So, I Thought I'd Get A Reprieve...And She Thinks She's Grown!

Finally, after 4 proms with my 2 oldest girls, and just as many homecoming dances, I thought I'd get a short respite this year, as my next daughter isn't old enough to attend prom, and she's pretty low key when it comes to homecomings.  **Thank you Dear God for giving me a tomboy in between my girlie-girls!**  To be honest I was looking forward to a stress free, no teenage drama meltdowns, and no need to pull my magic wand out of the closet this year.

Enter my niece...and a sweet request last weekend "Aunt Tania can you make me a corsage for prom?"  Course I would, when is it?  "Next Saturday!"

         

But who could have said no to that face?

Please keep in mind this dear, sweet child lives a state away...not around the block.  I literally ran to the closet and started digging like I was looking for Narnia...I found a pair of my favorite sandals, one crutch (not sure where that came from...no one here has ever needed them), and a kitchen sink.  No, really.  My husband is a plumber and we have a new one...because our "under the stairs" closet is the most logical place to store it! *Can't do anything other than shake my head.*  Hmmm...where did I put that damn wand???


Sight unseen (dress wise that is) this is the final result:

And her dress:

But, rest assured, it was shipped off yesterday afternoon, and should (cross everything that the post office doesn't screw this up) be ready for Cinderella's debut on Saturday!

And...while I'm at it, last year's pic of my two girlies:

Lauren & Mariah - Senior Prom - 2011.  My daughter is in white, and my "adopted" (but don't you try to tell me she's not mine...those are fighting words) daughter in the pink.

These two...Geez you can't take them ANYWHERE!!!

We recycled my wedding dress for her to wear....

And last year's creation...

Maybe, I'll get next year off??

To top the day off my oldest is the big one-nine today!  She thinks that she's grown...  I explained to her this evening that by the time I was her age, I had a 1 month old and a house...she wasn't impressed! LOL!

Self portrait of Lauren

Told you she thinks she's grown...as she asks "what's for dinner, ma?" :)

Although she sometimes acts like she's 10!

And yes, that's a "real" tattoo...she gets it honestly...

But, in my eyes she'll always be perpetually 6!!

Happy Birthday Lauren!!

And We Have a Winner!!!

Sheesh...I go to eat dinner, and found 10 other things that couldn't wait!  Sorry, guys!

Anyway...I *think* I did the giveaway as fairly as possible.  I gave everyone who commented an entry (first comment was entry #1, and so on), then after that list was compiled, I gave all my Facebook "likes" an additional entry.  I even added the comment I received today.  

I didn't have a clue how to post the actual random number generator here, so I just snapped a screen shot and cropped it.  In all, I had 49 entries (not to shabby for the first time)...so without further ado....

#48 was Rebekah of Tree Wing Studio!!  

Thank you to all who entered!!  This was SO much fun, I'll think I'll do it again in a month or so!!  Next time I'm going with the highly scientific method of drawing a name from a hat...I can't say I'm in love with the number generator!

Thanks again! 

It Was Just One of Those Days...

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....you know, the kind where you should've just stayed in bed?  Yep, that about sums up yesterday's show.  Don't get me wrong, we did well, and I love venturing to new shows, and meeting new people, but everything went wrong...and I mean EVERYTHING...to the point that it would have been hilarious any other day...

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I wake up early...3 a.m. early, but I was ready to go...feeling good about EVERYTHING...that's what I get  for being so cocky! :)  We had a great spot...on the corner, in front of an awesome historic home renovated into The Lake House Restaurant.  So, you're wondering what went wrong?

Well, as quaint as the town of Clarksville, VA is...I failed to take into account possible gale force winds...ok maybe not gale force, but damn close!!

Now, Virginia isn't usually chilly in October...but of course yesterday was freezing and windy!  Because we had to set up in the parallel parking spaces, we had nothing to stake our tent or sides to.  I really wasn't worried, as we have it weighted down pretty well...or so I thought!  Three of us finally got the sides up without getting blown in to the land of Oz, and began setting up.  By this time, I can't feel my hands, and because I'm vain and wanted to look cute...it's not like I brought gloves, wrist warmers, or anything remotely warm!  Dear, sweet, husband walked over to grab me a cup of coffee that I could soak my hand in drink to warm up a little before the crowds flocked.

Disaster #1 for the day?  Our sign easel was blown down the street...in pieces, I might add!

I think it can be repaired.  Actual easel is history, but I think even though the frame is in pieces, it broke at the corners, and came off of the backing.  The actual banner has a few scuffs, but it will survive.  I will not mention how badly a brad through the finger felt later in the day when I picked it up to load back in the van.

Granted, it really doesn't have much weight to it, but it's never been a problem at outdoor show before.  Oh well, I wasn't going to let one hiccup ruin my day before it started!

Day was going beautifully, and had quite a few interesting conversations with customers (my husband says I always attract the "colorful" people wherever I go) but I was constantly on guard, as they left the street open (first I've ever seen where that's done) and I was afraid I was going to get sideswiped a couple of times.

Wind was a problem all day.  Just little things, such as knocked over display busts, etc...nothing major.

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2 p.m.:  Enter gale force winds!  Seriously, It was everything all 3 of us could do to hold on to the tent so that it wouldn't blow into the street and hit cars driving down the road.  I know my tent is cheap crap, but due to four children who think they need to eat three times a day...and every day at that :) ...it's not in the budget right now, so I'll forge on with what I have!

2:30 p.m.:  The good Lord gave me a sign that it was time to pack up before we killed some poor unsuspecting soul with our para sailing tent, when this also took a loss on to the sidewalk...

Our "new" (2nd time out) earring display.  We upcycled a cracked and needing love oval window frame from a Habit For Humanity resale store, and we worked our butts off to put this together.  The easel my husband made and then the oval is screwed to the easel.  I guess it weighs at least 50 + lbs...it's MASSIVE!

Anyway...down it went, earrings to the sidewalk, and we hurried over to access the damage...it wasn't pretty!  I'm not a crier, but I was tempted when I saw that a lot of the more detailed pairs were broken....beyond repair, and I literally had to turn and walk away when I saw that the only artisan lampwork I've ever owned were broken.  I was able to salvage 2 of the best (still chipped) matching beads that I can wear myself.

Here are the victims in their splendid glory:

Both from Modern Trails on Etsy

Again, the damage to the display can be repaired, so it's not a total loss.  But, needless to say, we totally broke down and came home after the sign from above...chapped lips, frozen fingers, windburned skin and all! :)

In the long run, I'll look back on this particular show and laugh...in fact, I can almost chuckle about it now...I'm sad that some of my work was lost, but A LOT of it found new, well-loved homes before the catastrophe!

**Pssttt...my oldest is out for the evening and I snagged her laptop so I could post photos to make me feel a little better!

Thinking Aloud....

Just a thought...

1.  As much as I LOVE designing  & making jewelry, I'm debating on starting an Etsy shop with bead sets & components.  The Blog Hop really opened my eyes to how diverse jewelry design can be, and my partner Tari, of Clay Buttons, proved that what I thought were "dainty" beads can really be turned into anything!!  Just take a look:

Pictures of Tari Sasser's work from the Bead Soup I sent her...amazing!!

Of course I'll still be a regular at shows, and hopefully soon, I can find a reliable, affordable site host to boot!  There's so much to work out like pricing (DEFINITELY not my strong point), set sizes, did I mention pricing? :) 

Any suggestions, advice...and slaps in the face are more than welcome!!

Day 1 of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Hop

Psssst:  If you're looking for my Bead Soup creation...it's in the previous post!

Day 1 of  Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Hop:  Wow!! I've been able to visit approximately 1/2 of the blogs today, and with each new blog, I'm nothing short of amazed at the soup mixes sent/received, the talent, the creativity and craftsmanship of my fellow hoppers.  I honestly can't begin to pick  a favorite...every single piece created has a uniqueness all it's own! 

I always try to take something away from every experience...the good ones (in this case) and also the bad (too many to count!)  and here's what I've learned so far:

1.  Having someone pick out what you will base your creation around is a completely foreign concept to almost all of us!  Whether we create our own beads & components, or prefer to purchase we're still making the choice...take personal choice away...and well, you have 362 people scratching their heads for quite some time! :)

2.  Every piece I've viewed today is completely different...further proving that each one of us is an unique individual...yet we all share a bond of beads/jewelry.  Something as simple as that brought us all together, where nothing about our differences mattered...maybe we should encourage Congress to start their own Bead Soup party?

3.  The encouraging comments, thoughts & accolades make me proud to be a part of this community.  I know all too well the feeling of not "being good enough" at times...and the  inspiring comments I read today could just be the little lift someone needed...myself included!

4.  Lampwork artisans still amaze me!!

5.  As well as the intriguing work of bead weavers!!  I have little experience with seed beads (mostly limited to picking them off of the floor, after dropping more than I've strung)...I can't imagine the hours that go in to these tiny works of art!

6.  Visiting all 362 blogs in a weekend was just a pipe dream of mine...nothing more!  I got way too side tracked reading more than just "The Soup" blogs...story of my life!  Of course having 4 kids, a silverware bending husband, and the world's most needy dog stuck inside on a rainy day wasn't much help!

7.  Lori Anderson deserves some type of medal, to be knighted or the like! :)

8.  I drank way too many cups of coffee...could be the reason why I'm still blog hopping 18 hours later...please Lord don't let the kids wake up before noon!

9.  I should of explained my work in a more detailed description...I was just too eager to start my trip around the world!  I know we were encouraged to dig deep into our own stash for complimenting accents for our pieces, but I didn't want a piece that was more me, than my partner!  I want to look at my necklace and be reminded of Tari...therefore, I left it simple.

10.  After the said 18 hours, I have deleted more of this post than I will end up posting...and I need to back away...especially when I can't even string a coherent sentence together!

Soup. Is. On!!!

Yes Ma'am....today is the day...or should I say the start of MANY days!!  I know for myself, it will take me all day weekend to visit all 362 blogs!!  The weather here will be perfect for an all weekend blog hop...rainy, dreary, and a little chilly.  That's ok...I have my own pot of soup (chicken n' dumplings) simmering, hot coffee brewing and plenty of eye candy to look forward to, with Moobie Grace herself by my side!  She loves to peruse all the beautiful creations!

I know this hop was more than an overwhelming task for Bead Soup Blog Hop Hostess Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, during less than ideal circumstances, but it's SO appreciated!!

My perfectly matched up Bead Soup partner is Tari Sasser of Creative Impressions in Clay and to recap this is the haul of ceramic goodies she sent my way...I'm a lucky girl!

Cool, funky, bright & fun...Tari sent a little box of happiness my way!

Although, completely out of my comfort zone (funny how Lori knew exactly where that was!) I was determined to create something...all for myself this time!!!  I don't think I could possibly do justice to Tari's beads & buttons...especially since I'm used to making my own components and beads...who knew working with someone else's fantastic creations could prove so difficult?  Here's what I came up with...and actually didn't reconfigure after my 874 attempt. 

Tari's bold pendant and coordinating beads on my copper hammered wire wraps and copper chain.  Finished with Tari's funky and fun toggle clasp.  I *heart* all 20+ inches of this!!!  I'm thinking chunky sweaters, boots & jeans with this pop of color this winter!!

ETA:  I'll be adding a full shot of the necklace tomorrow.  It's pouring here, and my sub par camera doesn't like the lighting in the house!!!

