My fav Graduation gift

Fabulous graduation gift! On the inside is stamped in a beautiful font, "I will travel down the path of my dreams"!!! Great words that inspire confidence in your ability to go where you want in life!! Gives you encouragement and focus. I made this design for myself and it has helped me accomplish BIG things in my life.! I never take it off. A quality sterling gift that will last forever. more pics and info here

Mother's Day is coming

I made this special as a reminder to our moms how we feel about them. It's wonderful that when wearing this bracelet, your mom will think of you and know she is loved. Has an adjustable chain, so fitting is not a problem. Also has a beautiful faceted stone charm dangle. More to see and purchase here

You make me wonder...

You know what makes me wonder? I can see on my website when people are looking. I cannot tell who they are, or anything like that. I can see what page someone is on and if they are ordering something. I am sure this is true of all websites.

Like right now, I just saw someone who had "When God made dog, He smiled" in their shopping cart. It makes me wonder. Who are they? What are they like? They must be dog people. Good people then. (in my opinion). Is their dog ok? Are they celebrating or anguishing over something? I have a million questions. I never know unless they leave some ideas in their comments.

I am always thinking about you. You, who look at my site, my designs, who love them, who love. I want to know you better...

Did someone mention EXERCISE?

I know I was to tell you about this before, but I keep putting it off, off,off. Like yesterday, I just couldn't do it. I needed a day free of it. Of course, I know I had the weekend, but that doesn't really count does it? You do know what I mean. I know you do.

Exercise, getting in shape, being fit, all that good stuff. Yeah, well, good stuff until it comes time to do it. For the last 2 weeks I have been going to a dance/exercise class 3 times a week! First thing when I get there is the mirrors! yes, I said mirrors, everywhere. Like you want to see what you look like bending and sweating. I don't mind the sweating, really. It's the seeing all angles in the mirrors that I don't like. I have an answer to that though, I just line up in back, way away from those tell tale reflections.

First day I thought I was doing so good, keeping up with the regulars and the instructor says, "Just one more", and then "Last one", and I thought, I MADE IT!! I DID THE WHOLE THING!!! A song in my heart. Bravo for me!!!

Wait, what? The instructor is starting another! The "last one" announcement had been just for that 1 song. There were about 29 more! Or at least it felt like it. I didn't know this class would go on for an hour. Nobody had told me that part. I made it for 20 minutes.

Check back for my ongoing saga....

Birds are singing this Easter morning...

I awoke to the sound of birds singing. I love when that happens. It was still dark outside. I mean really dark. I thought, just what time do they get up anyway?? Looked at my watch and it was 5:15. So I guess they were the "early birds" :)

Now, as I am sitting and enjoying my coffee there are more birds making all kinds of different calls and I would suppose 'talking' to each other. I think it is interesting that one of the biggest and loudest beautiful songs comes from this small little bird. I am also smelling my Gardenias that I have in a pot on my terrace. They are just lovely. What a beautiful beginning to this Easter Sunday.

It seems so fitting that today is the day I show you my newest earrings which I am just in love with. "Birds on the Fence" dangle with pearl. They go with my "Birds of a Feather" bracelet and pendant. These earrings are just adorable, and super light to wear. Hope you like them as much as me. They remind me of my mornings with all my bird friends.

May you be blessed. xoxo, Sandy

Our April Giveaway Contest starts NOW!

"Blessed" is hand stamped on the back of this beautiful solid bronze mini pendant.More here.

"PROTECT MY DOG" is hand stamped on the back of this beautiful pendant. More here.

I have decided that I just love my peeps so much (that's you), I am going to have a contest for something new and exciting EVERY month!! I guess you already know that you mean the world to me if you read my post from yesterday. This is my way of showing my appreciation, and I hope it makes you happy. So, get on it and enter, I want you to win!

Winner gets a choice of either pendant/pet tag above!! I like for my friends to have a choice, especially to have a dog piece as a choice too! The contest entry is my first post right at this link on Facebook. It's easy and fast. www.facebook.com/TobyandMaxJewelry

And if you want to spread the good news to your friends, please share with the buttons below. xoxo, Sandy

Your comments mean the world to me..

