tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19420037489377617822024-03-13T15:26:34.220-01:00MiddleEarths JewelsGreen,woodland, mists, lava stone, blues, hydrangeas, forest, clearings, moss, rock walls, volcano, magic, fire.. middle earth makings. The jewels I create and the jewel of this Earth where I create them..the Azores Islands.MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-49348564128366995342011-11-28T18:50:00.001-01:002011-11-28T20:03:30.111-01:00Art Bead Scene November Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glF3xEesDaI/TtPuGUWXBDI/AAAAAAAAA50/4S-1toC5-MY/s1600/MadonnaPietradegliScrovigni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glF3xEesDaI/TtPuGUWXBDI/AAAAAAAAA50/4S-1toC5-MY/s320/MadonnaPietradegliScrovigni.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">The<a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-monthly-challenge.html" target="_blank"> Art bead Scene's</a> challenge this month.. inspired by the painting</span> 'Madonna Pietra degli Scrovigni'. in watercolour, gouache and gum arabic...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> Marie
Spartali Stillmen. </span>(1844-1927) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> Born in Middlesex in 1843, daughter of Michael Spartali,
import-export merchant and sometime Greek consul in London</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">The
woman in the painting is a character from the Italian poet Dante. She was described as a
heartless lady dressed in green. In her hand she holds a crystal bowl
reflecting the figures of Love and Dante .</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdmXQQYlRoY/TtPwDXVA-mI/AAAAAAAAA58/XzsQbMkIpvc/s1600/IMG_4422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdmXQQYlRoY/TtPwDXVA-mI/AAAAAAAAA58/XzsQbMkIpvc/s320/IMG_4422.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">I really wasn't intending to do the challenge this month..so close to Christmas..so much to do. But when I saw the painting chosen by the editors of <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-monthly-challenge.html" target="_blank">ABS</a>..my absolute favorite colors..golden greens, chestnut browns,the romance in the setting and all that wonderful fabric! sigh..wish I had started a month ago..but here is my entry.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-vnR2KuZY/TtP1BvTkUII/AAAAAAAAA6E/K1ffH5WM9Qc/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me-vnR2KuZY/TtP1BvTkUII/AAAAAAAAA6E/K1ffH5WM9Qc/s200/IMG_4418.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Another fascinating art bead from <a href="http://wondrousstrange.etsy.com/" target="_blank">wondrous strange</a>..meant to be a bezel for resin or a glass cab..to remember the cystal bowl held by the femme fatale in the paintng. But I found it impossible to use the glass cab, for the beautiful texture of the raku ceramic focal would be lost!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDsdb7eVn0g/TtP1d60BoOI/AAAAAAAAA6M/3XBOKY48jMA/s1600/IMG_4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDsdb7eVn0g/TtP1d60BoOI/AAAAAAAAA6M/3XBOKY48jMA/s320/IMG_4409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Left it alone and added a vintage velvet remnant that had it all..well almost...those olive greens, the chestnut brown and subtle flowers playing with the warm colors.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Vintage brass beaded chain with tiny shabby yellow enameled brass flowers wraps, together with the velvet, three times around the wrist for a fabric cuff bracelet... 'Madonna Pietra'.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHmhwOP2elY/TtP1yNzbTaI/AAAAAAAAA6U/NzSTlqWZ6QI/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHmhwOP2elY/TtP1yNzbTaI/AAAAAAAAA6U/NzSTlqWZ6QI/s320/IMG_4417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-42119182415805912562011-11-19T23:00:00.000-01:002011-11-20T12:58:11.609-01:00Winter Garden fantasy wool cuff ..to win in Aquariann's giveaway!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1652900457"></span><span id="goog_1652900458"></span></a>A winter garden dream..an adornment for an ice queen from some snowy realm..<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_y5B748gY4/Tsg8_yK_mOI/AAAAAAAAA4o/QM0cGi3m-XY/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_y5B748gY4/Tsg8_yK_mOI/AAAAAAAAA4o/QM0cGi3m-XY/s320/IMG_4279.JPG" width="320" /></a>Handwoven, then hand felted with bits of vintage lace and fabulous designer wool yarns., embellished with vintage beads,swarovski crystals and chinese jade...my creation for <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/" target="_blank">Aquariann's blog</a> giveaway. Be sure to stop by her fantastic blog to find out how to win this magical cuff!<br />
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I had been pondering over the giveaway for months..wanting to do a textile. I am a handweaver from another life.. 20 years of fabulous fibers and dazzling designs..:). I never really lost that love of and feel for scumprious fibers..soft wools, luscious silk..the unique way the light plays with each. And the touch! The loom and weaving is only the beginning. Careful washing and finishing is what makes the fabric come alive. Felting wool is fascinating..the transformation allows for so much creativity.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO39I0trcpM/TshAYZKrbTI/AAAAAAAAA4w/nNJzFwbnbHo/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO39I0trcpM/TshAYZKrbTI/AAAAAAAAA4w/nNJzFwbnbHo/s200/IMG_4317.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fresh off the loom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKB2xqdfucw/TshCpYLurtI/AAAAAAAAA44/kcUBxd97k08/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKB2xqdfucw/TshCpYLurtI/AAAAAAAAA44/kcUBxd97k08/s200/IMG_4319.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">same fabric after washing/felting</td></tr>
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This cuff was woven with soft merino wools and a bit of silk and viscose on the edges. The wool shrinks when felted but not the silk and viscose..leaving a wavy, lacy edge. The vintage lace threaded through before felting becomes a real part of the fabric..bumpy, irregular, along with the designer wools which give add to the cuff's organic look.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNNYHG6tGgw/TshD5hiIauI/AAAAAAAAA5A/bvw4u-THVDk/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNNYHG6tGgw/TshD5hiIauI/AAAAAAAAA5A/bvw4u-THVDk/s200/IMG_4321.JPG" width="185" /></a>The fabric is then washed and rubbed with warm water and soap until felted.. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At3iyKy3ImY/TshEiDKbZ2I/AAAAAAAAA5I/b6-e70_VwZc/s1600/IMG_4324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At3iyKy3ImY/TshEiDKbZ2I/AAAAAAAAA5I/b6-e70_VwZc/s200/IMG_4324.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Adding the beads an baubles and silk and leather cords..rather like painting on a canvas...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKtJxE6hAEA/TshGAskqI0I/AAAAAAAAA5g/-fjE1MrhLfQ/s1600/IMG_4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKtJxE6hAEA/TshGAskqI0I/AAAAAAAAA5g/-fjE1MrhLfQ/s320/IMG_4283.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmFn_j3CzVE/TshEvYhHlmI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/nOlmQGRbpPI/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmFn_j3CzVE/TshEvYhHlmI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/nOlmQGRbpPI/s200/IMG_4322.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86456093/winter-garden-fantasy-wool-cuff" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4iJZdI-vsM/TshFhwNb_AI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/ow6WVY823xA/s320/IMG_4287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And finally..the jewel in the crown..trimmed with mohair goatskin..for a touch of winter magic.<br />
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<br />MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-28179151581356738282011-11-19T14:21:00.001-01:002011-11-27T18:14:45.678-01:00Azores..AutumnDusting off the cobwebs here..been ages since I've posted..wonder if anybody is out there? I know..blogging has to be regular.. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcyEOD8gj1Q/Tse0C94FZxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/QukDGDAuh5A/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcyEOD8gj1Q/Tse0C94FZxI/AAAAAAAAA3o/QukDGDAuh5A/s320/IMG_3697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Autumn
colors..where I grew up..upstate New York ..summer would leave in blaze
of color..warming our hearts for the cold days ahead. A spectacular
show of hot oranges, reds and yellow..the woods and mountains seeming to
be on fire.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0eiWhBfGj4/TsfCbFRJ6KI/AAAAAAAAA4A/hpi-YMU960k/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0eiWhBfGj4/TsfCbFRJ6KI/AAAAAAAAA4A/hpi-YMU960k/s200/IMG_3708.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEwsaqHXjWg/Tse0A3cEzUI/AAAAAAAAA3g/_67TF9nCRV0/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEwsaqHXjWg/Tse0A3cEzUI/AAAAAAAAA3g/_67TF9nCRV0/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" width="285" /></a>Well..here
in the Azores..a temperate climate ..40º's at the coldest..the seasons
changing can almost go by unnoticed..almost that is. For the thousands
of hydrangas that line the roads and pastures do their thing to mark the
season's passing. Discreetly but with the most subtle beauty, almost
sad and foreboding..but most of all inspiring.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQCXEhkAWes/TsfCXNsuYZI/AAAAAAAAA34/jSgNNHUAu2k/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQCXEhkAWes/TsfCXNsuYZI/AAAAAAAAA34/jSgNNHUAu2k/s200/IMG_3706.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w1hFULNEQ4/Tse0sfgMALI/AAAAAAAAA3w/pk_ExMw2T0U/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w1hFULNEQ4/Tse0sfgMALI/AAAAAAAAA3w/pk_ExMw2T0U/s200/IMG_3908.JPG" width="200" /></a>When I saw these vintage tiny Haskell flower parts on esty..wow..those colors..rusty and faded glory colors.<br />
They just wanted to be Azorica (azorean ) autumn hydrangea gems.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86537614/autumn-azorica-earrings-upcycled-vintage" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67fBXxhQFZI/TsfCizkPpkI/AAAAAAAAA4I/vlKD13HwBIQ/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So
were born these earrings in copper with lava stone beads and the
vintage flowers..sanded, sealed and waxed to preserve and protect the
vintage brass and warm fall colors.<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86537614/autumn-azorica-earrings-upcycled-vintage" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFuL48pMqJM/TsfC4Ng_dzI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Q0OBhV--1rg/s320/IMG_3904.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGlP7RApDe0/TsfETPBsX6I/AAAAAAAAA4g/DQNQLXt3B1s/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGlP7RApDe0/TsfETPBsX6I/AAAAAAAAA4g/DQNQLXt3B1s/s320/IMG_3701.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-17764395943397076702011-08-31T00:20:00.000+00:002011-08-31T00:20:01.157+00:00ArtBead Scene August Challenge Poster Illustration for American Cresent Cycles, 1899<br />
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<div style="font-family: Times; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></b></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6yyOwv78y8/Tl119e3rV-I/AAAAAAAAA2A/0LYK-ZSar6M/s1600/FrederickRamsdell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6yyOwv78y8/Tl119e3rV-I/AAAAAAAAA2A/0LYK-ZSar6M/s320/FrederickRamsdell.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">This month's <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-monthly-challenge.html">ABS</a> challenge ..an illustration for American Cresent Cycles, 1899 by Frederick Winthrop Ramsdell.<i><span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">Ramsdell was an American painter who studied in both New York and Paris. While in Paris he became heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau work of Eugene Grasset and Alphonse Mucha, as can be seen in this striking, though derivative, bicycle poster. Ramsdell depicts a woman and her bike with her tresses and her dress blowing in the wind.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">So much of this illustration is wonderful for me..from the style of the lettering to the detail on the flowing gown to the discreet crescent rising in the back ground hills. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">I had decided to take a break this month of August , but that crescent..on my mind. I had found a wonderful hand carved crescent at an arts and craft fair here in the Azores 2 years ago. A local carpenter had shown his surprising artistic side, and had a few exotic wood focals and sculptures on the table in his booth..snapped them up right away! And now.. finally.. an inspiration..perfect!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgffi7YyzKY/Tl12JCX7FVI/AAAAAAAAA2I/6xovjNDN1HA/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgffi7YyzKY/Tl12JCX7FVI/AAAAAAAAA2I/6xovjNDN1HA/s200/IMG_3606.JPG" width="200" /></a> Coupled with a beautiful and mysterious greens,browns,grey raku bead from (once again..:) Dorcus of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange?ref=ss_profile">Wondrous Strange</a> .<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjqMhUDqJQo/Tl12CDtNouI/AAAAAAAAA2E/c6TzuwaFBeQ/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjqMhUDqJQo/Tl12CDtNouI/AAAAAAAAA2E/c6TzuwaFBeQ/s200/IMG_3604.JPG" width="200" /></a>A vintage gleaming brown crystal and lots of delicate chain..thinking of the girl in the poster and her brown locks..and finally,dangling vintage glass amber yellow leaves with tiny white flowers..for the flowing gown.<br />
