CREATIONS BY TONI

More New Creations

2010-08-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

Finally here.....New Creations!!!

2010-06-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some new creations by Creations by Toni in time for summer.

Been MIA for quite some time

2010-06-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

They say when life gives you lemons make lemonade...well live has been giving me tons of lemons. Last May my father passed unexpectedly. That was a very difficult time for me. Two months after his death, my husband of 20 years and counting, became ill. He was in constant and severe pain 24/7. He lost weight to where he was skin and bones. Most shockingly, he went from being 6'1 to 5'8 which is something I thought I'd never see. For months he made trips to doctors and specialist and no one could tell him what was wrong with him. The pain became unbearable. After several misdiagnosis, he was finally diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. There is no known cause of the disease. The doctors keep telling us that it just happens to people. Okay...so I lost my dad and was then threatened with losing my husband. I know God doesnt give us more than we can handle but this was pushing me to the edge...and still is. Thankfully Steve has the kind of myeloma that can go into permanent remission. His chemotherapy is going well. He is still in pain and has not regained any of his height back. The weight is slowly coming up but he is still incredibly thin. This trial is like a nightmare that I pray to one day wake up from.

New Fall Creations

2009-09-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fall creations.

New Creations

2009-08-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

I'm finally getting back into the groove of things and creating more new pieces. More to come...

I made this lovely necklace for my good friend Tracy of JacsPlace.

I created this piece while I was working a late shift from home. It helped keep me awake.lol

This sunny necklace was made for my sister.

Visit my shop at www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com Or visit my website at www.creationsbytoni.officelive.web.com

More New Creations

2009-05-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Boy! I've been busy. Here are more new creations. For more visit me at www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com or www.creationsbytoni.web.officelive.com

New Creations

2009-05-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

I needed to refresh my mind. Here are a few new creations that I did in one day. Check out my new website... www.creationsbytoni.web.officelive.com. I've taken new pictures of my jewelry.

New Brooch

2009-04-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest brooch in my collection of brooches.

New Ways to Promote Sales

2009-04-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Once again the creative wheels are turning in my head. This weekend, I had a girl's night at my house. Not only was it filled with good food, drinks, laughter and chatter, we also included ideas. In trying to find ways to increase jewelry sales, we came up with the idea of pairing the jewelry with clothing and or handbags to see if it will boost sales. I've posted a couple of items on EBay to test the idea. The clothes was donated by a close friend. Hopefully this idea will lure potential buyers.

Newest Creation

2009-04-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here it is...tadaaaa! My newest creation as I attempt to step outside of the box. I incorporated buttons in this champagne pearl necklace. I am selling it with this 100% paper straw handbag because it has a button on it...clever huh?:-D.

Facebook

2009-04-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

For months, I have been traveling through the world of Facebook. I have had the opportunity to reconnect with friends that I haven't talked to in years. There is one connection that I am glad was made...I've reconnected with the friend that ignited the flame in my jewelry designing, Rina. She and her husband owned a shop locally. We attended the same church and they graciously allowed me to work for them. She taught me the basics. Since we've reconnected, she has been giving me tips on designing and growing my shop, where to purchase beads and how to shop for them. Helpful hint: yard sales!:-D She also encouraged me to expand my horizons...step outside of the box. She suggested that I incorporate other items in my jewelry designs. I will now take her advice and began creating using not only beads but incorporate other usable items in my jewelry. So, in the upcoming weeks, I will began a new era.

In the Spotlight...KiwiArts Part Two

2009-03-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Beth Peters talents does not stop with painting. Are you looking for original art? Need an original or handmade gift? Maybe you love conversation pieces at your parties. Look at Kiwi Arts! Beth specialize in acrylics, mixed media of all sorts, hand painted glass and accessories for every occasion.

