Rocks in My Head?

Actually, I have rocks on my mind. A few months ago, Hubby and I joined the Gem and Mineral Society of Lynchburg (http://www.lynchburgrockclub.org/). Neither one of us knows very much about rocks but we know pretties when we see them. We're enjoying learning from the wonderful and knowledgeable folks at the "rock club" and we're looking forward to going on our first field trip, probably in April.

So, why do I have rocks on my mind today?

Last night, Hubby and I met with some of the other club members at the home of one of the most interesting men we've ever known. He has a whole room dedicated to his rock displays. But the really fun part of his home is the basement. It houses a lending library which caught Hubby's eye immediately, being the book person he is. But the main attraction is the collection of tools. Microscopes, grinders, sanders, polishers, templates. You name it. If it has to do with rocks, it's probably there. Hubby and I each chose a rock and spent the next 2 hours happily sawing and grinding them into what will some day become cabochons. It was getting late and we weren't finished, so we'll go back again. I can't wait to incorporate them into a necklace some day. I'll make sure to have pictures for you when they are completed. Thank you, Dave, for a wonderful evening!

Snow Day!

It's snowing in Virginia. I think this is the most snow we've seen since we moved here three years ago. Schools are closed. Businesses are closing. Our bank closed at 11:00 a.m. due to the weather. I don't think we've gotten 6 inches of snow yet. What has everyone freaked out, though, is the sleet and freezing rain that has been predicted for this afternoon and evening. This is a perfect day to sit in front of a roaring fire and work on chain maille.

I call this necklace, based on the Japanese 12 in 2 weave, a flower necklace. My son thinks it looks like snowflakes. For today, we'll go with the snowflakes. (You can find it at www.sweetpeacreationz.etsy.com.)

So, what do *you* do on a snow day?

It's a new year.

A new year with new projects, challenges and promise.

My goal for the winter months was to make at least one new piece a day. Considering some necklaces can take up to 8 hours to complete, that was asking a lot. I find myself making a lot of simple bracelets and earrings while the ideas for the more challenging items sit rather impatiently in my brain. I did complete a necklace that I'd been thinking about for a while but it's a rather simple variation on the byzantine weave. It's byzantine sections connected by tiny wooden donut beads, 1/4 inch in diameter. I've also got a store on Etsy at www.sweetpeacreationz.etsy.com in addition to my regular web shop at www.sweetpeacreationz.com.

So, I guess my jeweler's new year resolution should be to go ahead and indulge in my muse and stop worrying about the amount of time it takes to make something. So what if I have no inventory when "show" season rolls around again? What do you think? Should I create beautiful and unique, but time consuming, jewelry or stock up with the pretty but easier and faster pieces? Maybe I should alternate? To reward myself for making X number of bracelets, I get to indulge myself and make a more labor intensive but dazzling necklace. That sounds like a plan to me! Your comments would be welcome.