One-of-a-Kind, Custom Birthday Bracelet

Here is a photo of the One-of-a-Kind, Custom Birthday Bracelet that I recently made. My customer thought it perfectly captured her friend's style, and she can't wait to give it to her as a 40th Birthday Present! Clockwise: Large White River Shell, Tibetan Monk Wooden Prayer Beads, Light Blue Grade A Cat's Eye Beads, River Wood Beads, Semi-Precious Stones of Brown Agate, Blue-Green Amazonite, and Cream Jade.

September is Hunger Action Month and The Matthew Rheintgen Fund

Through a fundraising effort, I just received a letter in the mail from the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and have learned that September is Hunger Action Month-a national call to action to raise awareness of domestic hunger. If you would like to learn more about this issue, visit their website at www.northernilfoodbank.org/

Also, as I was reading our local newspaper I was very moved by a local father's efforts to raise money for his son's memorial The Matthew Rheintgen Fund. If you would like to learn more about this nonprofit, visit their website and facebook page.

Happy Friday to all.

Back into the Studio I Go

I'm finally getting back into my studio today to make some jewelry. Taking a moment to settle in, sipping a decaf, and enjoying the new view from my newly rearranged space; I can just see the soothing green leaves dipping down from their long branches, bent towards the ground. This new backdrop gives just enough light, and more privacy than I had before. Lovely Fall.

Fall Arrives

Fall has suddenly arrived. It is a breezy, cool 68 degrees, and the sun is shining. Suddenly, jeans have replaced shorts, and sweatshirts have replaced short sleeves. When I step outside the door and look up towards the trees, I can see the start of Autumn; bundles of green leaves, slowly turning into rich shades of orange and yellow, then gently dropping to the grass below. Nature knows what She's doing, and She does it at the right pace. No forcing, no "to-do-list." Just her natural rhythm, the constant ebb and flow of change. I love the four seasons, and the lessons nature provides as she quietly changes and grows before our eyes. Wishing everyone a happy weekend.