I had purchased these cool rock connectors at a bead show awhile back and have never used them. I have seen lots of other designers use them but I was unsure how they would look in my designs...I knew whatever piece I made had to be organic in nature to fit in with the rock ( I am funny about not wanting to mix certain things together). So here you have "Russian River" a combination of lampwork, bead caps- made from copper washers (soooo easy!) Agate, wood and Australian Chrysoprase.
I am getting ready for an Art show next weekend, so I am making some new pieces. I think I am in my vintage/antique mood, all I want to work with are old elements. Here is a new favorite piece of mine I have named "Feathered Wings". I like the touch of whimsy... the addition of the bird and wings, and an antique key is always cool on anything.
Re-purposed rosary bead necklace "Our Father" 
Our visit out west was incredible, it was a really wonderful journey. We had never been to Nevada before and was awe struck by its beauty. I loved the western feel and the people of the area where so kind. Horse ranches were everywhere, after all Nevada is called the "Rodeo State". I hope you will enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Going over the pass to South Tahoe
...here I am trying not to get too close to the edge, it was just a little too scary!
All the snow was such a surprise!
"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."
Minden, Nevada
Nevada's oldest thirst parlor. This saloon was incredible, completely authentic and all original. Not a museum...a working bar. It was so cool to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink. Many movies have been filmed here.
Minden is at the base of the Sierra Nevada range and has an elevation of 4,700 feet above sea level. Life in Minden offers small town living with all the facilities of Lake Tahoe (20-25 minutes drive) or Reno (45 minutes). Population 3000+.
We left Minden and headed to the San Fransico area to visit with friends in Walnut Creek. I decided to wear shorts and flip flops as it was sunny and the morning was warming up. It was 67 degrees when we left and started our climb through the mountains. When we reached the following picture it was at 36 degrees. The highest elevation we reached that day was 9000 ft.
Stretching from the Sacramento Valley of California to the Carson Valley in Nevada, this 58-mile byway winds its way through the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, reaches the summit at Carson Pass, and ends up on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada.
One of the most visually dramatic of the trans-Sierra highways in California, you will witness views of ragged volcanic skylines, cool green meadows, mountain lakes framed by timber-covered slopes, adventure-filled rock valleys, and distant mountain peaks.
Mount Diablo is a mountain in Contra Costa County, California in the San Francisco Bay Area, located south of the town of Clayton and northeast of Danville. It is an isolated upthrust peak of 3,864 feet (1,178 m), visible from most of the San Francisco Bay Area and much of northern California.
View from Mt. Daiblo
Nashville is rising... slowly. A small big city full of spirit and hope, although devastated by the flooding of almost 2 weeks ago it is slowly making its way back. I needed to create something, to do my part, be it ever so small. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this necklace will be donated to The Nashville Disaster Response Fund.
I would like to think this necklace would have looked just stunning on Queen Anne...however if you notice she is lacking a fancy adornment, could it be she just could not find the "right" piece to go with her outfit. The Baroque era, a favorite of mine, where the arts flourished in ornate, intricate and grandiose style. With Queen Anne in mind and the age of opulence, I created this plum colored delight. I am very pleased with the simplicity and elegance of this piece. 
I would love for a day or so to be transformed into that time and place where I could gaze upon all the fine art, jewels,hand woven fabrics and hand crafted furniture. How amazing that would be. However I would be back in a flash for my hot shower, toothbrush and indoor plumbing...and this girl is not wearing a corset! 
