Art is the Result of Transformations

Congratulations are in Order to the Lucky Winner of the Back-to-School Giveaway!

2011-08-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in Order to Heather (Comment 18) who is the Lucky Winner of the Back-to-School Giveaway! Let's give her a round of applause. Ok, I want to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to enter this Back-to-School Giveaway. Can you imagine, some kids are already back in school. Time is flying by so fast, summer is nearly over and before you know it, it's time to shop for Christmas.

Whenever you place an order in my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2, don't forget to enter the Facebook Fan Page Discount Code in the Message to Seller Section to receive 15% off your total order.

Thanks again everyone! I have a very nice and wonderful surprise for my next Giveaway, something really special. You will be sent an email about the announcement!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL – IT'S HERE ALREADY?

2011-08-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Booksmart Fox Scrabble Tile Pendant - Jewelry Charm or Zipper Pull Accessory

It’s that special time of the year. Some adults will be happy, the parents; some adults who are teachers will be thinking “Oh boy, here we go” and for those wonderful students, there will be plenty of “oh nooooos.”

Anywho, all students need new clothes and stuff. To help prepare kids from preschool to college pros to return to hitting the books, this month’s Back-to-School Giveaway is about turning plain zippers into something fun and interesting.

The Scrabble Tile pendants in my shop can multitask. That’s right, they can be used other than as a pendant on a chain. Use them as zipper pulls on school backpacks and jackets. A lobster clasp is attached to the charm so that the charm can be removed for the laundry. The tiles also make perfect charms for keychains as well.

There are charms for boys, girls and sports. Want a personalized monogrammed charm, we got those too!

One lucky winner will receive a Scrabble Tile Pendant of their choice from my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2. The winner will be given the choice to receive the tile as a pendant with a 24” ball chain or as a zipper pull with a lobster clasp attachment.

Here’s what you gotta do:

STEP 1: Go to my Facebook Page and click on “Liked.” Guess What – you have now become a Facebook Fan and will receive 15% OFF all orders from my shop, now and forever.

STEP 2: Go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2 and browse. Find the Scrabble Tile Charm you would just love to have, write down the title and item number.

STEP 3: Come back to my ART blog here and leave your full name, email and the name of the tile you want to WIN!!!!.

STEP 4: For all of you who are already Facebook Fans, please skip Step 1.

Your email helps me in two ways. One, if you are the lucky winner I will contact you at the end of the Giveaway date and ask for shipping details. Two, I would love to put you on my email list for you to receive periodic special email announcements letting you know about special sales and promotions being featured in my shop. You will not get flooded with emails, I promise you that, no more than 1 or 2 a month!

Good Luck Everyone and Have Fun Exploring!

The Lucky Winner of the July 17th Giveaway is . . .

2011-07-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are in order to our lucky winner Kreesta, who entered "Red Curlique Tree Art Pendant in a Copper Penny Bezel (567) to receive as her winning prize.

Thank you all for taking the time to enter this Giveaway and for visiting my Etsy Shop. Don't forget, everyone of you who has joined my Facebook Page will now receive a 15% Off Discount on any order from my Etsy Shop, Backbonestudio2.

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE - LET'S CHILL AND SHOP!

2011-07-11T20:51:00.006-07:00

OK, school is out, kids are here, there and everywhere. For a week or two you can escape the eyes, ears and noses of your co-workers. You are on vacation somewhere on this planet or dream of being someplace else other than where you are now.

To add to the summer fun, here is a HOT SUMMER SCRABBLE TILE AND ART PENDANT GIVEAWAY. So just sit back, relax and browse my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2. Pick out one Scrabble Tile or Circular Art Pendant you would love to receive – for FREE! The pendant includes a matching 24” ball chain and gift bag.

Here's what you gotta do:

STEP 1: Go to my Facebook Page and click on “Liked.” Guess What – you have now become a Facebook Fan and will receive 15% OFF all orders from my shop, now and forever.

STEP 2: Go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2 and browse. Find the pendant you would just love to have, write down the title and item number.

STEP 3: Come back to my ART blog here and leave your full name, email and the name of the pendant you want to WIN!!!!.

Good Luck Everyone and Enjoy!

P.S.

By the way, for all of you who are already Facebook Fans, skip Step 1.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA - JULY 4TH

2011-07-02T22:52:00.002-07:00

In celebration of our country's birthday, I am offering 50% Off SALE on every item in my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2 (sorry ball chains are excluded).

