Lessons from the Sand

The Quest for the Perfect Pair...

2011-06-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little late with my Thursday Three on account of my son separating my shoulder last week. But alas, things are feeling better and I'm back to the grind of laundry, metal work, cleaning, cooking...etc etc... But that's neither here nor there.

I love earrings. I go in spurts of what my favorite jewelry accessory is--two months ago it was bracelets and today it's earrings. After making Jennifer's Rome Earrings
(aren't they fun?!) that I love so much, I had a request for a pair of neutral earrings that got me thinking...

What's more neutral than silver? So I developed these three fun new designs with a few additional options. They can all be hamered in a number of textures and embellished with any color of beads.

First, I made the Sarah earring. I named it such as it was inspired by a set of earrings my friend Sarah sent me after I totaled my car right after college. She sent me a musical card with a fabulous pair of earrings that have some how survived 3 moves and my terrible organization skills. The Sarah earrings are fun hammered aluminum that could be adjusted in length. I'd consider adding a small cluster of beads at the top of this earring if you wanted more color.

Secondly, I reversed the Jennifer Rome earrings to create, Jenemor (get it?! I thought I was being so clever...)-- a large hammered teardrop shape. I love how this set slowly transitions between two types of texture. Beads could be added to the center of the teardrop or the bottom to create color and add movement.

Finally, I made the Ooh-La-La Loops. Simplicity is key to these hammered hoops. The pair shown is about a half inch in diameter but could be made to any size. The aluminum wire keeps these so lightweight that even a giant statement pair would be so light they'd be forgotten. On a small pair like this I'd keep the add on's simple with a single drop in the center, but on a big pair I'd consider a large odd number of dangles from the bottom. I love odd numbers. I'm odd.

Interested in scoring your own pair? Head on over to www.sandcastlejewelry.com and pick out your favorite! Enjoy!

A Very Memorial Day

2011-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

There are 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild on my Mom's side of the family. I have the fun honor of being the guineapig, aka, the first grandchild. Because of the nature of our family, I am also a lot older than most of my cousins. 26 years older than the most recent addition and 13 years older than the closest one to my age outside of my own brothers. My youngest uncle is only 6 years older than me so you can see how things get really blended really fast. We laugh when we gather for family photos at weddings because usually the opposite family might have 8 or so standing there and we have over 2 dozen! I love it.

(5 people have been added since this photo almost 3 years ago!)

Yesterday was Memorial Day and I didn't celebrate with a traditional flowers on a grave sort of tribute. Rather, I packed up my 17 month old son and my mother and I headed North to the small town where I grew up to help my grandparents sort through some things for a move. But this Memorial Day will never be forgotten. As we unpacked boxes of handmade linens, doilies, dishes and photographs, my Gram and Granddad shared with us (my Aunt Bekka and her kids, my mom and her kid and grandkid) the stories of where things came from and why they were important. We learned how to tell who made what doily based on color, (always my Great Grandma), or not (Great-Great-Grandma Starkey) and who "tatted" as opposed to crocheted (Great-Great-Great Aunt Ida, who incidentally was also the woman we've heard the infamous story about her smoke alarm going off which turned out to be her door bell :) ). We laughed as we found a coffee cup belonging to my Great-Great Aunt JuJu that had a matching ash-try saucer. Coffee and cigs, apparently the breakfast of champions, or at least sweet Great Aunts. And we cried as we admired an elephant bank and single framed photo--all we have to remember my Great Grandmother's brother who died in a tragic accident as toddler. And then giggled some more as we found my Great Grandmother's infamous picture holding the neighbors cat. The story goes that a traveling photographer took it and thought having Virginia Rose (that's my Grandmother's mother's name) holding the neighbors cat would be cute... "Now, Virginia," he said, "You hold on tight to that cat and don't you let it go..." and when she did let it go? She had held it a little too tight because that cat was dead as a doornail.

And as I wandered out on the farm with my son and thought of all the great memories I had there growing up. I saw my cousin Brenna moving her bucket calves with our proud Granddad standing by and I remembered my own bucket calf that he taught me to care for. And as Granddad took us out on the golf cart to the edge of the pasture I remember my first taste of freedom and my parents would let us kids wander anywhere as long as we stayed in the fence. I just knew I was miles away from the farmhouse because everything is big and magical when you're a kid. And while I've grown up and realized that maybe not everything is quite so big, there's still a lot of magic to me on that farm. My earliest memories are of the house being built and my most fun memories involve that pasture and the cows and hanging out with my grandparents. Except for the time Gram put my Barbie underwear in the burn bin. That was not fun. :) Why couldn't she have just cleaned them out?! ;) Just kidding Grammie, incase you're reading this. And here in a few weeks my grandparents are going to move to to a new house. One that my son will probably know as theirs. And he'll go and remember playing in the yard and riding the golfcart and a number of other things I'm sure I can't even think of yet. And as we pulled away from the farm yesterday evening I saw a little mound of dirt in the pasture with a kid-built fort and a bunch of Tonka trucks paving their way through dirt roads. And I couldn't help but smile as my mom backed up the car for us to take a second look, because now it's time for another generation to remember that pasture and to love that land and make new memories--my younger cousins.
(Almost the Dolloff Girls, 2 more are marrying in this summer! )

The best part of being the oldest grandchild in my family is this, the memories. I have fond memories of all four of my still living grandparents and, are you ready for this? I vividly remember and had relationships with 4 great grandparents, a number of great-great aunts, one great great great (yes, that's 3!) aunt and there were even a couple great great grandparents still living when I was born. How awesome is that?! I can't get over it really. I'm so blessed. Because having a family history that rich is better than winning the lottery. It's getting to actually know your genelogical line so what when personality traits or faces show up two and three generations later, we know EXACTLY where they came from. Because we saw them get passed down. And for the generations to come who won't remember we have hope. A hope God promised to Abraham in Genesis 17:7, "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." And one day I imagine we'll all get together in Heaven and hear these stories firsthand, although I'm sure they've gotten a little better through the years. :) And that was my Memorial Day. One that I will never forget.

Why I Wear Jewelry...

2011-05-24T12:54:00.001-07:00

So last week on facebook I posted a question that earned a very interesting response. The simple question was, "Why do you wear jewelry?" While I anticipated an array of answers from "it makes me feel pretty" to "I just like it!" I did not anticipate this..."Why do YOU wear it?" And that got me thinking...good job Tabitha :).

You often see my designs and maybe some of you assume those are pretty much what I wear, which is to some point correct. But I started assessing my favorite accessories and asking myself that question, "why do I wear this?!"

While I wish I could go through every piece of my jewelry and take the time to really assess it, I simply have too much and you would be bored to tears because, as I've mentioned before, I definitely assign value to inanimate objects and therefore own far too many of them. Here's some of my most worn pieces as displayed above my dresser. I have a rule that I inadvertantly live by when it comes to accessories-if I can't see them, I don't wear them. So I've been through a number of display/art/holders for my jewelry and this is my current favorite...

But here are four of my favorite accessories that I wear most often...

First, my wedding ring. I guess that's a given but my husband honestly picked this out all by himself. We never went ring shopping, we never looked at rings online, he just went to Custom Goldworks in Loveland CO and had this custom made for me. Yes. He's awesome. One of the coolest things about Custom Goldworks is that they make all their rings from wax molds so they are forever one-of-a-kind as the mold is destroyed in the creation process. So, why do I wear this? Well obviously there's a lot of symbolism behind a wedding ring and i won't get into all of that. Besides being able to ward off creepers with a nice flash of the bling (don't pretend that you've ever done that...) I find my ring to be very useful in reminding me how much my husband does to make me feel loved. He went SO out of his way (and probably his budget) to get me this ring because he knew I would adore it. It makes me remember how much I adore him too.

The second thing I wear often is this necklace. It is one of my designs but not one that I've ever reproduced, although I could I guess...anyhow. I fell in love with this thick rolled chain when I picked it up at a thrift store years ago. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I was selling jewelry then. I didn't have anything to put on it then except a large pearl bauble so that's where it started. After I started dating my now husband, his sister Hannah gave me a skeleton key from her grandparents farm for Christmas and I added that little guy. And sometime in our first 3 years of marriage Caleb found the neat glass silhouette cabachon and gave it to me for...maybe my birthday? So those three pieces just seemed destined together. Sometimes I add on the large brass backplate when I want a little more bling and that came from the handles of a closet on our first house. So, that's the sentiments behind all of it, but truthfully I wear this necklace because I don't have to think about it. It's large enough to just slip over my head and looks great with anything from a button down to a dress to a tee shirt. I just feel like it's a chic statement piece that I'll forever have and love dearly.

The third thing I wear several times a week year round is my 29 cent scarf. It's the best. It's from my favorite thrift store and was a fabulous find when I was in college. I've worn it over my hair when working on large scale paintings, rolled it into a headband, tied it to my purse and of course worn it around my neck. It's just that piece that keeps on giving. I wear it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the color pallet in it. And there's something about those colors that make me happy so I love having them close by always.

Finally, my staple earrings, small pearl studs from my husband as a first year wedding anniversary gift. He did well. I've worn them nearly every day since. Consequently they've needed a few repairs and the backs don't match but hey, when they're in my ears, you never know! Why these? Being a stay at home mom, I honestly don't take a ton of time to plan through my outfits or really dress up on a daily basis. Keeping these guys in makes me feel like I've put a little extra effort into my daily look. Although now the secret's out. I haven't. :)

So...your turn! What's your favorites and why do you wear them?!

Love Letter from Italy

2011-05-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all you sweet followers. I have very little excuse for my lack of writing other than the weather being nice, two weddings I'm quite excited about, and just it being that time of year when everything seems to get flat crazy. So if you have a moment to relax and enjoy something this week, enjoy this...a Love Letter from Italy. Tonight, in honor of my friend since forever's birthday (I'll let her decide to or not to reveal her age) I wanted to let her be the guest writer and share the real-life-love story she is currently living. It will make you smile and remember, or look forward to, your first steps of love AND for one lucky reader, there will be a souvenir from the story.... And with that, I leave you to our guest writer, Miss Jennifer Bergman....

Chris Worrell May 16 at 9:53am
oh jennifer bergman, how's life treatin you these days?

That was it: that’s how it started. That one Facebook message has taken me on a journey that I never believed possible. And it’s filled my life with such love that I never knew I could have. One year ago to the day from when I write this is when Chris and I reconnected. We had known each other in college-but only as acquaintances. We were both from small Kansas towns in the same league, but he was just enough older for me not to know him. So I was only around him for a brief period of time my freshman year of college since we didn’t actually go to the same school. After that time, I basically forgot about him- besides the occasional post I would see on Facebook.

When I got that message, I debated on whether or not I should respond. I didn’t really know what the point was, but at the same time, I thought it would be nice to catch up. Little did I know that Chris had contacted me from halfway around the world. He was currently deployed with the United States Army in Afghanistan. At first, our contact was merely in a friendship sort of way. But within a few weeks, I could tell that my feelings were starting to turn towards a deeper path. It was scary. Loving a soldier is difficult- but falling in love with one in the middle of a war 8000 miles away is terrifying.

I was amazed at how much access I had to Chris. We sent messages back and forth as often as we could- which ended up being every couple of days. Towards the end of his deployment, he had a bit more access to the Internet, and we got to see each other for the first time in 7 years. Although his computer access didn’t allow him to have sound, we could still see each other- which was amazing. Chris has the best smile- and the hottest dimples you’ve ever seen and every time I saw him smile, I fell a little bit further. (He will kill me if he finds out I’m talking about his dimples!!)

After 6 months, Chris left Afghanistan to go back to Italy, where he is still stationed. At first the only form of communication we had was phone calls. Which mean we had to buy phone cards. A LOT of phone cards. But eventually he got Internet which meant we could Skype, so we could both see AND hear each other. And then it was Christmas- and he had leave. And instead of going straight back to Kansas, he made a detour in Dallas. It wasn’t just 7 months of waiting for the moment to see each other. It was 7 years and what felt like a lifetime of waiting. That moment of seeing him at the airport for the first time was the most incredible moment of my life. All the nerves and worry and yearning and love were all wrapped up in that single second, when our eyes met. And we both just knew that everything was as it should be.

We had the opportunity to spend the holidays with our families- and then right before New Year’s Eve, I got to fly to Italy to spend two amazing weeks with Chris. From New Years Eve in Venice to spending time at his apartment in Vicenza, that trip was a dream come true. When I knew I was going to Italy, I knew I could find some treasures to bring back to the states with me- and the first person I thought of that could appreciate them as much as I did was my friend Jillian. Ever since my junior year of prom, I have been wearing Jillian’s jewelry. Her talent doesn’t surprised me, but it always impresses me. I love her innovative use of materials and above all, I love her passion and purpose. So when I found a store in Rome that had a plethora of baubles, stones and jewels, I went wild. I got a small bag of goodies to send back to Jillian, and felt so guilty not being able to bring more. She made a few pieces out of my favorite finds and I can’t wait to see them. To forever have something to wear from this incredible trip and to have it made by my dear friend is priceless to me.

My love story isn’t over yet. Chris still has about 2 years left in Italy. Until the day we can be together on the same continent, we use Skype, Facebook and phones to communicate. And although it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done. He keeps me going. He reminds me to not focus on what we don’t have, and to focus on what we do. He loves me completely and unconditionally. He is my everything and my best friend. I am so grateful for him and so blessed to be able to share my life with him. And it still makes us laugh when we think about how all this started by one random message……

(Jillian here again) How great was that?! Here's what I designed for sweet Jennifer... I decided that if I wanted to wear jewelry to remember a trip it would need to be either something to wear every day or something that really jumped out and made a statement. Jennifer sent enough materials for both, so both is what I did! Take a look...

Here's the simple everyday necklace...

And then the statement piece.... (that cord took 4 hours, I'm not sure I'll ever do one again!)

And then mix and match earrings--these guys are vying for my all time favs...but they're hers!

And the mix and match bracelet! Which is super fun because....leave a comment and a similar styled one with glass beads from Jen's trip can be yours!!!! Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandcastlejewelry and leave a comment on our profile photo too for a double entry! :) Good luck!

4th Week, Thursday!

2011-03-03T07:04:00.001-08:00

Hello my friends! I have several irons in the fire this week but I'm choosing to share my favorite with you. Hot off the...kiln. Seriously, these guys were started last night around 8pm, so they're brand new babies in my world. Enamel works! I'm loving the irregularities and effortlessly artistic chic that these guys seem to bring. These were the trial run, as are most things I do, so take a look, let me know what you think. Thanks for all your input, I truly couldn't go on with out you all!

It's Thursday!

2011-02-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Once again it's Thursday--did that week go by crazy fast for anyone else? We had record highs here last week, and freezing drizzle this week. Thank you Kansas. My 1 year old is now so confused, can I go outside or not?! Anyhow, with the cold weather this week I busted out my torch and worked some more in my super fun recycled/organic medium of choice, Aluminum!!!

Random facts, did you know aluminum is crazy lightweight? Of course you did, if you've ever picked up a soda can. That being said, did you know that aluminum never, I mean NEVER rusts? Really, how can you go wrong with this for jewelry? You can't. So, here's our runners for Week Three's Design Challenge....

Week 3 Option 1--Simple statement cuff. Because I know that not everyone wants to be clad in chunky jewelry, but sometimes a little fun can't hurt...

Week 3 Option 2--My Favorite Earrings. I was just complaining to my husband this week that I have lost one of each of my favorite pairs of earrings. I didn't plan it, but these did usurp both former faves...

Week 3 Option 3--Middle Ground Bracelet. In case you were turned off by the 7 links and the Simple Statement wasn't quite enough, this guy is for you.

