Easy Put Together Leather Cord, Charm, and Large Bead Necklace

I saw my friend liked to wear large bead necklaces and her favored colors were neutrals and shades of brown.  So, in a pinch, I put together this leather cord, charm, and large bead necklace.

There is a wing charm with a star and I put small glass beads on the jump ring.

Everything can slide on or off the cord if she wants to switch things to a different order or add something she already has to the cord.

Totally customizable and quick to assemble.  

The acrylic and glass beads have a glow in person and the silver beads complement the wing.   

Ending 2014 With Thanks

The third memory bracelet is this one in purple with silver charms.  It was part of a group which were made for three friends at a difficult time in my life. I just wanted to thank them for being there in spirit and in words.

I thought it would be nice to end the year on my blog with a Thank You to readers who stopped by on a regular basis and to readers who did a quick drive by just to see if anything was interesting.

2014 kicked me around, and made life difficult. However, I survived bruised and cautious with a deeper understanding. 2015 better watch out!
 

Happy New Year ...

May 2015 be

Generous and Kind

to YOU!

Two Things I'm Happy About

Wanted to share with you two things I'm happy about. One is this beautiful Christmas Cactus. I bought it last week and it's blooming like crazy.

I think it must be enjoying the new Swan White color on the walls of the parlor. I know I am. The previous color(s) were depressing, so although the white is a drastic change, I'm going to see how it feels over the next few months.

The ornaments image was taken last year(?), could have been the year before.

The second thing I'm happy about is sharing the second memory friendship bead bracelet.  I made three bracelets and this is the second one to show you. I showed you the first one in this post, Blending.

This one was made considering how much she enjoys her plants and nature.

I used antique glass seed beads, new charms and new wood beads.

I wanted to give each of the ladies something to recognize them individually and to thank them for their support and good wishes.  I can't measure what that means to me and I think they know that.

It's just a little thing, but making these bracelets helped me, too.

Blending New and Old in Friendship and Memory Seed Bead and Charms Bracelet

It's snowing here today, the first of the season. I'd been expecting it, and sure enough, this morning it was all over the trees and the ground. The snow is piled on top of the fence line and the big trash can at the end of the driveway has an inch or more on top of the lid.


A few birds are looking for their early morning feed amongst the unraked leaves in the snow. Squirrels are still laughable as they shake their tails and run in circles up and down the big tree trunk. I have to hold on to these images, for soon these little peeks into the natural world will disappear until Spring.



In a little while I'm going to paint my parlor or living room as it's also known, sorry I have always called it a parlor. I hope this is no more than a three day job, for I am slowwww and meticulous. I still carry the damp rag, to wipe up my accidents. I might be meticulous, but there's still some clumsy in my movements. I'll probably never grow out of clumsy, and not for lack of trying. Just put the table over that spot.

The snow is steady and heavy at the moment, so I am going to distract myself from the white onslaught by sharing this bracelet with you and then start moving the furniture and getting on with the paint job.

When I moved into the house, the parlor had a mucus-like green swirly stripy look and it made me nauseous just to be in or walking through the room. The front door was the same snot-like color. Sorry, I wanted you to know how much the green was a poor choice. Weird, ugly, just repulsive.

I painted the parlor a beigey/tannish color and one wall was a very light yellow- all because I ran out of paint and energy. I wasn't happy with the end result, but had to let it stay those colors for a while.

For a few years I fought the urge to paint it white, but no longer. I have given in and bought a primer and paint-in-one in something called, "Swan White." It should be white enough, not gray and not too glaring.  I hope it's worth the extra money for a primer and paint in one.

I thought this striped design might poke through, even with a primer, so I used some light colored paint leftover from another room to paint over the stripes.  

Some of my furniture has white in it and I bought a small coat rack with iron hooks to put on the wall after I clean and paint it in a white color, too.  More ornamental, but still useful. (Finally, a thrift store score.)


