heart locket with vintage charm

Just a little peek at the brass collection I am putting together. All the chains & findings are handmade and so beautiful!


This is a heart locket, about 1 1/2" in diameter. It is so sweet!

It opens up to show off two photos. I added a few dangles to the chain just for fun! It has a large hook clasp that can be fastened anywhere along the chain.

Just a sweet, fun piece! Perfect for fall!

I will have the new brass collection (including the watch fobs) displayed at my upcoming shows. I am also trying to put some photos and pricing together for the blog. This heart locket will go for about $60. Email me if you're interested!

Would you rather

find the perfect sweater that fits just right??

OR

get a great pedicure with relaxing massage??

pics from the zoo

we took the boys to the santa barbara zoo last week. it was SO fun! i didn't know it was such a cool zoo!! here's a tip for you central coast folks-- buy a membership at the atascadero zoo & get in free at the santa barbara zoo! it's a great deal!!

david was a silly goose on the train ride.

i like flamingos. matty said he likes chicken better?!

the elephants were active

matty & steve feed the giraffes. check out that tongue!

matty tried to pet the sleeping gorilla (through the glass!)

david pooped out!

the journey is painful

but there is so much joy.

Yesterday I felt sad. Nothing brought this on. I woke up feeling 'heavy'. I didn't feel blue or blah. I felt 'lump in your throat' sad. So after I put the boys down for a nap, I laid down and had a good cry. I cried because many of the dreams we had for David will never be realized and because there are children who aren't loved like they should be and because this world is a painful place. It felt good. It felt good to remember and FEEL how painful this journey is. And everyday I am amazed to find so much joy.

celebrating gracie

we threw a shower for jen today. she is prepearing to have a little girl, gracie. it was such a nice, warm group. so many people helped, i hardly had to do anything!

i lined up a few vases and filled them with hydrangeas & irises


chrissie made a banner with gracie's name. it MADE the whole thing come together!


i found these cute square plates at target. i rolled out a roll of wrapping paper to use as a table covering.


joy made these favors. they are paper dolls with bath salts on the reverse side. sooo sweet!


christy made the MOST delicious (and beautiful) cupcakes ever!


this is baby scarlett. about 10 days old. i think i'm in love.


jen is such a beautiful mommy and person. here's a pic of her with some of her loot.


we can't wait to meet you gracie!!

my head is spinning...

with new ideas!

I just got these new photo pendants in. They are soo sweet! You take out the glass, sandwich a photo or two inside, reinsert the glass and burnish (press down firmly) the little tab. The pendant and chain have a black patina (base metal). I added a freshwater pearl and czech glass bead. This side has Matty.

and this side has David (two photos, back to back).

I made the necklace long. It slips over my neck and hangs past the bust.These are $38. Add a stamped tag for $12

This is an antiqued brass watch fab. SO TOTALLY FUN! Can you tell I am excited? It is strung on chunky antique brass chain. Inside I stamped a single initial on a copper disc and let some tiny watch parts float around in there. I am going to do a few more samples. Maybe one with the words 'tick tock' stamped on the cooper disc ot 'time flies'. These have a great 'heft' and are so different than anything else I have seen!

I made it about 20" long. These will go for $56

dream BIG

this kid is a reascal and really gave us a run for our money today! how can it be 7:18?? It feels like 11PM

I am dreaming BIG that...
-we will have another baby someday
-my boys will grow into strong men who love the Lord
-my business with continue to grow
(just a few small things!)

the winners from the giveaway are...
Beth (play & create)
and
Terra
who are both dreaming BIG about new jobs. Email me with your addresses and I'll get your new necklaces out in a week or so!

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts and dreams with all of us! I love reading each one. Many brought a tear to my eye. Some are so candid. I enjoy being connected through this blog and getting to know new friends.