Here is a collection of the Scrabble Tile Pendants and Art Pendants that are available in my shop to commemorate the US of A. These pendants will make wonderful gifts for any kind of celebration.

One of the best uses for the Scrabble Tile Pendants is to use them as zipper pulls. What a fabulous way to accessorize your zippers and the zippers on your tote bags.

The Winner of the Month of May's Giveaway is . . .

2011-06-04T18:41:00.001-07:00

Wow, the month of May's Giveaway was really a big hit! The prize is really something special, wearing your favorite country or city as a map pendant, reminds people that there's no place like home or this is a place that is really special to you!

Well anyway, congratulations are in order to the lucky winner, Eugenie Wu, comment number 19 who is going to receive a FREE map pendant of her favorite country or city!

Thank you all for becoming a Facebook Fan and for entering. Check back as I will be posting a new Giveaway soon! All Facebook Fans will receive a 15% lifetime discount on all orders purchased through my shop, Backbonestudio2.

May Giveaway - Win an Art Pendant with the City or Country of Your Choice

2011-05-22T19:17:00.001-07:00

You can be the lucky winner of this custom made Art Pendant featuring your favorite city or country! This beautiful pendant features a 24 inch copper colored ball chain and is enclosed in a small ivory satin drawstring gift bag. This set makes a perfect gift for someone special or even for you.

Map of my hometown, Chicago

This handcrafted Art Pendant is crafted in a 1 inch round vintage copper penny bezel. The artwork is then covered with a crystal clear glass dome, which creates a 3D appearance.

All you have to do to enter is this:

Go to my Facebook Fan Page, click "Liked" to become a fan.
Come back here and leave a comment to let me know you have become a Fan and you will be entered into the Giveaway to have a chance of receiving this custom made map pendant FREE! Don't forget to leave me your email or a link to get in contact with you.

Also by becoming a Facebook Fan and you will then receive an additional 15% off on all purchases from my shop, Backbonestudio2 - forever. Isn't that a fantastic bargain? The winner will be selected randomly and announced here the first week in June!

For visitors linked from other blogs, please follow the Giveaway instructions as listed on their blog sites.

This Giveaway closes at midnight on Tuesday, May 31st. Good Luck to All!!!

The Winner of the March 19th Giveaway is . . .

2011-03-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Demitra Giote, comment number 12 who is the lucky winner of the March 19th Giveaway.

March Giveaway - Gustav Klimt Hygeia Domed Resin Vintage Copper Pendant

2011-03-10T10:57:00.008-07:00

Gustav Klimt created this painting of Hygeia, the Greek goodness of health, cleanliness and sanitation and daughter of the god of medicine. She is posed as one of power and she looks majestic in her red robe with golden symbols.

Gustav Klimt's Hygeia

Enter to win this beautiful pendant which includes a copper colored 24 inch ball chain and is enclosed in a small ivory satin drawstring gift bag. This set makes a perfect gift for someone special or even for yourself.

This handcrafted Art Pendant is crafted in a 1 inch round Vintage Copper Penny Bezel. The artwork is then covered with a poured, very durable high gloss epoxy resin that creates a 3D doming appearance which enhances the artwork.

All you have to do is:

Go to my Facebook Fan Page, click "Liked" to become a fan.
Come back here and leave a comment to let me know you have become a Fan and you will be entered into the Giveaway to have a chance of receiving this majestic pendant of Gustav Klimt's Hygeia for FREE!

Become a Facebook Fan and you will receive an additional 15% off on all purchases from my shop, Backbonestudio2 - forever. Isn't that a fantastic bargain? There will be three lucky winners of this pendant, one each week of March. Each week, a winner will be selected and contacted via email.

For visitors linked from other blogs, please follow the Giveaway instructions as listed on their blog sites.

Good Luck to All!!!

The Handmade Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories Show

2010-11-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am participating in my first craft fair at The Handmade Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories Show at The Holiday Inn in Rollings Meadows, Chicago. I am so excited about selling my Scrabble Tile Pendants at this craft fair and getting a chance to meet new customers face-to-face. If you are in the Chicagoland area on Sunday, November 21st, please come to the craft fair. There are many fabulous and talented people who will be selling their creative artwork. I am eager to say hello and meet you.

