayola, markers, colored pencils or even wood stains. The choice is yours.

We like to see others get busy being creative and using their own self expression. This idea of starter kits is a wonderful way to indulge the creative mind. The kits are not color by number but are intended to turn out a one of a kind creation with a little help from your friends at Adrift Art Studio.

Another kit now available is a Driftwood Pendant Jewelry Necklace Craft Kit. This is also ready to finish however you like. The imagination is meant to be put to work as the crafty one expresses their crative self using one of our starter kits. This jewelry making kit is a great stocking stuffer because the packaging is small.
The elements inside all the craft kits from Adrift Art Studio are made from high quality elements made to last. Each kit is handcrafted and Made in the USA.

Sister Sepi Should Be Proud Of These Steampunk Earrings

2010-11-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

I do much of the designing for our Handcrafted Jewelry USA Shop on Etsy.com but sister Sepi likes to order jewelry elements. She tells me it is the best part of this business. Browsing websites in search of findings, gemstones and other components to make the jewelry has Sepi always on the hunt for something different and interesting.

Some of the stuff she comes up with leaves me talking to myself. "What I am going to do with that!!!"

Then it seems to all fall together for me as if it were meant to be. That is where I was hanging with these watch gears and internal organs Sepi purchased and said "there you go, See what you can come up with from a Steampunk point of view."

I love the Steampunk style. It is old and it is new. It is very fascinating and frustrating at the same time, at least from a designer point of view. This is because so much of the Steampunk jewelry seems to look the same even though it is all different. It borders on Victorian with a quirky twist.

The quirk is what I love about it too. I was rocked when I managed to put this pair of earrings together. Hope you will like them too.

Blue Lapis Earrings Sold

2010-11-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

There are times when I look at the gemstone beads I have to make my jewelry out of and I just hate to do much to them. This was the case with these perfectly natural beauties. Mother Nature did some of her best work on these gemstones. Keeping it simple seemed a must on my part.

Great to know that other people understand the value of gifts that come to us like this. These earrings were in the shop just a few days before someone saw the same beauty I'd seen. I wanted just to say THANK YOU Mother Nature.

New Design Handcrafted Cork and Copper Fashion Necklace

2010-11-01T04:55:00.000-07:00

This necklace just off the work bench. It was a fun one. Mixed media is always my favorite. Things are selling too. Some of our jewelry has not stayed on the website for more than a couple of days. Shipping a wonderful set of Blue Lapis Lazuli Earrings to Chicago. Lakeshore Drive no less. Like taking a part of me home...hehehe

Mixed media and look how interesting. Copper chain and a wire wrapped wine bottle cork. I added some cute little teardrop Garnet gemstone beads because they seemed so grape like. The square glass beads have a copper frame and a peridot colored window, hints of a wine bottle catching my imagination. Very fun.

Look for more new designs from the wine bottle cork collection. I went crazy with my dreamy ideas and came up with a few delightful pieces. I have not yet photographed. Working on it....stay tuned!

Handcrafted Business Gearing Up For Holiday Sales

2010-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Adrift Art Studio has been burning the midnight oil. Seems like the urge to be creative hit home at a perfect time for C.S. and sister, Sepi. Both woman have been plugging away at the work pile, full steam ahead. Halloween will be here in the wink of a black cats' eye and that means Christmas is right around the corner.

Thought you might enjoy a look at some of the new products available in out Etsy Shops. Don't forget to take a look-see! Handcrafted Jewelry USA is driving home plenty of new listings in that shop everyday.

Not to be left in the dust, Adrift Art Studio has been adding artwork too. There has also been more art supplies listed as a way to meet the creative needs of other driftwood artists. Be sure to shop our stores. Remember there is free shipping for the USA and Canada on all of our jewelry at HJUSA.

Holidays Ahead

2010-10-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Halloween marks the beginning of celebrations for the holidays ahead. Seems like this has been a very busy year even if the economy has a lot of us questioning the future. We can't stop the calendar. Handcrafted Jewelry USA has been adding new jewelry to their Etsy.com shop daily.

Semi precious gemstones are on the design table. C.S. Alexis is putting together some amazing, one of a kind gift sets for the coming holiday season. She has this thing about nature and it is showing through in her colorful designs for winter.
It is interesting how she is mixing up fashion trends with the gemstones, combining different metals and wire work to give her jewelry designs that urban edge.

You can count on one thing from artist, jewelry designer, C.S. Alexis, when you wear one of her jewelry designs to that holiday party, you won't be seeing it on someone else. Her pieces are handmade, original designs, and no two are alike.

Watch for items that will set off the season's celebration like these blazing hot earrings matched with a necklace like no other. Shop Handcrafted Jewelry USA on Etsy.com

Enjoying The Autumn Weather In NW Indiana

2010-09-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Colder nights, but not freezing, damp air and cool breezes.....just a few of the things that cause my senses to welcome a stay in NW Indiana. The weekend has been a bit dreary as far as weather goes. That is fine because living in Nevada has given reason to my own appreciation of clouds. The lack of clouds and rain in Henderson NV is mostly nice but when I find myself searching the blue sky for a hint of white and a dream of rain, well that is what makes this weather such a blessing at the moment.

I told myself I would get out in the rain and get wet, kissed by a million droplets of water falling from the heaven. I did not. Because I am quite busy here in Indiana. I am setting up a network/team of sales reps for our jewelry. Hopefully I will get a chance to feel the rain on my face before returning to Henderson.

I plan to hunt driftwood while I am here. So excited to announce that we made our first sale in our Adrift Art Studio Etsy store and it was a most lovely piece of driftwood. My deep excitement stems from my passion for driftwood but there is much more to it. I have been working in the direction to sell driftwood Online since the early 1990's. This first sale marks success and a beginning for something I have dreamed about for many years.

You can bet I will be on Lake Michigan as soon as possible and I will be enjoying the Autumn weather in NW Indiana

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Driftwood art, jewelry and more from C.S. Alexis at Adrift Art Studio

2010-08-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Making more changes at Adrift Art Studio to incorporate new ideas and life styles for C.S. Alexis and company. There has been much goings on with the move to Henderson NV. and personal affairs within the business. Life deals a hand and we play it. That is the thought from C.S. Alexis. We have to go with the flow and work within our means. Not always what we plan but what we have to do to keep it all in motion.

She has been inspired with fresh feelings for the driftwood she has been working on. Some of that inspiration has lead to finished pieces being posted on both Etsy.com shops. Handcrafted Jewelry USA saw the first designs with the googly eyes and other jewelry pieces made from driftwood.

Adrift Art Studio has also grown to incorporate the love of the driftwood. C.S. Alexis has finished artwork for sale in that Etsy shop as well. There is more to come and another driftwood hunting trip in the near future. C.S. wants to make sure there is a huge variety of driftwood available before the cold weather sets in around Chicago. Not much fun trudging through ice and snow to collect the driftwood.

Winter weather is better spent in Henderson working on the pyrographics and the jewelry. C.S. has some fresh ideas on re-purposing too. Here is a recent article she wrote about driftwood art, C.S. Alexis on Hubpages.com. Keep a keen eye peeled for some innovative art to come from Adrift Art Studio this fall.

Driftwood On The Artistic Menu

2010-08-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working in the studio more the past week. So many ideas and never enough time. I love the driftwood and since I have a fresh supply it has me up nights. The nights are cooling off some so I can get outside and work. That is what I like to do.

The sound of crickets chirping, silence...there is no such thing in my mind. I hear the electricity humming and I wood burn. Night time is the right time for the creepy projects I have been inspired to create. Halloween is not far off and I want to make up plenty of fun things to put in the Adrift Art Studio on Etsy.com. I have a few things posted for sale already.

This Halloween I want to offer up a variety of work. My motivational level is high. I am going to be traveling back to Chicago again soon too. That has my artwork on production mood as well. We are going to have several private jewelry parties in Chicago in September. Lots to do and lots to look forward to. Life is good and exciting around Adrift Art Studio. Oh BOY! Counting our blessings always.

