Dragonfly in the Vineyard.....Something New...

Today I wasn't feeling very creative. It rained here for the last two days, the economy is going down the crapper with the gas prices, and quite frankly, this whole summer vacation thing with kids being home 24/7 is getting on my nerves. I'm pretty sure that someone isn't going to survive the summer...and it just may be ME! There have been several instances that I've been ready to duct tape the three children in this house together and find a pool to throw them into. I'm quite sure my 8 year old hasn't shut his pie hole ONCE since he's been home, and it's gotten to the point where I'm sending them outside in shifts..you know that whole "two's company but three is a crowd" thing.

So anyway, I have digressed (pardon me, I'm on the brink of insanity here)....back to the not feeling very creative.....Finally at about 4 PM, the creative juices started flowing a bit and I made this beautiful bracelet. Despite the fact that it was ready to thunderstorm outside, I couldn't hold off on taking a picture, so I went outside and braved the thunder and lightning and took pictures. I'll have to take better ones tomorrow.

I was sitting there thinking about what I could do to create something that wasn't quite so pricey for those that still wanted a little treat for themselves, or needed a gift for someone else. I decided to try using copper wire, since it's less pricey and still looks fabulous! I hammered the clasp myself, and used once continuous piece of copper wire otherwise. I used mostly Czech glass beads, with a lampwork focal bead and two Swarovski crystals. All in all, I think it came out lovely!

What are you doing to lower costs lately, and pass on savings to your customers?

Dreams of Hawaii

I went to Hawaii once, a long, long time ago when I was in the Marine Corps. I wish I could go back as a tourist and take my time exploring. It was so green and beautiful, with lots of interesting wildlife, and gorgeous fish. Today it was cold and windy, and while I was making this necklace, I was thinking about Hawaii. It's made with Czech glass beads in a beautiful deep green color, Cherry Quartz (which is just a fancy name for pink glass) and Swarovski crystals. I added a freshwater coin pearl for a little pizazz, and made the clasp myself. I won't be sad if this baby doesn't sell. I wouldn't mind keeping it for myself! :)




I even made a dainty pair of Freshwater coin pearl earrings to match. Ever since I learned to form my own ear wires, I'm liking making earrings a lot more! :)

Rain.......

I'm so sick of the rain. I did a craft show in Robbins, NC today. Well not really...it rained. I got there, set up, and then the rain came, so I packed up and left. So here I am, home in time for Saturday Night Special on Etsy (YAY)! I'm going to have a Smirnoff Green Apple Beer, contemplate what my sale shall be, and then keep my fingers crossed! Those of you that would like to see what I decide on for my sale, and scoop up some goodies, check HERE.

I swear if it doesn't stop raining soon, I'm going to build an ark. In the mean time, check out these lovely lampwork earrings. The beads are made by Rita Wilson, and accented with sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. I hand formed the ear wires myself out of 20 gauge sterling silver wire. Very nice for those who like lampwork, but only wear smaller earrings.

Something New

So today, I tried something new. Here's the result....

Very simple, but it's the first time I've worked with copper. I like the looks of it, AND I like to work with it. It's very user friendly. And I also made my own clasp! Another first for me. The stone pendant is simple, and it's got a great mix of glass beads, Swarovski crystals, and lampwork beads.

So what new things are you experimenting with? Give a shout out and let a sista know!

Random Musings

It's been a while since I posted. I was busy getting ready for the big spring craft show...that wasn't. It was horrible. Sadly, I think the state of the economy is going to prevent shows from being very lucrative this spring. They may pick up in the fall, as people buy for the holidays, or they may not. Who knows?

Hubby and I have been writing our plan for world domination, one candle at a time...Yankee Candle, watch out, I'm coming for you! LOL In the mean time, he has ordered quite a bit of screen printing equipment, and we're off to the races! :) It should be fun. We've spent the last week reorganizing our basement so we both fit down there, and I do think much fun will be had by all! :)

In the mean time, I have been working a bit on some things with my favorite medium (lampwork), as shown by the photos above. Actually, the ring, my husband picked out. He said "Make this bead on this wire" and I did it just for him. And it is good!