From this...

 

 

 

 

 

 

From this...

 

Came these

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take care of you,

 

Merry Jo

My thoughts...

Boston.  This hurts.  

Since approximately 2:50pm on Monday we as individuals, but more importantly,  Americans are trying, again, to make sense of an unspeakable, evil act. 

We will now wait, again, with heavy hearts and anxious minds to find out who had done this and why. There will be the tragic stories of the lives lost and wounded, stories of the heroes that rushed in to aid the fallen.  There will be breaking news, countless scenarios and hypothesis.  Everyone will try to explain what happened.

One thing that is certain, it was not carried out against any one specific identity.  It was not targeting the runners of the marathon, it was not aimed at the celebration of  Patriots Day,  it was not about the citizens of Boston or residents of Massachusetts.  It was not about any one of those things, it was about them all and more. 

It was about our great democratic, free country.  Where we are free to run through our streets: in competition, in celebration, or more simply because we can. Where we welcome citizens of the world to join in with us.  Because we can and do.  That is what was targeted.  Our democracy and the ability to live - for the most part - harmoniously.

As President Obama said, "So if you want to know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil - that's it. Selflessly. Compassionately. Unafraid."

With a prayer.

Take care of you,

Merry Jo

Inspiration....

 

This...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

inspired these...

 

 

 

 

I just loved the form of the spring bursting out of its gear case.  That piece had been sharing a spot on my desk for quite a while.  I just couldn't figure out how to use it in a piece. Then inspiration struck!

While I couldn't figure out how to use the actual piece, I could replicate it!  Darkened annealed steel wire was the perfect medium to use.  This is something relatively new that I am using so this was the perfect time to try it.  The wonderful thing about the steel wire I found was that it naturally takes shape.  It literally curled it's away around. 

My favorite is the large Bakelite button in the center. It is a statement for sure. 

I just love when an inspiration becomes a reality.  It is so rewarding.  Look for you inspiration today!  It just might be sitting right in front of you!

Take care of you,

Merry Jo

April showers....

spring is definitely on hold here....


This is the view of our deck:

Yes folks, that is snow. 

 That is not melting.  That may not melt.  For weeks.

As I sat staring at that delightful sight, I started doodling our deck container garden for this year. That inspired me to pull out my magazines and start planning.

I glanced outside again and decided I wasn't content with just the doodling.  I decided to elaborate...

I am suffering from a serious lack of color around here!



The first day of spring has passed and while we can't actually plant until later in May, planning our container garden has me itching to get started.  This year Mackenna really wants to expand on the vegetables we will grow to use in her cooking and  I really want to try growing a selection of succulents in assorted potted arrangements  for a little change in pace.  Ahhh, it is fun to dream, but I can't wait to dig in!

So dream and sketch I will for a few more weeks!

Take care of you,

Merry Jo

Things are blooming around here...

Tired of waiting for warmer weather, I was inspired to create a little spring accessory of my own.  All of these are available in my Etsy shop...

Here's to spring - wherever she may be.

Take care of you,

Merry Jo

Three wishes....

What would your three wishes be?

Brass token set in resin on a hand wire wrapped garnet chain.

Perfect length for layering!

Garnet

So a few days ago I had posted pictures of some of the bits and pieces that I had been assembling.  One is finished! 

This is a brass token from The  Aladdin Casino Las Vegas, NV.  It is now call Planet Hollywood, alas.  I wanted to make it a wonderful layering necklace so it is long and hangs on a hand wire wrapped chain of garnets that is 26" long.  Perfect to pair with others!

So think about those three wishes you would make - I am - and as I tell my kids everyday - make good choices!

Take care of you,

Merry Jo  

Spring time blues...

With spring holding out on us, I decided to return to a wire wrapping technique that I used to do and bring a little springtime into my designs. 

So until Mother Nature decides to let spring out to play, we will just have to accessorize!

Take care of you,

Merry Jo