Each piece in this collection starts out as a plain aluminum recycled sheet. They're hand worked down to the tiniest ding of a hammer, sometimes with flame to create unique reticulations that are truly one of a kind. Enjoy, vote, let me know what you think of this medium. Are you crazy about it? Or am I just crazy?!

Ring By Spring

2011-02-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

When I was in college the "Ring by Spring" motto was all too alive. And the closer we neared to graduation the more men seemed to be popping the question. And whether this phrase was coined for the women who were scared to leave college single for fear of never "settling down" or the men scared to leave college single for fear of having to do their own laundry...I'll never know. But I'm several years removed from college now and for those of you who might be ring-less or ring-bearing this spring, let me assure you, either way, there is plenty of life past your Sr year spring in college.

So why you are asking am I talking about Rings by Spring this far past college? Well I have 3 younger brothers and 2 of them popped the question this fall leaving this spring full of preparations for 2 summer weddings a mere 3 weeks apart. I'm super blessed to be helping with random details for both of these weddings and terribly excited to add some females to the family count. (Mom and I are currently out numbered 2 to 6). Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon with Kayla putting together her flowers and I remembered back to all the fun details I've done for other weddings and thought I'd share. And if you are a ring-by-spring girl I'd love to help you with your jewelry, bridesmaids gifts, hairpieces or veils. Weddings are my favorite because I get the opportunity to get to know the bride, design specialty pieces just for your day and perhaps most important, work within your budget! Email sandcastlejewelry@gmail.com for questions, set up a design meeting, or see more photos.

HEIDI and DANIEL

These were the Carlson's Save the Date cards, Heidi brought them along to help see colors and styles they were in to. She wanted a delicate bauble necklace for each girl in the wedding colors. She also wanted copper chain.

These were so fun to make, each one slightly different. Baubles are my most popular bridesmaids jewelry, sometimes brides like to add little charms that tell about their friendship (ie, a basketball for a teammate, a high heel for a shopping buddy, etc). Side note, I miss that old tile...

DESI and RODNEY

Desi requested something simple and personalized. We decided together on a vintage crystal and a hand-stamped charm with their wedding date.

Because of their handmade nature, each piece came with a signed handwritten note explaining it's significance.

And of course, for such special orders, free gift wrapping is available. Because who really wants to worry about wrapping gifts before their wedding?

JILLIAN and CALEB

Yes, this is my wedding. Can't it be one of my favorites? And I'm sorry all the photos are black and white. But since those were also my wedding colors, you're not missing much...

My necklace is made from antique crystal remnants of jewelry from several of my "greats" (Grandmas, Aunts, etc).

I wish I had a better shot of my veil, but please ladies, don't buy veils from the wedding shops. They are highway robbery. Mine was a two-tiered ribbon trimmed fingertip. I also did this hairpiece. I still wear it because it's just so fun!

One of my BFFs opening her bridesmaid's gift.

And don't forget your sweet flower girls! Isn't Brenna beautiful? She and my other darling cousin wore these fun tie-on choker necklaces. The tie on style lets them choose the length making them comfortable for photo after photo after photo.... Not to mention they can also be worn as wrap bracelets.

Design Challenge

2011-02-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not have facebook, every Thursday I put up 3 new pieces of jewelry and have people vote on their favorites by commenting or "liking" the photo of the piece. It's helping me pick out what to do more (or less!) of and then I will periodically pick a winner from the votes and send them a piece of free jewelry that they have commented on, or something similar. So, that's the background, it's been 2 weeks running and I've gotten a lot of good response, so I thought I'd throw up the last two weeks worth of options over here and get your insight as well! Happy voting!

Week 1, Option 1--Custom Crystal-The centered crystal in this necklace was brought to me from a friend who has had it for a long time. It is the last remnant of a crystal bell saved in the aftermath of a tornado clean up at her Great Grandmother's house.

Here's the full view of the same necklace, it features the crystal center pieces with hand forged aluminum wire and linked crystal chain with a toggle clasp.

It's a fairly long necklace

Week 1, Option 2--Aluminum Bracelet--This is an aluminum process that has been in the works for the last year. A huge statement that has been described as "light as popcorn." As far as I can research, I am the only one doing this particular type of Aluminum work through a process I developed through lots of reading, seeking, and good old fashioned trial and error!

Here's a better shot of the colorizarion. I use recycled metals and organic compounds to create the oxygenized colors and patinas. Truly one of a kind.

I love wearing it. Lightweight with a heavy statement. Unbeatable!

Week 1, Piece #3--Riveted Necklace. The main piece is removable and interchangeable through the double toggle clasp. This first piece was done for my mother, but it's being considered for an entire series.

That wraps up Week 1...and the Winner was... The Crystal Necklace, Option 1!

Week 2 Option 1--Memory Bracelets, Prov 16:3 I love the idea of memorizing passages and quotes but feel a little weird as a grown up with Bic pen written up my arm while I work on my memory. This was a pretty alternative....

Memory Bracelet Close Up--"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established" is stamped around the outside.

Week 2 Option 2--Stained Glass Recycled Ring

A Set of 2 pre-purchased by a client for her and her sister.

Don't you wish you had a sister who did cool things like that?! Buy you matching jewelry.

Week 2 Option 3--Vintage Button Ring in Sterling with texture and satin finish.

Vintage glass button, sterling silver, cool texture, satin finish, nasty band aid, nastier cut on the back of my thumb. My apologies, I'll be more careful next week!

Covering My Alls..

2011-02-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

It's winter here in Kansas and if there's one thing Kansas knows how to do, it's Winter. Snow, ice, negative temperatures, high winds. The works. And I get through the winter with heated seats, pre-warmed cars and lots of brisk walking to and from one indoor building to the other. And lots of coffee. I'm obviously high maintenance, that's quite a list. Meanwhile ever outdoor working man has one thing that gets him through the winter--coveralls. My husband got a pair for Christmas. Here's my men looking at the snow--the big one's sporting his coveralls, the little one sporting his Grinch doll. Aren't they handsome?!

Have you ever seen coveralls? Like close up? They're incredible. They have more pockets and zippers and neatness than I can handle. Just look!

And suddenly my winter survival kit wasn't enough, I wanted them. I wanted them bad. So bad that my husband would catch me staring at them and repeatedly tell me that I can not have them. You see if I wanted to wear them out and shovel the walk he would have gladly obliged. But I wanted to chop them up. I wanted the pockets, and the zippers and the snaps... oh the wonderfulness!

So the hunt began...and apparently most men have a similar attachment to their coveralls because have you ever seen a pair at a thrift store? You may have never looked, but they're rare. So after 3 months of searching, I found them. They were perfect. A size 4XL--short. I could have worn them while being 9 months pregnant (and I was HUGE, seriously, 200lbs huge) with my 2 bffs and went sledding like Siamese triplets...come to think of it that would have been really fun. But now they're chopped...and they are my new tool bag!

Ta-Da!

I love the detail on this little zipper pocket. Love!

Look at all those pockets! 11 on the outside :D

And a built-in hammer holder!

Oh and here's my very favorite...

Wait for it...

A tool roll!

Finally, all my favorites in one place!

the Cross stitch

2011-02-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hanging in my parent's entryway is a delicate cross stitching my Grandma Brown made for my mother one Christmas. It's an intricate needlework that runs the names of our entire family in a crossword pattern. Years later when Jesse arrived, Grandma added his name with pride right into the work. It's beautiful. And while it's not the cross stitch work that makes us family, it reminds us as we come and go that we are. The small town I still call "home" is a lot like that cross stitching.

If you ever been blessed enough to live in a small town you know that life in such extraordinary places is just so--knitted together in simple stitching that links us all in some way--and life is our constant reminder of our connectedness. In that same small town my junior year, the high school put on Thornton Wilder's production, "Our Town" which I have always found both odd and oddly appropriate. Often since that performance I have reflected on on particular line from the play, "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?--Every, every minute?"

