And we haven't even gotten to Halloween yet!

Oh well, even though it's just now turning mid-October, it is -- in fact -- time to start thinking about the holidays. Most crafters are feverishly working on their wares for holiday sales and preparing for upcoming boutiques and fairs.

Art Fire has created a category specifically for purchasing stocking stuffers (items under $10.00) and a sea of fall colors and reds and greens seems to be flooding the front page lately.

Fo-Shizzle Design Studios store at Art Fire has e-gift certificates available for purchase - in case you run out of time to shop or just don't know which jewelry gift to choose. Our e-gift certificates are available in increments of $20, $30, $40 & $50, or we can customize a listing just for you in any denomination you'd like. Our e-gift certificates can be used towards any item in our Art Fire shop or for a custom designed piece.

MzzThang





Holiday Gifts

Congratulations to Robert W. from Tennessee! Robert won a pair of Peach and gold earrings from our "Hannah Collection" during our September Monthly Giveaway!

Sign up now for our October Giveaway! This month we're giving away a beautiful bracelet from our NEW "Sasha Collection"! It's our sparkling Pink Ice bangle bracelet featuring faceted pink crystal rondelles and clear bicones, set among .925 silver plated "noodle" tubes and finished with a silver plated lobster claw clasp. This bracelet is assembled upon 20 gauge silver-filled wire for strength and durability.

It's easy to enter! Simply visit the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios and click on the "WIN FREE JEWELRY" link on the left side of any page! Fill out the entry form and keep your fingers crossed! YOU may be the next lucky Monthly Giveaway winner!*

SASHA - Pink Ice

*by submitting an entry you are agreeing to receive the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios monthly e-news letter.

My mother used to be a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a group of women who met on a weekly basis to plan fund raisers for charity, hosted the wackiest theme parties and led the ever-so-social life. And just as each of our US states has its own representative flower, each of these sorority groups did as well. The Beta Sigma Phi sorority flower was the yellow rose.

One of the ladies in this group lives around the corner from my parents house (where I grew up) and although neither her nor my mother are still active in the sorority, the symbol of the yellow rose has remained an important part of each of their lives. As the upcoming birthday of this neighbor approached, my mother contacted me regarding possibly making a piece of jewelry and incorporating the yellow rose. I had just started a huge project and quite frankly, did not have enough time to make anything, so I began my internet search for something I could purchase for my mother to give as a gift.

There it was. The most perfect and beautiful rose I had ever seen. It looked amazingly real, yet according to the website was hand crafted out of a special formula synthetic clay, produced exclusively for the artist. Items created out of it have the delicate look of unglazed china but are very light, yet strong. I purchased it and when it arrived I was even more amazed at the intricate details of this rose. The petals weren't thick like most polymer clay roses and were finely detailed including having "veins" in the petals, like a real rose. The leaves were multi-dimensional and the color was the softest yellow with hints of an even paler yellow in each petal. It was perfect. So perfect in fact, that I almost didn't want to let my mother take it.

The artists' name is Maria Gower. She owns and operates Rose Paradise in the UK. Her work is brilliant and unique and -- well -- here...

...just look at the pictures. And I must say, the pictures really do not do these pieces justice at all.







And here's the one I purchased. With shipping it was only around $18.00 and came with the silver snake chain:



Check out Maria's other unique pieces on her website at:

www.RoseParadise.co.uk

I was tagged by Pink Clouds and Angels and BEBs Treasures

It's my turn to share ten facts about me and to tag 10 others to do the same. This is a great way to get to know about each other and further develop our friendships, even though most of them are long-distance.

So... without further a-do, here's 10 facts about me:

1) I'm married (for the third time) to a wonderful man who believes that I am the most important part of his life. It's a great quality in a man, I must admit. This is his third marriage as well. We both thought we would keep trying until we got it right. I'm pretty confident that we did this time. Larry and I met while playing darts in the local league, 14 years ago.

2) Together we have four adults (they hate being called children)- 3 women and 1 man, and three beautiful grandchildren ages 15, 2 and 6 months.

3) We were not wealthy growing up and made most of our own toys -- from cereal box guitars to cardboard canoes. We were forced to use our imaginations to keep us occupied (Imagination: something that has become lost with the invention of video games). I can't thank my parents enough for helping us embellish our creative minds.

