Hey people:

Hey people, if you have any old picture frames or cigar boxes or anything like that that you don't need or might sell for cheap, please let me know.  I don't need the glass in the frames, so if it's busted out or broken, no worries.

My mom has been turning whatever she can find into jewelry displays for us, and as you can see mine are filling up.  Since I have about 100 pieces in process right now and plan to stay busy to gear up for OxfordFest I need a few more.

I kind of like the big ones, but I think for the fest I will probably break things down into smaller groups if I have enough stuff, like Holographic, Magnetic, Stamped, Water Marbled, etc, so smaller is good, too.  I think at this point I will take whatever I can get.  🙂

Please comment here or inbox me if you have anything around that you don't need.  Or if you see things at yard sales or whatever, grab them up or send me a message.  This has turned out to be a HUGELY convenient way to set up and break down at the markets so I'm digging it.  Also, I like to recycle, so it's pretty awesome all around.  😃

Thanks in advance!  ❤

Cigar Box

Old knife case with busted glass that my mom modified to hold my rings.

Picture Frame

These totally match, but...

These totally match, but depending on the angle they look lighter and darker.  I photographed the earrings next to the ring for the size comparison.  What do you think?

For Katie and Keri.

For Katie and Keri.

At the market.

At the market. Forgot half my stuff. Not a morning person. Shaun to the rescue.

Gonna be at the Anniston Downtown Market tomorrow morning...

Gonna be at the Anniston Downtown Market tomorrow morning - bright and early (from 8 - noon).  I couldn't set ALL of the new stones I've made, but I'll have a few new things with me.  Come and see me if you're out and about!

Water Marbled stones I didn't get to post this morning.

Water Marbled stones I didn't get to post this morning.

If you want it, tag it to claim it and let me know what kind of jewelry you want it in. These are one of a kind. My friends get first choice. 🙂 Otherwise, I'll set them how I fancy and sell them where ever I can.

Those top two that are lonesome... I'm thinking I'll wipe those off and start over. I'm not a huge fan. I liked the black and white at first, but the light pink shimmer almost makes it look dingy. 🙁 I think the very top flame is also too dark. Let me know what you think, and be honest. I'm extremely critical of myself and my work, so you'll probably be a lot nicer to me than I would. That is for real. LOL

So tired. Heading to bed.

So tired.  Heading to bed.

I have water marbled 12 more stones.  I even have some rainbows!  There are a couple that I am VERY happy with.  😃  I will try to get a photo up in the morning.  They are all drying tonight, so I can't flip them over just yet.

I tried to marble another gray for you, Keri.  It's close, but definitely not the same.  If you don't like it, no worries.  But if you do, you got dibs.  🙂  I'll tag you to make sure you see it.  🙂

I am so freakin' excited for my jewelry parts to come in.  Y'all have no idea - I've got probably close to 150 stones painted and ready to be set.  That will more than double the amount of stuff I have to list on my stores and take to the markets.  😃  And there are some things that I'm really excited about.

Anyway, I guess I am done rambling.  It's wayyy late and I have to work in the morning.  I am so ready for a long weekend!

So glad I bought Ramen Noodles last night.

So glad I bought Ramen Noodles last night.  I just ate some Tums and Ramen (not mixed together!  LOL), and I feel less wobblefloppy in my guts.

Heading to work, y'all.  Still dealing with a slight headache, but I think I can be functional.

On a brighter note... Shaun's birthday present was delivered a few minutes ago.  😃😃😃

I feel like complete and utter crap this morning.

I feel like complete and utter crap this morning. My stomach is blegh and my head hurts. I took some Ibuprofen and am trying to get myself together so I can go to work.

Since I am just sitting here trying to figure out what my whole self is doing I thought I'd share a photo with you. These exist because of Keri. I'd considered water marbling stones before, but I was like, "Nah, it's hard, and a lot of trial and error, and you can't really duplicate them easily..." Like, I had a whole list of reasons why I would never do this. LOL But Keri said that they would be pretty, so I guess that trumped all of my negatives. Haha.

This is two evenings worth of work. These are a bit time-consuming, so I'll have to charge a little more for whatever they are used in, but I think that's ok.

