Cute Key Chain

I needed a new key chain and had the bright idea to make my own, this beading thing really is handy! I looked through my stash of beads and nothing jumped out at me, so I headed to the bead store hoping something would call out to me. I was drawn to this kind of funky lampwork rectangle bead that has a thumb indentation and a nice swirl of grey, brown and tan.

The materials used for my cute key chain are a sterling silver heart charm, Swarovoski mocca bicone crystals (that are being swallowed up by the large hole in the rondelle beads, you can just see them peeking out at the top and bottom), sterling silver saucer and round beads, lampwork flower rondelle and rectangle beads, the whole thing is wire wrapped using 22 gauge sterling silver wire.

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You like? I think it turned out very nice! Just as cute as can be.

A Gift of Love

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A Gift of Love

Christmas is a gift of love

That can't be bought or sold,

It's ours, just for the asking

And it's worth far more than gold;

And this priceless gift of Christmas

is within the reach of all,

The rich, the poor, the young and old,

The greatest and the small;

So take God's Christmas gift of love,

Reach out and you receive,

And the only payment that God asks

Is just that you believe.

-Helen Steiner Rice

I pray that you are enjoying celebrating the birthday of Jesus and looking forward 2009! We are having several lazy days and enjoying being off work and school, I did manage to sneak in two days at the gym last week and even worked out this morning.

Our Christmas day was nice, I opted out of preparing the traditional Christmas dinner and had broiled steaks, steamed shrimp, roasted potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, and spicy green beans. We had the pleasure of having niece Lindsay with us this Christmas.

The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth," John 1:14.

Glamorous on a Chain!

My mother-in-law needed a pair of black and red earrings, so I made these little dangles for her using silver-plated clip-on ear wire, black Czech glass faceted round beads, Siam Swarovski faceted round crystal, sterling silver flat and round beads all wrapped with 22 gauge sterling silver wire. They were a big hit with her.

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This next piece was a lot of fun to make and I am really pleased at how it turned out, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before. I love interchangeable jewelry, and wanted to do something using a sterling silver chain that had interchangeable pendants. Here is my latest creation...

The first interchangeable pendant features a large Swarovski copper crystal, with three dangles that have beads in brown, copper and cream, various shaped sterling beads and lobster claw clasp.

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The second one has a large red and black ceramic hand painted bead as the center piece with three dangles that include black and garnet beads, various shaped sterling silver beads and lobster claw clasp. Even the back of the necklace has a bit of sparkle, I wire wrapped a Swarovski faceted round crystal to enclose the end of the chain to sterling silver lobster claw clasp and eye.

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I've worn the necklace with the crystal pendant two or three times, and received many compliments on it, I got a "WOW" from Eric the first time he saw it! Glamorous on a chain.

Chocolate Beauty

My mom wanted to learn how to bead, so I told her that a bracelet would be a great first time project, our first step would be to pick out a color to work with and that was easy because she bought a new suit while she was here and wanted something to go with the suit, so brown was the color choice.

The next step would be the "hardest" - coming up with a design. So armed with all the brown beads that I had on hand she played around with the beads until she came up with a looked she liked. Ma went with a random monochromatic pattern of glass beads in various sizes, shapes, and to give it a little more sparkle she picked beautiful mocca Swarovski crystals along with a sterling silver toggle clasp. Take a look at her beautiful chocolate bracelet...

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Another happy beader!

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Red Hot!

This is a scrumptious Siam bracelet and earring set with Swarovski cube and bicone crystals, Bali double square and flat beads, Sterling silver beads, tube, ear wire and clasp. You have to see this one in person to appreciate the beauty. Feel free to click on the pictures to enlarge.

This set would be perfect for your:

• birthstone
  
• the birthstone of your children
  
• your favorite color

Embroidery Lesson

While my mother was visiting with us for Thanksgiving, she taught the kids how to embroidery. We went to one of the craft stores and purchased a kit with the design stamped on the pillowcases, ours is called Passion Flowers. The kit included two pillowcases and instructions, I purchased the floss separately, only to return home to find my stash of floss in my cross-stitch bag. We choose to get only one kit, just in case they didn't really want to do the craft.

I was a little surprised that both kids were excited about learning how to embroidery, we thought it would take them at least a couple of day, perhaps even weeks to complete the project, but no - they would have finished in one afternoon only I made them pack it up so that we could have dinner! Here are a few pictures of Gene and Nicole's first embroidery class, taught by their Grandma Agnes:





Knot tying was the only tricky part for both. Ma taught them to tie a knot every few stitches, so that in case a section was accidentally cut the whole piece would not unravel. Good tip!






The kids did an excellent job. They wanted to do more, so we went back to the craft store the next day to purchase another set of pillowcases.

Holiday Bead Challenge

BeadL Jewlz, one of the bead stores in Fredericksburg had a Holiday Bead Challenge. They wanted to see how many different styles of bracelets can be designed using the same beads. You could not duplicate the two samples the store provided for inspiration, and you had to use all the green fire polished beads, and some of the red seed beads and bugle beads. We were free to add our own sterling silver, gold filled or copper beads, and a clasp.

The deadline was November 29, and I have had my beads for awhile but only started my bracelet Thanksgiving day, just days before the deadline! My first design was a double stand and was all finished except for crimping the last crimp bead, and while doing that I cracked the tiny seed bead and couldn't salvage the bracelet. Then I had another design pop into my head, use copper wire to make dangles - Eric said they looked like resisters so I didn't make anymore. Then finally I just went with my favorite mode - plain and simple, and here is what I came up with....

Friday, Eric dropped on my bracelet off at the store and Monday my mom, the kids and I went to the store to check out all the designs. They only had four bracelets submitted. The two bracelets on the left (top and bottom) are what the bead store designs. They all are beautiful...

Here is Boscoe, the bead store "manager", he is a full-figured kitty that is SO lovable so I had to add him.

I really enjoyed the Bead Challenge and I'm looking forward to the next one, they are thinking about Valentine's Day. Next time, I will not wait until the eleventh hour to make my project!

Blueberry Swirl

My mother was able to come up to spend Thanksgiving with us again this year! She will be 83 in February - hard to believe because she looks much younger.

I wanted to do something special for her, so I made her a jewelry set to go with a outfit she would wear to church while here. The set features 6mm Czech Pearls in Royal Blue, 4mm Freshwater Pearls in Peacock, 6mm round Montana Blue crystals, large Glass Beads in a puffed square and a puffed heart, Sterling silver round and flat beads and Sterling silver clasp.

Here is the 7" bracelet, I really like the oval Sterling silver clasp, it would have been nice to have a square shaped toggle, but didn't have one.

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The crystals really sparkle in this 20" necklace.

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Here are the earrings that mom designed using Silver plated pierced look clip ear wire. The bead store didn't have any Sterling silver clip-ons, they came four in a pack so I have enough to make my mother-in-law a pair earrings as well.

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I forgot to take Mom's picture Sunday while she was wearing everything - aah. Trust me, she looked great! While I has happily beading, mom was teaching Gene and Nicole how to embroidery, I will share those picture later.

Home Baked and Yummy!

I got a new recipe from a friend and wanted to try them out for Thanksgiving for my family, I was just about to start getting out all the ingredients when Nicole asked if she could help. This is a FIRST, so I told her "Sure, go wash you hands!".

I wanted to double the recipe, but if Nicole had known in advance that math, and more specific FRACTIONS would be involved, I don't think she would have volunteered. This was a great lesson! For some reason I don't think my kids realize that math is math - whether a lesson for school or life.

I could only find my Pampered Chef muffin stone (I've still not unpacked everything from when we moved!) Eric and Gene went to the store to buy us another tin, and arrived just in time for the last filling. Here is Nicole eating the leftover sweet potato...

Look how pretty! Of course everyone had to try one or two after they cooled!

I got the recipe from my friend, Devildogwife , they are easy and extremely good, they were a huge hit at our house. Here is the recipe in case you would like to try it, be sure to let me know if you make them!

Sweet Potato Muffins Recipe


Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cup flour

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 Cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 Cup vegetable oil (or preferred oil)

2 Tbsp evaporated milk

1 Cup mashed yams

Mix dry ingredients. Stir in sugar, eggs, oil, and milk. Stir in mashed yams. Grease muffin tins and fill 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35 minutes. Cool in pan.

