What Summer looks like from here . . .

simply SUMMER . . . 

Memorial Day FLASH Sale!

Hitting the road . . .

Kind of excited to spending some time with a good friend and showing my wares ahead of the Annual Farm Chicks Show in Spokane. 

Pop by to see me at Lucky Vintage and Pretty Things.  

Friday, June 5  from 12-5pm 

1930 S. Inland  Empire Way

Spokane, WA  

Do you have a favorite color?

If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for aqua and turquoise.  There's not a doubt in my mind about that.  I guess that's why it's so easy for me to design with that color, but there are days that I dream in pastel . . . today would be one of those days! 

it's a new day . . .

There comes a time when you just have to throw caution to the wind.  Today would be that day.  I've been living my dream for almost 6 years now . . . I know, can you believe it?  I've let this blog go fallow for far too long.  In the coming weeks and months, you're going to witness a new evolution of Tippy Stockton Jewelry.  I've teamed up with a friend who is a master marketer, an eloquent writer, and one of the most fashionable people I know.  I'm excited to go along with her on a journey.  You'll have to wait and see, but you'll want to be on board.  Today is a great day . . . 

And the winner is . . . CARLA GEATES

Carla, please email (tippystocktonjewelry@gmail.com)  me with your mailing info. For those who didn't win, thank you! I have a coupon code for you: DRAGONFLY - good for $10 off your next order. Coupon is available to use starting Sunday. Thanks for playing everyone!

GIVEAWAY . . .

In honor of Sunshine, Spring, and the fact that I haven't blogged in awhile, let's have a GIVEAWAY. 

Here's the details: 

Pick your favorite piece from the collage below.  Let me know in the comment section after this post.  Then, go to my Facebook page, leave a comment as to which piece you love the most on the Favorites thread, and share the collage with your friends.  For each of your friends who then like my page, you'll receive an additional chance to win.   Here's the link to my FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/TippyStocktonJewelry   If you haven't already liked my FB page, do so and get an additional chance to win. 

So, here's how to win:  

1) Leave a comment below
2) Leave a comment on my FB page
3) Share my collage with your friends
4) For each new like from your friends (make sure to tell them that you sent them to the page)
  

Here's what's up for grabs . . . 

Good luck, have fun, and I'll announce the winner on Friday, March 28.  

Who has your heart?

 

Valentines Day is just a month away. 

Who has your heart?

 

Lots of ideas for that special someone. 

http://tippystockton.com/category/new.htm

Out with the OLD, in with the NEW!

It's time to clear out all the OLD stock to make room for all the NEW that is going to be showing up in the next few weeks.  There's lots of great goodies at amazing prices . . . up to 50% OFF! 

Here's the link that will take you there straight away - http://tippystockton.com/category_41/CLEARANCE-SALE.htm

Have fun . . .

If Christmas came too quick this year . . .

Did you find yourself behind the 8 ball this Christmas?  I keep blaming the fact that we only had 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Let's just go with that.  I'm here to help if you need it.  Tippy Stockton Jewelry offers gift certificates in the denominations of $25 up to $100 on my website.  Find them here:  http://tippystockton.com/certificates.htm

Let me know if I can help you in any way.  I'm actually done shopping, wrapping, and baking.  First time in many years . . . Merry Christmas! 

BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SPECIALS . . . all weekend long!

Take 30% off orders over $100 with

coupon code BLACKFRIDAY30 . . .

 

AND . . . take 20% off orders under $100 with

coupon code:  BLACKFRIDAY20

 

All of this goodness comes with free shipping too!

Expires Monday, December 2 

 Ready, Set, GO!

 

www.tippystockton.com

 

Ready, Set, Go . . .

When you wake up from your Turkey Coma on Thanksgiving, Tippy Stockton Jewelry will be all ready for you to shop with the BIGGEST SALE of the SEASON!  Stay tuned . . .

 

Until then, my very best wishes for a Joyful Thanksgiving

with your Family and Friends! 

Wrapped in RED

For that girl in your life who loves RED . . .

 

Available now at www.tippystockton.com 

http://tippystockton.com/item_374/The-Holly-Bracelet.htm

and the WINNERS are . . .

Thank you all for your sweet stories.  I loved reading every one of them.  Some of you contacted me through Facebook - I included your names in the drawing even though you were not able to post here. 

The winners are . . .

 

$50 store credit  - The Truth About Fat Chicks

$50 store credit - Andrea Sanchez-Turner

$100 store credit - Sarah Davidson

 

Please send me your e-mail information, and I will forward you a code to use when you're on the site.  Let me know if you have any questions.

