I Think my Super Powers took a Vacation

At least I found that out when I tried to walk through a wall this morning and the wall didn't move... I'd show you a picture of the toe as proof, but I'll spare you the gross details.  The Reader's Digest Version is that I'm pretty sure this little piggy is broken, I'm limping along like a bad hair day and I have no appetite (so you know we must be experiencing a blue moon.)

Click the photos to enlarge them.

But I do have a really touching message to share with you.  Yesterday I went with my fiance's family to visit Valley of the Kings which is an animal sanctuary for exotic animals in Sharon, WI.  What moved me so much is that all of the animals that live there now all have a story of rough beginnings.  I love animals of all shapes and sizes, but I tell you, even I know that a cute little lion cub will grow up to be a full fledged lion and is not going to fit comfortable in my home as a house pet... but some people don't make such educated decisions.

Valley of the Kings operates on donations alone.  They only open for tours for members only and limiting visitation to Sat. & Sundays.  It's not a zoo and they aren't "showy" with the animals, some of them came from circuses.  When they could no longer perform, the circus was going to put the lions and tigers down.  V.O.T.K. does everything in their power to not let that happen.  It provides a safe shelter for those abused, neglected or aging exotic animals until their quality of life is no longer good.

They have dozens of lions and tigers - including the tiger that was the mascot on mobile cards - you might remember the saying "Put a tiger in your tank..." yup, he's 23 now and living a very comfortable life in his indoor/outdoor pen.

I was so touched by all the animals and their stories.  But even more moved by all of the volunteers that make VOTK possible.  From high school students to adults and even aging adults everybody commits so much time and love to helping these animals have a wonderful "new beginning."

With as much time as everyone puts in, that doesn't leave time to do "marketing" or "advertising" so I wanted to do my part - small or large as it reaches - to introduce you to this amazing organization and encourage you to visit their website and offer a donation if you can.  http://www.votk.org

I was emotionally moved by several of the animals, but the most amazing story is about a blind horse.  This horse was actually brought to the sanctuary to be euthanized and used as food for the tigers and lions.  However, other than not being able to see, she was in beautiful shape.  The volunteer vet on staff, saw the problems her "non-working" eyes were causing with infection and matter and opted to remove them.  Since the surgery, she has blossomed into the most loving creature.  She has 2 donkeys that share an indoor/outdoor pen with her and they guide her in and out of the barn so she has no problems negotiating the doorway or the gates.  She runs a full force and is absolutely beautiful.  I look forward to visiting again and help to support their amazing mission. 

This visit and feeling the spirit and the energy these animals exude just filled me with gratitude.  You can feel how greatful they are to have such a loving home now.  You can see how they play together now in each of their various enclosures and you know they haven't always been so fortunate.  It was a visit that I'll never forget and look forward to returning to lend a helping hand soon.

She only turns 75 once!

And that is why I've designed this very, VERY special gift! Yes, it took many hours and lots of love, but this beauty is a special gift for a special lady turning 3/4 of a century old!  Seriously... doesn't that sound so authoritative saying 3/4 of a century? LOL

The Focal was hand selected from my dear friend Juls Beads.  Literally the second she put this one up in shop, I was jumping up and down, squealing - gimme, gimme, gimme!!!  This stunning bead has an opal irridescent appearance dancing right through the middle of the bead.  And since Opal is October's birthstone... and the recipient (who hasn't yet gotten this lovely) LOVES opals... thus the perfect marriage!

I used a gorgeous mix of purples and amber beads to really make the opal quality pop, and yet stay neutral colored so she can wear it with anything.  Copper wire adds a warm glow and those round amethyst crytals... well I'll let their bling speak for themselves!

All in all, I know this piece is going to make the 75th birthday the very best she's ever had... and I know I don't have to worry about her seeing this on my blog today, because she was on the computer last Monday and it'll be at least another week before she "turns that thing on again." :)  Don't tell me you haven't heard somebody say that before! 

Hope your weekend is wonderful!  We'll be celebrating with bells on as it is also my sweetie's birthday!

{Hugs!}

Wedding Jewelry Makes Me Happy!

