Sunday, July 6, 2008

Vacation Memories

















If I had to sum up our two-day mini vacation with three pictures, these would be them. All three are from Rock City, which I realized on our way there is actually situated in Georgia. We visited Ruby Falls, a one-time visit for me personally, Tennessee Aquarium, the IMAX Theater and the Incline Railway, another one-time visit. Tennessee Aquarium has been a favorite of ours in the past and it didn't disappoint this time either. But my new favorite is definitely Rock City. I had no expectations before going there, so it was a pleasant surprise to get to enjoy this beautiful outdoor garden of plants, trees and rocks … lots of rocks!

Friday, June 27, 2008

I snagged a Treasury!


Some of my favorite items and or friends on Etsy at the moment. There isn’t room for all of them, so it was hard to pick without stepping on people’s toes or hurting someone’s feelings. No one has been excluded on purpose. I was just going for the blue-green theme here. I hope you enjoy!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Going on Vacation!

I have been so swamped at work the last several weeks, in addition to looking for a house, but I am finally taking some time off for me and the girls. I’ve decided to treat us to one night at a nice hotel in Chattanooga, and to several of the area’s attractions. I’m sure there are more exciting places to visit, but since I have to keep everything child friendly, and interesting for an almost 5-year-old, I bought tickets to Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway. The next day will be spent at the Tennessee Aquarium, where we always have a good time, and catching a 3D movie at the IMAX theater, which will be fun for me as well since I have not been in years! It’s not cheap to even do such a short vacation trip as this, but I think it will be good for me and the girls to get away for a couple of days together.


Taken on our last visit to the Tennessee Aquarium Butterfly Garden.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I did it again!




But, I have to say I was rather conservative. There were two additional strands I really wanted, but these are the only ones I need for a specific project that’s been in my head, bursting to come out, so I only ordered these. AND, I’m even sharing half the sillimanite with Sheela (Eclettica), so I’m really doing really good ... or so I’d like to think! Ha!

Monday, May 5, 2008

In a New Direction





I have been somewhat inspired lately to make earrings. Different earrings. I think I am at a point where I can safely say that my style is changing. This is the direction I want to go. It’s fun! I’m having fun again. If other people enjoy what I make and want to buy it, wonderful! If they don’t, I will still keep making what I want to make until God tells me to stop.

The first pair—Blueberry Sorbet—features a new stone for me. It’s called Angelite and has the slightest little shimmer to it. I paired these long smooth drops with faceted rondelles of amethyst and smooth ovals of pink tourmaline. The second pair—Champagne Bubbles—features faceted beer quartz coins topped with faceted rondelles of Oregon sunstone, rondelles and smooth ovals of tourmaline in different shades. The third pair—Dreaming of Sweden—has gorgeous ovals of kyanite with a cube-faceted lemon quartz above it. They are accented by faceted rondelles of blue apatite and smooth ovals of yellow tourmaline. The fourth pair—Spring Lilacs—has beautiful romantic drops of pink opal topped by a cluster of sparkly, faceted moonstone rondelles and a few pink tourmalines.

I’m ready make more, and I have several of my Flickr friends to thank for being there to lend their support and to spur me on, even when they had no idea I was struggling. I have seen and met more talent on Flickr pages than I could’ve ever imagined and the best thing is that, although we are all making jewelry and are essentially in competition with each other, there is nothing but genuine love and admiration for each other’s work. I never get the feeling that we are competing. At all. Except maybe to have the most amount of gemstones. LOL! I have found a group of people with the same obsession for sparkly things as I have—and it’s a good place to be!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Gemaholic Anonymous




Yup, I'm the official charter member at Flickr! And as one of the true gemaholics, I have, yet again, splurged. At least this time I have an accomplice, as Emily, of Emily Gray Jewels, is splitting at least one of these strands with me.

London blue topaz and smoky quartz. Yum!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

My drug of choice



And now, I’m putting myself on a buying ban. I’m NOT EVEN going to the Bead Show this weekend. There is no point …