More Goodies For the Taking!!

Lovely Khaki Miranda Purse, change the personality of this purse with a switch of the tie to a scarf or funky belt.

Ode to Marie Antoinette pendant, whimsical and feminine.

Our newest artist to shout about is "Dutchgirl" creations. This knitting extraordinaire always astounds me. I have tried knitting and I can tell you these are the three things I CANNOT do:

Knitting, Making Gravy, and Algerbra... This purse however is phenomenal in that it was created with only one seam! Hard to believe and check out the lining detail below. This ONE of a kind is at a great value of $75.00 made from a wool blend and can be hand washed. Email me at artistudiosales@stjoelive.com if you are interested in this item.

Below is a vintage filigree wrap ring with handblown glass bead accompanied by the "LIVE" free butterfly necklace. Symbolizing "profound changes of the soul" the butterfly is a wonderful symbol to start the new year. Please inquire about this necklace and we will give you all the details!

Happy Monday All!

A Winter Wish

Well good old winter has finally blown in and we are feeling a bit frigid in the Midwest. My Marie has held steady in the shop window gazing out at the last blue sky before last Saturday. Hope the cold doesn't keep everyone at bay these last busy holiday weeks.

We however have been busy with our Paris Love Affair that will truly take our inspirations further into the Spring. See our lovely wrist trinket below? Stocking stuffer perhaps for thyself?
No matter what you will find, everything in our Studio is made with love :) I can't seem to stop when it comes to vintage papier. From wreaths to door swags to garland... can't wait for you to see my next Spring window display here at the Studio!
We are on our last final count down for the Studio to be open to the public. From now till Dec. 20th we are open Tues. - Fri., 11 am to 6 pm and Sat., 10 am to 2 pm

We will be uploading all our products to the website for shoppers in Jan. Please visit www.charmedbyartistudio.us for details on further events and open houses as well.

Want to see more goodies? Check out next post :)

Warm Wishes,

Lisa

Special Holiday Open House Tomorrow!

If you are making your list then you want to see what we have in store for you!

We will have our usual Saturday hours of 10 am to 2 pm, but in light of the holiday festivities at Felix Street Square we will have a special open house tomorrow from 5 pm to 8 pm. During the open house the 10th visitor will go home with this lovely charm below.

And for every visitor you will be entered to win this whimsical vintage book wreath!

We are located at 218 N. 7th Street, one block east of the square. Downtown will be a hopping place with carriage rides, hot cocoa and the lighting of the mayor's tree. Wish us luck on the window display competition :)

We have new holiday hours!

Come join us for your shopping splendor with our new holiday hours. We are in full swing with the Shop St. Joseph Holiday promotion with the Chamber of Commerce. By visiting our studio as well as many others you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win $10,000! And for every $10 you spend you receive another raffle ticket. So, please put us on your list for shopping!

Our newest holiday hours are:

November 16 - December 20, Tuesdays thru Fridays, 11 am to 6 pm

and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm

Please note that January, are studio will only be taking internet orders from our website for that month. Another wonderful happening for our studio will be the Swanky Lady Charm Swap event, click here for more details!

Happy Shopping!

Whimsy and Wearable!

Let it Snow! Okay really not yet, but this darling necklace is certainly a start of something cheery!
Does it snow in Paris?? I do know that Paris would be nice anytime of the year, maybe someday. However, today we have Paris Love Affair in the air of this bitty studio, come see what has inspired from the city of love.

See our vintage side of things, it's all joyous, a bit altered and definitely dreamy.

Rings of the Eiffel Tower, vintage crystal chandelier parts, and beans (beans not for sale, sorry).

And a final Ode to Erika, dear friend who found her chandelier of hideous nature in her new Midwestern home several years ago. See what delight it has brought me? Erika, you are a Diva of great things, anything you have I will certainly take :) I will duplicate this crown just for you my dear... with a sincerest thanks!

Hope all is well, and you join me tomorrow for the finale of the sale: 11 am to 6 pm, this Saturday, November 13th at Charmed By Artistudio 218 N. 7th Street, St. Joseph, Missouri

Best Wishes,

Lisa Sprague

Let Them Eat Cake... I'll Shop!

