A Chee Hoo Kind of Day!

Saturday Tresa and I went to an antique show in Chicago. It was awesome! I didn't realize that they held this once a month during the summer. I will definitely go back next year. I took the train in and we went to breakfast first. It was Tresa's birthday. I am not sure how she keeps getting older and I don't!!

I ended up buying some plates to make some cake stands. Most of what I bought were really little ones that I use for soap dishes, jewelry holders and candy dishes. I got a great deal...partly because the shop owner was Tresa's neighbor!!

Then I also bought two pairs of very old beaded earrings and some vintage buttons. What am I going to do with those you ask?? My daughter-in-law, Bernadette showed me a pin that she bought and the creative wheels started turning. Once the craft shows are done, I'll make some and show them to you. Very, very cute!!!

Make it a wonderful day!!

What Ever Happened To The Day Of Rest?

Did you ever have one of those days...where at the end of the day...you can look back and say, "Holy crap, did I ever get a lot done today!" Well, I had one of those days yesterday. My "to do" list was long, but knowing I had a three day weekend, I wasn't really concerned. I just dug in and got going. Things just all fell into place and things that sometimes don't work quite right, worked right. Irv and I even spent a couple of hours in the afternoon running etsy errands...buying supplies for the new idea I have for MyOtherShop and even grabbed some great sandwiches at PotBelly. There was a guy in there playing guitar. It was great!

I even found the fabric for the card box for Tresa's reception. We have been looking everywhere for something that goes with her color and floral theme and haven't been able to find a thing. I found it yesterday. Cute green fabric with tiny little ivory branches with tiny little ivory leaves. I'm going to cover a box with a slot for people to drop their cards in, and the florist is going to put some orchids and greenery on the top of it! Woo hoo! Now I just have to figure out the easiest and best looking way to cover it....glue, carpet tape or actually sewing it to fit the box. Not sure yet.

Tresa's necklace is done. She thinks she is getting it next Saturday at her dress fitting, but I am giving it to her at the shower today. I sure hope she likes it. I have this nervous little feeling. It's hard to create such an important piece of jewelry for someone with very little guidance...and I do not make jewelry as I've told you in the past....so wish me luck. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow so you can see it.

I also hit the resale shop this week and found some interesting little pieces that will be turned into kick butt pieces for MyOtherShop! Quite a mix...picture frames, candlesticks and a very unusual bunny! You can see the before pictures and then when I'm done with them I'll post the afters! What fun!

Well that's going to be it for today. I really need to start getting myself presentable for the shower today. Have a great day everyone!

The Making Of A Jewelry Maker

About a month ago, my daughter, Tresa asked me if I would make her a necklace for her to wear for her wedding in March. I was so honored that she would ask me to do that, because I am not a jewelry maker. Yes, I've taken old jewelry apart and used the beads to make keyrings or earrings, but I don't really make jewelry.

See my kids think I can make anything, and normally if you show me something I am able to recreate it....but her wedding necklace?

I told Tresa last week that I needed to know what length she wanted the necklace to be, so she put on her wedding dress and tried on some of her necklaces. She decided that 16" would be perfect, and one of her necklace styles looked kind of cool with it. I had her UPS the necklace to me so I could see it and it arrived today. The following are our e-mails from this afternoon.

ME: "Got the necklace!! Would you like the "chain" to be little beads and then a large pendant hanging?? Not beads like these, but little glass ones? I've never made a necklace like that, but I'm sure I can figure it out, or do you want a chain?"

TRESA: "Hmmm...I don't know...surprise me."

ME: "Good Lord and what if you don't like it. Nothing like a little pressure here!"

TRESA: "Well, I love the one I sent you , so that should help you. I just think it will be more special and fun if it is something you make for me with some of your creativeness. THANKS!!!!"

And that was the end of our necklace conversation. Okay, now I am a really good sport and I've told you before that I don't get stressed about things, and I am not really stressed about making this necklace BUT do you realize how important this necklace is? Do you know how many people are going to see this necklace? I mean this necklace is going to be in all of her photos! What if she doesn't like it? What if it breaks? Ahhhhhh!

Deep breath.....deep breath......deep breath

Okay, I'm better now. I have a sketch of what I think I want to do and tomorrow I am going on a hunt for "parts". I know I want some little glass beads with a little bigger glass bead every so often, and then I want a rectangular "something" hanging from it. I need the plastic threadlike stuff to make it with and a clasp of some kind. I've been looking at those clasps...how the heck do you attach those things?

I'm sure all of you jewelry makers are either cringing or laughing hysterically right now. If any of you have any words of wisdom, I would love to hear them. If you have any little insider tips that you can give me about what I should be sure to do and what I should be sure not to do....I'm listening.

Over the next month I need everyone to send me positive jewelry making vibes while I work on this masterpiece. I am going to need all of the help I can get!

Shop and Save this Weekend!

Holiday Sale

Friday, November 28-Sunday, November 30

Please join us for our first Holiday Sale at

FourDogDay

(Click to go directly to our shop)

Stop by our etsy card and gift shop and enjoy
BIG savings on dozens of items,
including beautiful photo greeting cards,

unique photographic prints,
great jewelry, fun gift tags and more!

Great Gifts at Fantastic Prices!

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

&
HAPPY SHOPPING