Up and About ever so slowly

I am so glad to be upright and moving about, how ever so slowly and loudly, clunking on the wood floors with my crutches and ortho boot.  Thankfully the pain is subsiding and my mind is clearing, I am grateful...

Ever since I got home from the hospital my companion has been my big Ole lap cat Sam Adams. He likes to walk all over me and has to kneed on all my hurting spots, he found a comfy spot lying on my boot today.

Surgery went well, I did not need a skin graph as what was expected so that was a huge relief, my surgeon was able to join the skin together on my leg. Two lymph nodes were removed from my (R) groin, I am hoping pathology will be in by Thursday when I go for my post-op visit. In the meantime I am able to get into my studio put my legs and up and get some work done. My darling DH organized everything so nicely for me. I have very dear friends that are making us meals and keeping me company, like I said I am grateful...it is a huge blessing to have such wonderful family and friends. Many thanks again for all of your well wishes and friendship.

My Fingers are Crossed

"As with the Sign of the Cross, the Fingers Crossed action is used when the person feels the need for good luck, courage or protection". 

Tomorrow I am looking for all of the above...I am having surgery tomorrow as some of you know I was recently diagnosed with Ulcerative Melanoma. A large area on my right leg will be removed and a skin graph will also be done. I am praying my lymph nodes will be clear of the disease. So, I will be away from blog land for a bit. Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and good wishes, it means so much to me having this wonderfully supportive network of such great friends.

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...and before I forget I want to congratulate "TopHat" for winning my sweet little giveaway. Please send along your address and I will make sure you get your little gift. 

Special Order

 I am trying to finish up some special orders this week. I especially love this fun colorful bracelet I made for one of my blog readers. This bracelet features some awesome handmade polymer clay beads from Aslan Crafts on Etsy, I just love these beads and their cool shape. Originally I wanted to pair them with a citrine color that is found in the floral design but It really did not look so great. So after rummaging through all my stash I improvised....

...I took these chunky silver plated metal beads and torched them! They turned a really great shade of "old gold" with hints of iridescence and shades of gray, so hard to explain but I am so pleased!

 ...and don't forget...

I am having a sweet little giveaway that ends tomorrow at 12 noon, so be sure to go and check it out! You can enter HERE.

Rings & a sweet little giveaway!

 

I found these awesome adjustable ring blanks some time ago on Etsy and just LOVE them! The quality is superb and I really like the matt antique silver finish. I have been using them to make typewriter key rings and purchased a few with a bezel to play with. Well, yesterday I figured out what I wanted to go in them can you guess? 

Etched metal and resin! I love the simplicity of them. I wish I wore rings but I just can't stand anything on my fingers (my stunning diamond rests in velvet). Sorry about the glare on the resin, there are no dark spots.

 What do you think? 
You can find these in my Flapyourwings Etsy shop. 

Since I have been having fun with my etching I would love to offer to y'all one of my etched pendants.

"Admit One" 

Measures 2" x 1 1/8" A ticket image has been etched on a purchased brass dog tag. I will also be including a very special surprise with the tag.

All I ask is this one little question:

If you could only make one piece of jewelry what would it be and who would you give it to? 

Leave your comment with email and your name will be entered in the drawing that will be held on Tuesday at 12 noon. If you share this blog post on twitter, facebook or your blog please leave another comment telling me. 

I really look forward to all of your comments. 

Etched Cuff Bracelets

 

I really enjoy making these cuffs...all the sanding and smoothing really gives you a good work out and gets out some of those frustrations. Once it is etched and oxidized you are rewarded with a glorious design...so very worth it! Several of my friends will be receiving these as Christmas presents this year.

You can find these bracelets on my website JudithBDesigns.com

 

I am hoping today is a better day, yesterday I spent 3 hours in the dentist chair....3 hours can you believe it? One of my porcelain crowns cracked on Thanksgiving evening ( of all days!) Thankfully it did not hurt so I could wait until yesterday. Now I have a temporary and a new one will be made in a few weeks. Today I am off for a haircut , maybe something new...we will see. My friend Renee who is my hairdresser wants me to bring in jewelry, all the girls want to see my work, that will be fun! Baptist hospital is down the road from the salon so I will also go and register for my surgery. I hope y'all have a wonderful day! Do something fun!!

I love Shutterfly!

Click here to view this photo book larger

 I had purchased a Groupon for Shutterfly.com to make a photo book. I thought the book would be great to have on display at my shows and to use as a portfolio if I was to need one. Shutterfly offers so many design choices so your book can truly be one of a kind. I included some of my favorite pieces from this past year. Shipping was so quick and when my book arrived I was thrilled! I loved the high quality of both the paper and the photos. I am now a fan! I hope you will check them out.

On another note...I really want to thank everyone for their kind emails about my recent diagnosis. It means so much to me, more than I could ever express. I will keep you all posted. 

 

Bee Happy

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world.

Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.
–Tom Bodett

For this one of a kind piece I etched the brass and applied Miss Ficklemedia's Verdigris patina. Czech glass beads and a hand forged closure adds additional interest to the neckline. You can find this on my Judith B.Designs web site.

Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.
--Unknown