Back in the Swing of Things...

Although much of my trip last week was of the not cheery nature (more on that at another time probably), I did have one evening with my mother at a succulent bowl class at a local greenhouse.


I love the variety of colors and textures in the plants...so many ideas for beads here...


Unlike in Canada where succulents either live inside for much of the year or they succumb to the elements, here in San Diego they flourish on my patio all year...which meant that I was sorely disappointed that the bowl I created chock full of beautiful plants stayed with my mom! (pretty sure that I would have had a bit of an issue at customs if I would have tried to transport it across the border!)


The Firesticks remind me of a field of coral...


They had beautiful "living walls" with succulents in frames that hang on the wall...this was one of my favorites...


I am extra fond of birdie photos and although the hubster had a day where he spotted three Woodpeckers and a BlueJay, I only spotted this little Robin.

However, I spent a good chunk of time on separate days following a flock of Canadian Geese down the riverbank...

They were remarkably cooperative!


In beady news... I was pleased to discover I've been featured in an Etsy treasury...

Dawn of Northern Adornments Jewelry Designs created this beautiful necklace with a Viking Knit chain in matte mint and silver and one of my Lagoon Batik pendants. Go check her work out!


I've added some of my new pendants to the website already in the Architectural section and the remainder will be updated today. Don't forget to swing by the Art Bead Scene Blog and sign up for their newsletter- I'm a featured sponsor for the challenge prizes this month. There's even a special discount code this month for ABS readers! A few bracelet bars are left although they go fast! I'm loving these new designs, the only problem is that I need to come up with names better than "Architectural 1", "Architectural 2" and so on... Suggestions are welcomed!

Much to get done now that I've been home for a week and still so very much to catch up on so I should probably stop procrastinating with this lengthy post and get to work. Thank you so much to those who sent me such kind emails/comments last week...it never ceases to amaze me how I've "met" such wonderful people via blogging. I truly appreciate you all :)