New Bracelets!

The pieces in this photo represent a new line of bracelets that I recently developed. These bracelets began as prototypes for a special project, and I loved them so much that I had to make more!

They feel unbelievably good on the wrist. They're soft and supple; they work well alone; and they play well with others too. :-) Watch for them soon in my online store!

Just One Little Stone

This is one of the first pieces that I completed in my metalsmithing class. It’s a sentimental favorite because of that, and also because of this one little stone.

This one little stone was given to me by Alan on one of our adventures. It’s one little stone that was pressed from his hand into mine…. an expression of love… a priceless gift … a remembrance of the times that we’ve shared… and a reminder that simple things really do matter most.

Just One Little Stone.

Surrounded by Flowers

Growing them, sending them, wearing them, surrounding myself with them; flowers are a bright spot in my life. And flowers have been on my mind this week.

From my Grandpap’s garden, to my Grandma’s kitchen, to our own backyard…I grew up surrounded by flowers. Perhaps that’s why to this day, my favorites still lean toward an overflowing riots of color stuffed somewhat carelessly into a Mason jar or glass bottle. And the fragrance of a gracefully drooping batch of lilacs or peonies from the yard is guaranteed to lift my spirits while transporting me back in time.

I don’t often send “real” flowers from the florist; but today was an exception. Today my niece, Kate, is twelve years old. Tomorrow she’ll be thirteen. The perennial question of “Where does the time go?!?!” has been running through my mind all month as I fondly remember her first days and years with us.

Kate’s becoming an incredible young woman, and since we’re miles apart, I wanted to celebrate this time in her life in one of my favorite ways…with flowers. From the descriptions that I’ve received of her reaction at their arrival, this idea was definitely a good one!

Today… in Pennsylvania, Kate is smitten with her first flower delivery.

Today… in my backyard, the stately sunflowers that we enjoyed all summer long are just past their prime. Now they’re providing a feast for the birds.

Today… in my studio, the flowers that I purchased at The Moore County Farmer’s Market are lifting my spirits. The scent of basil blends with the sweet floral fragrance, and the effect is intoxicating.

Today… on my finger, I’m enjoying the floral generosity of my dear friend, Olivia Dowdy Brown. I treasure this ring, and I’m most grateful for her friendship.

Today… it’s good to be surrounded by flowers.

A Twist of The Wrist

As I was driving down the road today to and from Southern Pines, a glimpse of my wrist made me smile.

I generally wear my own jewelry every day. And in spite of the fact that I create on almost a daily basis, I usually create for others. As a result, I often fall into a habit of wearing the same pieces again and again. Today was different, and this wasn't even a conscious effort on my part.

This morning when I was getting ready for my day...and probably doing three or four other things at the same time... I evidently decided to wear four distinctly different bracelets that make me happy. That's right, four of them! On the same wrist!!! Four is a lot, and these four are a bit mismatched even by my standards. Somehow though, they seem to work together.

In my banking days, I once discovered that I'd worn two mismatched shoes for an entire day. Maybe this is the artist's version of the same thing?

These were on my left wrist and I was holding the steering wheel when I noticed them. They brought a smile to my face. I hope that you'll enjoy them too.

Bracelet #1... etched in my handwriting, "The best way to predict your future is to create it."

Bracelet #2... features "Dream", and is a prototype of a special project that's in the works.

Bracelet #3... tickles me to no end. An original design resurrected from the past and improved.

Bracelet #4... a personal milestone and a sample from the metalsmithing class I've been taking.

I'm Smiling Today Thanks To...

...These Smiling Faces. :-)

"Who Does She Think She Is?" Find Out on August 28th!

My friends at The Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild will be hosting the Raleigh movie premier of "Who Does She Think She Is?" on August 28th. Those who've had a sneak-peak at the movie tell me that it's a must-see for the creative types among us, and you'll find all of the details about it here http://carolinamixedmediaartistsguild.blogspot.com/.

For those of us who live south of Raleigh, maybe we can carpool and add dinner too? ...and a quick stop at Trader Joe's...and... and... and... :-)