jewelry for sale

Ok, it's official, I'm in business!  I'm slowly starting to attempt to sell my jewelry.  You can check out my "store" at www.ashleighmurphy.etsy.com.  

Let me know what you think!

More Beads

Now that my semester is over I have been busy making jewelry! I've been having a lot of fun creating.  A local boutique has even expressed interest in buying some of my creations! Here are some of my most recent designs.

playing beads

I love making jewelry. I call it, "playing beads."  I can spend hours creating, taking apart, recreating. I can also spend $$$ at the bead store (have to be careful there).  My mother and I took a beading class in Northampton, MA when I was in junior high.  I didn't make much until my wedding when I made my jewelry and pieces for my bridesmaids. After moving to NC I picked up on it again because of my neighbor.  Julie is even more obsessed with "playing beads" than I am and we have had a blast sharing ideas. 

I made this bracelet and earrings last night after class. 

I am always looking for reasons, beyond my enjoyment, to "play beads" so if you or anyone you know needs something made (or wants something made) let me know! =)

  

Renovation Part 4 - Backsplash!

Our backsplash is done and we love it! We chose 1 x 1 glass tiles mixed with 4 x 6 brick stone. Over the cooktop we have brass tiles for a little something special =)  We love it. I thought choosing tile was going to be a nightmare because of all the millions of options, but we walked into the store and I spotted the glass tiles right away and said, "This is it, this is exactly what i want." Thankfully Brett got tired about 30 seconds after we entered the store and basically left it up to me - I like when that happens =)

 

On most of our renovations so far we have chosen the least expensive subcontractors and were happy with their work but noticed they don't pay much attention to detail. With the backsplash we went with Tile Collection in Charlotte which is well known for their excellent work...they did excellent work and we were happy to pay them for it.

Next is floors. We are going to do hardwoods throughout the first floor and re-stain the existing hardwoods. That will be in the fall we think. We also will eventually update our oven, micro and fridge...in black. 

VEGAS

Renovation Part 2 and 3

We have our countertops, new sink and new lighting! Next is our stovetop (apparently its backordered...) and backsplash! Also, Ikea just opened in Charlotte and we had fun with their kitchen organization stuff. I found this cute spice rack (it's to the right of the cooktop cut-out).

kitchen renovation part 1

Here is an update on the kitchen renovation! We had our cabinets refinished and under cabinet lighting installed so far... this weekend comes new granite counter tops, new sink, gas cook top and pendant lights over the bar area.I can't decide on or find good hardware! I'd like to have some rustic black knobs and pulls...any suggestions?

my first blog

At the STRONG encouragement of my dear cousin-in-laws I have created my first blog. I do not need anything else in my life that will distract me from getting my work done because I am an extremely talented procrastinator.  However, I am hopeful that my reflections on this blog will enhance, not only my relationships with distant, dear relatives, but my ability to be a reflective counselor-in-training. 

Yesterday it dawned on me what an incredibly huge responsibility a counselor holds in the therapeutic relationship.  Brought me to my knees. I know I will not be able to do this work without divine assistance, and I am thankful for that.  

I am also thankful to have a fabulous kitchen renovation in progress! A great chance to use my creative talents and someone else's labor! I've included some before pictures of the kitchen and will post more as we make progress.  The plan is to refinish the cabinets (linen base color with umber glaze creating an antiqued look - similar to Norma and Steve's), replace the countertops with granite, update the lighting, update the appliances (black), put in hardwoods throughout the downstairs (right now only the front formal rooms have hardwoods) and refinish the existing hardwoods to match the new.  

We started with the cabinets.  They are about 80% through with the refinishing process and I am having fun picking out new hardware! I'll post pictures of the cabinets when they're done!

Suggestions welcome! 

BEFORE: