Thursday, February 28, 2013

February 28, 2013

One of today's projects.
Another late night post. 

I spent the afternoon pounding tin and making jewelry. I finished everything that I want to send to the shop in Santa Fe. I've created a good variety of earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The pic-of-the-day (still with my iPhone) is of a pair of earrings I made today. I wasn't sure about the dark blue canister with big pink flowers on it, but once I started cutting it apart the pieces were nice. I like these so much that I think I'll wear them tomorrow.

Today I'm creating jewelry after a quick trip to the get more findings. Findings are the components that jewelry makers use to assemble their jewelry, such as clasps, earring backs and hooks. I got all of the above and more because almost everything was on sale.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

February 27, 2013

Necklace soon to be on its way to Santa Fe.
It's a late night blog today. I slept in this morning so I hope I can sleep tonight.

I'm putting together a group of what I would identify as shabby chic looking jewelry to send to a shop in Santa Fe. I talked to the shop owner when Mr. B and I were in SFe earlier this month. She has lots of country/shabby chic items in her store on Canyon Road. Today's pic-of-the-day, taken with my iPhone because I'm not ready to use my new Canon PowerShot, is an example of the kind of items I'll be sending her. You can barely see the pale pinks, blues, greens and yellows in the tin pieces. The design of this necklace is based on an Edwardian piece. I really like the necklaces that the ladies wear in Downton Abbey, so I decided to reference that time period in some of my designs.

Today I'm creating a list of additional tin manufacturers that I like. This will be valuable when searching for tins on eBay and etsy.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

February 26, 2013

The pic-of-the-day is the box for my new Canon PowerShot that arrived in the mail. As soon as the battery charges I'll be able to take better photos. I can't wait, and I'm sure everyone who looks at my terrible pictures every day will be pleased, also. Although I ordered a silver camera, the eBay seller contacted me that he only had black cameras. I told him that was fine. Actually, black is probably better because the silver would show fingerprints.

Mr. B came home from work yesterday because he didn't feel well. He must have really felt awful because he never misses work. I went outside to pound tin into shapes so he could sleep. Sweet Rose went outside with me on the front porch. When dogs would go past the house she would stand up and start to shake. She knew she would get in trouble if she started barking or went off the porch to chase the dog(s). I was forced to give her lots of kisses for being such a good girl.

Today I'm creating marketing pieces for my Tuesday client. It was a busy day of organizing upcoming projects. I have one more project to work on this afternoon for another client before Mr. B and I go to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft tonight. It should be a fun evening.


Monday, February 25, 2013

February 25, 2013

Hello, Sweetness. Good girl drinking her milk.
As anticipated, February is flying by! I have a busy beginning and ending to March. And although I was hoping to sneak away to Santa Fe during the middle of the month, I don't think that's going to happen.

If you read the Houston Chronicle and still have yesterday's paper, take a look at the back page of the Business Section, page D6. There, sitting at the far right of a table drinking milk is none other than my red-headed Sweetness (see pic-of-the-day). She lives in Ruth HAUS, which is a co-op project by Houston Access to Urban Sustainability. It's a huge old Tudor house with common areas, a commercial kitchen, plus 16 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. This is home to those willing to work for their cheaper rent and board by making meals, cleaning toilets and recycling. At the end of the article there is a recap of a recent meeting where residents discussed, among other things, quiet hour. A guy complained that he is being kept awake at night by someone doing laundry into the wee hours. Evan is quoted as saying, "You knew you were moving into a house with 14 other people when you signed the lease." Since Sweetness is a notorious night owl, I'm thinking she was the guilty party. Because of my foot injuries, I haven't seen her third-floor bedroom except from the street. On one of her day's off, we're going to carry my sewing machine and fabric up to her room so I can make window treatments and a cushion for the large window seat. I love helping the girls!

Today I'm creating jewelry. I'm inspired by the tins I've been receiving in the mail. But first, I should spend some time straightening the TV, living and dining rooms. Dust bunnies are taking over!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

February 24, 2013

Another productive day. LOVE it.

I spent most of the day setting up for the Houston Heights Association's Volunteer and Awards Dinner. I'm so competitive that I had to make sure that the table Mr. B and I sponsored was the most fabulous. And, of course, it was. We had great friends sitting with us, which made the evening even more special. My most difficult part of the evening was giving a three-minute talk about my friend and long-time Houston Heights resident Neva Batterson Dupuis who died in December 2012. I spoke from my heart, with no script, and stuck to my time limit. I'm most proud that I fought back my tears and completed my three minutes without having to pull the handkerchief I had tucked in my pocket. At the very end, I was taking deep breaths and looking up to the ceiling to abate my tears. My hope is that sweet Neva was looking down as I spoke and was pleased with what I said.

