My Chair Died!

After Thousands of hours... I mean THOUSANDS of hours, my old chair finally died! I hate to see it go... like losing an old friend. I named her Betsy, after a 1970-something Chevy Chevette my Mom owned when we were kids. Laugh if you will, but it's true, naming the car is a family tradition. Current car is the GREY PHANTOM (grey Toyota), car before was the KILLER BEE (a yellow Pontiac), car before THE RED BARON (red jeep).

Santa delivered the new chair today, he couldn't get it here in time for Christmas, so UPS delivered it today. My but thanks you Santa Ian! I'm not sure what the name will be for the new chair. It is all shiny and new, it needs a little character. I think I need to get to know her a little better before I pick a name. If you have a suggestion let me know-- I have no idea what to name this one!

Merry Christmas 2009!

Just a quick note to wish you a Merry Christmas! Thank you to everyone that sent holiday greetings. This year has gone by so fast I can't believe it!

We had a quiet Christmas at home today and it was nice. Santa was good to everyone. I got lots of new toys and books for inspiration and Ollie and Sallie had a ball opening up their presents.

The little monsters are passed out on the sofa, exhausted from all the cookies they ate and toys they played with today. They have been spoiled all week... Christmas at grandma's over the weekend and Christmas at home today! Lots of toys and treats... the ones they haven't finished eating are hidden all over the house. I found one behind the curtains, one in their cage, one between the sofa cushions, and there will probably be something hidden under my pillow when I climb into bed tonight.

Good night, and Merry Christmas!

A Victorian Inspired Name Pendant

Today I finished a Victorian inspired Pendant, an idea I have carried around in my brain for a long time, and never sat down to create it! This design was born years ago, while reading Love is in the Earth by Melody. I was intrigued by an excerpt in her book about pendants of the Victorian era. Pendants were created with gems that started with the letters of the wearer's name to optimize the wearer's energy field. I love this concept.

I made this first piece for a friend, I'm hoping she loves it when she receives it!! I was aiming for a free-form shape and when I was finished, I had to laugh... it is a tree shape. I did not set out to create a tree shaped pendant, it just happened.... All week I've been contemplating a live Christmas Tree I saw at the local grocery store. It was so cute, I was wishing I had just bought it, but being in a hurry and knowing I had several more errands to run, I decided against it. I think this might be a sign I need to go back and see if it's still there waiting for me!

Valentine's Day Face Cabs & Beads on the way!

I took a break from Christmas this weekend and started Valentine's faces!! I needed a little break, so I turned off the computer, tuned everything out, and played with my clay all day. I have no idea what was on TV, what I ate for dinner, or what the weather was like... I just know I brushed my teeth, got dressed, and played with clay! It was a nice to escape into my own head for an afternoon, creating little ladies adorned with hearts, butterflies, lipstick, flowers, and whatever else came to mind.

No matter how many things you have on your to-do list I think everyone should take a break and escape for a few minutes this week. You might just finish all the things on your list faster if you forget about them for awhile. If not faster, they'll be done better and with more love!

Fossil Ammonite & Geode Pendants

I'm starting out the week with Fossil Ammonite and Geode slice pendants! The natural, earthiness of these pieces has been calling me for the last few days... I thought this would be a good start to the week! Nice grounding, earthy energy to calm the holiday craziness down a little. The December First Friday showing at Gallery 141 threw my weekend schedule off... catch-up time! I have a bunch of new pieces I finished the end of last week and did not have a chance to photograph and list....I wish there were more hours in the day (don't we all, especially this time of year).

Thank you to everyone that came out to see me at Gallery 141 on Friday. It was great to meet some of you for the first time and I appreciate everyone that remembered me from last year's holiday show! The weather was beautiful, the perfect night to visit downtown Lancaster and enjoy some art, music, wine, and dinner. I hope we have more of those nights--- it's snowing and freezing raining tonight. BRRRRRrrrRRRRR!!!!!