Loading up the shop . . .

It's an experiment.  I am sending out six gift certificates over six consecutive weekends in giveaway bags.  These bags are going out as prizes at a local racetrack and as a 'thank you' to fans and supporters and will, of course, contain more than just my gift certificates.  In fact, people will be encouraged to pass along what they don't intend to use and I'm hoping these certificates will eventually get into the right hands.  So today was spent taking new pictures and listing listing after listing on etsy.  Fingers crossed.  We'll see what happens next. 

Thistles . . .

Even those things considered 'noxious weeds' hold beauty and if you squint your eyes and soften your focus, you can see the deep pink heart in the center of the blossom.

I carefully mowed around these few thistles as an old friend in Rye, Colorado, had a special request from a young bride who wanted to carry thistles in her bridal bouquet to honor the Scottish background of her groom.  She eventually opted for Sea Holly with the same 'thistle-like' bloom but it was fun to let these mature and I have been surprised at their beauty.  Usually they're chopped before they get to this stage but this was sweet to watch unfold every day.

I regret having to mow them since I was so careful not to for several weeks but . . . I think this can go on my 'permanent record' if I don't.

Bye.bye little birdhouse . . .

Yay for me, I hardly get a chance to post things on my blog before the sell anymore.  I should be so lucky all of the time!

Anyhoo, this is a little copper birdhouse I enameled with several siftings of vitreous enamel in white as the base and raspberry pink for the top layer.  On the final firing I randomly placed a few copper dots for a bit of interest and forged a bail to pin on top so the little birdhouse swings.

Pretty cute.  May have to do a series in sweet Springy colors?

Triumph of Lichen . . .

Yes, a Triumph of Lichen.  No matter how severe the winter, lichen survives.  This Ocean Jasper reminds me of the lichen that clings to every tree, rock and occasionally, the farm truck and tractor.

I plucked this little slab-ette of Ocean Jasper from my overflowing kit of bits and pieces and polished it into this sweet cab yesterday.  Destined to become the first of my Prairie Collection - quite possibly a pendant but I haven't decided yet.  Still, my lovely little Triumph of Lichen, you inspire me.