by lynn krestel

mixed media..

 

i can tend to be a bit timid in venturing away from classic design in creating jewelry...not because i don't like but because i am not confident! i love the thought of mixing textures and gemstones...but unsure of the wearability and practicality...i'm such a mom!!

this is my first bracelet in my exploration of mixed media. i worked with 'aged' sterling and fine silver, wire-wrapped pearls and rough cut garnets, and hand dyed silk. i am really pleased with the outcome.

aging the silver takes away the concern for tarnishing or polishing. it will continue to age beautifully...

i will get it listed in my etsy shop tomorrow... happily busy creating mementos...!! and watching play off hockey with my hubby!!

go canucks go!!

the looking glass..

my tuesday vintage love has crept into wednesday this week! i decided to show you some of the mirrors i have collected over the years...i still have some to unpack, others to hang - a gorgeous one my sister refinished for me for a christmas gift this last year (oh its a beauty!!).... 

as i look at my collections...why do i collect? why am i drawn to collect what i do...? everything has greater impact when there is more. one mirror on the wall can get lost or go unnoticed, you put seven together...people look closer, and even take note of the beauty of each one and its differences.

 

... most were thrift store or yard sale treasures. a few gifts. i think my first vintage mirror was a gift from my mom and sister on my sixteenth birthday....

 

my favorites are ones with beveled edges - i also love the few i rescued from an old church building closet... they have the heaviest wood framing, beveled edges too....

 

so i'll sign off today with this from through the looking glass:

'if you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.' lewis carroll

blog love...

this weekend was particularly hectic. i am beat!!  so today was a surfing days... so i caught up on browsing some my favorite blogs...and saw a little more blog love! happy monday surprise!!

christina of akane designs added me to her wish list for etsy shopping (on the side bar of her blog!

thanks christina!!

satisfying.....

 

i apologize for not posting too much lately.... seems like i've been crazy busy - plus throw in two days this week with no electricity at our place (its own long story!!) but i must say its so satisfying to package those little mementos and jewelry, address the packages and ship them to places all around the continent. (no jewelry orders out of north america. yet. but a couple tutorials are across the ocean!!)

note to self: put up a map and mark all the places my jewelry has gone.

i am so happy that i get to create little mementos and reminders for loved ones to carry with them. i love to hear the stories 'why' this one is special, and am so proud when the recipient receives and is pleased.

i've been distracted also. my own fault! i agreed to do flowers for two weddings in may and june. i used event plan weddings and floral arranging.... and occasionally friends will still ask me. i have tried to be 'retired' from it - but in a moment of insanity, i guess,i was persuaded.... i'm sure i'll be satisfied with the eventual completion of these projects, but for now, i make lists, plan, search, and prepare...and worry!! more to come on this topic, i'm sure..

for now - farewell to a very busy weekend and great ambitions and goals set for a productive week ahead!! happy monday!!

a little more blog love...

surprised to be given a little more blog love this morning! thank you, brendalea...

 

been a couple of crazy days around here and i'm playing some catch up so i'm going to have to post tomorrow or saturday and share the love...so stay tuned!!

fun in the sun....

 

glorious spring sunshine!! it is still cool - but jayme and i were just itching to stick our feet in sun-warmed sand (talk about instant pedicure)!! we are lucky to live just a few minutes from a bit of beach.... my favorite part is watching birds - seagulls, herons, and the occasional bald eagle soaring over...

 

 and there is something about tugboats for me. isn't that beautiful!!

i know weather around the country has been crazy - i hope spring is coming your way!! 

blog love

i woke up this morning to a little blog love...hmmm what a way to start the weekend!!

shop indie online highlights independent artists and unique, quality handmade products. esp. for all of us who are looking for something not 'big box'!!

chris chose to highlight my kiddie art memento key ring for mothers day! i take a scanned image of a drawing or writing - or scribbling!- resize it, set it in a silver bezel, layer in resin, and voila! it captures a moment of creativity by a child. no more fridge art!!

 i have been getting lots of interest in the mementos and feel proud to be able to create something one of a kind - and close to the heart! (hows that for as many cliches as possible in one sentence!!!)

it really is a great gift for moms (and dads) day, for grandmas and grandpas.

saying that, i better get off to work, i have five in progress right now!!!

happy friday.....

cowboy girls

 

home again!! 

musings on time...

i thought i would get so much done. create. take pictures. revamp my shop. update my little blog. organize my studio space. hah!! not to be. my sweet daughters arrive tomorrow - and i dabbled here and there in my goals, but other 'priorities' surfaced - and my time is gone! the week is over....

i think this might be the most difficult part of self employment/working from home. most think you can spare the time, or even possible aren't even busy.. i struggle with saying 'no'.. i must master that impulse to help any and everyone! and i must be more disciplined on my schedule...

i love what i do. i am able to bring in some income and yet be a 'stay home' mom and fit my schedule to theirs.... but i'n going to have to get tougher - on myself! 

hbd momash!!

 

birthdays were always a big thing to me...a day to celebrate me! no chores, favorite dinner. presents. today is my moms birthday. she should have been 62...  today i celebrate her. who she was is reflected in who i am able to become. i know she would be proud of my teenagers. of me - and my fledgling little business. of my sisters. she lives on through us, in how she taught us, showed us, encouraged us. i am the lucky one- that she is my mom!!