My New Creative Space.....

I absolutely loved working with metal clay during my jewelry class at the John C. Campbell Folk School. My Husband encouraged me to continue working with metal clay after the class; he even bought me a kiln in my favorite color purple as a surprise...    

What he didn't realize was that I needed many additional tools to be successful at this new craft. Dryers, tumblers, polishers, textures, expensive metal clays, metal tools, etc, etc, etc... The tools for clay and supplies for other crafts began to take over every flat surface in the house.  When he had to move my tumbler, dehydrator, and handmade card stock so he could make dinner, I think he was sorry he encouraged me to start down this new jewelry making path...LOL.

So, today construction of  my new Metal Clay Studio is complete and ready for action; we've enclosed one of the porches on our house with weather tight panels and screens. Take a peek...you can't get much better natural light than this!

The entrance to the studio...

The kiln, tumbling, and drying area...

The design and production area...

The View...

The view of the stream...

Stay tuned for updates on my spring collection of  metal clay jewelry...I'll be working in both copper and bronze.  LOVE the new creative space!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Love this Place...

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to attend a week long class at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown NC. It was a wonderful experience and well worth the investment!

Mrs. Olive Dame Campbell donated her homestead and created the beautiful campus. The school was founded to nurture and preserve the folk arts of the Appalachian Mountains, it is a nonprofit adult educational organization based on non-competitive learning. Founded in 1925, the Folk School's motto is “I sing behind the plow”. The Folk School has week-long and weekend classes year-round in traditional and contemporary arts, including but not limited to jewelry, fiber, blacksmithing, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography, storytelling and writing. 

The landscape is inspiring...

The studios are well appointed...

Classes are fun and varied...

The classes are beginners to advanced levels...

I took a class in precious metal clay jewelry; the instructor was Pam East – she is a precious metal clay artist who shares her knowledge with beginners like me. She is funny and interesting and a great teacher.   Here is a sample of my work:

Looking forward to my next class this summer!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Dreaming of a Winter Retreat....

The cooking is done, the presents have all been unwrapped, the new toys have been tested, and the fire has gone out.... Grandma needs a break...I'm dreaming of a snowy winter escape....

Maybe a cabin covered with snow...

With a cozy rustic interior and a big  fireplace.... 

and a funny snowman to greet us at the door...

With two big cushy chairs to read by the fire.

 Or maybe a cozy little place just for two...

With a warm little interior for snuggling...

and a sweet barn for daydreaming in the hay!

Cheers!

Lori

Wise Words

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 07/12/2017

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 313

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

Today I had a chat with our neighbor Brian; I gave him a tip about a couple looking for an investment property. Brian is a realtor here in Blue Ridge, GA.

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?

I'm most like a lake. I'm an easy going individual, relaxed with a sense of calm and serenity.  Lakes are serene, consistent, and tranquil. 

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?

I have been to Rehoboth Beach, but I was very young and have little memory of Delaware, but I do remember the beach and playing in the surf with my cousins. Georgia is the "Peach" state; I would rename it the "Peanut" state.  Peaches are no longer the largest crop in GA and they are hard to find this year. Peanuts are plentiful and GA is the number one exporter of peanuts in the nation. You can't drive more than a few miles in our state without seeing a boiled peanut stand on the side of the road...we love our peanuts!

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?

My go-to is a desert: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, it's a crowd pleaser.  We recently took them to Trivia night, they were a big hit.

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?

Hire a nanny?  I have not been a mother/parent, so I don't have any tips for new parents. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's been awhile since I've joined a hodgepodge. I had a serious accident on my bicycle 6 months ago and shattered my shoulder and upper right arm. I had reconstructive surgery and have been concentrating on physical therapy.  The doctor predicted a year before I'd be back to normal. I thought that was crazy, but  now I know the surgeon wasn't kidding. I'm just starting to use my hand and arm 6 moths later....Thanks for all your prayers, good juju, and thoughts for healing. 

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

New Design

Most of you know that I make and sell jewelry at outdoor and barn art festivals. Since my bicycle accident in Jan. I haven't been able to use the small hand tools needed to complete my designs (I still can't grip well with my right hand yet). So, I experimented with wrapping and coiling copper wire around a cuff until I got use to the feel and flexibility of the wire.

After several trial runs, I began weaving and wrapping the coral beads, copper beads, gemstones, and crystals from my stash around the cuff. I really like how it turned out, what do you think?

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

What you doing in there?

Why does my cat Buddy have a special fascination with the bathroom while I'm using it?

If I don't let him in with me, he meows mournfully on the other side of the door. If that approach doesn't work, he will put his paws under the door and wave desperately. Does he think I'm going to be swallowed by the toilet? Is he guarding me in moments of vulnerability? Or maybe he just enjoys watching the water swirl around the bowl...it's a mystery!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

A Best Seller in My Etsy Shop....

