Mixed Metal, Wide Band Heart Ring

An Early Mother's Day Gift? Something for your Fabulous Sister? Your Beautiful Wife? Your Smoking Hot Boyfriend? Ready To Ship I'm Size 7, otherwise make a custom order in the size you need.

Mixed Metal Boho Peace Earrings and Necklace

Mixed Metal Boho Peace Sign Necklace and Earrings for the Hippie Chicks in all of us!

Snowflakes at Night by Maggie McMane Designs

Snowflakes at Night. I love the look of these Sterling Silver Pearl Earrings. They are a combination of delicate genuine Pearl Cabochons and Drops and Blackened Sterling Sheet. Each Pearl is different and Precious, just like snowflakes against a dark sky. You can find them in my Etsy Shop via Maggiemcmane.com. 

Open Window Jewelry

New Open Window Designs to remind you to keep your faith and to always hold on to Hope. Find your open window Necklace and Ring! 

When God closes a door, he opens another. Sometimes, that opening is a hard to find window.  So let's seek it together and climb out and find the Hope you were close to giving up!

MAMA METAL for Adoption by Maggie McMane Jewelry Designs

             "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."  Oprah Winfrey

Originally, I made this Mama and Baby Duck Pendant for a woman who had just adopted a baby from another country.  She wanted a design to represent her blessing, but didn't know what.  I asked her to tell me what she loved and she said, "I love God, life, family, nature, animals, hiking, etc."  That very day, I stopped to let a family of ducks cross the road and it hit me.  Ducks and Geese are well known for "imprinting".  They can recognize and bond with their caregivers, even if that caregiver isn't their biological mother.  I guess you could say that a profound bond between a parent and a child, no matter what biology or lack of biology they share, is a form of imprinting we call love.

When I showed her this design and mentioned imprinting, she nearly jumped out of her chair.  "I LOVE IT!  It's Sooo Right!"  She purchased another one for her, "adoption buddy," and told a few others about the design.  I've sold several of them with slight variations here and there.  Finally, I had the time to list one on Etsy.  So, at her suggestion, I call it my Adoption Design, but really it applies to all parents, all guardians.

This Pendant is made from Fine Silver, which is  .999% Silver.  It connects to a Sterling Silver Chain via two Sterling Silver Clasps and Sterling Silver Wire.  It has been hammered to add texture and additional sparkle.  This piece follows my strongest design theme, Simplicity and Beauty mixed with Faith.  I hope you like it as much as I do!  You can find it in my Etsy Shop, Maggie McMane Designs.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns

Here are some other Mama Metal Necklaces listed in my Etsy Shop.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns?section_id=17150868&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

Graduation Jewelry: Keeping the Faith

"What we are is God's Gift to us.  What we become is our gift to God." Eleanor Powell

Once again, I'm posting about Graduation Jewelry, but I suppose it should be called Transformation Jewelry.  That's what graduation is, but the word, "transformation," encompasses so much more.

Lately, I've heard from a number of parents, as well as some aunts, sisters and a very proud God Father, who wanted to give their loved one a different style of jewelry.  One that reminds them to keep their faith, especially when they find obstacles in their paths.

You will find an example of the variety of Christian Faith Jewelry I have sold recently.  All of these pieces can be worn by both men and women, however the majority of male gifts have been the Rustic Fine Silver Cross On Leather Cord, The Sterling Silver Surfboard Cross on Leather, 14 gauge Gold Or Silver Cross Rings, Jesus Fish Rings, and the Celtic Crosses Necklaces.

The majority of females have preferred the thinner 16 gauge Gold and Silver Cross rings, including the adjustable Fine Silver Toe Cross Ring; The Infinity Cross Rings and Necklaces, the Small Gold Or Fine Silver Cross Necklaces, the Jesus Fish Rings and the Celtic Cross Necklaces.

If you wish to give your special someone Faith jewelry, please visit my store.  Just follow the links below .  

The first is my Christian Faith Jewelry Section: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns?section_id=5623659&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6

This link will lead you to my Infinity Eternity Cross Section:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns?section_id=14582288&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

Graduation Jewelry: The Traditional

“Graduation is only a concept.  In real Life every day you graduate.  Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life.  If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference.”  Arie Pencovici

Graduation, whether it is from middle school to high school, from high school to college, or something like a left or right turn off your original path involves change.  Sometimes, the change is barely noticeable.  Maybe, all of your friends are taking the same journey with you so things are more exciting than scary.  Sometimes, our graduation is more of a life change, one that involves a monumental step, a step so forward you can’t go back, a life you can’t relive.  Throughout our lives, we will all do both – many, many times. 

