I gotta do it again......

Have An Oh So Good Slap Your Pappy Thanksgiving!

Have one for me too will ya? I feel like a melted back plate. Yes, I can only think of metal working analogies because I am still working in my head. I worked sick yesterday from 8am - 8pm like this..........

I had no choice. My nose would not stop!!!!

I had to make so much in one day because I was waiting for a late placed silver order to come in so I had to cram 2 days into 1. I can't make my customers wait because I was a bonehead and did not order my silver on time.

I am looking forward to spending the day at my brother's home. I will take pictures. My niece and nephew are the most gorgeous children ever. Really. My sister in law Trish is always wonderful to talk to and be around. We don't hang out very often, but when the family gets together, I really like being around her. I think it is because years ago when I was living my life very very badly she never seemed to judge me. That has really stuck with me through the years. I love her.

I hear Chris getting up and pouring his coffee, I think I'll join him.....

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

These are new

I really love both of these.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35270614




http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35270027

I had time to make these yesterday because my silver order did not show up. Today will be madness getting orders made and shipped! I am hardly in the mood because I am not feeling well. My head is congested and feels like it weighs 400 pounds. I will not be doing yoga today. The thought of downward dog with a sinus headache makes me wanna puke. Enough complaining. Chris is going down south next week to work with his father for about 1-2 months. I am not sure if the boys and I will be going down for Christmas or staying here. It depends. I probably won't know until the last minute. Chris has a big job starting up here in January so this will fill the void between now and then. I will miss him, but it is the right thing to do.

New jewelry

It's another super busy day! I awoke at 7:15am, so I was off to a late start as the get go. Tonight is the last night of Alpha for this course. We are meant to bring a guest, so I am taking Chris along with me. I have a few orders to ship and many, many orders to create thanks to the buy 2 get 1 free sale. My silver should be arriving tomorrow morning, I am almost out of everything! Super is already in the crock pot simmering for the boys. Chris and I will eat dinner at the church. I made another new top yesterday (I am wearing it today). My boys are off from school all week this week. It's not typical, they usually have 2 days off for Thanks giving but this year teachers workshops and one other think fell on this week so they decided to give them the whole week off. Thank you Conval School District! sneer

We are going to my brother's house for Thanks giving this year. He used to be a chef so it is always beyond delicious. I have no clue if they need me to bring anything. Okay, let's get on with the jewelry.....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35121935


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35122316

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35123209

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35124062

Can You Help??

Jess and I have been brainstorming back and forth for 2 days now about why my pieces come out of the pickle with a white, somewhat crusty coating that can be difficult to remove from very tiny areas between embellishments and so on. Her pieces come out of the pickle pot dull, but not coated in white. Mine come out like this.....

We both use the same pickling acid (RIO pickle), I mixed a new batch with the same water to acid ratio, but I am still getting the above result. Anyone have any ideas???

Ello.... I say, Ello

I am thinking in an English accent. Does that ever happen to you? You talk to yourself in your head in a different manner than your "normal" speak? I may just be strange.

Any way, I think I am on my way to fixing a few of those pesky problems I was having with my LOS and soldering thanks so you wonderfully patient and generous silversmiths.

***RANDOM***

Do you know what my husband called me last night? An expression I hate worse than the worst expression you can imagine in your mind. I despise it. Hate it hate it hate it hate it. I don't think I am old enough to qualify, first off. Secondly, I am not single. Thirdly, I am not interested in younger men. Fourthly (is that a word), just........ YUCK!

He called me a cougar. Why you wonder? There is this insipid new show called "The Cougar" . We were flipping channels last night when it was starting. I saw the title and went on and on about how much I hated that expression. Then Chris looked at me and said, "well, your a cougar". I don't think he really knew what it meant. I certainly hope not. I think he may be mixing "cougar" up with "MILF" . If you don't know what "MILF" means, don't ask me because I will not tell you.

Here is a googled definition of the term "cougar"

Question: What is a cougar?

Answer: The most commonly-accepted definition of a cougar is a woman 40 years of age or older who exclusively pursues very young men. The onset of the cougar years is hotly debated. Some feel that a cougar can be as young as 35, but women of this age would not be viewed as cougars unless their sexual conquests were no older than 25; the ten-year age difference seems to be an unspoken but accepted minimum between partners.
Typically, cougars prey upon men almost young enough to be their sons. Thus fortysomething cougars would be attracted to men in their 20s, and fiftysomething cougars would pursue men in their 30s and so on. Some cougars are less interested in a relationship than a sexual conquest, perhaps enjoying the fact that they are physically appealing to men who are considered to be in the prime of their virility.
A cougar may be married or unmarried, and some even go after their daughters' boyfriends.
Although the term 'cougar' comes from the big-game predatory cat of the same name, the cougar connection also may allude to the wearing of animal print clothing by older and more sexually aggressive women.

Hmmm, I guess you can be married and be a cougar. Maybe in a couple of years when I am of qualifying age I'll give it some thought .........

A little emergency.

Suddenly we are in a bit of a financial bind. I thought I would host a

buy 2 get 1 free sale

in my Etsy shop from this afternoon through the 22nd. I am hoping that will help matters a bit. I think this will be great for Christmas shoppers. I love getting something for free, it does not happen often, but when it does it is glorious. So please, take advantage of it!

I am currently in the middle of "the list". I had to run to the high school to sign a form for a "hydration test" Danny needs to perform for wrestling. I need to finish my cuppa coffee and get back to work. Swordfish, quinoa, and zucchini for supper. Meeting tonight. I WANNA SEW ANOTHER TOP! I don't think that will happen until the weekend.

Oh, just one other thing. I was reading a blog post today, I was amazed by how this person thinks. She seems to think and feel so deeply about things I don't even contemplate on my own. I think it is fantastic that we as humans are so different. I think that is why I refuse to call my jewelry art. I don't have deep feelings about what I create, I usually just think it's really cool. It does not get any deeper than that. I must say I do admire this persons passion. It is special.

besides, my nostrils flare when I think too hard.

*******EDIT*********

I was just thinking (haha) that I actually do feel passionate about the Christian pieces I have created. But still, it's not about the physical pieces, they are simply inanimate objects, my passion is for Jesus.

I played with an old friend on Sunday!

I had fun making this top. I purchased more corduroy fabric for 2 more. I really like tunic style tops that I can throw on with my yoga pants and be dressed and comfortable for the day. I may not be a fashion plate, but I certainly know how to dress for comfort! I can't wait to make the others!!

I have a full, full Monday. Super is already in the crock pot (Mexican chicken). I have Alpha this evening. Next Monday is the last night for Alpha this course. I will be sad, but I will sign up to help again nest course. I think it begins in late winter. I think Chris wants to attend the next course as well, that would be really cool. I need to put a dent in Friday's orders, do the bills, find out where I send our x-box in to be repaired, fill out paperwork, oh... I need sour cream as well. I also need to leave early for Alpha so I can stop at the shop and exchange Danny's pj bottoms for a larger size. Danny has his first wrestling practice of the season today. He will have practice everyday throughout the winter, so between wrestling, skiing, school, and his girlfriend, he will be a busy boy. That is a very good thing. Danny is one of those kids who thrives when in motion.

Tomorrow I have a couple of designs planned and I am going to use all of the incredible and valuable tips you all gave me last week! I can't wait!

Later Taters!

How is it FRIDAY already???

The week flew by. Actually come to think of it, the last 10 years flew by. I think once you turn a certain age, time "feels" different. Okay, back down to earth Lisa, you don't have time to get all deep and meaningful today.

I will say I am SOOO grateful for the comments on yesterdays post. I can't wait to try the new techniques suggested. Thanks so much for taking the time to help me!

This ring is exactly what I am talking about when I was referring to both the oxidation and not having a nice "untouched" back plate around the pebbles.

oh good, now that I have said that, no one will want it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34418605

I have been having fun with the bar dangle style. It has shown to be quite popular :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34416241

Whoa cowgirls, these are really amazing stones. I held them for a long time.....

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34417353

Here are a couple of custom orders that will be in the mail this afternoon!

TTFN!

Just a really good day....

Today was good. Yesterday was as well. I do have a couple of jewelry making questions. I use liver of sulfur for oxidizing. I do not get the beautiful uniform color I see so many others achieve when I buff it with steel wool. Instead of uniform wisps, I get chunks of black left on the piece and I then must rub with all my heart to get most of it off. The end result is still very pretty and my customers love it, but it's not what I am trying to achieve. ALSO, when soldering small pieces to decorate around a bezel how do I not trash the background with my solder. I don't "trash it" per-say, but it is not nice and pristine like I see with other folks pieces. I feel like I am missing the boat being self taught much of the time. If you can help me, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!!! If you can't help me, please leave a comment anyhow :)

I will have a new ring and 2 pairs of really cool earrings to post in the shop tomorrow. I heard Etsy is no longer hosting "Weekend Deals". It had a nice run, I bet they will host it in the future. I will be holding my own little weekend specials in my shop as usual. I'm not sure if I will this weekend. Perhaps. Actually, yes.... yes I will. Maybe. Alrighty, I'm going.

3 new rings

I did not do much, the stones get all the credit.......