I had something else I was going to blog about today, but I am going to put that off till tomorrow (much like what it was that I was going to blog about --- exercise) and tell you something that just touched my heart today.

When people order from me on my website, I always ask them to please let me know where they found me and anything they would like to share. And I have to tell you, that I have received, SO MANY, wonderful, beautiful, straight from the heart, comments that I just had to stop what I was doing and tell you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Learning from your comments, just how much my jewelry designs and words mean to you is overpowering to me. Overpowering in a very good way. It is why I do what I do. It gives me such a feeling of love and appreciation, it just means the world to me. I have been wanting to share this with you for a long time, and today is the day.

Here is one I just received this morning. I have paraphrased a bit and left the name off. This is from a special person who is ordering the "It Will be Alright" bumpy road bracelet. Actually, the 'bumpy road bracelet' is one of my favorites, and I wear it everyday and never take it off, so this message went straight to my heart.

"...love me, love my dog. I called and you had one left and you sent it to me. i haven't taken it off since! i love it. My mom used to tell me that it would be all right...she's gone now and i need a reminder...plus i love dots! i could buy every one of your jewelry items if i could!!!!"

Thank you so much dear (J) for sending me your heart in your comments. It let's me know and helps me to believe I am doing something meaningful for others.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their messages and feelings with me. xoxoxo, Sandy

Live Your Best Life... Perfect Graduation gift

I just love this photo. I took it a few days ago on a Panama Hat and it just gives me the feeling of happiness and well, living a good life. Of course, I am in Panama right now, so the hat is fitting don't you think. This is a beautiful bracelet, heavy solid sterling, with a very classy look and feel. This is an excellent graduation gift! We will wrap beautifully and send directly with a note from you. To see more go here

For my DOG LOVING Friends...

The winner of the contest below will have a choice of this bee-utiful WONDERDOG charm for their dog or the pendant pictured in the post below. I want my dog friends to have a 'wonderful' doggie choice too! The WONDERDOG will come with a cord to wear as a pendant, and also a split ring for your dog. You will have to decide amongest yourselves who gets the bling!! :)

Giveaway Time!!! Win, Win, Win!

Announcing our first ever GIVEAWAY at Toby and Max Jewelry! I am so excited! Entry rules below. Our first giveaway is an absolutely beautiful pendant featuring an antique Fleur di Lis in a hand cast wax seal. The words "Live with Passion" are stamped on the back. A large pendant hangs on a beautiful antique chain and is a real conversation piece. I keep this piece close to me and wear it almost everyday! This piece sells for $44. on our website, but you can WIN it by doing the following:

Step 1. "Like" us on our Toby and Max Jewelry facebook page and leave a comment. Here is the link to make it easy: www.facebook.com/TobyandMaxJewelry

Step 2. Share this giveaway on YOUR facebook page, and leave a comment. If you don't have FaceBook, or a blog, send out to your email contact list of friends with my email included: sandy@TobyandMax.com!

To receive an additional entries, share Toby and Max Jewelry on your blog, twitter or pinterest and leave a comment with the following link: www.TobyandMaxJewelry.com

This giveaway is open to all residents over the age of 18 in the U.S. and Canada. Giveaway ends on March 25th and will be announced here.

(Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way sponsored and administered by or associated in any way with FaceBook or its affiliates as dictated by FaceBook guidelines.)

Thank you for entering our first giveaway, you will ABSOLUTELY LOVE the prize. Good luck and happy winning!!! xoxo Sandy

Be Good to Yourself~get a DOG!

This is a wonderful new mixed metal bracelet that is already quite the rage! Dog people have fallen in love with this new design. These links look great wrapped around the wrist, and it is adjustable. Here for more info

Win free Toby and Max Jewelry Giveaway Contest

DON'T MISS THIS. THIS WEEKEND ONLY! Win Toby and Max jewelry and more..Go to this link http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/03/giveaway-toby-and-max-jewelry/ This is so exciting, I want all my friends to enter and WIN of course!!

