Catching Up

Wow I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post. I’ve been so busy that I nearly meet myself coming and going. So here’s what I’ve been up to: organizing the annual Christmas Home Tour for our city, helping organize the Christmas Program at our church, attending a few school functions, writing long-overdue thank you notes, trying to figure out ways to promote my business, attempting to clean of my end of the kitchen island where I tend to stack papers (the other half belongs to my husband—the island has really become a dumping ground for important papers), and the usual laundry, bills, dishes, bookkeeping,

and this…….

Erin Prais-Hintz is hosting a Challenge of Color Blog Hop using color palettes from Jessica Colaluca of Design Seeds. The palette Erin chose for me is Island Play (after my request to stay with blues). It’s a lovely palette, but so far I’ve only had time to pull out some beads I thought matched the palette. Hopefully I can come up with a design before the contest ends. There are 52 participants. Be sure to check back on the 30th to see what everyone has created.




and this……

Getting ready for my youngest daughter’s birthday. Sarah turns 15 today, and my how the time has flown! This photo (actually a photo of a photo) was taken when she was almost two years old. She’s grown to be a beautiful, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, artistic, athletic young woman. I know she will do amazing things.



and this…..

I’m also participating in Sally Russick’s Ornament Swap/Blog Hop. I can’t show you what I’m working on as it is supposed to be a surprise for my partner, Erin Prais-Hintz. But I can tell you it will be sparkly. Stay tuned for the blog hop on December 17th. This is the first time I’ve participated in a handmade ornament swap, and I’m excited to see what everyone makes!



And last, but not least, I’ve been the lucky winner of a few blog giveaways, and would like to share them here with you---something I should have done weeks ago (my apologies to the artists).

From the talented lampwork glass artist Jane Perla, is a lovely ruffled flower and two green leaves. Check out Jane’s etsy site to see her wonderful offerings. I guarantee you will be drooling.



And from artist Shannon Levart who does wonderful things with metal and patina, this beautiful pile of shiny copper goodness.


photo from misficlkemedia's blog

And from Patty Gasparino, this very lovely bracelet customized just for me. Check out her sweet etsy shop where you’ll find more of her delightful creations.



And if you've stayed with me during this long post, I commend you. I hope to find a rhythm in posting here on the blog, but I'm not making any promises.

Tomorrow, count your blessings, and smile at someone--it just might turn their day around.