Chance to win an iPad from Artbeads but you've gotta hurry!

I know I said my last post would be the last post of the year but this is too good not to share!

Artbeads is having a giveaway for a new Apple iPad!  It even has 3G capability so you can get online just about anywhere.  Everyone who places an order between now and the end of the year will get an automatic entry for a chance to win. There is an alternate way to enter for those who don't want to place an order.   Click here for more information and to enter!

Sweepstakes ends 12/31/10.  Good luck!  

I'm heading over to Artbeads to do a little shopping!  Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive information on the lastest products, sales, coupon codes & more!

Thank you, Artbeads,  for allowing me to be one of your design partners this year.  I look forward to working with you in 2011!

The "Real" Santa Claus

My husband (a/k/a Santa) and my Granddaughter

2009

For the last 15 years or so my husband has been "Santa's helper".   He's pretty authentic, in looks and in spirit.  The beard is real and the suit doesn't require any extra padding!  He has watched kids grow up and calls them by name from year to year.   The kids know that he's the "real" Santa because he's missing part of his index finger.  It was lost in an unfortunate  accident... It was bitten off one day while feeding carrots to the reindeer {wink}!  His picture is on many a Christmas mantle in these parts!  He really enjoys it and has heard it all.  They ask for anything from the latest toy to a new brother or sister.  This year all one little girl wants is for her Mommy to be happy.

Like most of you, I've got a lot to do in the next week!  This will most likely be my last post of the year.  I'm looking forward to the calm (I hope!) after New Year.  There are some new things I'd like to learn and there are things around the house I've been putting off that really need done!  So...

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

AND BEST WISHES FOR A

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Until next year...

Jana

Goldstone "Everyday" Necklace & Earrings

"Brown goldstone is a form of glass infused with glittering particles of copper that sparkle and gleam." 

I wanted to make a necklace with copper wire and goldstone.  I wasted most of Sunday afternoon and many yards of wire trying to create something more intricate and didn't like any of it!  This is what I ended up with and, you know, I really like it.  Just a simple necklace to wear for everyday that really lets the goldstone shine!   I couldn't get a picture that really shows the beauty of it.

I'm getting ready for the Edna craft show this Saturday.  If you're in the area stop by and see us!

~Today's Quote~

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process....

it may not be true, but do I dare take the chance???

Thanksgiving Wishes

"Autumn Bounty"

~a necklace on gold wire in rich warm colors that remind me of the bounty of autumn.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day full of family, fun &  food!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

~Author Unknown

"Nomad" Black & Silver Spool Knitted Necklace

When I saw this pendant from Blue Moon Beads' Global Nomad collection I immediately thought how perfect it would look on a spool knitted necklace.  I used silver wire, adding an opaque black 6/0 seed bead into each stitch, slid the pendant on and finished it with silver end cones and a lobster clasp.   

I do two craft shows each year.  The first one this year is next Saturday, the 20th, at the "Pecanfest" in Chetopa, KS.   If you're from our area, come check it out!  There will lots of fun things going on.  I'm looking forward to some homemade fudge from the "fudge lady"!  She has so many kinds to choose from but I always get Cherry Mash cause it's my favorite!

~Today's Quote~

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

~Charles M. Schulz

"Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining"

Beads in whites and greys like a cloudy sky and an occasional silver sparkly bead prompted the name for this necklace.  

I was thinking about this as I was making it so I thought I'd type the phrase in an internet search.  This is a portion of what I found:

Idiom Definitions for 'Every cloud has a silver lining '~ People sometimes say that every cloud has a silver lining to comfort somebody who's having problems. They mean that it is always possible to get something positive out of a situation, no matter how unpleasant, difficult or even painful it might seem. 

I also learned something new today!  I had to look up the definition of "Idiom".  In case you don't know either, here is what it is: 

Definition of Idiom ~ A phrase which has a meaning that is commonly understood by speakers of the language, but whose meaning is often different from the normal meaning of the words is called an idiom. 

So the thought for today is to remember to be positive and alway's look for the silver lining!

Caution: SPOOKY!

The days of Lady Bugs and Princesses are behind us.  My granddaughter wanted to be something scary for Halloween this year. 

Meet the "Zombie Bride"

The dress started out as a new sparkling white bride costume.  They had fun trashing it.

My daughter did a really good job on her makeup.  I think maybe it's just a little too realistic!

My sister is a photographer so we took a little family outing to our local cemetary to get some spooky shots.

There are more on my sister's facebook page.  Click here if you'd like to look.  Some of them are just downright creepy! 

Hope you don't think we're too weird!  It was all in the fun of Halloween!