feet first

"she was meek"

The name given my newest Heart Strings, 

which by the way, is the necklace I just completed 

and is used as the class example for the online class I will be teaching this summer 
at Artful Gathering.

Teaching an online class is something I have wanted to do for quite some time, 

but really didn't have the time or the know how.

So, I thought the best way to accomplish both these goals was to just go ahead and do it.

Yes, that's me.  Commit and then learn.

You could say I learn by fire...quite the concept, don't you think?

"Heart Strings"

So, as I look at the word meek, 

added over a week ago to the tiny book designed during the taping of my newest 

Heart Strings,

I feel humbled as I reflect upon what I've learned so far...  

1. I am part of a group of ladies who are incredibly giving and supportive. 
2. I could not have chosen a better group to help me begin learning the ins and outs of teaching an online class, than the group I am a part of at Artful Gathering.
3. I am so glad that I have completed the first of my two classes today, and am now half way through my commitment. 
4. I really enjoy the videoing part of the class, but the editing is just about as much fun for me.  (I know this is where my creative side begins to kick in, even though I have only tipped the iceberg...this time around =)
5. I still have much to learn about what all goes into teaching online classes. 
6. I love learning new things, once I get past the actual part of beginning to learn new things. 
7. I can hardly stop myself from thinking ahead, into future classes I would like to offer...online.
8. I am thankful for other artists who love to share Information as much as I do.
9. I love teaching and sharing what I know about the little that I know =)
10. I am glad I have a supportive husband, because if I didn't have him, none of this would mean a thing to me.

my ♥ is full

 I just received the winter issue of Artful Blogging, which by the way, is one of my favorite Somerset Studios magazines. Did I say that? 

ALL of the Stampington magazines are my favorites!

I am so excited and feel so very blessed, that I really don't know what to say.
I am so grateful that Jennifer Jackson gave me the opportunity to be included in this issue.

The photos, as always, are just amazing, and taken by the featured bloggers themselves, which makes them all the more special.
There are so many GREAT photographers out in blog-land, I must tell you that I feel a bit intimidated.

The art of photography, just a tad behind designing jewelry,
really is a secret passion of mine!

"My Art-Filled Life"
I cannot begin to tell you how much it means for me to be living a life I've dreamed of living for more years than I can even remember.

Whether it's designing jewelry, taking photographs, or blogging....it is a wonderful life filled to the brim with exciting possibilities of having that life....one I have always dreamed of.
I just had no idea it could really happen.
***************

Most of you know I love rhinestones, and using them in my jewelry designs has just come natural.  There is absolutely nothing that makes my ♥ skip a beat faster than a gorgeous vintage rhinestone brooch.  Just like the one I bought at Marburger Farm last Spring.  

It is a vintage Mariam Haskell, 

and it will not be taken apart or used in any of my designs.  

I just could not do that, nor would I want to.

"Finding my Way Back"
I am so thankful I found my way back, not only to Marburger Farm,
but to art.
I have dabbled in so many "artful" things in my life, not sticking to one "thing" as long as I have now been designing jewelry.

I know I have found my way home, and for that, I so very thankful.

But enough about me.

Here is just a tiny sample of who else you will see in this issue.

♥ kiss the groom ♥

Elizabeth's photos are surreal.  

She tells of her first kiss, and shares this~

"Kisses are like good photographs~they transcend language, culture, and time".

I love that thought.  I love that her photographs, and perhaps mine,
can touch another person's life.  

I know that great photographs have touched me.....in so many ways. 

She tells of her grandparents,
and their secret to a long marriage of 60 years!

I can appreciate her story, as both sets of my grandparents had long marriages.

And, if you go to her website, you can design your very own 

♥ kissing tree ♥

And, then, there is

Sherry Mattia-Welch of Glamarella Junk.

Sherry says, 

"Blogging is such a positive way of reaching out to so many people that have a creative passion to share with others".  

How true is that?

Dream It

Share It

She has a drawing right now to celebrate
all of her fabulous blog friends!
Live It
That is what I intend to do. 

Someone at my (real?) work place once said, "You know Diane, you are spoiled".
I beg to disagree.
Yes, I have a good life.  I have a good husband...who is a great cook!
(which is why she said I was spoiled~LOL!)

My children are doing well.  I live in a comfortable home, drive a reliable vehicle, have good health, a mother who is still with me, and so much more...

I do not believe I am spoiled, no, because if I were I would be ungrateful.
I would take life and all I have for granted.
I don't.  I won't.....not for one minute.
That simply would be a waste of time.

♥

p.s. thank you faerwillow
 ♥
~ This issue will be out November 1st ~
♥ The plaster heart you see in my photos was made for me by Stephanie Lee. If you have the time to read her post you will understand just how special this heart really is.....♥