Harmony Jewelry Designs and Wood Crafts's Fan Box

About Me

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I am the wife of a wonderful man, mother of three children,and grandma of six. I make jewelry and run my own business along with running the family business. I love meeting new people as well as helping to promote fellow artists.

May 16, 2009

Wood Burning, Pictures, Mother's Day

Running a bit behind this month, well, as usual! lol Seems like May is so busy. Trying to get ready for craft shows and festivals, helping out at the school, filling wood burn orders, etc. Since I have my new camera I have been spending some time outside. I found a photo that I had taken when we had snow back in Jan. 2009 so I blew it up, framed it and listed it on Etsy(www.beautywithin.etsy.com). It turned out so good! Here is a picture of the listing. I am also adding a picture of one of my custom orders for wood burning.

Here are a few more pictures I had taken of clouds. My daughter and I were coming home from her violin lesson and while at the stop light I noticed how beautifully white and defined the clouds were that day. I did not have my camera on me so I had to wait until I arrived home to capture the magnificents of God's work. I ran inside and grabbed my camera and went to the front yard and stood there in amazement! I think, like a lot of other people, that we stay so busy and really don't take the time to notice the beauty of things that we are blessed with on a daily basis. I have tried to make it a point to notice things now. The clouds just caught my eye that day and I could not imagine a world without the beauty of the sun and clouds in the sky.



I will close with some of my Mother's Day pictures. I am very fortunate to still have my mom, and my dad, so this day is very special since I know people that are very close and dear to me that have lost their mother. My son's girlfriend, Tiffany, is one of them. Tiffany lost her mom a few months ago so I know that this day had to be a difficult one for her. I hope that some how spending time with us lifted her just a little. I missed my oldest daughter and my grandchildren not being there though.


May 9, 2009

So Toughing and Horse Camp (girls)

Happy Saturday Everyone!! It is beautiful here in SC so it looks like we will be able to go to the horse show in Lowrys. For those of you that have girls ages 9-14, there is a wonderful camp I can recommend if your girls love horses. www.bandsfarms.com Just click on the Cowgirls Weekend Horse camp banner. I know Bonnie personally and can tell you that your child will be in the best care possible! You can also get a list of the upcoming Horse Shows. See ya there!

I was sent this video from a very dear friend and warning, get the tissues! It is so touching!
Please enjoy and have a wonderful day until next time.

May 4, 2009

Take A Peek Jewelry and Wonderful B and B!

Jewelry


As you can tell from my "mini Etsy" to the side, I have some new listings. I did a few crosses and was very pleased with the out come. My mom was having a fit over them and was telling me about how one would go with this outfit and the other would go with this other outfit I have and so on. She is so funny! Every time I make something it convenietly goes with something she owns. She is one of my best customers! lol Anyway, outside of the crosses I have also been making some flower earrings. These earrings are very light and all are on sterling silver except one which I put on 14k gold filled (this will be the first picture below). Some like the sterling and while others like the 14k gold fill so I have plenty of supplies for both. I have not posted these on Etsy yet so you get the first viewing of them. I hope to add them later today or first thing in the morning.









I am working on my website to get my jewelry listed on pages rather than the webstore since my limit is 30 items. I do have some vintage pins that I have/will list in the webstore. That is why I have been making sure to list most everything on Etsy for the time being. http://www.harmonyjewelrydesign.com/ will have all of my jewelry soon. :)


