Now THATS what I'm talkin' about!

I am much more pleased with these star rings than the one yesterday. I had to finish them with my large torch because my little one quit mid project.  grrr.   Well, at least I got them finished without ruining them with my large torch.

New from the Bench

Its been a while, I know.   Lots of things have been happening around here, not the least of which was sending my middle child to college.  How is it that we raise them and then they leave us?  I know it's the order of things, but, it seems a little ungrateful.  How can she want her own life?  Doesn't she know she needs to stay here?  At times like this I tell myself,  "I'll tell my kids not to have kids...it's just too hard" but, truthfully, I'd never exchange a moment, not one!

So, I've been busy working on getting her ready to leave home and live in a dorm.  It took more work and time than I realized.  I also just wanted to spend time with her so I wasn't out in my studio much.

Now, she is gone to school and is having a great time.  My last remaining rug rat is in high school band so there is not much time for me between practices and school work.

Today was the first day I felt like getting out in my studio and working.  (I spent most of last week on my butt feeling sorry for myself and watching a lot of Law & Order.)

I've had these ideas in my sketchbook for a couple of weeks and decided to put them to work.  I am pleased with two out of three, but the star one...not so much.  It looked great on paper but in actuality it's missing something.  I'll probably deconstruct it tomorrow and re-work my idea, but I thought I'd share anyway.

I'm really pleased with the turquoise and the fleur-de-lis.  I think they are lovely. 

I like the texture on the band as well.  I'm still loving my rolling mill that can make such interesting textures on pieces. 

New Ring

I'm loving this new one. 

What once was lost is now found

I know that refers to the Prodigal Son story, but that is how I feel about this.  Well...maybe not that serious..I do have some perspective afterall... but I am so glad these are now with me.

If you recall, I had a package go missing.  Well, it finally arrived and this is what it contained:

First, these are earring pairs. Matching pairs cut from the same stone so they are almost identical.  Yummy~

I have a design specifically for these pieces.  I actually drew the design before I found them.  I saw them and knew they would be perfect for it.  I am so glad they made it home! 

And last, but certainly not least,  drool~!  That is all I can say.  Oh my shop will be brimming with earrings, charm bracelets, rings, necklaces....oh!  These are what I have been waiting for! 

So, I am a happy girl now.  I was happy before but I am so glad they found their way to me, and I don't hate you quite as much now Crocodile-Dundee-dumb-hat-wearin-UPS-guy!

Really?

I was standing in line at my daughters school to pick up her schedule. This was the way they divided the letters. I guess those teachers have a sense of humor. Lol.

I would have said something but it was one of the coaches and I didn't want to embarrass my daughter.

It was just too funny.