A Good Day

Ever had an idea in your mind that you tried to carry out in real life and it didn't turn out? Well, I am happy to say this one did.
I have been fascinated with repurposed jewelry, which basically means you take vintage or castaway pieces, take them apart and make new, one of a kind treasures worthy of an Oscar evening (or just a trip to the grocery store.)

While my true love is horses, birds have been my inspiration the past month or so. I had purchased three blue bird beads on Etsy a while ago; one found a home into a bracelet I made for my mom's birthday, and another one just found her home onto this vintage moonglow button. I mounted this "altered assemblage" on a tiny rhinestone belt buckle, linked it with some 50's style flowers (I rescued from a pair of screw on earrings) which I then finished off with bits from a lovely pearl bracelet and some chunky, oxidized french turquoise beads.

I love pieces like this so much because they are one of a kind-and fashionable! You know will you will never find anything else like it anywhere and you are doing your part for the environment because it is recycled, or upcycled, or whatever the word of the moment is! Its just a wonderful way to celebrate Spring!
FYI-the necklace measures approximately 14". The focal piece of the necklace is approximately 2" wide by 1" tall; the pink flowers are about 1/2" in diameter.

The Winter Blahs

(Taken on one of my daily trips to the barn)

Okay, I admit it; the weather and this time of year are really getting to me. I make no bones about it; I am pretty sure I suffer from that "sunlight deficiency" thing. I just feel "gray".

Its a real problem; the past couple of days its been hard to get motivated. I am usually the one that keeps everyone focused and moving; it seems when I slow down, everyone becomes out of sorts.

I am trying the "fake it until you make it approach", also know as "one step at a time." Usually I have at least a spark of creativity that carries me through the tough times. Right now all I have is the knowledge that "this too shall pass." Boy, am I full of insightful cliches today, or what?

Armed with those useful tidbits of advice, I offer these images for your viewing pleasure: I call this one "Waiting"


I don't know what I call this one but I love the idea of focusing on ordinary things and transforming them into the extraordinary:

One of my many favorite parts of my dog Ella is her sweet nose and her whiskers.......On a sidenote, its not so wonderful when she shoves it in my face in the morning to wake me up at 5 a.m., but I am trying to be positive here.

And, I know I am spoiling the surprise for what we made for my Mom's birthday this year, but I just had to share:

She has been very much into birds lately-maybe because she recently created a beautiful quilt for my sister who is expecting her first child. It has a sweet little blue bird theme:

I guess in retrospect, I have managed to muster up a little creativity. It just hasn't given me that glowing feeling. Here's hoping Spring comes soon. For the time being, I will just focus on trying to appreciate the little things and take it one step at a time.