Love! Love! Love!

Good Morning My Friends!
It was a whirlwind of a weekend and this week is going to fly by too.

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

Meet Noble (No Bull)

It was a crazy week. Fun… Jam packed… Fulfilling.

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

Sunshiny Saturday

Happy Sunshiny Saturday.

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!

Vintage Brilliance Button Necklace

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!

Vintage Luggage Tag Cuff

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

Stunning Sunsets

It was such an incredible evening last night at Sawyer & Kya’s track meet. We actually had high seventies, the sun was shining and it could not have been more beautiful.

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

New Cuff Bracelet & The Elusive Camera Charm

Oh my gosh… I have been looking for days for a camera charm hidden in my inventory. I know I ordered it a year or do ago… In fact I have a photo of the charm within my orders placed and I remember touching it.

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

New Treasures

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

Happy May Day!

Monday all three of my children had their first spring sporting events after three weeks of weather delays. It was a gorgeous sunny day. The temp was a warm and happy 74 degrees. Kya and Sawyer had track. Keegan had an away golf meet.

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

Peeking Out My Window: Brrr.

Brrrrr… Another snow day! Another make up day too!

Enjoying the moment though! My kids are sleeping in and relaxing. It is quite frosty out there!

Here is my wishful spring necklace… Eventually we will have spring, right?

Fly baby, FLY!
Kris

Captured Heart

A few months ago I bought a soldering iron and I have played with it a few times.

I never seem to have a decent amount of time to spend and as I played I was creating little miscellaneous soldered elements. The other day when I was blinging up my keys, I decided to capture this heart with some vintage pearls.

I am happy with how it turned out, protected and ready to wear.

Today I am creating greeting cards with my brother in law’s incredible art for his upcoming fundraiser. I’ll take some photos and share soon. But for now, I really need to get to work.

I hope you are having spring weather! We however have winter storm warnings again, just in time for Sawyer and Kya’s first track meet in Thursday.

Have a Springtastic day!
Kris

Vintage Pearls & Lace

Wow, it is so quiet! One week post surgery and Keegan is back in school for a half day!

I must admit, it is similar to sending your kids to Kindergarten on the first day. You wonder, will he be okay? I know he will be fine, but it is hard to let that protective barrier down.

It certainly is quiet here. Can’t deny that I enjoyed his company tremendously!

I bought some cool pendant bottles quite a long time ago and I decided they needed a little vintage pearls and lace. They make perfect time capsule necklaces.

Well, off to run some errands! Have a FUNtastic day! Kris

Hoppy Monday!

Happy Monday!!

If you are looking for my bead soup post, you can find it here.

Kya and Sawyer had a blast dying Easter eggs yesterday. Of course, Keegan refrained as he was stuck to the recliner with his feet elevated. He did enjoy the fruits of their labor though.

His pain has been manageable so he is doing great. I wish I could show you pics of him walking on crutches with his double air cast/cam boots. They have curved bottoms and not much for traction so it is a little nervewracking watching him walk. I have been forbidden to post any photos of him and he is so cute all set up in the recliner with his feet elevated.

I have been cooking, creating and enjoying my family this weekend.

Here is a necklace I created with a vintage European buckle… Love the buckle and felt that it would make a perfect element to wire some charms to.

I made it long so you can layer a few necklaces or double up the chain and wear it shorter.

Thanks to our snow days, our kids had school today, so Keegan and I are spending some quality time together.

I am back to finish hopping the bead soup blog party. It is so much fun to see the diverse and gorgeous work that everyone creates.

I hope you enjoy a beautiful Monday!
Kris

Vintage Flowers Make Me Happy!

About 14 hours post op and Keegan is doing remarkably well. I am very impressed with his composure and maturity, even through the pain.

He got a little more than he bargained for on his left leg. They had a lot of trouble removing the pins and had to cut a larger size hole to get the pin out resulting in a bone graft. They are treating it like a bone fracture. This of course is the same leg that he had the plate out by his knee, so most of his pain radiates from his left leg. They put both of his feet in boots that are like air casts. He will have to wear the left one for a full 6 weeks. The right one will come off after 2-3 weeks.

He had a decent night with great sleep and only about three late night visits from his super sweet nurse.

He has had about 4-5 pitchers of ice chips. He is fully enjoying ice relentlessly. He also ate a great meal before sleep last night.

His biggest hurdle will be to see if he can stand and walk. His Doctor was a little worried that he would not be able to walk for a while. Also returning to school might be a challenge as he really does not want a wheel chair and many of his classes are on opposite ends of the building.

Tonight at approximately midnight I will be posting my bead soup reveal. I am super excited to see what everyone has created.

I love the old vintage flower element that I mixed in with some vintage beads and swirls of wire. This vintage looks brings me such happiness.

I hope you have a happy Friday.
Talk to ya later! Kris

Lovin’ Vintage White

Happy Saturday! I hope you have fun plans for the day! We are off to a volleyball tournament this morning.

I just listed this Lovin’ Vintage White necklace in my Etsy shop. You can buy it here.

I hope the photos show… Something funky is happening with my blog app this morning.

Enjoy your fantastic day! Kris

I Believe in Angels Necklace

Do you believe in angels?

I do. When I found this charm, I knew I had to get it… The message touched my heart and brought me back to a painful time in my life. As I grow older, I realize what a gift those five baby angels are.

Our journey to parenthood included five miscarriages. As a jewelry junkie, I searched and searched for jewelry to commemorate those angels. So you can see why this pendant has a special place in my heart. I listed this necklace in my Etsy Shop here. Sending a hug to each of you who believes in angels!

The sun is rising this morning, we caught it glistening on the large icicle dangling from our rooftop.

Enjoy a happy Friday!

Be The Change…

As the sun rose over the glistening snow this morning, Sawyer took it upon himself to shovel a path to the driveway which remains unplowed.

When Keegan and Kya realized that our driveway had yet to be plowed, they decided to continue the path to Tom’s truck tracks rather than wear boots to school! I remember well how important it was to look cool rather than be functional. I remember the bread bags I used to wear over my shoes/boots a long time ago (everyone did it, but that didn’t make it cool!). I remember it well! So I did not put my foot down and make them wear boots today!

I had a fantastic day of creating while hanging with my kids yesterday. My kids discovered the gingerbread house kit I bought but we never used so it was a perfect day for creating and eating.

Kya frequently borrows my phone and I often find fun photos typical of a tween… A lot of self portraits. This one is a pretty fantastic shot of her laying upside down taking a photo and you see Sawyer on the couch setting a volleyball. Pretty sweet shot.

The necklace above I created on the computer, printed the message, placed it in the bezel and protected it with resin and then wired it up. It is one of my favorite quotes… Be the change! So true! We must lead by example!

The next necklace I created using a funky green vintage bow brooch, nestled into a wire nest. Love it on the chunky chain.

It’s fun and funky layered too!

I hope you are having a beautiful day filled with sunshine! Kris

Sharing Joy

Sometimes I believe we need to create our own joy and I have to say it sure can be fun!

I found the coolest mica cuttings in Tucson and I was creating with some resin projects the other day and decided to play! This is the first one I made into a necklace and I am happy with the result.

I created about six inspirational message pendants with vintage book paper. I am a glitter girl, so I had to add a little sparkle. The only thing I would change would be to protect the ink a little better on the vintage paper. But overall, I am happy with the results.

Well, my spring fever has been put on the back burner with freezing rain causing a late start for school this morning. My kids slept the entire two hours, it amazed me! What a joyful start to the day!

I hope you are having a fun and joy filled day today! Kris

Minty Vintage

Lovin’ some Minty Vintage this morning, however it is a bit of a tongue twister, I keep saying Vinty Mintage. Silly Me.

I can’t believe the Creatives Retreat is a little over a month away! There is still time to register! You are going to love the beautiful location and fantastic choices of classes! For more info, click here.

The month ahead is going to be full of craziness… Nothing new for our lives though!

Next week, golf and track start. The following week Keegan has his surgery. It is going to more intense than we thought initially with both ankles and his knee. The bead soup reveal is the same week.

We are working on a fundraiser for Tom’s brother who has stage 4 cancer, of you know of anyone who would like to donate items for the silent auction, please let me know! (cherishdesigns@live.com)

Boys choir is getting into their busy spring schedule including multiple concerts and the donor dinner. And we have a couple more volleyball tournaments. Hang on, it’s going to be a crazy spring!

It should be a fun spring! hopefully you have some fun and exciting plans for spring! Kris

Spring Showers Bring March Flowers?

The spring showers were consistent throughout Saturday… Melting some of the fresh snow from earlier in the week.

As I mentioned I started feeling a tad bit of spring fever, so I started creating some jewelry using spring and bright whimsical colors.

I must admit, I am having fun with color!
Thank you all for your amazing feedback! More to come!

Have a fabulous Monday! Kris