These are all one of a kind. I think that all of my water marbles might be. Two of them are spoken for so if you see something you like - speak now or forever hold your peace. If you want to tag yourself on one you want that would be awesome. (I am not entirely sure you can do that... but I hope you can. LOL If not, just leave me a comment. First come, first served. I don't know a better way to do that.) I think that next time I will line them up in rows. 😳

These stones are 18mm, so they are good for a large ring or small necklace pendant. I have the pretty filigree ring bands in silver and brass right now, but in another 2 weeks or so I should also have them in black and copper. I have no necklace things yet, but soon, and they will be available in silver, brass, copper, and black, as well.

For the rings, I was going to charge $15 for these. My friends can get them for $10, though, because I hate taking your money. LOL If you need to reserve one for a necklace I have NO CLUE what I would charge for that yet, but I'm sure it wouldn't be a ton.

Anyway, let me know what you think. I am pretty happy with them, but if they aren't a hit I can just clean these cabs off and use them for something else.

Hey Internet, I need your help with something.

Hey Internet, I need your help with something.  A friend of mine had shitty person do a shitty thing to make a shitty situation even worse... and long story short the family needs help with food for the next two weeks.

I don't have a whole lot to give, but I am trying where I can.  Would anyone out there be willing to pitch in?  I believe that money or food either one would be gratefully accepted.

If so, donations can be dropped of with me at work (500 Main Street in Oxford) Monday - Friday from 10 - 6.  I could possibly meet people after work hours in the Saks area, but my car is mostly not working so I can't promise it.

Thanks in advance.  ❤

Went to the post office on my lunch break today...

Went to the post office on my lunch break today. The older guy behind the counter hit on me, I think. He said something about us getting one cream one day after telling me a joke about a T Rex. Because I'm not super great at thinking fast I was like "Um, ok."

My plan after that was to not go back there for a while, but I got a notice in my mail box today that someone sent me a package and I have to pay some postage on it before I can have it. Seeing as how I have jewelry supplies on order I think I can't risk not picking it up. So... I will go back tomorrow. Maybe I will get Shaun to go in with me.

Of course I thought of this after I was outside, but I should have said "I'm sorry, but I'm lactose intolerant." That's for real, bee tea dubs. I can't have I've cream without getting sick, usually. 🙁 That's a good excuse that is not a lie, but he could always think of something else to do, I guess.

This also happened, which might up the creep factor in all of this:  He made it a point to read my name and say it out loud. It's not exactly common, so I bet he remembers it. 😳

Went to Six Flags today...

Went to Six Flags today with Shaun, Cade, Shadow, and one of his friends.  Had a pretty good time.  My brother had never even been, so... it was time.  🙂

For my brother's first roller coaster we rode the Goliath because we are crazy, I guess.  Got a pretty epic photo of me clutching my glasses / hiding my face.  Shaun was super pumped - with the arm I wasn't clinging to for dear life up in the air like he just didn't care, and Cade looked completely unconcerned about anything.  LOL  Shadow didn't ride that one, but his friend did.  He didn't look all that afraid, either.

Generally speaking I know that roller coasters are pretty safe, but the big ones aren't my favorite.  I just hunker down, shut my eyes, hold on to shit, and wait for it to be over.  LOL  I rode some of the less intense stuff and really enjoyed that.  I think the Mine Train was my favorite.  I kept my eyes open and giggled the whole way through that one.  😃

I rode the Riddler next to Cade and since the bar was so far in front of me I rode it bent over.  Haha.  Cade had his arms in the air, but at some point we went through a loop and due to the force he couldn't keep his arms up, so he kind of punched me in the back of the head.  LOL

The Batman ride was closed because a light was out in the hall.  Unfortunately, we didn't find that out until we'd walked almost all the way up there.  Boo.  I really wanted to ride that one.  🙁  I rode the Ninja with Cade and I thought that ride was gonna beat me to death.  My head was banging around all over the place.  🙁  On the bright side I saw two turtles in the water below after we got out.  And I find it really funny that there were turtles at the Ninja ride...

