Summer greetings, I hope you and your flocks are staying cool in the heatwaves! I've got a lot of news to tell you about! It's been a few months since I've updated my blog, and it's great to be back in touch with you all! Due to some health challenges, I had to take a break from creating the monthly newsletter and Bird of the Month collections, which you can read more about below.

BIRD OF THE MONTH COLLECTIONS

As you probably know, for quite a few years I have offered a collection of new jewelry in a different species, for auction on eBay at sale prices, every month. It's become a bit too much for me to continue doing this each month, while still keeping up with custom orders through my website. So, at least for now, the Bird of the Month will change from being a collection of items to just a single item auctioned on eBay.

"VIP" CUSTOM ORDERS STARTING AUGUST 1!

As mentioned a few months ago, I had planned to have the "VIP Custom Order" option going by now, for those of you who wanted to be able to place rush/confirmed orders for a higher fee. There were some delays, but I have good news for you! On August 1st, I will be putting the form up, and will begin accepting a couple of VIP orders each month. To read more about it, please go to the new VIP Custom Order page.

For those of you wanting a "regular" custom order, I'm continuing to do monthly drawings from the custom order requests that I receive, on the first day of each month. If you haven't had your order drawn yet, please keep trying and know that I appreciate your interest. When I have cancellations, I generally pick a replacement from those of you that have been entering the longest.

WHITE BELLIED CAIQUE & BARE EYED COCKATOO ON AUCTION

The Bird of the Month is the White Bellied Caique and this Glass Beaded Necklace and Earring set shown above is currently on auction. I have also listed a Bare Eyed Cockatoo Charm Choker necklace, shown below. They are on auction on eBay until July 27th.

I hope you are having a lovely Spring, and have had a wonderful Easter and Passover! I've been enjoying the jonquils outside my window next to my sculpting table, as well as watching the beauty of the trees starting to bud with leaves. Each day brings something new to enjoy outside at this time of the year!

I was not able to make a Bird of the Month collection for sale this month, however, I do have a new "scrap clay" necklace for you! It is on auction on eBay for the next week. A portion of the final sale price will be donated to the Oasis Sanctuary Foundation.

For those of you interested in placing a Custom Order Request, the entry form is on my website here: http://www.parrotjewelry.com/orderform.html I draw a limited number of custom orders on the first day of each month. (You can read the full details about the current system of placing custom orders on my website.)

Also, some of you have been asking about the "VIP Custom Order" option, as I had planned to have it set up this month. Due to some health issues that came up this month, I wasn't able to work on it, so this addition will be postponed until next month.

In honor of Mother's Day just around the corner, I'm having a sale of 5% off through May 31st, on all eBay Store items! There are still several unique pieces available for immediate purchase in my eBay store, including this Congo African Grey face charm necklace. To see all items that are available, visit my eBay Store.

I have also listed a whimsical blue African Grey necklace & earring set in my Flights of Fancy style, from my own personal jewelry collection, on eBay. The bird holds a charm with the word "Believe", and is beaded up with some gorgeous glass beads in periwinkle blue, silver, grey and black. The set is on auction for the next week, with a low starting bid!

Kilian and Kaleena (pictured) and I wish you a Valentine's Day that is absolutely overflowing with love!

To celebrate Valentine's Day, from now until the end of the month, all of the items in my eBay store are on sale! Below are some of the birds currently available - the birds shown here happened to be sold, with non-paying bidders, so are now back for sale! If you missed them earlier, here is your chance to snap them up at a discount.

Female Eclectus Necklace

Red Lory Earrings

Scarlet Macaws seemed appropriate when I was deciding on a red bird for February! There are 5 different Scarlets on on auction for the next week: Bracelet Charm, Charm Pendant on cord necklace, Full Bodied Pendant on cord necklace, Glass Beaded Necklace/Earring Set, and a piece that will be finished into your choice of either a Pin OR a Magnet, with optional display frame as shown below.

This unique multi-colored parrot was made from scrap bits of clay, with a lovely glossy finish. So striking and eye-catching! This necklace is on auction for the following week.

OTHER ITEMS NEW ON EBAY THIS WEEK!   This charming cockatiel face pendant was sculpted from black clay, with a silver metallic finish. It has a black agate bead eye, and is also on auction for the following week.

Warm holiday greetings and wishes for a Happy New Year to you all!

What a year it has been here! Our flooding this summer certainly was the big event of the year, but things have been gradually getting back to "normal" more and more each month. I am so thankful for all of the blessings that have come about this year, and that my family and loved ones are all well. We have so very much to be grateful for, and are looking forward to 2011 with great anticipation!

Killian and Kaleena always insist that I make some Eclectus creations for you every Christmas! They are quite proud to be so perfectly colored for the holiday, and love modeling for me, so it has become an annual tradition now I think! Here is the selection I have created for you this year!

Up for auction are a Male Eclectus bracelet charm, Male Eclectus cell/purse charm (not shown), Male Eclectus charm for necklace, Male Eclectus charm choker necklace, Male Eclectus pendant (no cord), Male Eclectus pendant on cord, Male Eclectus glass beaded necklace/earring set, Female Eclectus pendant on cord, and a Female Eclectus glass beaded necklace/earring set.

Please note that these items are on auction for the next THREE DAYS (not a week, like usual) as well as having a Buy It Now option for those of you needing to get them quickly for gift giving! Go to my eBay Store to see the entire list of new items available!

CUSTOM ORDER NEWS:

Well, at long last, I'm coming to the end of what has sometimes felt like a never-ending list of custom orders that have kept me so busy over the last few years! Within the next month or two, I will be having the first opening for new custom orders since 2009!

Just a handful of custom orders are left for this year, then I will begin updating my website with new pricing, adding more current example photos, and some other much needed updates. I will send out a newsletter in January with the exact date that I plan to put the order form up, so that you will have a little time to plan ahead and get ready to place your custom orders.

Thank you again to all of you that have been waiting so patiently for your chance to place a custom order! I am looking forward to working with you this coming year!