Category Archives: Uncategorized

Winter Morning at Stillwaters

I wish that my photography skills could capture this sunrise. I tried to alter it to show the colors, but did not succeed in duplicating it. These cold winter days make for great studio time. The outside warm sunshine is … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Downtown Artisans

In these weak economic times, there have sadly been a lot of empty storefronts in our town. Recently, a friend of mine called with an interesting proposition. He found someone who would rent to us just the windows of an … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Watch This

I picked up several vintage watch cases when I went to the flea market last month. This is what they became. The one with the face is encased in UTEE and the Eiffel Tower one is just open beneath the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Faces

I was recently inspired by an article in Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine to create this little house necklace. I chose a Paper Whimsy face to look back out at the world from inside the little house and the word “secret” … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Go Green

These are my newest creations. The green I am referring to is not only the color, but the fact that other than the stones, this jewelry was made from recycled materials. The copper sheet is leftover roofing copper given to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

A Little Whimsy

I had a blast making these necklaces for Studio Thursday this month. The crowd there is mostly animal lovers so I chose these collages that I made for a swap a couple of years ago to use for the pendants. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Debut

Photo Credit: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images Tuesday I had an interesting phone call. I person named Joey wanted a copper and turquoise bracelet to wear to an awards ceremony. I was surprised to learn that it was Joey Feek, the female … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Finally Face to Face

After two years of corresponding by email and trading jewelry by mail, I finally got to meet my friend Steph (aka Vladthebat) face to face. On the Thursday before last I picked her up in Nashville at the airport and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Supply Run

On Friday I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the Nashville flea market finding some new inspiration for my jewelry. My favorite bead supplier was a great source for natural stone beads and turquoise cabochons, At other vendors I found … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

What Else Can I Put In A Bezel?

I was looking around my stash of random junk in my studio and wondering what else would fit in a bezel. I had a jar of sand worn seashell pieces that I picked up several years ago in St. Augustine, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

More Bezels

I’m still having fun with the bezels. Now I just have to be on the lookout for some more cool stones.These two necklaces are available at this time at Cliques Salon in Columbia. When they’re gone…they’re gone. I maybe be … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Kritters: Current and Ancient

Animals never cease to amaze me. It is good that I live out in the country, because they are all around me…my own and the wild variety. The picture above is wild turkeys and Canada geese sharing a meal together … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Rediscovering Bezels

I recently was inspired by a post by Julie (IsThereAShadow Aug. 9 post) to attempt to do some bezels again. I learned to do bezels when I was in college many moons ago, and for some reason I thought that … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Feeling Like Autumn

I am enjoying a few nice cool days in the middle of August. I guess that the cool weather is influencing my jewelry with an autumn flavor. Here are a few new pieces that I have completely lately.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Interesting Faces

I’ve been doing a little drawing practice. Several years ago, I found an interesting way to help people who are not comfortable drawing faces. I’ve used this in my classes when I teach children and they sometimes amaze themselves, even … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Field Trip

Last week I finally got to go somewhere that I’ve been curious about for years. My niece, who is visiting here from Paris, asked if I wanted to go to The Farm. It is one of the original hippie communes. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Time

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin Antique bobbin, thimble, and vintage buttons.sold Savor TimeAntique sterling silver salt shaker and freshwater pearls.soldIt’s time for Studio Thursday again.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

It’s Officially Summer

Okay…I know it’s been summer for more than a week, but one thing that really makes it feel like summer to me is a trip to the drive-in theater. My hubby and I had a date last night and went … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Busy Summer

I don’t know why I always think every year that summer will be less busy than the rest of the year. I’ve been so busy that the time is flying too fast. My favorite time of year is going by … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

New Territory

Sorry for the long blog absence, but I was away for a few days. My husband and I and our younger son and his wife went on a trip to South Carolina to visit my older son and his wife. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Something Different

http://www.youtube.com/get_playerThis is a waterfall coming out of our hillside. We don’t always have a waterfall, but when you get over 6 inches of rain in 3 days this is what happens. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a waterfall like … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Thank You Cloth Paper Scissors and Thank You Dad!

Well….I didn’t want to say anything prematurely, but…I got something published! A couple of months ago, Cloth Paper Scissors magazine sent out an email call for works that were Mother’s Day or Father’s day related. I had this altered tie … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Lemon Lime Turquiose and Copper Necklace

This is a necklace that I made a while back and thought that I had posted a picture of, but after looking at my earlier posts, I discovered that I hadn’t. The focal point is a cabochon of yellow turquoise … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Spring Growth

After the drought of 2007, I don’t think I’ll ever complain about rain. This has been a rainy spring and I love it! Our pond is full and everything is getting green. Small harvests feed the soul.Unexpected things sprout from … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Button, Button

Little rings made from vintage buttons.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Wicked Winds

If you’ve been watching the news at all, you may have heard that we have had some tornadoes here in Tennessee. The worst ones hit about an hour away from my house and the most damage was in my sister-in-law’s … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

I’ve Looked at Clouds From Both Sides Now

Hands reaching out A snow covered mountain What a gorgeous day! Saturday was a lazy, restful day and the clouds were amazing. I had to do a little day dreaming, watching them drift by. What do these remind you of? … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Copper and Turquoise

I have managed to get a little work done amidst all of the disruptions of the past couple of weeks. Here is a new necklace that I made using one of the turquoise cabochons that I bought at the flea … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Farewell to Wil

My father-in-law passed away Sunday evening after a long battle with cancer. All 10 of his children were there with him on the day that he died, though not all at the moment that he died, an amazing accomplishment. Here … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Moonlight Serenade

http://www.youtube.com/get_player After a snowy weekend last week, we had a mild weekend this past week and today I was wearing shorts and flip flops. It was delicious. Tonight the moon is full and the frogs and toads are performing a … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Refueling Days

This has not been a very productive few days, but every once in a while one needs to refuel. That’s what I’ve been doing and hopefully it will pay off with more productivity in the week to come.Friday was the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Play Time

I just bought the book “Living Out Loud, ActivitiesTo Fuel A Creative Life” by Keri Smith. You can check out her blog at Wish Jar. The first activity listed is:1. Doodle wildly (try new colors or techniques) so I grabbed … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Red Sky At Morning

What a beautiful sky I awoke to the day before yesterday. The old sailors saying, “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning” couldn’t have applied to the rest of that day. It was a calm day, but yesterday, on the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Eclectic Mix

Floral Dance I just added some new pieces to my Etsy shop. They are kind of all over the place when it comes to style and materials. I just do what strikes my fancy at the moment. Flying Dog Linked … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

An Artful Evening

Last evening, I had the pleasure of attending a gallery show entitled, Revisited: an exhibition of works by retired Middle Tennessee State University art faculty. One of the artists is my uncle David LeDoux, and two of the others were … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Gifts and Play Days

Some days I love my mailbox…the days when it is not all bills and junk mail. I love it when I pull surprise packages out with beautiful necklaces like the one that Steph (vladthebat) sent to me. She makes such … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Fresh Work

Here is some of my new work that is for sale along with many more today at Silo Studio‘s monthly Studio Thursday. Melted Mondrian Surrounding copper on this piece was gift from Steph (aka vladthebat) More fused glass. The leftovers … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Celebrate!

I just completed my 51st trip around the sun. Woooohoooo!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Buried Dolls and Bottle Caps

I finally got to work with a couple of new things that I’ve been wanting to get my hands on. The first thing is a bisque doll body that was unearthed in Germany after being buried for almost a hundred … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Cool New Tool

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful start to the New Year. My hubby and I got to spend the evening with one of our sons and his wife, and some other family and friends. We decided to leave … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Snow at Stillwaters

We got an unexpected surprise on Thursday evening. The weatherman said flurries with no accumulation but this is what happened.Yes, I know it’s snowing sideways. I’m just tickled because I finally got a video to upload. My digital camera takes … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Surprises In The Mail

Don’t you just love to get surprises? I’ve gotten two lately. The first one was from Steph (aka Vladthebt) There was a lovely decorated box in my mailbox and I knew just who it was from when I saw it. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Candy and Sushi

My mind has apparently been on felt and food lately.Here are a couple of my calorie free creations. I got the idea from Felt Magazine.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

New Stuff

Well the title isn’t very inspired, but it pretty much says it all. Here are some of the new things that I made for the sale at Silo Studios. The photo above is a button maille bracelet that I got … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Tag… I’m it!

Oh my! I’ve been tagged by Steph (Check out her blog, Vladthebatsattic). Now I have to think of 7 things about myself that someone else would find remotely interesting. I feel like such an ordinary person, that might take some … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Fall Colors

There is a nip in the air and the smell of fallen leaves. With technicolor skies and hills, fall has come to Stillwaters. Frisky puppies play in the red leaves. I finally made time to post some new jewelry. These … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Costumed Kin

I don’t do Halloween, but I can appreciate a hilarious costume. This is my next to newest nephew as Elvis. That is really his hair. He almost needed a haircut when he was born. Another thing that is hard for … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

In Memory

I am sad to say that my brother-in-law, Donald Trader passed away last Saturday, October 11. He will be missed by all, especially by his wife and daughter. I thought I would post one of his paintings. He went through … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Birthdays

Finally…a chance to do a little mixed media collage…not tile and grout, or metal and beads. It’s nice to have a change now and then.Love and happy birthday wishes to my sister Emily, my son Zach, my nephew Samuel, and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Night Visitors

