Two Old Men

Thanksgiving was a day of reflection for me. We always had a big crowd at our house when I was growing up. Both sides of the family would come and I would set the big dining room table -- with all the leaves -- for 26 to 30 people.

I have a memory of my two grandfathers having an animated conversation in Yiddish with lots of hand gestures, but no raised voices. These two men, from opposite ends of Russia emigrated to the US in the early part of the 20th century to make their homes in New York City. They were just kids themselves at the time. Somehow, they made lives for themselves and raised families. My parents met by serendipity on a blind date.

So, what were these two men discussing that Thanksgiving so long ago? Life in the "old country"? The state of the world? The wonderful meal that was about to be served? Or was it just a conversation about the price of milk?

I'll never know, but I will continue to think about them both with fond memories.

Wilma ... Again?

You see, I have a weakness for pearls. Apparently large, white ones. These are a bit different in that they are quite bumpy.

I've added them to the bottom of my hand forged sterling silver earwires, which have been oxidized and tumbled. I love the steel gray looking finish that results.

Visit my etsy shop to see more photos of these and lots of other jewelry.

Happy Thanksgiving ... Don't Eat This Turkey!

My very talented friend Marcy Lamberson (you may remember her from my Breakfast Necklace post) has done it again! What better way to start Thanksgiving Day than with this adorable and incredibly realistic turkey bead.

If turkey isn't your thing, or if you're a vegetarian, she has plenty of other foods for you to enjoy, like this key lime pie. If you go to her etsy shop, you will also find cupcakes, an ice cream sandwich and some other yummy pies slices!

Spoil Me

Just in time for the holidays -- this necklace will tell everyone how to treat you between now and then! It would also make a great gift for that diva in your life.

The vintage image is secured under an acrylic panel, which is riveted to the brass background. The beads hanging below are a perfect complement to the colors in the necklace. There are two styles of brass chain, which meet at a handcrafted brass hook clasp.

This necklace, and other mixed media pieces are available for sale in my etsy shop!

New Artisan Beaders Giveaway!!

The Artisan Beaders are pleased to present a little holiday present from us to you! Over the next few weeks, participating members will be sponsoring a giveaway of their fabulous handmade items.


This week is a lovely lampwork necklace from Brandi of Catie's Blue! It features an artisan borosilicate lampwork bead, lemon quartz, aqua apatite, fine silver headpins, and sterling silver findings. The chain measures 18 inches long, and has a 3 inch extender chain in the back for adjustments; the pendant itself measures 1.5 inches long.


How to enter to win:

Visit Brandi's shop, then leave a comment on the Artisan Beaders Blog* with a link to your favorite item. We will be picking the winner** on Friday, November 28th, at 5:00pm EST, so you have until then to leave a comment. The winner will be announced shortly after, so make sure you check back Friday night. Thanks for playing!


* If you don't have a Blogger account, please leave your email address or a way to contact you if you win.
** Winning name will be randomly chosen by using Random.org.

Cascading Gemstones

These earrings are a design that I never tire of. I always use a different combination of small gemstones, so no two pairs are exactly the same.

In this pair, I used amethysts, garnets, citrine, iolite and tourmaline in several colors. All of the shapes are different, giving these earrings textural interest.

To see the earrings from a different angle, please visit my etsy shop.