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.