Oops, decided to spend more time in the studio making stuff for tomorrow and ran out of time to photograph anything. But boy do I have LOTS of new goodies. With Marie Antoinette in our holiday window display with our newest collection "Parisian Love Affair" jewelry you will become entranced by subtle hues of pinks, creams, translucent royalty sky blue german beads mixed with an eclectic choice of antique brass and copper.

With love in the air one cannot be with out CHOCOLATE! Another reason to stop by and sample the most decadent truffles by JC Wyatt House and sweet french puffs by my awesome friend :)

We are also debuting our latest Christmas collection of soldered charms, limited in supply because there hasn't been enough hours in the day to make more.

You will also find our school spirit charms have a new home at Keeping Good Company here in St. Joseph, so please stop by there too to get your SPIRIT ON....

Last but not least, we are offering 20% off our Miranda Purses, and Wimble, Nimble & Ink Journal Jar Sets. The Advent Journal is a great way to reminisce Christmas memories by preserving them in this unique journal, so be sure to pick one up now before December.

Oh goodness, if you are planning on order photo charms for gifts this season your orders need to be in BEFORE Dec. 1st to insure holiday delivery.

Okay, I think that is a wrap and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Charmed By Artistudio
218 N. 7th Street
St. Joseph, MO

Open Saturday, November 6th, 10 am to 7 pm
November 9-13, 11 am to 6 pm

Literary Cool

Bookmarks on the brain, inspired by our upcoming bookmark workshop this Oct. 23, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (still taking reservations!) We have found new repurposed use of vintage spoons! Read to Feed, is a great handy bookmark for those awesome Gourmet Magazines to remind you of your next meal in the making. We have a select few of these bookmarks that will be available for purchase at the "Bippity Bobbity Boo" Open House at Keeping Good Company, Oct. 21, 2010 at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Here is a sneak peek of our literary cool door prize for those who will be attending the bookmark workshop and for those we come visit us at Keeping Good Company...

Other great goodies will be our new "School Spirit" Charms, so come on by and see us at this one time event!

Keeping Good Company's Open House Event

1311 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO

Thursday, October 21, 2010

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We Are Keeping Good Company with Fellow Business Gals

Sherry Trout, business owner of Keeping Good Company in St. Joseph was kind enough to include me in her upcoming Bippity Bobbity Boo Open House, Thursday, October 21st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. along with three other artists. This evening I expect will be spectacular.

If you have ever been to Sherry's lovely store you will find many of my favorites including fabulous furniture, wall hangings and beloved cook books (I collect, and hope to one day cook :). If you have a moment please come by you will be delighted I am sure. I will be offering a door prize so come in and see the details... it is very eco-cool, perfect for your holiday decor and literary awesome... (you will understand my choice of words when you see!) Also, something new that I have never offered before will be the unveiling of our "School Spirit Charms" so if you are a particular fan of say Central, Savannah, or the five other cool schools come get them while they are hot. You will also, see our fav line of Twisted Silver, another eco-friendly line of eclectic jewelry.

Event: Keeping Good Company

Date: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010

Time: 4pm to 8pm

Address: 1311 N. Belt Highway (Near Panera Bread)

For All You Renegade Fashionistas

Long waiting, and long lusting for this line of jewelry... I have been so wanting to carry this eclectic line like no other, and I have now a glorious stash waiting for you on my desk. I plan to display these beauties for the next showcase event at my studio Oct. 2nd, 10 am to 7 pm and Oct. 4th-7th, 10 am to 6 pm. I don't want to give too much away because I really, really want you to come and see for yourself. This line is edgy with earthy base metals, recycled, found objects and vintage asymmetry. Not only are they beautiful so are the many celebs who rock out this jewelry, Charlize Theron, Kate Walsh, and Nicolette Sheridan to name a few.

Beachside Witchery in the Making

As the weather falls in the Midwest into cooler temperatures, my dear friend and crafty chic herself has been beachside (a fairly new Floridian gal) creating these so very wicked bracelets and more goodies that you will be able to see at our next showcase date Oct. 2, 10 am to 7 pm and Oct. 4-7, 10 am to 6 pm.
Checkout this one! See the cute little owl charm?
Wicked skull and cross bones, looks like this one was dug up from the grave under a full moon.
Put away the book little missie, and make some more would ya!
I must confess, my girlfriend is all to blame for casting a spell on me in regards to jewelry making. She has inspired me in many ways and is a truly remarkable soul. See how wicked she can be with a few beads at her disposal? She has left me spellbound for sure with these new creations!

Just FYI, we have much much more to share, so stay tuned...

Crafty Chicks Conjuring Up Killer Bookmarks Workshop

After long debate as to which goodies to use to make the "killer" bookmark for this Fall festive workshop here it is! Inspired by the antique brass filigree vintage style and bit of rhinestone bling... this bookmark is fitting the bill. To give you an overview- this workshop is available for reservations now here You will be able to create this identical bookmark as well as another bookmark of your own creation with a vast selection of beads, filigrees and glorious ribbons at your fingertips. Basic beading techniques will be covered and tools provided.

We also, will provide an ambience of creativity, with a season's harvest of fresh fruit, divine desserts and cozy fall beverages. You will not only take away two breathtaking bookmarks, you will also receive an opportunity to win a door prize and a few more novelties!

The Crafty Chicks Conjuring up Killer Bookmarks Workshop

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Limited Space/Reserve Online

Supplies Provided/No experience necessary

18 and Older

All In A Day's Work

7:30 am

My dear child asked me this morning "what do you do all day when I am at school?" and I joked and said I sit and watch TV and ate Bon Bons. Of course, she wasn't happy about the TV part and really did not know what a Bon Bon was so I thought here today I will dispel the mystery for her.

First thing, and not everyday is the same. Sometimes I go straight downtown to my studio and play "let's make jewelry" and other crafty thing-a-ma-thingies. But usually, it begins with coffee (strange it is decaf- however, I need it so) and begin by going through the morning emails. Usually checking to see what jobs (my full time job by the way is a graphic designer) or as my kiddo would say "drawerer of boring things like words unless it has to do with food". The only food item I have done lately would be dog bones (might good dog bones too! check out www.chew-gourmet.com )

So far, the morning starts off right, Chew Gourmet's brochures ordered, signage ready for pick up. Need to do a little T-Shirt design for a school, revise some banner designs to grace Frederick Ave. once again, check out VSL (my favorite senior living client) for any new news.

Afterwards, my list of to do's always long and never ending somehow I decided I would briefly optimise my website through google analytics, throw in a few new meta tags for good measure. And then as usual get off the beaten path by browsing some websites and a moment of Facebooking. Probably should pay some bills, and file away some project folders but that is all too boring, I will save for a rainy day which looks like tomorrow.

Mid Morning:

Thoughtfully my dear friend and husband's assistant (Lord, help her) comes wandering with her day old coffee apologizing to dump it out. I said no, no give it to me and waltz into the other room where I have strategically set up a laboratory station to tea stain age my photocopies of an 1887 publication for an upcoming workshop idea and threw her coffee into the mix. Sometimes I think, can there ever be a moment where I surprise her by my actions? Oddly, probably everyday yet she is always too nice and turns her head to raise the eyebrow.

Thus, the day is off to a start, intermitted tea stain project and designing on the computer. Back and forth, all day long. Fun eh?

See just drink lots of coffee or tea and throw in a pan to soak the paper, and hang to dry! Viola, a decade looking old document almost like the real thing. This may become handy someday for someone to know, I am just say'n.

I have only used the yucky tea bags in this experiment, like rosehips and earl grey... sorry I am either a green tea, cinnamon or lemon lift girl.

Lunch Time:

Typically, I am crunching in as many hours as I can and eating as I work but today since it was nice I took the dog out and took a break to eat. A normal healthy lunch, not from Taco Bell. (Already did that this week.)

1:15 pm

Not exactly where I wanted to be in the day, still had 23 more papers to soak and five banners to revise that are mega mega big, dragging the memory down. Thus, brings me to the candy corn I had purchased for my photo shoot of the charms I did the other day. Decided against using because of the heat and thought I needed a little treat for my efforts. So, I went from saving the file, to eating a handful of candy corn, to going and soaking and hanging one more page. I figured I am getting my exercise as well right?

2:30 pm

Yep, it had dawned on me that I have yet to cook a meal this week and since I have a bit of time and the need to procrastinate today I will make this wonderful dish my whole family just loves, full of veggies and chicken... my Chicken Cacciatore. I exaggerated a little, they really enjoyed the rice part. Apparently, this dish from my childhood is just that, my childhood.