The B&B (Bread and Breakfast)
I had been invited to be a part of "Southern Porch & Garden Party" put on by the Arts Council of Chester County. I was located at An Inn on York Street. When I arrived to set up I was amazed at the size of the yard! The front yard had a brick and iron fence with a gate entrance. Once you entered you drive down a paved driveway which will take you to a small parking area.
I went in to find out where I was to set up and I know my chin had to have hit the floor when I walked in the front door! I saw this beautiful entry way that was absolutely breathtaking. I was then greeted by this gentleman named Mark. He went out on the front porch to show me where I would need to set up. During our set up I met his wife Sandie. She brought my mom and I something to drink and chatted with us for a few minutes. We then toured this most remarkable and beautiful home. I have attached a link so that you can see a slideshow get a glimpse of what beauty we were graced with. They did their own decorating! http://www.flickr.com/photos/harmonyjewelrydesign/sets/72157617600198829/show/
We spoke with Mark and Sandie finding out where they were from, how they came to end up in such a small town as Chester, SC & about the decor of their home. This couple is from England and have such a beautiful British accent. When they were looking for a home in the US they were wanting a place that had all four seasons. They had heard about this house being for sale and felt the Chester, SC was such a nice southern town with a relaxed and slower pace. It didn't hurt that there are golf courses nearby. Once they decided to make their home into a Bed and Breakfast they wanted to make this an opportunity to attract golfer couples to our area. They have "Unique Golf Holidays" which they will book and arrange to your liking. There are more than 20 golf courses within 35 minutes of this Inn. You will be able to golf and when finished arrive here to be pampered. There are four large en-suite guest rooms with each one having its own name. The Ernest Hemmingway Suite, Mark Twain Suite, Noel Coward Suite and Oscar Wilde Suite all beautifully furnished, air-conditioned, equipped with a plasma DVD televisions and comes with cotton robes and slippers!
If you would like more information about this historical Inn you may go to their website at http://www.innonyorkstreet.com/ or email them at info@innonyorkstreet.com.

April 15, 2009

On This Fine Wednesday!

Good morning to all of my readers and followers. I have been reading everyone else's blogs and neglected my own in the process. I was able to get a background done, (which took me a whole day) with a more pleasing, springy ombeonce. There is so much to learn about blogging! If any of you out there have any suggestions, please send them my way!

Yesterday I was featured in http://www.gemsbyjerri.blogspot.com/ Go by and check it out and learn a little bit more about me.

Jewelry
I have two pair of earrings that I have made and have listed on Etsy. I usually list them here first but did things backwards this time! If you know me then you also know that I sometimes do things backwards. lol Well here goes.






I had some Rose Gold filled wire sitting around and decided that I could use it for Spring. These earrings are what I came up with which are very light and colorful. The links are enclosed with a hammered texture. They are accented with Swarovski crystals which are green and pink. I love these two colors together. The ear wires are also handmade and accented with a Swarovski crystal. I have twisted the ear wires to help prevent slippage in the ear. I love long and/or big earrings and these cuties hang about 3 1/2"









Turquoise is one of my favorite stones! I guess I can attribute it to being born in New Mexico.

The individually wrapped each stone and then strategically attached them to a sterling silver chain. The ear wires were handmade by me. I twisted the sterling silver wire (to help prevent slippage) then formed it to a design that I find elegant and accented it with a sterling silver bead. They have a drop of approx. 2 1/2"





I just received my shipment of AAA gemstones and can't wait to make some pieces from them! I would like to know from my readers if you prefer sets to be (earrings and a bracelet) or (earrings and a necklace) or (a bracelet and a necklace)? Your input would be so appreciated.






Wishing everyone a Happy Wednesday!

April 8, 2009

Just For Fun

With the economy being as it is I thought I might try to put a smile on your face or just make you roll with laughter! I am working on some jewelry and will try to post on that later today if I get a chance before church.




This is me when I have more things to do than I have time to do!




Here goes:::::::Note: These are not meant to offend anyone! My mom (a senior) sent me the senior jokes.



1. I'M SO GLAD I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS!
The correct way to weigh yourself





I can't believe Iʼve been doing it wrong all these years!!



WE MUST SPREAD THE WORD.

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2. THE PURINA DIET

Yesterday I was buying 2 large bags of Purina dog chow at Wal-Mart, for my dogs Winston, Chief, Gus, and Maximus. I was about to check out when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think that I had an elephant?

Since I had little else to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, and that I was starting the Purina Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I ended up in the hospital last time. On the bright side though, I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of every hole in my body and IVs in both arms.


I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load our pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was enthralled with my story by now.)

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food had poisoned me. I told her no; I had stopped in the middle of the parking lot to lick my butt and a car hit me.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard!

WAL-MART won't let me shop there anymore.

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3. I thought this was funny! When I was young I can remember singing incorrect words to a song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RgL2MKfWTo

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4.















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This one is just something to think about, especially during bad times.




The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew wha t must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggag e, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.


I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.


I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.


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I am going to leave you with some pictures that I took this week. Have a great day until next time.........










These were all taken in my yard.

April 6, 2009

Twittering is addictive, and more!

I have found and learned so many things on twitter I cannot even begin to tell you. I will list a few of the people that I follow but remember, there are many many more! It is amazing to connect with people that you would have never met other wise. I have connected to people that sell on Etsy along with me. As you know, I make jewelry so many of these people are in the same field.

