Business Expo and Home for Sale!!!

 Tuesday, our Chamber of Commerce held a business Expo which I participated in.  Even though I have spent this entire Spring preparing our home to sell, I still mustered some evenings to work on some jewelry and put a little showing together.  I was only able to get pictures of my own booth because I was by myself, with no relief person.  I enjoyed incorporating some of my antiques as props in my booth. 

 I sold several of my vintage necklaces with keys and coins and other old pieces.  Also several stone rings and hammered copper necklaces with stamping were hits. 

 I had an old wagon wheel and a footstool metal base which I combined to make use for a necklace display. 

 Old books also make good display props especially for sterling and turquoise.

 I just got this little camelback trunk, and was so pleased to use it in the booth.

 Another book on an easel made hanging earrings a breeze, and an antique hat mold holds an agate necklace.

Altogether it was a good day, good sales, good contacts, and good weather for visitors.  I am inspired to do more metal work and get deeper into forging, but one day at a time until we get our home sold.

We are selling our 1847 carpenter gothic, a home we both love, but it is just too big, and too much grounds care.  We have our other farm with the log cabin that is screaming to be finished, so we can have a happy downsizing.  Even though that farm has more acreage, most is wooded, in pastures, and less mowing.  We have both come to the conclusion that we do not want to spend so much time maintaining two places.  We have so enjoyed living here; God has been good to us here.

Making Jewelry

My creative juices have had me putting together jewely pieces this year.  My house is torn apart with a remodel that we are doing ourselves, when my husband is off.  That, of course, means whenever we get a chance.  Meanwhile, when I am not gophering here and there, planning the next step in the renovation, or ordering bathroom lighting and such, I have been putting together some new pieces. 

There is something satisfying about being creative, even if it is only for one's own joy. It is nice when you only have to please yourself, but I thought I would share a few regardless. 



Lapis Lazuli wrapped in sterling silver and sterling hooks make up these dangle earrings.





The matching Lapis pendant can be slipped on a sterling chain  or leather cord for a necklace.




This vintage style metal necklace has 18 red jade "berries" making up a cluster pendant, a rhinestone heart pendant, and a handmade rosette from a crocheted doiley attached to the side of additional swags of chain. 





This little necklace wears well with vintage style tops and trendy T's.





This blue heart is Bloodstone Jasper.  I put a nice sterling bail on it, with a black cord.  I put it on  my facebook today to show friends, and it sold tonight. 





Large disk shaped smokey quart and obsidian beads make up this choker style necklace.





Lapis Lazuli is one of my favorite stones.  I used several shapes with brushed silver rings to make up this versatile necklace.  The findings and wrappings are all sterling. this necklace can be worn in any position, with the clasp in the back, on the side, or in front. 





Agate is another favorite.  I used to find agate chunks on the shores of Lake Superior.  This all-agate necklace is mounted with a filligree sterling bail, sterling chain and sterling findings.





I love the way these little pink faceted drop beads turned out, wrapped in sterling on curvey chain with hooks and crystal beads.



As in the first photo, these are the same blue faceted drop beads with sterling wrappings and a simple sterling  hooks.