Thursday's Thoughts

I received this bookmark as an "extra" when I bought a beautiful print of ferns from Danna Ray's Etsy shop. I really love this saying for it's simplicity and sincerity. I often spend my time dreaming impossible dreams of the future or rehashing regrets and hurts from the past. I think I'm missing some of the wonderful small moments that go on every day because I'm worrying about, well, everything.  And if you're not present, you're not dealing with life's problems, finding solutions and moving on. I'm making this my new motto, mantra, pledge, and theme!!

my new theme

 Of course, if you have a new life theme, you need a custom made pendant to remind you of it. This was created just for me by Erin Prais-Kintz. It's from her jewelry line called Simple Truths and she can make any color or saying you like. I love it!!

Tuesday's Tools

I love new tools! In fact, if my business never makes any money it's because of tools. Well, I guess it's not the tools fault, they didn't buy themselves, did they. This texturing hammer is one of my latest tools. The secret is on either end!

There is a different texture on each end. It works great on copper, nickel silver, brass, and sterling.

This brass blank was textured with the end that has all the little squares.

The copper blank was textured with the end with lines and the nickel silver washer with the squares. I think  some liver of sulfur or gilders paste would really bring out the texture. I'm working on a new jewelry line with mixed metals, rivets, and lots of rustic texture and this new hammer will get a lot of use. I wonder if there are hammers with different textures?  hmmm

Kylie Parry Beads

I just love Kylie Parry's ceramic beads especially these sweet birds. I think I'm building a flock! I haven't created anything using her beads yet but I'm sure I will. I might have to buy more birds first.

These are my newest acquisitions. I love the nautical theme. Even the string is cute!

Lily Pad

 

 

 

I also have a "thing" for acorns. The whole mighty oak coming from the tiny acorn idea, I just love it!

Even Kylie's packaging is just so clever and beautiful.

Check out Kylie Parry's Etsy shop, she has lots more ceramic art beads to choose from!

Weekend Warrior

Because I work during the day, I don't get a lot of enameling done during the week. So on Saturdays I turn on the kiln and go to town!. Sundays are often used for paying bills and house cleaning but I usually fit in a little studio time especially if I have custom orders. I am a weekend warrior for sure! These center drilled beauties are what I worked on today. I love the vibrant opaque mix and match colors. All of the copper blanks were purchased from Metal Fetish on etsy. They have a new web site but they didn't have the starflowers or small flowers. Hmm,  I'll have to email them and inquire because I'm out of those.

I envision these components stacked and attached to brass stampings and leather or chain.

I fired on a layer of clear front and back first. I've found the clear is important when the copper blanks are small and have pointed parts. Then I fired two coats of the opaque colors. The tiny pieces were a pain!

And I had some problems with this one on the edges. I have no idea why the enamel didn't stick but I assume I got some dirt or grease on it.

Very maddening!

Much better!  Buying premade copper shapes and enameling them in solid colors is easy and will get you great results. I'll be listing these in my etsy supplies shop soon.

Score!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is Saturday yard sales. I work in a school so I have plenty of extra time in the summer to scout out "treasures". In fact, I hope to open up an Etsy vintage shop one of these days. Well, that's my excuse for buying cool old stuff that I don't need. So I was excited today to see signs to an estate sale in my neighborhood and I was especially excited to find this miniatures display shelf.  Now here is something I actually need! It will be perfect for organizing beads, craft items, and all the stuff that is taking up my beading table. It's pretty big but I figure I'm using that much space with my mess so I might as well organize the mess.

Score!!

Thursday's Thoughts

I'm still working the alliteration theme!

looking forward to Lilacs in bloom!

 I had good news yesterday at my Doctor's appointment and I'm so pleased I had to share. Last October, I had my yearly (OK, I admit it was more like a year and a half) check up and blood work. My weight was up (once again) and my blood work and my blood pressure were not good. Lots of scary elevations which led to a cat scan, more blood work, and a visit to a specialist. Guess what he said? All heath concerns were reversible with weight loss and exercise. Blah, blah, blah. So what else is new. But I was freaked out enough to take it seriously. I turned 60 years old this year and I could see how my hopes and plans for the future were in jeopardy because I wasn't taking care of my health.  After losing 35 pounds, walking an hour four days a week, and eating a disgustingly healthy diet,  my blood work was normal. Only my cholesterol was still a bit high and not in the right proportions but hopefully with some more weight loss and exercise that will improve also. The hardest part for me is keeping weight off but my family is very happy, relieved and proud of me so I'm going to use that as my inspiration!

here's to the beautiful butterfly in all of us!

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

Even though I make shiny colorful beads, I also love these beads from the Philippines. They are earthy and neutral and are made from nuts, seeds, and exotic woods. I think they would blend with just about anything. And, what luck, I sell them in my etsy supplies shop! : )

exotic Philippine woods

seeds and nuts