Creepy bones and drooling lips are what makes Halloween so much fun for the creative minded. It goes great on the driftwood. I plan to grow my driftwood supply upon my return to Chicago next month too. Looking to double what we have posted for sale at the Adrift Art Studio Shop.

Wishing happiness and creative bliss to everyone.

Adrift Art Studio selling natural driftwood

2010-08-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

C.S. Alexis has been applying her creative energy to mixed media using driftwood for many years. Now she has taken her love for the gift from Mother Nature to another level. Collecting driftwood from the shores of Lake Michigan started as a hobby oh so many years past. C.S. has decided to add the raw driftwood and elements made from the driftwood to her art and craft supplies available in the Etsy shop, Adrift Art Studio.

Pictured above is just a sample of what is available now. There will be more driftwood added as it is finished curing. The driftwood is shipped from Chicago to Las Vegas where it is sun dried in the hot Las Vegas desert. Once it is ready to make driftwood art and crafts it will be offered for sale. See more driftwood now.

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How To Help With The Oil Spill Crisis

2010-07-25T02:00:00.000-07:00

How To Help With The Oil Spill Crisis

C. S. Alexis hunting driftwood on Wells Street Beach

2010-07-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

The week in Chicago had to include a driftwood gathering. C.S. loves to hunt for the driftwood she uses to make her artwork and some of her handcrafted jewelry. Combing the beaches is so enjoyable. C.S. says it is one way to put life into perspective.

The impact of the Gulf Oil spill is weighing heavy on her mind. She could not help but think of all that black goo making death a certainty for the innocent victims, the wildlife. The tragedy was center stage in her thoughts as she gathered the driftwood.

Growing up near a lake like Lake Michigan and spending countless hours combing the shoreline has marked this artist for life. Marked in a wonderful way, C.S.has an outstanding positive attitude about nature, the elements and all that life on the shores of a Great Lake have to offer. She remembers when you could not walk on the beaches because the pollution was killing the fish and the dead fish bones were impossible to cross in bare feet.

Lake Michigan is so much better now that we humans have taken some actions to protect her. More could and should be done on Lake Michigan and around the world to protect and nurture our Mother Earth. Shout it from the top of your voice, learn as much as possible, teach our children and practice healthy environmental conservation on a routine agenda. Join forces and walk the talk. It is all about the love.

Watch for this piece of driftwood in a future post as C.S. transforms her feelings through her mixed media makings.

C.S. Alexis doing private jewelry show in Chicago next week

2010-07-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

Really looking forward to traveling back to visit friends and family. Most of all am excited to take a new line of jewelry to show at a private gathering. Will be hooking up with good friends, creative types, artists and writers and a mixed mash of remarkable folks to show my latest BPB jewelry line.
This one is dealing with the monster at large also known as The Gulf Oil Spill, BP's botch. The ultimate screw up, saying it politely. I am an avid outdoor type. I love nature, take me fishing, I am happy on the water. I love the wind, the waves, sunshine, flowers and wildlife. I live for it. It is there for me.
How much longer? Will we be able to watch the grandchildren play in the ocean? At the rate things are going it makes me sick. What can I do about it? I really am not 100% sure, but I feel I have to do something.

Alternative energy is the long term answer. Sick to death of "big business" and "drill baby drill" trying to hold back the progress of what we should be doing about energy.
A few weeks ago my auto insurance company sent me a complimentary gift because I am a new customer. A nifty little radio, flash light combo thingy. No I don't need it but it is cute. What's so damn cute about it?

The same thing that pisses me off. I can set it in the window ledge and the solar collector on it keeps it running. This pisses me off soooooo bbbbaaadd. Why?
Because I know that if technology has gotten this far with gadgets that we could be using these sources for way more than we are.
We need to pay attention here folks.

Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility Sunforce 39126 246-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Power Kit Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator Sunforce 50044 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit Sunforce 39110 123-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel with Sharp Module Sunforce 82250 Solar Motion Light - Pack of 2
So my new line of jewelry is going to be my way of trying to do something about it. Wildlife is being massacred by big business and this tree hugging crazy old lady is about to go nuts. Time to get up and fight for what we know is ultimately RIGHT.

PBPFish

2010-07-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

The water is a place to fish a place to relax a place to gather driftwood from the shore, C.S. Alexis loves the water, refreshing, cooling, calming, crashing waves

Long days playing in the sand, walking on the beach, catching fish and swimming

She likes to take her dogs to the water's edge, chasing sticks and biting waves, running hard and fast, kicking sand and shaking it all over everything

The children love to wade and they never mind the warnings about getting their shoes wet, let alone their clothing

picking up sea shells and laughing in the sun, wind blown hair the going style

they imagine giant monsters living in the deep blue sea, sharks and whales the size
of ships

finding bits and pieces of passers from another day, another lifetime spent upon the sands

no thoughts of darkness lurking, boiling, burping

miles from the beauty basking on the beach

storming, thundering thick and black and dark so dark

aweful, ugly, oozing, seeping sadness

devastation pouring pounding drifting draining out

pretty bad pretty bad pretty bad

going black, killing everything in it's path

PBPBPBPBPBPBPBPBPBPBPB....Go Fish

From driftwood to artwork at Adrift Art Studio

2010-07-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

One thing C.S. loves very much is driftwood. She found her first piece on the south shores of Lake Michigan and she has been hunting for unique pieces every since. She collects it. She cleans it and she makes artwork out of it.

Sometimes the pieces are small and she turns them in to jewelry pendants. Sometimes the pieces are very large and she has been known to turn them in to all kinds of things.

One thing for certain, she never gets bored with making the driftwood creations and she never gets bored with hunting the driftwood.

One of her favorite ways to be creative on driftwood is to add the technique of pyrography and color it up with acrylic paints. Sometimes she uses a small amount of acrylic paint and sometimes she just paints the night away.

This piece tells a story.
It is a very sad story. One that has not yet found an ending.

But she is sure it started with care less greed! Pretty Bad, Pretty? Bad? Pretty Bad......Pretty Bird, dirty bird.

Catch my arts and crafts articles

2010-06-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

I publish on a regular basis for The Henderson Arts and Crafts Examiner. I write about all kinds of stuff relating to creativity. Hope you will join me there. Please subscribe and always leave comments and suggestions because it is all about interaction.
Your comments help me write better articles and that makes for a better site. So jump in and send me some love!
Warm Regards!

Two Big Events This Summer

2010-06-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

There is paint and wood and beads and wire, jumbled all about the work areas. C.S. and company have been staying busy. Two big events are marked on their calendar for this summer.The first is happening in July, not too far off now. Everything has to be packed and ready to fly to Chicago on the 13th. C.S. has been burning the midnight oil in preparation. Lots of good energy going on.

Late at night there is a good chance the neighbors hear her howling at the moon.

This place is a wreck

2010-06-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

It looks like a tornado went through here...HHHHAAAA! I have been creating and a whirlwind of action has left the place looking like..."where is the bottom of my desk?" Okay so today I am going to try to straighten things up a bit because I cannot stand it anymore.
No room left to be creative. Need to wipe the slate clean so I can begin again.

Do the fresh52 for Father's Day

2010-06-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

I will keep them coming and please keep supporting our cause by subscribing and sharing these articles with everyone you know.
Have a great Father's Day weekend and be good to Dad.

Updating the blog page, in honor of the USA

2010-06-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Google came up with some new templates so I thought it a fun idea to freshen things up on the blog. The other thing was the 4th of July is not far off so what a way to celebrate the wonderful freedom we enjoy in our part of the world. Here's to the red white and blue! yes I know we have our problems but we are also the greatest nation on the planet and we should be proud of our country for all she is worth.

While we are on the subject, here is another idea. Why not make some fun bracelets for the 4th. This "how to" article can steer you in the right direction.Read it and make your creative side kick in and design your own bracelets, make some for the entire family.

You can pick up some materials listed below, available from Amazon.com and the prices are usually very competitive so chances are you will be able to save money and have everything you need shipped right to your front door. Happy Days to everyone.

