Count me in for the 7th Bead Soup Blog Party, hosted by the gracious Lori Anderson!   This will be the second time I've participated in the fun event.  There are over 500 people participating this time, and that's a record!  This weekend we find out who our partners are, then it's time to get cooking!

Memories and Thanks

               Lori Anderson's idea for a Memories and Thanks Blog Hop appealed to me right from the first time I read about it.  What a wonderful way to honor those who have meant and do mean

so much to us.  Thank you Lori, for another wonderfully coordinated blog hop with such a special meaning.  I had ideas to create pieces in honor of several people who have touched my life.   I decided on a young lady that has touched my heart greatly, means the world me, and has become a big part of my family, Brielle Hall.

 Here is a picture of  Brielle and me taken this last Summer.

Brielle entered our lives ten years ago, when her family and ours moved into the same neighborhood.  Our daughter Sarah and she became fast friends after initially not really liking each other.  I'm proud to say that the two of them are best friends to this day.  They've been through their ups and downs, but have a wonderful, strong bond that I believe will last a lifetime.  She is a wonderful big sister to Sarah (She's about a year and a half older) and to our young one, Erin, who is seven years old.  Over the last ten years, Brielle has spent so much time with us that when she's not here it feels like a part of our family is missing.  She is like a daughter to us, truly.  If we show up to any family event without her, someone will ask "Where's Bri?"

  Sarah and Brielle, 2006 and 2012...

This wonderful young lady will turn 18 in March, graduate from high school in June, and then will go out in into the world to create a future for herself.  I know that whoever she meets along the way will be better for having met her, and fortunate to have her in their lives.  I will miss her greatly when she's not here, but I will also be a huge supporter of whatever she wants in life.  

Right now she dreams of a career in the culinary arts, 

and would love to own her own bakery.  

The necklace I designed for her will hopefully be a reminder of her dreams, and our unconditional support of her and her hopes, whatever they may be or become.

Oh, and by the way, her middle name is Rose.  

Here's the back of the necklace.

I love you, Brielle Rose Hall.

Christmas Tree Day at Bob's Tree Farm

This is last year's picture, and that's our tree right behind us. Hopefully we can get ole' Bob (Bob's Tree Farm) to take another picture this year. Bob is the coolest guy. He restores classic cars and he always lets us into his shop so we can see his latest project. He gives me huge bouquets of Holly from his Holly tree that is as big as a house. He also has the fattest dog I've ever seen! Bob taught us about the Nordman Fir tree, which in my book is the best Christmas tree ever. You can have it in your house for a month and it will still be as fresh as the day you brought it home. It retains water like no other tree, and doesn't lose hardly any needles! Bob says the song "Oh Tannenbaum" was written about the Nordman Fir, and I like to believe it's true, just  because I think it's cool. This will be our third year getting a Nordman from Bob...I love tradition.

 

Merry Christmas, my friends!

December is here...Time for peppermint jewelry!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/116584334/handmade-jewelry-bracelet-beaded

 This is a simple bracelet made with my peppermint beads.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114357058/handmade-jewelry-bracelet-beaded?ga_search_query=christmas%2Bjewelry 

Here's one with dangles, I think it's a fun bracelet.

I have lots of designs...bracelets, earrings and necklaces.  I'll share more throughout the month.  I would like to blog more this month, and talk more about what's meaningful to me this time of year.  Until then, happy December, my friends!

Jennifer Jangles is having an awesome giveaway on her blog!  http://www.jenniferjangles.blogspot.com/

Jennifer is a multi-talented designer with a perfect eye for whimsy and color.  Check out all of her wonderful items also in her etsy shop!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Jangles

Thank you to Jennifer for allowing us to win such a huge array of her wonderful goodies!

The right time, the right finding...

"Fiesta" Bracelet

Sometimes I buy beads or a finding, and they sit in my bead box for what seems like forever.  I can be hard on myself for not "using up" what I've purchased in a timely manner.  When my aunt Sheila created these beautiful southwestern beads I knew I had to make myself some jewelry with them.  The clasp and earring posts used in the jewelry had been sitting in my sterling silver box for quite a ling time.    I can't imagine the jewelry with any other findings.  I was glad they had waited for the right beads to come along.  So, lesson learned...Sometimes I just need to be patient with myself!  If you would like to see more of my aunt's fabulous lampwork beads, you can visit her etsy shop at:  www.StoneDesignsBySheila.etsy.com

"Fiesta" Earrings

Pixybug Designs by Stephanie and Chris Haussler: New Jewelry Designs - Part 2 Favorite Artists

 Here is a lovely blog post by my friend and customer, Stephanie Haussler.   She loves my beads (I'm so glad!) and does a beautiful job creating with them!

Pixybug Designs by Stephanie and Chris Haussler: New Jewelry Designs - Part 2 Favorite Artists