Winter Wonderland vs Caribbean Blue

I woke up Saturday morning and peeked out the window as always to see what kind of day it was going to be. To my surprise and delight the world as I know it was covered with beautiful, fluffy snow whisps. The scene literally took my breath away and I gasped in awe of the beauty. I immediately started to bundle up and headed over to my favorite nature reserve, the only place to truly enjoy such beauty.





As I was walking around I couldn't help but think that one week into the future I would be enjoying the exact opposite landscape, but equally as beautiful. Rather than watching cardinals flit from tree to feeder I'll be watching sea birds dive for breakfast. Rather than observing Autumns left over leaves shiver on a branch I'll be picking up sea shells the tide leaves behind. Rather than freezing my bum off sitting on a ice covered bench I'll sweat under the hot Caribbean sun on a white sand beach. Either way you divide it I consider myself blessed to be able to take in and appreciate Gods diverse landscapes.

Cancun 2009

Cancun 2005

Cancun 2008

As you may know, the week before a vacation is stressful to the max. Aside from preparing for 9 days in a foreign country both Mike and I are swamped with deadlines, work, and meetings this week. A month ago life was pretty slow and I was feeling like I didn't deserve an extended vacation...I'm singing an entirely different tune today. I cannot wait to be buckled in to my seat on the plane and leave town for a while. I promised pictures of my progress with the jewelry for the March show at Seasons. The work is done and I am indifferent. Some pieces are extremely difficult to part with and this just isn't one of those pieces. I really like the necklace on. But there are a few things (which I will fight the urge to point out) I would like to change. I didn't expect to like the earrings so much. I think they are sweet. I'm just relieved it's all done and ready to go for tomorrow. One more thing to check off "the list". (the images are kinda crappy)

Well...bon voyage! Be back in a couple weeks : )

Needed to Smile

What a day! Despite being sick the past couple of days and having hardly enough energy to get out of bed a few things made me smile:
1) Laurie from lhjewelry gave me the "Sunshine Award"! To be honest, I don't know what the "Sunshine Award" is, but I thought it was sweet, thoughtful and made me smile. Thanks again Laurie!

2) A kind person purchased the cuff bracelet pictured above, from my etsy shop. Yea!

3) I had the honor of being sick with my husband. The past two days we have stayed in our jammies all day, with no energy, upset stomachs, looking like absolute crap, but loving every second of an unexpected 2 days together when we would otherwise be apart.

Oh, and our sweet puppy has hardly left our side. What a trooper! So all in all, not a bad day : )

Night

Just Listed

I have had this trio of necklaces staring at me from my work table begging to be photographed and listed on etsy. I finally got around to it...enjoy!

View Etsy Listing

I LOVE this necklace and fought the urge to keep it for myself. It has such a nice weight to it. It is part of my "silver cabochon" series (see matching ring & cuff). It is all handcrafted and a perfect everyday statement piece.

View Etsy Listing

I bought a slew of these Chinese turquoise and feel the sky is the limit when it comes to them. I plan to make a variety of things featuring them...rings...cuffs...more pendants. They are so beautiful!

View Etsy Listing

This necklace isn't necessarily new, just newly photographed. I hand drilled this large white freshwater pearl to be able to accommodate the heavy gauge sterling silver that gives it's rustic edge. This necklace can be worn alone or layered with other favorites. It definitely falls into the category of "everyday simplicity". It is so cute on, too!

Currently working on: my pieces for the Seasons on St. Croix March "Featuring All Artists" show. The theme is Modern Geometry, which of course is very widely interpreted. I am focusing on "Organic Geometry" and will be designing my line around this gorgeous laguna agate cabochon. I am VERY excited to get to work on it! My goal is to have it delivered before we leave on vacation (which I CANNOT believe is already next Friday!!!!!) So I will soon be posting progress on this project. Stay tuned

Janell

FEBRUARY * GIVE AWAY

This month I am giving away a Karena Bella Classic. Simplest Hoops are voted to be the lightest weight hoops with flash and class. Many of my customers have told me that these are their favorite "every day" earrings, but that they also love how easily they can be dressed up. This pair is the medium size (approximately 1-1/4" in diameter) and is finished with a lightly hammered texture which really makes them catch the light!

5 DIFFERENT ways to enter and win:
1) Leave a comment.
click on the "comment" link at the bottom of this entry to do so
2) Leave a comment saying you've signed up to receive my newsletter.
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3) Leave a comment telling me you signed up to follow my blog
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4) Leave a comment telling me what you like most in my etsy shop
5) Leave a comment telling me that you signed up for an etsy account and marked my shop as a "favorite".

****PLEASE LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR ENTERY****
EACH COMMENT YOU LEAVE COUNTS AS ONE ENTRY. IF YOU LEAVE ONLY ONE COMMENT INCLUDING ALL 5 WAYS TO ENTER THAT COUNTS AS 1 ENTRY RATHER THAN 5 ENTRIES

The winner will be selected MONDAY, MARCH 1ST!!!
THE LAST DAY TO ENTER IS FEBRUARY 28TH