~ The Blessing of Mothers ~

~My Mother with her Mother~
~My Dad and his Mother who he lost when he was just 10.~

~Me and Mom~
Whenever it's Mother's Day, I get very sentimental. I have the kind of Mother that just talking about her will make me get a lump in my throat. If there was ever a true Mother that loved unconditionally, would put her children before herself, and loved with everything in her, it's my Mother. She has always supported me whatever I have tried and been excited at my every success. She cheered me up when I was down and gave me courage. She's the person I go to when I need advice on any subject, especially about my own children. She is honest and thoughtful. She's a true Christian. She's a prayer warrior and the best example of what a good Christian mother should be. She is loving. She would rather have family time than anything in the world. She is a true Southerner and can cook like no one I know. She became the head of her home at age 11 when she lost her precious mother. Because of that, family and being a Mother were so ultimately even more precious because she knew how much she missed and would cherish her Mother. God knew and blessed her with a family that loves her for all she is.
I love you soo much, Mom. I hope it's a very special Mother's Day.

~Pretty projects to try~

I love a bargain. If I can refinish something to be personal to my tastes, I will choose that any day over something brand new. Thrifting is an art. If you have a little vision and the right tools, you can really have some unique pieces to be proud of. I inherited some wrought iron bar stools, but I didn't like the fabric that was on them. I love french style, so that's what I used as my inspiration for the chairs. I saw a decorating show one time about painted fabric and I had my "I can do that!!" moment. I just used acrylic paint (mix together to make the shades you like best),a ruler and silver sharpie marker(the lines are easy to cover). It was sooooooo easy! They are not exactly the same, but I like it that way. The truth is, I measured a little differently on the second than the first! oops. Anyway, I seriously do like their uniqueness. After you finish painting and it's good and dry (wait 24 hrs.) Paint an all over varnish to protect your paint job. Oila'!!
Paint: $12.00, brushes:$6.00, having custom boutique barstools: priceless.....

~Just for Love~

I think it's no secret to those who know me that I adore Jane Austen. I also love period pieces, so I couldn't resist adding this when I found this clip on you tube by accident. Consider it my "Just because" blog addition. I get inspired by period pieces and these were from some of my favorites. You'll have to pause my standalone music player or you'll have 2 types of music going at the same time-(personal pet peeve of mine and everyone else's in the universe) So, if you like these types of movies, I know you'll enjoy this one.

Cheers~
Lori

~New Designs from the Spring Show~

Here are just a few new designs that will be added to the site. The one that I'm calling "the cathedral collection" is my favorite design. It's an antique piece of jewelry from a vintage brooch. It's actually the clip for the back of the brooch. It has amazing detail and scrolls and looked to me slightly like an old cathedral's stained glass window. I will be on the look out for more of these. I would love to have a whole "cathedral collection." I also have some new mongram styles and of course.....more French Parisian styles!

Have a great week!
Lori

~My beautiful card~

My sweet friend, Alina, made me this gorgeous card and gave it to me last night. When I saw it, I just flipped over how cool it was. She used wire to create the scrolly "Paris" at the top! I love that idea! You could use that idea for soo many things. She is a talented young lady that I have known forever and just love like a sister. Check out her blog at: alinasgallery.blogspot.com. She is an up and coming photographer who has a great eye for details. Thanks, Alina! You're a sweetie!

A quiet moment....

Hi everyone,

I was thinking this morning how nice it is to just have a quiet moment. In our lives of fast paced go,go,go lifestyles, it's so nice to just stop for awhile. This past weekend I did a show with my jewelry for the second time. It's a lot of fun, but a lot of work! It paid off though and I really enjoyed meeting new customers and friends. I'll be adding some of my new designs later today.
I needed a quiet moment after all the business of the week and weekend. I was out in my garden and I noticed my english dogwood had beautifully draped itself across my garden cafe chair. It was just so pretty, I decided to add it for you to see. I'm addicted to a new site-www.picnik.com for playing with your photos. Most of you probably already know about it, but if not, take a look. You'll love it and become an addict yourself.
Have a great day today and if you can, find yourself a quiet moment and enjoy!

~Finally back in the saddle~

For those of you who have noticed, I had some technical difficulties and have been gone awhile. It's good to be back though and I'm glad to see all of your inspiring ideas and beautiful blog faces again! I never realized how much I enjoyed making a cup of coffee and browsing through my favorite blogs until I couldn't do it anymore. Thank goodness for technology!
To all my sweet blog friends, thank you for your unending inspiration and encouragement and for sharing your talent with the world. You light up my day!


Hugs!
Lori