Simmering all day, yum yum!I realize the main portion is not supposed to be that big so I am going to blame it on the angle of the photograph.

The end of the day... enjoying a meal with my family, laundry, homework, blogging. I can honestly say, I wouldn't mind a Bon Bon at this point.

Sending Out Smoke Signals

As Fall is fast approaching we are sending out smoke signals via our soldering iron. Check out the latest addition of our soldered creations here. These fanciful Hallows Eve Charms are limited in availability so be the first to select yours.

Get ready for Fall is near!

Today's Weather Made Me Think

Todays weather has made me think forward to the finer days to come. The season I now as an adult look forward to most is "indian summer." Growing up in the west hand of Michigan and spending summer afternoons on my grandparents apple farm my Grandmother and I would debate what time of the year was the best. I being a smart nine year old would boast Christmas every time because I knew what that meant– presents. She would often disagree and say "Indian Summer." At the time I could never understand for one, Indian Summer was not listed anywhere to my education a true season, a nine year old only knew: Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.

But Indian Summer meant to her the end of a long hard working season of fruit growing, gardening and harvesting. A time where you can enjoy the sunny days at leisure, take in the sun with a walk to the pond for an afternoon of fishing, reading on a blanket near the porch or going out to Oval Beach and walk shin high with your pants rolled up against the chasing waves. These were the moments worth waiting for, moments of a self employed farmer enjoying time earned.

For those who are not certain Indian Summer is usually late October after the leaves have turned following an onset of frost where the weather is sunny clear and above 70 °F. In this area of Missouri it is hard to say if we will see an Indian Summer or not every year. All I know is that if I look ahead and see a glimpse of good weather to come after the frost as put my garden to rest I can assure you I too may spend an afternoon walking near the lake and taking in the sunshine.

Enjoy your evening, take a break and go outside!

For the Love of Bugs?

Strange as how I have come to love bugs like food (not to eat mind you) but pure fascination. Weird how you can spend time and not look up at the sky for a mere moment and miss something oddly spectacular. Have I built the suspense yet?

While I was patiently waiting with my youngest kiddo in the car for the oldest to finish VB practice, a nice hour refuge of speaking to the folks, finished reading a fabulous cookbook I just bought at Border's earlier, to messing with my iphone till everything I could possibly do to entertain myself with this goofball's foot tapping my head I look up to the sky and see it... what looked to be 20 or more tiny tiny birds. But on closer inspection what was really more like 50 or so buzzing dragon flies. Dragon flies, nearly two stories up in the area whirling back and forth above the treetops. How weird, usually you see randomly one in the back yard whirl by or around a pond or pool. But there were so many. I said, "Hey kiddo, look at those birds!" Astounding to me was the uninterested, "Uh, yeah mom those are bugs, I seen em." I should have know the most interesting thing in the car was the chocolate chip cookies she offered to "chump on" with me if I wanted to join her.

So, I spent the next 10 minutes starring up. Watching to see if any actually would bump paths and saw a few had near misses. I guess if you are going to watch bugs, watch with the car window shut. I had several mosquito's hitching a ride home with me as well.

Uggh

Okay the perfectionist that I am, I should have read what I wrote before posting. Typos, I am horrified, I guess I am to blame my inner belly waiting for the dinger on the triple berry blossoms in the oven. I would probably have let this all go, but dear God, I messed up the link to the Apple Almond Cake and we just can't have that!

Here you go, Apple Almond Cake enjoy!

For The Love of Food

I would like to take this moment and thank everyone who stopped by my studio last friday, it was wonderful to see faces that I haven't encountered all summer. Shame on me!

Any-hoo, I was just taking sometime researching recipes because as always this time of year it hits me- baking, roasting, putting yummy stew in the crock pot. Mmm, getting very hungry now. Above in the beautiful photo of what looks to be my next grocery shopping list is borrowed from www.inspiredtaste.net check it out for yourself. A very talented chef, and amazing photographer with wonderful recipes to share.

So far here are my favorites to try:

Duh, Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich with Yummy Raspberries (Above)

Smoke Salmon Baked Wonton Cups (Possibility for Bunko?)

Roasted Acorn Squash with Walnuts & Cranberries (OMG, I love acorn squash!)

Chocolate Zucchini Bread (My friend Pat gave me wonderful blueberry zucchini bread for my birthday, maybe I will surprise her with this !)

Apple Almond Cake (You had me at Apple, Almond, Cake... need I say more) Plus, the cute kitty is by far the sweetest I have ever seen.

Chicken Enchiladas (I think the whole family will enjoy this one.)

I vow to try everyone of these recipes this fall, if you try one or two let me know what you think of them as well. Thanks to Joanne for inspiring my taste and hopefully new menu ideas to shake things up in our household. Also, I will have to vow more time on the tread mill I am afraid.

BTW, if you are ever down in out for something really really good and really easy (dare I say from the freezer section of walmart, dare I say Great Value generic brand) try the Triple Berry Blossoms. Perfect fix with a little vanilla ice cream. Got some cook'n now!

Till later!

L

While I've Been Busy So Has She!

It has been a long hot summer and my little gardner has been busy as well. Meet Bonnie (not the kiddo, the cabbage). Bonnie has been a summer long project my kiddo has decided to do through a school incentive program from Bonnie Nurseries. The motivation being a $1000 scholarship for the largest grown cabbage. She weighed in at 10 lbs and due to the heat we plucked her from her bed and now is in the garage fridge awaiting a "feast" according to Mad of cabbage soup for the whole family- yum. Unfortunately, I don't know that it is going to make it, nor do I think I could make cabbage soup.

So, I thought I would share this personal tid bit, and for those who really "get" the importance of cultivating new minds and new things will understand my little promotion idea for my studio opening tomorrow. If you have already planned to stop by, and if you say to me or my good buddies helping me "Wow, that Bonnie is one huge cabbage" I will give you 30% off any one item. What a deal eh? (I am banking she is going to win that scholarship)!

Look SO VERSATILE!

I have been busy working on custom photo charms for Charmed By Artistudio's first showcase this friday. Look and see how versatile with the change of a ribbon to chain. Can even be layered with the new funky line of jewelry I used with cloth beads and felt. As you can see color makes me happy! And all things old of course. Isn't my shop girl a cutie?

Look and see the front half of my studio, cozy albeit but functional. I am almost ready for my first personal showing!

This little lady is ready to display her wares... this friday, August 13th we are finally having our first studio showcase! I hope everyone is as excited as I am. I have been feverishly working on lanyards for all my nurse and teacher friends and much more. See below the nifty little necklace I have yet to name... it is a bohemian of sorts looking bead work, maybe someone could help a gal out? I maybe inspired to see a little collection through with this look... anyone who could offer a catchy name to this collection would be in for a neat discount! Let me know what you have and post your comment. (By the way the sweet little cutie in this charm, is my nephew the "Cole" man!)

Above, is the display for my custom charms. These charms can be treasured heirlooms for you of your beloved children or dare I say favorite pet and or husband (tee-hee). Many sizes to choose from as well, as wording for the back side. You will find more details on my website after my first showcase date this friday, August 13th. Hope to see you there!

Till then have a good night!

Back from Colorado

Spent some time with family in Colorado in a town called Salida. My cousin got married with a beautiful backdrop of mountains and lots of family and friends. Unfortunately, I have to wait for my sister to send me photo's before I can share. Dare I say I forgot a camera :(

I will make it up by photographing some fabulous finds I found for my crafting adventures at a cool shop called Fringe, too many cute stores yet only one day to play!

Tomorrow I will have something to feast your eyes on!

A Few Hours Later...

Well, I have a feeling this won't be so bad after all. I have figured out how to add images, and adjust my settings. So, above you will see my latest creations advertised for our St. Joseph Downtown Art Crawl. It was a fun evening in the Performing Arts Association office where I displayed the latest "Going Coastal" collection. You can of course see for yourself here.

Today is the Beginning of Something New

Today I am wondering how easy can blogging really be. Going through many steps to finally write down what is on my mind? Exhaustion. My hopes are to be able to provide a blog of interest and further fuel my creative thoughts. I guess we will see....

Two handfuls later of much needed M&M's I digress that I am still hesitant to how this blogging adventure will be. Mmm, stick with me and let's find out together. Hand in hand, (with the other in the M&M bag!)