And the next thing I knew, it was January

I NEVER get sick - well, I used to never get sick.  Not a cold, flu, allergies - nothing.  Late Christmas evening, I felt a tightness in my chest that was constricting my airways.  By Saturday morning, my fevers had spiked to 103.  Against my better judgement, I went to the nearest Quick Quack (that's what I call urgent care, and I have YET to be adequately diagnosed at any of these so call medical institutions).  

After 2 1/2 hours of sitting in the lobby full of other people coughing up a lung or two, I was screened and tested positive for 2 separate strains of flu.  Yippee.  They prescribed TamiFlu, but by the time I got out of the Quick Quack at 5:50 PM, all the pharmacies in my area were closed.  Since when did the pharmacies close at dinner time?  What rock have I been living under?

After a few phone calls in the morning, we located located a pharmacy that actually HAD TamiFlu on hand (it's like Gold, people).  $125 later - yet another prescription that my crappy insurance (thanks Health Care Act) does NOT cover, and one pill later, I became worse.  So, no more TamiFlu for me.  But the tightness in my chest, and soon the wheezing and shortness of breath became almost unbearable.

Monday rolled around and I have never been more thankful to have a Primary Care Physician that I can trust - took me YEARS and many failed attempts to find her.  Anyway, add bronchial infection and bronchitis to my ailments, four prescriptions, and by Tuesday, and I am slowly (and I mean slowly) but surely on the mend.  

Flash back to last Sunday...Mom does not feel well.  Same crappy flu symptoms.  But, she is in the "elderly" category, and, according to her and my doctor, has to be watched very carefully.  So, like a dutiful daughter, I wrap my mother up in her warmest coat, slap a sneeze mask on both of us, and take her to her doctor on Tuesday.  Her doctor declared that, although a slight fever, it appears to be a cold.  Never even checked for flu.  Hmpf..

Wednesday - 11:30 AM.  I leave a message for my mother's doctor's office to please call me - my mother is tanking - fevers, terrible cough, yada yada.  The doctor never called back.  (Note - I was very selective in choosing this doctor 5 years ago, as he is a specialist in geriatrics...hmmmmm)  At 6:00 PM I contact the "on call doctor" who tells me that if her fever spikes, call 911 and get her to the ER.  You see, when the elderly suffer from high fevers, and many times, dehydration, they lose their cognitive abilities.  This is not something I recommend anyone ever have to go through - it is very scary - and I hope I never have to witness that again.

So, New Year's Eve was spent in the ER.  I have only wonderful things to say about Novent Prince William/Manassas Emergency Room.  The doctors, nurses, everyone, has always excelled and I felt a wave of relief when the chest x-ray came back negative for pneumonia.  But, a bag and half of saline solution pumped through her veins, and Mom was back to her old lucid self.  The doctor told her, a minimum of 64 ounces of liquids (non caffeinated) daily, or she can come back for refueling.

Mom slept from 4:30 AM New Years Day until Friday morning.  She woke to take drinks of water, etc., but no food, not much talking.  But she was "back" - just very, very tired.  She ate 3 very small meals yesterday, sat in her chair to crochet, played on the computer, all semi-normal stuff.  Still very weak, but improving every single day - thank goodness!

So....my advice to anyone who gets this blasted, "never been this sick before" flu, DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS.  It's the only thing that worked.

Today is the first day I have not worn a sneeze mask when walking around my house, and I feel free!

Source

Monday, I foresee a visit with Mom's doctor - just me and the doc, not Mom.  Something snapped last week with her care, and the trust I had for his team is now broken.

I apologize for digressing from jewelry making and will hopefully get back to creating again very soon.  I bid everyone - including those in my household - who is reading this Good Health for 2015.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo

Patti

2014 Ornament Swap/Hop

Scheduling conflicts have prohibited me from joining blog hops this year.  But, when the gifted Sally Russick sent out the invites for the Ornament Swap/Hop I knew I had to join in, and I am so glad I did!

Sally pairs up the participants - and the only requirement is to use an art bead...no problem here!  I was so excited to learn that my partner was Jenny Davies-Reazor.  I met Jenny in person at Art Bliss a couple of years ago.  She is so multi-talented and truly fits the bill of "Mixed Media Artist".  In my humble opinion, my favorite of her artwork is her ceramics...and not just beads!

Before the swap, Jenny sent me a little survey, asking me questions such as my favorite colors, my favorite beverage.  Well, when I opened the package containing her ornament, she took my answers to that little quiz literally!