It's been three months since Lucy died, and yesterday was the anniversary of my Mom's passing. It's taking everything I can to muster the energy and do the work in myself to move forward. Setbacks not excluded.


The snow is not helping, but I can't control the weather. That cold blanket of white, just confirms the finality of things. It's going to be a long time before there is life again. No green poking through, the birds, squirrels, and rabbits take themselves to another place.

I don't want any big changes right now. For me, painting is an exercise and a comment that no matter what happens, life doesn't ever stay the same. Even though I'd give anything to have them back with me.

I wanted to show you this bracelet, it went to a friend. It was a labor of love and helped me to make a little inch-hold in moving on. Not quite a foothold, in due time, though.

The glass seed beads are antique, some of the other beads are upcycled, and other charms are new. The bracelet was made with the wearer in mind.

I found the burlap bags in a craft store. I sewed on the flower and button felt. The reverse side has a white heart (to which I added her initial.)

Whatever you're doing this week, be safe, have fun and keep your chins up.

All the best,
Gloria

If You Forget, Just Add Garlic Plus the Necklace is Finished!

Anybody know that expression, "I can't remember half the things I was supposed to forget?"  Or, something like that?

I looked at a picture file on my computer and I saw a half dozen or so nice lookiing meals. I cannot remember what the ingredients or the steps of cooking.

It would be funny except that, this is the way I often cook. Most of the time it turns out fine, if not, add garlic, and no one is the wiser, no really, no one is the wiser.

So, before I forget, I wanted to share with you that I got my courage up and submitted a necklace to the Jewelry Gallery section at Jewelry Making Journal.  Being offline for a bit and not checking emails, I didn't know that I received an email from them (Rena and Alice) to let me know my necklace was included in the latest newsletter and on the website.  Pardon me while I regain my composure.  It's probably not a big deal to any of you, but for me, who doesn't rock the boat or reach for anything too high, it was a lovely little  thrill - and I want you to be a part of it.

If you have a moment, will you please click the link and leave a comment.  The Jewelry Making Journal has a great amount of information and sharing tips among contributors. You could spend hours reading through it and maybe sign up for the newsletter before you leave.  

I showed the necklace here on the blog in a different, unfinished state and received helpful comments.  For some time the necklace and other projects were set aside while I shuffled my way through some bad times.  A couple of weeks ago I finished the necklace and a few other items which had been on my mind.

I'd appreciate if you could comment on the necklace and hope you enjoy reading the JMJ.

Must Finish What I Started, Jewelry Supplies

Last month I got some supplies when I went looking for a soft cord to finish this no clasp necklace. 

Down in the lower right corner there is some ombre cord in two color combos.  I wanted a blue tone, but this was what I found.  I think it will work and I may knot a few of those beads in the middle of the image, if not, I have other beads stored away.

I have a little affection for umbrellas, so when I saw brass Vintaj umbrellas and toadstools, I had to buy them.

The owl earrings are going to become charms or rings, haven't decided on those yet.


The coral, blue, and brass beads were so pretty I couldn't leave them on the rack.    Sparkling round buckles, little birds, and assorted chains jumped into my basket and came home with the others.

We're all such good friends, my supplies, they have ideas of their own and since most have been packed up for moving (since last summer) I decided to look for some new to me items.

I will get the necklace finished this week or next at the latest.  I used to always push myself to finish what I started, but with things changing at home and so many things to deal with, I have let things slide.

Sitting on my desk is a present for a blogger, I have not been able to decide how to fix and complete it and this has gone on for more than a year.  The other parts of the gift are ready to go, so maybe I should bite the bullet and send it on.

Tomorrow I am packing up presents for two little ones a 4 year old and 2 year old siblings.  They don't have a birthday, I just feel like sending them something- teddy bears, activity books, crayons, pencils, etc.  Lastly, a birthday card was finally purchased and will be on its way, too.



I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but a decision on moving is still in flux, most of my belongings are packed or donated, and sooner or later I have to either stay or go.  I'll let you know which it is.

