In Lace Heaven...

I'm late, I'm late...I must create! This just has to be lace heaven and I am in the midst of it all.
While in Scottsdale, Arizona three of us women skipped one of the car auctions and went shopping at the big Fashion Mall. Then off to the bead store. Then off to a fabric store. I couldn't tell you where it is because GPS kept turning us around and back and forth and somehow the street signs were no better as from block to block it would say north or west or north again and who could figure that out. Well, by the time we finally found the store in a very old neighborhood our time was short! After quickly perusing the goods I was on complete overload. What to buy? What not to buy? How much to buy? Such decisions to make in a hurry. My arms could not carry what I was picking up. My handled basket I found overflowed with stuff. Sort Sherry. Weed out the riff raff Sherry. FOCUS Sherry! OVERLOAD!!!

As you can see by these photos, I did manage to buy just some laces. Then of course I had to condense it down so Mr. C wouldn't have a coronary and luckily we had our car instead of having to fly with luggage. Oh what fun we girls had. No sooner had we left the store (only because they were closing) than each of us wished we had gotten whatever we hadn't gotten. No time to go the next day as we did have expensive car auction tickets we had prepaid and the boys just would not understand the desire, need, craving for more lace or fabric.

Hmmm...what ever shall I make, sew, create with this fabulous table full of lace? The ideas are truly making my head swirl. OVERLOAD!!!

Did I tell you all of this was less than the price of dinner (in Scottsdale of course)? No! Yes! It was super affordable and that is why we all wanted to go back and fill up a semi-truck.
What would you do with lace?

Happy Creating while we wait for Spring to Bring Birds who Sing!

Treasury Feature...

I am so excited to be featured in this wonderful caramel treasury that Miss FancifulFluff has put together. Thank you so very much for including this Caramel Cameo Choker Necklace that I created.

How fun to be part of a treasury and this is a first for me. I am very grateful.

Please check out FancifulFluff and her wonderful etsy shop. There are lots of great gift items to be found there. Yes, in my etsy shop also you can find gifts for all occasions and just because you want it, need it, like it etcetera.

This is the beginning of a very busy weekend and I hope you enjoy every moment of your time.

Happy being grateful...

Tested Breathing...

It is a fine Monday morning and Christmas is quickly approaching.
Yesterday I was able to actually test my last posting about breathing during this busy time of year. I drove myself and a couple of girlfriends "down the hill" in the rain to meet up with my sister and her girlfriend. We meet at a shopping mecca across from the huge Galleria mall. There was lots of traffic. There were gobs of shoppers and very long lines in each store, however lots of registers running so the lines actually moved along quite quickly. We dig through the clearance bins at Michaels craft store and we always love using our 40% off coupon. My sister is the best at bargain finding. I always buy things that I have no thought or purpose for at the time but eventually I am able to utilize them for some project or another. We had a very tedious "glitch" at the checkout register and my patience was really tested. I was overcharged for several items and not very happy but took a deep breath and smiled. I was able to gather my patience and persevere enough to pay for my stash and leave that store with my goodies which turned out to be not so bargain but that I bought anyway.
I enjoyed watching all the people who were trying to buy gifts for others. There was a male high school teacher who was shopping for his class and I found that quite amazing that he would be thinking of his students for the holidays. There was also a young mom who was party shopping for her two kids school parties...first grade and fifth grade...what a job she had to do at this busy time of year.
We girls opted for lunch at PF Changs and we got there early enough to beat the crowd that was lined up when we were leaving. We charmed our waitress and left her an extra large tip because we exchanged our gifts and took extra time at our table. It was the perfect time to relax and breathe during a very hectic day. I am so proud of my sister because she made each of us a wonderful gift that I shall photo and share soon.
On to more shopping in the rain and lots more people and very crowded stores. Each of us were able to get exactly what we wanted or needed and we had coupons for everything. We had a great day and a safe drive "back up the hill".
I saw holiday decorations and noted the ones I really liked...I am an old fashioned green and red traditional theme...but I saw new twists that looked great like plaid ornaments.
I stayed focused on just what I needed so I didn't get frustrated and overloaded with all that is out there.
I enjoyed some beautiful Christmas music that was playing very quietly in the background beyond the crazy crowds.
But most of all I enjoyed time with family and friends and the joy of sharing.

What is your favorite part of this season? What type of gifts do you like to receive?

Italian Bead Quest...

Oh the quest for beads in Italy began far before my actual trip took place. I searched on the internet, asked friends and travelers, chatted on line with recent returning travelers and it was looking very grim for finding beads and bead stores in Italy. I finally just days before departure found one bead store in Florence which was our first stop. This is me looking very tired and wondering in hindsight why we forgot to take any photos inside while we selected and made our purchases.

These are the handmade lampwork beads the artist makes. I merely bought an assortment not knowing what I was going to do other than make jewelry pieces for my etsy shop. The shop owner and artist actually graciously fired up the torch and made me a bead on the spot. It is the black and white one in the photo at top of the group. I was trying to convince my husband to learn lampwork bead making as I am too fearful of fire and burning flesh to do it myself. I did not succeed with that request. LOL

Purchasing beads in a foreign country is a wonderful pursuit as it breaks up the constant visits to churches and museums. Also the beads are very easy to carry and don't add much weight to carry-ons. They also lighten the bank account as the prices can really soar especially with the very high Euro to US Dollar rates we experienced.

Oh I feel so proud like I have just hatched the most beautiful creation.

This necklace is the first item for "Adorn Me!" jewelry design line I am adding to etsy. Please check out http://createology.etsy.com/ for more information.

It is titled "Night Lights on the Arno" and the photo at the top is the inspiration for it.

It was a magical and wonderful trip to Italy and one I shall never forget. Oh I do wish I had purchased more beads than I did.

Buona sera.

Wonderful Weekend...

No pictures today as Mr. Hubby is using the notebook computer which has photos on it.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and some relaxation time. I spent time with friends and my sister and we celebrated her recent birthday. Did some shopping and had a yummy lunch at Buca de Beppos. If you have never eaten at Buca de Beppos it is quite the experience. Italian food, lots of pictures on the walls, candles and cake for the birthday girl. More shopping and a drive up the hill to arrive home.
Today I must be productive. Hmmm...
The sun is shining and the birds are singing. It is a very good day.