Sea Glass Jewellery

I think I'll revisit this design in the New Year. I wanted to call a series like this 'Clothes Line'. I told that to a fellow vendor at a show last year and she laughed. But I can't help thinking of a clothes line when I look at that long, slightly curved line that the pendant dangles from. This blue piece of sea glass actually was replaced with another and found it's way to a different piece of jewellery
(Blue Midnight). My now 7yr old daughter used to ask me all the time why we didn't have a clothes line. A comment that made my mother laugh hard. Let's see...because our yard is not large enough...because in the winter you can't use it anyway...becuase...because...because I'm too lazy and the dryer is too darn convenient okay! If we ever move and get a larger place I'm going to put up a clothes line. I'm never going to use it, but it will make my mom laugh when she visits (my mother-in-law too for that matter as they both use one) and my daughter can feel free to use a clothes line when she learns to do her own laundry (which might be very soon if she keeps questioning my techniques).

Happy Winter!

'Happy Winter'. That's my new secular greeting. Today was perfect weather for Snowpeople. The snow was thick and heavy and damp. And a year ago or so we started using food color in water spray bottles to color our winter creations..it's a hoot. The kids live for it and I think it looks fun.

Of course in fine Maritime weather fashion...one hour later they disappeared in a blanket of rain. Such is the life of a snowperson.

Handmade Gifts

A couple weeks back I was asked whether I give handmade gifts to those I know at Christmas. The answer was of course, yes. I also have bought handmade when I couldn't think of something to make myself. And of course, like everyone, I also pick up that last minute 'stuff' that really, is not very satisfying. But now, that question has stayed front and center on my mind, both as I get my own gifts ready and as I come up with gift ideas for my kids to pass out. At first I was a bit hesitant to give handmade gifts because we're so used to buying everything, in a whirlwind of shopping that we later regret. Value somehow being tied into how much you spent. But the more handmade gifts I give, the more I want to do now. The more gifts I get my kids to make for others, explaining to them the value of handmade, the more I realize it doesn't just apply to kids! The more time I spend all through the year thinking about something that works for each individual, the more satisfaction I get out of the gift.
I give jewellery of course. But this year I went beyond jewellery and completed several drawings for my sister and although I felt a tiny bit of pressure, it was really enjoyable being creative in a new way.

So..my one New Year's resolution for 2008 is to come up with my own handmade gifts for Christmas 2008...for everyone. And my brothers can cringe all they like...I'm convinced I can do it, and do it well.

Sea Glass Charm Bracelet

I made five of these bracelets in 2005 (if I remember correctly). I have one left in the Studio. I love this bracelet. To me it's a true charm bracelet, or at least, what I always thought a charm bracelet was. Busy! When you wear it, and swing your wrist, it clicks and clunks and well...makes me keep swinging my wrist. It's funny.
Anyway...I'll be sad to see this last one go. For sure I'll make more bracelets that use lots of sea glass, but not this style. I prefer to do the Limited Originals thing..making a few pieces from one idea, then moving on. That way folks get something unique. Well..I suppose each one is truly unique since the sea glass is always unique.
Anyway...just thought I'd chat about that piece today. Two days of school left for the kids and then we our Christmas Vacation starts.

Looking for Sea Glass

My usual pose on any beach, head down, eyes to the ground, unaware of the scenery around me.
It's snowy and cold out today, and I have to run out to do last minute shopping, which I say every year that I'm not going to do next year.
So I figured that called for a beach shot. This was taken near Lawrencetown in Nova Scotia. Head Chezetcook I think is the actual place (although I can't ever remember how to spell it!). It's near Porters Lake anyway.

Crazy Quilt

Continuing today...reminding myself not to think about the construction. Just make squares and sew them together. 2 is now 6.

Snow Day!

And it starts. Today school was closed because of snow. When my daughter was in grade one, and I was still used to my days when the kids were home and I could stay in my pajamas 'till mid morning, I loved snow days. They were a reminder of being home, not having to go anywhere, not having to do anything. Now, that both are in school (Grade 2 and Preschool) I hate snow days. I hate PD days. I hate any days where I have to stay home when I would otherwise be at the Studio. Now I have things to do. I have places to go.

That being said, it's 9:15am and I'm still in my pajamas and about to make another cup of coffee. So...I guess hate was a bit harsh. It just takes me a couple hours to slip back into the old role of desparate housewife (the, pajama, coffee, ballcap, don't answer the door type. Not the TV type...thought wouldn't that be grand).

Crazy Quilt

I have ideas for some quilts I am going to try, but I can't seem to get passed my large stash of fabric that I've never used. Two large containers to be exact. And it's not fabric I want to use anymore. So I am going to purge and I think a Crazy Quilt (or three) is just what the doctor ordered to use up this fabric. I'll get to use the little cute stitches I learned in my Fabric Collage Class and some buttons I grabbed from my mom. Best part is I'll get a blanket (or three) to have in the TV room. The one I have there now is getting ratty.

So, here are the first two blocks. This is an exercise in following through on a project. I am using any fabric, in any color combination, any thread (whatever is on hand) and I'm not thinking. NO THINKING ALLOWED. LET THE PURGE BEGIN!!!!!

(Hmmm...will it be done for Christmas...who could I give it to?)

The Season has Begun!

Lists have been started. Items are being discussed. Supplies are being gathered. Ideas are flowing...along with the Nog. Plans are in their infancy. Good luck to everyone...play safe.