Mother's Day Gift Ideas Ready to Ship

Mother's Day is May 11th, don't worry I have several items that are ready to ship, and they are  customer favorites. The A lot of Love for Grandma or A lot of Love for Nana.  You can find them
 both HERE.

You can view my entire collection of Hand Stamped Jewelry HERE.

New Not all those who wander are lost keychain and necklace for him

New in the shop!  Not all those who wander are lost keychain and necklace for him. 

 The necklace is a sterling silver oval plate that measures 1 1/4 inch long by 1 inch wide the piece also includes a pewter compass charm the charms hang on a 30 inch stainless steel ball chain, a truly manly chain!

The key chain  is a sterling silver oval plate that measures 1 1/4 inch long by 1 inch wide the piece also includes a pewter compass charm.

You can find the entire Not all those who wander are lost collection HERE. 

Kristen's Custom Creations Facebook Giveaway

Are you a Facebook fan of Kristen's Custom Creations?  If not you should be, that way you will hear about special offers, new designs and giveaways!  Right now I am running a giveaway for a item of your choice, value up to $50 for one lucky winner.  Visit HERE to here.  Must be a US resident to win.

The Hand Stamped Bookmark:Front Page On Etsy

New in the shop the Hand Stamped Book Mark With Custom Initial is just perfect for any avid book reader and also would make a great end of the year gift for a teacher. It also made it on the front page of ETSY!

Take a peek at the other items also available for the serious bookworm:

Giveaway, Giveaway, Giveaway Designgirl16 Party Favors For All Occasions!!!

Ever since I was a little girl I have had a fascination with paper goods. I have more stationary than you can imagine and any excuse to embellish even a cupcake will make my day! To me you can never have enough! This is why I am very excited to be able to offer one of my lucky readers a $20 gift certificate for paper goods to Designgirl16's etsy shop!

Designgirl16 has all your hand made party favors, party decorations, and invitations of all types. They can custom design and make favors, decorations and invitations for all occasions including, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, gift bags, etc.

Designgirl16's just a few of my favorite items include the Birthday banners, Cupcake toppers, and thank you cards and that is just a few of their fabulous items. Take a peek at just a select few items below.

Birthday Banner $22

It's A Boy Thank You Cards $23

Barnyard Cupcake Picks, $10

You can view their entire collection at their shop Designgirl16 HERE.

Would you like to win a $20 gift certificate to Designgirl16's SHOP?????

Main entry: Visit Designgirl16 HERE and tell me what you would spend your gift certificate on.

Extra Entries:

Become a fan of Designgirl16's Facebook Fan Page HERE 5 extra entries. (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Tweet about this giveaway 2 extra entries (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Follow my blog 2 extra entries (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Add my blog button to your blog page 3 extra entries (leave a comment for each extra entry)

Contest runs until August 17th 11:59PM and is open to US residents only. Good luck!!!!

Feel Good Sunday: Love is....

"Love is like a river, never ending as it flows, but gets greater with time!" Author Unknown

For details of this hand stamped sterling silver "Love" necklace please visit Kristen's Custom Creations.

The story behind my hand stamped jewelry...

Very often my clients ask me how I got started with making hand stamped jewelry. I thought I would share my story. I spent over 11 years working in the service industry and was very focused on my career, probably too focused. I always thought when I was ready to have a kiddo it would just happen when I wanted it to happen. I never dreamed I would suffer with infertility issues. To make a long story a bit shorter it took us 3 years to have Will. When we finally had Will I was so proud, as any proud mama should be. I decided I wanted a necklace with his name on it. I just couldn't find exactly what I was looking for so hubby said, "You make jewelry (bead jewelry as a hobby) it can't be that hard, why don't you make something" I spent around 8 months researching materials, perfecting my technique and testing the quality of my necklaces. I am a perfectionist and wanted it to be just the right thickness and size. So you see my "Proud Mama" necklace is my first piece and has a story behind it.

I really never thought making my necklace would turn into a business. I started giving my "Mom 2 Be" necklace (my second creation) as baby shower gifts and then made necklaces for friends and family. Soon I started receiving requests from friends of friends so I decided to launch my business on Etsy. I was overwhelmed at how well they were received.

I feel truly blessed to have a creative outlet that allows me to make some extra money and be home with Will. I hope my jewelry holds special meaning for those that wear it. I enjoy my clients as they are some of the kindest folks out there. It makes my day when they take time to email me and tell me how much they like their stamped jewelry.