Adrift Art Studio Is churning out the creative material

2010-06-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

The things going on in our studio are sure to make an impact someplace. Sepi is busy working in the office, trying to get everything on the Internet while C.S. continues to write her "How To" articles. Helping other artists reach their goals is a big part of what makes this studio tick. The growth and develpoment of our studio is on a roll. It is so much fun to be able to work at the studio on a regular basis. Sure doesn't feel like a real job, well at least most of the time.

Working At Adrift Art Studio

2010-06-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Now that there is so much time to spend actually working on her art and her ideas, C.S. has been pushing her jewelry to come up with pieces that express her inner most joy.

Driftwood is a passion for this artist. She has been working with the wood collected from the river's edge, the lakes shore and the ponds banks.
C.S. Alexis so loves Mother Nature and all of her glory.

These new jewelry necklace designs are fun for anyone who likes to show their love for nature too!

Experimenting with a variety of materials that are re-purposed has been top on her agenda for many years. C.S. holds true compassion and concern for the state of our environment and her artwork has reflected those concerns for many years.
Now that more people are becoming aware, C.S. finds that more people enjoy the simplicity of her creative statements. C.S. was going green before the phrase was coined and it reflects in her Adrift Art Studio today.

Been doing lots of fun stuff with driftwood. Check it out! This one is in the store now.

C.S. Is Creating and Writing About It, Again

2010-06-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone.

I have been burning the midnght oil at Adrift Art Studio and it is really making things happen. Here is the latest article published on HubPages.com. This one is a "How To" that suggests a great way to re-purpose cardboard and utilize it in your vendor booth. Make some designs that you can use to boost sales and have fun doing it.

I enjoy sharing my thoughts and helping other creative people. Makes me feel great but, what really makes me happy is to know that I am helping Mother Nature. This idea is based on re-purposing cardboard and it offers a little way to keep some cardboard out of the trash. It will save money and you can have fun with this project idea. So go ahead and take a look.

Read my latest and see if you like the idea and maybe you can incorporate it in to one of your next creative projects. It might even make Mother Nature smile in your face.

C.S. Alexis Writes About Local Arts Culture and A "How To"

2010-06-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Recently published articles have kept C.S. busy writing. She has also been working on more props for the vendor booth. Adrift Art Studio has been getting out and about. This being quite new to the program, it has been a full time gig trying to put together an attractive display. Sure is a lot different than working inside.

Outdoor venues require much additional equipment and thought. It is also quite different to deal with weather. The temperature soared to 108 degrees last Sunday in many parts of the Las Vegas valley. It did not help that the AC went out and naturally that happened during the peak of the high temps.

That did not keep Sepi from signing us up to do the Fresh 52 Market. Hey, it all gets us more experience under our tent and it puts us out amongst the people. We met some interesting customers and had a good time despite the weather.

One of our neighbors was Celestial Doble and her Etsy store, Rockin Mama Baby Gear. It was nice to get to chat with Celestial and she was kind to share a few tips on getting more sales on Etsy. Her gear is fresh and different, and her commitment to quality is the best.

Take a look at these new publications by C.S. Alexis. The first is about local arts culture in Henderson.
The other article is a "how to" about making a table skirt from repurposed cardboard.

Let's Do This Etsy Birthday Party Big

2010-05-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Handmade In Vegas wants to make a great big showing for the First Birthday Party for Etsy.com, RIGHT?

Everybody join in the fun and make the Handmade in Vegas Team shine Bright for this event. Sign up now and show your support!

Adrift Art Studio's First Nevada Market Showing

2010-05-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sepi and I are gearing up for the first outing for Adrift Art Studio since arriving in the Las Vegas area. We have worked hard over the past 3 weeks, taking care of the legal aspects of operating as a business in Nevada. It takes quite a bit of time to line everything out. Now we are working on product and display.

Getting a display that will function as an outdoor vendor is somewhat different than doing indoor gigs. The elements play a major role in presenting our artwork to the public in a way that will survive Mother Nature. It seems the wind and sun are the two things to watch for in South Nevada. We purchased a nice canopy for the sunny aspect as a solution. Now we must make sure the wind does not pick up the canopy and fly us off, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. We are not licensed to work in Kansas or Oz.

All jest aside, there is still much to do. The first day will be Sat. May 29th and 2nd day is Sun. May 30th at Fresh 52 Market. The Fresh 52 Market has only been open a couple weeks so it is exciting to get started in a new market. I will post the locations for each day sometime toward the end of the week as a reminder to our local friends, so please stay tuned. Sure hope to see some of our new friends out shopping or vending for their own agenda. Come by and see us there and be sure to tell all your friends to join in the open air fun.

ARTsWAlk Third Thursday, Henderson Nevada

2010-05-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Tonight there will be art flowing in a two block section of downtown, Henderson Nevada. Many local artists gather in the Water Street District to encourage visual literacy, and art appreciation. It is a casual affair, suitable for the entire family.
Free hands on art projects make this an interactive outreach program where artists share their work and their techniques. Meet artists, enjoy Gallery receptions, and learn as you make your way through the self guided, two block tour. The event runs from 5PM-9PM.
Made possible by the Water Street Business Association, ARTsWALK is a cultural event that is sure to bring enjoyment to anyone who attends.

Art And Craft Shows From The Vendor's Perspective

2010-05-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

For the serious artist who wants to make a living selling the work they produce it is often hard to find a location with opportunity. It is wise to do your research in an on going manner. Always be on the lookout for up and coming shows that might reflect your style, fit your schedule and your budget. Stay open to new ideas, and make lots of friends within your niche.

Try to be supportive of your fellow artists and keep a positive attitude at every turn. Focus for the artist is so important. It is also important that the shows you do attend are focused on arts and crafts. Most often it is best to avoid the kind of situations where there is competition with carnivals and misc. forms of entertainment that do not relate to arts and crafts. People who attend arts and craft shows are focused on arts and crafts.

Medicine shows are for medicinal clients if you get my drift. Here is an example of where I do not want to include the artwork produced at Adrift Art Studio. Then again it is up to you to make those choices. Think carefully before you pay those vendor fees.

My Share On Handcrafted Jewelry Displays

2010-05-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

It started out to be finished several months ago. Then I decided to move Adrift Art Studio to Las Vegas from the Chicago area. That took my energy totally away from writing and put it in the prep mode, to make the move happen. Now that I am here (C. S. Alexis here) in Henderson, NV. I have had some time to start writing again.
That brings me to tying up all the things I have started and not yet finished. One such project is this article I wrote about Handcrafted Jewelry Displays. This is an important concern for anyone who is wanting to sell their work. Please take a look at the finished article. I wrote it based on some of my own ideas and experience. It shows quite a few photos and gives suggestions on things to consider when a jewelry display is needed. Read all about it now. Enjoy!

Las Vegas and South Nevada Etsy Artists Unite

2010-05-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

The timing for this gathering together of Etsy Artists from Las Vegas could not have been more appropriate from our personal perspective at Adrift Art Studio. The decision to relocate to Las Vegas was something that took lots of thought and preparation. Las Vegas is a far cry different from the Chicago Region, and moving half way across the country is a major adventure. Thanks to technology the transition has been easier than one might suspect.
Internet access and computer generated communication makes so many aspects of such a large change smoother to handle. We had barely managed to get the car parked before we found an invitation from the newly established Etsy Group in our email box. Las Vegas Etsy Artists Uniting was feeling like an out right "Welcome To Las Vegas", for C.S. Alexis and her Adrift Art Studio. The group was so new that we were even able to take a look at the names posted for consideration as the group began to take form.

Sepi has been in Las Vegas for the past 10 years and she also felt like this new group could be a great opportunity for our online Etsy store, Handcrafted Jewelry USA. We are pretty much newbies to the Etsy world and could not have dreamed such a great union would be forming with such perfect timing. Expanding our Online ventures is a must if we want to grow our business which started on Ebay. Sepi and I would like to extend a huge "THANK YOU" to Flaky Friends, Etsy Store Owner, Sarah Flake for coming up with the idea to gather together all the locals who are operating on Etsy. This is sure to be a great opportunity for those who work at participating.