Giveaway Contest!

Yes, I am so excited, a wonderful group called Life with Dogs, has discovered my jewelry dog designs and they are featuring my "When God made Dog He Smiled" sterling charm pendant (can also be worn on your dog's collar!) Tomorrow starts their Giveaway (March 2) and I hope you join in the fun. It would be great if one of my fans and readers won the prize wouldn't it!! Go here to their page...

And if you just can't get enough DOG, my dog Oscar has a new blog Here: Oscar the Poodle and Oscars FaceBook page is here: FaceBookOscarThePoodle

For those who plan ahead for Mother's Day

A beautiful reminder to your mom of how you feel. Something she will cherish forever and always remind her of you. Comes beautifully gift boxed ready to give. Or we will ship directly with a note from you, so you have no worries that your mom will receive a wonderful gift on her special day. Unbelievably priced at only $37.00, it looks much more expensive and is Made in America. Take a lookee here.

Faith...Do you Believe?

I was just lying in bed after taking a benedryl to try and dry up my sinuses. It seems I suffer from sinuses problems alot during the years. Anyway, a memory came flooding back to me that I thought I should share.

Many years ago while I was living in Phoenix, it was time for me to produce my new jewelry designs. I would always produce many new pieces, usually 10 or 12, at least twice a year to keep my clients interested on my new work. It was time for me to come up with new, wonderful as always, awe-inspiring designs, and I had NOTHING. I was BLANK. Call it blocked or what have you, I had no new designs, time was short and I was scared. And I had alot of people depending on me, besides, if I didn't make good designs, I didn't make any money for the year. Talk about pressure.

The shows, I always did several wholesale shows in different parts of the country with my representatives showing for me and they were asking me what the new pieces were like. They were excited of course, cause my new work was always wonderful, and they were anxious to hear about what I had come up with. I had a responsibility to the reps, to the stores, to my following, my faithful customers, to come out with the always expected WONDERFULLNESS of my next Toby and Max designs.

and I had nothing. Blank, Void, Empty. I had been trying for weeks to come up with them. As I said, I was scared, frightened that I was totally empty on all cylinders.

I went to bed that night, and prayed. I am used to praying, I do believe in prayer. Maybe more now than I did back then. I prayed, "Dear Lord, please help me, bring me YOUR designs, what YOU want me to share with my following. I am scared Lord, I have absolutely nothing in my mind as to what to come up with. I have never been on empty before. Lord, please inspire me with what I should do. Thank you Jesus, I trust in you." Now I don't remember the exact prayer, but it was something very close to that. Then I went to sleep.

About 2 hours later I woke up, and I saw designs moving all around my head. I grabbed a notepad and pen, and started jotting them down. They flowed like a river, one right onto the next. They were cohesive, and beautiful. I drew out 13 new designs right there as fast as I could, and I knew they were perfect. I said "Thank you Lord", and went back to sleep.

The next day I put them in metal on my steel block with my hand stamping. They all went into my line quickly, in time for the shows, and were some of the best selling, most loved designs I have ever made. Everyone was happy,over the top happy, my reps, my stores, and my collectors, my faithful fans who follow me.

So do I have faith? You bet I do! Do I believe, oh yes. Has this type of communication and answers happened to me since? Yes, many times.

I don't know why I am feeling so compelled to write this, right now at this time. But I do know there is a reason. I have faith that it will find the right person, and I believe it will help, console, give faith, whatever it is supposed to do, to whoever it should. I have learned through the years (although I admit I still need to give myself a reminder talking to once in a while) to do my best and go in faith that what should happen, will happen with faith and prayer. And so I write this.

My new "Birds of a Feather" bracelet and pendants. Choose your own color pearls. Absolutely my new favorites, they look so expensive; but surprise, they are not!!! More info

Look what I found in my backyard

This beautiful Panama grasshopper is extraordinary in the textures and colors of its skin. It has so many designs and patterns and it looks like its wearing armor around his neck. He is about 8" long, and I think its a baby!!! I have seen these in the museum case as the Panama Canal and they were about 14" long!! I was very excited to see this beautiful creature.

