Peek at My Week - Sep. 16-22

I really like rounding out each week with these quick posts. They're partly a journal for me and partly a way for me to share some of the more personal aspects of my life with you.

To start off the week, I spent time with one of my best friends' and her family as we celebrated my God-daughter's third birthday.

Her birthday was a combination of ballerina and dinosaur. I love that she has such varied interests, even at three!

On Monday, I made a point of going out on the property for a little bit of fresh air.

First I checked out the "big red flowers" Pat had spied at the back of the yard. I had a feeling they were likely spider lilies, though we've never (to my recollection) had them out in that area before.  I was correct and was delighted to find two out there in full bloom. 

While outside, I meandered over to a couple of fruiting trees on the side of the property. We've been waiting for the fruit to ripen to figure out exactly what they were.

We've long suspected that they were persimmons, though neither of us has ever seen a persimmon firsthand. All the ones I found online were much larger than the ones we have on the trees. But, after a little social media query and a few google searches, we determined that they're Wild Persimmons specifically. Cool.

I spent a bit of time that afternoon working on making Pumpkin Spice Earrings.

I was pleased with myself with this idea because I've known about cinnamon dough for years and was happy to learn that you could work with pumpkin pie spice in a similar manner with such yummy-smelling results!

Tuesday was all about running errands around town.

Since it was Ladies' Night at Southern Antiques and Accents, I made sure to stop in and spruce up the booth. 

On Wednesday, I took my grandmother to a doctor's appointment and then we partied!

Well, we celebrated her 92nd birthday with cake and presents. 

On Thursday, I spent some time with a good friend as I took her to a doctor's appointment just over the state line. We had a bit of a scare, I won't go into it, but all is well. 

After getting some work done on Friday, I started helping Pat with the deck replacement by cleaning out some of the debris that was under the old deck. 

I found a couple of general bones that I figured were probably chicken bones that had just been thrown out there after a meal. However, when I happened upon the above, I had second thoughts. We're pretty sure it's a possum jawbone. Trust me, it's much smaller than it looks in the picture. 

Now that it's Fall, our Saturdays are College Football Saturdays. 

Since we were watching the 2:30 Bama game at our friends' house. I made sure to make a delicious batch of homemade hummus. Between the four of us, it was just about gone by the time the game was won! I guess that's a win all around. 

How about a peek at some of the inspiring links I found and shared over the week?

• Check out these Artists' Sketchbooks from ArtistsJournal. I love seeing how other creatives work.
• Take a minute to enter Stampington's 2018 Glimpse Inside GIVEAWAY!! 
• The fantastical Nature Inspired Wire Wrapped Jewelry by Ursula Jewelry at The Beading Gem seriously made me gasp!
• I've uploaded my video for ICAD 41 on YouTube. 
• Nunn Designs has a thorough tutorial on using sculpted resin. 
• We all need a bit of cute in our lives. Please go see the finalists for the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards at Colossal. I bet it'll put a smile on your face. 
• Here's a tutorial on making a Driftwood Jewelry Organizer from Etsy. I really like the clean simplicty of the design.

So, that's been my week. How was yours? Any big plans for this one?

Peek at My Week: August 19 - 25

I actually feel like I accomplished quite a bit this past week. Sunday, in particular, was quite full. 

We started the morning with some monkey muffins. I used canned biscuit dough to makes these, the kind with all the layers. This was before I added the condensed milk. Look at those layers of yum!

With some energy (and sugar) in my system, I finished up a necklace that incorporated a couple of salvaged jewelry pieces. 

Rosalina, the oldest kitty in the house, made sure to get some head-lovins.

I finished a little art journaling to commemorate several special lives that were lost during the week.

And, I dipped into my rainbow bead box to create a mish-mash necklace.

Our puppy turned two this week. Happy Birthday, Zoe!!

I took several moments throughout the week to soak in nature and respect its beauty.

I mean, look how cute that little green lizard is.

Besides the monkey muffins, I made several other yummy meals.

This one I made up as I was absolutely craving quinoa. It's kinda a taco bowl with fresh corn, black beans, chicken, spinach, and feta cheese. It was exactly what I was craving.

And, I can't resist a yummy breakfast parfait of yogurt, berries, and homemade granola. 

The big project, though, has been getting our pop-up camper clean for an upcoming camping trip. We've let it sit for several years unopened and apparently had a mildew issue developing. I tried several products but finally found one that worked to get the ick out. You can see the before and after pictures above. What a relief that we won't be sleeping with all the mildew in there!

Like I said, I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished. I hope your week ahead is full of productivity. Here's a little inspiration to get you in the spirit. 

