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!

How do you do it?

I have had several people ask me "how do you do it?" And now they have started asking Mike. So, I thought I'd try to explain it here.

I have Lupus, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and several other health issues. Lupus and the arthritis are the ones that affect (or bother) me the most. I have pain and fatigue nearly everyday. But, I don't want to just sit back and wait to die. Who would? I exercise in the pool at the YMCA 3 times a week. The water helps a lot to keep moving and sorta flexible.

The main thing is God keeps me going. He encourages me and comforts me. He has also given me common sense and some pretty good doctors. The doctors then give me the medicines I need to cope with my diseases. Remember, there is no cure for Lupus.

I am in a study for a new medicine for the Lupus that really helps. I get it every four weeks. The med only works for 3 weeks. The week in between? Well, let's just say I try to not do anything. I sleep a lot those days and take a lot of pain meds. We are hoping the study med will be approved by the FDA soon and that I will be able to get it thru Medicare or the manufacturer. And to get the infusion every 3 weeks instead of 4.

Remember, God gave me common sense too. I know when I am "DONE" for the day. Mike knows if I tell him I am done, then that is all I can do. I might as well have a seat or go to bed. The common sense comes in to know when you are reaching your limits and either slow down or stop. What good will you be to the rest of your family or yourself if you over do it? I know what I need help with as well. So, I am no longer afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

How do I do it? I have a loving God, a wonderful and supportive husband, good doctors, good meds and common sense.

Hope this has helped.

Saturday Nights

What do you do on Saturday nights? Tonight is a tiring night after a long hard work day at a craft show. It was a good show. Indoors finally instead of outdoors. We didn't have to fight the wind at all! Wonderful! Sales were ok too. That always helps. But now is down time. Mike is watching a war show and I am on the pc. We did eat dinner together! Pizza. Mike is such a good cook. :)

I have been working with copper wire lately. I really enjoy it. I'll post pictures here soon...I hope. But if all else fails, you can find them on Facebook/FancyFashions. The wire is really different. The heavy gauges need annealed before working with them. Annealing is heating. Mike likes to take me took shopping so long as I am spending my own money. He did buy me a tumbler for my birthday. :)

Mom and I have been having Friday dates. I pick her up while she has a sitter with Dad. We go to lunch then shopping, running, or whatever. We only have 3 hours to be gone. She has been making fingerless gloves for my shows and she is selling quite a few! I am happy for her. She is excited about our M/D dates! I am too. I am not much of huggy, touchy feely, but I am enjoying my time with Mom. I visit with Dad when he is awake. But more and more he is sleeping the day away. His aggression is getting worse and more frequent so he needs to take his meds a little more often.

Mike's Dad has had a triple by-pass and then a mild stroke. He is healing slowly. Mike's Mom has finally been diagnosed with Alzheimer's this last week. We knew she had it, but now it is official. She has worsened a lot over the last year. We all need prayer in one way or another.

Rachael is in her 3rd year at BBC. I think she is more homesick this year than before. But, I am very proud of her. She will be a great servant for the Lord!

Mixed up thoughts

I was going to put how I have been sick with bronchitis all week. With all these new meds added to the old ones. I've been inside except to the doctor. I missed the Y all week, church, other appointments and now my grandkids. Really stinks to be sick.
But, I received a call today from the USAG office. Sentencing for the man who assaulted my dad will be in 19 days. Although we have waited for this day, now that it is definite, it is also sad. How a man let one moment of anger ruin the rest of his life as well as ours. And his own family. Dad will never be the same. But, nothing I do will fix that. This man will never be the same either. He can get better. He can, if he lets God in and allows Him to help him.
I have forgiven this man, I feel sorry for this man, but I also feel the need for him to pay the price for his crime.
I am not angry. I am not happy to see him "get his". I do believe you have to be held accountable and responsible for your decisions and actions. Even if these actions are out of character for you.
This man does not seem like someone who goes around beating up feeble old men. I think there were probably a variety of things that contributed to his actions. These actions resulted in a broken and shattered humorous bone at the shoulder joint, banged up head, and emotional trauma to my 82 yr. old father. My father is in the final stage of dementia. He was in the hospital to get behavior meds under control.
Yes, he was aggressive when he was admitted. However, at the time of the incident, he was ready to come home. His meds had him stabilized and he was back to his "normal" self.
The attack was unprovoked. I know this because I have watched the video of the attack myself. I watched a few times. I just couldn't believe it was actually happening.
There wasn't a trial. The man plead guilty. Now it is time for sentencing. We will be going. I don't know if we will say how this has affected us or not. We gave our statements of it's impact to the USAG office and the judge has set the date for sentencing.
I hope and pray this never happens to anyone ever again. I know it probably will. But, I still hope and pray.