 

For those of you who didn't win, I'm extending my birthday surprise discount until Friday, November 22.  Use coupon code bdaysurprise25 @ checkout to received 25% off your next order. 

 

Thank you again.  We will do this again soon, I promise. 

Getting Nostalgic

Every year for the past  50 some years, November 18th has marked my day - the day the world changed for my parents and most especially for me. It's my birthday.  But for the past 5 years, it's kinda just been like any other day.  The last birthday I celebrated with those who gave me life was my 47th. That seems like a century ago.

I have tried really hard to put some distance between my emotions and not letting the day go by without being thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. My family - my boys. They spoil me. I couldn't have made it through these years without them.  My friends - those sweet people who get me. I love them for that. But, mostly my faith. Faith has brought me to where I am today. Faith is what gave me strength and peace during the final days of my parents lives. Faith is what has brought me to who I am today.

Many of you know, some don't. My Mother was a Nun, yes a real life Nun. With a habit, with Rosary beads. So it's no wonder that so much of my jewelry has a religious theme. Especially to Mary, the Blessed Mother, Ave Maria, the Milagros, to the Miraculous Medals. Really, it's a tribute to my Mom. The last words we spoke was the Hail Mary before she took her last breath.  It's why I'm making jewelry.  It took me about a year to go through my Mom's things after she passed away.  But what I found astounded me.  Mom never really spoke about her days in the convent, so when I opened her jewelry box and found many Rosary beads and medals, I was shocked.  It made me realize what her faith meant to her.  I just knew at that very moment what I needed to do . . . I was going to carry on a little of that faith through my jewelry.  Some may be offended, but the way I look at it, we could all use a little love, peace and strength from the Blessed Mother. 

So as I celebrate another birthday without them, I cling to my faith, their love for me, and the knowledge that they will always be with me. 

It's a HOLIDAY Giveaway

Yup, that's right!  It's my birthday . . . on Monday, November 18.  I came into the world on a cloudy day in West Islip, New York.  It was a joyful day as I was the firstborn child to my parents, Patrick (Joe), and Ann (Betty) Kelly.  Even though I think my Daddy really wanted a boy, I was the apple of his eye, his Patty Ann.  Through the years, my Mom always made MY day special - she would make these crazy chocolate kiss corsages that had coins and dollar bills dangling off of it.  I remember being embarrassed the first time I wore it to school on my birthday thinking that my friends would think I was a dork, but it soon passed when they all asked my Mom to make one for them.  I love that memory. 

So let's have a GIVEAWAY - what better way to celebrate my birthday than by giving you all a shot at winning some fabulous prizes.  And right before Christmas and all . . .
on Monday, I'll be giving away (2) $50 shop credits and (1) $100 credit to be used any way you like, just as long as you use it before 12/31/13.    

Here's how we're going to do it.  Write your favorite birthday memory here, and pick one of the following collages as your favorite by simply answering with the corresponding letter - A, B, C, etc.   

A. The Petite Milagros Necklace

 

B. The Feather Necklace

 

 

 C.  The Holly Bracelet in Gray

 

 D.  The Adrian Bracelet

 

E. The Skater Necklace

 

 

F. The Christmas Necklace

 

 

Again, here's the details:  To enter: Leave a comment on this blog answering "What is your favorite Birthday memory, and pick a favorite of the photos above?"

(for additional entries: Tweet this, Facebook it, become a follower of this blog (http://tippystocktonblog.blogspot.com/) or my Tippy Stockton Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TippyStocktonJewelry?ref=hl) or Pin one of the above images to pinterest. Please leave additional comments for each thing you do.)

Okay so, READY, SET, GO!  Happy Birthday!  xo

I'm feeling a little embarrassed . . .

Well, hello friends.  Do you remember me?  I know it's been awhile.  Can you say Summer was crazy.  Well, I'm still here, doing great, and just doing.  I've just launched the first of HOLIDAY 2013 onto my website.  I'm in love with so many of the pieces.  Soft and feminine, just like I like it. 

