tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26427381472008053202023-11-15T10:42:53.445-05:00Queen of the Cat People: Class with a cult followingNew work and projects, events, works in progress, tips and advice. These pieces and more are available for sale on Etsy: QueenoftheCatPeople.etsy.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-47287081509576449182013-05-02T17:14:00.001-04:002013-05-02T17:19:45.670-04:00The sun sets and she appears...Hello internets. Yes ... its been a while. A long while. Oops.<br />
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This is me, trying to get back on the blog horse again. Like all those other times.<br />
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However, since October I've found a lot of new pieces in the jigsaw puzzle that is my physical & mental health, and my own personal brand of Chronic Fatigue. Wheat gives me hangovers, and yet I tested negative for celiac disease (but that's apparently not unusual). I've been diagnosed with a sleep disorder called Alpha Wave Intrusion, which barely any part of medical science has studied except to notice that it happens sometimes. Sweet potatoes give me tummy aches.*shrugs*<br />
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I also had a nice “Aha!” moment relating to the sleep disorder. Maybe the anxiety problems I had about five years ago aren't so much over with, but I've just somehow learned to ignore them better. And looking through my old self-help books on anxiety vs. depression rang a lot of bells.
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So for right now I've decided to take a break from my social life, while maintaining home and work lives for my basic survival needs, but this time on purpose. I need to work out what's wrong with me and how to either fix it or live with it. Sacrifices had to be made, especially when it came to vending engagements and cons. But without so many distractions, I'm forced to examine where I am and what I'm doing, and its already starting to make a difference.<br />
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On the other hand, when I do get bits of energy back over the norm, I can just put that right into jewelry without being tempted by the outside world. Because it is a low-energy activity that I've loved for years, and things that make me happy and content are rare nowadays.
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This means there will be blog and Etsy shop updates! Not sure how long they will last, but I've broken out my old seed beading skills for my lunch breaks, and went to the NY Whole Bead Show in March, so there will be new stuff. I even photographed all of it last weekend, with some new backdrops for my light box, which is about as exciting as it gets around here.
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If you're interested in seeing my daily dance with chronic fatigue, and my latest adventure in organizing my life for maximum savings of “spoons”, plus tarot fun, take a look at my other blog:<br />
<a href="http://Chrysilla.dreamwidth.org">Chrysilla on Dreamwidth!</a><br />
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If you're just here for the shiny stuff, here are a few tidbits to tide you over ;-)<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/8702442682/" title="IMG_5233b by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5233b" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8702442682_e0cdec3897.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/8702441748/" title="P1190513b by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="P1190513b" height="499" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8702441748_868564c50d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/8702441912/" title="IMG_5295a by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5295a" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8702441912_fb40f8a8b7.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
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Luv,<br />
Chrysilla ;-)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-82821613307424652502012-10-02T10:00:00.000-04:002012-10-02T10:00:02.891-04:00Elphaba, a necklace of Oz<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106482723/elphaba-277"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Elphaba</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720648368/" title="IMG_4250 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4250" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7720648368_f4c5ce0ea4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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<br />
A magnifying glass hangs from a long lariat necklace of vintage style
pale yellow cathedral beads, matte onyx, swarovski pearls, and olive
green goldstone.<br />
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The necklace is 25.5 inches long, and does not include a clasp.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-67032595113902660732012-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-27T10:00:08.168-04:00Harvest Bat necklace<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106484693/harvest-bat-280"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Harvest Bat</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720644570/" title="IMG_4328 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4328" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7720644570_0b35f2ce21_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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An adorable wooden bat hangs from a chain of copper, red tigereye, and
matte black onyx. All links were wrapped in copper wire entirely by
hand.<br />