• I am absolutely smitten with these Junk Style Birdhouses from Little Vintage Cottage. She began with a basic craft-store birdhouse and transformed it with rusty junk. 
• It may be a tad too early to start thinking about Halloween but just look at this Gargoyle Necklace tutorial at ArtBeads. It's so fab! And, it kinda reminds me of the door knockers in Labyrinth. 
• I posted two more of my Index Card a Day (ICAD) process videos. You can now watch ICAD #31 and ICAD #34 on my YouTube Channel. 
• Make and Fable has a tutorial for Wire Wrapping a Stone. I've never done this type of netted wrapping, but she makes it look easy enough.
• Check out the amazing Paper Jewelry by Ten Artists at All Things Paper. It will really have you looking at paper a little differently. 

Have a fantastic week!

Peek at My Week: July 22-28

I've been a bit lax in doing these weekly posts, but definitely want to try to get back to sharing these glimpses into my week. I feel like it adds a personal touch to my blog and helps me make a real connection with y'all. And, I really love making those connections.

What's been happening around here? Well, it's summertime so the days are almost unbearably hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Yet, this past week we saw a real lack of widespread thunderstorms. The ones that rolled through seemed to miss Silverlox (our property) entirely.  It was rather odd.

I worked some on trying to get the garden back in order. Weeds have taken over my raised beads so I pulled out the one vegetable I had planted there: carrots. Alas, you can see the result of my lazy gardening in the jumbled mess of carrots. I should have separated the seeds a little more. Lesson learned. Once those were pulled, I used the weed-eater to chop down the rest of the plants in the two overgrown boxes. I've since laid cardboard over what remains of the weeds and am hoping that will aid in smothering them so I can use the boxes to plant again in the Fall. 

I began to tackle one of the home decor projects that have been eating away at me. My generous sister-in-law gave us two pairs of chairs a while back. I wasn't super-keen on the cushions but was positive I could change them out to suit my taste. It really was pretty easy, and I may share the process on here later. The old look is the chair on the left with the new one on the right. This was just the first set, I have another set to go with some different fabric (as I am just using remnants).

I did quite a bit of tin work this week, experimenting with different ideas and techniques. I really enjoyed the process and result of the Harvest Moon Earrings I made in October so I toyed around with that some, fiddling with the process. As well, I made a pair of bead caps with tin (they're blue and just above the white paper in the picture above.)

While at my mom's one day, I worked on other projects from my bead box. I'll have an update on what's new in there very soon. I also took one of my nieces to the DMV (joy) to get her driver's permit!

And, then there was more tin jewelry experimentation as I layered mismatched discs for a patchwork flower look. After that, it hit me that I could create a bail with tin too. Oh yeah, there will be more of these, possibly with more layers.

We've also been watching Castle Rock on Hulu and the newest season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix. We're REALLY digging Castle Rock! It's from Stephen King and JJ Abrams...what's not to like about that?

I've shared quite a few tutorials and other inspiration via social media:

Jewelry

• Easy wire-wrapped pendant DIY at Moms and Crafters
• Double Pendant Cord Bracelet at The Beading Gem
• Using Memory Wire from CraftyHope (that's me ;)  )
• Bracelet Trio and Long Necklace Tutorials from Lorelei as sponsored by Beadchest
• Embroidery Thread Wrapped Bangles via Oriental Trading

Other Crafts

• How to Sew a Fabric Bowl at Craft Stylish
• How to DIY Tin Can Vases in Two Styles by Kreativ K

And, for some other inspiration and tips

• Crafty Chica shares How to Price your Crafts
• This Book Art Bracelet at Craft Gossip is pretty awesome
• Cat Kerr is sharing some of her amazing-ness is her new class, The Collector.
• A Japanese artist is making needle-felted cats that look lifelike!

I'm itching to dive back into the tin, so that's all from me for now. I hope July has treated you well. Can you believe it's almost August and time for school to start? I cannot.

Linky Inspiration

My grandmother has begun another hospital stay. Since my job is one of the most flexible ones in the family, it's easiest for me to come stay with her. That's probably for the best too because otherwise I'd be worried sick about what was going on with her.

While she naps, I thought I'd poke my head in here. I know I should be posting an October goal review this week, but with my attention and presence diverted to family matters, it'll have to wait.

Instead, here's a few pieces of inspiration I saved just for y'all!

Last week, we tried these Korean Pork Chops from Jo Cooks. I was really pleased with how easily they came together and elated over how tasty they were.

Cathe Holden creates stunningly beautiful assemblage art. I love looking at all the details she includes in each of these works.

Julie Fei Fan Blazer is hosting a show called Make it Artsy that's airing on PBS at some point. Here's some information from Julie about the series. However, there are projects available for viewing on YouTube. I can't seem to get YouTube to load on the hospital's limited guest wifi, so I don't know which of these is which. In any case, here are two videos I found particularly inspiring: Video 1 and Video 2. In one of the videos I watched with Julie, she said something along the lines of, "There are no mistakes, only creative opportunities." This really hit me in the right place.


The Art Elements blog has a great tutorial on how to Cage your Trinkets and Treasures in wire by Cathy Spivey Mendola. I think it's a pretty cool and versatile technique!

Finally, a quick reminder about my feature as a Jewelry Superstar on Cut Out + Keep. All of my tutorials for last week are now live and ready to be viewed. Go check them out and let me know which one is your favorite!

I hope I spread a little inspiration your way. Now, what's been inspiring you lately?


I linked this post up on The Ultimate Rabbit Hole at The Geeky Shopaholic.

Halloween Projects and Tutorials from Around the Web

As you can imagine, I've been steadily trying to catch up on. . .everything since dealing with vision issues and moving and whatnot. In going through my feedreader, I've stumbled on some cool, creepy, and neat Halloween ideas that I thought I'd share with you before the actual day gets here. You know, give you enough time to make one of these projects or at least think hard about them.

These pumpkins with the doorknob tops are so cute and vintage-y. And, they look pretty easy to make too - BONUS!

Vintage Doorknob Pumpkins from Finding Home Farms

I'm obsessed with Tim Holtz products and have always wanted to make a little Halloween collection of apothecary/witches jars so this Undertaker's Parlor that combines both totally appeals to me.

Undertakers Parlor from IGIRLZOE

More pumpkins and upcycling! Again, these are made so easily and from thrift store finds. I might just have to make a few.

Pumpkin Candy Jars from Craftbits

Now for a few projects on the spooky side. . .
This first one is kinda labor intensive, but it looks like the results might be worth it! Seriously, a full-body ghost in your front yard!? Want!

Packing Tape Ghost from The Crafty Geek

A friend of mine actually made a set of these floating crystal ball candlesticks before I even saw the link in my feedreader. She did different images in hers but I like that the tutorial includes printable images to make it easier for you. I think they're pretty awesome.

Spooky Crystal Ball Halloween Candlesticks from Flamingo Toes

Lastly, something a little less spooky. . .and yes, pumpkins again. But these are faux quilted pumpkins.  For real, they are NO-SEW patchwork pumpkins. So adorable!

No-sew Patchwork Pumpkins from Crafts n' Coffee

That's what I've stumbled across so far. I'm sure there are tons of other amazing projects and foods and costumes and gosh knows what else that I've missed and haven't gotten to yet. But, I did need to share these. Remember that if you want to pin or save these projects, I ask that you go to the original source to do so.

What are some cool projects that you've made for Halloween? Help me catch up!

Inspiration and Eye Candy

I've been in the midst of catching up on all the things and that includes going through my feedreader, e-mails, digital files, and every other location that I've stashed and saved links. At the beginning of May I mentioned sharing the interesting that I find every so often. As with that post and any other ones I do like this remember - {{If you're going to Pin or Tumble or share these yourself in some way, PLEASE make sure you go to the original source and do so!!}}

Let's start with these tin can lanterns.  These looks super simple to make and how great is the recycling aspect of them!? I think they're perfect for summer, and wouldn't they be great to put some citronella candles in to shoo the bugs away?

Summer Lantern Tutorial from Whee! The People

These 'bits and bobs' collections from Vintageologie are so very inspiring and beautiful. You can find more like this at the Vintageologie facebook page.

This turquoise, blue, and green collection was my favorite of the three collections.

How simple and yummy are these Strawberry Waffle Parfait bites from The Painted Apron? She combined some great breakfast items with pure delicious-ness to come up with a unique breakfast/snack.

Breakfast YUM from The Painted Apron

This guitar and bass bangle from Erin Siegel is awesome! It's rock-n-roll, but still nice enough to be worn to work. The link will take you to her tutorial for it, including how to make the chic tassels.

Guitar and Bass Bangle tutorial from Erin Siegel

Lastly, this short and sweet list from Handmadeology of some of the most common photography mistakes for your products had me really thinking about my own photos and how to improve them. I hope it helps you too.

Handmadeology's list of 10 Common Photography Mistakes

I think there's a little something for everyone in this list so I hope you found something to inspire you over the weekend. Have a great one!

A Rundown of Valentine's Past and a Plea for Help

Valentine's Day approach-eth. . .

and once again I am stricken with a bad case of the I-don't-know-what-to-make-for-hims. While I continue to search for just the right project, I thought I'd share with you some of the links and instructions and projects of years past.