Sarah Flake is acting fast to generate attention toward the group, now known as Etsy Does Vegas Team. She has recruited help from another group member, Kathy Wheeler who is working on FaceBook to promote our group. These ladies are eager, motivated and rockin! Etsy Does Vegas seems to have a lot of high energy members and a ship load of positive vibes to help each and every member. A big hand and hardy BRAVO to these two ladies and all the members of Etsy Does Vegas Team. South Nevada Artists and Etsy Does Vegas are pulling wonderful energy together. Looking forward to learning more, being a spirited member and getting to know all about the arts and crafts that will be represented by this union.

Finding Like Minded Artists In Las Vegas Nevada

2010-05-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Making our way to one of the many casinos in Las Vegas Nevada for a different sort of entertainment was our agenda. Sepi and I are researching local art and craft shows for future reference. The first stop on our list was The Crafters N Gift Gallery Show in The Fiesta Casino. We were very excited to possibly meet a team member from our Etsy Does Vegas Team. Sepi did some research and found that a member was also showing their work. We were both excited to possibly meet like minded artists.

The show was located on a corner spot that allowed passers by to see the displays from the open hall on the 2nd level. The first booth upon entry was occupied by the Crafters N Gift Gallery Shows promotor, Judi. A quaint setting occupied by 8 or 10 vendors made shopping feel casual. We were easily able to find our targeted team member in this setting.

First stop was the lovely, professional display for Artesia Products. Her collection was impressively packaged and her charming smile and uplifting personality was warm and personal. Marie K. Jones expressed that this was her first craft show. We were so encouraged by her presence and pleased to know she was an Etsy Does Vegas Team member. Thumbs up to Marie. Her positive energy and bright spirit shine through in her work.

Cold Nose Closet,Ltd was also showing their work at this show. Sepi found that these two ladies are working together in a business relationship much like our own. They are family members in business.
I am an avid dog lover and I will be sure to be shopping for special gifts for my two boys at Cold Nose Closet, Ltd. The materials used to make the pet products are high quality and very colorful. It is nice to see creative yet functional work.
Sepi encouraged these ladies to join Etsy and our Etsy Does Vegas Team. I especially hope they will.

Research is a very important way to grow any business. Getting out amongst other artists and sharing energy with them is a learning experience that can be priceless. The future of any business venture can be made stronger if the ground work is placed on a planned foundation. The energy we put forth now will pay off for Adrift Art Studio in the long haul, I am sure of it. Looking forward to many more excursions in search of like minded artists in the Las Vegas area.

The Las Vegas Art District

2010-05-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Once a month some of the regional artists gather in a part of the old, downtown district of Las Vegas to show their skills and hawk their productions to curious shoppers. A blend of musicians, craftsmen, painters, potters, and partiers, amongst others, take it to the streets. They call it First Friday. This is where I got my first taste of the many flavors, of a creative feast, open to all, in The Las Vegas Art District.

Like most street festivals, First Friday offers a variety of food and libation to enhance the experience. Cold beer stands and an array of cocktail vendors keep the party going. This scene seems a hot spot for some UNLV students, and as the sun goes down the volume goes up. We took advantage of the evening and took in the sights and sounds, enjoying mild evening weather.

Tent vendors display an assortment of creative styles with paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, unusual lamp work, textile crafts, and so much more. The variety of creativity offers something for every one's delight. My sister Sepi, my niece, Mother and myself especially enjoyed the antics of a street band called Steam Powered Giraffe. Their costumes were fun, their makeup was marvelous, the music was upbeat and their stage presence was captivating. Mother, at 83 years old enjoyed their performance more than anything on the venue. Their "steampunk" image goes hand in hand with a particular style of jewelry I have become fascinated with. Seeing Steam Powered Giraffe boosted my curiosity to say the least.

The Las Vegas Art District hosts First Friday each month, 12 months per year, rain or shine. The entertainment begins in early evening and goes into the night. When the sun goes down the musical entertainment overshadows the visual arts so keep that in mind if you ever plan to attend this exciting bit of The Las Vegas Art District.

Getting A Feel For Change

2010-05-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

There is so much in life we tend to take for granted. Our surroundings, homes, friends, families and familiar settings are just some of the things that come to mind at the moment. We go through our daily routines and often forget to count our blessings and those things we except as our own. It is not until we feel loss or remove ourselves from the familiar that we realize all of what we have or had. I recently moved half way across the country to live and work in my Adrift Art Studio.

Just last week, to be exact, I was traveling from the Chicago area to my new location in Henderson Nevada. The driving took us about 28 hours on the road and as the familiar scenes and sounds gave way to the horizon, taking life for granted was knocking on my door.

My closest friends who could attend, came to honor our friendship and celebrate my new journey on this path of life. It was sweet and emotional as we spent time eating, laughing and enjoying each others company one last time, until we meet again. Some friends I had not seen in quite awhile and their gift of giving time to send me on my journey with enthusiasm was a reminder that we should remember to count our blessings and live in the moment.

The move has not been completed because we had to have the supplies and equipment, furnishings and personal property shipped via long haul trucking. That has me in a state of limbo until the truck arrives and everything is unpacked and put in to place. The time between now and then is being spent getting a feel for change. There is much to explore, get use to, investigate and grow accustom to here in the South West.

Most everything is quite different from the landscape to the plant material, the time zone to the weather conditions. Not only does one need to adapt to the new they have to except the loss of the familiar. It is one of life's challenges, getting a feel for change. It takes time and a willingness to overcome what was the norm. This is an exciting time but it can also be a stressful time. Waiting to dig in and nest is the hardest part for me. I look forward to the truck arriving so I can push forward in pursuit of my artwork and creative aspirations. Until then I am busy checking out the local art scene and all there is to offer here in Henderson NV that will inspire my work.

From the mountains to the valley.....

I am getting a feel for change.

Custom Jewelry Ordered From Our Etsy Store

2010-03-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

It takes time to create a presence on the Internet. Lots of work goes in to designing the jewelry. It almost seems like more work goes in to all of the things that it takes to develop the business end of it. That is why it gets so exciting when custom orders start coming in. This is how we measure where we stand and what we need to do next.

All of the jewelry from Handcrafted Jewelry USA is based on a one of a kind piece. What that really means is we do not mass produce our work so that we can sell it on TV in mass quantities. Handcrafted Jewelry USA takes pride in making unique pieces that are far beyond the mass produced items found in most stores, most jewelry parties and in most jewelry catalogs from most companies. The norm is for a designer to create a piece and then send the design to a factory.

The factory then puts the design on the assembly line and pushes the start button. Not exactly but close. C.S. Alexis spent several years learning in one of the largest mass produced jewelry companies on an assembly line. The company bills itself as the oldest and largest jewelry manufacturing company in the world. C.S. learned a lot during her time there. It was a magnificent experience when it came time to learn from some of the best, most skilled jewelry makers in the world.

The thing is most of the jewelry was mass produced and then personalized with engraving, certain adorning applications such as initials and names and maybe some specifically chosen stones. C.S. actually loved the work and the people but most of all she loved the learning. When the time came to design, create and sell her own line of handcrafted jewelry, C.S. was able to turn much of what she learned into practical knowledge that would help.

That being stated, might help others see how important it is for everyone at Adrift Art Studio, and Handcrafted Jewelry USA to offer something more. We want to make each experience with our customers to be "made to order". We value each and every customer and we take pride in providing unusual, handcrafted jewelry that is NOT mass produced but made for the people who want to wear pieces of jewelry that they are not going to see on somebody else.

Pictured here is an example of a piece that was ordered from our Etsy store, Handcrafted Jewelry USA. We offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed. This order was taken from a similar bracelet but the buyer wanted the piece fashioned from a shiny silver colored chain. We offered her this custom made piece that is 7 1/2" in length made from a silver plated figure 8 chain. It rocks!

