Saturday morning at the Casino and Family Wedding!

Sitting in the lobby of the Oneida Casino while Dad tries to win thousands....or hundreds...or just not lose his stash!!!! Interesting watching people walk by. I have studied a bit of Spanish, worked on a sketch, and read a chapter in my current book. So time to catch up the blog next!

Big family wedding last weekend. My nephew, Brian, married his sweetheart. We are all thrilled to have Lauren an official member of the family. Seems like she has been part of us for a very long time already though. So this is just official. Best of all, was that my parents were able to join in the festivities. Mom danced at the wedding....surrounded by daughters, grand-daughters and friends. What a wonderful sight to see! And dad was crushed in hugs from the bride and groom. Truly a joy!!!

This week I have been on a sewing kick. Made myself two skirts and my niece one to wear when she watches her boys play baseball. The skirt for Liz is in Neenah Rocket Red!!!!! Can't beat a mom who wants to support her boys! Pics, hopefully, will follow.

But, for now, here is the wedding couple and their parents. My sister Jo, her husband Monny, and the new Mr. And Mrs. Brian and Lauren Hjerstedt. Happiness to all!!!

Two weeks later!

The notecard project has gone well. So far, I have used 8 of my art designs to make notecards. I think I am in love with each of them!  I delivered them to the shop and now need to decide where else to send them for other sales. Hmmmm..... is there a shop in your area that could use some adorable new cards?

I have also been using my favorite skirt pattern to add two skirts to my wardrobe. Can't beat the price of under $10 for a nice, light-weight skirt that is perfect for this heat. I like the pattern I am using and have sucessfully adapted it from a kind of swirly bottom to a more straight silhouette so I actually have two looks from one pattern. Man-patterns can be expensive!

Above are two of the original designs I created. and below are the final version for printing.

Notecard Project

It's kind of scary when you take something you created and decide to put it out for others to see-and consider buying. But I'm taking a first step into that scary world with some of my artwork. Because of a push from a wonderful shop owner in Appleton, WI-Cathy Stratton of Blue Moon Emporium-I am going to convert six of my sketches/watercolor paintings into note cards.

The process of working out the details has been interesting. I'm almost complete and will have cards to show for it by the end of this week.

This collage/ink/watercolor piece is going to be one of the cards. I love it and the bright colors always catch my eye. We'll see what the rest of the world thinks!

New projects

I've been working on perfecting my ability to crochet with wire since I took a class in Clearwater, Florida.  I enjoyed everything I discovered at Island Cove Bead Shop-bead selection, owners, gifts, and classes. What fun! I don't claim to have perfected this yet but I am sure having fun making bracelets.  I've experimented with three different sizes of wire gauge and think my favorite is 28 gauge.

So far I've been making three different versions of this bracelet-and I keep liking them all. At first I used  regular clasps for closure. But lately I've been using magnet closures and really like them. It's much easier to quickly put a bracelet on with the magnets when there isn't anyone else around.  And I like the combination of the intricacy of the crochet stitches with this slightly heavier closure.

I also like the look of adding a larger stone to the middle of the bracelet. I think this makes a stronger statement-I want to wear every one of these!!

I plan to check out Island Cove Bead Shop's classes again when I return to the Clearwater area next February. Great shop and great people. Check out their Facebook page for news and a peak at their projects and original enamel pieces. I LOVE them all!