Here are a few to start with:

*aflyonthewall http://tucsongemshow.blogspot.com/ Awesome, awesome info! Wonderful friend too!



*tangokjewelry http://tangok.blogspot.com/ Art show tips etc.

I have also been taking a few photos which you can see on my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/harmonyjewelrydesign/ as well as working on some pieces of jewelry, some of which I have listed on my etsy site @ BeautyWithin.etsy.com. Here is some pix of a few.




Well, that is all for now folks. Have a wonderful Monday and see you again soon :)

April 5, 2009

I love making jewelry that you don't see just anywhere! Jewelry that has it's own personality and conforms to the person wearing it.
If you enjoy unique you will love these earrings! I started off with metallic looking Hemalyke circles. I then pulled out my Swarovski Pearls to find a color (copper) that I felt would contrast against the circle. I then designed a way for the pearl to appear as if it were floating within the circle. This was done with sterling silver wire. This creation is attached to a sterling silver ear wire that I have adorned with some copper wrapping to tie in with the pearl. These earrings dangle about 2” from the ear hole.

March 18, 2009

God Tries Our Hearts

A wonderful friend of mine wrote this on his blog yesterday. It just seems fitting during these hard times. Please go by and check out his blog for more inspiration.

Blessings, Sam

Yesterday at 9:24pm

(this is from my latest blog entry

http://pastorhenry.blogspot.com )


1Thes 2:4
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV)



Admittedly, I Thessalonians is one of the earlier writings we have from Paul (some commentators believe it to be his earliest letter). Nevertheless, Paul had enough experience under his belt to speak with authority to the Thessalonian believers. Earlier in this chapter (just two verses prior), Paul refers to his sufferings at Philippi.

To make a long story (very) short, Paul's ministry seemed to have been cut short in Philippi. He casts a demon out of a woman, ends up in prison as his reward, and God supernaturally delivers him (the account is found in Acts 16 if anyone wants to read the back-story). They were kindly asked to leave the city shortly thereafter (Acts 16:39).

When Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers, he assures them that his motives in preaching the Gospel were pure. His purity of motives could be trusted, because he affirmed that God continually tried his heart. The word translated as "trieth" (in the KJV) is the Greek word 'dokimazo'. It means: to test, discern, examine, prove, etc.

Without a doubt, Paul's life was filled with difficulties. You will rarely hear a sermon about this, but when Jesus called Paul to the ministry, He remarked about the "great things" Paul would have to suffer (Acts 9:16). Doubtless, the trials Paul endured (read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 for a brief summary of what life was like for Paul), helped to purify his motives.

There are times, when I am confident that my motives for ministry are 100% pure. Rarely do I sense or feel the need for God to try me and see if that's the case. But the Word of God tells me that He will try my heart, to make sure my motives are pure. More often than not, He will use adversity as a tool of refinement. Just when I think that I've been tested enough, I'm reminded that I'm no better than Paul. Scripture would seem to indicate that Paul was continually on trial from the devil, from his critics, and from those who sought to undermine his efforts.

So the next time you are going through a difficult season of life, try to take a positive approach to it all. I know it's much easier said than done, but try to remember that God loves us enough to help us keep our motives pure. Jesus gave an example in the famous "sermon on the mount" that illustrates this point. He said it's possible to do "the right thing" for the wrong reasons (praying, giving, and fasting). Let's not forget that why we do what we do is as important as what we do.

Until next time...
-H2

February 20, 2009

Better late than never! Right?

For those of you that love giveaways here are some sites that will thrill you! They are sites that I have ran across through my mompack.com group. The blogs are awesome and the webstores are outstanding! We truly believe in promoting and supporting each other. I have an abundance of links on my website (www.harmonyjewelrydesign.com) if you will go to the family friendly links page as well as the mompack links page. These are work at home moms with an abundance of knowledge as well as compassion for families. Well, here are some of the blogs:

http://mud-bug.com/

http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/ Check out her "Cool Stuff Link"!

http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/ This is a review site.

http://www.gseemoore.blogspot.com/

http://afamilycompleted.blogspot.com/

http://www.moodymamasays.com/

http://mommasgoneoverthewall.blogspot.com/

http://donna444444.blogspot.com/

http://thriftymaven.com/

http://momgiveaways.com/

http://bloggersgive.com/

http://mommybloggerdirectory.com/

If you have a blog that you feel would benefit people please email me and I will list you. Family friendly please.