Kiwi Arts is pleased to announce her new Hand Painted, Eco Friendly, Natural Wood, Fashion Bangle Bracelets to her Etsy shop. Image Spa in Snellville Georgia will be carrying her Eco Friendly Natural Wood Bracelets. Beth has sanded, painted, and sealed her original designs on these wonderful bangles.

The best news is that Image Spa in Snellville Georgia has agreed to carry Beth's Art and Accessories. They have come up with the wonderful idea of having her paint wine glasses with their beautiful Iris Image Spa Logo. They will give these wine glasses to their couples (couple's massage), and their loyal customers. She is proud to be the artist painting those wonderful glasses for them.

In The SpotLight...KiwiArts

2009-03-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

In the spotlight this week is KiwiArts. Beth Peters, full time Administrative Assistant, mother of five, actress, paranormal investigator, dancer, married to her best friend George "Georgie", is a graveyard shift artist with a passion for paint. Beth studied art/painting at Spurill Art Center for the Arts in Atlanta Georgia under the direction of Chery Baird. It gave her a start to fulfill her desires of freedom.

Kiwi-Arts was founded after a long journey of visions. Beth began painting a few years after the passing of her father, an artist himself. Though she never had the chance to learn from him, his passion and creative vision was flowing through her. Her father had a gift of seeing things differently than most people. Beth never understood those visions until she began having them herself.

One morning, Beth woke with a strong desire to experience paint with the sense of touch...to feel the paint in her bare hands, to touch the bristles of the brushes. She developed a connection to the paint as visions were revealed mixing the colors and putting them on a canvas. She came to a realization that her father was communicating with her through her paintings. Though her father never had the chance to be a parent to her here on earth, she is satisfied in knowing he still has a hand on her from beyond by bestowing upon her a gift and passion for painting.

If I had to describe Beth Peters work in one word, that word would be SERENE. Before reading her profile, I viewed her artwork. Looking beyond the obvious picture lies beneath a sense of calm. Her paintings captures the uncensored innocence within oneself. The colors and quality of her work add to the peacefulness in her paintings. It is as though you get two paintings. One is visibily her talented work and the second is the one in which you visualize as your own.

It's not often you can find a piece of work that you can interpret to fit your style. For example, her painting "Walk to the Beach". At first glance, it is a breathtaking painting of a walk down the pier to the beach. My visualization of the painting immediately drifts to a pier in Jekyll Island, GA and the wonderful memories my family shared vacationing there. Inside, I felt that innocent childhood warmth of wanting to reconnect with the past for old time sake.
Walk to the Beach

Beth describes her paintings best..."All of my paintings are a spiritual journey and my hope is that my audience is able to feel this journey as they view my pieces."

Below are a few of her visions...look beyond and tell me what is your vision.

"Purple Passion"

"Visitor"

"Family"

Newest Brooch

2009-03-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

I will spend the day creating new pieces. I will also post a new spotlight shop this evening. So many of my friends loved reading about the unique shops spotlighted. I hope they purchase from you.

Here's the newest brooch. I know it is big and gaudy but I hear the bigger and flashier the brooch, the better.

Here's the set I completed for my sister. She purchased the black one from me, someone loved it and she gave it to them. Another person saw the black necklace and loved so I have to make one for that person. My sister, daring to be different wanted green for herself.

Green is for spring!

MIA

2009-03-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I have been MIA for a couple of weeks due to school. I was attending school to do medical coding. Last Monday I completed my course passing my finals. I have A's in both classes and an overall average of 4.0. YAY! Now comes the hard part...studying for my CCA certification exam and finding a job.

I am back to creating. I have completed a set for my sister. I am currently trying to fill jewelry orders for friends. I am going to start making brooches since I have had a couple of orders for some. I will post my latest brooch. Tell me what you think.

Note: The customer always tell me the bigger the brooch the better so it may appear big and gaudy.

I finally got some snow!

