So excited about the show!!

We are going to have So. Much. Fun!!

Hope you can join us!!

Have a FUNtastic weekend!
Kris

Have a terrific sunny day! Kris

Funny thing about time, it just keeps ticking… Moving forward!

I am making chains like a mad woman today!!

I am never going to get all my photos taken so I will probably have to give up on it and take photos of my favorites.

Here are three of my fav’s

My backgrounds are treasures from my Grandparents estate.

Okay, back to making chains! Have a lovely day!! Kris

A few quick photos today… The necklace above one of my fav’s… Funky vintage hinge pictured on a box from my Grandparent’s estate.

The same necklace pictured on a cool little book I bought at the sale… Notice the Tiffany’s Ad… The book is from 1911.
Here is another shot of the ad.

And I an not sure what this was, but it is going to be a part of my new jewelry display… I remember seeing it in my Grandparents attic. I quickly laid some necklaces on it.

I am going to have to be a little more deliberate with their placement.

Hope you are having a magical day! Kris

I am feeling pressure (self induced) to try to accomplish everything I want/need to accomplish prior to the weekend. It is finally here! The Okde Depot JUNKtion! I am incredibly excited, especially about my display! For Mother’s Day, Tom and the kids built me a frame for a burlap background. I can’t wait to show you pics!

Saturday we had a blast at the Cystic Fibrosis walk. Two families in our circle of friends have children that are affected and they are the most amazing people! Thankful to have been
A part if it. I have some cute pics but they are stuck on my camera and I need to charge it to get to them.

Later in the day, the boys were four-wheeling down by the river.

Oh. My. Word.

This was earlier, before his buddy got stuck in the mud! Wish I had thought to take pics later!

Keegan gave me a ride down to see the muddy mess his friend was in!

And his friend had to be towed out. Good lessons!

Yesterday was bittersweet. It was the auction of my Grandparents Estate. It is sad to see so many years of amazing collectible items sold at an action. Items their loving hands touched over the years. There was more emotion behind the scenes, but I won’t go into that here.

The sweet part was that I did “win” some pretty fantastic items.

The moment I saw it, I knew that this was the item that I wanted. It is very primitive, kind of rough, but totally me. I am pretty confident it was at my Grandparent’s hardware store they used to own.

It took forever to get to it. I was filled with nervousness and anticipation! Can I tell you that I was in shock that apparently someone else wanted it as much as I did… A bidding war ensued, and I was the victor!! I payed way more than I wanted to, had some regretful thoughts about spending so much, but I am incredibly thankful I got it. This morning I woke with a happy feeling that it will stay in the family!

My jewelry trays fit perfectly!

I know my Grandpa would have wanted me to have it.

I bought some cool architectural wood elements too, super excited about taking photos with some of my family treasures.

Love! Love! Love this white architectural piece.

It’s kind of dark & gloomy out this morning so the light wasn’t perfect for photos, but I had to show you!

I hope you have an amazing day!!
Kris

I had a fun girls day with my friends on Thursday. We went to many garage sales. (Missed you G!) We had a fantastic dinner outside on the patio at a local restaurant.

I found some incredible vintage treasures… And found a treasure trove of volleyball clothing, brand new with tags on! Truly a lucky day!!

Yesterday I had a fun visit with Melissa and her Mom, stopped at a few antique stores.

I had a joyful visit with my sister at her store, Bloom Coffee & Floral. I took a few pics of her latest work to show you.

Meet Noble (actually NOBULL) lol. She is incredibly talented!

Here he is settled in his current home.

And here is my sister’s spring vignette.

I found the coolest rusty old drawers that I hoped would work for a display for all of my new cuffs…
I am so excited, they work perfectly!

And look who’s helping me take photos …
Mr Putter!

We celebrated the final track meet of the season last night… Brr. It was ccccold!

I am creating with a vengeance for my upcoming show. Hope you are having a terrific weekend! Kris

Sometimes I feel a little guilty because I am having so much fun creating… It is incredible to do what you love! I am so thankful and grateful!

I refilled the muffin tin and started over with my inspirational self challenge.

One of these days I am really going to have to focus on taking some photos. My pile is growing!
Have a FUNtastic day!! I hope you can do what YOU love!
Kris

Special Mother’s Day wishes to my Mom! So thankful to have her with us to CeLEbRaTe!!