Here's a few to look at, and head over and take a peek at all that's new . . . but check back often as the full line won't be completely up until next week.  http://tippystockton.com/category/new.htm

 http://tippystockton.com/item_627/The-Jennifer-Necklace-.-Vintage-Glass-Rhinestone-Silver-.-Antiquties-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

 http://tippystockton.com/item_631/The-Jaclyn-Necklace-.-Vintage-Brooch-Vintage-Glass-Rosary-Chain-Brass-.-Antiquities-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

 http://tippystockton.com/item_628/The-Caitlin-Necklace-.-Vintage-Cabochon-Moss-Agate-Black-Onyx-Silver-.-Antiquities-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

 http://tippystockton.com/item_630/The-Erin-Necklace-.-Vintage-Rhinestone-Pendants-Japanese-Glass-Pearls-Vintage-Glass-Cabochon-.-Antiquities-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

http://tippystockton.com/item_624/The-Adrian-Bracelet-.-Vintage-Japanese-Glass-Pearls-Gold-.-Antiquities-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

http://tippystockton.com/item_622/The-Nora-Earrings-.-Black-Onyx-Gold-.-LaMer-.-Tippy-Stockton.htm

 

 

Believe it or not, I have lots to tell you.  From Weddings this Summer, to going gluten free.  I know one thing is for sure, I want to share with you some of the amazing recipes I've tried on this gluten free journey.  Despite not having decent bread in months, I'm actually loving it.More to come . . . as always! 

I know, it's a burning question

So, yesterday I shared with you how Tippy Stockton Jewelry came to be.  Today I'm going to share with you how I came up with the name.  I know, it's something you've all been waiting to hear.  I'm sure you've spent hours wondering, right?  It's a simple answer, but you'll have to read on.

Back in the early 2000's, a few friends and I decided to start a book club.  Our kiddos were still pretty young, we all loved to read, and it just seemed like the right thing to do . . . Oprah had her book club, so why not.  I have a terrible memory for "real" details, and I can honestly say I don't remember the name of the book.  It could have been an Elizabeth Berg book - she was one of our favorite writers.  Anywho, we read a book about a young lady who was venturing out to write her very first book.  It was a smaltzy book, one in which she really wanted to write about real life things that were going on in her circle of friends.  BUT, she didn't want them to know it was she who was dishing on them.  So she came up with a way to have a pen name . . . okay, are you ready for it???  This is the big reveal . . . do you want to give me a hint on how she came up with her pen name?  Okay, sorry - like you can just jump in here and answer that stupid question.  She came up with her name by . . .

Oh, that's me sitting on the lawn of the first house I lived in, and then that's my Nanny pushing me in the blue carriage around our yard on 9 Stockton Street, Brentwood, NY.  Ah, that's one part of my name.  The first street I lived on.  Well what about Tippy?  Well, if you must know, Tippy was the name given our very first dog - he was a black lab mix with with white socks, and a white tip on his tail.  Get it, Tippy??? 

So there you go.  While at this one particular book club night, we went around the room and my pen name would have been Tippy  Stockton.   I have to say, I thought it was pretty cute.  Tuck that one in the memory bank.  

Fast forward to 2009 - I have selected the name of my little company, had the business cards printed, started telling everyone I knew what I was doing.  I was so proud, so excited and thought I had a pretty cute thing going on with my cute company name until . . . a young girl (and I wish I knew who and where this said girl was) says to me, "is that your STRIPPER name".  WHAT???  Stripper name???  What do you mean?  First dog, first street???  OMGosh, now I'm completely embarrassed - I had no clue.  So let me set the record straight.  NO, I'm not a stripper - seriously :) - I still go by my original story of how I came up with the name - I have witnesses who can attest to that, ahemmmmm . . . Kimberly :)

So now that you know, how are you feeling?  I feel good that I was finally able to put this to bed.  The burning question has been answered, I'm still here to talk about it, and you all are up to speed. 

Okay, I gotta get cracking.  I have lots to do before the REALLY BIG ANNIVERSARY SALE BEGINS TOMORROW.  Over and out . . . xo

An Anniversary . . .

This was the last day we were all together.  It brings tears to my eyes everytime I see it.  We were celebrating my parents 50th anniversary . . . September 14, 2007.  None of of us would have ever imagined that life could change so drastically in the next year. 

And, this is the beginning of how Tippy Stockton came to be.  So I suppose in a way, it was the worst of times and the best of times.  My Dad was suffering from a rare and very fickle cancer - adeno carcinoma of unknown origin.  How do you explain that one?  We really never knew, only that he was given 3-6 months at the time of his diagnosis.  That was December 26, 2002.  He was with us until April 24, 2008, passing just 4 days after his 76th birthday.  My Dad was a dreamer - hoping and praying that his kids would have better than what he had.  No regrets, do what  you love were common quips he passed on to me.  I had spent my adult work life working for others, only to be cast off when something better came along for them.  I always wondered why I had given so much of my heart and soul to my jobs - why shouldn't I give something back to myself.  Have my own gig - that was a scary proposition.  What if I bombed, what if it just wasn't a good fit for me?   At the time I was working for a friend who had ventured out to open a home decor shop in our little town.  I loved that job - I truly did.  But it became clear that it wasn't where I was supposed to be.  I came home from my Dad's service and gave my two weeks notice.  I think it was more that I needed time to mourn my Dad's passing around people who understood what I was going through.  It also was a time for me to focus on my Mom - could I have her come to WA to live with us?  Was I capable of taking care of her? 

