Randy Pausch...

I was greatly saddened this morning when I went to check my daily blogs to find that Randy Pausch had passed away this morning from pancreatic cancer. He is the man behind the famed book and lecture, "The Last Lecture". He has been fighting this disease for two years now. i was esspecially drawn to him when I first saw him on Oprah when he gave his Last Lecture to her audience. This was shortly before my uncle who was 48 died of pancreatic cancer also. His book sits on my bedside which I re-read almost everynight. The world has lost a truly amazing person, but he left behind an amazing legacy by sharing his wisdom with us. Below are a few wonderful memorials about Randy and a link to his blog update page which dipicts his battle with cancer.

Carnegie Mellon University

Another from Carnegie Mellon

Randy's Blog

Yet another Publication...

Hi guys! Well I just recieved my advanced copies of Step By Step Wire Jewelry's Summer Issue!!! It is filled with great projects. I just love seeing all of the great new ideas, it gets new ideas floating around in my head too...

The instructions to "African Queen" is featured on page 23 & 24. The Chain Maille design combines two great chains, Rosettes and Parallel Chain. It turned out great! Everyone needs to go grap up tons of copies.

In design news, I am hoping in the next few weeks to have some new designs up. I am going to experiment with fusing Fine Silver... Lots of very bold colorful designs coming. One new series will be called "Color Blocks".

Long Time...

Hi everybody! Man its been a month since I have posted here. Things have been hectic. On the Jewelry front I do have a Bracelet ready for its picture to be taken. Its in fabulous retro colors that I know everyone will love. Other than that piece I haven't been able to really make anything else come to life. I have douzens of designs but everytime I sit down they all seem less than perfect when I try to lay them out. I needed a little creative break from designing. In the next month I do hope to debut some great new designs. Well I am spending my day off washing doggies including the very first real bath for the babies that are now 5 1/2 weeks old! Time flies. I also have to take some new pictures of them too. And they also need names. Generally I have my babies all named by now but I just cannot come up with anything that I like. Well I have to run I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I am still here!!!

Here ya go! A few new pieces to temp you with =) The Necklace to the left is called "Orbits". This gorgeous piece features nine stunning Boro Disc beads created by Daniel Echeverry (BDBD Beads). There are also mocha Shell coins, big beautiful Swarovski rounds in two colors, Swarovski pearls, tiny rose & copper lentils, and hand forged Sterling coils. All beads are hand wire wrapped on handmade ball end Sterling headpins. The 2mm Sterling Rollo chain is a perfect compliment. Topped off as always with one of my Freestyle clasps. This piece measures 19" in length, but wears more like a 17" Necklace.

Here is the first piece in my new 'Mix/Ups' Collection. The Lampwork is by the great Deborah Burch (Contessa) and is surrounded by tiny rose and copper lentils. This Pendant measures 1 7/8" total length. The bail is large enough to fit up to a 4mm chain. As always all silver is Sterling. I just love how this piece hangs with the delicate glass lentils falling just above the matching Lampwork bead.

And... here is the second piece in my new collection. This one is titled 'Seaside Flowers'. The stunning Lampwork floral was created by Gina Jeans (Raisin Mountain). Also featured are tiny grass green Lentils, Shell round & coin, Turquoise Jade coin with a tiny swarovski crystal balanced inside, and Swarovki rounds. All silver is Sterling and the total length is 1 1/2". The bail will fit up to a 4mm chain. All dangles are hand wire wrapped on handmade ball end Stering headpins. This is a great summer addition to your wardrobe!

These pieces will be added to the site this week. In the meantime if you just have to have one, drop me an email!

New Pieces coming today...

Hi guys! Well I am off to take photos of some great new pieces. I created an awesome Necklace last night I think you will just love! And those much wanted "Mix/Up" Pendants too. Betcha thought I forgot about those. I haven't come up with a Bracelet design that I liked for those yet but the Pendants are ready to go. Check back later this afternoon I am off to take photos...

We have puppies!

Hi all! Well here are Bunny's babies. Four little sexy men!!! Mom and babies are doing great, they were born on Thursday evening. Miss Bunny suprised me with them, I thought for sure she would have held on to them at least until Sunday. Everyones little personalities are already coming out too. The blue boy (far Left) is the bully he likes to growl whenever I kiss him the little snot! Then we have the smallest one who is a doll and will kiss your nose. Next to him are the twins one has a little more black on one leg, they are mellow. Bunny decided that her 6 day old puppies needed toys yesterday so she brought them her favorites. She is such a funny mom.

I start my new job on Monday. It should be fun once I get in the grove of things. And I hope to get to play this weekend with some new Jewelry designs I have.

So how much is gas where you live??? The highest I have seen around here is $3.77!!! Can we say a tad overpriced. Just two months ago it cost me $34.00 to fill my tank now its around $70. I am thinking about starting a layaway policy for my Customers. This way you can still secure and get the pieces you want, but make payments. Let me know if that is something that you would all be interested in.

Well its a gorgeous day and I feel the need to be outside...

Did ya see it!!!!

Was everyone good little girls and boys and watched their Deadliest Catch last night??? They never cease to amaze me with the pranks they pull, the truck was the greatest. I laughed so hard I fell over.
Ok I know your probably wondering gee wasn't Katie a Jewelry Designer at one time??? This sounds like a fishing blog... I haven't worked on the rest of the new Collection I've had to get ready for my "Bunny's" puppies and my new job. Hopefully this weekend while I am on puppy watch I will be able to play with some beadies. Funny Bunny is due the beginning of next week. She goes in Friday morning for her xray to see how many little ones she will be having. I am guessing 3-4. First and foremost we hope she is ok and her babies are ok. Well I will check back Friday with how many baby bunnies we will be having...