Caramel Cameo Choker...

I have been busy in the studio with needle and thread and beads and lace. I call this Caramel Cameo Choker. The color is between caramel and butterscotch. Vintage lace is handstitched to grossgrain ribbon. Some gold toned beads are added to embellish the lace flowers and encircle the cameo.

Ties in the back with gold toned satin ribbon so it fits all sizes.

The look is very vintage and very feminine. I can see this worn with so many different looks from jeans to velvet. It would look especially appropriate with a Victorian costume don't you think?

I am thinking I should make some cuffs as they are so popular right now. I could make a Caramel Cameo Cuff. What do you think?

There is so much joy in making something with my own hands and stitching loving thoughts into each and every piece.

Happy creating...

Brynwood Needleworks Giveaway...

This is an announcement for Brynwood Needleworks who is having a giveaway to celebrate her 400th Follower. Now that is quite the accomplishment. 400 is like an entire graduating class for all of 2010.
However if you are familiar with Donna and her blog then you will understand completely how she has come to be so followed. Her talents are endless.
I have been in awe of her amazing seamstress talents. Her work is detailed and incredible.
Therefore it isn't easy for me to share this giveaway information with all of you however I do not wish to be greedy. We should all have an opportunity at winning.
I am hoping my title has her link to her blog. I am so trying to learn how to do links in Blogger.
Best of Luck everyone.
Happy creating...

Happy Flowers...

Aren't these just the happiest flowers? I smile everytime I see them. It began with the petunias Mr. C gave me for Mother's Day along with some other potting flowers. I usually do not like to receive florist bouquets because they do not last and are sooo expensive. So the potting flowers were perfect as I can enjoy them for a really long time. The red geraniums and Royal Purple's are so vibrant and in the blue pot just look perfectly patriotic with the flag flying.

I do not know which geranium variety these are however I have never seen such a beautiful varigated color scheme. Oh Grandma I miss you as I should have paid more attention to your amazing knowledge of plants.

This little Saucy Chick is looking over her recently planted flower seeds. Hmmm...let's see if any of them sprout. She does have a couple of volunteer plants she watches over.

Flowers have always been such a bright and happy spot in my life. Here the critters eat everything that is planted so I have just a few on my upstairs deck for the season and they are doing a super good job of making me happy and smile.

I am off to bead in the studio. There is a necklace designing session waiting for me.

Which flower is your favorite or is it too hard to pick just one?!!

I do love them all.

Happy creating...

Red, White & Blue...

I am so proud to be an American and live my life with freedom.

Thank you to all those that make this good life possible.

Today is all about celebrating our beloved red, white and blue country.

Happy, Safe and Sparkly Fourth of July.

Personal Goal...

I have finally achieved a personal goal and it feels very exciting and inspiring and wonderful. Several years ago I made it my goal to have something I make with my own design and hands to be published in a magazine I admire and get inspiration from. I spent lots of time and money and frustration submitting to a major multi publication magazine and was consistently rejected. My items got returned in less than stellar condition after extremely lengthy waiting periods. I became dissapointed after several years of attempts. I never received any feedback or explanation of why my items were being rejected. After so many attempts I just stopped and felt sad.
One day at a major book store I found the most beautiful magazine I had ever seen for jewelry focus. I found it to be very expensive however you always get what you pay for...quality! I immediately subscribed so I won't miss an issue.

I have posted before about Bead Trends and here I am again. This is such an amazing publication and the people who work there are super nice as I came to find out.

This past February I decided to submit one of my necklaces. They do it so nicely that the entire process is easy and affordable.

I submitted "Mint Julep" and it was accepted for the July 2010 printing. Here is a photo of the two page spread it received. Just imagine how thrilled and over the moon I am with this beautiful photography and layout Bead Trends has done with my necklace.

This is the entire necklace as I submitted my photo to them.

I made this with Chalk Green Turquiose, Swarovski crystals and black lace. I do believe I have a very unique design and a lovely necklace. In person the colors are striking and beautiful.

Having set my goals and working hard to achieve them I find I am inspired to continue working hard and see where I go from here.

It is my true honor to be published in such a wonderful magazine.

The amount of confidence I have gained through this experience is priceless!
Thank you so very much.
Happy creating...