"Victoria Lynn", a Victorian style necklace

"Victoria Lynn"

Quite a long time ago I was the winner of this beautiful focal from the blog of  LLYYNN.  Lynn Davis creates amazing hand cast pewter components.  She describes her pieces as "invented vintage and fauxtiques" and they are awesome!  Please check her blog and her Etsy shop to see more of her work.

This piece has been on my desk since I received it, just waiting for the right thing to come along.  In my last order of wire I ordered "Gunmetal" and it was just the right color for it.  The beads are Czech Fire Polished in a "Luster" mix.  All in all, I think it has a very Victorian look.

  Thanks, Lynn! 

~Today's Quote~

"Every day tell at least one person something you like, admire or appreciate about them."

~Richard Carlson

Not Too Motivated...

Happy New Year! 

I really haven't been too motivated since the craft shows in December and Christmas!  The only new jewelry I've made is this wrap bracelet.

I've seen these in all the magazines and several websites.  I really like them so I thought I'd give one a try.  Normally they're made with leather cord and beading thread.  I used what I had on hand, which was rubber cord and 28 gauge copper wire.  I used green aventurine beads and found this button in my button box that matches pretty well.  These are a lot of fun.  I'm anxious to make more using real leather and a variety of beads!

Speaking of leather... this is a necklace I made for the last craft show,

a piece of brown leather captured inside a copper spool knitted chain with a copper and mother of pearl pendant.  I'd like to make another one with black leather and silver wire. 

Well, that's it for now!  Hopefully my motivation will return soon!

~Today's Quote~

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

~ Maria Robinson

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