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Necklace is 21 inches long, the pendant hangs down two inches, and includes a copper colored toggle clasp.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-52800317206989873212012-09-25T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-25T10:00:02.566-04:00Bleached Bones necklace<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106483935/bleached-bones-278"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Bleached Bones</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720649424/" title="IMG_4229 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4229" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7720649424_88816d7ba1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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A Djebah coin, from Catherynne Valente's 'The Orphan's Tales' books,
with a deep red Swarovski crystal, hangs from a length of white agate,
shell, mother of pearl, and coral woven through with white ribbon.<br />
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Necklace is 18 inches long, and includes a clasp of silver plated copper. Djebah
pendant is polymer clay, and about 1.5 inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-76905457635699142122012-09-20T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-20T10:00:06.664-04:00Farewell My Automaton, a Steampunk necklace!<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106481526/farewell-my-automaton-275"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Farewell My Automaton</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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Display your affections for your favorite love, whether they be flesh and bone or metal and gears ... or perhaps a combination of both.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720650974/" title="IMG_4198 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4198" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7720650974_253079425e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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A working heart-shaped padlock hangs from a length of pearls, Czech
crystals, and vintage style cathedral beads in a rainbow of bronze and
gold tones. A translucent golden ribbon weaves around and through the
beads like mist.<br />
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This necklace is 19.5 inches long, the padlock
is 1.5 inches long. The padlock itself clasps the necklace in front, and
included are two matching keys for opening the lock. (not pictured)<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-27309866361585937472012-09-18T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-18T10:00:01.153-04:00Strawberry Owl earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106486330/strawberry-owls-283"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Strawberry Owls</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720643164/" title="IMG_4357 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4357" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7720643164_ee0d9b6f35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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Two rhodonite owls with white catseye, wrapped by hand in silver plated wire, hanging from sterling silver earring hooks. Each earring is two inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-67559770223280221732012-09-13T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-13T10:00:10.078-04:00House Targaryen, a Game of Thrones necklace<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106485490/house-targaryen-282"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>House Targaryen</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720643904/" title="IMG_4341 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4341" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7720643904_23c6e4d415_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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A necklace worthy of the true rulers of Westeros. Black agate nuggets
wrapped in silver plated wire with dark red garnets and black onyx.<br />
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This necklace is 18 inches long, and includes a sterling silver toggle clasp.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-64120823846934842822012-09-12T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T10:00:06.736-04:00Violet Owl Earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106486759/violet-owls-284"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Violet Owls</b></span><br />
[for sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720640776/" title="IMG_4366 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4366" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7720640776_f94234bc9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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Two flourite owls with Czech crystals, wrapped in gold colored wire and hanging from sterling silver earring posts. Each earring is 2 inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-72478133549617008772012-09-06T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-06T10:00:12.829-04:00Absinthe necklace<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106304541/absinthe-274"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Absinthe</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720647578/" title="IMG_4267 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4267" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7720647578_769dcc4596_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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A magnifying glass in a baroque, copper colored setting hangs from a
long chain of green and copper. Aventurine, flourite, malachite, and
