If you’re packing for an overnight getaway, a month long vacation, or a weekend excursion…either you like it our you don’t.  I fall under this category: stuff everything in your closet into one gigantic suitcase and hope that some sort of cute outfit will come from it (not to mention…on my way out the door I’m grabbing every random scarf, granola bar, bottle of water, key, and magazine that just happens to be lying anywhere within 10 feet of the door.)  My husband has learned not to say a word.   I envy the way my sister packs. She enjoys laying everything out on the bed weeks before a vacay and pairing each outfit with the perfect shoes, undergarments, shade of lipstick, jewelry and clutch. I’m lucky if I can remember shoes.  I found this great packing chart that I think that I will use to be my guide.

Hello sweet gems! I woke up at an ungodly hour this morning and had a craving to have a “create as you wish” kind of day. These days are my favorite and they are few and far between this month with traveling for shows and filling orders. “Create as you wish” kind of days are essential however, because it’s during those days that I come up with new designs, explore color relationships, take risks, sketch, and put together shapes and stones that might (or might not) work. The nice part about these days is that there is no pressure to make a piece perfectly…if new designs evolve…they evolve and if they don’t…well, at least I kept my creative juices flowing by trying.

It all starts with a cup of coffee and a vision. Early this morning (and yes, ummm, we’re talking around 4:15ish) I tried to get the mandatory “bookkeeping” out of the way, so the rest of the day would be mine to design. I took a quick peep at pinterest and one pin led me to the wonderfully fantastic blog, The Southern Eclectic. As I was reading the blog, I stumbled upon a post on how to make this necklace. So…I headed straight to my studio to get to work.  Of course, as soon as the sun came up, I had to call on sweet Sukie to model the creation.

Good morning! I’m back in Charlotte after a whirlwind of traveling for 2 weeks for jewelry shows & let me tell you… it feels good to be home. There is nothing like pulling into your driveway and to be greeted with a loving husband, a sweet dog and a glass of wine. I feel a huge relief knowing that I won’t be traveling for the next month because I crave routine, home-cooked meals, my hubby and my dog….it’s pretty clear that i’m a homebody. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling and am so appreciate to have the opportunity to do the work that i’m passionate about and live my dream, but it’s always bittersweet leaving. Looking forward to playing catch-up today… e-mails, filling orders, meetings, and a long snuggle session with Sukie. Just look at this face…

Hi Charlottesville Folks! If you are around Charlottesville, VA tomorrow morning, please stop by Kenridge to check out Etcetera’s new summer clothing line and accessorize with Erin McDermott Jewelry. I’ll be there from 10-1. E-mail me: erin@erinmcdermott.com for other information.