This week I reflect on that as my small town had not one but two sudden deaths strike the intricately knit cross-stitch. And as I live far away from both families most directly hurt, my heart still aches for them because of the connection we all share. Not only in living in Our Town, but also in another Cross stitched connection. One that brings hope to our hurting and rest to our restlessness and peace beyond this earth's understanding. While we mourn for ourselves as we miss those gone from us, we rejoice for them who's names are written in the Cross through which we all can receive life eternal.

For the families I pray Phil 4: 7 "That the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus."

A Moment for Me...

2011-01-24T12:24:00.001-08:00

If you are one, you'll keep reading, if you're not one, you'll stop in about one more line. I'm a stay at home mom, and it's not for sissies. I would not change this life choice for anything, but I will equally not deny that sometimes a 40 hour a week desk job looks pretty relaxing.

Last week I had one of those days where News (my now 1 year old) refused to be happy playing alone as well as refused to be comforted by my being there, so basically a complete whiney terrible bad day. When, out of the blue, Newell appeared to be slightly intrigued by his toy box and I seized the opportunity to throw the dishes in the dishwasher (which is by the way, a complete GOD-send). I had been away for approximately 3 minutes when Newell came running around the corner being assisted by his zoom and scoot, a favorite toy. This would not be unusual except for the fact that he was stark naked and covered in paint. When I looked around the corner I saw that he had stripped down, opened a can of paint, painted both his arms, one leg and pooped in the center of the floor. Yes. In 3 minutes. I screamed. He laughed and mocked me continuing the run (now from me) mocking my screams. I picked him up, plopped him in the tub and called his father. I need a break.

But that was last week. Today I have my son and his one year old bff--it's the equivalent of being thrown into a world of twin boys, but it's been great! And currently the dishes are loaded and washing and both boys are down for a synchronized nap and for me, this is my moment to relax... so I'm sharing some pieces of my moment...

1--a pot of french pressed coffee with Great Value (walmart brand alert!) Vanilla creamer

2--a couple favorite blogs and websites--Currently I'm playing on www.polyvore.com (check it out!)

3--Background noise. I bounce between favorites here but I listen to a lot of music on www.pandora.com and www.stereomood.com and when i'm feeling more like just staring, I hook up my netflix account and watch some good mystery show like Bones or CSI.

Have a great day! Mommies out there, I hope you get some time to yourself today as well!

Feeling the Love!

2011-01-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

My love language is gifts. I use this as an excuse for my terrible packrat syndrome. And yes, i do think being a packrat might be a clinical syndrome and I think I have it. but admission is the first step right? Anyhow...because my love language is gifts I tend to apply very sentimental value to inanimate objects and occasionally animate objects (just ask my husband about our shetland pony, I mean, puppy, Bear). But seriously, isn't he beautiful?

Plus Newell loves him...

Ok, so that's background.

Now the only thing better to me than gifts is packages--you know, ones that come in the mail. January was a very fun month, one in which I felt particularly loved. I received not one but TWO packages from dear friends all across the country. The first came from my umm...we're going to call her Aunt but i think she's really a cousin and unless you have a family that rivals the one shown on My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you really wouldn't understand the run around to get to who she is to me. She's special and loved and that's all that matters. Anyhow, Nicki gathered a bunch of fun stuff from around her house and shopping trips to antique stores and put together this fabulous little package...

It was AMAZING to open up all these goodies! Note: my handwriting on the return addy, she's such a good recycler!

This next package was SUPER fun. I mean SUPER fun. It came from a dear high school friend Jen, or middle school, or elementary school, or kindergarten, or Mrs Macy's....Yes, Jen and I go way back and she's not telling anything about my 1st grade clown hair cut, MC Hammer pants or anything else you think you can just pry out of her. Just thought we should clear that up. :) Now Jen called me last fall sometime and mentioned that she was going to Italy. Going to Italy with the man she loves (I might be taking slight liberties here) and we're all just pretty stinking jealous. But being the dear sweet friend she is, look at these goodies she brought back and sent to me?! I'm working up a couple sets for her that I'll be sharing soon with some of these bad boys but really, aren't they spectacular!? Hand blown Venetian glass...sigh* love!

So look for some fun new things as I share the love from these two and pass it on to you wonderful people! Enjoy!

Jillian

Ode to Fashion, Friends and Mostly My Mother

2010-11-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how friends influence us? This week I began an Art Everyday Challenge--the challenge to do something creative everyday in November. Luckily the "Something Creative" is a very flexible guideline one that will let me count creative ways I get my 10 month old to eat something other than applesauce. I digress...anyhow, I learned of that challenge from a friend on facebook who I often stalk for good ideas, thank you Rachel! My first get creative project is one that has been on my list since a second college friend, Kelsey showed it to me via her wish lists for fall 2010 fashion. Kelsey is my fashion icon. I will never be able to pull things together and look like this incredible Jackie-O/Audrey Hepburn in modern day vogue when I roll out the door but Kelsey is the epitome of fashionable in my life. She always has been and she always will be. And I will admire her from a distance and occasionally steal a neat combo that I never would have come up with on my own from her page. So a few months ago, Kelsey showed me this...

A $1200 caplet jacket that I had to have. But that's right, I have no job and even if I did the moral dilemma of spending THAT MUCH on a jacket is just about sinful to even think of. Especially for myself who lives for digging through thrift store racks. Anyhow, one more piece for the puzzle of friends, fashion and mostly my mother...

Confession alert--there will be a lot of confessions in this blog, but this is the first. I was a 4-H kid. If you've never read the history of Sandcastle Jewelry, which I really don't blame you, a dreadful 4-H project lead to the beginning of my bead infatuation. But, let's back up a few years to 4-H. I was a sewer. Yippie skippy, every girl in 4-H has to sew. If I was really good to you all I would have dug up some fabulous home ade project photos and put them in but I didn't so you can imagine the sunflower prints and the permed hair all on your own. But 4-H sewing brings me to my best friend from childhood, Janeal. Janeal is better at me than everything. She always has been. She's smarter, she's cleaner, she's more organized and today she's a history teacher that I'm sure will head straight to the Kansas Teacher's Hall of Fame because that's just the kind of girl she is. But Janeal was also in 4-H. And she was a sewer. And of course, she was better at that too. But in 4-H the most dreadful thing was that they would turn your garmet inside out and examine your seams! Who honestly cares what the inside looks like?! I thought that then, I still than me. The judges asked Janeal once how she got her seams so steady and she said, my mother's motto is "Slow and Steady, Steady and Slow that's the way we learn to sew." I remember looking at her and saying, my mother's motto is "Get it right the first time or I'll cuss you out." I also remember my mom's face when i said that. In my defense, my perfect mother only used one four letter word and I really can't recall it being used ever outside of sewing. And if your daughter had the lead pedal foot that I do and you had to tear out 6 inseams in one pair of pants, I don't think even Janeal's mother could have maintained her motto with a sewer like me. So bless my mother's heart and her patience that she ever actually got much accomplished on teaching me to sew. And while I walked away from sewing for a long, long time, when I got my machine after I got married (a tribute to reasons why you shouldn't stay up late watching the Home Shopping Network with a credit card in hand) I have actually been very thankful that my mother was determined to teach me how to sew if it killed her. And if looks could have, I'm sure I would have a number of times during our fun fest of 4-H. But I'm also thankful that it didn't kill her, I don't know what I would do without her. That being said, I decided that my time in 4-H meant that I could make this caplet jacket. And I was determined to do so. And then, because I think $1200 jackets are beyond absurd, I will show you how I did this. And you can totally do it to. Here's the warnings, if you are a perfect sewer like Janeal, don't try this. You will hate me, you will hate you and you will hate this whole process. If you're not willing to scrap the whole thing and turn it into a toss pillow, you also might not want to start. But if you can go with the flow and follow my craziness, I'd love love love for you to have a caplet jacket. And I promise not to swear at you if you dont' get it right...or check your inside stitching. (And if you don't want the step by steps included, you can scroll to the bottom for the end of this blog and the final photo of the knockoff.)