Fast forward to a few months after my dad passed away.  I had near daily phone calls with my sweet Mom.  As the days wore on, I noticed that she had trouble speaking - not that she didn't have anything to say, she just had trouble getting the breath to say the words.  Did she have pneumonia, what was going on?  On January 10, I received the call that would turn my world upside down.  STAGE 4 LUNG CANCER.  Too late for treatment - we'll just make her as comfortable as possible.  I quickly flew down to California, never expecting that I would have to say goodbye to my Mom in such a short time.  Seven days to be exact.  I spent the last few days with her holding her hand and recounting stories from my youth.  She even told each of us about the day we were born, and the address to the house where she lived growing up in Jamaica/Queens, NY.  My brother googled the address, and there it was, just like she had told us.  On January 17, 2009, just 8 months after laying my Dad to rest, my Mom got her wings.  I never knew how much I would miss her until the phone went silent.  Our daily calls were no more. 

I can honestly say that I have never been so low - drained emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  I wondered how God could leave the three of us orphans and take my parents so soon.  Those would be the questions I would ask myself time and again as the days wore on.  So here I am . . . no job, no ambition, just depressed.  We had a funeral for my Mom in March of 2009.  I stayed on to help my brothers finalize everything.  The plane ride home was awful.  I felt like I was leaving another life behind - my old life.  I too felt old.  Now I was the matriarch of our family.  That felt really old. 

Upon my return, I came home to this . . .

My dear sweet husband, and my neighbor Jerry were building me a studio.  I had always loved jewelry making, but could I really make a go of it?  I would never know unless I tried. 

And tried I did.  I feel them around me every day prodding me on.  They are here, they will always be here.  On August 1, 2009, Tippy Stockton was born.  The ETSY shingle went up, and I was open for business.  It was a slow start, but boy did my dream come true.  Just two years after that, on August 1, 2011 I opened my own dot com site.  Talk about a leap of faith.  And I owe it all to YOU!  Thank you for loving my work, believing in me.  YOU are who make me so happy - happy to feel alive again and know that this is what God had planned for me.  It was my goal to make people happy and make myself happy again.  And here I am.  Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  To coin a phrase, YOU COMPLETE ME!  Corny yes, but so true. 

SOOOOO, as a thank you to you, for the past 3 years I have celebrated this anniversary with a SALE.  Starting Friday, July 12 through Friday, July 19 everything on the site will be on sale.  It's my pleasure to offer this to you as a way of conveying my love and thanks for your support. 

The Auction for Africa is in Full Swing

These are the faces of the little ones that will be moving into the Orphanage that Kim's Mom is building.  These are the faces of the little ones who will benefit from the amazing auction going on right now until Wednesday.  These are the little ones who will know love like no other - the love of people from far away who care so deeply for them. 

I hope you've had a chance to head over to Kim's website @ http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/ and check in on the auction.  There's still plenty of time to jump in there and put a bid in.  And some fabulous pieces, I have to say! 

But there's one more thing . . . for the remainder of the week, until Friday, I will be donating 25% of all sales to the little children in this orphanage.  I know it's not a lot, but a little goes a long way in helping get this wonderful home built for these little children. 

I don't think that I've ever shared this, but my Mom's father, William Dwyer was an orphan.  He, a brother and a little sister were dropped off on the steps of a Catholic Orphanage in Queens, NY.  They had nothing but the clothes on their back.  They were given shelter by the nuns, clothed and fed until they were ready to conquer the world on their own.  They called this Orphanage home for many years - they had all the things every child should never go without; shelter, food, and LOVE. 

So I hope I can spread a little bit of LOVE for these children.  In a way it's a thank you to the nuns for taking such good care of my Grandpa.  Sadly, I never met him.  He passed away when my Mom was a little girl herself.  But I'll never forget the kindness that was given him by the nuns in the orphanage.  I'd love to bless Barb too.  For she is what LOVE is all about.

Thank you again for reading this.