4) I was as tall as my kindergarten teacher and reached my full height of 6 feet by the 7th grade. I am the second shortest in my family.

5) I've always been involved in the arts of some sort. I began playing the upright bass at the age of 7 and was playing professionally in a pub with a jazz group by the age of 14. My parents had to drive me to my gigs until I was old enough to drive myself. Even then, they had to chaperone me because I was too young to be in the pub. I was with that same jazz group for the next 30 years.

6) I have performed with many great musicians, including David Baker, Todd Coolman, Jon Faddis, Buddy Montgomery, Willard Dyson, John Patitucci, Rodney Franklin, Will Kennedy, Sarah Vaughan, Peter Horvath, Jeff Hamilton, Sheila E. and songwriter Paul Williams, just to name a few.

7) In 1996 I became a professional darts player, traveling the US and Canada for competition and representing Northern California -- and was inducted into the National Darts Hall of Fame in 2001. I was nationally ranked in the top 15 and world ranked in the top 30 at the height of my career.

8) Due to a severe shoulder injury, surgery and then re-injury, I had to retire from playing darts in 2007. Currently in my spare time, I bowl in two leagues and compete in local bowling tournaments.

9) I am a 18 year ovarian cancer survivor; however with the cure of cancer came the onset of Lupus. To date, there is no cure for Lupus.

10) I began my current hobby/career of making jewelry after searching online for magnetic bracelets for therapeutic purposes. After noticing that all that was offered looked dull, drab and virtually the same, I decided to make my own using colorfully painted magnetic beads. Several people in the building I work in noticed my bracelets and asked if I could make some for them. My business today has evolved from these requests.

OK, There's my 10 fun-filled facts! Now... what are yours?

1. Butterfly Crafts
2. Almondtree Designs
3. Bei Creations
4. Bijoux Designs For You
5. Blue Betty
6. Haffina Creations
7. Risky Beads
8. Silver River Jewelry
9. Jewelry By Fyfe
10. Huckleberry Arts

I was watching a T.V. show last Wednesday (while babysitting my grandson) called "She's Crafty". While we don't have cable television, I'm not sure whether this is a nationally broadcast show or just something local; but nonetheless, it was quite entertaining.

The host of the show made several simple crafty things, such as an accordion-style photo album using 8-1/2x11 sheets of paper, a tea tray using a wooden-framed picture frame, some fabric and drawer pulls -- and she closed the show by making some wonderful sugar scrubs.

Now I've heard of sugar scrub before, but have never used any myself. But listening to her talk on and on about the wonderful effects these sugar scrubs had on her face and skin, and how people were telling her how much younger she looked after a few weeks of using it, I decided that yes...I wanted to look younger too.

I raced into the kitchen to get a piece of paper and pencil to write down exactly how to make this sugar scrub, and as I began writing down the ingredients, I realized that not only was it a very simple item to make, but I had all of the ingredients to make it too! :)

So off to the kitchen I went -- to make my first batch of sugar scrub.

The recipe called for 2 cups of sugar, 2TBSP. of extra virgin olive oil and enough Green Tea Tree oil to make the scrub not too flaky, but not too liquidy. This was the only part that didn't have an exact measurement.

After putting the sugar in a bowl and mixing the two oils in, I added 1TBSP. of pure vanilla extract and 4 TBSP. of sweetened cocoa powder. This gave the sugar scrub a wonderful chocolate/vanilla aroma, plus the cocoa added coloration.

I scooped the scrub into a small glass jar with lid, and voila! It was done!

It smelled wonderful! I tried it this morning just on my face. The granulation of the sugar is an excellent exfoliator, and the oils made my skin feel as soft and smooth as a baby's behind.

I'm going to be trying some other scents real soon! Can't wait!

As summer ends and fall peeks it's head around the corner - we've decided to try something new. Our jewelry products will be formed into groups or "Collections", rather than just a mish-mosh and scattering of pieces. This idea came about after creating jewelry for one particular wedding party this past summer. The bride and groom both wore white, as did the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Because the bride did not have a particularly favorite color, she chose an array of colors for the bridal party: blue, green, purple, peach and light green. The bridesmaids each had earrings, bracelets and necklaces made for them and each one wore a different color. The groomsmen each wore a cummerbund and tie that matched the color of one of the bridesmaids and all in all it was quite colorful. Each of the bridesmaids pieces were made slightly different from each other, so that they all tied in, but were still unique.

The bride (Hannah) thought that we should make more of these as she was so impressed with how they turned out she thought others would like them.

So they were born. The "Hannah" collection of earrings. They each have an 8mm Swarovski crystal and are set on our handmade 22 gauge 12K gold-filled ear wires. They have been made just as the originals. Following are pictures of the entire five-piece series, available for purchase on our website or at our store:



For more information on the Hannah Series, or to purchase these earrings, visit Fo-Shizzle Design Studios

With the holidays creeping up upon us, it's time to start thinking about those holiday gatherings and get togethers. If you're like me, no matter who's having the gathering you'll ask if you can bring something (food, drink, etc.). Even if the host or hostess expressly denies the need for anything additional, I will always bring a little something anyway, and leave it up to them to put it out for the gathering or keep it for themselves.

One of the easiest and most raved about foods I've made I found in a Better Homes and Garden magazine and altered it slightly to suit my taste. The original recipe was for chocolate truffles, made from Oreo cookies and dipped in white chocolate. Personally I prefer my chocolate to actually have a CHOCOLATE taste -- so for me, the white chocolate was out.

I've now made every flavor that Nabisco Oreos have to offer, and everyone I've give these truffles to has begged for more. Here's the general (altered) recipe:

1 package (16 oz.) Oreo cookies, finely crushed (I use a food processor to get them ultra-fine and powdery.

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese

2 packages (8 oz. each) Bakers' semi-sweet baking chocolate, or 4 cups of your favorite semi-sweet chocolate chips.

DIRECTIONS:

Place cream cheese in mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until softened. Add crushed cookies and mix well. Cover bowl and put in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours or until firm.

Roll mixture into approximately 40 - 45 small balls (diameter of a quarter). Place on waxed paper and put in freezer for 1 hour.

Melt chocolate or chocolate chips in a double boiler. Dip balls in melted chocolate and place back on waxed paper. Refrigerate until ready to use.


Variations: Peanut Butter Oreos, Double Fudge Oreos, Mint Chocolate Oreos (my favorite).

Congratulations to Peter P. from Rochester New York!

Peter won the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios' MONTHLY GIVEAWAY for June, 2009! His free jewelry was "Lilies", a pair of Lucite and crystal earrings.

I know they will look great on you Peter! (giggle)

If you would like to register for your chance to win free jewelry, click here and sign up for our monthly newsletter!

Fo-Shizzle Design Studios' Art Fire Store


Why am I having a 50% off sale?

Each year, I donate to the Lupus Foundation of America. Last year a little over $3,000.00 was raised from sales, dart tournaments and other fun events and given to the LFA during October, which for those of you who may be unaware, is Lupus Awareness Month.

This year, however, one of our events was canceled so I am relying more on sales and a "Walk For Lupus Now" event at the end of this month to be able to fulfill my goal of matching last years' donations. We raised over $300.00 during our the previous store sales, but still have a long way to go -- and let's face it -- October is going to be here quicker than we think.

Tomorrow only, all items in our AF store will be reduced 50%. Hopefully for those of you who've been eyeballing our items in the past, this will be enough incentive to make that purchase.

100% of the proceeds from all sales tomorrow will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America.

If you do not care to make a purchase, but would like to become a team member of, or make a donation for the "Walk For Lupus Now" event, click on the link and read more about this wonderful charity event. I'm going to be walking it (fingers crossed) for the first time this year, with the aid of my daughters.

Thank you all in advance for your support!


~ Mischelle (aka "Mzz Thang")

This is one of my newest listings on Art Fire.

"Antonia": Hand-formed sterling silver 14 gauge bead wire surrounding 22 gauge sterling round wire, sporting brilliant genuine aquamarine faceted 6x8mm briolettes. 2" length from the bottom of the sterling silver ear wires.

Check them out here and take a look at our other new listings by visiting our Art Fire store.

HOPE FOR A NEW LUPUS TREATMENT REVEALED

Earlier this month, the promising results of a potential new treatment for lupus -- BENLYSTA™ -- were announced. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), BENLYSTA would be the first new lupus treatment in more than 50 years and the first drug ever developed specifically for lupus.

Now more than ever we need your support. It is critical that we continue to fund our research program to find additional therapies needed to manage this disease, and find ways to fully restore the quality of life that people with lupus once knew.

While more research is required for FDA approval, the results are encouraging. The study provides new hope for people with lupus … the type of hope that the LFA continues to advance thanks to supporters like you.

Physicians need a complete arsenal of therapies to provide the individualized treatment that lupus requires. With your help, we can ensure that they will.
----------------------

A GIANT LEAP FOR LUPUS

astronaut It is likely that we will all remember July 20, 2009, not only as the anniversary of the first moon landing, but also when a historic breakthrough in lupus occurred. The Lupus Foundation of America is celebrating the positive results of BENLYSTA™ announced by Human Genome Sciences. Only top-line results of the first of two studies have been released thus far. Additional details of the results will be presented later this year at a major scientific meeting. In addition, we eagerly await the results of the longer-term Phase III clinical trial to be released in November when the study is completed.

---------------------

Join One of the LFA's August Walk for Lupus Now Events

The Walk for Lupus Now season continues, with monies raised from these events going to support lupus research, lupus education programs, and patient and family support services.

If you are in the San Francisco/East Bay Area, join my team in the Walk For Lupus Now event on August 30, 2009.

If you are unable to join me for this event, please visit my sponsor page and help find a treatment or a cure for this chronic and debilitating disease.

For more information on what Lupus is, or how you can help, visit www.Lupus.org

	Dear Family & Friends: I will be participating in this year's Walk for Lupus Now® to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America. Walk for Lupus Now is the signature event of the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. In more than 75 cities across America, thousands of people walk to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lupus and to raise essential funds for research, education, and support services. I am writing to ask you for your support and help me reach my fundraising goal. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease in which the immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every organ system in the body. November 2008 marked 50 years since a drug has been approved for the treatment of lupus. There is hope on the horizon, and with your help we can find better treatments and a cure for lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA) is the foremost national nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches, and support groups conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy. You can help me reach my goal by making a secure online donation. Just click on the link below and you will be taken to my personal donation page. Making a difference starts with one step. Thank you for taking this step! Click here to visit my personal page. If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address: http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?px=1694782&pg=personal&fr_id=1160&et=2_t9dHqN1YvL6knD5o-uHw..&s_tafId=1487 Click here to view the team page for Just a Little Loopy If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address: http://donate.lupus.org/site/TR/Walk/General?team_id=6420&pg=team&fr_id=1160&et=PaMWwJ6jqUEAhc_6ITaovQ..&s_tafId=1487
The Lupus Foundation of America is the nation’s leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus and providing support and services to all people affected by lupus.

I got to babysit my grandson today. Not that that's really anything new, exactly, as I take care of him every Wednesday while his mom and dad are both at work. Damian is now three months old, but I swear - it seems like he was just born yesterday.

Each week, I see such drastic advances and changes in him. He's just growing up so fast, and each time that I see him there's something new. It's not like he learned to coo and then that's all that he does for a few months.

No. He's already rolling over, sitting up almost entirely on his own and standing on his two feet with nothing more than the support of me holding his hands. I swear, this kid is going to be driving a car even before he learns how to crawl.

Anyway, I though I would post today's video short, featuring none other than my 3 month old grandson, Damian.

I've been waiting all year for this day to finally arrive, like a wide-eyed little girl who's just been handed a really big present.

Chocolate Day is the perfect opportunity to eat you favorite chocolates in ample portions. Do you really need another excuse to over indulge with your favorite food treat?

Chocolate is America's favorite flavor. It's the flavor of choice in candies, ice cream, cakes, breakfast cereal, toppings, and a whole host of desserts. Unequaled in popularity, it certainly deserves a day in it's honor.

Did you know? Chocolate is a vegetable. It comes from the Cacao tree found in rain forests.

Now that I've bored you all with chocolate facts that I'm sure you already knew, here are some of my favorite chocolate pieces by extremely talented artists at Art Fire. You can click on the photos to take you directly to their Art Fire Stores.

