And I loved it!! I loved being in a class environment - and learning this thing that I have wanted to do for SOOOO long was fantastic. I don't have a lot of confidence in myself yet - but with a class or two more I should be good to go. I love what you can create. This is my first ring - rough yes but I LOVE it - such fun!
Tomorrow is the last day of first grade, fifth grade and tenth grade. Wow - where does the time go. It seems like these three kiddoes were babies just yesterday. I really want the years to slow down so we can enjoy more of each other. :) Ahhh look at those sweet little faces above - wow 4 years brings about a lot of change. Just look at them now:
So we are wrapping up the year and of course that leads us to teacher gifts. It's always fun making pieces for the kids teachers. Usually the kids ask their teachers what their favorite colors to wear are. The boys really do get excited. Xander remembered this year to ask - we know his teachers favorite color is pink so I came up with - You are a Star - thought the stars were fitting for a teacher. He gave it a two thumbs up - and said it was perfect - that she would love it - I really do appreciate his enthusiasm!
Connor forgot to ask his teacher - he says she wears a lot of blue - but blues a tough one so I went with black - because black works with everything. And I really love the bog sardonyx pendants - so cool! I really love how this necklace turned out - Midnight Oil. I hope she likes it - his teacher really was a fantastic teacher - a perfect way to end grade school. 
We are excited that tomorrow is the last day of school. Looking forward to a lazy summer - with a little bit of adventure thrown in there. Maybe some pottery classes for the whole lot of us - a little swimming - a lot of running and walking and biking - some tennis - some trails - snail hunting - some travel - some Montana - some Wyoming - who knows - but I think it's gonna be a good one. If you want to join us please do - we really do love company!!
Happy Summer to you all!!!
I love my studio - it truly is my favorite room in the house. I have posted on this before - but I just love it in here - it's where all the magic happens - OK not all but most! :)
BUT...other than 1 tray of beads and 1 bowl of beads - there isn't much that would indicate that a jewelry artisan lives here. So I am really trying to figure out how to change that - I have my eye out for pretty bead storage - so I can keep them out and look at them. I don't really want the plastic containers I currently use out on display - I want the studio to be reflective of who I am... I am in desperate need of another bookshelf and a nicer desk for the kid computer - both piece would give more storage options - which we are in major need of.
I did work on something last night - I went "shopping" around my house (I went to the basement where my show displays were) and brought a bunch of goodies to the studio and created this wonderful display - I LOVE IT! Now I can spotlight my favorite pieces or "Hot Off the Bench" pieces.
What do you think? And for you jewelry artisans that read this - how do you store your beads? Are you all about function and not worried about eye appeal? I would love to see your studios!
Thanks Robin for so thoughtfully bestowing these awards upon me!
The Karma Award: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.
The Honest Scrap award!
I need to share 10 honest things about myself, and I will list them below after nominating some wonderful Ladies for both of these awards!
Thanks Ladies, for being {YOU}!
I'm awarding these fabulous honors to following awesome, sweet, friendly & true ladies:
Jodi
Becky
Joleyn
Carissa
Colleen
Stacey
Erin
Ladies, if you are willing to accept the Honest Scrap, here's what you must do.
1. Post the Honest Scrap logo on your blog.
2. Tell us 10 honest things about you.
3. Identify at least 7 more people for the Honest Scrap award.
4. Lastly, show a little love and give me a little "thank-you" and link on your blog.
1. I start every morning with coffee with cream and sugar - I wake up at 5 am excited that I have less than 3 hours til coffee.
2. I miss Montana and Wyoming horribly and really want to move back.
3. I obsess about things frequently.
4. I really want to be a a financially successful artist while still being passionate about what I do.
5. I want another baby.
6. I love my hubby fiercely.
7. I love my children fiercely.
8. I yell WAY too much but am really working on it.
9. I wish I had more friends in Omaha. (woe is me)
10. I want to live in the mountains or very close to.
Blurry pic yes - but cute of Sadie trying to give me birthday kisses. I like 33 - I think it's gonna be a great year!
This is Macey's birthday present to me along with an Edward poster and zots - I guess she gets me!! :)
Hmmm... I love this color palette! I found this great new tool Big Huge Labs thanks to my friend Jayne. I went on an uploading frenzy and ended up printing out about 3 dozen new color combos to add to my color inspiration binder. Helps me to create outside the box when I sit down with my beads.
So what if I try to do this every Friday - offer a new color inspiration - for jewelry, or scrapbooking, or papercrafting, whatever you create - it might offer some inspiration you never know....if it does inspire something let me know - link to your creation in the comments...
Here is what I came up with today:
Here is a wonderful reminder from Dreams of a Country Girl - if you have never read her blog - oh you must - she is HEEE LAR EEE OUS!!! I am tellin ya - belly laughing good read.
This post Wait!Look!Life is such a sweet reminder to do just that!
Have a wonderful week and I do hope that you enjoy all the little things that make this life so magical!
