New Love...

In my quest for early Christmas preparation, I decided to try my hand at jewelry making. I had purchased some tools and some supplies about a month ago, but did not have everything I needed to make some bracelets. Yesterday was a major shopping day. I went to the opening of a new BiMart to pick up some of their loss leaders and get some freebies (always good for the advent stockings) and went to GI Joe's (okay, they changed the name to "Joe's Sporting Goods", but it will always be GE Joe's to me) to pick up some diesel oil for my hunny because it was an exceptional price. GI Joe's is in the same shopping center as JoAnn's (which I am happy to report I did not buy fabric) and Craft Warehouse. I went in to Craft Warehouse to see what kind of deals they had on jewelry making supplies, as they have a pretty big jewelry section. I'm glad I did because I found all kinds of Blue Moon brand bracelet clasps at a fraction of their original cost, plus they had sales on many gems and beads. I picked up four 32" strands of beads to work with what I already had and made a necklace and bracelet set yesterday afternoon of hematite and silver beads. It was so easy and I really am pleased with the look. The first one was a trial for me, but I think it is gift worthy. Last night I tore apart this funky candle holder thing that someone gave me that has some beautiful blue beads (lots of them) that will make beautiful jewelry. I knew I would never put a candle in this thing anyway and recycling is good, isn't it? The clasp I used for the necklace is a strong magnet, and I highly recommend that type of closure. It is so easy to put on and who hasn't stuggled with those little ring clasps or even some of the lobster claws? I definitely will pick up some more of those when they are on sale. Last night my husband had an "a-ha moment" when I was working with my beads. He said "I get it...you are on a fabric embargo, but now you are going to buy beads? I bet you've already been looking online, haven't you?" Guilty as charged. A company called Fire Gems regularly drops sale emails in my box, but I haven't bought anything from them. I have enough beads to keep me busy for awhile. Haven't finished the Chetta B yet, but probably today if I make it to the room Tom is home today so I'm not sure what the day holds. In music news, Neil Diamond cancelled his concert next Monday, so I guess I won't get to see the legend. We are not sure when it will be rescheduled, but I don't want to go without Tom and we are now entering the hunting season which means he won't be around much. Also I was dismayed to log in and see that Blogger lost all the blogs I had entered into my reader. It was so easy to check in with all my peeps that way...I could easily see when someone had posted something new...guess I'll have to re-enter all that information...ugh technology!!!! On a happy note, it looks like my Patrones should be in my mail box today (a positive comment on technolgy...USPS tracker). Can't wait to go check the mail. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday. M