2009-03-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

After whining all winter about not getting any snow, it finally snowed. The snow only lasted a day but we enjoyed it for that day. The day before it snowed, it was a beautiful sunny 73 degrees. By noon the following day, it was a arctic 32 degrees with snow flurries. Check out the pictures of my kids the day before the snow and my yard during our snlow flurries.(lol)

New Creations

2009-03-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

Here are more new creations from my Etsy store.

In The Spotlight

2009-02-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

The name of her shop says it all...Crafts From My Heart. When you see her creative work, you can see that each piece is crafted with love as if it holds a special place in her heart. Liz, has been a work at home mom for 22 years and have been a crafting for many years. By looking at her work, you would never guess that she is a self taught artist. However, you will see that she enjoys painting on glass, wood and whatever she can get her hands on. Her crafts give you that warm and cozy feeling of coming home to the smell of a fresh baked apple pie. Liz also loves to sew and create all types of crafts such as primitive Americana, Country, and Victorian. For more of her creative crafts, Please stop by and visit her shoppe "Craft From My Heart".

Liz is already feeling spring fever. She has also begun preparing for Easter. Here are samples of crafts from Liz's heart.

Primitive Doll

Straw Primitive Wreath With Bunnies

Hand painted Teapot

Glass Vase with a Basket

Victorian Wreath

New Creations

2009-02-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I took some time out to redo my Etsy shop. Spring will be here soon. So, I did some spring cleaning to my shop. I retook my pictures and will be adding new spring items all this week. Here are a few pieces that I've added. www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

Blue Bangle Set

Swirl Fashion Necklace Set

Spiked Necklace Set

In The Spotlight...RosalynScent

2009-02-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

In the spotlight this week is Rosalinda a.k.a Rosalyn. Rosalyn is the happily married mom of five wonderful children. She is CEO of Rosalyn Scents and loves blending scents to create that one perfect unique scent. As a tribute to her mother, Rosalyn began at an early age following the path her mom walked down...mixing two or more different perfume scents to create the perfect scent.

When Rosalyn was around the age of eight, she recalls an incident after her mom had mixed several scents to create that special one-of-a-kind scent. They were walking in the shopping area of downtown Brooklyn. They entered a store called Mays. A man began following them. Her mom asked in a sassy voice, "Why are you following me? Do you know me?" The man replied, "No. But I like your perfume. Do you mind telling me what are you wearing? Smiling, her mom said, "It's called Rosalyn Scents and you can't find it in stores." Keeping with her mom's tradition, Rosalyn strives to make sure her hands create the best bath and body products to ensure that Rosalyn Scents are perfect.

Rosalyn is also proud to announce that a portion of her proceeds go toward Breast Cancer Awareness. Rosalyn Scents is now offering a Birthday Club. See Rosalyn's blog for further details. http://www.rosalynsbathandbody.blogspot.com/ Also, COMING SOON! to Rosalyn Scents will be a line of hair care products.

Here are a few of her products.

In The Spotlight...Jac's Place

2009-02-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air! Stop by Jac's Place to say "I love you" with a personal touch. Purchase a beautiful Valentine's Day card handcrafted with love. To purchase one of these lovely cards by Tracy, visit: www.jacsplace.etsy.com

NOTE: Cards will be sent Priority Mail in order to get to you in time for the holiday! Add more cards to your order without additional shipping cost!! Wow! What a deal!

Valentine Card-Love Is

Valentine Card-Cherish Love

Valentine Card-Love Is You

Valentine Card - Love

In The Spotlight...Jac's Place

2009-02-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to turn the spotlight on Tracy Montague of Jac's Place. I have had the pleasure of getting to know this incredibly creative lady. Since 2002, Tracy, loving wife and mother of two wonderful children, has been creating unique handcrafted cards and gifts. I was curious at to how she got the name of her shop, Jac's Place. I found out JAC stands for the nickname her husband gave her - Joanna Arts & Crafts!

Tracy also offers membership to join her Greeting Card Club. Each month you will receive five cards. Three cards will be general themes...ex.,Thank You, Hello, Birthday. And, two cards will be a holiday theme. For more details visit: http://www.jacsplace.com/.