The First Home Show Was A Success!

2010-03-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I was very nervous about having my first home jewelry show. I have had this type of show before, and they have always proved to be a success but I was nervous anyway. I do not know if it is my age or just the artist within that made my nerves tingle more than usual. One of my friends told me that she believed it was the artist who always seems to harbor fears of sharing their work. This is probably so as the work is held dear to my heart.

Great things happened for Adrift Art Studio and our line of Handcrafted Jewelry USA. We made enough money to allow the art studio to become a member of some of the local art groups. That is good because the memberships will help carry Adrift Art Studio closer to reaching more goals set for the studio. That creates excitement for the future of this studio!

We also made enough money to provide some donations toward a couple of charities that do such great work for their cause. St Jude's Research Hospital and The Avon Walk For Cancer will both be receiving checks from Adrift Art Studio. Some of the jewelry offered for sale was pinpointed to sell in hopes of raising money for these two very worthy organizations. This has been a long time dream for C.S. Alexis to be able to use her artwork to help. This was a great start and all of us at Adrift Art Studio are looking forward and working hard to continue doing positive things to benefit others.

Pictured here are just a few of the pieces of jewelry and artwork that we sold for this first home show for Handcrafted Jewelry USA.

Missy Nature Got A Face Lift At Adrift Art Studio

2010-03-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

All winter it has been cold and dark and the weather has been dreary for someone who loves the outdoors as much as I do. Getting ready for a new showing of my jewelry and I was working on my display. It turned out that I went with an Earthy feel that suggests water and sand. That being the theme I decided to give my Missy Nature a little face lift so I could add her in to the display. She is looking fresh for the spring weather that is just around the next bend!

Pyrographic Signs From Adrift Art Studio

2010-03-12T18:15:00.001-08:00

I have a bunch of jewelry made and hope to turn some of it tomorrow. That is what brought me to try doing something a little different for a change of pace. I did not want to make anything else in the jewelry line until after my next show.

That got me to drag out my favorite wood burning tool and go to work on a piece of wood I have been keeping my eye on for the past couple of weeks. Sometimes I like to just fire up the hot pen and go after it without a plan. That makes being creative and casting my emotions into a form so much fun. It does not always turn out the way I like but on this particular day I was very pleased with my finished piece of artwork.

It turned out to be a sign. I suppose it would look nice in a yard. That is where I like to put things that reflect my inner self. This one sure is showing some reflection and it was a lot of fun to make. Pyrographics is a good medium to mix with acrylic paint and for this sign I threw in a little bead work to augment the idea of "little things" in our life.

Mixed Media Steampunk Jewelry

2010-03-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

Just for a bit of fun and flare Sepi ordered up some findings to get me going on a trendy style of jewelry called Steampunk. I like the mixed media in all art forms so it seemed to be something I might get a rush out of trying.

When the shipment came in I have to admit after taking a look at the Steampunk collection I was left feeling sort of empty about it all. It just seemed to be a bunch of stuff that I could not relate to. That is when I decided to do a little digging and see what other Jewelry Designers were doing on this style.

I shopped around quite a bit and then went back to the workbench still feeling a little anxiety about Steampunk jewelry. That was until I actually picked up a few pieces and started arranging them around on the table top. I played with it for a good hour, just checking out the colors, shapes, sizes and how each element played off of another. I started getting excited about the entire idea. Yeah this was starting to be very cool.

Personally I love vintage things and old is mysterious and attracting, magnetic to me. I feel like there is a certain spirit to the pieces that is energy carried over from people in the past who handled and even adorned themselves with these very elements. It stirs something deep in my own spirit, something intangible and distant.

So I have created a few different pieces and I have to admit that as I worked to finish the first piece I was already feeling good about starting another. The energy was flowing and the past was the present and now I would like to display some of that happening here. From C.S. Alexis, @ Adrift Art Studio Steampunk is intetresting to say the least.

Designing A Jewelry Display

2010-03-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sickness took me by surprise and put me down for a good week. Not what I wanted to happen but I do not always get what I want. I have learned to go with the flow. Life takes it's own route and all I can do is hang on. Not that I am not prone to put up a fight. Sometimes, some things just can not be fought so the best thing to do is suck it in and hunker down. I like to spend the down time day dreaming, planning and creating in my mind.

That is how I came up with a thought for what to do with my jewelry when displaying it to sell. First I thought about packaging and tackled that bear quite a few months back. Then I started getting so much inventory I had to get it all organized. Jill and I both worked on that project for a few days. Things were falling in to place at a good rate when I got sick. So I laid around coughing my head off and thinking about how to display my work.

I looked around at some websites to see what other jewelry designers were doing. I thought about colors, convenience, flow, points of interest and so on as would pertain to a display. I made up my mind to purchase a dark color, probably black, velvet to make the jewelry stand out. Then when I was feeling up to it I headed to a local outlet store to make my material purchase.

I really feel like there was a spiritual intervention between the front door of the store and the sewing department. I was directly attracted to a certain cloth that reminded me of sand.That was it. it was not my intention, not my plan of attack but when I saw it I knew I would have to work with it. Something about it was magical to me.

The next day I headed over to a thrift store to pick out some sort of glass or stoneware that I could use as additional items to give my jewelry display a uniform way to arrange the individual pieces. I had seen a couple designers who had used beans and rocks on plates to show their work. Again I went straight to a pile of saucers that were splattered with the exact colors in my business card. It sure seemed to be one hell of a coincidence.

I picked out a table cloth to match, and there I had the two main colors for my table covering. With the saucers in tow I was headed to the check out line when I saw the finishing touch. There were not too many left so I bought them all. River Rocks that had been polished to a bright finish. I also found a few bags of glass rocks that were made with my same color scheme so I purchased those also.

I will be adding a bit of driftwood to the display and I am good to go. I have the driftwood drying in the late winter sun so it is not quite ready but it won't be long. Some times everything just falls together perfect and all the time spent thinking and considering what to do seems like it was only my mind's way of keeping me idle long enough to recover from a bout with the flu. I am still not feeling 100% but my jewelry display is almost complete. Thank you to God!

Open house cancelled...UGH!

2010-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday C.S. woke up feeling like a big pile! Stuffy nose and tickling throat were not what she had in mind for the next couple of days. Open house for Adrift Art Studio just 2 days away, this could not be happening.

Fact is, it has happened and this morning C.S. is feeling like she must have a case of flu with achy muscles, chest congestion and a headache to beat the band. Looks like there will have to be a delay in having an Open House for her new Adrift Art Studio.

Sleep and hot tea is most likely going to be the agenda for at least a few days. It was a slap in the face yesterday but C.S. says things happen for a reason and Mother Nature must have wanted it to play out this way. She decided to go with the flow and climb back in her nest. The open house can wait and she will spend the next few days working to bring her health back to par.

Please stay tuned!

Ready Or Not Here We Go

2010-02-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

The past week we have been sorting through all of the things that it takes to pull Adrift Art Studio up and set her back on her feet. Things might not be running but they are beginning to show signs of the ability to stand upright, without crutches. The thought for a while was to postpone an open house until things were better organized. All week C.S. has been mulling the idea over in her head. A tiny voice in the back of her mind keeps telling her to wait a couple weeks.

Jill has been nose to the grind stone, sorting and labeling all of the inventory for Handcrafted Jewelry USA. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. The jewelry components are tiny and require a lot of handling before they ever make their way to becoming a finished product. It seems to be never ending from time to time. Jill just about gets to the bottom of a box and C.S. hands her another one.

The process is coming along but time has come to let it go and concentrate on the reason for Adrift Art Studio. With that thought in mind and a burning desire to push forward C.S. Alexis says open the doors, "Ready or not here we go".

So here it is, a not so formal invitation to everyone.

