Dec 19 2008
I took these two photos a month or so ago, but I thought they said a lot about Lady Indira’s heritage. Namely that Peafowl are well suited to their environment thanks to their speedy ways (running and flying), and their natural camouflage.
Dec 18 2008
The new online venue for Handmade art (including Jewelry, of course) has been the subject of discussion recently on my favorite forum – Starving Jewelry Artists. And as excited reports of sales from the Artfire marketplace started to trickle in, I thought well – I’ll go check it out. They don’t charge listing fees or selling fees, but instead offer a flat rate of $7/month (for life) to participate as a seller. So I set up an account, and listed some TierraCast, cats eye, and a few pieces of finished jewelry. In the past twelve hours I’ve gotten more views than I do in a week on Etsy, so that is encouraging, although there isn’t a lot of competition yet.
Artfire is still in Beta testing – they don’t have all the features up and running yet, but it looks like they have thought out some really cool ideas. In any case, I’ll let you know what happens. You can click the link to the right to sign up (they have a free option that lets you list up to 10 items) or the $7/monthly.
Dec 12 2008
It is a Hobie in a box! He pulled this box out of the recycling a few weeks ago, and plays in it every day (yes, we do leave it out just for him now).
Dec 12 2008
So on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Eric, Owen and I made a trip to our rural dump (there is no trash collection here). It was a bitterly cold night (the temperature eventually dropped to 18 degrees) and we got there right at dusk. Standing in the middle of the entrance to the dump was what could be described as a dog, if one was feeling generous.
This poor soul was a bag of bones. His muzzle had bites and scars all over it, he was missing the tip of one of his ears, and he was favoring one of his legs, but oh how his tail could wag. And wag and wag and wag – he was so happy to see us. And he was right to be so – we were all in the right place at the right time.
Needless to say – he was part of the caravan heading back home, having already been named “Mouse” by Owen (who got the name from a story he’d just read about a dog). With his first good meal in who knows how long, Mouse settled in for a good night’s sleep, safe and warm in a nest of blankets in Sunny’s old training crate, curled up near the wood stove. He’s been here ever since, and we’re officially “fostering” him for our Animal Welfare League. He’s been to the vets, is putting on weight, and is healing. He is gentle, loving, smart and absolutely endearing. I’ll post more about his progress on our blog, and if you want to see pictures from last Friday – you can click here:
http://lythastudios.com/blog/?p=331
Eric, Owen and I send you our warmest holiday wishes! Peace, love, and a happy New Year, too! — Erin
http://www.123bead.com
Dec 11 2008
Our beautiful TierraCast® earrings are made of FDA certified lead-free pewter, with nickel-free titanium posts, and are made in the United States. These lovely, ornate posts add flair and polish to your earring designs, and most are available in silver, gold and copper finishes.
Our TierraCast® earring posts are currently 15% off – prices good through January 7th, 2009.
We have several projects using TierraCast Earring Posts
Dec 11 2008
A couple of people wrote and asked about my pumpkin cheesecake recipe after the last newsletter, and I’m happy to oblige. I can’t take credit for this recipe – it is from Libby’s (the people who make the cans of pumpkin and pumpkin pie), but I’ve made a few edits, and I hope you enjoy. Two years ago – I made 30 cheesecakes over the holidays – I gave just about everyone I know a cheesecake as a gift that year.
Happy cooking, and Happy Holidays!
Dec 11 2008
I have a new line of Swarovski “Rivolis” – these aren’t (drilled) beads – they’re designed to be glued or set into designs. Specifically – I added them to the website because the TierraCast “Radiant” links were sized just for these 12mm Rivolis. I’ve got a project in process for these and I’ll have it on the web in time for the January newsletter. In addition to the new Swarovski Rivolis, I’ve also added ten colors to the 4mm and 6mm Swarovski bicone collection on the website, plus a few more 8mm faceted Swarovski rounds.
My new beadable bookmark and snowflake frames are lots of fun, and would make great gifts for yourself or others. These plated metal forms are inexpensive, and easy to use. For a more upscale project – check out my new, beadable sterling bangles. These bracelets are cast with tiny rings – just add thick clusters of beaded drops and charms for an absolutely stunning, custom design.
Dec 05 2008
The weekend before Thanksgiving we took some recycling to the local dump, only to encounter a very skinny hound dog that had apparently been hanging around begging for scraps, and generally looking pathetic and lost. Being kind-hearted suckers, we took him home, introduced him to the joys of indoor living, registered him with the local animal shelter, and took him to our vet to get checked out. Owen had named him “Mouse” before we even got home.
As of today, nobody has claimed him, so he will be staying with us. We may foster him while working with a local animal rescue organization to find him a home, or he may just join our family permanently — we’re still not sure honestly.
He is friendly, kind, and best buds with our other dog, Sunny.
Sunny in his "pup pot" with his new friend Mouse (photo taken through a window, so there are some odd reflections in it).
Without further ado, here are more photos (after the jump) of Sunny and Mouse, taken this afternoon on a romp through the neighboring fields and barnyards.