Czech crystal beads compliment each other in a most elegant manner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-14811099121728361052012-09-04T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-04T10:00:10.236-04:00Gone Fishing earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106303370/gone-fishing-273" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Gone Fishing</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720629232/" title="IMG_4427 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4427" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/7720629232_e3e1840ba6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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An accomplished cat is a happy cat :-)<br />
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Adorable wooden pendants of cats with fish, wire wrapped in copper with real sea shells. On sterling silver earring posts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-25395403206909798522012-08-30T10:20:00.000-04:002012-08-30T10:20:00.214-04:00Chocolate Mint earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106302558/chocolate-mints-268"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Chocolate Mints</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720635688/" title="IMG_4392 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4392" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7720635688_a03edf2294_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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Two adorable hand sculpted chocolate-mint halves (which are sadly
actually made of polymer clay, so please do not eat the jewelry), with
cats eye and Czech crystal beads, on sterling silver earring wires.<br />
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This weekend, I'm at DragonCon! Yay! Although as an attendee rather than a vendor. Hope your summers conclude on a similarly epic note ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-43269962761837703192012-08-28T19:47:00.000-04:002012-08-28T19:47:00.085-04:00Year of the Horse necklace<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106148957/year-of-the-horse-260"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Year of the Horse</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720646146/" title="IMG_4299 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4299" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7720646146_9ba085f687_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></center>
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A carved wooden figure of a horse, wrapped in copper wire, hangs from a
chain of onyx and red tigereye beads, with turquoise blue glass
cathedral beads in a vintage style on copper colored wire.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-62626860176456172892012-08-23T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-23T10:00:04.454-04:00Fuchsia Ravens earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106150053/fuchsia-ravens-264"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fuchsia Ravens</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720638128/" title="IMG_4376 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4376" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7720638128_ae88df63ce_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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Black agate ravens and large fuchsia glass crystals, wrapped in silver
plated wire, hanging from sterling silver ear wires. Each earring is 2.5
inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-12903847934854113062012-08-21T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T14:17:31.195-04:00Fruit Bat earrings!<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106149523/fruit-bats-263"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fruit Bats</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720632424/" title="IMG_4411 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4411" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7720632424_d3ff37c4c8_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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Two carved wooden bats and dark red garnets hang from sterling silver
earrings, wrapped by hand with copper wire. Each earring is about 2.25
inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-14721951367636430312012-08-16T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-16T10:00:05.670-04:00Gold and Fuchsia earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106151242/gold-and-fuchsia-266"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Gold and Fuchsia</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720638980/" title="IMG_4375 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4375" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7720638980_be70ca1124_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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Large fuchsia glass crystals, faceted onyx beads, and petite pressed
glass drops wrapped in gold colored wire. Hanging from sterling silver
earring wires, each earring is 3 inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-50842889664947504952012-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-14T10:00:10.383-04:00Winter Frost Earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106150706/winter-frost-265"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Winter Frost</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720630872/" title="IMG_4421 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4421" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7720630872_67fae412b3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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Earrings of clear quartz crystal hand wrapped in silver plated wire,
with sterling silver ear hooks. The leaves are real leaves, dipped in
silver and antiqued to make a strong but delicate statement. Each
earring is 3 inches long.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-35969564572985303752012-08-09T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-09T10:00:04.751-04:00Lavender Raven Earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106147408/lavender-raven-261"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lavender Raven</b></span><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720637332/" title="IMG_4384 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4384" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7720637332_fb375491f2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></center>
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Large glass crystals in a delicate lavender blue, black agate ravens,
and silver plated wire, wrapped by hand. Includes sterling silver
earring hooks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-88086127466233026042012-08-07T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-08T10:34:29.864-04:00Swan Family Earrings<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106152015/swan-family-267"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Swan Family</span></b><br />
[For sale here on Etsy]</a>
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<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/7720641536/" title="IMG_4364 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4364" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7720641536_7bb08e9464_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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Carved wood pendants of a mother and baby swan hang from sterling silver ear
wires, with amethyst and matte onyx beads wrapped by hand in silver
plated wire.<br />
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<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-45435281041592130582012-08-06T19:18:00.000-04:002012-08-06T19:37:17.672-04:00Summertime, catching up!Hello all! I hope your summers (or winters, on the other side of the globe) are full of awesome so far :-D<br />
<br />
I've spent the whole summer so far trying to figure out, and maybe fix, my health problems. Results have been mixed to say the least. My symptoms persist, but some illnesses and common family problems have been ruled out. On the other hand, western medicine can't treat what it can't diagnose. So I've also been experimenting with a gluten free diet, cutting back on refined sugars, and seeing an acupuncturist.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I finally had enough energy to photograph a backlog of 'new' pieces I finished between January and May, which had not sold at Wicked Faire of the Steampunk World's Fair. So now I can finally upload them to the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1858043240" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. Progress! Accomplishment! Hooray! <br />
<br />
While I'm not sure if this means I'm definitely on the road to permanent recovery, or if I'll be able to get back into my old shiny habits again permanently, at least I have some shiny things to show you all for the next few weeks ;-)<br />
<br />
And while this is by far NOT a financial emergency (bless you full time job and health care plan), purchases made in my Etsy shop definitely go towards medical costs and zillions of blood tests. So if you have room in your budget, go take a look around and thank you for your interest!<br />
<br />
Luv,<br />
Chrysilla<br />
<a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-78762535903874664272012-04-13T12:16:00.004-04:002012-04-13T12:56:45.485-04:00Artistic Inspirations, a homework assignment ;-)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gothicprofessor.blogspot.com/search/label/homework%20assignment"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOWrXLqL3DU/Tp7QtRvOg1I/AAAAAAAAA38/HmuZW95e0nM/s1600/monthly+homework.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I haven't had the chance to participate in the course yet, although I've been reading Le Professeur's blog for a long while, in part because of the chronic fatigue I'm still dealing with. But this month there was a happy coincidence and I finally get to play! Although they were not made just for this challenge, so I hope my instructor will be lenient ;-)<br /><br />Recently I found a stash of polymer clay "art pieces" that I made waaaay back for Salon Con. And then misplaced. But they're back now, just in time for the Steampunk World's Faire. I had planned to make more of them, and now I don't have to, which is a bit of a relief.<br /><br />Before I closely studied this art period, my knowledge of 19th Century art was Mucha and Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Which are wonderful! But something about the stark black and white drawings of Beardsley just made them so dramatic and refreshing. I made a project of incorporating some of his work, and that of other illustrators, into my own work as I got more interested in Victorian aesthetics.<br /><br />First, <span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16845927/the-black-cape-a003">The Black Cape</a></span> by Aubrey Beardsley [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16845927/the-black-cape-a003">for sale here on Etsy</a>]<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/2772340871/" title="P1170104 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3108/2772340871_0da66d6dd7_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="P1170104" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>This elegant pendant is printed with Aubrey Beardsley's drawing The Black Cape, on polymer clay. It's layered with a variety of finishes and glazes for an antique metal look, but is much lighter than metal or glass. Swarovski crystals dangle from the bottom of the frame, and the pendant hangs from a vintage chain of acrylic amber beads.