Today I'm creating a candy bar (see the pick-of-the-day). Usually the take away for this event is a small potted plant that dies within a few days. So I suggested that we do a candy bar tonight. Very popular. And thanks to #1-son-in-law Nick for the fabulous musical entertainment that he coordinated for tonight. Another first that I suggested and arranged. And another very poplar feature of the night. So much pressure to outdo myself next year!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

February 23, 2013

Adorable Sarah and Zachary are getting married in Nov. 
I had a productive day. I LOVE it when I feel that my day has been worthwhile.

This morning I went to help with floral arrangements for the Houston Heights Association Volunteer and Awards Dinner, which is tomorrow night. Everything was really done when I arrived, so I chatted for awhile. Next I came home and die cut some tin and made earrings. I realized when I looked in my box that I need to stop making earrings and make more bracelets and necklaces. Tonight I went to an engagement party for Zachary and Sarah (see the pic-of-the-day). Mr. B has a bad sinus infection so I went by myself. I don't normally drive at night by myself so, of course, I got lost in a neighborhood with which I'm not familiar.

Today I'm creating earrings made from tin. Tonight, Mitzie and I synchronized our calendars for the upcoming antique fairs in Warrington. We didn't go last year because of my foot. I'll be anxious to get back and see all the treasures this year.

Friday, February 22, 2013

February 22, 2013

Happy Friday! I'm sitting at home, alone, tonight. Mr. B has a business dinner. He said he would be home by 8 p.m., but I'm not holding my breath. 
Clever how this metal artist in SFe
distinguished between male and female.

I had a productive afternoon. First I met with a potential client. I'm sending my proposal for the work on Monday. The work involves a weekly newsletter. I'm making an appointment with the Apple Store as soon as possible so I can refresh my layout skills. Their One-on-One service is great. After my meeting I took Sweetness shopping for clothes. For anyone keeping up with where she works, she has left Sweet Cup, where she worked for about six months. She will now be a hostess at Downhouse, which is a restaurant in the Heights. She also works at Sundance Theater. Anyway, as a hostess at Downhouse, she needs to look nice, so we were out shopping for some dresses. Mission accomplished.

Today I'm creating a speech for a friend. Nothing like waiting until the last minute!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

BLOG #700

First red rose in the front garden.
This afternoon I went to the dermatologist for another check of my body for pre-cancerous moles and lesions. This is very important to me since my older brother died from complications of melanoma. Before I knew it the doctor was freezing two spots on my face. I've never had anything removed from my face before. And I had an appointment after leaving the doctors office.

One place was in my hair, so it didn't show, but the other was kind of in the middle of my forehead. I pull bangs down on my forehead before I went to the library for a meeting about volunteer work. (I'm volunteering time at the library to conduct research.) Guess what. They needed a photo of me for my badge. OMGoodness!

Today I'm creating emails to request donations to the Houston Heights Association's auction. Friend and fellow copywriter Katy and I are collecting photography for a special auction section. I'm amazed at how generous people can be. It really warms my heart!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

February 20, 2013

Sweet Rose guarded my packages while I
brought in the groceries. 
I left the house this morning at 11 a.m. to attend the Bayou City Art Festival Board of Director's meeting. Next I went to the office supply store. Then to a friend's house, the bank, and finally the grocery store. At 2:30 p.m. when I returned to the house, I realized that my "barn door" was open. Thank goodness I had a jacket on! Nonetheless, every time I wear these pants the zipper wiggles down. When I take them off, they are going in the trash. I'd wash them and donate them, but nobody needs an old pair of khaki pants with a zipper that doesn't stay up!

When I got home, Rose was inside the door waiting for me and outside the door were two boxes from Zappos. I'm not sure why the shoes didn't come in the same box since I ordered the same pair in two different sizes at the same time. Oh well.

Today I'm creating Bayou City Art Festival magic! Great meeting that included the election of a new Board member. Only one month until Bayou City Art Festival in Memorial Park!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

February 19, 2013

New Bayou City Art Festival shirt. Great color.
Good evening, readers. It was a long, busy day for me so I didn't get to post until 9 p.m. One of the events I attended tonight was a recruitment meeting for Bayou City Art Festival volunteers. I got my new emerald shirt that the Board members will be wearing during the Memorial Park Festival on Sunday, March 24. Great color!

