Tuesday, May 14, 2013

It's Been Too Long....so, How About a Giveaway?

So much for getting back on a regular blogging schedule!

I have had nothing but problems with Blogger lately.  I could not even "find" images on my computer, much less upload them!  Then, I was reading Christine's blog a couple of weeks ago, and she, too, was having issues.  She told me to try Google Chrome for my Network Browser.  

You know - back in the 1990's, I considered myself to be computer savvy in my office ... granted, there were only 3 of us in the office!  I actually took classes in various programs and thought I was at the very least, proficient.  I was a Proposal Manager/Writer with an emphasis on graphics design.  Does anyone else remember DOS, or a CRT? Ha! Well, graphics design back then is NOTHING like it is now!  LOL! Fast forward to 2013...

I had to do tons of reading (and re-reading)  just to figure out how to load Google Chrome!  I finally did, and PRESTO !  My pictures can be located AND loaded!  Success!  Many thanks to Christine!

So...what has been going on with me lately? If anyone sees my posts on Facebook, I am truly a lover of animals - all animals.  One of my favorite charitable organizations is  a horse rescue in Pahrump, Nevada (just outside of Las Vegas - another of my favorite places!)  I have been a supporter of Miracle Horse Rescue for almost 10 years now and I had the pleasure of finally visiting this fine ranch this past February.  The rescue is run by Stephanie and Robert Pierce - two of the most compassionate and friendly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  

The horses at Miracle Horse have truly been saved either from slaughter or abuse.  And they are thriving here!  This lovely lady - Bradylynn - arrived two days before my visit.  She is in foal and is actually passed due - she should have had her little baby on May 8.  UPDATE May 15, 2013- Bradylynn gave birth to a filly named Lily (no rhyme intended!!) on May 14th!!

I was truly in awe of both the beauty of the scenery (mountains are my favorite all-time view!) and most of all, the "residents"!




If you are interested in catching up with the goings-on at Miracle Horse, the best way is through their Face Book page found by clicking here: Miracle Horse Facebook Page  

Stephanie recently asked me to  create a necklace for Miracle Horse to auction as a fundraiser for their most noteworthy efforts.  She asked that the necklace be created using the colors of the Lael Stables (Lael Stables is where the great horse Barbaro hailed).  So, I went to my favorite lampwork artist - Sue Kennedy of Sue Beads - and commissioned her to create some beads for me. As usual, Sue came through for me and sent me gorgeous beads! Thanks again, Sue!

I ended up making a necklace, bracelet, and earrings.


The first focal I made I trashed - well, it is in my silver pile to be recycled!  The one "that made it" includes a hand cut and textured silver disc, to which I revitted a hand cut, copper star. I soldered a small bail to the back of the focal piece.

I
I also included two cocoon style beads in sterling silver for the necklace. 


A bit of handmade chain completes the necklace.  Sue's beads really make this piece special!




The auction for this set ends tomorrow, May 15.  I am so pleased that the current bid is $200!  Such a worthy cause and I am so humbled to be a part of it!

In other news....I am very excited to report that one of my niece's (I have 5 nieces and NO nephews!) is expecting!  This is my first time as a Great Aunt and I could not be happier!  Not only is she expecting in September...but she is expecting TWINS!  A boy and a girl!  My mother is absolutely beside herself with happiness and she has been sewing up a storm!  

So, to thank you for putting up with this LONG post, and to celebrate the good things going on in my life, I'd like to giveaway this bracelet!  It is a sterling silver, wire-wrapped creation made with YUMMY beads by the ultra-talented Donna Millard.  The bracelet measures 8 1/2" in length and securely closes with a sterling lobster clasp.  BUT, I will custom-fit this bracelet (if needed!)  for the winner! 




So, what do you have to do to win this bracelet?  Just do one (or all) of the following and LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT ON MY BLOG for each:

1)  Leave a comment! 
2)  Become a follower of my blog - or leave a separate comment telling me you are already a follower.
3)  Post  link to my blog to Face Book about the giveaway

I will pick a winner on Monday - May 20th.  

Thanks for hanging in there for this LONG post and as always, thank you stopping by!

46 comments:

  1. Good luck with the bidding happy to hear it is well under way!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my, proud moms t I got my iPad to cooperate on sharing this link. I feel ya on the technology going warp speed

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great post!! Happy to read all these good news!!
    Pictures are stunning as always!!
    Congratulations to the Great Aunt to be and of course to the Mom ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like you have been happy busy! Thanks for the chance to win the fab bracelet :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm go glad that you got to visit that ranch! Wonderful photos, Patti! And thank you for showing that set you made with my beads, it's just amazing and I hope the auction goes higher! And so COOL that you are going to be a great aunt to twins! AND that's a gorgeous bracelet with Donna's beads and I love those bead caps as well! Thanks for the chance to win it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Patti, my dear, everything you touch is magic. Look at all the beautiful jewelry you make! And today's post is just another fine example. Thank you, for everything and most of all, for being you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am loving your recent work so much!

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are so talented Patti and so generous - this is a gorgeous bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  9. And... I have been following you for a while now.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love where you are going with your creations! The bracelet with Donna's beads is absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've followed your blog for some time!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Patti,
    The rescue farm for the horses is a wonderful place and a great cause too. The scenery is beautiful. Good luck with the auction the set you made is gorgeous you do such nice work.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have followed your blog for a while now and always enjoy visiting you here.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  14. I shared your blog post on my facebook page.
    Therese

    ReplyDelete
  15. Patti -
    I am glad things are going so well for you and how fun to be waiting on twins! I know what you mean about feeling in the dark ages with the technology. One day you understand it and the next it is beyond you!!! You really do justice to the beads from Sue Beads and Donna Millard. I am a fan of both of them. I love the cocoon beads in the auction necklace. Thanks for the chance to win a gorgeous piece from you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Patti~I am so glad to see you back!!! The Google Chrome was advice from my very computer savvy cousin, and I had the stroke of good fortune to already have it on my computer (without knowing it!) so it was an easier transition for me, but I am so glad it worked for you! What a big heart the Pierce's have and that you found them and met them is such a blessing to you both, I am sure. Your auction piece is beautiful and definitely deserves the current price it is fetching. I love that star! Please do not put my name in the hat, since I am already fortunate to own some Patti originals :-) But I will promote in on my FB tomorrow (promoting me today :-) to spread the word. Maybe sweet Brandylynn will have her baby tomorrow. I was due on May 8th (for both girls!) and had my daughter on the 16th. So I am feeling the same good luck for her :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. so nice to see you back! What a lovely piece you've made, and fantastic that it will earn money for a great cause!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Welcome back! Yes, Donna's beads are beautiful, but what makes that set is your metalwork -- stunning! It's sure to raise lots of money for a very worthy cause.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh, yes, I'm one of your followers. And we'll get to see lots of great-niece and great-nephew pictures when the time comes, right?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Would love to win this bracelet; it's beautiful. And I just became a blog follower. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Who wouldn't love to win this beauty? I sure would! Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  22. So happy to see you back blogging! I have enjoyed your blog and greet your return with open arms. Congratulations on all of you good news.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Patti, Thanx for a chance ti win this bracelet. I have admired Donna's beads for a long time and I would be proud to wear this bracelet.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Patti I am already a follower of your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  25. what a gorgeous bracelet for the giveaway!!!
    thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. i'm already a follower of your blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am a follower! These pieces are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Are there pictures of the new baby?

    ReplyDelete
  29. These pieces are amazing! I would be proud to wear this beautiful bracelet! Pretty please count me in! Thanks!

    Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a loyal follower of your blog!

    Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Shared on FB!

    Angi Mullis dj2isme@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I follow your blog via email

    ReplyDelete
  33. lovely bracelet, Patti i am already a follower. And I will share on FB. Thanks for your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Glad to hear you figured out the computer issues!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Congrats on the bids for the necklace. Should make you feel really good!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Patti your auction pieces are gorgeous! Pretty beads plus your talent equal a great combination! The lucky bidder will have heirloom pieces to cherish forever! Your blog is so full of information. I enjoy going over and over to glean all of the links. I visited the Horse link on FB and loved seeing "Long ears!" How very cute! Also, the links to the beads for sale on Etsy is so helpful. Thanks for all that you do, and please keep blogging!

    ReplyDelete