Merry Christmas to All

It's been almost a month since I have posted.  The Winter Stringing magazine came out a couple of weeks ago and I have several items in it.  I was waiting to receive the pictures from the magazine so that I could show you what was published, but have not yet received them.  So, in the meantime, I will just show you my pictures of what they accepted for publication.

First, a pair of earrings using Marti Conrad's wonderful turquoise on speckled stoneware Owl dangles.  The big bead is a 12mm Czech fire polished bead with picasso finish.




I made a necklace that matches these, but they didn't accept the necklace.  It will, however, be published by Bead Trends in February (I believe) or March.  I've lost track.

Next, a bracelet made, again, with Marti Conrad's geometric bracelet connector in a softly applied turquoise glaze on speckled stoneware.  On the left, next to the connector, is one of Lynda Cogbill's, LyndasLampwork, lampwork beads and the other four beads are polymer clay by Alison Crenshaw, BeadsbyEarthTones.

Last, a banded black onyx bracelet with a filigree toggle clasp and jet picasso rondelle beads.

The large rectangle gemstones are beautifully faceted lengthwise and it made an elegant looking bracelet.

I have a necklace and earrings listed in the shop that match it.

Like everyone else, I have been extremely busy during this holiday season.  I am leaving with four of my six brothers and sisters and my Mom for a family vacation to San Antonio, TX.  We leave Christmas Day and will return January 1, 2013.  Joe is staying home to care for the dogs, although I have made the difficult and painful decision to board Justice.  She is doing well, but she is on medications that have to be coordinated with her meals, walking, etc. that my husband has just not totally grasped.  Also, since she and Sophie do fight when not constantly supervised, I think they will all be safer if Justice is boarded. I plan to go visit the facilities later today to make sure they meet with my approval, but Kansas City had its first snow storm last night.  It is very windy - up to 30 miles per hour - blizzard conditions really, and they have even closed I-29 north of Kansas City International Airport to the Iowa line.  That goes right through St. Joseph, MO (Where Diane Long - another published jewelry designer that you may know - lives).  They are recommending that we stay home wrapped in blankets, etc.  I still have internet and utilities and we are warm and full of good food so we are happy and counting our blessings.

I have not made any jewelry since the last Lesley Watt Bronze Snowflake Challenge with one exception.  I had a special order for the bracelet and earring set shown above.  It is gorgeous.  The connector and dangles are by Marti Conrad and the brown beads are by Mary Ann Carroll.  My client was thrilled with it which in turn thrills me.

I don't plan to take my computer on vacation with me as we are all packing very light.  I am leaving my shop open, but have posted a notice that shipping will be delayed until my return.  I will also have contact through my iPhone for returning messages, relisting, etc.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  May your heart be filled with the love of family and friends and please don't forget to remember what this season is really all about -- the birth of the Holy Christ Child.