Doctors and more doctors and tests and more tests

Good grief. One doctor after another. I see a doctor on the average of 2 per week. I get poked, prodded, squished, xrayed, and so on. Some appointments are good. Like my infusion...I am happy to go get that one. It makes me feel good, well better, for 3 weeks. The forth week, let's just say don't leave home without lortabs. For that matter, don't stay home without lortabs!
Lately, I have had 3 biopsies and one culture done. All 4 tests have come back negative for whatever...negative mostly for infection. But...something is wrong. It's just that no one knows what it is! If you don't know what it is, how can you treat it?

I was given a steroid cream to use on a rash, actually 3 different ones. All three rash locations were different, yet something the same. The tests showed no fungus, no infection, nothing. So, the steroid cream didn't work. Then it was the anti-fungal cream. Still not working. Then the anti-fungal pill...may be working. But I am not sure on that one.

So, what in the world is going on with my body?

Earlier this week I had a stress test. First they said, chemical and not a treadmill. I get there and they decide the treadmill. I am leery about this. I know my limitations. But, I did make it through...barely. Then today, the dreaded mammogram. Strip from the waist up and put this sheet over your shoulders. Then walk down the hall to the exam room. Then throw the sheet over your shoulder to expose yourself. Then has the tech adjust the machine to just the right height. You need to stand in an awkward position, and she manually lifts one breast to the lower platform of the machine. Holds it there while lowering the top platform until you are compressed completely. Then she runs and hides behind the safety glass, tells you to hold your breath until the machine is done taking your picture. Afterward, she lets you stand there until she is sure the photo is clear. Then, she turns you, positions the other breast on the wretched machine, lowers the compression plate, then takes her position as the machine again takes your picture. All done! NO! The machine is then set to a 45* angle and you start over with each side. Only this time the machine hangs up on my IV port! Stop, reposition, start again.
I despise this test! I know it has it's place, but not for me! The other exam is next month. It is also humiliating.

I wanted my husband to go with me today, because I wanted him to see what I had to go through so he would understand why I hated it. "Big deal, it's just an xray!" But he was too busy. Rather convienent I think. So, I am going to find a vice and 2 plates, one metal and the other acryllic. Just like mine were. Then I am going carefully place his parts in the vice and snap a few pictures...of his contorted face!

I will insist on the next one though. He thinks it is terrible to have a prostate exam 2-3 times in his life. Poor baby. What does he think we women go through every year, and then multiple times when pregnant?!

Don't get me wrong. I love my husband dearly! We have been married 32 years. But, he needs to really understand a few things. I think I have been patient long enough. Time for him to see what I do to try to stay healthy for him.

Another busy month!

I have made more jewelry. Check out the new pieces in my ArtFire shop! I also have some different pieces in my Etsy shop.
I have been fighting with my health insurance company for 3 full weeks. It has been very frustrating. They cancelled us for "non-payment". I told them it was there. They couldn't find it. Of course it is up to me to prove I am right. I had to make sure the payment had arrived to them by the 24th of the month. So....I went to my bank account. There it showed the payment was complete and taken from my account.
I photo copied the front and back of the check like I was told and faxed it to the insurance company. The back of the check shows that it was in the hands of the insurance co. on or before the 23rd of the month. I also sent a note making it clear that I wanted my insurance reinstated immediately. I really needed my meds.
They said it would take 24-48 hours for it all to happen. I went to the pharmacy 72 hours later, wanted to be sure and allow extra time. No insurance. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
I called again. "No, we haven't seen a fax". I told them it was sent and I had confirmation it went thru.
For 2 and a half weeks we went thru this on a daily basis. What a headache! They were basically calling me a liar, saying not only was a payment not received, nor was a fax. I tried to talk to a supervisor. I left 3 voice mails for her. Her voice mail says she will return the call as soon as possible. Well, it is over 3 weeks later and still no return call. Surprise, surprise.
After 2 weeks of telephone conversations that ended in nothing being accomplished, I was told to send the fax again. I did. Along with a copy of the original fax and confirmation sheet and a copy of my phone log with them.
I called the next day. "no, there is no fax". Talk about frustration! I called again the next day. Yes, we see the fax. Hurray! Well, it will take 24-48 hours, again, to fix it. Right. It took a few more calls and 5 more days. Finally got our prescriptions. I called my doctor for an appointment because I was experiencing a lot of edema in my feet and ankles.
Well, guess what! The clinic said the insurance wasn't in effect. Good grief! I called them right there in the office. What a mess! She said it was hung up in channels, but I was covered. I had her tell the clinic. The clinic was very good about it all and very understanding. Apparently this insurance company does this kind of thing a lot.
In the end, I am filing a complaint to the Insurance Commission and the Health Authority. No one should be treated this way. I was right, proved and still had to prove it again, because their office was inept.

This is such a pretty necklace. The peridot and purple Swarovski crystals accent the colors of the lampwork beads. The pearls give it a delicate touch. I love working with pearls. The lobster claw clasp is Sterling silver.

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls

My pearls came in today! Yipee! They are so pretty. I have coins in 2 sizes and rounds in sizes.
Yesterday I also ordered some turquoise from Szarka @ Magpie Gemstones. I can't wait til it arrives too. I have new beads coming from India and supplies from FMG.
Well, we will see what I create with them all. Maybe I will just play with all the gems and pearls for a while.

New Jewelry

The Blue John 3:16 bracelet is one of my favorites. I have made it in several colors and different beads. I think I will use pearls and Swarovski crystals on the next one.











I really like Bronzite. This bracelet design has sold twice and I have a third ready to be sold.















This set is with Keishi pearls and Green Adventurine. I have matching earrings as well. This is a new set in my Etsy shop.

Let me know what you think!

Grandbabies! Jewelry!!

There is nothing in this world better than loving on my grandbabies! Jeni went to the hospital this week in pre-term labor. That meant Gramma and Papa got to keep Collin overnight. He has such an infectious giggle! Doc was able to give Jeni meds to stop the contractions and sent her home. Little Nico needs to stay in the "oven" a bit longer.
Last week we had Collin on Thursday, then Jesse, Kaylee and Izzie on Friday. Course Izzy didn't stay all night.
Jesse and Kaylee enjoy making their own jewelry at Gramma's. I keep a box of beads and stretch cord just for them. I think this summer we will work with the "real" stuff. They sure enjoy it.
I have some chalcedony and pearls coming. I can't wait to get them. I am trying to decide on doing a Valentine's show. It would be at the business mall again. If the pearls come in time, then I think I can do it.
I just love working with the pearls. All I need is a few hundred dollars to buy lots of pearls and accessory beads. Oh yea, I have a sterling silver order coming too. Although I don't think it will be in time.

Final thoughts for 2008

Well, Christmas Eve was definately interesting. Dad "ran away" from mom while at Walmart. She has him wait for her in the McDonald's with a cup of coffee while she does a little quick shopping. Well, I guess he got tired of waiting on her because he walked out of the store!
She called me after she had looked thru the store, called security to look and so on. I called my kids and we all converged on Walmart to search for Dad.
Security checked the cameras and show he had walked out of the store at 10:36 am. That was 45 minutes before we got there. We called the police. I could just picture us on the 6:00 news. I called my brother and sister who live in other states. I know they couldn't help search, but they could pray.
BTW, dad has dementia.
Anyway, within a few minutes the police called back. They found him walking down the median of a 6 lane busy expressway! They asked where he was headed and he guessed McDonald's would be good. They took him to a different McD's that was close. He was about 1/4 mile from where he had started!
Dad had no clue he "was lost". He apologized for causing trouble and just didn't understand why all the fuss. Mom took him home and put him to bed for a nap. He doesn't remember a thing.
Thank God he was alright and safe.

Ok, 70* Sunday morning and 26* Sunday night. That's just not right! Today is in the 30*s and tomorrow warmer. Then again on Sunday is another big, colder drop. My poor lil' fingers.

Rachael is coming home tomorrow. I am glad. Don't say anything, but we miss her. Harley does too. He gets upset for a couple days when she goes back to school.

My knee MRI turned out ok, sorta. Doc says surgery could help when I am ready for that. I am not ready for it. She is going to try to get me an appointment for a port though. I have had 2 new meds added this month. What's one or two more right?

I have not done any Christmas shopping yet. Maybe this weekend. Well, it has to be this week. We are having Christmas this Sunday night. And on Thursday, and next Saturday night.

Guess I'd better get offline and get busy. Oh well.

Ok, I think I am finally finished with all medical tests for the year. Today I had an MRI on my knee. I am pretty sure it will show one nasty bone spur. I still have 3 doctors' appointments left this month.

I have a Craft Fair at Lake Park Elementary tomorrow and a Trunk Show at Shepherd Mall on Tuesday the 16th. Yea! I will be done for the year other than special orders.

After the first, I think I will take some classes. I am not sure on what, but I will figure it out.

Hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I did!

Shows, shows, shows

This is my Ruby and Pearl bracelet...yes, real rubies! This is my Sapphire and Pearl bracelet. My birthstone.

These are my black diamonds. The picture isn't so great, but the sparkle is! I haven't decided how to make these up yet. I am sure it will be a bracelet.

This is my first born...Ben. He turned 30! He even has a few gray hairs. Happy Birthday son.

What a busy week. Again!

This last week I had a 2-day show in Norman, OK. It was really slow on Friday, but Saturday picked up a bit. I finished off 2 special orders for Ornament covers. They are already delivered. I have a watch to size for a new customer. This week I have another show...Lake Park Elementary Holiday Market. I have not done this one before, but have heard by all that it is a great one!

Yummy Onion Burger!

Had one of those extra yummy Onion Burgers today. Haven't had a good one in a very long time. It was just right too. Left me wanting another. But, I was good and didn't do it.

I made 12 pair of Christmas Tree earrings last night. I am going to put some up at the Vintage Market Mall in MWC tomorrow. I have already put some of the Christmas Ornament covers out there. Someone broke one and didn't bother to clean it up or pay for it. That is kinda irritating.

Going to Mom's tonight. It is their 59th anniversary. We thought we'd take the pizza.

I was reading thru my Yahoo groups today. As I looked at all the pictures of the gem stones, I thought about how wonderful it would be to have some of them all! I am not greedy, just want a good variety.

Along that line, I have been thinking of taking classes on gemology and pearls and more jewelry classes. Of course that is all after the holidays and if I get any money coming in. After all, a girl can dream can't she?

A good weekend

This was a really good weekend. My show did fair. I sold a few things here and there. Church was great! Had loads of people that haven't been in a while. The children's classes were overflowing! The weather was cold but clear. The moon was high a bright and BIG.

I went to the Dermatologist today. He said my skin is so much better that he reduced that particular med by half! One less pill to take daily. Yea!
Next week I think I have two doctor appointments. One, I don't think will be so pleasant. Ugh. But, I shall live through it.

We finished our Beth Moore study, "Jesus, the One and Only" tonight. It is an inspiring, awesome study. We are going to take a break this next month and start a new study in January. I don't know what yet.

Made some tortilla soup tonight. Good stuff. Added some corn and taco meat to the mix to make it even better. I'm thinking it will be gone soon!

Stay tuned. I will post more jewelry photos soon. Maybe in a day or two. If I can get a clear picture of my Black Diamonds, I will post it.

More jewelry

These are a few pair of the Christmas Tree Earrings I have made. I love the fun colors as well as the traditional colors. Later on I will try to show you my own Precious Gems I have used for my own jewelry. I have a Saphire and Pearl bracelet and a Ruby and Pearl bracelet. My Black Diamonds just came in and I am busy playing with them. When I decide how I want to make them up, I will take a picture and upload it.
I have another craft show this weekend. It is at the Edmond North High School. I am looking forward to it. However, it is time now for me to go home and have a cup of hot cocoa. Made the mix myself. I have made 4 batches of cocoa so far this season and it isn't even winter yet. I did manage to keep a little bit of it for myself. It is chilly out today, so I thought I would fix a cup.

This is an ornament cover I designed myself. It really was an accident, but I like it. In fact I made a red and gold one just like it last night. Not all my pictures turned out though.

This one is the ornament I started at last week's craft show. I finished it afterward. I like the colors. Again, the picture isn't the greatest.

I made serveral package earrings. I have earthy colors and Christmas Colors. Some of the bows are Sterling Silver, some are pewter.

It's a Small Small World!!!

For the second time in 4 short months I have discovered just how small this old world is. And how wonderful God is to throw surprises in our paths.

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio. I went to church at Columbus Baptist Temple. I knew almost everyone there. I still keep in touch with some of the folks even though I am in Oklahoma now. I went to college at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. Ok, to get to my point, while in OH and at college I babysat for Larry and Marsha Lindsey. They had 2 boys, David and Timothy. This was decades ago. My hubby and I have moved 23 times in 31 years to 5 states.

This last week we were attending an OBBF preachers' meeting in Edmond, OK. The first speaker was introduced as Tim Lindsey. I thought to myself..."could it be the same? He is about the right age." I paid close attention as he told about himself. "YES" it was the same Tim Lindsey. How exciting!

Now, I know, he thought I was this crazy woman. I introduced myself and told him how I knew him. Of course he wouldn't remember because he was so young the last time I saw him. Now he has a teenage daugther! I just had to give him a hug. I insisted on taking a picture too! So now I am sure he must have gone home and told his wife about this crazy pastor's wife he met.

Anyway, this is the second time God has sent someone across my path to show how small a world it is. I will tell you about the other one later. It is good too!

Last Weekend's Craft Show

This show was excellent. Holiday Bazaar by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK. They advertised very well. We had a lots of traffic. There were loads of vendors. Lots of good food! Yummy baked potato with chilli and cheese. We will be back next year!
My sales were good.

I am looking forward to another good show this weekend at the Edmond North High School.

I have a vacancy for a show the weekend before Thanksgiving. Otherwise, I am booked thru Dec. 6.

Hope to see some of you there!

Voting Day and cookies

VOTE! Be sure to vote today. I am on my way now. I already texted my kids to be sure they did as well. It is so important that we all share our voice. Each vote does count.
If you don't vote, you have no right to complain.

BTW, I made some Oatmeal/Craisin cookies yesterday. They sure were good.

Check out my web store.
www.fancyfashions.etsy.com