Want to get an extra 10% off your purchase at the craft fair? Just go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2, read my Announcement Section on the first page and get the secret password. Just say the password when you visit my table and you will receive 10% off your purchase. Or, bring a Toys for Tots donation and you can also receive a 10% discount.

To give you an idea of what is featured in my Etsy shop and what I will be selling at The Handmade Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories Show, look below are a few holiday gift ideas:

Stocking Stuffer Ideas:

Please check back soon as I will be featuring more new Holiday Gift Ideas and offering sales to help make your shopping fun and affordable!

New Scrabble Tile Pendants in my Etsy Shop!

2010-09-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Little Wearable Art that is

Cool, Hip and Trendy!

Adorable Chipmunk

Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt

Red Curlique Tree

Gold Leaf Tree

Cutie Pie Owl

Back To School Giveaway - And The Winner Is . . . .

2010-09-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Thank you all so much for participating in the Back To School Giveaway! The lucky winner who can chose any pendant, which includes a free 24" ball chain from my Backbonestudio2 shop on Etsy is
Jane #27!

For all other entrants, please visit my shop and for any pendant purchased during the month of September, you can receive another pendant FREE. Just enter the name and number of the free pendant and include the word "ART" in the notes to seller section.

The Last Days of Summer means Back to School

2010-09-07T20:26:00.004-07:00

Parents, your time has arrived - Yes, it's back to school for all of your special loved ones. Doesn't that bring a smile to your lips. School teachers deserve some special love, wouldn't you say!

Red Apple for the Teacher Scrabble Tile Pendant by BackboneStudio2

To start the school year off right, for your little daughters, they would look so cute in this outfit designed by Laura, owner of GingerLouise Clothing.

Denim Ruffle Pants

Another darling outfit for the little ladies is The Seasonless Floral, Dot and Stripe Dress designed by Heather of Laken & Lila.

The Seasonless Floral, Dot and Stripe Dress

Make sure that your kids are eating nutritious lunch meals and a perfect way to pack their lunch bags is with this Insulated Lunch Bag which is eco friendly. Fa Giandoso of Farfalla Gialla has a wide assortment of lunch bags to choose a perfect style for each of your kids.

Insulated Eco-Friendly Lunch Bag

Give this beautiful, stylish writing pen to your college bound student. Created by GrainWorks on Etsy, this Purpleheart Fancy Slimline Pen with 24kt Gold Accents is a perfect writing instrument to write home letters asking for more cash.

September has turned a bit cool, and to keep hands a bit warm while taking notes in the lecture halls, Mariana and Paula, two sisters of Branda, have created a pair of Blue and Teal Green Lace Cuffs.

The perfect pairing to a pair of jeans is a World Peace tee shirt designed by Toni and Mark. This husband and wife team are the designers behind RCTees, a unisex Eco Alternative Apparel shop.

"SEPTEMBER - BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY"

WIN A FREE SCRABBLE TILE PENDANT

with 14" silver ball chain and ivory gift bag

All you have to do is go to my Etsy shop, BackboneStudio2, heart my shop and then select any pendant you would like to receive if you happen to be the lucky winner. Then come back to my blog and leave a comment with the title and number of the pendant. Don't forget to leave your email. Giveaway is open to everyone and leave as many comments (on separate days) as you wish. Good Luck!

My Foundation Has Been Shattered . . .

2010-08-10T05:54:00.003-07:00

How does it feel when the person in your life that you love so much, but sometimes takes for granted is gone! How empty it feels. You want to tell them something, but they are not there anymore. My mother is gone, past away in one day. She was here on a Friday morning and on the very next day, Saturday she has left all of her children, family and friends. So unexpected. I miss her so much I can't bear it. It has been just one month today, this painful emptiness. I want my mother back, I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye!

July 4th Giveaway - The Winner Is . . .

2010-07-18T13:59:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Thank you all so much for participating in the July 4th Giveaway! The lucky winner who can chose any pendant, which includes a free 24" ball chain from my Backbonestudio2 shop on Etsy is Megan #22!

For all other entrants, please visit my shop and for any pendant purchased during the month of July, you can receive another pendant free. Just enter the name and number of the free pendant and include the word "ART" in the notes to seller section.

Happy Birthday America - July 4th

2010-07-04T11:59:00.001-07:00

Celebrate America

This is a proud day for all of us, July 4th, as we celebrate our nation's birthday!

