Look What I Got!

This gorgeous datebook journal by Greg Johnson has been on my mind since my sister-in-law gave one as a gift to her mother a few years ago. Since then I’ve not been able to get my hands on one—until now. When it arrived in my mailbox I was like a little child, tearing away at the packaging to get a peek inside. The calendar brings to mind a gently worn book. Inside are lovely seasonal works of art, along with inspirational quotes.





This would make a wonderful Christmas present for someone special. You can get the 2012 calendar here at Curious Sofa. I just received word from Debbie that she received a shipment of 40 journals. They go fast so get them before they’re gone. And while you’re there, check out the lovely Curious Sofa blog. Debbie offers delightful found goods, along with other treats and eye candy there. Thank you Debbie, for letting me use your photos!



And check out these beautiful beads from Sue Beads. I fell in love with her sweet glass headpins and just had to have some. While I was there, the bead sets caught my eye, and somehow fell into my cart as well.



A while back I won these lovely pendants from Kristi Roeder with Artisan Clay. That round one has chipped glass in the middle, and the photo doesn’t do it justice. It reminds me of a hidden pool tucked away in a forest, and illuminated by a beam of sunlight from above.



And this amazing pendant came from Staci Louise. She makes the most amazing, unique jewelry and components. You just have to check out her etsy shop! Have you ever seen such a great piece? Look and the wonderful texture and patina! I was lucky enough to snatch it up before anyone else got it.



This has nothing to do with the current subject, but it’s something you will want to check out. Heather from Post Road Vintage is hosting a great giveaway of a $50 gift certificate to Urban Farmgirl’s etsy shop. I’ve got my eye on a few items, like an antique crayon box and other goodies. There’s seven, yes seven ways to win! How fun is that!

And last but not least, please scroll down to yesterday’s post about artists helping artists.

Wishing you a delightful weekend filled with candy canes, cocoa, twinkle lights, and warm hugs.

The Reveal

I just love participating in Andrew Thornton’s monthly challenges. His kits are filled with the most delightful surprises. The October kit was blue, my favorite color and right up my alley—well except for the skull bead he included. I’ve never used one of these in my jewelry before, but it seemed fitting considering it was almost Halloween.


Andrew's October Kit

For some reason I went dainty with my creations this time. I never know what my customers are going to want, but it seems that they gravitate to the simple pieces. Maybe it’s because they can be worn any time for any occasion, whereas the fuller and more artistic pieces are somewhat limited as to where they can be worn.

The first necklace includes one of Sue Beads lovely glass headpins. It reminded me of a tiny snowflake, and so the title of the necklace was born. Also included from the kit are various pearls and crystals which were used to make the chain link on one side. A sweet little lampwork bead from LGL Artists sits on top of the ‘snowflake’ headpin. Vintaj components are also included.


'And Soon Comes Winter'

I received a large order of Vintaj products just before I was making this bracelet, and the sweet ‘Soaring Sparrow’ was begging to be included. A couple crystals from the kit flank the sparrow, and the blue beads are from the luxury bead blend also from the kit. Again more Vintaj components—I just love their stuff!


'Midnight Flight'

The inspiration for the second necklace came from Keith O’Connor’s ceramic blue swirl bead which was included in the kit. I used it as part of the focal along with sterling hammered links on either side, and a gunmetal chain.


'Twilight Zone'

I have never made miss-matched earrings before, but the skull bead seemed suited for this. The second earring sports a carved bead, and both include pearls, crystals-all from the kit, and gunmetal chain. I love the idea of miss-matched earrings and will be doing more of these in the future.


'Dead of Night'

I was determined to use everything in the kit but I just ran out of time and wasn’t able to use the pretty terra-cotta bead from Rare Earth Beads, and the silver ball chain.

I had a lot of fun with this kit! Be sure to check Andrew’s blog on November 4th for links to the other participants, or click on the links below:

Shay Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/
Michelle Hardy http://fireflyvisions.blogspot.com/
Rosemarie Cowit http://www.gemrosedesigns.blogspot.com/
Cilla Watkins http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com/
Christina Porter http://www.QueenBeeDesignsNY.com/
Collette Collins http://fireflymyst.blogspot.com/
Mary Govaars http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com/
Cindy Cima Edwards http://www.cindycima.com/
Jessica Nelson http://stilettospirituality.blogspot.com/
Tara Linda http://taralinda.wordpress.com/
Alice Peterson http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com/ --you're here!
Lisa Lodge http://pineridgetreasures.blogspot.com/
Cece Cormier http://www.thebeadingyogini.com/
Karin Slaton http://backstorybeads.blogspot.com/
Sandi Volpe http://www.sandivolpe.com/
Kate Richbourg http://katerichbourg.blogspot.com/
Sue Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com/
Michelle Mach http://www.michellemach.com/blog/
Andrew Thornton http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/