Note: These freeze well, so go ahead and make a double or triple batch.

Enjoy!

Glamorous Garnet Earrings

I had another opportunity to make a pair of earrings for my friend Natalie (yeah!). She saw my blue ones and said she wanted a pair just like them, only in red. Here they are, and very glamorous I think - red always seems to give me a little more pep in my step when I wear it!

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The materials used for these glamorous earrings are Garnet 12mm faceted round Czech glass beads, 5mm sterling silver corrugated round beads, Bali flat spacer, 22 gauge sterling silver headpin and sterling silver lever back ear wire.

Happy Birthday Jimmy Lee!

Yesterday was my father-in-laws 75th birthday! We went down to spend the day with him and my mother-in-law, along with niece Lindsay. He wouldn't smile for me on the first picture, but when I told him to say "Apple Pie" he quickly corrected me and said "Lemon Meringue Pie!" and couldn't quite contain a smile at the mention of his birthday pie!

Happy birthday Jimmy Lee, we love you!

Golden and Stylish

It was cold Saturday and I was felling super lazy but managed to create two pieces of jewelry. The earrings feature bumpy glass beads with 3mm Czech glass beads, 22 gauge head pin and French ear wires.

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The necklace is 21" and features Citrine gemstone chips, 5mm round glass beads, seed beads, sterling silver round bead, and a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

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All About the Ears

I posted pictures of this cute Freshwater pearls necklace, bracelet and earrings set a few weeks ago. I made the earrings in the lighter shades, but wanted a pair with the darker tones, so last week I was able to make a second pair of earrings for this set.

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Here is the second pair of earrings using mostly the darker shades, I did manage to get in the light green. Four Freshwater pearls, Bali flat spacers, I think they look great, plus I have options!

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I needed a black pair of earrings, so I made these one evening, you got it - make and wear the same night! Czech 12mm faceted round glass bead, Pewter round bead, and Bali flat spacer all wire-wrapped on Sterling silver 22 gauge wire.

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Set Complete!

Do you remember the bracelet and earrings that I made for my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary? These were made the night before the big event, and since I waited until the last minute I didn't have enough time to make the necklace. Well, I finally got around to completing the set last week.


The 21" necklace has Fancy Jasper Round and Octagon shaped beads, Sterling Silver Corrugated Saucer and Round beads with a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp. The Fancy Jasper gemstone has a blends of mauve, lilac, cream and green, what a rich medley of color - I think it is one of my favorites. I wore a plum color sweater with the jewelry, the greens and creams really popped against the sweater, so pretty.

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Millefiori Earrings

I made these darling earrings for my friend Trish. They are made with square Millefiori Glass beads, round Swarovski Crystals in a pretty shade of blue, Sterling Silver flat beads. Millefiori means thousand flowers in Italian - no green thumb or the florist needed for these beautiful flowers! Happy Birthday Trish!

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Slashes of Color...

Autumn Leaf Necklace
This 17" necklace is made with Carnelian gemstone chips, a Hill Tribe leaf pendant, Sterling Silver round beads, and a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw clasp.

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Spice is Nice

17.5" necklace is created with Mexican Multi Agate Oval beads, Hermatite 6mm and 4mm round beads, Sterling Silver round and flat beads and a Sterling Silver Lobster Claw clasp.

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Cinnamon Bliss
20.5" necklace features Multi colored glass oval beads, Rainbow Poppy Jasper 6mm round beads, Copper Freshwater Pearls, Sterling Silver melon, round and flat beads, Sterling Silver Lobster Claw clasp.

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Simply Salt & Pepper

This beautiful lanyard is made using 6mm Czech glass Black Bicone beads, Clear Seed Bead mix and a lanyard clasp.

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Medieval Crafts

Last week the kids worked on a craft project from The Krafty Kid, here is the link to see what all the completed projects look like in this pack. Gene made the knight's shield project...


Nicole did the golden goblet, here are the finished projects.

These are great because our studies are in the Medieval time period, so the kids are learning and having a bit of fun too and it didn't require me to run around collecting anything for the craft! Not sure what we will do this week, we have several options! This is GREAT.

