I love suprises!

Who doesn't love a surprise! The other day I went to the mailbox and was pleasantly surprised when I received an unexpected package from Znet. Znet is a wonderful jewelry supply company that I have was lucky enough to take part in a design challenge for last summer. I opened my box and it was packed with all sorts of lovelies! Several nice strands of chunky sea glass, some pretty pearls and shiny crystals oh my!

Greens, blues and yellows make me think warm thoughts of Spring and Summer. And after the Winter we have been having here couldn't you use some warm thoughts, I know I can! I can't wait to get started making some pieces with all my pretty things! I will post pics as they are done. Stay tuned! ;)

Snowed in..

  I don't think there is anywhere in the US that hasn't been hard hit by snow this Winter. Even my kids who love the snow are growing a little weary of it. I'm convinced they will be going to school till July to make up all the snow days! All you hear are people complaining about how they have had enough already and praying for warmer weather. 
  One of my friends is a die hard Winter fan and posted this the other day..

    "I love the snow, why you ask? It mutes the world, it deadens the noise. It causes the world to move in slow motion. It covers everything in a cold embrace. It's beautiful. People gather together to keep warm, to be lazy and spend time with each other. Kids run wild and play in it, whole neighborhoods come outside to play. Dozens of kids work together to make snowmen. It's an equalizer. It's peaceful. It's calming." 

  I have very wise friends.. Thank you Howard for making me see things from a different and beautiful perspective. So enjoy the snow while you can because before you know it we will be baking in the Summer sun.

2014 the Year of the Horse

Well Chinese New Year is upon us. This year, 2014, is the Year of the Horse. Do you ever wonder where they came up with the animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac? The story is actually quite interesting. Did you also know that there are gemstones and jewelry style associated with each animal too? Fire Mountain Gems just wrote a wonderful article about just those things. It's worth the read. My animal, the bull/ox, is pretty spot on. "Bulls tend to love earthy jewelry designs that focus on strength and simplicity." yup..that's me alright..lol. What about you?
http://www.firemountaingems.com/encyclobeadia/beading_resources.asp?docid=9B58&WT.mc_id=FBZ140131-06