Neck Lace???

What is the origin of the word necklace? Lace worn around the neck, a cord around the neck?

I am getting ready for the Catawba Pottery Festival next weekend and so have been making some new necklaces. Here are a few of them. Feedback, private or public, is appreciated:) Don't be shy.

Double gingko leaf in sterling with a celadon cabochon

Double gingko leaf pendant with a turquoise with cobalt pottery cabochon and moonstone raindrop

Leaf patterned sterling silver with 14K gold fill, a peachbloom pottery cabochon and garnets

Reticulated sterling silver with a purple and deep peachbloom pottery cabochon, accented with a garnet

Hand stamped sterling with 14K gold fill and a turquoise with copper pottery cabochon

Hand textured sterling with 14K gold fill and a turquoise with cobalt pottery cabochon and labradorite

Like a Lion?

It doesn't seem that way today. March seems to be coming in like a breath of spring. February passed by quickly, and i stayed busy in the studio coming up with new pieces and getting ready for the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival in 3 weeks, as well as starting an etsy shop and updating and upgrading my web site. 
I ended the month with a fun day out shopping with my sister! Bring on spring, I have some new clothes to wear:)

 

 

The plum tree is flowering

as is the rosemary

Daffodils have been flowering since mid February

as has the vinca!

Even the koi and goldfish are swimming near the top of the fish pond. Lots of good things are happening. Thank you universe!

And 2200+ Degrees Later

Glazing, glazing, glazing

10am until 3:30pm today, this was my world. Glazing stones! Each one is painted with two to five different glazes, one at a time. Bracelet sized stones are not too bad, but doing earring stones, which are small, is a bit tedious. Three shelves are now in the kiln firing.

Tomorrow morning I hope I will find wonderful results, and I will post an after shot! Though I am amazed that they way the elements are popping out of their channels and hanging that it keeps on going. I bought back ups because about 4 firings ago I was sure something would go amiss. It is now at 1415 degrees, and I hope I haven't jinxed it by noting it!

I hope you are having a relaxing Sunday!

Cedar, Salmon and Maple

 

I have been doing cedar planked salmon on the grill for the past year. My nephew gave me a rough cut cedar board and we cut it into 8" lengths, sanded the topand are able to use them time and time again. Usually I just salt and pepper the salmon and cook it but last night I tried something a little different since we had friends over. I am going to keep the glaze on hand from now on!

Ginger Maple Glaze

In a small pan combine: 1 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons soy sauce (I use gluten free) and 2 tsp of minced garlic. Simmer it for about 30 minutes until it is thick. Add another 1-2 tbl fresh lemon juice.

On your cedar planks (that you soaked and lightly oiled) lay green onions (I used some right out of the garden), then the salmon and brush on a nice layer of glaze. The grill was on high and was about 485 degrees inside. Put the planks on, shut the grill and don't open it until13 minutes later.


Serve over mustard-garlic mashed potatoes. Yum! I also served a medley of Swiss Chard, kale and spinach from the garden with a salad (also from the garden!) on the side. A definite keeper!

And to this

Etched Sterling Silver Earrings, 2-1/4" in length