Taking an indefinite break.

A pin.

N has already let me know I am not allowed to put his photo in this pin.

Smoky quartz earrings.

Red flower mosaic.

I had a plate with a large red flower in the center. I knew what I wanted to do with it, but I was very nervous about breaking the plate. It sat in my garage for a year while I worked up the nerve to use it.

Finally, I decided to give it a try and the plate cut like a dream. I was able to cut out the entire flower in one piece! But, when I laid it out, I didn't like the look of the flower intact, so I broke it!

It's the largest one I've made so far ...

and is also my favorite.

Forest.

I just came across this photo I took on a trail near the Indiana Dunes last summer.

The forest was very quiet and slightly eerie.

A find.

A recent find.

Found this painting in Woodstock, IL. So far, I'm planning to leave it unframed. It's propped in my bookshelf.

Book Review: Hot Connections Jewelry.

In my hot little hands I have an advance copy of Hot Connections Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook of Soldering Techniques by Jennifer Chin. (published by Crown Publishing/Potter Craft). I love the photos on the front of this book, especially the necklace.

I'm impressed by the level of detail in the book, from the explanation of metals and tools to choosing the right torch and flame to setting up your workspace. There are many projects in the book with detailed instructions.

I tried soldering last summer with mixed results. After reading the section on torches, I think the flame on my torch was too small for the thickness of the metal. I would like to give soldering another try one of these days, especially after looking through this book.

Mixed metals.

Lately I have been drawn to gold and silver together, which is unusual for me! I decided I wanted a pair of silver and gold earrings with a delicate feel and a flower. I looked through my stash and came up with these.

They go very will with my new necklace from Siren Jewels.

Now all I need is a bracelet!

Jewelry tree.

Saw this jewelry tree at Anthropologie and had to have it.

I like to display my jewelry rather than keep it all tucked away in a drawer.