Pine Branches and Pine Cones

I know some of you have seen my pine cones already, but I wanted to show you one of the variations of Branch Bails that I have been making to coordinate with them, my acorns, owls and other Mother Nature items.

You might just call me the new "Branch Manager".

I have been working on ways to coordinate beads to be worn together. It just makes sense, doesn't it? I would think this would be pretty on a copper bead strand as well or many other choices- but I found some not too expensive natural beads that gives it a woodsy feel. (perhaps real "seed" beads?

I'll show you my other lampwork "bails" a little later. Different styles to go with different beads. Animal, nature, funky and fun ones all in various stages right now. They'll be debuting soon. I say, why not? All are made to be worn alone, or with some of your other lampwork treasures.

If you have any special requests, feel free to post or email me. I'm adding to my Etsy shop again after a lot of time off. It felt great with all the teaching I've been doing, but it's time to rock and roll again. I just have too many ideas that are percolating.

See you tomorrow for more blog chatter. And don't forget, I take Saturday off, but return on Sundays so my blog is 6 days a week.

Glass Pinecones...Collaboration with Mother Nature

Pine cones have always intrigued me. Whether it's picking them up and just admiring their symmetry and form or the cinnamon scented giant ones scattered around the house during the holidays. (I have to admit, I do buy those and like them)

So it was no surprise to me, that I decided it was time to figure out how I wanted to make them. Maureen McRorie from FlameTree Glass asked that I teach a half day "Autumn" class and the subject matter was up to me and pine cones seemed like a natural fit. (By the way, the class still has a few spaces left- here's the info) And of course, I wanted to try my hand at coming up with some slightly different fall leaves. The final item, was up in the air...."pumpkins" seems like the typical choice, but they might be taught in a Halloween class, so I added acorns with a different twist as well. Their little chubby shape always delights me. (oh it is so hard refraining from making them into little faces with the caps as hats).

So here is a sample of my glass pine cone bead. I am now stocking them in my Etsy shop and they come in different sizes and with a slight variation in shapes, colors, etc. They have a 1/16th hole and different configurations for custom orders are always welcome.

Stay tuned for another post on the bails that look like tree branches that I designed for them. Versatile and fun, if I do say so myself!

Looking Out

I seem to need windows and sunlight where ever I am. I thought I'd show you the view from the window next to where I write most of my blog posts.

Gardeners, don't look too closely please. It's my rather "natural" area under the pines that forms a small island, (or is it called a peninsula when it's attached to the side of a property?) In Atlanta, we use pine straw to hold in the moisture for the plants. That's the brown ground covering you see.

Whatever this section is called, it's also where I see the bunny rabbits when they make an appearance. Since this photo, I've planted three colors of impatiens in this extremely shady area, and I'm thinking a hydrangea could look lovely by adding some more color. I want one that turns kind of blue-ish purple, so I'd better get researching to find the right one. Unless one of you gardeners know what I'm trying to find?

And the pine trees have been hosts to our neighborhood wild turkeys, families of opossums and some noisy owls not to mention all the birds who visit. I feel lucky living close to a city of 5 million, but having nature at my door. I joke about it, but "green makes me serene". Tell me about your view from your computer and of course I'm always open to gardening tips and comments.

Love,
Your brown thumbed blogging buddy.