Purple Princess

For princess Nicole's birthday I made her a name bracelet. I used stretchy cord, 6mm square Cat's Eye beads, Czech glass faceted two-tone round beads, seed beads and acrylic alphabet beads. All pretty in the her favorite color - purple.

Here is the princess wearing her new bracelet. I did have to tell her that we take off our jewelry to take a bath and that we don't sleep in our jewelry! I think she likes the bracelet.

Bright and Beautiful

Check out my new multi-colored 17" Freshwater pearl necklace, the colors are stunning. I made the necklace and earrings last week, the bracelet was an earlier project. I wore the set this past Sunday to church, with a gray suit and eggplant colored blouse, the necklace set was perfect.

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I choose two of the neutral colors to make the earrings...

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Here is the complete set together - I love it!

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New Fruit of the Spirit Bracelet

Take a look at the beautiful Fruit of the Spirit bracelet that Rachel commissioned me to make for her mother's birthday present. This one features 8mm Swarovski crystals in bicones, cubes and faceted rounds, along with Sterling Silver round and flat beads, and a heart shaped toggle clasp. It is dazzling!

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Here is what each color of the bracelet represents:

Love - Gold

Joy - Purple

Peace - Blue

Patience - Pink

Kindness - White

Goodness - Light Pink

Faithfulness - Dark Green

Gentleness - Light Green

Self-control - Yellow

I made up jewelry tags, here is one along with the Fruit of the Spirit bracelet, I think it is too cute, the flower is one of those rub offs from my scrapbook stash, I had planned to embellish the front with ribbon but didn't leave myself enough room, maybe on the next batch - so I used ribbon to attach the tag to the bracelet. So cute.

Rachel, I'm sure that your mother will love and enjoy the bracelet, if possible take her picture with it so that I can post it to the blog and I'll be able to see her beautiful face with her beautiful new bracelet. Happy birthday Rachel's mom!

New Baubles and Holiday Bead Challenge

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These are my latest earrings, I needed a darker blue pair of earrings, and came up with these lovely baubles, they have a nice vintage look about them. Made with blue Czech faceted round glass beads, Bali flat spacer, corrugated Sterling Silver round beads on a lever back ear wire. The blue beads were some left overs from an earlier project, so I have a matching bracelet already!

Holiday Bead Challenge

One of the local bead shops, BeadL Jewlz is having a holiday Bead Challenge. Create a bracelet using all the green beads, some of the seed beads and bugle beads in the bag. I can add my own sterling silver, gold-filled or copper beads and of course a clasp to the bracelet. A couple of ideas are floating around in my head, but I'm still in the pondering stages. It will be interesting to see how many different styles of bracelets will be displayed in the store. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Parent Meeting

My homeschool group Teaching Our Own Legacy (TOOL) had the privilege of having Rick Boyer at our parent meeting last night. Mr. Boyer is one of the early trailblazers of the home-education movement. He and his wife, Marilyn, have taught their 14 children at home, kindergarten through high school, since 1980. Rick has spoken at homeschooling conventions across the U.S. as well as overseas, and has authored several books on Christian parenthood and home education. He and Marilyn operate The Learning Parent, a ministry to home-teaching families.

Rick’s talk for our parent meeting was titled Starting Right- Staying Right. He gave us some practical wisdom about educating our children at home that was very encouraging, not to mention entertaining!

I purchased two books - it is extremely hard for me to resist a book, and I thought I did very well keeping it to just two! One book is actually a Bible Study for the kids on how to apply the fruit of the Spirit to our lives, it is recommended for middle school students, but I'm sure it can be tweaked for Nicole.

Birthday Bracelets

Here is the bracelet I made for my sister-in-law Marcia. It features Carnelian gemstone beads, Swarovski Crystal Beads in green and brown bicones, and Sterling Silver flat spacer beads. This will go great with brown, green, and blue. Does this say happy Fall or what!

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This bracelet is for my friend Tracey, who shares the same birthday as Nicole. Her bracelet features oval Snake Skin Jasper gemstones, a Sterling Silver "Inspire" message bead and Sterling Silver round beads. When I saw the message bead I thought of Tracey, I love that the message bead mimics the gemstone, the colors are warm and earthy.

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Happy birthday ladies! I hope you both love and will enjoy your gifts!