Why I love being a Substitute Teacher

Today I received a note from a darling 1st grader.  The note reads:

My faveret coler is blue and green. I lik your shirt. have a nice day!

The note is complete with a bright and cheery flower and smiley face.

It may not seem like much, however I was only in this student's classroom for about an hour to assist with an English and writing lesson. 

I love teaching.  I always have. In a former career-life, I was a corporate trainer. I loved it. I educated adults in customer service techniques.  Now I mostly teach 6 to 12 year olds how to count coins and identify igneous rocks. 

At times I truly wondered if I had any impact on a child's life being a substitute teacher.  Then I receive a thoughtful note or picture from a student.  It's during these moments I know that I've touched their lives just as much as they have touched mine.

Pinterest

Only recently did I discover Pinterest...and I'm hooked!  If you don't know what I'm talking about, Pinterest is simply an online pin board where you can organize and share the things you love.  Brilliant!

Want to know more about my inspirations?  Check them out here on Pinterest.  :)

My obsession with TEXTURE, PATTERN, COLOR and FORM

These are some of my favorite examples of amazing color combinations and interesting uses of texture and form.  I have always believed art should be just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the hand.  Enjoy!

Queen Anne's Lace Embroidered Cuff by WaterRose on Etsy



Retro Modern Cube by 3Dots on Etsy



Knotted Dots Bracelet by tqbdesigns on Etsy



Drooplets inside-outside glasses by Plodes on Etsy



Stoneware Pomegranates by Studio Armoza on Etsy

 

REVEAL Day!

I can now reveal the Elements by Dawn necklace that is featured in the January edition of Bead Trends Magazine.....(drum roll, please)





Love Letter Necklace



Happy Holidays!

The Holidays are fast approaching! 

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect gift of handcrafted jewelry, check out Elements by Dawn on Etsy and use Coupon Code EbDFreeShip2011 for FREE domestic USPS Priority Shipping!!

Offer ends December 24th.

Peek-a-keum-boo

Keum Boo is the Korean art of bonding pure gold onto pure silver.  I have always admired the art and have finally included Keum Boo in my newest jewelry line.

Enjoy!

Keum Boo, 24Kt Gold and Fine Silver



Product Photography

I recently decided to outsource some product photography.  I did this primarily for three reasons. 

Reason #1 - I am not skilled enough to photograph shiny silver jewelry on a stark white background. 

Reason #2 - I do not have the patience to learn how to photograph shiny silver jewelry on a stark white background.

Reason #3 - I do not know any professional models.

I have left the task of product photography up to a fellow indie businesswoman, Brooke Becker, professional small product and stock photographer.  In the next few weeks I should have my 2012 Jewelry Line photographed and ready to reveal!

For a second photography project, I hired fashion photographer Jillian Milam.  She will be photographing my 2012 Jewelry Line on two beautiful models.

Both sets of photographs will be used in my website, product catalog and Etsy shop.