How about these delicious looking Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies from Laura Lees Tasty Treats? OMG! I'm drooling already!














And how cute is this? Miniature Triple Layer Chocolate Cake from Kawaii Doll House Miniatures Shop:




















If only my daughters were still little (my youngest is now 23)!
Hootibee's has the absolute cutest bows, hats, and everything to make your your youngsters look dashing! I love this Chocolate Polka Dot Curly Q Bow!



















Wouldn't it be nice to have a chocolate in every room?
Well now you can, and you won't even gain a ounce! These Chocolate Chip Cookie Round Light Switches are for the serious chocolate lover! Decorate your whole house in chocolate!




















Mmmmm...how delectable! Chocolate Cake with Pink Frosting bracelet from Risky Beads. This bracelet is to die for! Love the vintage pink "frosting" beads!




















Ya know, Veterinarians will tell you that you should never give chocolate to a dog. I'm no vet, but I certainly have to disagree with that statement! I think every dog should be given chocolate. Specially when it's a Chocolate & Blue Floral Dog Harness from Spoiled Bratzwear Canine Couture!















Hey! No fair keeping all the chocolate to yourself! C'mon! Share it with a friend! It's easy to do with this "ChocoCult" Set of 5 Yummy Envelopes and Cards!




















I don't need to tell you what to do to celebrate this day, do I?

Eat (and buy) Chocolate! And don't forget to share it with your very best friend!


Uh... I was talking about me.

Today is Compliment Your Mirror Day (really!).

Now, here is what you need to do.........

Stand in front of your mirror with your eyes closed. Put a big smile on your face.... a BIG smile. Now, open your eyes. Isn't the picture of the person in your mirror absolutely stunning!? The person in your mirror is beautiful (or handsome).

So, compliment your mirror for displaying this beautiful person.

If you don't have a mirror, then let me introduce you to some wonderful artists at Art Fire, who can assist you with seeing the beautiful person that you are (Pictures of these items are below).

1.) BIG HELMET HEAD has several pocket mirrors to choose from! This one is my personal favorite (the mirror part is on the back side)

2.) How about a nice table top mirror? This lovely piece of mosaic art is from Crystal Diamond Designs

3.) There's beautiful handheld mirrors from Bark Up A Tree Woodworks (love the Zebra wood!)

4.) Maybe something in a "beachy decor" is more your style? Beautiful seashell mirrors by Beach Grass Cottage

5.) Speaking of hand mirrors, check out this one from jimt2099

6.) And on the softer side, this hand painted mirror by A Stroke of Jeanne-ius is gorgeous!

7.) And if you have no place for a mirror, there's always this wonderful artwork by NEW Prints

Whatever you do, realize that you are unique, one of a kind and a truly beautiful person.

Click on any of the pictures below to view these wonderful pieces.

















Coming Up Next: Chocolate Day (July 7th)

We had an awesome response to our newsletter sign-up in June, as one lucky winner of our Monthly Giveaway was set to receive a "Summer Cha-Cha" bracelet, filled with pastel colored glass pearls on a silver plated chain. 871 (yes..that's eight hundred and seventy one!) people signed up to receive our monthly newsletter, registering for their chance at winning the bracelet.

The lucky winner this month is Janie L. from Arkansas!

To enter our monthly giveaway, simply visit www.Fo-Shizzle.com and click on the "Win FREE Jewelry" link on the left side of any page.

If you have previously entered one of our giveaways and are a current subscriber to our newsletter, you are AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED into the drawing, however you may increase your chances of obtaining free jewelry from the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios by having your friends and family sign up for our newsletter! Simply ask them to place your first and last name and your e-mail address in the "referred by" area of the form. The person who refers the MOST people during the month of June will receive a custom one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios!

So, sign-up for our newsletter, tell all your friends and family to do the same...and good luck!

~ Mzz Thang

He's chatting up a storm these days!
The two clips are from my daughters camera phone, so they're kinda digitized.

No, that's not what I meant! Get your mind out of the gutter already! LOL!

There's a new website, which ranks an individuals Art Fire store into the "top 100" simply by the amount of traffic received by clicking on it's link.