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</i></span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-49279005793532217212011-08-15T12:31:00.002+00:002011-08-15T12:38:59.615+00:00Secret Shops..revealed..IIIBack again with one of my favs. This shop is a more recent discovery..<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFound">SilverFound</a> on etsy.<br />
If you have a certain weakness, as I do, for the exotic and genuine, it's worth 'stopping' in here 2 or 3 times a week..you see, the good stuff moves fast. There isn't always that one dazzler 'must have' for me, but when one does show up .. here's a tip..don't 'fav' it..buy...it'll be gone in a day!<br />
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Take a look at these.. genuine <b>antique</b> Tibet turquoise.. re-polished..beads.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEt5-Q7-I4/TkkAxpio6OI/AAAAAAAAA0o/kyhJJkostj8/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEt5-Q7-I4/TkkAxpio6OI/AAAAAAAAA0o/kyhJJkostj8/s200/IMG_3055.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Douglas, the owner is just so friendly ..really as friendly as his smiling avatar photo..the great service probably counts for half of my 'fav'. Lately, I've been irked by shops that either sell so well don't have the time to give a little attention or just come across like I'm lucky to be a buyer there..so good service has gone up in my ratings.<br />
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Titanium Aura quartz.. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DS1GtZMnjSE/TkkGDa-ce3I/AAAAAAAAA08/0WAUKXzY9Vg/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DS1GtZMnjSE/TkkGDa-ce3I/AAAAAAAAA08/0WAUKXzY9Vg/s200/IMG_3066.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyLpWma7X3I/TkkJc36V_VI/AAAAAAAAA1M/uD78D6EPSJQ/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyLpWma7X3I/TkkJc36V_VI/AAAAAAAAA1M/uD78D6EPSJQ/s200/IMG_3071.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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And one paired with a wonderful 'creation' from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange">Wondrous Strange</a>..a moth. ..the beginnings of a pendant..think I'll call it 'Mother and Child' <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mEk809-vNw/TkkO0mQBheI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/AankftF7CSI/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6mEk809-vNw/TkkO0mQBheI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/AankftF7CSI/s200/IMG_3025.JPG" width="197" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/53357535">TheRing</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Here are some creations with some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilverFound">SilverFound</a> finds..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/53955927">Shard of Orodruin..Mt. Doom</a></td></tr>
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MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-40970487581043029562011-07-28T18:30:00.005+00:002011-07-29T08:44:54.159+00:00ArtBead Scene July Challenge 'Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BdVG68iGTM/TjGT04GG2SI/AAAAAAAAA0I/3h_pUxc7kiQ/s1600/painting+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BdVG68iGTM/TjGT04GG2SI/AAAAAAAAA0I/3h_pUxc7kiQ/s320/painting+garden.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> by Edouard Vuillard<i> </i>1923 reworked 1938..July's challenge for the<a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-monthly-challenge.html"> Art Bead Scene blog</a>..love these challenges..so much to learn..</span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">" </span></span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With its riot of flowers in the foreground, <i>Morning in the Garden at Vaucresson</i> hearkens back—as do many of Edouard Vuillard’s post-World War I paintings—to the Impressionist garden scenes of Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir. It depicts the country home and garden of Jos and Lucie Hessel, an art dealer and his wife with whom Vuillard shared a long friendship."</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At first glance, I thought this painting was a tapestry ..with its myriad soft colors and seemingly boundless tiny flora all set in a place where I longed to be..I was once accused of being a hopeless romantic..this challenge I would go for heart and soul.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaWU5HtuCus/TjGgLLbuqDI/AAAAAAAAA0M/6VinnGKDY4A/s1600/IMG_3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaWU5HtuCus/TjGgLLbuqDI/AAAAAAAAA0M/6VinnGKDY4A/s200/IMG_3222.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Once again I opted for a textile cuff..a distressed (by sun and sea) ocre green velvet..ooh perfect ..so like the painting.. and with a distressed geometrical pattern. To my surprise the painting of this captivating jungle of a garden was actually, I discovered, a very orderly composition with distinct geometric lines.. the distressed creased lines in the velvet mimicking them. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> And ..once again the main focal art bead from the wonderful<a href="http://stillpointworks.etsy.com/"> stillpointworks</a>..I think it is my all time favorite bead..fantastically organic and strangely beautiful.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRhhUx9yo3A/TjGhpLyBRjI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/avlzIa53bWg/s1600/IMG_3201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32Df_TOZiAY/TjGkthJ5PZI/AAAAAAAAA0k/CPQs8HClyyE/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32Df_TOZiAY/TjGkthJ5PZI/AAAAAAAAA0k/CPQs8HClyyE/s200/IMG_3226.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I added a hand dyed velvet 'bail' ..it hangs on a vintage pin with vintage glass leaves 'pinned' to the cuff..easily removed to be worn as a pendant if wanted. </span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4AQgI05q4k/TjGkmPP2BAI/AAAAAAAAA0c/FTBPzKFDLtE/s1600/IMG_3209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4AQgI05q4k/TjGkmPP2BAI/AAAAAAAAA0c/FTBPzKFDLtE/s200/IMG_3209.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I couched and embroidered more velvet and wrinkled viscose fabric strips ..added about a billion beads..from labradorite to faceted pearls and much more..</span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OyyqlHFfaA/TjGkqukuDKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/y0qFecgfNug/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OyyqlHFfaA/TjGkqukuDKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/y0qFecgfNug/s200/IMG_3206.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Such a treat..going wild with all my favorite bead stash..so here it is.. Morning in the Garden.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtGZuRGP2w4/TjGkjCAPk_I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/np_h-I9o3Z4/s1600/IMG_3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtGZuRGP2w4/TjGkjCAPk_I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/np_h-I9o3Z4/s320/IMG_3214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-70594761509228081762011-07-05T01:54:00.000+00:002011-07-05T01:54:41.892+00:00Tea..and the Azores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.gorreanatea.