We often want the jewelry we wear or gift to others to reflect that change.  Some people want their pieces to show the world who they are now and who they’ve been in obvious ways.  While others, choose a less obvious, abstract way to wear their story.  Still, others follow a family tradition that follows not just their own lives, but the parent’s and grandparent’s lives. 

 I decided to do a series of posts, reflecting the different ways my customer’s show the passing of time or place with a selection of jewelry they've chosen.  

The traditional:  A gemstone or birthstone ring or necklace, marking a graduation or special birthday, is very old tradition in many families, including my own.

My Mother's New Taste In Jewelry

                                  

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, which made me think of all the gifts I’ve given my mother over the years.  When I was in elementary school, there was always a PTA flower sale.  Every child in my class ended up walking home with at least one small container of Marigolds.  There was a time when I gave my mother flowers from a neighbor’s garden.  From what I understand, money and apologies were offered the next day. 

Things are easier these days.  My mother likes more than flowers.  She loves jewelry, but her tastes have changed over the years.  The things she asks me to make for her continuously surprise me.  I’ve included a few of them here:

I've no idea why her taste has changed from a traditional strand of pearls to a handmade Celtic Cross Necklace or Wide Hammered Sterling Silver Band, but her taste has definitely gotten cooler!  Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I love you!

You can find the jewelry above in my store on Etsy by clicking the link below: 

Celtic Cross Necklace :https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Celtic+Cross+Necklace&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Green Amethyst Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=green+amethyst+ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Circles Necklace: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Circle+Necklace&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Green Quartz Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Green+Quartz+Ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Wide Sterling Silver Band: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Wide+Sterling+Silver+Band&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Blue Sandstone Ring: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaggieMcManeDesigns/search?search_query=Blue+Sandstone+Ring&order=date_desc&view_type=list&ref=shop_search

Infinity Jewelry: To Infinity and Beyond!

If you look up the word Infinity in the dictionary, this is what you will find:

in•fin•i•ty  Noun  /inˈfinitē/
1. The state or quality of being infinite.

2. An infinite or very great number or amount.

Okay, so what does infinite mean? Well, it means endless or limitless. What a perfect way to describe your feelings for the one you love. The recent popularity in Infinity Jewelry is quite obvious. Locally, I've received a number of orders to create Infinity Rings and Necklaces as well as a few Bracelets. I've also sold them online and have noted a definite spike in searches for them.

Here are two samples of my Infinity Jewelry, completely handcrafted by me in both Sterling Silver and Fine Silver.

  The Infinity Ring

The Infinity Necklace

              All the jewelry I have listed in my Artfire and Etsy stores are finished and ready to ship today!

Greatest Bumper Sticker Ever!

I saw this yesterday and had to take a picture of it to send to my family and friends. I think it's the best bumper stick I've ever seen! How about you?

My Life Necklace on Etsy

Another Asymmetrical Piece of Jewelry in the My Life Collection. This new necklace was made from hand cut copper sheet, Sterling and Fine Silver, and Turquoise. Because Life is not Symmetrical!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62871257/my-life-necklace-copper-turquoise-fine-n?ga_search_query=my%2Blife&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5257083

MY LIFE JEWELRY

Here is the Latest Bracelet in the "My Life Collection" Jewelry Line at Maggie McMane Designs. I used copper sheet, fine silver pebbles I melted myself, Freshwater Pearls including one large Coin Pearl and finally Sterling Silver Chain.

It is currently listed at my Etsy Store for only $46.00.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58025944/copper-mixed-metal-bracelet-pearls-n

It's perfect if you are into abstract or asymmetrical jewelry or if you have a funky friend who has been through her own highs and lows.

Latest Christmas Jewelry!

HO HO HO!! It's that time of year again! Check out my latest Hand Stamped Necklace in my Holiday Jewelry Line! Adorned with Red and Green Swarovski Crystals, it's perfect for your Season!

US Postal Service Warning

This warning has been issued by USPS.com due to the huge amount of fraudulent emails and calls people have been receiving lately. If you go to their page click the Alert link on their main page.

USPS: "Customers be aware of fraudulent package delivery messages sent by email or phone.

Customers may be receiving email messages or phone calls that allege to be from the U.S. Postal Service that contain fraudulent information about attempted or intercepted package delivery.