</blockquote>I wanted to balance out the simple, stark drama of the illustration itself with an extremely gaudy frame. I think it works :-)<br /><br /><br />Next, <span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16852955/lady-godiva-a013">Lady Godiva</a></span> by William Holdman Hunt [<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16852955/lady-godiva-a013">for sale here on Etsy</a>]<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/2772344185/" title="P1170141 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3068/2772344185_59eb8fc5cd_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="P1170141" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>This necklace showcases a picture of an illustration by William Holdman Hunt for Tennyson's poem "Godiva" printed on polymer clay. Lady Godiva prepares to disrobe herself in a frame of gold and silver.</blockquote><br /><br />I have a bunch more, but these were the only two that already had Etsy listings before the interregnum. Except for this piece, which was slightly damaged so I may keep it for myself afterall:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br />The Stomach Dance</span> by Aubrey Beardsley, from "Salome."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/2773190016/" title="P1170111 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3034/2773190016_ba88640a52_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="P1170111" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Polymer clay with glaze and metallic finishes, Swarovsky crystal, and vintage chain with acrylic amber beads.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This one was my absolute favorite, but now there's a bit of blue ink on the black and white picture, leaked from goodness knows where. So... mine now!<br /><br />Also, I just recently became reacquainted with this music video, and noticed some very clear artistic influences ;-)<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2nm4xv3firw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />This last piece was the only one to find a happy new home at Salon Con, not so ironically as a gift for the editor of <a href="http://www.goblinfruit.net/">Goblin Fruit Magazine</a> ;-) (Free online poetry magazine! Go look!)<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Buy from Us with a Golden Curl</span></span>, one of Dante Gabriel Rossetti's illustrations for Christina Rossetti's poem "Goblin Market."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/2773196640/" title="P1170205 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3281/2773196640_66b7cfc408_z.jpg?zz=1" alt="P1170205" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><div id="description_div2773196640" class="photo-desc insitu-trigger insitu-highlight"><p id="yui_3_4_0_3_1334333795951_1179"></p><blockquote>Polymer clay, a variety of glazes and finishes, and Swarovski crystals. Includes vintage chain with acrylic amber beads.</blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Go forth, worship the shinies :-)<br /></p><p><a href="http://queenofthecatpeople.etsy.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Queen of the Cat People, class with a cult following</span></a>.<br /></p></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-41963356507705140332012-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:002012-03-20T10:00:08.015-04:00Slytherin Formal necklace<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93492435/slytherin-formal-no281"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Slytherin Formal</span></span><br />[For sale here on Etsy!]</a><br /><br />Black ribbon weaves around rich dark onyx, black lava, and wire wrapped green goldstone, with dark green Czech crystals and a carved horn pendant. Includes a sterling silver toggle clasp and silver plated wire.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/5399883191/" title="IMG_2638b by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5298/5399883191_5a02aa8555_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2638b" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><br /><blockquote>Onyx is a stone of grounding and balance, relating to the first Chakra and balanced Yin and Yang energies. It can encourage and attract happiness, good fortune, and higher inspiration, as well as reduce stress and encourage self control.</blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/5400481984/" title="IMG_2647a by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5251/5400481984_8ab1abf97c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2647a" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><br /><blockquote>While some cultures associate the color black with death and decay, it was also associated with fertility and potential by the Ancient Egyptians, because of the fertile black silt left on their lands by the ebb and tide of the Nile River.</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/5399883267/" title="IMG_2632d by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5059/5399883267_2e5df1f22b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2632d" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>Green is often associated with wealth, good luck, tranquility, money, growth, and ecology. In flags and heraldry, green is often used to represent the health and abundance of a nation's own land. However, it often appears in Celtic folklore to represent, attract, or warn about the presence of faerie in human territory. In the case of Slytherin House, it probably also mirrors ambition-fueled jealousies and a desire for wealth and abundance, in addition to magical forces. </blockquote><br /></div>Go forth, be geeky ;-)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-34519296861230712702012-03-15T10:00:00.002-04:002012-03-15T10:00:01.739-04:00Bast Pentacle Earrings<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93489270/bast-pentacle-earrings-no270"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bast Pentacle Earrings</span></span><br />[For sale here on Etsy]</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/qotcpcf/6804770627/" title="IMG_3830 by QOTCPcf, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6804770627_cbf6e8b001_z.jpg" alt="IMG_3830" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /></div><br />Several of my friends have fallen in lust with this set, which is appropriate ;-)<br /><br /><blockquote>Fine handmade wire wrapped earrings. Sterling silver Bast pentacle and tiny pentacle, with large and small lapis beads and frosted quartz crystal. Ear hooks are also sterling silver, and the wire is silver plated.