I know what I want to do, it's the next step that's the hardest.  Do you close your eyes and jump or stretch out the decision making?

P.S. The necklace is finished and shown here and was included at Jewelry Making Journal.

How Would You Complete This Necklace?

The finishing touch is still needed on this long necklace.  I put it together for someone who is tallish, about 5' 10".  She has difficulties with her hands, so this has no clasp.

The ribbons are doubled in the photo, and are a bit lightweight.  With her arthritis and other problems, a heavy chain was a no go for her.

I'm not satisfied with it though.  I was thinking about adding a wider ribbon or a lightweight chain intertwined to the ribbons. Another idea was to wind a thin type of soft braided cord to the ribbons.  I want to keep the look simple and elegant.

I know she likes monograms, so the letter charm was a nice find.  She is active in her church, so I added the other charms, a key and pearls, a bit hard to see in this photo.



What would you do to make the ribbon a little more hefty, but not weigh it down too much or make it scratchy on her neck?  I can't work with seed beads or tiny items because of vision issues.  I want to keep to soft colors- blue, brown, off white, and silvertones. Any suggestions appreciated!

P.S.  See the finished necklace in this post.
        Here is the necklace at Jewelry Making Journal.

That Day of the Month, Fourth Friday, Inspired by Four

It's that day of the month, time for "More With Four or Inspired by Four Letter Words."   Anything you make, create, cook, felt, paint, bead, write, or what have you that has any number of word(s) which can be described with 4 letter words- nice ones not the naughty kind - we want to see!  Add your blog post link to the linky below and head over to the Pinterest board  for more fun where we eek out every last 4 letter word we can think of to describe the creations.

Check out the previous linkups by clicking on the sidebar button, add your link below, and have a little fun. The Fourth Friday of each month is the time to be here.  Sometimes I post the link on Thursday for scheduling's sake and for bloggy friends in different timezones.  You can add your link until Sunday at noon- or thereabouts.

My make for this month is a ring, using a bronze toned adjustable ring base, a Catholic medal fitting the base, beads and a crystal pendant on a loop or bail.  With a dab of glue, jump rings, pliers, and patience I put the ring together.  Why patience?  Seed beads and my eyes are not friends!  I used two magnifiers plus my own reading glasses all at the same time and kept at it.  Lucy was company and managed to keep me from throwing in the towel.  Result- I have put the seed beads away in favor of larger beads.

This medal has a prayer to Mary, the Holy Mother.  I like the contrast between the bronze lacy edging, the crystal, and the strong colors in both the beads and the ring setting.  This is one way to use those medals and charms that come in the mail without asking for them!   I realize the photo is not perfectly clear, that's due to me, my eyes, and not perfecting the shot.  If I can get all three merged in a better way, I'll replace the images.

More With Four, Inspired by Four

This time next week some of us will be in the middle of a long weekend or a long lie-in on the couch or bed after celebrating July 4th.  I can already hear the cherry bombs and fireworks around the neighborhood the past few days.

At the start of summer I still drink my hot tea, though, summer heat doesn't mean I switch to iced tea- perish the thought.  Regular drinks are  hot tea only and lemonade or water.  The over 21 drinks are for another story.  Do you have a favorite summer treat?


I used one of the Holy Medals that I've been saving from the mail or given by others and made a ring.  Feeling a little guilty for tossing these in the trash over the years, I recently started saving them in the bits and pieces containers.  Quite a few of the medals or pendants, charms, icons, whatever you want to call them, are well made, some in solid metals and some beautifully engraved and made in Italy.

I took this pretty blue and gold colored medal and glued it to an adjustable ring base.  To the bail I added the beads and faux pearl (which was part of an earring).  It can be worn with the dangles facing over the back of the hand or over the finger.

What have you made for the Inspired by Four?  Link up your blog post in the linky below.  Join our Pinterest Group Board, follow the link and leave a message on the group board.  Hope to see you there.  Our next linkup on the blog is July 26th, in four weeks.  Have fun!