My Etsy shop has been a little sparse since my accident in January. My shoulder injury and reconstructive surgery has limited the range of motion in my right arm and hand. Restocking my shop and participating in spring Art Festivals has been put on hold for this season.  

I was also unable to participate in the Bead Soup Blog Party which will have it's reveal soon...it's the 9th year for this fun event. If you'd like to see the jewelry designs, the reveal is on March 25th at...

http://www.prettythingsblog.com/2017/03/welcome-to-bead-soup-blog-party-bead.html

I have had a few Etsy sales, and I'm thankful for that. Below is a photo of one of my best sellers.  I look forward to getting back to work as soon as possible!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 03/01/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. 'Slow and steady wins the race'...tell us about a time this was true in your own life. 

I waited for the right one to come along...it was a slow and steady journey to find the man of my dreams....my true forever love. I had to kiss many, many,  frogs along the way before I found my prince, I was 45 when it finally happened!  My advice to anyone looking for Mr or Mrs right: don't settle for mediocre... wait for your hearts desire.  

2. 'As slow as molasses'...Do you like molasses? How about maple syrup? Caramel? Butterscotch? What's your favorite of the slow moving treats mentioned here, and what's your favorite food made with that sweet treat? 

Straight molasses - no, but I do like it added to other ingredients to add a little flavor. As a teenager I worked at the Dairy Queen and loved a gooey hot fudge and caramel sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top...yummy! I shouldn't, but I still stop by DQ for a sweet treat regularly.     

3. Your favorite slow song? 

The Look of Love preformed by Diana Krall...it's so beautifully arranged.

4. Your favorite thing to make in a slow cooker or crock pot? 

Beef stew in the crock pot, served with mashed potatoes covered with the gravy from the stew.

5. 'You may delay, but time will not.' ~Benjamin Franklin Are you more a hurrier or a delayer when it comes to unpleasant tasks that need doing? What are you currently either delaying or hurrying to get through this week or month?

I will wait until the last minute, but still allow enough time to get the job done. I've been putting off unpacking the last of the moving boxes from our move in May. It's just not a top priority, but the boxes do make me crazy.

6. Tell us three things you encounter regularly or even just occasionally that you find to be annoyingly slow.

I live in a rural community, folks here in the mountains work two and three jobs to make ends meet.  Getting help with things like house maintenance has been a slow and tedious process. Everyone wants the job, but no one has time to actually do the work.  Example: we need a rock retaining wall built, several bids came in for the work in August; we accepted one, and then another, and we still don't have the wall built..not even started yet...don't know if it will ever get done at this rate....everything seems to move at a snails pace in the mountains.

7. March is National Craft Month. Are you crafty? Tell us about something crafty you'll try in the next thirty one days. Or something crafty you'd like to try or wish you had the skill to make happen. 

I'm very crafty but all projects are on hold.  I had a serious accident on my bicycle 5 weeks ago and shattered my shoulder and upper right arm. I had reconstructive surgery and have a long road of physical therapy ahead before I can use my right arm at all.  They predict a year before I'll be back to normal.  I can read and blog with one hand, so that's what I'm doing now.  My jewelry making business is on hold for the time being. Bummer!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I just want to thank my husband for all his nursing efforts and support; also I want to thank everyone praying for pain relief and healing for me. I am finally out of bed and vertical this week. I do have strong pain meds, but they make me ill and dizzy. Please pray for continued pain relief so I can get off the meds.

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, Ga

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/25/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently? 

Most recently it was the sea that 'cured' me. Two weeks ago I spent a weekend in New Smyrna Beach, FL with my college BFFs.  It was a sad occasion that called me back to Florida; the daughter of one of my dear friends had passed away from a very aggressive cancer. She had just turned 25 and had her whole life ahead of her.  After the memorial service we spent two days on the beach. We shed many tears, but we let the tide carry our sorrow out to sea; I believe in the healing power of the sea!  

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all? 

I don't use very much salt on my food, but I can't eat popcorn without it and I need butter on it too.

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? 

Built on Sand - my schedule was a moving target today. I had to make many changes to my personal and business calendars.  I'm very organized, but multiple changes on the same day, for one event, drives me crazy.

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme? 

The book and movie "Eat, Pray, Love" set on the island of Bali. Stunning location and fabulous story.

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so? 

I ran the day...slept late, stayed in my jammies, worked on my Meetup group communications, planned an upcoming "Glamping" trip for a large group, had dinner in town, and snuggled with my sweetie...I made all the choices! 

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran? 