First, I bought a couple yards of double thickness camel colored fleece and a yard of $1.50 mystery fabric that looks kinda like raw silk but had the sheen of satin. It was a $1.50 and I loved it, so it came home. Fabric to me is like Chinese food, just pick what looks pretty and enjoy. So I pulled up the caplet photo on my computer and sat it near my sewing machine.

I think sketched and idea of how I could make it with as few seams as possible. I decided on a big celtic cross like shape with a slit for my head.

From there I folded my fabric in half and stood holding it up to myself in-front of a full-length mirror. think about holding up a shirt from your closet and checking the length of the sleeves, that's what I did basically. Then I took a piece of chalk and drew lines about 2 inches further down than I thought i'd actually like both on the bottom and on one sleeve. Marking both the side seam and the cuff on the sleeve, and the sideseam and the bottom of the bodice (fancy 4-h word for body here).

I then laid the fabric on the floor and folded it in half again. Think about trying to fold a square piece of paper into 4 sections, that's what you're doing. The top should show two layers of folded fabric, the right side shows one fold of fabric and the left and bottom will show four unfolded pieces of fabric. I then finished out my previous chalk markings to make a big upside-down L shape and I cut that shape out. A couple suggestions on those markings, I made my bodice twice the size of my waist measurement minus 6" so if you're looking for easy measuring and marking at this point, I'd measure your waist, double that, subtract 3 and divide it in half (since our fabric is folded) and you should have really good measurements for this. You also want nice flappy arms, so make that measurement about two and a half times your actual arm circumference at the fattest part, or um, biggest muscle ;) Also I recommend always cutting too big over too small. Taking things in is much easier than adding to them.

Ok, so at this point you should now have a lovely large X or cross looking shape of fleece. From here you are going to fold your shape in half so that the two body pieces lay together and the arms are folded in half. If your fabric has a front side, make sure it is to the inside (so outside on top!. Then s take your fabric and sew along the underarm and side seam. You should just be sewing an L, not -[_]- if that shape makes any sense at all. Just the upside down L not the bottom. 2 seams. Ok? I just randomly pick a mark on the sewing machine and follow that line. It works, just don't change lines. I think I did 3/4 inch seams. but who really knows?!

Now it's time for the cool neck collar that makes this piece so fabulous. I measured the thickness of my favorite scarf and then added a couple inches for creasing and seams. I also measured from the center of my collarbone to the center of the other collarbone and doubled that for the length. Because I was using two different fabrics I cut this measured rectangle out of both fabrics. I then laid the inside of the fabrics together and sewed along just the long sides to connect the two. I then turned it rightside out and handstitched the two short sides together tucking the edge in as I went to create a hemless seam.

Don't judge my handstitching...

I placed the seam in the back and laid my collar loop on the top (where the head hole will be) of the caplet. I then took scissors and cut a slit in the caplet about a half inch smaller on both sides than the edge of the collar. (It works much better to have a smaller hole than one that is too big!) Once cut, I handstitched the collar into place.

Now if you'd like, you can totally stop there and love the caplet jacket you have. I wanted a few additional touches because I really like details so I went on and added a couple things. I folded the sleeves into themselves about 3 inches. Think about rolling your sleeves up, but just to the inside and with only one fold. I then sewed a hem-like seam along the very outer edge of the fold to give the jacket sleeves a neat piping look. I think finished them off with a very small hem along the bottom of the sleeve.

I also really like the sweatshirt style band at the bottom of the caplet complete with the gathering. This was a bit of a challenge for me, I'll admit! And there's probably a better way to get more concise gathers, but this worked ok. My caplet was a bit longer than I wanted so I cut the bottom 3 inches or so off. In a moment I'll explain how that strip became my band. I then took a large needle and loosely threaded a piece of string about a half inch up from the bottom all the way around the caplet. I made really big stitches, like 2 inch ones. When I reached the end I pulled the strings to gather the caplet to my desired scrutchiness and tied the ends together.

I then took my excess trimming from earlier and hemmed about a 1/2 inch seam in the bottom and then cut the length down to match my gathered jacket and pinned the two pieces (right side) together and sewed them.

There was only one part left--a pocket! Partially because I like sweatshirt kangaroo pouch pockets and partially because they're just easier, that's what I put in the jacket. I cut a large square out of fabric, sewed the long ends together to create a tube for the pocket. I then laid it on top of the caplet front and made chalk marks for where I wanted the pockets to be. I carefully cut slits in only the front of the caplet. Because I was having so much fun at this point...hehehehe, I made a couple fun stitched squares and sewed them on top of the slits to make decorative little pocket folds. I then handstiched the tube into place and voila! Done!

So, there it is my $11 knockoff an ode to wonderful friendships and my beautifully determined mother. :) Love you all, Rachel for your inspiring networking, Janeal for pushing me to be almost as good as you ;), Kelsey for your unsurpassed eye for fashion and mostly my mother who knew that despite my kicking and screaming I would one day be thankful that she made me learn to sew. And I am, but not for the ability to create as much as the time she faithfully spent teaching me far more than four letter words and how to cut a hema but the life lessons that can only be taught by a mother lovingly invested in her daughter. You're the best mom, even if our projects weren't always. :)

Because this was getting terribly long typing out all these instructions I started cutting them short. If you're undertaking this project and feel short-changed, shoot me and email at sandcastlejewelry at gmail.com to explain anything you might need! have a blessed day!

Lessons from the DG parking lot...

2010-10-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

The bad thing about using the pronoun "we" with your child is that in every statement you include yourself. This is how I learned that tough lesson...

It started a few months ago, News has a friend who is a fit thrower. This friend has been throwing one constant fit since I met him. I'm not sure he sleeps. The problem with letting Newell "play" with the fit thrower is that Newell is a mocker. He could be a professional. Most of the time Newell mocks me, he fake drinks coffee from my empty cup, he fake talks on the phone, and much to his father's dismay, he really likes strings of beads and my hairdryer. Eventually I'll break him of the last two... Anyhow, you can see where I'm going with this. Newell likes to mimick everything. And then we met the fit thrower. And while I'd like to say that I know that Newell would have some day figured out how to throw fits all on his own...right now I like to believe he picked it up from this annoyingly angry little friend. So, the first time I saw the fits I said what just came naturally, "Newell Simeon, WE DO NOT THROW FITS!" And albeit to my surprise, Newell stopped. And most of the time this works, although occasionally I have to bust out a whole little speech, which I will get to...

It started this morning, like 2am. Newell got up, threw a fit and then went back to bed until 5:30, and then was up again at 6 something. At some point looking at a clock just depresses you so you choose to get up. So, here I am my day started early, thinking of all the things I should/could get done if I tried really hard. Did I mention we have 20ish people visiting over the weekend. Yup. And what am I doing? Yes, blogging. Don't judge. SO anyway, I make a list and Newell takes the worlds shortest nap and I'm afforded a minute and a half shower that did not get to include my hair being washed so i'm living on dry shampoo, a cup of reheated coffee and a danish that I found in the pantry. Yup, welcome to my life. I have a meeting at 1 and I'm thinking that I could take my grocery list, run and shop, come home, feed Newell, grab my stuff and head over to the church office. Oh and did I mention I'm going to do this all in an hour and half? Yes, the lack of sleep is seriously impairing my time judgement. So I hit up Dollar General first. I found a surprising amount of things I both had on the list and couldn't live without so I was feeling pretty good about life as I wheeled my little cart out to the car. Ha. The car....

I load up, start the car and attempt to pull it out of park. Nothing happened. I mean nothing. I couldn't budge my gear shift to save my soul. And I should now mention that our other car is in the shop so I'm already sharing wheels with the hubby. The hubby who happens to be flying at this very moment and is not capable of answering his phone. So, I'm in the car, broken. About a mile from home. Thirty minutes away from needing to be at the meeting and...about ready to pitch a fit. And for those of you who have never seen it. I pitch a pretty mean fit. Just ask my husband about the Starbucks in Ardmore OK...ok, don't actually. So as I look at a little round face in my mirror I can hear my own words taunting me. So I just told them to myself, "We DO NOT throw fits..." I needed the whole speech. "Throwing a fit right now will not help anything and NO ONE feels sorry for you." So I had to try to fix it. And I had to look at the good things...

It was a good thing that I didn't make it to Dillons because then I would have had cold stuff in the car to worry about. It was a good thing that I had towing insurance on my car. It was good thing that I was at Dollar General who while they do not carry baby food, they did carry applesauce, toys and spoons all of which would help get Newell through a meeting and be his makeshift lunch. It was a good thing that I didn't cancel the web plan on my phone and could call the car place and the insurance guy. It was a good thing that the only person I knew who would be at the meeting called my phone last night and we were able to get a ride from her. And it was a good thing that I had to wait it out at DG for a while because it let me do a much needed clean out of my car. But perhaps most importantly, it was a good thing because I learned we do not throw fits.

Green is for Go...

2010-10-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how just pulling on my favorite pair of running shorts is somehow motivating. They are a two tone green pair of Nike shorts, made out of some sort of magic parachute material that sends me skydiving into a day full of tasks...ok, I think they're really some synthetic material but that makes them no less magical. I jump out of the shower and pull on my magic pants and get my day started. No need to know that this is all happening around 10:30am...no judging. Was your kid up for an hour at 3 am? I think not.

Speaking of kids, Newell is now actively mobile. He's not walking yet but cruising (this is apparently the made up mom word for pulling up on furniture, walls, or anything else within reach and walking alongside said object) This mobile thing is a dangerous cat. You see, while part of me now thinks he must be at least 5 years old and ready for kindergarten, the other part things that I must hover non-stop to keep him from killing himself. He's a daredevil. He climbs things and then summersaults off them. And he eats things. Which kept me on poison control watch last week. Awesome. On a related note, if any parents out there would like a poison control magnet or sticker, they sent me a good dozen of each. Apparently I worried them enough that they're hoping I tatoo the number on my arm...perhaps I should.

Ok, sorry, this is Monday and I'm polishing off my first cup of coffee so this is quite scattered. As for jewelry, here's where I'm at...I'm looking for models who want to wear stuff for my new website--anyone?! I'm working to keep this blog things rolling a little better, finishing organizing the craft room (this is really an ongoing and never ending task), finalizing some great custom works, (I'll post pics soon!) and waiting patiently for some new materials that are going to open up a whole new line of Sandcastle. Stay tuned, lots of new stuff ahead, and hopefully a few less scattered, less boring blogs!

So here I am, Monday morning trying to get all my ducks in a row. This week is already so full but I'm looking forward to all of it.

A Strange Journey

2010-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this blog as a fill-in/catch up/rejoicing that God has done some incredible things in the life of our family over the past year and half or so. So, in order for any of this to make sense let's buzz back to Spring 2009. Caleb and I , trying to decide what direction God may be calling us, began to research life as mission pilots. Or rather, a mission pilot and spouse seeing that I don't fly. We talked to several organizations, even met with a recruiter until May 5th, 2009. Happy Cinco De Mayo, Jill finds out she's pregnant. This exciting and terrifying news sent us on a whirl wind of questions and quests, as we were hoping that when we started a family I would be able to stay at home with our kids. And on Cinco De Mayo, 2009--that looked unlikely. Needless to say, a baby closed the mission pilot doors for the time being. I wasn't really ready to do my first baby experience in a 3rd world country. Sure, I'm a chicken. :)

Anyhow, with our news and our questions, we began seeking and praying that God would open a door for me to be a stay at home mom with our baby. Meanwhile, our due date drew closer and we were still doctoring 2 hours away from our current home. With no new job outlooks on the horizon for Caleb, we decided to move to Hillsboro. My job was a huge blessing because I was able to stay home to work often and it provided health insurance. We were also blessed that Caleb's self-employment as a flight instructor and painter allowed for us to move in between Emporia and Salina to be closer to our Dr and split the commute for both of us. How blessed I am to have a husband who put in some awfully long days there in Hillsboro. We rented a darling little house that the land-lords were willing to do on a month-to-month basis and about 5 weeks later, we brought our little boy home to it.

And that was when things got tough for me. Newell was born on the 5th of January and I knew my maternity leave was up the end of February. Granted some of this was probably complicated by postpartum, but I seriously couldn't even look at Valentine's displays in stores because I knew that was very close to when I would have to begin work. Caleb and I had decided that if I wasn't going to be able to be home all the time, we would alternate so that when I did have to make trips for work Caleb would stay with Newell. During those trips I would beg and plead with God to change something so that I didn't have to leave my sweet little boy. It absolutely tore me up. The days working at home weren't bad because he was with me, but being away from him was terrible. But rather than trusting God and His plan I badgered Him. I'd get angry. I'd cry. I felt very alone and childish and self centered. The only thing I could remember praying for consistently was a way to stay home with Newell. God opened my eyes to my selfishness but my heart was becoming hardened as I waited. Impatiently. In my head God was going to give me a way out before Newell was born. But then he was born and I was still working. Then I thought, surely by the time my maternity leave is over. And nothing... Then I thought, by the end of my contract, God will have something in store...but I watched that date slide near and I wasn't sure how I was going to handle it. But, I was feeling better about things. Newell was getting older and his time with his Dad was really good. I was working from home about 80% of the time and had quite a few vacation days on the horizon which would be good too. And honestly, I really liked my job. I worked with great people and enjoyed what I did. I just really missed my baby. And when I saw days on the calendar filling up with several days in a row that I was going to have to be away, it was painful.

But, 2 Timothy 2:13 says, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful--for he cannot deny himself." Little did I know that God was getting ready to show me this in a way I couldn't imagine...

Sometime that spring Caleb got a call from (hang in here now) his dad, who talked to a friend, who talked to a guy named Dick, who heard through the grapevine (yes as if this isn't grapevine enough!) that there was an opening for the manager at the El Dorado Airport and that Caleb might be interested. Caleb quickly called and checked into it, but the guy in charge said that they were almost done with the hiring process. They said he could turn in his resume, but they'd basically already hired their guy. Because at this point we're really good at jumping through hoops, we jumped and sent the resume anyway. They hired the other guy.

But then, several weeks later Caleb got a call from his Dad's friend who talked again to Dick who'd talked to someone who said the position was open and they were interested in Caleb but didn't know how to reach him. Thinking this whole thing was really weird but once again knowing we'd jumped through stranger hoops, Caleb sent out some feelers. Come to find out, the guy they had hired walked away for a better job 2 days into the Airport Manager position. Caleb was being looked at again. They called him for an interview and we tried not to hold our breath. Guessing what God's doing is never a game you're going to win. That much we'd learned. But, I had vacation to spare so Newell and I drove around a bit and looked at the town and did some shopping. Caleb got a second interview...

The next week, his job offer came in. As only God could arrange, he was taking a job that was going to let me stay home. We house shopped, packed up, bought a home, moved in, and are settling nicely. Newell started crawling the week we moved in mid-July and in the last 2 weeks has started pulling up to walking around--I can't imagine trying to get real work done with him motoring around the house, starting all sorts of mischief! But I don't have to because God was faithful. In blessing us in ways we do not deserve. Despite our questions, despite our doubts. His plan is greater than we can see in our tiny box. For those of you still with me reading, thank you. Thank you for your prayers, your love, your support during the challenging year or so of our life. We have learned so much but above all we have learned to be truly dependent on him. For He never fails us. And even when we feel alone, He is there.