Have a HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

get the InLinkz code

Refreshing the Creative Muse and New Jewelry

When I was making this new jewelry as a set, it was meant to be a gift.  Then I found out that her style is more to the funky style and chunky size and I thought that the necklace and earrings were not going to be a good fit for her taste and personality.  

So, what should I do with these?  Wear them or sell them?  Keep them together or as separate items?  My Storenvy has been in maintenance mode, I haven't had the passion for it as when the storefront was initially opened and during the first year or so. Storenvy  was easy to setup and unless you want to customize your storefront and use your own domain, it's free to have a store. No fees!  (There are Paypal fees, but at the moment, no Storenvy fees.)

Do you go through cycles with your store- working at it, improving it, etc.  and then do you need a break?  When your market and niche have been laser focused and you have a plan, what makes you keep to the plan?  There are so many distractions and commitments in our daily routines, plus being the CEO of your business and being creative at the same time.  Do you have a way to work all of them into a good blend?  Other than time management, do you meditate, listen to music, take a walk, or something else to refresh the creative muse?

My desk and shelves are loaded with supplies and after not being able to do anything because of the eye problems, there was a groove I was pulled out of and want to get back to.  It was comfortable and messy, with too many ideas and not enough time to complete more than a handful of them.   On the blog, I seriously need to have clearer, crisper images, and will be working on that with the new camera- soon.

So, what about it?  Are you in a groove with your creative work and business, running smoothly along and taking a break to feel refreshed?  What's your inspiration?



 

Tell Me Your Favorite

A quick question, "What is your favorite necklace length?"  As a teenager in Junior and Senior High School I liked chokers and the really long necklaces that went nearly to my waist.  Not wearing jewelry every day in those days, but a classic look was rare and would be something closer to 18 inches.  These days,  I prefer 20 inches or a few inches longer depending on  style.

via

So, tell me the exact length you are most comfortable wearing, it doesn't matter if it isn't readily available. Would you consider a standard length and use an extender or shorten-er?

If you like a 21 inch length or a 24 inch, maybe a popular 18 inch, or any other number, just let me know in the comments.   I have a plan for this info and will let you know at a later time.

Thanks for helping me out with this! ♥

Tutorials for a Mixed Media Soft Cuff Bracelet and Earrings

From paper earrings to biker style wrap bracelet, I'm interested in pearls, gemstones, and metals, too.  So why not combine the hard and the soft and make something to satisfy both sides of my mood.

Here is my take on a beautiful button inspiration from  Incomparable Buttons the company behind Button Mad, the blog.  The company offered my choice of button in exchange for making something using the buttons and writing a tutorial to share the creation.  No money was exchanged.



The buttons are handmade in South Africa, I thought how beautiful the texture and glaze was to look at as well as shiny and smooth to the touch.   These buttons are blue and brown which called out for my copper tone chain and findings.

Keep reading for directions on how to make the bracelet and earrings.


Bracelet Supply List:
Lace Trim
Grosgrain Ribbon
Incomparable Buttons
Buttons
Beads
Small Fabric Scissors
Diagonal Wire Cutters
Bent Nose Pliers with Smooth Jaws
Long Nose Pliers with Smooth Jaws
Ribbon Clamps
Jump Rings
Lobster Claw Clasp
Chain
Embroidery Floss
Sewing Thread
Needles
Ruler

Measure and cut the length of Lace you want to use.  I used approximately 5 inches in length.

Measure the same amount in Grosgrain ribbon.

Weave the ribbon through the Lace.  If the Lace has a repeating pattern that you like, you can use that as your guide to count the openings to weave through.

When you are done weaving the ribbon, even off the ends of both the lace and the ribbon, fold under and Insert the folded end into a Ribbon Clamp making sure it is tucked all the way in.

Click on the collage for a bigger view of the tutorial.

Use your Long Nose Pliers to squeeze the clamp down tightly, securing the lace and ribbon inside.  Do this for the other end of the Lace.  Now you have attached the ribbon clamps you can attach the chains next or sew on the buttons and beads if you prefer.

