Connie Akers aka Mom

I have been helping my mom get her etsy shop back up and running today. Lots of photographing pieces that she had at the Cherrywood show and listing them on etsy. She is also pretty new to flickr and I have been adding her images there. Show her some love by checking out her etsy shop and flickr!

Self Portraits from College

I found an old sketchbook from a college drawing class, circa '94 or '95. These four self portraits were in it, an assignment that I did. I used to love to draw. I rarely draw or paint anymore, I'm not sure why. I do occasionally draw out ideas for jewelry designs, but that is about it. Perhaps I just have too many other things that I want to create? Perhaps I should start drawing and painting again?

I'm not saying these are masterpieces, by any means, but it is neat to see them again.

There is lots more where this came from, and evidence of my one time passion for water color painting. I will share those soon.

Ring a Day inspiration!

Karlie's sweet little fingers inspired me to try to rejoin the Ring a day project. I just couldn't resist. Look how sweet they are! I'm hoping that I can get some momentum going again and keep at it this time. Wish me luck.

Happy day

The sun was out all day today. That alone would make for a great day this time of year. There were other things to brighten my day too though. I used the gray creamer that mom gave me for Christmas for the first time and filled it with yellow spray roses. Yellow and gray is my current favorite color combo, and how can those sunny spray roses not make you smile?!

I cleaned house most of the day today, and though that part wasn't a thrill the finished product definitely makes me happy. I did stop and have a Chai break. I have been wanting to make this chai concentrate ever since I saw it over at Angry Chicken. It was really yummy, but a little gritty in the bottom from all the spices. Don't know if there is a way around that. And yes, I did have a piece of that Rustic Chocolate pie with my Chai. And yes, if you were wondering like my mom was, that pie is as good as it looks!

On top of a clean house, the sunshine allowed me to get outside today, which has been very rare lately. I picked up pecans, a still unfinished task, that has needed doing for a long while. I trimmed back dormant plants in the front garden and picked up around the yard. Spring cleaning never felt so good. In case you are wondering why the sudden cleaning spurt, my sister in law and niece are coming to our house for the first time tomorrow! I can't wait.

Ring for charity

I have donated this ring to be auctioned off for charity on ebay. All proceeds go to Global Giving relief fund for the Haiti earthquake. Please bid on my ring! There are 50 rings that are going up for auction. The fabulous Thomasin Durgin of Metal Riot has organized this wonderful ring auction.

Up and running

The camera batteries are charged now. Where would I be without my camera?!
This ring has been under construction for a while now. I thought I was about done, and then broke the pearl when I was pushing the tabs over. Now I have to make something to go in the setting. I haven't decided what, it might be wood, or polymer clay.
This is the cardigan that I mentioned earlier. I got the yarn on sale at my local yarn shop at the end of the year. It is buttery a soft blend of wool and cotton, and bonus it is organic! I'm more than half way done and liking this pattern. I had to rip out a few rows last night to fix something, which is never fun.
I got a bee in my bonnet this afternoon to bake something. I had to have a treat to go with my afternoon capucino, right?! Of course my pilates classes would probably work better if I hadn't indulged myself, but I just couldn't help it.
This is the Rustic Chocolate Pie from the current issue of BHG. It is easy and delicious. This will definitely be going in my recipe box!

Slowly, slowly

I started off this year so inspired and creative. I did the Ring a day challenge for only 12 days before being away from home for most of the last three weeks. I have only had time to complete and ship my etsy orders when I am home, and now I'm feeling like I'm getting nothing done. I'm in a rut.

My niece, Karlie Rose, is visiting, so hanging with her has been the highlight of my week. Frank wrote his first two college papers. Things are happening around here, but not in the jewelry department! I was going to take a picture of a cardigan that I have been crocheting, slowly but my camera batteries are in the charger.

Oh, I did start a mat Pilates class and I love it! I have been four times and sort of enjoy getting tortured for an hour. In fact I wish it was three days a week instead of two!