I guess we chose a great day to go.  While it was hot, it was also breezy and overcast for a good chunk of the day.  Also, we never had to wait in line for more than 15 minutes or so for anything.  Some things we just walked right up and got in.  I have never had that happen on any trip to Six Flags in my life.  Not that I'm a frequent go-er, but you know.

Anyway, super thanks to Colin and Nancy for the tickets they couldn't use when they were here.  That really helped because tickets for 5 people would have been crazy expensive.  I wish y'all could have been with us.  Maybe we'll get to do that again one day soon!  ❤

Hello, Internet.

Hello, Internet.  I can't stay and talk because I have STUFF TO PAINT, but I just wanted to let you all know that I'll be at the Anniston Downtown Market tomorrow with my Polish All the Things jewelry.  I won't have anything new this week, though I've got about 100 stones painted.  My jewelry findings are in production, so it'll be a while before they get here.  My plan is to paint, paint, PAINT, and PAINT SOME MORE, so that when they arrive I can set them and have a billion new stuffs to share.  🙂

I'll be there with my mom and her corsets (photos on her Facebook page Of Corset's Fun), my brother and his chain mail jewelry, and Keith with his paintings (check out Wahlcrafts).  Come and see us if you're up that early!  😃

Piggy / Annie is getting big!

Piggy / Annie is getting big!  And she's becoming friends with Olive at the Sanctuary.  😃❤

Thoughts on these stones?

Thoughts on these stones? They were made with magnetic polish. It's really better to look at them in person because you can see the design better and the depth, but from what you can see, yes or no to putting them in jewelry? I think they are pretty neat. I have 5 other images I can try besides starburst, but that's as far as I got last night.

Reached in my pocket a few minutes ago...

Reached in my pocket a few minutes ago to get my lip balm. Found Epidote 2. Apparently it's so beautiful that I can't bear to be without it. LOL I don't remember bringing it with me this morning, but I suppose I did. Unless it replicated itself. That would be awesome, but I won't get my hopes up.

(If you don't know what I'm talking about - it's nail polish. Refer to previous post if you need to see the pretty.)

I got this in the mail today.

I got this in the mail today.  Because I ordered it.  BECAUSE IT'S HOLOGRAPHIC AND OLIVE GREEN.  AT THE SAME TIME!!!!!  😳

I know that I have not been talking to you people.  And I miss you.  Most of you.  😉  But I have been working SO HARD trying to get ready for OxfordFest.  I know it's over a month away, but I don't want to show up there without a whole ton of stuff to sell.  I need to make some money.  And I really like it when people like my stuff and give me money for it.  It's kind of like... totally awesome.  😃

Anyway.  I'm so sleepy.  I'm still working my day job.  Then I come home and either paint, clean, or stress out over what jewelry parts to buy.  I'm having fun, but I'm also nervous and a little stressed.  And I have orders that I need to make but I am so crazy that my brain just can't finish a thing (I'm looking at you, Katie!  So sorry about myself!)  So, I'm heading to bed.  I didn't get much done today except for a large parts order, but that's ok.  It was causing me anxiety, so it's good to have that out of the way.

There is like, so much to think about.  I am doing the Square thing now thanks to Keith.  I just got the email that it shipped so I can take cards at the Farmer's Market and OxfordFest and where ever I go now, I guess.  Yay for doing things!  Everything except for my nails.  🙁  Who knows when I'll even have time to stop and wear this beautiful polish I just got.  /lament

https://elevationpolish.bigcartel.com/product/epidote

Shadow's first day was good.

Shadow's first day was good.  No major complaints from him, so yay for that.  🙂

I, however, have one.  What in the bloody hell would possess any school to send home a supply list with a kid ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?  Why not give that out at orientation - at the very latest?  We just spent an hour in Wal-Mart searching through picked-over and jumbled school supplies - trying desperately to get everything on his list.

Saks High School:  This had better not be an example of the shenanigans I can expect the rest of the year.  This does not work for me.  This is a great example of why I'm so ready for my kid to be graduated already.  😳

My Freshman just got on the bus...

My Freshman just got on the bus, heading to his first day of High School.  😃  I hope he has an awesome day.  ❤

And yep - I got a photo, though he asked me not to post it.  He's good-lookin' and we don't have to prove it.  😉

And nope, I'm not sad.  Only 4 more years of this school crap.  Woohoo!