So you see, sometimes you just never know where a venture will take you. When I look back at my journey I really feel things happen for a reason.

Andrew's Day to shine....

Today is Andrew's day in the spotlight! I felt with the Olympics kicking off and my featured organization for August being The Special Olympics of Michigan, it was only fitting to introduce you to my cousin Andrew. Andrew is the inspiration behind selecting The Special Olympics of Michigan. Andrew as I mentioned before has been a participant for many years and I hope our Olympians have as much heart and soul as Andrew does when he competes.

We adore Andrew and hope he brings you a smile today!

Just a reminder for every hand stamped Shine necklace that is sold in my shop a portion of proceeds will be donated to The Special Olympics of Michigan. Please also visit their site to see how you can support just a great cause.

Jesus take the wheel.....

Is it me or does Carrie Underwood seem to look better and better every time you see her? I remember watching her on American Idol when she was lacking stage experience and sometimes lacking some confidence. Simon gave her such a hard time but look at her now! I love how confident she has become and how quickly she has turned into an amazing performer. I read an interview of her in a magazine and she still seems like a down to earth gal. What I love about American Idol is the talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. So tell me are you a Carrie Underwood fan?

New in my shop the "Jesus take the wheel" necklace http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/
Check out her "Jesus take the wheel" video on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky4rfA_tebY

I Choose To Be Happy!

Happiness or unhappiness is often a matter of choice." Author Unknown

Make a statement with the "I Choose To Be Happy" necklace. The "I Choose To Be Happy" necklace is a 16 mm sterling silver disc with the word "Happy" hand stamped. The disc hangs on a dainty 18 inch bead/ball chain and includes a swarovski crystal of your choice. The crystal shown is pink since it is my favorite color.

Artist note: The letters on this disc have been hand stamped one at a time. I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and are not meant to this is part of the charm that makes your piece one of a kind. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The charm has been slightly brushed and the letters have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out it will appear to be aged or slightly tarnished but has been given a good polish. All Designs COPYRIGHT OF KRISTEN'S CUSTOM CREATIONS 2008.

Available in my shop:

http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

Be my 100th and win a free gift

Kristen's Custom Creations has sold 99 items on Etsy. My 100th customer on Etsy will receive a free gift. So hurry on over to my shop maybe you will be my 1ooth! http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

A special thank you to all of my customers for their support.

Hand Picked for Etsy's Mother's Day Gift Guide

I am so excited Etsy selected my "Proud Mama" Bracelet as one of their hand picked items for their Mother's Day Guide.

Check it out http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/mothers-day/69

Featured Charity for May: Gildas Club

The Featured Charity for the Month of May is Gildas Club http://www.gildasclub.org/ For each "Live,Love,Laugh" piece that is sold in my shop for the month of May I will donate a portion of proceeds to Gilda's Club.

Gilda's Club was founded by Joanna Bull. Joanna Bull started Gilda's Club after working as a cancer psychotherapist during Radner's illness. Gilda's Club provides meeting places where men,women and children living with cancer can join others to build a personal network of social and emotional support. Gilda's Club offers free support,networking groups, seminars,workshops,specialized children's programs and social events. They are a non profit group that seeks funding from private individuals, corporations and foundations.

Now a bit about Gilda Radner. Radner was originally from the Detroit area and her Father owned Detroit's Seville Hotel, where many nightclub performers and actors stayed while performing in the Detroit area. You have to think that her exposure at the hotel lead to her love for comedy. Radner was a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour and worked with John Belushi,Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray. She caught a major break when she joined Saturady Night Live as their first cast member, I think many of us remember how hilarious she was playing the character of Roseanne Roseannadanna. Radner won an Emmy Award in 1978 for her work on SNL. Radner also did some broadway work and had several films including Hanky Panky and Haunted Honeymoon. In 1986 after many misdiagnoses Radner discovered she had ovarian cancer and at some point the cancer went into remission. In May of 1989 the cancer came back after a very painful struggle with her chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment she died on May 20th 1989.

After Radner's death the awareness for ovarian cancer improved greatly as she was very open about her personal struggle with cancer.

In 1991, Gilda's Club was created and now has many clubhouses operating across the country. I will leave you with a quote from Radner, "Having cancer gave me a membership in a elite club I'd rather not belong to."