Jilli

Dear Ethel

2010-06-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to my cousin's dance recital in Minneapolis. She was the best of course and we went out to have a Coke and celebrate and that was when I encountered Ethel. Sitting on a table at the gas station was her auction bill with a date for this past Saturday. As I read over the listing I couldn't help but feel like I would really like Ethel. I decided that I was going to that auction. Several hours, a sunburn and a nice drive later I returned home with several purchases of inspiration for new jewelry. If I was writing Ethel, this is what I would say...

Dear Ethel,
One glance at your auction bill could tell anyone you were a lady of many loves. The trailers of doilies, china dolls, paintings, music, glass and linens attest to this on a hot Saturday in May. And while your things tell many stories of your life, the people gathered around have told me even more.
As I delicately sorted through your fine rhinestone pins and pierced earrings a friend of yours explained your love for jewelry. "Ethel always wore it," she said smiling, "even when she didn't feel well, you could always count on Ethel wearing her jewelry." Many spoke of your incredible kindness and love for Christ. And as I directly and indirectly picked up information about you I thought, this woman has lived life well. Touching as many others in the process as possible. Did you know you have stories from teaching that are still being told? Did you know you are "the favorite aunt"? I spent some of the time at your auction wondering what of these things were your favorites. I wondered if this was my auction if I would want to know what happened to some of my things. I wondered if you wanted to know what I was going to do with the things I purchased. As I went through the treasures I found I thought of all the loving care with which you had removed every button collected, un-stitched every zipper saved and I want you to know that I will love these things as much as you did. I will never again search for a button or the perfect zipper because i have a lifetime supply. I sorted each zipper into a little basket in my studio falling in love with a few favorites. I spent time taking each button and sorting them by color and material. The buttons you saved are simply un-matched by any I've ever seen before and I can not thank you enough for saving them. I am so grateful for your collection that you shared with me and I am anxious to turn some of them into beautiful jewelry that I too wear everyday. And somehow, though it makes me sad for you to think of all the things sold at that auction, I feel as though I met you a little bit that day and I feel as though we are friends. I promise you my dear friend Ethel, I will be a safe home for your years of collecting. It will not be in vain.

With a thankful heart for yours,
Jillian

By the numbers...

2010-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

In honor of my brother Nick graduating Sunday with his degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education, today's blog will be by the numbers in reference to my 1st run with my jogging stroller yesterday.

1 is the number of times I've been out with the jogging sroller, the number of tires needing replaced and the number of half marathons I've ran.

2 is the number of years since that run, close to the number of miles I actually ran yesterday and the number of stable tires on my jogging stroller.

3 miles was the goal to run, the number of tires that needed air during the run and the number of blocks I walked during this endeavor.

4 (and a half) months is the age of my running buddy, the number of times I SHOULD be running a week and the number of times I thought about stopping for a Snickers and Pepsi.

5 the number of pounds left to get to pre-baby weight, the size of jeans I can squeeze into on a good day, the number of months that have seemed to fly by this year, the number of necklaces I have to make today and the final number of this short numerically organized blog!

Jilli

Patchwork

2010-03-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all then you know my driving desire for a good deal. My husband Caleb said of me a couple weeks ago, “It’s really probably a good thing we don’t have a lot of money because if we did, I don’t think shopping would be nearly as fun for you!” I think he’s probably quite right. I love the thrill of a good bargain. The moment when the racks part at the Goodwill and “ahhhh!!!” (that’s heavenly choruses) the perfect pair of Gap khakis in your exact fit appears, on 99 cent day none the less…
However, despite my oversized zeal for a deal, there was one time I broke down for the perfect pair of jeans. You laugh, but I have seriously never NEVER dropped more than a $20 for a pair of jeans, until I found these…

It happened my Junior year of college and we have been best buds for going on 5 years this fall. Yes, I know but these are just that grand. Let me explain…my junior year the jeans that were “in” were the stretch fit. And by stretch fit I mean, painted to your thighs look. My thighs do not look good painted. Furthermore, I was starting a job with the football team and really didn’t want to stand out any more on the sidelines than my then 2 foot ponytail would already ensure. So my friend Donya and I spent a day at the mall searching out the perfect jeans. And I found them at AE. And I for the first time in my life dropped more than a 20 on them--$50 dollars (which was probably at LEAST half of my checkbook balance and probably the cause of the trip home for gas that didn’t quite work out…I got so close though!). So yes, I once spent $50 on jeans. 5 years ago. Let me tell you where all those friends have been…
First, they served their original purpose as my uniform for EVERY football game (including the 2 national playoff games!) that year. But during those weeks I fell in love with these jeans and generally have worn them 2-3 times a week during the fall and winter. I was wearing these jeans when I went on the mission trip that I met my husband on, I wore them even after I dropped a lot of weight playing soccer my senior year, I wore them when I moved into my very first own place outside of college, they made an appearance on normal days and abnormal days and made gloomy days feel better. This past year I was actually able to wear them until around my 7th month of pregnancy with Newell but alas all this wearing was well…wearing. But frugality in my life once again overcame common sense and rather than retiring these dear old friends, a few Saturdays ago I broke down and busted out my random fabric scraps to patch my old pals. It was while I patched these jeans that I started seeing the beauty in all the colors of scraps that I’ve collected (yes, in addition to being unbelievably tight I also have a difficulty parting with things that I have forked over even a quarter for, especially in the name of creativity). It was during this revelation that I decided to put together a few jewelry pieces with found scraps of fabric. With that, I unveil the Spring 2010 Fabric Sandcastle Collection, although a name for these pieces is still in the works, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek!

Garnet in the Rough

2010-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Shortly before I got married, a dear friend told me that being married was like constantly looking at yourself in the mirror—you quickly become aware of all your imperfections as you constantly have someone else to live life with. If that statement was true, having a baby is like having that mirror and a parrot. A really smart parrot that does all that good mimicking stuff.

And at some point in time during my pregnancy with Newell, it occurred to me that I was going to have a parrot. After all, aren’t we all parrots for a while? Think about this--at the beginning of your life, everything you have ever known or learned you’ve learned from someone else. You learn to copy, mimic and mock the sounds and actions of those around you. And as I thought about this little baby-to-be I realized that I wasn’t sure I was ready for a parrot…

When you think about having a little someone with you almost 24-7 watching everything you do and say knowing that these are the things they will someday do and say, you suddenly remember all the flaws in that mirror! As I thought on these things the old “diamond in the rough” expression came to mind. And as I became growingly aware of my own flaws and this perfect little moldable child Caleb and I were bringing into the world, no expression seemed more appropriate. Here I was, flawed and imperfect, yet, getting ready to be given one of the greatest gifts possible, pure and perfect (or stinking close to it :) ).

It was somewhere in the midst of all these random thoughts of motherhood that made me create the piece “A Garnet in the Rough.” The low grade turquoise disc holds a 5mm cut and polished Garnet (Newell’s birth stone) while his name “Newell Simeon Marsh” is hand hammered into the silver bezel holding everything together. In short, it symbolizes my time preparing for the unknown blessing and the impact he’s had on my life thus far. And perhaps the most promising hope I found in my thoughts and ramblings was Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go and he will not turn from it.”

The Fashion of Mommyhood

2010-02-05T04:48:00.000-08:00

The first thing any parent will tell you when you find out your expecting is "your life will never be the same." While I can say I believed this overused statement (why else would people be so quick to use it if it weren't true?!) I can say there is one extent of the statement I never anticipated. It is not the late nights/early mornings, the inability to get out of the house on time for anything, or the incredible amount of laundry one tiny little soul can create. It is my personal style. Never did it cross my mind that a little baby would have any effect on my personal fashion choices. Never have I been so wrong.

During my 9th month of pregnancy, while weighing more than I ever thought my 5'3'' frame could handle (I might have just given myself an inch actually) I went shopping with my mother. Now, those of you who have been pregnant are scolding me from your screen as we speak (or sort-of speak). Truth be told, i wasn't looking for any new additions to my closet, I was trying to up the contractions I'd been having and move Newell's arrival along. Instead, I had a charming conversation with a 6 year old ("I noticed you're having a baby," she said. "I am," I replied. "You have a really large belly," she noted aloud. Fantastic.)