Are you a HOPEFUL ROMANTIC?

The sweetest, most romantic pendant I have every made. The 3-d heart is a little over 1" long, on a beautifully textured adjustable chain of 20". A pure as snow white pearl hangs by the words, Hopeless Romantic. NOW ON MY WEBSITE: Hopeful Romantic Pendant For eternal hope and eternal love...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

Aren't these beautiful!!! They are sooo beautiful on, the way they move and catch the light. And they are light to wear, not heavy at all. I just love these. They bring out the color of whatever you are wearing. They go with everything! You will get zillions of compliments with these for sure. Already a new favorite of my fans!! Here for more

My Christmas Wish for you

I don't want much for Christmas, I just want the person reading this to Be happy. Friends are the fruit cake of life --- some nutty, some soaked In alcohol, some sweet but mix them together and they're my friends . At Christmas you always hear people talking about what they want & bought.

This is what I want: I want people who are sick with no cure, to be Cured. I want children with no families to be adopted. I want people to Never have to worry about food, shelter & heat. I want peace on earth, Goodwill and love for everyone!

Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas Everyone! xoxo, Sandy and Oscar

Coming Very Soon...

"Birds of a Feather" bracelet and pendant!

Oh my Goodness, this bracelet is sooooo cute!! I can't wait to get one finished so I can wear it!! On the back is stamped, "Birds of a Feather". What a great gift for all your friends!!!

Still time to receive for Christmas

We can get you in time for Christmas ANYTHING on our website if you order now. These are just a few available below.

What a great time to remind your mom how you feel. She will Love you for it! More here

"REMEMBER~I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU" on the back of this pendant with beautifully carved spiral designs. OUR most favorite phrase!! Back shown below. More here

ABSOLUTELY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PENDANT with "I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU" STAMPED ON THE BACK. more

Stocking Stuffer in Sterling! yum yum

Isn't this the cutest little pendant in solid sterling! A stocking stuffer that will be treasured always by your granddaughter, daughter, or friend. This cupcake has many layers of sterling, with frosting, sprinkles and hearts!! Comes on 20" chain, or we can put on leather cord if you prefer. More info here.

Don't mess with me earrings

I love these pewter earrings that have a primitive "shield" design with radiant black pearls! I feel these are for someone who is strong, confident and powerful. (or someone who wants to be). A real feeling of "Don't mess with me!" Here for more.

Are you a WARRIOR?

Front

Back" A beautifully carved shield as a reminder of your strength. Stamped on the back: "WARRIOR ~ I am Strong". Pewter dipped in silver on a leather cord or beautiful antiqued chain. A little more than 1" diameter. www.TobyandMax.com

Angel Pendant "Watch Over Me"

Beautifully carved Angel almost 2" long, on 24" antiqued chain or leather cord. I have put the heartfelt words on the back, "Watch Over Me" as a sacred request for safety and hope. See more info here.

St. Francis, protector of animals...

I love my new pendant showing love and care for our dogs! This is my version of a vintage classic. St. Francis petting a dog, and I added a thick wax seal look made of metal around the edges. On the back is bold writing, well you can see the back above. This is a beautiful pendant, with a rich, vintage flavor of faith and love. And we do love our dogs don't we!!! More here

Simple and classy, these "unbroken circles" get just a bit of bling with a beautifully hand-wrapped amethyst crystal bead. Always sterling earwires for safe wearability. Made in the USA. Only $24.00!! Here for more info or to purchase for yourself or giftwrapped (free) for a lucky friend!!

I am just crazy about these new earrings. They look so wonderful on, and they hang beautifully around your face. They are very comfortable and have some serious sizzle!! Give yourself a treat, or let us gift wrap for a friend. Only $36.00 and made in USA. More on these beauties here.

Here is Willie Garson from Sex and the City. Everyone just LOVES him!! What a character, I am so glad we were able to actually meet him.