If I haven't told you lately, I just LOVE being able to design wedding jewelry.  Brides are a very special class of ladies... and their glow is unmistakable.  I've been commissioned to design a special set of jewelry for a local bride that was referred to me from a good personal friend.  In meeting with this bride, it turns out we have other mutual friends that we didn't even realize we knew. It's a very small world out there.

So today, I scheduled an appointment to meet with this special bride to show her the custom designed wedding set I created just for her.  Because each piece is born of pure love from my heart, getting the brides reaction is so, so special.  Today's reaction was worth it's weight in gold - and then some!  She just adored the jewelry and even more than that, she couldn't wait to show her bridesmaids and her mom.  I love, LOVE knowing she's going to take "me" home to meet her mama.  tee hee ;)

I've seen her dress in a photo from when she was trying it on, so I know she's going to be a beautiful bride.  I just feel so grateful that I got to add a little extra sparkle to her special day!

From my heart to yours... big, BIG hugs!

Open House Photos

Hey all,
Just a quick post for the afternoon... here's photos from my open house last week.  It was delightful, the hostess had decorated her home so festively for Halloween.  From the pumpkins on the front stoop, to spiderwebs on the grand piano, and garland over the fireplace, it made for a very fun party.

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Here's the gift I made for the hostess...

Silly me, I got so busy chatting and meeting new people, I didn't get a picture of the hostesses together.  But I think you'll get the warm and fuzzies from seeing these pictures.  Thanks again for keeping your eyes on my blog to see what's new in Dawn's world.  I really appreciate your friendship!

{Hugs!}
Dawn

Giving Love

Last week, if you read my post about my October "To Do" list, you'll know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... but rather it's been a really good, busy few weeks here.  I wanted to share with you a moment last week that just makes me glow.  My mission in life is to spread love and happiness.

For the Open House I did at a friends house last week, I always make a special little something to say "Thank you for sharing my jewelry with your friends."  Well at this particular party, there were two hostesses and they invited both of their circles of friends.  As a showing for my appreciation I made them each a bracelet - different and representing each of their personalities.  Upon opening their gifts together, I hear a squeal and "Oh my gosh - it's so beautiful... Look, I have goosebumps!" 

Just being me, those moments are what I live for.  This was of course followed with big hugs and happy dances all around.  I appreciate it so very much when people believe in me enough, and love my designs enough to want to share me with their friends.  It's a personal referral that means the most to my heart!

I'll get pictures of my open house and such posted after I get them off my camera.  I also received the most amazing two packages last week from my friends which I can't wait to share with you as well.  I've got so much to say, but first, I must get my fur babies out for a walk.  They are both giving me that look - and if you have fur babies, you know the look I'm talking about! :)  Of course they get cookies when we get back and I just might dive into a piece of leftover birthday cake from our party yesterday... just maybe!

Make it a terrific day!
Hugs!

Dawn

October... did you knock before you entered?

Holy Jeepers... seriously, all of a sudden October is here!  It seems to have snuck in sometime after I went to bed last week and now... Monday and *BAM* we're smack dab in the middle of it!

What does October mean for me?
* An early Holiday Open House
* My Sweetheart's Birthday
* My Mom's Birthday, Mother-in-Law & nephew's b-days too
** Holy Cow... I did say Open House - as in THIS Thursday!

Yikes!

I'm in super hero mode as we speak.  Finishing some more wire crochet pieces as those were really popular at my last open house.  Bringing in a few elegant pieces that will be perfect for holiday parties.  And laying out the one of a kind piece for my giveaway... yes, that's right!  All open house attendees are eligible to win a piece of custom designed jewelry!  Plus over the weekend I finished the jewelry for a very special bride.  I'll ask her permission to share pictures first... but I have to say, I just LOVE creating bridal jewelry!  :)

So that's what my crazy week looks like.  Can I just say... I absolutely love it?  I feel so blessed to be so very busy!  Hope your week is as promising as mine is too!

{Hugs!}

Autumn Contest Entry

Just this week I joined a new community - The Hive.  Thanks to JulsBeads for introducing me, I've already begun to meet wonderful crafters from all over the place.  This morning I posted an entry into their Autumn Creative Challenge Contest.  Any art medium is allowed, any member of The Hive can enter.