Can you see the glowing eye? This little owl and its friend landed on our steps the other night. My hubby came running in saying, “Get the camera!” Sorry the picture is a little blurry. I’m just getting used the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Home Again

Vacation is fun, but it’s good to be back home were I can create. I took some art materials with me on my trip but it’s hard to find time to be creative with that much going on around me. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Evading Gustav

I just got back from a family reunion at Gulf Shores, Alabama at 1:00 this morning. There was a mandatory evacuation because of Hurricane Gustav. We were supposed to leave today but had to cut it short. The trip was … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Leaves

Even though summer isn’t over, the leaves are starting to fall and make me think of autumn. I think I’ll call this my autumn leaves collection.Materials: copper, brass, and jasper

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Etsy Treasury

Hurray! I got in my first Etsy Treasury! I’d put a picture of it but I’m not sure how.Thanks to NewHopeBeads for featuring me. A portion of her proceeds goes to benefit the In Partners With God Food Pantry.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

City, Stream, and Stones

Our family excursion last weekend to East Tennessee was a blast! Fun was had by all. Our first stop was Chattanooga on Saturday where we went on a walking tour of the riverfront area. If you haven’t been , you … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

New Series

I have been working on some new necklaces based around some gemstone cabochons that I have had for several years. I didn’t want to use bezels so I got an idea from a necklace that I made in college, to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Trees

Trees I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Vision Bracelet

cAt PlAyiNg DeAd This is a bracelet that I just finished. I seem to have a thing for these eyes. They keep showing up.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Medals For Everyday Heroes

I saw that line in a jewelry magazine as a caption under a piece that was somewhat abstract…just a square with different colors. The piece of jewelry didn’t speak to me, but the the caption got me started thinking about … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Baby Name Necklace

This necklace was a commission for a lady that is getting ready to have her first baby. She wanted the necklace to have the baby’s name. Even though the baby is a girl, I made the necklace in blues and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Antique Store Inspirations

It’s always so fun to go browsing through an antique mall. There’s one near my house that I occasionally get to visit and last week I treated myself to an outing. I found several interesting odds and ends and when … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Three Hearts, A Gift, And An Angel

The mailbox held a surprise a couple of days ago…a wonderful gift from Steph in Belgium. Look at the hand decorated envelope. Both sides were completely covered! There was a cool silver wire ring and some beads that will find … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Dewy Morn

All is pretty peaceful at Stillwaters farm this week. The company (7 wonderful family members) of last week has gone home, The puppy is now happy and playing outside again with our grandpuppy Grant whom we are puppy-sitting. I hope … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Unhappy Dog and Happy Girls

Well…this has been an interesting week. I had to take Maggie to be spayed on Monday. She couldn’t have anything to eat or drink so I had to keep her in the house all day until I kept took her … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Creating and Enjoying Family

I just got to spend a glorious week with my older son and his wife and on last weekend and this weekend my other son and his wife were here too. It is so good to spend time with them. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

A Little R and R

Hi everyone! I was away from my computer for a few days. (That felt really strange.) I’m back, trying to get back in the swing of things. We went to the Tennessee River to spend time with my mom, brother, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

The Family Grows

Well…I should post way more often, and then I wouldn’t have so much to say at one time. It has been an exciting week for the family. My husband’s youngest sister just had her first baby…a little boy named Nicholas. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Goodies Near and Far Away

I have felt pampered this week! First I got a wonderful beaded bracelet from my DIL and then on Monday I went to the mailbox and found this wonderful surprise package from Steph in Belgium. It contained a cute stamp … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Two New Necklaces

Here are the most recent necklaces of the week.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

More New Jewelry

These are my latest creations. They are all destined for the Silo Studio open house next Thursday and Friday. Whew! That was a lot of work…about a week’s worth. I’ll try to post more frequently so I don’t have to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Aaaaaaah Spring!

My Picasso Bird I have been soaking it all in….amazing spring. I love every part of it…lightning bugs, whippoorwills, red winged blackbirds, tadpoles, gardening, and of course, the amazing green that saturates everything. It makes it a little hard to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Altered Cabinet Card Journal

I picked up this cabinet card in an antique shop back in January and have been trying to figure out what to do with it. I found some inexpensive journals the other day and so I decided to alter the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Fine Foraging

We finally found some! We have found the elusive morel mushrooms. It has been about 3 years since we have found any in our forest. You have to look at just the right time or you will miss them. These … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Busy Busy Days

Long time, no blog. I have been blessedly busy for the past two weeks. I just finished painting a mural of sorts for some people from our church. They have built a new house and put a prayer room in … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

What’s Your Vision?

