Not so bad news

So it looks as though I just did quite a number straining my quad...none of the more serious things I feared. Still hurts like hell and is restraining my mobility a lot, but its still good news.

I was rather productive tonight, though my back suffered for it (its been killing me for weeks because I'm all out of place, this isn't fair!) I have some pretty new pearl necklaces up in my shop- a lovely burnt gold, purpley/grey irregular, and the lovely aqua ones I posted a few days ago. I love blue, but WOW on those aqua ones.

In other news, I ordered myself some "cheer up" gifts and the first arrived today. Three little stacking rings, garnet, moonstone, and amethyst from Birka Scandinavia. The stones are gorgeous, the craftsmanship is perfect, she ships quickly and is easy to work with. SO happy I finally ordered them. I'm waiting for some crazy color eyeshadows from Orglamix as well. I have a few of her other colors, and they're so vivid, I love them. I'd highly recommend both of these sellers.

Updates, check. Shout outs, check. Sleep? We'll see...

Lets leave it at ow.

I've been trying to deny it, but there's no use. I've busted my knee pretty badly (no answer yet on what exactly I did), and its slowing me down very much. I'm still getting orders done, just a little slower than usual.

Aside from that, the Boleyn style pearl enhancers I debuted a few weeks ago seem to have taken off. I thought it was such a genius idea, I don't know why I didn't think to start offering them sooner.

I've also got some incredible pearls to string up, as soon as I can find the time to attend to them.

Etsy Treasury

Etsy Treasuries are short lived enough that I'm not going to post the link, but my double strand Boleyn necklace was featured in a lovely Treasury done by member Masquefaire. A lot of my favorite Anne related items are on here, and I was thrilled to be a part of it!

Snow = crafting time!

14 inches of snow. Yes its pretty, but also massively annoying. Since I'm sick/damaged and can't even go out to help shovel, this means I've got plenty of crafting time. And who could complain about that, right?

I just posted a few new pretties in my shop, including this wonderful woven necklace. I'm really loving this design, and the colors here are just so rich.

I've also had time to sit down and sew this weekend, which hasn't happened in a while. I made myself a little tea wallet, so I can carry 6 teabags all nice and protected in my bag. I also finished the norman overtunic for a friend for an upcoming medieval event. I'm pretty happy with it.

Snow, you're gorgeous. Now go away before you get all dirty and gross...

I am boycotting winter.

Yes, that's right. I am boycotting winter. Sure we've not gotten any snow yet and temperatures have not yet dropped below freezing, but I'm anticipating it. So I'm boycotting, with butterflies. I came across them in the craft store and they're just so cheerful.

First was cute hair combs with flowers and butterflies which I made for myself and Avealina, along with sweet holiday themed ones.

Next, I discovered these hollow ornaments in the craft store. Some I painted and did up like fairy globes/witch balls, but this one I decided to fill with autumn leaves (after I realized flowers would not fit through the hole in one piece), topped off with some more leaves, pretty cord, and a cheery butterfly. This is a gift for a co-worker.

Take that, winter.

It's almost December??

Unbelievably, it's already the very end of November, and thus my November contest has ended. Congratulations Rebecca, on winning your own customized Anne Boleyn style "W" necklace. Thank you very much to all the other participants, you should have all received an e-mail regarding the contest.


This is the last weekend at my family's summer home until the spring. It's been a chilly, but lovely weekend. I observed an adorable squirrel napping on the deck this morning and saw a beautiful full rainbow this afternoon. I've had plenty of time for pearl knotting, inkle weaving, and even a little baking. Speaking of, I think I hear some lovely green pearls calling my name...

★November Contest- Win a customized Anne Boleyn letter necklace!

Once Halloween passes, what comes next? There's Thanksgiving, and OH YEAH- holiday shopping. I actually enjoy holiday shopping (though not so much the wracking my brain over what to buy people, or the crowded stores.) Take a break during this busy pre-holiday season to get something for you.

Beginning today, contact me with your name, best mode of contact (e-mail address/etsy ID) and the letter you would wish for, and you will be entered to win a customized Anne Boleyn letter necklace of your very own! E-mail me at duchessashop@yahoo.com, or send an Etsy conversation at duchessa.etsy.com, subject "November Contest", please.

Names will be put into a hat, and the winning name will be pulled on Saturday, November 28th.


At the conclusion of the contest, the weekend of November 28th, the winner will be notified and asked for the remainder of the customization information (allow production time after end of contest.) All other participants will be contacted as well- there's something for you as well! Non-winning participants who place an order before the final day of 2009 will receive free shipping and complimentary matching earrings (or other items, if ears are not pierced- let me know.)

Feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from everyone!



Don't forget customized jewelry and knotted pearl necklaces at reasonable prices when doing your shopping!