Monday, August 20, 2012

Where Have I Been??????

I really have not posted much lately - I have been incredibly busy!  I finally finished creating my 75 Bracelets for the Rare Organization!  Most of the bracelets feature lampwork beads from the extremely talented Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads, though I have used a multitude of artisan beads and components that I have hoarded over the years!  I have only photographed 45 of the 75 bracelets today (my camera battery went low, so must continue photographing in the day or so!)

I took my Mom (who has lived with me since November 2010) to Florida this past week for a quick, 5 day visit with one of my brother's and his wife, who live in Clearwater/St. Petersburg, and to visit with her old friends whom she has not seen in a long, long time.  No disrespect to my brother, sister-in-law, or my Mom's friends, but the highlight of my trip was meeting this little guy:


This is Elliot - OMG the cutest, sweetest, most adorable little fella I have ever laid my eyes on!!!  My brother and his wife lost their Jack Russel Terrier - named Biggie Smalls (I did not name him!) to cancer this past June.  They adopted Elliot - an approximately 2 year old rescue about a month later.  This little guy had an unhappy first 2 years - fostered, the pound, etc. The tide has certainly turned for him...for the better!!!  I miss him so very much! 

It was nice catching up with family and friends - and to put faces to names of my mother's friends- most of which she has been talking about for years!

In between, I have managed to make a few pieces of jewelry:

click on any of the images for a larger view

Raku Beads - Elements Pottery - these beads are gorgeous!
Bracelet made using Lesley Watt's Tutorial - I felt it was befitting to use her gorgeous bronze button, too!
Clay! - Marla's Mud, Marsha Neal, Lesley Watt Toggle
Another bracelet using Lesley Watt's tutorial - and her button, of course!
Okay...I am addicted to this bracelet design!  This time, I used a handmade lampwork button by Unicorne, which perfectly matched these Czech Glass beads.
Gorgeous lampwork beads by Donna Millard, Bead Caps by Metal Me This, and Bronze Headpin by....you guessed it...Lesley Watt!
I banged on some heavy gauge copper and attached these absolutely gorgeous lampwork beads by Radiant Mind.  The texture on these beads (nuggets) is amazing!

I also banged on some silver, too!
Had these silver disks FOR.EVER....I like them with the tiny lampwork beads by Radiant Mind.
I would like to thank all of the artisans for creating these beautiful handmade components - without their creativity....where would I be now?  I shudder to even think about that!

I have actually made TONS more jewelry...but that will have to wait for another post!

Thank you so much for stopping by my little world!  Have a great day!

9 comments:

  1. OH! how beautiful and busy you have been. I am in LOVE with the 5th bracelet down. The flower clasp is absolutely beautiful!! I would love to be gifted it!. lol. Donna Millard Beads are stunning. Mr. Elliot is just to adorable. He is loved now and you can see it i his baby face. I am glad you enjoyed our hot little state. And maybe next trip take it the Autumn season.. It may be a little cooler then.. I cannot wait till it cools off here.. But that means birthdays for the kids start rolling around.. :) Hope you are doing well and looking forward to our next chat!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow - What a great batch of beautiful jewelry!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, you have been busy. Beautiful each and everyone. So incredibly creative.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Patti these are eye-popping gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Elliott is just adorable Patti - such a sweet little face. ANd my gosh you've been busy!I can see you're feeling the autumn vibe -I'm being drawn to those fall colours too, my favourite time of year. All those pieces are gorgeous but I particularly like the butterfly button bracelet...that is so my style,love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. oh Elliot is so sweet! You have been so busy, for such a great cause! I managed to donate 7 bracelets last year ... but 75! Holy Smokes! That is amazing! And what beautiful bracelets you have here. I have Lesley's pattern on the top of my list to try ... and I see everyone is just crazy for it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my goodness what beautiful beautiful pieces!!And Elliott?!?!I think I a in love:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Patti, each and every piece that you created is a gorgeous work of art! The folks who receive them will be delighted. You are an inspiration and thank you for the information you included. WOW!

    ReplyDelete