I'm so happy that Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America on ABC, is well enough to return to work tomorrow. What courageous battles Robin has fought against breast cancer in 2008, and her rare blood disease in 2012, which was caused by the combination of radiation and chemotherapy she received for her breast cancer. But ABC has gone too far, in my opinion, promoting her return. Honestly, it seems like every other commercial on ABC is about Robin's return.

Today I'm creating materials to send to the Houston Business Journal for my Tuesday client. They weren't due until Monday, Feb. 25, but I finished and sent them off. The rest of this week is just too busy. I didn't get to meet with my potential new client today because her schedule was also busy. Hopefully we'll meet tomorrow after my Bayou City Art Festival Board meeting.


Monday, February 18, 2013

February 18, 2013

There was crazy paint on the Southwest Airlines plane
that was parked next to our's yesterday at ABQ.
This screen has been on my desktop all afternoon, but I'm just now writing my blog. What Mr. B and I thought would be a quiet day has turned out to be a mess. Mr. B thought he would be off work today, but instead he was called into the office. And my afternoon turned into pro bono work.

After we returned home yesterday, I went to Sandra and Charlie's house across the street to collect mail. Sandra met me at the door with a big smile and when he closed the door behind me, I saw why. Before I left for Santa Fe, I had ordered all sorts of tins, most of which arrived while Mr. B and I were gone. There were at least a dozen boxes (I had also ordered some vintage fabrics). It was like Christmas opening up all the boxes.

Today I'm creating dinner for Mr. B. I'm also prepping for my meeting tomorrow afternoon with a potential client. I often spend more time prepping that meeting or writing. For as Confucius said, "Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure."

Sunday, February 17, 2013

February 17, 2013

This morning the Pettits woke up in Santa Fe and tonight we'll go to bed in Houston. The pic-of-the-day is of Mr. B outside the backdoor of the casita, just before we left for the airport in ABQ. It was a full flight, which surprised us because we thought most people would travel tomorrow.

Nobody was happier for us to be back in Houston than Roz and Rose. They had been boarded since Wednesday. Rose is always happy, but even Roz wagged her tail at me this afternoon. That almost never happens. She seems to forget that I saved her from an adoption center where she was known as Weena. She's a funny little girl who often behaves more like a cat than a dog. For example, when I call her she'll take a message and get back to me when she feels like it. Doesn't that sound like a cat?

Today I'm creating an appointment with the potential for more work. I'm really excited that companies are beginning to feel better about the economy. Advertising can be the first thing to get eliminated from budgets, which doesn't make sense. Tough economies are when companies should continue their branding and marketing efforts to keep their products and services in front of buyers. You can thank me later for that marketing lesson.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

February 16, 2013

Our last day in the high desert, but a goodie! Mr. B and I had lunch with an old friend from Houston, Kevin, who now lives outside of Los Angeles. It was great to hear about what's been going on in his life and meet his friend, Holly. Even though we talked for two hours, Pasquale's didn't try to usher us out.

After leaving Kevin and Holly, Mr. B and I strolled along the plaza before heading over to the Railyard District. My main purpose for going over there was to check out The Flea to see if any of the shops had tin. No luck on that front, but we also peeked in a couple of galleries in the area. We wish that Mr. B's buddy Keith had been with us so he could have seen the metal work in Mark White Contemporary. Alas, Keith will have to come to Santa Fe another time.

Today I'm creating dinner for Mr. B and then scrubbing down the kitchen. It's time to prepare the casita for our departure in the morning.

Friday, February 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

Pomegranate martini at Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe
 
Finally I'm able to post to my blog. I tried all morning with no success.

Mr. B and I had a fabulous Valentine's Day dinner at Coyote Cafe. The food and beverages there is fabulous, not not the least bit inexpensive! We had a pre-dinner cocktail, salad and entrees. To my amazement, Mr. B was full at that point and didn't want dessert. The desserts at Coyote Cafe are to die for so I'll take him back there another time just for cocktails and dessert.


Caesar salad at Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe.
Today I'm creating a day of shopping. We were all over the City Different today, except for downtown. We'll have lunch tomorrow with friend Kevin and his companion. We haven't seen him in years, so it will be good to catch up. Then we'll visit a few of my favorite downtown shops and galleries. Question: Why don't I live in Santa Fe year round? And if I did live here year round, would I get tired of the city?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. B.
I'm feeling so well this Valentine's Day. Yesterday Mr. B and I flew to ABQ before making the 45 minute drive to Santa Fe. The first day at the casita is always busy. Checking the supplies in the house and going to the store. Replacing light bulbs and batteries, as needed. Changing linens, as needed. Rebooting the computer and Internet service, always necessary. In fact, I was unable to post on my blog yesterday, although I had Internet service (go figure). The distressing part of yesterday was that I got a call from my cousin Susan that her older sister was back in the hospital and having emergency surgery to remove a large blood clot that was blocking oxygen from getting from her lungs to her heart. Leigh was diagnosed with severe cancer about 18 months ago, but survived another surgery yesterday. The only good coming from Leigh's cancer is that the estranged sisters have reunited. Finishing what happened yesterday, Mr. B and I had catch-up and ketchup with The Richards. The four of us had dinner at Harry Roadhouse and talked until long after the bill was paid and our bottoms were sore from sitting in the hard wooden chairs.

Yesterday at Trader Joe's, Mr. B bought me white roses and today, on my breakfast tray that he brought to me in bed, was a sweet Valentine's Day card. All together now ... awwwwww! This afternoon we're going to stroll down Canyon Road and stop in some galleries. I brought a couple of pairs on my tin earrings. There's a gallery on Canyon where I will show my jewelry to the owner, unless I chicken out.

Today I'm creating reservations at one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Fe. Mr. B hasn't been there. I hope he enjoys the food as much as I do. I was reminded this morning by friend Kiki about the Valentine's Day cards that most elementary school children create for their mothers. I hang the red construction paper card with the heart dollie and picture of Dr. Mc on the Christmas tree every year. Good memories of long ago!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

February 12, 2013

Little rectangles from three different tins
At this time tomorrow, Mr. B and I will be on the plane to the high desert. I can't wait! I haven't been there since I left after Labor Day. And it's been even longer for Mr. B. We should have been there for 10 days at Thanksgiving, but my foot surgery nixed that plan. Hello casita. Mama is coming. The first year after we bought the casita, we were there every month. Then it became every other month. Then quarterly. Mr. B, we need to be there at least every other month. It's such a spiritual space and we need to experience that more often.

Yesterday reinforced my belief that God is good! I set up a meeting for next week with an organization that is looking for a professional to help them with branding and marketing. I hope this will be an ongoing project, similar to my Tuesday client. Later in the day I had a meeting with a friend who bought almost all of my tin jewelry for her shop Jubilee, which is located on 19th Street in Houston Heights. We also talked about a trunk show in the spring. A work opportunity, as well as a reason to continue buying tin canisters. Hallelujah!

Today I'm creating a day of pampering. I'm going to the hair salon before getting a mani/pedi. And for friend Nancy Grissom, who teased me last Sunday about what a pampered life I live by taking afternoon naps, I'll probably have one of those this afternoon, also. I think Nancy referred to me as a brat.

Monday, February 11, 2013

February 11, 2013

I've had trouble sleeping, so the doctor gave me a prescription for Lunesta. It does the trick, but I decided yesterday that I would take it earlier (8 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.) so I would get to sleep earlier. I took the pill at 8 p.m. last night, but didn't get to sleep until 6 a.m. Not good. Once I got to sleep, I did have a great dream about Sweetness being young. In my dream she must have been three years old. Also in the dream was a dalmatian we used to have. I wonder if spending time at the Texas Home & Garden Show yesterday and holding a white puppy with a spot made me dream about our former dog, Cass.

Last night I cut out tin and made a couple of pairs of earrings, including the pic-of-the-day. These are made out of two very old Calumet baking powder cans. I like these so much I'm probably going to keep these for myself.

Today I'm creating a sales opportunity for my jewelry. I'm meeting with a local shop owner and friend to see if she would like to carry my jewelry in her cute store. Please send good vibes my way for this adventure.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 10, 2013

Cuteness available for adoption.
This afternoon Mr. B and I went to a tree unveiling celebration in memory of our friend Neva Dupuis who passed away in December 2012. There were tons of people from the Houston Heights that I don't see very often. It was good to catch up and reminisce about sassy Neva.

Look at the pink pads on his feet.
Next we went to the Texas Home & Garden Show. Mr. B works for the company that produces most of the home and garden shows in Texas (along with publishing several oil & gas magazines). We always make an appearance. My favorite things at the show were the two pet adoption spaces. The first place we saw had lots of cats and dogs, including the cutest puppy that was all-white except for a brown spot around one eye (see the pic-of-the-day). I cradled this little boy in my arms until he fell asleep. Then an exhibitor came up with his girlfriend to convince her that they should adopt the puppy. This bundle of cuteness had a brother, but neither of them had been adopted, probably because they are a lab/pit bull mix. As Mr. B says, "There are no bad pit bulls, just bad pit bull owners." The puppy also has a pink nose and the inside his little uncropped ears are pink. So adorable!

