Announcing the Next in the series of CREATE AND CRAFT shows

I'm so excited to be leaving for England in just a couple of weeks to do 4 shows for Create and Craft TV!

So mark your calendars or diaries for 

Friday October 13th and Saturday October 14th

10 AM and  7PM GMT.  

(That translates to 4am and 1pm central time in the USA)

I'll be showing you how to make your own

Pandora Style - European Beads 

with Cloud Clay and all kinds of other goodies!

 Caning and Milliefiore Techniques using Cernit Polymer clay.

There is so much to show, I really think we will run out of time!! but one things for sure - It will definately be a good time.

For those of you in the USA - you can watch it live by going to Createandcraft.tv and clicking on the live show link.

Keep checking back for updates!

See you soon!

(oh and more announcements to come - so click the subscribe button so you don't miss them! )

The smell of fall is in the air + Fall Centerpiece Idea

I have no problem saying BYE BYE BYE to summer!!!  Here in southern Missouri, the leaves are beginning to change and whatever bushes those are that turn red...well...they're turning bright bright red.  I think the recent rain will save our fall foliage and give us beautiful colors.

I've been outside gathering acorns, old branches and leaves to bring inside to decorate.  The fall colors go perfect with our lodge style home.

I saw a similar centerpiece in Thistleberry Cottage when I was in Iowa  last week and fell in love with it! It was designed by the owner Kay Evans who has a great eye for texture and decorating - the kind of decorating that makes you want to stay in her store and never leave!

Enjoy this idea and be sure to pay ThistleBerry Cottage a visit!

On to the next chapter

Now that Mom's estate sale has past, it's time to take all the pieces I've saved and create new works of art.  

We donated 3 huge truckloads of clothes and other pieces to Goodwill - hoping that they will find new life 

It was kind of a bittersweet day.

Lots of exciting things in the work and I'll have two big announcements later this week...

one for all my US friends....and One for my UK friends...

Happy  Tuesday everyone!

Life is good on the Farm!

Took a little break this weekend to spend some time in Iowa at a family reunion.  The first time in years since the whole gang - both sides was able to make it - nearly 40 of us in all.

This is our Grandma Ginny...to some in the picture she is Great Grandma Ginny...and she's about to become GREAT GREAT Grandma Ginny next April when *my* Grandbaby is born! She's so beautiful!

I think Dana has her wrapped around his "little" big finger....

Carson, Iowa isn't very big....but it is a quaint little town.  A country store, the Wander Inn and a one room Movie theatre.

This was the first time that my Daughter in Law Beth had come with us....so we took her sight seeing first to Uncle Jacks Pond.  It's full of Big Ole' Bass n Big Ole' bluegill!

And a climb up the old windmill just north of the house.  Love this Windmill!

As always, we girls snuck down to Thistleberry Cottage - a very quaint little boutique just about a mile down the road.  I loved everything about this shop! Except the fact that I forgot my camera that day! But be sure to check out the link above.

And, on the way there and home, I had a little bit of time to make a piece or two of jewelry.  This is one of my favorites.   A gentleman came into RESTORE and bought it for his wife for their anniversary!  I think she has a keeper! I hope she enjoys for many years to come!

Got some very exciting news which ill share closer towards the end of the week!!

RESTORE! and More!

Remember how I said in yesterday's post....Take Risks, BE BRAVE?  That's a perfect reminder for me to live what I preach.  It's easy to promote someone else....but self promotion is one of the hardest things to do

.

So much self doubt, questions...will I be good enough? Will they like what I have? What if they don't like what I have? ...really...I think we all psych ourselves up more than necessary.

I have a goal....I need to raise enough money - about $2000 for a remodel and upcycle to my current studio which I am growing out of at a rapid pace!  I've been wanting to do it for years now and I've put it off...but now...I need it...and if I'm gonna get it ...I'm gonna have to pay for it.  But I'm gonna do it...I'm gonna succeed and I'm gonna be proud of working hard to get it accomplished.

Last week, on my way to Dad's, I noticed this adorable new shop in Nixa.

Love the sign.....It caught my eye.....

Wasn't looking for anything in particular, just checking it out wondering if it would be a good fit for my jewelry.

Immediately, as I stepped in the door, I was greeted by a warm friendly smile and a hello from Christine the manager asking me if we had stopped in for anything in particular.  I knew immediately by her personality, she was a fun kinda gal!

Mariah and I shopped the store.....

fell in love with so many things.....

What I particularly like about the store is it is so personable.  It's very warm and inviting.  It reeks *Upscale* yet comfy, warm, cozy!  Christine carries many unique one of a kind items in her store at great prices.  It's one of those kinds of stores where if you see it and love it, you probably outta get it because someone else will love it too and it will wind up in their home and not yours....{insert kick yourself}


After browsing I introduced myself.  I thought - what the heck...all she could do was say no...right?  Take Risks...Be Brave.

We had so many things in common.  Our likes...our taste and I knew that my collection would be a great fit for the shop.  We made an appointment for a showing of the Janie Lane Collection of Urban Cowgirl Jewelry today and I'm so excited that she LOVED IT and said YES to all the pieces that I brought with me.

I think this is the beginning of a great relationship!  So if you happen to be on your way to Branson or coming home from Branson, be sure to take a little jog to Nixa - it's just west on HWY 14 - The Jackson Street Exit.  Head West to Nixa to Main Street and Turn North.  It's just up the road a piece at 425 North Main Street.  Tell Christine I sent you!!  It's well worth the trip.

Speaking of trips...tomorrow I'm heading to Iowa but on my way there...I have a few garage sale stops to make.  Have a fun weekend everyone! I'll be back on Monday!