To celebrate our country’s birthday, “One Pendant of Your Choice” is the July FREE GIVEAWAY PRIZE. The lucky winner will receive a Scrabble Tile Pendant with a 24" Shiny Silver Plated Ball Chain, enclosed in an organza bag, perfect for gift giving.

Here’s what you have to do:

Just sign up for my Mailing List here on my blog to receive periodic emails informing you of special sales and promotions being featured in my shop. You will not get flooded with emails, I promise you that, no more than 1 of 2 a month!
Then, go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2, browse through my shop and select your favorite Scrabble Tile Pendant that you would love to win.
Come back here to my blog and leave a comment of your favorite pendant. Don’t forget to include your email address. The lucky winner will be notified by email. This contest ends on July 16th!

Good Luck Everyone and Happy Birthday America!

We Just LOVE Loving Her . . .

2010-06-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Audrey Hepburn was such a classy, stylish and much loved person and actress. Her beauty has been captured in so many different styles of art, as represented in the Etsy Treasury curated by Hagarae, who creates fiber jewelry on Etsy.

We Just LOVE loving her . . .

Delicate

2010-06-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful, soft and delicate collection of art, designed and created by some of the fabulous artists at Etsy. This treasury was curated by Leaping Gazelle who has some of the most beautiful photography to be seen and collected.

Delicate Treasury

To Plan A Perfect Wedding

2010-05-31T17:56:00.004-07:00

The season is here for planning your perfect wedding. There are so many fabulous designers on Etsy who have created designs for the most memorable parts of your wedding.

Joan Shum Brides has designed Lovely Jane, a 2-piece wedding ensemble of corset and short skirt with tulle details.

The plans begins after saying yes and receiving the gift of your commitment to each other. McFarland Designs combine recycle metals and fair trade gemstones, so your marriage jewelry is as ethical as it is beautiful.

Moissanite, Recycle 14k Yellow Gold and Recycled 14K White Gold Wedding Ring

Another beautiful selection of wedding rings is from Beth Cyr Weddings. Very organic and back to nature is this pair of rings hand carved in wax and each one is solely unique. Cast in silver and tumbled for a final polish.

Tree Bark Rings

Print Your Party has designed these beautiful Printable Damask Pocketfold Invitation Set. The printable designs in this shop are so exquisitely beautiful. Perfect for budget conscious bride and groom.

The mad rush is on to find the most perfect wedding gown for you. Ellana Couture has designed to perfection Jasmine. A vintage glamour ivory lace wedding dress which is created with super light and comfortable ivory lace. Has the retro look of Hollywood glam! I can see Elizabeth Taylor, as a young woman, wearing this beautiful dress!

Another gorgious wedding dress was designed by Clair La Faye. The Parisian Princess Gown of gossamer confection is 100% silk chiffon over a layer of silk charmeuse and lined in a light china silk.

To accent your beautiful wedding gown, Myth Understood designed Ghost Bride - Fairytale Ethereal Snowy White OOAK Pearl Neckpiece with Vintage Art Brooch. This stunning necklace is lush, etheral and romatic, a one-of-a-kind statement in soft creamy ivory white.

Have your Bridesmaid love you immensely for this gorgeous dress, Rosalie's Lipstick designed by Sarah Seven. This silk chiffon dress pleated at the bust with a flower belt with layers flowing straight down could also be used after your wedding for other occasions.

To add more beauty to your wedding attire, make yourself into a Princess with this Queen of the Woods - Natural Crown by Which Goose. This fabulous crown is created with a natural vine base, paired with dried leaves and a pine cone rose and topped with pearl beads.

Which Goose has also designed these too cute shoes, Garden Stroll. These embellished shoes are amazing and have upcycled vintage heels by Stuart Weitzman. On top of the shoes are lots of leaves and pink flowers, including matching vintage baubles on the toes (that were once clip-on earrings), how clever!

After the ceremony, the reception is the time to really sit back and enjoy your guests. Set your lovely tables with Anchor Place Cards by Timeless Paper. These handcrafted place cards gracefully perch on wine glasses making any table more eye-catching.

One of the most exciting moments at your reception for your guest is seeing your beautiful wedding cake. Your guests will oooh and ahhh over it and anxiously wait to taste your sumptuous and tasty wedding cake.

Photographer, Me

Visit the designers at Etsy to help make your dream wedding day a perfect occasion to be remembered forever!