WHAT: Adrift Art Studio Open House
WHEN: Saturday, February 27, 2010
WHERE: Due to security please contact C.S. Alexis the following email address
swiz@att.net
Time: 2PM - 5PM

Adrift Art Studio Open House Coming Soon

2010-02-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Now it is a big push for C.S. Alexis to get all the finishing touches put on her new art studio. There is still so much to do. C.S. has an attitude about it. She feels that the entire experience is a "God Thing" and it will all come off just perfect. That does not mean she is not a bit anxious about the journey.

Taking it one step at a time is hard for her. She wants to hurry up and get it done. That is her nature. Same reason she had to buy a high speed wood burning tool and likes to paint with acrylics. When it comes to artwork, patience is not really one of her virtuous sides. She likes to work in speed and endurance. Get it down and move on. Oil painting was never her cup of tea. It takes too long for the paint to dry!

Digital photography is wonderful. Snap a photo and have a great quality print in a matter of minutes. Yes C.S. Alexis is all about getting it done fast, but fast is not always best. This is why she likes to work on several different projects at the same time. It is also why she likes to practice gardening. You can not rush Mother Nature when it comes to growing plants. It forces C.S. to be mindful about the right time and right place for things to happen in a positive outcome. She has learned over the years to take life as it comes and try not to get too edgy over things that will not make a difference in 40 years.

So the studio is coming along and it looks to be a good place for getting the speedy work accomplished as well as the time consuming creations. Won't be long until C.S. is pounding out some very creative works in the new Adrift Art Studio.

Adrift Art Studio Open House Saturday February 27

2010-02-16T05:37:00.001-08:00

The time is edging closer for the big day. C.S. can hardly wait to show the progress that has been made in rebuilding Adrift Art Studio. Most of the boxes have been unpacked and most of the furnishings have been replaced. There are still a few things that have to be moved back from another location but that is only a matter of making another trip with a van.

Jill is back on board and ready to get started working in the new studio. What C.S. has been doing for the last few months is working wherever she can clear a space in her office or the dining room of her home. It has been a struggle. Not having an area to spread out and work when she has available time has been quite frustrating to say the least.

It is a great reward to see things falling in to place and the excitement is building as C.S. Alexis gains momentum on reaching a goal that has prevailed through a turbulent journey. Adrift Art Studio Lives.

Receiving Adrift Art Studio Born Again

2010-02-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

The work is boring as C.S. sorts through box after box of items she had stored away after the flood. Much of it was jammed away as quickly as possible to get it out of the way. All of the repair work that had to be completed meant removing everything to another location.

The flood water seeping in slowly allowed some time to grab whatever was in sight and carry it to higher ground. Over a matter of hours all that could be snatched up was and in the bustle things were mixed up. The house adjoining ours was in serious danger. Their basement wall caved and that put an immediate halt to our salvaging what we could from our own. The ground in common to our neighbors house was compromised when their wall caved meaning it was just not worth the risk to continue our mission.

Adrift Art Studio shared that common ground with the neighbors house and trying to remove anything from that side of the building could have resulted in serious human injury or even death from drowning as the water continued to push it's way in to all the lower areas.

In the aftermath of the storm our basement was full of water and Mother Nature appeared to have won the battle. Adrift was a sunken ship.

Weeks of shoveling, picking, cleaning and packing turned in to months. Piles of debris and bits of the past were tossed into large dumpsters and hauled away. A few things were saved here and there as the massive amount of destruction slowly turned over it's ground to an empty space.

Power washing and mold treatments took center stage in preparing the structure to seek redemption. Scrub and clean, sweep and mop, removing the destroyed and preparing for a rebirth. The roots were still there somewhere, in a box, in the intangible zone, in her nightmares and her dreams.

Many times over the past 17 months it would have been easiest to toss in the towel. Call it a loss and find something else to do. Walking away and not looking back seemed a suspended apple in front of her weary eyes. The challenges often seemed larger than life and the frustrations of personal injury along with a faltering economy added insult to her circumstance. Enter the dragonfly!

Life is an illusion and we can make of it what we will. All we have to do really,is believe. Believe it long enough and it will become a truth. Work toward a belief and it will make the intangible a reality. Do what you have to do to make things happen.We moved fast working to carry all we could up the stairs in hopes of saving it from water damage. Things that stayed in the lowest level were placed up as high as possible off the ground. There was no reason to believe the water would fill the basement to the ceiling. All we could do was what we had done and the rest was up to God and Mother Nature.

Fresh Paint At Adrift Art Studio

2010-02-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Excitement is building as C.S. Alexis begins putting the Adrift Art Studio in to place once more. She has not stopped working as an artist since the big flood wiped out her work area but it sure did slow her down. Not to mention all of the additional turmoil that rebuilding from scratch caused, it has been a war but C.S. Alexis has unwavering determination and perseverance.

Gathering her tools and supplies together she has reached the point where having a home art studio is no longer a dream. No it is not what she had before the flood but with an optimistic viewpoint she is certain that this studio will become the best ever. It all takes time and C.S. has put a multitude of hours in to this project. Her intention is to have a Grand Opening very soon and is currently busy organizing this space in to a functional, productive art studio. Adrift Art Studio LIVES.

Retro Artwork by C.S. Alexis

2010-02-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

Working as much as possible to put my Adrift Art Studio back together. I have been unpacking boxes and sorting and sifting through things that have been stored for what sometimes seems an eternity.

I ran across some photographs of artwork that was produced in the earlier stages of my studio. Here is a sample of work that was done in 1998 during a study period where nature became a driving force in much of my work. Done in Denton Texas from driftwood gathered near DFW Airport in Grapevine Texas.

Nature's Song is an assemblage of driftwood, brass wire, plastic beads and bone. Measuring approx. 12"L x 6"W x 2.5"D

Pulling It All Together

2010-02-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

Adrift Art Studio survived and struggled to resurface as a bigger, better place to work and nurture the ideas and creations of C.S. Alexis. The studio was all but wiped off the map in a major flood that employed the natural destruction of water and mud to do the dirty deed. The majority of materials, tools and furnishings were lost and a visual survey offered insight as to just how difficult it was going to be to start over, rebuild and carry on.

The tangible removed, dirt and mud scrapped and scrubbed away, utilities restored and a fresh coat of paint applied to the repaired concrete walls cast a brighter light on the situation. Not all was lost in the flood. It seems a little water, or a lot of water cannot stop a greater force...... what is a greater force than flood water and moving Earth?

The force of CREATIVITY.

Wake Up And Smell The Jewelry

2010-02-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

Jewelry is a lot like good coffee. It touches us somewhere deep, is comforting and stimulating. It can warm our hearts and set our emotional energies on fire. Valentine's Day is coming soon and it would be a shame if everyone got a box of candy for the event. Jewelry lasts so much longer and it usually does not interrupt plans for dieting or ruin a good meal.
I am telling this because I have all kinds of wonderful jewelry for sale and I want you to find a unique creation at our Handcrafted Jewelry USA store on Etsy, make a purchase and gift it to someone special in your life. You can't go wrong with a gift of jewelry because it is something that will be treasured for life. So wake up and smell the jewelry!

Follow My Jewelry Blog

2010-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

I love to write. I actually make a little money at it. I love making handcrafted jewelry and I make a little money at that too. Key word here is LITTLE. Need to make that word change to something bigger, better and more encouraging to my income. This is an invitation for those of you who would enjoy giving me some help.
Come read my blog. Post your comments below and I will even encourage positive criticism.
Yes, by listening to you, I can learn how to better do what I do. So won't you lend me an eye? Give me some input and help me do what I do best, BETTER???? On that note, how about some feedback on one of my latest jewelry creations? Take a look and leave your constructive critiques in a post on this page.

You can view additional photos of this newest jewelry design in our store at Handcrafted Jewelry USA.

A Valentine Bracelet

2010-01-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the newest items to be found in our Etsy store, Handcrafted Jewelry USA. This 7 1/2" bracelet is truly a beauty. The 18K GP chain is adorned with an assortment of semi precious Black Onyx, Aventurine, Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, and stunning Garnet beads cut to perfection. This bracelet shines and the 12mm Sesame Jasper Heart just polishes it off and pulls it together in a strikingly fashionable style. Visit our store to get a closer look and also check out other handcrafted, one of a kind pieces from Adrift Art Studio and C.S. Alexis.

