June 28, 2009

Thought I'd include a picture of some of the flowers that are now in bloom in our front garden....This is a garden my daughter designed - basically alot of flowers that are draught resistent, don't need too much care, and are native to the area. It's evolved since it was first planted...Milkweed found it's way in - the flowers are so fragrant - and a favorite of the monark butterfly. Something is usually in flower most of the year, and if not, there is such a variety of texture and green, it's still pleasant to look at, I think.

June 23 2009

Often, when I sell beads on Etsy or Artfire, I wonder what becomes of them. Everynow and then, someone will send me a picture of their creation....as did Nastasia - She bought an eclectic set of beads - alot of blues and purples - a really big hole bead, and a hollow bead were part of the set. This is what she's come up with. I'm amazed at her creativity. With the use of crystals and smaller beads, she's made my big beads look awsome. Thanks Nastasia for sharing.

BYW - does anyone know the best place to get a new harmonica? Hubbies harmonica is wearing out - one of the notes sticks, and he's looking for a new one. It's a hoot - Aila - the Terveran - howls everytime he starts playing. I think she thinks she is accompanying him!

June 20, 2009

We have jam and frozen cherries for this coming winter! Today, we picked the rest of the cherries off our cherry tree that I thought was a plum tree - and I have to show you the very best cherry pitter ever. For the last couple of days, I have dreaded this day, as my hands have been sore from squishing and pulling out cherry pits...unable to find a cherry pitter in town, I took to the internet to see what my options were....lo and behold...I came across a couple of alternatives - a straw - I tried this last year to no avail...just couldn't make that straw shove the pit out of the cherry. Ordering one was out of the question. Our cherries were ripe NOW - two days from now they will be full of mildew, and the birds will have eaten even the bottom ones. I found something written about a bobby pin or a hair pin. Not having any hairpins around, I substituted a piece of bent wire and pounded it into a wine cork which is to be the holder. It works like magic! Push the end of the "hairpin" in, bend it towards me, and pull out the cherry pit. No more cramped, sore thumbs. Picture attached of the pitter and the jam. Not included in the picture are the 4 frozen servings of cherries or the cherry crumb that I baked for super.

June 15 2009

I've decided to add some of my mini quilts to my Etsy shop. I've been quilting for close to 20 years now, and it's time I let go of some of my smaller quilts. Hope you enjoy.

The birds are still enjoying of cherries. We picked enough for Cherry Crumb yesterday. My hands are stained with cherry juice. Does anyone know a really easy way to pit cherries?

June 13, 2009

The birds are just lovin our cherry tree.....robins, grackles, and a couple cardinels, I think. Just wish they would eat the whole cherry before going on to the next one....What a mess. Hoping that we will be able to harvest what we would like before they start getting mold on them. Cherry crumb is to die for -

That reminds me - when Bruce was gone, I bought some really delicious ice cream with nuts and chocolate and all sorts of goodies - and I forgot about it .....see you later.

Oh, beads from a commission that Sherie asked me to do. She says she Lovveeeeees them. What do you think?

June 11, 2009

I've started to use Flickr to create a history of my beads - check it out - I'll add new folders for each month.

Beading today was good. I think I have some pretty good stringer control coming on one set, and I'm back to making big bold dots on a base of black. They're in the kiln now - should have photo's of them tomorrow.

Oh, some good news, the Gibson Gallery has decided to try a consignment shop on a temporary basis for about six weeks starting in July. I'm hoping to have some of my finished jewelry there - will keep you posted.

June 10, 2009

I'm excited that two of my classes are listed at the Gibson Gallery for July - Wire work bracelet is being offered on a Saturday, everything included to complete one bracelet...extra wire available for a second. And Knitting - the new yoga - two monday nights in July - some people say that it's becoming a lost art - but I see alot of young people taking it up, and there are so many new and fashionable things to be made - everyone should learn how to knit....We'll start with a scarf and see how it goes.

Picture posted of two bracelets I've made, showing techniques you will learn from the wire work class.