To celebrate June Brides, a Victorian Chandelier pendant is the month of June Free Giveaway. The lucky winner will receive this Scrabble Tile Pendant with a 24" Shiny Silver Plated Ball Chain, enclosed in a gold organza bag, perfect for gift giving. All you have to do to enter is to go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2, heart any Scrabble pendant in my shop. Then leave a comment of your favorite pendant here on my blog. The lucky winner will be notified by email. This contest ends on June 11th!

And the Lucky Winner is: Aikalice - Comment #28. Congratulations!

Magical Alice in Wonderland

2010-05-06T11:44:00.006-07:00

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was written by Lewis Carroll in 1865 and has remained throughout the years as a wonderful and fascinating story from our childhood. Alice’s adventures have once again become more hot and popular since the premier of Tim Burton’s sci-fi movie interpretation of Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Several talented artists from Etsy have created their own fabulous interpretations of Alice’s adventures.

"Drink Me and The Fun Begins"

This pendant is being offering as a month of May Free Giveaway. The lucky winner will receive this "Drink Me and the Fun Begins" Scrabble Tile Pendant with a 24" Shiny Silver Plated Ball Chain, enclosed in an ivory organza bag. Perfect for gift giving. All you have to do to enter is to go to my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2, heart any Scrabble pendant in my shop. Then leave a comment of your favorite pendant here on my blog. The lucky winner will be notified by email. This contest ends on May 21st!

Youhoooo, the lucky winner for the the May Free Giveaway is Ewookie. Thanks everyone for participating and visiting my Etsy Shop, Backbonestudio2. It's very inspiring to see what each and everyone of you appreciates from my shop!

ODDandWHIMSY created this one of a kind hand sculptured The Queen of Hearts holding one of the talking roses. This sculpture is made from armature and sculpey and finished with acrylic paint and sealed with UV varnish.

Having a party and want the theme to be, of course, Alice in Wonderland? VivaLaViolette designs party invitations with each invitation as a Queen of Hearts playing card, decorated with delicate flowers on textured card stock and coordinated with a beet colored envelop.

The Cheshire Cat is Not Very Helpful - Alice and Cheshire Cat Earrings in Brass - Color- With Lampwork Rose Drops, designed by PersephonePlus.

Amber Alexander creates a beautiful and stunning Fine Art Print Set of her interpretation of Alice and her adventures after falling down the rabbit hole.

Alice Three Print Set

Spring is in the Air Scrabble Tile Pendant Giveaway!

2010-04-20T16:57:00.008-07:00

The snow is gone and the new birth of green is showing everywhere here in Chicago. The warm breezes of summer are just around the corner, which is my favorite season of the year. To celebrate, I am giving away "Green Leaves" Scrabble Tile pendant with 24" Shiny Silver Plated Ball Chain to two lucky people. All you have to do is follow my blog, that's nice and easy, isn't it? The lucky winners will be notified by email. This contest ends on April 30th and the lucky winners will be notified by email!

Green Leaves on Backbonestudio2

Thank you all so very much for following my blog and showing me that the Green Leaves Scrabble Tile Pendant is appreciated by others. Well it is never easy choosing a winner, so to make things fair, I will give credit to Random Number Service for picking the lucky two winners.

Congratulations to roswell, who followed on April 24th and samamfee, who followed on April 26th (boy, I got to figure out how to have the comments number automatically, makes it easier to count).

But I am not going to leave all the rest of you who followed my blog's giveaway for the Green Leaves Pendant empty handed. Each of you will receive Free Shipping during the first 2 weeks in May for all pendants/magnets ordered from my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio2. Just enter the code PrizeToo! in the Message to Seller section at checkout. Your shipping will be refunded very shortly via PayPal.

May is such a beautiful month, the busiest day of the year where love is expressed is on May 9th, Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there in the world!

Love You Mom Scrabble Tile Pendant

The Bold and The Beautiful

2010-04-19T05:56:00.001-07:00

Spend your Monday morning sipping your favorite coffee or other breakfast beverage and browse the collection of creatives featured in my "The Bold and the Beautiful" Treasury East on Etsy.

The Bold and The Beautiful

A is for Red Apples

2010-04-18T17:45:00.004-07:00

The letter A is what we strive for in school and red apples are what we eat to give us good health and what we give to our favorite teachers for helping us become smarter.

One Letter Personalized Scrabble Tile Pendant by Backbonestudio2

Red Delicious Apple Necklace with Layered Paper Pendant by SpacesInBetween

My Apple Tree House by Naoko Stoop

Luscious Red Apples by Backbonestudio

NEW Happy Apple Necklace by Acrylicana

Over the Edge with Easter Lilies

2010-04-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

The white and pristine Easter Lily represents not only the spiritual holiday, cute bunnies and luscious chocolates, but also the beginning of Springtime. I am offering a Springtime sale in my shop, Backbonestudio - Buy One Get One Free. Just leave the name of the photo you would like to receive free in the Message to Seller section at checkout.

Easter Lily Series No. 1 - 8 x 8 Fine Art Photograph

Easter Lily Series No. 2 - 8 x 8 Fine Art Photograph

Easter Lily Series No. 3 - 8 x 8 Fine Art Photograph

Spring is Beautiful

2010-04-09T06:33:00.001-07:00

Wintering is ending and the beauty of Spring is showing at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I love the Spring, it represents renewal and starting fresh. The bare branches of trees, bushes and flowering bulbs, welcome and show a new beginning of life. This image is from my Etsy shop, Backbonestudio.

Spring Beauty

Handmade Portraits by Sharon Montrose

2010-04-01T08:22:00.001-07:00

Watching this video made me excited where I just wanted to crawl out of my skin and get into the space of her studio and wrap my arms around that baby giraffe.

So utterly precious, surreal and special. Looking at that animal, admiring so much the photography style of Sharon Montrose, makes me regroup as to why I am photographing what I do. What do I really love to photograph vs. what do I photograph because of the dictates of others.

This video helped me to re-evaluate why I put my camera to my eye, what makes my heart run faster, what gets my blood flowing rapidly. I have to remember, it's not about how much money I can make with my photographs, but what really excites me and makes my skin tingle with anticipation. Of course the fault lies with me if I photograph just for the sake of money.

Sharon Montrose helped me to remember that to always photograph not just for commercial reasons, but to always keep a part of photography for myself, for the pure love and joy of capturing a moment in time and making it permanent.

Turn Back The Hands of Time

2010-03-15T15:08:00.002-07:00

Spring forward . . . beautiful Baby Breath flowers reward us as we lose one hour of precious sleep and start our new week. Spring is coming! This series is available at my Etsy Shop, Backbone Studio.

Baby Breaths Floral Series - No. 3

Baby Breaths Floral Series - No. 2

Baby Breaths Floral Series - No. 1

Just Giving Thanks to Other Creatives

2010-03-14T18:36:00.002-07:00

I would like to thank and give credit to all the photographers whose images I used in my “Dream Trip . . . I’m Off to Paris.” The images/photographs are listed from left to right.

Day 1:
IStockphoto/eurobanks
Canstockphoto/Jaspe
BigStockPhoto/ Corot2

Day 2:
BigStockPhoto/elenathewise
BigStockPhoto/carolecastelli
Canstockphoto/ Cynoclub
BigStockPhoto/ Virginieb

Day 3:
BigStockPhoto/Cynoclub
Canstockphoto/ErickN
Canstockphoto/Corepics
Canstockphoto/Hroephoto
BigStockPhoto/ACanonGuy
Canstockphoto/Jacklyric

Day 4:
Empoor at ni.wikipedia – Public Domain
Raphael Frey/Wikipedia.com
Mona Lisa (Public Domain – Wikipedia.com)

Day 5:
Canstockphoto/Hedgy
BigStockPhoto/Paul Prescott

Day 6:
Public Domain – Wikipedia/ Tangopaso
Canstockphoto/Jaspe

Day 7:
BigStockPhoto/Mark Sherman
istockphoto/Richmatts
iStockphoto/ Naes
iStockphoto/WhiteMay

Day Seven . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-09T17:23:00.001-07:00

The last dance in Paris is today. There never is enough time in one week to do and see all there is to see in Paris. Have to make these dreams a reality, real soon. So on this last day, in order to get back into the mood of working that 9 to 5, a visit to La Defense in Paris is a must.

and a casual stroll through a quiet corner in the Montmartre area to to browse and photograph something interesting in the contrasts of light.

It would be an absolute sin to not share Paris and so some Eiffel Tower souvenirs will be traveling back home with me. How cute!

