Valentine's Day Czech Flowers

Here's a twist on the popular Czech Glass Flowers! These are drilled differently, so that they form a fuller garland when strung together. I love this bracelet, from the beautiful blossoms to the dainty little Swarovski crystal bicone accents! The inspirational plate is made of pewter and sealed. Everything is double-strung to ensure durability.

Fishy Earrings

I love these little glass fish beads! These cute earrings are made of glass and freshwater pearls, with some sterling accents and handmade Bali Silver spacers. They were kind of a pain to wrap because the headpins are so tiny. But anyway, they're a fun pair of earrings which have about an inch and a half of dangle to them.

More pictures coming!

Baby on the Run!

I can't believe she's almost 6 months old, but she's sitting and low crawling like a pro. The "fun factor" is quickly increasing, as I chase the run-away baby around the living room, trying to get the dogs' toys out of her way faster than the dogs can bring them back to her. Here she is, trying to get into the basket of work out gear that I haven't touched in several months. Ummm... yeah. Maybe I should bead less and get out of the house more.

Fish & Flush

Well, here's something that combines a couple of hobbies I've had... fish and home improve- ment. How weird is this? I guess it makes fishy funerals easier?

The New Adventures...

One of my best friends and I joke about the PTA mommies on a certain sitcom. Except that we are the PTA mommies. Sort of. Neither of us is a bleached blonde, or especially gossip-y, but we both volunteer at our kids' schools.

So anyway, my son is at a new school this year. I volunteered to get to know some other moms. Silly me, I figured an annual fundraiser would be a relatively simple way to break into the PTA mommy circle. I should've known that this school would host a black tie event in a place like this:



Nobody hosts black tie ANYTHING in Hawaii... even weddings don't get that formal.

A Worthy Cause

You may recall that a few weeks back, I started going through my beading supplies and picking out things I wouldn't be using. Although I tried listing some silvertone stuff on Craigslist, there really isn't much market for silvertone. It really is best for folks who are learning new techniques and skills, so you can mess up the cheap stuff instead of precious metals, which are far more costly. Anyway, in the Etsy forums, there is an organization soliciting donations for beading supplies. Basically, a group of kids are going to be learning to bead and using their projects to start a small business. So, you betcha... I'm sending this stuff to them!

If you also happen to have stuff to donate, let me know and I'll email you the mailing address separately.

Baby Bling

Ok, my fiance thinks I'm a little nuts, but I couldn't resist making up a cute little bracelet for the baby. It's strung on 7 strand 44lb test jewelry wire, double crimped on each end, and has a magnetic clasp for safety. The magnetic clasp is terrific for people who don't like messing with clasps (arthritis, carpal tunnel, etc), and also for wearers who may get snagged on something and need a safety release (babies, small children, animals).

Speaking of the baby, guess who's awake! :)

Hawaiian Hiking Guides

I grew up on the Big Island (Hawaii), where you can still find good (safe) trail hikes which aren't crowded with tons of joggers, dogs, and other hikers. As a teen, I went on lots of hikes with friends and through school. Hawaii is beautiful, but the Hawaii you see when you hike to less accessible spots is WAY MORE BEAUTIFUL than what you'll see if you stick to the developed/resort areas. I couldn't even begin to describe what it feels like... and although there are trails which are hardcore (like a 3 week hike up Mauna Kea), many trails take only a few hours to complete and are safe and short enough for older children.

Of course, rule #1 is to go with someone who knows where they're going, and not to go alone. So what are you supposed to do if you're new to the area? Back in the day, you had to ask around. Now, you can hire "ecotourism" companies to be your guide. One such company is Hawaiian Walkways. What is appealing about this particular company is that they are truly ecoconscious. Most ecotourism companies on the Big Island use ATVs and other vehicles to transport people who want to see nature, but don't want to hike, for whatever reason. Only problem is that driving through these places ruins them. Not to mention, the best spots are still only accessible on foot. So, suck it up a little, get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and go see the real Hawaii! I promise, it's worth it.

Driven to Distraction

Forget hours of painful introspection or $$$ psychoanalysis! Here's a pig personality test! Draw a pig, gain insight into what makes you tick. ;) All in good fun, of course.

Just a photo today...

... because spring soccer just started.