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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!