a hop, skip & a jump into 2011

 I have been soaring with eagles since the end of the year.

I have felt more relaxed and more free than any other time I can remember in my life.

Just after Christmas, I took a trip to deep south Texas.  One I have

made with my husband for the last 15 years.  

We spent time on a 6,000 acre spread....filled with an abundance of wildlife 
(like the Mexican Eagle we saw feeding its chick!) 
and lots of fresh clean air.

 Where we played one day of golf

and then went to eat great Mexican food after wards.

The name of the rustic little town,

Carizzo Springs.

But, once home...I had packages to unwrap. 

Congratulations to be had!  

This one from my dear east coast friend,

Cindy Wimmer.

Who sent me crystal goodies, rhinestone dreams and brass findings!

Thank you Cindy for thinking of me!

 Then, there was a sewing class I had scheduled!

Sewing class?  

Yes, I've been sewing since my 4-H years and in my high school homemaking class.

But, exactly two years ago, yes two, I bought a new machine, as I began sewing leather and vintage lace cuffs, which is also one of the classes I'm teaching at Adorn Me, called

Romancing the Cuff!  

I love this new machine, and it worked perfect for my meager needs.

But, there are gadgets on this Husqvarna Viking machine I wanted to know more about.  When I purchased it, a free class was thrown in.  I NEVER had the time to take it, so one of the very first things I did, in 2011, was finally take the class!

I learned more about my machine, and needles and thread than I ever learned in my teen years! I am so glad I did it, because now I can share it with my students =)

So, onto the next project....a magazine submission must be put into the mail.

It turned out to be fantastic, and I so wish I could share it ALL with you...but not yet =)
Okay, maybe a peak!

Oh, no I can't do it...

but I can share one of the newest rhinestone pieces I received in the mail.

 And, how about this vintage brooch?

This one will look beautiful on an Etched & Layered Cuff, while the rhinestones will be perfect for a Rhinestones & Rosaries piece.

So, back to the submission project.

All, I can say is....it was the most fun I have EVER had putting together an idea!

I was in no rush, no hurry....only a sure and steady relaxed resolve.

Retirement is THE BEST =)

Along the submission path I received a piece of information from my friend Cindy, who

told me about an Etsy dealer & talented artist, Lisa Jurist, of Mudhound Studio.
Lisa sells gorgeous recycled silk sari ribbon, including hand-dyed silk yarn.

I knew I had to have some, so I placed a order, 

and lookie what I received ~

It is luscious and SOFT...which is exactly what I was looking for.

 And, the colors are simply divine.

Rest assured, I will be using some of these sooner~than later.
They have had my head spinning with new design possibilities from the moment I opened the package!
So, now I have jumped into the new year head first!

Welcome 2011!
I have been waiting for you.....
a very long, long time!