Christmas Is Fast Approaching

And I'm trying to be prepared (but it's not really working).



I have a wrapping theme worked out in my head but a prototype is in order. I usually o.d. on ribbons but I'm going somewhat "rustic" this year.



I'm also trying to make some (if not all of my cards) because last year's christmas card search was annoyingly fruitless, everything being too religious for the participants, ugly or expensive. I liked an example on Martha Stewart's site so I started on my own variation.



Of course part of the reason I feel late is because I just barely caught Thanksgiving- these being some cookies I made for the occasion.

Jewelry: Details Before the Official Unveiling

I picked up this chick in Long Island, my only purchase but she was cheap ($5)

Today I took some detail shots of the jewelry I've completed thus far, I'm not officially unveiling it yet but I think you can get a good idea of the collection from these images. Not shown in whole are shoulder chains and body harnesses, those will come with the "official unveiling".

Extra Long feather necklace in gunmetal with wrapped chain stem

Detail of body harness, pyrite gems

Detail of shoulder chain/harness, real crystal gems from antique hurricane lamps

Two feather charms, one from the necklace above, the other a harness. I'm also making shoulder duster earrings from this design.

Weekend Trip to Long Island

I've been neglecting blogging for too long- sorry!

Between work, jewelry making and two weekend trips to Long Island, I haven't had much time at the computer which is probably more healthy for me but we won't go into that.
Instead, I'll add to the already over-saturated world of internet-nature photography and show you some pictures from the weekend.

I have a small side project of Will taking pictures

This "fireplace" was at the site of a demolished hospital

A trip out to Sunken Meadow State Park

Gorgeous golden trees

Branches that look like they are trying to retrieve their fallen leaves

Spotted more lawn "pimpery", this time a skunk-dog thing

Will in profile

Surprise- making jewelry

Surprise  (A bank Will got me. Byron is getting ideas.)

I've been taking care of a lot of different things and didn't have time to update over the weekend.

Part of that is because I finally started making some of the jewelry I've been thinking about for a while now. No finished pics yet but here's a snapshot sneak peek at the color/ style.

I don't have access to a studio so I opted not to begin any metalsmithing projects (like I've done in the past), which is ok for what I'm doing right now. It just involves a lot of wire work.

A necklace I made a few years ago, this one is hand cut silver.

We'll see how it all turns out...

Another Awesome "Pimped" Lawn

I know it's a day late but I had to share this awesome "pimped" lawn. I love the resourcefulness! I don't know these people but I like them.



I just wish their trashcans weren't in the way so I could get a clearer shot.



A round of applause for them ;p