Chain Maille Kits for Sale

I'm presenting some kits on my website that can turn you into a chain mailler in no time! Using the provided jump rings and instructions you can turn a pile of rings and some crystals into a beautiful bracelet that will mystify your friends. I'm always getting comments like "How did the crystals get in there?" or "How do the crystals stay in there? Are they on a wire?"
You can learn the answer to both these questions in the easy to read color instructions. If you're curious my web site is:

http://www.new-bel.com/Kits.html

A Nice Blog

I found this blog that has cool wooden animals that this man makes for his children. He also sells them and I think going back to a simpler type of toy will benefit the kids! They have enough with batteries and things that talk back. These more simpler toys will get their imagination going!
http://dadswoodentoys.blogspot.com/

Off Again

Whew! I've just barely unpacked from my trip last week and I'm off again! This time to Oviedo to be with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm so thankful to have them to be with over the holiday. Of course I wish I could be with all my family. That's the big problem with our mobile world. Everyone lives so far apart that families can't be together except in extraordinary circumstances. Oh well, I'm happy to have them all healthy and safe and I'll get to see them when I'm able.

The silversmithing class is coming to an end. I made this Rivoli ring this week. I used a blue Swarovski Rivoli and set it in sterling silver. There are some errors but the next one will be better.

Retreat Planning

Wow, time flies when you're having fun! This past week just flew by and I have been having fun! We had a combined meet-up of members from both Florida Jewelry Artist Retreat Group and Florida Beaders group at The 3 Bears Bead Shop in Umatilla, Florida. There were four of us able to make it and we all had a great time! We started out getting acquainted then went bead shopping, then we talked about our coming retreat, and then went bead shopping, then went to lunch and then back to bead shopping! We also got a little time in for learning. Alice W actually had a real student who did a very good job wrapping a beautiful ring! Bebee G, Alice S and myself worked on perfecting our wrapped loops. As the sun went down, Alice S and myself went to Bebee's beautiful home on the St. John's River and spent the night there. This is where the January Jewelry Artist's retreat will be held and boy, will it be a good one!
The above pictures are of a pretty wire crocheted necklace and earrings along with a Byzantine necklace with a dichroic glass pendant made by my friend, Tammy Walkoff.

Snow and Ice

I forgot to mention that the cabochon on the chain is Mother-of-Pearl and I made the setting in my silversmithing workshop at my rock and gem club!
The above pictures are of a necklace that I completed yesterday. I call it Snow and Ice.

Time Flies!!

I've been reminded, by a friend, that I've neglected this blog and boy was she right!!!
I can't believe that I haven't posted since July! Since then my granddaughter has grown so much! She's almost four months old now and I got to see her in October. I'll see her again right after Christmas. Not soon enough!
I arrived home to FL from my summer travels to NY, TN, NC and SC in mid-August. I was just in time for a visit from TS Fay. No damage here but lots of flooding in Fort Pierce! September was spent getting settled, teaching and catching up on my jewelry making. October I traveled with a friend up to GA (yes I traveled again!) to William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. I had a week long class with a great teacher, Howard Siegel, in fused chain making. I did make some really nice stuff. I'll post pictures here. I got to see my daughter and family on that trip and visited all my beady haunts, too! I've been teaching and making more jewelry. I think I'm addicted. A day isn't a day unless I've completed at least one piece of jewelry!
The three pieces I posted are all from Wm Holland. They are all made with fine silver and are fused. If you'd like details just email me.

Baby Time

It's been a very busy month. I worked at my old job until July 16th. During that time I was involved with seeking out old high school buddies. The Seton Hall High School (Patchogue, NY) class of 1959 is planning a 50th (can you imagine!) reunion. I'm on the contact committee and have had fun locating old friends. We had one meeting where we were able to get together and plan. Of course, no one has aged, NOT! I also was able to have dinner with an old friend and her husband. That was such a thrill. I can't wait for the reunion next year!
I left NY and traveled to South Carolina. My daughter had not had her baby, yet, so I was able to help once she was in the hospital. Daphne Elizabeth arrived at 12:07PM on the 23rd of July just one day after her brother's 4th birthday and one day before her mom and dad's 9th wedding anniversary! It'll be a busy month for them that's for sure!
Mother and baby are doing well and so far Daphne is a very good baby! My jewelry making has taken a back seat to baby and big brother but I will get back to it asap!
The necklace in the picture is one of my better sellers in NY. It's made with Mykonos beads strung with seed beads and glass beads. I love it and I now have to make another on for me!