I don't understand why its so hard to get a sandwich made for me.

What a shitty year. 

I know, I know, I'm supposed to stay positive and look for the silver lining and for the most part, I do that.

(In between throwing major hissy fits and checking out of reality every so often with alcohol.)

But come on, surely a black cloud is allowed to descend before dissipating?

Modern Gypsy Hoops in Jumbo Size

So here it is;

I didn't like last year.

 Last year opened my eyes to the cruelty and indifference of man. Man previously thought of as brethren, hunkered down in dug outs and fox holes beside me with the solidarity goal of surviving this strange and painful world with a little fun on the side. But I no longer see them as such.

Of the 8 men I dated this past year, there is but one I would trust to have my back. 

(Hi, Mr.Catalogue! ♥)

I told Mike, emotions deep into one of the above mentioned hissy fits,

"The man I will know I could've trusted will be the one standing at my death bed."

Hopefully with a good sandwich. 

I swear I think I'm dieing from the lack of grilled meat.

I need;

good bread

thick cheese slices

fresh juicy grilled meat 

some tangy sauce like the stuff they serve with onion rings at Ruby Tuesday's?

lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers

Then I'm all happy.

And quite easy to get along with.
And helpful.
And fun.

There. That is my new match.com profile.
"I'm helpful. And hungry. Call me."

So that is my new years goal;

to have such a sandwich masterpiece created for me by a truly caring man who can actually appreciate me and my fascinating, mysterious womanisums.
Peace and Prosperity,
Shannon

Thank You for Commenting!

Kylie Parry ,

 as number 11 on the random generator has won a free pair of Horseshoe Trio Links!

Kylie, I was so happy to see your blog and look forward to learning more about you and your work. I hope you have a great time designing something with the horseshoe trio links I'm shipping out to you on Monday!

 Thank you all for commenting!

And I meant what I said about featuring your work with the ear hoops; if you do not mind sharing, I would love to see what variations other long earring obsessed designers come up with.

Winter Rose Drops

African trade beads with carved mother of pearl roses.

I tried to go shopping for the dagger beads featured in Marcie's pattern but even though they are relatively inexpensive, somehow my cart ended up with $175 worth which just wouldn't clear the hollow echo-y abyss that is my bank account.

So I am digging around in what I have to find 'a like' bead with the same measurement that gives the same spike/tooth/dagger/spear like shape to the design.

But now I'm thinking black on red;

These would be cool with the fan design spiking outward from the bottom of the teardrops.

Maybe with some cream mixed in to keep it earthy?

I don't know, those iridescent coatings and peacock finishes are awfully tempting!

 Matte Autumn Brown Peacock Beads from

The Bead Goddess.

Bead Wants

Large Christmas Beads from Happy Mango Beads

Naga Shell Beads in Natural

Akan Baule Brass Globe Beads

What are your current bead wants?

Somethings I made with some left over metal

I have been hoarding a bit of  left over silver and thicker copper wire gauges.

It was time to risk them under the hammer!

Do you remember the Stephanie Wells book review;

The Earring Style Book ?

I have re-visited this book as an alternative means of creating the large hoop earrings I am obsessed with. The garage is too damn cold to hang out in for hours while I sort beads, string them on metal, hammer more carefully than I usually do and then finish by hand each individual piece as they can't go into the tumbler with their delicate glass and stone bits. I needed to move part of the work bench indoors whilst the propane oxygen tank sits unused in the freezing garage.

I'm having fun imagining my soiree through India.

Horseshoe Trio Links with Rubies

African Glass with Enameled Discs

African White Heart Beads with Hammered Copper

African White Heart Beads with Gold Coral

I had a lot of fun with these and next I will try La Bella Joya's fan technique with some of the larger hoop styles!

Won't that be fun!?!

I have petal shapes that are 2" in length;

and indigo jumbo sized gypsy frames;

Jewel Toned Frames;

And some rustic antique copper horseshoe links;

But I think the pair that I would wear the most would be the tiniest fan woven onto the mini antiqued sterling hoops;

Ack! So many plans, so little time!

If you are a designer who has tried the seed bead weaving onto the metal hoops can I feature your designs? I would love to see how they turn out!

I am going to offer this pair of the horseshoe trio links as a give-away;

So please leave a comment for this post if you would like to be entered in to win a free pair of antiqued copper horseshoe trio links.

Peace and Prosperity,

Shannon