For my entry, I entered a wire crochet piece called Playing in the Leaves... you can read why I called it that over at the Hive!  http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/18949/the-hive-creative-challenge-playing-in

If you like this piece, I'd love it if you cast a vote for me.  To vote, just click the "Like" button on the Hive Blogpost.  That's it! 

Thanks so much for your help to win the challenge and for your friendship.  Your comments and conversations are what inspire me to keep creating and sharing!

Have a wonderful day!
{Hugs!}
Dawn

P.S.  If you aren't already a member of The Hive, you can sign up for free here:  http://creatingthehive.com/signup/designsbydawnmarie

Birthday Beads!!!

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to... and I really do when I get such great presents as these....

Yes, my mama saw me virtually drooling over this set of Juls Beads on Facebook over a month ago and she went in and bought them instantly.  I actually had looked at the listing again a day after I posted it and was so bummed when I saw somebody had bought them.  I was happy for Juls because I love seeing success for my friends... but sad for me.  Because I loved them... and I wanted them... and I just wanted to cry 'cuz I couldn't have them.

Until now... Here's your mental picture... I know you'll enjoy it.  My beautiful niece Ashlynn brings me this little package wrapped in polka dot tissue and ribbon... all the while singing ♫ Happy Birthday to You... Happy Birthday Auntie Dawn... Happy Birthday to you! ♪  Then she says "Auntie Dawn, open your present!"  LOL  It was absolutely precious!

I had no idea... I was so happy I could cry and now I get to take my beautiful beads that my mom knew I had to have, up to a bead show in Sun Prairie this coming weekend to possibly find some perfectly complimentary beads.... to make something special that I'll wear and cherish forever!  Don't you just love happy endings?

Okay... I'm going to eat cake now! 
~Peace & Love!

Vacation Inspiration

I'm just back in town from a mini-vacation up to the Wisconsin Dells.  I just love it when I come home and I'm so inspired that my creative juices are just oozing out of my pores.  I'm going to be making some sketches, and jotting down some notes so I don't forget them on days when I don't have so much coffee.  :)

We stayed at the Kalahari Resort which is African Safari themed... you know what that means.... LOTS OF BEADWORK... yes, so many of their decorations, wall hangings, even pieces of artwork in our rooms were all beautiful woven pieces of bead heaven!  Do you think I took my camera... no, silly me I forgot.  BUT... I guarantee you'll be able to enjoy some of the atmosphere in the pieces I create in the upcoming days!  I just love being home, welcomed by my two fur babies, and tonight... my own bed.  Ahhhhh, bliss! 

In addition to the place being an inspiration... I gained so much inspiration from the people I met.  My sweetie was actually attending a convention while we were there... so I had a great time meeting some of the other realtors from his company.  I felt like so much a part of the family and really enjoyed getting to know many of them on a more familial level.  I'm even doing a special piece of jewelry for a charity event coming up in October that I'm so excited to help out!  *More on that to come soon!

Hope your weekend was wonderful and thus far your week has started you out with many blessings!  Have a terrific evening dear friends!

{{Hugs!}}
~Dawn

Tutorials - Caring N Sharing

Do you love to try new things?  In the Land of Beads and Baubles, I adore trying new things.  Actually it's like ADD for Beaders.  But there are so many great resources out there to help us grow and learn. 

Imagine my sqeel of delight when I opened my e-mail this morning and found out that Interweave Press is offering a downloadable e-book FREE all about making beaded beads... yes, I didn't just trip on my keyboard.  Making Beaded beads to design other wonderful pieces.

I've gained much knowledge in different techniques -for so many styles of jewelry design - and many things I've seen in their newsletters and magazines they publish have inspired some wonderful creativity in my mind.  So if you aren't already a subsciber to their publications or e-mail newsletter, I'd really encourage you to check it out. 

Did I mention their newsletter is FREE?

Here's a link to check out their website and get your free e-book download: http://www.beadingdaily.com/How-to-Make-Beaded-Beads/

Enjoy trying something new... if you get the wild hair!
{Hugs!}

Dawn