New Blog Hop Find!

I stumbled upon a new blog hop today! I love finding these!




This hop is geared towards "meeting" new blog friends by answering a few questions. I've never done one like this so I figured I'd link up...click the button above if you'd like to link up too!

1.  What do you put on your hot dog?
Absolutely nothing! Some people call me crazy, but I am a very picky eater. I'm not too big on condiments. Mostly, I just like things better without them. At the Varsity in Atl, I order a naked dog.

2.  Do you play Sudoku?
Yes, I do! I actually completed one from my school's newspaper about 10 minutes ago!

3.  What is your favorite vegetable?
Not a huge veggie-girl, but I would have to say my favorite is carrots. I don't like cooked carrots though.

4.  Do you color your hair?
I do not color my hair. I get this question a lot actually. I think most of the people in my life would hurt me be sad if I did. You can see more pictures of my hair in my Etsy shop as I model my Frayed Flower Headbands.

Kind of an oldie of the boy and me

5.  What is your favorite brand of clothing?
I don't have a favorite brand, but I like American Eagle jeans. I just enjoy shopping in general. If I had unlimited funds, I would live in JCrew and Banana Republic.




To any new readers, welcome! Browse through my old posts! If you like what you see, follow me...and leave me and comment so I can come check out your blog!


Again, I'm pushing my new Facebook fan page for Hand Made and Lovely. "Like" Hand Made and Lovely!! There is also a "like" button on my sidebar.

Featured Item of the Week

This week's featured item is truly unique. I cleaned up an old utilitarian key to make something lovely. I wired the key to a vintage silver chain with an extra jewel. The bead is genuine green jade. My key jewelry has proven to be very popular. I think the jade bead adds a lot to this piece.

The necklace is 26" long, and the key hangs 1 3/4". This unique necklace is sure to go with any outfit. See more about this necklace here and my entire Etsy shop here. If you like this style, be sure to check out my key earrings as well!

Reminder that I have a new fan page up on Facebook. There is a link in my sidebar or click here. Please "like" Hand Made and Lovely!

Speaking of Facebook, I finally rented The Social Network last night. Overall, I thought it was a really good movie!! Who thought it was totally unrealistic ironic that Justin Timberlake (a musician) played the character of the guy who invented Napster? The movie really made me realize how much goes in to all these websites...it's mind blowing.

Facebook Fan Page

I have been debating for quite awhile about creating a Facebook fan page for my jewelry and Etsy site. I've finally decided to do it! I currently have zero "likes". :( You could be my first! I have a link on my sidebar, but if that does not work (which is likely) then click here.

New Blog Hops

I love finding new blog hops! It's like a mini-Christmas!

I found these two new blog hops...

Check them out if you like!

To any new readers, my name is Bracey Pate. I'm new to blogging and new to Etsy. I always appreciate comments and new followers. If you're following, leave me a comment letting me know so that I can come check out your blog too! Scroll through some of my other posts to learn a little bit more about me. Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Hodge Podge

Please bear with me during this really random post. I was planning on posting today about my roommate's new earring frame, but she can't decide where she wants to hang it. Hopefully we'll get that done tonight, and I can post those pictures tomorrow.

The first piece of random business...a peek into my sketchbook.

The Hot Dog King is the restaurant next to our Greenville site, and I couldn't resist sketching their cute mascot while my professor was rambling about something. I'll try to continue posting sketchbook findings. I like to sketch out new jewelry designs as part of my creative process.

The next order of random business...A finished creation.

I'm so glad I found that tutorial I blogged about yesterday. I've been wanting to make rosettes like this for so long, and I finally found a usable tutorial. I made these three orange rosettes and glued them to a thin silver metal headband. I glued felt on the back for extra support and comfort. I plan to make more of these especially out of patterned fabric. I really want to make a rosette necklace. Contact me with questions about ordering.

Last piece of random information for the day...A GIVEAWAY!!

I found another great giveaway this afternoon. The Clemson Girl blog is hosting a Lily Pulitzer giveaway. Go here to check it out and enter for yourself!

If you're still reading, you're awesome. If you're new, leave me a comment and become a follower. That would make my day! Welcome to anyone from the 2011 Blizzard Blog Hop...link up here if you want to join.

Wednesday

I'm linking up with Jamie again for What I'm Loving Wednesday. I always find myself brainstorming on Tuesday night what I'm loving, and that just puts me in the best mood! If you've never participated, you should link up this week!

I'm loving that I have 47 followers. Just one week ago I was campaigning for 20! Thanks for following and commenting!

I'm loving that it is finally Wednesday...hump day...middle of the week...almost Friday. This has been my first full week of classes since coming back. No snow and no canceled classes makes for a looong week. I'm just ready for the weekend and the boyfriend.

I'm loving Hanna's post over at bouffe e bambini. Even with a new baby, she welcomed my Etsy shop as one of her sponsors. Her blog is awesome, and she has a lot of other great sponsors too! I just placed her button on my sidebar. Check out the post for a 10% off coupon code for my shop!

I'm loving that a guy gave up his seat to a girl yesterday on the bus. This is the first time I've seen that happen in the year that I've been riding the bus to campus. I'm not one of those...I know girls are perfectly capable of standing, but it's just a nice gesture. My boyfriend always gets doors for me and acts like a gentleman. It just makes a girl feel special!

I'm loving that I learned how to make a new kind of flower last night!! I found the tutorial here. Another great blog find! I'll be making the ruffled shirt next! Find that tutorial on her sidebar.

I'm loving this giveaway I found...check it out!

Top 2 Tuesday!

Today’s Top 2 Tuesday topic is not my expertise.

Top 2 Healthy Recipes and Snack ideas!

 I must say that I am not the healthiest eater. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years, but I’m not sure my snacks can really be qualified as “healthy”. I decided to pick 2 of my most healthy favorite snacks…hope you health nuts approve. Maybe y’all can suggest some actual health options for me!

1. Pretzels – I LOVE pretzels! Since they’re fat free and baked, I think they are a healthier alternative to potato chips.

2. String Cheese – I buy the mozzarella made with skim milk, and it’s low on calories. Again, not sure if cheese if qualified as “healthy”. It’s important to get calcium though, right??

 I can’t wait to see your healthy snacks! Leave me a comment if you’re a new follower, so that I can check your blog out too!

Featured Item and a Little Something Special

I look forward to Mondays for one reason...New Featured Item Post.

Today's featured item is this Red Cameo Necklace. I paired a vintage cameo charm in a deep red color with a small decorative gold key. I don't actually know the story behind this cameo, but I absolutely love it! This necklace is certified Hand Made and Lovely!

The pendant hangs just over an inch from an 18" gold chain. The necklace hooks with a lobster clasp. Click here to see more about this necklace, and click here to see the rest of my Etsy shop. I forced my model/roommate to wear a white shirt, so the piece would have a neutral background. I actually think this necklace would go with a lot of different outfits. What would you wear it with? I also take suggestions for featured items. Let me know if there is something in my Etsy shop you'd like to know the story behind or want to hear a little more about.

Now on to the something special I promised. I found a new link up, and this one is really unique! It's called This Blog Rocks.

Megan at Mackey Madness, who has a great blog herself, came up with the idea to have bloggers post about one of their favorite blogs and link up. Instead of promoting yourself, you're promoting another blog that you think is fabulous! (But I guess you're kind of promoting yourself too.) If this is your first time reading Hand Made and Lovely, Welcome! I love comments and new followers! Leave a link to your blog, because I would love to check it out.

Anyway, the blog I want to promote today is bouffe e bambini. Hanna has a lot of followers already, so excuse me if you already know about her awesome blog. She features Etsy sponsors (like myself) and hosts tons of giveaways. I also found a cookie recipe that looks delicious. I think I gained 5 lbs by looking at the pictures she posted. Plus, she just had a really cute baby!! Be sure to check out her blog and link up with Megan to promote one of your favorites!

A Saturday Post??

I think this might be the first time I've ever posted on a Saturday...

Well, I have three good reasons.

1.


I found a new Blog Hop! I love making new Blog friends! Welcome to any new readers. I always appreciate comments and ask that you follow if you like what you see.

2. I found another amazing giveaway. This one can be found here at bouffe e bambini. Hanna has an AWESOME blog with tons a fun giveaways and Etsy shop ads. Be sure to check out all her sponsors...including myself :)

3. I posted new flower headbands yesterday (still haven't gotten to the pins), and I wanted to share a few more pics of them. Find more in my Etsy shop!!!

These are two of my roommates favorites. Which ones do you love?

Boostin'

I'm linking up for the Boost again! Welcome to any new readers. I really appreciate comments! If you like what you see, please follow and leave a link to your blog.

Today has been busy already! Last night I got cozy on the couch watching Jersey Shore (guilty pleasure) making fabric flowers! I got new fabric yesterday afternoon, so I could not wait to start sewing! These new flowers are adorable! I made new headbands and pins. I photographed the new items this morning and have already posted the new headbands. Pins to come. I can make custom or bulk orders of these items. Contact me for more information.

I am advertising on a blog now! Hanna at bouffe e bambini features some great hand made shops. Check out my ad on the right hand side. Her blog is great, so be sure to follow her and check out the other ads too! She will have a "Feature Post" for me soon, and I'm offering her readers a coupon code.

Happy Friday!!

Giveaway Found

Just wanted to let my readers know about this AMAZING giveaway I stumbled upon. The Etsy shop CharmDesign has amazing handmade clutches and bags. The designer is giving away one of her clutches via this blog. There are several ways to enter, and you're not going to want to miss this opportunity!!

New Projects

So many new projects on my plate today.

Yesterday, my studio (archi-torture) went on a site visit to Greenville. We were introduced to our newest project, a mid-rise mixed-use complex at the corner of Main and Broad. Can you get any more American than that corner? After walking around the site, we got permission to go to the unfinished 6th floor of the hotel across the street. It was the perfect place to take this picture. I'll post more as the project develops.

Update on my "Easy A" status...LOVED IT! It was so much funnier than I thought it was going to be. I love Emma Stone's timing and sense of humor. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes quick wit!

Today, I took a shopping trip! I got some new (really cute) fabrics for fabric flower pins and headbands...look for those soon!! I'M SO EXCITED FOR NEW FABRIC!!

I also got in a custom order for 2 large earrings holder frames for 2 sisters. I'll be finishing those this weekend and hopefully posting pictures of the lovely ladies with their new jewelry displays. Contact me with questions about custom frame orders.

The Best Kind of Email

So, my favorite email to get is about an Etsy sale!! I was so excited to get one of those tonight. Mckenzie will be receiving this hand made and lovely ring in the mail soon. Thanks for your order!

I would also like to say that my second favorite kind of email is about a blog comment. :)

What I'm Loving Wednesday

First of all, I'm loving all my new followers!! I got 7 yesterday!! SEVEN! Some of y'all big time bloggers might not think that is so amazing...but I'm freaking out! When I get 50 followers, I want to do a giveaway.

Also, I'm loving my old followers! :) Don't want to leave y'all out...Thanks for all the comments!

I'm loving that I reintroduced myself to my tennis shoes last night...and the gym. Hopefully I'll see you both again tonight.

I'm loving that I'm going to see Easy A tonight on campus for FREE! It's one of those movies that I didn't know if I wanted to see, so I definitely didn't want to spend money on it. They are showing it for free tonight on campus and giving away popcorn. Has anyone seen it?

I'm loving this new blog network I found last night. It's not new...it's new to me. Twenty Something Bloggers...If you're in your 20's, go check it out. It's a great way to connect with to bloggers. There are fun groups and discussions to join! I have a button on the right hand side of my blog now.

I'm loving that I started my 101 in 1001 list...not sure when I'll actually finish it.

I'm loving that amberleilani found and likes my rhinestone bobby pin. It always makes me so happy to see that someone has added one of my jewelry pieces to their favorites. Thank you Amber! Check out Amber's blog and Etsy site...she makes really amazing art dolls!!


Thanks for stopping my by blog! I love comments! Please follow if you like what you see :) Leave a link for your blog, and I'd love to check it out!

Top 2 Tuesday

To any new readers, welcome and thanks for stopping by. I love getting new followers, and I always follow back! Look through my old posts and leave a comment to let me know you're new! Happy blog hopping!

Top 2 Outfits I'm loving for Spring:

1. I love this dress that I found here. My favorite part about warm weather is being able to wear comfortable and cute dresses. I love the colors and bold pattern of this dress! Apparently, it's on sale...but still too pricey for my budget.

2. I also love flowy shirts. I think this one is homemade...so maybe if I get bold I could pull out my sewing machine before spring. Again, I love the colors and pattern. This top would be perfect with denim burmuda shorts or skinny jeans and cute sandals. This shirt, and others like it, can be found here. 


Now this is getting me too excited for spring! We still have ice on the ground, and I'm afraid it will be a long winter!

Featured Item of the Week

If you scroll back through older posts, you'll notice I started out having a featured Etsy item each week (or most weeks). It's been months since I've had one. I'm keeping my resolution strong...this week's featured Etsy item is a one-of-a-kind hair pin. The pendant used to be a vintage clip-on earring. I removed the "earring parts" and glued the beaded charm to a heavy duty silver bobby pin. I always say these pins are heavy duty because I have very thick hair, and I would want to know if a pin was heavy duty enough to hold my hair back...these are! I love vintage costume jewelry, and I love giving old pieces new life. I'm also big into bobby pins currently because I'm growing out bangs. All my pins are just cute little accessories to add something unique to an outfit. Find this pin here and browse through my shop for other fun hair pins.

Boosting My Blog

To any new readers, I'm a college student who loves creating. I have been making things for most of my life, but it just recently that I have started trying to sell my jewelry on Etsy. Once I started doing that, I also started blogging. It's been a very long time since I've participated in this "Boost". I wasn't a good blogger last semester...it's one of my resolutions to be better this year, and I'm off to a good start.

I have links all over my blog to my Etsy shop, and I've posted a lot of my other craft projects. I am always looking for new followers, and I love comments! They make my day!

I would like to offer a special gift this Friday...a personalized 20% coupon for my next 4 followers. That would bring my total up to 20! The coupon code would be sent to you via email so that everyone wouldn't know the code and could be used on your entire purchase in my shop. Simply become a follower and leave a comment so that I can send you your coupon code! Then, happy shopping!

Now, for the question posed. I am looking forward to (and semi-dreading) graduating college and figuring out what my life will be next. It's all very scary and stressful but exciting too. I'll have to decide between a job in the real world or 2-3 more years of grad school. I think I'll be more confident about the whole situation in a few months when everything is laid out, and I just have to choose which option looks best. Wish me luck!

Thanks for helping me boost my blog!

New Etsy Items

I think I have been doing extremely well with my resolutions...already two posts in one day! I just posted new rings, bobby pins, and the fabric flower headband shown below. Check out these new items along with the other  pieces in my shop. The hairpin shown above was originally a vintage cuff link. The charm has a simple elegance that allows this pin to be worn with almost any outfit. Find the pin here.

Flower Headband

My newest addition to be put on Etsy soon...fabric flower headband. I took my orignal flower pin design and attached the fabric flower to a headband instead. A thin black metal headband base is accented by a green, cream, and black fabric flower. The flower's center is a shiny faceted black button.

 I glued felt to the back for extra support and comfort. I plan to make more of these in different patterns and sizes. Look for this and other new items on my Etsy this evening.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

First of all, I'm loving the idea of this. I really enjoy discovering new blogs through these kind of positive fun activities. I really want to start doing this more.


I'm loving all the snow we got Sunday evening. It's now Wednesday, and I'm still not in class because of it! :)

I'm loving that I had time this week to create some new jewelry pieces and update my Etsy shop. It's been a while since I've had time to do creative things just for me.

I'm loving the camera I got from Santa this year...my new blog and jewelry pictures are great!


I'm loving that I found a potential job on Craigslist today! They never have jobs for me! Keep your fingers crossed.


Thanks for stopping by, and I can't wait to read what you're loving today!

Project - Ring Holder

I love finding new ways to store and display my jewelry. I have all my favorite necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on display in my closet so that I can easily choose how I want to accessorize for the day. I needed a way to display my rings, both at jewelry shows and in my everyday life. This idea came from my boyfriend's mom. She uses antique boxes with glass lids, so I tweaked her design for my college budget. I found a small cardboard box and covered it with wrapping paper. I chose a black and white damask pattern to match my room. I used a simple foam padding for the ring "holsters". It was really easy to cut the foam to the right size and make three slits. The rings shown are a few of mine, but the middle two have identical twins that are for sale in my shop. Check them out along with all my other new rings!
braceypate.etsy.com

I think it looks very nice with my other jewelry displays!

New Posts

Today has been a big posting day. I had a lot to catch up on. New bobby pins, rings, necklaces, and earrings have been added to my Etsy shop. A lot of the new pieces were made with vintage findings from different sources, some from my grandmother. Other pieces are newer, but they are all hand made and lovely. I have posted four new pairs of decorative key earrings. The pair featured includes a red orange carnelian bead with the utilitarian key. Check out all the new postings!!

Hand Made and Lovely

I have been very busy the past couple of days making new jewelry and giving my blog and Etsy shop a make-over for the new year. A while back I found a sweater tag in a jar of buttons that belonged to my great grandmother. The tag, shown above, featured a woman's face and the phrase "I am Hand Made and Lovely. Please look after me." I just fell in love with it. I don't know why it didn't dawn on me use this originally. "Hand Made and Lovely" is the perfect description of my jewelry! Check out my new shop design here and look for new postings soon.

Fabric Flowers

I've made a few different  fabric flowers with vintage button centers. These cute flowers are attached to pins so they can versatile additions to your accessory wardrobe. I have one clipped to my bookbag. They could also be attached to a headband or hair clip. These flowers can be made with any fabric and have unique centers. I take requests and bulk orders. Pricing differs based on size of order. Feel free to contact me with any questions!!