My New Favorite Dichroic Pendant

I just can't stop looking at this dichroic patchwork pendant. I pieced together 8 different kinds of dichroic glass and fused them into this pendant. Dichroic glass looks different from different angles, so with all the colors and patterns in this one it's non-stop entertainment (at least for me!). I listed it for sale in my Etsy shop and I don't think it will stay there for very long--maybe I should start on a similar one tomorrow. Or better yet, two--then I can keep at least one for myself!

5 Reasons I Love Entrecard

1. I've discovered a lot of truly nice bloggers and interesting blogs that I probably wouldn't have known existed through Entrecard. I learn at least one new thing from these folks each day, and most days several of them will make me laugh.

2. The traffic to this blog has increased significantly, and it's not all drop-and-run as I feared it would be. A fair number of Entrecard users take the time to stop, read, leave comments, even check out my jewelry and temari. I've come to believe that you get out of Entrecard what you put into it, and if you make the effort to read and interact with the others, people will do the same with you.

3. The ads I buy (with credits I earn, not real money--perfect for my current budget!) on other blogs give this blog exposure to everyone and anyone who might be reading those blogs--many of whom are not entrecard users--bringing new blog readers here and potential customers to my Etsy and eBay shops.

4. The powers that be have come out with a free new ebook to help new entrecarders and seasoned droppers alike. My favorite part about the ebook is that they included MY AD as part of an illustration (see page 8), but it's also full of a ton of helpful tips and info.

5. Entrecard has just been updated so that you can have more than one blog on your account, and switch between them quickly and easily. This is terrific news because I'm planning to launch another blog in the next few weeks and I'm looking forward to using Entrecard to help get traffic moving to it.

If you're a blogger and not in the Entrecard network yet I recommend you have a look around, read the ebook, and feel free to ask questions.

My Latest Kumihimo Necklace

I listed this braided Kumihimo necklace in my etsy shop today. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out until I was a good way into the braiding because I made it with windowpane yarn. If you've never seen windowpane yarn, it looks like two strands of string connected by little ribbon flags. This was my first time using anything like it, and I love the way this necklace looks! I also refreshed myself on kumihimo history today so that I could answer a customer's questions, so here's a mini history lesson for you: Kumihimo is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the days of the Samurai who used kumihimo braids to lace up their armor, wrap sword handles to create a secure grip, and to hang a sword on their belts. The Samurai warriors were expected to be able to repair their braids if they became worn or damaged, so by the time they were too old (or maimed) to do battle they were able to earn a decent living by making kumihimo braids.

Crack Kills

We usually have kids on weekends. And every weekend someone says to our almost-teenager, "Crack kills." Or "The moon is bright today." And sometimes, "Hey, did ya get a job as a plumber?" I'm sure there are more, but after hearing them over and over and over again I try to block out the lame humor. Bad butt jokes no more! I was blog-hopping and landed at Livin' With Me!, where I discovered the Hip-T: it slips over your jeans and under your t-shirt, giving you a layered look (and protecting your, um, assets) without the bulk of layers. And the best thing is, you can win one just by checking out Hip-T.com, choosing your favorite color, and leaving a comment on Livin' With Me! Or shop to your heart's content if you're like me and can't stand to hear another bad butt joke.