Anyhow, while 'shopping' Mom pulled out a shirt she thought would be cute for me. I distinctively remember telling her that once I wasn't pregnant, I probably wouldn't wear big fluffy shirts that I could have worn while I was. After all, I hadn't been in normal clothing for the better part of a year during which time my selection had become a little more picky.

Then Newell arrived! While I did anticipate the whole still being bigger than "normal" and had even purchased some additional sizes of pants, the real changes had only just begun...

First off, being a nursing mom leads to a fashion dilemma all of its own. After 24 years of working to keep particular things covered in the name of modesty-I now actually analyze how quickly and easily I can get certain things out. This particularly feels wrong when I'm getting ready for church.

After the potentially topless endeavor, I then became aware of my desire for a new hairstyle. Initially I thought growing my hair back out to its former length was a desirable style I wished to return to. After the one time I actually flat ironed it post birth resulted in not one, but two sticky spit-up jobs, I scheduled the chop. And Kelsy, you did fantastic! Less drying time, easy fix, and too short to spit-up in-that's pretty much my hairstyle qualifications these days! A great fix I've found for my super hectic days, I've become re-acquainted with the headband. Such a classic accessory I had no idea I had missed so much! Of course, I have made a few that while they do serve their original purpose, have a little more jazz than your average Dollar General half-circle.

Finally, and perhaps the most challenging for me was my style of jewelry. While I know kid proof will be just around the corner. My style of big chunky necklaces is being invaded by a little face that prefers similar positioning a great deal of the time. My latest piece is a compromise-made in part with satin cloth and metallic embroidery floss, Newell gets a soft head mat and I still get my classic statement jewelry piece (oh and it's large enough to be clasp-free, for easy nursing removal)
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My upcoming fashion change-large movable earrings. Once just a fun accessory for going out, these now serve as entertaining mobiles for my growing son. I suppose I should take advantage before he gets quicker at grabbing things...

The Queen of Excuses

2010-01-31T19:32:00.000-08:00

I am the queen of excuses, but opening a blog to only enter 2 postings is hard to excuse, even for me. So here I am, a year after starting Lessons from the Sand working on only my third post. Pitiful I know. As I type this long overdue entry, I am forcing myself past my usual excuses--I don't have time to type it in to Word first to edit and spellcheck--I don't have any photos taken or any earth-shattering wisdom to impart. So basically, here I am without excuse, sharing the updates of life at the Marsh house over the past eleven months.

The first big change is about nine pounds and should be in bed right now but instead is laying across my lap making sweet faces sleepy smiles at me, his mama. I haven't been a mom for very long--Newell Simeon joined our family on January 5th and he's been a fabulous addition. There's nothing more rewarding than his responses to my husband and I making faces and talking to him. He's stirring now which may mean I'll cut this short...

Like most things in life right now, I had to put this on hold a few hours, I'm now up to feed at 1:3oam and mastering the type with one hand drill. Anyway, 11months, 3 jewelry shows, 1 move, 55lbs and a baby later, I'm inspired to attempt this blogging gig again--mostly in response to my best friend's blog http://daylehogue.wordpress.com/ I've realized that I too could make time for blogging if I'd just give a little better effort.

Ok, enough with the rambling, here's where Sandcastle Jewelry is at today...Things will be inevitably different now that there is a baby in the mix. However, with Newell being a GREAT baby complete with pretty good sleeping habits and a strong love for his sling time, I have actually gotten back in the Studio (which is lovely by the way since we moved! I'll post photos soon) and have made a couple new designs since his birth.

So what can you expect from Sandcastle this year? I have no idea! But as of right now, the sound of a sewing machine is more constant and calming than a hammer so look for some interesting new fabric concoctions and possibly a branch into some hair pieces (mainly because I'm really into those right now). But no matter where I head with designs, motherhood, etc, I will try to keep you posted...yay lame pun, but it is 2am, so let's let it slide eh?

Reconciled Wreckage

2009-02-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I never struggled with the command to "love thy neighbor." My neighbors consisted of longtime family friends and numerous children close to my age. Now however, I as an adult I'm beginning to understand the difficulty behind such a command. I live next door to a special family. I say special because while I originally wrote off some of their interesting behaviors as cultural differences...I since have changed for no explanation. No explanation for the weekly activity where they hose their driveway off into ours or when they put their dog on an extend-a-leash so he can come poop in our yard. Yes, there is not explanation for this. I even took them Christmas cookies for heaven's sake! But, this is simply the background information for my latest 'lesson from the sand.'
You see, I recently joined a Bible study on Romans. In Romans 5 we see this beautiful picture of reconciliation. To reconcile means to change something, to take it as an enemy and make it a friend. As silly as this sounds, being a visual person, when I thought 'enemy' I saw the neighbors and my driveway full of bits of random trash from the latest hose down.
So, while I would like to say that I ran home and worked on that reconciliation, I mulled it over for a bit--and today, 2 weeks later, I decided to reconcile. I took a sack and filled it with the findings of my driveway. As I collected the pieces I began to think more on Romans 5. I looked at the items I'd collected, scraps of electrical wire, a broken shoe string, a soggy abandoned newspaper, a rusty safety pin and I found myself scoffing, "I don't have to do this! This isn't my mess."
And it was at that moment that I truly understood the reconciliation of Romans 5. God didn't have to reconcile with us either. He didn't force sin upon us causing our separation from him. It wasn't His mess. But, you see God doesn't wait for us to pick ourselves up, wash off and glue it all back together. Rather, He sent us Jesus. I couldn't help but feel that on some small level, God was showing me the work of Jesus Christ--that he came down to us, on our level to dig through our dirt and mess and reconcile us, trashy wreckage hardly worth more than the broken glass I was retrieving. "But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8).
I finished gathering the trash--pieces of rusty metal, a handful of remains from what looked to be a windshield, scattered toy pieces and thirteen cents. I took them inside and carefully examined the stack. I knew the lesson I'd learned needed to be captured--the reconciliation needed completion. I carefully chose a several bits of the trash, my enemy and carried it into my studio where it could become my friend.

Raking Rusty Scissors

2009-01-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

So after a great deal of begging, my husband caved into letting me get a puppy a few months ago. I came home with 4 month old Labradoodle.

Now in her 7th month, she has picked up a nasty habit of chewing and for those of you who have ever had a dog, you're laughing or cringing in sympathy, for the dog-less neighbors, your blood is boiling from the never-ending pieces of plastic and bones and goodness knows what else the wind carries into your well manicured lawn.

Well a couple weeks ago, in an effort to not bring my own neighbors to the aforementioned point of emotion I decided to rake our yard of these pieces previously known as toys (and the cotton stuffing that I realized was not snow when it never melted away!)

As I was raking along, something caught my attention--being the saver/collector/pack-rat that I am, this is of no surprise to those who know me. But there, amidst some leaves, cotton, and sticks were (was) a pair of scissors. Old, rusted out scissors, a mere few feet from my labradoodle's dog house. Initially I picked them up and slipped them in my pocket with every intention of just getting them thrown away where they couldn't cause an additional vet trip.

Later that night, as I pulled off my sweatshirt I felt the lump in the pocket containing the old scissors. As I carefully removed them, I couldn't help but pause to ponder the life of this tool. And as much as my initial intentions had been to let them go--I found myself suddenly attached. Because as I held in my hands a rusty pair of old scissors, I couldn't help but think of the endless object lessons such a finding held...

1 Peter 1:24-25 "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

You see, as I reflected on this verse and held my new found scissors--I realized how much I had in common with this inanimate object. A reminder of how fleeting our lives really are. A reminder of the rust of slothfulness. A reminder that we are no more than tools of a God greater than we can even comprehend.

The rusty scissors have a special place on my tool board in my studio room. I can't imagine the day will come that I will no longer need their subtle reminder, and I imagine this blog is only the beginning of the things they provoke.

--Jilli