For emails: If opened, the messages instruct customers to click on a link to find out more about when they can expect delivery of their "package." Simply delete the message without taking any further action.

For phone calls: Please do not provide any personal information and let the caller know you're not interested and hang-up the phone.

The Postal Inspection Service is aware of the problems and are working hard to resolve the issues and shut down the malicious programs.

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused our customers."

Keeping yourself safe during this Holiday Season

Tis the season to show your family and friends you love them with Maggie McMane Designs Jewelry, Festive Sweaters, Hand Knitted Scarves and baskets of fragrant soap and candles. The amount of money that is given, donated, spent, and stolen jumps as shoppers and thieves mix in crowded places like Holiday Parades, Christmas Tree Lightings, Holiday Shows, Parties, and the Mall. What can you do to prevent someone from taking your hard earned cash during this season? Plenty!

Let’s begin at the beginning, before you shop.

1. Wear the right Purse, one that is made for shopping. Okay, I love my bags, too. Quite frankly, there might even be some hero worship going on with my Burberry, but I leave him home when I’m planning to do some heavy shopping. Why? Because wearing a light weight, over the shoulder bag kept close to your body is less likely to be snatched or pick pocketed than a backpack purse or tote.

2. Get rid of the extras in your wallet. Lighter is easier and easier is better. Do you have four or more credit cards tucked into your wallet but only use one or two? Remove the ones you don’t need and you might save money as well. If someone gets a hold of your wallet, they won’t have all your cards. Trust me when I tell you, filing police and fraud reports is a huge time consuming pain and the last thing you want to do during the holidays!

3. Shop with a buddy. Even if you have to split up for a bit, meeting up for a warm meal and the trip home is safer than eating, shopping and driving alone. It’s true what they say. There is safety in numbers, especially at night. Plus, you might get a hand with all of those bags.

4. Always park your car in a well lit parking lot with security cameras. Take note of where the nearest light is and park as near to it as possible. Remember that darkness comes early this time of year and you don’t want to find yourself over loaded with bags, wandering a dark parking lot—especially alone. Before you get out, hide anything of value and lock your doors. Make sure you actually LOOK in your car when you return because someone could be waiting for you.

5. Always keep your keys in hand when leaving or returning to your car. If you have to get into it quickly, you won’t have to search for them. They can also be used defensively. I can tell you they hurt when someone digs them into your skin. My sister did that to me years ago and I still have the scar!

6. Take a good look at your surroundings. Okay, your girlfriend wants to show you her new Maggie McMane Designs Freshwater Pearls Gold Vermeil Drop Necklace. It’s fabulous, isn’t it? Tell her you’ll check it out under the bright lights of the store ahead. You need to do a visual search of your surroundings. Is there anyone suspicious near? Take a mental note of them and keep walking.

7. Keep your phone on and within reach and pay attention to where you are. If something does happen, you want to be able to call for help immediately with your location. You have a million things to remember like the Godiva Chocolate Dipped Strawberries for good old Aunt Maggie, so take a moment to write your location down on a slip of paper or note it on your smart phone before you shop. “Macys west entrance, 2nd floor, lot B.” It isn’t hard to spot a tired, distracted shopper who can’t find her car. Also, always, always, always take your parking ticket with you. If you leave it in the car your thief can make an easy exit. I'm sure he'll thank you for it.

8. Don’t be a sitting target! When you return to your car, load your bags in the trunk and leave. Yes … leave. So many women sit in their car. What are you waiting for? Put your car in reverse and go because sitting there with all those expensive toys makes you an easy target. Any thief can slip between a row of cars and find you.

Hopefully, you will find this information useful or at least a reminder to be a little more careful. I will do another post on safety in a week. The focus will move from the parking lot to indoors. Feel free to add any additional tips.



Freshwater Pearl Gold Vermeil Drop Necklace http://http//www.etsy.com/listing/61132410/freshwater-pearl-cluster-gold-vermeil

Butterflies and My Father

Say hello to my father

After my father passed away, I began associating his presence with butterflies. No, he wasn’t dainty or flighty. It comes from a story my sister told me. My parents lived on an island along the eastern coast where golf carts are seen as frequently as cars or bikes. She and my father used to go for rides past a heavily wooded area we refer to as the Jungle.

