Einstein, romantic ambiguity, and un-brushed teeth...

I've been working in my studio to come up with a line of jewelry in the $35-$75 range.  I'm really happy with the bracelet in this photo. It's sterling with onyx and sterling chain. I love the chunk of pyrite on the end of the chain. I always add a charm at the end of bracelets so you can clasp it wherever you want for a comfy fit, then the rest just dangles gorgeously.

It's been a challenge juggling my projects and making the transition to jewelry. My open house is this weekend so that is a good motivator. I get on a roll but then I wander... I made more home-made laundry soap and was musing about how I love to make my own bread, yogurt, and granola. I like to garden. I thought to myself "I would have made a great pioneer, but I would need someone to clean the house." But I'm guessing that those pioneers lived with dirt, kind of like I do. It reminded me of taking my gaggle of children to a farm for Danielle to purchase a lovebird. Along with walls of outdoor aviaries, the owner had chickens, ducks, and miniature goats. I actually said "Oh,kids, how fun. It's just like a farm. Don't touch anything!" It is this ambiguity in which I live, the push and pull of being a hopeless romantic in a world of germs. Maybe I could be like Marie Antoinette with her miniature farmhouse, cute peasant outfits, and perfumed sheep, but that didn't work out so well for her in the end.

I've been filling internet orders and received one for a "very orange" bottle stopper. Heather's favorite color is orange so I immediately decided the complete stranger who placed the order is my new best friend. I have the stopper assembly down to a science and they are looking very festive and hip, as am I, as I slog around my house with no make-up, chipped toenails, and un-brushed teeth. If I were a pioneer I would go outside and chew on a stick.

I have a great new hairstylist and when I make an effort I am going for the Midnight in Paris look. I've even experimented with finger waves in my hair but I run my fingers through my hair too much so I end up looking a bit more like Einstein if I'm not careful. I wonder if dear Albert started out with finger waves in the morning but he scratched his head all day while figuring out the universe.

                                                         The Oh-so-Orange stopper. Not a bad gift for under $25!

I could use a few more elves... and one less dog.

My friend Shelly came over to make ornaments for the upcoming boutique at festival of trees. Many hands make light work? I think it is more like 'friendly hands make light work.'  It is amazing how much more fun making things is with company.  Zuzu, my Dalmatian got so excited she was jumping in and out of the pool then ran over and trampled some of our finished pieces. She has a knack for finding even the most remote items to either consume or destroy. Some of you asked how the coffee filter flowers we made from auntpeaches blog turned out. Snapped this picture for you.

What washed up!

but no message in it!  How do  you like my new colored recycled glass bottles?  Genie- ous.

The Favor of Your Reply Requested / Show Stopper

I gave my friend Becky one of the wine stoppers in the new glass bottles I ordered and seconds after she opened it a lady from across the restaurant excused herself for interrupting but 'had to know what that beautiful thing is.'   It seems like everywhere I take them they draw a crowd.  Jean Patteson posted my stoppers on her  blog.  I would love it if you would post a comment!