And the beginnings of another:

These beads are my favorite!!  An eclectic tie dyed effect that I'm still debating on how to use to their full potential.  I also want to use the cool button as the clasp...somehow.  I'll be sure to post pictures of the new piece just as soon as my creativity kicks in!  Please, take a minute to browse Tari's site:  Clay Buttons, I promise you'll find something that you just have to take home for yourself!

For those of you that missed what I sent my partner, Tari...here's a quick shot:

I can't wait to visit Tari's blog to see what she created!

Again, a HUGE thank you to Lori Anderson and all that it entails to pull off a hop of this proportion.  Now, I'm off for a hop around the world...literally...just take a look for yourself!

Just in awe!!!

HAPPY HOPPING!!!

Creative Impression In Clay - Tari Sasser: Bead Soup Partner

I wanted to finally share what my Bead Soup partner Tari Sasser of Creative Impressions in Clay sent...

Tari's Website:  Creative Impressions in Clay

Tari's Blog:  Clay Buttons

Where you can find Tari's work: http://claybuttons.com/NearYou.html

Brilliantly colored ceramic beads, toggle clasp, pendant, buttons & "supporting cast."  Eeeek!  I love them!  I tend to shy away from such vibrant and colorful creations...not because I don't love them, but because my creativity seems to hit a brick wall when it comes to designing with them!  Lori Anderson certainly knew how to make me step outside my comfort zone, that's for sure!!  

Mark your calendars....Sept 17th marks the day of the big reveal of over 300+ Bead Soup participants' creations!! 

Only In Virginia....

Last Sunday we took a few of the kids to hike to Spy Rock in Nelson county, VA.  It was quite the hike...complete with everything hurting by Monday morning!  On our way down what we thought at the time was only a thunderstorm graced us with torrential downpour!

Here's a few highlights:

Definitely worth the hike!

Breathtaking views from atop of Spy Rock.

Only a 10 year old thinks that running on top of a mountain is a great idea!

Great spot for a nap.

On the long, albeit scenic drive home, we encountered numerous detours due to downed trees.  No problem...we're flexible like that.  My heart lurched when I glanced to my right and noticed a 10 foot wide path right through the middle of a countryside church.  I didn't take any pictures, as I was always told by my mom "not to become an obnoxious tourist during someone else's misfortune."  Turns out we just missed a tornado by about 15 minutes.

Tuesday morning was like Christmas in my mailbox!  I received a few expected packages and also my Bead Soup beads from my partner Tari Sasser!!!  Woot-woot!

I quickly snapped some shots (next post...stay tuned) of the colorful ceramic creations she sent, and got to work.  I stepped out on the back deck so a few of my pieces could take a quick dip in liver of sulfur when the ground started shaking...and the dog and I were slowly getting shaken off of the deck.  Yep....what everyone has watched on t.v. for the past 2 days....earthquake in Virginia....epicenter approximately an hour from us, in Mineral, VA.  Now, a 5.9 quake is a just a Sunday picnic out west...not so much for us east coast country folk!  We've had a few aftershocks...the worst being around 1 a.m. last night...but now we've moved on to bigger things heading our way today....hurricane Irene!

My lights are flickering as I type...so I'm going to batten down the hatches for now....

Me, Myself & Irene

We've just gotten over our little earthquake and now are gearing up to face Irene.  I have TONS to share once I complete my fight the masses at the grocery store mission this morning! 

Tari Sasser from Creative Impressions in Clay is my Bead Soup Partner & I received some cool & funky ceramic beads this week from her!  I have lots of photography to share...but first I must batten down the hatches on the homefront!

Bead Soup Partner

This year I'm participating in Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party Blog Hop.  I'm excited, to say the least.  I received my "bead partner" via email, and about broke my neck to check out her blog.  Enter apprehension...



Tari of Creative Impressions in Clay is more than accomplished!!  Her work is full of color and whimsical!  Just take a look:

Told ya!  You can browse her funky selection HERE.

