New CAMERA!

These are the first two pictures taken with my new camera that I received for my birthday. They were taken from the porch as the sun rose on a snowy morning. So early that I , the camera owner, was still sound asleep! Jacob got up early and said the sunrise was so beautiful he took the pictures and then woke me up to tell me that a. the sunrise was pretty and b. he used my new camera without asking and c. I needed to look at the sunrise myself in person, out of bed, through the living room and onto the porch. Well, I am very glad that he is so appreciative of sunrises! I hope he will always be that way.

It is snowing yet again tonight but we still had a wondeful dinner at my friend, Honey's home.

This is part of what I accomplished today; dying all the vintage leaves for the Tucson show. I mixed colors using all sorts of dyes from yarn coloring to fabric dye. I was aiming for a spring to fall color pallette. I also managed to semi trash the kitchen but then I made a most excellent beef noodle soup from scratch for dinner. I think I redeemed myself and the kitchen. I also did three ( count 'em, 3! ) solid hours of paperwork! Way to go, Lois! Tomorrow we dye flowers! Good night for now, Lois

New Year - New Book - THE GREAT BOOK of JEWELS

This is the last image in the book and features the Crown of saint Wenceslas, which became the piece for the national coronation of the kings of Bohemia. It was most likely inspired by french crowns but is a fine example of medieval metal and stone work. Look at the gems; rubies, emeralds, sapphires and pearls. A total of 91 gems in a fleur de lis pattern. Incredibly fine! Sometimes the old is just the inspiration we need for the new!
This is a rosary from the 15th century that features opening agate beads with tiny enameled images inside that show in relief, the life of Christ. I am enchanted with this piece and struck by the quality of the workmanship from such a long, long time ago. Amazing what could be done with such primitive tools,too.
This is an image from the book and you can see how well done the color plates are. Much detail has been captured in the photos.
This is a book that Kathy gave me today from her family. It was written in 1974 by Ernst and Jean Heiniger and is a treasure trove of historical and contemporary ( to 1974 ) jewlery pictures. It even has pieces designed by Picasso, Calder and Dali. I think I will find it inspirational for a very long time and I need to say Thanks! and I love this book!Inside the cover is a book plate placed by Marchine Dexter, the book's original owner, that says, " Nurture the tree of knowledge to regain the Kingdom. " I like this thought.

HAPPYH NEW YEAR!!!
May this year bring us all peace, love, prosperity and a better understanding of each other and compassion towards all our fellow women and men.

I am looking forward to the chnage in our leadership and viewing all of this change with optimisim and hope. Being alive and a citizen of this soon to be great country again is wonderful! We have a chance for actual leadership! I am praying for guidance for this country and its' politicians that we do not again get bogged down in politics as usual!

As for me, I ask for health and the opportunity to remain creative in all my endeavors, prosperity so that I may stay in business making and selling " stuff " and so that I can keep my wonderful staff employed and patience so that I do not get bogged down in the day to day litlle things that can make life irritate. I love my life!

On a happy note, at five o'clock lasr night at the fountain here in PT; I attended a friend's wedding - very impromptu - they are a long time couple. It was just 8 of us including the judge. A cold, clear night saying their vows in front of our community Christmas tree! Very special and romantic. Congratulations Marie and Mark!!!!

Again, Happy New Year! xo, Lois

The wind is blowing like crazy and is shaking the entire house and making the sliding glass door bow in. It makes me anxious and I can feel my heart fluttering in my chest. I suppose it comes from years of living on the beach when I had to worry about the tides and water crashing over the bulkhead. That was definitely scary then when you live at minus 1 foot elevation. Of course, no insurance company ever wanted to offer us flood insurance! HAHA - I figure if I put my ear plugsin; I just might be able to sleep, per chance to dream.

This is a beautiful sunset seen from my front porch the last evening before our big snow storms came. Isn't it just beautiful? It holds the promise of such a peaceful night, something I wish the whole world could experience!
I worked all day today in the studio, flitting from project to project and thouroughly enjoyed myself. I can dabble in so many things while I am out there; Today, I made jewelry for the shop, painted on canvas, worked on a scrapbook or rather the Lois version of a scrapbook and did some hand sewing on a silk bag I am making as a gift for a friend.

Anyone notice how the news is ever so depressing day after day? Retail sales are horribly down but sales of alcohol are up and auto body shops are extremely busy after all our snow. Go figure! I think one of my new year's resolutions will be not to watch the news and to think of and believe in the positive side of things. Tomorrow is a full day in the shop for me. Hope it is a nice busy day and that my customers and I enjoy each other. Good night!

A Gift

This cool piece is now hanging on my living room wall so I can see it from my knitting chair!
This is a wonderful gift that I received from Phil for Christmas. It is made in Hati from oil drums that were cut apart and made into animal shapes. This is a bird that reminds me of a partridge. I'm not sure if that is exactly what it is but I do love it! I have new charms back from the caster already for Tucson so I will try and add some pictures soon. Nighty - night, Lois