I Heart Macro

It was almost 65 degrees in Northern Virginia today...way too warm for me for December.  It felt like springtime, but my landscape says otherwise.  These leaves appear to be holding on for dear life.... 

But I do love the bits of moss peaking through the piles and piles of leaves that have accumulated in my wooded back yard....

I must brace myself, as the temperatures on Tuesday will have single-digit wind chills.  Personally, this Chicago-born girl can't wait for some cold weather!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!

Playing with Sterling Silver and Beads

My absolute two favorite materials to work with are sterling silver and lamp work beads.  I was playing with the sterling silver wire I have on hand and came up with these:

My favorite style of earrings has always been hoops.  I first made a paddle shape out of heavy gauge wire, then added a sterling jump ring, which I then soldered.  The plain hoops, though pretty on their own, needed something, so I added these gorgeous lamp work beads.  I do not know where I got them, which is unusual for me.  They were not labeled in my stash.

These were fun to make, but took close to 2 hours  - most of the time was spent going through beads to find just the right ones!  I love them!

Thanks for stopping by!