December 4....a day to remember

Last Friday we had snow! Yes, we did, and a lot fell in downtown Houston! Quite a surprise, as we rarely see the white stuff this far south. But, the timing was just right, and yes indeed, we saw enough to get our hearts racing.
My daughter and I had been making plans for weeks. I was to leave for San Antonio right after work, as December 4th is the day my daughter was born 34 (fast moving) years ago! Instead I left early Saturday morning. No problem.
There was ice (a beautiful glistening result of the melted snow), but not enough to stop me from canceling our weekend plans. You see, for the last three years we have gone to the King William District Christmas Home Tour. The homes in this historic part of San Antonio are just amazing. But this year it had been canceled.
With a little google help, we found another in nearby New Braunfels.
We were blessed with the most amazing cold, sunny day. Perfect Christmas weather. It was simply gorgeous. We bundled up, took our little green map, and visited 5 homes decorated in Christmas finery. No pictures (please) made my camera go quickly back into my purse, but since this was a driving tour, we had several opportunities to stop and take in what this great German town had to offer.
We don't really have four distinct seasons here in Texas. But, maybe just maybe, that will be changing. Just a little. Well, maybe just this year!
On Monday I had a small suitcase sale at my daughter's office.
A few pieces came home with me, and would really fit nicely in Santa's bag or perhaps in a stocking above the fireplace?
It will come wrapped and tied with a beautiful Christmas bow.

Crystal Princess
Each of the princess necklaces I design have different components. This latest creation has oxidized sterling silver & Swarovski crystal rondells, faceted crystal quartz nuggets, brass filigree beads from Brass Bouquet, and vintage brass bar chain I brought home from California in a tiny fuchsia colored bag.
The vintage leaded glass chandelier crystal was found in Warrenton. $89

Ice Roses
These are some of my favorites, and one pair actually stayed in San Antonio. Thank you Lori! The faceted crystal quartz drops pair beautifully with the brass roses. $38

Czech Swings
The delicate tulip swings on the left have dangles taken from vintage clip earrings that were covered in a cascade of crystals and tiny Swarovski crystals rondells. I love the aged patina of the brass trimmed rondells. $34
The tulip swings on the right have oxidized bronze wire, tiny brass spacers, and delicate Vintaj brass dangles. $32

Summer Groovin'

We love to take our RV to camps located on Texas rivers. It is the only way to tolerate the hot Texas sun. All we have to do is get into the water when we can't stand the heat any longer. We have been doing plenty of that this past week.

Each year, one of our first trips of the summer is to New Braunfels and the Guadalupe River. We are still here, but I thought I'd share a few pictures I've taken since arriving last Tuesday.Much to our surprise, the river IS still flowing. The water level is a little low, but perfect for sitting in a lawn chair right smack dab in the middle, if you like. On Tuesday night, we made a run into Gruene to eat dinner, as it was our 23rd wedding anniversary.
I love this guy! He is the best!
Melanie gave this birdhouse to us several years ago at Christmas. It goes with us on every RV trip.
Just below our camp is this wonderful water falls. Maybe we will be closer to it next year, as it is just so relaxing to sit outside each morning, drink our coffee and listen to the cold rushing water of the Guadalupe.


While in Gruene, we stop in one of my favorite antique stores in Texas. Gruene Antique Company, located in downtown Gruene, is housed in a building built in 1903 by Henry D. Gruene. It was a place where tenant farmers could buy their wares and do business on the weekends.
Since 1986, the antique shop has filled the large center room of the building which once held dry goods for sale, and the east wing which housed Gruene's original bank vault (pictured above). The shop is now packed full of vendors and their antiques.

Yes, I did bring a box of tools and jewels. I am always working on a project or two. I have much going on in my world. Perhaps a class submission or two....I like it that way.

It's the small things that bring me back

A few more pics I took while roaming thru Gruene Antique Company last Sunday. My dd took me there upon request. There is so much packed into this old building. The ceiling must be at least 15 feet high. It reminded me of the old grocery store we had in New Ulm. The high ceiling and well-worn, creeky wooden floor. I loved going into the very back and looking thru all the old buttons. I can still smell that old building in my mind~

Last night I went out into the garage to hammer a few pieces of metal. It is definately one of my newest passions, especially since I started Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge (which I will jump back into after my sale this weekend). These little spinners are made out of sterling silver. I added a simple brass washer in front. They have a nice swing to them~