To attach the chains, measure how long you want your bracelet to be, consider do you want to make an extender or is that not necessary.  It is easy to attach an extender at a later date.  Use the Wire Cutters to cut the length of chain.  Use safety glasses or cover the chain when you are cutting it in case bits fly off, keep the furbabies eyes well away from this step.

Open a Jump Ring with the Bent Nose Pliers in one hand and the Long Nose Pliers in the other hand, or if you have 2 Bent Nose Pliers, use both.  Twist the Jump Ring Open by pulling one end towards you and one end away from you, do this gently.  Do not pull the ends directly away from each other, widely, this may distort the Jump Ring and make it not close well and tight.

Insert one Jump Ring to the loop of each Ribbon Clamp.  Place the chain link into the jump ring and close the jump ring by twisting the ends back together.  Put another Jump Ring on the end of the chain.  To the other chain, add a Jump Ring and a Lobster Claw Clasp.  Sometimes adding an additional Jump Ring of a smaller size makes managing the Clasp easier to grasp and turn.

If you haven't yet sewn the buttons and beads on the lace, do this now.  I used embroidery floss to sew the Incomparable Button on and regular sewing thread to sew on the smaller buttons and beads.  The beads could only take 3 passes of the needle and thread, but that was enough to secure and finish off with the Tailor's Knot.


I like the vintage look and keeping the underside open with chains and not lace, makes it comfortable when resting on a desk or table, driving, etc.
It's a very soft and lightweight bracelet.  

Click on the collage for a larger view.

Now for the Earrings Tutorial:

Earrings Supply List:
Two Incomparable Buttons
Two smaller buttons to coordinate
Two earring Post Back and Clutch sets
Two pieces of Chain measured to fit
Diagonal Wire Cutters
Long Nose Pliers with Smooth Jaws
Surface to work on
Ruler
Glue
Additional as needed:  Paper Plate/Foil/Scrap Paper, Toothpick, Paper Towel

Measure the length of chain necessary to wrap around the outside of the earring and to dangle down as far as you want it to reach;   Cut it carefully so there are no flying bits to get in your eyes or anyone nearby.

Put an appropriate amount (small) of Glue on the back of the button and press the Post Back into the glue.

Give the glue the specified amount of time to dry as stated on your glue's packaging.  I rested my buttons in the plastic lid to dry.

Once the posts are secure, put some glue on a paper plate or other disposable paper if you don't think you can squirt directly on the button.  Take the glue/toothpick or glue tube and put an adequate, but not generous amount of glue on the outside edge of the button.

Working quickly, fold one chain in half and pick it up, put the center of the chain at the top of the button and work your way around the button, pushing gently and firmly set the chain in the glue.  The bottom of the button should have two fairly even dangles of chain, if you want one chain length longer than the other, you should not fold the chain in half, make it more uneven to begin with.  Watch how you set the chain, as the links can turn at angles and not be the same all the way around the button.

Set the buttons on the edge of the lid or some other ridge to dry.  When the chain is set and dry, usually the next day, glue the smaller accent button to the front of the Incomparable button and allow to dry.

That's the end of the tutorials, I hope you enjoyed them, please let me know if you make them,  too.  Since there were 5 buttons on the card and I've used 3, I have in mind a brooch to work the other buttons into, or maybe a ring and a brooch, what do you think?

Thanks very much to Incomparable Buttons for the gift of button inspiration and to Totally Tutorials for telling its readers about the opportunities to participate in exchanges like this one.  It was great designing these pieces. ♥   
Thanks for stopping by!
 

Flying Monkeys and Riding Motorcycles the Oz Inspired Bracelet

When we shared our Wizard of Oz creations recently, I mentioned that I had another Oz  piece to share and hinted that it was inspired  by something that flies.  Other than the witches, I guess it was obvious that monkeys were involved.  Sometimes you get an idea and don't know where it comes from, well this is the fantasized result.

