Happy Easter

Whatever this day holds for you, may it be blessed.

Favorite Things....

These two, simple beaded chains are among my favorite things. A friend had a new, really cool anklet a couple of summers ago, and I had the envy. So, sitting at my kitchen table with the beads I had, and much trial and error, I finally settled on the tiny colorful glass seed beads. They reflect light like crazy, are dainty enough for an anklet and I had hundreds of them. I decided to make the anklet long enough to go around my ankle twice. I like the movement of two layers.

A short time after, I found the glass cross with the embedded floral pattern. I know this has a name, but arrrghh... I can't remember it. Anyway, the funny thing is, the anklet can be a bracelet, wrapped three times around a wrist. And, it can also be a necklace. And the colors of the flowers in the cross match and it makes a terrific pendant.

Because I liked the short version so much, I made a longer version. Long necklace, three wrap anklet, five wrap bracelet, double wrap short necklace. All worn with or without the cross.

Simple, versatile, fun.

Totally Awesome Burp Cloths

A friend is about to become a grandmother for the first time! Luckily for me, it gives me an opportunity to make some great baby stuff. Searching around the net, I found this tutorial here . It's a great tutorial and a terrific idea! So simple, yet so useful. Best of all they are pretty, washable and super soft!

Thank you Jill for sharing the pattern and allowing me to post the link. Her blog is awesome... Go visit!

Be the spark...

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven

The spouse of a co-worker passed away this week. She'd been ill for a while. At the funeral, the pastor talked about her illness, the effect it has on the patient, the family and friends. Then he talked about his perspective. How he saw not the illness, but their faith, in God and each other. He saw the love they shared. He saw the opportunity for everyone around them to see faith and love in action. He said he'd never once felt sorry for them. Distress, sadness, compassion, yes certainly. But never pity.

It was a powerful sermon and I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful for my friend. I am grateful for the chance to see another perspective.

There is no reason to wait until you are in the midst of tragedy to be the love or to be the faith that will shine for others to see. There is a quote running rampant across the net: Be the spark, especially when it's dark (Mike Dooley).

The important part of that quote... Be the spark!

1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Nieces...

In March, two of my nieces celebrated birthdays... One is at the beginning of her adult life. So many choices, so much opportunity. I made a pin with symbols of things I wish for her... love, happiness, adventure, knowledge, excitement, security. ** Forgot to take a picture, dagnabit

The other, who is much younger, received a sweet little denim purse to hold all her treasures. I added her name to the embroidered flowers on the outside because it's always good to have stuff with your name on it :-) Inside are some happy frogs.

Happy Friday!

I'm planning a girls day out today. It's going to be great! Probably a little shopping, a little lunching, hugs, tears, shared stories and a lot of laughing. Perfect for a Friday.

Wishing you a Happy Friday!

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.