There's no "prize" and no real "winner" (except just the fun of being at the top of the list), but for those of you reading this blog post -- and I know that's less than a hand full -- if you don't mind, could you please click on this link, find my Fo-Shizzle Design Studios banner and click on it? I would be most appreciative if you did.

If you are signed up for this, I will most gladly do the same in return, just let me know.

Thanks, and don't forget to click, enter, and click on my banner!

My husband is a fan of all things chocolate (gotta love him!). He despises anything green that resembles a fruit or vegetable, unless of course it's hidden among other foods (that have a chocolate taste, of course!).

I recently made a banana bread with chocolate chunks that he absolutely loves, and thought I'd share the recipe with you.

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHUNK BREAD

2 C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. dark brown sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
4 medium ripe bananas, mashed
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, broken into small pieces
--------------
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a non-stick bread loaf pan lightly with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In mixer at medium-high speed, cream butter, brown sugar, vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy.
Add mashed ripe bananas and mix on low until well blended.
Stir in flour mixture just until moistened. Add chocolate chunks and stir until well blended.

Pour into loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Slice and serve warm, or let cool completely.

Enjoy!

Silver Parrot Designs is having an awesome bead giveaway that ends TONIGHT! I would love to win this! There's some fantastic stuff there!

Anyway, get on over there and post your "linky love" before midnight tonight!

Finger crossed!

I adore my grandson! He's 2 months old now. He's starting to make the cutest sounds and gurgles, becoming more aware of his own voice.

Here's a quick video my daughter took. She did it on her cell phone (which is why it's so "digitized"), but in between my daughters noises, you can hear Damian.

Awwww!

Last month, we gave away 31 pairs of freshwater pearl and sterling silver earrings (one pair each day throughout the month of May) during our "May Madness" event!

This month's giveaway is a "Summer Cha-Cha" bracelet, filled with pastel colored glass pearls and set on a sturdy silver plated bracelet chain.




To enter our monthly giveaway, simply visit www.Fo-Shizzle.com and click on the "Win FREE Jewelry" link on the left side of any page.

If you have previously entered one of our giveaways and are a current subscriber to our newsletter, you are AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED into the drawing, however you may increase your chances of obtaining free jewelry from the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios by having your friends and family sign up for our newsletter! Simply ask them to place your first and last name and your e-mail address in the "referred by" area of the form. The person who refers the MOST people during the month of June will receive a custom one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios!

So, sign-up for our newsletter, tell all your friends and family to do the same...and good luck!

~ Mzz Thang

As the entries continue to pour in, this blog post will be continually updated with the daily winners of the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios "May Madness" - a chance to win a pair of genuine pearl and silver earrings - which is going on each day throughout the month of May.

Below is a list of the "May Madness" daily winners:

May 1st - Joanna S., NY
May 2nd - Doris K., WI
May 3rd - Ismaela P., India
May 4th - Deborah A., TN
May 5th - Beth Ann B., TX
May 6th - Mary R., CA
May 7th - Mary H., MS
May 8th - Paul M., CO
May 9th - Terra H., TX
May 10th - Richard T., HI
May 11th - Jill W., TN
May 12th - Timothy H., CT
May 13th - Christine F., DE
May 14th - Cindee B., NM
May 15th - Steve T., IN
May 16th - Jillian C., UK
May 17th - Tammy J., TX
May 18th - Pat K., IL
May 19th - Donna S., AR
May 20th - Cynthia L., TX
May 21st - Polly G., NH
May 22nd - Peter S., WI
May 23rd - Gary H., TX
May 24th - Jenny G., WI
May 25th - Maxine H., FL
May 26th - Sandra H., CA
May 27th - Kim T., CT
May 28th - William P., IN
May 29th - Joan S., MA
May 30th - Alicia A., FL
May 31st -

If you haven't registered for our "May Madness" daily giveaway, you can enter any time up until 11:59pm on May 31st, at www.Fo-Shizzle.com If you have already registered, then thanks again for playing, and get ready for our NEXT big giveaway!

Every day throughout the month of May we're giving away a FREE pair of Genuine Pearl and Sterling Silver dangle earrings!

One winner will be selected at random for each day beginning May 1st and ending May 31st from a list of the total number of completed online submissions and in-store submissions, using the True Random Number Generator at www.random.org.