*** To my teacher friends:  Let me say that I appreciate you. I really do and I have nothing against you. You do a job that I most definitely could not. But having a kid in school is work for the parent, too, and I am so over it. All the rules, and having to be places, and do things, and pay for stuff? I don't think I'll miss ANY of that when he's done.

Don't say these things, but...

Don't say these things, but DO say SOMETHING if someone you know seems off.  It wasn't until someone said to me "You are NOT ok.  You haven't been yourself in a long time." that I realized they were right and got help.

Having never experienced anything like that before in my life I didn't recognize it for what it was.  So take note and SPEAK UP.  Help is available, but you have to realize that something is wrong before you can fix it.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/laraparker/things-you-shouldnt-say-to-someone-struggling-with-depress

I went to bed before 10 pm last night.

I went to bed before 10 pm last night.  That usually doesn't happen unless I'm sick, but after all weekend + Monday of not being able to sleep I just CRASHED OUT.  I woke up because my dogs needed to go out, but I am debating on going back to bed.  There are a ton of things I could be doing this morning, not to mention that I could get to work early, so I have reasons to not do that.  But I still feel kind of drowsy.  But I also REALLY don't want to end up with a sleep hangover.

Decisions are hard.

Shadow is officially orientated.

Shadow is officially orientated. Ninth grade starts Thursday. Man, he's old!

I am trying to sleep, but...

I am trying to sleep, but I don't think it's happening.  I've felt totally crappy all weekend.  I've had a headache that I can't seem to shake since I woke up Saturday.  I tried to nap earlier, but could not... which is weird because I'm usually GREAT at sleeping.  I was a Grumpasaurus ALL WEEKEND - thank you PMS.    I am not a happy camper right now.  🙁

Also, I unleashed some of the PMS FEELS on Shaun earlier.  He told Shadow to use the wrong sponge on my dishes and I had a complete and total meltdown.  Look... to be fair I would have been upset about that ANY day because I'm weird about my sponges, sink, and dishes, and he knows that.  He didn't maliciously tell Shadow to use the wrong sponge, so I forgive him.  LOL  But today was an especially bad day for that to happen.  I think I cried for half an hour about that, and then almost immediately felt completely stupid and utterly ridiculous about it as soon as it was over.  I can sort of laugh at it now, but at the time I was devastated.

This is not new for me.  Those of you who have only known me during the past 6 years or so got to know the "level-hormoned Mirena Blu" who never had PMS... well, up until that stopped working out last year, and then you all met Depressed Blu.  But you can ask my mother and she would be happy to tell you (while laughing the whole time) a million stories about how I've come home after school crying because someone spoke to me with bad breath or because the cat ignored me.  I am a very emotional person in general, so when my hormones are all out of whack... oof.  I will cry at anything and you can't stop me.  I can't stop me.  It just has to run its course.

Anyway.  That's been my weekend.  On the bright side I did get a bunch of jewelry started, and it's not just flakies this time.

Well, I'm heading back to bed, so wish me luck.  I'm sure some sleep would do me good.  ❤

Someone reported my diaphragm photo as nudity...

Someone reported my diaphragm photo as nudity. That's pretty lame. Anyone care to own up to that? Maybe explain it? Because it's not nudity, or even vulgar. If anything, my posts are educational.

If you are against Sex Ed, delete me now. You are ignorant and part of the problem.  If you already aren't my friend, simply stop looking at my page.  I will not be censored.

Took a short nap and I'm feeling much better.

Took a short nap and I'm feeling much better. Gonna eat and then work on jewelry for a while. 🙂

Internet, I have felt like complete and utter crap all day.

Internet, I have felt like complete and utter crap all day. Ibuprofen hasn't stopped my headache and I have an overwhelming urge to nap right now. I really shouldn't because if I do I'll be up all night. I make no promises on staying awake, though. Blegh.

Who missed the diaphragm posts? LOL

Who missed the diaphragm posts?  LOL

Well, I am excited to say that I got my hands on this pretty and interesting diaphragm from Brazil.  It arrived in the mail yesterday.  As far as I can tell you can't get them here in the States, but I like a challenge.  😃

Since we had the issue with the Caya (the pretty purple one) rotating we've been using my Omniflex (round peachy-colored one).  It's mostly been ok and the more we use it, the less issue we seem to have.  We must be breaking it in.  LOL  We get the distracting "popping" feeling less than we did before, so that's good.

I still thought it would be nice to try this one, the Semina, because while it's made of silicone, too, it seems to be thinner and more flexible.  We haven't tried it yet, and probably won't for several more days.  I am having bloody times and I don't want to stain this one up.  I read that could happen.

Anyway, the story of how I got this one is sort of bizarre.  I had to do some pretty extensive Googling to find an online pharmacy in Brazil that carried these.  Once I found a few I emailed to ask whether they would ship to the United States.  All of them ignored me - except for one.

A rep wrote me back and said that they did not ship to the U.S., but that she would be visiting family here in about a week, so she could just bring it with her and mail it from here.

HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT?!  Like, if I'd emailed her even a few days later I would not have this.  I am wayyy more excited about this than I probably should be.  But I feel like I beat the odds, so not only do I have a new thing to try, but I have something that is kind of rare to have here.

I know that probably makes me completely crazy, but I am pretty into using my diaphragms and trying them out and learning about them.  Besides, just LOOK AT IT.  You can even see the spring.  It's just so neat.  😳

Oddly enough, I'd ordered another one similar to my Omniflex about a month ago from the UK and it arrived yesterday, too.  It's the same brand / material as the Omniflex, but the spring is different.  It's called an Arcing Spring, which means you can fold it for insertion in only one place.  It's a stiffer spring, which can be good for some types of bodies.  I can fold my Omniflex anywhere and I can feel the difference.  I'm not going to bother with a photo of it right now because it looks exactly the same as the photo I previously posted of the Omniflex.  The only difference is in the spring and you would have to feel them to know them apart.

So, I have 4 diaphragms now.  Suck it, United States, for trying to keep me from using non-hormonal birth control!  I guess I am protected for quite a while now.  LOL  The only other diaphragm I want is a Reflexions, which is made of latex and won't last like these silicone ones will, but they seem to be out of production, so I'm not holding high hopes for that.  I just figured it would be nice and soft, too, so if I happen to find one that's available to me I'll be all over it.  And if not, that's ok.  I think I can live with JUST 4.  LOL

I am not surprised. 🙁 It's REALLY HARD to say no when someone needs help.

I am not surprised.  🙁  It's REALLY HARD to say no when someone needs help.  And there is a whole system failing animals and failing the people who want to help animals.

I love animals, but I am going to stick to hoarding nail polish and helping animals when I can. I am just not financially able to help all of the animals I'd like to. If only I had more money and space things would be different, but for now this is my reality. Thankfully, nail polish doesn't eat or need to be cleaned up after, so that's an alright thing to hoard.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/la-unleashed/story/2010-09-02/one-fourth-of-new-animal-hoarding-cases-involve-rescuers-aspca-expert-says

Due to the weather and a tent malfunction...

Due to the weather and a tent malfunction we're not doing the farmer's market today. See you all next time.

New flakie rings.

New flakie rings.  These will be with me tomorrow at the Anniston Downtown Market if you need to see them in person.  😃

I can't describe how they are different from the first set, but they are.  Still very pretty, though.

So... I just finished up the new flakie pieces.

So... I just finished up the new flakie pieces. I thought I didn't like the softer colors, but I have completely changed my mind. They are PRETTY. 😳 I will post photos ASAP. Hopefully tomorrow, but it will most likely be Saturday. I'm excited!

Harley Update:

Harley Update:

He's doing well. He went back to the vet today for another de-worming. He's FINALLY starting to gain a little weight. He finishes his shots in 3 weeks and still needs to be neutered. We're working on him. 🙂 

Thanks to the wonderful and amazing Shari for taking him in for me today. With my car acting up and me not needing to miss work that was a HUGE help. ❤

About to get off of here...

About to get off of here and try to finish up some of the billion things I've started.  I feel so crazy and like I can't even slow down.  😳

So... a few things about the jewelry.

I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I wore one of my flakie sets yesterday and today and those things are fucking pretty.  Unlike holographics they don't even need sunlight to sparkle and color-change.  You can be indoors and still see how pretty they are.  I'm still not a huge fan of wearing jewelry, but I figured if I won't wear it, how I can expect anyone else to?

More on the flakies.  I made stones with the newer generation of FingerPaints flakies and they are more pastel and less bright.  I'll try to get photos of the completed pieces in a few days, but I'm not sure if I like them as much as the first set.  I do have a blue / purple and a pink-ish one, though, which I had interest in.  I may need to invest in some more flakie polishes.  I know there are some super pretty ones out there - just not in my collection (YET!)  😃

I've been making so much stuff that I am running low on jewelry supplies.  I am planning to order more in a week or two.  I wish I could do it sooner, but school's about to start back, so I have to make sure Shadow is squared away first.  We still have to get school supplies (the 9th grade lists aren't at Wal-Mart like the rest), and he also needs a haircut and some clothes.  So that's my priority.

BUT WHEN I DO GET TO ORDER I am thinking that I might not go with leverback earrings this time, but rather get the settings and use earwires.  From work and from research titanium earwires seem to be the least irritating, so I think I might go with that.  They are hypoallergenic and have no coatings that can wear off like gold filled and silver plated or whatever.  Input and thoughts are welcome, as I'm really not much of a jewelry-wearer so I am kind of clueless.  I guess I could just get an assortment of wires, but it's just more to keep up with and think about.  I was hoping to keep things simple.

If all goes as planned when I get to order I will be getting pendants for necklaces as well as some bracelets, and even some clip-on button earrings, since I've had requests for those at the farmers markets.  Also, another benefit to doing earwires instead of leverbacks is that I can get those "pierced-look clip" things that let you have dangle earrings as clips.  If you don't know what I'm talking about I can post a photo.  We use those at work and they seem to be ok.

Anyway.  You all can tell where my brain has been.  Let me know if you have suggestions or whatever.  I'm just trying to get this all figured out.  Hoping to look like something special by the time OxfordFest rolls around.  😃

Just finished updating my Etsy...

Just finished updating my Etsy.  I told myself I'd go to bed at midnight no matter what, but I was so close to being done that I just went for finishing it anyway.  It's exhausting, though.  I'm sitting here feeling like a zombie I'm so sleepy.

I'm gonna check on the ani-pals and call it a night.

Might work on Etsy some more tomorrow.  I need to probably like... link up things that might go together or something.  I don't even know.  I think I can't think anymore.

Anyway, later peoples.  I'm beat.

If you want to check out the shop, it's www.etsy.com/shop/polishallthethings

I have like, almost 100 stuffs up now.  Because I've been a busy bee.

'Night.  ❤

I had to run to Munford to see my family and all that.

I had to run to Munford to see my family and all that.  I also promised Pomona some worms, so I stopped at PetSmart.  Now I'm home.  Gonna eat, work on my Etsy and some related projects, then if I have enough time - PAINT SOME MORE.  Maybe I truly shall POLISH ALL THE THINGS.  😃

I miss you, friends.  ❤

And finally, here are a couple of NOT flakie pieces I made...

And finally, here are a couple of NOT flakie pieces I made.  I did some orders and am working on some custom stuff, so I have been busy.  I do have quite a few more new things in progress, but got really excited about the flakies and totally went off on a thing.  LOL

This is the last set of flakies jewelry I made.

This is the last set of flakies jewelry I made.  It was done with Motley by Finger Paints.  It's blue / green and fabulous.  😳

This is made with Flashy by Finger Paints.

This is made with Flashy by Finger Paints.  It's mostly orange, but like the rest, flashes a different color in different lights.  This one goes green a lot.  🙂

This group was made with Asylum by Finger Paints.

This group was made with Asylum by Finger Paints.  It's the weirdest one because it's blue and orange, but in certain lights, it even glows green.  Very interesting.

This group is made with Flecked by Finger Paints.

This group is made with Flecked by Finger Paints.  It's mostly green.  It has some yellow to it in certain lights, and as you can see, also some blue in the mix.