Hi! Little White Dove!!!

I just realized I have a new follower and wanted to welcome "Little White Dove" into the fold! I post mostly pictures of the metal work I am doing, but if anyone is interested in HOW I do it, I would be happy to pass along instructions! Just let me know. I appreciate any feedback or constructive critism as well! Thank you for joining with us!

My idea of Christmas ornaments....

My new and improved metal working bench/shelf!

FROM THE DESK OF....

I love the metal working, but find I am having to space out my hammering time...it can be hard on the already too tight muscles of the neck and shoulders. I really have to take time out for stretching and relaxing. (Yeah, right! That's why I'm up at 10pm, working on my blog! What can I say, I'm dedicated...I'm relaxing, I'm drinking a glass of wine!)

Today I did some riveting! I was so afraid to try it, but did a perfect rivet the first time! Now I love it! Those pix come next...along with pix of my new and improved work station....but NO pix of my new toilet seat!

Surprise Award from Scrappers Anonymous.blogspot.com

Thank you, Scrappers Anonymous, for thinking of me! I know all you girls are cricutting, card-making fanatics!! Thanks for including me in your group!!! We are all kindred spirits, mad-scientist-type creators!
Theresa, you are a great on-line friend!!!

8 things I am grateful for:
1. Grandkids
2. My goat girls
3. My husband (in that order! ha! Just kidding, Honey!)
4. My drive to keep going when my shoulders have knots and my hands are numb...
I don't ever want to stop!
5. My sister, Cricut MiMi, who helped me get started with this blog!
6. Blog friends like "Scrapper Doo" (my pet name for her) & Cricut MiMi who include me in their paper-cutting sisterhood.
7. My awesome metal-working desk with the new shelf and tool holder bar to help me stay organized! Early Christmas present from my husband!
8. My new toilet seat...another Christmas present from my husband!!! (You really don't want to know that story!)

Now 8 very talented handcrafters I admire:

1. http://www.rojocameo.etsy.com/
2. http://www.reargear.etsy.com/ (a MUST SEE!)
3. http://www.flamecrazy.blogspot.com/
4. http://www.melaniescardina.blogspot.com/
5. http://www.javajanedesigns.blogspot.com/
6 http://www.noonidesigns.blogspot.com/
7. http://www.uniquedichroic.blogspot.com/
8. http://www.hillcrestjewelry.blogspot.com/

Thanks again, Theresa. I always enjoy your comments...especially since they are sooo flattering! Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!

Green Garnet Slabs & Hand Forged/Wrapped Sterling Silver

I love rough beads....not too perfect...like me! (I just spilled red wine all over my kitchen table, a bill for school taxes, a box of business cards, and my sleeve! Not too perfect...right!)

There is something so seductive about a diamond in the rough...green garnet in it's rough slab state... paired with the rich perfection of sterling silver...it just grabs me! I may be klutzy, but I can still appreciate the eclectic attraction of these opposing beauties!

The only piece of sterling silver that I did not make is the soldered jump ring for the clasp on the necklace .

Ancient Roman Glass Earrings

SCRAPPIN' CRICUT: 30 Days of Creativity Challenge - Day 27 - Wire and Button Ring...Too Cool!

SCRAPPIN' CRICUT: 30 Days of Creativity Challenge - Day 27 - Wire and Button Ring...Too Cool!

Fresh Off My Pounding Block!

Metal Collage

These are some of the things I've been working on for the upcoming show...I'm anxious to see how the new metal designs are received!