NEW ITEMS IN THE STORE

I have listed a few new things in my Etsy store. Please go have a look here if you're interested. The proceeds from the first item, the bronze heart pendant will go to the Animal Shelter of Buchanan County building fund. Thanks!

CAT SHOW BENEFIT

This was one big, long-haired Tortie.

There was even a costume competition. My girls would not have enjoyed this.

Some kitties were shy.

Pretty boy.

George was the star of the show. He won many of the show's catagories, mostly because of what a sweetheart he is. He was a very sick boy when he was found. He's been through a lot. He has frozen off ears and only one eye, but I think he's beautiful. The lucky boy now has a happy and safe forever home.

I love the expression on this one's face.

Pretty, long haired Calico.

A couple of weeks ago Paul and my sisters and I went to a cat show in Independence (Iowa) where my sisters live, in the same county where I grew up. It was actually a benefit for a new no-kill shelter that is to be built there. At this point in time there is no shelter there and stray "nuisance animals" are usually put down. I am very excited about this and wanted to try to bring a bit of attention to it. I'm going to put a few pieces of jewelry up in my store in the next couple of days to benefit the shelter which I believe will be built only with donations and grants. If you'd like to help, please contact the contact people listed above (click on the first photo to see the phone numbers larger) or buy a piece of my jewelry on Etsy! Thanks

TRUNK SHOW AND CLASSES AT BEAD HAVEN

The only picture I took at last Saturday's open house.

Riveting by Jennifer, Tami, and Bonnie.

I love how great the gilder's paste made these blah pieces of Pam's old bracelet look. Quite a transformation

Gilder's Paste and Nail polish pieces by Alice.

The Gilder's Paste even transforms old garage sale wooden beads and lava beads.

Bonnie's pieces of filigree. I especially liked the orange and rust leaves and the acid green butterfly.

We've had a few classes at Bead Haven since I last posted. Last week we riveted and tonight we colored metal. I wanted to post pictures sooner, but better late than never!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL

HAPPY DAY!!!!

One of my favorite pictures of Paul in Cambria, California (one of my all time favorite places).

Paul and Miss Sophie, having an earnest discussion.

Paul at the Grandest Canyon of them all.

I wanted to take a minute to wish my sweetheart a Happy Birthday. Paul is probably one of the nicest, sweetest, people in the world (I do not exaggerate). He's a bit of a science/computer nerd and a goof ball, which I like of course and he's really smart. My family has had a lot of loss in the last year and we wouldn't be able to get through it without Paul. We all love you Paul and we're glad that you are our goof ball.

ESTY TREASURY

My Dragonfly necklace was chosen for an Etsy treasury today. The treasury is called 'Jade is for Japan Aid'. Hopefully it will help the necklace sell faster. I will also be donating the proceeds from these matching charms to the Red Cross as well. Please check out the treasury here and the charms in my Etsy store here.

NECKLACE FOR JAPAN

Fine silver and jade necklace.

I've been watching all of the footage of the still unfolding tragedy in Japan with utter disbelief. Can you imagine if this happened to you and yours? I have trouble conceptualizing how awful it would be. I wish there was something that I could do. What I can do is make jewelry, so I thought I would offer this piece for sale on Etsy with the proceeds going to the Red Cross relief effort in Japan. I will also ship the necklace free of shipping fees with a little gift to show my appreciation. If you're interested in this piece please click on the link to my Etsy store here. Thank you!

I LOVE YOU DAD

My Dad, Cato Hoaglan

. . . When you finally reach your port may the

birds you have carved, scattered all over the

land or lining the shelves of your shop, be

convincing evidence of your arrival. Even so,

may the chips of the master continue to fall

profusely to the floor, sharp and crisp. When

the imprisoned bird has escaped the bonds of

his shapeless block and stands poised majestically

on his perch before you, may he speak to you in

unheard words of praise and adoration; may his

message stir your soul in grateful appreciation

of your will to excel and your determination to

carve and carve until the perfect day.

- an excerpt from: Creative Bird Carving, by William I. Tawes

I've been away from the blog for a while. My Dad has been ill and he passed away this week. I wish I could express to all of you what an incredible person he was. He, along with my Mom was an excellent woodcarver, a patient woodcarving teacher, an entertaining story teller and above all, a wonderful and caring father. I wish you could all have known him. You would most certainly have been richer.