AJE November Component of the Month

I was happy to get a chance to play with Kristen Steven's darling beaded beads as part of the Art Jewelry Component of the month for November.

When the beads arrived in the mail I was so excited that I forgot to snap a photo of them, but I'll bet you can guess which ones they are.

I wanted to do a bracelet or necklace with them instead of the obvious earrings. I tried several designs, none of which turned out the image I had in my head.

It seems these beads were destined to be earrings after all.

 

'Shenandoah's Daughter'

Kristen's beaded beads, polymer beads from Heather Powers (which I've been hoarding for some time) Vintaj curved tubes and brass earwires.

 

My inspiration came from two places. When I was young we would visit my grandparents on my mother's side every Sunday evening. We chowed down on salty popcorn while watching the Lawrence Welk Show and I remember them singing a lovely song 'Oh Shenandoah'.  And recently I heard it again on TV as they were showing re-runs. I don't think that kind of talent is around anymore.

Wait, I just realized I'm showing my age with that bit of information!

 

The second inspiration was our trip to on the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer. We had intended to get all the way up to the Shenandoah Park but were unable to due to heavy fog.  But the beautiful green trees and rugged trails and lovely waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway were awe inspiring and I wanted to incorporate that beauty in these earrings.

 

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

 

Please check out the Art Jewelry Elements Blog to see what everyone else made.

 



52 Weeks Giving Thanks

Our assignment this week is all about giving thanks.

I have a long list of things to be thankful for:  A nice home, a great family and in laws, 

a caring church family and a wonderful community that pulls together when anyone is in need.

I'm most thankful for our little family--a wonderful husband and wonderful children who are kind and caring, intelligent and not afraid to strike out on their own.

Our kiddos at the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer

The kids and my husband.

I do believe if I were to make a list of all the things I am thankful for the list would never end.  Each and every day I am blessed with something new: a wonderful sunrise, or a box of my favorite chocolates, or a call from one of the older kids who are out of state, a hug from my youngest, or a day just to do nothing.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1

I'm in a magazine

 

Thanks to Jo Tinley who asked for some photos and a little write up about my jewelry, which the magazine expanded on with some very nice comments.

I'm so thrilled to be in this magazine!

I'm on page 38.

 

Thanks so much Jo!!!!!

 



52 Weeks Reflect

Week 46, can you believe it?  

As Sally indicated in her email, the holiday season is coming quickly, whether we are ready or not. Our assignment is to take a moment and reflect on all the joy, peace and happiness and love before the hustle and bustle is upon us.

I love the season of Advent almost as much as I love celebrating Christmas. 

Advent is as much reflecting as it is looking forward.

This is a  "Li Bien" Ornament from Pier One.  I have been purchasing them for several years now, for keepsakes for our kids, for myself and also as a gift to my Sunday School teachers who sacrifice their time to teach our little ones.

The art of Li Bien-or 'inside painting originated in China during the Qing Dynasty-a respected art for over 200 years. These ornaments are blown and hand painted by a master artist. Every year Pier One offers a variety of ornaments which are all lovely.  This one is for our own tree.

I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

and on earth peace among those whom he favors!

~Luke 11

Rim Rock Farm Lawrence Kansas

Our youngest daughter runs Cross Country and recently qualified for State.

The Rim Rock course in Lawrence Kansas is absolutely gorgeous, especially in Autumn. On the other hand the course is the most challenging Cross Country course in the country and can be brutal for the runners. One hill is named Suicide Hill, and another is so steep and sometimes muddy they  put ropes for the runners to help pull themselves up.

 

Here are some of the things that make this so beautiful. The only editing I did was cropping and a bit of  fill light.

 

 

 

If you look closely you can see tombstones in the cemetery.

 

 

 

 

Our daughter on the left with the goofy hat, along with her coaches and team mate.

After a long illness at the start of the season our daughter worked hard to get in shape. She placed 29th at state.

Yep, we are very proud parents.

 

You can read about the history of the place and the generous donation of the Timmons Family.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Goodies in the Mail

Source

 

I love it when I get goodies in the mail, don't you?  Here are a few I recently received.  Please try not to drool all over your keyboard.

 

After participating in the Autumn Design Challenge I fell in love with Caroline Dewson's beads and just had to have more of them.  These wonderful beads arrive today. Aren't they yummy?

 

 

These gorgeous ceramic cuffs are from Cindy Kovar at Captured Moments.  Cindy makes all kinds of wonderful things.  Go check out her shop.

 

 

These gorgeous enameled drops and pendants are from bluhealer. But she also makes gorgeous glass beads.  I've already made a pair of earrings with another set of drops.  You can see them here.

 

 

 

 



52 Weeks Industrial

Our assignment this week is to try our hand at Industrial Photography.

Living in a very tiny town does not afford much in the way of industrial shots but here goes.

Industrial from another era.

A fire starter for our grill. I love the rust,

Inside the fire starter.

As Always, thanks for stopping by.