Blue (and green!) Hawaii.....

I can't imagine a better day for a post about Hawaii! Eric and I were lucky enough to spend time in Hawaii over New Year's. I realized going in it was going to be an amazing adventure but what I didn't realize is all the inspiration and buying I would be able to do. While taking a helicopter ride over Oahu I snapped some pics:

I took about 20 pictures of this basin. I am so in love with the mixes of vibrant shades of aqua, navy and turquoise against the earthy green.

I have no idea what this is but I only saw one hanging from a tree while hiking Waimea Falls.

The scalloped edge of this vintage rhinestone necklace reminds me of the sun sparkling on the waves.

The greenish blue turquoise and heavenly green pearls were bought at a bead shop in Maui. It was this little place tucked in behind a bunch of other shops and it was a gold mine!

I am always hunting for this shade of recycled glass beads and found a couple of strands in a shop on the North Shore.

The greens were outrageous! You will be seeing them in my work come springtime!

Happy New Year (with rhinestones)!

After being on the road for almost 3 weeks I am finally at home, cuddled up on the couch with the poodle and a cup of coffee. We were lucky enough to spend Christmas with my mom in Phoenix, AZ which means we also hit up one of my favorite places to find rhinestone goodies The Brass Armadillo!

This place is just freaking huge and chock full of cases and cases of treasures. I went once with my mom and went back with Eric and found a TON of sparkling goodies.

Oodles of Rhinestone Goodness!

Eric was pretty indulgent but drew the line at one of the huge, sparkly crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

This happy fellow greets you out front!

All that happy rhinestone buying was just in Arizona! Hawaii is a WHOLE different story....coming up! Happy New Year from my thrift hunting side kick  and I!

I Fell For a Handsome Thrifter......

When I married I hoped for a man that was kind, had a great sense of humor and was easy on the eyes. I had no idea I would find that and so much more, he's a thrifter! There is not much he loves more than "bundling". Lest any of you take that as a dirty euphemism, bundling is when you (he) hunts down a bunch of thrift store finds and "bundles" them to get a better price. (See: American Pickers) Over the years he has developed a fantastic eye for the vintage pearl and rhinestone bits and pieces I like to use in my work. Not only does he enjoy hunting with me...he now goes alone! A lot of the newer pieces you see can be credited in part to his eagle eye and scouting expeditions. He will come back with a flush in his cheek, a twinkle in his eye and a plastic baggy full of sparkles and pearls. He rocks and he is pretty darn handsome!

Shaken...not stirred...

Manly enough to hold a small white poodle with a pink bow...and like it!

Keep 'em coming handsome!

I Am In Love....

I know it's probably wrong to pick just one necklace that I love the most and like a fickle teenager I fall in love at least once a week, but this week is different. This is the one..

An vintage rhinestone necklace surrounded by sparkling sea blue chalcedony, faceted green jaded, faceted pink tourmaline and creamy vintage pearls....

...what's not to love?

This is a close runner up for this week's affections. A stunner of a rhinestone vintage necklace, a ton of sparkling blue iolite, green jade and faceted pink tourmaline....

...the centerfold shot;)

Here comes the sun! A recycled leather cuff bracelet, etched and riveted brass plate and vintage brooch surrounded by vintage rhinestones.

Like all passionate loves this may not last. Someone will snap it up and will fall in love with it just like I did. But alas, my bench is filled with sparkly pieces vying for my attention and I am sure I'll fall in love again!

NO, NO, NO!!!! Merry Christmas!

If you are a people pleaser like I am, you find it very hard to tell anyone no. In the moment you are asked you really, really want to do whatever it is that's being asked. It comes from a good place and you forget all the other things you agreed to that you really, really wanted to do. Slowly all the yes's start to pile up until you are having a mental come apart complete with shaking, crying and 5 year old like temper tantrums. Wait...is that just me?

This week has been a series of realizing my limitations and has led me to say no to things which I previously committed to. It sucked. I hated doing it but hated the stress it was creating within myself even more.  Today I woke up for the first time in a month feeling rested and positive and capable of accomplishing everything on my list as well as taking some time for myself. If you say yes to everything than nothing gets done well. Now here is a pretty Christmas picture and have a great day!http://pinterest.com/pin/75716837456377277/

Black Friday Sale!! Whoo hoo!!!

I am having my first ever Black Friday Sale on Etsy starting at 12am Friday the 23rd until midnight that night. I am posting a bunch of goodies over at my Etsy shop (they will go up at 12am) and after you pick out your what you'd like and go to checkout type in TURKEYDAY and you'll receive 20% off!!! Here are some of the pieces that will be up for sale:

You can also see more pieces on my Facebook page...click here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kshonk-Designs/74800926030

St. Bridget's Girl's Night Out!!! Tonight!

This is one of my favorite events to participate in and it's tonight! Below is just a few of the pieces I will be bringing along.

Come and get your KShonk for the holidays!!!