Heather's Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge

I don't know about you but I seem to do better at getting to the bead table when I have a little nudge.

Heather Powers is hosting a Jewelry Making Mojo Challenge on her blog.

Every Monday she posts a suggestion to get the creative juices flowing.

This week we are to create our own 'bead soup' from our stash and hopefully make something with it.

So here are the beads I chose from my stash.

You might notice the bright colors, and that's because I am so ready to leave winter behind and  for spring to take it's place.

My bead soup has some wonderful enameled beads and clasp from Bead Swede Studios, and the cutest little lampwork spacers from the Spacer Bead Shop plus a lovely charm from Gaea

And here is what I made: I switched out the round clasp for a longer one from Bead Swede.

'Hurry Up Spring"

Join the fun and link up on Heather's blog.

Thirty Words Thursday Kansas!

Kansas!
I've lived here all my life.

Kansas!

Beautiful prairies

And wide open places

Kansas!

Where the night sky puts on a show

Kansas!

I can't imagine living anywhere else.

This photo was taken on the Tallgrass Prairie, one of the few stands of tallgrass prairie grasses left.

We were treated to a lovely symphony followed by a cattle drive, and lastly the sunset  a huge ball of fire, mother natures gift.

Sadly these prairies are being bough up for other uses.

Focus on Life Color

This week is all about color which is a welcome change from the snow and bare branches.

My oldest daughter made this poster for our youngest girl. 

I love the bright and cheery colors  as well as the message.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

Check out Sally's Blog to see more photos.

Earrings Everyday Earring Challenge

I'm so happy that Earrings Everyday is hosting a monthly Earring Challenge.

Above is our inspiration photo.

I mostly focused on color and texture from the photo.

'Flight of the Dragonfly'

Enameled drops by Bead Swede

Lampwork spacers by Studio Jules

Beaded beads by Beadworks by KAS

And of course Vintaj components

Check out the Earrings Everyday blog to see more earrings.

Thirty Words Thursday

The simplest of things in life are the most fun.

A mound of dirt is all that is needed for these kids to enjoy.

Stretching their imaginations

No electronics needed.

The Back Story

For years our family would  go on adventures every Sunday afternoon.

My dad led these adventures always thinking of new places to visit.

This is at my uncles's farm where a watershed was being constructed.

My kids and their cousins are at the top of the world and having a blast.

Grandpa pulling up the grand kids on a huge pile of dirt.

Grandpa is now 83 but still keeps going.

We don't have as many adventures any more but his grand kids will remember the good times.

Check out Erin's blog to see more photos

30 Words Thursday Wanderlust

Right about now I get wanderlust

thanks to my mom and dad

we took a family vacation every year

and now we do the same with our own little family

A shot from the Navy Pier in Chicago

We are blessed

30 Words Thursday

 

A Winter Wonderland

It snowed and snowed all day and night

When morning came

So did the wind

Sending the snow into mounds and shapes

It was a lovely sight



Focus on Life Getting Outside

 

Our Assignment this week is to get outside.

 

This nest hung on through winter storms  and heavy winds.

Notice the bit of colorful string at the bottom.