If you would like for me to do a review of your product, please email me.

February 18, 2009

A Gloomy Wednesday

I woke up this morning only to find that one side of my face was throbbing! Those darn sinuses! I am thankful though because it could always be worse!

Anyway, I have entered two of my dogs in a photo contest (http://photocontest.humanesociety.org/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=27710&contestId=1) so please go vote for them. It is for a really good cause. While I was looking through the pictures and reading all of the stories I realized that there really are people out there that care about misplaced, neglected, abused, and abandoned animals. Don't get me wrong, I do what I can for people as well! We have even thought about becoming foster parents hoping that somehow we can make a difference in a child's life. It just seems that the animals have no voice therefore we have to step up a speak for them. There is another contest going on that I am encouraging a local shelter/rescue that I am involved with to engage in with the hopes that we can get all of you to vote for them. Once I have spoken with them I will update you on this contest. Meanwhile, the photo contest is in its last week to please hurry and go vote. If you are interested in seeing photos of all my animals, please let me know and I will post them. I have been trying to work with my photography and photoshop to improve the appearance of my photos. I LOVE taking pictures!

I am also going to be working on some jewelry today so if you get a chance come by my jewelry blog and see what is going on. http://harmonyjewelrydesign.multiply.com/. I am also working on a jewelry blog on blogger but for right now my blogger has everything together since I cross blog. You can find this blog here: http://sammieo.blogspot.com/

I am also going to be featuring some blogs that are having giveaways as well as wonderful information so stay tuned in to future post. If I get a chance I may get to it today before church but if not I will try to get it done sometime this week.

February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!! and more........

I hope that this day find you all well. I just wanted to drop a note and wish you all a Wonderful and Happy Valentine's Day! From my heart to yours.

Last night my daughter went to her first Sweetheart dance and my son was her escort. She has really long hair and so I took her to the salon for an updo. She LOVED it! She is my last child so I am trying so hard to absorb the things that I missed out on with my first two.

I was also able to meet my son's wonderful girlfriend! This girl is so down to earth, unlike the previous one, and I really like her. My biggest hope is that he is happy and that the one he finally chooses will treat him good. I also hope that he treats her well in return though! I would be really proud if this one is the one! It is about time for him to settle down and I think that she would be the perfect one.

Thoughts...................

I am really curious as to how this new stimulus package is going to help our economy! How is giving these banks and big companies going to help the people that are losing their houses or have already lost their house? Maybe I am just not seeing the big picture! I just do not see the logic in this package. Can anyone out there enlighten me on the logic in this package? My husband went to a youth conference where one of the Pastor's had done some math. I can't quote verbatim but it was something like this, "If they took the 8 trillion dollars and divided it among Americans 18 years and older, it would put approx. 400,000 in the American people's pocket to where they could pay their mortgages and bills which in turn would help the economy because then they could resume shopping which would supply a need for more jobs instead of not having jobs or their homes anymore". But you see, if we pay off our mortgages then the banks lose money and they don't want that so they (Washington) helps the big guys instead of the people! Bailing out the ones that partially created this economic problem to begin with. The ones that make MONEY and get outrageous bonuses. Again, if someone can show me something that I may not be seeing, please let me know. I feel so helpless because we struggle ourselves and are unable to help people we know financially. One of my bbfs is in the foreclosure process and fighting against all odds to keep her home. This is just an ordinary home, not a mansion. She just lost her job because the company closed it's doors! And I know she is not alone in this type situation but how is this new package going to help ones like her? There are a few mortgage companies that won't work with you until you have gone to court for foreclosure proceedings. It is almost as though they want to lose that money by foreclosing so they can get a bailout or a huge tax write off! I am seriously considering going into law! I use to work for an attorney but my heart just broke over some of the cases and I ended up babysitting after hours or running errands for the clients and just got to close to the cases. But is that not what the law is all about? Trying to help people? It doesn't always turn out that way! I watched a special last night about the people in Appalachia. What an eye opener! I will never complain about what I don't have again! If you missed it go to http://www.abc.com/, look for 20/20 and I think you can stream it on your computer. I actually get depressed at times because I want to help people but don't have the means to do it.

Well, I going to sign off now. Wishing you all love and blessings until the next time................