The ground is thickly covered in green and lizards and long, leafy vines entwined with spanish moss drape tirelessly over the trees. The area, by nature, is dark and not especially welcoming. At the same time, it is mysterious and intriguing. One can’t help but wonder who or what its inhabitants are, especially when squawks, screeches, and wailing erupt from the tree branches without warning.

My father used to joke that it was home to a family of royal leopards and that the squawking and screeching was simply a formality. The leopards had to be announced wherever they went, much like in the old days with brightly dressed men and long, golden horns. If you hear them, they must be close!

My sister went for a jog past the jungle shortly after he died. A butterfly with leopard spots shot out of the jungle and danced circles around her head. It was so extraordinary, so very unusual. The moth’s appearance was so odd that she knew immediately it was my father joining her. The next day, the very same thing happened.

Since then, whenever she sees a butterfly she says hello. If she’s fortunate enough to have a camera, she takes his photograph. If it flits around too much, she asks him to settle for the picture. He always does.

The same is true for me. Every time I see a butterfly, no matter what his coloring, I welcome him and ask him to let me take his picture. Much to the surprise of others, he always does. He came this morning and allowed me to photograph him.

Say hello to my father …

Vacation at the Beach

We were blessed with some time away this summer. It wasn't very much, but it certainly helped relax us all. School starts in about ten days and with that comes a frenzy of activity-- a lot of which involves shopping. Here are some photos from our trip to the beach.

Getting ready for Christmas on Artfire

Here are a few items I've recently listed in both my Etsy and Artfire stores. I think both are perfect for the holidays. I have so much more to make, but the summer is almost gone! I'm sure it will be another hectic season, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Little Changes Make Big Differences

The world we share:

I want to be greener because I love the environment. Well, most of the time anyway. I don’t love it when pollen blankets my town, which sadly is more often than not. I’m one of the unlucky ones. Every season is allergy season.

Still, I can’t help but marvel at what is outside my windows. The world around me is beautiful and I believe in taking care of it, not just for me or my children. I want to save it for their children’s children, so I’m making little changes.

I recycle all my plastic, glass, and cans. I never, ever litter. I’ve switched from aerosol sprays to pumps and my bad hair days prove it. I try to buy organic when it’s locally produced and understand that buying organic from afar is bad. After all, the truck that hauls the organic bananas is leaving quite a smoggy footprint.

I wash in cold water—most of the time. I don’t use the dishwasher until it’s fully loaded and I faithfully turn off or unplug anything not in use. I do all of this to help my grandchildren’s inheritance, their grandchildren’s inheritance. I don’t know what kind of world they will end up with. I can only hope it’s at least as beautiful as the one I wake up to now.

Recently, I was told a newer version of an old story about making small changes. It’s about doing little things to make big differences. The latest version was about a little girl walking along a beach just as hundreds of newly hatched baby turtles struggled to reach the sea. As they made their way, crabs darted from sandy holes, dragging the turtles beneath the surface. Those who made it to the water’s edge were often pushed back by the incoming waves. The girl watched in sadness as the turtles faced one obstacle after another, knowing that even in the water they faced danger. She couldn’t protect them there, but she could do something.

Two by two, she gently picked up the turtles and tossed them as far as she could into the ocean … two by two … two by two. An old woman sat watching. Shaking her head she said, “You know, it doesn’t matter what you do here. You won’t make much difference. Most of these turtles are gonna die anyway.”

The little girl threw two more turtles into the sea and said, “I just made a difference to those two.”

When things seem overwhelming, try to remember that little changes can make big differences. You can’t stop global warming on your own, nor can you clean the earth’s water. What you can do is join the millions of others doing little things to make big changes.

Christmas In July Sale CIJS

Recently, I added two Holiday Necklaces to my Artfire Store to celebrate my Christmas In July Sale. The Snowman Necklace is my most popular Holiday Necklace. I do have matching earrings, but they are not currently listed yet. This necklace never disappoints. I sell a lot of them simply because they make perfect stocking gifts, party gifts, and teacher gifts. Last year, I sold ten to a woman who had twins in Middle School. She bought one for each of her daughter's teachers.

The Ruby Christmas Tree, however, is my favorite. One reason is that I love Rubies, but I love the simple clean lines of the Tree. This is my last Christmas Tree necklace Charm. I don't plan to order more unless I get a request for them. Previously, I put other colors on top. Some people preferred green while others wanted a Citrine or Crystal. All of them were lovely!

I have these and more at my Artfire Store: http://www.Maggiemcmanedesigns.artfire.com