Here are some of her amazing creations.

Altered Tin - Girl Theme with 4 Stamping Bella Cards

Set of 4 handmade cards - great for sending to your special friends! * 1 card says SMILE and HI*, 1 card says I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU*, 1 card says LAUGH, DANCE and BE MERRY*, 1 card says HELLO

You can find Jac's Place at the following locations: http://www.jacsplace.com/, http://www.jacsplace.etsy.com/

From Tracy's Kitchen To Yours

TACO SOUP

1 lb ground beef 1 onion (brown these 2)
3 cans of diced tomatoes (16 oz size)
1 can corn, 1 can dark beans
2 packages taco seasoning
1 pack package hidden valley ranch dressing
1 cup water
Brown beef and onion, add other ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. I put nachos in a bowl, pour soup over it and top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream! YUM and enjoy!

~Awards~

2009-01-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

Awards - WOO HOO
Awards Awards!!! Who doesn't like to be recognized. I was given this award by my friend Military Momz. Here are the rules!

#1 You must link back to the person you received the award from.#2 You have to nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award!

1.) Tracy Montague Jacs Place
2.) Krista Clyburn, WAHM Addicts
3.) Military Momz Military Momz
4.) Coach Jenn, Personal Fitness Coach
5.) RosalynScents Rosalyn Bath and Body
6.) Maureen Daniels, Online Shopping Mall
7.) Kyra Black Threads In Kids Lit
8.) JazzyJemz Jazzy Jemz
9.) Anna The House of Mouse
10.) Margarita Cruz, Candle Momma

Funky Heart Necklace

2009-01-26T21:40:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day is this Funky Heart Necklace.
This funky heart is the centerpiece for this necklace suspended on a silverplated matte finish chain. Peace and Love earrings complete this retro look. Perfect for a teen.

Earrings R-Us

2009-01-26T21:37:00.001-08:00

Add style to your outfit with a pair of earrings designed by Creations By Toni. www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

Newest Creation

2009-01-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

Sassy? Classy? Funky? You decide the look of these earrings for the outfit of your choice. I personally choose sassy. It's perfect for a day at the mall, or if you want to dress down your work attire. These earrings will make any woman feel 10 years younger.:-D

Spring Is Near!

2009-01-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

Spring is near! Soon it will be time to bring out the sundresses. What would look great with a sundress? Try this shell pendant which is the focal of this glass pearl necklace. Pastel colors will soften the look of your spring outfit. www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

1, 2, 3 Stretch!

2009-01-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

Just in time for spring are these stretch bracelets. Perfect for teens! They look great with a dress or tee shirt and jeans. Reasonably priced. http://www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com/

Assorted Beaded Necklace

2009-01-16T15:40:00.001-08:00

Warm and classy, this assorted bead necklace is a must have. A mixture of luster, champagne glass pearl, mother of pearl natural shell beads, this necklace is perfect for your jewelry collection. It can also be worn as a belt. Matching earrings complete the set. It drapes 20 inches around the neck. $35 www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

Blooming Flowering Brooch

2009-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

This Flowering Blooming Brooch is a favorite of many of my customer. I recently sold a similar item to a lady in Australia. This brooch is a combination of natural unshaped pearls, light blue glass pearls highlighted with oval and coin shells. For $20, this masterpiece can be yours to dress up your spring outfits. www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

New Creations

2009-01-10T11:52:00.001-08:00

www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

These are two of my newest creations that will draw compliments from all of your friends.

Jasper: landscape in stone

2009-01-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

The name means "spotted or speckled stone", and can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. Jasper can appear as an opaque rock of shades of red due to mineral impurities. Patterns can arise from the formation process and from flow patterns in the sediment or volcanic ash that was saturated with silica to form jasper, yielding bands or swirls in the rock. Jasper is known to have been a favorite gem in the ancient world. Healed fractures produce brecciated jasper. In the Book of Revelations (21:11), the new Jerusalem descending from heaven is described as follows: "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal."

