Bea's Mini-Me

Over the weekend, another Carin rescue came to stay at the Beck's while she waits for a new family to love her. She is the cutest, sweetest little two-year-old girl -- a Bea look-a-like. I call her "Bea's Mini-Me" -- but her real name is Katie.

Botswana Agate

I have been working on some new designs for a darling bride-to-be. She is so excited about the fact that I am able to make a special bracelet for her in orange to wear on the big occasion. Yes, orange. Since orange is not that common of a color in gemstones -- she was thrilled when she saw the Botswana agate design I had on my site.

A Rose by Any Other Name

When my creative energy is blocked, it doesn't take much to get it flowing again. No matter where I am, all I have to do is just stop and look around -- it seems there is always something to really "see" that gives me inspiration.

Meet Obi-Wan

Big day at the Becks -- Obi-Wan, a new rescue came to stay while he waits for a new family. Cute, 5-year old Cairn -- really social, loves chasing the ball and is having a blast chasing around with Beatrix and Missy on the farm. He has a big ol' crush on Bea -- thinks she is really cute and Bea...just wants to be friends. Isn't that always the way?

Hops and Elephant Eyes

"The hops are as high as an elephant's eye..." -- oh, where are Rodgers and Hammerstein when you need them? I guess if the musical "Oklahoma" had been set in Oregon, then the lyrics would reflect the hops crops, instead of corn. Well, thinking about it, I guess the musical would not be titled "Oklahoma" it would be title "Oregon" and I am sure would be a wee bit shorter since it doesn't take as long to spell O-R-E-G-O-N. My head is spinning.

Gemstone Rope Style Hits the Site

All of those unfinished goodies I showed a few days ago are ready for posting to the site. I promise they will be on the site later tonight and all of the rope-style bracelets -- small, smaller and smallest will be ready to make the trip to your home. Here are two finished pieces just to whet your appetite!

Things I Miss About NYC

Well, not really things, but this thing in particular. This image was borrowed from a photo taken by friends in NYC -- they were celebrating their son's birthday at one of the most spectacular places on earth -- The Natural History Museum. Talk about your inspiration!

Choose Me! Choose Me! Choose Me!

I had a bunch o'bracelets all lined up on a work tray and they looked like so much fun, I had to snap a pix and post it here. I love making this particular style. Something about the repetitive nature of creating the "rope" is very Zen for me. That is the reason I so enjoy knitting -- it's not so much the finished product, in that case, it is the very nature of the knitting technique. However, it is both the technique and the finished product when it comes to these bracelets. Picking just the right gemstones or glass beads for the "charms" makes me happy. Interesting, I am so easily entertained.

What Sounds Like "Bag Lady?"

Yesterday, my neighbor came over to give me instructions for dog and cat sitting while they (the people) run off to the beach for three days (gee, what's wrong with this picture?). This was the first time she has actually been in my house since we always chat over the back fence. Yes, it seems that is a reality in small towns. "So, you're a bag lady," was the first thing she said as she sat down.

Hip Chick Meets Glizy Glam

I've had so much fun designing this special necklace for a friend's niece who is soon departing for London. She wanted something similar to the Hip Chick-Surfer Dudette design that has been so popular on my site. But, I thought the overall feel of the necklace should be a little more sophisticated, without being stuffy. When I think of London, I always think edgy (funny but the straight-laced somber Queen thing never comes to mind).

Just Plain Silly

As I was driving out of my little community this is what I saw. So, of course, I had to share it here. It's good to know, that if I am out walking today there will be a place to sit, should I have the need!! I wish I could find the pix I took of a friend of mine, sitting on an old toidy along the curb on 70th and First in NYC.

Dolling up the Shorts and Polo

So, I am walking around the studio and house wear-testing a new bigger than life multi-layer gemstone necklace based on the one shown here. It is stunning and really dolls up my shorts and polo! Luckily the neighbors have adjusted to my strangeness -- but when I first moved in they were a little shocked when they would see all the glam with a t-shirt and shorts or sweats!

A Trip Into Wonderland

I took a break from work today and Beatrix and I drove over to Bauman Farms just outside of town to pick up some fresh fruit and veggies and visit with the animals. While I could pass on the animal visiting, it is the best part of the trip for the Beaster; although the last time we were there she got her nosed pecked by a turkey. A humiliating experience at best.

Mocha Latte or Western Saddle?

When I was making this bracelet my thinking was all about mocha latte -- maybe I was just longing for a hit to spark my day. Weird though, when the image popped up on my screen I immediately thought of Montana or Wyoming and all things cowgirl. Perhaps the unusual copper reminds me of the beautiful tooled leather used in saddles. That, or maybe I am just nuts. What do you think?