Raspberry & Cream

This is my latest effort. Approximately 6 hours, mostly poolside, so I have a nice tan now, too! Multi-tasking at its finest! I used a double strand of brown leather cord to go around the back, with a lobster clasp + 3" extender chain. Pairs nicely with a chocolate-brown blouse....

From my Mom

My Mom frequents an antique store. She also makes a tidy side-income buying "junk" at tag sales, and flipping it to her antique store friend. She does have an eye for this stuff, and she knows a good thing when she sees it. Mostly she goes for the furniture, but sometimes she comes up with a little surprise for me.

Recently she passed along a broken necklace that she saw on the clearance rack for $2.00. The clasp was broken, the chain was ridiculously fragile, and some of the links were bent. I was thrilled! The settings are sterling, the stones are dichroic glass, and this was an easy project.

I removed the outermost stones and attached the settings to ear wires. Added a glass drop to each one, with a scrap of stacked chain, and then they were earrings! For the necklace, I ditched the tiny thin chain and replaced it with a more industrial box link chain. Maybe not the best match, but I really like the overall result.

My Mom loves it! Hope she doesn't want it back now... :D

Birthday Delight

What a wonderful birthday! For the first time in many years, every desire came to fruition. A lovely long weekend, blazing hot temps, no rain, no plans.

I selfishly ditched the regular housework, popped a few new plants in the garden, and watered everything within an inch of their little plant lives! Ordered pancakes & bacon for me, eggs for the dogs, and a big splash of Bailey's in my coffee.

After breakfast on the deck, I grabbed my new book, sunscreen, and a couple of towels. Spent the rest of the morning alternately reading, swimming and napping by the pool. Took break from all that hard work (and the sun) early in the afternoon, and made myself a sandwich.

Spent the hottest part of the day in the shade, tinkering with this necklace. I wanted to challenge myself and see how many different things I could include in this piece, and still have a coherent composition. I am quite pleased! The little bone skulls represent some of my old life and habits that I'm leaving behind. The greens show a fresh new beginning, and the stone and wood elements keep me connected to the basics in life.

Recently, Chip had a birthday of his own. He turned 4 last month. This cheesecake was a big hit!