I finally got Tari's soup out in the mail yesterday.  I made my mix weeks ago, but due to an unforeseen road block with the school system (that's a whole other blog post) I had my plate quite full!!

Anyway....here's "the goods!!!"

 

Torch Day!

Clay is my "go to" artistically speaking, but lately I've had more funks than brilliant ideas.  I thought maybe I'd branch out just a little....still incorporating clay because I can't see myself giving it up for any length of time.  So today I went out and got a soldering torch & iron.  I have tons of gifted copper wire in an array of gauges, so I'll practice with that first... and I'll be soldering everything in sight, I'm sure!

I also received my Lori Anderson give away package....actually it came Tuesday or Wednesday & my darling husband "forgot" to give it to me!  He thought I'd ordered something online again and was holding it hostage! :)  Silly man...I never order anything!!! 

I"ll be back to post my prize from the generous Lori this evening...off to NOT burn down the house with my torch!

On Gilded Wings

What a dreary Monday morning.  Rainy, bleak, house full of girls, not feeling especially creative...need I say more?

Then, I heard the familiar sound of more than envelopes being put in the mailbox (it's a gift...or I order too much online!)  So I high tailed myself out to investigate....and look what found it's way to me...

Nothing like a little shimmer to brighten your Monday morning!  These interesting beauties are gold silk worm cocoons from Larkspur Funny Farm on Etsy. 

Of course, I had to play with these immediately!  How could I resist? 

On Gilded Wings earrings.  My own polymer clay lentils wrapped with golden silk cocoon, with brass textured beads, copper findings and a trio of "grungy" pearls.

And the start of a necklace (which is rare for me, as I tend not to create "matchy" pieces.)

That's all I had time for before the gaggle of girls demanded my attention!  I also ordered some hand dyed silk cocoons & silk rods...so stay tuned!

You can also check out Larkspur's Blog...Grace was awesome to work with...and has the best name ever!!





First Day of Summer...

Summer Soltice...Ahhh...Finally!!!  My favorite day of the year...where I can look forward to at least 3 good months of heat, sunshine and overall happiness!!

...And what did I create?  Well, falling leaves necklaces of course!  I'm a rebel like that!

A trio of yellow, taupe and burgundy domed leaf imprints.  Accented with raw copper hand wrapped beads on a copper neck wire.

I'm always under the philosophy "go big or go home" when it comes to jewelry.  So here we have a solitary large domed leaf imprint in jade green.  Green wooden rondelles and twisted closed jumps...on a stainless neck wire.



Enjoy the first day of summer...think I'll celebrate on the back deck with a bottle of blackberry wine tonight!

For Once...I Have Nothing to Say!

It's been quite awhile since I've picture shared...that, and I have absolutely nothing witty or exciting to share!

Leaves & berries necklace.  Polymer clay leaves with cerise turquoise rondelles.

Polymer clay sea urchins, with patina added.  Not exactly the vision I had created in my mind...but it works.  Copper wire balls also with a little patina thrown in for good measure.

This is what happens when our yard needs a good mowing...I wander around picking weeds to imprint.  Polymer clay hollow lentil & toggle with wood, brass & clay accents.

Still searching for the perfect urchin...Dark coral polymer clay with a wash of antique white and silver.

Organic aged & distressed, then accent painted.  Brass & polymer accents.

Shipwrecked.  Sea green urchins with gold coral, yellow & green jade, urchin stick, and bronze & creamy pearls.  Wire wrapped formed connectors (still getting the hang of wire wrapping).

Polymer and pearl bracelet.

Experimented with tri-colors.  Polymer focal and toggle with copper, green glass & chrysocolla beads.

Shipwrecked chandelier earrings.

So, there you have it!  A sampling of what occupies my time & thoughts these days.  I've been trying to branch out from my typical danity pieces, and loving it!!