Back to Reality

I had every intention to blog sooner than today...but...I had a good excuse! About half of my family and I just returned from vacation - a Caribbean Cruise vacation! Though certainly not jewelry related, I thought I would share a few of memories here today.

I planned this vacation well over a year and a half ago. We sailed aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Sea - man this is a huge ship! This was my 5th (I think) cruise and if you ever want to cruise, I highly recommend Royal Caribbean. It is not just the ship and the immense amenities...it is the superb customer service. Every single crew member greeted me with a smile and salutation worthy of Royalty (no pun intended). That means a lot to me.

We flew to Miami from Dulles International Airport - just a hop, skip, and a drive from my home in Northern Virginia. However, it was a 6 AM flight out, so we stayed at a hotel near the airport the night before, just in case we hit traffic that is infamous to this area.

Upon arrival on the ship, the first place we stopped was Deck 6 - Central Park. And...it really looks like a park! We were "greeted" by a couple who had just said their marriage vows (there were numerous wedding ceremonies this particular week). It was incredibly hot and I felt so sorry for those ladies in those heavy, ornate dresses.

A view below of "Central Park" from Deck 17. Now, there are birds chirping in this park and it really makes you wonder if they are real. However, there were several "real" butterfly sightings...which mesmerized me once we were out to sea.

Our first stop was Cozumel, Mexico.

It was absolutely stunning.  Ninety-nine percent of the "water pictures" were taken from my balcony. The colors were just beautiful!  My mom was one of the family members accompanying us on this cruise. She and I stayed aboard this port, as it was stifling hot (duh...Caribbean in July!). The family went shopping and my sister gifted me with my Senor Frog t-shirt (thank you Lori)!

The next port-of-call was Falmouth, Jamaica. I had not been to Falmouth before.  Apparently, the past 5 years a gorgeous shopping port-of-call was constructed steps from the ship. Over 32,000 acres of shops. Standard fare (jewelry, trinkets, t-shirts) and after a while, each shop looked the same. However, it was gorgeous...and still Hot!

Jimmy Buffet was here...okay...just his trademark, but still...

In the picture below, taken outside of Margaritaville, my niece Sarah is holding her nephew (my great-nephew) Gavin. This poor guy to her right was in full costume making balloon animals for the kids. It had to be at least 90+ degrees and the humidity was off the charts.

Although it looks like a hotel in this picture, that is a partial shot of our ship, Oasis of the Seas, taken from the Centre Square.

I don't partake of alcoholic drinks much anymore. Well, I cannot say that truthfully after this cruise! Between the Gin and Tonic's and this drink...I certainly had my share! It is called a Bailey's Banana Colada and OMG was it smooth! There is a recipe if you follow the link. On the ship, they only used  Banana Liquor - no "real" banana. I have already stocked up on the ingredients and hope to recreate this memory this weekend! :)  Also - if you do try the recipe, add a swirl of Hershey's Chocolate Syrup to the top...just trust me!

The last port-of-call was Labadee, Haiti. This was our 3rd trip here over the years and I think it only just gets better!  Royal Caribbean "owns" this little piece of heaven. 

The approach to Labadee, Haiti

The landscape and paved trails are so lush! We visited a private beach called Barefoot Beach. I rented a couple of cabanas for the day (there are ceiling fans inside!!!) to protect us...especially Gavin...from the heat. The sand is the softest sand of any beach I have ever visited, and so white and pure!

View inside one of the cabanas - hi Mom!)

View looking out from one of the cabanas

I finally got a picture of the entire ship as we returned (Mom and I only lasted about 2 hours due to the heat - but everyone else took full advantage of the sun!)

Royal Caribbean offered a barbecue cookout at Barefoot Beach.  I tell you there is nothing better than a burger, hot dog, or steak charcoal-grilled!  NOTHING!

About 2 hours prior to departure, the skies turned ominous - very cool to hear thunder when you are on water.

The mountains of Labadee in a storm disappear in the storm clouds

Goodbye Labadee!  Until next time!

We returned to Ft. Lauderdale about 5:30/6:00 am.

Back to reality - flight was delayed on the tarmac for over an hour and a half. Barely any a/c. American Airlines stated the delay was due in part because of a "lack of assignment of grounds crew"...and oh yeah "cargo has not been loaded yet".  Pffft.  However, this was our ONE AND ONLY TRAVEL SNAG in the entire trip.

My view for an hour and a half awaiting takeoff

But once we took off...my view improved. 

Miami from the air

Even Virginia looks good from the air - the following photo was taken about 40 miles from Dulles Airport.

I am closing this post with the best picture of the day! We have the most marvelous pet sitter - really a part of our family for the past 12-14 years or so! She not only stayed at our home and took care of our pup Sarge, but also, my nieces' pups Thor (German Shepherd) and Griffin (White Golden Retriever), my sister's pup Klondike (White Husky), and two "regulars" of hers, Sophie and Watson. I swear she is a Dog Whisperer - not sure I could get 6 dogs to pose like this! :)

L-R:  Watson, Sarge, Klondike, Griffin, Thor, and Sophie

Oh - one more picture! I did buy me, myself, and I a little present in Jamaica - and no, not diamonds! I fell in love with this coffee after my first cruise years ago. It is truly the BEST coffee in the world! Going to savor it for sure!

Great memories were made and I feel so blessed to have spent time with my family in these special places.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you all have/will enjoy some place special this summer as well!

XO

Patti

Proof that Artists have the kindest hearts!

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Over the past few years, I have been blessed with beads and charms, donated to me by fellow artists. I donate all proceeds from my jewelry to Miracle Horse Rescue, and these artists - many of whom make these beads as their full time job - selflessly give these beads to me (a source of income for them!) in the hopes that I can create a piece of jewelry to benefit the horses. Jan Onipenco is one of these artists.

Today, I would like to share a different kind of donation.  Jan recently took up the art form of needle felting.  While I have seen images of these darling 3-D creations on the Internet, I was totally baffled as to how they are created.  So, I googled "Needle Felting" and was entranced by this process! 

In totally simplified terms, needle felting uses a sharp needle to turn wool roving into 3-D objects. The wool is agitated - with this fine needle - so that it sticks together, creating a solid fabric. While I have not tried this art form (yet!), the creativity in the final product is only limited by the imagination of the artist.

Well, Stephanie and Rob of Miracle Horse Rescue recently had a new addition to the family --- his name is Dusty!  Here is a recent picture of Dusty - with Emma (the beautiful little girl who now has a necklace with her name on it!)  Emma is Stephanie's grand daughter - she has the most contagious smile!  Millie - Dusty's mom - is also in the background, too!

And, here is Dusty's replica, completely handcrafted by Jan.

He is ADORABLE!

The auction for this beautiful work of art starts online today (June 24) and runs through Sunday (June 26).  If you are so inclined, please stop by the Miracle Horse Rescue Face Book page (link here)  and place a bid!

Now...Jan did not stop with her generous donation of "Dusty". An artist with many facets, she recently began her journey of making jewelry pendants and charm from resin, with gorgeous inclusions of nature, prints, and other decorations.

The two below are my favorites - :)

I am going to attempt (key word!) to bezel set these pendants in sterling for necklaces and/or possibly a bracelet - I also see a pair of earrings in the making!

I am forever grateful to the artist community for their generosity - THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH JAN!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

xo

Patti

Things can only get better...right?

by Patti Vanderbloemen

I was so glad that last week ended yesterday - it was not my best!  I had a second opinion doctor's appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who ordered yet another MRI (I am soooo claustrophobic)! But, I managed to get the nicest radiologist and came through with flying colors!

However, turns out I have a bone spur in my spine - in one of the vertebrate's within my neck. The doctor is surprised I do not have pains running down my arms, as my nerves are being squeezed by that little spur. I see a Pain Management doctor July 7th as hopefully, a shot will help with that pain. Motto of this story: When at first you see a doctor with zero bedside manner and could care less about your ailments other than to make you feel like a hypochondriac -  seek a second opinion!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I cracked a tooth on a 4-tooth bridge in my mouth. It does not matter that I brush/floss/water pic and see my dentist every 6 months, my teeth are just RENTED inside my mouth and are not meant to remain there permanently. My dentist gave me the sad news that I needed a new bridge (this was the second bridge - same spot - in less than 8 years) So, on Friday, I went to the dentist anticipating a 4-tooth bridge removal. Well, he pried that sucker off (no worries as I felt nothing as the Novocaine had kicked in) and then he left the room. I was concerned, as he had never done that in the past 15-16 years. He obviously needed a shot of "Just tell her and get it over with" as he came back in the room, pulled up a chair, and sat next to me.  Then, he delivered to me the bad news that the three remaining teeth (well...just roots at this point) required removal ASAP. So, he walked me across the street to a dental surgeon who proceeded to pull those three teeth out and perform a bone graft at the same time. He also told me I am not a candidate for implants and crowns, as my sinus cavities are too low and I would require some nasty surgery called a "Sinus Lift" if I cared to go that route.  No Thank You! So, a partial, removable denture is in my near future.

I was actually fine until the Novocaine wore off! :)  The swelling on the left side of my face is so intense that this 55 year old broad has zero wrinkles...on the left side of her face.  I look so lopsided! Honestly - the pain is subsiding every day - thanks to prescription strength Motrin!

Source: www.HypoThyroidism Solution.com

One last thing health wise that I would like to share with you.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about my present chronic vertigo, and all the testing I went through over the past 11 months.  My doctor is still convinced it is caused by my Thyroid and associated Hasimoto's Disease. Well, I have been influenced by Heidi Kingman (she does not know this little factoid, but I am)! She suffered many health ailments and three years ago changed her diet to Gluten/Dairy/Egg and Soy Free - she is so healthy now. So, I did a ton of research and decided to try a Gluten Free diet (I have to start slow and quite frankly, Dairy, Eggs, and Soy do not bother me one bit. In fact, I was not even sure if gluten affected me). Gluten intolerance can cause inflammation, among other things. Well, 10 days in, and my vertigo is much less intense - in fact - I have had only two days of any vertigo symptoms and it was so minor that it was "manageable". I almost feel normal again! :) Well...normal enough to venture down into my creative space!

So, I am still enamored with tube setting faceted gemstones.  So, I got daring (for me) and made this little anticlastic ring.

The sterling setting (the tube) has to be made to fit on the curve of the ring shank. It was challenging, but I am so tickled that it worked! I nearly shaved off my fingers while finagling the curve of the tube  with my files - it's only 6 mm wide.

A few months ago, I successfully completed my first etch on sterling silver.  I have made quite a few pieces of jewelry with this sheet - in fact - only scraps are left. Not wanting it to go to waste, I made a sweet little necklace.

I made a tiny little flower from a sterling disc, which I domed, and then added a little bud in the center, made from my shot plate. I was disgusted with the photos - 59 in total.  I have the hardest time taking photos of pure silver jewelry (jewelry not adorned with any beads). Inevitably, I end up with the weirdest reflections on the silver - usually of my camera.  Sigh. 

The bail was made from a piece of textured 10 gauge silver that I had scrapped from another project.

Finally, a very special little girl turns 9 years old today (Happy Birthday Emma)!!  So, I cozied up to my jeweler's saw and made her a special little necklace. Yup - another horse lover!

Again - not the best picture 'cause it's silver! But, I made a nice, substantial chain - 14 inches in length so she won't hang herself. :)  And since June is her birth month, I wired a little pearl to the last link in the chain.

I am so very happy to start a fresh new week!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Take care!

xo

Patti

New stuff

by Patti Vanderbloemen

Blog titles...how does one come up with a catchy blog title?  I can't even come up with catchy names for my jewelry...so "New Stuff" it is!

I very recently received a fresh batch of pewter charms from Vincent and Nooma of Inviciti (link here)  and lo and behold, I used every single set in a week!  That NEVER happens, as I usually tend to "over buy" ANYTHING, thus my stash of beads keeps growing (out of control, I might add).

First up is a very simple pair of earrings. I have had these two "orphan" beads from Maryse of GlassBeadArt (link here) for quite a while. Inevitably, I always seem to be "left" with one or two beads from ANY strand. No worries...they all get used eventually!

But, I really love the shape of these clear glass beads! They are so unique, and the glass itself appears to have crackling inside - reminding me of an ice cube!

I have been adding to my gemstone hoard as well. I had these TEENY TINY gemstones (4mm) with what is I am positive the world's smallest hole. Not really, but I had to wear my Opti-visor's in order to string these itsy bitsy beauties.I bought these with the intention of making a multi-strand bracelet. 

I had a small, Blue Apatite cabochon sitting on my bench and thought it would blend so well with the colors in the gemstone mix. So, I made a silver bezel and wrapped it to the center hole in the focal. Notice the horse?  That horse is simply perfection...to my eyes! 

I am always torn between making a "matching" pair of earrings. When I don't make them, I am asked for a pair..and when I do make them, inevitably one is purchased without the other. So, I flipped a coin and made a pair.

I like the fact that earrings are not so "matchy/matchy" with the necklace.

With my hoard of Inviciti charms dwindling, I made one last pair of earrings.

Those two little silver tabs were a death wish! When I make earrings, like most artists, I tend to complete one step on one earring and proceed to the same step on the second earring....always hoping and praying for symmetry and consistency. Well, after cutting each back plate and stamping the design; cutting the silver tubing, soldering it onto the back plate, and cutting a seat into the tubing; creating and soldering a half ring for the wire wrap; soldering on the earring post; and finally, oxidizing/buffing/tumbling, I was ready to set the stones. The first stone set beautifully. When I began to set the second stone, the gemstone was sitting just crooked enough to drive me insane. So, I had to cut the tubing off the ruined back plate and start over. I ALMOST said forget it, but I am glad I did not!

Lastly, I had several people (on Facebook) ask me to make a wire wrapped cross pendant like the one I gave away in my last post.  So, I made a few and listed them in my shop.  My favorite is the mixed metal sterling silver with copper.

So, that was my week!

Thank you for stopping by today!  Have a wonderful week!

XO

Patti