the great possibility of a "new" jewelry line coming out...

Hello!

Yes, it's been awhile since I've written, but I think now I can actually get into some sort of routine with the past few weeks behind me.

Last night was spent trying to figure out what customs forms I need to ship items to Canada. Needless to say that they also require Registered Mail, which turns out to be almost twice the amount of the item I'm shipping. Bothers me, really. Not that I'm paying for the shipping, but someone has to pay that much to get a six dollar pair of earrings. (Which has nothing to do with opening a new line of jewelry...)

BACK ON TRACK!

This morning I thought (I don't really know what compelled me to think at 7am, but here we are) opening a line of crystal point and let's just say religious without meaning religious (can I do that for the sake of conversation?) jewelry in my Etsy shop . Of course, it will take some time to get a "line" up, perhaps a month or so, because of expenses. However, I look forward to adding new items and hopefully uping my traffic.

As for personal life, I finally got my new Trailblazer (that runs and has enough room for me to haul my things to craft shows!) and I still have money in the bank. I also got my custom coat from Oblivion Clothing and it is absolutely stunning! I promise to post pictures as soon as I can.

Thanks for reading and keep checking the shop!
         -Laura =]

behind the scenes...

are things you'll wish you never saw. However, since you're already here, you might as well look.

I actually got around to a behind the scenes "preview", if you will, and needless to say it was rather fun. I took some photos, spun around in my computer chair and was generally annoying to the population. Read on!

First things first, if I were actually to give you a "real time" behind the scenes I would have to show you my work space. Now, all artists should enjoy time spent in their work space, correct? Of course. Do I? In a sense, yes. I thoroughly enjoy sitting at a desk that I can stick my elbows out and touch each side underneath a shelf I most always hit my head on that is stuck in the corner of a dimly lit room I share with a person as equally annoying as myself. Not so much. In other ways, it's my space where my disorganized ass sits after a long day at work, figuring up numbers, ways to advertise and birth my creations. No, I did not clean prior to this event; I don't believe in facades. Enjoy!

I also took the time to gather up some of my "unsellable" creations that I will always keep for myself. First off, 2D art:

Starting from the left most side and working our way to the right:
A Digimon airbrust triple print (!!), a charcoal still life of cloth over a chair, a pastel "fantasy" of a tree with a double yellow line, two "fantasy" portraits of my friend, Becky, a marbeled print of a tree (I know it's half out of frame, but that's what it is), and a marbeled print on a newsprint comic strip which I have done a close up of to show detail below:

Next up, 3D art and/or craft:

From left to right:
A sculptural clay piece (turned out with a large crack, but hey, it happens), 2 clay pumpkins, a handmade paper face and a clay leaf bowl.

And finally, (when you thought it couldn't get any worse) here I am, doing what I do best!

Yes, that is what I do best. Being an artist and experimenting with photography. XD

Not exactly. But it does remind me that I have to gather up money to purchase equipment to shoot meteor showers at the end of the year. To see the line up of annual meteor showers, click here . To see meteor photography, click here . You'll see the similarities I'm talking about in the star trails.

Well, that's a beginning. I promise to keep you all better updated!

Thanks for reading!
              -Laura =]

RAFFLE WINNERS!!

Hello!

Since I had no one buy raffle tickets on the last day, I am giving out the winners early.

First place and first choice goes to Molly!

Second place and second choice goes to my Mom! XD

Third place and final winner goes to James!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners!

I have not got around to doing a behind the scenes yet, but will be working on that tomorrow since it is my lovely day off; I'll post it as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading and keep checking back!
                -Laura =]

EEEK!

Hello again!

I seem to be having the worst time keeping up with my posts as of late. Truth is, although I love my blog, other things of higher priority have been keeping me busy.

I do want you to know that my shop will be closed on the 16th for the craft show in Broadway, VA. Also, you can still purchase tickets for the raffle. (To see prizes and pricing info, please check here ) In addition, I encourage everyone to wear purple on the 20th in honor of the many LGBTQ people who have taken their lives because of bullying.

I feel like there are so many updates to write, but we'll continue just the same.

During the craft show, I will be taking donations for Shelter House ("Shelter House, Inc. is currently serving 43 families in our shelters and transitional housing program.  We also help an additional 20 previously homeless families maintain their housing, so they do not fall back into the shelter system") and if you would like to donate funds, you can click here , if you would like to donate items, you can click here for a list of items the organization can take and the donated goods operating times, if you would like to donate your time, you can click here for more information and lastly, if you would like to be employed by Shelter House Inc., you can click right here.

Second to last, congratulations to my cousin, Sarah, and my cousin-to-be, Ben, on their wedding on the 23rd of this month! May Thor grant you bountiful babies!

Very last announcement, I promise! I will be doing a behind the scenes at incognita. (hopefully!) this Saturday or next Tuesday. Just be sure to keep checking back!

Thanks for reading!
            -Laura =]

OOPS!

I haven't posted since Tuesday! (Life has just been crazy right now.)

However, the raffle is still going on. Prizes are a matching pink coral and peridot cat's eye bracelet and earring set, a framed 8x10 photography print and a set of hand-stamped cards. Three people will win! $1 for 1 ticket, $4 for 5 tickets, $7 for 10 tickets. Email me at laura.incognita@hotmail.com to purchase them.

Remember to keep checking the shop for new items and be sure to check it out before the craft show on the 16th; I can't be sure if anything will still be in stock, so get it while it's definite!

Make sure to keep checking back for new posts here as well! I know I haven't got much, but once things start turning around for me, I promise to put up more how to's and possibly videos. Plus, I will always have some sort of contest or raffle for everyone to win wonderful prizes!

Thanks for reading!
         -Laura =]

cure for the blues? english toffee coffee.

Hello!

I don't have much to write today. My car broke down and is costing an arm and a leg to fix, so my output will be far less than usual. =[

I do hope to, however, put up a few new things in the shop , so keep checking!

Thanks for reading!
   -Laura =]

Saturday Paper!! (and it's on time)

Hello!

Today was generally great and in celebration of all things great, I am going to give out some trade secrets. (Ok, they're not really secrets, seeing as most jewelry makers could do it.) Read on and learn, my young padawans.

How to Make a Simple Set of Dangle Earrings

Things you'll need:
Round nose jewelry pliers
Jewelry wire-cutters
2 ball and hook earwires
2 head pins
Selection of beads

1. Slide the beads on the head pin in the order of your choosing and cut the pin about 3/8 of an inch from the top of the last bead; make a small, secure loop with the end of the pin using the round nose jewelry pliers. Repeat with other head pin and beads.

2. Open the hook part of the earwire, so it's not touching the part that slides into your ear, and push the loop from the head pin onto the ball; reclose the hook. Repeat with other earwire. See photo.

3. TADA! Your earrings are complete! Now go enjoy some cheesecake.

Remember! Raffle is still on!

Thanks for reading!
       -Laura =]

koala, koala, koala...EMU! EMU! (find me at the Broadway-Timberville Chamber Fall Festival)

That's my new marco polo game. XD

I'm really at a loss for what to write today. I can tell you that incognita. is attending the 46th Annual Broadway-Timberville Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival and Car Show . It is being held on October 16th from 9am to 3pm on Main Street, Broadway, VA.

I can also tell you about a custom coat I ordered.  Oblivion Clothing is designing and creating a custom military-styled, dress-coat for me. She has been so helpful and willing to answer all my questions, so check her shop out!

Remember, the raffle is still on! I will be selling tickets at the craft show, also. For more information, see the raffle info blog .

Thanks for reading!
        -Laura =]