WOYWW: Making Hoops

I never thought I was going to get around to working in the shop this week, with all this homework stuff I have to do these days.  But today, I just got out of bed and started working.  Forget the dishes.  Leave the homework till later.  And it's a good thing I did, because orders have been stacking up!  I still have a set of stacking rings (from a repeat customer!!) and a pair of little stud earrings to make.

You can see in the photos the earrings from start to finish.  It's neat to watch them transform from a boring piece of sheet metal into these pretty textured hoops.  I designed these one day, just messing around, and they have been super popular!  I kind of love making them because the process is all my creation.  Although, I should give some credit to a fellow WOYWW-er (hi Geri!).  She ordered my usual Isis Hoops but in a smaller size.  I thought that was so brilliant that they are now listed over in the shop.

I better get back to work!  Happy creating everyone!

What I've Been Making

Persimmon Triangle Earrings

Lapis Lazuli Teardrop Earrings

Emerald Green Turquoise Earrings

Chunky Wire Wrapped Aventurine Earrings

Charming Bird Necklace

Lost Stone and Feather Ring

Whew!  I've been busy!  I guess we all are this time of year.  I have been looking forward to sharing this new work with you all.  Favorites, anyone?  I love making earrings because they make so quickly, but making the more complex items, like rings, is so gratifying because of the difficulty of the process.

I wanted to get some work done in the studio before Thanksgiving takes over all of my time.  I am so looking forward to dinner and a whole day for nothing but my little family.  For me, Thanksgiving Day is honestly my favorite holiday.  You don't have the stress of presents, like Christmas,  just the day reserved for quality time with each other.  That's my kind of holiday.  I can't wait!

Rain and Samosas

Right now I am wearing a sweater.  It is sort of raining out and I am indulging myself with a lunch of samosas from the frozen section of the fancy food store.  This afternoon is mine to enjoy the quiet house while the kids are away at school, to enjoy the calmness of the rainish weather, to just be.

I have some ideas, new jewelry designs, that I have been saving up for just such a day.  After my decadent lunch which I will enjoy all to myself, I plan to sieze the few hours before the kids return to take to the bench and hammer out some new work.

Here is the most recent design from my bench:

Brazen Hoops

Hoop Happy

I have been hoop happy, making tons of earrings lately!  Check them out, I would love to hear what you all think.

Filigree Beaded Hoops

Earthen Hoops

Fire Dancer Hoops

I've also been happy with my new running shoes...Matt and I are over a week into burning over 500 calories a day, which makes me feel great!  There is something powerful about creating and exercising regularly.

"When the way comes to an end, then change - having changed, you pass through."  ~I Ching

A Brilliant Day

Some days are like that, everything falls into place, and maybe, just one small victory means the world.  I am having that day today, and am so thankful!  Really, I'm so pleased with today that I am a bit speechless.

I woke up to two (not one) sales in my Etsy shop, and then, Chandra (one of my much read faves..you should check her out) on her blog A Stylish Little Lady, gave me the 'Versatile Blogger Award'.

After the kids left for school, I got to go shopping with my honey where I picked up this amazing find (only in dark blue/teal).  Juicy Couture Cardigan:

And it was a bit on the colder side so I got to wear my boots (love sweater and boot season)!!  Then Matt took us to pizza and we got to hang out and talk about life.  These adult moments are so priceless and I love Matt's days off.  :)

Last but not least, and before I'm off to Back To School Night....I'm very happy to report two new pairs of earrings that I had time to photograph and list today:

Gaia Hoops in Hammered Copper

Isis Hoops in Hammered Brass

Phew, that was a lot of great stuff that made my day!  I hope you all had a good one too.

"All that spirits desire, spirits attain." 
~Khalil Gibran