Winter Enchantment or Not!

 We had a beautiful snowfall last night with big puffy snowflakes. When we awoke this morning everything was coated....the branches and pines were heavy with snow and it sparkled  like a winter wonderland. Oh so pretty! But.....

in a few short days the snow will be gone (yay!!)...I like a little... not a lot. I have had my share of New England winters that last forever, I much prefer the Tennessee winters.

Speaking of winter...as part of Artbeads.com's blogging program we were asked to create a "Winter Enchantment" design that represents what you find beautiful or inspirational about the winter season. 

I find many winter days dark and over cast, but once a snow has fallen it is full of light and shine. I tried to portray that in this layered necklace I call "Winter Solstice" .

I chose Swarovski crystals and Czech glass to add the shine to this piece as well as some vintage rosary beads. Layers of gunmetal chain were added to reflect the dark skies. I love the combination of the two, each play off the other so nicely. 

Artbeads is also having a super giveaway a ‘Road to Tucson’ Sweepstakes! The grand prize is a trip for two to Tucson, Arizona to attend the 2012 Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase! This fantastic prize package includes round-trip airfare for two to Tucson, Arizona and 3 nights accommodation. The winner will also attend classes with well-known beading instructors and have access to the biggest shows. Spend 3 fun-filled days in Tucson surrounded by gems, minerals, fossils, beads and other bead lovers! What could be more fabulous!

I have received these beads free of charge from Artbeads.com in order to write a review and/or create a project free of charge for you. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.   

Fusion

I never know what I am going to make on any given day... I had some old millefiori beads that I cast aside and and today they came to life this bracelet. I am calling this piece "Fusion", A joining of yellow turquoise, czech, art glass and millefiori beads to form a composition of vibrant colors and textures. You can find this in my Flapyourwings Etsy shop.

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Hop on over and check out Room Remix...a great blog that I follow and where you CAN create a great space within your budget! This blog provides you with decorating inspiration, practical decorating advice, creative ideas and resources, DIY ideas, before and afters, and helps you think outside of your current decorating box.

This week PK of Room Remix is hosting a blog giveaway of one of my bracelets...and the lucky winner gets to choose which bracelet you would like, how fun! I love following PK's blog and I think you will too. She has inspired me to start a few projects which I look forward to sharing with you real soon!




...and last but not least...I really had to share a picture of my two boys, Sam & Jack...aren't they just the cutest? They are perched on the back of the chair so they can look out of the window at it snowing...yes it is snowing again! This is our fourth winter in Tennessee and this has been the snowyest (is that a word?)...anyway I am not liking it and I am hoping that in March it will start warming up.

I would like to give a shout out and thank all of my new blog followers, I really appreciate you taking the time to visit.

All snowed in!

A view from my front porch

Schools are closed, the grocery store shelves are empty and we are snowed in!! Yeah, right! Yesterday everyone was all a buzz about the snow that we were suppose to get today. Here in Tennessee schools are closed in advance of such news and people flock to stock up on groceries. It was predicted that we were going to get 2-3 inches, as you can see we did not get that much. I just chuckle. I am treating this day like any other snow day we use to have in Massachusetts....but thankfully no need to shovel!

Sam
The kitties do not like the snow or the cold. They have turned into true Southerners.

I want to share with you a little gift that feel from the tree. I have a passion for birds nests and have a sweet little collection. When I picked this one up it just made me smile so much, it is constructed of the usual twigs but this one also has horse hair in it. There are two horses that live a few house away from me, a chestnut mare and a gray pony. Their mane and tail hairs are so evident. I love horses so this is even more special.

What warms your heart or brings a smile to your face, is it the simpler things in life?

Just a reminder I have a great winter giveaway going on.
Enter here to win a $25 Artbeads gift certificate.