Sometimes A Week Is Like That...

Sometimes a week is like that ~ more sad than happy ~ but, I guess that just helps us to better appreciate the beauty and gifts which surround us.

I began my week spending one last visit with Jennifer and the girls before they left Tucson....it was a bittersweet day, but how can you allow sadness into your heart when you're enveloped in the love of two precious little ones...

I busied myself with finishing up cuffs from Diane Cook's Window To My Heart class....

Thursday brought very sad news as the mother of one of my dearest friends had passed.  Having lost my own mother in 2001, I felt the pain of loss once again, and could only offer sweet friend my time and comfort...

Friday came and with it departures, some permanent ~ one temporary....

The Del Castillos were on their way to their new home in Washington state ~

And my sweet girls were on their way to California for a mini-vacation ~

First stop was two days in Newport Beach with dear friend Milena.  They visited her new store, Heirloom...

Then two days in San Diego with sweet friend, Eva...

I miss these girls terribly, but I'm comforted knowing they're having a ball and will be heading home tomorrow.

I guess the classroom is in my blood....friends and colleagues head back to school this week, and so do I.  There's still time to sign up for classes at Artful Gathering, and that's just what I did!

Call me crazy, with just 11 sleeps till our vacation, but I couldn't help myself!  You'll find me in Kecia Deveney's classroom, enjoying the Adventures In Soldering.

I have to share this tidbit with you ~ I'm so honored to be in the Artful Gathering banner as highlighted student work!  Thank you so much, dear Zinnia!

I also have a very special project on the workbench....a tribute piece for a special friend, in memory of her beloved mother.

So, the big wheel keeps on turning and another beautiful day looms ahead.
Our rains keep teasing, but we're hopeful for more in this parched desert.
Have a beautiful week, my lovely family and friends ~ and by all means, love the ones you're with!

A Whimsy Of A Week!

Can you find me???

School's back in session, and I'm excited!!  I'm taking two new classes at Artful Gathering ~ Windows to My Heart with Diane Cook and Whimsical Teensies with Riki Schumacher.

This week I'm going to share the Whimsies with you ~ these are not worn as jewelry, but they are to adorn your home or favorite space!

Completely handcrafted, they may be personalized to suit all tastes....

Riki really encouraged us to break out on our own with pattern design, and that's what I did!

But first, let me share my debut piece ~ Riki's Star, which I completed according to her specific instructions....

I call her "Shine" ~

I love Riki's classes.  Not only are her designs remarkable, but her instructions and video presentations are top drawer ~ I'm always thrilled when she presents a new tutorial!

Here's another one of Riki's designs ~ isn't she a sweetie?  I just loved creating her!

I think I "student well" and so here are my very own original designs (except that I borrowed the "bone" and "wings" patterns from Riki - thank you, Riki!)


This is "Poot" ~ Kiki's black pug...

Here's "Peppy" ~ Shotzie's black oriental kitty...

Lastly, I created "Bubble Bliss" - a sweet angel in a winged heart...

I hope you enjoyed these lovelies.  I sure enjoyed making them!  I have a few more patterns on the drawing pad and will reveal when they're finished.  All Whimsies will be available in my Etsy shop, or contact me directly for personalization.

In the meantime, I'm hoping my two texture hammers arrive this week - the only thing holding me back from moving forward with Diane Cook's "Window to My Heart" cuff.  These cuffs are awesome and I've got 5 of them waiting in the wings!

Sending you love and thanks for stopping by... and good thoughts for a very happy week!

Busy As a Bee & Bye Bye

Oh my, time came to say "so long, and bye bye."

Our sweet friends, the Del Castillos, will be moving to the state of Washington at the end of the month. Not an easy farewell, as we've known Jennifer and Michael from courtship to engagement to marriage to the births of sweet Olivia and Ava.

So, it was with sweet sadness that we bid "adieu" to our dear friends on Saturday night....

This is such a great career move for Michael, and his family will enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer,  so while their departure is bittersweet....the Hess family is thrilled for the Del family and the adventure which lays ahead!

We had so much fun at the party....

Miss O, Ava B, and friend

All the little children kept us entertained throughout the evening with costume changes, dancing, and parades!

Handprints to hang in their new home....

With all of their family and friends in AZ, especially Tucson, we know that there will be many trips back to the Old Pueblo (remember Dels, we have a guest house!)

This was an incredibly busy week for me as the First Session of Artful Gathering came to a close....

So, here's a peek at what came off the workbench this week ~ soon to be listed in my Etsy Shop.

Even though First Session has ended, I'm back to class tomorrow as Second Session begins!  I'm so excited to once again be sitting in class with talented, generous fellow students and the most amazing instructors/mentors!  So, stay tuned for more!!

Have a beautiful week, lovely friends...Me? Today is a "day off" from the studio as I've been invited to join Kiki, Kelly, Gianna, and Tyler for lunch!  Can't wait to see them and catch up...

Have a glorious week and know that you're in my heart!