ArtBLISS is thrilled to host workshops with the renowned Richard Salley for the third time.  Please join us for  a day, or for all three days of classes.  If learning new techniques or meeting with friends are on your list of New Year’s goals, you won’t want to miss this upcoming retreat.  New classes will be offered:

Bits and Pieces

Southwest Rings

Balance Beam Bracelet

Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Saw! – an evening class with Martina Buesing Stein

Registration opens on January, 15th!

Visit the ArtBLISS site for more information.

 

– Cindy

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Looking In

by Cindy on January 11, 2012


Hello!

How did it get to be mid-week already?  I planned to write this post on Monday and look how time flies!   Once Monday hits, the hours and days fly by between all of the driving, food shopping, cooking meals and afterschool activities – and everything in between. 🙂  I’m sure you don’t want to see pictures of me doing my drop off/pick up routine, so I’ll share a few from the past weekend.

The older kids went skiing with their Grandparents which meant we could take a little day trip.  We went to Fredericksburg again since it’s less than 2 hours away….. taking a stroll in this historic old town is so nice, especially with the warm weather we had.  Looking back on the last time I posted about Fredericksburg, I see I was focused on looking up.  This time around we were looking in.

 Someone being patient and silly, entertaining himself in the mirror while his Mom was looking at old jewelry in the glass cases.

 Oh these two were so cute to watch from the window.  They hopped in and out of their dog bed, placed right in the sun and in view of passers by.

 Elvis looking out.  I had a feeling I was being watched.

 Many of the shop windows still had their beautiful holiday displays up.

Now for a few of my special finds!  Inside the R&R Antique Mall, I met a super nice lady who was excited to unload her vintage finds from the weekend.  She had bunches of enameled pins and compact cases that she was getting ready to put out in her booth.  I had seen her booth many times over the last couple of years – a huge selection of vintage clothing, boots, hats and jewelry.  Holly and I got to talking and it turns out she has 3 boys and a crazy love of antiquing and treasure hunting.

I made one of my favorite purchases from Holly.  I pulled out a beautiful  pair of earrings from her big glass case, only to turn them over to see that they were signed:  Haskell.  Oh what a find!  A pair of Miriam Haskell earrings.   I know some of you can relate to the excitement of finding such collectible vintage jewelry.  Haskell’s timeless jewelry is known for its exquisite design, high-quality components and detail (such as hand-wiring each bead to a brass stamping).    I’ve got this book on Miriam Haskell jewelry in my virtual shopping cart.   I bought the vintage, velvet glove box from Holly as well.

Another find in the same antique mall – a sweet old jewelry holder.  The lady behind the counter seemed surprised that I wanted this stand, strewn with jewelry bits, because of her damaged arms.  I hardly noticed that.  I love Dresden-lace style figurines, and put her to use right away with the the rhinestone jewelry finds from our day.

I’ll leave you with a bunch of roses – they smell great.  I hope you have a wonderful week & as always, thank you for stopping by!

 

– Cindy

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Hello 2012!

by Cindy on January 4, 2012

Happy New Year, everyone!

We slipped away to the beach over the holiday weekend.  There’s something wonderful about a beach town when the crowds are gone … and retracing our steps from the summer time.  As many of you can attest, the weather was gorgeous and almost warm this past weekend.  Perfect for walking along the water with shovels and a metal detector.  We drew in the sand, collected shells, and watched many happy dogs that got to take to the beach now that it’s off-season.

I’m looking forward to a new year and an new adventures around the corner.   There’s nothing like a fresh start!  Oh, and I found something I wanted to share, from the pages of my Whole Living magazine….. do any of these thoughts resonate with you?  #10 is really calling to me! 🙂

Thank you for stopping by – I always appreciate your visit!

– Cindy

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