Happy Thanks for giving

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. 

W. T. Purkiser 

 For today and it's blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.

When my son was little he would say "Happy thanks for giving"  not a thanksgiving has gone by that I don't repeat those same words. My wishes to you are that you have a blessed holiday, are able to  have a wonderful meal and have someone to enjoy it with. Blessings to you all!

Show signs and advertising

 

I wanted to share with you a great and inexpensive way to advertise your business. A little over a month ago I ordered two large car magnets from Vistaprint, using an uploaded design of the front of my business card. When I went to their site my original intention was to order a banner, but I felt the banner was so large and too intrusive for my display. I saw the  large car magnets (17.3 x 11.25) and liked the look of them and thought I would order that. When they arrived I was so pleased at the coloring and gloss, they were awesome! I went and looked at all of my old frames that I use in my display and the magnet fit into one of them perfectly, I already had chicken wire on the frame so it stuck to it so problem, Voila, instant sign! The other magnet I use on the car when I am doing shows, so I get a little extra advertising in while traveling. Vistaprint is always having some type of sale so I am sure you can get them at a good price. I paid less than $35 including postage.

 I will give you a little update on my medical situation....I saw my surgeon today and have surgery scheduled for Dec. 8th to remove about a fist size area from my right leg. They will also be doing a skin graft and doing a dye injection into my lymph nodes to check for metastasis of the melanoma. Once that is done we will know what kind of treatment will follow, if any. Thanks for all of your kind words and thoughts on my previous post, it means so much!

Shift Lock

One more key necklace....I know... I suppose I am a little obsessed with the keys, but sometimes the addition of a key just makes the piece. As many of you know I love to etch, it is a love hate thing, the loving part taking precedent. Any whoooo...this piece also had some Verdigris patina applied and it just made the etch pop. It really is a fun process! Miss Ficklemedia offers a great tutorial on applying patinas, check it out!

 Shift Lock is an assemblage of vintage rosary beads, antique brass chain links, vintage typewriter key and an antique key.

 It has been a rough week, besides working like a crazy lady getting ready for my best show of the season lots of other things have come up. My dear mother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we were shocked to learn this sad news. She lives in Connecticut so the distance will make it more difficult for us, but a 2 hour plane ride is easy to do. I too got some bad news, a diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma. I had something removed from my leg and the outcome was not as we hoped. Needless to say I have had lots rolling around in my head. I will be having additional surgery very soon on my leg to get clear margins on where the cancer is. I think that is all one person can handle for the week...I am looking forward to the show, it will surely keep my mind occupied. The weekend is upon us, I hope you all have a great one!

Key to wisdom

"The key to wisdom is knowing all the right questions"

John A. Simone Sr. 

This vintage key was once a brooch with a blue plastic bead in the center, its former life was not so attractive. I replaced the bead with an antique Victorian button and added some of Miss Ficklemedia's Verdigris Patina to the brass key, it added some life to the former wall flower. An array of beads, precious stones and vintage chain  are used to make this eclectic adornment.

A small key

"A small key opens BIG doors" 

The etched piece that is the focal for this pendant was purely an accident. I had etched the piece about a month and was not happy with the depth of the etch and left it on my work table on the porch. It caught my eye that other day and I went to retrieve it, the piece naturally patina'd to a great shade of green or verdi. I was so excited and took it to my work table and buffed it with some steel wool to bring out the etched design.....and here you have it! I will be applying some renaissance wax to the pendant as soon as it arrives. I think it will enhance the piece nicely.

You can find this piece in my Etsy shop.

Peace'mak"ing

one that makes peace....

 ....and then they laughed!

 The Peacemaker can be found on JudithBDesigns. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! Yay, I am staying home and I am going to do what I do best...make jewelry!

It's a Hoot

Here is an etched owl pendant I made a while ago and today it found its home in this necklace called "Hoot". For some reason I really wanted something earthy paired with the etched piece, a combination of jasper, tiger eye, wood and African opal did the trick. Hope you like it! You can find "Hoot" in my Etsy shop.