Calling This Home

2010-01-23T13:23:00.000-08:00

The vote is in and all hands agree. The official blog site for Adrift Art Studio and Handcrafted Jewelry USA is here and now! Isn't this exciting?

We made it official and are sticking with this site. Informative publications such as "how to" articles and jewelry and art information will all be published on HubPages.com just as it has been in the past. What we are saying good bye to are the sites that have served their purpose for the time. Moving forward, up and on we intend to give full attention to this blog.

That means all insights, suggestions, events and shares of interesting materials will be afforded here at the official Handcrafted Jewelry USA blog.

Here is shopping information all about purchasing jewelry beads

2010-01-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

C.S. Alexis has just published her latest hub. This one covers information pertaining to purchasing jewelry beads. The jewelry bead industry is complex simply because there are so many different kinds of jewelry beads on the market. C.S. takes a closer look at the descriptions found on jewelry beads in jewelry supply catalogs and on jewelry bead packaging. Read her article and learn more about the complexities of jewelry beads.

Valentine's Day Special Designs

2010-01-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

C.S. is working almost exclusively on Valentine's Day designs for the Etsy Shop. Make sure to check out the new jewelry offered there. It will be an on going supply of new handcrafted jewelry from Adrift Art Studio. Valentine's Day is the theme. You can count on something a bit different than the every Valentin's day color red. C. S. is doing things a little different...exciting jewelry is what you will find and it is all "one of a kind". Shop now!

Make A Handcrafted Necklace Clasp, Fish Hook Style

2010-01-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

C.S. Alexis has another "how to" article published on HubPages.com, where she is a prominent contributor. This one outlines what it takes to handcraft a fish hook style, jewelry necklace clasp. It is all there to learn including a video demonstrating the action involved. Read it now.

Jewelry How To Article Published

2010-01-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

Here is another one from Adrift Art Studio. C.S. Alexis published this instructional article on HubPages.com. How to make your own jump rings. It includes a quick video and comparison of tools needed to do it your self. Handcrafted by C.S. Alexis.

Valentine's Day Hemp Bracelet Instruction

2010-01-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share this "how to" article with everyone. It is published on HubPages.com and has all the ingredients needed to guide anyone in making a Hemp Valentine's Day bracelet. Make sure to check it out.
You will find a list of tools and materials needed to complete the project with lots of good photos. The design is intended for anyone to be able to make a hemp bracelet in less than one hour. Have fun and enjoy. Happy New Year!

Before Christmas Sale

2009-12-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

We are having a BIG SALE, before Christmas. SAVE SAVE SAVE. Shop Handcrafted Jewelry USA Today and make the most of your gifting money!

Slave Bracelet With Thumb Ring

2009-12-12T17:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest version of my series on slave bracelets. It is up for offer in our shop, We will ship before Christmas so you can have it under the tree!

Get it while it's HOT.

The handcrafted jewelry produced at Adrift Art Studio is all one of a kind production. C.S. does make some jewelry that might be a spin off for a certain style but each item is made as a single unit. There is no mass production to the work. This makes the collection from C.S. Alexis most unique. Many jewelry designers do not make their own designs but have them mass produced and then they just add their name to the work. Not so with the jewelry you will find at Handcrafted Jewelry USA. Buy an original from the hands of a designer not a production worker in a factory.

Finished Jewelry Props

2009-12-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

This has been in the making for some time. The problem was to design some way to display my handcrafted jewelry for the photographs needed to sell the jewelry. It took a lot of thought to come up with a good idea.

Then I had to manufacture the idea. This took a couple of days work in my spare time. Something I have very little of. It is the holiday season and I have been very busy. I managed to stay up late enough to get her finished. I named her two days ago. We call her Missy Nature because I do so love the outdoors.
She will manage the showing of earrings, necklaces and bracelets and I do believe she will be able to handle some rings too. She is a wonder woman and I am very proud of my Missy Nature. You can count on seeing her around. I know I will be seeing her on a regular basis as she has made her home at Adrift Art Studio. Please show a big hand for Missy Nature and I am sure she will be doing the same for you!

Christmas Jewelry

2009-12-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

We love to decorate! It brings out the best in everyone to raise the spirit of the season by decorating the house, the office the yard, and anything else we can think of. It is also a great way to uplift personal spirits on a much closer level. Yes decorating ourselves and others during the holidays is the maximum way to show your holiday colors.
That is where handcrafted Christmas jewelry can shine through and put your Holiday message in the air. C.S. Alexis has a few one of a kind jewelry pieces that are ready to go. Buy them as a gift or maybe treat yourself. It is sure to bring on a festive mood and show your world just how much you enjoy the season. The goodness rubs off too. When you are happy it makes everyone around feel the positive energy in you. So lift yourself or lift someone else. Buy a piece of handcrafted Christmas jewelry and wear it with a smile. Take advantage of the sale and save money now, shop Handcrafted Jewelry USA.

Christmas Sale New Items Big Savings

2009-11-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Time to go Christmas Shopping! Visit our store and you will find a lot of new one of a kind designs from C.S. Alexis. This is the time to show someone you love just how much with a token that speaks from the heart.
C.S. Alexis has a wide assortment of jewelry ready to go. We ship within 3 days so you won't have to worry about getting the items on time. Shop now and save on shipping. See store for details.
We have earrings, bracelets, and necklaces to fit all kinds of occasions. Hurry on in and the best thing is you won't have to leave the house.How about this Christmas Candy Bracelet????

A Little Autobiography/ C.S. Alexis Artist

2009-11-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hubpages.com holds a place for anyone who enjoys writing and publishing. In fact it IS the best place on the web to do so. That is why C.S. has been writing there for the past 2 years. Not only is it a great place to write, it is a wonderful community of very creative people.

There is a somewhat older hub that C.S. published there on HubPages. You can view some of her very private drawings right from her personal sketchbooks. She also wrote a little background on her youngest years of developing in to a contemporary artist. Take a look at that review.

Creating Props To Photograph Jewelry

2009-11-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

My photography is coming alive with the use of props to bring out the color and style of handcrafted jewelry from Adrift Art Studio. The idea is to make it look as good as it does in real life. It is looking brighter and better all the time.

Getting Ready For The Holidays

2009-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

This is a busy time of year at Adrift Art Studio. Artist, C.S. Alexis is busy designing sets for the photography. So much more goes in to this work than most people realize. It takes a lot to put it all together. Yes there is jewelry to make and then there is the photography. There are props to display the finished pieces, and there is a store to operate.
It involves so many more hours to put it all together and make a nice package to offer to the public. I invite everyone to visit our store, Handcrafted Jewelry USA on eBay. We will be having some great sales through the holidays so be sure to include our jewelry in your gift giving. You will find one of a kind pieces and reasonable prices so come shop with us.

New designs from Adrift Art Studio

2009-11-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

Getting the photos in slow but sure. Keep us in mind for Black Friday. This will be a sterling silver affair!

Watch This Weekend Additions

2009-11-13T05:54:00.000-08:00

Up and coming this weekend C.S. has several new works ready to go to the photo station.

Most of the work is done in silver with that beautiful shine made just for holiday gift giving. C.S. Alexis makes one of a kind jewelry that is inspired by daily life and all the commotion surrounding the busy world we live in.

Wearing jewelry is one of those little things we can do to uplift our inner child and make tiny personal statements that help to keep us going. Jewelry is good for the soul and C.S. Alexis wants to offer each handcrafted piece in a very special way. You won't see work that is produced with any more love than the energy C.S. puts in to her jewelry. Stay tuned.

Just Published How To Make A Silver Necklace Clasp

2009-11-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

C.S. Just published a new "how to" hub on HubPages.com. There are lots of photos and easy to follow directions for those who would like to learn how to make a silver clasp for a necklace. This clasp could also be used for a bracelet. Read that hubpage now. Making jewelry is lots of fun and C. S. Alexis is happy to share the know how.

