We have concrete!

Isn't it beautiful? This is part of our new patio! Hmm, maybe beauty truly IS in the eye of the beholder.

We've been wanting to do some home improvements for a very long time and are so happy to finally be able to do it! One being extending the back patio and adding an arcadia door to our bedroom which has the view to our pool. Okay... so maybe it's because it will give us easy access to the pool. In either case, the patio is coming along swimmingly ;)

My brother-in-law, Tony, is our contractor and is doing all the work himself. He's doing a fabulous job too. Well, he does have help every once in a while - our 'kids' (4 legged furry kids) help him with the digging and watering.

I'll show you the final pics once completed.

Happy Monday everyone!

☼ Rocki

With Loving Thanks!

I had another blog in mind for today, however after this morning I've changed my mind.

This morning I was working on another custom order when I received a couple emails along with corresponding Feedbacks in my shop. I had to stop working as I couldn't see clearly - my eyes were filled up with water... okay, tears. I wasn't boo-hooing mind you, but I was rather touched so very deeply that the emotions got the best of me.

My heart is so full of love and gratitude right now that it feels like it is about to burst. I'm not joking or padding this - I'm an emotional, touchy-feely type person anyway... or as my boys refer to call me their "flowerchild mom".

I put my whole heart into my creations and appreciate every single buyer! A few years ago I had no idea that I had this creative side in me. Just thinking of how Rocki's Rock 'n Beads was born is so very rewarding - it makes me feel whole again (maybe I'll blog about how this came about).

Thank you to all my buyers, friends and family. Actually, "thank you" just doesn't seem to be quite enough for all your kind words, your purchases, custom requests again and again and for the friendships I have made. I truly am happy when I hear that my buyers are happy - its such a good feeling! Please know that much love and gratitude goes into every piece I create. May this be felt every time you open your pretty little package :)

I'm going to try and finish that custom order... now where's the tissue box?

Much love, peace and happiness,

Rocki

Have you seen Stanton?

I've been a bad girl lately! My blog has been beggin' for some lovin', but I've just been horribly busy and then some! So, thought I would put one of my newest creations up until I can do a decent blog come Monday!

Oh, and the cutie pie in the picture... that would be Stanton. You can see more of him in my shop if you would like to. I just LOVE him to pieces!

Happy Friday everyone and see you all Monday!

☼ Rocki

Advertise Animoto Style!

Rocki's first video debut!

Don't worry, it's harmless and only about 26 seconds long.

I don't know if you've heard about this very cool advertising tool, but

last night in the Etsy Forums, Stoopidgerl started a thread about it. Let me tell you, it is SO much fun and so VERY easy to do!

After reading about this fun tool I headed over to Animoto and made my first one, then another... needless to say I was hooked. I was going to add into my blog, but want to read up a little more on it first. Plus I want to make another one with different photos.

So what is Animoto? Not only is it a place to create your own little video's with or without music, but they also have trailers to new movies and other cool stuff. Here's a quote from their site:

"a web application that automatically generates professionally produced videos using their own patent-pending technology and high-end motion design. Each video is a fully customized orchestration of user-selected images and music. Produced on a widescreen format, Animoto videos have the visual energy of a music video and the emotional impact of a movie trailer."

I'm sure others will be blogging about this as it's just too cool to pass up!

Oh, and it's FREE! Well, the short ones are, but I believe there is a small fee if you want a longer video.

Go have fun and create your own video as it's a great tool to add to you emails, blogs and other sites!

Happy Creating!

Rocki

Beautiful Beads!

Where do I begin to tell you about Milmine Design’s gorgeous Lampwork Beads? Guess I’ll start with where I met Karen. Actually, I’m not sure if it was through Etsy or Flickr first, so I’ll credit them both for finding my new friend.

Karen has an addiction – glass. Let me tell you, she is wickedly talented with turning a rod of glass into an amazing bead of art. Every time I see one of her new pieces I am simply blown away. Karen’s work is not only beautiful, but absolutely jaw dropping!

Speaking of jaw dropping, when you visit her Etsy shop, and you must, you will notice not only is her work stunningly beautiful, but she takes great pride in creating every piece of art. I love her descriptions too – very informative.

Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be at Milmine Design’s?

Much love,

Rocki

Flower Power

I guess I'm on a retro kick.

Thinking back when I was a wee little flower child in California, hanging out with my aunt who had this totally groovy apartment with beads and peace signs all over the place, flowers and, well, I'll save this part for another blog.

Flower power - it comes in many forms. Cherise, one of my good friends, craft show/events partner and fellow Etsy AZ Crafty Burrito team member, makes these totally cool (yes, I said "totally", as in: rad, boss, groovy, awesome, etc.) glass flower amulets that can be worn as a necklace or used as a suncatcher. These score a big ROCK ON in my book!

Not only does she play with fire, metal and blobs of glass, but she paints too: Yggdrasill.

Let me just say that my fun friend Cherise is multitalented. I would list all the things she can do, but I really need to eat lunch, so feel free to read her profile (luv ya Cherise!)

Oh, and the cute pink hair gal? No, the amulets are not edible. That is Cherise's very talented artist daughter Elizabeth (Lizzy) who also has a shop on Etsy called Lizzified.You must see her work!

Peace and love to all,

Rocki