The Big Top, Stencil Pendant and Heart Strings, And A Giveaway!!

Oh my goodness, I've been enveloped in goodness!!

Let's begin with last Monday night....our June swap for the Tucson Swap Queens.  Hosted by our newest lady, Queen Claire....

We were ensconced in "Circus," from the moment we arrived....

the table settings....

Refreshments ~ "Circus Style!"

The swap this month was an altered tin - Circus theme, and here are these amazing works of art!

Artist:  Geri

Artist:  Sandra

Artist:  Claire

Artist:  Karey-Ann

Artist:  Kathleen

Artist:  Laura

Artist:  Karina

Now, since this is my blog post I get to share extra pix of my creation and the one I received...

Artist: Joan  Creation:  Calliope wagon - front

back

Artist:  Karen  Circus Poster - front

 back

detail

detail

side detail

detail

side detail

There were clocks, and music boxes, and circus wagons, and ticket booths ~ oh my!  Such fantastic talent, ladies!

Thank you so much, Queen Claire, for sharing your castle (and a big shout-out to dh Ken for sharing you and your home!).  Your decor is amazing, your talent is amazing, and your generosity is off the hook,  We are blessed to have you in our realm!

Well, along with getting ready for the swap, I've been working in my online classes "Stencil Frame Pendant and NecklaceHeart Strings."  Last week I shared this with you, and now it's time to share my latest endeavor.

But, before I do I really want to thank my instructors, Cat and Diane, for their awesome instruction.  I've learned so much and grown as a jewelry artist because of these two ladies.  You've blessed me!

Here are my two finished pieces from Cat's SFP&N class....

This is a photo of my mom, age 10.  The middle button on the left side with the moons and stars came from a blue serge suit which was one of her favorites.  I love that I can wear this necklace and keep her close to my heart.

There are two more frames in this group that I will finish ~ the fabric sides on each will be creamy whites!

I had only just begun my Heart Strings at my last post, but I've finished my first one and will soon be moving on to making more!

This is a large necklace and the adornments need to be seen by themselves so you can appreciate the detail...

Ron's baby picture at 1 year,  and Kiki and Shotzie, ages 4 and 6 months

my first attempt at making a simple clasp

necklace detail

Well, I'll be finishing up my SFP&N's as well as another HS ~ this one will be created with sari silk that's champagne in color.  I'm keeping the pink one for myself, as it's very personal.  The thimble in the focal was my grandmother's.

Now, about that Giveaway....remember these little dollies?

and these little boxes?

I will be choosing TWICE for my next Giveaway ~ one lucky person will receive a dolly and one lucky person will receive a petite wooden box.

Why the Giveaway?  I've reached 100 FOLLOWERS!!!  I'm over the moon excited and so blessed by all of you wonderful friends and family that I want to share this excitement with you!

However....this blog is SO loaded with pix and info, that I think I'll wait till next Monday to post the rest of the details...tee hee...

In the meantime, stay cool and hydrated, be safe and have fun, and blessings to you and yours ~ this week and always!
I love you!!
xoxo
Karen