December 6, 2008

New Site for Jewelry and Updates

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I have finally got the jewelry blog up. Just remember that it is work in process though. Please go by and check it out and add me as a contact if you are interested in my jewelry. http://harmonyjewelrydesign.multiply.com/

Once again, it has been a while but we have all been sick over the past few months and then the Friday before Thanksgiving we had to lay Billy's uncle to rest after an awful struggle with bone cancer. They we had and have school plays and concerts it seems every weekend until Christmas. I hope to be able to add some photos and maybe even a short video of the violin concert that Gab had today. I may be able to add them tomorrow after church.

I just wanted to let everyone know that my prayers are with you all during these economically hard times that I think is affecting everyone including my family. My oldest daughter was about to lose her house and one of my best friends received her foreclosure papers on her house.

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed weekend,

Sammie

September 30, 2008

Reorganization!!

Hello to all my friends and contacts. I realize that it has been a really long time since my last post, which has brought me to a decision. I am going to leave "My Place of Relaxation" here and post things going on that do not involve my jewelry. I will be doing a new blog for my jewelry and will keep you posted once I have it up and running.

It has been a very busy time for me since my husband and I decided (with much prayer and consideration!) to send our daughter to public school. I have homeschooled from the beginning and would have begun 3rd grade this year. Therefore, Gab had never set foot in a public school before and I was really apprehensive about this decision but decided to trust God and let her go. The experience so far has been wonderful! She is having a little bit of difficulty adjusting to a few students not following the rules and her being the rule police! But all in all she is doing extremely well. She is acing all of her subjects (thank God since that would have been a reflection on me!) and brought home all A's on her first Midterm! She was also given an assessment along with all of the others in the elementary school and scored above average. She lets us know when it is time to go to bed so that she will get enough sleep for school the next day. She LOVES school and being around children on a daily basis. I stay on top of the curriculum that she is being taught and stay in touch with her teacher. I can even email her during the day to get status! I could not do that with my adult children when they were in school! Of course, we still do our Chris Centered foundation building at home since that is not the schools responsibility to begin with.

That has freed me up to get some things done that have been put off through the years because I took my homeschooling very seriously. I started with our recording studio and repair shop. That took approximately a month! Still need to paint but it is now organized. Then I hit the storage areas. We have two upstairs on each end of the house and one in the hallway upstairs. I never knew what a pack rat we were until I went to organize these areas. That took an entire weekend! Needless to say we are Fall cleaning!

Pets - This was Blackie

Last week was not a good week for me! I am an animal lover and I have/had 12 dogs, 4 cats, and two fish. My 15-yr. old dog (Blackie) developed vestibular syndrome last November and due to the fact that he was blind had a very difficult time trying to recover. For about a week there I had to give him water with a syringe and feed him by hand. He eventually got to the point that he could drink and eat on his own but still had the head tilt that accompanies the syndrome. Well, ever since we had all of the dogs vaccinated last month he had been declining. Thurs. afternoon we had to say good bye to Blackie. This was very difficult for me. Then we noticed that his son whom is 12 is showing some of the same symptoms. Beaty still has his sight so far though. And then on the same Thurs. morning we had to take the newest kitten for the second round of vaccines. By Sat. he was lethargic and would not eat. He is finally beginning to act like himself today. Now, with all of that being said and knowing that my 4 cats are inside and all of the dogs are contained in a fenced in front and back yard, needless to say I will no longer support vaccines! I will do the rabies since that is required by law but I would advise all of you pet owners to do the research on the vaccines before you subject you pet to them again. My oldest cat that was 22 years old in Aug. has been to the vet three times in his entire life. We also feed them all holistic food which we purchase from "Animal Supply House" here in the Carolinas. You may also want to do research on the foods that you are feeding your pets. Some of these foods are made with animals that have been euthanized and they are all taken to a place where they are used as food. This includes any collars they had on, any flea preventative that may have been used on the pet etc. The list goes on...........

Many Blessings To You All,

Sam

July 22, 2008

Summer Updates

Jewelry

I had ordered wire in bulk and have finally received it. I have sterling silver and copper. Now I can get started on some Fall and Holiday jewelry. My sister-in-law had me make some earrings for a conference she is having in Columbia at the end of this month. The earrings are going to be door prizes and the conference is on a book called "The Pearl Earring". She not only did this because she likes my jewelry but she did it to help me get some exposure. I so appreciate this and am eternally grateful to such a wonderful sister-in-law. I am also going to be adding rings to my jewelry.