All winners will be posted on our blog following "giveaway" notifications.

Earring Details: Genuine Pearl Dangle Earrings
Size: 6.5mm Natural White Color.
Shape: Round (off), Hand-picked to match.
Solid Sterling Silver ear wires.
Retail Value of up to: $50.00

To register for your chance to win, simply visit www.Fo-Shizzle.com and click on the "WIN FREE JEWELRY" tab on the left side of the page!

Good luck!

From new budding on the trees and warming temperatures, to the animals peeking out of their winter hideaways, there seems to be a promise of new birth and color in the springtime air. This month's theme is SPRING, and below are just a few selections of my favorite Spring artwork created by Art Fire artisans. Click on the links to go directly to their online stores for more fine artwork!



























These fantastic butterfly wing earrings are from Suantova, hand made by Tommy Venable. The butterfly wing is coated clear resin to give a glass like finish. Each wing is approximately 1 1/4" x 3/4" Total length of earrings is approximately 2 inches.
Gorgeous!




























These are just TOO CUTE! From barretzz come these Adorable booties -- 100% Cotton fabric outside, with warm white wool felt inside and a satin bow -- specially for your little princess!






















This lovely oval dried flower wreath from NHWoodscreations just screams SPRING! Gorgeous actual dried flowers are handwired into this wreath (no silk or artificial stuff used here!).




























"Savannah's Spring" Giclee by Embellaments. Limited to a number of 250 and hand signed by artist.






















Gorgeous Art Tile Pendant by ArtfullPendants. Each pendant is hand created from an original painted work or photograph

















WallPaperWigWam created these sweet little bags out of wallpaper! These sweet little bags are suitable for just about any spring and/or summertime occasion: And they're reusable! The bags don't lie as flat as the ones you purchase in the store because the paper is thicker and the bottoms have been reinforced with poster board.




















My next door neighbor has the most beautiful flowers and plants that she meticulously cares for each day... So I, Mzz Thang of Fo-Shizzle Design Studios, created this springtime bracelet using purples, fuchsias, blues, whites and greens. Gorgeous lentil lampwork beads by the very talented Kari Persson, aurora borealis glass beads, vintage Lucite, Swarovski crystals, Amethyst drops, purple jade and three adorable silver butterflies.

I am currently following several blogs, and one of them, http://djstoreroom.blogspot.com recently had a fabulous giveaway. It was such a great idea that I decided to join in and do the same.

So...


Here are the Rules:
1. Be one of the first three bloggers to "follow" my blog and leave a comment at the end of this post, which entitles you to a handmade gift.
2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers who "follow" you and leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
3. The gift you send can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love
5. If you are not one of the Top Three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Please start your own 'Pay It Forward chain', and encourage your blogging friends to do the same.

And, I would be most pleased if you could just join in the fun!!

Click the "follow me" button first, then leave your comments below. And remember to include your email address so that I may be able to contact you!!

~ Mzz Thang
Fo-Shizzle Design Studios

I've been lucky in many ways. Lately, it's been with the opening of my brick and mortar jewelry store. It's located inside of a bowling alley and although many may not find that the ideal place for a jewelry store, it hasn't necessarily been such a bad thing. In fact, it's like being at a craft fair five days a week. With the steady flow of people in the bowling alley (whether they just be "looky-loos" or people actually making a purchase), sales have been extremely good during the first month of being open.

On Friday and Saturday nights, the bowling alley hosts what is known to the locals as "Celestial Thunder" -- a place for teens and adults to hang out and bowl as much as they want between 10:00pm and 1:00am - complete with loud music, black lights, dancing light shows and a live DJ.

My husband and I are "bouncers" during Celestial Thunder, and I've overheard several of the patrons laugh as they read my jewelry store sign, look at each other and exclaim "FO-SHIZZLE!"; and on occasion I've heard them still talking about it as they walked away.

Last night, as this same scenario repeated itself, I walked up to the five girls that were mocking my store name, and asked if they would like to go inside and look at the jewelry. One of them (in a somewhat "valley-girl" accent asked me "Why the Hell did you name your store Fo-Shizzle?"