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34193461



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34193801

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34210157

First half of the day has been pretty good. Hmmm, note to self.... do not allow Will to use my computer while snacking my fingers are quite literally (well, no not LITERALLY) sticking to the keys.
My workout has been pushed to the end of the day today. I had to catch up on a lot of bible study before our women's bible study this morning, so I had to forgo my morning workout. I do need to ship a couple of packages and put a dent in my orders list as well.

toodaloo

God says "no"

This has happened yet again. I think in my mind I have completely had it with a situation and want it to end. In my heart I think it is what is best for all involved. I have come to this conclusion a few times in the past couple of years. God keeps telling me "no". He tells me "be patient" "forgive" and then He puts love and forgiveness in my heart and I listen. He told me the same thing this morning. I am really acting on faith here, but I am going to listen. I don't like it one bit, but I will obey. It's curious, God does not leave me subtle hints when he directs my thinking, he basically spells it out for me. Thank goodness because I would never get it if he didn't. Why does he do this for me? I ask him to every day. Can you believe how much He loves us?????? It blows me away. I am nothing without Him.

The raking is finished. Taz thinks it looks wonderful....

Okay, bring on the snow!

I feel as if I am constantly revamping my daily schedule. Being self-employed I feel as if I have too much say in how I conduct my day, I often times wish for a boss to tell me what to do. I don't feel like I have been working on new designs as much as I "should" be. Also, I have not prepared for this upcoming little craft show I am doing on December 5. I am tired of waking up every day saying, okay, I will do this this this and this today and I fall short. PLEASE don't tell me I am being to hard on myself, I am not. I take plenty of time for myself, perhaps too much. When I feel like my emotions are getting the best of me, I escape through sleep. I allow myself to do this occasionally, but I always feel guilty. I can't think of one good reason to lay around all day and be excused from all of my responsibilities aside from being sick. I am guilty of playing sick as of late. I don't like it when I do this because it is a lie and I don't like to think that I lie, but I did indeed lie. Saying "I don't feel good" to my husband instead of saying, "I am not going to live my life as expected today because I am feeling depressed and sad" is so much easier. It is not right and I don't feel good about the dishonesty. I don't do this very often but it is weighing on my conscious so I am not going to do it ever again. The next time this happens I will say, "Chris, I am depressed and sad and would like to take a day to check out of life". He may say,"well, tough shit, wouldn't we all." actually, I am pretty sure that is what he would say. I am talking in circles me thinks. I need to end this little rant. I think my point is.... be honest in ALL things. It does not matter who, what, where, when, why, or how, just do it. Everyday, every moment. If we don't feel like we can, God will help.

T-----G-----I------F

Woohoo, I am ready to be finished with the week. Tomorrow is "Rake Saturday". All of the leaves are off the trees so my family will be fed a good breakfast, bundle up, and rake until it is all done. If it snows with leaves on the ground, say BYE BYE LAWN. I sent all of my orders out today and I am so glad everything is finished. Here are a few custom orders I made.....

Andrea, this necklace came out absolutely stunning.

This is a thinner version of the Old Rugged Cross ring for Wendy.

And some custom turquoise bar dangles. I have had a couple of custom orders for earrings in this style this week :)

I need to make my grocery list and get outta here pronto!

Buh Bye

And the lamest blogger award goes to..............

me.

I have been a bit lax about blogging as of late. I don't like that.

Well, I am here now. I am on my "lunch break".

I am relieved today is going very smoothly and the solder is flowing just fine so far. Oh, I did something very cool that I had never tried. I discovered the bail on a necklace I was making was not connected as I thought and I already had the pearl wrapped perfectly on the pendant. I submerged the pearl in water while soldering a new bail into place. IT WORKED! Some of you may be saying, "No kidding dummy", but I am self taught so I have never learned any of these cool tricks.

I need to finish my lunch and get on with my orders.

Later Taters!

HELLo MONDAY!

We're off to a roaring start! Wake up....workout....Will to orthodontist (yes, again).....Will sees Danny walking down the road as we leave the ortho (the high school is next to the ortho office). Oh boy.... we pick up Danny. He lost his cool with a teacher and is suspended for 3 days and decided he would walk 12 miles home. We drive back to the high school to tell them Danny is safe and I am taking him home. We drop Will off at school..... Chris is at home because the high school called him about Danny leaving school property. We tell Danny he is going to work with Chris since he is not allowed to attend school and Danny has a bit of a melt down. We wait and he pulls himself together and goes to work with Chris....More coffee.....Work on Etsy shop/thank yous/yadda yadda.....snap a picture of myself (I have not taken a shower yet and that is truly gross because I worked out and just threw on a hoodie to take Will to his appt)

I am actually looking very thoughtful in this pic. I am really just overwhelmed and trying to start my day over again.

I am making artichoke dip for Alpha tonight. The theme is "finger foods". It is beyond yummy. The Alpha weekend was so incredible I can not express it with mere words so I won't try. All I can say is Thank you Jesus. Thank you... thank you.... thank you. You are lovely.

Oh, and Chris went shopping while I was away on Saturday all on his own. I did not even suggest it.

Yup, that's how he rolls.