There are many wonderful things siblings share, but there is one I’d like to chat about today.  I think it is one of the most special bonds brothers and sisters share - memories of their mother.  These are powerful memories that evoke immediate reactions from the heart. They often cause one to glance to one another.  I too have a sibling whom I am blessing to share memories with.  We often can be caught smiling at one another recalling a childhood memory of our mother, our little inside joke so to speak.  Though there were many challenges and some memories that were unpleasant, we choose to see them as building blocks and we focus on the good ones. 
 
We can recall particular moments in our lives with our mom that brought us comfort, stability, joy, a sense of belonging, and of love.  Unknowingly we have taken great care in our memory to recall specific details to create a mental image of that specific instance.  We remember what mom looked like; her approximate age; the clothing she wore; her hair color; and how she styled her hair.  We could recall what she was doing and where she was.  We even remembered other things that later became more significant to us like the smell of fresh baked pies; mom’s perfume; and every detail of the very jewelry mom wore.   
 
The same is true for Susan.  Susan is a local high school teacher who shared with her sisters a wonderful memory.  A memory of their mother wearing a scarab bracelet.  Susan’s desire was that all three sisters would enjoy the bracelet, but how?  She would solve the problem by giving each sister two scarabs.  What do you do with two scarab cabochons with such importance?  You seek help to create unique custom jewelry.  A friend of Susan’s suggested she contact me to commission the redesign of the bracelet into three sets of earrings.
 
Susan and I met for a short consultation where I listened to her story, desires, and style preferences.  After I examined the bracelet, it was very evident that her mother loved wearing the bracelet because it had obvious signs of being worn a lot.  Such a special piece with all the wonderful memories associated with it is a key element in the memories of their mother.  I wanted to bring honor to those memories by making something each sister could own, wear often, and even pass down to her children. Together we agreed upon a process, redesign plan, and I set to work.
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Back in March on a whim, I entered a giveaway through Wubbers University, they were doing a giveaway for Spring.  For those who are not familiar with who or what Wubbers is I will explain.  Wubbers is a jewelry tool manufacturer known for their mandrel shaped pliers.  They make forming wire into various shapes easy.  I own a few of the round plies and use them regularly to shape wire and thin metals.  To enter the giveaway you had to follow their rules/terms and conditions.  It was easy and clearly stated, so I submitted my information along with a photo of a ring I had made using their pliers and turquoise chips.  I kind of forgot about it, because I rarely ever win anything, so I just put it out of my mind.  Needless to say, a few weeks later I received an e-mail of Congratulations YOU WON.  I was so excited and replied immediately with the required information.  A short time afterwards, I received a treasure box of 2 new shaping plies, a couple strands of beads, several loose cabochons, a pair of earrings, and stick-on nail color.  What a fun treasure box that totally brightened my day.   I am excited to try out the new pliers and add those cute beads to a new design.  I’ll keep you posted on what I make.
You can check out the tools and more on Wubbers University on Facebook😊

Have you ever wanted to make jewelry for yourself or as a gift?  I can show you how in a private or small group, or zoom session.  Theses sessions make great gifts too.
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Estate sales make for interesting finds.... You can make some really cool stuff.  I love upcycling vintage bottle caps because they have such a rich history in our culture.  They make unique fun jewelry.  Here I domed each bottle cap and added a band of vintage Chez seed beads for added interest and color.  They are light weight and are certainly to bring complements and envy from those who appreciate handcrafted eclectic jewelry.  
You can find these necklaces and bracelets here 

​The middle sash continues the floral and fona theme. It's embellishments are leaves made from green plastic soda bottles, the flowers are made from Tyvek and then hand-painted, cut to shape, and have computer components and skull centers with accents of fox fur, crystals from an old chandelier, and netting from fruit bags.  The butterflies are hand-painted, embossed aluminum cans, and a printer cable with wire crocheted around continues to wind its way in and out of a snakeskin belt.

On Exhibit​

• Train Station Gallery, Clinton County Art Council

        2 East Bald Eagle Street Lock Haven PA 17745
        June 8th 6-9 pm Opening Reception
         June 8 - July 7 2018  

       Train Station Gallery Hours:
       Thursday-Friday: 1pm-5pm ~ Saturday: 9am-4pm ~ Sunday: 1pm-4pm

• Crows Nest Arts

       State College, PA
       July 8, 2018 -   (by appointment)

Saturday is our ladt day here, there are soo many fun things going on today; live carvings, tri-athalon, auctions, foods, crafts, meet the artists and more. Something for everyone.
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Stop by our booth, carver #12, on Center St and say hi!
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite carver!!

Saturday, April 28
9am - 5 pm Carver & Artist booths open Around the courthouse
9am - 4pm Vote for People's Choice Award
9am - 4 pm Collaborative Carving - Nature Pole Tribute to Dave Love
11am - 4pm Live Music
1:30pm - 3pm Carvers demonstrate during Quick Carves, carvings will be auctioned at the end of the carve session.​
5pm awards for carvers