Sorting It OuT

I took advantage of a rainy day...

and walked down memory lane... as I sorted it all out....

Turquoise from a Mother/Daughter trip to New Mexico

Gifts from departed loved ones

Bangled, Wrap-Wired daze

Past Party Accessories

Strands of Color and Bling collected from all over

Past Projects Stringing, Crocheting and Shopping for the right bead

Till the next trip....

Home Sweet Home

Just Home From Art Unraveled In Phoenix, AZ.....



Many wonderful classes with much to share...

Learned SO MUCH in this class with Jen Cushman.....


More details Tomorrow....

My comfy bed is calling...

Theresa

Sharing Bday Treasures

49 is another good birthday year....

I am blessed with thoughtful family and friends...

I tried to capture some of the gifts I received...THIS MAC compliments of my husband's supportive nature....

A lovely hanger from my daughter that I've admired many times at Pier One (and she chose it on her own)

I got dollars from Ma n Pa - yes, they still do that for a 49 year old - and I spent some on a book in Sante Fe that I thought was PERFECT for my art - Pictoral Webster's....and magazines - this one features one of my fave artists that I follow...and probably you do too...Diane Salter - so thrilled she was published in this edition...

And Just Look at this beautiful piece handmade by my pal....

So perfectly detailed and personalized... she had a whole theme in store for my yummy bday lunch with her.....

GARDENS...which we both share a love for....

I don't want to give too much away, for she will soon be opening her very own etsy shop...

and sharing her one of a kind pieces.....

I keep encouraging her to start a blog and share her talents....

But regardless, I love my bday treasures, my family, friends and think 49 is going to continue to be a GOOD year!

Theresa

Class#2 Soldering for Virgins Art and Soul Retreat

Are you a soldering virgin?  I was...until I participated in Sally Jean Alexander's class at the Art and Soul retreat in Virginia.

There is something about soldering irons, heat, solder, flux, etc. that I found completely overwhelming terrifying.  I am definitely "TooL ChallenGed".  Sally Jean, however, is not.  Her classes sell out quickly and there were repeat students who had their own Soldering Queen set up.  Thank heavens Sally had her "kits" consisting of soldering irons, flux, solder, etc.  for students use as I'm not sure I could've crammed another thing in my truck.

I am not going to post a step by step because it would take me forever and my butt is already numb from computer time this morning.  I would encourage you to check out Sally's website and book  you can find used on Amazon for $4.89.  I personally felt I needed a live class though and she did not disappoint.  Being the "challenged" kinda girl I am, I could've used more than a day of classes, but was pleased to complete one project.... (I was always happy to complete the classes project and this did not always happen)

Ta DA!!!!!  Three pieces mind you....
It's very tricky holding the glass pieces together with your image lined up and then applying the copper tape....

Notice the very cool "shadowbox" effect here...
and just pretend you don't see the off centered jump rings....or lumpy solder...erhummmmm
(Embrace it and move on was a mantra that came in handy)

I decided to have an image on the opposite side as well.  I'm thinking I will solder two more jump rings on top and convert this piece to a necklace....












That dangly at the end...N i g h t m a r e to put together...slippery little sucker for taping and soldering.  It's actually two glass beads with an image in between...taped with copper foil...then carefully fluxed/soldered while holding in your trusty hand towel.  Sally shared she had an especially memorable time with the marble when she was soldering and dropped the HOT piece between her legs....mind you we all had extra towels on our laps.

Another great class I'd definitely take again and learned as a  "TooL ChaLLenGeD" person, I can still EmBrace....and Practice:)

Alphabe-Thursday Letter "U"

Sometimes you find a  letter....

Like this "U"....





In the most "Unusual" places...









For more letter "U"'s - check out Jenny

 

Addicted

"T" is for...

Participating in Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday this week!

"T" is for a trellis in my garden...

"T" is for a turquoise trinket made by me...

"T" is for a tranquil sunset in Key West...

"T" is for trust from my furry baby....

("fixing" eyes in pics is too tedious!)

and lastly, "T" is for....