Monday, September 29, 2008

Encouraging Autumn


I decided to create a touch of fall in the house today.
Poppett jumped right into the spirit of the season
and seems to be here to stay!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Another of Harry's Pieces


My most recent purchase from Harry!
It's called 'Bracelet Squared'.
It arrived in my mail box a week ago and I've worn it everywhere I've been!
Love it!
I can't wait to take a class from this woman!!!!!

Today's Inspiration is from Harry!




Today's inspiration comes from a woman who is becoming a dear friend.

Her name is
Sharon 'Harry' Solly,
alias Goat Mom.


I have never met this lady, but have come to love her work. Her medium is Polymer Clay and she is an absolute genious at transforming bits of clay into works of art.

The photo to the left is a rounded triangle that is also rounded on the back.
Can't wait to get some of these that are drilled to be used as pendants.

The piece at the top is an oval rainbow cab, made of polymer clay, gold leaf with alcohol inks for color and sealed with liquid Kato Clay.

What all of that means is gibberish to me, but I hope to learn some of Harry's techniques in classes taught by her soon.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Cajun Pecans

I'm trying a new recipe for Cajun Pecans today.
If it's yummy, we will serve it at our annual Hallowe'en party.
If you try it, let me know what you think!

CROCKPOT CAJUN PECANS

1 lb. pecan halves
4 tbs butter, melted
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Combine all in a Crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Massive Diamond Found


Miners in Lesotho have discovered a huge gemstone which may become the largest ever polished round diamond.

The stone weighs 478 carats and is the 20th largest rough diamond ever found, said Gem Diamonds.

The company said the uncut rock was recovered recently from the Letseng mine, owned by the company in Lesotho.

The diamond, which is as yet unnamed, has the potential to yield a 150 carat cut stone, and could sell for tens of millions of dollars, the company said.

"Preliminary examination of this remarkable diamond indicates it will yield a record-breaking polished stone of the very best colour and clarity," said the company's chief executive Clifford Elphick.

It would be bigger than the 105 carat round-cut Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is part of the British Crown Jewels.

It would still be dwarfed by the Cullinan diamond discovered in 1905, which was 3,106 carats uncut and yielded a teardrop shaped diamond of 530 carats called the Great Start of Africa.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Wedding Jewelry


My niece is getting married tomorrow
and I thought you all might like to see the jewelry I will be wearing.
I, of course, made all of the pieces myself.
What fun to have people compliment the pieces that I have made,
all the while thinking that they were purchased
at an expensive boutique!

August Flowers and Herbs - A Little Late

Snowball, Hysop, Day Lily, and Weeds


Roses and Rudbeckia


Snowballs


Queen Anne's Lace at the Edge of the Woods


My little English garden has been beautiful this summer
- despite having no attention from me.
The hollyhocks came up, but did not bloom.
The hardy hibiscus with the huge magenta blooms bloomed beautifully,
but I wasn't able to get out to make a picture.
Lest I should forget, it is in the front left wine barrel.
All of my lavender died this year.
A tragedy!
Here's hoping that next year will be better!