<br /><br /><br />The pentacle is a common symbol in pagan circles, relating to the five elements, mastery of the four elements, etc. But it also relates to the orbit of the planet Venus, the five terminating points of the human body, and the five wounds of Christ. This symbol can be found in many different cultures around the world. Like Crowley said, in one of his more lucid moments, "Every man and every woman is a star in the sky."<br /><br />In Egyptian myth, stories of Bast range widely from solar to lunar, warrior to lover. In modern times this feline figure is often revered as a goddess of love and pleasure. And felines, of course.<br /><br />Lapis lazuli, called the Stone of the Heavens by ancient Egyptains, is deep blue fleked with golden pyrite inclusions. It is a stone of mental awareness, intellect, and psychic abilities related to the sixth chakra. Associated also with the Sun, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus, Saggitarius, and the Virgin Mary, lapis also encourages love and kindness, a charitable and giving spirit, and radiation of the Will. This stone brings a clarity and peace of mind reflective of the deep, dark blue of the night sky glittering with stars.<br /><br />Clear quartz, or rock crystal, is popular with New Age and magical practitioners for its ability to receive, store, amplify, and transmit energy. It is also used in modern technology for its ability to store and transmit electricity. It is associated with the seventh chakra for its clarity, reflecting and encouraging clarity and focus of the human mind, and it is considered to be a source and reflection of the divine light. </blockquote><br /><br />I <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> nicely photograph a couple of items before I got sick ... last YEAR... so I uploaded them to Etsy. These earrings and the next necklace post. This winter I took sub-par photos of the pieces I made for Wicked Faire which I may post here for posterity. However, they are not up on Etsy yet.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.queenofthecatpeople.com/">Queen of the Cat People, Class with a cult following.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-60315184249696796812012-03-13T13:02:00.006-04:002012-03-13T13:39:20.922-04:00Still alive, promise!Hello cobwebby web blog, I apologize for my continued absence!<br /><br />On the downside, my exhaustion, brain fog, and lethargy went on much longer than September. It is actually still going on. I went to the doctor around Thanksgiving to ask if I had a hypothyroid disorder, because those run in my family. After many tests, some of which were botched or gave false positives and had to be done over, she finally called back in early January. "Actually, your thyroid is a tiny bit high. <span style="font-weight: bold;">But did you know you had mono once?</span>" Um... no? "Yeah, you don't have it right now, but you tested positive for the antibodies."<br /><br />Now our working theory is that back in March-April 2011, when I had one very long-lasting sinus infection followed quickly by two smaller ones, I also or actually had mono. And the thing about mono is that there is no real treatment for it other than to stay home and sleep, the disease burns itself out within about a month. When it burns itself out, however, it burns you out with it. Many people get it actively for a month, but then don't feel up to snuff again for six months to a year afterwards. For some folks it becomes a chronic condition. But the good news is that I know what it is (was?) now, and the cause was no where near as bad as I feared.<br /><br />I am the sort of person that feels most fulfilled, happy, and stable when they are doing things. When I feel stuck in a rut, I go out and do something new and different. Putting me in a situation where I physically and mentally <span style="font-style: italic;">can't</span> go out and do new things, or even keep up with my usual things, is my own Special Hell. In fact, the only treatment for this condition is to not do things! So aside from the physical problems, I'm driving myself 'round the bend too.<br /><br />I read up on <a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/">Spoon Theory</a>, and in counting my own spoons realized I had the energy for either jewelry production *or* internet marketing. Not to mention my camera is also out of whack. So I opted to make lots of new stock for Wicked Faire 2012, and that turned out to be a good and profitable decision. Faire was great this year! I'm glad I am getting back in the saddle for vending at events, but I still spent most of it sitting behind my table and let the con come to me.<br /><br />Between con prep, some anxieties at work, and more anxieties at home, I was badly drained for the weeks following Faire. Again I put aside my writing and jewelry projects and opted for my less brain-active sewing habits (not to say that sewing is not creative, I see lots of people do incredible things with it, but I just match fabric + pattern and press buttons). And soon I will have to put all that away again to make more shiny things, because...<br /><br /><br />Good news: I have been accepted as a vendor for <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://steampunkworldsfair.com/">Steampunk World's Faire</a> this May! My birthday is also that Saturday, so yay for being surrounded by my fellow costumed weirdos on my special day!