Bead Embroidery Ring

I was bored the other day and decided to do a little bead embroidery. I didn't have a plan for what I was making, but as I worked I started thinking how pretty it might be as a ring. How would I do that???

I decided to make my own ring base to fit the bead embroidery piece. Here is the result!

 I stamped the word "peace" in the middle. I like the idea of having little hidden nuggets on pieces. Just for the wearer. Which might end up being me because I love it so much.

I really love how it turned out BUT.....
It took me what felt like forever to make this. I cut the back plate and shank with a jewelers saw and it took me awhile to get the thing soldered. Hopefully the more I work with metal the faster I will get. I also think buying metal pre-cut for ring shanks would save me a lot of time.

On another note-
Tomorrow I am filling out an application and doing an interview to hopefully be chosen to start classes for something that could turn into a new career path. I am really excited and hope I can get in. If you wouldn't mind please say a prayer for me.
I am believing that 2012 will be full of new adventures!
I pray that 2012 is a great year for you as well!

Rootbeer Floats

Last night while watching episodes of the Twilight Zone on Netflix I decided that I just had to have a rootbeer float. So, off to the store we went in search of supplies. Brought out the biggest cups we could find...
Ahhhh...yummmmmm

I love how it gets foamy on the top!

PS. Have you seen many episodes of the Twilight Zone? I sort of remember seeing commercials for it growing up, but never watched it. Christian really likes it and they are pretty good little short stories.

Etsy

I added some new things to my Etsy shop toady. Thought I would share them with you.

 PS. I love making these little beaded bracelets!

 A crocheted cowl/neck warmer.

PPS. My hair is starting to feel longer. I haven't had chin length hair in forever!

Coffee or Tea

I can't decide if I am more a coffee kind of gal or tea. Are you one or the other? Most people seem to be.

I LOVE coffee, but only with a lot of cream/milk and sugar. If I drink it early in the day it makes me sick to my stomach.

I also adore tea though. It is lighter on the tummy and I can often drink different types without feeling the need to sugar it up.

This is one I bought a long time ago and just now started drinking.

It's REALLY good and has a nice sweet flavor all on it's own. It's green tea, but has a bunch of other flavors mixed in...AND...it is actually good for your digestion. It has become one of my new favorites.

I chose to have a cup of coffee earlier and it was tasty but i think I might have to make another cup of this.

I am curious-What is your favorite coffee brand or favorite kind of tea to drink?

Metal

I made my first ring tonight!
I saw this Thoreau quote on something and knew I wanted to use it in some way.
All Good Things Are Wild And Free

New Bracelets!

I'm not sure if you can tell from my blog, but I love doing/learning every kind of craft under the sun. Well, everything except scrap booking. Not sure why that one doesn't appeal to me???

The other day I taught myself how to make these really pretty bracelets after seeing them around everywhere. I was just watching a show on tv tonight where a girl was wearing one.

Apparently they are called Chan Luu style bracelets and to buy the "real" ones you will easily shell out over $100 for one that wraps around the wrist a few times. The materials are pretty cheap unless you use some more expensive beads, but they do take a lot of time and patience to create. You are pretty much weaving beads between two pieces of leather cord.

The one above wraps around the wrist 3 times.

I recently bought some really pretty beads from Bedazzled here in Nashville and I wanted to make a few bracelets with the cheaper beads until I got the hang of it. I really like how they turned out and I plan on making some more in different colors.

I also have been playing around with a few simple ideas for bracelets. Here are a few I made.

These are adjustable and have beads strung on a piece of sterling silver filled wire.

Anyways, besides all this type of thing I have been crocheting up a storm as well. I am sort of obsessed with crocheting cowls right now. They are so cozy to wear in this cold weather and I even find myself wearing one inside. It sort of feels like you have grandmas handmade afghan wrapped around your neck except you look way cooler. haha...

Happy Crafting!

Christmas

Christmas was fun! Great times with family and some really awesome presents as well.

This is a picture of our pathetic fake Big Lots tree stuffed full of presents.

I got several metal smithing tools that I have been wanting for a long time now. I haven't used them yet, but am planning on it soon. Can't wait!

I hope you all had a really great Christmas holiday and a great New Years!