March 9th, 2010
What looks like Grape Jelly….
And moves like a slinky?
Why it’s my new scarf! 
I love the way it turned out!
Scarves of all kinds are fun to wear, but sometimes a long scarf can get in the way. The nice thing about this shorter style is that it will fill-in that open area inside your coat’s collar (so your neck is snuggly warm) without adding a lot of extra bulk. It’s really pretty enough to wear indoors too – maybe to cover a neckline that’s too bare for winter, or to jazz up a crew neck sweater.
This was one of my TV Time projects so the pattern (found here) is an easy one! It’s crocheted and you can use whatever yarn and hook size you want.
I used:
(1) 6 oz. skein of soft, medium weight, acrylic yarn in variegated violet. (I have about half of it leftover.)
Hook Size: J
Several of you ladies have said that you don’t crochet, but wish you did. It really isn’t hard if you ever decide to give it a go. Just do a search on youtube for some basic “how-to-crochet” videos. All you need is a ball of yarn and a hook. I know you can do it! 
Tags: Crafts, crochet, crocheted, crocheting, curly scarf, easy crochet pattern, fashion accessories, fun, scarf, slinky toy
Posted in Crafts | 4 Comments »
March 8th, 2010
Hello there!
How was your weekend? Did you watch the Oscars?
We had a touch of Spring in New England! The bright sunshine and temperatures in the 50’s seemed to energize both people and wildlife, here. Birds were chirping and neighbors were hiking and biking. I actually started a little “spring cleaning”, but not too much. After all, the weekend should be more play than work, don’t you think?
For this week’s giveaway, I have a unique pair of earrings. The color palette reminds me of ancient Greek pottery that I’ve seen in our local art museum. The rich gold, black, and coppery bronze are wonderful neutrals that will coordinate with lots of things in your wardrobe.
For the focal points, I chose Vintage West German Lucite beads in the shape of roses. They’re a burnished golden hue with a beautiful 3-dimensional effect. The roses are accented with Swarovski Jet Crystals and copper-colored, faceted glass rondelles. For pierced ears, these earrings measure 2″ in length – including the artisan crafted, 14k gold-filled earwires.
Contest Rules and How To Enter
Any day you leave a comment on this blog – it is counted as a chance to enter that week’s giveaway.
For example, if you answer today’s question (you’ll find it below!) that will give you one chance.
But if you then come back another day this week and comment on a different post – you will have earned another chance in this week’s giveaway! There are usually 4-5 posts per week – Monday through Friday – so you can have multiple chances to enter!
When you comment you do not have to mention that it’s an entry in the giveaway. My blog program shows me all of the “comments” as they come in – so I do not miss any of them, and all will count to be entered into the drawing! 
Today’s question is:
To go along with the “Oscars” theme . . . What famous person do other people tell you that you most resemble?
If you can’t think of an answer to that question, here’s another . . . Who is your favorite actor (or actress) of all time along with his/her best movie role?
The Boring Stuff . . .
You must be 18 yrs. old. After the completion of the contest, the name of the winner will be listed here. The winner will also be notified by email. If the winner fails to respond to email within 3 days from the time notification email has been sent, the win will be null and void and a new winner will be chosen. The prize will be mailed via USPS First Class Mail
All entries must be received by 9:00 p.m. EST on 03/14/10, and the winner will be selected on or about 03/15/10.
Tags: 14k gold-filled, beaded jewelry, beading, black, bronze, copper, earrings, handcrafted jewelry, machine cut glass beads, Swarovski crystals, Vintage Beads, vintage lucite roses, weekly giveaway
Posted in Giveaways | 42 Comments »
March 5th, 2010
TGFY
No… I didn’t just spell TGIF incorrectly!
I do mean TGFY –
Thank Goodness For You!
Although I didn’t look in the mirror, I’m sure my cheeks were bright pink all day yesterday, as I read your compliments and congratulations.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For this week’s Friday Favorites, I have a delicious recipe for a cake that’s special enough for company, but easy enough to have any time!
When I first got married, many of our friends were also young couples, and none of us had any extra money for entertaining. Planning a nice dinner for a group was a costly proposition, so we used to have each other over for “dessert”. Not only was it cheaper, but it was much less work for the hostess, too! We’d take turns hosting the gang, and it was fun to make a cake or pie; put on a big pot of coffee; and relax over good conversation with lots of laughter.
Here’s the kind of recipe (from one of my vintage cookbooks) that we would serve.
Easy Pineapple Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 large can crushed pineapple
1-1/2 cups chopped nuts
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients thoroughly. Stir with a wooden spoon.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13x2 inch pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until light brown or until toothpick comes out clean.
Frosting:
Use you own favorite frosting or serve with whipped cream or ice cream!
Happy Weekend!
See you Monday for a new giveaway and question.
Tags: casual entertaining, desserts, easy recipes, entertaining on a budget, pineapple cake
Posted in Friday Favorites | 8 Comments »
March 4th, 2010
In the words of the Pointer Sisters . . .
“I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it…”
My “Blue Skies” Necklace Set is featured this month in an online beading magazine!
This design was chosen for an article that illustrates a variety of ways to create jewelry with rectangular-shaped beads.
You may have noticed that I have a shop on etsy called “irisblue222″ – that is just for my jewelry.
Recently, the The Beading Times contacted me for this month’s issue. Click here to see it.
The other designs included are just gorgeous and I feel very honored to be in the company of such a talented group!
Tags: beading magazine, designing with rectanguar beads, featured, irisblue222, Jewelry, necklace set
Posted in Jewelry | 17 Comments »
March 3rd, 2010
But it was 75% off!
Who could resist such a deal?
Not me, apparently.
It will earn its keep, though. Any minor stress that occurs during the course of a week will be no match for this little day-brightener.
C’mon . . . . I can see you smiling right now!
Any similarities between these bears and Lady Crystal/Sir Beads are purely coincidental.
Just sayin’!
Tags: bargains, bears, collectibles, day brighteners, shopping
Posted in My Two Cents | 12 Comments »