<br /><br />Less good news: That means putting production of shiny things over photos, Etsy, and blogging for a few more weeks or months until I'm feeling better.<br /><br />Hopefull news: At *last* year's Wicked Faire, a fortune teller told me that I'd be sick for most of 2011. This year she told me I'd be feeling better within six months, and back to normal by next year. I was feeling a lot better after Winter Break, actually, but all that energy dribbled away again by late Februrary.<br /><br /><br />I really can't plan or forecast what's going to happen with my blog, twitter account, or Etsy shop. There is no plan to quit or take anything down, but I can't begin to guess when I'll have the energy and not-foggy brain to keep up with them again. Maybe next week, maybe this summer, maybe not until 2013. But I will still be making the shiny things, off grid for a while :-)<br /><br /><3 ChrysillaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-8827870327391708092011-09-13T15:12:00.007-04:002011-09-13T15:45:32.763-04:00Coming Out of Hibernation!Hello! I am still alive.<br /><br />Actually, I feel a bit more alive today than I did in August. Not sure if its the weather (not all that much different yet), the return to my normal school-year work schedule, the receding of allergy season, or my new vitamins. Either way, I hope it lasts.<br /><br />Since my last posting, I have:<br /><br /><ul><li>Learned to use my sewing machine. Sewing became very satisfying (albeit time consuming, OMG) in the midst of my creative block. As long as I was pattern sewing, I didn't have to be any more creative than "What color fabric do I want?" and yet I was making things. I may show off a few items I've made here as soon as I figure out how to photograph them.</li></ul><ul><li>Started writing a web-radio series, and then dribbled to a halt due to heat melting my brain. But I'm picking that up again too! It has much potential to be awesome.</li></ul><ul><li>Left my improv practice team. I really like performing teh improv, but it is very time consuming, and I miss my other projects. I also miss going to <span style="font-style: italic;">watch</span> improv as a humble audience member. But I'm still on their mailing list, so I look forward to seeing them perform in the future :-) I am in a short term class right now (which actually relates to the web-radio show), not sure if I will take more classes in the future. Cash is a leetle tight right now.</li></ul><ul><li>Picked up a folding table for my sewing habit, but it also looks like a good set up for the light box I photograph jewelry with.</li></ul><ul><li>Recieved some conical shaped bud vases which may work well for photographing bracelets. One of the reasons I don't make more bracelets is that I find them tough to photograph.</li></ul><ul><li>Taken lots of naps.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li> Attended DragonCon. I was somewhat sick, stressed, and sleep deprived, but I still had a mostly good time. And the con itself helped me realize how I want to prioritize my non-job time for the next few months.</li></ul></div><br />A big theme in my life now is whether I can balance *making* art with *performing* art. I like doing both, but I think now I want to focus more on the making.<br /><br />I took all of August off from social activities, with a couple exceptions, to rest. There was a really crazy late winter-into-spring period that I hadn't given myself a chance to recover from, and August usually melts my brain, so I just holed up in my Chantry and watched Star Trek. Once allergy season blows over, I hope this helps renew my stamina.<br /><br />And thanks to a month of reflection and a weekend of DragonCon, I am going to prioritize jewelry, my writing project, and starting Tai Chi classes. After that come sewing, watching improv, and getting back to the cultural activities I used to enjoy (costume parties, readings, etc), cash flow allowing.<br /><br /><br />But this blog will of course be devoted to the jewelry :-) If I can start this week, I should have photographs up by October. Yay!<br /><br />Right now I'm planning to do some work on a gothy color palette (I have a ton of onyx in storage), develop a new polymer clay project, edit an old polymer clay project, make more Game of Thrones pieces, and work on more talismans.<br /><br />Last night I dreamed of buying magic crystals and gemstones, and will take that as a good omen.<br /><br /><3 Chrysilla<br />aka Queen of the Cat PeopleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2642738147200805320.post-12083201979512968962011-06-22T11:02:00.006-04:002011-06-22T11:16:19.915-04:00Summer Vacation!Its been a rough 2011 so far. Was very busy with life for the first three months, and overwork and overstress quickly segued into the worst allergy season ever. Including some of the worst spring colds ever. And now it is summer in NYC, which is well known for brain-melting heat and humidity. I've made only a couple of new pieces over the last several months.<br /><br />I'm very sad that I've lost the yen to bead, but until my health improves I don't see how it will change. I am having some fun with a writing project, however, and would like to focus on that for a while. So I'm going on a summer vacation from jewelry.<br /><br />With luck, I'll be back on my feet in September (after Dragon Con ;-D) with new energy and new shiny things. I can't fathom that this isn't a temporary situation, as jewelry has been a large part of my life for over a decade. But we all burn out sometimes.<br /><br />My Etsy shop will stay open to customers over the summer, but I can't guarantee that I will be available for custom orders until September.<br /><br />Thank you for your interest and your support! I will be back :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0