Welcome to my blog!

Because life with an active 4 month old isn't busy enough, I've decided to start a blog dedicated to my jewelry-making adventures.

So, first things first. I'm very excited about my new online shop at Etsy. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Etsy, it's an online community where people buy and sell handmade things. I personally think it's the best thing that's ever happened to the internet. Follow the link www.IstanbulDesigns.com to get to my Etsy shop. You'll see that I've stopped beading and that I'm primarily working with silver now. I just love silver!

I've been busy setting up my shop there and am really pleased with the way it's been going so far. A graphic artist is working on a new logo design for me which should be ready soon.

I know it's only August, but I'm feeling a sense of urgency to get things set up in time for the holidays. Seems hard to believe, but the Yuletide season will be upon us before we even know it. I've got about a million new designs floating around in my head. I've been walking around with my pocket sketchbook, jotting down ideas and drawing out designs. I can't wait to show all of you! This will be the place to check it out – to see what jewelry I'm working on, what inspires me and what's coming next.

So, there's my first entry!