Today I'm creating chocolate chip cookies that we took to the celebration for Neva. When I gave Neva's daughter, Debbie, the cookies she told me that I was a true Southern girl to bring food to the celebration. It's called comfort food.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

February 9, 2013

The necklace has three tin pieces attached to
a silver chain. The earring have two tin pieces.
I wish the colors were better.
I woke up with a terrible headache this morning, which wasn't helped by the yard crew. Today was the day of our quarterly super yard cleaning, so the blowers and electric hedge clippers where on hyper mode. It wasn't a good way to start my day. I'm wondering why I'm having more headaches lately.

I spent the afternoon washing clothes and cutting up tin canisters. I sat in my favorite chair for so long that it was difficult to stand up. But I was having fun. And, of course, my muse Rose was never far from my side. I'm going to stop researching how to work with copper, although if it involves any sort of flame Mr. B will nix the idea. I thought of an interesting way to use cooper for bangles that would then be topped with tin pieces. Stay tuned.

Today I'm creating bracelets and necklaces from tin. Mr. B doesn't like the necklaces as much as he likes the bracelets and earrings. What do you think (see the pic-of-the-day)?

Friday, February 8, 2013

February 8, 2013

The first necklace I've made.
If I type fast, I can get this blog posted on Feb. 8. But I guess it won't be the worst thing in the world if it didn't post until Feb. 9.

This was a productive day, beginning with a trip to the doctor's office. This was a follow up on my visit of two weeks ago. I wasn't sure if I liked her two weeks ago, but today she seemed more interested in me. Since I'm paying her, I want some attention. After the doctor's office I went to Michael's to get some beads while they are on sale. Ran into a friend and talked to him in the parking lot. I kept wondering why he was going into Michael's because he didn't seem like the crafty type. Then he showed me the small artwork he was having framed. Next I went to the grocery store. Back home I spent my afternoon cutting apart tin canisters. Then I made dinner before making more jewelry. This is the first day I made a necklace (see the pic-of-the-day).

Today I'm creating jewelry. I have a meeting on Monday afternoon with another shop that wants to carry my tin jewelry so I have to get my inventory back up.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

February 7, 2013

Mr. B held Roz so I could get a picture of
her with pink bows attached to her ears.
This is day three of my efforts to give up Diet Coke. Since I'm in the house most days, I find that I'm drinking more and more Diet Cokes, maybe as many as four or five a day. I always stop drinking sodas when I'm in Santa Fe during the summer months, but I want to give them up forever.

Since Monday I've been drinking only one Diet Coke per day. Today was the day that I planned not to drink any, but by noon I had a terrible headache. Caffeine withdrawal. To relate this to another life event, when I was in college I started smoking, just to be cool. I stopped when I was pregnant with Kendall and didn't smoke for about two years. But alas, I gave into the dark side and started again. I was never a heavy smoker, but smoking is smoking! Then when Kendall was in kindergarten I stopped smoking forever. When I would try to quit, I knew that if I could get past the fourth day, I could stop. I guess with Diet Coke, I had only given myself Monday through Wednesday, or three days, to wean myself. I had half a Diet Coke with lunch and my headache is much better. If anyone ever tells you that caffeine isn't addictive, don't believe them. Caffeine isn't as addictive as nicotine, but it's still tough to give up.

Today I'm creating invoices for work I did in January.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February 6, 2013

It has been a rainy day in Houston. It's the slow, soaking rain that really gets everything wet, including people as they run between cars and buildings. I was out for awhile and got fairly wet because I make it a point not to run between cars and buildings, no matter the weather.
Leaving my jewelry at Sparrow & the Nest.

Part of the time I was in the rain today was going into Sparrow and the Nest to drop off my tin jewelry. I left 12 pairs of earrings and four bracelets there (see the pic-of-the-day). Very exciting! My jewelry is on consignment for three months to see how it sells. Of course, if it sells I'll take more. When you're visiting the Heights area, please stop by Sparrow and the Nest. It's in the same block of Studewood at Liberty Kitchen. Have lunch and then walk down the street to Sparrow and the Nest. There's lots of cute items besides my jewelry.

Today I'm creating earrings. I have three other shops I would like to carrying my jewelry, so I need to beef up my inventory for show and tell.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February 5, 2013

Sweet Rose just home from the groomer.
I was so confused this morning when I got up because I couldn't find the dogs. I thought perhaps Mr. B was outside walking them, but his car was gone. After calling them and looking around the house, I finally remembered that they went to the groomer's this morning.

Today's pic-of-the-day is Rose after she got home this afternoon from the groomer. She thinks she is very pretty with the purple ribbons in her hair. What you can't see is the little bandana she has around her neck. She just drank some water so she has some hairs on her chinny chin chin that are sticking out.

Today I'm creating marketing materials for my Tuesday client. I'd like to make two pillows, but my nap comes first.

Monday, February 4, 2013

February 4, 2012

These dainty earrings are made from really small circles.
Ben Affleck has won every directing award so far this year, but is not nominated for an academy award. Hum. How could so many people think he and his movie are outstanding and the Academy Awards pass him by? I'm sure I'm not the only one to ask this questions. I haven't seen Argo, but would like to.

The girls (Roz and Rose) are both going to the salon tomorrow. Roz gets so stressed out. She comes home and goes directly under the bed to hide. On the other hand, Rose has a great time at the salon and can't wait to get home to show me the bows in her hair. They are both so fluffy and smell so good for about a week.

Today I'm creating contacts with the media. I have several press releases out and a friendly voicemail asking if the reporter needs more information is always a good follow up.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

February 3, 2013

People at the Super Bowl party watching half-time
performance by Beyonce.
As I was getting dressed to go to a Super Bowl party tonight, I realized that it was one year ago tonight that I fell and injured my foot and ankle. I put on matching shoes and left the house, so happy that 2012, and all my foot/ankle troubles are behind me.

Mr. B and I went to the Super Bowl party, where we knew the man who gave the party and his two sons. We had never met the other 10-15 people at the party. We got there just as the game started. With tons of food on the table and everyone else eating, we got some food and went outside on the covered patio. We ate, drank and talked through the first half. We went back inside so I could watch Beyonce's performance. Then, just as the blackout in the Super Bowl came, we left so I could get home in time to watch Downton Abbey.

Today I'm creating chocolate chip cookies to take to the Super Bowl party. The Raven's just won the game. Downton Abbey was better than the Super Bowl!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

February 2, 2013

Sometimes it's hard to remember to blog on the weekend because I get busy and forget. Or I'm not around the computer. But today was not a problem because I've been working on the computer most of the afternoon.
If I had a better camera you'd be able to tell
these earrings are actually hot pink, white
and pale pink. Perfect colors for Valentine's.

I'm in bad need of a mani/pedi. Maybe tomorrow before we go to the Super Bowl party. I have no idea what to do at a Super Bowl party, other than eat, drink and arrive with freshly polished nails. There must be other people who don't care about football. Maybe I sit around and wait for the commercials and halftime? This experience could be similar to the one time I went fishing with my grandfather. Lots of sitting and no talking.

Today I'm creating tin bracelets. I ran an errand this morning and then decided to go to a humongous antique mall to check out the tin cans and canisters. I hadn't been to the place in years, but remembered that the fine antiques were in the front and in the back are the booths that stock items you'd find in garage sales. The back area was where I planned to shop. After driving there I was amazed that the antique mall was gone. The 108,000 square feet building gone. Come to find out, it moved. The new location may require a visit before the Super Bowl Party tomorrow. 

Friday, February 1, 2013

February 1, 2013

A little play on my design.
I want more days like yesterday! Whatever I did was fun and profitable. I had lunch with two girlfriends. I took a few of my tin earrings to show them my newest endeavors. Both friends bought earrings from me during lunch. Crazy! After lunch we went to a nearby shop that features work by local artisans. I'm meeting again with the shop owner next Wednesday. She wants to sell my earrings and bracelets in her shop. Crazy! As I was leaving the shop I noticed that she doesn't have many textiles so I'm also going to take a couple of burlap pillows, tote bags from vintage fabrics, and colorful aprons.

Later in the afternoon yesterday I spent an hour or so looking for tin canisters in local thrift stores. Some fun finds as well as lessons in design and costs. The more colorful canisters seem to be tea tins (or biscuit tins) that were made in England. And prices on the tins canisters vary from as little as $3 to as much as $75. Some places marked a tin as vintage or rare. Then I saw the same tin in several other stores. Is there no truth in advertising?

Today I'm creating more tin jewelry. Are you tired of looking at it? I hope not because I'm really enjoying making it.