Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year's Promises


Happy New Year, everyone! We've spent a happy afternoon with friends and fellow-grandparents-of-Arabella-to-be Mary Ann and Greg. Good food and a great visit.

I don't make New Year's resolutions. I can never keep them, and I can better cope with making mini-resolutions throughout the year. You know, "I'll try to be more patient today." "I vow not to eat four Reese's Peanut Butter Cups without taking a breath." "I will exercise today." (yeah, right.)

But I'll leave you with the thought above. I snapped this photo in the St. Louis Botanical Garden, in the section dedicated to George Washington Carver. That sentiment, and the one below, pretty much express my aspirations for my life.

Peace to you, my friends. Welcome, 2010, and all of your promises. Welcome baby Arabella, early in 2010 -- Journey safely to us. I can't wait to see your sweet face.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Arabella's Bell


I have received the most special, meaningful Christmas gift from my dear friend Mary Ann -- who happens to be my daughter's mother-in-law. It's even more special because she bought it during our recent shopping trip in Galveston, and I was completely unaware!

It's a silver Grandchildren bell. Inscribed all around are drawings of children at play. The word "GRANDCHILDREN" dances around the bottom of the bell, and the blocks on top spell "JOY" -- which is exactly what Mary Ann and I feel right now anticipating the birth of my first grandchild and Mary Ann's first granddaughter. Arabella Grace is due at the end of March or first of April, and we are so JOYFUL!

I didn't want to put this special gift on a simple chain, so I made a beaded necklace to show it off. Here's the work in progress:

Here, I've made a silver hook from which to hang the bell, and I've attached two bead links on each side. I've been saving these button pearls for just the right piece.

I like Swarovski crystals, and this black diamond color shows well with the bell's silver gleam. The wire links are unfinished here, because all the bead links are attached and finished as I go.

I love these robin's egg blue freshwater pearls. I'm usually in denim or some shade of blue, so I will wear this necklace often!

Here is the finished piece. I hand-dyed some silk velvet ribbon and wrapped the ribbon connections with sterling wire. I added a silver hook clasp and a bit of silver chain at one end, so I can adjust the length of the necklace.

Thank you, MaryAnn! This gift means so much to me. I'm wearing it now. Every time the bell tinkles, I think of our little angel Arabella Grace, on her way to us.

(p.s. www.jewelryjohn.com has more silver bells, if you want one of your own!)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!

It's a cold, wet, and wildly windy Christmas Eve

but Slipper Moon is warm and glowing with Christmas cheer.

May everyone have happiness

and good health

and most of all, peace,

for the Light of the world is born.

Merry Christmas, my friends. May your life be blessed with this season's serenity.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Snowguys (Don't Peek, Girlfriends!)

Here's how I've been chillin' after long days at work --

-- Making these little snowguys for girlfriends who are coming over this Sunday for our annual Christmas party.

Their heads are made of paper clay, and their bodies are square glass ornaments I bought at Hobby Lobby. I glued a tiny tree inside and then filled them with glitter & snow & all manner of Christmas goodies.

Their hats are wooden shapes, glued together and glittered; and their scarves are tinsel and bead-embellished wire. This shot shows details (but I really hate flash photos!):

These little snowguys were inspired by Sue Pelletier's vintage bottle snowmen, featured on the cover of the Nov./Dec. 2008 issue of "Cloth Paper Scissors" magazine -- here's the website:
http://www.interweavestore.com/Mixed-Media/Magazines/Cloth-Paper-Scissors-November-December-2008.html
and by the work of jewelry-artist-extraordinaire Deryn Mentock. Check out the great snowmen necklaces Deryn featured last year on her blog:
http://somethingsublime.typepad.com/photos/jewelry_archives/onechristmassnowman2.html
Hope my gal pals like them!