Check out Carla's New Webstore!

Our great friend Carla, formerly of beads and botanicals, now has her webstore open!  Check it out at http://www.bycboutique.com/ .  Carla specializes in sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, and beautiful strands of unique and lovely gemstones.

New beads, designs, and bracelets for the show Saturday in Blue Hill

Quirky Christmas Tree pendant and NEW Dinosaur design.

 

New Quirky Christmas Trees for Earrings

Snow Girl Earrings.  Chris got the Tutorial from Maria Grimes of Garden Path Beads.

More Snow Girls for Earrings.

Peppermint Twist fringe bracelet. Chris made the focals, and  I used the anemone stitch.

Desert Sands bracelet uses mixed stones, and Bali silver beads.

Antique Gilt and Wine fringe bracelet.  Chris made the focals.

Weekend Notes And Blessings...

We had a busy week last week. Mina had GS on Monday, Quiz Bowl on Thursday in Red Cloud, followed by basketball in Sutton, and another night of bball in Sutton Friday night. The Jr. High Quiz bowl got 2nd place out of nine schools and the girls (both the 7th and 8th grade teams) got first place in the Sutton tournament, earning them medals! The Q.B. also got a plaque. On Saturday, Mina and I joined our "gal pals" Leslie and Taylor for the Twilight Saga-New Moon movie~which we all enjoyed VERY MUCH. Now we start the wait for the next one Eclipse to come out in June.
I realized how thankful I am to live in a country that provides me the freedom to go to a movie when I choose, with the people I choose, and that I have a job that provides me the income to go to the movies. This week with Thanksgiving nearing, I have noticed how many things are decorated for Christmas, and I just want to enjoy the things that come with Thanksgiving without jumping over it and heading into the Christmas "madness". I am thankful for a husband who loves me (even when I feel unlovable), a daughter I thought I would never have, my own home, cars that run (after the experiences of the past this is truly a blessing), a job that allows me many privileges, a family that is relatively healthy, and a church that I can worship in as I choose. I can speak my mind, without fear of being arrested, and I can dress as I choose, also without the consequences that many women in the world face. I am thankful for Aunt Janet's crock pot stuffing on the buffet at Thanksgiving dinner, along with cousin Lisa's macaroni and cheese and corn casserole and all the other food that will induce too much eating! I am thankful that I haven't gone hungry for a VERY long time and I have a warm, cozy, and safe bed to lay my body in each night for rest. I am thankful for all of the "busy" in my life, for that too is a privilege. If I am absent the rest of the week, I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving, filled with many blessings in your life. I have something else to be "thankful" for, I turn another year older this week (unfortunately ON THANKSGIVING), and I guess that is a "blessing" too. Enjoy your week!

Hastings Downtown Christmas Lighting is Tonight!

They are lighting up the town tonight in Hastings! Be sure to stop at Graham Gallery and check out our display along with all the other talented local artists on display in the Christmas Showcase!
Find out more here:
www.graham-gallery.com

Finally, New Pictures For YOU!!!

I am featured in two showcases on Etsy on Thursday, November 19. Be sure to look for me in the Bracelet and Earring categories~Twilight jewelry and other stuff! New listings were posted tonight.

New bracelet inspired by the Twilight Saga-New Moon movie opening this week. Chris's lampwork focals in khaki green, tan, and dark brown with other beads to compliment and charms for Jacob (he's a werewolf for those of you not into Twilight!).

A long chain necklace (designed to just go over your head) with a variety of natural stones for interest.

Fire Agate, carnelian chips, and copper.

Purple and Orange striped Malachite and Lots of sizes and shapes and colors of Swarovski crystals. (I don't want to sell this one! ; ) but I will!)

Turquoise color enhanced Howlite, Bali sterling silver, and silver plated hammered chain.

Memory wire bracelet with mother of pearl beads and silver plated seed beads. The first memory wire project I have done since I started beading (and really hated it at the time) and this turned out so pretty! Mina is the wrist model.

Holiday Lights Christmas bulb-like earrings.

I have really been drawn to bumblebee designs lately. This is Vintaj brass pieces layered with bumblebees on the top.

Turkey Lurkey family photo! Chris has been working on Turkey Lurkeys lately working the kinks out and we have sold some too! This is a large Turkey made with a bigger press and smaller ones for earrings. I love their facial expressions.

Go Bobcats! Paw print school spirit earrings.

The Countdown Begins...

This week is the week we have been eagerly anticipating since the Twilight DVD came out in March. The Twilight Saga-New Moon comes out at the movies this week, and if our girls weren't playing basketball Thursday and Friday, Leslie and I would be taking Taylor and Mina to the midnight premier. Instead we have to wait until Saturday, when we will take in the first matinee. In the meantime, I have some jewelry to make as I am signed up for an Etsy showcase on the 19th for bracelets and earrings. I want to showcase the Twilight items so that the people obsessed with it and wanting something to fill that need, will be able to find really nice jewelry to take care of their needs! We delivered to the Gallery Saturday, and the turkeys (see the side column with my Facebook badge) are very popular! Need to get them worked up also. Did a cute wire wrap on them to give them feet, and I have one to do today, to get it ready for delivery tonight. Have a great week, will check in when I can fit it in!

Welcome to Blogging Leslie!

My great friend, Leslie Lemke has started her own blog on being a crafting Goddess and wife, mother, and just life in general. Check out her blog at
www.craftymom03.blogspot.com
or click my link on the side of this page.