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These leaf spray connectors are a good example of the fun things you can add to your jewelry to make it just a little more interesting!
I show them here with glass teardrop jewels that are about 3/4″ high – so you can get an idea of the real size. They’re small but not tiny – they could be used as earring dangles (as suggested here) or as necklace or bracelet connectors.
They’re super affordable, too – and fun – and easy to use (attach with jump rings and you’re good to go). I like easy, cute, and fun – and I think you do too 😉
And now for something a little different – I’ve been playing with patinas lately, and I’m pretty happy with this verdigris (blue-green patina).
These are bronze over steel, not brass – which means they’re thinner and lighter in weight than brass would be (but still sturdy). And these are big – about 45mm in diameter, or 1-3/4″. Even at that size, they’re lightweight enough to be comfy earrings. Use them as is – or add complementary jewels – I’m going to try a few designs and revisit these later this week.
And you know the color – this gorgeous teal blue-green – is like the most flattering shade ever. Year round – flattering – comfy – these are a win!
I kid you not. This is the most wonderful Christmas ornament EVER.
You do see what I mean. This little guy (or girl) is adorable, interesting, unusual, and fun. Are these not qualities you want your Christmas to have? And besides, talk about a conversation piece.
You noticed his/her sleigh hitch with bells, right?
(S)he is available from Curious Burrow on Etsy, and if you think this sloth is fascinating you will probably also want to check out the uni-hippo jewelry holder, or the Lobster Love necklace. Seriously.
These delightful creatures are all made to order, and it may be too late for this year’s Christmas (or not, it can’t hurt to ask!) You may need to make your own Sloth holiday to start the new year 🙂
Okay, this isn’t related to anything. I could say, I’ve been meaning to do some recipe stuff here, just because I cook sometimes, and that’s part of our lives, and like that.
But really I just thought this was funny.
I just saved the pic, and not the link – if anybody knows where this comes from originally, please let me know so I can give them credit.
Sometimes you just have to go with the funny 🙂
Okay, first, as fast food goes, Subway’s probably my favorite. A BLT on whole wheat – no mayo, no sauce, just lots of lettuce, tomato, and bacon for flavor. Yummy and not totally decadent. And then, to make me love the place more, I found this on Pinterest.
It’s from a Buzzfeed page, 21 pictures that will restore your faith in humanity. Sometimes we need to see these.
I don’t know which Subway restaurant this was, and it was probably only once. Maybe. Or maybe they made that offer every Friday. I don’t know. But they did it, and think how good it made them feel. Not the people who ate there (I hope there were lots) – but the people who work there, and made the sandwiches, and shared in this. It feels good to help, even if it’s only a little, even if it’s only once in a while, even if it’s only a sandwich.
Sometimes we need to remember that.
I am probably blowing this all out of proportion but I just feel like it needs to be said. Every time I see the latest Weight Watchers commercial it makes me mad enough to spit.
First part of the commercial is set decades ago, 1960s I assume. It shows a young girl telling somebody about how people are going to live on the moon, and do all kinds of great things. “You can do anything,” says the commercial. Yay! That’s a great message to share.
Second half of the commercial is present day. And the voiceover says yes, you really can do whatever you dream. Why, using Weight Watchers, you really can lose weight!
What?
They are comparing the dream of going to the moon and doing great things – to LOSING WEIGHT? What kind of message are we sending to little girls – or big girls – today? That losing weight and looking good, is the really Big Dream?
Yes, being healthy and fit is important. But so are dreams, and living in a better world, and looking to the future. Somehow I don’t think they’re talking about any of that.
Sorry. It really makes me mad. If I misinterpreted it, I’ll apologize. But if I didn’t, maybe somebody owes US an apology.
P.S. Later that night… I really hope I got it wrong. Will post again when I see the commercial next time. Weight Watchers is a good organization and they help a lot of people. I’ll get back to you!
And a Happy New Year to you guys 🙂
Have a wonderful, warm, safe, fun and silly holiday!
It’s a cute, fun, and darling DIY idea. And did I mention easy? Find a white (or solid color) mug and add a heart. Show your love 🙂
It’s not a new idea, but when I saw this mug, I had to re-mention it! I first wrote about the idea of drawing on a plate or dish over at my Paper Jewels blog. Check there for more details – but basically, you use a Sharpie, you write or draw on your mug, and you bake it in a slow oven for a few hours. Presto – the image is now permanent.
The reason this mug inspired me (again)? It’s so simple – and heartfelt, no pun intended. You don’t have to be a great artist. You don’t have to be Careful, planning out a full recipe or poem to fit around the border. You just draw something you feel. A red heart. A funny lopsided unicorn. A bunch of stars. Anything that makes you – or your sweetie or your mom – smile.
Then cook the mug. Then give the gift. This is DIY with love!
P.S. I don’t remember where I found this image! I know, I’ve been bad about that. If you know the source, please tell me so I can give proper credit!
P.P.S. And if you just realized you didn’t get a Christmas gift for (fill in the blank) – grab a plain mug out of your cupboard – and draw a Christmas tree on it. You don’t have to go to the mall – you don’t have to spend money that yo’re out of – and you made it with love (or at least guilt). This rocks!
Yes, this is a last-minute idea, when you’re ordering something online. Well, practically last-minute (I’m not all that fond of waiting till Dec. 23, it’s too hard on the nerves). But I am a little obsessed with finding useful, functional, and of course vintage Christmas gifts for that special person.
Like this vintage Blue Pyrex bowl 🙂
It’s a wonderful color – think how pretty sitting on your table, just because. Fill it with little candies – or use it for actual mixing – or in the microwave, or on your coffee table filled with pine cones, or, well, you get the idea. Gently loved – rescued from somebody’s basement or a forgotten thrift shop – and brought to life in your house.
It’s available from Swans Neck Vintage on Etsy and you are totally going to thank me for finding this shop for you. She has more pyrex – yellow! and a wonderful vintage kitchen scale – and more. Go peek – and buy – you’ve still got time!
These vintage figurine ornaments (they’re actually bells) just spoke to me. They said, “we are adorable”, and “Christmas should have little loved pieces hidden shyly around your home”, and “wouldn’t you be enchanted to see me on your mantel?”
That’s part of what Christmas is, to me. A touch of the past – a touch of hominess – a bit of imperfection. Place them on your tree, or on your mantel if you have one, or on your kitchen table.
They’re available from Vintage PDX, on Etsy. It’s a vintage shop with many charming Christmas goodies – the little chimney sweep ornament and Santa and Mrs. Claus caught my eye. I think you might find your special little Christmas ornament there, too.
Add these little bells to your Christmas 🙂
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Jewelry and Accessories
Vintage, Recycled, Upcycled!
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