fun (and funny) questions...

What products do you use in your hair.
I've been getting a lot of emails lately asking about my hair so skip ahead if you don't want to hear the details of my get ready routine! I use herbal essence totally twisted mousse (maximum hold). I use a lot--about four handfuls. Then I scrunch my hair to boost the curls and spray it with finesse maximum hold hairspray. After that I diffuse it until it is dry. I don't like to leave the house with wet hair. Finally I try to tame it with a little more hairspray.

What setting do you use on your camera? How do you add text to pictures?
I don't think I have settings on my camera--I just use no flash and shoot outdoors mostly. I just discovered picnik.com. I paid $25 for a year membership and I can play with photos, add text, frames, etc. I am already addicted!



What are the small round thingys called that go through the holes in necklaces? Jumprings. Use chain or needle nose pliers to pull the ends sideways away from each other, not straight apart.

What is your daily skincare regimen? I use Nuetrogena anti-wrinkle cream with spf 15 every day. In the evening I wash my face with Olay Smooth Skin exfoliating scrub. I just discovered the latter and I love it!! In high school I had pretty bad acne with a very ruddy complexion and I went on Accutane for 6 months. Also, antiquing and fading photos does a lot for fine lines and imperfections!!

Where does your artistic talent come from, mom or dad? My mom is amazing--very creative. She sews, decorates, makes jewelry, hangs wallpaper, entertains, pretty much anything! My dad has always encourged me to take risks and push myself. Both of these things have played a huge role in starting my own business.

Have you lost weight and how do you get your hair so full?
I haven't lost weight (but thanks!). The question is really about getting my hair under control, not trying to get body. I have a lot of hair and it has a mind of its own!!

What book are you reading?
I just finished Austenland by Shannon Hale. It was a fun, light read that Austen lovers would enjoy. Two of my favorite books/series are The Little Chinese Seamstress by Balzac and The Chronicles of Naria Series by C.S. Lewis. To be honest, I don't have much time for reading right now.

How do people respond to David when you are out and about?
Most people are incredibly gracious and kind. I often notice people looking, sometimes staring. (or maybe they are staring at my big hair!) I realize most people are just curious about David's disability and/or deformity, that's to be expected. I try to make eye contact and smile. It bothers me when someone won't make eye contact with me. I feel the polite way to engage with a person with a disabilty is to make eye contact, smile then make eye contact with the parent or caregiver and smile.

Retardation ranges from mild to severe, how is David affected? CdLS is a very involved genetic disorder. I would say David falls in the moderate range, maybe more on the mild side of moderate, but definitely very affected. It's so hard to say because he has this twinkle in his eye and I know he picks up on a lot.

How can I be as cool as you, Do you think I can reach your heights of awesomeness?
Well Jeannett, thanks for asking. I've studied cool for a long time, I actually minored in cool during college. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but if you are serious about it and willing to put in the long hours, I believe you can achieve your goal.

Who won the last giveaway (lovebirds)? Hannah was the winner! I posted her link on 1.11.08.

How did you encourage David to walk?
David loved bearing weight on his legs from day one. When he was about 18 months old we started using an exersaucer and he would spin around and play with all the toys. Then we got a baby walker when he was about 3 and he cruised around the house. He had a real walker when he was about 3.5 and started cruising (holding on to furniture and walking) when he was four. We definitely encouraged him to walk, but he was very motivated.

How did you get started making jewelry? How can I get my business going? How do you advertise your business?
I started making jewelry in high school with my friends. After David was born, I really wanted to start a small business. I debated between jewelry and wedding favors. I was terrified when I went to City Hall to get my business license. I thought they would laugh me out of the building! I look back on what I knew then about jewelry and smile because I was just learning, but I think sometimes you just have to take a leap and go for it. I often learn while I go. My advise to those wanting to start a business--
1. Go for it! Be brave. If it flops, oh well--try something else!
2. Make the product your own, don't copy other designs. Of course we are all inspired by other artists, but it has to be YOURS to be successful.
3. Constantly research and learn new things about your product. The market is always changing and you want to stay on the forefront.
4. Get a bookkeeper in the beginning. I hate keeping books and I wish I would have done this a lot sooner!

I advertise my business mostly through word of mouth. When people do a post on their blog about me or my jewelry it sends people my way. Thanks so much for those of you who have linked me and feel free to link me if you'd like to!

How can I see all of your jewelry in one place? Are you working on a website?
Right now the blog is the best way to see my jewelry. We are working on a website and I am so excited about it! Hopefully it will be ready in the next couple months. The business has exploded in the last 6 months and I am doing my very best to keep up. I know some of you have had a wait a bit for your jewelry--thanks for being patient with me!!


Thanks for your questions and all your sweet and encouraging words. Happy Wednesday!!