What a Busy, Busy Weekend!

It began with Friday.  This is a work day for me at the church.  I do the bulletin and plug the song service in the computer for the overhead projector.  Then in the evening is SNO.  Seniors' Night Out.  This is dinner and game night for our senior citizens.  We are the babies of the crowd...my hubby and I.  This week we had our granddaughters with us.  They enjoy playing games with the seniors.  Izzie, 3, usually just plays or watches a video.  But Jesse and Kaylee have fun with the adults.

I had a Craft Show on Saturday in Catoosa. I showed a lot of the new Copper Jewelry I'd been working on.  Repousse' and hammered copper, cold connections and such. It didn't make much money, but we had a lot of fun. I met several Facebook friends.  That was pretty cool.  We shared tips and ideas.  We admired each other's work.

Then of course church on Sunday.  That is always a busy day for us.

Then on Monday we had a Prime Timers' activity.  This is for our senior citizens.  It helps keep them active and have fellowship.  They needed an extra driver and that turned out to be me.  We drove about 221 miles.  21 of those were in circles.  Bro. Jim made a few wrong turns and of course I had to follow.  I didn't where we were going so I ended up going in circles with him!  All in all we had a lot of fun.  We finished the day with Braum's Ice Cream and a couple games of Skip-Bo.

Today I was able to catch up on some chores, laundry and jewelry making.  Please check my facebook page and see what's new!   www.facebook.com/inspiredwirejewelry

Stress in the Ministry

We went to a Preachers' meeting today. The topic was stress in the ministry.  The were 2 speakers. The first was a physician speaking in regards to the physical results of stress. He mentioned is was much the same as that for physicians as well.
To lower our stress level we must eat healthy, exercise 3x per week, drink plenty of water and get appropriate rest.
The second was a doctor/counselor.  He said we need a hobby to help relieve stress.  One that is not related to our ministry.  His is riding a motorcycle.  Mine is making jewelry.  My hubby's is golfing.
He also mentioned that anyone of 6 or more daily meds, needs to have those medications examined to determine if they interfere with each other or to see what their interactions are.  I take 14 different meds daily.
Overall it was an interesting meeting.  One speaker was not speaker material and was difficult to listen to. However he was pretty good one on one.
Now, I need to get back to my hobby so I can de-stress!

My goodness it's been a long time....

I can't believe I haven't been here since Dad passed.  It's been almost 5 months.  Mom is adjusting well. She has her moments as we all do. But to know he is in Heaven with the Saviour is the best knowledge and hope there is.
What have I been doing?  Hmmm I've been busy for sure. I would have thought after retiring 5 years ago life would be simpler. I guess it is in that I don't have a time clock to punch in and out every day. But it is busy and many hats to wear.
I am now getting the full dose of Benlysta for my infusion each month. The drug was approved by the FDA this last Spring.  That is great news. And a gift from God. I don't have to pay for it until the study is complete in 2016.  That too is a gift from God. The drug is $1000 per dose and 1 dose per four weeks. If insurance pays, it is likely to only pay at 60%.  The only bad thing I have noticed about this drug is that it only lasts 3 weeks and can only be taken every 4 weeks. That leaves 1 week of problems.  I usually have to take twice as many pain meds during that week.  And twice as many naps! 
I have had a sleep study recently as well. Almost a sleep study.  We didn't quite get to finish it. So we are waiting for the insurance company to approve the rest of the tests. I know I have sleep apnea, but they are testing for other disorders as well. It appears I also have hypnogogic hallucinations that are a sleep disorder.  And RLS.  But I haven't seen the report yet.

The neurologist, also new, said I have mild neuropathy in my big toes too. Just something else to add to the ever growing list.
We do get to take a vacation this month.  YEAH!  The first in 6 years.  It will be a working vacation, but I think we'll have a great time.  We're looking forward to getting away.  Hopefully the east coast hasn't washed out to sea by the time we get there. Our daughter is trying to figure a way to hide in the trunk of the car until it is too late to turn back. However, I think we would notice an extra passenger.  We are taking Mom part way.  We will be dropping her in OH so she can visit friends and family.
I think that will have to do for tonight.  See you all later!

