Crazy money manners

I am really puzzled, really. I could not believe that this kind of ideas really come to people’s minds! Apparently this activity is so popular that it made its way to the good money manners advice In the Daily Worth News Feed:

"
Le Gaffe: Giving to charity in someone else's name, instead of a gift.

Le Fixe: It sounds high-minded, but giving to a cause in the name of a friend or relative isn't a gift for them. It's a donation by you. Before going philanthropic, inquire whether there's something the person really wants—or needs.
"

Maybe I just don’t have that cultural background, but I’m seriously struggling to imagine that any of my friends would congratulate me with my Bday by giving money to a charity “from me”. What kind of weird creativity is this?....
I’m confused. Puzzled...Puzzzzzzzzled... * somebody, push the Reset button!* :)

Peach Wings Earrings

I finally decided to transfer my wire wrapping skills into sterling silver. I can’t say I’m going very bold here, but it’s definitely a shift, since silver is a bit stiffer and thus behaves a bit differently. Besides, it sets a myriad of different color palettes!
This pure white shining metal inspired me to make something with a similar message - angel wings. To be on a brighter side (which is my preference in life anyway :)), I wrapped them with colorful orange agate beads and swarovski crystals.
Then I looked at the piece and realized that the center looked empty and was begging for an drop of the divine shine. So I added cubic zirconia soft peach briolettes, and here we go!

Actually I was thinking recently about making a tutorial for making hammered jewelry. I know that all artisans have their own little secrets, ruses and tricks when working with wire. I’m willing to share mine, only if I had time for everything :)))

Enjoy your Day, Maria.

Etsy Gift Certificates awaiting

I thought a long time about posting Gift Certificates in my Two’s Ruse shop.
I read a huge deal of information about local gift certificate’s laws:
Consumer Union
www.ncsl.org

I read the etsy policies about gift certificates:
Gift Certificates in Your Shop

And how much it annoys poor sellers to obey this policies:
Angry Sellers Thread

And finally...still. I don’t feel ready to get involved into this mess, even though I’ve made a Gift Certificate template:
I guess for now, I’m going to give them personally to people I know personally or to customers who specifically ask for them.

Another Day - another banner

This is a new attempt of mine to match my style of photography, artwork, colors of the gemstones I use, and the spirit/atmosphere of the shop in one image.
The new banner was born from 10 new vector brushes, couple of hours of the color confusion and positive inspiration given by two nice guys who bought presents for girls in my shop :)
Here it is:

Oooooh....

I don't wonna wooooooooork!... Ah if anybody knew how much I want just to drink yummy herbal tea, skim through pages of fashion magazines and snuggle in a comfy chair!..
I need a motivation drink!

Ask high-end designers a question!

I just found this GREAT opportunity on the Vogue site!

I dared to ask John Galliano, Miuccia Prada and Thakoon Panichgul if they believe in "handmade":
"Now, when self-creativity is so popular among all women in the world, would it affect the fashion branding as well?
Can you imagine high-end brands producing "assemble yourself" kits with accessories or selling "transformer" clothes for successful women who strive for being a part of the creation process? "

Let's unify our efforts! Let's attract the high-end fashion designers' attention to the handmade movement!

There is little time left (till December 9), so hurry if you have something to ask! Full announcement is here:
http://www.vogue.com/voguedaily/2009/12/you-ask-they-answer-dolce-gabbana-john-galliano-of-dior-christopher-kane-donna-karan-prada-thakoon/

I discovered i terrific online graphics tool!
Check out Image Spark: http://www.imgspark.com/
Creating an account is free, plus you get 2Gbt of space to upload and drag pictures from your own library and the libraries of others.
Also, you can save up to 2 mood boards for free.
I’m just getting familiar with the site, and it already feels definitely fun!
Look at my first mood board:))