Autumnal

Is there anyone who doesn't love fall? If there is, I just don't understand. All that cool, fresh air after the heat of the summer? And the rain! The rain here in the PNW is maybe my favorite thing in the whole world (followed very closely by Roots' cabin socks). Especially this year after our terribly hot, dry summer (and yes, that's right my Kansan friends, I now consider 80 degrees farenheit oppresively hot). I am *so* relieved that autumn is here again.  

I guess it also helps that the end of summer brings the return of my beloved Lucy from her annual summer trip to Kansas. 

I sure did miss that smile!  

But it was a good and fairly productive summer. The best part of it was that Alice actually enjoyed spending time with me in my new, big studio space (I *still* haven't snapped any shots of it - I'm just going to have to do that, mess and all), so I was able to bring her to the studio and get a lot more work done this summer than I have in summers past.  

By far my favorite project of the season was tackling these big-ass (come on, at 6mm wide and 2mm thick they are big-ass, there's no other way to put it) 14k yellow gold bands for Beaumont Studio-mates and candle-makers extraordinaire, Nick & Farouk at Vancouver Candle Company. These beauties are now also available as a made-to-order item in the shop: 

In other news, I will once again be participating in the Etsy Made in Canada Market - in just two short weeks! Come by and see me in booth 14 (across from the Etsy Booth) in Robson Square, Saturday Sept. 26th. If last year was any indication, it should be a lot of fun!! Until then, I'll be a busy, busy bee building pieces for the show and filling orders! And oh, I'll probably fit in a little puddle jumping. 

Whew!

Happy new year and all that. No resolutions or "one word" or big this-is-how-it's-going-to-be post from me this year. I'm just digging right in!

I have to say, I'm more than a little relieved the kids are back in school. We had a really nice winter break but by the end I was getting a little... testy. And so ready to get back in the studio! I really only got one day of work in during the break. It was so nice to finally be back to the regular routine today.

I finished up some custom work and made to order pieces today but I have so much else on the go and ready to start. I can't wait to share it all with you! Hopefully I'll have at least a few new pieces for you next week. And some with *faceted* gemstones! (Gasp!)

In other news, after a short burn-out break, Aidan has hit the sewing machine hard once again. Here she is making the most of her last day of break:

And this is what she made, all with no help from me this time! She also made two other pillows (one for her sister and one for her Mama Stephanie who wasn't feeling well) and a blanket with a pocket for her stuffed animal (which she also made). She's a machine, I tell you!



She really, really wants to open an etsy shop.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (A Neighborly Day in This Beautywood)

I'm writing this blog post from my front porch swing, sipping coffee while snuggled up in a down comforter (it's not cold out, but I'm so cozy!). The little one is napping and aside from the neighbor mowing his lawn, all is peaceful and quiet.

I have to admit, I'm especially enjoying the peace considering we played host to 2 extra kiddos for much of the past week.

Our dear friend Aimee and her family are moving to New York (Noooooo!! Say it ain't so!!!) and her two lively and adorable artsy girls stayed with us while Aimee flew off to New York to do a little house-shopping.

Needless to say, "peaceful and quiet" weren't words we used much over those 6 days. But we sure had fun!

Just hanging around:



Being goofy:

Swinging with Mama (that's what bliss looks like right there!):



Showing off her gerbil bite (yes, Aidan got some new pets last week, and they were a little overwhelmed by the sudden increase in activity!):

Aside from that one minor injury, we all survived unscathed and I think the artsyville girls even enjoyed themselves, despite missing their parents terribly.

Imagine how we'll feel when they're no longer living a few blocks away... :(

Guess we'll have to make the most of it while we can.

And I see a few trips to the Big Apple in our future!

I did manage to make a few things over the last couple of days. Listed them in the shop this morning!

A new series of teeny tiny necklaces:

In leaf (SOLD, but I'll have a made-to-order version listed soon)

heart



and paisley

Look great layered:

That's all for now! I bought a new lens yesterday and I'm excited to get out and use it (I've played around with it a little already, I can tell I'm completely in LOVE), so I'll be back soon with more photos! 

Have a deliciously autumn-y weekend!!  

My girls (minus one)

It hasn't been an especially productive week in the studio...

I had a paper to write and the wee one is sick. 

I did finish and send off some made to order pieces early in the week, but overall I'd call it a wash. 

In the studio at least.

I've had plenty of productive (read: fun) time with my girls:

 

and my trusty companion:

Next time I'll make sure I get some pictures of Foxy!