Today's project

Transparent Oval Amber Glass Bead with Rose Brass Cage

Snow Snake

Snow Snake - do you have any?

Ok, so it's just a dried leaf from one of the Miscanthus 

Sunday afternoon - ahhhhhhhhh

Hand Formed Bail in Rose Brass, Rectangular Flat Shell 

w Stone Beads and Cat's Eye Star Bead

DH was watching the news shortly after six this evening in the family room, when all of a sudden there was a light thud at the big picture window across from where he was sitting and the underside of a huge pair of wings was across the panes.  We believe the owl that is around here was after a mouse or other small creature that collects the fallen sunflower seeds from the feeder that is on the window.  David was is such shock.  I should have gone out to stand beside the foot imprints, but it was just too darn cold and I had supper cooking.  We figure the feet prints were at the very least three inches.  Cool wing print underneath.

This explains the disappearing rabbits!

Learning to use the Micro Torch

For Christmas, DH gave me two micro torches (Yahoo!) that he knew I was dying to have so I could start to teach myself about soldering (still to be tried) and making more findings (jump rings, balled head pins, clasps, etc).

Today I took the leap and made two balled head pins from Argentium.  At first nothing at all was happening with the metal, just a glowing red hot stick.  I tried a few times - nothing.  I went on to a favourite site - Rio Grande - and read that it should only take 16 seconds at the most NOT 1 -2 minutes!!!  I know, I know.  I could easily order them, have them on hand and not monkey around with all this, but my entire journey into this jewelry making is about learning to make as much of the components as I possibly can. 

 So, DH came in to see what all the cussing was about and I explained and thought perhaps one of the nozzles should come off, so ever the gentleman that he is, he took it off for me (red hot it was too) and I proceeded to try again.  He then pointed out to me that perhaps I should hold the metal in the flame...good to know!  I thought I had it in there, from my view, but when it was actually in the flame it split it, so now I will be able to tell straight away.  Well, lo and behold, it worked and I have two balled head pins.  The possibilities are endless - where to begin?

I know these aren't too exciting looking, but for me they are a gateway to more creativity!

Night time at Blossom Hills

Last evening while taking Ozzie out for his nightly, the walk through the arbour to the trails looked so beautiful...there are no sharp edges to be seen, just softness.