What Summer looks like from here . . .

simply SUMMER . . . 

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

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

 

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 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

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. 

Auction for Africa

Hello family and friends.  Today is a special day.  I want to tell you about my friend, Kimberly (shown above).  I've known Kim about 4 years now.  I met her through my business - she was actually here for my Girlfriend's Garden Party - that was really the beginning of our friendship.  Why am I writing tonight?  Well, tomorrow is a special day too!  You see, Kim and her beautiful and selfless Mother, Barb are going to be traveling to Africa to begin the setting up of a new orphanage in Uganda, and to bless these beautiful children with things no child should ever have to go without.  Kim is a gifted photographer and cook - so she's made it her mission to go to Uganda with armfuls of things to set up a kitchen for these precious little ones.  If you're like me, you want to know how to help.  Well, that's what this post is about.  But first . . . here's a photo of Kim and her Mom, Barb.  I have never met Barb, but I know what a kind and compassionate woman she is.  She is the epitomy of a Saint.  Some would allow these children to go on living each day like they have, but Barb is hell bent on making their lives a little brighter.

So again, what can we do???

Here's a bit of information directly from Kim . . .

"Hello friends,


My trip to Uganda is in just over a month and we have been working to collect the things that we will be bringing with us to the children. We are allowed three large suitcases each, with the option to pay for two more. I’m sure we could fill all ten between the two of us with supplies that simply aren’t available there- things that will be so valuable in a place where these things are desperately needed. And while we don’t want to make this home completely westernized, we do want it to be a “home” for these children- the first real home most of them have ever had. We want them to each have a place of their own and I am excited to put together a little “welcome home” parcel for each of them.

When we arrive we will be assessing the house and seeing what it is that needs to be purchased in Kampala before we bring in the children. There is a kitchen that needs to be supplied, basic items for housing and feeding the children, as well as food itself. This is the project I have challenged myself to raise the money for. The more we raise together- the more I can provide for these kids- especially food.

I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to welcoming them with my mom; to capturing their first days in a place that they can feel safe and happy and can play like children.

While it has taken me a lot longer than I had anticipated to pull all of this together, I am excited to tell you that I have finally organized all of the beautiful donations that my incredibly generous friends have offered so that we can raise money to purchase all that we need for the children. As I want to make every dollar count, I have opted to run the entire process through my website rather than using an online auction source, seeing as they would cost a few hundred dollars- dollars that could be put to much better use elsewhere!

The Details:

The Auction for Africa will go live on MONDAY June 17th at 8 am PST and run until WEDNESDAY June 19th at 6 pm PST. My plan is to have a separate post for each item, and then biding will be done in the comment section. The auction will run for three days so that everyone will have an opportunity to bid on the items they want. Once the auction closes, I will contact the winning bidders and they will have 48 hours to deposit the bid into my paypal account. If after 48 hours they aren’t able to do so, the second place bidder will be contacted. Once the bid has been paid the item will be shipped- most of which by the person who donated the item. Have I mentioned how generous my friends are?

So here is what I am asking of you. Not only do I hope that you will bid on the items, but I would be SO GRATEFUL if you would share it – shout it from the rooftops, facebook it, twitter it, blog it- MULTIPLE TIMES if you can! Look, I know I have asked a lot of you in the last year. I know that you have been kind, and giving and so incredibly supportive. If I wasn’t so darn passionate about this, I wouldn’t have the nerve to ask this of you, but I am. I want those kids to move in to this house and know that they are loved and that they don’t have to struggle to survive any longer. I want them to feel safe and secure and be able to be children. Every child deserves that, don’t you think?"

How am I involved in this you ask?  Well, I have donated an item for the auction.  It's truly a special piece from my line - probably my most popular item to date.  The Notre Dame Necklace - I think it's perfect as it symbolizes faith and love.  The Lord's Prayer is inside the sliding locket. 

You'll have a chance to bid on this beautiful necklace - it's the very last one. Make it yours by helping these darling children.  Thank you in advance and thanks for taking the time to read this post. 

PETITE FEMME

Over the moon excited today to tell you that I've launched my line of children's jewelry over on my website.  I have to say, it's so dang cute.  I hope you'll take a moment to head over and let me know what piece is your favorite. 

PETITE FEMME - jewels for the petite mademoiselle! And there are a few that can be made for us too, like the Momma Robin Bracelet. As with all my lines, they GROW. So continue to check back for new items each week.


http://tippystockton.com/category_32/Petite-Femme--jewels-for-the-petite-mademoiselle.htm

and the WINNER is . . .

 

The time has come to announce the winner of my GIVEAWAY! My non-scientific selection yielded something very fun. I put the name of Debra Lang into the mix because she had so graciously commented about how much she loved her Miriam Necklace (the giveaway prize). So guess whose name came out first??? YUP, Debra Lang. So Debra, you're going to get a matching bracelet to the Miriam Necklace. So naturally, I needed to draw another name, and that lucky person is Brenda Bedard. Brenda, please send me your mailing information to tippystockton@aol.com so I can get your necklace to you. CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH DEBRA AND BRENDA.

 

And thank you all for participating. Here's a little thank you for playing along.

 

Take 15% off your order with coupon code TIPPY15 . . . good until the end of the day on Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day.

 

 

 

 

SPRING Giveaway

I'm giving away one of my most favorite pieces . . .

The Miriam Necklace

 

Here's the details on how to win:  Simply like my facebook page and share on your wall leaving a comment about how you feel when wearing your favorite Tippy Stockton Jewelry.  Make sure you tag Tippy Stockton so I can be sure to read your post. 

Would you like to be entered twice?  Just scroll over and send ME an e-mail with YOUR e-mail information, and I'll add you to my mailing list.  Three times???  Go over and follow me on Pinterest, and I'll add your name again.  See, it's easy! 

Winner will be chosen Thursday, May 23. I'll announce the winner here, and on my Facebook Page.  GOOD LUCK! 

Today should have been just another day.  Get up, shower, and get to work.  Today, I found myself walking aimlessly around the house, not looking for anything in particular, just preoccupied.  I had watched endless hours of TV coverage of the tragedy in Boston.  My heart ached for those who lost their lives, lost limbs, or suffered the utter trauma of the day.  Perhaps it's because I can relate to this; I made my way through life for a few weeks back in 2001, after my dear cousin was killed on 9/11/01.  Part of me is so sad, but the bigger part of me is ticked.  It's obviously not known at this point who did it - I just want him/her/them to suffer as well.  Not only have all these people suffered harm, the entire country is on alert now.  My son will head to Seattle tomorrow night to watch the Mariner's play.  Frankly, I wish I could tell him not to go.  It scares me.  But then I harken back to 2001 . . . this is what this person wants.  They want us all to be afraid.  I want not to be afraid, but I am . . . a little.  I have faith in God, therefore I know that He is in control.

So I leave you with something I posted to my Facebook page this morning.  I leave you with this . . . today, I choose hope!  Hope for a better tomorrow, hope for all mankind.  Hug your family and friends, tell them you love them.  You never know what tomorrow will bring. 

Shades of Spring

Order by noon PST on Monday, April 25 for guaranteed delivery before Easter. 

 

BUY TWO, get ONE FREE  . . . select 2 of your favorite earrings from my ANTIQUITIES COLLECTION, and you can pick a third and I'll send them to you on me. 

Offer ends on Friday, March 29. 

A day off . . . sort of!

When you live in an area where most of the weekends are cloudy, rainy and cold, one must tackle the long list of "things to do".  So that's what we did.  Last weekend, my sweet hubs donned his coveralls and painted the upstairs hallway.  We live in a 1928 farmhouse and the upper floor of our home is clapboard.  So in the hallway, we've always kept it white.  BORING . . . after 23 years, this girl that loves color settled on a new color, Edgecomb Gray from Benjamin Moore.  It's the lightest version of paint on my chip that includes the dark gray that we have in our familyroom.  Love it, love it. 

Anywho, years ago when I was in my "red" state, I painted a pretty white shelf a beautiful cherry red.  It was gorgeous then, but seemingly a little dated now.  As I've gotten older, I'm finding that I love soothing colors.  A friend of mine who owns a darling store in Kirkland, WA called Haley's Cottage sells a paint from Annie Sloan.  It's called Chalk Paint.  I had used it before and thought, what the heck, it's gotta cover this deep red.  So I took Wednesday off from work :) and began the task of painting out this shelf.  It has some decorative bits to it; a couple of little medallians and a decorative rope moulding on each side.  I painted those pieces along with the face of the drawer front in Old White.  Then the rest of the cabinet/shelf got a coat of Paris Gray.  OMGosh . . . it just needed a bit of touch up, but didn't even need a second coat.  I was done with most of the painting by noon.  To give the decorative bits a bit of zing, I rubbed in some of the dark wax into the crevices and then wiped that off with a soft cloth.  OH, one thing I missed, I rubbed down the entire cabinet/shelf with the opaque soft wax first.  Gives it a bit of shine and dimension. 

I am now in love with my hallway.  A new lamp, a small side table, and gorgeous rug and I seriously want to put up a cot and live there.  I will post photos of the hallway after my hubs finishes up some detail work today. 

But just so you can see how lovely the cabinet/shelf turned out, here's a collage of the before and after shot of the piece.  How fun!

Now on to the next project . . .