So until next time, Paris, j'aime tu. Au revoir!

Day Six . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-08T19:21:00.002-07:00

One pleasure of visiting Paris is dining at Café Anglais in the 2nd arrondissement. This restaurant is famous for its fine cuisine with the interior elaborately decorated with furniture in mahogany and walnut woods, and mirrors of gold leaf patina. Oooh la la!! Very chic chic!!! Don't forget your wallet.

Paris in the evening hours is very romantic of course. Relax and enjoy the view from the back of a cab while the cab driver drives like a mad man along the Champs-Elysees.

Day Five . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-07T07:35:00.001-07:00

It's raining today, which makes it a perfect day to just sit in a cafe.

And write in a journal about my adventures, thoughts and dreams. This handcrafted "Unique Leaves Leather Journal" was created by GILDBookbinders on Etsy. The book was crafted with natural tree leaves which were stamped on the cover of the journal. Each journal is unique and unexpected due to the individuality of the natural tree leaves that are used to make each book. Inside are acid-free, ivory pages, waiting for a fountain pen to record history.

Unique Leaves Leather Journal

Oh no, BooBoo doesn't look too happy because she doesn't like to get wet from the rain. For you dog lovers out there, you don't have to leave your favorite fur baby behind. Paris is very dog friendly, so at least she can sit inside the cafe with me and just look outside the window!

Day Four . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-06T21:41:00.001-07:00

Today I will take the Metro over to the 1st arrondissement on the Rive Droite, (the Right Bank) to visit the grand Louvre and that beautiful lady, the Mona Lisa.

The Mona Lisa has been seen in so many different ways, and De Poppenkraal who has an Etsy Shop, designed this necklace/choker made of black lace and brass ornaments with the Mona Lisa as the centerpiece. This necklace is definitely a conversational piece!

Mona Lisa Necklace

I feel like walking all day, so the next stop will be the gardens at the Palais Luxembourg. Very nice spot to sit for a bit and spend the rest of the day.

Day Three . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-05T10:54:00.003-07:00

I set off today on my sightseeing adventures by wearing tattoos out in public. The Parisians will surely stop, stare and fall in love with this sexy pair on my legs.

Flora Tattoo Thigh-high Socks

Don't these Sexy Flora Tattoo thigh-high socks make a major fashion statement? Post at Etsy designs and creates beautiful tattoo leg fashions, which are so tasteful and feminine.

One of the best ways to be a part of the Parisian scene is to take the Metro which can take you anywhere in Paris underground. The routes are mapped out so easily, it's nearly impossible to not find your way around easily. I love this Art Nouveau styled entrance to the Metro.

I'm in the mood to visit one of the most famous and visited tourist attractions in Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral - can't wait to get there!

This cathedral has so many wonderful architectural details waiting to be captured by my camera. The stain glass windows, the buttresses. Just wandering the rooms and imaging all the people who walked these floors from centuries passed. How magnificent!

What a wonderful experience and the time has come for dinner. Oh this looks like a great place to stop and eat a tasty French meal and it has a great window view for people watching.

Walking along the boulevard back to my hotel is a florists where I will buy a bunch of aromatic roses to fill my room with their wonderful fragrance. I love how the French write their price tags, so creative and personable.

Today was a great day and my hotel room in the Latin Quarter is so inviting and relaxing. The French window is perfect for letting a warm breeze fill the room.

Day Two . . . I'm Off to Paris

2010-03-04T14:20:00.001-07:00

After a very restful sleep in my cozy hotel room . . .

I will start the day with having a traditional French breakfast of cafe au lait, fresh squeezed orange juice and freshly baked croissants with fresh butter and jam.

Now that I am pleasantly nourished, off to one of the the most fantastic shopping stores in the center of Paris, the Galleries Lafayette.

So many stores my eyes are twirling, but I only have one day so full speed ahead. Let's see I need new shoes and of course a handbag to match . . . how many floors are in this place?

I'm exhausted, time to stop and rest. Let's see, what's on the menu at this chic bistro. It's so much fun to sit outside and people watch and eavesdrop on my dining neighbors! Now how to translate the juicy gossip into English, where's my translator?

I'm Off To Paris . . . At Least In My Dreams

2010-03-03T19:37:00.002-07:00

Too many years have passed since I last visited the beautiful, magical city of Paris. Well enough with waiting! I decided to take off and spend a week in the City of Lights, well at least in my daydreams.

