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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

rewind

"believe"
I designed this necklace just before my trip to Bead Fest Santa Fe in March of 2009.
I mostly solder in a "rustic" style.  This necklace was no different.
I wire wrapped a rhinestone bracelet onto one side of the soldered pendant.
 On the opposite, I added a thick rhinestone necklace...one with beautiful clear rhinestones that were prong set.  It was well made and one I did not want to part with.
Below the focal, I hung a couple of my "rustic" soldered charms.  One was a square of my favorite little muse, who wiggled her way into my heart, what seems like ages ago.
The other,
a small circle one with a favorite word
"fly".
 and
a bird's nest,
which dangles freely from a mother of pearl dove.
Nestled inside are three vintage baroque pearls.
I made many of these nests WAY back then. You can get an easy tutorial from my friend,
Deryn Mentock here.  It is her sweet design.
Today I look at
"Believe".
I think of who I was then, and who I am now.
I am retired.
Yesterday was my last full day at work.
It feels great.  It feels different.
It feels wonderful.....I do  "believe".
~~~~~~
"If I don't remember where I've been, I won't appreciate where I am."
             diane

29 comments:

Barbara Lewis said...

Oh my gosh, Diane! Congratulations! I know people who retire and are lost because they have no hobbies. I know that is not the case with you ... you actually have a hobby-turned-business! I'm so happy for you!

Alice said...

First, let me say that the necklace is just gorgeous! I love all the components and how each one, though very different, seems to blend with the other.

Congratulations on your last day of work. I hope you celebrate this evening in some special way. It must be a lofty feeling to be free to do what you want, when you want.

So what's in your future?

Diane said...

Dear Alice...I will be teaching, traveling and enjoy RVing across the USA with my dh. I can hardly believe it...but, it is TRUE.
Thanks for asking =)

Chris said...

Wow! Yay for you! Diane, I'm so happy that you are officially "retired". I know you'll be working harder than ever at your beloved jewelry and teaching. But I'm glad your time won't be so divided. And you and your hubby will have adventures together! :-)
Oh...the necklace is GORGEOUS. And meaningful.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

You create such beautiful works of art!

Charlene said...

FINALLY! I know YOU (& I)have been waiting for this for a LONG time. And I KNOW your sweetie is thrilled too. Wasn't it wonderful to roll over this morning & KNOW there was going to be NO alarm clock for you! Now, you can stay up late & sleep in a bit later than you used to. There will be adjustments but, that's all good! I am so pleased & proud for you. YOU EARNED THIS MY FRIEND! So, I'm glad you believed & are now ready to FLY! Hugs & Happy New Year!
Charlene

Riki Schumacher said...

YEAH! Finally, a woman of leisure. Right. So great talking with you today. Please remember to stop and smell the roses, because you CAN now!! Your necklace is so much fun, love it. Luv ya girl. Riki

stregata said...

Congratulations, Diane! It must be a wonderful feeling. Wishing you the very best on this new journey - it sounds like it will be full of wonder and happiness.

romantic decay said...

Congratulations on your retirement! Your necklace is beautiful.

mairedodd said...

yay! congratulations - now to do the work you love... onward and upward!

Laura Twiford said...

Congratulations Diane on your retirement! I look forward to the day when i can finally say that, although it is not in the near future I'm afraid! Enjoy every minute!

Paula In Pinetop said...

Congrats, dear one.

Deryn Mentock said...

Congratulations Diane! RV queen...now you're living the dream!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS on your retirement, Diane! As much as you create now, I cannot even imagine the vast amount of pretties you will have time to do now! I'm anxiously awaiting your classes in Houston. It won't be long now.
Loves, QueenMarcy

Cindy said...

Congratulations, dear Diane!!!!! I am so excited for you, opening this new chapter in your life. I know there will be so much fun and adventure ahead for you.
I hope you are relaxing and taking it all in - you deserve it!!!

sharon said...

I am so happy for you Diane, congrat's.....this is finally it!

Your necklace is beautiful and represents your beautiful journey past and the one to come!

Mary Franzenburg said...

wow! this piece has a little bit of everything wonderful!! It really encapsulates your awesome style!So inspirational!!!

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Diane ~ this post is so wonderful in so many ways! First to take us step by step through your process and then to end with that fabulous quote. I also adore the way your photos look ~ so romantic and almost dream-like. I hope you are blessed abundantly in 2011! Thanks for all the ways you bless us! ~ Katie

Donna B. said...

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful...your work is amazing.

Jen Crossley said...

A Free women at last congrats to you now start enjoying the rest of your life.Your necklace is gorgeous just like you.

Bohemian said...

I just discovered your beautiful Blog and wonderful creations... as a Bohemian Bling Junkie it is discovering another Kindred Spirit... now to sit back, read and get a huge fix of delightful eye candy... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Happy New Year and God's rich Blessings...
Dawn... The Bohemian

amy~ the gypsy chick said...

diane, this piece is just gorgeous! i think that you have found you calling my friend:) Congratulations on your retirement!!!
xoxxo
amy

Lisa said...

Diane,
This piece is absolutely amazing! So beautiful, every single element is necessary & important to your design. I can't decide which I love most. The muse, the nest (I must look that up) perfect.
I'm so excited for the changes your life is taking you. You've worked hard, now it's time to live your dream. Fly! Lisa

Bohemian said...

Thanks for stopping by my Post. I am so intrigued with your altered Art Rosaries and I see you will be in Phoenix in August teaching a class! I've made traditional Rosaries for years but it would be fantastic to learn to make Rosary Art Jewelry for wearing. Don't know if I'll be able to coordinate everything to line up by August... but we'll see. *fingers crossed*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Lovey said...

Oh Hooray for you Diane!!! Congrats for many jobs well done! Enjoy your days full of peace and travel!
The necklace and pendants are simply beautiful Diane. You are so gifted my friend!
Happy New Year indeed!!! Smiles and Hugs...

Brenda said...

Diane, just found your blog for the first time - already I'm hooked! I'm retired too. I'm more busy that I was when I sold real estate, BUT doing what I want to do.

My goal for 2011 is to make better jewelry. I've been playing in it for almost a year. Now I'm ready to go.

pamq said...

Woo Hoo!!!

Lucky you!!!

Enjoy your "retirement"!!!

Looking forward to seeing what you create and do............

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Love all that you create, you are so super talented. I really like the broche too.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Diane, I meant to mention. I'll be at The Red Barn this weekend. If you get a chance, I hope you can come out.