Do you want to see it bigger?  Click on the image.

I've never worn a wrap bracelet before, never tried one on, but I had to photograph it to show you.  Without having  really long arms, you know, monkey like arms, I still needed to take my own photo, so  that's what I did; lifted and stretched, pardon the blurry images.

The bracelet is about 24.5 inches long and I put it in my shop.  I think it would also look good on the upper arm, but that was too difficult for my non-elasticated arms to manage to take a photo.

Why am I thinking I might need to test ride a Harley?  Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?  I did ride as a passenger once, for a short ride, a long time ago.  The driver was brand new with motorcycles  and could not keep the bike upright.

"Come on, come on, everybody is going for a ride, you have to!..."  You can imagine a new rider, a new passenger, and a heavy machine
going around a corner and splat- my sore body.  

If you like bracelets, what is your favorite style?   It was fun trying out a new style which is now in a gift box
awaiting someone with that special *razzmatazz to purchase and enjoy.

*vim, vigor, spicy, showy, lively, exciting, flashy, energetic, magical, intrigue-Just envisioning who would appreciate this style of bracelet.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Pretend there's a drumroll, no, not a drumstick, an ordinary drumroll.....

And the winner is, 

Gracey send me your mailing particulars (newendstudio@gmail.com) and I'll send this right out to you. Hope you enjoy it!  

Thanks everyone for your visit during the Celebrate Oz blog hop and thanks for your comments, they mean so very much to me.  

Hope that title didn't make you hungry!   I've got a simplified Chicken Cacciatore  in my slow cooker, the aroma is wafting my way and it's making me impatient for it to be fully cooked.  Ciao! ♥ 

Inspired by The Wizard of Oz

In parts of blog land the mood is excitement and anticipation to the max.  The big reveal for Celebrate Oz has arrived!   Let's get right to it.  Make sure to hang around to the end for a surprise.  Read on...

Once upon a time, actually about a year ago, I made this  Wizard of Oz inspired collage aceo.

Fast forward, tornado style as the story goes, over the past couple of weeks I got busy making some new Oz inspired pieces.

           

Tin Man Pierced Earrings

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Pierced Earrings

Yellow Brick Road Pierced Earrings
Ruby Slippers and Tin Man

To set the theme, I found some Wizard of Oz clip art online, printed it onto songbook pages, and painted in some of the illustration details.

The green border below, was added on PicMonkey.

Some of the song titles fit the character to a "t."
Here is The Cowardly Lion,  "You're a Big Boy Now."   

This is a 5x7 canvas which previously looked like this.  That post was about my first inkjet transfer, a tutorial.

The image was a lovely bride in black and white, alas she's now disappeared under the paint and glaze.

You might say, she's now Over the Rainbow; and
comfortable in her new location!   .  




I'm going to save one more Wizard of Oz inspired piece for another post.  Please come back to see what it is. Hint, the inspiration was something that flies.


In the meantime, the Surprise!  
Are you interested in a giveaway?  You may win my, "Over the Rainbow Good and Evil Necklace."  

The dangles feature a Dream/Cloud charm and a Question/Question Mark charm plus a rainbow, and metallic cord circle hanging from a combination organza ribbon/cord with a lobster claw clasp.  

I leave it up to you to decide which intentions the red and the black indicate in your life.

You do not have to have a Celebrate Oz post to get a chance in the draw.  The giveaway is open to all current followers, and new ones, too.  If you decide to follow, that's terrific, but not required!      

Leave a comment for this post and you are entered.  Giveaway will close on Monday, July 23 and the winner will be announced on July 24.  Come back to see who won.       

I hope you enjoyed my Wizard of Oz inspirations.  Please visit the other blogs on the Celebrate Oz link from the top of the post; there are stories, art, and other creative things. 

While you are here, please click the poll at the top left sidebar.  There are only a few days left and I'd appreciate knowing your favorite color combo.  Thanks for stopping by!