A recently discovery has been made - new bead/silver artists. Most discoveries were made thanks to Art Bead Scene, - they are such a supportive community for bead and jewelry artisans. These discoveries consist of pieces I couldn't wait to purchase and add to my designs. Pieces that I see in my dreams where the first steps of creativity take place - pieces that have such heart. It sounds a little corny maybe but they have such a warmth about them - I imagine it is because a little bit of the artists heart goes into each and every piece.
I want to share the artists with you - you really should check them out and support them in their dreams and endeavors - they really do have something great.
Humble Beads
I will soon be adding treasures created with their Antoinette lentil and disc beads as well as their beautiful cuff beads inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night - just gorgeous!!! Can't wait to get these beauties in my hands.
ExpeditionD
Beautiful romantic hearts - I have already made two treasures with these beautiful hearts - one which I have submitted for publication. I love the feel they give - they really just add a warm aged romantic feel.
Cathy Dailey
I purchased lots of stars and hearts, to add whimsy and soul.
My wish list consists of many more artisians:
Heather Wynn her beautiful polymer quote pendants are truly terrific. So many wonderful quotes - the dreams are in place for new treasures - treasures you will want as a note to self or to remind your loved ones that Love is All the Matters or To Love Bravely
Earthenwood Studios I can see these fun face stones in a ring - once I can set myself free in the Silversmith Shop and these customizable Message Sticks and Stones could create a beautiful story.
Hint her charms bring about dreams of talisman treasures.
Round Rabbit her porcelain pieces have such beautiful vibrant colors and shapes. I adore red and often have people asking for red treasures - so I use garnets, a lot of garnet because they are so beautiful but a brighter vibrant red I dream of.
Dreams brought to life:
The Key to Your Heart is YOU!
This treasure was created to remind the wearer to unlock what is in their heart. To be brave, to believe, to go after what your heart desires most. 
Hitch Your Wagon to a Star
Thank you Emerson for this small statement. It has called to me loudly for years! It sums up my dream - this adventure I am on. I hitched my wagon to a star and brought to life Star Hitched Wagon™. This treasure might stay with me - my constant reminder to again be brave - to hitch my wagon to a star when it calls so loudly.
All sterling silver heart and star charms used come from Cathy Dailey
I hope that all you wonderful mothers had a terrific Mother's Day. We had a very low key day at home - Connor was sick - poor guy - he felt miserable. It was a nice day at home - with dinner from Pepperjack's - yummy! And look at all this loot - wow was I spoiled.
Thank you to my wonderful hubby and children - because without you 4 I wouldn't be a mom. And being a mom is the greatest gift in the world! I love you S, M, C and X!!!
Random things the X said about me:
I am special because I like to play
He likes it when I hug him
He thinks I am best at chalk
He likes to make me smile by hugging me
He likes to tell me he loves me
Then my favorites as he wrote them:
My mom is as pretty as a rows (rose - love his spelling what a sweetie)
My mom is smart! She even knows cursiv (he is so easily impressed)
This is why I love the smell of spring:
And that window is my kitchen window
See
And my whole kitchen smells like lilacs - it's heavenly. Reminds me of mom and dad's - which I too used to call home. Our bedrooms would smell like lilacs - heavenly I tell ya!!!
Hope you too are enjoying spring!
OK now I know this isn't perfect and a pro would notice many blemishes - but that is ok - I think it is perfectly imperfect. I think it's pretty darn good considering I haven't soldered before!! I cannot tell you excited I am about my new adventures in silver. This class has got me buzzing!!
We were supposed to make a pendant - but I like bracelets best - so I drilled two holes on each side and I will make this into a fantastic bracelet.
A friend of mine told me about a great giveaway - if we want a chance to win the goodies she asked us to share the news with 2 friends - well I couldn't pick just 2 and I figured my blog was the best place to tell everyone about it. Go check it out here! Make sure you tell her Stacey sent you! Good luck!
This was sort of fun - just goofin around. I'm sure Macey would love this tool.
If you make one yourself please do share!
So my parents were here for almost a week - they just left early yesterday morning. Let's just say the silence was thick after they left and the kids went to school. A little too thick. It was so nice to have them here. I just enjoy their company SOOOO much. The visits are just too few and far between. I hadn't seen them since Christmas break - which for some might be normal but when we lived in Sheridan TWO months was a LONG time. I think we saw each other about every 6 weeks. So yes I miss my family. I will say it again - it was so great to have them here - it made me happy! And the kids loved it - and they too were sad yesterday. But I reminded them that we only have to wait 7 weeks until we see them again - next time in my home town. WOOHOO!! Can't wait.
Anywho...just thought I'd share what's on my mind today. How about you? Are you missing someone?
Come join us for Get Inked at Feeling Scrappy!
Class starts May 11th!
Are you ready to try something new? During this 10 day technique class, we will be tackling all sorts of inks ~ pens, various types of ink pads, and alcohol inks. Not much experience working with ink? No worries! We will guide you through new techniques with step-by-step instructions to help you incorporate ink into your projects! Cost: $10.00
Posts
All Comments