Home Front

We went to the Annie Moses Fine Arts MiniFest in June which was held in Raleigh, NC. We were there for nine days so that our daughter, Gabby, could participate in this event. It turned out to be such a wonderful and really new experience. It was a music play where the children had parts with their instruments (Gabby plays the violin) and they sang and had speaking parts as well. The play and music was written by Annie's parents and is all Christ centered. It was a lot of running everyday but so worth it. Here is a link if you would like to see some of the photos taken from practice and the production itself. http://richanderson.zenfolio.com/p323067920/

Hopefully it will not be as long as before when I post again. Thank you to all of my dedicated readers (friends) and be on the look out for some pictures of new jewelry.

May 16, 2008

Newest Piece/Recitals

Wow, sorry it has been so long since the last post. Ending the school year has been overwhelming this year. I must be getting old because I am finding it difficult to do 100 things at the same time anymore! I hope all you moms out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!

New Piece

I was able to work on a pair of earrings and boy did these bad boys make my hands heart. Between the corpal tunnel and RA it took me a whole day to make these. The frame was formed from sterling silver wire and the weave was also done with sterling silver wire. The adornments were done with gold filled and vermeil (sterling silver coated with 14-24 carat gold) findings. The vermeil definition was told to me when I purchased my findings so if you have more to add or what I was told was incorrect then please email me. I am very honest about the materials I use in my jewelry and purchase only the best to make my pieces so when you purchase from me you are getting exactly what the description entails.

This was the bracelet used for the raffle that a dear friend of mine (hey Bonnie!) held at her horse show the Sat. before Mother's Day. She held a raffle to help me get exposure and also gave me the proceeds from the raffle. The raffle ended with $85.00. Those of you that know me know that I do not like for people to see me get emotional but when she told me about the raffle and handed me that envelope I could feel my eyes tearing up! By the way, you all can check out her website at http://www.freewebs.com/bonniebeam/ It is still work in process by yours truly so keep checking back to see updates.

Recitals

We have had three recitals: Piano, Praise Dance, and Violin

The piano was in March but my good photos are on the camcorder so I will have to post that as a video. So here goes.......

Piano

Keep checking back, sorry.

Praise Dance

This is where a group of girls use Praise Dance as a form of worship. Mariah, the instructor, is 16yrs. old and did this for our girls as a mission project. Her mother, sister, and a friend helped her with this mission project and I am grateful to them for caring and putting in time with our girls.

Violin

This is Gabby's 2nd year in violin.

Well, that is all I have time for right now. Take care, be safe, be blessed, and have a wonderful day!

April 29, 2008

Amazing Grace and More

While I was checking my email today a very good friend of mine that I met through a bible study at my church had sent me an email entitled Amazing Grace. Please check it out. It is absolutely amazing! It really blessed me and I hope that it will bless you as well. Thanks Ramona....

http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/amazing-grace-just-the-black-notes/

Latest Jewelry

I have been working on some cold connections and some bracelets. I have to tell you that this liver of sulphur really STINKS! Another close friend of mine was kind enough to suggest a raffle during one of her horse shows. I was so humbled at the kindness of this offer. I have been so blessed to have TRUE friends in my life. Anyway, I made the turquoise (chalk turquoise) bracelet with the hopes that it might work for this event. It will be on May 10th and will be held as a Mother's Day raffle so you all, please give me your input. I am working on others that I will post as I finish them.

Cold Connections

First attempt at Filigree.

This is the braclet I had made as one of the choices for the raffle. It is chalk turquoise and sterling silver.

The Fishing Trip

My husband and my dad took my daughter fishing. Just in case you don't know my dad he is a FISHERMAN! I remember going fishing with my dad and I had to be quiet so that I did not scare off the fish. I was also not allowed to fish on the bank while he was using his popping bug. I had to fish in the middle for the bass which was fine with me. My behind always got a little sore after about 4 hours though. lol

This is a lake/pond across the road from our house. My daughter was in hog heaven fishing with her papaw and her dad. Of course, this was her first time in this type of boat and it was so funny. They were using popping bugs and crickets. She did not want anyone to move and of course my dad and husband decided to rock the boat and flip her out. She finally got use to it but I bet that was a site to behold. lol

Well, that is all for now. I have pictures from the mission trip to Mexico so I will post them this week. Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed week.