Get ready for September with Summer into Fall Bracelets

Indian Agate is a natural stone that can bring about emotional, physical and intellectual harmony. Energy can be stabilized and positive and negative forces brought into balance. 

I cannot believe I am about to say this, but....I'm gearing up for back to school!!!!  That is a double whammy for me as it means we are heading out of the lazy days of summer, and I am frantically preparing to teach my new group of fourth graders who will be anxiously awaiting my brilliance :)

I do love to start fresh in September, a new outfit or two, highlights weaved into my hair and a good cut to see me into the winter....and LOTS of new jewelry!   I cannot say how many times I have worn an old outfit and still had people ask if it was new.  It is usually because I am wearing a new piece of jewelry along with it...it really works.

Summertime Happiness

Captain's Cove Connecticut

I have had a great summer so far.  One of the major perks of being a teacher is the HUGE block of time I get to become a 'mommy' again.  I treasure the time with my kiddos more than anything.  BUT... they are getting older and much more independent.  They no longer want to paint and make clay figures on the deck, or splash around in the kiddie pool to cool down.  Heck, they don't really want me hanging around them too much at all!

So I have had plenty of time to craft my jewelry.

I did get a chance to spend some fun time with the boys when Nana came to visit from England.  One balmy summer day we explored the wonderful Captain's Cove in Connecticut.  It has a very cute boardwalk with tiny booth-style shops and the most delicious fish and chips imaginable.

I am drawn to the sea and being near water never wears thin...even though I live by the coast.  There is something so calming about it  (but I can be terrified of its might too), and the day was blissful.

Red Jade and Tiger's Eye Om Cuff

I arrived home from a wonderful vacation  today and got straight back to 'work' on my jewelry.  I have been using a lot of red Jade recently and I wanted to create something with a Tibetan feel to it.  Reds and oranges/browns were the base colors and I was very excited to incorporate the Tiger's Eye beads.  To find out more about this lovely memory wire cuff, click on the picture or click here.  Then check out other wonderful pieces at Butterfly Warriors Jewelry. 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mothers everywhere will be celebrated very soon.  I have been the proud recipient of many a fine gift from my sons. I cherish the thought behind the gift probably more than the gift itself.  I do, however keep each and every single one...forever!  

Kids are usually on a budget, and as I thought about this celebration of love for Mom, I felt my Mottled Glass collection was probably the most ideal gift.  The glass beads are so amazingly beautiful with colors of the seashore.  The double hearts are a reminder of the love between a mom and child. The matching earrings can also be added for that extra special touch, also.  And best of all, it is at a price-point that children can reach without too much help from Dad.  

Countdown to Mother's Day Week 7 (I'm a little late!)

Let's celebrate Mother's Day with a blog hop led by a wonderful blogger over at Blue Morning Expressions.  I am late to the party but you can check out all the rules and fun here.  I will be more on the ball next time and link up in time for others to join me.  Meanwhile, take a peek at some of the wonderful gift ideas for those spacial women in your life.

Fundraising: The Salisbury Bracelets

Last week I sat in a meeting with my grade level teaching partners, planning the curriculum and focussing on learning when, out of the blue, one ask me to make a bracelet for a silent auction at a Salisbury Seagulls fundraiser.  The charity was the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...how could I say no?  But...the event was in two days so I had to get moving.

I'm good at working to a deadline so I headed to my supply shop and found the perfect quartzite beads in the school colors, maroon and gold.  I even found alphabet beads and a charm that would look delightful.  I stocked up an set about creating a nice design.  Wanting to give options, I made three prototypes.  My friend could pick which one and I would make three or four; one for the auction and a couple for her and her family.

My friend, Karen, literally squealed with delight at the sight of the three bracelets and announced that all three were perfect and can I have five more ready for Friday?  It was Thursday, I had no more supplies, and I had a baseball game and swimming to attend with my kids.  BUT...it was for the LLS so I said yes.

Life After Leukemia - A Little Scare

When people talk about finding a cure for cancer, it has many meanings.  My son is not technically cured...he has to be five years clear of treatment before he is declared "much less likely to relapse".  This means every time he gets sick, I have to calmly check in and make sure it is just a 'normal' sickness.

Most times I don't overthink things.  I don't always run to the doctor.  I watch and wait for a series of symptoms to emerge.  If they do, off to to docs we go.  Today was one of those days.  My mommy gut was telling me to stay calm, but the nagging voice in my head was a little louder too.  This got louder as the nurse, having taken the history, asked if we minded waiting until our regular doctor made it in because of all the strange things going on....WHAT?   Um...yes, we WILL wait (and panic a bit).

I must have flashed back the full two and a half years of hospitalizations, radiation and surgeries in the twenty extra minutes we waited.    I remained calm and my son was oblivious...but I was a mess inside.  You see my son's cancer does not yet have a real cure, and he can relapse at any time.  I know that.  He fears it but does not know the facts fully.

The final result was a diagnosis of Fifth's Disease.  I was so happy, I almost hugged the doctor.  The office was being cautious and I appreciate that.  But we need to find that CURE!

To make a donation to my son's Light The Night fundraising page for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society please visit: http://pages.lightthenight.org/wch/Wstchstr14/KZweig

To purchase handmade jewelry in support of cancer warriors ($2 of every sale goes to my son's fundraiser) please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButterflyWarriors