Snowstorms, Craft Fairs and Food Poisoning

11-24-2013 Happy Sunday!  This has been a very interesting couple of days out here in the nether lands of Texas.  Friday  hubby and I both came down with bad case of food poisoning (UGGG!!) but luckily was only 24 hours of misery.  During that time winter storm Boreas hit this part of Texas and we went down and found our car encased in ice.  After getting all the ice off the windows we  headed to a large annual craft fair they have here in Lubbock.  I was very excited as it had been quite a while since I had indulged my not so secret passion of going to craft fairs.  Alas I was  very disappointed.  There were in all fairness some beautiful textiles and some great sauces and dips but not much else that I would consider crafty.  I think we would have done very well if we had been able to  get a booth ( however we were  too late to get a booth and they were ridiculously expensive!) We  finished our day  with some chores and settled in for a night of creating jewelry.  We managed to get  several  new  pieces done that we think would make wonderful Christmas  gifts as  3 are set with rubies.  I have pictures below and they are in the Etsy shop.
This morning we woke up to sight seldom seen in Texas- snow!  It makes for a beautiful sight but I dread the thought of driving in it to work tomorrow as there is a layer of ice under all the pretty white stuff. Being a physician I know the consequences of ice on roads and drivers who don't know how to drive on it.  Hopefully people  will slow down and take extra time getting to where they are going.  For now though it is nice to sit back with a cup of apple cider and enjoy natures  show.   Stay warm  and safe.

Hitting the Jackpot at Garage Sales

11-17-2013
Good morning!  Yesterday we hit the garage sales here in Lubbock and had a successful day  finding components for our jewelry.  Our first stop was a large church sale  where we were able to pick up some beautiful hand painted porcelain Texas shaped buttons and pewter cowboy hats. ( we also of course managed to find the "boys" some new toys as they seem to go thru them rather quickly). Next stop was an old trading post that was closing down and we felt like we won the lotto.  We were able to get 10 old watches to use in our steam punk jewelry and we were able to bargain for a great price.  We then hit a few others with various results.  Of course the grand babies always win and we were able to pick up some great  books.  After we got home we had some fun creating some great earrings from our "finds".  Mitch has been busy taking apart the watches and he found some great surprises with one watch actually still in working condition.  The day was beautiful but windy  reminding me of Fall days in Oklahoma.  We made a stop at one of the local parks to let the dogs run and to our surprise there was a beautiful brown pelican  in the pond along with  the Canadian geese and ducks.  That is not a sight you expect to see in Lubbock! Here's a few pics for you to enjoy.  Keep in mind the holidays are just around the corner so be sure and stop in our Etsy shop to see all our designs!

New Listings and RV shopping

11-9-2013
Today was a beautiful Fall day in Texas.  We started the day with  coffee and Face Time with the littlest Granddaughter, Kaiah, then we decided to go look at fifth wheels.  We have thought for a long time about down sizing and with my travel it is is getting to not make much sense to own a house. This is still a decision a ways away but it is fun to look.We should get settled in the extended stay apartment where we will be for the next couple of months and be able to get our jewelry equipment out and start creating again soon.  I have just listed  2 more pairs of earrings in our Etsy shop so be sure and check them out and let me know what you think.  We always appreciate feedback.

On a more philosophical note my husband lost his best friend of 50 years this past week.  It was not  unexpected but still sad.  With my partners own struggle with mortality this summer in his fight with cancer this was an extra hard loss.  It reminds each of us that  each moment is precious and not to be wasted.  So please tell those you love you love them and take time to stop and smell the roses.

Long Day

11-6-2013
 I have been back to my "other job" as a locums physician the last  2 days and today was  busy! Probably will not be able to get back to jewelry creating until next week when we get settled in the apt we will be in for next 2 months.  Just too much to get it all out then  repack it to move it again on Sunday.  So will leave you with some of our new creations and  remind everyone that Christmas is coming and to visit our Etsy shop and look around.   Think I will head to the shower and wash away the day then settle down to a spaghetti supper Life partner is making. 
I think the "Screw Time" pendant is appropriate for the long day.  Made from a watch face and screws with multi color accent beads.
The other is a pendant from re-purposed Norwegian sweater clasps, New Zealand turbo shells and  silver clap bells.

Great Bracelets = Sore Hands

11-3-2013
Happy November.  Hopefully everyone had a safe Halloween.  We have had some copper tubing for a while that a plumber friend gave us when he finished a job.  I have been wondering what to do with it when I found a great tutorial on Craftgawker for copper bracelets.  Well in theory it sounded easy, in practice it is a lot of hard hand work.  I stopped at local Home Depot and also got some aluminum tubing but they only had it in 1/2 inch.  The copper tubing was about 10 mm.  First you measure how big you want the bangle to be then you cut the pipe, beat the pipe until flat, sand the pipe, stamp the pipe if desired, then bend the pipe and sand again for finish.  Once that is complete spray a modge podge lacquer on them .  Remember  copper oxidizes and will turn green if not sealed.  I also sealed the aluminum ones just because it add such a high gloss shine.  All but the first practice one turned out good but my hands are really sore.  Bending the metal is really hard.  The aluminum was the hardest as it was thicker so I suggest using copper if you are going to try this. I have some pics below of the finished products.  They will be in our Etsy store soon. 

We are also getting the car packed for another of our temporary relocations with my work.  It seems the jewelry  supplies are taking up more space than our clothes!  Soon we will have to be up sizing the rental car just for our supplies!  I laugh as we are supposed to be downsizing.   Enjoy the new products and remember to check out our Etsy store for more jewelry  and be sure to tell your friends.


 copper and aluminum bangles in 6,7, and 8 Inch sizes- Unisex

 Note Annan wearing headphones.  She  does not like the loud noise of the work shop.  She informed me when she grows up and takes over the shop we will have to add and A to M&D Design.  Hmmm M,D &A Design-kinda catchy.

 Annan and her Papa Peach ( she could not say Mitch when she was little hence the Peach which he adores) both tired after trick or treating.