First off, this absolutely must-have large Black Leather Travel Laptop Bag, designed and crafted by Beckie of The Leather Store on Etsy. This travel bag would stylishly carry my computer and other ultra important documents and necessaries.

The Leather Store

Day One: The first thing to do after arriving is to find a nice place to sit down, relax and have a bit of freshments and plan my Parisian adventure.

Decisions, decisions, which way, what to do first . . .

Edible Delightful Pleasures

2010-02-22T18:58:00.004-07:00

Treat yourself to some edible delights and you can work off the guilty pleasures later.

First, we will just look at a mouth watering, delicious Chocolate Cupcake photograph from f2Images. This would make a perfect enhancement to our kitchen walls, wouldn’t you say?

Cupcake 8x8 by f2images

But enough looking without touching. How about sinking our teeth into one of these Himalayan Pink Salt Truffles by Vintage Confections. The top sprinkles are pink salt and within each sumptuous creamy truffle, which has been rolled in cocoa is a center ganache of dark chocolate, made with fresh cream and butter.

Himalayan Pink Salt Truffles

Also from Vintage Confections is, Dulce de leche Vanilla Marshmallows. These large marshmallows with delicious, finger lickin’ caramel swirled throughout these treats are just too yummy!

Dulce de leche Vanilla Marshmallows

Now here is a brownie that you absolutely must share with your friends and family. And they will definitely give you brownie points for these treats. Jeanette’s Patisserie makes these rich, delectable mouth watering Organic Chocolate Espresso Brownies that are delivered to you in green eco-friendly packaging.

Organic Chocolate Espresso Brownies

What a delicious way to start the week!

Carriage Rides on Michigan Avenue - Water Tower Place

2010-02-18T12:55:00.002-07:00

Bungle up and get warm and cozy! There's still time to take a romantic and fun carriage ride in the snow.

Backbone Studio

Winter Pleasures

2010-02-18T12:21:00.005-07:00

The snow seems to not be melting fast enough for my tastes here in Chicago. But one of the benefits of living in a city where it snows A LOT, we get to wear fabulous knits made from soft, warm yarns. I have chosen a few selections of hand knitted and crocheted pieces from some of my favorite designers on Etsy.

You can definitely keep out those harsh winds and keep your neck and chest warm with a RIONA Hand Knitted Cardigan by Ovejanegra.
Weddings never stop as love is 24/7 everyday of the year. This Ivory Gorgeous Mohair Shrug/Bolero - Bridal Shrug, hand crocheted by Reflectionsbyds is romantic and beautiful and is a perfect complement to your bridal day.
And after the wedding comes the precious baby! Isn't this such an adorable Green Ribbed Baby Cocoon and Hat, hand knitted by OopsIKnitItAgain, to snuggle and keep your new baby nice and cozy.
Doesn't it sometimes feel like the air conditioner is blowing in your office even when it's freezing outside. Well styled this Huge Big Lemon Green Cowl from Berniolie to keep you warm and cozy inside.

Hello Morning Glory

2010-02-16T13:23:00.004-07:00

Such a beautiful, majestic royal purple Morning Glory. Spring is on its way, so for all of us with cities covered in snow, soon we will have these wonderful beauties all over the place.

Backbone Studio

Etsy Stalker - Contest Giveaway!

2010-02-15T16:42:00.003-07:00

Stalk on over to Etsy Stalker which is curated by Beatrice and Violet. This month my Etsy shop, Backbone Studio is being featured in the February Shadowbox Gallery. I am running a contest where two lucky people will be able to select a free photograph of their choice from my shop. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment. You can leave as many comments as you wish to better your chances, but only one per day.

Backbone Studio - Giveaway Contest

The After Effects of February 14th

2010-02-15T13:39:00.002-07:00

Ok, whew, Valentine's Day is over. Many of us can breathe again. Either our fantasties were realized or we may have some thinking to do about our significant other. No matter, Bleeding Hearts are still beautiful to look at and appreciate.

Bleeding Hearts Photograph at Backbone Studio

Getting There

2010-02-14T18:15:00.005-07:00

Backbone Studio

Here is a vintage typewriter that is on exhibit at the Museum and Science and Industry in Chicago. Typing on this typewriter today would make the typist go real slow. That's how my blog is going, slow but steady.