In the morning you will find me parked in a beach chair (under a umbrella) reading a good book, in the afternoon you'll find me snorkeling off the back of a catamaran, and in the evening you'll find me wining and dinning at a restaurant with a good view of the setting sun.  The photo below is a favorite Beach Club from a recent trip to Tortola Island (yep, I parked it in one of those beach chairs reading my book). 

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?

We have the freedom to choose what we’ll do today, even if we have some limitations. Sometimes we take it for granted, but what we do on a daily basis truly is our choice.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

WooHoo...I'm Mobile Again...

Check out my new mod of transportation...

This weekend my sweetie and I went to the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Super Show in Chattanooga TN.  We were there doing some window shopping for a small pull behind travel trailer for camping adventures this spring. We didn't purchase a camper, but we each purchased a new bike. Mine is an electric bike! 

For several years I have been struggling with arthritis; this makes riding my standard bike a challenge. When riding up a hill on my old bike, the pressure on my hips was very painful.  I also have a hard time getting on and off the old bike safely due to the crossbar being too high.

My new bike is the Pedego "Boomerang" model, it has a very low 9" step through frame for easy access and a deluxe saddle with a suspension seat post for extra cushioning for my aching bones. It also has wide, swept back handlebars that allow me to sit up straight (my most pain-free position) and premium balloon tires ensuring a nice, smooth ride.

And the best feature is the power assist that helps me out if I get tired (it has 5 levels of assistance) or can't pedal up the hills on my own. The battery is powerful enough to get me moving up to 20 miles an hour and it will last for 30 to 40 miles on one charge.  

The catch-22 with arthritis is that you need exercise to increases strength and flexibility, reduce joint pain and combat fatigue. But when stiff and painful joints are already bogging you down, the thought of walking around the block or riding your bike for 30 minutes can be overwhelming. My new bike will help ease the pain and provide some exercise.

The Pedego company tag line is "hello fun" .... I agree, my new bike is so much fun to ride!  I can't wait to take it on a road trip. 

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 01/18/2017

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting by the fireplace and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. ASAP typically stands for 'as soon as possible'. What else could it stand for in your life right now? 

Right now it stands for... "as secretive as possible"... I've taken a part time job as a secret shopper.  I  audit customer service and product knowledge at retail stores in my area.  I go in as a 'secret' shopper and observe how the store associates respond to my scripted questions and handle out-of-stock situations.  I also audit the overall appearance of the stores, the cash register experience and the cleanliness of the restrooms. I've become very talented at blending in with the crowd.

2. Are you the last person to speak up in a group or the first to have an idea? Why do you suppose that is? Is it a good thing or no?

When I was in the corporate world I was the first to speak-up as the leader of a project team. This was a learned skill; I'm typically a shy, quiet person outside of the workplace. 

3. What do you remember best about being 12? 

Summer camp at Camp Goodfellow in northern Indiana. I loved going to sleep-away camp for two weeks each summer.  When I was 12 I had been going to camp for five years, so I knew the routine and was no longer homesick, anxious, or uncomfortable with new experiences. I just had a good time swimming, and doing crafts, and honing my archery skills. Life was good.... 

4. January 18th is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? If you're stumped go here for inspiration. 

Some days I feel like Eeyore, but the quiz said I'm really more like Kanga...caring and supportive, more adventurous than people might at first realize, and up for anything that's reasonably safe and somewhat sane. Yep, sounds like me....Kanga.

5. What's an app you use that helps simplify or make life easier for you in some way? 

I use "My Fitness Pal" to help count carbs and calories; it makes it easy to figure out what amount of insulin is needed to control my sugar levels.  I just type in the food/drink I'm eating and it does the calculation for me. I don't need to add it all up in my head. I just enter the number into my insulin pump and I'm good to go!

6. San Francisco (CA), San Diego (CA), San Juan (PR) San Antonio (TX) Sanibel (FL)...you have an all expenses paid long weekend to one of these destinations. Which one do you choose and why?

I've visited all of the cities listed and I'm having a hard time picking one...hmmm...I guess I'll go with San Diego and stay at the Del Coronado; it's an amazing hotel right on the beach. I'd like to stretch out on a lounge chair under an umbrella, with a frosty drink, and a good book. I just started reading "Katherine" by Anya Seton.

7. Share with us a song that makes you feel nostalgic? For what? 

In 1970 the group Chicago released the song "Color My World". That summer the camp counselors at Camp Goodfellow would blast this song (and others) over the PA system after dinner and before lights out each night. I remember sitting with my cabin mates cross legged in the grass under the flickering outdoor light; we would sing and sway back and forth to "Color My World". Whenever I hear that song today it takes back to those wonderful summer nights in 1970.

   

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Did you see the football game between the Packers and the Cowboys? WOW, what an exciting last 2 minutes! I live near Atlanta, but I've been a devoted Packer fan for several years....GO PACKERS!

Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA