Little Details & Big Secrets

Can you believe it's nearly the end of the week? I can't!
This week has flown by~

First, I'd like to welcome my new followers! I hope you have some fun and laughs here, and maybe see something you'd like to make, or somewhere you'd like to visit...even if it is through pictures!


I've been wanting to make some muslin, organza, and velvet bags. I have the materials. I haven't made the time. I recently had a guy order a guy necklace and throw me into panic mode over only having organza bags to put it in. I had just come from my *doctors office* (more about this end of post!) to discover an order....and it was Monday, one of my definite shipping days. I HAD to ship it out, and the post office was getting ready to close. EEEK!

I quickly whipped out my idea of what I wanted in a little bag, and handstamped it.

It's not perfect. Can you see where I smudged the ink before it dried? I need Stayz On ink, or a bottle of hairspray. I think I'm going to go pick up the ink pad. But it's cute...no?! yes?! More of these are on my project list!!! And black satin lined velvet bags for pearl necklaces.

I've been working on my actual package, too.
I've been doing this for a month or so~

Since I changed my shop name to Del's Shells, I changed my business name too. It's been in the works for a while. It's officially Della's Designs. I received my certificate from the state last week, and I've been dieing to tell you!

Anyway, since I changed my shop name, I needed new business cards. I created one using a pic I had taken of a necklace I made that is one of my faves, and added my info via GIMP, saved, and emailed it to our local printer.

I really, really like my new packaging! And with custom bags, it's another little touch that makes the package as a whole just a little more special. So whether it's a gift for someone else, or a little present to yourself, it will have that handmade feel, and attention to detail. The little touches.

Now, I just may continue to purchase the organza bags. I forgot just how much of a (insert cuss word here) organza is to work with. I hadn't made anything with that stuff since mid 2008. But I'm stubborn enough (maybe? used to be! hopefully still am) to continue working with it until I can pop those bags out lickity split. We will see....but in reality I don't have the time to play around with it. I have a To Do list a mile long, or at least it feels that way now. It is getting shorter though, as I check off each item.

No new pics of ME to post yet....truly sorry! Just one of those weeks. BUSY!

So, I had an appointment on Monday with my nephrologist. Most of my levels are within range. YEAH!
A few are below and above normal. My platelets are one of the low ones, which isn't good, and explains my excessive bruising. Some med changes may be in order, as I have some mild disease activity showing up. I'm gonna be okay, though :D

Remember I mentioned some secrets? Well, my business name change, and things pertaining to it...packaging, cards, bags were some of those secrets.

A really big secret I've been keeping, even from most of our family, is hubby's recent stay in the hospital.
He had a couple of heart attacks within days of each other. Fortunately they weren't BIG ones, big enough his levels were still detectable a week after... but he does need to slow down, eat healthier, and reduce stress...which is easier said than done. I feed him healthy meals at home. What he eats, or IF he eats during the day is another story. And he has a terrible chocolate addiction. He's also a workaholic. He always has been. I am grateful to have such a wonderful, hard working man! I just wish he knew when to call it a day!

Here he is writing payroll checks in the hospital. I told you he doesn't stop!

So that is what has been going on around here. Well, SOME of what has been going on!

Did I mention I could use about 6 more hands?

New projects

I finally got around to crossing some things off my ideas board! It feels so good to have completed a few of my projects.

One of them, a vintage Mother of Pearl Leaf Brooch has been on my board for close to a year. I bought it when my friend DeEtte was here last April. I had an idea of what I wanted to do with it, but it was difficult to decide what kind of shell to use. I came across a lightly colored, and still naturally shiny olive shell that was the perfect size. I happened to have some charms laying out at the same time recently, and it just came together.

This would look so awesome on a scarf, lapel, jacket pocket, vest, a blouse... and I can see it on a denim jacket too. So Cool! Yep, you know I love it! If I didn't, you wouldn't be seeing it, right?! It IS a keeper, but it's here in my Etsy shop.

The theme is Olive Shells apparently :D

I've been wanting to do this forever!

This is my Seashell Bolo Tie!

What a cool old Olive Shell!
Broken, tossed, and tumbled smooth through the waves and across the ocean floor for who knows how many years. My grandpa wore bolo ties when he dressed up :D

I think they give an air of sophistication. Anyone can wear a regular neck tie, but a man who wears a bolo has a real sense of self. My papaw knew he was a handsome devil, and he dressed to the nines! I think he would have loved my Bolo Tie, and would have looked so good in it....or ...it would have looked so good on him.

I do have another big Olive like this for another one, but I want less decorative ends for the next one. I also have some smaller olives with the top broken out, and smoothed by the surf and sand. One is already being used in something, but it isn't finished. I'm waiting for supplies. Again. Sigh.

I do have a bunch of new supplies to work with still, while I'm waiting for this one in particular. A pile of shells is waiting to be drilled, my work area is pretty tidy, so it's time to mess it up again!

I crossed something else off of my board, and it's something any mermaid would delight in.....

but that is another post!

Seashell Bracelet with Freshwater Pearls for a Summer Beach Wedding

A natural gray and white scallop shell is the centerpiece for this feminine charm style bracelet that is dripping with luscious freshwater pearls.

Big platinum pearls, white pearls, and Swarovski Crystal bicones in Black Diamond shimmer and sparkle in this one of a kind seashell bracelet that is perfect for your summer beach wedding, honeymoon cruise, or a romantic walk on the beach.

 The shell will grace the middle of your wrist, measuring 1 1/2 inches wide and nearly 1 1/2 inches long.

Live the coastal lifestyle with my handmade, carefully crafted, unique seashell jewelry. You can find this, and many more of my seashore inspired pieces at Orange Blossom Crafts on Etsy.

My newest bracelets are some of my favorite pieces! I'm really going to have to keep one for myself. I really love this one, and it looks amazing on my wrist! I'm sure it will look just as lovely on yours!

Love,
Del