Back In The Studio and I Have A New Tool

 Between emptying a couple more boxes and cleaning mud off scrap tiles (for a future project) I got out the torch and did some lampworking. Ahhhhh.... it's been months and I missed making beads the most.

 Below is the New Tool. I ordered it right before the flood happened. It's called a Jelveh Design Key Mandrel. It's to hold a key or something else that would normally burn your fingers in the flame. Clever. Here's where to get one if you would like one.

 Here's the first key I made. I've always wondered how that was done. AND - always wanted to try it. Now I did. Anyone know what these keys with a glass bead on them are called or should be called?

 Then I got sassy with it and did three beads:

 I bought these display blocks and covered the plain white base with maps. Cute but kind of worthless.

I do like that you can make a title and slip it in the holder on the front.

 It really feels good to be back in my studio.

Remodel Update

 All the boxes of crap treasures and supplies that were packed in the Pod were unloaded in to the basement last week. I was totally overwhelmed.

 First things first. I set up my computer and files etc in the nap nook. The nap nook is now going to be on that far wall back there... things are still a big fat mess, but I'm getting there. I'm also catching up on orders again - which feels good. Still searching for a few tools and things, but I am ready to melt some glass and etch some metal! Rumple loves the cool tile floor and loves to lie down right where I'm working.

My dad used to say "Rome wasn't built in a day." My kingdom will be back to functioning soon...

Live Play Work

Live. In Nebraska, storms are always popping up. This one was full of big hail that hit the nephew's place but not ours...

 Play. Scootch would like to meet the new little pullets and play with them.

 "Hello?" 

(thanks to JillyBean for raising them for us!)

 (the older girls could care less about the new chicks)

 Work (that feels like Play)

 This bear bone necklace is mine. I love it!

 including finishing up all my soldered pendant orders so I can pack up from upstairs and start moving back down to my studio tomorrow!!

 I bought a hat rack at a going out of business sale. Time for more hats!

 Spray painted the old kitchen cart.

OK - here's the finished tile floor. Now I don't like the freshly painted light gray walls with it. Everyone thought it would look great when I had the tiny paint sample and one tile, but as a big room, it lacks warmth and I need help choosing a color... suggestions? (hint - I like chocolate and coffee) Things are supposed to be finished up this week. I will probably be out of touch for awhile....plus my sister Elisabeth is coming to visit!! Yahoo!!!

Back From Our Quest

 By far, the best Margarita we found in Sedona, Arizona was at the Cowboy Grill. This was the same place I ate a buffalo burger as big as my head!!

Here's my confession - I'm not really that big of a drinker, so only tried a few...

 Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Hiking up Bell Rock, we stopped to rest.

Ten minutes later....must have been the strong Vortex.

On A Quest

Pretend that's a giant cactus behind us.

My sister Bonnie and I are off on a Quest.

We're heading for Sedona, Arizona.

The Quest? To find the perfect Margarita.

You Are All Invited

I do hope you will come. I'll be there with jewelry!

Bring your friends! Buy each other presents!

Moving right along

This is what my studio looks like today. The walls are painted a very light gray with a tint of blue. That brown wall in the nap nook was left brown because I would like to decoupage maps all over it. Tiling should start next week sometime.

 Since it's May Day, here's a picture of some of the tomatoes and cucumbers I started from seed. I'll put them out in the garden when they are a wee bit bigger and stronger.

 I've set up working in the dining room/living room. I have the ability to quickly take over a space... no photos of that...

Happy May Day!

Ooh La La

"Ooh La La"

I just added this fun necklace to my etsy shelf.

Lofty Goals

 I have a very loft goal of putting 20 items on my etsy "shelves" this week. I've been neglecting that little shop, and now that my studio/shop has been temporarily dismantled, I'm going to try and list some things. I really can't etch or light my torches or use the kiln (where is my kiln?) until the work in the studio is complete, so here's a snippet of what I'll be listing. Wish me lots of patience because the wind is blowing and that slows down the internet out here in the country. Ridiculous, right?!

Crowned Royalty

This picture is from my dear mother's 90th birthday in 2008. (She's the tiny one in the middle) My sisters and brother came out to celebrate her. I made those crown for all of us to wear - except my brother - he is already the crowned prince of our family (just kidding)... I'm posting this because Bonnie sent it to me yesterday and then called and we were talking about what a fun time that day was and how hard it is to watch mom going downhill so fast. She's still a lovely person and we all love her dearly, but at 94 nothing is easy for her. She and my father raised seven children - lost two of them in 1994. We're all quite different, but held together by a fierce love and protective feeling of each other.  My older sisters (I had to throw that in) played a HUGE part in raising me. Thank you sisters. I love you guys.

Three Wishes

Three Wishes. It's all you need. Go here.

Living Off The Land One Meal At A Time

 Fresh Fish from the pond.

 Asparagus just picked from the garden (sauteed in olive oil with garlic)

 Pickles I made last summer from the garden cukes.

Fresh eggs from our happy hens.

Thank you, God of the Gardens and Land, for your Abundance.