Look at this masterpiece of hand-sewn felt!!  My favorite colors are blue and green, and why yes, my favorite beverage is coffee!  The details in the leaves (look at that tiny red felt bird people!!) are amazing!  Even the back ...

The porcelain knot bead is by Caroline at Blueberri Beads and the little red lampwork bird is from Lori Lochner. I cannot get my camera to catch the subtle details in the porcelain knot... but trust me - just gorgeous!

She then spoiled me with what she called "extras", which came in their own sweet little felted envelope.  Packaging is everything!  Isn't this sweet?!

Now, her extras were wrapped in lovely brown tissue that I would swear was scented with patchouli.  That scent - whatever it is - still lingers in my studio and is one of my favorites!  Look at these beautiful works of art, handmade by Jenny

Two of those ceramic pieces are cabochons and I WILL attempt a prong setting for those babies!  But, look closely at this mixed media piece:

Polymer clay, hand painted, with the word "create" from a dictionary (I assume!), and resin poured on top - isn't this fabulous!  What a word!!!  This is my favorite! :)

I have three Christmas trees in my home.  One is a pencil tree in my living room (24" wide and I love that - no furniture to move!)  One is in my family room, and my favorite of all trees is my white tree, which sits in my upstairs foyer.  This tree holds all of my treasured ornaments, many of which were made by my mom, and my Christopher Radko glass ornament collection.  The picture above is Jenny's ornament in my favorite tree!

I made Jenny an ornament with lots of wire (duh!)  But, I also used two treasured art beads, as well. My intent was to have a blue bird, perched on his nest (the wire wreath) while waiting for his food, and his tiny little house in which she can quickly go to rest after a long days work hunting for that food.  It was my intent, anyway!

The lampwork bird is by none other than Donna Millard, and that exquisite little polymer clay house is by Marla James.

I also sent Jenny a copper fold formed leaf pendant I made, glistening with just a touch of gold gilders paste, and a copper toggle clasp.  

Jenny - I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful, personalized art work - I feel so blessed!  Thank you to Sally for hosting this wonderful "Gift Giving" Blog Hop - it is my favorite!

Please give some love to the other participants!

1.  Sally Russick  and Tanya Goodwin
2.  Veralynne Malone  and Sally Russick 

3.  Melissa Trudinger  and Elisabeth Auld

4.  Erin Prais-Hintz  and Lesley Watt 

5.  Jenny Davies-Reazor and Patti Vanderbloemen  - That's me!

6.  Kim Bender-Hora and Beth and Evie McCord

7.  Becky Pancake and Lynne Bowland 

8.  Therese Frank  and Karen Williams

9.   Melissa Meman  and Linda Hanes 

10.  Sandi Volpe  and Linda Landig 

11. Alicia Marinache  and Susan Kennedy  

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  

xo

Patti 

Copper Bangles - Winner of the Giveaway

So, I went to Random.Org this morning, and the winner of the set of  these 3 copper bangles...

is:

Lori Anderson!

I am particularly happy that her number was chosen as Lori is the Queen of the Bead Soup Blog Party Hop, and one of the most talented jewelry designers!  She is one of - if not the first - blogs that I stumbled upon and started following "way back when".  She is a kind and generous soul, and I am so pleased to gift these to her!

Lori, these bracelets are wrapped up and in today's postal run!

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful comments -  I truly appreciate each and every one!  Thanks for stopping by today!

xo

Patti

Giveaway Time!

I have much to be grateful for this year...my health, my mother's health, my family's health, roof over my head, new babies in the family, etc.  I am very grateful that I am able to create jewelry, sell it, and donate the proceeds to Miracle Horse Rescue.  

I have stated in the past that I am technologically challenged...product of my age, I suppose (that is my excuse and I am holding to it!).  I post LOTS of links to my jewelry on Facebook.  Well, come January, Facebook will be policing postings from non-business pages and will "disallow" this type of "free advertising".  Not that I blame them...they are a business...but, I am starting over again with social media. So, I finally jumped on the bandwagon and started a Business Page.  I would love it if you "liked" that page ( link here) so you can continue follow my journey!

I had a hard time figuring out what to make for this giveaway, but I finally decided upon my favorite metal-related accessory - the bangle (spinner ring's are right up, there, too, but they require more sizing).  

So - here is a set of 3 solid copper bangles.