New Items

2009-01-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of designing new jewelry. Each day, I will strive to add 3 new items on my shop. I am trying to reach 100 sales on Etsy this year so swing by my shop and check out what's new. Here are a few pieces I created today. Visit me at http://www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com/

Floating Pink Necklace

Chunky Turquoise Bracelet

Turquoise Necklace Pendant

Floating Green Necklace Set

Coral...the perfect embodiment of Man's longing for summer

2009-01-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com/

Coral has been used for decorative purposes and esteemed as a protective stone since time immemorial. Even today, red corals are still worn as a talisman to protect the wearer against evil spirits in many cultures. Modern gemstone therapists too highly esteem its positive effects. Coral, it is said, relieves tension and fear and promotes positive forms of social life. The ancient faith in the protective and invigorating force of coral is perpetuated in the custom of putting a necklace of red corals round the neck of a small child. Young girls too are often given a fine coral necklace as their first piece of jewellery. Yet coral is more than that: in some wonderful way coral reflects the complexion of its wearer, developing a positively irresistible effect on her bare skin. Coral is one of the most attractive decorative materials imaginable. Created by ICA Gem Bureau Idar-Oberstein

Turquiose "Gemstone of the People"

2009-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

www.creationsbytoni.etsy.com

In many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, turquoise has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. The turquoise is ancient yet it finds itself back in fashion. Its shining sky blue is one of the most popular trend colours in the world of jewellery and fashion. The Persian scholar Al-Qazwini, for example, wrote: 'The hand that wears a turquoise and seals with it will never see poverty.' Turquoise should be protected from cosmetics, heat and bright light. It is not a gemstone to take with you when you go sunbathing. It is best to give it a clean from time to time with a soft cloth. Anyone choosing a turquoise is sure to enjoy a piece of Heaven ... on Earth. Created by ICA Gem Bureau Idar-Oberstein

What Does Your Horoscope Have In Store For You This New Year?

2009-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Capricorn January 2009
You’re in the money! At least, you will be soon. On January 5, lucky Jupiter starts a yearlong spin through your second house of finance and self-worth. Jovial Jupiter brings abundance to everything it touches. This year, you’ll grow to value yourself and what you have to offer the world, increasing your profits along the way. Last year, Jupiter was in Capricorn, setting off a new 12-year cycle for you. Many Capricorns made bold new beginnings, perhaps even a total lifestyle change. It was an adventurous year of self-discovery. Now, it’s back to work — your favorite thing to do! Whatever you launched last year, you can begin to manifest it into tangible results and income in 2009.
Don’t worry too much about the economy, because the stars are truly on your side. If you leave one job, you’ll be sure to attract something bigger, better and more exciting. A big opportunity could really come at January 26, when a solar eclipse falls in your second house. Eclipses bring unexpected news and opportunities, along with flashes of insight that propel us forward. Get your resume ready if you’re job-searching, or be prepared to take an exciting meeting around this day. From January 11 through February 1, Mercury will be retrograde (moving backward) in your money sector. Mercury retrograde is notorious for causing communication and technology breakdowns, but it’s also an opportunity to review plans. Sit down and refine your budget during this period, and call up old work contacts. A former coworker could lead you to an exciting opportunity. Don’t let pride stop you from reaching out — people will be glad to help if you don’t make a big fuss over asking. Keep your requests simple and direct. An old self-confidence issue could flare during this retrograde, or you may find yourself feeling antsy in your daily environment.
Use the Mercury retrograde to redecorate, or maybe even bring in a feng shui master or interior decorator. Ask yourself: Does my home make me feel beautiful, peaceful and centered? It’s important that all your daily rituals nurture your soul — from showering to dressing to cooking to sleeping. Go through your work space and each room of your house, and add some beauty wherever you see it missing. In relationship news (yes, we finally have some for you), January 11 could be a five-star day. A Cancer full moon illuminates your seventh house of committed relationships, bringing a soft, nurturing glow to your love life. Let yourself feel a little sentimental that day. If you’re single, create a ritual or offering at this moon to draw in the love you want. You might even make symbolic space for two in your home. For example, if you sleep on a full-size mattress, upgrade to a queen or king. Or just leave out a second coffee cup in the morning. Simple little gestures of “acting as if” will pull this partnership energy toward you. The real trick for you will be to shore up the faith that you can truly have what you want — and all of it.
Your ruling planet, Saturn, is retrograde until May 16 in your ninth house of the higher mind. You’ll need to work extra hard to keep your faith, inspiration and big-picture vision alive. We recommend doing as much writing, journaling and visual expression as possible. Try a daily or weekly “dream call” with a friend, where you each read each other a short description of your goals and check in on progress. You need to stay out of your head, and these tangible reminders will help. Capricorn, you can be pragmatic to the point of pessimism at times. While you like to work hard to earn your keep, consider that you can trust things that come to you easily. Chances are, you’ve paid a lifetime of dues already, and the foundation is set. This year’s exciting challenge is to trust in the incredible abundance that’s coming your way. Don’t build a dam to stop it — let it burst through the gates and flood your life. You’ll expand and learn to handle it! —Provided by the AstroTwins, astrostyle.com

James Patterson Community Fan and Member

2008-12-31T20:46:00.001-08:00

I Love James Patterson's Books!

2008-12-31T20:44:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-31T20:07:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I WISH ALL OF YOU A VERY SAFE, HEALTHY, BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

New Years Resolutions

2008-12-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

As the New Year approaches let us consider a resolution that will improve our mind. For without our mind in order, we will be stuck declaring the same old resolutions in 2008 and beyond...lose weight, eat healthy, stop smoking, etc. All of those are good but take it a step further. Improve your mind by filling it with positive thoughts. The only way to make that change is with a renewed mind. A mind that is renewed with the positive is always at war with the a mind of negativity. Your senses will always demand evidence concerning the positive side of the life. A person who walks by the negative is governed by self doubt. They are less likely to take chances and step outside of the box to try something new. It is easy to see why people are falling prey to negative thoughts. The view of the economy alone is enough to make one feel hopeless. Failed projects, dead-end jobs, lack of motivation, are all a result when people allow themselves to be led by their negative attitude. Try something new. Step outside of your comfort zone daring to be different. Take this new year and do one thing that is the total opposite of something you would normally do. I am NOT saying go out and do something drastic such as quit your job without having something else to fall back on. I'm saying, try something new such as eliminate neutral colors in your home with bold colors. If you've always desired to write, submit an article. Try a new hairstyle. Go back to school.

At the beginning of 2008, I made the resolution to try something new. I entered school. I am nearing completion and on my way to becoming a certified medical coder. Entering the medical field is so out of my comfort zone of creativity. I have always gravitated toward being artsy and crafty. Flip the script. Renew your mind with positive thoughts. Eliminate the phrase, "I can't" and replace it with "I can and I will." With a healthy and renewed mind, there is nothing out there you can't accomplish.

I wish everyone a blessed and safe New Year!

Out With The Old

2008-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

I have many unsold items in my shop. I've been wondering what to do with the items. Over the holidays, I will take on the task of redesigning my pieces. In other words, out with the old in with the new. I will be tearing down necklaces and rebuilding them in different designs. I will do a before and after of each piece I redesign. My friend Denise and her mom are always wanting custom made pieces. They dare to be different. Her mom love big and gaudy. The flashier the better for her. Denise is more trendy but love it when she has a one-of-a kind piece. Here are a couple of pieces I made for them using jewelry from my shop.

Before and After

2008-12-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

Before and after

I'm a Member of...

2008-12-11T08:27:00.001-08:00