Lester E Hatfield

My dad passed away this last Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 6:25 pm.  I was there when he drew his final breath.  It was sad to see him go, but I wouldn't wish him back to this world for anything.  He struggled so hard for those final breaths. Now, he is in Heaven with his Creator, his parents, his sons, great-grands, sister, and brothers-in-law.   While we had a sort of reunion here at the services, he had one there as well.  I know we'll be together again one day.

Here are some photos of the Honor Guard at the graveside.  It was such a wonderful service.

Just sharing a Link!

Three of my finished pieces were featured on a popular blog!  http://turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com/  Please go visit and follow the Magpie!   There is a lot of great information shared there.  Tutorials, vendors, and great artists.  Tell them I sent you!  You'll be glad you popped in.

New Pieces to Show Off

I have had some down time lately and here is some of what I've done. 

 

Deshutes Jasper from Cabbing Rough.

Deshutes Jasper from Cabbing Rough.

 

This is another Jasper. 

I left this one in the tumbler a little too long.  But I am leaving the wire with a worn look. 

It is made with Gold Parawire.

This is, I think, Rhodocrosite.  I wrapped it with Gold Parawire as well.

This is
SpiderWeb Carnelian.  Some may call it Fire Agate. I've wrapped this with bare Copper wire.

I think this is Turquoise Jasper.  It's wrapped with Silver Parawire.

This is a Turquoise Bead from Magpie Gemstones.  I wrapped it simply with bare copper.

Woven Cross made with Lapis Lazuli chips.

Woven Cross with tiny Turquoise Nuggets.

The Turquoise is from http://www.magpiegemstones.com/home.html

Beautiful Wire Woven ring with Garnet Rondelles from http://www.magpiegemstones.com/home.html.

Tutorials

No, I didn't make a tutorial.  But I enjoy shopping for them.  Here is a link to some great tutorials!
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2834149

Also, go to http://www.magpiegemstones.com/ for some more great tutorials!

Tumblin' Tumbleweed!

Not really a tumbleweed, but tumbling gems!  I have 2 bracelets and a pendant in the tumbler now.  I have several cabs to wrap and tumble and maybe a new bracelet or two yet to be made!

My daughter Rachael is in Kibera, Kenya this week.  She is working at a feeding center with the young children.  She taught them a story yesterday through the help of an interpreter.  This was definitely a first for her!  She is really excited to be there helping out.

Well, I have a meeting to attend, so tomorrow I will post more photos of product and Kibera.

Remember, all sales from Etsy and ArtFire go to her next missions trip to Columbia!

http://www.inspiredwirejewelry.etsy.com,  http://www.fancyfashions.etsy.com, & http://www.fancyfashions.artfire.com

Also, fan my Facebook page...http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspired-Wire-Jewelry.com

New name!

I've changed the name of my business from Fancy Fashions by Laura to "Inspired Wire Jewelry".  I wanted something a little more professional sounding.  How do you like it?

It is definitely a lot of work to make the change!  Fanning in Facebook, changing the blog, closing old stores and opening new ones!  Then calling the Tax people to tell them of the change, new business cards and banners.  And creating a website.  Which I have not done yet!

Also, my daughter Rachael is on a Missions Trip to Kenya.  Specifically Kibera.  World's worst poverty stricken area.  So, I am having an auction on Facebook to help raise funds.  And all proceeds from my shops, old and new, will go toward her next trip to Columbia.  That trip will be this summer for 3 weeks.  It is a work-study for college.  We are still needing to raise $2200. 

Here are the links to the shops and the auction!  Come on in and shop!  And help support Rachael.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=194725360547523&aid=43407
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InspiredWireJewelry?ref=si_shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/fancyfashions
http://www.artfire.com/users/fancyfashions

Why

I have an incurable disease. I take a lot of meds everyday.  I have pain somewhere in my body almost everyday.  I get depressed by it all every now and then.  But when I say anything about it or post it on FB, people get upset.  I am not supposed to be negative.  I have people watching me all over the country.  I am a preacher's wife and people "might get the wrong idea".  I am supposed to be happy and joyful about everything all the time no matter what!  Well, it doesn't work that way. 
Yesterday was a very bad day for me.  I said something about it a couple times to a couple people. Big deal. Does no one else ever have a bad day?  Am I the only one? Or am I the only one not allowed to talk about it?  I offended a couple people yesterday.  Family.  Who cares!  They don't have 7 doctors.  They don't have 15 different meds on a daily basis.
I am a Christian so I am supposed to be perfect? I don't think so!  If you just leave me alone a little while, I will be just fine. Let me work it out in my own way!  Was Job a perky Paula? Was he jumping up and down for joy when he was covered in boils? Was he shouting praises when all his children died?  Was Mary singing "hallelujah" when he firstborn son died on the cross?  NO.  They just didn't turn from God.  Neither am I.  I figure it is better for you who are around me if I warn you that I'm in a bad mood.  That way you know ahead of time!   You all have bad moods too whether you want to admit it or not.  And the people around you know it.  I refuse to put a lie on my face. 
I am still a child of God.  I am still in love with my husband.  I still enjoy my church.  I am simply having a difficult day or two.

Last night's work

I was working with 12g copper wire last night.  I have the pieces almost ready to be tumbled then photographed.  I decided to just make a couple of freeform wire bracelets.  I pounded the copper until I thought my arm would fall off.  But it's a good workout!


I also made a copper heart. I pounded it and am in the process of adding pearls to one side.  This will make someone a really nice pendant!  Valentine's Day is coming up very soon!

So, you need to check my shops on a regular basis to see what has been added! http://www.fancyfashions.artfire.com
http://www,fancyfashions.etsy.com

Two posts in one day!

In keeping with the theme of many Etsians, I have a few Pink items in my shop. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28938872/delicate-pink-and-white-bracelet  This is a delicate pink and white bracelet made with porcelain beads.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32732215/pearl-ring  This ring is made for the hand of your little Princess.  It can also be made to fit the Queen of the Manor! Just email me the size(s) you want!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32637662/dark-rose-pearl-ring 
Here is another ring made with a cranberry colored freshwater pearl.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/14921051/spring-flowers-bracelet  The focal of this beautiful pastel bracelet is a lampwork bead made by the Artisan, http://www.lajewelrydesigns.com/.
I hope you've enjoyed looking at these pieces!  I certainly enjoyed making them!
Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know you stopped by!

New Look!

I did a little playing around with the appearance of my blog page.  I think it looks a lot more inviting and positive.  What do you think?  Please leave a comment so I know you have stopped by! 
Thanks!

Playing with Copper Sheet

Last week I bought a small piece of copper sheet from the hardware store. I also picked up supplies to do a little etching. I found out a few things as I played with both.
1. This particular sheet is the wrong gauge for what I want. It is too thin. But it is the only gauge at the store. Now to shop around until I find what I am looking for.
2. I need much better metal snips. The ones I am using (hubby's) are too ragged in the cutting. The edges are very rough. I know a hydraulic press would be great, but that is not it the budget right now.
3. I love using the sharpies as a resist. The finer point sharpies don't offer enough resist to suit me though. I may just need to go over it a 2nd time. I do want to try the PnP (press and peel paper). 4. My drawing skills leave a bit to be desired. Maybe with some practice on paper I will do a better job.
5. The acid bath was easy to use. I would like to try the D battery and salt water, but that will be later. I have plenty of the acid on hand. I tend to use up the old before buying new.

I am really having fun with the copper though. So I am going to continue playing and creating with it. For now I need to improve my tools, drawing ability and clean up my space. I also need to re-organize my studio. I did that last year, but that was before I was using a torch. The acid bath is done in the garage and I would like a small spot for that out there. I am just not sure Mike would be willing to allow me a small spot!
When I have a piece finished completely, I will post it in my shops.
http://www.fancyfashions.etsy.com or http://www.fancyfashions.artfire.com
Stay tuned for more fun with copper!