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More mermaid cuff...Halloween pics

Okay so if you missed the mermaid cuff class this past Sunday you can take it this coming Saturday, Nov.7 at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton.  I never double book a class so close together but somehow this one slipped through the cracks.   My class yesterday was great and I think everyone really liked how their cuff came out.  I was VERY pleased with how their cuffs came out.  Just look how beautiful!  Chelsea took the pics...THANKS!   The cuffs belong to: Kim, Riki, Chelsea and Suzette in that order.   It's really a great class for all levels.  I had students who have never taken any jewelry class to accomplished jewelry instructor  Riki Schumacher. 

I had to post the pics of Halloween and some of my crazy family.  My hubbie and one of his brothers dressed as rockers and played the part all night speaking with really bad cockney accents.  My MIL is M.Antoinette/vampira, daughter, her freind and one of my friends.  We always have fun!

mermaid cuff class

Hi, quick post.  I am teaching this cuff class this Sunday, Nov.1 at Piecemakers in Costa Mesa CA.  Call 714-641-3112 to reserve your seat.  It's a fun introduction into organic wire wrapping and abstract design for all levels. Info below:

cost: $50
11a-3p
The siren of the sea beckons you into a world of make believe!  Construct a bracelet cuff with wire, pearls, azure beads and sparkling jewels.    Learn about design and composition as we unravel the divine order of adornment in all its splendor and free form wire work.   Of course if mermaids are not your “thing” by all means select another theme.   The excellent selection that Piecemakers has to offer allows for infinite creativity, so go and select!    Please use the sample in the store as an example.

Materials and resources~  Most supplies can be found at Piecemakers unless otherwise noted:

20 beads, pearls, rhinestones, and some semi-precious stones.     A mix of small ,medium and large beads work well.   Bead sizes range from 2mm-10mm

1 larger size focal bead

1 rhinestone focal piece (must have holes to string wire through)

1 chandelier crystal

1 piece of velvet trim w/rhinestone border no more than 5 inches

1 strip of lace to line the cuff 10 x 4 inches max

A handful of other bits and bobs

Jewelry pliers:
Chain nose, round nose, flat nose and cutters

Fabric scissors

A coven of witches....he,he,he & day 11

These were a commissioned order from Mary Cass of Pink Blossoms Boutique.  Thanks Mary!!  Also, it's day 11 for the gift challenge.....how about this link to an amazing artist:
djpettitt.blogspot.com.   It's a gift to her passed on to you.  I took a class with her at an art retreat a few years back and she is a wonderful teacher, very giving and especially talented.  When you go to her blog make sure you look at all her posts at least on the first page.  You will not be disapointed.   Night, night!

day 10

Here is a quote I saw that is a good reminder for me:  Be kinder than necessary today...Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

day 9 of the 29 gift challenge

I drove for  5 1/2 hours to Santa Cruz today.   My husband still can't drive because of his broken arm and he had a business meeting so we thought it would be fun to take a road trip.   I'm a little pooped.  Today is day 9, Tues. and this post is making up for yesterday and today even though technically it's day 10 but I'll take care of that later.  While driving I let some one in when the lane was closing...they were appreciative and gave the wave.  Also, gave extra money for tips to the entertainment ( a magician) at the hotel restaurant.  It feels good to give a little extra on a day to day basis and doing this challenge makes me realize I give quite a bit already but now I am acknowlaging it.   As a matter of fact, I guess I gave to my husband by driving!  I will have pics up soon on some great witch pendants I was commissioned to make!

what day is it?

I didn't post shame on me but I barely had enough time to breath the last two days.  Today, Sunday (Oct.18) will be the 7th day of the 29 day gift challenge and while I didn't do anything especially giving  the last two days I do have another 3 images  (do you see a theme?)to give my blog peeps and in case you haven't looked here is another great link for cheap fun ephemera:
skybluepink.com
Enjoy!

day 4, gift challenge

I don't get out much...except on the weekends because that's when i take what I have worked on all week and either teach, sell or do a gig or all 3.  Mostly I am at home and doing this 29 day challenge made me realize that.  Still I am determined to give away something everyday, even though I don't see many people every day.    Today I will give you a delicious recipe called Albondigas.  It's a Mexican meatball soup that I can  always depend on for a quick, warm, delicious good for the soul meal....and it freezes well.  I never measure anything but I will try for this:

Ingrediants:
~equal amounts of either hamburger or ground turkey mixed with italian sausage...about 1/2 lb each
~1 egg
~1/2 c rice or barley....left over is good
~salt, pepper, oregano, cilantro to taste
~2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced
~8oz can of chopped tomatoes or small can of tomatoe paste
~one small onion, minced
~4-6 cups chicken broth give or take a few.  The meatballs should take up about 1/3 to 1/2 of the soup so adjust liquid accordingly.

In a large soup bowl over high heat add chicken broth and tomatoes.  By the time the meatballs are formed the broth should be boiling.  In a large bowl whisk egg.  Add these ingrediants to egg and mix by hand the meat, rice/barley, seasonings, garlic, onion.  Form into small meatballs and add to the boiling broth.  This cooks the meatballs which will be done in about 20 minutes.  Serve over more rice or with quesedillas.   For extra yumminess on top add cilantro or queso fresco.   Chipotles are great for those wanting spicy.  Serves alot!  Freeze the rest.  Great for winter.

Day3 for the 29 day gift challenge

I said a prayer for someone I have never met to recover from a series of surgeries.  I know of this person through another blog.

Gilding The Lily this Sat.

HI...I will be teaching a BRAND new class this Saturday, October 17 at the fabulous Gilding the Lily.  Call Dede Warren to sign up QUICK!!  It's almost full 714-757-0558  Learn innovative wire shaping using mixed media, velvet, stones, wire and more to make this original necklace!!! All levels welcome..some wire experience helpful.   See the class blog for materials list or email me!