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a0ykZv_RQIA/ThJgFmoTsKI/AAAAAAAAAzE/4DMxRDIb6BI/s400/introe_r2_c1.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsAWnpNEGmM/ThJlxb0sNSI/AAAAAAAAAzc/z2fvDYZKnQM/s1600/teaineurope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsAWnpNEGmM/ThJlxb0sNSI/AAAAAAAAAzc/z2fvDYZKnQM/s200/teaineurope.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> Where is the only place in Europe where tea is cultivated? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here in São Miguel..the Azores.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6kDCMPG_HM/ThJhfCI93fI/AAAAAAAAAzY/7S9KFzuSs58/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6kDCMPG_HM/ThJhfCI93fI/AAAAAAAAAzY/7S9KFzuSs58/s200/IMG_2863.JPG" width="188" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">The Portuguese introduced tea to the Dutch, and through trade, the Dutch brought the tea to France, Holland and the Baltic countries. In 1662, Catherine Braganza of Portugal married King Charles II and brought tea to the royal court of England for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNBGPZ4U92o/ThJglwKQByI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/a0LLc3nCLSE/s1600/IMG_2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNBGPZ4U92o/ThJglwKQByI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/a0LLc3nCLSE/s200/IMG_2867.JPG" width="200" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">In 1750 the initial trials of tea occurred on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was in September of 1874 two Chinese tea experts arrived from then Portuguese Macau and introduced the art of commercial tea cultivation to the island with the first tea being produced and sold in 1883 under the family compound of Gorreana. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Gorreana's tea estate is the only remaining of the 14 original tea producing estates and has remained family owned and operated for 5 generations. Black and green teas are still produced using ancient techniques that have been passed down at Gorreana for over a century. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PgRFXx0-Bc/ThJtTdhilfI/AAAAAAAAAzg/NloczwcpUG8/s1600/IMG_2565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5PgRFXx0-Bc/ThJtTdhilfI/AAAAAAAAAzg/NloczwcpUG8/s200/IMG_2565.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3K1gJ_B9so/ThJtV7Ep0mI/AAAAAAAAAzk/qt-lqnOLGJs/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V3K1gJ_B9so/ThJtV7Ep0mI/AAAAAAAAAzk/qt-lqnOLGJs/s320/IMG_2566.JPG" width="241" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I find it delicate and fruity.. and just delightful iced with a spring of fresh mint.. </span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-49253486747655967532011-06-30T00:29:00.004+00:002011-07-06T00:43:07.662+00:00Art Bead Scene June Challenge.. 'Ophelia'<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Ophelia by Odilon Redon</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">c. 1900-05; Pastel on paper mounted on board, 19 7/8 x 26 1/2 in; The Woodner Collection</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,'Trebuchet MS',Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,'Trebuchet MS',Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span></span></div>This month's challenge from the <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-monthly-challenge.html">Art Bead Scene</a> blog challenge is 'Ophelia'..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;">"The depiction of Ophelia seems not at all tragic, but rather an idyllic scene of a naked bather in a limpid pool of flowers. The design and colour scheme is masterly and original, being merely suggestive of the tragedy of death after rejection and madness." - <a href="http://www.escapeintolife.com/essays/odilon-redon-prince-of-dreams/">Tony Thomas</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> The genius of this painting..sweet and beautiful, yet disturbing and tragic. I opted for black and touches of luscious color..yellow and orange..swimming in blues.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77248731/ophelia-necklace-pendant-choker"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00-zNpsGvtU/Tgu_ltnTNTI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Zn4bYQWRUQk/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9vfFr3t30s/Tgu-tdSVotI/AAAAAAAAAyw/SZ5oUBjrLmA/s1600/IMG_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9vfFr3t30s/Tgu-tdSVotI/AAAAAAAAAyw/SZ5oUBjrLmA/s200/IMG_2822.JPG" width="198" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> I love the 'roundness' ..everything seems to come around..the end to the beginning. It is interesting that there is some discussion on how it should be viewed ..as pictured above or turned to its side...for me it seems to work any way.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ6zEQ-Kc8g/Tgu-2sAxD6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/ZzG2-XVO0pc/s1600/IMG_2798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJ6zEQ-Kc8g/Tgu-2sAxD6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/ZzG2-XVO0pc/s200/IMG_2798.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stillpointworks?ref=ss_profile">StillpointWorks </a>once again inspired me. Her wonderful polymer clay bead is the focal and the beginning. The blue tone was perfect, the etched uneasy surface giving just the right feeling ..along with black silk vintage trim, yellow opal crystals, a matte pink vintage lucite bead ..with a very black obsidian chunk, mottled blue czech beads and finally a glassy cobalt blue dangle to capture the deep blue of the pool where Ophelia rests...</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77248731/ophelia-necklace-pendant-choker"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0M1gQGzdIAc/Tgu-7-IApfI/AAAAAAAAAy4/aXI50Gvwhc8/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-9603609635872972982011-06-20T11:56:00.003+00:002012-09-01T23:10:54.053+00:00Secret Shops..revealed..II<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkY9cUD0uJU/Tf8tYMKrfjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/waJ8-ZyWs8A/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RkY9cUD0uJU/Tf8tYMKrfjI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/waJ8-ZyWs8A/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ok ..this shop is probably my biggest secret.<br />
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Unassuming at first glance, seemingly an unlikely place to find wonderful forgotten bits of the past.. <br />
.<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Beads-Laramie-Studios?_rdc=1" target="_blank">Laramie Studios</a> on ebay. <br />
A fav for almost 4 years now..it is the kind of shop that when opening a newly arrived package, I ALWAYS squeal with delight. These vintage finds never fail to be much more than expected. The metal findings are hefty, the details fine, and never 'melt' (like so much of the modern stuff ) when doing the heat patinas..and wow..how they come to life when patina-ed.<br />
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It was here I learned to love vintage plastic and lucite..lol I stiill cringe when I type 'plastic'..but these lovelies are wonderful! These white 'matte' leaves actually 'rustle' and 'clink' like fine porcelain..<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odPFs_3TjtI/Tf8vY-z1JkI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3gI1DlhYZ1k/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odPFs_3TjtI/Tf8vY-z1JkI/AAAAAAAAAyU/3gI1DlhYZ1k/s200/IMG_2560.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNDSV_vu6XU/Tf8yWIs6oFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/NPVYAxr68fo/s1600/IMG_2557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNDSV_vu6XU/Tf8yWIs6oFI/AAAAAAAAAyY/NPVYAxr68fo/s200/IMG_2557.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The owners Laura and Elspeth are friendly and efficient ..and..!!.at the moment..there is a 50% sale going on in their<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Beads-Laramie-Studios?_rdc=1" target="_blank"> ebay store</a> for the next couple of days. Don't be put off by the dull ebay photos..there is a treasure trove to be found here.<br />
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My latest ..probably 50% '<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Beads-Laramie-Studios?_rdc=1" target="_blank">Laramie</a>'..MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-78400187533275694342011-06-18T15:27:00.001+00:002011-06-18T15:28:49.526+00:00Azores...My husband walked in the door the other day..so pleased with himself..'..I have something for you!'..ooh..?? I thought..must be goood...lol..had to swallow..my 'EEK!' ..and grin a rather yellow smile..<br />
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It was a very fresh (almost squirmy) HUGE squid!<br />
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Ha..welcome to the Azores.<br />
I.. who until my 20's, fish and seafood,apart from the odd shrimp or clam, had been basically square and breaded (as in fishsticks).. have learnt to be very brave..cleaning and cooking these lovelies..but well worth it..yum! Grilled with a bit of garlic, lemon and white wine ..yes ..can be easy to adapt.MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-31390387863391261162011-06-06T12:07:00.000+00:002011-06-06T12:07:46.112+00:00My Secret Shops..revealed..I want to share ..<br />
.. a few of the wonderful shops I've found (on etsy and no so).<br />
This first post presents..<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Alchemyshop">Alchemy Shop</a> from Latavia..old Europe. A magical place full of unique vintage 'treasures'...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JftcIfvpO1I/Tey2xNUwe9I/AAAAAAAAAx4/lnGmfZZ4is0/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JftcIfvpO1I/Tey2xNUwe9I/AAAAAAAAAx4/lnGmfZZ4is0/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" width="320" /></a> Tho' I visit almost every day..I have actually only bought one precious 'find' from here..but what a prize! I didn't even fav this one, as I usually do..hesitating, debating, wishing..right into the cart on first sight. Friendly and fast service and..delightful packaging!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODSdSxsGnAY/Tey22HJ3lMI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1quQXaxtOsw/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODSdSxsGnAY/Tey22HJ3lMI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1quQXaxtOsw/s200/IMG_2020.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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I am pondering ..an image for the focal? ..or something else..This is a photo I took of a lonely chapel on a lake..here in São<br />
Miguel...I'd love some thoughts, comments or opinions..:)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utnB10HeR_U/Tey8EYdaw-I/AAAAAAAAAyE/ABypUCTIq_w/s1600/IMGP1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utnB10HeR_U/Tey8EYdaw-I/AAAAAAAAAyE/ABypUCTIq_w/s320/IMGP1723.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lonely Chapel..Nossa Senhoa das Vitorias,Lagoa das Furnas</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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..and another image pendant in the making .. distressed photo print on pyrite stone.MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-65817103253779515032011-05-30T23:54:00.002+00:002011-05-31T01:50:51.171+00:00ArtBead Scene May Challenge 'Hide and Seek'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Cache-cache (Hide-and-Seek), 1873 <br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> by Berthe Morisot </i></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> <br />
<div></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Oil on Canvas, 18 1/4" x 21 3/4" </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIBQZcReLD4/TbizCByAQSI/AAAAAAAAILw/vqvCWQaDE-0/s640/hideseek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIBQZcReLD4/TbizCByAQSI/AAAAAAAAILw/vqvCWQaDE-0/s200/hideseek.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-monthly-challenge.html">Art Bead Scene</a> blog's monthly challenge was truly a challenge..this engaging painting by Berthe Moiret ..at least for me. The wonderful earthy greens ..so familiar.. so easy to work with..but black and white? I had never, up until now, used or appreciated black and white in jewelery. The more I gazed on the this bewitching composition the more I admired such skill for color and composition. I found it very difficult to re-create any thing near this genius. Feeling that black and white could not be left out..the spark or what makes it 'pop'..I did my best resorting once again to a familiar medium..textiles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75106145/silk-crepe-bracelet-assemblage-cache"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmNefal_6MY/TeQf-8ELNII/AAAAAAAAAxk/95a1mCqpgH4/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span>Vintage silk crepe plisse and a bit of black velvet ribbon coupled with a vintage black glass saucer bead with vintage black and white enamel flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75106145/silk-crepe-bracelet-assemblage-cache"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGXE0r8XcpM/TeQk-P3OYzI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Qzm5yTNyvI8/s320/IMG_2090.JPG" width="320" /></a>A totally wonderful and earthy raku art bead from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange">WondrousStrange</a> gave the greens and emeralds life. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hug4uz9qZTo/TeQn7h9wAqI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Kh2M8mWq7h4/s400/IMG_2073_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div> A mix of labradorite, jade, faceted pearls, grassy green velvet and taffeta ribbon complete the picture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCQJxmZfn04/TeQty_SNvTI/AAAAAAAAAxw/wgB2fCJgioA/s200/IMG_2134.JPG" width="200" /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75106145/silk-crepe-bracelet-assemblage-cache">http://www.etsy.com/listing/75106145/silk-crepe-bracelet-assemblage-cache</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-52126036984555795262011-04-30T18:28:00.008+00:002011-04-30T20:28:19.021+00:00April's challenge..Finches and Bamboo<span style="font-size: small;">Oh..the delight and anticipation of interpreting 'Finches and Bamboo', painted by the Chinese emperor Huizong, 1082-1135.. almost 1000 years ago!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCwe4DpCpqI/TZjYV9PixoI/AAAAAAAABCY/isvmRmDzeSs/s1600/TwoFinches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCwe4DpCpqI/TZjYV9PixoI/AAAAAAAABCY/isvmRmDzeSs/s320/TwoFinches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-monthly-challenge.html">Art Bead Scene blog</a>'s pick for the April challenge was perfect..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">For what had touched me..beside the age of this painting , was not only the painting's sensitivity and delicate beauty, but the subtle texture .. the inks on silk. Fabric..my fav!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The images, and sound(!), and touch(!), of the dry rustling faded silk were dancing in my head..and just what I had been hoarding for years?...a length of parchment colored wild silk fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5DAk9Su4WQ/TbxFDniODhI/AAAAAAAAAws/iPGZP3kE7SE/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5DAk9Su4WQ/TbxFDniODhI/AAAAAAAAAws/iPGZP3kE7SE/s200/IMG_1992.JPG" width="200" /></a> With a few brush stokes of paint I reddened the edges, added a strip of dupioni silk for the dark browns and a fabric cuff was born ..then..well ..lucky me.. I have a fantastic stash of the most awesome art beads from Shannon of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/missficklemedia?ref=seller_info">missficklemedia</a>.. Her patina-ed beads and chains were perfect for the 1000year old 'look' ..the soft patina greens complimenting the 'canvas' color as did the bamboo leaves in the painting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew6bXqkI1eg/TbxL5xDWTFI/AAAAAAAAAw8/to3hMEnBt_s/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew6bXqkI1eg/TbxL5xDWTFI/AAAAAAAAAw8/to3hMEnBt_s/s200/IMG_1977.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">One very ancient looking button from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/missficklemedia?ref=seller_info">missfickle </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">was the perfect final touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I must leave here a note on how these monthly challenges from the <a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-monthly-challenge.html">Art Bead Scene</a> are so good for me..to be able to have an excuse to create and dream at will. Not bound by the market.. what is popular, what is cost-effective, what is best for SEO...blah..and yuck.I know, necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But it is almost as if these hours dedicated to attempting, in a very small way, to pass on the beauty created by these master painters in another medium, adding and taking away as I please,whatever moves me ...are actually mini holidays! Thanks ABS.:)</span><br />
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</span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-75218680630656188222011-03-24T17:07:00.001-01:002011-03-24T17:19:29.676-01:00Sacred Spring, Sweet Dreams... ArtBead Scene March Challenge<a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QIkK5m_qmaM/TYt7NOSAi1I/AAAAAAAAAvY/fdvCnUXerF0/s1600/art.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The March challenge from the wonderful Art Bead Scene blog</span>..<span style="font-size: small;">Even though I just recently discovered Art Bead Scene, thanks to Shannon of <a href="http://missficklemediacom.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-love-making-rings.html">Missficklemedia</a>, I am so excited about these challenges..only my second but the great folks at Art Bead come up with just the BEST inspiration for these challenges...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gKrZBmqQvSs/TYtzFrfOAAI/AAAAAAAAAvE/jKQ8rVvcGlk/s1600/gauguin.nave-moe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gKrZBmqQvSs/TYtzFrfOAAI/AAAAAAAAAvE/jKQ8rVvcGlk/s200/gauguin.nave-moe.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsnAMKn_rQc/TYtzkjx52EI/AAAAAAAAAvU/d9AILufPkJQ/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Sacred Spring, Sweet Dreams...</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Gauguin painted this after he moved to Tahiti in 1891, seeking inspiration from the native "primitive" culture, which he regarded as more real and more sincere. It is characterized by clear outlines, flat forms, and vibrant colors, which reflect the influence of native art on the artist</span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">At first I thought..oh yuck..not my colors..boy, was I wrong! Leave it to the 'masters' to prove just what we can learn from them.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gC_gjwiiTGY/TYtzfPaYP6I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/NqSRVAIKtKo/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gC_gjwiiTGY/TYtzfPaYP6I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/NqSRVAIKtKo/s320/IMG_1872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This painting and its wonderful subtle warm colors and primitive style began to grow on me ..each day as I sifted through my stash..each night those colors clinging to me before dropping off to sleep..and what art beads did I have? </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Of course! Something very special from Claire Maunsell..of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stillpointworks?ref=pr_shop_more">stillpointworks</a>..called..'Lovely Fly Beads'..I remember so well the phrase that made me buy them..an admirer had said.."They are so interesting.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span>They look like they've been jiggling about in some Medieval peddlers pocket for years..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I do believe I take inspiration too literally.. I added flys (beads) and limes and pineapple leaves for the girls' picnic in the painting..The fantastically detailed limes and leaves are actually for doll house miniature collections.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xtjSnEBAMDE/TYtzZkD4TtI/AAAAAAAAAvM/tMVfbda-510/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xtjSnEBAMDE/TYtzZkD4TtI/AAAAAAAAAvM/tMVfbda-510/s320/IMG_1858.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A very vintage silk embroidered trim from India had just the tones to tie all my other found bits and vintage pieces all together.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsnAMKn_rQc/TYtzkjx52EI/AAAAAAAAAvU/d9AILufPkJQ/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AsnAMKn_rQc/TYtzkjx52EI/AAAAAAAAAvU/d9AILufPkJQ/s320/IMG_1853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> ..can't wait 'till next month..:)</span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-7060517627994189542011-02-21T23:09:00.014-01:002011-02-22T13:35:30.007-01:00My Twilight Blue and ... 'Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose'<span style="font-size: small;">John Singer Sargent's wonderful painting 'Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose 'was chosen as the inspiration for the February challenge of the Art Bead Scene blog.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-monthly-challenge.html"><img alt="Art Bead Scene Blog" border="0" height="41" id="Header1_headerimg" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yx-5kaCmJNU/TVNDphuAKfI/AAAAAAAAAE0/Rb4tIRFpmVs/s400/ABS_banner_simple.jpg" style="display: block;" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-monthly-challenge.html">.</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-monthly-challenge.html"></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Intrigued by the painting, I decided to investigate ..here follows </span><span style="font-size: small;">an excerpt </span><span style="font-size: small;">from the<a href="http://jssgallery.org/paintings/Carnation_Lily_Lily_Rose.htm"> JSS Gallery</a> site </span><span style="font-size: small;">..</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Mt1ihs0vs/TWLovAJIQXI/AAAAAAAAAt0/p-742mVbPYU/s1600/Carnation_Lily_Lily_Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Mt1ihs0vs/TWLovAJIQXI/AAAAAAAAAt0/p-742mVbPYU/s320/Carnation_Lily_Lily_Rose.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">"..The seed of the idea was first planted in the fertile garden of the Lavington Rectory in 1884 when Sargent was staying with the Vickers. The white lilies in full bloom around the two children in a garden would be the framework on which he would mount this most ambitious project. The idea (a purely fanciful one to be sure) was to capture, not the most perfect sunset, but the affect of the most perfect sunset has, in terms of color, shadows and light on a scene. But it was more than that. How about the artificial light of Chinese lanterns at the precise moment of <b>twilight</b> when lanterns and sun are at perfect equilibrium! -- Could he paint that magical transient moment that lasts no more than a couple of minutes most -- capture that most perfect color of mauve when the sun is still flush in the sky and the lanterns glowing equally? Not create the scene from his mind or memory of what it would or should look like, but actually capture it -- could he paint the exquisite beauty between those two minutes? </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68622626/my-twilightblue-necklace-pendant-choker" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-holZ7YPcUG4/TWL1tgi8CaI/AAAAAAAAAt4/4RWgp52ASQY/s200/IMG_1667.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Of course not. No one could paint in two minutes and even come close to a faithful adaptation no matter how prepared he or she was prior. But what if he painted only for those magical minutes every day? If he was faithful, if he kept true to the principles of Impressionism -- painting only what he saw and not what he thought he saw or wanted to see, if he did it every day for two minutes could he capture lightning in a bottle so to speak?..."</span> <br />
<a href="http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/" style="display: block;"> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYjab161jPg/TWLitzV4NGI/AAAAAAAAAts/dMZmOf-3Mqw/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYjab161jPg/TWLitzV4NGI/AAAAAAAAAts/dMZmOf-3Mqw/s320/IMG_1670.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">And so..a medley of blues is born.. a jumbled array of ribbon and rags with chains and vintage beads of all sorts and species. Hand patina-ed, handpainted..hand distressed in a attempt to obtain the peaceful 'twilight' tone and dusky textures of the painting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY-HzHnIQks/TWLomCrxkhI/AAAAAAAAAtw/RcFvVGroOMU/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY-HzHnIQks/TWLomCrxkhI/AAAAAAAAAtw/RcFvVGroOMU/s200/IMG_1676.JPG" width="150" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The main stage is taken by a beautiful melancholy blue raku cross focal pendant by a favorite and most talented etsy artist, Dorcus, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wondrousstrange">Wondrous Strange</a>. <br />
Lush midnight blue and faded grey velvet , dusty blue green vintage calico print fabric and sun-faded lavender silk rag strips make up the ribbons.. inspired by the little girl's dresses. </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68622626/my-twilightblue-necklace-pendant-choker"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ShhGRKOwRzo/TWLipYuqC_I/AAAAAAAAAto/CTVz85o8DWQ/s400/IMG_1733.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I thoroughly enjoyed the last few days<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">,distressing,constructing..dreaming. ..faintly hoping the necklace may evoke perhaps just a small bit of that wonderful and peaceful, melancholy 'twilight' that John Singer Sargent so wonderfully captured on canvas. </span>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-89807034894011596072010-09-23T21:04:00.006+00:002010-09-23T21:14:22.418+00:00Santa Maria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJurlyfyFqI/AAAAAAAAAn4/SCgxB77xLDQ/s1600/santa-maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJurlyfyFqI/AAAAAAAAAn4/SCgxB77xLDQ/s320/santa-maria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJupSZeMXNI/AAAAAAAAAnw/uisR4VdPxTo/s1600/HPIM1592+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJupSZeMXNI/AAAAAAAAAnw/uisR4VdPxTo/s320/HPIM1592+a.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sailed to the neighboring island of Santa Maria..population..6,000.. 'a jewel' in the Atlantic.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJvB9qh36AI/AAAAAAAAAoI/k9cWeJKjfh4/s1600/columbusazoresCL_186x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TJvB9qh36AI/AAAAAAAAAoI/k9cWeJKjfh4/s320/columbusazoresCL_186x250.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>It was here that Christopher Columbus sought refuge in 1493 on his return from his voyage to America.MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-72905943330775094542010-08-02T10:40:00.003+00:002010-08-02T10:50:50.203+00:00Santana..St..Anne<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TFagIqRrBMI/AAAAAAAAAm0/FBWl1URUn34/s1600/IMGP2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TFagIqRrBMI/AAAAAAAAAm0/FBWl1URUn34/s200/IMGP2141.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>St. Anne's feastday was July 26..<br />
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http://www.etsy.com/listing/52600938/necklace-pendant-saint-anne-tile-imageMiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-16089129359095135252010-07-22T23:26:00.000+00:002010-07-22T23:26:02.047+00:00Azorica brown lava pendant..<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TEjTD11UHLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Kg9lmlPVk3c/s1600/IMGP2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TEjTD11UHLI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Kg9lmlPVk3c/s320/IMGP2085.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51941358/azorica-brown-pendant-flowers-and-lava">http://www.etsy.com/listing/51941358/azorica-brown-pendant-flowers-and-lava</a>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-73119515641882211602010-07-22T23:13:00.000+00:002010-07-22T23:13:08.256+00:00Fast cars..beautiful scenery.. Sata IRC rally Azores<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bAjlARxthYM&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bAjlARxthYM&hl=en_US&fs=1?color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-8889305427681348762010-07-09T16:43:00.001+00:002010-07-09T17:08:15.729+00:00The trees draw you in..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQmqy798I/AAAAAAAAAk0/aSefzv6JcNo/s1600/woods+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQmqy798I/AAAAAAAAAk0/aSefzv6JcNo/s200/woods+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQRtmrxrI/AAAAAAAAAks/81rJ7RJfaQA/s1600/IMGP1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQRtmrxrI/AAAAAAAAAks/81rJ7RJfaQA/s200/IMGP1742.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQ8Pa4t_I/AAAAAAAAAk8/se6HcKKhglQ/s1600/1st+hole+Furnas+golf+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TDdQ8Pa4t_I/AAAAAAAAAk8/se6HcKKhglQ/s200/1st+hole+Furnas+golf+course.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Lucky you if you lose a ball in the woods of the Furnas golf course here on São Miguel. I swear you can feel the trees talking...be careful..you may never want to leave...bewit<a href="http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=560"></a>ched.<br />
<a href="http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=560">http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=560</a>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-90320239879987657292010-06-03T14:45:00.005+00:002010-06-03T15:01:29.533+00:00Landing in the Azores..scary!Sata (local airline)pilots are known to be the best in Europe with an average of 8 to 10 landings per day on short runways and high seas weather. The Azores are nine islands (nine airports!) in the Atlantic,1500 miles from the US east coast.<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w8oINtSKJKs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w8oINtSKJKs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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second try...<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5ct0KiBSjg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y5ct0KiBSjg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-76775668633998633722010-05-31T01:35:00.009+00:002010-05-31T11:35:09.619+00:00Raku Cross pendant...The Dead Marshes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TAMVovBOTLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/w5aoel979Ro/s200/IMGP1446.JPG" width="200" /></div><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/MiddleEarths.etsy.com">http:MiddleEarths.etsy.com</a> </span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TAMW1qaKmKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/tOLVysVLzpo/s1600/IMGP1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TAMW1qaKmKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/tOLVysVLzpo/s320/IMGP1398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Yes, yes," said Gollum. "All dead, all rotten. Elves and Men and Orcs. The Dead Marshes.."</span></h1><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TAMSI5j7mNI/AAAAAAAAAjI/0uf0JpVQgxA/s1600/IMGP1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/TAMSI5j7mNI/AAAAAAAAAjI/0uf0JpVQgxA/s200/IMGP1570.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> You know how at times you pick something up and can't put it down..mesmerizing..as you look upon it you are drawn in..your imagination is in gear..must do something..This is how it was when I opened my package from wondrousstrange (http://wondrousstrange.etsy.com) (see earlier post below..) This raku cross pendant was truly a joy to create..one of those experiences that give you a certainty .. it is worthwhile to create, to be an artist ..to be financially struggling to be sure..but a strange happy, fulfilled.feeling.</span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h1>MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-9649682988370733812010-05-25T17:23:00.001+00:002010-05-25T18:07:15.318+00:00Mirkwood Forest Clearing locket pendant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_wHPkUJf3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/XbxEnnEfZyE/s1600/IMGP0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_wHPkUJf3I/AAAAAAAAAi4/XbxEnnEfZyE/s200/IMGP0563.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_wG1Cnvh_I/AAAAAAAAAiw/vQjQL-pD-kU/s1600/elsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_wG1Cnvh_I/AAAAAAAAAiw/vQjQL-pD-kU/s200/elsie.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>This was a special order for a special client...who then graciously sent me a photo of how 'precious' the inside of the locket became.. with the wonderful photos of her young daughter and son..MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-38085923357977775132010-05-22T23:13:00.001+00:002010-05-22T23:14:34.916+00:00The Postman ..brings Shallow Waters..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_hi2TY-XkI/AAAAAAAAAiY/eEJe-GhqYTk/s1600/IMGP1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_hi2TY-XkI/AAAAAAAAAiY/eEJe-GhqYTk/s200/IMGP1179.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Best part of the day..when the postman brings a package like this one ! Even the stamps were a treat..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_hkH2qx4QI/AAAAAAAAAig/DEPiOYj-Epk/s1600/IMGP1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rHbhZ1U7cl4/S_hkH2qx4QI/AAAAAAAAAig/DEPiOYj-Epk/s200/IMGP1197.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Well rewarded for anxiously waiting for this wonderful creation, 'Beneath the Shallow Waters Sins Are Washed Away...Raku Cross', from the so talented artist who is WonderousStrange..http://wondroustrange.etsy.com <br />
..it just is literally pulling me in to make a pendant..I think lots of ribbons and chain..MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942003748937761782.post-48974927620408474592010-05-21T09:46:00.000+00:002010-05-21T09:46:14.771+00:00Cicero..wisdom from 2060 years ago..human nature dosesn't change.."The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."<br />
Cicero 55 BC (passage from a speech to the Roman Senate)MiddleEarthsJewelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242085333775088118noreply@blogger.com0