10% Savings From Artbeads.com Jewelry Supplies

2009-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

Just in the mail. I have here a code that all my blogger friends can use to save 10% from the Artbeads store online. Free Shipping in the USA and $1. shipping to Canada. This code is good until 12/31/09 expiration. Shop Artbeads.com now and save by using the code below....

SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424

Tell them C.S. Alexis sent you from Handcrafted Jewelry USA. Happy shopping now.

Visit Our Store

2009-11-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

Now that we have Halloween behind us there is plenty going on at Adrift Art Studio. Lots to do and new additions going to the store are keeping us very busy. This is an extended invitation to everyone to come visit Handcrafted Jewelry USA on eBay and find that special gift you are looking for.

Remember all our jewelry is "one of a kind" so you won't see your purchase dangling from another body. C.S. Alexis takes great pride in producing jewelry that is special. Shop our store regular because we will be adding many items over the next two months. Happy Autumn to all.

This Handcrafted Halloween Bracelet Is Going To China

2009-09-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Extreme Halloween beads that Jill came up with at my Adrift Art Studio have been getting some attention since I turned them in to bracelets. We put them for sale in our eBay store and one in particular, looks like it will be headed to China. Looks like Handcrafted Jewelry USA is trying to go International. We shipped the bracelet pictured here to England earlier this year. It is one of the bracelet designs crafted by C.S. Alexis.

Watch for some new items coming soon!

Halloween Jewelry

2009-09-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

Here is an article that might lend some thought to making Halloween Jewelry. These are fun and will put your imagination to work. C.S. Alexis likes to add those special touches to Halloween Costumes and these Extreme Halloween Bracelets are one way of making that happen. Read these suggestions and then give your own imagination some freedom to play with the idea. You are sure to have some fun with creating extreme art beads for Halloween.

This is an invitation

2009-09-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Please visit our store Handcrafted Jewelry USA. It is time to start shopping for holiday gifts and we have some great buys on one of a kind jewelry items handcrafted from Adrift Art Studio. Make sure to check it out now.

Recycle and art

2009-07-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

There is much to be done with recycled materials in the art field. Try adapting some recycled materials in your art or jewelry. It is fun and great for the environment. It is also good for your own pocketbook. Here is another article by C.S. Alexis from Adrift Art Studio on recycled materials and creativity. Take a look, it might give you some brain storming ideas.

Link Correction

2009-07-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is to update the proper address Link for the September Collectibles store located at the Art Garage Sale. I had linked to the home page instead of the store. Here is the proper link for September Collectibles on Art Garage Sale.

Doing Dirty Driftwood

2009-07-15T05:16:00.000-07:00

Over the years C.S. Alexis made various approaches to cleaning up the driftwood she uses in her pyrographic art. The wood is almost guaranteed to be dirty. Sometimes it will be host to various insects and other unwanted creepy, crusty things. Time and testing moved her to a point where she has certain actions she takes as soon as the driftwood makes it's way back to Adrift Art Studio.

This article shares how to clean the driftwood up, dry it out and make it ready to turn in to a nice work of art. Read it on HubPages.com with artist C.S. Alexis.

A closer look at jewelry making

2009-07-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Reading up on materials to make your handcrafted jewelry will help better prepare you for shopping for the perfect elements. This HubPage.com article by C.S. Alexis is a good read for anyone interested in making their own jewelry. You will find information about how beads are made and how they are sized as well as kinds of material beads are made of. C.S. also shares some history on beads throughout civilization. Read it now.

Pyrography

2009-07-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

Wood burning is a very old art form C.S. Alexis has been working with this for many years and hopes to encourage others to also get involved in the craft. It is fun, different and can be adapted to many creative projects. You can get started with this craft for a minimal investment of time and money. C.S.has put together a hub to help you get started. Read this article.

Exploring Mixed Media Artwork

2009-07-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

C.S. Alexis published a popular article on HubPages.com that delves in to creating artworks using driftwood, pyrographics and acrylic paints. This is one of several pyrographic, mixed media articles. See how this artist creates one of a kind fish from driftwood. It will stimulate your creative energy.

Read About Super Pendants

2009-07-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

This article written by artist, C.S. Alexis and published on HubPages.com will cause inspiration and make you want to spend an entire weekend handcrafting jewelry. There are some really wonderful findings on the market if you know just where to look. These pendants from ArtBeads.com are exceptional.

Want to handcraft your own jewelry?

2009-07-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

C.S Alexis has published an article to help people get started in handcrafting jewelry. It is fun, it is creative and to help get you started, read this article on HubPages.com by C.S. Alexis. It is sure to help you figure out where to start.

My Good Friend SweetiePie Writes "How To"

2009-07-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

There is a very interesting woman on HubPages who writes some very good directions for handcrafting jewelry. Her latest hub features how to make a necklace out of a flower button. I would encourage you to read her hub and then you will be able to make a necklace too.

Handcrafting a garden sign

2009-07-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

This crafty project is a lot of fun and a great way to express personal feelings in your garden and yard. Hnadcrafting a sign is not too hard and it is something you can do in just a couple hours. C.S. Alexis has published very detailed directions on HubPages, How To Make A Garden Sign. They are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your own design.

Just Opened New Store

2009-07-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a new phase for Adrift Art Studio, C. S. Alexis and company. We have opened a new store on ebay that will be handling all the works from Adrift Art Studio and Handcrafted Jewelry USA. We are very excited to bring you this exclusive invitation to join us for your shopping pleasure. Please visit our store and tell us what you think.

Want to learn more about jewelry making?

2009-07-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

C.S. Alexis is a writer as well as an artist. She shares some knowledge on handcrafting jewelry in this article about stringing materials. Want to learn more about jewelry making? Read it now.

Coming soon........

2009-06-30T05:49:00.000-07:00

C.S. Alexis has an extensive background in jewelry making. She also has a passion for the craft of pyrography also known as wood burning. The past few weeks she has been mixing the two together to create one of a kind fashion pendants and other exciting jewelry fashions in her Adrift Art Studio.
It won't be long and C.S. will be showing this work in specialty stores on the net. You can get an inside view about C.S. Alexis this artist's review. Go inside her private sketchbooks and .......

Read about beads

2009-06-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

This hubpage article C.S. Alexis has published tells much about beads for jewelry makers who enjoy a little history. Did you know that bead making is probably one of the first art forms?

Make These Easy Hemp Bracelets For 4TH of July Fashion

2009-06-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Make These Easy Hemp Bracelets For 4TH of July Fashion
Read the directions on HubPages when you follow the link.

Behind The Scene At Adrift Art Studio

2009-06-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

We are taking advantage of the nice HOT weather in the Art Studio by taking our workshop outside. The weather has been so much warmer that it seemed a shame to work indoors. The birds and the bees were calling us to come outside and play!

We set up shop in a makeshift way and it is nose to the grind stone. That is a fact as Jill works to produce items that should be in store for the up coming Christmas Holidays. We have a big production we are hard at work with. This will be one of the ways we celebrate what the USA stands for in the way of FREEDOM and will be in store soon. Stay tuned as we work to create unusual and creative jewelry and gifts at Handcrafted Jewelry USA. All of the things we are developing are one of a kind originals.

Adrift Art Studio is proud to help young artists work at mastering their creative skills and learn as they work. Jill has been coming to the studio for a couple of years and she loves to work in all kinds of artistic mediums. She has been a great asset to our growth and we just LOVE her. It Is All About The Love!

Here We Go .......Up For Sale..........ONE OF A KIND.....

2009-06-19T01:27:00.001-07:00

Made from soft white hemp that is knotted and adorned with sterling silver beads and rings, this bracelet will go nice with your summer white attire.
This is one of my favorite pieces. It is simple, dainty, and "Down to Earth" charming. You can buy it today at September Collectibles so buy it now. It is a one of a kind and will not last long.

Click on the photo to enlarge it for a much closer look to see the sweet simplicity of this fine piece of handcrafted one of a kind jewelry.