"Two reasons", I told her. "The first is because about 34 years ago I was given the stage name (nickname) "Mzz Thang" by my band members (I was the only female in the band and the members were predominantly African-American) and Fo-Shizzle just seemed to fit along with my nickname." "The other", I continued, "Is because of young people like you, who have heard that word before. In fact, how many times in the past five minutes have you all said Fo-Shizzle?"

They had to think about it for a moment. "Nine that I counted", I said. "And you know what? Each time you see or hear that word somewhere else, I guarantee that you are going to think about my jewelry store!"

Most of them looked at me with a blank stare, but I saw the light bulb going off over one young girls head as she figured it out. "Wow", she said. "You're probably right."

"That's tight!" another one said.

Although they decided at that moment that drawing all over each other in yellow highlighters (it shows well under the black lights) was more important than looking at my jewelry, I'll bet any amount of money that they will never forget my little jewelry store in the bowling alley...each and every time they hear that word.

Fo-Shizzle.

Although I thought it was still pretty early (and too cold outside), I saw my first dragonfly of the season in my backyard today. So this months artisan collage is all about dragonflies and damselflies.

This is but a small sampling of some of my favorite handcrafted dragonfly pieces. Support these fine artisans and enjoy!

LAUGHING DRAGONFLY GIFT TAGS / CARDS - by Rustic Diva Designs
























Retro paper with a bit of whimsy. Each hand-cut and hand-stamped hanging card or tag is also enhanced with a bit of color in the dragonflies. Great for gifts, floral bouquets or whatever you'd like.
Check out the rest of Rustic Diva Designs creative crafts here.



DRAGONFLY PENDANT - by Kabi Designs


























Karina at Kabi Designs is one of my personal favorite polymer clay artists on Art Fire. She has an artistic gift which allows her to create far beyond one's wildest imagination. This dragonfly pendant is completely made of polymer clay, Pearl Ex, and liquid clear medium Kato clay. The dragonfly wings were made with a cane handcrafted by Karina. To view more Kabi Designs artwork, click here.



PEACH DRAGONFLY GOAT MILK SOAP - by Maple Street Creations




















A bright and cheery welcome spring soap. Dragonfly shaped and colored in peach and yellow and made of goats milk. Goats milk is good for sensitive skin, or dry skin. This is a 3.5 ounce bar. Just peachy smells just like it sounds. Yummy! For more scrumptious soaps and lotions, visit Maple Street Creations here.



"FEELIN' GOOD" HANDMADE EMBOSSED PAPER-DRAGONFLIES & BUTTERLFIES - by Jupiter Sinclair
















6 sheets of handmade recycled paper embossed with dragonflies and butterflies. Each sheets measures 5 x 7 (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) and is a yellow-green hue and also has wildflower seeds embedded in it. These sheets could be used for many different projects,such as card making,scrapbooking,book binding (I think they'd make lovely endpapers!),art journals,photo backgrounds,handmade soap wrappers and more. For more of Jupiter Sinclairs creative work and embellishments, visit here.



BUTTON, CERAMIC WITH DRAGONFLY - by PS Pottery























The button is made from a gray clay with a dragonfly design. The design is created by putting a paper dragonfly cut out on the wet clay. The clay is then covered with seagreen, lavender and a touch of yellow slip (colored clay), fired, and then covered with a clear glaze. To see more art by PS Pottery, click here.



ACEO GICLEE PRINT-DRAGONFLY DREAMING - by KD' Art Studios


























This is a limited edition ACEO Giclee Print, Digitally created by KDuff in 2008.
Although KD' Art Studios is a relatively new shop, I hope they will continue to add more items and enjoy the Art Fire experience! KD's Art Studios can be found here.



DRILL BIT DRAGONFLY - by Dwayne Bulla

























Made from a discarded auger bit, this whimsical dragonfly never strays very far. Actually, he never goes anywhere! He's permanently perched atop a 14" stake and will accent your favorite garden flower. Check out more of Dwayne's "junk metal art" here!



DAMSELFLY DREAMS - by Fo-Shizzle Design Studios (me)


























Gorgeous polished white turquoise with deep brown matrix suspended from antiqued brass chain. Two small brass damselflies dangle below the 25mm round focal. Wire clasp closure. To see more of my latest creations, visit our Art Fire store here or our webstore at www.Fo-Shizzle.com