A Sneak Peak

I've been doing several new things lately that I plan on getting on the site eventually, but since I just finished one of my favorite ones a couple days ago I can't stop going back and trying it on. Already I've had many compliments on how "cool" it is. So I thought I would give you a little sneak peak at a new line of macrame' bracelets I will be doing. They will be called "Dream Catcher Cuffs" and each will be truly one of a kind, because as you can see, there is absolutely no way any two could possibly alike! They will be coming soon, as soon as I can dream them up!

Do You Use ReUsed In Your Jewelry Making?

I didn't start doing jewelry until after I got out of the Navy in 1999. I started out with my first love, stained glass. Once I had my stained glass studio up and running then I experimented with some jewelry ideas, and that's when the jewelry just fell into place. It was a natural progression.

I loved finding anything unique to work with, stone, wire, bottles, and nuts and bolts...just anything! You name it; my motto is "I can do something with that!” I am always storing things around the house just waiting for the right project to use them on. My husband is always threatening to throw them out, but never does. It's fun to go through the hardware drawer and just look for items that I think I might be able to use. The items that I have collected have come in very handy in my designs.

I also collect and recycle electrical wire, copper pipes, drapery cords, belts, and various metals. All electrical wire can have the rubber coating removed leaving you with workable wire. Sometimes you get lucky and the look and color of the metal is enhanced by the rust or discoloration on the surface. Copper pipes can be used in both jewelry and stained glass for various purposes, as can be numerous other recycled metals that otherwise would be thrown away. Cording can be reused as necklace or bracelet cording or braided into macrame'.

Once I realized the beauty and versatility of using recycled items along with my precious stones and stained glass I never turned back. It was like a new world of creativity had opened up for me. I have always believed that if you can recycle something, then do. Mother Nature is the first and our best recycler, so we should all heed a lesson from the teacher herself! Reuse every chance you get, because you may not get that chance again.

Are You Sick Of Winter?

If your as sick of winter as I am then join me in this last bon voyage to that cold, wet and sometimes white stuff. This is a short adiós to Winter and hopefully a fast, hurry up and get here to Summer!

For all of us who have ever wondered, is there really a winter wonderland out there. Well folks, yes there is. Hyde Park, London is the location of the "official" winter wonderland. The official winter wonderland website is here. So go there and check it out!

Did you know that the tallest icebergs tower over the surface of the ocean at a height corresponding to a 15-storey building, while the smallest are only about the size of a hut. This was only too true for my husband and I while we were in the Navy and stationed in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada and had the pleasure of seeing some of the most beautiful icebergs. These icebergs came from Greenland, and we were told, occasionally a polar bear would get trapped on them as they broke away from the mainland and floated down to Newfoundland. When the iceberg would get close enough for the bear to get on dry land it would get off and stroll into town looking for food and a place to relax at the local McDonald's dumpster. The RCMP's (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) would eventually tranquilize and transport him (or her) back up into the Labrador area where it is much colder and hopefully much more appealing to them. What a beautiful country it is up there! For some great photos of icebergs of Greenland and other areas click here. If you would like to see some information and photos on Gander, Newfoundland, Canada click here.

That's it I'm done. Hope your Spring is sprung!