• In 2008, I explained some of the Valentine gifts I'd made for Pat in the previously as well shared some links for Valentine gift and card ideas.
• Also in 2008, there was this list of fun and funny Valentine links including some apparently naughty-ish material.
• Back in 2009, I didn't share too much except for a small list of links at the bottom of this Valentine Feel-good-Friday post.
• 2010 had me a little more crafty as I showed off Pat's handmade Valentine gift as well as some links to other crafts.
• Again in 2011 there were just a few Valentine links at the bottom of a random post.
• However. . .my anniversary gift to Pat in 2011 of a handmade sign would make a super Valentine project/gift.
• In 2012, I again shared a list of cute Valentine ideas and gifts. (To be honest, I REALLY love some of the ideas on this one especially!)
• On Valentine's Day of 2012, I gave a quick peek at what I ended up making for Pat.
• I actually can't find ANYTHING for Valentine's day last year. Hmmmmm. . .Yet, I did make him a pretty sappy (yet manly) anniversary gift that would work well for Valentine's.

Also, I have a "Valentine Love" Pinterest board where I collect fun ideas. I just haven't found the perfect one yet and am RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!

If you have any fabulous, fun, lovey-dovey ideas or have seen any, feel free to share them in the comments section. I hope my links help you find something loverly too!

Tidbits and Bobbins

I know I've been a bit absent here lately and I feel like all I've had to share was what I am eating. I do apologize. I've been really busy on a project and can't seem to focus on much else. While relaxing a little this morning, I've been going through my neglected blog feeds. Since I don't have much of my own stuff to share with you, I figured I could at least share some of the other online bits that caught my eye. (Many of these are Christmas related so I apologize to those of you who don't celebrate the holiday.)

Free printable Christmas gift card box from Claudine Hellmuth

Twine-wrapped wire trees from Landee See Landee Do

Pantone's Color of the Year 2014

Strung Out has started its 12 Giveaways of Christmas

Make Wire Angel Ornaments from Adventures of a DIY Mom

Handmadeology presents 10 Real Tips for Successfully Selling on Etsy 

 

Nutella Eggnog Cookies. . .need I say more? Oh, the recipe is from Roxanna's Home Baking

This Electronic Waste Jewelry is just too, too cool!

How amazing is this Vintage Ornament Wreath from Lisa Loria!?

So that's what's caught my eye so far. . .and now it's time to get back to my busy-ness. 

Thanks for bearing with me. 

Renewal Reveal and a Link-a-palooza

After a late night on Wednesday, I was moving super slow yesterday. Even with my snail's pace I was able to finish my The Year of Jewelry Project design for this week. The prompt was "Renewal".

Now, my design is nowhere NEAR as impressive as some of the other designs in the album for this week, but I'm so happy with the way it turned out. It's very near to what I had imagined.

When I read the prompt, I saw in my mind's eye a blank canvas of white with a little bit of color starting to seep into it.

I was also struck with the notion of Springtime and the renewal of plants and flowers as winter's chill begins to lift. With this image in my head, I knew I needed to incorporate a flower.

The pendant is made from a Tim Holtz tag fragment and a piece of cardstock that I altered with paint, embossing powder, and distress crackle. I'm quite pleased with how well these worked together.

In addition to revealing this week's Jewelry Project, I thought I'd also share some links for

• If you saw my goals for 2013, you may remember that one of my goals for the year was to operate Analytics better. I haven't really figured out the best place to start on this goal, but did find that I had this link from Problogger saved on 5 Goals Every Blogger Should Set Up in Google Analytics. Now. . .I'm not positive that all the words in that article make sense (to me) when put together in that combination, but I think with some re-reading and actual hands-on experience I'll figure it out. I hope you do too.
• I had no idea you could use a high temperature glue gun and silicone molds to make awesome jewelry. Ashley at Lil Blue Boo shows you how with her Glue Gun Cabochon tutorial. See for yourself.
• Michelle Mach at Beads and Books always has some great information. Back in August (I KNOW, I'm wayyyyy behind), she shared some tips on SEO for Jewelry Shops. If you can believe it, I actually used to do SEO as a job for a little while. However, I've let all that information just slip out of my head. This was a fantastic refresher and so, so easy to understand.
• Over at Cheap Crafty Mama there's an awesomely simple tutorial on making your own Air Fresheners with items you probably already have sitting around the house. Go take a look-see.

Now I've got some photos to edit, some to take, and some XBox playing to get to later so I'm headed out. No worries, I shouldn't be gone long as I'll be revealing my Focusing on Life photo tomorrow. Eek! See y'all then.