Catching Up

It's probably been a month or so since my last blog. I'm sorry about that. Things have been busy lately. After I hurt my back, I kind of lost all inspiration to make jewelry. I was pretty bummed about it, but figured it would come back soon enough. But you know what came instead? Hurricane Isaac! That was um, "fun."

80 hours without power in sweltering, windless, humid, heat index of over 100 weather - that's miserable. Sleep was very difficult - we tried sleeping by windows, in the car, apparently Steve tried sleeping on the ground outside by the pool (all the outdoor furniture had been packed away). I found the sofa nearest a window with my legs up over the back of the couch to be the best position. With a wet rag on my face. And something to fan myself with nearby. I was up by 5:30 every morning, which would never normally happen. It was just miserable. During the daylight hours, I did manage to make some jewelry because there was NOTHING ELSE TO DO. I read a little bit, talked to some neighbors. Carried my 35 lb dog up and down two flights of stairs because she's too old, fat, and short-legged to manage - and of course the elevator wasn't working. And of course I'm not supposed to lift more than 15 lbs. with my back. A lot of wine was consumed, which created some candle holders for the taper candles we had. I could go on and on. Just trust me, it was awful. And when we could finally get to a McDonalds, we were glad to wait an hour for service because it was a hot meal and a cold drink. I don't know how people used to live?!?!'

Then, it was my birthday last weekend, so I was a bit consumed with festivities/hangover. A recent order from Lima Beads arrived yesterday, and I made a cute pair of owl earrings with some long-hoarded Kristi Bowman copper leaves.

Enough reading - time for pictures now!

I finally went back to the darker bright red for my hair, and I'm glad I did. It's almost as red as my car, which you can see over my shoulder. Also, new sunglasses birthday present to myself.

The aforementioned owl earrings with Kristi's copper leaves.

Look what I found at TJ Maxx yesterday! I now have a family of five. That should be enough.

All of these were made during the so called "hurrication." Believe me, it was nothing like a vacation. At least two happened before the power went out though.

This came together after the power went out. It was one of those things that made itself. I just helped.

Okay, this was actually a week before the storm, I just hadn't gotten around to showing you yet. That gorgeous hammered copper ring was something I won from the super talented Susan of Cicada Silver/Libellula Jewelry

This cute little Golem cardinal pendant had been waiting patiently for months. The first night of "hunkering down" (a term so over-used it inspired a drinking game), I created this one. Still had power.

First thing I made when the sun came up the morning after the power went out. Another one that made itself. When I finish something like that - especially with components I've had for ages, I think "This piece of jewelry has been here all along just waiting to become whole. What took it so long?" I have picked up that charm and those beads so many times and wondered what I should do with them. I guess it took a hurricane to sort that out for me!

Anyway, I'm hoping that I'll get back to making something almost every day soon. I'm in PT for my shoulder (surprisingly, that was just a while I'm here, my shoulder's been bugging me for awhile thing I'd mentioned to my ortho when I went to see him about my back, and that's what I'm in therapy for!?) and with all the exercises I'm doing for it, it's been hurting more and more. So I still have to take it a little slow with jewelry. Do you all realize how difficult it is not to hunch or slouch while making something?!?!

Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for visiting  :)

What a Weekend!

I finally joined the Cult of iPhone! I wanted to be an Android person, and maybe I would have stayed one if my Hero hadn't been so slow and incapable. My contract was up on the 1st, so I went out shortly thereafter and got myself a 4S. It's wonderful!

As if that wasn't exciting enough, we bought a Tempur-pedic Cloud Luxe California King bed! I can't wait until it arrives on Friday, but it's just as well, because it turns out stores around here tend not to stock California King size bedding. I ordered a comforter set online last night, but I still have to get some sheets. I thought sure I could find some at TJ Maxx or Marshall's today, but I was wrong about that! I know I can get some good deals online, but I'd prefer to get some in person so I can feel them and see if I like the fabric. The bed at the store was on some sort of base that could elevate the feet or the head or both, and massage as well. I was so ready to go for the whole shebang, but it turned out, it was a ridiculous amount of money that we didn't need to be spending right now. But there's nothing saying we can't add it on later if we so choose...

Anyway, here's what I did find at Marshall's! I call them The Twins. They're 16" I think, and will be a great addition to my prop family!

 

Because I was such a busy bee today, and to prepare for the new bed/bedding, I finally managed to get frames for some adorable Cori Dantini prints I'd bought last year. They look kind of sad hanging up on the big wall, and the frames and mats just blend right in with the wall, but that's just how it's going to be. For now anyway. We're not going to live here forever. And it's not like the curtains match anything!

I also made a necklace with my first Round Rabbit piece! I'll be listing it on Etsy shortly.

Dress Form Available at (My) Steinmart

I know many of you have commented on my dress form -- I just wanted to let you know that I went to Steinmart today, and there is STILL ONE LEFT! It's $49.99, and the thing's probably 3 ft tall. It's sturdy, heavy, and well made. While I was there, I heard an announcement that they have some policy that if there's something you want, but they don't have it in your size - they'll call other stores and have it shipped directly to you. SO, it might be possible to call and say you know there's one at this location:

2840 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70002
504-831-0655

See if they can ship it to you. $50 is a STEAL for one of these things!

Here's a pic to remind you what it looks like.

On the jewelry front, I've had a pretty hectic week, so I haven't made much. I did do a lovely necklace with that red butterfly I got a few months back.

But I didn't take a photo of it, and I sold it right away. I also made a pair of earrings last night -- trying to find the inspiration, but sleep took over once I was done with the one pair.

I had very different plans for today, but I awoke to the sound of my dog puking. Again. I haven't even updated y'all about the last time or two that she's been ill. It's been a long time, it seems. They're finally doing blood work - clearly treating the symptoms wasn't enough. Poor thing had to have the blood taken from her jugular! Her little legs just weren't providing good veins. She's getting old, and her vet said he could find enough wrong with her for six dogs. So we'll see what the blood work reveals. Hopefully nothing too grim.

Meanwhile, I better get busy making jewelry so I can sell enough to cover her ever growing vet bills.