One bangle is made from 14 gauge solid copper, to which I added a solid sterling silver nugget bead.  The other two bangles are a hefty 10 gauge:  one has two twists, and the other has been heavily faceted with my hammer.  After soldering and forging, the bangles were given a bath in liver of sulfur, buffed, tumbled for hours for strength and incredible shine, and coated with museum wax to protect the patina.

The bangles measure approximately 2 5/8" in diameter (8" circumference).

How to Enter

If you'd like to be entered to win this set of bangles, here's how!

NOTE:  I will use Random.Org to select the winner - I will count up all the comments, and Random.Org selects the winning number - that's why it is important to leave a separate comment on this blog post for each entry below)

1)  Enter a comment on this blog post (counts as one entry)

2)  Share a link to this blog post on  Facebook (counts as one entry - you must come back and leave a separate comment on this blog post after sharing for this entry to count)

3) "Like" my Business Facebook page (link here)  - (Counts as one entry - again...you must come back and leave a separate comment on this blog post after Liking my page for this entry to count.  If you already "Like" my business page, leave a separate comment).

4)  Pin an item from my Etsy Shop (link here) to your Pinterest Board (counts as one entry - you must come back and leave a separate comment on this blog post for this entry to count).

I will choose a winner sometime on Saturday (December 13th).

Please make sure I am able to contact you if you are the winner (i.e, your email is "turned on" in blogger)!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!!

xo

Patti

My latest and greatest...tool!

I hate to admit it, but I am a collector - artisan beads, spools of wire (yes...I buy copper and red brass in very large spools 'cause it is cheaper!) and tools.  I can spend just as many hours scouring online websites drooling over tools that I do on artisan sites staring at beads.

After years of fumbling my way around this jewelry making hobby (it's not really a hobby, but it is not really a full time business for me, either), I feel like I have finally found my direction.  I love to look at jewelry that is strung on bead wire - but I absolutely cannot stand using crimp beads.  At one point, I wanted to learn to make lampwork beads - and I am still on the fence about trying Precious Metal Clay.  My "fear" is that I won't be able to carve out enough time, once the beads are made, to create the jewelry.  

So, I dabble in metal - and I get so much satisfaction with each piece I finish.... a toggle, a focal,  charms, bezel set cabochons, etc.  So, with the metal, comes the desire for texture.

While I have acquired quite a few tools to achieve the desired texture - nails, metal screen, any metal object for that matter - hammers remain my favorite vehicle.  I have been blessed to have acquired a few Fretz Hammers.  I bought my first one at Rio Grande and it was instant LOVE.  I am short - 5'0", and with my lack of height comes small hands.  The weight and length of the Fretz is perfect for my hands.  I have acquired a few more Fretz Hammers from Fusion Beads - they frequently have 30% off sales and free shipping, and that is when I buy them.  They are expensive, but as the saying goes "worth it"!  To be honest, I quit smoking almost 5 years ago - any time I purchase something that I don't really need but I really want, I just tell myself, "well, a carton of cigarettes is $50 - so go for it)!"

Here is my latest Fretz Hammer - it's called the Raw Silk Hammer (here is a link).  

I drooled a lot when I finally received this, and have been happily banging away.  By the way - while I use the term "banging away" liberally in my posts, it is not necessary to have a heavy hand when using the hammer.  In fact, a lighter touch, for me anyway, allows me to achieve the desired texture.

I made a few  rings - the first one is a plain wide band - I just wanted the texture to shine.

I even soldered some gold - first time for me - for the satellite ring in this Spinner Ring.  

Then I made some earrings.  I did not oxidize the silver on these earrings, just 'cause I liked how it looked. 

But the copper looks fantastic with oxidation.  I used 20 gauge sheet for both sets of earrings.  The little metal charms are small, so not heavy, and they take the texture quite well.

I even textured the back plate on this tiger eye cab, prior to soldering (those gorgeous ceramic beads, by the way, are from Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio).

And, I have been practicing with my saw - I still have a long way to go, but baby steps!  I think the free-handed heart turned out well, considering I did it!  LOL!

Thanksgiving was perfect at my house - lots of family, lots of dogs, lots of food, lots of recovery time needed afterward! :)  For now, it is countdown to Christmas!  This year, my niece's twins will be 16 months old and I look forward to seeing their faces - especially at this time of year!

By the way, I am working on a giveaway for my next post - so much to be thankful for these days ... I want to share!  So, stay tuned...

Thank you so much for stopping by today - have a wonderful weekend!!

xo

Patti