Show and Share Time

I'm showing you what I sent for my most recent giveaway and sharing some interesting blogs and resources, if you haven't already seen them.  These are some of the brooches and ornaments I made and the photo collages were made on PicMonkey to show the gifts to you all at once,  I didn't want to show before I thought they were all delivered.    

I want to thank  Val,  Dee,   Debbie,   and Stacy  for mentioning the giveaway on their blogs.  Go and visit them, they are all lovely and talented women of art, jewelery, home design, and more!     

Thanks to everyone who made this giveaway fun, it was great to hear from

you by snail mail, email, and on your blogs.

I have another blog for you to read,

These Peas Taste Funny, Terry included 

my blog in a creativity post.  I was both surprised and honored.  She lives in the "fruit belt"  in the Niagara region of Ontario, that sounds beautiful.  Terry has photo tips, delish recipes, resources, and more.

This year seems to have gone by so fast, with the pre-summer heat in the spring and not much spring rain.  I would enjoy a long moderate autumn, what about you?    

Dessert Cart Sugar and Brooches as Art

I have a small collection of brooches, plus a few long gone, but the images of them remain in my mind.  I do have one or two on my blazers and jackets.  Winter coats always have a holiday pin, usually a sprig of holly.   Holly symbolizes remembrance and especially with holidays calling out for family time, it's just a way of keeping them close.

If I wasn't sure to get glue and paint on myself, I might get dressed up just enough to wear my brooches at home. Wouldn't that be a sight?  Paint drips and bits of papers glued to my arms and then a brooch, you know, I just might try it!

Brooches are not for old ladies, just for ladies who aren't working with sticky fingers, unless they're sticky from the dessert cart at teatime.  Creampuffs!  Eclairs!  Sugar high... Neapolitans are a bit awkward to handle.

I think brooches are versatile jewelery pieces and little works of art.  Put them on a pillow, in a picture frame, as a holder on curtains, on a belt, handbag, or hat, to secure a scarf, or put a chain/cord/ribbon through the catch to wear as a pendant, etc.

Do you have any brooches or do you never think of them as contemporary?  What's your favorite dessert?

Sunshine and Tropical Dreams Lightbox Tips

It was so nice to see these colors just find their way to each other.  Okay, the lighting is not the best, but I did use a white background, the window, overhead lights- two of them, and also two mirrors to reflect the light.  This state is not called the Sunshine State!   

The pretty blues, aqua,  gold, greens, pink, and silver all made me want to find a boardwalk or an aquarium.  I'm seeing tropical fish, tropical flowers, tropical drinks, whoopsie, oh- you got me!  The beads are from what, I don't know, they are just in my stash of all kinds of bits and pieces dreaming about being used in a little project.  

For taking better photos, I had earlier made a lightbox from a gallon water jug.  It worked well with my other camera,  (which is kaput) but this new camera has a bigger lens and the opening in the jug isn't big enough for this lens.  (It was enlarged and didn't work well.)

I see a lightbox project in my future.  It's going to have to be foldable, since there isn't any place to store something all set up and ready to use all of the time.    Do you have a photography tip for little items and want to share?

Memory Makers

It was time to take down the Christmas tree and other decorations, which makes the house seem toned down, colorwise. 

So, I took a look at these two brooches I made years ago, on a lonely, wintry January day when I was missing out on an overseas trip because I was very sick. 

I don't know how I made these through the fever, watery eyes, and sneezing that took over my days and nights.  I do remember the horizontal snow at  minus 40F windchill walking my dog who refused to do his business if he couldn't pick the perfect spot with just the right fragrance for him.  A beagle with a nose that ruled his walkies, that's for sure. 

I suppose thinking of butterflies during the winter was wishful thinking.  It was a distraction from the snow and wind.  We were alone in the house, my dog and I.  I felt sorry for him as he was missing my husband who took him for longer walks than I could manage at the time. 

                                                                                                                                                

He's always in my heart and never far from my thoughts.  Sweet and Best Dog.