Silence Is Not Always Golden!

What have I been doing these past six months?  Good question!  For some reason, I manage to keep very busy...but not always doing the things I love the most!  There's no way I can summarize these last months in one post, so I'll give it to you in bits and pieces.  Here's the first of several "bits"...

I spent a total of four short weeks (from January into February) taking care of grand-baby #8 while her babysitter recuperated from surgery. While Viv is technically past the baby stage (she's 2), she is the baby of all of my grandchildren. It definitely was a different routine for me (and for Viv), but I was so glad I was available to have this quality time with her! We had a blast!

In March, I attended a bead show in Pompano Beach, FL.  After I experienced my first show a few years ago, I learned that my brain goes into overload upon entering a convention center full of beads of all colors, sizes and shapes...along with so many other things that serve to fill my head with such an abundance of creative ideas!  Now, before I go to a show, I sit down and make a "Supply List" and vow to stick to the list! (Yeah, right...but I have good intentions!)

At the top of the paper is a note to myself to be on the lookout for a new technique or idea that will appeal to those of you who love jewelry as much as I do! And of course, this show did not disappoint...I found a new design using rolo chain and leather cord.  This cuff style bracelet is adjustable, very comfortable, and is one that can be done in just about any color chain and leather.











The one on the left is made with two strands of silver plated rolo chain and silver pearlescent leather cord.  The one on the right is made with three strands of silver plated rolo chain and turquoise leather cord. I've made them with antique silver, copper, brass and goldtone chain...pink, copper, champagne, black, brown, green, and turquoise leather.  Such endless possibilities!

After mastering the cuff style, I went on to make a double wrap bracelet with burgundy leather cord and four sizes of platinum Swarovski pearls...and, as you can see, it was much more of a challenge...but beautiful for sure!

I've done one other style of leather and chain in a triple wrap style...one in goldtone chain and gold pearlescent leather and the other one in silver plated chain and black leather.  I have not yet photographed the silver and black, but here's a picture of the triple wrap bracelet done in the gold-on-gold combination.  The clasp is a loop on one end and a base metal button on the other end.

Of course, I have plenty of exciting designs to talk about, but I'll save them for the next writing or two. I haven't really been silent...I've been in my loft bending and hammering wire, and dapping!  Sometimes my hubby thinks it sounds like Santa's workshop! 

"Silence is golden.  Duct tape is silver."

Carole

Cheers to a New Year!

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance to get it right." ~ Oprah

Most of us have done our share of "reflecting" over the last several days...and I join the throngs of people who have resolved not to make a New Year's resolution.  I've listened to people in the media talk about how many people fail to keep their resolutions.  In fact, they say most resolutions are forgotten by June...and a lot disappear within several weeks! (Just check out the parking lot of your local gym now versus the middle to end of the year...that says it all!)

Needless to say, I'm not one to make resolutions because I'm the type of person who, when faced with a need for change, wants to do it then...not wait for a new year to begin on January 1st.  If I need to change my diet, a habit, an attitude, or find the need to exercise...why wait?  There's just no time like the present!

However, I do like to reflect on the previous year and decide what and where I want to go in the next year.  It gives me an opportunity to recognize my achievements and failures, and make sure I am continuing to look for new opportunities to grow and not "settling" or becoming stagnant.

As I balanced the books for C J Collection for 2011 (inventory and sales), I reflected...a lot!  I recalled every piece created, and every piece sold!  (I just love spreadsheets!)  I analyzed the data and tried to guess what 2012 might bring.  I was stumped...not because I don't have some thoughts and dreams for my business.  I was amazed at what 2011 brought my way...some good, some not-so-good...but through it all, I reflected on the blessings that were showered on me.  The year was bittersweet...the bitter was my early retirement...the sweet was the overwhelming response to my designs and creations...and the time I now have to serve my family whenever there is a need!

I do want to "get it right" in 2012, and with a lot of prayer, I hope to smile really big as I reflect again a year from now!  Bring it, 2012...I'm ready...I think!

Happy New Year to all of my family and friends!
Carole