Head on over to my shop to show your support for Gilda's Club http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

Give From The Heart

You Only Get to Keep What You Give Away:

It's a universal law:
You have to give before you get.
You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest.
The more you sow, the more you'll reap.
In giving to others, you'll find yourself blessed.
The law works to give you back more than you have sown.
The giver's harvest is always full.
Those that obtain have little.
Those who scatter have much.
Nature does not give to those who will not spend.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

The "Give From The Heart" is the second piece of my Artisan collection and is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

A new piece from the Artisan collection..

It has been a very busy month but I still squeezed in some time to create a few new pieces. The "Love,Faith,Hope" of my Artisan collection is a new piece. What I love about this piece is the cross charm that is in the middle of the disc. The cross charm is hand made and sterling silver. I have very limited quantities so when these sell out they will be gone. Stay tuned for more pieces in my Artisan collection. For more information on this piece please visit http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Artisan jewelry dates back as far as 7000 BC when gold and copper began to be sculpted to adorn the human form and the practice continues today. Artisan jewelry is not machine made and is unique and one of a kind no two pieces will ever be the same.

New Mother's Day Birthstone Necklace

To My Mother

For all the times you gently picked me up,

When I fell down,

For all the times you tied my shoes

And tucked me into bed,

Or needed something

But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,

The dreams, the laughter,

And the tears,

I love you with a "Special Love"

That deepens every year.

Author Unknown

This necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com/

The Mom or Mama necklace is a 3/4 of an inch sterling silver disc that you can have either "Mom" or "Mama" hand stamped or one word. If you would like something else stamped please convo me and we will see if it will fit. The necklace includes up to 3 birthstone crystals or a pearl mixed with 2 crystals. The pendant hangs on a 18 inch sterling silver disc. Please indicate in the note to seller which birthstones you would like.

The following birthstones are available:

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine

April: Crystal

May: Emerald

June: Light Amethyst

July: Siam

August: Peridot

September. Light Sapphire

October: Rose

November: Topaz

December: Light Sapphire

Your necklace will come with a beautiful Amy Butler card and a copy of the above poem. This makes a perfect gift for Mom.

New in my shop!! The Peace Dove

I just fell in love with this sweet peace dove so I had to make a necklace! The Peace Dove necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com If you love this make sure you get it soon since I have very limited quantities.

The symbol of peace and the word peace means many different things to people. I stumbled across this quote and thought I would share it.

" Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm - it comes from becoming still - in order to reflect and meditate on our inner wisdom and receive answers. A peaceful heart is one that is free from worry and trouble. It's becoming quiet so we can look at things quietly so we can more clearly understand them and thus come up with creative solutions. It is learning to live in the present."

Author Unknown.

What brings you peace??

Angel Blessing

Isn't this the sweetest Angel! I purchased this at Etsy of course at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5158223. Laurie is the shop owner of Through the Looking Glass and made this custom for me. I gave this to my mom as a birthday present and she loved it. Take a look at Laurie's shop she has some wonderful stained glass pieces. Not only do I sell on Etsy but I do my share of purchasing. You have to reward yourself from time to time for working hard!

It isn't too early to start thinking about Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is just around the corner can you believe it? Over the next few weeks I will be adding some new Mother's Day designs so make sure you check back!

Mother,Mommy,Mom, Mama..... did I cover them all? As moms we get called a lot of names don't we?

The Mother,Mommy,Mom,Mama necklace is a 3/4 inch sterling silver disc that has the words "Mother,Mommy, Mom and Mama" hand stamped. The necklace also includes a peridot gemstone that has been hand wire wrapped. Both charms hang on a sterling silver 18 inch snake chain. Artist note: The letters on this disc have been hand stamped one at a time. I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and are not meant to this is part of the charm that makes your piece one of a kind. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The letters have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out it will appear to be aged or slightly tarnished but has been given a good polish.

This necklace is available at http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com

Waiting for Spring....

I don't know about you but I am ready for spring. I love it when all of the flowers are in bloom and everything is green. It has been a long winter in Michigan and we have had a lot of snow. We need some warm weather.

"Where flowers bloom so does hope."... Lady Bird Johnson

The Bloom necklace is a 3/4 inch sterling silver disc that has the word "Bloom" hand stamped. The necklace also includes a hill tribe sterling silver flower that has been imported from Thailand and a sweet pink swarovski crystal. The charm hangs on a 18 inch sterling silver snake chain.

Artist note: The letters on this disc have been hand stamped one at a time. I do not use machines. The letters will not line up perfectly and are not meant to this is part of the charm that makes your piece one of a kind. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The letters have been oxidized/antiqued to make them stand out it will appear to be aged or slightly tarnished but has been given a good polish. Would you like to purchase this necklace http://www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com