For all of you selfless Moms, I hope someone pampered you!!

My kids (and sweet husband) did a fantastic job of pampering me Saturday. It was so much fun! And we had a fun family day Sunday!

I have been creating with a vengeance since that time. Having a blast…

Here are a couple of my newest…

Okay, time to get back to work!
Have a great day! Kris

It is hard to believe that another week has passed in a blink of an eye. Just a few more weeks until school is out for the summer.

I am so excited about being home with my kids this summer. I know it promises to be busy, but it will be fun too.

Today in Minnesota is a sunshiny Saturday. We have very few obligations today which is unusual. I have a lot of jewelry to make, but it promises to be a joyful day.

I hope you are enjoying your sunshiny Saturday!

I have been coveting this vintage button for quite a few months… The brilliance of the sparkle is unmatched.

It is tricky to capture the brilliance in a photo…

Wish u were here to see it! Hope you are having a FUNtastic Friday!

I love the contrast of the dark vintage luggage tag with the grungy silver cuff. Wire in some funky bling and the result is a fun adjustable cuff that can be worn with a multitude of finishes.

Have a happy day! Kris

Of course, I had to take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to create.

I made two cuffs and two necklaces in the four hours while watching events.

It wasn’t all sunshine and happiness. Sawyer had a tough time in one of his events. I snapped a photo of him and you can see the defeat on his face. I got the “Mooooom” comment, but it is such a cool photo I had to share it. Some of the life lessons that sports offer kids is how to win AND how to lose.

The sunset on my drive home was nothing short of dynamic.

As I drove away, I was stunned by the beauty in my mirrors…

It was fleeting, but I could not resist snapping a few shots.

Here are the necklaces I made last night.

Hope you have a happy Wednesday and my your sunsets be stunning! Kris

I have searched through my 70 plus containers of beads and elements so many times in the last couple of weeks. After a few days, I ordered another one because I did not want to keep my sweet and patient customer waiting. I figured it would turn up as soon as I placed the order, but no such luck! The charm finally arrived yesterday and I created her necklace in a snap trying to make it to the post office before closing.

Drat, but I arrived a few moments too late. This photographer’s necklace is finally enroute to it’s incredibly patient owner in Wisconsin.

I have another cuff bracelet to show you. I am building up my inventory for the upcoming Olde Depot JUNKtion. We are going to have so much fun. I hope you can join us!

I believe I have created about 8 new cuffs recently.

I am soon off to another track meet. This one should be a joyful experience. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it is a happy day in Minnesota.
I hope your day is happy too! Kris

Some new treasures…

I had to fit a little antiquing in over the weekend.

I found some if the most amazing vintage rhinestone costume jewelry.
I am super excited to create with my new loot.

Time to buckle down and keep building my inventory.

May today bring you great joy!
Kris

Suddenly I had to switch back to my boots. Ugh. The temps have been sooooo cold. Low 30′s and chance if flurries. Not typical weather for spring.

I have so much jewelry to photograph. I created this minty bluesy necklace the other day. I really have to work on finding time to take photos.

I hope you are having an enjoyable weekend, even if your toes are warm and cozy in boot. Kris

I took a photo of Sawyer throwing discus, I must admit I wanted to get out there and take a spin with it, just to see if I could still do it. For the sake of Sawyer, I resisted the temptation! He didn’t need the public humiliation!

He also ran the hurdles and did the high hump. He got the highest jump for his grade on his team. Pretty cool for just learning.

Kya ran three relays and hurdles. Kya’s friend captured a fantastic photo of Kya mid jump.

(Photography Credit Samantha Torborg)

Keegan had a fun time golfing in his first JV Meet and he was happy with his performance.

Today is May Day! I hope someone leaves a May Day basket and dings your doorbell! Our May Day surprise is a 30% chance of snow today!!

Here are a few more pics from my muffin tin challeng

Tones of greens and blues…

Hope you have a Happy May Day!! Kris

I decided to hold my own little muffin tin challenge to inspire me to create more brightly colored jewelry.

I decided to hold my own little muffin tin challenge to inspire me to create more brightly colored jewelry.

I will be showing you more photos over the next few days.

It is so easy to create this way because it takes less time sorting through my containers to find similar colors.

Have a FUNtastic day! Kris

Keegan looked at them in the stores, searched online and could not wait to get one. He mentioned it often. Right after Christmas he bought the newest version, the Go Pro Hero 3. He was so excited and started videoing immediately with his friends. They had a blast with it… Especially snowmobiling.

Less than a month later, Keegan got the opportunity to go snowmobiling with his best friend at their cabin in Northern Minnesota. He lives for snowmobiling so you can guess that it was a dream trip for Keegan!

Halfway through the weekend we found out the Keegan hit a deer carcass that was hidden under the snow, he flew off the sled and rolled it. Thankfully he was okay, no injuries. Whew! He got up, brushed off and they drove on down the trail. Can you guess where this is going?

You are correct, a little ways down the trail, they took a break and Keegan realized that his brand new “most prized possession”, his GoPro was gone. The mount had broken off his helmet and his GoPro was gone. They returned to search for it but in all the fine powder, the world’s most versatile camera must have settled down in the snow, hidden from the human eye. Despite multiple searches that weekend, they could not find it. Keegan was devastated. This teenager has some pretty tough luck. (Reference to his door slammed finger before Christmas and of course his multiple surgeries.)

Yesterday our friends were at their cabin and decided to go for a walk to see if they could find Keegan’s GoPro now that the snow had mostly melted. To say it was a long shot would be understating the obvious. They rode on miles of trails through the woods, and when the snow melts, it all looks different.

Can you even believe that my friend texted me totally AMAZED that after digging in the melting ice and snow they had found his beloved camera!! They had guessed the location!!! Keegan called me. He could not contain his excitement.

I was so happy for him! I did of course, as any Mom would, gently remind him that his camera may not work after being buried in the snow for three months. He replied, “But Mom, it was in it’s waterproof case!” Oh Keegan, I know, but three months in the frozen snow, in below zero temps laying in a ditch?? So much optimism.

Fifteen minutes later we get the news that not only does it still work, but that it has three bars remaining on the battery. What??? Now that is incredible design, isn’t it? Very few products actually do what they say they will, but when they said waterproof, they meant it. And on top of it, waterproof when a teenager places it in the case! And can we talk about the battery design? Seriously, to hold its charge in below zero weather through snow, rain, sleet & then warmer temperatures! That is downright dynamic!

It is truly an incredible story with a very happy ending!! Other than the mount, everything is in perfect working condition! What a testament to a well designed product!! Isn’t that a cool story?

Yesterday Kya and I went to a few estate sales, garage sales and a new little occasional vintage shop. Sadly we only discovered a single broken vintage necklace… But we had a fun day.

Here are a few cuffs I created the other day.

They are so comfortable and are adjustable.

The bases are in copper and vintagy silver…

I hope you are having a happy Sunday! Enjoy the gorgeous weather!!

Kris

I have been a little worker bee lately… And yes I have been creating in my PJ’s! Gosh, they are just so comfy!

I created this bangle yesterday. I think I like it. Still need to experiment a little.

Our current temp is 54 degrees!! Finally spring shows her sunshiny smile on us!!

I hope you have the sun streaming in your windows on this gorgeous day! Kris

Thankfully the past few days have been at a slower pace for us and has offered some time to regroup and reflect.

The Creatives Retreat was everything I hoped for and more. The students in my classes were fun and fabulous. I truly enjoyed how they made each project their own while using my design. It was truly a unique experience to meet some Facebook friends in person and many of us giggled through the night into the wee hours of morning. Linda selected a gorgeous location in Lake Geneva and organized a smoothly run event.

It may take me a few more days to catch up on my sleep, but the memories I will treasure for a lifetime!

With our last dose of snow a few days ago, my kids track meets and golf meets have been cancelled through the rest of the week and weekend. That completes three full weeks of cancelations due to unusually late snowfall. We are hoping spring will appear soon! Our fingers and toes are crossed that we will reach the predicted 70 degree weather for the weekend. Yipppeeeee!

I am now gearing up production for the Olde Depot JUNKtion on Memorial Day weekend. I am super excited for this event and hope you can join us!

Have a fabulous day! Kris