Freshwater Pearl Necklace, Moon Drop Earrings

I've been waiting for a while now for inspiration to strike regarding some pretty freshwater pearls I picked up this past summer. It finally came to me last week at my friend's crafting party. Apparently I needed the spark provided by some fun conversation, something that is usually lacking when I'm working alone at home.

I've paired the pearls with some pink and moss green semi-precious stone beads and silver disc spacers, set on a princess length silver-plated steel chain. I love the way the different materials play off each other. So pretty!




I didn't have to wait for inspiration to strike on these earrings - I love watching the full moon, especially when it has a glowing ring around it. These hoops with crystal drops are the earthbound representation of our sister moon!




And for anyone who follows this blog but not my Facebook page, sweet little Cleo finally gave up the fight two weeks ago. I was so thankful that she was at home in familiar surroundings, and that things went somewhat quickly at the end. Max and I are learning to get by with one less beastie in the house. We're doing ok, but Max is not a happy camper whenever I have to leave for a while - he's never been alone before! As long as he has food, though, he manages.

I'll be posting some more items very soon, including some earrings inspired by Cleo's eyes - they were the prettiest shade of green ;-)

Blessings!

Update - more pieces coming soon; Cleo's health

I've been having a lot of fun playing with polymer clay this week, and made a handful of beads and pendants, some of which I really like. I've tried a little marbling, mokume gane, and cane work. One pendant, made with black,white, grays and silver, looks a bit like a river stone. It will eventually make a wonderful necklace. I still need to work on my technique though. The gloss I added to a few pieces highlighted little bubbles I didn't see before I cured them. Sanding and polishing should help, though.

I've also made a few more bracelets and earrings out of stone, glass and crystal, and a very elaborate arty piece made with copper and silver clay & metals, turquoise beads, and a hand made chain. I haven't been able to photograph them yet, though. I'm waiting for some decent weather - it's either been overcast/rainy, or sunny and veeerrrry windy! If Mother Nature doesn't cooperate tomorrow I'm just going to rig something up inside so that I can get these posted.

So, that's the good news. The not-so-good news is that Cleo (of Max Loves Cleo fame, snork) has not been feeling great. She's had some health issues over the last year+ which has caused her to go from 12 to 9 pounds. Then 8. Then 7. Over the last two or three weeks she has turned into a skeleton with fur. Her doctor (that'd be Dr. Cat, naturally) said she's dropped another pound and a half since August. The poor wee beastie! Dr. Cat was encouraged, however, to hear that Cleo is still very interested in food (she begs for it every time I walk anywhere near the kitchen), and thinks that it may be reversible. I'll hear more in the morning when they get some of the lab test results. Love from more than just Max right now would be very welcome!

So, that's all for today. I'm going to grab a bite and then work on some more pieces that are swirling in my brain.

Blessings!