A couple of Sunday’s ago I got a call from Lincoln, Nebraska. When I saw it on the caller ID, I thought, “I just sent some earrings there a this week.” It was the lady who bought the earrings and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

You Could Kiss A Lot Of Toads If You Need To Find A Prince

You can tell that Spring has sprung around here. Love is in the air. You can hear it all around you…toad’s love songs. I hope that these pictures aren’t too risque’. I guess it’s not any worse than the Animal … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Fun Outing and New Jewelry

Every once in a while it is good to go on an art field trip. It kind of gets the creative juices flowing. That’s what I did on Thursday. A local artist had bought some of my jewelry and emailed … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

They’re Staying!

Tootsie Maggie Hallelujah! I get to keep both of the puppies…that is unless some deserving family comes along that can’t live without one of them. They have names now. Maggie and Tootsie Milo is extremely jealous, but we are working … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Guess Who Followed Me Home

I was driving home from town on Monday evening. It was just beginning to get dark. I was about half a mile from my driveway when I saw a pair of eyes glowing. They were low to the ground so … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Finds Inspire Jewelry

I was browsing at a local antique mall last week and came home with two interesting finds. One was a tea cup full of old metal jacks and the other was a bundle of vintage silver plated spoons. Each inspired … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

New Jewelry

I’ve been playing around with some new designs, mostly on a nostalgic theme. All are on copper, of course. I’m trying to sell them locally rather than on Etsy because it seems to be moving better here. We’ll see…

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Winter’s Last Hurrah…I Hope

It’s snowy and cold today. I tried to like it. I put on my boots and made a spiral in the snow on the patio. Sure snow is pretty but GIVE ME SPRING….please! March is almost here. The spring peepers … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Mosaics and Trashion Jewelry

I have been wonderfully busy lately. I love it! I’ve had about a month of jewelry orders from my sister-in-law who has been selling my jewelry at the hair salon where she works. Things have slowed a bit since Valentines … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Introducing Three New Etsy Sites

Once people find out about Etsy, they want to be a part of it. I think it is a great resource for artists everywhere. I want to showcase three new Etsy sites that I have encouraged or helped to start.The … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Gifts from Abroad and Pay It Forward

What fun it has been to go to the mailbox lately! I have just received two wonderful gifts from a couple of my blogger friends. One was completely unexpected, from my friend Steph in Belgium. I gasped in amazement when … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Ballet Necklace

Birthdays all around! This is a necklace that I made for my daughter-in-law who loves to dance. She took this photo for me because I didn’t get to photograph it before I gave it to her. The pendant is made … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Teachers

A teacher affects eternity.She can never tell where her influence stops. This is a necklace that I just finished for a gift for my niece who is a pre-K teacher. Her birthday is coming up and she will be exactly … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

What Happened 50 Years Ago Today?

My new socks Little ole me was born! WooooHoooo! The big five-o! I think fifty is the new thirty. Most days I feel like it. I love it! I don’t understand people who are depressed about their age. I am … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

New Jewelry

I have had a creative burst lately. It’s about time. I’ve mostly been focused on making jewelry. The selling increase that I had during the holidays did wonders for my inspiration.Here are a few more of the pieces that I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

Row, Row, Row your boat.Gently down the stream. I finally figured out how to put a banner on my blog. It’s one of my digital creations…a new look for the new year. Life is but a dream.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

New Jewelry

Happy New Year everybody! I have been too distracted by all of the holiday bustle to blog lately. I have been reading everyone else’s, but have neglected my own. Even though I have not been blogging, I have been making … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Sunrise…Sunset

I just finished this painting for my hubby’s present in the nick of time. I’m not sure if it is a sunrise or a sunset. It is just a picture that I found. I love painting clouds but these were … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Colorful Furniture

This is a nightstand that I painted and tiled that I have listed in my Etsy shop. It was an old, but sturdy one that I found at Goodwill and gave it a new life.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Friends, Joy, Life

New Collage

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

New Swap Goodies

I just received a wonderful package of goodies from Steph in Belgium. There is a beautiful necklace, beads, and pendants that she made, some yummy chocolates(one didn’t make it until the photo) , a cool key (soon to have its … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Busy Busy

Put together all of the right elements My computer has been feeling a little neglected this week because I’ve been busy filling orders for bracelets. My sister-in-law has been a great salesperson for me. She is a hair dresser and … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

After the Feast

Well, everything is back to routine here. The company and our kids are gone home and it is quiet again. Here is a photo of the height of the feeding frenzy at our house on Thursday. Everyone brought food so … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

View from our road, about a mile away. I hope that all of you have a very blessed Thanksgiving and that you get to spend it with family and friends. That is what we will be doing tomorrow. There will … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22 I was inspired to try to make a piece of jewelry with a message. The … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments