In the Lord I put My Trust

I'm usually a pretty laid-back, calm person, but I can get riled on occasion.  Afterwards I always look back and wonder why I got so bent out of shape.  I find more often than not, one of my close family members has stepped in my "only child territory".  This always gets my dander up.  Also I have an only child, so we clash occasionally over who's in charge.  We both want to be, because we are both pretty sure our way is best.  Then there is my hubby who has no sacred territory, but is a bit of a bulldozer; pushing things around to go his way, when I want the very opposite.  Goodness, but I want to push back.  We are great at compromising - the secret to a long happy marriage.


If I could just learn to live every day with this simple Psalm in mind, I know I would never worry again, when I don't get my way.

Three Beautiful Girls

Christmas was a wonderful time in 2011, with everyone healthy, happy, and blessed.  We spent Christmas Eve with our daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters.  I just wanted to share this photo of my beautiful girls.

Early Work

This is another of the very first pieces I created.  I love it still and often look at it and wish I had kept it.  The front is a battered, metal, watch dial I purchased and the gear from an old wind-up clock I found.  The D-rings were purchased to tie ribbons together on greeting cards.  The reverse is an old cardboard milk bottle top, sent by a friend, also for use on a card.  But, this was one of my best pieces. It's amazing what one can do when the creative process is hot and the hands just have to make something, anything!   

Starting out the New Year Steampunk Style

I  had been a dedicated card maker for many years, but in March 2010 I stumbled on my first piece of chunky, industrial, found object, jewelry.  It was love at first sight.  I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to create.  After all I had boxes of broken watches, old jewelry, beads, charms, and gemstones, etc.  I soon made made my first piece out of an old earring, the chain from another necklace, a watch dial, a Tim Holtz game spinner, and a tiny silver charm. Since then I've made hundreds of pieces, but never lost interest in this great diversion.  

Also I've learned this genre of jewelry is called STEAMPUNK.  I love it not only because of the great, diverse elements that can be incorporated into each piece but because it's origins are in a "time that never was".  Out of the works of such great minds as Orson Welles, Jules Verne, and Phillip Pullman come fantastical    blimps, airships, weapons, and adornments.  Each inspired by a "time" when electricity was unknown and steam power ran the world; when adventure was there for the taking - to soar and glide far above the limits of mind and time.

World War II Vintage Medal with Steampunk Accent Necklace

This lovely old medal was so interesting I couldn't bear to cover up the front, so I placed my embellishments on the back.  This way both sides have something of interest.  It was a great design for me.  Because of it I've a new customer that has been keeping me busy for a while.  Thanks Jess.