Amazonite Eggs

Amazonite on Champagne
Originally uploaded by hiljohnqu

This is one of my favorites of all the photos I've taken of my product. The birds seem perplexed. How did they get all those eggs? And what are those funny champagned-colored things littering the nest?

I feel the need for Spring. Actually, I feel the need for consistent weather. It's been a roller coaster here in north central Texas. We were up to 80 degrees less than a week ago. This week, two days of snow/sleet/ice and chilly weather.

My daughter was so hopeful for either a day off from school, or at least a delayed opening. Not this district! They are hardy folks.

I don't mind cold and snow. I grew up in Montana so I'm very familiar with cold and snow. But 50 degree shifts in temperature in a 24-hour period is a little crazy.

At least I have Spring in my studio. I'm working on ID laynards today. Oh, and if you want to see what this necklace looks like when it's displayed more like a necklace, it's in my Etsy shop here.

Contemplating ... shoes?

Contemplating ... shoes?
Originally uploaded by hiljohnqu

I'm a fortunate woman! I took a few moments a long while ago and realized I am surrounded by some really good-looking men! And they are all related to me ... very closely related. Who needs a poster of the latest "It Boy" when I have real-life versions all around me?

Here you see my middle son and my oldest grandson. Even in profiles, I think y'all can see they are quite handsome.

Looks are only skin deep. But as I said, I am a fortunate woman. The good-looking men of my life also have gold hearts, quick wit, easy smiles and hearty laughs.

Artist type folks tend to see the beauty that surrounds their lives. Everyone has an artistic streak ... find it and give it some tender loving care! Then you'll see your world with new eyes and find some beauty every where you turn.

One of my "Every Swiggle" buddies knows this. Check out Michabella's blog and you'll see a picture of something very beautiful in her life! Chloe is beautiful! Look at those pretty pink cheeks, they are so kissable. And check out Michabella's beautiful jewelry while you're at it!

Amethyst Maille Mudfish

Amethyst Maille Mudfish
Originally uploaded by hiljohnqu

Lookie at what I made this weekend! I had done another Mudfish and sold it to a boutique in west Texas. This one is a different chainmaille weave and I added the amethyst to compliment his purple eyes.

I got this mudfish from Bally Beads in Rockwall, Texas. The owner of Bally's owns the mold and all the midfish are signed on the inside.

I have a new favorite! I may make one to keep myself! And yes, Comptroller of the State of Texas, I will pay sales tax on the materials for the one I keep.

Carnelian and Agate Pendant Necklace

Carnelian_Agate Pendant
Originally uploaded by hiljohnqu

I suppose this piece needs some loving. I need to reshoot this pretty to show it in a more favorable light. It's more of a fall piece because of the coloring, but I find that seasons don't really matter when selling ... if a woman sees something she really likes, she buys regardless of the season.

I found the agate geode in a little shop in Phillipsburg, Montana. Wonderful little town that's been spruced up and well worth the trek if you're in western Montana. There's a sapphire mine nearby to pan for your own sapphires.

The chain is handcrafted from 22 guage gold-fill wire and 4mm faceted carnelian beads. Carnelian is a form of chalcedony.

It's available on my website, and because we're heading into the seasons of spring and summer, I'll give anyone who orders this 20% off if they mention they saw it in this blog when ordering.

My website doesn't have a shopping cart yet. I'm trying to keep the cost of the website to a minimum in order to keep my prices very affordable. Email me and I'll get this out to you right away!